Patent ID: 6990894

Claim:
A reentry gate assembly for a strapping machine of the type having a feed assembly, a chute and a strapping head, the strapping machine configured to convey a strapping material into the strapping head, into and around the chute and to exit the chute and return to the strapping head, the strapping machine configured to receive first and second courses of associated strapping material, position, tension and seal the strapping material around a load, the reentry gate assembly comprising: a body having a strap path surface; first and second pivotable gates movable between a closed position in which the gates overlie the strap path surface and define a strap pathway, and an open position in which the gates are pivoted away from the strap path surface, the gates being biased to the closed position by a biasing element disposed between each gate and the body; and a link operably connecting the first and second gates, wherein when strapping material present in the strap pathway with the gates closed is urged outwardly of the strap pathway, contact of the strapping material with either the first or second gate moves the link to open the other of the first or second gate.