US3735555A

US3735555A - Apparatus for strapping loads

Info

Publication number: US3735555A
Application number: US00095502A
Authority: US
Inventors: J Pasic
Original assignee: Ovalstrapping Inc
Current assignee: Ovalstrapping Inc
Priority date: 1970-12-07
Filing date: 1970-12-07
Publication date: 1973-05-29
Anticipated expiration: 1990-05-29

Abstract

A plurality of objects are stacked and compressed both horizontally and vertically. Corner clips from a clip dispensing mechanism are placed on opposite upper corners of the compressed stack and a strap is drawn tightly around the stack over the corner clips. The strap is applied on the corner clips in laterally spaced wraps. The clips may be placed on the upper corners of the stack even when the top object in the stack is offset inwardly or downwardly from the generally rectangular periphery line of the stack.

Description

United States Patent 1191 Pasic May 29,1973

[5 APPARATUS FOR STRAPPING LOADS 3,356,013 12/1967 Konger 53/198 R x 3,378,987 4/1968 Lems [75] Inventor. James A. Paslc, Aberdeen, Wash. 3,501,893 3/1970 Peterson-M [73] Assignee: Ovalstrapping, Inc., Hoquiam, 3.585.780 6/1971 Elmore wash 3,605,375 9 1971 Marshal] ..53/3

[22] Ffled: 1970 Primary Examiner-Travis S. McGehee [2]] A L N 95,502 Assistant Examinerl-lorace M. Culver Attorney-Seed, Berry & Dowrey [52] 11.8. C1. ..53/l24 D, 53/198 R [51] Int. Cl. ..B65b 13/06, 1365b 27/12 [57] ABSTRACT [58] Field of Search ..53/l98 R, 198 B, A plurality of Objects are stacked and compressed 53/124 1), 123, 3, 26, 74 both horizontally and vertically. Corner clips from a clip dispensing mechanism are placed on opposite [56] Referen es Cited upper corners of the compressed stack and a strap is drawn tightly around the stack over the corner clips. UNITED STATES PATENTS The strap is applied on the corner clips in laterally 3,095,678 7/1963 Cliff etal ..53/124 1) Spaced P The Clips y be Placed on the upper 3,241,287 3/1966 Chundelak, Jr. ..53/128 corners of the Stack even when the p Object in the 3,225,683 12/1965 Rhea ..53/198 R X stack is offset inwardly or downwardly from the 3,2 ,925 9/196 Au ry --53/19 R X generally rectangular periphery line of the stack. 3,291,037 12/1966 Kunka et al ..53/l98 R X 3,294,012 12/1966 Kobiella ..53/ 198 R X 23 Claims, 25 Drawing Figures 1 T mg 1 11 ll, a 226 220 Z22 PATENTEB M112 9 I973 SHEET 1 0F 7 MENTOR. JAMES A. PASIC 31 W i3 ATTORNEYS PATE I mze I973 3' 7 5 55 5 r -no Z I-I ,nzo

INVENTOR.

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k j momma DELAY AFTER DE-ENERGIZATION y -4 B lad I30 9 W AT TOR NE YS PATENIE m 2 91975 .SHEET 7 OF 7 INVENTOR JAMES A, PASLC BY g/uol W4 ATTORNEYS 1 APPARATUS FOR STRAPPING LOADS BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention This invention pertains to strap applying machines and methods and, more particularly, to strapping corner clips on a single object or stack of objects.

2. Description of the Prior Art Heretofore large objects, such as pulp bales or the like, which are handled by cranes or other large hoisting equipment have generally be lifted by placing a hook under a strap on the object. Oftentimes spaced hooks were employed to distribute the load on the strap and avoid having the load shift while being lifted. In some cases a separate loop was secured to the strap with the hooks grasping the loop rather than the strap. In all of these techniques problems existed due to the fact that a workman had difficulty in placing a hook beneath a strap drawn tightly around the bundle, the bundle or strap would be damaged in the process of inserting the hook, or in the case of a separate loop, the loop often became crimped when a, second bundle was placed on top of the loop. a

In a co-pending application entitled Corner Clip and Bale Lifting Method," Ser. No. 64,610, filed Aug. 17, 1970, a corner clip and a technique for using the same is disclosed. In this technique the corner clip is positioned on the load and spaces the strap from the load a distance sufficient for the insertion of a lifting hook. Then hooks may be easily inserted in clips and the force of the hooks is distributed through the surface of the clip and thence to the strap so that there is no damage to the strap. In using this technique, it is necessary to position the corner clips beneath the strap while the strap is being applied.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION It is an object of this invention to provide a method and apparatus for automatically placing corner clips on the upper opposite corners of an object, whether it be a single object or stack of objects, and holding the corner clips against the object by the straps employed to hold the object or stack of objects together.

