Stripping tool

Abstract

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.

Description

Technical Field

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

[0002] The present disclosure relates to a strapping tool, and more particularly to a strapping tool configured to wrap a strap around a load and attach overlapping portions of the strap to each other to form a strap loop around the load.

Background Art

[0003] Battery-powered strapping tools are configured to wrap a strap around a load and attach overlapping portions of the strap to each other to form a strap loop around the load. To use one of these strapping tools to form a strap loop around a load, an operator first pulls the tip of the strap from the 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 (depending on the type of strapping tool) of these overlapping strap portions into the strapping tool and actuates one or more buttons to initiate (1) a tension cycle while the tension assembly pulls the strap around the load and (2) a sealing cycle while the sealing assembly attaches the overlapping strap portions to each other (thereby forming a strap loop around the load) and while the cutting assembly cuts the strap from the strap supply after the tension cycle is complete.

[0004] How the strapping tool attaches the overlapping portions of the strap to each other during the sealing cycle depends on the type of strapping tool and the type of strap. Certain strapping tools configured for plastic straps (such as polypropylene straps or polyester straps) include a friction welder, a heated blade, or an ultrasonic welder configured to attach the overlapping portions of the strap to each other. 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 the overlapping portions of the strap to attach the overlapping portions of the strap to each other. Other strapping tools configured for metal straps include a punch and die configured to form a set of cuts that mechanically interlock in the overlapping portions of the strap to attach the overlapping portions of the strap to each other (referred to in the strapping industry as a "seamless" attachment).

Summary of the Invention

Means for Solving the Problems

[0005] Various embodiments of the present disclosure provide a strapping tool configured to attach the overlapping portions of a strap to each other by stretching a metal strap around a load and, after stretching, making cuts in a seal element positioned around the overlapping portion of the strap and in the overlapping portion of the strap itself.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0006]

FIG. 1A

FIG. 1B

FIG. 2

FIG. 3A

FIG. 3B

FIG. 4A

FIG. 4B

FIG. 4C

FIG. 4D

FIG. 5A

FIG. 5B

FIG. 5C

FIG. 5D

FIG. 6A

FIG. 6B

FIG. 6C

FIG. 6D

FIG. 6E

FIG. 7A

FIG. 7B

FIG. 7C

FIG. 7D

FIG. 8A

FIG. 8B

FIG. 9A

FIG. 9B

FIG. 10

FIG. 11

FIG. 12A

FIG. 12B

FIG. 13

FIG. 14

FIG. 15A

FIG. 15B

FIG. 15C

FIG. 15D

FIG. 16A

FIG. 16B

FIG. 17A

FIG. 17B

FIG. 18A

FIG. 18B

FIG. 18C

FIG. 19A

FIG. 19B

FIG. 20A

FIG. 20B

FIG. 20C

FIG. 21

FIG. 22

FIG. 23A

FIG. 23B

FIG. 24A

FIG. 24B

FIG. 25A

FIG. 25B

FIG. 26A

FIG. 26B

FIG. 26C

FIG. 26D

FIG. 26E

FIG. 26F

FIG. 26G

FIG. 26H

FIG. 27

FIG. 28A

FIG. 28B

FIG. 28C

FIG. 29

Best Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0007] The systems, devices, and methods described herein can be implemented in various forms, but the drawings and this specification show and describe specific exemplary and non-limiting embodiments. Not all of the components shown in the drawings and described herein may be necessary, and certain implementations may include additional, different, or fewer components. Variations in the arrangement and type of components, the shape, size, and material of components, and the method of connecting components can be made without departing from the spirit or scope of the claims. Unless otherwise indicated, any direction referred to herein reflects the orientation of the corresponding illustrated component and does not limit the scope of the disclosure. Further, terms referring to attachment methods such as attached, connected, etc. are not intended to be limited to a direct attachment method, but should be broadly construed to include indirectly operably attached, connected, and similar attachment methods. This specification is intended to be interpreted as a whole in accordance with the principles of the disclosure and as understood by those skilled in the art.

[0008] Figures 1A and 1B show an exemplary embodiment of a strapping tool 50 (which may sometimes be referred to as a "tool" in the detailed description for the sake of brevity) of the present disclosure, a particular assembly, and their components. The strapping tool 50 is configured to perform a strapping cycle that includes (1) a tensioning cycle while the strapping tool wraps a strap (a metal strap in this exemplary embodiment) around a load, and (2) a sealing cycle after the strapping tool has wrapped the strap, in which the strapping tool makes cuts (referred to as "notching" in the strapping industry and the detailed description of this invention) around an overlap of the seal element positioned around the overlap of the strap and the strap itself, thereby attaching the overlaps of the strap to each other and cutting the strap from a strap supply.

[0009] The strapping tool 50 includes a housing 100, a working assembly 200, first and second handles 1100, 1200, a display assembly 1300, an operating assembly 1400, a power supply 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] The housing 100, which is best shown in FIG. 1A, is formed from a plurality of components (not individually labeled) that collectively at least partially surround and / or support some or all of the other assemblies and components of the strapping tool 50. The housing also supports the holding assembly 1800 and the holder activation assembly 3850, as will be described below with reference to FIGS. 8A-14. In this exemplary embodiment, the housing 100 includes a front housing section that at least partially surrounds and / or supports at least a portion of the components of the work assembly 200, the display assembly 1300, and the actuation assembly 1400, a rear housing section that at least partially surrounds and / or supports the power supply 1500 and the control device 1600, and a connector housing section that extends between the bottom of the front housing section and the bottom of the rear housing section 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 section. This is merely an example, and in other embodiments, the components of the strapping tool may be supported and / or surrounded 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 work assembly 200 includes most of the components of the strapping tool 50 configured to perform a strapping cycle to wrap a strap around a load, attach the overlapped portions of the strap to each other, and cut the strap from a strap supply. Specifically, the work assembly 200 includes a support 300, a tension 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] The support 300 is best shown in FIG. 2 and acts as a common mounting part directly or indirectly on the tension assembly 400, the sealing assembly 500, the drive assembly 700, the rocker lever assembly 900, the gate assembly 1000, and the separation assembly 1900. The support 300 also includes components configured to facilitate changing the effective length of the joint 820 of the conversion assembly 800 of the drive assembly 700 during the sealing cycle, as described below in connection with FIGS. 24A-26H.

[0013] The support 300 includes a body 310, a foot 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 conversion 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 the gate 1010 of the gate assembly 1000 and 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 sealing assembly mounting tongues 372a, 372b aligned on one side of the gate receiving recess 350 and third and fourth sealing assembly mounting tongues 374a, 374b aligned on the opposite side of the gate receiving recess 350. Spaced-apart first and second joint engagement portions 392, 394 project from the drive and conversion assembly mounting element 340. A roller 380 is coupled to the foot 320 and is freely rotatable relative to the foot 320.

[0014] The tension assembly 400 is best shown in FIGS. 4A-4D and is configured to tension a strap around a load during a tension cycle. The tension assembly 400 includes a tension assembly support 410, a tension assembly gear device 420, a tension wheel 440 driven by the tension assembly gear device 420, and a cover (not labeled) mounted to the tension assembly support 410 to partially or completely surround certain components of the tension assembly gear device 420 and the tension wheel 440.

[0015] The tension assembly gear device 420 includes a driven gear 421, a first sun gear 422, first planetary gears 423a, 423b, 423c, a carrier 424, a first ring gear 425, a spacer 426, a second ring gear 427, a tension wheel mounting portion 428, and second planetary gears 429a, 429b, 429c. The components of the tension assembly gear device 420 are placed at the center of the tension wheel rotation shaft 440a, and a part of them is rotatable about the tension wheel rotation shaft 440a. The carrier 424 includes a first planetary gear carrier 424a on which the first planetary gears 423a to 423c are rotatably mounted (via their respective bearings and mounting pins, etc.) and a second sun gear 424b that is rotatable together with the planetary gear carrier 424a (integrally formed with the planetary gear carrier 424a here) about the tension wheel rotation shaft 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 that is rotatable together with the second planetary gear carrier 428a (integrally formed with the second planetary gear carrier 428a here) about the tension wheel rotation shaft 440a. The second planetary gears 429a to 429c are rotatably mounted on the second planetary gear carrier 428a (via their respective bearings and mounting pins, etc.).

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

[0017] The tension assembly gear device 420 is mounted on the tension assembly support 410. The second ring gear 427 is rotationally fixed relative to the tension assembly support 410 about the tension wheel rotation axis 440a (i.e., the second ring gear 427 cannot rotate relative to the tension assembly support 410 about the tension wheel rotation axis 440a). In this exemplary embodiment, a pin (the pin is 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) may be used for this purpose. The separation assembly 1900 (except when operating as described below) rotates about the tension wheel rotation axis 440a relative to the tension assembly support 410 to fix the first ring gear 425 (such that the first ring gear cannot rotate relative to the tension assembly support 410 about the tension wheel rotation axis 440a).

[0018] During the tension 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 tension rotation direction (clockwise from the perspective of FIG. 4B in this exemplary embodiment) about the tension wheel rotation axis 440a. The first sun gear 422 drives the first set of planetary gears 423a - 423c. The separation assembly 1900 causes the carrier 424 including the second sun gear 424b to rotate in the tension rotation direction about the tension wheel rotation axis 440a due to the rotation of the planetary gears 423a - 423c to prevent the first ring gear 425 from rotating about the tension wheel rotation axis 440a. The second sun gear 424b drives the second set of planetary gears 429a - 429c. Since the second ring gear 427 cannot rotate about the tension wheel rotation axis 440a, the rotation of the planetary gears 429a - 429c causes the tension wheel mounting portion 428 and the tension wheel 440 mounted thereon to rotate in the tension rotation direction about the tension wheel rotation axis 440a. Accordingly, the tension assembly gear device 420 operably couples the drive assembly 700 to the tension wheel 440 such that the tension wheel 440 rotates in the tension rotation direction about the tension wheel rotation axis 440a.

[0019] The tension assembly 400 is movably mounted to the tension assembly mounting element 330 of the support 300 and is configured to pivot about the tension assembly pivot axis 405a of the tension assembly pivot shaft 405 with respect to the support 300, specifically the foot 320 of the support 300, under the control of the rocker lever assembly 900 (as described below) between a strap tension position (Figs. 7A, 8A, 8B) and a strap insertion position (Figs. 7C, 9A, 9B). When the tension assembly 400 is in the strap tension position, the tension wheel 440 is adjacent to (in this embodiment, in contact with) the roller 380 of the support 300 (or the upper surface of the strap if the strap is inserted within the strapping tool 50). When the tension assembly 400 is in the strap insertion position, the tension wheel 440 is spaced from the roller 380 so that the top of the strap (described below) can be inserted between the tension wheel 440 and the roller 380. The tension assembly biasing element 400s (Fig. 3B), which is a compression spring in this exemplary embodiment but could be any other suitable type of biasing element, biases the tension assembly 400 to the strap tension position.

