Strapping tool with movable plate support

Abstract

The present disclosure provides a strapping tool including a base, a strap manipulator supported by the base, a counter-pressure plate, a plate support supporting the counter-pressure plate, and an actuator operably connected to the plate support and configured to move the plate support. The plate support is movable relative to the strap manipulator between: (a) a first position in which the counter-pressure plate is in a working area below the strap manipulator such that strap manipulator can force strap against the counter-pressure plate; and (b) a second position laterally offset from the first position in which the counter-pressure plate is at least partially removed from the working area.

Description

STRAPPING TOOL WITH MOVABLE PLATE SUPPORTPriority

[0001] This application claims priority to and the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 562,003, filed March 6, 2024, the entire contents of which is incorporated herein by reference.Field

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

[0003] Handheld strapping tools are configured to tension strap around a load and to attach overlapping layers of the strap to one another to form a tensioned strap loop around the load. Certain strapping tools, such as those configured for use with plastic or paper strap, use friction welding to attach overlapping upper and lower strap layers to one another.

[0004] To use one of these strapping tools to form a tensioned strap loop around a load, an operator pulls strap leading end first from a strap supply, wraps the strap around the load, and positions a lower layer of the strap including the leading end of the strap below an upper layer of the strap that is connected to the strap supply. The operator opens the tool — such as by pulling a hand lever or pressing a button — to separate a toothed tensioning wheel and a toothed tensioning plate. The operator introduces the overlapped strap layers into the strapping tool so they extend between the tensioning wheel and the tensioning plate and between a toothed weld shoe and a toothed weld plate of the strapping tool. The tensioning wheel and plate are typically positioned near the front of the strapping tool, while the weld shoe and plate are positioned rearward of and laterally aligned with the tensioning wheel and plate. A spring forces the tensioning wheel and the tensioning plate together so they sandwich the strap layers, while initially the weld shoe does not contact the strap.

[0005] The operator presses a button to start a strapping cycle. First, the tensioning wheel rotates to move the upper strap layer over the lower strap layer and tension the strap around the load. After tensioning, the weld shoe lowers to force the strap layers against the weld plate while simultaneously cutting the upper strap layer from the strap supply. The weld shoe reciprocates at a high frequency as the weld shoe exerts a welding force on the strap layers. The reciprocating weld shoe reciprocates the upper strap layer relative to the lower strap layer, which generates friction between portions of the overlapping strap layers that locally melts them. After a period of time, the weld shoe stops reciprocating but continues to exert the welding force. The melted portions of the overlapping strap layers join together and solidify as they cool, thereby attaching the upper and lower strap layers to form the tensioned strap loop.

[0006] After completion of the strapping cycle, the operator opens the tool to separate the tensioning wheel and the tensioning plate and the weld shoe and the weld plate to release the tensioned strap loop. At this point, the tensioned strap loop holds part of the strapping tool — such as the base plate — tight against the load. To remove the strapping tool from the tensioned strap loop, the operator moves the strapping tool laterally and, in some instances, twists the strapping tool while doing so. This increases the time and effort required to strap a load and if done incorrectly could damage the tensioned strap loop.Summary

[0007] The present disclosure provides a strapping tool including a base, a strap manipulator supported by the base, a counter-pressure plate, a plate support supporting the counter-pressure plate, and an actuator operably connected to the plate support and configured to move the plate support. The plate support is movable relative to the strap manipulator between:(a) a first position in which the counter-pressure plate is in a working area below the strap manipulator such that strap manipulator can force strap against the counter-pressure plate; and(b) a second position laterally offset from the first position in which the counter-pressure plate is at least partially removed from the working area.Brief Description of the Figures

[0008] Figure l is a perspective view of one example embodiment of a strapping tool of the present disclosure.

[0009] Figure 2 is a block diagram of certain components of the strapping tool of Figure 1.

[0010] Figures 3A-3C are diagrammatic side elevational views of the strapping tool of Figure 1 securing a load to a pallet.

[0011] Figure 3D is a perspective view of a friction-weld strap joint formed by the strapping tool of Figure 1 to attach two overlapping strap layers.

[0012] Figure 4 is a perspective view of the plate support and part of the base of the strapping tool of Figure 1 with the plate support in the first position.

[0013] Figures 5 A and 5B are diagrammatic top plan views of the plate support, the plate-support actuator, part of the base, the strap tensioner, and the strap sealer of the strapping tool of Figure 1 with the plate support in a first position and a second position, respectively.

