Classifications

• • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
  • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
  • B65B—MACHINES, APPARATUS OR DEVICES FOR, OR METHODS OF, PACKAGING ARTICLES OR MATERIALS; UNPACKING
  • B65B13/00—Bundling articles
  • B65B13/02—Applying and securing binding material around articles or groups of articles, e.g. using strings, wires, strips, bands or tapes
  • B65B13/04—Applying and securing binding material around articles or groups of articles, e.g. using strings, wires, strips, bands or tapes with means for guiding the binding material around the articles prior to severing from supply
  • B65B13/06—Stationary ducts or channels
• • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
  • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
  • B65B—MACHINES, APPARATUS OR DEVICES FOR, OR METHODS OF, PACKAGING ARTICLES OR MATERIALS; UNPACKING
  • B65B35/00—Supplying, feeding, arranging or orientating articles to be packaged
  • B65B35/10—Feeding, e.g. conveying, single articles
  • B65B35/22—Feeding, e.g. conveying, single articles by roller-ways
• • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
  • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
  • B65B—MACHINES, APPARATUS OR DEVICES FOR, OR METHODS OF, PACKAGING ARTICLES OR MATERIALS; UNPACKING
  • B65B57/00—Automatic control, checking, warning, or safety devices
  • B65B57/10—Automatic control, checking, warning, or safety devices responsive to absence, presence, abnormal feed, or misplacement of articles or materials to be packaged
  • B65B57/12—Automatic control, checking, warning, or safety devices responsive to absence, presence, abnormal feed, or misplacement of articles or materials to be packaged and operating to control, or stop, the feed of wrapping materials, containers, or packages
• • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
  • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
  • B65B—MACHINES, APPARATUS OR DEVICES FOR, OR METHODS OF, PACKAGING ARTICLES OR MATERIALS; UNPACKING
  • B65B57/00—Automatic control, checking, warning, or safety devices
  • B65B57/10—Automatic control, checking, warning, or safety devices responsive to absence, presence, abnormal feed, or misplacement of articles or materials to be packaged
  • B65B57/14—Automatic control, checking, warning, or safety devices responsive to absence, presence, abnormal feed, or misplacement of articles or materials to be packaged and operating to control, or stop, the feed of articles or material to be packaged
• • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
  • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
  • B65B—MACHINES, APPARATUS OR DEVICES FOR, OR METHODS OF, PACKAGING ARTICLES OR MATERIALS; UNPACKING
  • B65B65/00—Details peculiar to packaging machines and not otherwise provided for; Arrangements of such details
  • B65B65/003—Packaging lines, e.g. general layout
• • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
  • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
  • B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
  • B65D19/00—Pallets or like platforms, with or without side walls, for supporting loads to be lifted or lowered
  • B65D19/0004—Rigid pallets without side walls
  • B65D19/0006—Rigid pallets without side walls the load supporting surface being made of a single element
  • B65D19/003—Rigid pallets without side walls the load supporting surface being made of a single element forming discontinuous or non-planar contact surfaces
  • B65D19/0032—Rigid pallets without side walls the load supporting surface being made of a single element forming discontinuous or non-planar contact surfaces the base surface being made of a single element
  • B65D19/0036—Rigid pallets without side walls the load supporting surface being made of a single element forming discontinuous or non-planar contact surfaces the base surface being made of a single element forming discontinuous or non-planar contact surfaces
• • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
  • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
  • B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
  • B65D2519/00—Pallets or like platforms, with or without side walls, for supporting loads to be lifted or lowered
  • B65D2519/00004—Details relating to pallets
  • B65D2519/00258—Overall construction
  • B65D2519/00283—Overall construction of the load supporting surface
  • B65D2519/00288—Overall construction of the load supporting surface made of one piece
• • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
  • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
  • B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
  • B65D2519/00—Pallets or like platforms, with or without side walls, for supporting loads to be lifted or lowered
  • B65D2519/00004—Details relating to pallets
  • B65D2519/00258—Overall construction
  • B65D2519/00283—Overall construction of the load supporting surface
