Strap-guiding device

Abstract

Various embodiments of the present disclosure provide a strap-guiding device for assisting in positioning a strap from a strap coil around a load on a pallet before a strapping device being used to tension and attach overlapping portions of the strap to one another to form a tensioned strap loop around the load and part of the pallet to secure the load to the pallet.

Description

STRAP-GUIDING DEVICEPriority

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

[0002] The present disclosure relates to strap-guiding devices, and more particularly to strap-guiding devices configured to assist in positioning a strap around a palletized load before a strapping device is used to tension and attach overlapping portions of the strap to one another to form a tensioned strap loop to secure the load to the pallet.Background

[0003] Strapping devices are configured to tension strap around a load and to attach overlapping portions of the strap to one another to form a tensioned strap loop around the load. Hand-held battery-powered strapping devices are 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 leading end of a strap from a strap supply, wraps the strap around the palletized load, and positions the leading end of the strap below another portion of the strap. The operator then introduces one or more (depending on the type of strapping device) of these overlapped strap portions into the strapping device and actuates one or more buttons to initiate: (1) a tensioning cycle during which a tensioning assembly of the strapping device tensions the strap around the load; and (2) after completion of the tensioning cycle, a sealing cycle during which a sealing assembly of the strapping device attaches the overlapped strap portions to one another (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 the strap around the palletized load can be challenging and time consuming. The strap is stored in a strap coil positioned on one side of theload. The operator must pull the strap across the top of the load and down along the side of the load opposite the strap supply. The operator must then thread the leading end of the strap through a horizontally extending forklift-tine-receiving opening of the pallet (and under the load) back toward the strap supply. The operator must then pull the strap back up to the top of the load and position the leading end of the strap beneath the portion of the strap extending across the top of the load. Only then can the operator use a strapping device to form the tensioned strap loop to secure the load to the pallet. Since strapping device operators can strap palletized loads dozens or even hundreds of times each day, there is a continuing need to simplify this process.Summary

[0005] Various embodiments of the present disclosure provide a strap-guiding device operable to assist an operator in positioning strap around a palletized load before a strapping device is used to tension the strap and to attach overlapping portions of the strap to one another to form a tensioned strap loop to secure the load to the pallet.Brief Description of the Figures

[0006] Figure l is a diagrammatic side view of a load on a pallet, one embodiment of a strap-guiding device of the present disclosure, a coil support connected to the strap-guiding device, a strap coil supported by the coil support, and an operator, all of which are positioned adjacent to a first side of the palletized load.

[0007] Figure 2 is similar to Figure 1, but shows a first-guide member of a guide assembly of the strap-guiding device extended through openings in the pallet and extending from a second side of the pallet.

[0008] Figure 3 is similar to Figure 2, but shows a second-guide member of the guide assembly of the strap-guiding device extended upwardly from the first guide member adjacent to a second side of the palletized load.

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

[0010] Figure 5 is a diagrammatic side view similar to Figure 4, but shows the second guide member of the strap-guiding device partially retracted downwardly adjacent to the second side of the palletized load, carrying the strap with it.

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

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

[0013] Figure 8 is similar to Figure 7, but shows the leading end of the strap positioned under the portion of the strap extending across the top of the load.

[0014] Figure 9 is similar to Figure 8, but shows a strapping device in position to form a tensioned loop of the strap around the load to secure the load to the pallet.

[0015] Figure 10 is similar to Figure 9, but shows the tensioned strap loop formed by the strapping device.Detailed Description

[0016] While the systems, devices, and methods described herein may be embodied in various forms, the drawings show, and the specification describes certain exemplary and nonlimiting embodiments. Not all of the components shown in the drawings and described in the specification may be required, and certain implementations may include additional, different, or fewer components. Variations in the arrangement and type of the components; the shapes, sizes, and materials of the components; and the manners of connections of the components may be made without departing from the spirit or scope of the claims. Unless otherwise indicated, any directions referred to in the specification reflect the orientations of the components shown in the corresponding drawings and do not limit the scope of the present disclosure. Further, terms that refer to mounting methods, such as mounted, connected, etc., are not intended to be limited to direct mounting methods but should be interpreted broadly to include indirect and operably mounted, connected, and like mounting methods. This specification is intended to be taken as a whole and interpreted in accordance with the principles of the present disclosure and as understood by one of ordinary skill in the art.