[0014] Figure 6A is a side elevational view of the strapping tool of Figure 1 positioned on a load and with the strap tensioner in a tensioning position, the strap sealer in a raised position, and the plate support in a first position beneath the strap tensioner and the strap sealer.

[0015] Figure 6B is similar to Figure 6A but shows the strap tensioner in a strapinsertion position and shows upper and lower layers of strap introduced into the strapping tool.

[0016] Figure 6C is similar to Figure 6B but shows the strap tensioner returned to the tensioning position in which it contacts the upper layer of strap and forces the lower layer of strap against a tensioning plate on the plate support.

[0017] Figure 6D is similar to Figure 6C but shows the strap tensioner moving the upper layer of strap over the lower layer of strap to tension the strap around the load.

[0018] Figure 6E is similar to Figure 6D but shows the strap sealer after it has moved to a sealing position and joined portions of the upper and lower layers of strap to form a strap joint.

[0019] Figure 6F is similar to Figure 6E but shows the strap tensioner in the strapinsertion position, the strap sealer in the raised position, and the plate support in a second position in which the plate support is removed from the tensioned strap loop.

[0020] Figure 7A is a diagrammatic top plan view corresponding to Figure 6B.

[0021] Figure 7B is a diagrammatic top plan view corresponding to Figure 6E.

[0022] Figure 7C is a diagrammatic top plan view corresponding to Figure 6F.

[0023] Figures 8A and 8B are diagrammatic top plan views similar to Figures 5A and 5B but showing an alternative embodiment of the plate-support actuator.

[0024] Figures 9A, 9B, and 9C are diagrammatic top plan views similar to Figures 5A and 5B but showing an alternative embodiment of the plate-support actuator.Detailed Description

[0025] 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.

[0026] The present disclosure provides a strapping tool including a base supporting one or more strap manipulators, such as a strap tensioner and / or a strap sealer configured to manipulate strap during a strapping cycle to form a tensioned strap loop around a load. The strapping tool includes a plate support supporting one or more counter-pressure plates thatcooperate with the one or more strap manipulators during the strapping cycle. The plate support is movable between a first position and a second position laterally offset from the first position. When the plate support is in the first position, the one or more counter-pressure plates are in a working area below the one or more strap manipulators such that the one or more strap manipulators can force strap against the one or more counter-pressure plates during the strapping cycle. Conversely, when the plate support is in the second position, the one or more counterpressure plates are removed from the working area. In operation, the plate support is in the first position — and between a portion of the strap and the load — while the strapping tool is carrying out the strapping cycle. After completion of the strapping cycle, the plate support is moved to the second position to remove it from between the tensioned strap loop and the load. This frees the strapping tool from the tensioned strap loop without requiring the operator to move the strapping tool laterally or twist the strapping tool.

[0027] Figures 1-7C show one example embodiment of a strapping tool of the present disclosure in the form of a battery-powered portable strapping tool 50 and certain assemblies and components thereof. As shown in Figures 3A-3C, the strapping tool 50 is configured to carry out a strapping cycle to tension and seal strap S (plastic strap in this example embodiment) around a load L on a pallet P to form a tensioned strap loop that secures the load L to the pallet P. An operator pulls strap S from a strap supply (not shown) and wraps the strap around the load L and through the openings in the pallet P until a lower layer LL of the strap S (which includes the leading end of the strap S) is positioned below an upper layer UL of the strap S, as shown in Figure 3A. The operator then introduces the overlapping upper and lower layers UL and LL of the strap S into the strapping tool 50 and actuates one or more buttons to initiate the strapping cycle. As shown in Figure 3B, a motor drives a first strap manipulator — which is a strap tensioner in this example embodiment — to carry out a tensioning cycle during which the strapping tool 50 tensions strap S around the load L. Once a preset tension is reached in the strap S, as shown in Figure 3C, the motor drives a second strap manipulator — which is a strap sealer in this example embodiment — to carry out a sealing cycle during which the strapping tool 50 connects the upper and lower layers UL and LL of the strap S to one another to form a strap joint SJ, as shown in Figure 3D, and cuts the strap S from the strap supply.

[0028] The strapping tool 50 includes a housing 100, a base 200, a plate support 300, a plate-support actuator 300a, a first strap manipulator 400, a second strap manipulator 500, amotor 600, a trigger 700, a power supply 1500, and a controller 1600. Tn this example embodiment, the first strap manipulator 400 includes a strap tensioner and the second strap manipulator 500 includes a strap sealer.