  • B65D2519/00308—Overall construction of the load supporting surface grid type, e.g. perforated plate
• • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
  • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
  • B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
  • B65D2519/00—Pallets or like platforms, with or without side walls, for supporting loads to be lifted or lowered
  • B65D2519/00004—Details relating to pallets
  • B65D2519/00258—Overall construction
  • B65D2519/00313—Overall construction of the base surface
  • B65D2519/00328—Overall construction of the base surface shape of the contact surface of the base
  • B65D2519/00343—Overall construction of the base surface shape of the contact surface of the base contact surface being substantially in the form of a panel
• • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
  • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
  • B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
  • B65D2519/00—Pallets or like platforms, with or without side walls, for supporting loads to be lifted or lowered
  • B65D2519/00004—Details relating to pallets
  • B65D2519/00258—Overall construction
  • B65D2519/00313—Overall construction of the base surface
  • B65D2519/00363—Overall construction of the base surface grid type, e.g. perforated plate
• • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
  • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
  • B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
  • B65D2571/00—Bundles of articles held together by packaging elements for convenience of storage or transport, e.g. portable segregating carrier for plural receptacles such as beer cans, pop bottles; Bales of material
  • B65D2571/00006—Palletisable loads, i.e. loads intended to be transported by means of a fork-lift truck
  • B65D2571/00111—Arrangements of flexible binders
• • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
  • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
  • B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
  • B65D71/00—Bundles of articles held together by packaging elements for convenience of storage or transport, e.g. portable segregating carrier for plural receptacles such as beer cans or pop bottles; Bales of material
  • B65D71/0088—Palletisable loads, i.e. loads intended to be transported by means of a fork-lift truck
  • B65D71/0092—Palletisable loads, i.e. loads intended to be transported by means of a fork-lift truck provided with one or more rigid supports, at least one dimension of the supports corresponding to a dimension of the load, e.g. skids
  • B65D71/0096—Palletisable loads, i.e. loads intended to be transported by means of a fork-lift truck provided with one or more rigid supports, at least one dimension of the supports corresponding to a dimension of the load, e.g. skids the dimensions of the supports corresponding to the periphery of the load, e.g. pallets

Definitions

• a strapping machine forms a tensioned loop of plastic strap (such as polyester or polypropylene strap), metal strap (such as steel strap), or paper strap around a load.
• a typical strapping machine includes a support surface that supports the load, a strap chute that defines a strap path and circumscribes the support surface, a strapping head that forms the strap loop and is positioned in the strap path, a controller that controls the strapping head to strap the load, and a frame that supports these components.
• the strapping head To strap the load, the strapping head first feeds strap (leading strap end first) from a strap supply into and through the strap chute (along the strap path) until the leading strap end returns to the strapping head.
• the strapping head While holding the leading strap end, the strapping head retracts the strap to pull the strap out of the strap chute and onto the load and tensions the strap to a designated strap tension. The strapping head then cuts the strap from the strap supply to form a trailing strap end and attaches the leading and trailing strap ends to one another, thereby forming a tensioned strap loop around the load.
• Certain strapping machines have multiple strapping heads and respective strap chutes that define respective strap paths. These strapping machines are configured to simultaneously form multiple tensioned strap loops (using strap from separate respective strap supplies) around a load.
• Some loads include goods supported by a pallet.
• the pallet has a top deck supporting the load, a bottom deck, and spacers separating the top and bottom decks.
• the spacers are positioned so tine-receiving openings are defined through the pallet.
• the arrangementceiving openings are sized and shaped to receive the tines of a forklift or a pallet jack to facilitate moving the load.
• Some strapping machines attempt to solve this problem by employing a deployable strap guide — known as a pallet void feeding attachment in the industry — to strap loads of palletized goods.
