Strapping tool

Abstract

To provide a strapping tool which makes cuts in a seal element located around an overlap part of a strap and the overlap part of the strap itself.SOLUTION: A strapping tool comprises: a sealing assembly 500 which is movable from a sealing assembly original position to a sealing assembly sealing position, and fixes overlapping strap parts mutually; a plurality of jaw parts 530, 534, 538, and 542 which can move from jaw original positions to jaw sealing positions; and joint parts 526, 528 which are coupled operably to the sealing assembly, wherein the joint parts move the sealing assembly from the sealing assembly original position to the sealing assembly sealing position and the jaw parts from the jaw part original positions to the jaw part sealing positions.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure15D

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] Priority This application claims priority to and the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 050,965, filed July 13, 2020, and U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 196,391, filed June 3, 2021, the entire contents of both of which are incorporated herein by reference.

[0002] The present disclosure relates to strapping tools, and more particularly to strapping tools configured to tension a strap around a load and attach overlapping portions of the strap to one another to form a tensioned strap loop around the load. [Background technology]

[0003] Battery-powered strapping tools are configured to tension a strap around a load and attach overlapping portions of the strap to one another to form a taut strap loop around the load. To use one of these strapping tools to form a taut strap loop around a load, an operator first pulls a tip of the strap from a strap supply, wraps the strap around the load, and positions the tip of the strap under another portion of the strap. The operator then guides one or more of these overlapping strap portions (depending on the type of strapping tool) into the strapping tool and activates one or more buttons to initiate (1) a tensioning cycle during which the tensioning assembly tensions the strap around the load, and (2) a sealing cycle after the tensioning cycle is complete, during which the sealing assembly attaches the overlapping strap portions to one another (thereby forming a taut strap loop around the load) and the cutting assembly cuts the strap from the strap supply.

[0004] How a strapping tool attaches overlapping portions of the strap to one another during a sealing cycle depends on the type of strapping tool and the type of strap. Particular strapping tools configured for plastic straps (such as polypropylene straps or polyester straps) include friction welders, heated blades, or ultrasonic welders configured to attach overlapping portions of the strap to one another. Some strapping tools configured for plastic straps or metal straps (such as steel straps) include jaws that mechanically deform (referred to in the strapping industry as "crimping") or notch (referred to in the strapping industry as "notching") a sealing element positioned around the overlapping portions of the strap to attach them to one another. Other strapping tools configured for metal straps include a punch and die configured to form a set of mechanically interlocking cuts in the overlapping portions of the strap to attach them to one another (referred to in the strapping industry as "sealless" attachment). Summary of the Invention [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] Various embodiments of the present disclosure provide a strapping tool configured to tension a metal strap around a load and, after tensioning, attach overlapping portions of the strap to one another by cutting a sealing element positioned around the overlapping portion of the strap and the overlapping portion of the strap itself. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0006] [Figure 1A] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a strapping tool of the present disclosure. [Figure 1B] FIG. 1B is a block diagram of certain components of the strapping tool of FIG. 1A. [Figure 2] 1B is a perspective view of a support of the working assembly of the strapping tool of FIG. 1A. FIG. [Figure 3A]FIG. 1B is a perspective view of a working assembly of the strapping tool of FIG. 1A. [Figure 3B] FIG. 1B is a perspective view of a working assembly of the strapping tool of FIG. 1A. [Figure 4A] FIG. 3B is a perspective view of a tensioning assembly of the working assembly of FIG. 3A. [Figure 4B] FIG. 4B is a perspective view of the tensioning assembly gearing and tension wheel of the tensioning assembly of FIG. 4A. [Figure 4C] 4C is a cross-sectional perspective view of the tension assembly gearing and tension wheel of FIG. 4B taken along line 4C-4C of FIG. 4B. [Figure 4D] FIG. 4C is an exploded perspective view of the tension assembly gearing and tension wheel of FIG. 4B. [Figure 5A] FIG. 3B is a perspective view of a separation assembly of the working assembly of FIG. 3A. [Figure 5B] 5B is a cross-sectional perspective view of the separation assembly of FIG. 5A taken along line 5B-5B of FIG. 5A. [Figure 5C] FIG. 5B is an exploded perspective view of the separation assembly of FIG. 5A. [Figure 5D] FIG. 3B is a perspective view of a portion of the working assembly of FIG. 3A, including a portion of the separation assembly and a portion of the tensioning assembly. [Figure 6A] FIG. 3B is a cross-sectional perspective view of a portion of the working assembly of FIG. 3A, including a rocker lever assembly. [Figure 6B] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of the rocker lever assembly. [Figure 6C] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of the rocker lever assembly. [Figure 6D] FIG. 10 is an exploded perspective view of the rocker lever assembly. [Figure 6E] FIG. 10 is an exploded perspective view of the rocker lever assembly. [Figure 7A] 1B is a cross-sectional side view of the strapping tool of FIG. 1A showing the rocker lever assembly and tension assembly in different positions. [Figure 7B]1B is a cross-sectional side view of the strapping tool of FIG. 1A showing the rocker lever assembly and tension assembly in different positions. [Figure 7C] 1B is a cross-sectional side view of the strapping tool of FIG. 1A showing the rocker lever assembly and tension assembly in different positions. [Figure 7D] 1B is a cross-sectional side view of the strapping tool of FIG. 1A showing the rocker lever assembly and tension assembly in different positions. [Figure 8A] 3B is an elevation view of a portion of the tensioning assembly and gate assembly of the working assembly of FIG. 3A and a portion of the retaining assembly of the strapping tool of FIG. 1A, with the gates of the tensioning assembly and gate assembly in their respective strap tensioning and home positions, and the retainer of the retaining assembly in its released position. [Figure 8B] 3B is a perspective view of a portion of the tensioning assembly and gate assembly of the working assembly of FIG. 3A and a portion of the retaining assembly of the strapping tool of FIG. 1A, with the gates of the tensioning assembly and gate assembly in their respective strap tensioning and home positions, and the retainer of the retaining assembly in its released position. [Figure 9A] 8A and 8B, with the gates of the tensioning assembly and gate assembly in their respective strap insertion positions and the retention assembly in its retention position. [Figure 9B] 8A and 8B, with the gates of the tensioning assembly and gate assembly in their respective strap insertion positions and the retention assembly in its retention position. [Figure 10] 1B is a perspective view of a portion of the housing of the strapping tool of FIG. 1A, including the retainer activation assembly of the strapping tool. FIG. [Figure 11]1A is a perspective view of a portion of the strapping tool of FIG. 1A, with the housing removed to show the retainer assembly of FIG. 8A and the retainer activation assembly of FIG. 10. [Figure 12A] 11 is a perspective view of the retainer assembly of FIG. 8A and the retainer activation assembly of FIG. 10, with the retainer activation switch of the retainer activation assembly in its inactive position. [Figure 12B] 11 is a perspective view of the retainer assembly of FIG. 8A and the retainer activation assembly of FIG. 10, with the retainer activation switch of the retainer activation assembly in its activated position. [Figure 13] FIG. 11 is a perspective view of the retainer activation assembly of FIG. [Figure 14] 11 is a cross-sectional perspective view of a portion of the strapping tool of FIG. 1A showing the retainer activation assembly of FIG. 10. [Figure 15A] FIG. 3B is a perspective view of a sealing assembly of the working assembly of FIG. 3A. [Figure 15B] FIG. 3B is a perspective view of a sealing assembly of the working assembly of FIG. 3A. [Figure 15C] FIG. 15B is a partially exploded perspective view of the seal assembly of FIG. 15A. [Figure 15D] FIG. 15B is a partially exploded perspective view of the seal assembly of FIG. 15A. [Figure 16A] FIG. 15B is an exploded perspective view of an object blocking assembly of the jaw assembly of the sealing assembly of FIG. 15A. [Figure 16B] 16B is a cross-sectional perspective view of the object blocking assembly of FIG. 16A taken substantially along line 16B-16B of FIG. 15C. [Figure 17A] FIG. 16B is a perspective view of an object barrier of the object barrier assembly of FIG. 16A. [Figure 17B] FIG. 16B is a perspective view of an object barrier of the object barrier assembly of FIG. 16A. [Figure 18A] 18A is a cross-sectional perspective view of the seal assembly of FIG. 15A taken substantially along line 18A-18A of FIG. 15A. [Figure 18B] 18B is a cross-sectional perspective view of the seal assembly of FIG. 15A taken substantially along line 18B-18B of FIG. 15A. [Figure 18C] A cross-sectional elevation view of the sealing assembly of FIG. 15A, substantially cut along the 18C-18C line of FIG. 15A. [Figure 19A] A partial cross-sectional elevation view of the sealing assembly of FIG. 15A, showing the sealing assembly in its original position and the object blocker of the object blocking assembly of FIG. 16A in its retracted position. Some components of the sealing assembly are not shown for clarity. [Figure 19B] A partial cross-sectional elevation view of the sealing assembly of FIG. 6A, showing the sealing assembly moved approximately halfway from its original position to its sealing position and the object blocker of the object blocking assembly of FIG. 16A in its blocking position. Some components of the sealing assembly are not shown for clarity. [Figure 20A] A perspective view of a part of the sealing assembly of FIG. 15A. [Figure 20B] An opposing elevation view of a part of the sealing assembly of FIG. 15A. [[ID=S15]] [Figure 20C] An opposing elevation view of a part of the sealing assembly of FIG. 15A. [Figure 21] A perspective view of the work assembly of FIG. 3A showing the drive assembly. [Figure 22] A side view corresponding to FIG. 21. [Figure 23A] A side view of the work assembly of FIG. 3A showing the tension assembly in its strap insertion position. [Figure 23B] A side view of the work assembly of FIG. 3A showing the tension assembly in its strap tension position. [Figure 24A] A perspective view of the conversion assembly of the drive assembly of the work assembly of FIG. 3A. [Figure 24B] An exploded perspective view of the conversion assembly of FIG. 24A. [Figure 25A] A perspective view of a part of the conversion assembly of FIG. 24A where the effective length of the joint of a part of the support of FIG. 2, a part of the sealing assembly of FIG. 15A, and the conversion assembly is minimized. [Figure 25B]15A and 15B are perspective views of a portion of the support of FIG. 2, a portion of the sealing assembly of FIG. 15A, and a portion of the conversion assembly of FIG. 12A, where the effective length of the joint of the conversion assembly is at its maximum. [Figure 26A] 24B is a side view of a portion of the support of FIG. 2 and the transition assembly of FIG. 24A, illustrating how the effective length of the joint of the transition assembly changes during a sealing cycle. [Figure 26B] 24B is a side view of a portion of the support of FIG. 2 and the transition assembly of FIG. 24A, illustrating how the effective length of the joint of the transition assembly changes during a sealing cycle. [Figure 26C] 24B is a side view of a portion of the support of FIG. 2 and the transition assembly of FIG. 24A, illustrating how the effective length of the joint of the transition assembly changes during a sealing cycle. [Figure 26D] 24B is a side view of a portion of the support of FIG. 2 and the transition assembly of FIG. 24A, illustrating how the effective length of the joint of the transition assembly changes during a sealing cycle. [Figure 26E] 24B is a side view of a portion of the support of FIG. 2 and the transition assembly of FIG. 24A, illustrating how the effective length of the joint of the transition assembly changes during a sealing cycle. [Figure 26F] 24B is a side view of a portion of the support of FIG. 2 and the transition assembly of FIG. 24A, illustrating how the effective length of the joint of the transition assembly changes during a sealing cycle. [Figure 26G] 24B is a side view of a portion of the support of FIG. 2 and the transition assembly of FIG. 24A, illustrating how the effective length of the joint of the transition assembly changes during a sealing cycle. [Figure 26H] 24B is a side view of a portion of the support of FIG. 2 and the transition assembly of FIG. 24A, illustrating how the effective length of the joint of the transition assembly changes during a sealing cycle. [Figure 27] FIG. 1 is a diagrammatic elevation view of a strap and sealing element positioned around a load before being tensioned and sealed by a strapping tool. [Figure 28A]15B is a cross-sectional elevation view of a portion of the support of FIG. 2 and a portion of the closure assembly of FIG. 15A, with the closure assembly and jaws in their original positions. [Figure 28B] 15B is a cross-sectional elevation view of a portion of the support of FIG. 2 and a portion of the closure assembly of FIG. 15A, the closure assembly being in its sealing position and the jaws being in their original positions. [Figure 28C] 15B is a cross-sectional elevation view of a portion of the support of FIG. 2 and a portion of the closure assembly of FIG. 15A, with the closure assembly in its sealing position and the jaws in their sealing positions after scoring the sealing element and straps. [Figure 29] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a notched sealing element. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0007] While the systems, devices, and methods described herein may be embodied in a variety of forms, the drawings and this specification show and describe certain exemplary and non-limiting embodiments. Not all of the components shown in the drawings and described herein may be required, and particular implementations may include additional, different, or fewer components. Variations in the arrangement and type of components, the shape, size, and materials of components, and the manner in which components are connected may be made without departing from the spirit or scope of the claims. Unless otherwise indicated, any directions referred to herein reflect the orientation of the corresponding illustrated components and do not limit the scope of the present disclosure. Furthermore, terms referring to methods of attachment, such as attached, coupled, etc., are not intended to be limited to methods of direct attachment, but should be interpreted broadly to include indirectly operably attached, coupled, and similar methods of attachment. The specification as a whole is intended to be construed in accordance with the principles of the present disclosure and as understood by one of ordinary skill in the art.

[0008] 1A and 1B illustrate one exemplary embodiment of a strapping tool 50 (sometimes referred to in the detailed description as a "tool" for brevity) of the present disclosure and certain assemblies and components thereof. The strapping tool 50 is configured to perform a strapping cycle that includes (1) a tensioning cycle during which the strapping tool tensions a strap (a metal strap in this exemplary embodiment) around a load, and (2) a sealing cycle during which, after the strapping tool tensions the strap, the strapping tool attaches overlapping portions of the strap to one another and severs the strap from a strap supply by notching (referred to in the strapping industry and in the detailed description as "notching") sealing elements positioned around the overlapping portions of the strap and in the overlapping portions of the strap itself.

[0009] The strapping tool 50 includes a housing 100, a working assembly 200, first and second handles 1100, 1200, a display assembly 1300, an actuation assembly 1400, a power source 1500, a control device 1600 (FIG. 1B), one or more sensors 1700 (FIG. 1B), a holding assembly 1800 (FIGS. 8A-9B), and a holder activation assembly 3850 (FIGS. 10-14).

[0010] 1A , housing 100 is formed from multiple components (not individually labeled) that collectively at least partially enclose and / or support some (or all) of the other assemblies and components of strapping tool 50. The housing also supports retainer assembly 1800 and retainer activation assembly 3850, as described below with reference to FIGS. 8A-14 . In this exemplary embodiment, housing 100 includes a front housing section that at least partially encloses and / or supports at least some of the components of working assembly 200, display assembly 1300, and actuation assembly 1400, a rear housing section that at least partially encloses and / or supports power supply 1500 and controller 1600, and a connector housing section that extends between and connects the bottom of the front housing section and the bottom of the rear housing section. The first handle 1100 extends between the top of the front housing section and the top of the rear housing section and, in some embodiments, is integrally formed with the housing sections. This is by way of example only; in other embodiments, the strapping tool components may be supported and / or enclosed by any suitable portion of the housing 100. The housing 100 may be formed from any suitable amount of components joined together in any suitable manner. In this exemplary embodiment, the housing 100 is formed from plastic, but in other embodiments, it may be made from any other suitable material.

[0011] The working assembly 200 includes most of the components of the strapping tool 50 that are configured to perform a strapping cycle to tension the straps around a load, attach overlapping portions of the straps to one another, and cut the straps from the strap supply. In particular, the working assembly 200 includes a support 300, a tensioning assembly 400, a sealing assembly 500, a drive assembly 700, a rocker lever assembly 900, a gate assembly 1000, and a separation assembly 1900.