It is another object of this invention to provide a method and apparatus for strapping a corner clip to an object with laterally spaced straps.

It is still another object of this invention to provide a method and apparatus for positioning a comer clip on an object or stack of objects where the upper corner of the object or stack of objects is offset inwardly or downwardly from the generally rectangular periphery of the object or stack of objects.

Basically, the method of this invention comprises positioning a clip on each of two top corners of an object whether a single object or a stack or bundle of objects, drawing a strap tightly around the object and over the clips and securing the strap so that clips are permanently secured to the object.

Basically, the apparatus of the invention in its broadest form comprises the combination of clip dispensing means having a plurality of corner clips adapted for seating on the corner of an object, means for applying a strap around the object, and means for placing the clips on opposed corners of the object beneath the strap whereby the strap holds the clips on the object.

In the preferred forms, the method and apparatus combinations above are used with compacting means I provided for placing a clip on the corner of an object if the corner is offset inwardly or downwardly from the generally rectangular periphery of the object. In most cases this would be an object offset in a stack of objects but may also apply to a single object that is not perfectly rectangular in cross section.

As will be readily apparent to one skilled in the art, the method and apparatus above provide several advantages. First the clips may be automatically applied thus saving substantial time and money. The clips may be applied in a manner which does not damage the covering on the objectbeing strapped. All forms of objects having some form of definable corner, although not necessarily a perfectly square corner, may be strapped using this method and apparatus since the clip positioning means feels for the exact position of the corner. Any particular object may be strapped at one or more locations along the length of the corner although the specific apparatus disclosed is intended for the former. At each location more than one strap or wrap of strap may be employed. It is particularly advantageous to space at least some of the straps laterally from one another so that the straps will not bunch up at one point. For example, if a top strap slipped from a lower one the top strap would become loose on the object. Likewise, by applying the spaced straps after the compressive forces have been removed from the object the same tension is applied in these spaced straps as in the first straps.

In defining the term object" it should be understood that the term applies to a single object, such as a pulp bale, or a plurality of objects either in a bundle, such as a single row horizontally, or in a stack one on top of another or both. It should also be understood that the term strap" applies equally to metal or non-metal strap of generally rectangular cross section, ovalshaped or circular wire, or any other material suitable for binding an object. Preferably the objects are intended to be compressible objects such as pulp bales and certain'aspects of the invention are unique in respect to positioning of clips on such types of bales. However, the broader aspects of the invention are equally applicable to non-compressible objects such as crates, lumber, sheets, or the like.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. 1 is a front elevational view of an apparatus embodying the principles of the invention and'suitable for performing the method of the invention;

FIG. 2 is a fragmentary vertical section taken along the line 2-2 of FIG. 5;

FIG. 3 is a fragmentary view illustrating a portion of the clip dispensing means of the invention;

FIG. 4 is a horizontal section through a portion of the clip dispensing means;

FIG. 5 is a fragmentary side elevation, with parts broken away for clarity, of the clip placing means of 'the invention;

FIG. 6 is a vertical section taken along the line 66 in FIG.

FIG. 7 is a view of a clip probe employed in the invention;

FIG. 8 is a view taken in the direction of the arrows 8-8 shown in FIG. 3;

FIG. 9 is a vertical section of the strap guiding feature of the invention;

FIG. 10 is a side view of the strap guiding feature of the invention;

FIG. 11 is a schematic operational view illustrating a stack of objects in position to be strapped;

FIG. 12 is a schematic operational view showing the stack being compressed in the horizontal direction;

FIG. 13 is an operational schematic showing the stack being compressed both horizontally and vertically;

FIG. 14 is an operational schematic view illustrating the stack in a compressed condition with the strap being drawn tightly around the stack and over the cor ner clips positioned on the corners of the stack;

FIG. 15 is an operational schematic illustrating a laterally spaced strap applied to the clip with the vertical compressing forces withdrawn;

FIG. 16 is an operational schematic illustrating a strapped object being removed;

FIG. 17 is a schematic fragmentary view illustrating the clip placing assembly about to contact an object;

FIG. 18 illustrates the clip placing assembly positioning a clip on an object in a stack that is offset in its worst condition, namely, is offset inwardly and downwardly from the generally rectangular overall periphery of the objects in the stack;

FIG. 19 illustrates schematically the location of the clip placing assembly when an object is offset downwardly;

FIG. 20 illustrates schematically the clip placing assembly when an object is offset inwardly;

FIG. 21 illustrates a completed strapped stack;

FIG. 22 illustrates a clip with laterally spaced straps or wraps of strap;

FIGS. 23A and 23B are an electrical schematic used in the apparatus;