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

[0021] The separation assembly shaft 1910 includes a body 1912 having a first end 1912a with an irregular cross-section and a second end 1912b with teeth. The first bearing support 1914 extends from the first end 1912a, and the second bearing support 1916 extends from the second end 1912b. The separation assembly housing 1920 includes a tubular body 1922 having teeth 1924 extending around its outer periphery. The body 1922 forms an opening 1922o. The first engagable element 1920 includes a tubular bushing having an inner surface with a cylindrical outer surface and an outer periphery that matches the outer periphery of the first end 1912a of the body 1912 of the separation assembly shaft 1910. The expandable element 1940 includes a torsion spring having a first end 1940a and a second end 1940b. The second engagable 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] The first engagable element 1930 is mounted on the first end 1912a of the body 1912 of the disconnect assembly shaft 1910 so as to rotate therewith and is disposed within the body 1922 of the disconnect assembly housing 1920. The second engagable element 1950 is also disposed within the body 1922 of the disconnect assembly housing 1920 such that the body 1952 of the second engagable element 1950 is adjacent to the first engagable element 1930 and at least a portion of the disconnect assembly shaft 1910 extends through the second engagable element 1950. The expandable element 1940, which is a torsion spring in this exemplary embodiment, is disposed within the body 1922 of the disconnect assembly housing 1920 and circumscribes the bodies 1952 of the first engagable element 1930 and the second engagable element 1950. The outer diameters of the bodies 1952 of the first engagable element 1930 and the second engagable element are substantially the same and equal to or greater than the stationary inner diameter of the torsion spring 1940. This means that the torsion spring 1940 applies a compressive force on the body 1952 of the second engagable element to prevent the first engagable element 1930 and their configuration (and the disconnect assembly shaft 1910) from rotating relative to each other. The first end 1940a of the expandable element 1940 is received within an opening 1954o formed through the flange 1954 of the second engagable element 1950, and the second end 1940b of the expandable element 1940 is received within an opening 1922o formed within the body 1922 of the disconnect assembly housing 1920. Bearings 1960a, 1960b are mounted on respective ones of the first and second bearing supports 1914, 1916 of the disconnect assembly shaft 1910.

[0023] As best shown in FIGS. 3B, 5D, and 6A, the separation assembly 1900 is mounted to the tension assembly support 410 and operably coupled to the tension assembly gear device 420. More specifically, the separation assembly 1900 has a first end 1940a of an expandable element 1940 received within an opening 1954o of a second engagable element 1950 and a flange 1954 of the second engagable element 1950, and is mounted to the tension assembly support 410 via a fastener (not labeled) that rotates relative to the tension assembly support 410 to fix the second engagable element 1950 so as not to be rotatable relative to the tension assembly support 410. Teeth on a second end 1912b of a body 1912 of the separation assembly shaft 1910 mesh with external teeth 425ot of a first ring gear 425 of the tension assembly gear device 420 of the tension assembly 400. Since the body 1952 is rotationally fixed relative to the tension assembly support 410 and the separation assembly shaft 1910 is rotationally fixed together with the first engagable element 1930, the separation assembly shaft 1910 is rotationally fixed relative to the tension assembly housing 410. Since the teeth on the second end 1912b engage the external teeth 425ot of the first ring gear 425 of the tension assembly gear device 420, the separation assembly 1900 prevents the first ring gear 425 from rotating about the tension wheel rotation axis 440a.

[0024] The separation assembly 1900 is operable to remove the connection between the torsion spring 1940 and the first engagable element 1930 such that the first engagable element 1930 and the separation assembly shaft 1910 can rotate relative to the second engagable element 1930 (by means of a rocker lever assembly 900 as described below). As described above, the second engagable 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 engagable element 1950) are rotationally fixed relative to the tension assembly support 410. To remove the connection between the torsion spring 1940 and the first engagable element 1930, the separation assembly housing 1920 is rotated relative to the tension assembly support 410, the first end 1940a of the torsion spring 1940, and the second engagable element 1950. The second end 1940b of the torsion spring 1940 is received within an opening 1922o formed within the body 1922 of the separation assembly housing 1920 and rotates with the separation assembly housing 1920. When this occurs, the inner diameter of the torsion spring 1940 begins to expand near its second end 1940b and ultimately expands sufficiently such that the first engagable element 1930 and the separation assembly shaft 1910 can rotate relative to the second engagable element 1950 (and the torsion spring 1940) (thereby reducing or completely removing the compressive force).

[0025] When the tension cycle is completed, the tension wheel 440 holds a significant amount of tension within the strap, and the strap applies a reaction force (or torque) to the tension wheel 440 in a direction opposite to the tension direction. After the tension process is completed, upon actuation of the separation assembly 1900, the tension wheel 440 can rotate in a direction opposite to the tension direction to release its tension in a controlled manner. Specifically, when the tension cycle is completed, the separation assembly shaft 1910 continues to prevent the first ring gear 425 of the tension assembly gear device 420 from rotating about the tension wheel rotation axis 440, which prevents the tension wheel 440 from rotating in a direction opposite to the tension direction. When the separation assembly housing 1920 rotates (such as through the 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 applied by the first ring gear 425 to the separation assembly shaft 1910 exceeds the compressive force of the torsion spring 1940 applied to the first engagable element 1930. When this occurs, the first ring gear 425 rotates about the tension wheel rotation axis 440a in a direction opposite to the tension direction. Since 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 rotation axis 440a in a direction opposite to the tension direction. This causes (as described above) the tension wheel 440 to rotate about the tension wheel rotation axis 440a in a direction opposite to the tension direction.

[0026] The rocker lever assembly 900 is best shown in FIGS. 6A - 6E and is configured to (1) be operably connected to the tension assembly 400 and move the tension assembly 400 from a strap tension position to a strap insertion position relative to the support 300, and (2) be operably connected to the separation assembly 1900 and configured to actuate the separation assembly, whereby the tension wheel 440 can 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 blocking finger 916 extending upward from the rocker lever body 912 and transverse to 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 a home 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 separation assembly 1900 about a pivot pin 940 forming 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 the travel pin slots 912s of the rocker lever body 912.

[0028] When the rocker lever 910 pivots about the pivot pin 940 (and the rocker lever pivot axis) with respect to the tension assembly 400 and the support 300, the travel pin slot 912s moves with respect to the rocker lever travel pin 950 (the rocker lever travel pin 950 is mounted on the tension assembly support 410). The size, shape, position, and orientation of the travel pin slot 912s suppress the pivoting movement of the rocker lever 910 about the pivot pin 940 between the original position and the intermediate position. As shown in FIG. 7A, when the rocker lever 910 is in its original position, the rocker lever travel pin 950 is positioned at the upper end (not labeled) of the travel pin slot 912s, engages with the upper end of the travel pin slot 912s, and prevents the rocker lever 910 from further rotating clockwise with respect to the tension assembly 400. Conversely, as shown in FIG. 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 and prevents the rocker lever 910 from further rotating counterclockwise with respect to the tension assembly 400. Although not shown here, the rocker lever biasing element, which is a torsion spring in this exemplary embodiment, can be any other suitable component and biases the rocker lever 910 to its original position.

[0029] As best shown in FIG. 6A, the rocker lever gear 930 is attached to the rocker lever body 912 of the rocker lever 910 via a 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 operatively coupled to the rocker lever gear 930 and is configured to rotate the rocker lever gear 930 about the rocker lever travel pin 950 when the rocker lever 910 pivots from its original position to its intermediate position. When the rocker lever gear 930 rotates, the rocker lever gear 930 actuates the separation assembly 1900 as described above. More specifically, when the rocker lever gear 930 rotates, the rocker lever gear 930 meshes with the teeth 1924 of the body 1922 of the separation assembly housing 1920, thereby rotating the separation assembly housing 1920 (thereby actuating the separation assembly 1900).

[0030] As described above and as 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 rotating further counterclockwise relative to the tension assembly 400. At this point, when the tension assembly 400 is in its strap tension position as shown in FIG. 7B, by continuously applying a force to the rocker lever 910 (specifically, to the rocker lever arm 914) toward the handle 1100, the rocker lever 910 and the tension assembly 400 rotate together about the tension assembly pivot axis 405a until the rocker lever 910 reaches its operating position and the tension assembly 400 reaches its strap insertion position. FIG. 7C shows the rocker lever 910 in its operating position and the tension assembly 400 in its strap insertion position.

[0031] The blocking finger 916 is sized, shaped, positioned, oriented, and otherwise configured to prevent the tension assembly 400 from moving from its strap tension position to its strap insertion position (thereby causing the rocker lever 910 to move toward the handle 1100) when the rocker lever 910 is in its original position and the tension assembly 400 is in its strap tension position. As best shown in FIGS. 7A-7D, the housing 100 forms a blocking finger opening 980 sized and shaped such that the blocking finger 916 can pass through the opening 980 and enter the housing 100 when the rocker lever 910 pivots from its original position to its intermediate position.

[0032] When the tension assembly 400 is in its strap tension position and the rocker lever 910 is in its original position, as shown in FIG. 7A, the blocking finger 916 is adjacent to a portion of the housing 100 that forms the blocking finger opening 980 (however, the blocking finger 916 could be adjacent to any other suitable portion of the housing or other components of the tool used for this purpose). At this point, if a force (such as a force caused by cutting the strap from the strap supply and releasing the tension stored therein) acts on the tension assembly 400 to move the tension assembly 400 from its strap tension position to its strap insertion position, the upward movement of the rocker lever 910 causes the blocking finger 916 to engage the housing 100 without pivoting away from its original position relative to the tension assembly 400. As shown in FIG. 7D, this prevents the tension 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 tension 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 tension position. As shown in FIG. 7B, when the rocker lever 910 moves from its original position to its intermediate position, the blocking finger 916 enters the housing through the blocking finger opening 980. As shown in FIG. 7C, if 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 to its strap insertion position about the tension assembly pivot axis 405a. Thus, in order for the rocker lever 910 to move the tension assembly 400 from its strap tension position to its strap insertion position, the rocker lever 910 must first move from its original position to its intermediate position while the tension assembly 400 is in its strap tension position (best shown in FIG. 7B).

[0034] The retaining assembly 1800, best shown in FIGS. 8A - 9B, is mounted to the housing 100, holds the tension assembly 400 in its strap insertion position, automatically releases the tension assembly 400 in response to the start of a tension cycle, and is configured to allow the tension assembly 400 to move to its strap tension position (via a tension assembly biasing element). The retaining assembly 1800 includes a retainer 1810, a retainer mounting portion 1820, and a retainer biasing element 1830.

[0035] The retainer 1810 includes a body 1812 having an attachment ear 1814 at one end, a tension wheel shaft engagement portion 1816 at the opposite end, and a biasing element engagement portion 1818 projecting from the body 1812 between the attachment ear 1814 and the tension wheel shaft engagement portion 1816. The retainer mounting portion 1820 is attached to the housing 100 and includes a mounting pin projecting inwardly from the housing 100. The retainer 1810 is mounted to the retainer mounting portion 1820 via the attachment ear 1814, so that the retainer 1810 is rotatable about the retainer mounting portion 1820 between a release position (Figs. 8A, 8B) and a retaining position (Figs. 9A, 9B) with respect to the tension wheel shaft 428b (and here the entire tension assembly 400). A retainer biasing element 1830 (however, here, the torsion spring may include any suitable spring or other type of biasing element) applies a force on the biasing element engagement portion 1818 and biases the retainer 1810 toward its retaining position.

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

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

[0038] The function of the holding assembly to hold the tension assembly in its strap insertion position eliminates (1) the need for the operator to continuously hold the rocker lever against the force of the tension assembly biasing element in its actuated position while removing the strap from the strapping tool, and (2) the need for the operator to pull the rocker lever and continuously hold the rocker lever against the force of the tension assembly biasing element in its actuated position when the operator is ready to insert another strap into the strapping tool to tension it while inserting the strap into the strapping tool, thereby reducing operator fatigue.