[0012] Support 300, best seen in Figure 2, serves as a common mount, directly or indirectly, for tension assembly 400, sealing assembly 500, drive assembly 700, rocker lever assembly 900, gate assembly 1000, and separation assembly 1900. Support 300 also includes components configured to facilitate changing the effective length of joint 820 of translation assembly 800 of drive assembly 700 during a sealing cycle, as described below in connection with Figures 24A-26H.

[0013] The support 300 includes a body 310, feet 320 extending transversely from the bottom of the body 310, a tension assembly mounting element 330 extending rearward from the body 310, and a drive and translation assembly mounting element 340 extending upward from the body 310. The front side of the body 310 forms a gate receiving recess 350 sized, shaped, oriented, and otherwise configured to receive a gate 1010 of the gate assembly 1000 and to allow the gate 1010 to move between a lower home position and an upper strap insertion position (described below in connection with FIGS. 8A-9B ). The body 310 includes first and second seal assembly mounting tongues 372 a, 372 b aligned on one side of the gate receiving recess 350 and third and fourth seal assembly mounting tongues 374 a, 374 b aligned on the opposite side of the gate receiving recess 350. Circumferentially spaced apart first and second joint engagement portions 392, 394 project from the drive and translation assembly mounting element 340. The roller 380 is coupled to the foot 320 and is freely rotatable relative to the foot 320.

[0014] 4A-4D, tensioning assembly 400 is configured to tension a strap around a load during a tensioning cycle. Tensioning assembly 400 includes a tensioning assembly support 410, tensioning assembly gearing 420, a tensioning wheel 440 driven by tensioning assembly gearing 420, and a cover (not labeled) attached to tensioning assembly support 410 to partially or completely enclose certain components of tensioning assembly gearing 420 and tensioning wheel 440.

[0015] Tensioning assembly gearing 420 includes a driven gear 421, a first sun gear 422, first planetary gears 423a, 423b, and 423c, a carrier 424, a first ring gear 425, a spacer 426, a second ring gear 427, a tension wheel mount 428, and second planetary gears 429a, 429b, and 429c. The components of tensioning assembly gearing 420 are centered about a tension wheel axis of rotation 440a, and portions of the components are rotatable about the tension wheel axis of rotation 440a. The carrier 424 includes a first planetary gear carrier 424a to which the first planetary gears 423a-423c are rotatably mounted (via their respective bearings, mounting pins, etc.) and a second sun gear 424b rotatable together with the planetary gear carrier 424a (here, integrally formed with the planetary gear carrier 424a) about the tension wheel rotation axis 440a. The first ring gear 425 includes internal teeth 425it and external teeth 425ot. The second ring gear 427 includes internal teeth 427it. The tension wheel mounting portion 428 includes a second planetary gear carrier 428a and a tension wheel shaft 428b rotatable together with the second planetary gear carrier 428a (here, integrally formed with the second planetary gear carrier 428a) about the tension wheel rotation axis 440a. Second planetary gears 429a-429c are rotatably mounted (via respective bearings, mounting pins, etc.) to second planetary gear carrier 428a.

[0016] The first sun gear 422 is fixedly mounted (e.g., via a spline connection) to the driven gear 421 so that the driven gear 421 and the first sun gear rotate together about the tension wheel rotation axis 440a. The first sun gear 422 meshes with the first planetary gears 423a-423c and drivingly engages the first planetary gears 423a-423c. The first planetary gear meshes with the internal teeth 425it of the first ring gear 425. The second planetary gear meshes with the internal teeth 427it of the second ring gear 427. A spacer 426 separates the first and second ring gears 425, 427. The second sun gear 424b extends through the spacer 426 and meshes with the second planetary gears 429a-429c and drivingly engages the second planetary gears 429a-429c. The tension wheel 440 is fixedly mounted (such as via a spline connection) to the tension wheel shaft 428b so that the tension wheel shaft 428b and tension wheel rotate together about the tension wheel axis of rotation 440a.

[0017] The tension assembly gearing 420 is mounted to the tension assembly support 410. The second ring gear 427 is rotationally fixed about the tension wheel axis of rotation 440a relative to the tension assembly support 410 (i.e., the second ring gear 427 cannot rotate about the tension wheel axis of rotation 440a relative to the tension assembly support 410). In this exemplary embodiment, a pin (shown but not labeled) is positioned between the outer surface of the second ring gear 427 and the tension assembly support 410 to prevent relative rotation, although any suitable component (such as a set screw, adhesive, or high-friction component or fastener) could be used to do so. The isolation assembly 1900 (except when activated, as described below) fixes the first ring gear 425 to rotation about the tension wheel axis of rotation 440a relative to the tension assembly support 410 (so that the first ring gear cannot rotate about the tension wheel axis of rotation 440a relative to the tension assembly support 410).

[0018] During a tensioning cycle, the drive assembly 700 drives the driven gear 421, as described below. The driven gear 421 begins to rotate itself and the first sun gear 422 in the tensioning direction of rotation (clockwise, in this exemplary embodiment, from the perspective of FIG. 4B ) about the tension wheel axis of rotation 440a. The first sun gear 422 drives the first set of planetary gears 423a-423c. Because the isolation assembly 1900 prevents the first ring gear 425 from rotating about the tension wheel axis of rotation 440a, the rotation of the planetary gears 423a-423c causes the carrier 424, including the second sun gear 424b, to rotate about the tension wheel axis of rotation 440a in the tensioning direction of rotation. The second sun gear 424b drives the second set of planetary gears 429a-429c. Because the second ring gear 427 cannot rotate about the tension wheel axis of rotation 440a, rotation of the planetary gears 429a-429c causes the tension wheel mount 428 and the tension wheel 440 mounted thereon to rotate in the tensioning direction of rotation about the tension wheel axis of rotation 440a. Thus, the tensioning assembly gearing 420 operatively couples the drive assembly 700 to the tension wheel 440 so that the tension wheel 440 rotates in the tensioning direction of rotation about the tension wheel axis of rotation 440a.

[0019] The tensioning assembly 400 is movably mounted to the tensioning assembly mounting element 330 of the support 300 and is configured to pivot relative to the support 300, specifically the foot 320 of the support 300, about the tensioning assembly pivot axis 405a of the tensioning assembly pivot shaft 405 between a strap tensioning position (FIGS. 7A, 8A, 8B) and a strap insertion position (FIGS. 7C, 9A, 9B), under the control of a rocker lever assembly 900 (described below). When the tensioning assembly 400 is in the strap tensioning position, the tensioning wheel 440 is adjacent to (in this embodiment, contacting) the roller 380 of the support 300 (or the top surface of the strap when the strap is inserted into the strapping tool 50). When the tensioning assembly 400 is in the strap insertion position, the tensioning wheel 440 is spaced from the roller 380 to allow the top of the strap (described below) to be inserted between the tensioning wheel 440 and the roller 380. Tensioning assembly biasing element 400s (FIG. 3B), which in this exemplary embodiment is a compression spring but may be any other suitable type of biasing element, biases tensioning assembly 400 into the strap tension position.

[0020] 5A-5D, the separator assembly 1900 is configured to allow the tensioning wheel 440 to rotate about the tensioning wheel axis of rotation 440a in a direction opposite to the tensioning rotation direction to easily remove the tool 50 from the strap after the tensioning process is complete. The separator assembly 1900 includes a separator assembly shaft 1910, a separator assembly housing 1920, a first engageable element 1930, an expandable element 1940, a second engageable element 1950, and first and second bearings 1960a, 1960b.

[0021] The separator assembly shaft 1910 includes a body 1912 having a first end 1912a with an irregular cross-section and a second end 1912b with teeth. A first bearing support 1914 extends from the first end 1912a, and a second bearing support 1916 extends from the second end 1912b. The separator assembly housing 1920 includes a tubular body 1922 with teeth 1924 extending around its circumference. The body 1922 defines an opening 1922o. The first engageable element 1920 includes a tubular bushing having a cylindrical exterior surface and an interior surface with an outer circumference matching the outer circumference of the first end 1912a of the body 1912 of the separator assembly shaft 1910. The expandable element 1940 includes a torsion spring having a first end 1940a and a second end 1940b. The second engageable element 1950 includes a tubular body 1952 and an annular flange 1954 at one end of the body 1952. An opening 1954o is formed through the flange 1954.

[0022] A first engageable element 1930 is mounted on a first end 1912a of the body 1912 of the separation assembly shaft 1910 for rotation therewith and is disposed within the body 1922 of the separation assembly housing 1920. A second engageable element 1950 is also disposed within the body 1922 of the separation assembly housing 1920 such that the body 1952 of the second engageable element 1950 is adjacent to the first engageable element 1930 and such that at least a portion of the separation assembly shaft 1910 extends through the second engageable element 1950. An expandable element 1940, which is a torsion spring in this exemplary embodiment, is disposed within the body 1922 of the separation assembly housing 1920 and circumscribes the first engageable element 1930 and the body 1952 of the second engageable element 1950. The outer diameters of the body 1952 of the first engageable element 1930 and the second engageable element are substantially the same and are equal to or greater than the resting inner diameter of the torsion spring 1940. This means that the torsion spring 1940 exerts a compressive force on the body 1952 of the second engageable element, preventing the first engageable element 1930 and their components (and the separation assembly shaft 1910) from rotating relative to one another. A first end 1940a of the expandable element 1940 is received in an opening 1954o formed through a flange 1954 of the second engageable element 1950, and a second end 1940b of the expandable element 1940 is received in an opening 1922o formed in the body 1922 of the separation assembly housing 1920. Bearings 1960a, 1960b are mounted on the first and second bearing supports 1914, 1916, respectively, of the separation assembly shaft 1910.

[0023] 3B, 5D, and 6A, the separator assembly 1900 is mounted to the tension assembly support 410 and operably coupled to the tension assembly gearing 420. More specifically, the separator assembly 1900 is mounted to the tension assembly support 410 via fasteners (not labeled) that rotate and secure the second engageable element 1950 relative to the tension assembly support 410 such that the second engageable element 1950 and the first end 1940a of the expandable element 1940, received within the opening 1954o of the flange 1954 of the second engageable element 1950, cannot rotate relative to the tension assembly support 410. Teeth on the second end 1912b of the body 1912 of the separator assembly shaft 1910 mesh with the external teeth 425ot of the first ring gear 425 of the tension assembly gearing 420 of the tension assembly 400. Because the body 1952 is rotationally fixed relative to the tension assembly support 410 and the separator assembly shaft 1910 is rotationally fixed with the first engageable element 1930, the separator assembly shaft 1910 is rotationally fixed relative to the tension assembly housing 410. The teeth on the second end 1912b engage the external teeth 425ot of the first ring gear 425 of the tension assembly gearing 420, so the separator assembly 1900 prevents the first ring gear 425 from rotating about the tension wheel axis of rotation 440a.

[0024] The separator assembly 1900 is actuatable (such as by the rocker lever assembly 900, as described below) to remove the coupling between the torsion spring 1940 and the first engageable element 1930, such that the first engageable element 1930 and the separator assembly shaft 1910 may rotate relative to the second engageable element 1930. As described above, the second engageable element 1950 and the first end 1940a of the expandable element 1940 (which is received within the opening 1954o of the flange 1954 of the second engageable element 1950) are rotationally fixed relative to the tension assembly support 410. To remove the coupling between the torsion spring 1940 and the first engageable element 1930, the separator assembly housing 1920 is rotated relative to the tension assembly support 410, the first end 1940a of the torsion spring 1940, and the second engageable element 1950. Second end 1940b of torsion spring 1940 is received in opening 1922o formed in body 1922 of separation assembly housing 1920 and rotates with separation assembly housing 1920. As this occurs, the inner diameter of torsion spring 1940 near its second end 1940b begins to expand, eventually expanding sufficiently to allow first engageable element 1930 and separation assembly shaft 1910 to rotate relative to second engageable element 1950 (and torsion spring 1940) (thereby reducing or entirely eliminating the compressive force).

[0025] Upon completion of the tensioning cycle, the tensioning wheel 440 retains a significant amount of tension in the strap, and the strap exerts a reaction force (or torque) on the tensioning wheel 440 in a direction opposite to the tensioning direction. After the tensioning process is complete, actuation of the separator assembly 1900 allows the tensioning wheel 440 to rotate in a direction opposite to the tensioning direction to release that tension in a controlled manner. Specifically, upon completion of the tensioning cycle, the separator assembly shaft 1910 continues to prevent the first ring gear 425 of the tensioning assembly gearing 420 from rotating about the tensioning wheel axis of rotation 440, which prevents the tensioning wheel 440 from rotating in a direction opposite to the tensioning direction. As the separator assembly housing 1920 rotates (such as via actuation of the rocker lever assembly 900, as described below), the inner diameter of the torsion spring 1940 begins to expand near its second end 1940b. Eventually, the force that the first ring gear 425 exerts on the isolation assembly shaft 1910 overcomes the compressive force of the torsion spring 1940 on the first engageable element 1930. When this occurs, the first ring gear 425 rotates about the tension wheel axis of rotation 440a in a direction opposite to the tension direction. Because the first sun gear 422 is rotationally fixed (by the drive assembly 700), this causes the first planetary gears 423a-423c to rotate about the tension wheel axis of rotation 440a in a direction opposite to the tension direction. This causes the tension wheel 440 to rotate (as described above) about the tension wheel axis of rotation 440a in a direction opposite to the tension direction.

[0026] 6A-6E , the rocker lever assembly 900 is (1) operably coupled to the tensioning assembly 400 and configured to move the tensioning assembly 400 from a strap tensioning position to a strap insertion position relative to the support 300, and (2) operably coupled to the separation assembly 1900 and configured to actuate the separation assembly, thereby allowing the tension wheel 440 to rotate in a direction opposite to the tension rotation direction. The rocker lever assembly 900 includes a rocker lever 910, a rocker lever gear 930, a rocker lever pivot pin 940, a rocker lever travel pin 950, and a rocker lever biasing element (not shown). The rocker lever 910 includes a rocker lever body 912 forming two aligned travel pin slots 912s, a rocker lever arm 914 extending rearward from the rocker lever body 912, and a transverse blocking finger 916 extending upward from the rocker lever body 912 on the rocker lever arm 914.

[0027] The rocker lever pivot pin 940 and the rocker lever travel pin 950 attach the rocker lever 910 to the tension assembly 400 such that the rocker lever 910 is pivotable relative to the tension assembly 400 between an original position ( FIG. 7A ) and an intermediate position ( FIG. 7B ). Specifically, the rocker lever pivot pin 940 extends through an opening (not shown) formed through the tension assembly support 410 and the rocker lever body 912 of the rocker lever 910 such that the rocker lever 910 is pivotable relative to the tension assembly 400 and the isolation assembly 1900 about the pivot pin 940, which forms a rocker lever pivot axis (not shown). The rocker lever travel pin 950 extends through an opening (not shown) formed through the tension assembly support 410 and through a travel pin slot 912s in the rocker lever body 912.

[0028] As the rocker lever 910 pivots about the pivot pin 940 (and rocker lever pivot axis) relative to the tension assembly 400 and support 300, the travel pin slot 912s moves relative to the rocker lever travel pin 950 (which is attached to the tension assembly support 410). The size, shape, location, and orientation of the travel pin slot 912s constrain the pivoting movement of the rocker lever 910 about the pivot pin 940 between the home position and the intermediate position. As shown in FIG. 7A , when the rocker lever 910 is in its home position, the rocker lever travel pin 950 is positioned at and engages the upper end (not labeled) of the travel pin slot 912s, preventing the rocker lever 910 from further rotating in a clockwise direction relative to the tension assembly 400. Conversely, as shown in Figure 7B, when the rocker lever 910 is in its intermediate position, the rocker lever travel pin 950 is positioned at the lower end (not labeled) of the travel pin slot 912s, preventing the rocker lever 910 from further rotating counterclockwise relative to the tension assembly 400. Although not shown here, a rocker lever biasing element, which in this exemplary embodiment is a torsion spring but could be any other suitable component, biases the rocker lever 910 toward its home position.