• a deployable strap guide known as a pallet void feeding attachment in the industry — to strap loads of palletized goods.
• the pallet void feeding attachment is extended through the devisceiving opening of the pallet between the top and bottom decks and forms the bottom of the strap chute.
• the strapping machine then forms the tensioned strap loop, which is wrapped around the underside of the top deck of the pallet.
• the pallet void feeding attachment is then retracted.
• Various embodiments of the present disclosure provide a method of strapping a load, a strapping machine for strapping a load, and a pallet with strap channels.
• a method of strapping a load includes strapping a pallet and goods supported by the pallet.
• the method comprises moving the load to a strapping area on a load supporter of a strapping machine.
• the pallet comprises a base and a top deck connected to the base and has opposing first and second ends and opposing first and second sides transverse to the first and second ends. Further, an underside of the base defines a first strap channel adjacent the first end of the pallet and a second strap channel adjacent the second end of the pallet that each extend from the first side to the second side.
• the method comprises stopping the load in the strapping area so a strap chute of the strapping machine circumscribes the load and so the first strap channel of the pallet is aligned with a portion of the strap chute extending across the load supporter. Further, the method comprises feeding, via a strapping head of the strapping machine, strap from a strap supply through the strap chute along a strap path defined by the strap chute, retracting, via the strapping head, the strap from the strap chute and onto the load so part of the strap is received in the first strap channel, and tensioning, via the strapping head, the strap around the load.
• a pallet for supporting goods comprises and a top deck and a base.
• the base of the pallet comprises a bottom deck having an upper surface, a lower surface, a front edge, a back edge substantially parallel to the front edge, and first and second side edges which are substantially parallel to one another.
• the bottom deck of the base of the pallet comprises two or more front strap channels configured to receive strap that extend from the front edge to the back edge such that a first side strap channel of the two or more front strap channels is adjacent to the first side edge and a second side channel of the two or more front strap channels is adjacent to the second side edge.
• the bottom deck of the base of the pallet also comprises two or more side strap channels configured to receive strap that extend from the first side edge to the second side edge such that a front strap channel of the two or more side strap channels is adjacent to the front edge and a back channel of the two or more side strap channels is adjacent to the back edge.
• the pallet for supporting goods also includes a plurality of spacers extending substantially perpendicularly downward from the top deck to the base and separate the top deck from the base.
• Figure IB is an underside view of the pallet in Figure 1A showing the two strap channels.
• Figure 2A is a perspective view of another example embodiment of a pallet of the present disclosure having three strap channels.
• Figure 2B is an underside view of the pallet in Figure 2A showing the three strap channels.
• Figure 3A is a perspective view of one example embodiment of a strapping machine.
• Figure 3C is a perspective view of the strapping machine of Figure 3 A and the load of Figure 3B in the strapping area with a first strap channel of the pallet aligned with a portion of a strap chute of the strapping machine.
• Figure 3D is a perspective view of the strapping machine of Figure 3 A and the load of Figure 3B in the strapping area with a second strap channel of the pallet aligned with a portion of a strap chute of the strapping machine.
• Figures 3E and 3F are cross section views of the strapping machine and the load in Figure 3C.
• Figure 4 is a flowchart showing a method of strapping a load.
• Figure 5A is a plan view of another example embodiment of a strapping machine and a load approaching the strapping area.
• Figure 5B is a plan view of the strapping machine of Figure 5A and the load of Figure 5A in the strapping area with a first strap channel of the load aligned with a portion of a strap chute of the strapping machine.
• Figure 6B is an underside view of the pallet in Figure 6A showing the two strap channels on each side of the pallet with straps within them.
• each strap channel is between 20 mm and 30 mm wide, such as 25 mm wide. In some embodiments, each strap channel is larger than 30 mm wide. In some embodiments each exit from the strap channel comprises an edge having a curved surface that wraps around from an underside of the bottom deck 108 onto the front edge, the back edge substantially parallel to the front edge, and the first and second side edges that are substantially parallel to each other of the base 104 such that the strap does not encounter any sharp, 90 degree edges when being tensioned around the load.