[0039] The retainer activation assembly 3850 is best shown in FIGS. 10-14 and is configured such that an operator of the strapping tool 50 can activate or deactivate the function of the retainer assembly 1800 to hold the tension 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 can 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 can be any other suitable component). The retainer activation switch 3852 includes a disc-shaped head 3852a, a shaft 3852b extending from the head 3852a and rotatable with the head 3852a, and a retainer engagement portion 3852c rotatable with the head 3852a and the shaft 3852b at an end of the shaft 3852b opposite the head 3852a (the retainer engagement portion 3852c is a cam in this exemplary embodiment, but can be any other suitable component). The retainer activation switch biasing element 3854 circumscribes the shaft 3852b and is positioned between the head 3852a and the retainer engagement portion 3852c. The biasing element retainers 3856, 3858 also circumscribe the shaft 3852b and are positioned on both sides 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 3852 extends through an opening (not labeled) in the housing 100, the retainer engagement portion 3852c is inside the housing 100 and adjacent to the retainer 1810. The retainer activation switch biasing element 3854 is in a compressed state and thus applies a force against the housing 100 and the retainer engagement portion 3852c via the biasing element retainers 3856, 3858. This force serves 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 3852c engages the body 1812 of the retainer 1810 and is positioned to 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 428b of the tension assembly 400 (however, in other embodiments, the inactive position and the release position of the retainer 1810 are the same). By holding the retainer 1810 in the 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 activation switch 3852 prevents the retainer biasing element 1830 from rotating the retainer 1810 to its retained position and contacting the tension wheel shaft 428b. Thereby, when the operator necessarily releases the rocker lever 910, the tension wheel shaft engagement portion 1816 engages under the tension wheel shaft 428b and prevents the tension assembly 400 from being held in its strap insertion position. Accordingly, when the retainer activation switch 3852 is in its inactive position, the retainer activation switch 3852 deactivates the function of the retention assembly 1800 to hold the tension assembly 400 in its strap insertion position.

[0042] As shown in FIG. 12B, when the retainer active switch 3852 is in its active position, the retainer engagement portion 3852c is disengaged from the body 1812, and the retainer 1810 is positioned to rotate between its release position and its holding position and to operate as described above in connection with FIGS. 8A-9B. Thus, when the operator moves the rocker lever 910 from its home position to its actuated position, the retainer biasing element 1830 rotates the retainer 1810 to its holding position and contacts the tension wheel shaft 428b. When the operator releases the rocker lever 910, the tension wheel shaft engagement portion 1816 of the retainer 1810 engages under the tension wheel shaft 428b to prevent the tension assembly 400 from moving from its strap insertion position to its strap tension position. Accordingly, when the retainer active switch 3852 is in its active position, the retainer active switch 3852 activates the function of the retaining assembly 1800 that holds the tension assembly 400 in its strap insertion position.

[0043] The retainer active assembly 3850 thus provides the operator with the flexibility to select whether to take advantage of the benefits of the function of the retaining assembly that holds the tension assembly in its strap insertion position, which may be preferred in some use cases and not preferred in other use cases. In certain embodiments, the tool includes the retaining assembly but does not include the retainer active assembly.

[0044] The gate assembly 1000 is best shown in FIGS. 8A-9B and is configured to facilitate insertion of the strap and is adjustable to accommodate straps of different thicknesses. The gate assembly 1000 includes a gate 1010 and a plurality of joints 1012, 1014, 1016.

[0045] The gate 1010 is slidably received within a gate receiving recess 350 of the body 310 of the support 300 and is held 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 portion 320 of the support 300. The gate 1010 is movable relative to the support 300 between a home position (Figs. 8A, 8B) and a retracted position (Figs. 9A, 9B). When in the home position, the gate 1010 is positioned relative to the foot portion 320 such that the height H1 of the strap receiving opening is equal to or slightly greater than the thickness of a particular strap that is stretched and sealed. When in the retracted position, the gate 1010 is positioned relative to the foot portion 320 such that the height H2 of the strap receiving opening is greater than the height H1.

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

[0047] One problem with certain known strapping tools is that it is difficult to insert a strap into the strapping tool. These known strapping tools include a gate positioned in front of a tension wheel such that during a tension cycle, the seal engages the gate and the gate prevents the seal from contacting the tension wheel. The gate is fixed in place and is positioned such that a strap receiving opening formed between the bottom of the gate and the top of the foot of the strapping tool (on which the strap is positioned during operation) has a height that is the same as or slightly greater than the thickness of the strap. This prevents the strap from moving up and 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 that has a height that is only slightly greater than that of a thick strap at most.

[0048] The gate assembly of the present disclosure solves this problem by increasing the height of the strap receiving opening when the tension assembly is moved to its strap insertion position. In other words, since the tension assembly is coupled to the gate (via a junction), when the tension assembly moves from the strap tension position to the strap insertion position, the gate moves from its original position to its retracted position to expand the strap receiving opening. This makes it easier for an operator to insert the strap into the strap receiving opening, which streamlines the operation of the strapping tool.

[0049] The position of the gate 1010 can also be changed relative to the foot 320. Specifically, the gate 1010 can be fixed to the joint 1012 at any of several different vertical positions. By changing the vertical position of the gate 1010 relative to the joint 1012, the operator can change the height H1 of the strap receiving opening when the gate 1010 is in its original position. For example, in this embodiment, the joint 1012 is connected to the gate 1010 via a screw. The screw extends through an elongated slot extending along the length of the gate 1010. To change the height H1 of the strap receiving opening when the gate 1010 is in its original position, the operator loosens the screw, slides the gate 1010 up and down relative to the joint 1012 (utilizing the advantage of the slot), and tightens the screw again.

[0050] One problem with certain known strapping tools is that it takes time to reconfigure the strapping tool to use straps of different thicknesses. To reconfigure the strapping tool to use straps having different thicknesses, the operator must replace the existing gate with another gate sized for use with the new strap (e.g., a longer gate for a thinner strap or a shorter gate for a thicker strap). This requires the operator to partially disassemble the strapping tool, which not only interrupts but also requires the operator to have different gates on hand, recognize when different gates are needed, and properly fit the gates to the different strap thicknesses. Using an inappropriate gate can result in strap operation failure or sub-optimality (in the latter case, joint strength is sub-optimal).

[0051] The gate assembly 1000 of the present disclosure solves this problem by allowing an operator to change the position of the gate 1010 relative to the joint 1012, and thus the height H1 of the strap receiving opening, when the gate 1010 is in its original position. This improves prior art strapping tools by allowing the gate to be quickly and easily moved to accommodate straps of different thicknesses without the operator having to replace one gate with another.

[0052] The sealing assembly 500 is best shown in FIGS. 15A - 20C and is configured to attach the overlapping portions of the strap to each other by making cuts in both the seal element positioned around the overlapping portion of the strap and the overlapping portion of the strap itself to form a strap loop stretched around the package during the sealing cycle. The sealing assembly 500 includes a front cover 502, a rear cover 506, a jaw assembly 520, an object blocking assembly 600, and an object blocker 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 rearwardly and inwardly from opposite side edges of the base 506a, and a lip 506d extending forwardly from the base 506a towards the jaw assembly 520. The object blocker lift element 630 is pivotally mounted to the base 506a via a pivot pin 640 and is configured to rotate about the pivot pin 640, as will be described in more detail below in conjunction with the object blocking assembly 600. The front cover 502 and the rear cover 506 are connected to each other via one or more suitable fasteners (not labeled) and cooperate to partially enclose the jaw assembly 520, the object blocking assembly 600, and the object blocker lift element 630.

[0054] The sealing assembly 500 is movably (more specifically, slidably) mounted to the support 300 via the rear cover 506. Specifically, the rear cover 506 is positioned such that the first and second sealing assembly mounting tongues 372a, 372b of the support 300 are received within a groove formed between the base 506a and the first mounting wing 506b, and the third and fourth sealing assembly mounting tongues 374a, 374b of the support 300 are received within a groove formed between the base 506a and the second mounting wing 506c. This mounting configuration enables the sealing assembly 500 to move vertically with respect to the support 300 and prevents the sealing assembly 500 from moving in a transverse or longitudinal direction with respect to the support 300. As best shown in FIGS. 19A, 19B, the first and second sealing assembly mounting elements 390a, 390b, which are spaced transversely apart, are fixedly attached to the body 310 of the support 300 and extend through respective slots (not labeled) formed through the base 506a of the rear cover 506 and each extending vertically. These slots, along with the sealing assembly mounting elements 390a, 390b, cooperate to restrain the vertical movement of the sealing assembly 500 with respect to the support 300 between the (upper) home position (FIGS. 19A, 28A) where the sealing assembly mounting elements 390a, 390b are at the lower ends of the slots and the (lower) sealing position (FIGS. 19B, 28B, 28C) where the sealing assembly mounting elements 390a, 390b are at the upper ends of the slots. As described below, the drive assembly 700 controls the movement of the sealing assembly 500 between its home position and its sealing position.

[0055] As best shown in FIGS. 15C, 15D, the jaw assembly 520 includes a connector 522, a connector pivot 524, first and second connector / jaw joints 526, 528, a first jaw 530, a second jaw 534, a third jaw 538, a fourth jaw 542, a first jaw connector 546, a second jaw connector 550, a third jaw connector 566, a fourth jaw connector 567, first and second upper jaw pivots 571, 572, and first and second lower jaw pivots 573, 574. The first and second jaws 530, 534 form a pair of opposing inner jaws, and the third and fourth jaws 538, 542 form a pair of opposing outer jaws.

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

[0057] The upper portions of each of the first and second jaws 530, 534 are each pivotally connected to the lower ends of the connectors / jaw joints 526, 528 via respective upper jaw pivot portions 571, 572. The upper portions of each of the third and fourth jaws 538, 542 are each pivotally connected to the lower ends of the connectors / jaw joints 526, 528 via respective upper jaw pivot portions 571, 572. By these pivotal connections, the first inner and outer jaws 530, 538 can pivot relative to the connector / jaw joint 526 about the longitudinal axis (not shown) of the upper jaw pivot portion 571, and the second inner and outer jaws 534, 542 can pivot relative to the connector / jaw joint 528 about the longitudinal axis (not shown) of the upper jaw pivot portion 571.

[0058] The lower portions of each of the first and second jaw parts 530, 534 are pivotally connected to the first jaw connector 546, the second jaw connector 550, the third jaw connector 566, and the fourth jaw connector 567 by the lower jaw pivoting parts 573, 574. The lower portions of each of the third and fourth jaw parts 538, 542 are pivotally connected to the first jaw connector 546, the second jaw connector 550, the third jaw connector 566, and the fourth jaw connector 567 by the lower jaw pivoting parts 573, 574. By the pivotal connection, the first and third jaw parts 530, 538 can pivot with respect to the jaw connectors 546, 550, 566, 567 about the longitudinal axis (not shown) of the lower jaw pivoting part 573 between their respective original positions (FIG. 28A) and the sealing positions (FIG. 28C). By the pivotal connection, the second and fourth jaw parts 534, 542 can pivot with respect to the jaw connectors 546, 550, 566, 567 about the longitudinal axis (not shown) of the lower jaw pivoting part 574 between their respective original positions (FIG. 28A) and the sealing positions (FIG. 28C).