[0029] 6A , the rocker lever gear 930 is attached to the rocker lever body 912 of the rocker lever 910 via the rocker lever travel pin 950 such that the rocker lever gear 930 is rotatable about the rocker lever travel pin 950. The rocker lever 910 is operably coupled to the rocker lever gear 930 and configured to rotate the rocker lever gear 930 about the rocker lever travel pin 950 when the rocker lever 910 pivots from its home position to its intermediate position. As the rocker lever gear 930 rotates, the rocker lever gear 930 actuates the separator assembly 1900 as described above. More specifically, as the rocker lever gear 930 rotates, the rocker lever gear 930 meshes with teeth 1924 on the body 1922 of the separator assembly housing 1920, thereby rotating the separator assembly housing 1920 (thereby actuating the separator assembly 1900).

[0030] As discussed above and shown in FIG. 7B, when the rocker lever 910 reaches its intermediate position, the rocker lever travel pin 950 is positioned at the lower end of the travel pin slot 912s, preventing the rocker lever 910 from further rotating counterclockwise relative to the tension assembly 400. At this point, if the tension assembly 400 is in its strap tensioning position, as shown in FIG. 7B, continuing to apply force to the rocker lever 910 (specifically, to the rocker lever arm 914) toward the handle 1100 will cause the rocker lever 910 and tension assembly 400 to rotate together about the tension assembly pivot axis 405a until the rocker lever 910 reaches its actuated position and the tension assembly 400 reaches its strap insertion position. FIG. 7C shows the rocker lever 910 in its actuated position and the tension assembly 400 in its strap insertion position.

[0031] Blocking finger 916 is sized, shaped, positioned, oriented, and otherwise configured such that when rocker lever 910 is in its home position and tensioning assembly 400 is in its strap tensioning position, blocking finger 916 prevents tensioning assembly 400 from moving from its strap tensioning position to its strap insertion position (which causes rocker lever 910 to move toward handle 1100). As best shown in Figures 7A-7D, housing 100 forms a blocking finger opening 980 that is sized and shaped to allow blocking finger 916 to pass through opening 980 and enter housing 100 when rocker lever 910 pivots from its home position to its intermediate position.

[0032] When the tensioning assembly 400 is in its strap-tensioning position and the rocker lever 910 is in its home position, as shown in FIG. 7A , the blocking finger 916 abuts a portion of the housing 100 that forms the blocking finger opening 980 (although the blocking finger 916 may abut any other suitable portion of the housing or other component of the tool used for this purpose). At this point, if a force is applied to the tensioning assembly 400 (such as a force caused by cutting the strap from the strap supply and releasing the tension stored therein) that attempts to move the tensioning assembly 400 from its strap-tensioning position to its strap-insertion position, the resulting upward movement of the rocker lever 910 will cause the blocking finger 916 to engage the housing 100 without pivoting away from its home position relative to the tensioning assembly 400. As shown in FIG. 7D , this prevents the tensioning assembly 400 from moving further toward its strap-insertion position and prevents the rocker lever 910 from moving further toward the handle 1100.

[0033] The blocking finger 916 does not prevent the tension assembly 400 from moving from its strap tensioning position to its strap insertion position when the rocker lever 910 is in its intermediate position and the tension assembly 400 is in its strap tensioning position. As shown in FIG. 7B, the blocking finger 916 passes through the blocking finger opening 980 and enters the housing when the rocker lever 910 moves from its home position to its intermediate position. As shown in FIG. 7C, as the operator continues to move the rocker lever 910 to its actuated position, the blocking finger 916 does not prevent the tension assembly 400 from pivoting upward about the tension assembly pivot axis 405a to its strap insertion position. Thus, in order for the rocker lever 910 to move the tension assembly 400 from its strap tensioning position to its strap insertion position, the rocker lever 910 must first move from its home position to its intermediate position while the tension assembly 400 is in its strap tensioning position (best shown in FIG. 7B).

[0034] 8A-9B, the retention assembly 1800 is configured to mount to the housing 100, retain the tensioning assembly 400 in its strap insertion position, and automatically release the tensioning assembly 400 in response to initiation of a tensioning cycle, allowing the tensioning assembly 400 to move (via a tensioning assembly biasing element) to its strap tensioning position. The retention assembly 1800 includes a retainer 1810, a retainer mount 1820, and a retainer biasing element 1830.

[0035] The retainer 1810 includes a body 1812 with a mounting ear 1814 at one end, a tension wheel shaft engaging portion 1816 at the opposite end, and a biasing element engaging portion 1818 that projects from the body 1812 between the mounting ear 1814 and the tension wheel shaft engaging portion 1816. A retainer mounting portion 1820 is attached to the housing 100 and includes a mounting pin that projects inwardly from the housing 100. The retainer 1810 is mounted to the retainer mounting portion 1820 via the mounting ear 1814, such that the retainer 1810 can rotate about the retainer mounting portion 1820 relative to the tension wheel shaft 428b (and here the entire tension assembly 400) between a released position ( FIGS. 8A and 8B ) and a held position ( FIGS. 9A and 9B ). A retainer biasing element 1830 (wherein, however, a torsion spring may include any suitable spring or other type of biasing element) exerts a force on the biasing element engagement portion 1818, biasing the retainer 1810 toward its retaining position.

[0036] As shown in FIGS. 8A and 8B , when the tensioning assembly 400 is in its strap tensioning position, the retainer 1810 is in its release position. When the retainer 1810 is in its release position, the retainer biasing element 1830 applies a force to the tensioning wheel shaft engagement portion 1816 to contact the tensioning wheel shaft 428b. This force is low enough (e.g., the spring constant is low enough, and the coefficient of friction between the tensioning wheel shaft and the tensioning wheel shaft engagement portion is low enough) so as not to affect the ability of the tensioning wheel shaft 428b to rotate during a tensioning cycle. When the operator moves the rocker lever 910 from its home position to its actuated position (e.g., to release a strap from the strapping tool 50), the tensioning assembly 400 begins to rotate to its strap insertion position. When the tensioning assembly 400 reaches its strap insertion position, the tensioning wheel shaft 428b rises above the tensioning wheel shaft engagement portion 1816. When this occurs, the retainer biasing element 1830 rotates the retainer 1810, which is now no longer blocked by the tension wheel shaft 428b, to its retaining position. When the retainer 1810 is in its retaining position, the retainer biasing element 1830 brings the body 1812 into contact with the tension wheel shaft 428b.

[0037] At this point, as shown in FIGS. 9A and 9B , the tensioning wheel shaft engaging portion 1816 is below the underside of the tensioning wheel shaft 428b (between the tensioning wheel shaft 428b and the foot 320 of the support 300) and engages the underside of the tensioning wheel shaft 428b. When the operator releases the rocker lever 910, the tensioning wheel shaft engaging portion 1816 prevents the tensioning assembly 400 from moving to its strap-tensioning position. The tensioning assembly biasing element 400s causes the tensioning wheel shaft 428b to apply a force to the tensioning wheel shaft engaging portion 1816. This force is large enough to prevent the tensioning wheel shaft engaging portion 1816 from moving to its released position as the strapping tool 50 moves around. Additionally, the retainer biasing element 1830 continues to apply a force to the retainer 1810, thereby resisting movement of the retainer 1810 to its released position. To begin a tensioning cycle, the tensioning wheel shaft 428b begins to rotate (counterclockwise from the perspective shown in FIGS. 9A and 9B). The coefficient of friction between the tensioning wheel shaft 428b and the retainer 1810 is high enough, and the force that the retainer biasing element 1830 applies to the retainer 1810 is low enough, so that the rotation of the tensioning wheel shaft 428b causes the retainer 1810 to rotate to its released position. When this occurs, the tensioning assembly biasing element urges the tensioning assembly 400 toward its strap tensioning position, at which point the tensioning assembly 400 begins to tension the strap.

[0038] The ability of the retaining assembly to hold the tensioning assembly in its strap insertion position reduces operator fatigue by (1) eliminating the need for the operator to continue to hold the rocker lever against the force of the tensioning assembly biasing element in its actuated position while removing the strap from the strapping tool, and (2) eliminating the need for the operator to pull the rocker lever and continue to hold the rocker lever against the force of the tensioning assembly biasing element in its actuated position while inserting a strap into the strapping tool when the operator is ready to insert another strap into the strapping tool for tensioning.

[0039] 10-14, the retainer activation assembly 3850 is configured to allow an operator of the strapping tool 50 to activate or deactivate the function of the retainer assembly 1800 to retain the tensioning assembly 400 in its strap insertion position. The retainer activation assembly 3850 includes a retainer activation switch 3852, a retainer activation switch biasing element 3854 (the retainer activation switch biasing element 3854 is a spring in this exemplary embodiment, but may be any other suitable biasing element), and first and second biasing element retainers 3856, 3858 (the first and second biasing element retainers 3856, 3858 are washers in this exemplary embodiment, but may be any other suitable components). The retainer activation switch 3852 includes a disk-shaped head 3852a, a shaft 3852b extending from the head 3852a and rotatable together with the head 3852a, and a retainer engagement portion 3852c (the retainer engagement portion 3852c is a cam in this exemplary embodiment but may be any other suitable component) at the end of the shaft 3852b opposite the head 3852a and rotatable together with the head 3852a and the shaft 3852b. The retainer activation switch biasing element 3854 circumscribes the shaft 3852b and is positioned between the head 3852a and the retainer engagement portion 3852c. Biasing element retainers 3856, 3858 also circumscribe the shaft 3852b and are positioned on either side of the retainer activation switch biasing element 3854.

[0040] The retainer activation assembly 3850 is mounted to the housing 100 such that the head 3852a of the retainer activation switch 3852 is outside the housing 100, the shaft 3852b of the retainer activation switch 3852b extends through an opening (not labeled) in the housing 100, and the retainer engagement portion 3852c is inside the housing 100 adjacent the retainer 1810. The retainer activation switch biasing element 3854 is in compression, thus exerting a force against the housing 100 and the retainer engagement portion 3852c via the biasing element retainers 3856, 3858. This force acts to resist rotation of the retainer activation switch 3852.

[0041] The retainer activation assembly 3850 is mounted to the housing 100 such that the retainer activation switch 3852 is rotatable relative to the housing 100 and the retainer 1810 of the retention assembly 1800 between an inactive position and an active position. As shown in FIGS. 11 and 12A , when the retainer activation switch 3852 is in its inactive position, the retainer engagement portion 3852 c is positioned to engage the body 1812 of the retainer 1810 and hold the retainer 1810 in the inactive position against the biasing force of the retainer biasing element 1830. In this exemplary embodiment, when the retainer 1810 is in its inactive position, the retainer 1810 is oriented such that the tension wheel shaft engagement portion 1816 is disengaged from the tension wheel shaft 428 b of the tension assembly 400 (although in other embodiments, the inactive and released positions of the retainer 1810 are the same). By holding the retainer 1810 in its inactive position, when the operator moves the rocker lever 910 from its home position to its actuated position (such as to release the strap from the strapping tool 50), the retainer active switch 3852 prevents the retainer biasing element 1830 from rotating the retainer 1810 to its holding position and into contact with the tension wheel shaft 428b. This necessarily prevents the tension wheel shaft engaging portion 1816 from engaging the underside of the tension wheel shaft 428b and holding the tension assembly 400 in its strap insertion position when the operator releases the rocker lever 910. Accordingly, when the retainer active switch 3852 is in its inactive position, the retainer active switch 3852 deactivates the function of the retainer assembly 1800 to hold the tension assembly 400 in its strap insertion position.

[0042] As shown in FIG. 12B, when the retainer activation switch 3852 is in its activated position, the retainer engagement portion 3852c is disengaged from the body 1812 and positioned so that the retainer 1810 can rotate between its released and held positions and be operated as described above in connection with FIGS. 8A-9B. Thus, when an operator moves the rocker lever 910 from its home position to its actuated position, the retainer biasing element 1830 urges the retainer 1810 to rotate to its held position and contact the tensioning wheel shaft 428b. When the operator releases the rocker lever 910, the tensioning wheel shaft engagement portion 1816 of the retainer 1810 engages the underside of the tensioning wheel shaft 428b, preventing the tensioning assembly 400 from moving from its strap insertion position to its strap tensioning position. Accordingly, when the retainer activation switch 3852 is in its activated position, the retainer activation switch 3852 activates the function of the retainer assembly 1800 to hold the tensioning assembly 400 in its strap insertion position.

[0043] The retainer activation assembly 3850 thus provides the operator with the flexibility to choose whether or not they want to take advantage of the ability of the retention assembly to hold the tension assembly in its strap insertion position, which may be desirable in some use cases and not desirable in others. In certain embodiments, the tool includes a retention assembly but does not include a retention activation assembly.

[0044] 8A-9B, is configured to facilitate strap insertion and is adjustable to accommodate straps of different thicknesses. Gate assembly 1000 includes a gate 1010 and multiple joints 1012, 1014, 1016.

[0045] The gate 1010 is slidably received within a gate-receiving recess 350 in the body 310 of the support 300 and is retained within the recess via a retaining bracket (not shown for clarity). A strap-receiving opening (not labeled) is formed between the bottom of the gate 1010 and the top surface of the foot 320 of the support 300. The gate 1010 is movable relative to the support 300 between a home position ( FIGS. 8A and 8B ) and a retracted position ( FIGS. 9A and 9B ). When in the home position, the gate 1010 is positioned relative to the foot 320 such that the height H1 of the strap-receiving opening is equal to or slightly greater than the thickness of the particular strap being tensioned and sealed. When in the retracted position, the gate 1010 is positioned relative to the foot 320 such that the height H2 of the strap-receiving opening is greater than the height H1.

[0046] The position of the tensioning assembly 400 controls the position of the gate 1010 via joints 1012, 1014, and 1016. Joint 1016 is fixedly connected at one end to the tensioning assembly 400 and pivotally connected at its other end to one end of joint 1014. The other end of joint 1014 is pivotally connected to one end of joint 1012. The other end of joint 1012 is fixedly connected to the gate 1010. Joints 1012, 1014, and 1016 are sized, shaped, positioned, oriented, and otherwise configured such that (1) when the tensioning assembly 400 is in its strap tensioning position, the gate 1010 is in its home position (and the strap receiving opening has a height H1), and (2) when the tensioning assembly 400 is in its strap insertion position, the gate 1010 is in its retracted position (and the strap receiving opening has a height H2). More specifically, when tensioning assembly 400 is pivoted from the strap tensioning position to the strap insertion position, joint 1016 is pivoted counterclockwise (from the perspective shown in FIGS. 8A-9B), which causes joint 1014 to pivot clockwise, thereby moving joint 1012 upward and carrying gate 1010 with it.

[0047] One challenge with certain known strapping tools is the difficulty of inserting a strap into the strapping tool. These known strapping tools include a gate positioned in front of the tensioning wheel so that the seal engages the gate during the tensioning cycle and the gate prevents the seal from contacting the tensioning wheel. The gate is fixed in place and positioned so that the strap-receiving opening formed between the bottom of the gate and the top of the strapping tool's foot (on which the strap is positioned during operation) has a height equal to or slightly greater than the thickness of the strap. This prevents the strap from moving up or down during operation of the strapping tool. The problem is that it is difficult and time-consuming for an operator to align the strap with the strap-receiving opening in order to insert the strap into the strap-receiving opening, which has a height at most slightly greater than the thickness of the thick strap.

[0048] The gate assembly of the present disclosure solves this problem by increasing the height of the strap-receiving opening when the tensioning assembly is moved to its strap-insertion position. In other words, because the tensioning assembly is coupled to the gate (via a joint), moving the tensioning assembly from the strap-tensioning position to the strap-insertion position causes the gate to move from its home position to its retracted position, enlarging the strap-receiving opening. This makes it easier for an operator to insert a strap into the strap-receiving opening, which streamlines operation of the strapping tool.

[0049] The position of the gate 1010 relative to the foot 320 can also be varied. Specifically, the gate 1010 can be secured to the joint 1012 at any of several different vertical positions. By varying the vertical position of the gate 1010 relative to the joint 1012, an operator can vary the height H1 of the strap-receiving opening when the gate 1010 is in its home position. For example, in this embodiment, the joint 1012 is coupled to the gate 1010 via a screw. The screw extends through an elongated slot that extends along the length of the gate 1010. To vary the height H1 of the strap-receiving opening when the gate 1010 is in its home position, the operator loosens the screw, slides the gate 1010 up or down relative to the joint 1012 (taking advantage of the slot), and then retightens the screw.