[0029] The housing 100, best shown in Figure 1, is formed from multiple components (not individually labeled) that collectively at least partially enclose and / or support some or all of the other assemblies and components of the strapping tool 50. In this example embodiment, the housing 100 includes a front housing section 110, a cover 115, a rear housing section 120, a motor housing section 130, and a handle section 150. The front housing section 110 and the cover 115 at least partially encloses and / or supports at least some of the components of the base 200, the plate support 300, the plate-support actuator 300a, the first strap manipulator 400, and the second strap manipulator 500. The rear housing section 120 at least partially encloses and / or supports a display and defines a receptacle sized, shaped, and otherwise configured to receive and at least partially enclose and / or support the power supply 1500 and the controller 1600. The motor housing section 130 extends between and connects the bottoms of the front and rear housing sections 110 and 120 and at least partially encloses and / or supports the motor 600. The handle housing section 150 extends between and connects the tops of the front and rear housing sections 110 and 120 and defines a handle used by the operator. This is merely one example, and in other embodiments the components of the strapping tool may be supported and / or enclosed by any suitable portion of the housing 100. The housing 100 may be formed from any suitable quantity of components joined together in any suitable manner. In this example embodiment, the housing 100 is formed from plastic, though it may be made from any other suitable material in other embodiments.

[0030] The base 200, which is best shown in Figure 4, serves as a direct or indirect common mount for the plate support 300, the plate-support actuator 300a, the first strap manipulator 400, the second strap manipulator 500, and the motor 600. The base 200 includes a base plate 210 having a substantially planar bottom surface. A substantially rectangular cavity 210c is defined in the base plate 210 and is sized, shaped, oriented, and otherwise configured to receive all or part of (depending on the embodiment) the plate support 300 when the plate support 300 is in the second position, as described below. Substantially parallel first and second grooves 210a and 210b are defined in substantially parallel side walls of the base plate 210 to enable the plate support 300 to be mounted to the base plate 210, as described below.

[0031] The plate support 300, which is best shown in Figures 4-5B, includes a body 310 having the shape of a rectangular parallelepiped with a substantially planar bottom surface. First and second wings 310a and 310b extend outwardly from two opposing sides of the body 310. The first and second wings 310a and 310b are received in the first and second grooves 210a and 210b of the base plate 210 such that the plate support 300 is slidably mounted to the base 200 and movable — here, translatable — relative to the base 200 between a first position shown in Figure 5A and a second position shown in Figure 5B. The upper surface of the plate support 300 supports first and second counter-pressure plates 320 and 330. In this example embodiment, the first counter-pressure plate includes a toothed tensioning plate, and the second counter-pressure plate includes a toothed sealing plate. In other embodiments, the plate support is movable between the first and second positions in any suitable manner other than via translating, such as via pivoting. In other embodiments, the grooves are defined in the body of the plate support and the base plate of the base includes the wings.

[0032] The plate-support actuator 300a, which is best shown in Figures 5A and 5B, is operably connected to the plate support 300 and configured to move the plate support 300. More specifically, in this example embodiment, the plate-support actuator 300a includes a linear actuator including a drive 305a and an arm 310a. The drive 305a is mounted to the base plate 210 of the base 200, and one end of the arm 310a is fixedly mounted to the body 310 plate support 300. The drive 305a is operably connected to the arm 310a and configured to extend and retract the arm 310a to move the plate support 300 between the first and second positions.

[0033] The strap tensioner 400, which is best shown in Figures 6A-6F, is operable via the motor 600 to move the upper layer of strap relative to the lower layer of strap to tension the strap around the load during the strapping cycle. The strap tensioner 400 includes a rotatable tensioning wheel, gearing operably connecting the motor 600 to the tensioning wheel, and a rocker pivotably connected to the base 200 and supporting the tensioning wheel and the gearing. The motor 600 is operable to drive the gearing, which in turn drives the tensioning wheel to rotate. The strap tensioner 400 is pivotable — via pivoting the rocker — relative to the plate support 300 between a strap-tensioning position shown in Figures 6A and 6C-6E and a strapinsertion position shown in Figures 6B and 6F. A biasing element biases the strap tensioner 400 to the tensioning position. When the plate support 300 is in the first position and the strap tensioner 400 is in the tensioning position, the strap tensioner 400 is adjacent to the tensioningplate 320 such that if strap is between the strap tensioner 400 and the tensioning plate 320, the strap tensioner 400 forces the strap against the tensioning plate 320. When the plate support 300 is in the first position and the strap tensioner 400 is in the strap-insertion position, the strap tensioner 400 is spaced-apart from the tensioning plate 320 such that strap can be inserted between the tensioning plate 320 and the strap tensioner 400.

