Binding band guiding device

Abstract

Various embodiments of the present disclosure provide a strap guide device that facilitates positioning straps from a strap roll around a load on a tray, followed by tensioning and attaching overlapping portions of the straps to each other using a strapping device to form a tensioned strap loop around the load and a portion of the tray, to secure the load to the tray.

Description

[0001] priority This application claims priority to and the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 482,606, filed on February 1, 2023, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0002] The present disclosure relates to tether guides and, more particularly, to tether guides configured to facilitate positioning tether straps around a palletized load before overlapping portions of the tether straps are tensioned and attached to each other using a strapping device to form a tensioned tether loop to secure the load to the pallet. Background Art

[0003] A strapping device is configured to tension a strap around a load and attach overlapping portions of the strap to each other to form a tensioned strap loop around the load. A handheld battery-powered strapping device is one type of strapping device. To use one of these strapping devices to form a tensioned strap loop around a load to secure the load to a pallet, an operator pulls a front end of the strap from a strap supply, wraps the strap around the palletized load, and positions the front end of the strap under another portion of the strap. The operator then introduces one or more of these overlapping strap portions (depending on the type of strapping device) into the strapping device and actuates one or more buttons to initiate: (1) a tensioning cycle, during which the strapping device's tensioning assembly tensions the strap around the load; and (2) a locking cycle after the tensioning cycle is completed, during which the strapping device's locking assembly attaches the overlapping strap portions to each other (thereby forming a tensioned strap loop to secure the load to the pallet) and cuts the strap from the strap supply.

[0004] The process of wrapping a tie strap around a palletized load can be challenging and time-consuming. The strap is stored in a roll located on one side of the load. The operator must pull the strap over the top of the load and then down the side of the load opposite the strap supply. The operator must then thread the front end of the strap through the pallet's horizontally extending forklift tine receiving opening (and underneath the load) and back toward the strap supply. The operator must then pull the strap back over the top of the load and position the front end of the strap under the portion of the strap that extends over the top of the load. Only then can the operator use the strapping device to form a tensioned strap loop to secure the load to the pallet. Because strapping device operators may strap palletized loads dozens or even hundreds of times a day, there is a constant need to streamline this process. Summary of the Invention

[0005] Various embodiments of the present disclosure provide a tether guide operable to assist an operator in positioning a tether around a palletized load before using a strapping device to tension and attach overlapping portions of the tether to each other to form a tensioned tether loop to secure the load to the pallet. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0006] Figure 1 is a schematic side view of a load on a pallet, one embodiment of a strap guide of the present disclosure, a roll support connected to the strap guide, a strap roll supported by the roll support, and an operator, all positioned adjacent a first side of the palletized load.

[0007] Figure 2 Similar to Figure 1 , but shows the first guide member of the guide assembly of the tether guide extending through the opening in the tray and out the second side of the tray.

[0008] Figure 3 Similar to Figure 2 , but shows a second guide member of the guide assembly of the tether guide arrangement extending upwardly from the first guide member adjacent a second side of the palletized load.

[0009] Figure 4 Similar to Figure 3 , but shows the leading end of the strap from the strap roll being attached (by the operator) to a strap end holder which is connected to the second guide member.

[0010] Figure 5 is similar to Figure 4 , but showing the second guide member of the tether guide arrangement carrying the tether partially retracted downwardly adjacent a second side of the palletized load.

[0011] Figure 6 Similar to Figure 5 , but showing the first and second guide members fully retracted and carrying the strap.

[0012] Figure 7 Similar to Figure 6 , but shows the guide assembly pivoted upwardly to a position that enables an operator to easily reach the leading end of the strap held by the guide assembly.

[0013] Figure 8 Similar to Figure 7 , but shows the front end of the strap positioned below the portion of the strap that extends over the top of the load.

[0014] Figure 9 Similar to Figure 8 , but shows the strapping device in place for forming a tensioned loop of straps around the load to secure the load to the pallet.

