US2549626A

US2549626A - Strapping machine

Info

Publication number: US2549626A
Application number: US760831A
Authority: US
Inventors: Mosey Frederick William
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 1944-02-15
Filing date: 1947-07-14
Publication date: 1951-04-17
Anticipated expiration: 1968-04-17

Description

April 17, 1951 F. w. MOSEY STRAPPING MACHINE Original Filed Feb. 2, 1945 2 Shee'ts-Sheet 1 INVENTOR FREDERICK WILLIAM MOSEY BY y W R%EY &

April 17, 1951 F. w. MOSEY I 2,549,626

STRAPPING MACHINE Original Filed Feb. 2, 1945 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 INVENTOR I FREDERICK WILLIAM MO EY BY M %2% Patented Apr. 17, 1951 2,549,626 STRAPPING MACHINE Frederick William Mosey, London, England Continuation of application Serial No. 575,883, This application July 14, 1947, Serial No. 760,831. In Great Britain Feb- February 2, 1945.

ruary 15, 1944 The present invention is a continuation of application Serial No. 575,883, filed February 2, 1945, in the name of William Mosey and now abandoned, and relates to improvements in Strapping-Machine for securing the-overlapping 9 Claims. (c1. 81-9.1)

ends of straps or bands such as are used for strapping bale-s, cases and other packages.

According to the customary method at present in use the overlapping ends of the strap or band encircling the package are gripped and tensioned and are then interlocked or otherwise secured together at a plurality of points along the overlapping portions simultaneously. Thus, in one of these known methods the overi lapping ends of a metal strap or band are gripped and tensioned and then presented between a one-piece male and one-piece female die which co-act first to shear the metal strip from the supply or loose end and then to punch simultaneously a plurality of interlocking tongues in the overlapping portions of the strap or band. Since for mechanical reasons it is necessary in this method to shear the strap from the supply or loose end before the interlocking tongues are formed and since naturally the tension is applied by pulling on the supply or loose end, it has been necessary not only to provide means for gripping the under or inner end of the strap but also it has been necessary to provide further gripping means for holding the end which is sheared from the supply or loose end.

The present invention has as a primary object to provide improved means for and a method of punching or otherwise forming these interlocking tongues in which the gripping means heretofore necessary for holding the upper or outer end of the strap or band can be eliminated. A further important object is to provide a machine in which the manual or power operation of the machine is simpler and smoother and requires a greatly reduced effort on the part of the operator or pow-er from the drive and at the same time enables a heavier gauge strap or band to be used than heretofore. A further object of this invention is to enable these advantages to be conferred upon other strapping apparatus in which the overlapping ends of a strap are interlocked or otherwise jointed together mechanically, for example by seals.

lapping ends of straps or bands encircling packages or the like and which are under tension, are interlocked or otherwise secured together at a plurality of points by a multistage opera According to the present invention the overtion completed by one stroke or corresponding movement on the part of the operator. In other words the union between the overlapping ends of the strap or band are made successively, at least one union being formed prior to the band or strap being severed from the point at which the tension is applied that is, the supply or loose end.

In a preferred method according to the invention the overlapping ends of the bands or straps are interlocked by a plurality of tongues formed; in the band or strap, these interlock ing tongues being formed in at least two stages the whole operation being completed by one stroke or analogous movement of the operating handle or handles. One or more of the interlocking tongues (less in number than the total to be formed) is first formed by a relative movement between a male and female die and thereupon automatically holds or hold the band or strap tight following which the band or strap is severed from the loose end or supply after which the remaining interlocking tongues are formed, for example by further relative movement between male and female dies.

A convenient form of apparatus for carrying the method into effect comprises a stationary die and a plurality of movable dies which 00- act with the said stationary die to form a plurality of interlocking tongues, the movement of the said movable dies being effected by one Jr two operating handles a full stroke movement of which causes the movable dies successive to co-act with the stationary die and also to effect the severing of the band or strap from the supply or loose end at which the tension is applied after the co-operation of the first pair .of dies to form the interlocking between the overlapping ends and prior to the co-operation of the remaining dies.

Conveniently, the movable dies may be mounted in guideways and connected to cranks which are rotated by operating levers or other handles. Where two levers are employed these may be mounted for rotation in opposite directions and geared together so that both hands of the operative may assist in operating the de-- vice. In association with the apparatus there may be provided a gripping means for holding that end of the band or strap forming the underneath overlapping end and tensioning means for applying tension to the other end of the band or strap (i. e. loose or supply end). Conveniently, a blade may be attached to the last die which blade co -acts with a stationary blade to shear any surplus strap or band from the loose end in the case of an individual length, or to cut it from the supply, in the case of the continuous strip. This also cuts the encircling band from the applied tension of the tensioning means. Since at least one interlocking tongue or other union has already been formed prior to the severing operation there is no necessity for the tension to be maintained by a gripping device holding the severed end as in existing machines.

The invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings in which- Figure 1 shows in section a strapping machine embodying the present invention;

Figure 2 shows a section on the line II-II of Figure 1;

Figure 3 shows the action of the discs at the first stage of the interlocking operation, and

Figure 4 shows the operation completed.

The device shown in the drawings is adapted to provide interlocking tongues between the overlapping ends of the straps or bands of the type shown in British Patent No. 508,906 to Mosey and Sealless Strapping Limited.

The male die I is mounted in the bed 2 as described in the aforesaid prior patent. In place of the integral female die, however, there are provided two

female dies

3 and 4. These female dies are mounted in guide-ways in the frame 5 so as to permit of a vertical sliding movement. Both dies are connected by connecting rods 5 and '1 respectively to

journals

8 and 9 respectively which are eccentrically mounted upon shafts II] and II respectively. These shafts carry at one end interlocking pinions I2 and I3 and handles I4 and I5. These handles I4 and I5 are bent so that when the dies are in the fully open position they lie in the position shown in Figure 1.

The

journals

8 and 9 are mounted upon the shafts II] and I I so that when the latter are rotated by the handles the female die 3 moves in advance of the female die 4 and also in advance of the blade I6 which is mounted upon the die 4 and co-operates at the appropriate moment with the fixed blade I! to shear the strap or band.

The apparatus is also provided with usual gripping means for holding the underneath or inner end of the strap 21. The gripping means shown comprises a pivoted claw I9 which can be moved from the release position shown in fullline to the holding position shown in chain-line by means of a lever handle 28. The free end of the strap or band 2| is laid in the customary manner immediately over the male die I and the loose or supply end I8 after having been passed round the package is laid over the free end 2! and inserted in the usual tensioning device. The tensioning device shown merely comprises a pair of knurled rollers 22 and 23 over which the loose or supply end I8 of the strap or band is passed. The roller 23 is eccentrically mounted upon a shaft 24 journalled in the frame 5 so that by movement of the handle 25 the roller 23 may be advanced or retracted to or away from the roller 22. Tension is applied to the strap or band by means of a rocking lever 28 which carries a pawl 21 engaging with a ratchet wheel 26 carried by the roller 22.

When the tension has been applied to the strap or band in the usual manner with strapping devices the two

dies

3 and 4 are brought into engagement successively with the male die I.

These dies are so mounted that the female die 3 engages with the male die I to form an interlocking tongue or interlocking tongues between the overlapping ends of the strap or band before the blades I6 and IT co-operate to shear the strap or band and so to disengage the tensioning means from the encircling strap or band. When these interlocking tongues are formed the blade It then descends onto the blade I! to shear the strap or band and subsequently the female die 4 co-operates with the male die I to form the re- I maining interlocking tongues. Such an operation is a complete departure from the machines already in use which invariably sever the strap or band from the tensioning device before the interlocking tongues or other joints are formed. This necessitates a second gripping means for holding the loose or supply end of the strap or band at the other end of the overlapping portions to the gripping means I9 so that the tension is maintained after the severing of the strap or band. Furthermore, the existing machines form the interlocking tongues or other joints simultaneously and thus require all the pressure on the operating handles to be exerted at one point in the stroke of the handle or handles.

Whilst in the apparatus shown three tongues are formed and two moving dies are employed the invention can easily be ada ted for any numher of interlocking tongues or any other form of interlocking between the overlapping portions of the strap or band and similarly any convenient number of dies may be used. Thus in the apparatus shown the second die may form only one interlocking tongue as with the first die and one or more further dies may be provided to descend successively to form one or more interlocking tongues. Again the first die may be used to form more than one interlocking tongue. Wh le the mach ne shown has the male die stationary and the female dies moving, their position and function can, of course, be reversed and in some cases may be preferable.

It will be rea ised that the interlocking joint between the overla ping portions of the strap or band need. not consist of the tongues shown in the drawin s but may be of any configuration, and for instance the e s of the strap or band ma e cut and interlocked.

Whilst the invention is m re articularly concerned with strapping machines in which the material of t e str p or band is actually out to form an interlockin joint the invent on may be a lied to ot er forms of union bet een the overlap ing ends, as for instance, the type of union formed by seals. The greatest advantage ho ever is obtained where it is necessary to cut t e st an or band since the present invention enables the cutting to be done successively and n t si ultane usly as n revi us machines, and thus s reads the work to be done over the stro e of the o erating handle or handles or analogous mean and does not concentrate it at one oint in the stroke.

The tensioning means and grinning means may be of any suitable construction and those means sho n are not essential to the invention which is directed broadl to the ste of forming the interlock ng ton ues or other joints successively at least one interlockin ton ue or other joint being formed prior to the severing of the encircling and tensioned strap or band from the point of tension.

Whilst normally metal straps and bands are employed the invention may also be applied said movable dies and fixed die adapted to receive the lapping strap portion-s interposed therebetween, two operating handles each connected with and adapted to move one of the said movable dies, and gearing interconnecting the said handles coordinating simultaneous opposite movement thereof, said gearing and movable dies being relatively set angularly to sequentially en-' gage the movable dies with the strap portions interposed between the movable dies and fixed die.