FIG. 24 is a hydraulic schematic used in the apparatus.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS As best shown in FIG. I, the clip applying and strapping apparatus includes a main frame 15 suitably supporting a pair of side compactors 16, a table 18 over which is run a conventional belt or chain conveyor, identified generally by the reference numeral 20. Positioned above the table is a top compactor 22. As is well known in this art, the side compactors are mounted for reciprocation toward and away from one another by a ram 23 whereas the top compactor is movable toward and away from the table 18 by spaced rams 24. Wire or strap tying means 26 are positioned on the main frame 15. This tying means is similar to that shown in Pasic U.S. Pat. No. 3,447,448. In general, the strap applying means includes a supply 28 and a feed roll 30, gripping andjknot-tying apparatus 32, and guideways 34 which guide the strap around the compactors in a manner such that it may be drawn between the compactors directly onto the object being strapped. The guideways are spaced outwardly from the object to hold the strap prior to releasing it to pass between the compactors onto the object as is well known. The details of the apparatus thus far described are not necessary to an understanding of the invention and the adaptability of prior art apparatus for carrying out their various functions will be readily apparent to one skilled in the art. The sequence of operation of these various components will be described hereinbelow in conjunction with FIGS. 11-16.

Each side compactor includes a front leg 16a and a rear leg 16b. The front and rear legs are spaced sufficiently to allow the placing of clips C and straps therebetween on an object B. Likewise the top compactor 22 includes a forward leg 22a and a rear leg 22b spaced from one another sufficiently to allow passage of clips and straps therebetween.

Mounted between the legs of each side compactor is a clip dispensing mechanism 36 and a clip placing assembly 38. In general, the clip dispensing mechanism stores a plurality of clips and the clip placing assembly removes the uppermost clip and places it on the corner of the object being strapped.

The imaginary plane between the compactors in which the strap travels as it is drawn from the guideways to the object will be defined for the purposes of this description as the strap line. As is apparent in FIGS. 1, 6, 9 and 13 15 the clip dispenser is in the strap line and the clips are both pulled from the dispenser mechanism and moved into engagement with the object along the strap line.

The clip dispensing mechanism is best shown in FIGS. 3 and 4 and includes a storage receptacle having side plates 40 with inwardly extending guide bars 42. The clip C as best shown in FIGS. 4 and 22', is provided with a strap engaging surface 44, a loop 46 and spaced notches 47. The notches 47 engage the guide bars 42 and keep the clips in a squarely aligned position as they are raised to the uppermost position in the clip dispensing mechanism to an exit. Provided between the side plates 40 is a chain 48 driven by a suitable motor which is operative to rotate the chain to raise the clips in the mechanism each time the uppermost clip is withdrawn from the dispensing mechanism. The chain is provided with spaced lugs 50, each having a sloped outer end 52 which is engagable with the underside of the loop 46. It thus can beseen that raising the lugs will move the clips upwardly in the dispensing mechanism.

As can be seen in FIGS. 3, 4 and 22, the clip C includes a horizontal leg, a shorter vertical leg, with the loop 46 formed on the vertical leg. The combined length of the loop and vertical leg is slightly less than the horizontal leg so that the center of gravity of the clip is slightly to the left (as viewed in FIG. 3) of the guide notches 47 and slightly below the horizontal leg 44. As best shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the loop engaging surface of the pusher outer end 52 engages the loop centrally (as viewed in FIG. 4) and along a line passing through an imaginary point offset from the location of the center of gravity of the clip a distance sufficient to eliminate any significant rotational moment caused by the next clip may be raised to the uppermost position. As best shown in FIG. 3, the guide bars 42 terminate at the bottoms of recesses 56 near the top of the side plates 40. In order to hold the uppermost clip within the side plates above the ends of the guide bars 42 a gate 58 is provided. The gate includes a'pair of spaced side links 61) having depending fingers 62 which engage in the notches 47 of the clip. The side links have slots 64 which slide over rollers 66 that enable the side links and fingers to move to the left, as shown in FIG. 3 and simultaneously pivot clockwise to remove the fingers from the notches 47 as the clip is withdrawn from between the side plates 40. A spring 168 retracts the links after the clip has been removed.

The clip placing assembly 38, as best shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, includes a mounting bracket 84 having guide rollers 86 that roll in a track 87 on the top compactor 22. Thus the clip placing assembly can move inwardly along the top compactor 22. The clip placing assembly also includes a generally C-shaped frame 88 having a lower leg 89 and an upper leg 90. Each of the

legs

89 and 90 mounts a collar 92 (FIG. 2) which rides on a shaft 94 that is fixed to the side compactor 16. Thus, due to the connection 84 with the top compactor 22, it is readily apparent that the C-shaped frame is movable with the top compactor up and down relative to the side compactor 16 and is also connected for horizontal movement with the side compactor.