[0015] Figure 10 Similar to Figure 9 , but showing a tensioning strap loop formed by the strapping device. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0016] Although the systems, devices, and methods described herein may be implemented in various forms, the drawings illustrate and the specification describes certain exemplary and non-limiting embodiments. Not all of the components shown in the drawings and described in the specification may be required, and some implementations may include additional, different, or fewer components. Changes may be made to the arrangement and type of components; the shape, size, and material of the components; and the manner in which the components are connected without departing from the spirit or scope of the claims. Unless otherwise stated, any direction mentioned in the specification reflects the orientation of the components shown in the corresponding drawings and does not limit the scope of the present disclosure. Further, terms referring to installation methods such as mounting, connecting, etc. are not intended to be limited to direct installation methods, but should be broadly interpreted to include indirect and operative installation methods, connecting, etc. This specification is intended to be regarded as a whole and to be interpreted in accordance with the principles of the present disclosure and as understood by a person of ordinary skill in the art.

[0017] Various embodiments of the present disclosure provide a strap guide that facilitates positioning a strap from a strap roll around a load and a pallet supporting the load, after which the overlapping portions of the strap are tensioned and attached to each other using a strapping device to form a tensioned strap loop to secure the load to the pallet. The strap guide enables the operator to position the strap around the palletized load while always keeping one side of the palletized load in mind. This simplifies and expedites the strap positioning process. Using the strap guide in this manner enables the operator to position the overlapping portions of the strap on top of the load, allowing the strapping device to be positioned in a standard orientation (with the rear-facing display of the strapping device facing the operator) for the tensioning, locking, and cutting steps. Figures 1 to 10 A lace guide 100 and method of operating the same are shown according to an example embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0018] The lace guide 100 includes a guide frame 120 , a guide assembly 200 supported by the guide frame 120 , and one or more input devices (not shown).

[0019] The guide frame 120 is generally upright and supports the other components of the lace guide 100. The guide frame 120 includes a horizontally extending cylindrical shaft 14 that is configured to rotatably support the roll support 10, which in turn supports the lace roll C, as described below. The guide frame 120 can take any suitable shape and be formed from any suitable components and materials. The guide frame 120 can be mounted on wheels (not shown) to facilitate movement of the lace guide 100. A suitable handle (not shown) can be connected to the guide frame 120 to facilitate movement of the lace guide 100.

[0020] The roll support 10 includes a disc-shaped flange 12 from which a roll support ring 16 extends. A shaft 14 has a cylindrical shape and is supported by and extends generally horizontally from a guide frame 120. The roll support ring 16 is rotatably mounted to the shaft 14 of the guide frame 120 (via bearings or in any other suitable manner), such that the flange 12 and the roll support ring 16 can rotate about the shaft 14. The outer diameter of the roll support ring 16 is sized to allow a tape roll C to be press-fitted onto the roll support ring 16, allowing the tape roll C to rotate with the flange 12 and the roll support ring 16 to rotate about the shaft 14. In some embodiments, the roll support 10 includes a locking mechanism (not shown) configured to releasably lock the tape roll C to the roll support ring 16, allowing these components to rotate as a unit about the shaft 14. In other embodiments, the lace roll C may fit loosely on the roll support ring 16 and be secured in place when the two flanges are pressed against each other via a nut threaded onto the shaft 14. In these example embodiments, the roll support 10 is part of the lace guide 100, but in other embodiments the roll support and lace guide are separate components that are not directly connected to each other.

[0021] The guide assembly 200 includes a base 210 supported by and pivotally mounted to the guide device frame 120, a horizontally movable first guide member 220 supported by the base 210, a vertically movable second guide member 240 supported by the first guide member 220, the first guide member 220, a strap end retainer 260 connected to the second guide member 240, and one or more guide member actuators (not shown) supported by the base 210 (or any other suitable component, such as the guide device frame 120).

[0022] The base 210 is mounted to the guide frame 120 by a suitable pivot assembly (not shown) so that the base 210 can be in a first position (in Figures 1 to 6 ) and the second position (shown in Figures 7 to 10). When the base 210 is in the first position, the base 210 is generally horizontal so that the first guide member 220 can extend through a horizontally extending forklift tine receiving opening (not shown) in the pallet P, as described below. When the base 210 is in the second position, the base 210 is angled upward so that the first guide member 220, the second guide member 240, and the tie end retainer 260 (described below) are positioned so that an operator can easily reach the tie end retainer 260 and the front end of the tie releasably retained by the tie end retainer 260. The base 210 can be moved between the first and second positions by a manually operated lever (not shown) appropriately attached to the base 210, or in other embodiments, by a suitable actuator (not shown).