• a front strap channel 212A of the second set of strap channels 212 is adjacent to a front side of the pallet 200
• a back strap channel 212B of the second set of strap channels 212 is adjacent to a back side of the pallet 200
• a center strap channel 212C of the second set of strap channels 212 is adjacent to a center of a side edge of the pallet 200.
• any of the pallets described in Figures 1 and 2 with strap channels on an underside of the pallet solve the above problems.
• the pallets with strap channels described herein can be strapped by strapping machines without the use of a deployable strap guide. Removing the deploy able strap guide from a strapping machine reduces cycle time for strapping loads, which increases throughput (i. e. , the number of loads the strapping machine can strap in a given time period). Further, removing the deployable strap guide from a strapping machine reduces a potential failure mode of the strapping machine, which increases the reliability of the strapping machine.
• FIGS 3A-3F show one embodiment of a strapping machine 300 for strapping a load.
• the strapping machine 300 includes a frame 302.
• the frame 302 is configured to support some (or all) of the other components of the strapping machine 300.
• the frame 302 includes a base 310, first and second spaced-apart upstanding legs 304 and 306, a connector 308 that spans and connects the upper ends of the first and second legs 304 and 306, and a lower connector 318 embedded into the base 310 and connecting the lower ends of the first and second legs 304 and 306.
• the load supporter 312 is positioned atop the base 310, between the first and second legs 304 and 306, and below the connector 308 of the frame 302.
• the load supporter 312 is configured to support loads as they are strapped by and as they move through the strapping machine 300.
• the load supporter 312 includes a support surface 314 on which the loads are positioned during strapping and over which loads move as they move through the strapping machine 300.
• the support surface 314 includes multiple rollers that facilitate movement of the load through the strapping machine 300.
• the rollers may be driven or undriven.
• the support surface 314 includes a driven conveyor instead of rollers.
• the support surface 312 includes a chain conveyer instead of rollers.
• the strapping machine 300 also includes a strap chute 316 that circumscribes the support surface 314 by running on the inner surface of first and second spaced-apart upstanding legs 304 and 306, the connector 308, and the lower connector 318, and the strap chute 316 defines a strap path that the strap follows when fed through the strap chute 316 and from which the strap is removed when retracted.
• the radially inward wall of the strap chute 316 is formed from multiple gates that are spring biased to a closed position that enables the strap to traverse the strap path when fed through the strap chute 316.
• strap chutes described herein can enable strapping on the outside of a pallet while elevating the strap off of the ground, which may improve the stability of the pallet and/or may reduce damage of the strap during transit.
• strapping machine 300 includes strapping module 320 and strap dispenser
• the strapping module 320 includes a strapping head and a controller.
• the controller includes a processing device (or devices) communicatively connected to a memory device (or devices).
• the controller is a programmable logic controller.
• the processing device includes any suitable processing device such as, but not limited to, a general-purpose processor, a special-purpose processor, a digital-signal processor, one or more microprocessors, one or more microprocessors in association 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 a state machine.
• the strapping head of the strapping module 320 includes a feed module configured to feed the strap supply 324 from the strap dispenser 322, a tensioning module configured to tension the strap supply around a load, and a sealing module configured to hold a leading strap end of the strap supply 324, cut a strap from the strap supply 324 to form a trailing strap end of the strap, and connect the leading strap end to the trailing strap end.
• the controller of the strapping module 320 is configured to control the feed module to feed the strap supply 324 from the strapping head through a strap path defined by the strap chute 316, control the tensioning module to tension the strap around a load, and control the sealing module to hold the leading strap end, form the trailing strap end, and connect the leading strap end to the trailing strap end to form a tensioned strap loop around the load.