2. A strapping machine for connecting lapping portions of a metal strap passed around a package, comprising two movable joint-forming dies, a fixed die cooperating with each movable die, said movable dies and fixed die adapted to receive the overlapping strap portions interposed therebetween, two separate shafts, an eccentric means on each of said shafts and each eccentric means having operative connection with one of said movable dies, two handles each connected withone of said eccentric means each to move one of the movable dies, and gearinglbetween the shafts maintaining present angularity of'the eccentrics to each other, said gearing and eccentrics being relatively set angularly so that the respe tiv mov bl dies are actuated in sequence toward the fixed die.

3. A strapping machine for connecting lapping portions of a metal strap passed around a package, comprising two movable joint-forming dies, a fixeddie cooperating with each movable die, said movable dies as one entity and said fixed die as another entity ada ted to receive the lanning strap port onsinterposed between said entities, two se arate shafts of which one is in part over one movable die and the other is in part over the other movable die. two eccentric means of which one is interposed between one said shaft and its associated movable die and the other is interposed between tbe other said shaft and its associated movable die, said eccentrics interconnecting the respective shafts and movable dies for operating each movable die from its respective shaft. manual operating means for rotating the said shafts, and gearin between the shafts maintain ng pre et angularitv of the eccentrics to each other, said earin and eccentrics being re atively set angularlv so that the respective movable dies are actuated in sequence toward the fixed die.

4. A st a ping machine according to claim 3, wherein the manual o erating means comprises two oppositely movable handles, one on each shaft.

5. A strapping machine according to claim 3, wherein is provided a cutting knife for one of the lapping portions of the strap, and a driving connection between the second in sequence of movement of said movable dies and said knife.

6. A strapping machine according to claim 3, wherein is provided a fixed cutting knife contiguous to the fixed die, and a movable cutting knife on the second in sequence of movement of said movable dies, said cutting knives having cooperative cutting engagement in advance of the cooperative strap-deforming engagement of ing the said second movable die and the fixed die with said strap.

7. A strapping machine comprising means for said strap portions at another part of the said region, two operating handles each connected with and adapted to actuate one of said movable means, and gearing interconnecting the said handles coordinating simultaneous opposite movement thereof, said gearing and movable means for joining said strap portions being preset so one movable means completes its jointforming movement in advance of completion of the joint-forming movement of the other said movable means.

8. A strapping machine comprising means for gripping one portion of strap and a second means for gripping another portion of strap lapping the first portion in juxtaposition thereto at the region where a joint is to be made, movable means movement whereof effects a joining of the said strap portions thereby making a joint at one part of the said region, another movable means movement whereof effects a second joining of said strap portions at another part of the said region, eccentrics one for each said movable means connected to and for actuating the same,

and gearing interconnecting said eccentrics, said eccentrics and gearing being angularly preset with respect to each other and to the said movable means so as to move one said movable means to its strap-joining position in advance of moving the other said movable means to its strap-joining position.

9. A strapping machine for use with a strap issuing from a source of supply and said strap adapted to lap around a package and having a free end portion adapted to lap on another portion of the strap nearer to the source of supply, said machine being constructed and arranged to interlock said lapping portions of the strap, and said machine comprising means for gripping the strap near its free end back from said end in a direction along the strap toward the source of supply whereby the strap presents a projecting end portion extending from said gripping means to said strap end, said projecting end portion lapping with respect to another portion of the strap nearer the source of supply, the lapping portions constituting a region where the interlocking joint is to be made,

a second gripping means for the supply portion a passing completely around the package fromone gripping means to the other, means having a strap-deforming stroke toward said strap for effecting an initial interlocking joint in the lapped portions of said strap near to said projectend and thereby forming an initial joint between said projecting end portion of the strap and portion of the strap under tension, strap cutting means spaced from said initial interlocking joint-forming means and at the other end of said lapping region of the strap for cutting the strap to produce a cut end be-- tween the said initial interlocking joint thereof and the tensioning means, said cutting means being movable to cut the strap after said initial interlocking means has made said initial joint, means for effecting a second interlocking of the strap portions in closer proximity to the cut end than the first said interlocking joint, and manually operated levers for operating in sequence said gripping, tensioning, interlocking and cutting means.

FREDERICK WILLIAM MOSEY.

REFERENCES CITED The following references are of record in the file of this patent:

Number Number 8 UNITED STATES PATENTS Name Date McChesney Nov. 29, 1927 King Dec. 18, 1934 Abbott Jan. 28, 1941 Watt et a1. July 20, 1943 FOREIGN PATENTS Country Date France Dec. 9, 1930 France Feb. 27, 1933 Great Britain Nov. 27, 1936 Great Britain July 15, 1946 Germany Apr. 7, 1937