[0050] One challenge with certain known strapping tools is the time it takes to reconfigure the strapping tool to use straps of different thicknesses. To reconfigure a strapping tool to use straps with different thicknesses, an operator must replace the existing gate with a different gate sized to use the new strap (e.g., a longer gate (for thinner straps) or a shorter gate (for thicker straps)). This not only requires the operator to partially disassemble the strapping tool, which creates disruption, but also requires the operator to have different gates on hand, recognize when different gates are needed, and properly align the gates with the different strap thicknesses. Using an inappropriate gate can result in a failed or suboptimal strapping operation (in the latter case, suboptimal bond strength).

[0051] The gate assembly 1000 of the present disclosure solves this problem by allowing an operator to change the position of the gate 1010, and therefore the height H1 of the strap-receiving opening, relative to the joint 1012 while the gate 1010 is in its home position. This improves upon prior art strapping tools by allowing an operator to easily move the gate quickly to accommodate straps of different thicknesses without having to exchange one gate for another.

[0052] 15A-20C, the closure assembly 500 is configured to attach overlapping portions of the straps to one another to form a taut strap loop around a load during a sealing cycle by cutting notches in both the sealing elements positioned around the overlapping portions of the straps and in the overlapping portions of the straps themselves. The closure assembly 500 includes a front cover 502, a rear cover 506, a jaw assembly 520, an object blocking assembly 600, and an object blocking lift element 630.

[0053] The front cover 502 is generally U-shaped. The rear cover 506 includes a generally flat base 506a, two mounting wings 506b, 506c extending rearward and inward from opposite side edges of the base 506a, and a lip 506d extending forward from the base 506a toward the jaw assembly 520. The object barrier lift element 630 is pivotally mounted to the base 506a via a pivot pin 640 and configured to rotate about the pivot pin 640, as described in more detail below in conjunction with the object barrier assembly 600. The front cover 502 and the rear cover 506 are coupled to each other via one or more suitable fasteners (not labeled) and cooperate to partially enclose the jaw assembly 520, the object barrier assembly 600, and the object barrier lift element 630.

[0054] The seal assembly 500 is movably (more specifically, slidably) mounted to the support 300 via a rear cover 506. Specifically, the rear cover 506 is positioned such that the first and second seal assembly mounting tongues 372 a, 372 b of the support 300 are received in grooves formed between the base 506 a and the first mounting wing 506 b, and the third and fourth seal assembly mounting tongues 374 a, 374 b of the support 300 are received in grooves formed between the base 506 a and the second mounting wing 506 c. This mounting configuration allows the seal assembly 500 to move vertically relative to the support 300 and prevents the seal assembly 500 from moving laterally or fore-aft relative to the support 300. As best shown in FIGS. 19A and 19B, first and second transversely spaced apart closure assembly mounting elements 390 a, 390 b are fixedly attached to the body 310 of the support 300 and extend through respective vertically extending slots (not labeled) formed through the base 506 a of the rear cover 506. These slots and the closure assembly mounting elements 390 a, 390 b cooperate to constrain vertical movement of the closure assembly 500 relative to the support 300 between a home position ( FIGS. 19A and 28A ), in which the closure assembly mounting elements 390 a, 390 b are at the lower end of the slots (upper), and a sealed position ( FIGS. 19B, 28B, 28C ), in which the closure assembly mounting elements 390 a, 390 b are at the upper end of the slots (lower). As described below, a drive assembly 700 controls movement of the closure assembly 500 between its home position and the sealed position.

[0055] 15C and 15D, jaw assembly 520 includes coupler 522, coupler pivot 524, first and second coupler / jaw interfaces 526, 528, first jaw 530, second jaw 534, third jaw 538, fourth jaw 542, first jaw coupler 546, second jaw coupler 550, third jaw coupler 566, fourth jaw coupler 567, first and second upper jaw pivots 571, 572, and first and second lower jaw pivots 573, 574. First and second jaws 530, 534 form a pair of opposing inner jaws, and third and fourth jaws 538, 542 form a pair of opposing outer jaws.

[0056] First and second coupler / jaw joints 526, 528 are each pivotally connected to coupler 522 near their respective upper ends via coupler pivot 524. This pivotal connection allows first and second coupler / jaw joints 526, 528 to pivot relative to coupler 522 and coupler pivot 524 about a longitudinal axis (not shown) of coupler pivot 524. Here, coupler pivot 524 includes a pivot pin retained via a retaining ring (not labeled), but in other embodiments, it can be any other suitable pivot. As best shown in FIG. 15B , the rear end of coupler pivot 524 is positioned within a slot (not labeled) formed in rear cover 506 such that the slot limits vertical movement of coupler pivot 524 between an upper position and a lower position.

[0057] An upper portion of each of the first and second jaws 530, 534 is pivotally connected to a lower end of a coupler / jaw junction 526, 528 via a respective upper jaw pivot 571, 572. An upper portion of each of the third and fourth jaws 538, 542 is pivotally connected to a lower end of a coupler / jaw junction 526, 528 via a respective upper jaw pivot 571, 572. These pivotal connections allow the first inner and outer jaws 530, 538 to pivot relative to the coupler / jaw junction 526 about the longitudinal axis (not shown) of the upper jaw pivot 571, and the second inner and outer jaws 534, 542 to pivot relative to the coupler / jaw junction 528 about the longitudinal axis (not shown) of the upper jaw pivot 571.

[0058] A lower portion of each of the first and second jaws 530, 534 is pivotally connected to a first jaw linkage 546, a second jaw linkage 550, a third jaw linkage 566, and a fourth jaw linkage 567 by a mandibular pivot 573, 574. A lower portion of each of the third and fourth jaws 538, 542 is pivotally connected to a first jaw linkage 546, a second jaw linkage 550, a third jaw linkage 566, and a fourth jaw linkage 567 by a mandibular pivot 573, 574. The pivotable connection allows the first and third jaws 530, 538 to pivot relative to the jaw couplers 546, 550, 566, 567 about a longitudinal axis (not shown) of the mandible pivot 573 between their respective home positions (FIG. 28A) and sealed positions (FIG. 28C). The pivotable connection allows the second and fourth jaws 534, 542 to pivot relative to the jaw couplers 546, 550, 566, 567 about a longitudinal axis (not shown) of the mandible pivot 574 between their respective home positions (FIG. 28A) and sealed positions (FIG. 28C).

[0059] 15D and 18C, each jaw has lower teeth that cut into the overlapping portion of the seal element and strap during the sealing cycle, and upper teeth that engage an object barrier 605 of an object barrier assembly 600 (described below) when the object barrier 605 is in its blocking position (described below) at the start of the sealing cycle and moves the object barrier 605 toward its retracted position as the jaws move to their respective sealing positions, thereby preventing the jaws from damaging the object barrier 605. More specifically, first jaw 530 has lower teeth 530a and upper teeth 530b, second jaw 534 has lower teeth 534a and upper teeth 534b, third jaw 538 has lower teeth 538a and upper teeth 538b, and fourth jaw 542 has lower teeth 542a and upper teeth 542b.

[0060] Object blocking assembly 600 is attached to jaw assembly 520 (more specifically, second jaw coupler 550) and is configured to prevent objects from unintentionally entering the space between first and second jaws 530, 534 and third and fourth jaws 538, 542. This space is sometimes referred to herein as the “sealing element receiving space.” This reduces the possibility of an object interfering with the operation of the strapping tool. It also prevents the jaws of the strapping tool from damaging the object (or vice versa). As best shown in FIGS. 16A and 16B , object blocking assembly 600 includes an object blocking body 605 formed from first object blocking portion 610 and second object blocking portion 620, an object blocking body fastener 650, a pin 660, a plurality of biasing elements 670a, 670b, 670c, 670d, a biasing element retainer 680, and a plurality of fasteners 690.

[0061] The object barrier 605, best shown in FIGS. 17A and 17B , is formed from a first object barrier portion 610 and a second object barrier portion 620 joined by an object barrier fastener 650 and a pin 660. The first object barrier portion 610 includes a body 612 and a mating lug 614 extending from the underside of the body 612. The body 612 defines cylindrical biasing element receiving holes 612a, 612b extending downward from the top surface of the body 612. The biasing element receiving holes are sized, shaped, oriented, and otherwise configured to partially receive biasing elements 670d, 670c, respectively. The underside of the body 612 includes a curved object-engaging surface 612c (although this surface may be flat in other embodiments). The opposite surface of the body 612 defines vertically extending slots 612d, 612e. Tooth engagement pins 616a, 616b are received within holes formed in body 612 from front to back and are positioned to extend across slots 612d, 612e, respectively.

[0062] The second object blocker 620 includes a body 622 and mating lugs 624 extending from the front surface of the body 622. The body 622 defines cylindrical biasing element receiving holes 622a, 622b extending downward from the top surface of the body 622. The biasing element receiving holes are sized, shaped, oriented, and otherwise configured to partially receive each of the biasing elements 670b, 670a. The underside of the body 622 includes a curved object engaging surface 622c (although this surface may be flat in other embodiments). Both sides of the body 622 define vertically extending slots 622d, 622e. Tooth engagement pins 626a, 626b are received within holes formed in the body 622 from front to back and are positioned to extend across each of the slots 622d, 622e.

[0063] The object barrier 605 is slidably mounted to the second jaw coupler 550. More specifically, as best shown in FIGS. 16A and 16B , the second jaw coupler 550 includes a body 552 and a neck 554 extending upwardly from the center of the body 552. The body 552 and neck 554 form an object barrier mounting slot 556 therethrough. The object barrier 605 is assembled such that the mounting elements 614, 624, the object barrier fastener 650, and the pin 660 extend through the object barrier mounting slot 556. Once assembled, the object barrier 605 is vertically movable relative to the second jaw coupler 550 (and is constrained by the size of the object barrier mounting slot 556) between an (upper) retracted position ( FIG. 19A ) and a (lower) blocking position ( FIG. 19B ). Biasing element retainer 680 is attached to neck 554 of second jaw link 550 via fasteners 690 to restrain biasing elements 670a, 670b, 670c, 670d in place within respective biasing element receiving holes 622b, 622a, 612b, 612a in object blocker 605. Biasing elements 670 bias object blocker 605 into its blocking position.

[0064] The object barrier lift element 630 can operably engage with the object barrier 605 to maintain the object barrier 605 in its retracted position when the seal assembly 500 is in its home position to prevent the object barrier 605 from interfering with the seal elements and straps during strap insertion and tensioning. In this exemplary embodiment, as best shown in FIG. 15C , the object barrier lift element 630 includes a body 632 with an object barrier engagement portion 634 at one end and an opposite free end 636. As described above, the object barrier lift element 630 is pivotally mounted to the rear cover 506 via a pivot pin 640. The object barrier lift element 630 is pivotable relative to the object barrier 605 about the longitudinal axis (not shown) of the pivot pin 640. The object barrier engagement portion 634 is formed in the second object barrier portion 620 of the object barrier 605 and is received in a recess 622f (FIG. 17B) formed in part by the top wall 622w of the second object barrier portion 620. As best shown in FIGS. 19A and 19B, the free end 636 is positioned between the first closure assembly mounting element 390a and the lip 506d of the rear cover 506. The object barrier lift element 630 is pivotable relative to the remainder of the closure assembly 500 between a home position (FIG. 19B) and a raised position (FIG. 19A).

[0065] The object barrier lift element 630 is positioned and configured such that the position of the object barrier lift element 630 partially controls the position of the object barrier 605. Specifically, when the object barrier lift element 630 is in the raised position, the object barrier lift element 630 exerts a force on the object barrier 605 that exceeds the biasing force of the biasing element 670, maintaining the object barrier 605 in its retracted position. Specifically, the surface 634a of the object barrier engagement portion 634 exerts a force on the upper wall 622w of the second object barrier portion 620. Conversely, when the object barrier lift element 630 is in its home position, the object barrier lift element 630 does not exert this force on the object barrier 605, and the object barrier 605 can move between its retracted position and the blocking position. The biasing element 670 biases the object barrier lift element 630 to its home position (i.e., in this embodiment, biases the upper wall 622w into contact with the surface 634a).

[0066] The position of the closure assembly 500 controls the position of the object barrier lift element 630 (and thus, in part, the position of the object barrier 605). As best shown in FIG. 19A , when the closure assembly 500 is in its home position, the first closure assembly mounting element 390a engages the object barrier lift element 630 between its free end 636 and the pivot pin 640, urging the object barrier lift element 630 to its raised position. This, in turn, urges the object barrier 605 to its retracted position (as described above). As the closure assembly 500 moves from its home position to its sealed position, a space is created between the lip 506d and the first closure assembly mounting element 390a. When this space is created, the biasing element 670 urges the object barrier 605 toward its sealed position. This causes the object barrier lift element 630 to pivot such that the object barrier lift element 630 maintains contact with the first closure assembly mounting element 390a. FIG. 19B shows the object barrier lift element 630 and the object barrier 605 after they have reached their home and blocking positions.

[0067] When the object barrier 605 is in its blocking position and the jaws 530, 534, 538, and 542 are in their home positions, the object barrier 605 and the jaws are in the blocking configuration. When these components are in the blocking configuration, the object barrier 605 occupies most of the sealing element receiving space (not labeled) formed between the pair of jaws 530, 538 and the pair of jaws 534, 542 and beneath the jaw couplers 546, 550, 566, and 567. As described in detail below, in response to the application of a force sufficient to overcome the biasing force of the biasing element 670, the object barrier 605 moves from its blocking position to its retracted position and remains there until the force is removed. When in the retracted position, the object barrier 605 is not positioned within the sealing element receiving space so that the sealing element and strap can be positioned there for sealing.

[0068] A sealing cycle (described below) is initiated with the object barrier 605 and jaws 530, 534, 538, 542 in the blocking configuration, and the jaws are configured to move the object barrier 605 toward its retracted position to avoid damaging the jaw assembly 520 or any other components of the strapping tool 50 during the sealing cycle. Specifically, when the object barrier 605 is in its blocking position, the upper teeth 530b, 534b, 538b, 542b of the jaws 530, 534, 538, 542 are adjacent to the pins 626b, 626a, 616b, 616a, respectively, of the object barrier 605. As the jaws begin to pivot from their home positions to their sealing positions, the upper teeth engage their respective pins. As the jaws continue to move to their sealing positions, the upper teeth apply sufficient force to the pins to overcome the biasing force of the biasing element 670, moving the object barrier 605 toward its retracted position. As this occurs, the lower teeth enter slots formed in the sides of object blocker 605. Figure 18C shows the jaws in their sealing position after moving the object blocker towards its retracted position.

[0069] One challenge with certain known strapping tools that use jaws to crimp or score the strap and (if applicable) sealing element is that foreign objects can (unintentionally) enter the space between the jaws instead of or in addition to the strap and (if applicable) sealing element. This is problematic for several reasons. The object can interfere with the operation of the strapping tool, and the bond formed through the attachment of the overlapping strap portions to one another can be less than optimal in strength, which can result in unexpected bond failure and product loss. Additionally, the object can damage the jaws and / or other components of the sealing assembly during the sealing process, which would require tool repair and disruption. Furthermore, the sealing assembly can damage or destroy the object.

[0070] The object blocking assembly of the present disclosure solves this problem by expelling foreign objects from the seal element receiving space between the jaws and preventing foreign objects from unintentionally entering the seal element receiving space between the jaws. Specifically, if a loose foreign object, such as a screwdriver shaft, is in the seal element receiving space between the jaws when the sealing assembly reaches its sealing position, the object blocking body will push the object out of the seal element receiving space as the object blocking body moves from its retracted position to its blocking position. When the object blocking body reaches its blocking position, there is a minimum clearance between the object blocking body and the lower teeth of the jaws, thereby preventing foreign objects from entering the seal element receiving space between the jaws.