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

[0060] The object blocking assembly 600 is attached to the jaw assembly 520 (more specifically, the second jaw connector 550) and is configured to prevent an object from inadvertently entering the space between the first and second jaws 530, 534 and the third and fourth jaws 538, 542. This space may be referred to herein as the "seal element receiving space". This reduces the possibility that an object will interfere with the operation of the strapping tool. This also prevents the jaws of the strapping tool from damaging the object (or vice versa). As best shown in FIGS. 16A and 16B, the object blocking assembly 600 includes an object blocker 605 formed from a first object blocking portion 610 and a second object blocking portion 620, an object blocker 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 blocker 605 is best shown in FIGS. 17A and 17B and is formed from a first object blocking portion 610 and a second object blocking portion 620 joined by an object blocker fastener 650 and a pin 660. The first object blocking portion 610 includes a body 612 and a mating lug 614 extending from the back surface of the body 612. The body 612 forms cylindrical biasing element receiving holes 612a, 612b that extend downwardly from the upper surface of the body 612. The biasing element receiving holes are sized, shaped, oriented, and otherwise configured to partially receive the respective biasing elements 670d, 670c. The lower side of the body 612 includes a curved object engaging surface 612c (however, this surface may be planar in other embodiments). The opposite side of the body 612 forms vertically extending slots 612d, 612e. Tooth engaging pins 616a, 616b are received within holes formed within the body 612 from front to back and are positioned to extend across the respective slots 612d, 612e.

[0062] The second object blocking part 620 includes a main body 622 and fitting lugs 624 extending from the front surface of the main body 622. The main body 622 forms cylindrical biasing element receiving holes 622a, 622b that extend downward from the upper surface of the main body 622. The biasing element receiving holes are sized, shaped, oriented, and otherwise configured to partially receive respective biasing elements 670b, 670a. The lower side of the main body 622 includes a curved object engaging surface 622c (however, this surface may be planar in other embodiments). Both surfaces of the main body 622 form vertically extending slots 622d, 622e. Tooth engaging pins 626a, 626b are received within holes formed in the main body 612 from front to back and are positioned to extend across respective slots 622d, 622e.

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

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

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

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

[0067] When the object blocker 605 is in its blocking position and the jaws 530, 534, 538, 542 are in their home positions, the object blocker 605 and the jaws are in a blocking configuration. When these components are in the blocking configuration, the object blocker 605 occupies most of the seal element receiving space (not labeled) formed between the pair of jaws 530, 538 and the pair of jaws 534, 542 and beneath the jaw connectors 546, 550, 566, 567. As described in detail below, in response to applying a force sufficient to exceed the biasing force of the biasing element 670, the object blocker 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 blocker 605 is not positioned within the seal element receiving space such that the seal element and the strap can be positioned there for sealing.

[0068] The sealing cycle (described below) is configured such that when the object blocker 605 and the jaws 530, 534, 538, 542 start in a blocking configuration, the jaws move the object blocker 605 toward its retracted position to avoid damaging the jaw assembly 520 or any other component of the strapping tool 50 during the sealing cycle. Specifically, when the object blocker 605 is in its blocking position, the upper teeth 530b, 534b, 538b, 542b of the jaws 530, 534, 538, 542 are adjacent to the respective pins 626b, 626a, 616b, 616a of the object blocker 605. As the jaws begin to pivot from their respective original positions to their respective sealing positions, the upper teeth engage the respective pins. As the jaws continue to move to their respective sealing positions, the upper teeth apply sufficient force to the pins to exceed the biasing force of the biasing element 670, moving the object blocker 605 toward its retracted position. When this occurs, the lower teeth enter slots formed in the sides of the object blocker 605. FIG. 18C shows the jaws in their sealing positions after the object blocker has been moved toward its retracted position.

[0069] One problem with certain known strapping tools that use the jaws to corrugate or cut the strap and (where applicable) the seal element is that foreign objects can (unintentionally) enter the space between the jaws instead of or in addition to the strap and (where applicable) the seal element. This is a problem for several reasons. The object can interfere with the operation of the strapping tool, and the joint formed through the attachment of overlapping strap portions to each other can be less than optimally strong, which can lead to unexpected joint failures and product loss. Additionally, the object can damage the jaws and / or other components of the sealing assembly during the sealing process, which should require tool repair and cause an interruption. Further, the sealing assembly can damage or break the object.

[0070] The object blocking assembly of the present disclosure solves this problem by discharging foreign objects from the seal element receiving space between the jaws and preventing foreign objects from inadvertently entering the seal element receiving space between the jaws. Specifically, when the sealing assembly reaches its sealing position, if loose foreign objects such as the screw driver shaft are in the seal element receiving space between the jaws, the object blocker pushes the object out of the seal element receiving space when the object blocker moves from its retracted position to its blocking position. When the object blocker reaches its blocking position, there is a minimum gap between the object blocker 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 connectors 546, 550, 566 include respective support surfaces 546s, 552s, 566s configured to support a seal element during a sealing cycle. In this exemplary embodiment, the support surfaces 546s, 552s, 566s are planar and parallel to each other. The support surfaces 546s, 552s, 566s support the seal element during the sealing cycle. In this exemplary embodiment, as best shown in FIGS. 20B, 20C, the support surfaces 546s, 566s of the first and third jaw connectors 546, 566 are in the same plane, while the support surface 552s of the second jaw connector 550 is offset downward by a certain distance Y from the support surfaces 546s, 566s. In other words, the support surface 552s of the second jaw connector 550 is below the support surfaces 546s, 566s of the first and third jaw connectors 546, 566. The lower support surface of the second jaw connector serves to prevent the seal element SE from bending along the longitudinal direction of the strap (entering and exiting the page from each of FIGS. 20B, 20C) while the sealing cycle is completed.

[0072] Although not shown here, the cutter is positioned within a recess (best shown in FIG. 15B) formed within the rear cover 506, is movable within the recess, and is attached to the coupler pivot portion 524. As the coupler pivot portion 524 moves downward, the coupler pivot portion 524 pushes the cutter downward to cut the strap from the strap supply portion, and as the coupler pivot portion 524 moves upward and returns, the cutter moves upward and returns.

[0073] The drive assembly 700 is best shown in FIGS. 3B and 21-23B, is operably connected to the tension assembly 400, is configured to rotate the tension wheel 440 to tension the strap, and is operably connected to the sealing assembly 500 to attach the overlaps of the strap to each other. The drive assembly 700 includes a work 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, the work 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 rotation axis 712a (however, the motor 710 may be any other suitable type of motor in other embodiments). The motor 710 is operably connected to the first transmission 720 (via the motor output shaft 712) and is configured to drive the first transmission 720, and the first transmission 720 is configured to selectively transmit the output of the motor 710 to either the tension assembly 400 or the sealing assembly 500 (as described below). In other embodiments, the strapping tool includes separate tension and sealing actuators each configured to operate the tension assembly and the sealing assembly, rather than a single actuator configured to operate both the tension assembly and the sealing assembly.

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

[0076] To achieve this selective transmission of the 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 operatively connected to the second transmission 730 (via the first belt 740), and the second belt pulley is operatively connected to the third transmission 750 (via the second belt 760). When the motor output shaft 712 rotates in the first direction, (1) the first freewheel and the first belt pulley rotate with the motor output shaft 712, thereby transmitting the motor output 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 the second direction, (1) the second freewheel and the second belt pulley rotate with the motor output shaft 712, thereby transmitting the motor output 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 only an exemplary embodiment of the first transmission 720, and in other embodiments, may include any other suitable components.

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

[0078] Specifically, as best shown in FIG. 21, the intermediate gear device 732 includes a first intermediate gear 732a and a second intermediate gear 732b. The first and second intermediate gears 732a, 732b are rotatably mounted on the tension assembly pivot shaft 405 (via bearings or any other suitable components) and are rotatable about the tension assembly pivot axis 405a. That is, the first and second intermediate gears 732a, 732b rotate about the same axis, and about that axis, the tension assembly 400 pivots between its strap tension position and its strap insertion position. The first and second intermediate gears 732a, 732b are rotationally fixed to each other (via splines or key connections, etc.) and thus rotate together about the tension assembly pivot axis 405a. The first belt 740 engages the first intermediate gear 732a and thus rotationally drives the first and second intermediate gears 732a, 732b about the tension assembly pivot axis 405a.

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

[0080] As shown in FIGS. 23A and 23B, since the intermediate gear device 732 is rotatable about the tension assembly pivot axis 405a, the distance Z between the tension wheel rotation axis 440a and the tension assembly pivot axis 405a does not change within the operating tolerance when the tension assembly 400 pivots between its strap tension position and its strap insertion position. For example, the distance Z between the tension wheel rotation axis 440a and the tension assembly pivot axis 405a remains the same or at least substantially the same (e.g., + / - 10%) when the tension assembly 400 pivots between its strap tension position and its strap insertion position. Thereby, the second intermediate gear 732b is ensured to maintain its driving engagement with the driven gear 421 throughout the range of movement of the tension assembly 400, and the motor 710 is ensured not to operably disengage from the tension assembly 400 when the tension assembly 400 pivots. This arrangement improves an alternative arrangement (not shown) in which there is no intermediate gear device and the first belt 740 directly drives the driven gear 421 of the tension assembly gear device 420. In this alternative arrangement, the distance between the tension wheel rotation axis 440a and the motor output shaft rotation axis 712a should decrease when the tension assembly 400 pivots from its strap tension position to its strap insertion position. This pivot should create slack in the first belt 740, which may cause the first belt 740 to slip or completely disengage from the motor output shaft 712 and / or the driven gear 421, thereby causing the tool to malfunction.

[0081] The third transmission 750 is configured to transmit the output of the first transmission 720 to the conversion assembly 800. The 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 this exemplary embodiment, the third transmission 750 includes a third transmission gear device 752 that is rotationally driven by a second belt 760 about a third transmission rotation axis 752a.

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

[0083] This arrangement of the rotational axes (and the components rotating around these axes) allows the motor 710 to directly drive the conversion assembly 800 (via the second belt 760) and indirectly drive the tension assembly 400 (via the first belt 740 and the intermediate gear device 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 does not change within the operating tolerance (as described above) when the tension assembly 400 pivots about the tension assembly pivot axis 405a. This distance Z is shown in FIGS. 23A where the tension assembly 400 is in its strap insertion position and in FIG. 23B where the tension assembly 400 is in its strap tension position.

[0084] The conversion assembly 800 is configured to transmit the output of the third transmission 750 to the sealing assembly 500 to execute a sealing cycle, which includes moving the sealing assembly from its home position to its sealing position, moving the jaws of the sealing assembly from their home positions to their sealing positions to cut into the seal elements and straps, moving the jaws back to their home positions to release the cut seal elements and straps, and moving the sealing assembly back to its home position. By doing so, in this embodiment, the conversion assembly 800 is configured to convert rotational motion (rotation of the shaft and gears) into linear motion (reciprocating translational motion of the coupler).

[0085] The conversion assembly 800 is best shown 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 FIG. 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 the head 814 are centered on the drive wheel rotation axis A 810 and are rotatable about the drive wheel rotation axis A 810 . The joint drive shaft 816 extends from the head 814 and is centered on the joint rotation axis A 820 . The joint drive shaft 816 is positioned near the periphery of the head 814 such that the joint rotation axis A 820 is radially spaced from the drive wheel rotation axis A 810 .

[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 opposite foot. A joint drive shaft mounting opening 834 is formed through the head of the body 832. A first support engaging 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 engaging 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 opposite 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 connected to each other via a pivot portion 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 each other about the pivot portion 822. When connected, the head of the body 832 of the first link 830 forms the head of the joint 820 (hereinafter referred to as such), and the foot of the body 842 of the second link 840 forms the foot of the joint 820 (hereinafter referred to as such).