[0017] Various embodiments of the present disclosure provide a strap-guiding device for assisting in positioning strap from a strap coil around a load and a pallet that supports the load before a strapping device is used to tension and attach overlapping portions of the strap to one another to form a tensioned strap loop to secure the load to the pallet. The strap-guiding device enables an operator to position the strap around the palletized load while remaining on one side of the palletized load. This simplifies and speeds up the strap-positioning process. Using the strap-guiding device in this manner enables the operator to position the overlapping portions of the strap on top of the load such that a strapping device can be positioned in a standard orientation (with the rearwardly facing display device of the strapping device facing the operator) for the tensioning, sealing, and cutting steps. Figures 1 to 10 show a strap-guiding device 100 and method of operation of same in accordance with one example embodiment of the present disclosure.

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

[0019] The guiding-device frame 120 is generally upright and supports the other components of the strap-guiding device 100. The guiding-device frame 120 includes a horizontally extending cylindrical axle 14 configured to rotatably support a coil support 10 that itself supports a strap coil C, as described below. The guiding-device frame 120 can take any suitable shape and be formed from any suitable components and materials. The guiding-device frame 120 can be mounted on wheels (not shown) to facilitate movement of the strap-guiding device 100. A suitable handle (not shown) can be connected to the guiding-device frame 120 to facilitate movement of the strap-guiding device 100.

[0020] The coil support 10 includes a disc-shaped flange 12 from which a coilsupport ring 16 extends. The axle 14 has a cylindrical shape and is supported by and extends generally horizontally from the guiding-device frame 120. The coil-support ring 16 is rotatably mounted to the axle 14 of the guiding-device frame 120 (via bearings or in any other suitable manner) such that the flange 12 and the coil-support ring 16 are rotatable about the axle 14. The outer diameter of the coil-support ring 16 is sized such that the strap coil C can be press fit onto the coil-support ring 16 such that the strap coil C can rotate with the flange 12 and the coilsupport ring 16 can rotate about the axle 14. In certain embodiments, the coil support 10 includesa locking mechanism (not shown) configured to releasably lock the strap coil C to the coilsupport ring 16 so the components rotate as one about the axle 14. In other embodiments, the strap coil C can fit loosely on the coil-support ring 16 and is secured in place when the two flanges are compressed against each other via a nut that is threaded on the axle 14. In these example embodiments, the coil support 10 is part of the strap-guiding device 100, but in other embodiments, the coil support and the strap-guiding device are separate assemblies that are not directly connected to one another.

[0021] The guide assembly 200 includes a base 210 supported by and pivotably mounted to the guiding-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, first guide member 220, a strap-end holder 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 guiding-device frame 120).

[0022] The base 210 is mounted by a suitable pivot assembly (not shown) to the guiding-device frame 120 such that the base 210 is pivotable between a first position (shown in Figures 1-6) and a second position (shown in Figures 7-10). When the base 210 is in the first position, the base 210 is generally horizontal such that the first guide member 220 can be extended through the horizontally extending forklift-tine-receiving openings (not shown) in the pallet P, as described below. When the base 210 is in the second position, the base 210 is angled upwardly such that first guide member 220, the second guide member 240, and the strap-end holder 260 (described below) is positioned such that an operator can easily reach the strap-end holder 260 and a leading end of the strap releasably held by the strap-end holder 260. The base 210 can be moved between the first position and the second position by a manual lever (not shown) suitably attached to the base 210 or in other embodiments by a suitable actuator (not shown).

[0023] The first guide member 220 is suitably movably mounted to and supported by the base 210. The first guide member 220 is movable relative to the base 210 between a retracted position (shown in Figures 1 and 6-10) and an extended position (shown in Figures 2-5). In this example embodiment, the first guide member 220 is telescopically received in the base 210, but in other embodiments the first guide member 220 is supported by the base 210 and not telescopically received in the base 210. When the first guide member 220 is in the retractedposition, the first guide member 220 can be positioned adjacent to a first side of the pallet P and aligned with the pallet P such that the first guide member 220 can extend through the 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 adjacent to a second side of the pallet P.

[0024] The second guide member 240 is suitably 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 between a retracted position (shown in Figures 1, 2, and 6-10) and an extended position (shown in Figures 3 and 4). When the second guide member 240 is in the retracted position, it is generally aligned with the first guide member 220 and can extend through the horizontally extending forklift-tine-receiving openings (not shown) in the pallet P with the first guide member 220. When the second guide member 240 is in the extended position, the second guide member 240 extends upwardly and transverse to the first guide member 220 such that it is adjacent to a second of the pallet P, adjacent to a second side of the load L, and such that an upper portion of the second guide member 240 is at a height above the top of the load L (such as shown in Figures 3 and 4).