[0071] As shown in FIGS. 20A-20C, the first, second, and third jaw couplers 546, 550, 566 include respective support surfaces 546s, 552s, 566s configured to support the seal element during a sealing cycle. In this exemplary embodiment, the support surfaces 546s, 552s, 566s are planar and parallel to one another. The support surfaces 546s, 552s, 566s support the seal element during a sealing cycle. In this exemplary embodiment, as best shown in FIGS. 20B and 20C, the support surfaces 546s, 566s of the first and third jaw couplers 546, 566 are coplanar, while the support surface 552s of the second jaw coupler 550 is offset below the support surfaces 546s, 566s by a distance Y. In other words, the support surface 552s of the second jaw coupler 550 is below the support surfaces 546s, 566s of the first and third jaw couplers 546, 566. The lower support surface of the second jaw coupler helps prevent the sealing element SE from bending along the length of the strap (into and out of the page from FIGS. 20B, 20C, respectively) while the sealing cycle is complete.

[0072] Although not shown here, the cutter is positioned within a recess formed in rear cover 506 (best seen in FIG. 15B), is movable within the recess, and is attached to coupler pivot 524. Downward movement of coupler pivot 524 causes coupler pivot 524 to push the cutter downward to cut the strap from the strap supply, and upward movement of coupler pivot 524 causes the cutter to move back upward.

[0073] 3B and 21-23B, the drive assembly 700 is operably coupled to the tensioning assembly 400 and configured to rotate the tensioning wheel 440 to tension the strap, and is operably coupled to the sealing assembly 500 to attach overlapping portions of the strap to one another. The drive assembly 700 includes a working assembly actuator 710, a first transmission 720, a second transmission 730, a first belt 740, a third transmission 750, a second belt 760, and a conversion assembly 800.

[0074] In this exemplary embodiment, working assembly actuator 710 includes a motor (referred to herein as motor 710), specifically a brushless DC motor including a motor output shaft 712 having a motor output shaft axis of rotation 712a (although motor 710 can be any other suitable type of motor in other embodiments). Motor 710 is operably coupled (via motor output shaft 712) to and configured to drive first transmission 720, which in turn is configured to selectively transmit the output of motor 710 to either tensioning assembly 400 or sealing assembly 500 (as described below). In other embodiments, the strapping tool includes separate tension and sealing actuators, each configured to actuate the tensioning assembly and the sealing assembly, rather than a single actuator configured to actuate both the tensioning assembly and the sealing assembly.

[0075] First transmission 720 includes any suitable gearing and / or other components configured to selectively transmit the output of motor 710 to second transmission 730 via first belt 740 and to third transmission 750 via second belt 760. More specifically, first transmission 720 is configured such that (1) rotation of motor output shaft 712 in a first rotational direction causes first transmission 720 to transmit the output of motor 710 to second transmission 730 via first belt 740 but not to third transmission 750, and (2) rotation of motor output shaft 712 in a second rotational direction opposite the first rotational direction causes first transmission 720 to transmit the output of motor 710 to third transmission 750 via second belt 760 but not to second transmission 730. Thus, in this embodiment, a single motor (motor 710) is configured to operate both the tension and seal assemblies 400,500.

[0076] To achieve this selective transmission of motor output, the first transmission 720 includes a first belt pulley (or other suitable component) (not labeled) mounted on a first freewheel (not labeled) mounted on the motor output shaft 712 and a second belt pulley (or other suitable component) (not labeled) mounted on a second freewheel (not labeled) mounted on the motor output shaft 712. The first belt pulley is operably coupled to the second transmission 730 (via a first belt 740), and the second belt pulley is operably coupled to the third transmission 750 (via a second belt 760). When the motor output shaft 712 rotates in a first direction, (1) the first freewheel and first belt pulley rotate with the motor output shaft 712, thereby transmitting motor power to the second transmission 730 via the first belt 740, and (2) the motor output shaft 712 rotates freely through the second freewheel, which does not rotate the second belt pulley. Conversely, when the motor output shaft 712 rotates in a second direction, (1) the second freewheel and second belt pulley rotate with the motor output shaft 712, thereby transmitting motor power to the third transmission 750 via the second belt 760, and (2) the motor output shaft 712 rotates freely through the first freewheel, which does not rotate the first belt pulley. This is just one exemplary embodiment of the first transmission 720, and other embodiments may include any other suitable components.

[0077] The second transmission 730 is configured to transmit the output of the first transmission 720 to the tensioning assembly 400, thereby rotating the tensioning wheel 440. More specifically, the second transmission 730 is configured to transmit the output of the first transmission 720 to the tensioning assembly gearing 420 of the tensioning assembly 400, thereby rotating the tensioning wheel shaft 428b and the tensioning wheel 440 thereon. In response, the motor 710 is operably coupled to the tensioning wheel 440 (via the first transmission 720, the first belt 740, the second transmission 730, the tensioning assembly gearing 420, and the tensioning wheel shaft 428b) and is configured to rotate the tensioning wheel 440. In this exemplary embodiment, second transmission 730 includes an intermediate gearing 732 positioned, oriented, and otherwise configured to engage driven gear 421 of tensioning assembly gearing 420 of tensioning assembly 400, regardless of the rotational position of tensioning assembly 400, to transmit the output of motor 710 to tensioning assembly gearing 420 to rotate tension wheel 440. Intermediate gearing 732 is positioned and otherwise configured to maintain an operable connection between motor 710 and tensioning assembly 400 as tensioning assembly 400 pivots between its strap tensioning position and strap insertion position.

[0078] Specifically, as best shown in FIG. 21 , the intermediate gearing 732 includes a first intermediate gear 732a and a second intermediate gear 732b. The first and second intermediate gears 732a, 732b are rotatably mounted (via bearings or any other suitable components) to the tensioning assembly pivot shaft 405 and are rotatable about the tensioning assembly pivot axis 405a. That is, the first and second intermediate gears 732a, 732b rotate about the same axis about which the tensioning assembly 400 pivots between its strap tensioning position and its strap insertion position. The first and second intermediate gears 732a, 732b are rotationally fixed relative to one another (e.g., via a spline or keyed connection) and thus rotate together about the tensioning assembly pivot axis 405a. The first belt 740 engages the first intermediate gear 732a, thus driving the first and second intermediate gears 732a, 732b to rotate about the tension assembly pivot axis 405a.

[0079] Intermediate gearing 732 transfers the output of second transmission 730 to tensioning assembly 400. More specifically, second intermediate gear 732b is drivingly engaged with tensioning assembly gearing 420, here driven gear 421, and directly drives tensioning assembly gearing 420, which in turn rotates gear 421 about tension wheel axis of rotation 440a.

[0080] 23A and 23B, the intermediate gearing 732 is rotatable about the tensioning assembly pivot axis 405a so that the distance Z between the tensioning wheel axis of rotation 440a and the tensioning assembly pivot axis 405a does not change within operational tolerances as the tensioning assembly 400 pivots between its strap tensioning position and its strap insertion position. For example, the distance Z between the tensioning wheel axis of rotation 440a and the tensioning assembly pivot axis 405a remains the same, or at least substantially the same (e.g., + / −10%), as the tensioning assembly 400 pivots between its strap tensioning position and its strap insertion position. This ensures that the second intermediate gear 732b maintains its driving engagement with the driven gear 421 throughout the range of travel of the tensioning assembly 400, and that the motor 710 does not operatively disengage from the tensioning assembly 400 as the tensioning assembly 400 pivots. This arrangement improves upon an alternative arrangement (not shown) in which there is no intermediate gearing and the first belt 740 directly drives the driven gear 421 of the tensioning assembly gearing 420. In this alternative arrangement, the distance between the tension wheel axis of rotation 440a and the motor output shaft axis of rotation 712a would decrease as the tensioning assembly 400 pivots from its strap tensioning position to its strap insertion position. This pivoting would create slack in the first belt 740, causing it to slip or completely disengage from the motor output shaft 712 and / or the driven gear 421, thereby causing tool malfunction.

[0081] Third transmission 750 is configured to transfer the output of first transmission 720 to conversion assembly 800. Third transmission 750 may include any suitable components, such as one or more gears and one or more shafts arranged in any suitable manner. In the exemplary embodiment, third transmission 750 includes a third transmission gearing 752 that is rotationally driven by a second belt 760 about a third transmission rotation axis 752 a.

[0082] As best shown in FIGS. 21 and 22 , the tension assembly 400 and the drive assembly 700 define at least four axes of rotation: the motor output shaft axis of rotation 712a, the tension assembly pivot axis 405a, the tension wheel axis of rotation 440a, and the third transmission axis of rotation 752a. In this exemplary embodiment, these four axes of rotation are parallel to one another. These axes are oriented as follows, from left to right as viewed in FIG. 22 : the tension wheel axis of rotation 440a, the motor output shaft axis of rotation, the tension assembly pivot axis 405a, and the third transmission axis of rotation 752a. These axes are oriented as follows, from bottom to top as viewed in FIG. 22 : the tension wheel axis of rotation 440a, the tension assembly pivot axis 405a, the motor output shaft axis of rotation 712a, and the third transmission axis of rotation 752a.

[0083] This arrangement of the rotational axes (and the components that rotate about these axes) allows the motor 710 to directly drive the translation assembly 800 (via the second belt 760) and indirectly drive the tensioning assembly 400 (via the first belt 740 and intermediate gearing 732). This arrangement of the rotational axes also ensures that the distance Z between the motor output shaft rotational axis 712a and the tension wheel rotational axis 440a remains constant within operating tolerances (as described above) as the tensioning assembly 400 pivots about the tensioning assembly pivot axis 405a. This distance Z is shown in FIG. 23A, where the tensioning assembly 400 is in its strap insertion position, and in FIG. 23B, where the tensioning assembly 400 is in its strap tensioning position.

[0084] Conversion assembly 800 is configured to transmit the output of third transmission 750 to sealing assembly 500 to perform a sealing cycle that includes moving the sealing assembly from its home position to its sealing position, moving the jaws of the sealing assembly from their home position to their sealing position to cut the sealing element and strap, moving the jaws back to their home position to release the cut sealing element and strap, and moving the sealing assembly back to its home position. In doing so, in this embodiment, conversion assembly 800 is configured to convert rotational motion (rotation of the shaft and gear) into linear motion (reciprocating translation of the coupler).

[0085] The conversion assembly 800 is best seen in FIGS. 24A-26H and includes a drive wheel 810, a bearing 815, a joint 820, and a retainer 850.

[0086] As best shown in Figure 24B, the drive wheel 810 includes a generally cylindrical base 812 and a disk-shaped head 814 at one end of the base 812. The base 812 and head 814 are aligned with the drive wheel axis of rotation A. 810 The drive wheel is placed at the center of the axis of rotation A 810 The joint drive shaft 816 extends from the head 814 and is rotatable about a joint rotation axis A. 820 The joint drive shaft 816 is positioned at the center of the joint rotation axis A. 820 is the driving wheel rotation axis A 810 The nozzles 812 are positioned about the periphery of the head 814 so as to be radially spaced from the nozzles 812 .

[0087] The joint 820 includes a first link 830 and a second link 840. The first link 830 includes a body 832 having a head and an opposing foot. A joint drive shaft mounting opening 834 is formed through the head of the body 832. A first support engagement portion 836 extends radially from the head of the body 832. The foot of the body 832 includes one or more (here, two) stop fingers 838. A second support engagement portion 839 (here, a roller) is mounted between the stop fingers 838. The second link 840 includes a body 842 having a head and an opposing foot. A coupler mounting opening 844 is formed through the foot of the body 842. Near the head, the body 842 includes a stop element 848 including one or more (here, two) stop surfaces 848a. The first and second links 830, 840 are coupled to one another via a pivot 822 extending between the foot of the body 832 of the first link 830 and the head of the body 842 of the second link 840. The first and second links 830, 840 are pivotable relative to one another about the pivot 822. When coupled, the head of the body 832 of the first link 830 forms the head (hereinafter referred to as such) of the joint 820, and the foot of the body 842 of the second link 840 forms the foot (hereinafter referred to as such) of the joint 820.

[0088] As best shown in FIG. 3A , the base 812 of the drive wheel 810 is journalled to the drive and translation assembly mounting element 340 of the support 300 via a bearing 815, which in this exemplary embodiment is a roller bearing, so that the drive wheel 810 is aligned with the drive wheel rotation axis A. 810 24A , the joint drive shaft 816 of the drive wheel 810 is received in a joint drive shaft mounting opening 834 in the first link 830 of the joint mounting portion 820 to mount the joint 820 to the drive wheel 810. A retaining ring 850 is inserted into a groove (not labeled) formed around the circumference of the joint drive shaft 816 to retain the joint 820 on the drive wheel 810. Once mounted, the joint 820 rotates about the joint rotation axis A. 820 8. The drive wheel 810 is rotatable about the center of gravity of the drive wheel 810.

[0089] Although not shown, the third transmission 750 is operatively coupled (such as via a shaft and appropriate gearing) to the drive wheel 810 and is oriented along the drive wheel rotation axis A. 810 The foot of joint 820 is pivotally coupled to coupler 522 of seal assembly 500 via a pin (not labeled) extending through coupler mounting opening 844, as best shown in FIGS. 3A, 24A, and 24B, such that joint 820 rotates about axis A. 844 (FIG. 24A) relative to coupler 522. Accordingly, motor 710 is operatively coupled to seal assembly 500 (via third transmission 750, second belt 760 and translation assembly 800) and configured to control seal assembly 500 to perform a sealing cycle, as described below.

[0090] More specifically, rotation of the motor output shaft 712 of the motor 710 in the second rotational direction rotates the second belt pulley of the first transmission 720. The second belt 760 transmits the output of the first transmission 720 (in this case, the rotation of the second belt pulley) to the third transmission 750, which in turn transmits the output of the first transmission 720 to the conversion assembly 800. More specifically, the third transmission 750 transmits the output of the first transmission 720 to a drive wheel 810 of the conversion assembly 800, which thereby rotates the drive wheel 810 about a drive wheel rotation axis A. 810 , carrying the joint 820 with it.

[0091] The drive wheel 810 has a home position and a sealing position. In some embodiments, the sensor 1700 includes a home position sensor configured to detect when the drive wheel 810 is in its home position and communicate this to the controller 1300. As best shown in FIGS. 25A and 26A , when the drive wheel 810 is in its home position, the feet of the joint 820 are in their home position (which, in this exemplary embodiment, is their top-most position), the sealing assembly 500 is in its home position, and the jaws 530, 534, 538, 542 are in their respective home positions. To initiate a sealing cycle, the drive wheel 810 begins to rotate (counterclockwise in this exemplary embodiment) from its home position to its sealing position. As the drive wheel 810 rotates from its home position to its sealing position, the joint 820 exerts a force on the coupler 522, which causes the coupler to move the sealing assembly 500 from its home position toward its sealing position.

[0092] After the seal assembly 500 reaches its sealing position (and before the drive wheel 810 reaches its sealing position), the drive wheel 810 continues to rotate toward its sealing position, causing the coupler 522 to move toward the jaws relative to the front and back plates 502, 506 of the seal assembly 500 (guided by the coupler pivots 524 received in slots formed in the back plates). This causes the upper ends of the first and second coupler / jaw joints 526, 528 to move downward, which in turn causes the lower ends of the first and second coupler / jaw joints 526, 528 to move upward. This causes the upper portions of the jaws to move outward. This causes the lower portions of the jaws to move inward. In other words, this causes the jaws to pivot from their home positions to their sealing positions. The jaws are in their sealing positions when the feet of the joints 820 reach their sealing position (which, in this exemplary embodiment, is their lowermost position) and the drive wheel 810 reaches its sealing position, as shown in FIGS. 25B and 26F . As the drive wheel 810 continues to rotate back to its home position, it reverses the movement described above, causing the jaws to move from their sealing position back to their home position, and then the sealing assembly to move back to its home position.

[0093] The components of conversion assembly 800 are sized, shaped, positioned, oriented, and otherwise configured to change the distance between the head and foot of the joint during a sealing cycle. In other words, the components of conversion assembly 800 change the effective length of joint 820, in this exemplary embodiment, axis A, during a sealing cycle to move sealing assembly 500 quickly toward its sealed position (by increasing the effective length of joint 820) and then move back toward its original position after notching (by decreasing the effective length of joint 820). 820 and A 844 25A and 25B, the minimum effective length of joint 820 is D MIN and the maximum effective length of the joint 820 is D MAX is.