• This is merely one example strapping head, and the strapping machine 300 may include any suitable modular strapping head or non-modular strapping head (i.e., a strapping head that is not comprised of independently removable and replaceable feed and sealing modules).
• the manner of attaching the leading and trailing strap ends to one another depends on the ty pe of strapping machine and the type of strap.
• Certain strapping machines configured for plastic strap include strapping heads with friction welders, heated blades, or ultrasonic welders configured to attach the leading and trailing strap ends to one another.
• Some strapping machines configured for plastic strap or metal strap include strapping heads with jaws that mechanically deform (referred to as “crimping” in the industry) or cut notches into (referred to as “notching” in the industry ) a seal element positioned around the leading and trailing strap ends to attach them to one another.
• strapping machines configured for metal strap include strapping heads with punches and dies configured to form a set of mechanically interlocking cuts in the leading and trailing strap ends to attach them to one another (referred to in the strapping industry as a “sealless” attachment).
• Still other strapping machines configured for metal strap include strapping heads with spot, inert-gas, or other welders configured to weld the leading and trailing strap ends to one another.
• the controller is operably connected to the support surface 314 such that the controller directs the support surface 314 to move a load to a strapping area 350 on strapping machine 300.
• the load comprises a pallet 330 for supporting goods 344.
• the pallet 330 may take the same or similar form as the pallet 100, may include any combination of components of the pallet 100, or may include a top deck 332. a base 334. and a plurality of spacers 336, as illustrated.
• the plurality of spacers 336 extend between the top deck 332 and the base 334 to separate the top deck 332 and the base 334 from each other.
• the base 334 includes a bottom deck 338 that is similar in form to the bottom deck 108. In the front edge of the bottom deck 338 are a strap channel 340 and a strap channel 342. [0045]
• the controller stops the load in the strapping area 350 such that the strap chute
• the strap chute 316 comprises two C-shaped channels coupled at a hinge joint, as shown in Figures 3E and 3F.
• the two sides of the strap chute 316 could be configured to be spaced such that strap supply 324 is retained between the two sides of the strap chute 316, as is shown in Figure 3E.
• the two sides of the strap chute 316 can be hinged open such that the strap supply 324 is released from the bounds of the strap chute 316 into the strap channel 340 of the pallet 300, as is shown in Figure 3F.
• the controller is configured to communicate with one or more sensors so as to align the strap channel 340 with the lower connection portion 318.
• a light sensor could be utilized such that, when in operation, a light guide from the light sensor could be in communication with the controller to align the strap channel 340 with the lower connecting portion 318.
• a position sensor could be in communication with the controller such that the position sensor could detect when the strap channel 340 is aligned with the lower connecting portion 318 and direct the controller to stop the pallet 330.
• the strap is aligned with the lower connecting portion 318 when the strap in the strap chute 316 is fully between a first side and a second side of a strap channel such that the strap is within the outer bounds of the strap channel.
• the strap is aligned with the low er connection portion 318 when the strap is retracted and pulled from the strap chute and onto the load, the strap is within the strap channel.
• the controller moves the load already strapped through strap channel 340 to a strapping area 360 on strapping machine 300.
• the controller stops the load in the strapping area 360 such that the strap chute 316 circumscribes the load such that strap channel 342 of pallet 330 is aligned with the lower connecting portion 318, as is illustrated in Figure 3D.
• strap supply 324 is fed through the strap chute 316.
• the strap is then retracted from the strap chute 316 and into the strap channel 342 of the pallet 330 and around the load.
• the strap is then tensioned around the load.
• the strapping machine 300 includes one or more sensors configured to interface with a remote controller that is communicatively and operably connected to the strapping machine.
• the remote controller is not part of the strapping module 320. but is configured to interface with portions of the strapping machine 300.
• the remote controller could take the same or similar form as any embodiment of the controller of the strapping module 320.