[0034] The strap sealer 500, which is best shown in Figures 6A-6F, is operable via the motor 600 to join part of the overlapping upper and lower strap layers together via friction welding during the strapping cycle to form a strap joint. The strap sealer 500 includes a pivotable arm, an oscillatable weld pad supported by the arm, and gearing operably connecting the motor 600 to the arm and the weld pad. The arm and the weld pad are pivotable together relative to the plate support 300 between a raised position shown in Figures 6A-6D and 6F and a sealing position shown in Figure 6E. The motor 600 is operable to drive the gearing, which in turn drives the arm and the strap sealer to pivot the sealing position and also drives the weld pad to oscillate. When the plate support 300 is in the first position and the strap sealer 500 is in the raised position, the strap sealer 500 — and in particular the weld pad — is spaced-apart from the sealing plate 330 such that strap can be inserted between the sealing plate 330 and the strap sealer 500. When the plate support 300 is in the first position and the strap sealer 500 is in the sealing position, the strap sealer 500 — and in particular the weld pad — is adjacent to the sealing plate 330 such that if strap is between the strap sealer 500 and the sealing plate 330, the strap sealer 500 forces the strap against the sealing plate 330.

[0035] A working area 1000, which is shown in Figures 5A and 5B, is defined directly below the strap tensioner 400 and the strap sealer 500. As shown in Figure 5A, when the plate support 300 is in the first position, the tensioning plate 320 and the sealing plate 330 are in the working area 1000 such that the strap tensioner 400 and the strap sealer 500 can force strap against the respective plates during the strapping cycle. Conversely, and as shown in Figure 5B, when the plate support 300 is in the second position, the tensioning plate 320 and the sealing plate 330 are removed from the working area 1000 such that the strap tensioner 400 and the strap sealer 500 cannot force strap against the respective plates.

[0036] As described above, the motor 600 is operably connected to and configured to drive the strap tensioner 400 and the strap sealer 500 to manipulate the strap during astrapping cycle. In this example embodiment, the motor 600 includes an electric motor, though the motor may include any other suitable type of motor in other embodiments.

[0037] The trigger 700 is actuatable (here, pivotable) to cause the strap tensioner 400 to move from the tensioning position to the strap-insertion position and — as described below in connection with the controller 1600 — to cause the plate support 300 to move from the first position to the second position. In certain embodiments, a mechanical linkage operably connects the trigger 700 to the rocker such that when the trigger 700 is pulled the mechanical linkage forces the rocker to pivot to move the strap tensioner to the strap-insertion position. In other embodiments, the motor is operably connected to the strap tensioner via a suitable transmission and configured to move the strap tensioner from the tensioning position to the strap-insertion position responsive to actuation of the trigger.

[0038] The controller 1600, which is shown in Figure 2, includes a processing device (or devices) communicatively connected to a memory device (or devices). For instance, the controller may be a programmable logic controller. The processing device may include any suitable processing device such as, but not limited to, a general-purpose processor, a specialpurpose processor, a digital-signal processor, one or more microprocessors, one or more microprocessors in association with a digital-signal processor core, one or more applicationspecific integrated circuits, one or more field-programmable gate array circuits, one or more integrated circuits, and / or a state machine. The memory device may include any suitable memory device such as, but not limited to, read-only memory, random-access memory, one or more digital registers, cache memory, one or more semiconductor memory devices, magnetic media such as integrated hard disks and / or removable memory, magneto-optical media, and / or optical media. The memory device stores instructions executable by the processing device to control operation of the strapping tool 50. The controller 1600 is communicatively and operably connected to the plate-support actuator 300a and the motor 600 and configured to receive signals from and to control those components.

