Holding device for strapping tool

Abstract

Various embodiments of the present disclosure provide a holding device. The holding device includes an elongated body having a first end, a second end, and a longitudinal axis extending between the first and second ends. The holding device further includes a holder configured to receive a strapping tool. The holder is coupled to the first end of the elongated body by a coupler, and the holder is moveable by rotatable relative to the body about a first axis and a second axis, wherein the first and second axes are transverse to the longitudinal axis. The holding device further includes one or more legs coupled to the second end of the elongated body.

Description

HOLDING DEVICE FOR STRAPPING TOOLPRIORITY

[0001] This application claims priority to and the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 63 / 623,804, filed January 22, 2024, the entire contents of which is incorporated herein by reference.FIELD

[0002] The present disclosure relates to a holding device for holding a strapping tool and methods of using the holding device and strapping tool for strapping a load.BACKGROUND

[0003] Hand held strapping tools used to secure straps around loads often have significant weight and can be difficult for user to manipulate. Using such strapping tools to strap multiple different loads can be challenging to the user because the user carries the strapping tool between loads, moves the strapping tool to various positions and orientations, and holds the strapping tool for a long period of time.SUMMARY

[0004] Various embodiments of the present disclosure provide a holding device for a strapping tool and a method of using the holding device and strapping tool to strap a load. The holding device supports the weight of the strapping tool so as to improve the strapping process. By supporting the weight of the strapping tool, the holding device reduces the chance of fatigue or injury in a user of the strapping tool. Further, the holding device improves the user’s maneuverability' of the strapping tool and increases the efficiency of the strapping process.

[0005] In one embodiment, a holding device includes an elongated body having a first end, a second end, and a longitudinal axis extending between the first and second ends. The holding device further includes a holder configured to receive a strapping tool. The holder is coupled to the first end of the elongated body by a coupler, and the holder is moveable by rotatable relative to the body about a first axis and a second axis, wherein the first and second axes are transverse to the longitudinal axis. The holding device further includes one or more legs coupled to the second end of the elongated body.

[0006] In one embodiment, a strapping system includes a holding device and a strap dispenser. The holding device includes an elongated body having a first end, a second end, and a longitudinal axis extending between the first and second ends. The holding device further includes a holder configured to receive a strapping tool, and a coupler coupling the holder to the first end of the elongated body such that the holder is rotatable relative to the body about a first axis and a second axis. The first and second axes are transverse to the longitudinal axis. The strap dispenser has a support and the holding device is removably coupled to the support.

[0007] In one embodiment, a method for applying a strap to a load includes positioning a strap around a load. The method also includes installing a strapping tool on a holding device and positioning the holding device near the load. The method includes positioning a portion of the strap within the strapping tool and tightening the strap by the strapping tool. The method also includes fixing the strap by the strapping tool.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

[0008] Figure 1 is a perspective view of one example embodiment of a holding device according to the disclosure.

[0009] Figure 2A is a perspective view of the holding device of Figure 1 in a horizontal orientation.

[0010] Figure 2B is a perspective view of the holding device of Figure 1 in a vertical orientation.

[0011] Figure 3 A a perspective view of one example embodiment of a strapping system for strapping a load in a first configuration in a first position.

[0012] Figure 3B is a perspective view of the system of Figure 3A in the first configuration in a second position.

[0013] Figure 4A is a perspective view of the strapping system of Figure 3A in a second configuration in a first position.

[0014] Figure 4B is a perspective view of the strapping system of Figure 3 A in the second configuration in a second position.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0015] While the systems, devices, and methods described herein may be embodied in various forms, the drawings show and the specification describes certain exemplary' and nonlimiting embodiments. Not all of the components shown in the drawings and described in the specification may be required, and certain implementations may include additional, different, or fewer components. Variations in the arrangement and type of the components; the shapes, sizes, and materials of the components; and the manners of connections of the components may be made without departing from the spirit or scope of the claims. Unless otherwise indicated, any directions referred to in the specification reflect the orientations of the components shown in the corresponding drawings and do not limit the scope of the present disclosure. Further, terms that refer to mounting methods, such as mounted, connected, etc., are not intended to be limited to direct mounting methods but should be interpreted broadly to include indirect and operably mounted, connected, and like mounting methods. This specification is intended to be taken as a whole and interpreted in accordance with the principles of the present disclosure and as understood by one of ordinary skill in the art.