[0094] 26A-26H illustrate how the components of conversion assembly 800 cooperate to vary the effective length of joint 820 during a sealing cycle. At the start of a sealing cycle, drive wheel 810 and the feet of joint 820 are in their home positions, and the effective length of joint 820 is D, as shown in FIG. MIN The drive wheel 810 begins to rotate from its home position to its sealed position, carrying the joint 820 with it. As shown in FIG. 26B, this brings the second support engagement portion 839 into contact with the second joint engagement portion 394. Continuing to rotate the drive wheel 810 causes the first link 830 to rotate counterclockwise (from the perspective shown in FIGS. 26A-26H) relative to the drive wheel 810 and the second link 840, which causes the effective length of the joint 820 to reach its maximum D, as shown in FIGS. 26C-26E. MAX As shown in FIG. 26E, the effective length of the joint 820 increases to its maximum D MAX, the stop finger 838 of the first link engages the stop surface 848a of the stop element 848 of the second link 848, thereby preventing further rotation of the first link 830 relative to the second link 840, and the second support engagement portion 839 disengages the second joint engagement portion 394. In this exemplary embodiment, the seal assembly 500 reaches its sealed position and the jaws engage when the effective length of the joint 820 reaches its maximum D MAX , the electrodes begin to move from their original positions to their sealed positions before reaching

[0095] The effective length of the joint 820 is D MAX As drive wheel 810 continues to rotate toward its sealing position after reaching D, joint 820 maintains its effective length as the jaws continue to move from their original position to their sealing position. In this exemplary embodiment, the jaws rotate until the effective length of joint 820 reaches its maximum D. MAX , and begins to contact the sealing element (as described in detail below). FIG. 26F shows the drive wheel 810 in its sealing position, at which point the jaws have also reached their sealing position and are cutting into the sealing element and strap. The drive wheel 810 then continues to rotate, bringing the first support engagement portion 836 into contact with the first joint engagement portion 392 of the base 300, as shown in FIG. 26G. As the drive wheel 810 continues to rotate back to its home position, the engagement between the first support engagement portion 836 and the first joint engagement portion 392 causes the first link 830 to rotate clockwise relative to the drive wheel 810 and the second link 140. This relative rotation of the first link 830 causes the effective length of the joint 820 to increase by D 1 / 2 by the time the drive wheel 810 reaches its home position, as shown in FIG. 26H. MAX From D MIN In this exemplary embodiment, sealing assembly 500 reduces the effective length of joint 820 to its minimum D MIN At the same time, it reaches its original position.

[0096] The timing of the movement of the seal assembly 500 and jaws relative to the rotation of the drive wheel 810 and the change in the effective length of the joint 820 may vary in other embodiments. For example, in another embodiment, the seal assembly 500 may rotate until the effective length of the joint 820 reaches its maximum D MAX , the jaws reach their sealing position, after which they begin to move into their sealing position.

[0097] The variable joint effective length during the sealing cycle provides several advantages over prior art tools with joints having fixed effective lengths. Because the sealing assembly reaches its sealing position shortly after the start of the sealing cycle, a joint drive shaft with more travel (compared to prior art tools) is used to cut into the seal element and strap as the drive wheel rotates from its home position to its sealing position. This means less force is required to make the cut. As a result, the jaw assembly components, such as jaws, gears, links, and the like, are lighter (and in some cases smaller) than those of prior art tools, making the tool lighter (and in some cases more compact) and therefore easier to handle. Because less force is required to make the cut, the motor must provide less torque than prior art tools, meaning the motor draws less current and is more efficient than prior art tools. This also allows the motor to move faster than prior art tools, thereby increasing the speed of the sealing cycle.

[0098] The display assembly 1300 includes a suitable display screen 1310 with a touch panel 1320. The display screen 1310 is configured (at least in this embodiment) to display information related to the strapping tool, and the touch screen 1320 is configured to receive operator inputs such as desired strap tension, desired weld cooling time, and so forth as are known in the art. A display controller (not shown) may control the display screen 1310 and the touch panel 1320 and, in these embodiments, is communicatively connected to the controller 1300 for sending signals to and receiving signals from the controller 1300. Other embodiments of the strapping tool do not include a touch panel. Still other embodiments of the strapping tool do not include a display assembly.

[0099] Actuation assembly 1400 is configured to receive operator input to initiate the tensioning and sealing cycle operations. In this exemplary embodiment, actuation assembly 1400 includes first and second push button actuators 1410, 1420 that initiate the tensioning and / or sealing cycles as described below, depending on the operational mode of strapping tool 50. Other embodiments of strapping tool 50 do not have actuation assembly 1400, and instead incorporate its functionality into display assembly 1300. For example, in one of these embodiments, two regions of the touch panel form virtual buttons with the same functionality as the mechanical push button actuators.

[0100] The controller 1600 includes a processing unit communicatively coupled to a storage device. For example, the controller may be a programmable logic controller. The processing unit may include any suitable processing unit, such as, but not limited to, a general-purpose processor, a special-purpose processor, a digital signal processor, one or more microprocessors, one or more microprocessors associated with a digital signal processor core, one or more application-specific integrated circuits, one or more field-programmable gate array circuits, one or more integrated circuits and / or state machines. The storage unit may include any suitable storage unit, such as, but not limited to, read-only memory, random access memory, one or more digital registers, cache memory, one or more semiconductor storage devices, magnetic media such as integrated hard disks and / or removable memory, magneto-optical media, and / or optical media. The storage unit stores instructions executable by the processing unit to control the operation of the strapping tool 50. The controller 1600 is communicatively and operably coupled to the motor 710, the display assembly 1300, the actuation assembly 1400, and the sensor 1700 and configured to receive signals from and control these components. The control device 1600 may also be capable of communicatively connecting to external devices, such as computing devices (e.g., via WiFi, Bluetooth, near field communication, or other suitable wireless communication protocols), to send information to and receive information from the external devices.

[0101] The controller 1600 is configured to operate the strapping tool in one of three operating modes: (1) a manual operating mode, (2) a semi-automatic operating mode, and (3) an automatic operating mode. In the manual operating mode, the controller 1600 operates the motor 710 to rotate the tension wheel 440 in response to the first push button actuator 1410 being actuated and maintained in its actuated state. The controller 1600 operates the motor 710 to rotate the tension wheel 440 in response to the second push button actuator 1420 being actuated, causing the closure assembly 500 to go through a sealing cycle. In the semi-automatic operating mode, the controller 1600 operates the motor 710 to rotate the tension wheel 440 in response to the first push button actuator 1410 being actuated and maintained in its actuated state. When the controller 1600 determines that the tension in the strap has reached the desired (preset) strap tension, the controller 1600 automatically (without requiring additional input from the operator) operates the motor to cause the closure assembly 500 to go through a sealing cycle. In the automatic operating mode, the controller 1600 operates the motor 710 to rotate the tension wheel 440 in response to actuation of the first push button actuator 1410. When the controller 1600 determines that the tension in the strap has reached the desired (preset) strap tension, the controller 1600 automatically operates the motor to cause the sealing assembly 500 to perform a sealing cycle (without requiring additional input from the operator).

[0102] Power supply 1500 is electrically connected (via appropriate wiring and other components) to and configured to power several components of strapping tool 50, including motor 710, display assembly 1300, actuation assembly 1400, controller 1600, and sensor 1700. Power supply 1500 is a rechargeable battery (such as a lithium-ion or nickel-cadmium battery) in this exemplary embodiment, but may be any other suitable power source in other embodiments. Power supply 1500 is sized, shaped, and otherwise configured to be received within a receptacle (not labeled) formed by housing 100. Strapping tool 50 includes one or more battery locking devices (not shown) for releasably locking power supply 1500 in place upon receipt into the receptacle. Activating a release device on strapping tool 50 or power supply 1500 unlocks power supply 1500 from housing 100, allowing an operator to remove power supply 1500 from housing 100.

[0103] Use of the strapping tool 50 to perform a strapping cycle, including (1) a tensioning cycle in which the strapping tool 50 tensions the strap S around the load L, and (2) a sealing cycle in which the strapping tool 50 cuts the seal elements SE positioned around the top and bottom overlaps of the strap S as well as both the top and bottom of the strap itself, severing the strap from the strap supply, is described in accordance with FIGS. 28A-28C. Initially, the tensioning assembly 400 is in its strap insertion position (held there by the retainer 1810), the sealing assembly 500 is in its home position, the jaws are in their respective home positions, the object barrier 605 is in its retracted position, the drive wheel 810 is in its home position, the rocker lever 910 is in its actuated position, and the gate 1010 is in its strap insertion position. The strapping tool 50 is in automatic mode for purposes of this example.

[0104] The operator first pulls the leading end of the strap S from a strap supply (not shown) and threads it through the sealing element SE. While holding the sealing element SE, the operator wraps the strap around the load L, positions the leading end of the strap S under another portion of the strap S, and again threads the leading end of the strap S through the sealing element SE. The sealing element SE is then positioned around the overlapping top and bottom portions of the strap S. The operator then bends the leading end of the strap S back and slides the sealing element SE along the strap S until it contacts the bend. Figure 27 shows the position of the bend and the sealing element SE at this point.

[0105] The operator then guides the top of the strap S behind the sealing element SE into the strap-receiving opening so that the top of the strap S is between the tension wheel 440 and the roller 380 of the foot 320 of the support 300. The operator then manually pulls on the strap S to remove slack, and pushes the strapping tool 50 toward the sealing element SE until the sealing element SE engages the gate 1010 and is captured between the bottom bend of the strap S and the gate 1010. At this point, the sealing element SE is below the object barrier 605, as shown in FIG.

[0106] The operator then activates the first push button actuator 1410 to begin the strapping cycle. In response, the controller 1600 initiates the tensioning cycle by controlling the motor 710, causing the motor output shaft 712 to begin rotating in a first rotational direction, which in turn causes the tensioning wheel shaft 428b and the tensioning wheel 440 thereon to begin rotating. The rotation of the tensioning wheel shaft 428b causes the retainer 1810 to rotate to its release position. As this occurs, the tensioning assembly biasing element urges the tensioning assembly 400 toward its strap tensioning position. This causes the tensioning wheel 440 to engage the top of the strap S and pinch it between the rollers 380. The bottom of the strap S is now below the foot 320. Moving the tensioning assembly 400 back to the strap tensioning position returns the gate 1010 to its original position, where it is just touching or just above the top of the strap.

[0107] As the tension wheel 440 rotates, it pulls on the top of the strap S, thereby tensioning the strap S around the load L. Throughout the tensioning cycle, the controller 1600 monitors the current drawn by the motor 710. When this current reaches a set value that correlates to the desired (preset) strap tension for this strapping cycle, the controller 1600 stops the motor 710, thereby ending the tensioning cycle.

[0108] The controller 1600 then automatically initiates the sealing cycle by controlling the motor 710 so that the motor output shaft 712 begins to rotate in the second rotational direction. As described in detail above, this causes the sealing assembly 500 to move to its sealing position. As the sealing assembly 500 moves to its sealing position, the object barrier lift element 630 releases and moves the object barrier 605 toward its blocking position. The object barrier 605 contacts the seal element SE and is pressed into place by the seal element SE, as shown in FIG. 28B . The sealing assembly 500 is positioned relative to the seal element SE such that the seal element SE is within the seal element receiving space of the sealing assembly 500 when the seal element SE is in its sealing position. After the sealing assembly 500 reaches its sealing position, the jaws (1) pivot from their respective home positions to their respective sealing positions to score the top and bottom of the seal element SE and the strap S within the seal element SE, as shown in FIG. 28C, and then (2) pivot back from their respective sealing positions to their respective home positions so that the strapping tool 50 can be removed from the strap S. FIG. 29 shows the seal element SE and strap S with the scores made.

[0109] The sealing assembly includes jaws configured to cut into the seal element to attach the two portions of the strap thereto, although the sealing assembly may include other sealing mechanisms in other embodiments, such as a friction welding assembly or a sealless attachment assembly.

[0110] Other embodiments of the strapping tool may include fewer assemblies, components, and / or features than those included in the strapping tool 50 described and illustrated above. For example, other strapping tools may include fewer than (including only one of), and any combination of two or more of, the translation assembly, object intercepting assembly, holding assembly, holding activation assembly, intermediate gearing, double oscillating rocker lever, rocker lever with intercepting finger, separation assembly, jaw coupler with offset support surface, and gate assembly. In other words, while the particular example strapping tool 50 described above includes all of these assemblies, components, and features, they are independent of one another and may be included in other strapping tools, singly or in any combination of two or more.

[0111] Various embodiments of the strapping tool include a support including a foot; a tensioning assembly mounted to the support and pivotable relative to the foot of the support about a tensioning assembly pivot axis between a strap tensioning position and a strap insertion position, the tensioning assembly including a rotatable tensioning wheel shaft, a tensioning wheel mounted on the tensioning wheel shaft for rotation therewith, and a tensioning assembly gearing operably connected to the tensioning wheel shaft for rotating the tensioning wheel about a tensioning wheel axis of rotation spaced from the tensioning assembly pivot axis; an intermediate gearing rotatable about the tensioning assembly pivot axis and operably connected to the tensioning assembly gearing for driving the tensioning assembly gearing; and a rocker lever mounted to the tensioning assembly and pivotable relative to the tensioning assembly and about a rocker lever pivot axis between a home position and an intermediate position, the tensioning assembly pivot axis being different from the rocker lever pivot axis, the rocker lever being configured to move the tensioning assembly relative to the support and from the strap tensioning position to the strap insertion position. a rocker lever pivotable about a tensioning assembly pivot axis from an intermediate position to an actuated position to move the tensioning assembly from the strap tensioning position to the strap insertion position, the rocker lever including a blocking means for preventing the tensioning assembly from moving from the strap tensioning position to the strap insertion position when the rocker lever is in the original position; and a separating means for allowing the tension wheel to rotate about the tensioning wheel rotation axis in a direction opposite to the tensioning rotation direction, the rocker lever being operably connected to the separating means for actuating the separating means when pivoted from the original position to the intermediate position. a separating means; and a sealing assembly mounted to the support and movable relative to the support between a sealing assembly home position and a sealing assembly sealed position, the sealing assembly including: first and second spaced apart jaw couplers each including a first and second support surface; a central jaw coupler positioned between the first and second jaw couplers and including a central support surface; a first pair of jaws including opposing first and second jaws pivotable between the first and central jaw couplers and the respective jaw home position and the jaw sealed position;a second pair of jaws including opposing third and fourth jaws pivotable between a respective jaw home position and a jaw sealing position, a strap path being formed between the first and second jaws and the third and fourth jaws and beneath the first support surface, the second support surface, and a central support surface, the central support surface being closer to the strap path than the first and second support surfaces; a sealing assembly operably coupled to the sealing assembly and including a joint configured to move the sealing assembly from the sealing assembly home position to the sealing assembly sealing position and to move the jaws from their respective jaw home positions to their respective jaw sealing positions, the joint including a means for varying an effective length of the joint during movement of the sealing assembly from the sealing assembly home position to the sealing assembly sealing position; drive means for driving the intermediate gearing and the translation assembly; retention means for holding the tensioning assembly in the strap insertion position; and inert means for preventing the retention means from holding the tensioning assembly in the strap insertion position.