[0088] As best shown in FIG. 3A, the base 812 of the drive wheel 810 is transferred to the drive and conversion assembly mounting element 340 of the support 300 via a bearing 815 which is a roller bearing in this exemplary embodiment, so that the drive wheel 810 can rotate relative to the support 300 about a drive wheel rotation axis A 810 As best shown in FIG. 24A, the joint drive shaft 816 of the drive wheel 810 is received within the joint drive shaft mounting opening 834 of 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 joint drive shaft 816 to hold the joint 820 on the drive wheel 810. When mounted, the joint 820 is rotatable relative to the drive wheel 810 about a joint rotation axis A 820 ​

[0089] Although not shown, a third transmission 750 is operably coupled to drive wheel 810 (via a shaft and appropriate gearing, etc.), about drive wheel rotation axis A 810 configured to rotate drive wheel 810 about. The leg 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, 24B, such that joint 820 is pivotable relative to coupler 522 about axis A 844 (FIG. 24A). Accordingly, motor 710 is operably coupled to seal assembly 500 (via third transmission 750, second belt 760, and conversion assembly 800) and is configured to control seal assembly 500 to perform a sealing cycle, as described below.

[0090] More particularly, rotation of motor output shaft 712 of motor 710 in a second rotational direction causes the second belt pulley of first transmission 720 to rotate. Second belt 760 transmits the output of first transmission 720 (in this case, rotation of the second belt pulley) to third transmission 750, which in turn transmits the output of first transmission 720 to conversion assembly 800. More particularly, third transmission 750 transmits the output of first transmission 720 to drive wheel 810 of conversion assembly 800, whereby drive wheel 810 rotates about drive wheel rotation axis A 810 and carries 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 control device 1300. As best shown in FIGS. 25A and 26A, when the drive wheel 810 is in its home position, the legs of the joint 820 are in their home positions (which in this exemplary embodiment is their uppermost position), the sealing assembly 500 is in its home position, and the jaws 530, 534, 538, 542 are in their respective home positions. When starting the sealing cycle, the drive wheel 810 begins to rotate from its home position to its sealing position (counterclockwise in this exemplary embodiment). As the drive wheel 810 rotates from its home position to its sealing position, the joint 820 applies a force to the coupler 522, whereby the coupler causes the sealing assembly 500 to move from its home position towards its sealing position.

[0092] After the sealing assembly 500 reaches its sealing position (and before the drive wheel 810 reaches its sealing position), as the drive wheel 810 continues to rotate towards its sealing position, the coupler 522 moves towards the jaws with respect to the front and rear plates 502, 506 of the sealing assembly 500 (guided by the coupler pivot portion 524 received in a slot formed in the rear plate). Thereby, the upper ends of the first and second coupler / jaw joints 526, 528 move downward, whereby the lower ends of the first and second coupler / jaw joints 526, 528 move upward. Thereby, the upper parts of the jaws move outward. Thereby, the lower parts of the jaws move inward. In other words, thereby, the jaws pivot from their respective home positions to their respective sealing positions. The jaws are in their respective sealing positions when the legs of the joint 820 reach their sealing positions (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. When the drive wheel 810 continues to rotate back to its home position, the above movements are reversed, the jaws move back from their sealing positions to their home positions, and then the sealing assembly moves back to its home position.

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

[0094] FIGS. 26A - 26H illustrate how the components of the conversion assembly 800 cooperate to change the effective length of the joint 820 during the sealing cycle. At the start of the sealing cycle, the drive wheel 810 and the foot of the joint 820 are in their original positions, and as shown in FIG. 26A, the effective length of the joint 820 is D MIN . The drive wheel 810 begins to rotate from its original position to its sealing position and carries the joint 820 with it. As shown in FIG. 26B, this carries the second support engagement portion 839 into contact with the second joint engagement portion 394. By continuing to rotate the drive wheel 810, the first link 830 rotates counterclockwise (from the perspective shown in FIGS. 26A - 26H) with respect to the drive wheel 810 and the second link 840, whereby the effective length of the joint 820 increases to its maximum D MAX as shown in FIGS. 26C - 26E. As shown in FIG. 26E, the effective length of the joint 820 is at its maximum D MAXUpon reaching, the stop finger 838 of the first link simultaneously engages with the stop surface 848a of the stop element 848 of the second link, thereby preventing the first link 830 from rotating further relative to the second link 840, and the second support engaging portion 839 disengages the second joint engaging portion 394. In this exemplary embodiment, the sealing assembly 500 reaches its sealing position, and the jaws begin to move from their respective original positions to their sealing positions before the effective length of the joint 820 reaches its maximum D MAX Before reaching, they begin to move from their respective original positions to their sealing positions.

[0095] The effective length of the joint 820 is D MAX After the effective length of the joint 820 reaches D, when the drive wheel 810 continues to rotate towards its sealing position, the joint 820 maintains its effective length as the jaws continue to move from their original positions to their sealing positions. In this exemplary embodiment, the jaws begin to contact the seal element (as described in detail below) simultaneously when the effective length of the joint 820 reaches its maximum D MAX Upon reaching, they begin to contact the seal 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 positions and have cut into the seal element and the strap. Thereafter, as the drive wheel 810 continues to rotate, as shown in FIG. 26G, the first support engaging portion 836 is carried to contact the first joint engaging portion 392 of the base 300. As the drive wheel 810 continues to rotate and returns to its original position, the engagement between the first support engaging portion 836 and the first joint engaging portion 392 rotates the first link 830 clockwise relative to the drive wheel 810 and the second link 140. As shown in FIG. 26H, due to this relative rotation of the first link 830, the effective length of the joint 820 reduces from D MAX to D MIN In this exemplary embodiment, the sealing assembly 500 reaches its original position simultaneously when the effective length of the joint 820 reaches its minimum D MIN Upon reaching.

[0096] The timing at which the sealing assembly 500 and the jaws move in response 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 sealing assembly 500 reaches its sealing position at the same time as the effective length of the joint 820 reaches its maximum D MAX and then the jaws begin to move to their sealing positions.

[0097] The change in the effective length of the joint during the sealing cycle provides several advantages compared to prior art tools with joints having a fixed effective length. Since the sealing assembly reaches its sealing position immediately after the start of the sealing cycle, when the drive wheel rotates from its home position to its sealing position, more of the joint drive shaft (compared to prior art tools) is used to cut into the seal element and the strap. This means that less force is required to make the cut. As a result, the components of the jaw assembly, such as the jaws, gears, links, and the like, are lighter (and in some cases smaller) than the components of prior art tools, and this tool is lighter (and in some cases smaller), and thus easier to handle. Since less force is required to make the cut, the amount of torque that the motor has to provide is less than that of prior art tools, which means that the motor consumes less current and is more efficient than prior art tools. Further, this also allows the motor to move faster than prior art tools and thus increase 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 to display information regarding the strapping tool (at least in this embodiment), and the touch screen 1320 is configured to receive operator inputs such as a desired strap tension, a desired welding cooling time, and the like as known in the art. A display control device (not shown) can control the display screen 1310 and the touch panel 1320, and in these embodiments, is communicatively connected to the control device 1300 to send signals to and receive signals from the control device 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] The actuation assembly 1400 is configured to receive operator inputs to initiate the operation of the tensioning and sealing cycles. In this exemplary embodiment, the 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 operating mode of the strapping tool 50. Other embodiments of the strapping tool 50 do not have an actuation assembly 1400 and instead incorporate its functionality into the display assembly 1300. For example, in one of these embodiments, two regions of the touch panel form virtual buttons that have the same functionality as mechanical push button actuators.

[0100] The control device 1600 includes a processing device communicably connected to a storage device. For example, the control device can be a programmable logic controller. The processing device can include, but is not limited to, any suitable processing device such as a general-purpose processor, a dedicated 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 device can include, but is not limited to, any suitable storage device such as a read-only memory, a random access memory, one or more digital registers, a cache memory, one or more semiconductor storage devices, a magnetic medium such as an integrated hard disk and / or a removable memory, a magneto-optical medium, and / or an optical medium. The storage device stores instructions executable by the processing device to control the operation of the strapping tool 50. The control device 1600 is communicably and operably connected to the motor 710, the display assembly 1300, the actuating assembly 1400, and the sensor 1700, and is configured to receive signals from and control those components. The control device 1600 can also be communicably connected (via, for example, WiFi, Bluetooth® , near-field communication, or other suitable wireless communication protocols) to an external device such as a computing device to transmit information to and receive information from the external device.

[0101] The control device 1600 is configured to operate the strapping tool in one of three operating modes: (1) manual operation mode, (2) semi-automatic operation mode, and (3) automatic operation mode. In the manual operation mode, the control device 1600 operates the motor 710 so that the tension wheel 440 rotates in response to the first push button actuator 1410 being actuated and maintained in its actuated state. The control device 1600 operates the motor 710 so that the sealing assembly 500 executes a sealing cycle in response to the second push button actuator 1420 being actuated. In the semi-automatic operation mode, the control device 1600 operates the motor 710 so that the tension wheel 440 rotates in response to the first push button actuator 1410 being actuated and maintained in its actuated state. When the control device 1600 determines that the tension of the strap has reached a desired strap tension (set in advance), the control device 1600 automatically operates the motor so that the sealing assembly 500 executes a sealing cycle (without requiring additional input from the operator). In the automatic operation mode, the control device 1600 operates the motor 710 so that the tension wheel 440 rotates in response to the first push button actuator 1410 being actuated. When the control device 1600 determines that the tension of the strap has reached a desired strap tension (set in advance), the control device 1600 automatically operates the motor so that the sealing assembly 500 executes a sealing cycle (without requiring additional input from the operator).

[0102] Power supply 1500 is configured to be electrically connected (via appropriate wiring and other components) to some of the components of strapping tool 50, including motor 710, display assembly 1300, actuation assembly 1400, control device 1600, and sensor 1700, to supply power. Power supply 1500 is, in this exemplary embodiment, a rechargeable battery (such as a lithium-ion or nickel-cadmium battery), but in other embodiments, can be any other suitable power source. 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 fixing devices (not shown) to releasably lock power supply 1500 in place when received within the receptacle. Actuating the release device of strapping tool 50 or power supply 1500 unlocks power supply 1500 from housing 100, and the operator can remove power supply 1500 from housing 100.

[0103] (1) A tension cycle in which strapping tool 50 wraps strap S around load L, and (2) A sealing cycle in which strapping tool 50 positions itself around the overlapping portions at the top and bottom of strap S and makes cuts in both the top and bottom of the seal element SE as well as the strap itself, cutting the strap from the strap supply, to perform a strapping cycle using strapping tool 50 is described according to FIGS. 28A - 28C. First, the tension assembly 400 is at its strap insertion position (held there by retainer 1810), the sealing assembly 500 is at its home position, the jaws are at their respective home positions, the object blocker 605 is at its retracted position, the drive wheel 810 is at its home position, the rocker lever 910 is at its actuated position, and the gate 1010 is at its strap insertion position. Strapping tool 50 is in automatic mode for the purposes of this example.

[0104] The operator first pulls the tip of the strap S from a strap supply section (not shown) and passes the tip of the strap S through the seal element SE. While holding the seal element SE, the operator wraps the strap around the load L, positions the tip of the strap S under another part of the strap S, and passes the tip of the strap S through the seal element SE again. Thereafter, the seal element SE is positioned around the overlapping portion of the top and bottom of the strap S. The operator then bends the tip of the strap S rearward and slides the seal element SE along the strap S until it hits the bent portion. FIG. 27 shows the position of the bent portion and the seal element SE at this point.