[0039] The controller 1600 is configured to operate the strapping tool in one of three operating modes to carry out the strapping cycle: (1) a manual operating mode; (2) a semiautomatic operating mode; and (3) an automatic operating mode. In the manual operating mode, the controller 1600 operates the motor 600 to drive the strap tensioner 400 to tension the strap responsive to a first button being actuated and maintained in its actuated state. The controller1600 operates the motor 600 to drive the strap sealer 500 to seal the strap responsive to a second button being actuated. In the semi-automatic operating mode, the controller 1600 operates the motor 600 to drive the strap tensioner 400 to tension the strap responsive to the first button being actuated and maintained in its actuated state. Once the controller 1600 determines that the tension in the strap reaches a (preset) desired strap tension, the controller 1600 automatically operates the motor 600 to drive the strap sealer 500 to seal the strap without requiring additional input from the operator. In the automatic operating mode, the controller 1600 operates the motor 600 to drive the strap tensioner 400 to tension the strap responsive to the first button being actuated. Once the controller 1600 determines that the tension in the strap reaches the (preset) desired strap tension, the controller 1600 automatically operates the motor 600 to drive the strap sealer 500 to seal the strap without requiring additional input from the operator.

[0040] In this example embodiment, the controller 1600 is configured to control the plate-support actuator 300a to move the plate support 300 from the first position to the second position and from the second position back to the first position responsive the first actuation and the first deactuation, respectively, of the trigger 700 following completion of a strapping cycle but not any subsequent actuations of the trigger 700 (until the strapping tool 50 completes another strapping cycle). For example, the operator actuates (e.g., pulls) the trigger 700 for the first time after completion of a strapping cycle. In response, the controller 1600 controls the plate-support actuator 300a to move the plate support 300 from the first position to the second position while (or before or after) the strap tensioner 400 pivots to the strap-insertion position. When the operator deactuates (e.g., releases) the trigger 700, the controller 1600 controls the plate-support actuator 300a to move the plate support 300 from the second position to the first position while (or before or after) the strap tensioner 400 pivots to the tensioning position. Before initiating another strapping cycle, the operator actuates the trigger 700 a second time, such as to insert strap into the strapping tool 50. In response, the strap tensioner 400 pivots to the strap-insertion position but the controller 1600 does not control the plate-support actuator 300a to move the plate support 300 from the first position to the second position. In other embodiments, the controller is configured to control the plate-support actuator to move the plate support responsive to each actuation and deactuation of the trigger.

[0041] The power supply 1500 is electrically connected to (via suitable wiring and other components) and configured to power several components of the strapping tool 50,including the plate-support actuator 300a, the motor 600, and the controller 1600. The power supply 1500 includes a rechargeable battery (such as a lithium-ion or nickel cadmium battery) in this example embodiment, though it may be any other suitable electric power supply in other embodiments.

[0042] Use of the strapping tool 50 to carry out a strapping cycle to form a tensioned strap loop around a load L is described below in connection with Figures 6A-6F and Figures 7A-7C. Initially, the plate support 300 is in the first position, the strap tensioner 400 is in the tensioning position, and the strap sealer 500 is in the raised position, as shown in Figure 6A. The base plate 210 rests atop the load L.

[0043] The operator pulls the strap S leading-end first from a strap supply (not shown), wraps the strap S around the load, and positions a lower layer LL including the leading end of the strap S below an upper layer UL of the strap S. The operator then pulls the trigger 700 to raise the strap tensioner 400 to the strap-insertion position, as shown in Figure 6B. With the strap tensioner 400 in the strap-insertion position and while continuing to pull the trigger 700, the operator introduces the overlapping upper and lower layers UL and LL of the strap S between the strap tensioner 400 and the tensioning plate 320 and between the strap sealer 500 and the sealing plate 330, as shown in Figures 6B and 7A. The operator then releases the trigger 700, enabling the biasing element to force the strap tensioner 400 pivot back to its tensioning position to engage the upper strap layer UL and force the lower strap layer LL against the tensioning plate 320, as shown in Figure 6C.

[0044] The operator then actuates the first button, and in response the controller 1600 starts the strapping cycle by controlling the motor 600 to drive the strap tensioner 400 to move the upper strap layer UL over the lower strap layer LL and tension the strap around the load L, as shown in Figure 6D. Throughout the tensioning cycle, the controller 1600 monitors the current drawn by the motor 600. When this current reaches a preset value that is correlated with the preset desired strap tension for this strapping cycle, the controller 1600 stops the motor 600. The controller 1600 automatically controls the motor 600 to drive the strap sealer 500 and, in particular, to pivot the strap sealer 500 to the sealing position and to oscillate the weld pad of the strap sealer 500. As the strap sealer 500 reaches the sealing position, the weld pad engages the upper strap layer UL and forces the lower strap layer LL against the sealing plate 330 while a cutter cuts the upper strap layer UL from the strap supply, as shown in Figures 6E and 7B. Theoscillation of the weld pad is fast enough to generate friction and heat substantial enough to locally melt and join the portions of the overlapping strap layers, thereby attaching the upper and lower strap layers UL and LL at a strap joint SJ to form the tensioned strap loop. The controller 1600 controls the motor 600 to stop driving the strap sealer 500, thereby completing the strapping cycle.