[0112] Various embodiments of the strapping tool include a support including a foot; a housing including a handle and forming a shut-off finger opening, the housing at least partially enclosing the support; a tensioning assembly mounted to the support and pivotable relative to the foot of the support about a tensioning assembly pivot axis between a strap tensioning position and a strap insertion position, the tensioning assembly including a rotatable tensioning wheel shaft, a tensioning wheel mounted on the tensioning wheel shaft for rotation therewith, and a tensioning assembly gearing operably coupled to the tensioning wheel shaft for rotating the tensioning wheel about a tensioning wheel axis of rotation spaced from the tensioning assembly pivot axis; an intermediate gearing rotatable about the tensioning assembly pivot axis and operably coupled to the tensioning assembly gearing for driving the tensioning assembly gearing; and a rocker lever mounted to the tensioning assembly and pivotable relative to the tensioning assembly and about a rocker lever pivot axis between a home position and an intermediate position, the tensioning assembly the pivot axis is different from the rocker lever pivot axis, the rocker lever being pivotable relative to the support and about the tension assembly pivot axis from an intermediate position to an actuation position to move the tension assembly from a strap tensioning position to a strap insertion position, the rocker lever including a blocking finger positioned and oriented such that movement of the rocker lever from the home position to the intermediate position causes the blocking finger to enter the housing through the blocking finger opening, the blocking finger preventing movement of the tension assembly from the strap tensioning position to the strap insertion position when the rocker lever is in the home position; a separator assembly operable by virtue of the tension wheel being rotatable about the tension wheel rotation axis in a direction opposite to the tensioning rotation direction, the separator assembly being operably coupled to the separator assembly for actuating the separator assembly when the rocker lever is pivoted from the home position to the intermediate position; and a seal assembly mounted to the support and movable relative to the support between a seal assembly home position and a seal assembly sealing position, the seal assembly including first and second spaced apart jaw couplers, the seal assembly including first and second support surfaces, respectively.a central jaw coupler positioned between the first jaw coupler and the second jaw coupler and including a central support surface; a first pair of jaws including opposing first and second jaws pivotable between a respective jaw home position and a jaw sealing position between the first jaw coupler and the central jaw coupler; and a second pair of jaws including opposing third and fourth jaws pivotable between a respective jaw home position and a jaw sealing position between the central jaw coupler and the second jaw coupler, and a strap path is provided between the first and second jaws and the third and fourth jaws as well as between the first support surface, the second support surface, and the central support surface. a conversion assembly including a closure assembly formed below the surface, the central support surface being closer to the strap path than the first and second support surfaces; and a joint including a first link and a second link connected to each other, the joint being operably coupled to the closure assembly and configured to move the closure assembly from a closure assembly home position to a closure assembly sealed position and to move the jaws from their respective jaw home positions to their respective jaw sealed positions, the first and second links extending along an effective length of the joint during movement of the closure assembly from the closure assembly home position to the closure assembly sealed position. a conversion assembly configured to move relative to one another to change the tension rotation direction; a drive assembly including a motor operably coupled to the intermediate gear set to rotate the intermediate gear set about a tension assembly pivot axis in a tension rotation direction, operably coupled to the conversion assembly and configured to drive the joint; a retainer including a body having a tension wheel shaft engaging portion, the retainer being movable relative to the tension wheel shaft between a released position and a holding position; a retainer biasing element that biases the retainer to the holding position; and a retainer engaging portion movable relative to the retainer between an activated position and an inactivated position, wherein when the tension assembly is in the strap insertion position and the retainer is in the holding position, the tension wheel shaft engaging portion of the retainer engages with the tension wheel shaft of the tension assembly to hold the tension assembly in the strap insertion position, and when the retainer engaging portion is in the inactive position, the retainer engaging portion prevents the retainer from moving to the holding position, and when the retainer engaging portion is in the activated position, the retainer engaging portion can move the retainer to the holding position. Some aspects of the invention are described below. [Aspect 1] In strapping tools, a support including a foot; a tensioning assembly mounted to the support and movable relative to the foot of the support between a strap tensioning position and a strap insertion position, the tensioning assembly including a rotatable tensioning wheel shaft and a tensioning wheel mounted to the tensioning wheel shaft for rotation therewith; a motor operably coupled to the tension wheel shaft and configured to rotate the tension wheel shaft in a first rotational direction; a retainer including a body having a tension wheel shaft engaging portion, the retainer being movable relative to the tension wheel shaft between a release position and a retained position; a retainer biasing element for biasing the retainer to the retaining position; When the tensioning assembly is in the strap insertion position and the retainer is in the holding position, the tension wheel shaft engaging portion of the retainer engages with the tension wheel shaft of the tensioning assembly to hold the tensioning assembly in the strap insertion position. [Aspect 2] 2. The strapping tool of claim 1, wherein when the tensioning assembly is in the strap insertion position and the retainer is in the retaining position, rotation of the tension wheel shaft in the first rotational direction moves the retainer to the release position, thereby enabling the tensioning assembly to move to the strap tensioning position. [Aspect 3] The strapping tool of claim 2, further comprising a tension assembly biasing element that biases the tension assembly to the strap tension position, whereby when the retainer holds the tension assembly in the strap insertion position and subsequently moves to the release position, the tension assembly biasing element moves the tension assembly to the strap tension position. [Aspect 4] A strapping tool as described in claim 3, wherein when the tensioning assembly is in the strap insertion position and the retainer is in the holding position, the tensioning assembly biasing element causes the tensioning wheel shaft to apply a force against the tensioning wheel shaft engagement portion in the direction of the foot portion of the support. [Aspect 5] 5. The strapping tool of claim 4, further comprising a housing at least partially enclosing the support, the tension assembly, and the motor, the retainer being supported by the housing. [Aspect 6] A strapping tool as described in aspect 1, wherein the body of the retainer further includes a biasing element engagement portion, and the retainer biasing element engages with the biasing element engagement portion to bias the retainer to the holding position. [Aspect 7] 2. The strapping tool of claim 1, wherein the retainer biasing element includes a torsion spring, and the retainer is pivotable between the release position and the retaining position. [Aspect 8] 2. The strapping tool of claim 1, wherein the retainer is positioned such that the tension wheel shaft engagement portion engages the tension wheel shaft when the tension assembly is in the strap tensioning position and the retainer is in the released position. [Aspect 9] 2. The strapping tool of claim 1, wherein when the tension assembly is in the strap insertion position and the retainer is in the holding position, the tension wheel shaft engagement portion of the retainer extends below the tension wheel shaft. [Aspect 10] A strapping tool as described in claim 9, wherein the tension wheel shaft engagement portion of the holder is between the foot and the tension wheel shaft when the tension assembly is in the strap insertion position and the holder is in the holding position. [Aspect 11] A strapping tool as described in aspect 1, further comprising a retainer engagement portion movable relative to the retainer between an activated position and an inactivated position, wherein when the retainer engagement portion is in the inactivated position, the retainer engagement portion prevents the retainer from moving to the holding position, and when the retainer engagement portion is in the activated position, the retainer engagement portion allows the retainer to move to the holding position. [Aspect 12] 12. The strapping tool of claim 11, further comprising a retainer activation switch including a head and the retainer engagement portion, the head being operably coupled to the retainer engagement portion for moving the retainer engagement portion between the inactive position and the activated position. [Aspect 13] A strapping tool as described in aspect 12, further comprising a housing at least partially enclosing the support, the tension assembly and the motor, wherein the retainer and the retainer activated switch are supported by the housing, and at least a portion of the head of the retainer activated switch is outside the housing. [Aspect 14] 14. The strapping tool of claim 13, further comprising a retainer activation switch biasing element that resists movement of the retainer engagement portion between the inactive position and the activated position. [Aspect 15] A strapping tool as described in aspect 14, wherein the retainer engagement portion is rotatable between the inactive position and the active position, and the retainer activation switch biasing element includes a spring extending between the retainer engagement portion and the housing. [Aspect 16] In strapping tools, A support; a closure assembly mounted to the support and movable relative to the support between a closure assembly home position and a closure assembly sealing position, the closure assembly including a plurality of jaws movable from respective jaw home positions to respective jaw sealing positions; A conversion assembly including a joint including a first link and a second link coupled to one another, the joint is operably coupled to the closure assembly and configured to move the closure assembly from the closure assembly home position to the closure assembly sealed position and the jaws from their respective jaw home positions to their respective jaw sealed positions; a translation assembly, the first and second links configured to move relative to one another to vary an effective length of the joint while moving the closure assembly from the closure assembly home position to the closure assembly sealed position; a drive assembly operably coupled to the conversion assembly and configured to drive the joint. [Aspect 17] A strapping tool as described in embodiment 16, wherein the conversion assembly further includes a drive wheel including a drive shaft radially spaced from the rotation axis of the drive wheel, the drive assembly being operably connected to the drive wheel and configured to rotate the drive wheel, and the first link of the joint being attached to the drive shaft and pivotable about the drive shaft. [Aspect 18] 18. The strapping tool of claim 17, wherein the second link is operably coupled to the closure assembly. [Aspect 19] 19. The strapping tool of claim 18, wherein the effective length of the joint is a minimum effective length when the first and second links are in a first orientation relative to each other, and a maximum effective length when the first and second links are in a second, different orientation relative to each other. [Aspect 20] 20. The strapping tool of claim 19, wherein a first angle is formed between the first link and the second link when in the first orientation, and a second, larger angle is formed between the first link and the second link when in the second orientation. [Aspect 21] A strapping tool as described in aspect 20, wherein the conversion assembly is attached to the support, the support includes a first joint engagement portion and a second joint engagement portion, and the joint further includes a first support engagement portion and a second support engagement portion. [Aspect 22] A strapping tool as described in aspect 21, wherein the first and second joint engagement portions are positioned so that when the drive wheel rotates from the drive wheel original position toward the drive wheel sealing position, the second support engagement portion engages with the second joint engagement portion, and continued rotation of the drive wheel toward the drive wheel sealing position causes the first link to pivot about the drive shaft and relative to the second link, thereby increasing the effective length of the joint. [Aspect 23] A strapping tool as described in claim 22, wherein the first and second links are in the first orientation when the drive wheel is in the drive wheel home position and in the second orientation when the drive wheel is in the drive wheel sealing position. [Aspect 24] 23. The strapping tool of claim 22, wherein the first and second joint engagement portions are positioned such that when the drive wheel rotates from the drive wheel sealing position toward the drive wheel home position, the first support engagement portion engages with the first joint engagement portion, and continued rotation of the drive wheel causes the first link to pivot about the drive shaft and relative to the second link, thereby reducing the effective length of the joint. [Aspect 25] 25. The strapping tool of claim 24, wherein when the effective length of the joint is the minimum effective length, the closure assembly is in the closure assembly home position and the jaws are in the jaw home position. [Aspect 26] 26. The strapping tool of claim 25, wherein the effective length of the joint is the maximum effective length when the closure assembly is in the closure assembly closing position and the jaws are in the jaw closing position. [Aspect 27] 27. The strapping tool of claim 26, wherein the first link further includes a stop finger and the second link further includes a stop element including a stop surface, and the stop finger engages with the stop surface when the effective length of the joint is the maximum effective length. [Aspect 28] 28. The strapping tool of claim 27, wherein the second support engagement portion disengages from the second joint engagement portion when the effective length of the joint reaches the maximum effective length. [Aspect 29] A strapping tool as described in claim 28, wherein the first and second links are in the first orientation when the drive wheel is in the drive wheel home position and in the second orientation when the drive wheel is in the drive wheel sealing position. [Aspect 30] A strapping tool as described in aspect 16, wherein the second link includes a foot portion of the joint that is coupled to the sealing assembly, and the effective length of the joint includes the distance between the drive shaft of the drive wheel and the foot portion of the joint. [Aspect 31] In strapping tools, A support; a tensioning assembly mounted to the support and pivotable relative to the support about a tensioning assembly pivot axis between a strap tensioning position and a strap insertion position, the tensioning assembly including a tensioning wheel and a tensioning assembly gearing operatively coupled to the tensioning wheel for rotating the tensioning wheel about a tensioning wheel axis of rotation spaced from the tensioning assembly pivot axis; an intermediate gearing rotatable about the tensioning assembly pivot axis and operatively connected to the tensioning assembly gearing for driving the tensioning assembly gearing; a motor operatively connected to the intermediate gearing for rotating the intermediate gearing about the tension assembly pivot axis. [Aspect 32] 32. The strapping tool of claim 31, wherein the tension wheel rotation axis and the tension assembly pivot axis are parallel. [Aspect 33] 33. The strapping tool of claim 32, wherein the distance between the tension wheel rotation axis and the tension assembly pivot axis remains substantially the same as the tension assembly pivots between the strap tension position and the strap insertion position. [Aspect 34] 34. The strapping tool of claim 33, wherein the distance between the tension wheel rotation axis and the tension assembly pivot axis remains the same when the tension assembly pivots between the strap tension position and the strap insertion position. [Aspect 35] 33. The strapping tool of claim 32, wherein the tension assembly gearing includes a driven gear, and the intermediate gearing includes an intermediate gear drivingly engaged with the driven gear. [Aspect 36] A strapping tool as described in embodiment 35, wherein the tension assembly is attached to the support via a tension assembly pivot shaft, and the intermediate gear is attached to the tension assembly pivot shaft and is rotatable relative to the tension assembly pivot shaft. [Aspect 37] 37. The strapping tool of claim 36, wherein the tension wheel rotation axis and the tension assembly pivot axis are parallel. [Aspect 38] 38. The strapping tool of claim 37, wherein the distance between the tension wheel rotation axis and the tension assembly pivot axis remains substantially the same as the tension assembly pivots between the strap tension position and the strap insertion position. [Aspect 39] 39. The strapping tool of claim 38, wherein the distance between the tension wheel rotation axis and the tension assembly pivot axis remains the same when the tension assembly pivots between the strap tension position and the strap insertion position. [Aspect 40] 37. The strapping tool of claim 36, wherein the intermediate gear includes a second intermediate gear, the tensioning assembly gearing further includes a first intermediate gear, the first and second intermediate gears rotate together about the tensioning assembly pivot axis, and the motor is operably coupled to the first intermediate gear to rotate the first and second intermediate gears about the tensioning assembly pivot axis. [Aspect 41] 41. The strapping tool of claim 40, wherein the motor is operably coupled to the first intermediate gear via a belt. [Aspect 42] A strapping tool as described in aspect 41, wherein the motor includes a motor output shaft, and the belt operably connects the motor output shaft to the first intermediate gear to operably connect the motor to the first intermediate gear. [Aspect 43] 43. The strapping tool of claim 42, further comprising a freewheel mounted on the motor output shaft, the belt operably connecting the freewheel to the first intermediate gear to operably connect the motor to the first intermediate gear, the freewheel rotating in a first rotational direction with the motor output shaft and not rotating in a second rotational direction opposite to the first rotational direction with the motor output shaft. [Aspect 44] 44. The strapping tool of claim 43, wherein the tension wheel rotation axis and the tension assembly pivot axis are parallel. [Aspect 45] 45. The strapping tool of claim 44, wherein the distance between the tension wheel rotation axis and the tension assembly pivot axis remains substantially the same when the tension assembly pivots between the strap tension position and the strap insertion position. [Aspect 46] In strapping tools, A support; a tensioning assembly mounted to the support and pivotable relative to the support and about a tensioning assembly pivot axis between a strap tensioning position and a strap insertion position; a rocker lever attached to the tensioning assembly and pivotable relative to the tensioning assembly and about a rocker lever pivot axis between an original position and an intermediate position, the tensioning assembly pivot axis being different from the rocker lever pivot axis; The rocker lever is pivotable relative to the support and about the tensioning assembly pivot axis from the intermediate position to an actuated position to move the tensioning assembly from the strap tensioning position to the strap insertion position. [Aspect 47] 47. The strapping tool of claim 46, wherein the tension assembly pivot axis and the rocker lever pivot axis are parallel. [Aspect 48] 47. The strapping tool of claim 46, wherein the rocker lever includes a body and an arm extending from the body, the body forming a curved slot therethrough, and the strapping tool further includes a pivot pin pivotally connecting the body to the tension assembly, and a travel pin fixedly connected to the tension assembly and extending through the slot to restrain pivoting of the rocker lever relative to the tension assembly between the home position and the intermediate position. [Aspect 49] A strapping tool as described in claim 48, wherein the travel pin is at a first end of the slot when the rocker lever is in the original position and at an opposite second end of the slot when the rocker lever is in the intermediate position. [Aspect 50] 50. The strapping tool of claim 49, wherein the travel pin is at the second end of the slot when the rocker lever is in the actuated position. [Aspect 51] 47. The strapping tool of claim 46, further comprising a rocker lever biasing element that biases the rocker lever to the home position. [Aspect 52] The tensioning assembly includes a tension wheel and a tensioning assembly gearing operatively coupled to the tension wheel for rotating the tension wheel in a tensioning rotation direction about a tension wheel axis of rotation, and the strapping tool includes: a motor operably coupled to the tension assembly gearing for driving the tension assembly gearing; a separation assembly operable to allow the tension wheel to rotate about the tension wheel axis of rotation in a direction opposite to the tension rotation direction; 47. The strapping tool of claim 46, wherein the rocker lever is operably coupled to the separating assembly to actuate the separating assembly when pivoted from the original position to the intermediate position. [Aspect 53] A strapping tool as described in embodiment 52, wherein the separation assembly includes a separation assembly housing attached to the tensioning assembly and having a tubular body rotatable relative to the tensioning assembly, the body including teeth extending around the outer periphery of the body. [Aspect 54] A strapping tool as described in aspect 53, further comprising a rocker lever gear attached to the rocker lever, whereby, when the rocker lever pivots from the original position to the actuated position, the rocker lever gear drivingly engages with the teeth of the body of the separation assembly housing and rotates the separation assembly housing relative to the tension assembly. [Aspect 55] The separation assembly includes: a separation assembly shaft at least partially disposed within the separation assembly housing; a first engageable element at least partially disposed within the separation assembly housing and mounted on the separation assembly shaft for rotation therewith; a second engageable element at least partially disposed within the isolation assembly housing and rotationally fixed relative to the tension assembly; 55. The strapping tool of claim 54, further comprising: an expandable element at least partially disposed within the separation assembly housing and circumscribing at least a portion of the first engageable element and at least a portion of the second engageable element, the expandable element having a first end fixed to the second engageable element and a second end fixed to the separation assembly housing, the static inner diameter of the expandable element being dimensioned such that the expandable element applies a compressive force to the first and second engageable elements preventing the first and second engageable elements from rotating relative to each other. [Aspect 56] A strapping tool as described in aspect 55, wherein rotation of the separation assembly housing via movement of the rocker lever from the original position to the intermediate position causes the second end of the expandable element to rotate relative to the first end of the expandable element, thereby expanding the inner diameter of the expandable element and enabling the first engageable element to rotate relative to the second expandable element. [Aspect 57] 57. The strapping tool of claim 56, wherein the expandable element comprises a torsion spring. [Aspect 58] A strapping tool as described in aspect 56, wherein the tension assembly gear device includes a ring gear having external teeth, the separation assembly shaft includes teeth that mesh with the external teeth of the ring gear, and the separation assembly shaft prevents rotation of the ring gear unless the separation assembly is actuated. [Aspect 59] a housing including a handle and defining a blocking finger opening, the housing at least partially enclosing the support, the rocker lever including a blocking finger; When the rocker lever moves from the original position to the intermediate position, the blocking finger passes through the blocking finger opening and enters the housing; and 47. The strapping tool of claim 46, wherein the blocking finger is positioned and oriented to prevent the tensioning assembly from moving from the strap tensioning position to the strap insertion position when the rocker lever is in the original position. [Aspect 60] A strapping tool as described in embodiment 59, wherein when the rocker lever is in the original position and the tensioning assembly is in the strap tensioning position, the blocking finger engages with the housing and prevents the tensioning assembly from reaching the strap insertion position when the tensioning assembly moves toward the strap insertion position. [Aspect 61] A strapping tool as described in aspect 60, wherein the rocker lever includes a body and an arm extending from the body, the blocking finger portion being transverse to the arm, and the arm including a free end that moves toward the handle when the rocker lever pivots from the original position to the intermediate position. [Aspect 62] In strapping tools, A motor; a seal assembly to which the motor is operatively coupled, first and second spaced apart jaw couplers including first and second bearing surfaces, respectively; a central jaw coupler positioned between the first jaw coupler and the second jaw coupler, the central jaw coupler including a central support surface; a first pair of jaws between the first jaw coupler and the central jaw coupler, the first pair of jaws including opposing first and second jaws pivotable between respective jaw home positions and jaw sealing positions; a sealing assembly including a second pair of jaws between the central jaw coupler and the second jaw coupler, the second pair of jaws including opposing third and fourth jaws pivotable between respective jaw home positions and jaw sealing positions; a strap path is formed between the first and second jaws and the third and fourth jaws and beneath the first support surface, the second support surface, and the central support surface; The trapping tool, wherein the central support surface is positioned closer to the strap path than the first and second support surfaces. [Aspect 63] 63. The strapping tool of claim 62, wherein the first support surface, the second support surface, and the central support surface are planar. [Aspect 64] 64. The strapping tool of claim 63, wherein the central support surface is not coplanar with the first support surface or the second support surface. [Aspect 65] 65. The strapping tool of claim 64, wherein the first and second support surfaces are coplanar. [Aspect 66] 63. The strapping tool of claim 62, wherein the first and second jaws are pivotally connected to the first jaw connector, and the third and fourth jaws are pivotally connected to the second jaw connector. [Aspect 67] 67. The strapping tool of claim 66, wherein the first, second, third, and fourth jaws are pivotally connected to the central jaw connector. [Aspect 68] 68. The strapping tool of claim 67, wherein the first and second jaws are pivotally connected to the first jaw connector, and the third and fourth jaws are pivotally connected to the second jaw connector. [Aspect 69] 69. The strapping tool of claim 68, wherein the first and second jaws are pivotally connected to the second jaw connector, and the third and fourth jaws are pivotally connected to the first jaw connector. [Aspect 70] A strapping tool as described in aspect 69, wherein the sealing assembly further includes a first pivot pin pivotally connecting the first and third jaws to the first jaw linkage, second jaw linkage, and central jaw linkage, and a second pivot pin pivotally connecting the second and fourth jaws to the first jaw linkage, second jaw linkage, and central jaw linkage. [Aspect 71] 63. The strapping tool of claim 62, further comprising a support, the closure assembly being mounted to the support and movable relative to the support between a closure assembly home position and a closure assembly closure position. [Aspect 72] A strapping tool as described in aspect 62, wherein the first support surface, the second support surface, and the central support surface engage the sealing element during a sealing cycle when the jaws move from their respective jaw home positions to their respective jaw sealing positions to make cuts in the sealing element. [Explanation of symbols]