• the remote controller moves the load on the load supporter 312 until one or more sensors on the strapping machine 300 detects that the load is in the correct strapping area.
• the strapping machine 300 includes a stopper configured to stop the load. As such, the remote controller moves the load on the load supporter 312 until the load interfaces with the stopper of the strapping machine 300.
• strapping machine 300 includes a second strap chute downstream of the first strap chute that has similar or the same components as the first strap chute and is configured to receive strap supply from a second strap dispenser.
• the controller could be configured to move a load to a strapping area on strapping machine 300 such that strap channel 340 aligns with the first strap chute and strap channel 342 aligns with the second strap chute.
• the first strapping head is then fed strap from the first strap dispenser having a roll of strap supply by the controller through a first strap path defined by the first strap chute simultaneously as the second strapping head is then fed strap from the second strap dispenser having a second roll of strap supply by the controller through a second strap path defined by the second strap chute.
• the controller then simultaneously would tension a first strap around the load through channel 340 and a second strap around the load through channel 342.
• Any of the above embodiments can be performed by three or more strap chutes such that an equivalent number of straps are formed through an equivalent number of strap channels in a pallet as the number of strap chutes of the strapping machines.
• FIG. 4 illustrates a method 400 for strapping a load.
• the method comprises moving the load to a strapping area on a load supporter of a strapping machine.
• the load in this case could be any embodiment described in Figures 1 and 2 and the strapping machine can be any embodiment described in Figures 3A-3D.
• the load comprises a pallet and goods supported by the pallet.
• the pallet comprises a base and a top deck connected to the base and has opposing first and second ends and opposing first and second sides transverse to the first and second ends such that an underside of the base defines a first strap channel adjacent the first end of the pallet and a second strap channel adjacent the second end of the pallet and the first and second strap channels extend from the first side to the second side.
• the method comprises stopping the load in the strapping area so a strap chute of the strapping machine circumscribes the load and so the first strap channel of the pallet is aligned with a portion of the strap chute extending across the load supporter.
• the method comprises feeding, via a strapping head of the strapping machine, strap from a strap supply through the strap chute along a strap path defined by the strap chute.
• the method comprises retracting, via the strapping head, the strap from the strap chute and onto the load so part of the strap is received in the first strap channel.
• the strapping head retracts the strap by exerting a pulling force on the strap, and the pulling force overcomes the biasing force of the springs and causes the gates to pivot to an open position, thereby releasing the strap from the strap chute so the strap contacts the load as the strapping head continues to retract the strap.
• the method comprises tensioning, via the strapping head, the strap around the load.
• the underside of the base comprises an upper surface, a lower surface, a front edge, a back edge substantially parallel to the front edge, and first and second side edges which are substantially parallel to one another.
• the first strap channel adjacent the first end of the pallet and the second strap channel adjacent the second end of the pallet extend from the first side edge to the second side edge of the pallet.
• the strap from the strap supply is fed by the strapping head through the strap chute before the load stops at the stopping area. With the strap pre-fed through the strap chute, the time for strapping a load once the load is stopped in the strapping area is further reduced.
• the method 400 reduces the cycle time of strapping a load by about 10 seconds compared with strapping a load with a strapping machine having a deploy able strap guide. In some embodiments, the method 400 results in around a 35% reduction in cycle time of strapping a load compared with strapping a load with a strapping machine having a deploy able strap guide.
• Figures 5A-5D illustrate an example of strapping a load 510 according to the method illustrated in Figure 4.
• the pallet of the load 510 may take the same or similar form as the pallet 100 or may include any combination of components of the pallet 100.
• the strapping machine 500 may take the same or similar form as strapping machine 300, may include any combination of components of strapping machine 300, or may include a frame 504 having a base 502, and connector 508 that spans and connects the upper ends of the first and second legs, as illustrated in Figures 5A-5D.
• the load having the pallet 510 and goods 518, is on top of the load supporter 512 of the strapping machine 500 and is approaching a strapping area of the strapping machine 502.