[0105] The operator then guides the top of the strap S behind the seal element SE and 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 leg 320 of the support 300. The operator then manually pulls the strap S to remove the slack and pushes the strapping tool 50 towards the seal element SE until the seal element SE engages the gate 1010 and is captured between the bent portion of the bottom of the strap S and the gate 1010. As shown in FIG. 28A, at this point, the seal element SE is under the object blocker 605.

[0106] The operator then actuates the first push button actuator 1410 to initiate the strapping cycle. In response, the control device 1600 starts the tension cycle by controlling the motor 710, causing the motor output shaft 712 to start rotating in the first rotational direction, thereby causing the tension wheel shaft 428b and the tension wheel 440 thereon to start rotating. The rotation of the tension wheel shaft 428b causes the retainer 1810 to rotate to its release position. When this occurs, the tension assembly biasing element presses the tension assembly 400 against its strap tension position. As a result, the tension wheel 440 engages the top of the strap S and sandwiches it between the rollers 380. At this point, the bottom of the strap S is under the foot 320. As the tension assembly 400 moves back to the strap tension position, the gate 1010 returns to its original position, where the gate 1010 just touches the top of the strap or is directly above the top of the strap.

[0107] As the tension wheel 440 rotates, the tension wheel 440 pulls the top of the strap S, thereby stretching the strap S around the load L. Throughout the tension cycle, the control device 1600 monitors the current flowing through the motor 710. When this current reaches a set value that correlates with the (predetermined) desired strap tension for this strapping cycle, the control device 1600 stops the motor 710, thereby ending the tension cycle.

[0108] The control device 1600 then automatically starts the sealing cycle by controlling the motor 710, causing the motor output shaft 712 to begin rotating in the second rotational direction. As described in detail above, this causes the sealing assembly 500 to move to its sealing position. When the sealing assembly 500 moves to its sealing position, the object blocker lift element 630 releases the object blocker 605 and moves it toward its blocking position. The object blocker 605 contacts the seal element SE and is pressed by the seal element SE and maintained in place as shown in FIG. 28B. The sealing assembly 500 is positioned relative to the seal element SE such that when the seal element SE is in its sealing position, the seal element SE is within the seal element receiving space of the sealing assembly 500. After the sealing assembly 500 reaches its sealing position, the jaws (1) pivot from their respective original positions to their respective sealing positions to cut into 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 original positions so that the strapping tool 50 can be removed from the strap S. FIG. 29 shows the cut seal element SE and strap S.

[0109] The sealing assembly includes jaws configured to cut into the seal element to attach the two portions of the strap to itself, although in other embodiments the sealing assembly may include other sealing mechanisms such as a friction welding assembly or a seal-less 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 (including only one) and any combination of two or more of the conversion assembly, the object blocking assembly, the holding assembly, the holding activation assembly, the intermediate gear device, the double rocking rocker lever, the rocker lever with blocking fingers, the separation assembly, the jaw connector with offset support surface, and the gate assembly. In other words, the specific exemplary strapping tool 50 described above includes all of these assemblies, components, and features, while they are independent of each other and may be included singly or in any combination of two or more in other strapping tools.

[0111] Various embodiments of the strapping tool include a support including a foot, and a tension assembly mounted to the support and pivotable relative to the foot of the support about a tension assembly pivot axis between a strap tension position and a strap insertion position. The tension assembly includes a rotatable tension wheel shaft, a tension wheel mounted to the tension wheel shaft so as to rotate with the tension wheel shaft, and a tension assembly gear device operably coupled to the tension wheel shaft for rotating the tension wheel about a tension wheel rotation axis spaced from the tension assembly pivot axis. The tension assembly includes an intermediate gear device rotatable about the tension assembly pivot axis and operably coupled to the tension assembly gear device for driving the tension assembly gear device. A rocker lever is mounted to the tension assembly and pivotable relative to the tension assembly about a rocker lever pivot axis between an original position and an intermediate position. The tension assembly pivot axis is different from the rocker lever pivot axis. The rocker lever is pivotable relative to the support and about the tension assembly pivot axis from the intermediate position to an operating position for moving the tension assembly from the strap tension position to the strap insertion position. The rocker lever includes blocking means for preventing the tension assembly from moving from the strap tension position to the strap insertion position when the rocker lever is in the original position. A separating means is provided for allowing the tension wheel to rotate about the tension wheel rotation axis in a direction opposite to the tension rotation direction. The rocker lever is operably coupled to a separating assembly for operating the separating means when pivoting from the original position to the intermediate position. A sealing assembly is mounted to the support and movable relative to the support between a sealing assembly original position and a sealing assembly sealing position. The sealing assembly includes spaced first and second jaw connectors each including a first and a second support surface, a central jaw connector positioned between the first and second jaw connectors and including a central support surface, a first pair of opposing jaws pivotable between respective jaw original positions and jaw sealing positions between the first jaw connector and the central jaw connector, and a second pair of opposing jaws pivotable between respective jaw original positions and jaw sealing positions between the central jaw connector and the second jaw connector.A second pair of jaws including opposing third and fourth jaws pivotable between respective jaw original positions and jaw sealing positions, the strap path being formed between the first and second jaws and between the third and fourth jaws and under a first support surface, a 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, a conversion assembly operably coupled to the sealing assembly and configured to move the sealing assembly from a sealing assembly original position to a sealing assembly sealing position and to move the jaws from their respective jaw original positions to their respective jaw sealing positions, the conversion assembly including a joint that includes means for varying an effective length of the joint while moving the sealing assembly from the sealing assembly original position to the sealing assembly sealing position, an intermediate gear arrangement and drive means for driving the conversion assembly, holding means for holding the tension assembly in a strap insertion position, and inactivation means for preventing the holding means from holding the tension assembly in the strap insertion position.,