[0023] The first guide member 220 is suitably mounted to and supported by the base 210 in a movably manner. The first guide member 220 can be moved relative to the base 210 in a retracted position (in a Figure 1 and Figures 6 to 10 ) and the extended position (shown in Figures 2 to 5 (shown in FIG). In this example embodiment, the first guide member 220 is retractably received in the base 210, but in other embodiments, the first guide member 220 is supported by the base 210 and non-retractably received in the base 210. When the first guide member 220 is in the retracted position, the first guide member 220 can be positioned adjacent to and aligned with a first side of the pallet P so that the first guide member 220 can extend through horizontally extending forklift tine receiving openings (not shown) in the pallet P. When the first guide member 220 is in the extended position, the first guide member 220 extends horizontally through these openings in the pallet P and is adjacent to a second side of the pallet P.

[0024] The second guide member 240 is appropriately mounted to the first guide member 220 and supported by the first guide member 220 and the base 210. The second guide member 240 is movable relative to the first guide member 220 and the base 210, in a retracted position (in a Figure 1 、 Figure 2 and Figures 6 to 10 ) and the extended position (shown in Figure 3 and Figure 4When the second guide member 240 is in the retracted position, the second guide member 240 is generally aligned with the first guide member 220 and can extend with the first guide member 220 through a horizontally extending forklift tine receiving opening (not shown) in the pallet P. When the second guide member 240 is in the extended position, the second guide member 240 extends upward and transversely to the first guide member 220 so that the second guide member is adjacent to the second side of the pallet P and adjacent to the second side of the load L, and so that the upper portion of the second guide member 240 is located at a height above the top of the load L (for example, at Figure 3 and Figure 4 shown in ).

[0025] A strap end retainer 260 is suitably connected to the end of the second guide member 240. The strap end retainer 260 is suitably configured to releasably retain the leading end of the strap.

[0026] One or more guide member actuators are operably connected to the first guide member 220 and the second guide member 240 and are configured to move the first guide member and the second guide member between their respective retracted and extended positions. In some embodiments, the one or more guide member actuators include only one actuator that is operably connected to both the first guide member and the second guide member and is configured to move the first guide member and the second guide member between their respective retracted and extended positions. In other embodiments, the one or more guide member actuators include a first actuator that is operably connected to the first guide member and is configured to move the first guide member between its retracted and extended positions, and a second actuator that is operably connected to the second guide member and is configured to move the second guide member between its retracted and extended positions. The one or more guide member actuators can include any suitable type or types of actuators, such as an electric motor, a hydraulic actuator, or a pneumatic actuator.

[0027] One or more input devices are operably connected to the base 210 to pivot the base between the first and second positions, and are operably connected to one or more guide member actuators to control the one or more guide member actuators to extend and retract the first and second guide members 220, 240. In this example embodiment, the one or more input devices include a manual lever that can be manually operated by an operator to pivot the base 210 between the first and second positions. Additionally, in this example embodiment, the one or more input devices include physical buttons that can be actuated by an operator to control the one or more guide member actuators to extend and retract the first and second guide members 220, 240. The one or more input devices may include a foot pedal or a manually operated input device. These are merely examples, and the one or more input devices may include any suitable type of input device. For example, in other embodiments, the one or more input devices include an operator interface that includes a display screen with a touch panel. In such embodiments having a display screen, the display screen is configured to display information about the lace guide device, and the touch screen is configured to receive operator input, such as when to extend and retract each of the first guide member 220 and the second guide member 240 and when to pivot the base. The operator interface is communicatively connected to the one or more guide member actuators to send and receive signals to and from the one or more guide member actuators. In further alternative embodiments, the lace guide device of the present disclosure may employ an electronic controller.