• the load will continue to move across the rollers of load supporter 512 until the load is in strapping area 520 on the load supporter 512 of the strapping machine 500, as illustrated in Figure 5B.
• the load will then be stopped in the strapping area 520 such that the strap chute of strapping machine 500 circumscribes the load such that a first strap channel of the pallet portion of the load is aligned with a portion of the strap chute extending across the load supporter 512.
• a strapping head 506 of the strapping machine 500 feeds strap from a strap supply through the strap chute along a strap path defined by the strap chute, retracts the strap from the strap chute and onto the load so part of the strap is received in the first strap channel, and tensions a strap 514 around the load.
• the load will continue to move across the rollers of load supporter 512 until the load is in strapping area 530 on the load supporter 512 of the strapping machine 500, as illustrated in Figure 5C.
• the load will then be stopped in the strapping area 530 such that the strap chute of strapping machine 500 circumscribes the load such that a second strap channel of the pallet portion of the load is aligned with a portion of the strap chute extending across the load supporter 512.
• a strapping head 506 of the strapping machine 500 feeds strap from a strap supply through the strap chute along a strap path defined by the strap chute, retracts the strap from the strap chute and onto the load so part of the strap is received in the second strap channel, and tensions a strap 516 around the load.
• Figure 5D illustrates a fully strapped load having straps 514 through first strap channel and 516 through second strap channel.
• the underside of the base defines a third strap channel positioned at a center of the pallet.
• the load could be configured to move across the rollers of load supporter 512 until the load is in a third strapping area on the load supporter 512 of the strapping machine 500. The load will then be stopped in the third strapping area such that the strap chute of strapping machine 500 circumscribes the load such that the third strap channel of the pallet portion of the load is aligned with a portion of the strap chute extending across the load supporter 512.
• a strapping head 506 of the strapping machine 500 feeds strap from a strap supply through the strap chute along a strap path defined by the strap chute, retracts the strap from the strap chute and onto the load so part of the strap is received in the third strap channel, and tensions a third strap around the load.
• the strapping machine could be configured to rotate the load around 90 degrees such that the first side edge is nearest the strapping head 506.
• the load will again move across the rollers of load supporter 512 until the load is in a third strapping area on the load supporter 512 of the strapping machine 500.
• the load will then be stopped in the third strapping area such that the strap chute of strapping machine 500 circumscribes the load such that a front strap channel of the pallet portion of the load is aligned with a portion of the strap chute extending across the load supporter 512.
• a strapping head 506 of the strapping machine 500 feeds strap from a strap supply through the strap chute along a strap path defined by the strap chute, retracts the strap from the strap chute and onto the load so part of the strap is received in the front strap channel, and tensions a strap around the load, crossing over the two straps already over the load in a perpendicular direction. [0062] Further, the load will continue to move across the rollers of load supporter 512 until the load is in a fourth strapping area on the load supporter 512 of the strapping machine 500.
• the load will then be stopped in the fourth strapping area such that the strap chute of strapping machine 500 circumscribes the load such that a back strap channel of the pallet portion of the load is aligned with a portion of the strap chute extending across the load supporter 512.
• a strapping head 506 of the strapping machine 500 feeds strap from a strap supply through the strap chute along a strap path defined by the strap chute, retracts the strap from the strap chute and onto the load so part of the strap is received in the back strap channel, and tensions a strap around the load, crossing over the two straps already over the load in a perpendicular direction.

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• Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
• Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
• Basic Packing Technique (AREA)
• Package Frames And Binding Bands (AREA)
• Pallets (AREA)
• Packages (AREA)

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Publications (1)

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• 2023
  • 2023-09-29 EP EP23797977.8A patent/EP4577460A2/de active Pending
  • 2023-09-29 WO PCT/US2023/034238 patent/WO2024076511A2/en not_active Ceased

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