[0016] Various embodiments of the present disclosure provide a holding device configured to hold a strapping tool. The holding device includes a holder configured to receive the strapping tool and an elongated body that supports the weight of the strapping tool.

[0017] Figure 1 illustrates a holding device 100 according to one example embodiment. The holding device 100 includes an elongated body 110 that has a first end 112, a second end 114, and a longitudinal axis 118 extending between the first end 112 and the second end 114. The holding device 100 also includes a holder 120 configured to receive a strapping tool 200. The holding device 100 further includes one or more legs 116 that are coupled to the second end 114 of the elongated body 110. A coupler 130 couples the holder 120 to the first end 112 of the elongated body 110. In the illustrated example embodiment, the strapping tool 200forms a tensioned strap around a load 300 on a pallet 304. The strapping tool 200 receives a strap 600 that has been looped around the load 300.

[0018] In the illustrated example embodiment, the holding device 100 is supported by one or more legs 116 and angled towards the load 300 such that the strapping tool 200 rests against the load 300. In other embodiments, the holding device 100 is supported by the one or more legs 116 such that the strapping tool 200 does not rest against the load 300.

[0019] In the illustrated example embodiment, the legs 116 are in a deployed position. The legs 116 are movable between the deployed position and an undeployed position. In the undeployed position, the legs 116 are substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis 118 of the elongated body 1 10. In some embodiments, the legs 116 are coupled to the elongated body 110 by hinges, and the one or more legs are movable between the deployed position and the undeployed position by moving the hinges.

[0020] The elongated body 110 is telescopic along the longitudinal axis 118 by a telescoping portion 140. The elongated body 110 is movable between a first configuration, in which the elongated body 110 has a first extended length, defined by a distance between the first end 112 and the second end 114, and a second retracted configuration, in which the elongated body 110 has a second length. In some embodiments, the first extended length is greater than the second retracted length. Further, in some embodiments, the telescoping portion 140 is movable between the first configuration and the second configuration by applying downward pressure, relative to the longitudinal axis 118 of the elongated body 110, to the holder 120.

[0021] The telescoping portion 140 includes an actuator 142, the actuator 142 is configured to hold the elongated body 110 in the first configuration or in the second configuration. In some embodiments, the actuator 142 includes an air spring, a snap lock, a gas strut, a spring,or any other suitable component to hold the elongated body 110 in the first and second configurations. In some embodiments, the telescoping portion 140 includes a handle or a quick-release fastener.

[0022] The holder 120 is rotatable relative to the elongated body 110 by degrees of freedom of the coupler 130 about axes that are transverse to the longitudinal axis 118. By rotation of the holder 120, the strapping tool 200 is movable between a substantially horizontal position with respect to the longitudinal axis 118 and a substantially vertical position with respect to the longitudinal axis 118.

[0023] In the illustrated example embodiment in Figure 1, the strapping tool 200 is in the substantially vertical position with the strap 600 installed in the strapping tool 200. The strap 600 is removable from the strapping tool 200 by rotation of the holder 120 about an axis transverse to the longitudinal axis 118. The strap 600 is further removable from the strapping tool 200 by repositioning the holder 100 such that the strap 600 slides out of the strapping tool 200 as the holder 100 is repositioned. The holder 120 is rotatable by applying force in the direction of rotation. In some embodiments, the holder 120 further includes a handle or a knob configured to rotate the holder about an axes to remove the strap from the strapping tool. Further, in some embodiments, the holder includes a locking device configured to lock the position of the holder such that the holder does not rotate if the locking device is engaged.

[0024] The elongated body 110, the holder 120, the coupler 130, and the legs 116 may be formed from metal or any other suitable material.

[0025] Figure 2A illustrates the holder 120 in the substantially horizontal position, and Figure 2B illustrates the holder in the substantially vertical position. The coupler 130 includes a first coupler 132 and a second coupler 134. The first coupler 132 includes a first axis 136 and the second coupler 134 includes a second axis 138. The holder 120 is rotatable about thefirst axis 136 to move between the substantially horizontal position, shown in Figure 2A, and the substantially vertical positon, shown in Figure 2B.