[0112] Various embodiments of a strapping tool include a support including a foot, a housing including a handle and forming a cutoff finger opening, the housing at least partially surrounding the support, a tension assembly mounted to the support and pivotable relative to the foot of the support about a tension assembly pivot axis between a strap tension position and a strap insertion position, the tension assembly including a rotatable tension wheel shaft, a tension wheel mounted to the tension wheel shaft for rotation therewith, and a tension assembly gear device operably coupled to the tension wheel shaft for rotating the tension wheel about a tension wheel rotation axis spaced from the tension assembly pivot axis, an intermediate gear device rotatable about the tension assembly pivot axis and operably coupled to the tension assembly gear device for driving the tension assembly gear device, a rocker lever mounted to the tension assembly and pivotable relative to the tension assembly about a rocker lever pivot axis between an original position and an intermediate position, the tension assembly pivot axis being different from the rocker lever pivot axis, the rocker lever being pivotable relative to the support and about the tension assembly pivot axis from the intermediate position to an operating position for moving the tension assembly from the strap tension position to the strap insertion position, the rocker lever including a cutoff finger positioned and oriented such that when the rocker lever moves from the original position to the intermediate position, the cutoff finger enters the housing through the cutoff finger opening, the cutoff finger preventing the tension assembly from moving from the strap tension position to the strap insertion position when the rocker lever is in the original position, a separation assembly operable for allowing the tension wheel to rotate in a direction opposite to the tension rotation direction about the tension wheel rotation axis, the rocker lever being operably coupled to the separation assembly for operating the separation assembly when the rocker lever pivots from the original position to the intermediate position, and a sealing assembly mounted to the support and movable relative to the support between a sealing assembly original position and a sealing assembly sealing position, the sealing assembly including spaced first and second jaw connectors each including a first and a second support surface.A central jaw connector positioned between a first jaw connector and a second jaw connector and including a central support surface, and a first pair of jaws including opposing first and second jaws pivotable between respective jaw original positions and jaw sealing positions between the first jaw connector and the central jaw connector, and a second pair of jaws including opposing third and fourth jaws pivotable between respective jaw original positions and jaw sealing positions between the central jaw connector and the second jaw connector, wherein a strap path is formed between the first and second jaws, between the third and fourth jaws, and under a first support surface, a second support surface, and the central support surface, and the central support surface is closer to the strap path than the first and second support surfaces, a sealing assembly, a conversion assembly including a joint including a first link and a second link connected to each other, the joint being operably connected to the sealing assembly and configured to move the sealing assembly from a sealing assembly original position to a sealing assembly sealing position and to move the jaws from their respective jaw original positions to their respective jaw sealing positions, the first and second links being configured to move relative to each other to change an effective length of the joint while the sealing assembly moves from the sealing assembly original position to the sealing assembly sealing position, a drive assembly including a motor operably connected to an intermediate gear device and operably connected to the conversion assembly and configured to drive the joint to rotate the intermediate gear device in a tension rotation direction about a tension assembly pivot axis, a retainer including a body having a tension wheel shaft engagement portion, the retainer being movable relative to the tension wheel shaft between a release position and a holding position, a retainer biasing element biasing the retainer to the holding position, and a retainer engagement portion movable relative to the retainer between an active position and an inactive position, wherein when the tension assembly is in a strap insertion position and the retainer is in the holding position, the tension wheel shaft engagement portion of the retainer engages the tension wheel shaft of the tension assembly to hold the tension assembly in the strap insertion position, when the retainer engagement portion is in the inactive position, the retainer engagement portion prevents the retainer from moving to the holding position, and when the retainer engagement portion is in the active position, the retainer engagement portion can move the retainer to the holding position. Some aspects of the present invention are described below. [Aspect 1] In a strapping tool, a support including a foot portion, a tension assembly mounted on the support and movable relative to the foot portion of the support between a strap tension position and a strap insertion position, the tension assembly including a rotatable tension wheel shaft and a tension wheel mounted on the tension wheel shaft so as to rotate with the tension wheel shaft, a motor operably connected 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 engagement portion, the retainer being movable relative to the tension wheel shaft between a release position and a holding position, and a retainer biasing element for biasing the retainer to the holding position, 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 engages the tension wheel shaft of the tension assembly to hold the tension assembly in the strap insertion position. A strapping tool. [Aspect 2] The strapping tool according to aspect 1, wherein when the tension assembly is at the strap insertion position and the holder is at the holding position, the tension wheel shaft rotates in the first rotational direction, whereby the holder is moved to the release position, thereby enabling the tension assembly to move to the strap tension position. [Aspect 3] The strapping tool according to aspect 2, further comprising a tension assembly biasing element for biasing the tension assembly to the strap tension position, whereby the holder holds the tension assembly at the strap insertion position and then, when moving to the release position, the tension assembly biasing element moves the tension assembly to the strap tension position. [Aspect 4] The strapping tool according to aspect 3, wherein when the tension assembly is at the strap insertion position and the holder is at the holding position, the tension assembly biasing element applies a force to the tension wheel shaft in the direction of the foot portion of the support relative to the tension wheel shaft engagement portion. [Aspect 5] The strapping tool according to aspect 4, further comprising a housing at least partially surrounding the support, the tension assembly, and the motor, wherein the holder is supported by the housing. [Aspect 6] The strapping tool according to aspect 1, wherein the body of the holder further comprises a biasing element engagement portion, and the holder biasing element engages the biasing element engagement portion to bias the holder to the holding position. [Aspect 7] The strapping tool according to aspect 1, wherein the holder biasing element comprises a torsion spring and the holder is pivotable between the release position and the holding position. [Aspect 8] The strapping tool according to aspect 1, wherein the tension wheel shaft engagement portion of the holder is positioned to engage the tension wheel shaft when the tension assembly is at the strap tension position and the holder is at the release position. [Aspect 9] The strapping tool according to aspect 1, wherein when the tension assembly is at the strap insertion position and the holder is at the holding position, the tension wheel shaft engagement portion of the holder extends under the tension wheel shaft. [Aspect 10] The tension wheel shaft engaging portion of the holder is the strapping tool according to aspect 9, which is between the foot portion and the tension wheel shaft when the tension assembly is at the strap insertion position and the holder is at the holding position. [Aspect 11] Further including a holder engaging portion movable relative to the holder between an active position and an inactive position, wherein when the holder engaging portion is at the inactive position, the holder engaging portion prevents the holder from moving to the holding position, and when the holder engaging portion is at the active position, the holder engaging portion allows the holder to move to the holding position, the strapping tool according to aspect 1. [Aspect 12] Further including a holder activation switch including a head and the holder engaging portion, the head being operably connected to the holder engaging portion to move the holder engaging portion between the inactive position and the active position, the strapping tool according to aspect 11. [Aspect 13] Further including a housing at least partially surrounding the support, the tension assembly and the motor, the holder and the holder activation switch being supported by the housing, at least a part of the head of the holder activation switch being outside the housing, the strapping tool according to aspect 12. [Aspect 14] Further including a holder activation switch biasing element that resists movement of the holder engaging portion between the inactive position and the active position, the strapping tool according to aspect 13. [Aspect 15] The holder engaging portion is rotatable between the inactive position and the active position, and the holder activation switch biasing element includes a spring extending between the holder engaging portion and the housing, the strapping tool according to aspect 14. [Aspect 16] In a strapping tool, a support; a sealing assembly mounted on the support and movable relative to the support between a sealing assembly original position and a sealing assembly sealing position, the sealing assembly including a plurality of jaws each movable from a respective jaw original position to a respective jaw sealing position; a conversion assembly including a joint portion including a first link and a second link connected to each other The joint is operably connected to the sealing assembly and is configured to move the sealing assembly from the sealing assembly original position to the sealing assembly sealing position and to move the jaws from their respective jaw original positions to their respective jaw sealing positions. The first and second links include a conversion assembly configured to move relative to each other to change the effective length of the joint while moving the sealing assembly from the sealing assembly original position to the sealing assembly sealing position. A strapping tool comprising a drive assembly operably connected to the conversion assembly and configured to drive the joint. [Aspect 17] The conversion assembly further includes a drive wheel including a drive shaft radially spaced from the axis of rotation of the drive wheel, the drive assembly being operably connected to the drive wheel and configured to rotate the drive wheel, the first link of the joint being mounted to the drive shaft and pivotable about the drive shaft. The strapping tool according to aspect 16. [Aspect 18] The strapping tool according to aspect 17, wherein the second link is operably connected to the sealing assembly. [Aspect 19] 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. The strapping tool according to aspect 18. [Aspect 20] 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. The strapping tool according to aspect 19. [Aspect 21] The conversion assembly is mounted to the support, the support including a first joint engagement portion and a second joint engagement portion, the joint further including a first support engagement portion and a second support engagement portion. The strapping tool according to aspect 20. [Aspect 22] When the first and second joint engagement portions are such 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 as the drive wheel continues to rotate toward the drive wheel sealing position, the first link pivots about the drive shaft and relative to the second link so as to increase the effective length of the joint, the strapping tool according to aspect 21 is provided. [Aspect 23] The strapping tool according to aspect 22, wherein the first and second links are in the first orientation when the drive wheel is in the drive wheel original position and in the second orientation when the drive wheel is in the drive wheel sealing position. [Aspect 24] When the first and second joint engagement portions are such that when the drive wheel rotates from the drive wheel sealing position toward the drive wheel original position, the first support engagement portion engages with the first joint engagement portion, and as the drive wheel continues to rotate, the first link pivots about the drive shaft and relative to the second link so as to decrease the effective length of the joint, the strapping tool according to aspect 22 is provided. [Aspect 25] The strapping tool according to aspect 24, wherein when the effective length of the joint is the minimum effective length, the sealing assembly is in the sealing assembly original position and the jaw portion is in the jaw portion original position. [Aspect 26] The strapping tool according to aspect 25, wherein when the sealing assembly is in the sealing assembly sealing position and the jaw portion is in the jaw portion sealing position, the effective length of the joint is the maximum effective length. [Aspect 27] The strapping tool according to aspect 26, wherein the first link further includes a stop finger, 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] The strapping tool according to aspect 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] The strapping tool according to aspect 28, wherein the first and second links are in the first orientation when the drive wheel is in the original position of the drive wheel and in the second orientation when the drive wheel is in the drive wheel sealing position. [Aspect 30] The strapping tool according to aspect 16, wherein the second link includes a leg of the joint 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 leg of the joint. [Aspect 31] In a strapping tool, a support, a tension assembly mounted on the support and pivotable relative to the support about a tension assembly pivot axis between a strap tension position and a strap insertion position, the tension assembly including a tension wheel and a tension assembly gear device operably coupled to the tension wheel for rotating the tension wheel about a tension wheel rotation axis spaced from the tension assembly pivot axis; an intermediate gear device rotatable about the tension assembly pivot axis and operably coupled to the tension assembly gear device for driving the tension assembly gear device; a strapping tool comprising a motor operably coupled to the intermediate gear device for rotating the intermediate gear device about the tension assembly pivot axis. [Aspect 32] The strapping tool according to aspect 31, wherein the tension wheel rotation axis and the tension assembly pivot axis are parallel. [Aspect 33] The strapping tool according to aspect 32, 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 34] The strapping tool according to aspect 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] The strapping tool according to aspect 32, wherein the tension assembly gear device includes a driven gear, and the intermediate gear device includes an intermediate gear drivingly engaged with the driven gear. [Aspect 36] The tension assembly is mounted on the support via a tension assembly pivot shaft, and the intermediate gear is mounted on the tension assembly pivot shaft and is rotatable with respect to the tension assembly pivot shaft. The strapping tool according to aspect 35. [Aspect 37] The tension wheel rotation shaft and the tension assembly pivot shaft are parallel. The strapping tool according to aspect 36. [Aspect 38] The distance between the tension wheel rotation shaft and the tension assembly pivot shaft remains substantially the same when the tension assembly pivots between the strap tension position and the strap insertion position. The strapping tool according to aspect 37. [Aspect 39] The distance between the tension wheel rotation shaft and the tension assembly pivot shaft remains the same when the tension assembly pivots between the strap tension position and the strap insertion position. The strapping tool according to aspect 38. [Aspect 40] The intermediate gear includes a second intermediate gear, the tension assembly gear device further includes a first intermediate gear, the first and second intermediate gears rotate together about the tension assembly pivot shaft, and the motor is operably connected to the first intermediate gear to rotate the first and second intermediate gears about the tension assembly pivot shaft. The strapping tool according to aspect 36. [Aspect 41] The motor is operably connected to the first intermediate gear via a belt. The strapping tool according to aspect 40. [Aspect 42] 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. The strapping tool according to aspect 41. [Aspect 43] Further includes a free wheel mounted on the motor output shaft, the belt operably connects the free wheel to the first intermediate gear to operably connect the motor to the first intermediate gear, the free wheel rotates in a first rotation direction together with the motor output shaft, and does not rotate in a second rotation direction opposite to the first rotation direction together with the motor output shaft. The strapping tool according to aspect 42. [Aspect 44] The tension wheel rotation shaft and the tension assembly pivot shaft are parallel. The strapping tool according to aspect 43. [Aspect 45] The strapping tool according to aspect 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 a strapping tool, a support, a tension assembly mounted on the support and pivotable about a tension assembly pivot axis with respect to the support between a strap tension position and a strap insertion position, a rocker lever mounted on the tension assembly and pivotable about a rocker lever pivot axis with respect to the tension assembly between an original position and an intermediate position, wherein the tension assembly pivot axis is different from the rocker lever pivot axis, The rocker lever is pivotable from the intermediate position to an operating position about the tension assembly pivot axis with respect to the support to move the tension assembly from the strap tension position to the strap insertion position. [Aspect 47] The strapping tool according to aspect 46, wherein the tension assembly pivot axis and the rocker lever pivot axis are parallel. [Aspect 48] 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 pivotably connecting the body to the tension assembly and a travel pin fixed to and extending through the slot to suppress pivoting of the rocker lever with respect to the tension assembly between the original position and the intermediate position. [Aspect 49] The strapping tool according to aspect 48, wherein the travel pin is at a first end of the slot when the rocker lever is in the original position and at a second end opposite the slot when the rocker lever is in the intermediate position. [Aspect 50] The strapping tool according to aspect 49, wherein the travel pin is at the second end of the slot when the rocker lever is in the operating position. [Aspect 51] The strapping tool according to aspect 46, further including a rocker lever biasing element for biasing the rocker lever to the original position. [Aspect 52] The tension assembly includes a tension wheel and a tension assembly gear device operably coupled to the tension wheel to rotate the tension wheel in a tension rotation direction about a tension wheel rotation axis, and the strapping tool a motor operably coupled to the tension assembly gear device to drive the tension assembly gear device, further includes a separation assembly operable to enable the tension wheel to rotate in a direction opposite to the tension rotation direction about the tension wheel rotation axis, The strapping tool according to aspect 46, wherein the rocker lever is operably coupled to the separation assembly to operate the separation assembly when pivoted from the original position to the intermediate position. [Aspect 53] The strapping tool according to aspect 52, wherein the separation assembly includes a separation assembly housing mounted on the tension assembly and having a tubular body rotatable with respect to the tension assembly, the body including teeth extending around an outer periphery of the body. [Aspect 54] The strapping tool according to aspect 53, further including a rocker lever gear mounted on the rocker lever, whereby when the rocker lever pivots from the original position to the operating position, the rocker lever gear is drivably engaged with the teeth of the body of the separation assembly housing and rotates the separation assembly housing with respect 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 engagable element at least partially disposed within the separation assembly housing and mounted on the separation assembly shaft to rotate therewith, a second engagable element at least partially disposed within the separation assembly housing and rotationally fixed with respect to the tension assembly. An expandable element that is at least partially disposed within the separation assembly housing and circumscribes at least a portion of the first engagable element and at least a portion of the second engagable element, having a first end fixed to the second engagable element and a second end fixed to the separation assembly housing, wherein a stationary inner diameter of the expandable element is dimensioned such that the expandable element applies a compressive force to the first and second engagable elements that prevents the first and second engagable elements from rotating relative to each other. The strapping tool according to aspect 54 further comprising such an expandable element. [Aspect 56] By rotation of the separation assembly housing via movement of the rocker lever from the original position to the intermediate position, the second end of the expandable element rotates relative to the first end of the expandable element, thereby expanding the inner diameter of the expandable element and enabling the first engagable element to rotate relative to the second expandable element. The strapping tool according to aspect 55. [Aspect 57] The expandable element includes a torsion spring. The strapping tool according to aspect 56. [Aspect 58] 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. The strapping tool according to aspect 56. [Aspect 59] Further comprising a housing that includes a handle and forms a cutoff finger opening, the housing at least partially surrounds the support, the rocker lever includes a cutoff finger, the cutoff finger enters the housing through the cutoff finger opening when the rocker lever moves from the original position to the intermediate position, and the cutoff finger is arranged and oriented to prevent the tension assembly from moving from the strap tension position to the strap insertion position when the rocker lever is in the original position. The strapping tool according to aspect 46. [Aspect 60] The strapping tool according to aspect 59, wherein when the rocker lever is in the original position and the tension assembly is in the strap tension position, the tension assembly moves toward the strap insertion position, whereby the blocking finger engages with the housing and prevents the tension assembly from reaching the strap insertion position. [Aspect 61] The strapping tool according to aspect 60, wherein the rocker lever includes a main body and an arm extending from the main body, the blocking finger is transverse to the arm, and the arm includes a free end that moves toward the handle when the rocker lever pivots from the original position to the intermediate position. [Aspect 62] In a strapping tool, a motor; a sealing assembly operably connected to the motor, spaced-apart first and second jaw connectors each including a first and a second support surface, a central jaw connector positioned between the first jaw connector and the second jaw connector and including a central support surface, a first pair of jaws between the first jaw connector and the central jaw connector, the first pair of jaws including opposing first and second jaws pivotable between respective jaw original positions and jaw sealing positions, a second pair of jaws between the central jaw connector and the second jaw connector, the second pair of jaws including opposing third and fourth jaws pivotable between respective jaw original positions and jaw sealing positions, and a sealing assembly including the second pair of jaws, a strap path formed between the first and second jaws and the third and fourth jaws and under the first support surface, the second support surface, and the central support surface, the central support surface being disposed closer to the strap path than the first and second support surfaces. [Aspect 63] The strapping tool according to aspect 62, wherein the first support surface, the second support surface, and the central support surface are planar. [Aspect 64] The strapping tool according to aspect 63, wherein the central support surface is not in the same plane as the first support surface or the second support surface. [Aspect 65] The strapping tool according to aspect 64, wherein the first and second support surfaces are in the same plane. [Aspect 66] The strapping tool according to aspect 62, wherein the first and second jaws are pivotably connected to the first jaw connector, and the third and fourth jaws are pivotably connected to the second jaw connector. [Aspect 67] The strapping tool according to aspect 66, wherein the first, second, third, and fourth jaw portions are pivotally connected to the central jaw connector. [Aspect 68] The strapping tool according to aspect 67, wherein the first and second jaw portions are pivotally connected to the first jaw connector, and the third and fourth jaw portions are pivotally connected to the second jaw connector. [Aspect 69] The strapping tool according to aspect 68, wherein the first and second jaw portions are pivotally connected to the second jaw connector, and the third and fourth jaw portions are pivotally connected to the first jaw connector. [Aspect 70] The strapping tool according to aspect 69, wherein the sealing assembly further includes a first pivot pin that pivotally connects the first and third jaw portions to the first jaw connector, the second jaw connector, and the central jaw connector, and a second pivot pin that pivotally connects the second and fourth jaw portions to the first jaw connector, the second jaw connector, and the central jaw connector. [Aspect 71] The strapping tool according to aspect 62, further including a support, wherein the sealing assembly is mounted on the support and is movable relative to the support between a sealing assembly in - place position and a sealing assembly sealing position. [Aspect 72] The strapping tool according to aspect 62, wherein the first support surface, the second support surface, and the central support surface engage the seal element during a sealing cycle when the jaw portions move from their respective jaw in - place positions to their respective jaw sealing positions to cut an incision in the seal element.