[0028] The power supply is electrically connected (via appropriate wiring and other components) to several components of the tether guide 100 (such as one or more actuators) and is configured to power these components. The power supply can be any suitable power supply. For example, the tether guide can include an onboard battery, or the tether guide can be plugged into an electrical outlet.

[0029] The operation of the strap guide 100 to perform the strap positioning process for positioning the strap around the palletized load will now be described. To begin the process, the load L on the pallet P is moved adjacent to the strap guide 100, or the strap guide 100 is moved adjacent to the load L on the pallet P. At this point, as shown in FIG. Figure 1 As shown, the strap roll C and strap guide 100 on the roll support 10 are positioned adjacent to the load L and the first side of the pallet P. The operator O may also stand adjacent to the load L and the first side of the pallet P to perform the strap positioning process. Figure 1 As shown, the operator O can grasp the front end LE of the strap S. This can also be done at some later point in the process.

[0030] In response to appropriate input by the operator O using one or more input devices, the one or more guide member actuators move the first guide member 220 from its retracted position through the opening in the pallet P to its extended position such that the free end of the first guide member extends outwardly from the second side of the pallet P, as shown. Figure 2 shown.

[0031] Automatically (in response to full extension of the first guide member 220 or detection of an end corner of the pallet P by a suitable sensor) or in response to suitable input by the operator O using one or more input devices, one or more guide member actuators extend the second guide member 240 upwardly from its retracted position to its extended position adjacent the second side of the pallet P and the second side of the load L, as shown. Figure 3 In this position, the strap end retainer 260 connected to the end of the second guide member 240 is positioned above the top of the load L and is accessible to the operator O.

[0032] The operator O can then attach the front end LE of the strap S to the strap end holder 260 as shown. Figure 4 In other words, at this point, the operator O has pulled the strap S over the top of the load L and attached the leading end LE of the strap S to the strap end retainer 260 .

[0033] In response to appropriate input by the operator O using one or more input devices, the one or more guide member actuators retract the second guide member 240 so that the second guide member moves downward along the second side of the load L, thereby causing the strap end retainer 260 to pull the strap S downward, as shown. Figure 5 As the retraction process continues, the second guide member 240 reaches its retracted position, causing the strap S to extend from the strap roll C across the top of the load L and down the load L and the second side of the pallet P. Automatically (in response to the full retraction of the second guide member 240) or in response to appropriate input from the operator O using one or more input devices, the one or more guide member actuators retract the first guide member 220, thereby causing the strap end retainer 260 to pull the strap S through the horizontally extending opening in the pallet P to a position adjacent to the first side of the pallet P, as shown. Figure 6 shown.

[0034] The operator O then uses a lever or one or more input devices to pivot the base 210 to its second position, thereby causing the strap end retainer 260 to pull the strap S upward, as shown. Figure 7In this position, the operator O can easily reach the front end LE of the strap S held by the strap end holder 260 attached to the second guide member 240 and cause the front end LE to be released from the strap end holder 260 .

[0035] The operator O can then grasp the front end LE of the strap and position it under the portion of the strap S that extends over the top of the load L, as shown in FIG. Figure 8 Specifically, the operator O pulls the front end LE of the strap until the front end LE of the strap S is positioned below the upper portion of the strap S. This enables the operator to position the strapping device in a desired orientation. Specifically, as Figure 9 As shown, the operator can position the strapping device SD on the portions of the strap S on top of the load L, with the rear end BE of the strapping device SD facing the operator and the front end of the strapping device SD facing away from the operator O, without the operator having to move from the first side of the load L. This enables the operator to see a display device (not shown) on the rear end BE of the strapping device SD and thus use the strapping device in the desired orientation. This process also eliminates the need for the operator to relocate and the additional time required.

[0036] The operator O positions the strapping device SD and introduces the overlapping portions of the strap S into the strapping device SD and actuates one or more buttons to start the strapping cycle. The strapping device SD performs a tensioning cycle, during which the strapping device SD tightens the strap S around the load L and pallet P. Once a preset tension is achieved in the strap S, the strapping device SD performs a blocking cycle, during which the strapping device SD connects the portions of the strap S to one another (e.g., via friction welding of plastic straps) to form a strap joint and cuts the strap S from the strap roll C. The operator O can then remove the strapping device 50, leaving behind a strap loop that is tensioned around the load L and pallet P, as shown. Figure 10 shown.