[0045] To remove the strapping tool 50 from the tensioned strap loop and the load L, the operator pulls the trigger 700. Responsive to this, the controller 1600 controls the platesupport actuator 300a to move the plate support 300 from the first position to the second position. As this occurs, the plate support 300 is removed from between the tensioned strap loop and the load L, and the portion of the tensioned strap loop that was atop the plate support 300 descends into contact with the load L, as shown in Figures 6F and 7C. This frees the strapping tool 50 from the tensioned strap loop without requiring the operator to move the strapping tool laterally or twist the strapping tool.

[0046] In the above-described example embodiments, the controller is configured to control the plate-support actuator responsive to certain actuations or deactuations of the trigger. In other embodiments, the strapping tool includes another input device, such as a button or lever, separate from the trigger that is used to cause movement of the plate support between the first and second positions.

[0047] Figures 8A and 8B show an alternative embodiment of the plate-support actuator 2300a. In this example embodiment, the plate-support actuator 2300a includes a rotary drive 2305a, a pinion 2310a, and a toothed rack 2320a. The drive 2305a is mounted to the base plate 210 of the base 200, and one end of the rack 2320a is fixedly mounted to the body 310 of the plate support 300. The rack 2320a is slidably mounted to the base plate 210 of the base 200, such as via suitable linear bearings. The pinion 2310a is fixed in rotation (such as via a suitable keyed connection) with a driven output shaft of the drive 2305a such that the drive 2305a is configured to rotate the pinion 2310a. Additionally, the pinion 2310a is meshed with the teeth of the rack 2320a. In operation, the drive 2305a moves the plate support 300 between the first and second positions by rotating the pinion 2310a in opposing rotational directions to drive the rack 2320a to move (and the plate support 300 with it).

[0048] Figures 9A-9C show an alternative embodiment of the plate-support actuator 3300a. In this example embodiment, the plate-support actuator 3300a includes a rotary drive (notshown), a carrier 3310a, and a link 3320a. The drive is mounted to the base plate 210 of the base 200. The carrier 3310a is fixed in rotation (such as via a suitable keyed connection) with a driven output shaft of the drive such that the drive is configured to rotate the carrier 3310a. The link 3320a is pivotably connected at one end to the body 310 of the plate support 300 and at the other end to the carrier 3310a. In operation, the drive moves the plate support 300 between the first and second positions by rotating the carrier to manipulate the link 3320a to move (and to carry the plate support 300 with it).

[0049] In the above-described example embodiments, the plate-support actuator is configured to actively move the plate support from the first position to the second position and from the second position back to the first position. In other embodiments, one or more biasing elements (such as one or more springs) bias the plate support to the first position or the second position. In these embodiments, the plate-support actuator is configured to move the plate support against to the biasing element to the first or second position, and the biasing element forces the plate support to move back to the other position.

[0050] The above-described example embodiments of the strapping tool includes a motor configured to drive both strap manipulators. In other embodiments, the strapping tool includes separate motors configured to drive the respective first and second strap manipulators. In further embodiments, the strapping tool includes a single motor configured to drive one or more strap manipulators and the plate support.

[0051] In certain embodiments, the plate-actuator includes a cam, a drive configured to rotate the cam, and a cam follower spring-biased into contact with the cam and connected to the plate support. In these embodiments, rotation of the cam via the drive combined with the biasing force of the spring results in the plate support moving between the first and second positions.

[0052] In other embodiments in which a strap manipulator includes a strap sealer, the strap sealer may include any suitable type of sealing mechanic other than a friction welder, such as a heated blade, an ultrasonic welder, or a sealless type strap connector.

[0053] The above-described example embodiments of the strapping tool includes an electronic actuator configured operably connected to the plate support and configured to move the plate support. In other embodiments, the strapping tool includes a suitable mechanicallinkage operably connecting an actuatable input device — such as the trigger — to the plate support such that actuation of the input device actuates the mechanical linkage to move the plate support.