[0025] The strap-end holder 260 is suitably connected to the end of the second guide member 240. The strap-end holder 260 is configured in a suitable manner to releasably hold a leading end of the strap.

[0026] The one or more guide-member actuators are operably connected to the first and second guide members 220 and 240 and configured to move the first and second guide members between their respective retracted and extended positions. In certain embodiments, the one or more guide member actuators include only one actuator operably connected to both the first and second guide members and configured to move both the first and second guide members between their respective retracted and extended positions. In other embodiments, the one or more guide member actuators include a first actuator operably connected to the first guide member and configured to move the first guide member between its retracted and extended positions and a second actuator operably connected to the second guide member and configured to move the second guide member between its retracted and extended positions. The one or more guidemember actuators may include any suitable type or types of actuators, such as electric motors, hydraulic actuators, or pneumatic actuators.

[0027] The 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 the 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 and 240. In this example embodiment, the one or more input devices include a hand lever that is manually operable by the 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 actuatable by the operator to control the one or more guide-member actuators to extend and retract the first and second guide members 220 and 240. The one or more input devices can include a foot pedal or a hand operated input device. These are merely examples, and the one or more input devices may include any suitable type(s) of input device(s). For instance, in other embodiments, the one or more input devices include an operator interface including a display screen with a touch panel. In such embodiments with a display screen, the display screen is configured to display information regarding the strapguiding device, and the touch screen is configured to receive operator inputs such 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 guidemember actuators to send signals to and to receive signals from the one or more guide-member actuators. In further alternative embodiments, an electronic controller can be employed with the strap-guiding device of the present disclosure.

[0028] The power supply is electrically connected to (via suitable wiring and other components) and configured to power several components (such as the one or more actuators) of the strap-guiding device 100. The power supply can be any suitable electric power supply. For example, the strap-guiding device can include an onboard battery, or it could plug into an electrical outlet.

[0029] Operation of the strap-guiding device 100 to conduct a strap-positioning process for positioning a strap around a palletized load is now described. To start the process, the load L on the pallet P is moved adjacent to the strap-guiding device 100 or the strap-guiding device 100 is moved adjacent to the load L on the pallet P. At this point, as shown in Figure 1, the strap coil C on the coil support 10 and the strap-guiding device 100 are positioned adjacent to a first side of the load L and the pallet P. The operator O can also stand adjacent to the first side of the load L and the pallet P for the strap-positioning process. At this point as shown in Figure1, the operator O can grab the leading end LE of the strap S. This can also be done at a somewhat later point in the process.

[0030] Responsive to the operator O making a suitable input using the one or more input devices, the one or more guide-member actuators move the first-guide member 220 through the openings in the pallet P from its retracted position to its extended position such that its free end extends and outwardly from a second side of the pallet P, as shown in Figure 2.

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

[0032] The operator O can then attach the leading end LE of the strap S to the strapend holder 260, as shown in 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 holder 260.

[0033] Responsive to the operator O making a suitable input using the one or more input devices, the one or more guide-member actuators retract the second guide member 240 so it moves downwardly along the second side of the load L, thereby causing the strap-end holder 260 to pull the strap S downwardly, as shown in Figure 5. As the retraction process continues, the second guide member 240 reaches its retracted position such that the strap S extends from the strap coil C across the top of the load L, and downwardly along the second side of the load L and pallet P. Either automatically (in response to the full retraction of the second guide member 240) or responsive to the operator O making a suitable input using the one or more input devices, the one or more guide-member actuators retract the first guide member 220 thereby causing the strap-end holder 260 to pull the strap S through the horizontally extending openings in the pallet P to a position adjacent to the first side of the pallet P, as shown in Figure 6.

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

[0035] The operator O can then take the leading end LE of the strap and position it under a portion of the strap S that extends above the top of the load L as shown in Figure 8. Specifically, the operator O pulls the leading end LE of the strap until the leading end LE of the strap S is positioned below an upper portion of the strap S. This enables the operator to position a strapping device in a desired orientation. Specifically, as shown in Figure 9, the operator can position a strapping device SD on these portions of the strap S on the top of the load L with the back 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 moving from the first side of the load L. This enables the operator to see the display device (not shown) on the back end BE of the strapping device SD and thus use the strapping device in a desired orientation. This process also eliminates the need and extra time required for the operator to move positions.