[0026] The holder 120 includes a receiving portion 122, the receiving portion 122 is configured to receive the strapping tool 200. In some embodiments, the strapping tool 200 snaps into the receiving portion 122 and is removable from the holder 120 by unsnapping from the receiving portion 122. In some embodiments, the strapping tool 200 further includes a mounting piece configured to couple to the holder 120. In some embodiments, the mounting piece and the holder 120 are coupled by a threaded connection or a snap fit.

[0027] Figures 3A to 4B illustrate a strapping system 500 for strapping the load 300. The strapping system 500 includes the holding device 100 and a strap dispenser 400. The strap dispenser 400 includes a handle 402, one or more wheels 404, a support 410, and an actuator 420 coupled to the support 410.

[0028] The strap dispenser is placed near the load 300 and a portion of the strap 600. which is coiled around the strap dispenser 400. is received by the strapping tool 200. In the illustrated example embodiment of Figure 3A, the holding device 100 is positioned near the load 300 and supported by the load 300 and the legs 116.

[0029] In the illustrated example embodiment of Figure 3A, the holder 120 is in the substantially horizontal position in a first position. After the strap 600 is tensioned and fixed by the strapping tool 200, the strap 600 is removed from the strapping tool 200. When the holder 120 is in the substantially horizontal position, the strap 600 is removed by lowering the strapping tool 200 along the longitudinal axis 118 of the holding device to a second position. As the holder 120 is lowered, the strap 600 slides out of the strapping tool 200.

[0030] When the holder 120 is in the substantially vertical position, as illustrated in Figure 3B, the strap 600 is removed by rotating the holder 120 about the first axis 136 of the coupler130. As the holder 120 is rotated about the first axis 136 or the holder 120 is repositioned, the strap 600 slides out of the strapping tool 200. In certain embodiments, the holder 120 is rotatable about the second axis 138 to move between an engaged position and a disengaged position to align the strapping tool 200 with the load 300. In the engaged position, the holder 120 is tilted to be near the load 300 such that the strapping tool 200 can engage with the strap 600. In the disengaged position, the holder 120 is tilted away from the load 300 such that the strapping tool 200 does not engage with the strap 600.

[0031] The holding device 400 is configured to removably couple to the support 410. In the illustrated example embodiment of Figure 4A the holding device 100 is removably coupled to the support 410. The legs 116 of the holding device 100 may be rotated to a disengaged position. In the disengaged position the legs 116 are substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis 118 of the elongated body 110 such that the holding device 100 may fit inside of the support 410. In some embodiments, the legs 1 16 are removable from the holding device 100. In the illustrated embodiment, the support 410 includes a hollow rectangular prism configured to receive the second end 114 of the elongated body 110. In some embodiments, the support 410 is a snap-fit fastener shaped to receive the holding device 400.

[0032] The actuator 420 is coupled to the strap dispenser 400 and the support 410, and is movable between a neutral position and an extended position, and is configured fix the position of the support 410 when the actuator 420 is in the neutral position or the extended position. In some embodiments, the actuator 420 includes an air spring, a pneumatic tube, a mechanical spring, a linear guide, a friction hinge, or any other suitable component to fix the position of the support 410.

[0033] After the strap dispenser 400 is positioned near the load 300, the actuator 420 moves from the neutral position to the extended position, moving support 410 to position thestrapping tool 200 near the load 300. The actuator 420 holds the support 410 in that position. as illustrated in Figure 4B. In some embodiments, after the support 410 is positioned, the holder 120 is rotated about the second axis 138 to bring the strapping tool 200 closer to the load 300 into an engaged position. Once the strap 600 is tensioned, fixed, and removed from the strapping tool 200, the holder 120 is returned to a disengaged position, the actuator 420 is returned to the neutral position and the strap dispenser 400 can be moved away from the load 300. In some embodiments, in the extended position the strapping tool 200 rests on the load 300.

[0034] Thus, in various embodiments, the disclosure provides a holding device. The holding device includes an elongated body. The elongated body includes a first end, a second end, and a longitudinal axis extending between the first and second ends. The holding device further includes a holder configured to receive a strapping tool, a coupler coupling the holder to the first end of the body such that the holder is rotatable relative to the elongated body about a first axis and a second axis, wherein the first and second axes are transverse to the longitudinal axis 118, and one or more legs coupled to the second end of the body.