Claims

Claims1. A strapping tool comprising: a base; a strap manipulator supported by the base; a counter-pressure plate; a plate support supporting the counter-pressure plate, wherein the plate support is movable relative to the strap manipulator between: (a) a first position in which the counterpressure plate is in a working area below the strap manipulator such that strap manipulator can force strap against the counter-pressure plate; and (b) a second position laterally offset from the first position in which the counter-pressure plate is at least partially removed from the working area; and an actuator operably connected to the plate support and configured to move the plate support.

2. The strapping tool of claim 1, wherein the plate support is slidably mounted to the base.

3. The strapping tool of claim 2, wherein the plate support is translatable relative to the base between the first and second positions.

4. The strapping tool of claim 3, wherein the base defines a cavity sized and shaped to receive at least part of the plate support when the plate support is in the second position.

5. The strapping tool of claim 1, wherein the strap manipulator comprises a strap tensioner and the counter-pressure plate comprises a tensioning plate.

6. The strapping tool of claim 1, wherein the strap manipulator comprises a strap sealer and the counter-pressure plate comprises a sealing plate.

7. The strapping tool of claim 1, further comprising a second strap manipulator supported by the base and a second counter-pressure plate supported by the plate support,wherein when the plate support is in the first position, the second counter-pressure plate is in the working area such that second strap manipulator can force the strap against the second counter-pressure plate, wherein when the plate support is in the second position, the second counter-pressure plate is removed from the working area.

8. The strapping tool of claim 7, wherein the strap manipulator comprises a strap tensioner, the counter-pressure plate comprises a tensioning plate, the second strap manipulator comprises a strap sealer, and the second counter-pressure plate comprises a sealing plate.

9. The strapping tool of claim 1, wherein the actuator is configured to at least one of (a) move the plate support from the first position to the second position; and (b) move the plate support from the second position to the first position.

10. The strapping tool of claim 1, further comprising a biasing element biasing the plate support to the first position, wherein the actuator is configured to move the plate support from the first position to the second position.

11. The strapping tool of claim 1, further comprising an actuatable input device and a controller operably connected to the actuator and configured to control the actuator to cause the plate support to move from the first position to the second position responsive to actuation of the input device.

12. The strapping tool of claim 11, wherein the controller is configured to control the actuator to move the plate support from the first position to the second position responsive to the actuation of the input device.

13. The strapping tool of claim 11, further comprising a motor operably connected to the strap manipulator and configured to drive the strap manipulator to manipulate the strap.

14. The strapping tool of claim 1, further comprising an actuatable input device and a transmission operably connecting the input device to the actuator such that actuation of the inputdevice causes the actuator to move the plate support from the first position to the second position.

15. The strapping tool of claim 1, wherein the base comprises a substantially planar bottom surface, wherein the plate support comprises a substantially planar bottom surface, wherein the bottom surfaces of the base and the plate support are substantially parallel when the plate support is in the first position and when the plate support is in the second position.

16. The strapping tool of claim 1, wherein the strap manipulator comprises a strap tensioner and the counter-pressure plate comprises a tensioning plate, wherein the strap tensioner is movable between a tensioning position and a strap-insertion position, wherein the strap tensioner is a first distance from the tensioning plate when the strap tensioner is in the tensioning position and the plate support is in the first position, wherein the strap tensioner is a second distance form the tensioning plate when the strap tensioner is in the strap-insertion position and the plate support is in the second position, wherein the second distance is greater than the first distance.

17. The strapping tool of claim 16, wherein the strap tensioner is movable from the tensioning position to the strap-insertion position while the plate support moves from the first position to the second position.

18. The strapping tool of claim 17, further comprising an actuatable input device and a controller operably connected to the actuator and configured to cause the strap tensioner to move from the tensioning position to the strap-insertion position while controlling the actuator to cause the plate support to move from the first position to the second position responsive to actuation of the input device.

19. The strapping tool of claim 17, further comprising an actuatable input device and a transmission operably connecting the input device to the strap tensioner and the actuator such that actuation of the input device causes the strap tensioner to move from the tensioning position to the strap-insertion position and causes the actuator to move the plate support from the first position to the second position.

20. The strapping tool of claim 1 , wherein when the plate support is in the second position, the counter-pressure plate is at least partially removed from the working area such that the counter-pressure plate is no longer beneath the strap.

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