Explanation of symbols

[0113] 50 Strapping tool 100 Housing 140 Second link 200 Working assembly 243c First planetary gear 300 Support 310 Body 320 Foot 330 Tension assembly mounting element 340 Conversion assembly mounting element 350 Gate receiving recess 372a Second sealing assembly mounting tongue 372b Second sealing assembly mounting tongue 374a Fourth sealing assembly mounting tongue 374b Fourth sealing assembly mounting tongue 380 Roller 390a First sealing assembly mounting element 390b Second sealing assembly mounting element 392 First joint engagement part 394 Second joint engagement part 400 Tension assembly 400s Tension assembly biasing element 405 Tension assembly pivot shaft 405a Tension assembly pivot axis 410 Tension assembly support 420 Tension assembly gear device 421 Driven gear 422 First sun gear 423a First planetary gear 423b First planetary gear 423c First planetary gear 424 Carrier 424a First planetary gear carrier 424b Second sun gear 425 First 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 rotating shaft 500 Sealing assembly 502 Front cover 506 Rear cover 506a Base 506b First mounting wing 506c Second mounting wing 506d Lip 520 Jaw assembly 522 Connector 524 Connector pivot part 526 Jaw joint part 528 Jaw joint part 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 Body 552s Support surface 554 Head 566 Third jaw connector 566s Support surface 567 Fourth jaw connector 571 First upper jaw pivot part 572 Second upper jaw pivot part 573 First lower jaw pivot part 574 Second lower jaw pivot part 600 Object blocking assembly 605 Object blocker 610 First object blocking part 612 Body 612a Biasing element receiving hole 612b Biasing element receiving hole 612c Object engaging surface 612d slot 612e slot 614 mounting element 616a tooth engagement pin 616b tooth engagement pin 620 second object blocking part 622 body 622a biasing element receiving hole 622b biasing element receiving hole 622c object engaging surface 622d slot 622e slot 622f recess 622w upper wall 624 mounting element 626a tooth engagement pin 626b tooth engagement pin 630 object blocker lifting element 632 body 634 object blocker engaging part 634a surface 636 free end 640 pivot pin 650 object blocker fastener 660 pin 670 biasing element 670a biasing element 670b biasing element 670c biasing element 670d biasing element 680 biasing element retainer 690 fastener 700 drive assembly 710 work assembly actuator 712 motor output shaft 712a motor output shaft rotation axis 720 first transmission 730 second transmission 732 intermediate gear device 732a first intermediate gear 732b second intermediate gear 740 first belt 750 third transmission 752 Third transmission gear device 752a Third transmission rotating shaft 760 Second belt 800 Conversion assembly 810 Drive wheel 812 Base 814 Head 815 Bearing 816 Joint drive shaft 820 Joint 822 Pivoting part 830 First link 832 Body 834 Joint drive shaft mounting opening 836 First support engaging part 838 Stop finger part 839 Second support engaging part 840 Second link 842 Body 844 Connector mounting opening 848 Stop element 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 Blocking finger part 930 Rocker lever gear 940 Rocker lever pivot pin 950 Rocker lever travel pin 980 Blocking finger part 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 Touch screen 1400 Actuating assembly 1410 Button actuator 1420 Button actuator 1500 Power supply 1600 Control device 1700 Sensor 1800 Holding assembly 1810 Holder 1812 Body 1814 Mounting ear 1816 Tension wheel shaft engaging part 1818 Biasing element engaging part 1820 Holder mounting part 1830 Holder biasing element 1900 Separation assembly 1910 Separation assembly shaft 1912 Body 1912a First end 1912b Second end 1914 First bearing support 1916 Second bearing support 1920 Separation assembly housing 1922 Tubular body 1922o Opening 1924 Teeth 1930 Element 1940 Torsion spring 1940a First end 1940b Second end 1950 Element 1952 Tubular body 1954 Annular flange 1954o Opening 1960a First bearing 1960b Second bearing 3850 Holder activation assembly 3852 Holder activation switch 3852a Head 3852b Shaft 3852c Holder engaging part 3854 Holder activation switch biasing element 3856 First biasing element retainer 3858 Second biasing element retainer A810 Drive wheel rotation shaft A820 Joint rotation shaft

Claims

Claim 1 In a strapping tool, a support (300) including a foot portion (320), a tension assembly (400) mounted on the support (300) and movable relative to the foot portion (320) of the support (300) between a strap tension position and a strap insertion position, the tension assembly (400) including a rotatable tension wheel shaft (428b) and a tension wheel (440) mounted on the tension wheel shaft (428b) so as to rotate therewith, a motor (710) operably connected 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 engagement portion (1816), the retainer (1810) being movable relative to the tension wheel shaft (428b) between a release position and a holding position, and a retainer biasing element (1830) for biasing the retainer (1810) to the holding position, wherein the body of the retainer (1810) further includes a biasing element engagement portion (1818), and the retainer biasing element (1830) engages the biasing element engagement portion (1818) to bias the retainer (1810) to the holding position, a strapping tool (50) wherein 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 the tension wheel shaft (428b) of the tension assembly (400) to hold the tension assembly (400) in the strap insertion position. Claim 2 The strapping tool (50) according to claim 1, wherein when the tension assembly (400) is in the strap insertion position and the retainer (1810) is in the holding position, rotation of the tension wheel shaft (428b) in the first rotational direction causes the retainer (1810) to move to the release position, thereby enabling the tension assembly (400) to move to the strap tension position. Claim 3 Further comprising a tension assembly biasing element (400S), the tension assembly biasing element (400S) biases the tension assembly (400) to the strap tension position such that when the holder (1810) holds the tension assembly (400) at the strap insertion position and then moves to the release position, the tension assembly (400) moves to the strap tension position. The strapping tool (50) according to claim 2.

4. When the tension assembly (400) is at the strap insertion position and the holder (1810) is at the holding position, the tension assembly biasing element (400S) applies a force to the tension wheel shaft (428b) in the direction of the foot portion (320) of the support (300) with respect to the tension wheel shaft engaging portion (1816). The strapping tool (50) according to claim 3.

5. Further comprising a housing (100) that at least partially surrounds the support (300), the tension assembly (400), and the motor (710), wherein the holder (1810) is supported by the housing (100). The strapping tool (50) according to claim 4.

6. The holder biasing element (1830) includes a torsion spring, and the holder (1810) is pivotable between the release position and the holding position. The strapping tool (50) according to claim 1.

7. The holder (1810) is positioned such that when the tension assembly (400) is at the strap tension position and the holder (1810) is at the release position, the tension wheel shaft engaging portion (1816) engages the tension wheel shaft (428b). The strapping tool (50) according to claim 1.

8. When the tension assembly (400) is at the strap insertion position and the holder (1810) is at the holding position, the tension wheel shaft engaging portion (1816) of the holder (1810) extends below the tension wheel shaft (428b). The strapping tool (50) according to claim 1.

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

10. Further comprising a holder engaging portion (3852c) movable relative to the holder (1810) between an active position and an inactive position. When the holder engaging portion (3852c) is in the inactive position, the holder engaging portion (3852c) prevents the holder (1810) from moving to the holding position. When the holder engaging portion (3852c) is in the active position, the holder engaging portion (3852c) allows the holder (1810) to move to the holding position. The strapping tool (50) according to claim 1.

11. Further comprising a holder activation switch (3852) including a head and the holder engaging portion (3852c). The head is operably connected to the holder engaging portion (3852c) for moving the holder engaging portion (3852c) between the inactive position and the active position. The strapping tool (50) according to claim 10.

12. Further comprising a housing (100) at least partially surrounding the support (300), the tension assembly (400) and the motor (710). The holder (1810) and the holder activation switch (3852) are supported by the housing (100). At least a part of the head of the holder activation switch (3852) is outside the housing (100). The strapping tool (50) according to claim 11.

13. Further comprising a holder activation switch biasing element (3854) that resists movement of the holder engaging portion (3852c) between the inactive position and the active position. The strapping tool (50) according to claim 12.

14. The holder engaging portion (3852c) is rotatable between the inactive position and the active position. The holder activation switch biasing element (3854) includes a spring extending between the holder engaging portion (3852c) and the housing (100). The strapping tool (50) according to claim 13.

Images