[0035] In various such embodiments of the device, the elongated body is telescopic along the longitudinal axis and is movable between a first configuration in which the elongated body has a first length and a second configuration in which the elongated body has a second length, wherein the first length is greater than the second length.

[0036] In various such embodiments of the device, the holding device further includes a handle coupled to the elongated body, wherein the handle is configured to adjust the length of the elongated body.

[0037] In various such embodiments of the device, the one or more legs are movable between a deployed position and an undeployed position, wherein in the undeployed position, the one or more legs are substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the elongated body.

[0038] In various such embodiments of the device, the coupler includes a first coupled device for a first degree of freedom and a second coupling device for a second degree of freedom, wherein the first degree of freedom is about the first axis and the second degree of freedom is about the second axis.

[0039] In various such embodiments of the device, the holder is movable to a substantially horizontal position with respect to the longitudinal axis of the elongated body by rotation of the first coupler about the first axis.

[0040] In various such embodiments of the device, the holder is movable to a substantially vertical position with respect to the longitudinal axis of the elongated body by rotation of the first coupler about the first axis.

[0041] In various such embodiments of the device, the holder is movable between an engaged position and a disengaged position with respect to the load by rotation of the second coupler about the second axis.

[0042] In various such embodiments of the device, the one or more legs include one or more wheels.

[0043] In various embodiments, the disclosure provides a strapping system. The system includes a holding device and a strap dispenser. The holding device includes an elongated body having a first end, a second end, and a longitudinal axis extending between the first and second ends, a holder configured to receive a strapping tool, and a coupler coupling the holder to the first end of the elongated body such that the holder is rotatable relative to the body about a first axis and a second axis, wherein the first and second axes are transverse tothe longitudinal axis. The strap dispenser includes a support, wherein the holding device is removably coupled to the support.

[0044] In various such embodiments of the system, the strap dispenser further includes an actuator coupled to the support, the actuator configured to fix a position of the support.

[0045] In various such embodiments of the system, the actuator includes an air spring.

[0046] In various such embodiments of the system, the holding device further includes one or more legs coupled to the second end of the elongated body, wherein the one or more legs are movable between a deployed position and an undeployed position, wherein in the undeployed position the one or more legs are substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis 118 of the elongated body.

[0047] In various such embodiments of the system, the strap dispenser further includes a strap coil disposed on the strap dispenser, and the strapping tool is configured to receive a portion of the strap coil.

[0048] In various such embodiments of the system, the strap dispenser further includes one or more wheels, such that the strap dispenser is movable.

[0049] In various embodiments, the disclosure provides a method for applying a strap to a load, the method including positioning the strap around the load, installing a strapping tool on a holding device, positioning the holding device near the load, positioning a portion of the strap within the strapping tool, tightening the strap by the strapping tool, and fixing the strap by the strapping tool.

[0050] In various such embodiments of the method, positioning the holding device near the load includes removably coupling the holding device to a strap dispenser, the strap dispenser including one or more wheels, and moving the strap dispenser near the load.

[0051] In various such embodiments of the method, positioning the holding device near the load includes moving the holding device to a location near the load, moving one or more legs of the holding device from an undeployed position to a deployed position, and positioning the holding device such that the strapping tool rests against the load.

[0052] In various such embodiments of the method, the method further includes prior to positioning a portion of the strap within the strapping tool, moving the strapping tool to a first position in an orientation, and, after fixing the strap by the strapping tool, moving the strapping tool to a second position in the orientation, wherein when the strapping tool is in the second position, the portion of the strap is removed from the strapping tool.

[0053] In various such embodiments of the method, the orientation is a substantially horizontal orientation, and wherein moving the strapping tool to a second position in the substantially horizontal orientation includes lowering the strapping tool along a longitudinal axis of the holding device.

[0054] Various changes and modifications to the above-described embodiments described herein will be apparent to those skilled in the art. These changes and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of this present subject matter and without diminishing its intended advantages. Not all of the depicted components described in this disclosure may be required, and some implementations may include additional, different, or fewer components from those expressly described in this disclosure. Variations in the arrangement and ty pe of the components; the shapes, sizes, and materials of the components; and the manners of attachment and connections of the components may be made without departing from the spirit or scope of the claims as set forth herein. Also, unless otherwise indicated, any directions referred to herein reflect the orientations of the components shown in the corresponding draw ings and do not limit the scope of the present disclosure. Thisspecification is intended to be taken as a whole and interpreted in accordance with the principles of the invention as taught herein and understood by one of ordinary skill in the art.