[0037] Although the strapping device SD described above for use with the strap guide 100 is a handheld strapping device, the strapping device may be any other suitable strapping device.

[0038] The guide assembly of the tether guide device may vary according to the present disclosure. Specifically, the structure, components, and / or configuration of one or more of the guide frame, guide assembly, base, guide assembly actuator, first guide member, first guide member actuator, second guide member, second guide member actuator, and tether end retainer may vary according to the present disclosure. Various example configurations of these components are described below, but are not intended to limit the present disclosure.

[0039] In various embodiments, the first guide member and the second guide member are formed from separate members that are coupled together.

[0040] In various embodiments, the first guide member and the second guide member are formed partially from one member that is horizontally extendable and retractable and also vertically extendable and retractable.

[0041] In various embodiments, the first and second guide members are formed in part from a single member that is partially rigid and partially flexible, such that the member can bend upward after the first guide member extends through the tray. For example, the first and second guide members can be formed from a moderately rigid tape measure-type elongated member, but both are flexible enough to bend upward.

[0042] In various embodiments, the first guide member includes a rigid member extendable from the base and a flexible member extendable from the base, and the second guide member includes a portion of the flexible member. In such various embodiments, the first guide member includes a direction-changing assembly that causes the flexible member extendable from the base to extend upward to serve as a portion of the second guide member.

[0043] In one such embodiment, an actuator drives a first and second tape-measure-type guide member. Thus, the first and second guide members extend and retract together, with the second guide member extending and, in doing so, forcing the first guide member to extend. After extension, continued operation of the actuator causes the second guide member to extend upward. Conversely, the actuator retracts the second guide member, and once the strap end retainer reaches the first guide member, continued operation of the actuator causes the second guide member to retract the first guide member as it retracts.

[0044] In various embodiments, one or more guide member actuators and entirely separate actuators.

[0045] In various embodiments, the one or more guide member actuators is a single actuator.

[0046] In various embodiments, the guide assembly includes a separate member that lifts the front end of the harness toward the operator.

[0047] In various embodiments, the second guide member lifts the front end of the strap toward the operator.

Claims

1. A belt guide device, comprising: a guide frame positionable on a first side of a load and a tray supporting the load; as well as A guide assembly, the guide assembly being supported by the guide frame, the guide assembly comprising: a first guide member extendable through the opening in the tray, a second guide member extendable along a second side of the load, the second side of the load being opposite the first side of the load, and a strap end retainer connected to the second guide member and configured to releasably retain a leading end of the strap, wherein the second guide member is retractable along the second side of the load to allow the strap held by the strap end holder to extend downwardly along the second side of the load, and wherein the first guide member is retractable through the opening in the tray to allow the tie strap held by the tie strap end holder to extend under the load and to a first side of the load.

2. The tether guide device according to claim 1, wherein: The guide assembly is movable upwardly to extend the strap, held by the strap end retainer, upwardly along a first side of the load.

3. The tether guide device according to claim 1, wherein: The guide assembly includes a base supporting the first guide member and the first guide member actuator.

4. The lace guide device according to claim 1, wherein: The guide assembly includes one or more guide assembly actuators.

5. The lace guide device according to claim 1, wherein: The first guide member and the second guide member are separate members.

6. The lace guide device according to claim 1, wherein: The first guide member and the second guide member are bendable members.

7. A tether guide device comprising: a guide frame positionable on a first side of a load and a tray supporting the load; as well as A guide assembly, the guide assembly being supported by the guide frame, the guide assembly comprising: base, a base actuator configured to pivot the base between a lower position and an upper position, a first guide member supported by the base and extendable through the opening in the tray, a second guide member capable of extending upwardly from the first guide member along a second side of the load, the second side of the load being opposite the first side of the load, one or more actuators configured to extend and retract the first guide member and to extend and retract the second guide member, and A strap end retainer is connected to the second guide member and is configured to releasably retain a leading end of the strap.

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