[0113] 50 Strapping Tools 100 Housing 140 Second Link 200 Working Assembly 243c First planetary gear 300 Support 310 Main Unit 320 Foot 330 tension assembly mounting element 340 Conversion assembly mounting element 350 Gate receiving recess 372a Second sealing assembly mounting tongue 372b Second seal assembly mounting tongue 374a Fourth sealing assembly mounting tongue 374b Fourth sealing assembly mounting tongue 380 Laura 390a First closure assembly mounting element 390b Second closure assembly mounting element 392 first joint engagement portion 394 Second joint engagement part 400 Tension Assembly 400s Tension Assembly Actuating Element 405 Tension Assembly Pivot Shaft 405a Tension assembly pivot 410 tension assembly support 420 Tension Assembly Gearing 421 Driven gear 422 First Sun Gear 423a First planetary gear 423b 1st planetary gear 423c 1st planetary gear 424 Career 424a First planetary gear carrier 424b Second sun gear 425 1st ring gear 425it internal teeth 425ot external teeth 426 Spacer 427 Second Ring Gear 427it internal teeth 428 Tension wheel mounting part 428a Second planetary gear carrier 428b Tension wheel shaft 429a Second planetary gear 429b Second planetary gear 429c Second planetary gear 440 tension wheel 440a Tension wheel rotation axis 500 Sealing Assembly 502 Front cover 506 rear cover 506a base 506b First Attached Wing 506c Second attached wing 506d Lips 520 Jaw Assembly 522 Coupler 524 Coupler pivoting part 526 Jaw joint 528 Jaw joint 530 First Jaw 530a Lower teeth 530b upper teeth 534 Second Jaw 534a Lower teeth 534b Upper teeth 538 Third Jaw 538a lower teeth 538b Upper teeth 542 Fourth Jaw 542a lower teeth 542b Upper teeth 546 First Jaw Connector 546s support surface 550 Second jaw connector 552 Main Unit 552s support surface 554 Neck 566 Third Jaw Connector 566s support surface 567 Fourth Jaw Connector 571 First maxillary pivot 572 Second maxillary pivot 573 First mandibular pivot 574 Second mandibular pivot 600 Object Blocking Assembly 605 Object Blocker 610 First object blocking unit 612 Main Unit 612a biasing element receiving hole 612b biasing element receiving hole 612c Object engaging surface 612d Slots 612e Slot 614 Wearing Elements 616a Tooth engagement pin 616b Tooth engagement pin 620 Second Object Blocking Unit 622 Main Unit 622a biasing element receiving hole 622b biasing element receiving hole 622c Object engaging surface 622d Slots 622e Slot 622f Recess 622w upper wall 624 Wearing Elements 626a Tooth engagement pin 626b Tooth engagement pin 630 Object barrier lift element 632 Main Unit 634 Object blocking body engagement part 634a side 636 Free end 640 Pivot pin 650 Object barrier fasteners 660 pins 670 energizing element 670a biasing element 670b biasing element 670c biasing element 670d Actuating element 680 biasing element holder 690 Fasteners 700 Drive Assembly 710 Working Assembly Actuator 712 Motor output shaft 712a Motor output shaft rotating shaft 720 First Transmission 730 Second Transmission 732 Intermediate Gear Device 732a First intermediate gear 732b Second intermediate gear 740 First Belt 750 third gear 752 Third Transmission Gear Unit 752a Third transmission shaft 760 Second Belt 800 Conversion Assembly 810 Drive Wheel 812 base 814 Head 815 Bearings 816 Junction drive shaft 820 Joint 822 Pivot 830 First Link 832 Main Unit 834 Joint drive shaft installation opening 836 first support engaging portion 838 Stop finger 839 Second support engaging portion 840 Second Link 842 Main Unit 844 Connector installation opening 848 Stopping Elements 848a Stop surface 850 retaining ring 900 Rocker lever assembly 910 rocker lever 912 Rocker lever body 912s Travel Pin Slot 914 Rocker lever arm 916 Cutting finger 930 Rocker lever gear 940 Rocker lever pivot pin 950 Rocker Lever Travel Pin 980 Shut-off finger opening 1000 Gate Assembly 1010 Gate 1012 Joint 1014 Joint 1016 Joint 1100 First Handle 1200 Second Handle 1300 Display Assembly 1310 display screen 1320 touchscreen 1400 Actuation Assembly 1410 Button Actuator 1420 Button Actuator 1500 power supply 1600 Control Device 1700 Sensors 1800 Retaining Assembly 1810 Holder 1812 main body 1814 Ear attachment part 1816 Tension wheel shaft engagement part 1818 biasing element engagement portion 1820 Retainer attachment part 1830 retainer biasing element 1900 Separation Assembly 1910 Separation assembly shaft 1912 Main Unit 1912a First end 1912b Second end 1914 First bearing support 1916 Second bearing support 1920 Separate Assembly Housing 1922 Tubular body 1922o opening 1924 teeth 1930 elements 1940 Torsion Spring 1940a First end 1940b Second end 1950 elements 1952 Tubular body 1954 Annular Flange 1954o opening 1960a First bearing 1960b Second bearing 3850 Retainer Activation Assembly 3852 Retainer activation switch 3852a head 3852b shaft 3852c Holder engagement part 3854 Retainer active switch actuation element 3856 First biasing element holder 3858 Second biasing element holder A810 Drive wheel rotation axis A820 Joint Rotating Axis

Claims

1. In strapping tools, a support (300) including a foot (320); a tensioning assembly (400) mounted on the support (300) and movable relative to the foot (320) of the support (300) between a strap tensioning position and a strap insertion position, the tensioning assembly (400) including a rotatable tensioning wheel shaft (428b) and a tensioning wheel (440) mounted on the tensioning wheel shaft (428b) for rotation therewith; a motor (710) operably coupled to the tension wheel shaft (428b) and configured to rotate the tension wheel shaft (428b) in a first rotational direction; a retainer (1810) including a body having a tension wheel shaft engaging portion (1816), the retainer (1810) being movable relative to the tension wheel shaft (428b) between a release position and a retained position; a retainer biasing element (1830) for biasing the retainer (1810) to the retaining position; the body of the retainer (1810) further includes a biasing element engaging portion (1818), and the retainer biasing element (1830) engages the biasing element engaging portion (1818) to bias the retainer (1810) into the retaining position; A strapping tool (50) in which, when the tension assembly (400) is in the strap insertion position and the retainer (1810) is in the holding position, the tension wheel shaft engagement portion (1816) of the retainer (1810) engages with the tension wheel shaft (428b) of the tension assembly (400) to hold the tension assembly (400) in the strap insertion position.

2. 2. The strapping tool of claim 1, wherein when the tensioning assembly is in the strap insertion position and the retainer is in the retaining position, rotation of the tension wheel shaft in the first rotational direction moves the retainer to the release position, thereby allowing the tensioning assembly to move to the strap tensioning position.

3. 3. The strapping tool of claim 2, further comprising a tension assembly biasing element that biases the tension assembly to the strap tensioning position such that the retainer holds the tension assembly in the strap insertion position and then moves to the release position, causing the tension assembly to move to the strap tensioning position.

4. 4. The strapping tool (50) of claim 3, wherein when the tensioning assembly (400) is in the strap insertion position and the retainer (1810) is in the retaining position, the tensioning assembly biasing element (400S) causes the tensioning wheel shaft (428b) to apply a force against the tensioning wheel shaft engagement portion (1816) in the direction of the foot portion (320) of the support (300).

5. 5. The strapping tool (50) of claim 4, further comprising a housing (100) at least partially enclosing the support (300), the tension assembly (400), and the motor (710), wherein the retainer (1810) is supported by the housing (100).

6. 2. The strapping tool (50) of claim 1, wherein the retainer biasing element (1830) comprises a torsion spring, and the retainer (1810) is pivotable between the release position and the retained position.

7. 2. The strapping tool (50) of claim 1, wherein the retainer (1810) is positioned such that the tension wheel shaft engagement portion (1816) engages the tension wheel shaft (428b) when the tension assembly (400) is in the strap tensioning position and the retainer (1810) is in the released position.

8. 2. The strapping tool of claim 1, wherein when the tension assembly is in the strap insertion position and the retainer is in the holding position, the tension wheel shaft engagement portion of the retainer extends below the tension wheel shaft.

9. 9. The strapping tool (50) of claim 8, wherein the tension wheel shaft engagement portion (1816) of the retainer (1810) is between the foot (320) and the tension wheel shaft (428b) when the tension assembly (400) is in the strap insertion position and the retainer (1810) is in the holding position.

10. 2. A strapping tool (50) as described in claim 1, further comprising a retainer engaging portion (3852c) movable relative to the retainer (1810) between an activated position and an inactivated position, wherein when the retainer engaging portion (3852c) is in the inactivated position, the retainer engaging portion (3852c) prevents the retainer (1810) from moving to the holding position, and when the retainer engaging portion (3852c) is in the activated position, the retainer engaging portion (3852c) allows the retainer (1810) to move to the holding position.

11. 11. The strapping tool (50) of claim 10, further comprising a retainer activation switch (3852) including a head and the retainer engagement portion (3852c), the head being operably coupled to the retainer engagement portion (3852c) to move the retainer engagement portion (3852c) between the inactive position and the activated position.

12. 12. The strapping tool (50) of claim 11, further comprising a housing (100) at least partially enclosing the support (300), the tension assembly (400), and the motor (710), wherein the holder (1810) and the holder activation switch (3852) are supported by the housing (100), and at least a portion of the head of the holder activation switch (3852) is outside the housing (100).

13. 13. The strapping tool (50) of claim 12, further comprising a retainer activation switch biasing element (3854) that resists movement of the retainer engagement portion (3852c) between the inactive position and the activated position.

14. 14. A strapping tool (50) as described in claim 13, wherein the retainer engagement portion (3852c) is rotatable between the inactive position and the active position, and the retainer activation switch biasing element (3854) includes a spring extending between the retainer engagement portion (3852c) and the housing (100).

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