Claims

CLAIMS1. A holding device comprising: an elongated body having a first end, a second end, and a longitudinal axis extending between the first and second ends; a holder configured to receive a strapping tool; a coupler coupling the holder to the first end of the body such that the holder is rotatable relative to the elongated body about a first axis and a second axis, wherein the first and second axes are transverse to the longitudinal axis; and one or more legs coupled to the second end of the body.

2. The holding device of claim 1, wherein the elongated body is telescopic along the longitudinal axis and is movable between a first configuration in which the elongated body has a first length and a second configuration in which the elongated body has a second length, and wherein the first length is greater than the second length.

3. The holding device of claim 2, further comprising a handle coupled to the elongated body, wherein the handle is configured to adjust the length of the elongated body.

4. The holding device of claim 1. wherein the one or more legs are movable between a deployed position and an undeployed position, and wherein in the undeployed position, the one or more legs are substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the elongated body.

5. The holding device of claim 1. wherein the coupler comprises a first coupling device for a first degree of freedom and a second coupling device for a second degree of freedom.wherein the first degree of freedom is about the first axis, and wherein the second degree of freedom is about the second axis.

6. The holding device of claim 5, wherein the holder is movable to a substantially horizontal position with respect to the longitudinal axis of the elongated body by rotation of the first coupling device about the first axis.

7. The holding device of claim 5, wherein the holder is movable to a substantially vertical position with respect to the longitudinal axis of the elongated body by rotation of the first coupling device about the first axis.

8. The holding device of claim 5, wherein the holder is movable between an engaged position and a disengaged position with respect to a load by rotation of the second coupler about the second axis.

9. The holding device of claim 1 , wherein the one or more legs comprises one or more wheels.

10. A strapping system comprising: a holding device, wherein the holding device comprises: an elongated body having a first end. a second end, and a longitudinal axis extending between the first and second ends. a holder configured to receive a strapping tool, anda coupler coupling the holder to the first end of the elongated body such that the holder is rotatable relative to the body about a first axis and a second axis, wherein the first and second axes are transverse to the longitudinal axis; and a strap dispenser having a support, wherein the holding device is removably coupled to the support.

11. The system of claim 10, wherein the strap dispenser further comprises an actuator coupled to the support, the actuator configured to fix a position of the support.

12. The system of claim 11, wherein the actuator comprises an air spring.

13. The system of claim 10, wherein the holding device further comprises one or more legs coupled to the second end of the elongated body, wherein the one or more legs are movable between a deployed position and an undeployed position, and wherein in the undeployed position the one or more legs are substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the elongated body.

14. The system of claim 10, wherein the strap dispenser further comprises a strap coil disposed on the strap dispenser, and wherein the strapping tool is configured to receive a portion of the strap coil.

15. The system of claim 10, wherein the strap dispenser further comprises one or more wheels, such that the strap dispenser is movable.

16. A method of strapping a load, the method comprising: positioning the strap around the load; installing a strapping tool on a holding device; positioning the holding device near the load; positioning a portion of the strap within the strapping tool; tightening the strap by the strapping tool; and fixing the strap by the strapping tool.

17. The method of claim 16, wherein positioning the holding device near the load comprises: removably coupling the holding device to a strap dispenser, the strap dispenser comprising one or more wheels; and moving the strap dispenser near the load.

18. The method of claim 16, wherein positioning the holding device near the load comprises: moving the holding device to a location near the load; moving one or more legs of the holding device from an undeployed position to a deployed position; and positioning the holding device such that the strapping tool rests against the load.

19. The method of claim 16. further comprising: prior to positioning a portion of the strap within the strapping tool, moving the strapping tool to a first position in an orientation; andafter fixing the strap by the strapping tool, moving the strapping tool to a second position in the orientation, wherein when the strapping tool is in the second position, the portion of the strap is removed from the strapping tool.

20. The method of claim 19, wherein the orientation is a substantially vertical orientation, and wherein moving the strapping tool to a second position in the substantially vertical orientation comprises lowering the strapping tool along a longitudinal axis of the holding device.

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