[0036] The operator O positions the strapping device SD and introduces the overlapped portions of the strap S into the strapping device SD and actuates one or more buttons to initiate the strapping cycle. The strapping device SD carries out a tensioning cycle during which the strapping device SD tensions strap S around the load L and the pallet P. Once a preset tension is reached in the strap S, the strapping device SD carries out a sealing cycle during which the strapping device SD connects the portions of the strap S to one another (such as via friction welding for plastic straps) to form a strap joint and cuts the strap S from the strap coil C. The operator O can then remove the strapping device 50 leaving a strap loop tensioned about the load L and the pallet P as shown in Figure 10.

[0037] While the strapping device SD used with the strap-guiding device 100 is described above is a handheld strapping device, the strapping device may be any other suitable strapping device.

[0038] The guide assembly of the strap-guiding device can vary in accordance with the present disclosure. Specifically, the structures, components, and / or configurations of one or more of the guide frame, the guide assembly, the base, the guide-assembly actuator, the first- guide member, the first guide-member actuator, the second-guide member, the second guidemember actuator, and the strap-end holder can vary in accordance with the present disclosure.Various different example configurations for these components are described below but are not meant 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 partially formed from one member that is horizontally extendable and retractable, and that is also vertically extendable and retractable.

[0041] In various embodiments, the first-guide member and the second guide member are partially formed from one member that is partially rigid and partially flexible such that it can bends upwardly after the first-guide member extends through the pallet. For example, the first-guide member and the second guide member can be formed from a tape measure type elongated member that is suitably rigid but all flexible enough to be bent upwardly.

[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 part of the flexible member. In such various embodiments, the first-guide member includes a direction- changing assembly that cause the flexible member extendable from the base to extend upwardly to function as part of second-guide member.In one such embodiment, the actuator drives the tape measure type first and second guide members. The first and second guide member are thus one member that extend and retract together where the second guide member extends and in doing do forces the first guide member to extend. The continued operation of the actuator after extension causes the second guide member to extend upwardly. In reverse, the actuator retracts the second guide member and once the strap-end holder reaches the first guide member, continued operation of the actuator causes the second guide member to retract the first guide member as it retracts itself.

[0043] In various embodiments, the one or more guide member actuators and completely separate actuators.

[0044] In various embodiments, the one or more guide member actuator are a single actuator.

[0045] In various embodiments, the guide assembly includes a separate member that lifts the leading end of the strap toward the operator.

[0046] In various embodiments, the second-guide member lifts the leading end of the strap toward the operator.

Claims

Claims1. A strap-guiding device comprising: a guide frame positionable on a first side of a load and a pallet that supports the load; and a guide assembly supported by the guide frame, the guide-assembly comprising: a first-guide member extendable through openings in the pallet, a second-guide member extendable along a second side of the load that is opposite the first side of the load, and a strap-end holder connected to the second-guide member and configured to releasably hold a leading end of a strap, wherein the second-guide member is retractable along the second side of the load to cause the strap held by strap-end holder to extend downwardly along the second side of the load, and wherein the first-guide member is retractable through the openings in the pallet to cause the strap held by strap-end holder to extend under the load and to the first side of the load.

2. The strap-guiding device of claim 1, wherein the guide assembly is upwardly moveable to cause the strap held by strap-end holder to extend upwardly along the first side of the load.

3. The strap-guiding device of claim 1, wherein the guide assembly comprises a base that supports the first-guide member and the first guide-member actuator.

4. The strap-guiding device of claim 1, wherein the guide assembly comprises a one or more guide-assembly actuators.

5. The strap-guiding device of claim 1, wherein the first-guide member and the second-guide member are separate members.

6. The strap-guiding device of claim 1, wherein the first-guide member and the second-guide member are a bendable member.

7. A strap-guiding device comprising: a guide frame positionable on a first side of a load and a pallet that supports the load; and a guide assembly supported by the guide frame, the guide assembly comprising: a base, a base actuator configured to pivot the base between a lower and an upper position, a first-guide member supported by the base and extendable through openings in the pallet, a second-guide member upwardly extendable from the first-guide member along a second side of the load that is 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 holder connected to the second-guide member and configured to releasably hold a leading end of a strap.

Images