Secured between the upper and

lower legs

90 and 89 of the C-shaped frame 88 are a pair of guide bars 96. Slidably mounted on the guide bars 96 is an upper slide bracket 93 and a lower slide bracket 99. The upper slide bracket is provided with bores which house compression springs 100. The upper and

lower slide brackets

98 and 99 are secured to a hook plate 102 having a depending hook 104. Thus, it can be readily seen that the hook and hook plate move in a vertical plane relative to the C-shaped frame 88. The purpose of this movement, as will be hereinafter described in more detail, is to allow the hook and hook plate to stop when the hook engages the top of an object to be strapped, but allow the top compactor to continue downwardly to compress the object.

Fixed on the end of the lower slide bracket 99 is a bearing block 106 that rotatably mounts a pivot pin 110. Fixed to the pin 110 is a cam plate 112 having a cam surface 114 and a laterally extending bolt 116. A spring 118 is secured to the bolt and to the upper slide bracket 98 for urging the cam plate to rotate in a clockwise direction. The cam plate is restrained against this pivotal motion by a cam roller 120 that is fixed to the lower leg 89 of the C-shaped frame. As is readily apparent, lowering the C-shaped frame relative to the hook and hook plate will permit the cam plate 112 to rotate with the cam roller 120 tracking along the cam surface 114.

Fixed to the outer end of the cam plate 112 is a clip positioning plate 126. The clip positioning plate mounts a probe 70 which is extendable into the loop 46 of the clip C for withdrawing the clip from the dispensing mechanism 36. As best shown in FIG. 6 the probe is extended by a ram 72 which has a connecting rod pivotally secured to a bell crank 74. When the cylinder rod of the ram 72 is extended, the bell crank is moved in a clockwise direction into the position shown in FIG. 6 with the probe extended. When the cylinder rod is retracted the bell crank is pivoted counterclockwise to retract the probe 70.

The probe is provided with a slider 76 that rides in guideways in the clip placing assembly. The slider is provided with a slot 78 which is coupled to the bell crank 74 for extending and retracting the probe. The probe 70, as best shown in FIG. 7, includes two

pieces

70a and 70b that are held apart by a compression spring 71. Thus as the probe is inserted in the loop of a clip C, it is slightly compressed against the action of the spring 71 and thus when the probe is extended by the positioning plate 126 as the latter rotates outwardly with the cam plate 112, the clip is held in the properly aligned position for engagement with the comer of the object being strapped.

OPERATION The operation of the clip placing means 38 is best shown in FIGS. 17-20. In FIGS. 17 and 18, a stack of bales B are illustrated with the bale in the upper left hand comer being inset downwardly and to the right of the general peripheral outline of the stack. The side compactors 16 are moved inwardly to compress the bales. Next, top compactor 22 is lowered to compress the bales. As the top compactor 22 is lowered, the C- shaped frame 88 is carried downwardly. When the hook 104 engages the bale in the upper left hand corner of the stack, the hook plate 102 is halted riding up on the shafts 96 against the force of the compression springs. As the C-shaped frame 88 continues downwardly, the positioning plate 126 is allowed to swing clockwise about the pivot 110. The probe 70 is on the top of the positioning plate and thus the probe carries a clip C into engagement with the corner of the bale. Since initially the hook 104 is spaced below the top compactor 22, it is readily apparent that a clip may be placed on the corner of a bale below the lowest point that the top compactor reaches while compressing the stack.

FIG. 19 illustrates again the position of a bale below the top peripheral line of the stack, whereas FIG. 20 illustrates positioning a clip where the uppermost bale is inset to the right inwardly of the peripheral line of the stack.

As best shown in FIGS. 21 and 22, the straps S or wraps of strap are laterally spaced in pairs on the clip. For the purpose of this description, straps will mean plural individually tied straps or plural wraps of a single continuous strap. As will be readily seen, each individual strap could be laterally spaced; however, it is generally necessary only to avoid placing a third strap on two abutting lower straps to assure that the straps remain tight around the bundle. The apparatus and technique for spacing the straps on the clips is best shown in FIGS. 9 and 10. A pair of rollers are rotatably mounted in tracks 152 which are fixed to the upper side of each

top compactor

22a and 22b. A plate 154 is secured to the roller 150 for movement therewith along the track 152. A similar plate is attached to the other roller and since both sides are similar, only one will be described. A roller bracket 153 is secured to a lower end of the plate 154 and rotatably supports a pair of rollers 155. Rigidly secured to the plate 154 are a pair of guide collars 156 which slidably receive vertical guides 158. The upper and lower ends of the guides 158 are secured in a frame 160. A spring 162 is connected at one end to the upper end of the frame 160 and at its lower end to the plate 154 whereby the frame 160 is resiliently urged downwardly relative to the plate. Secured to the bottom of the frame 160 is a clip engaging foot 164.

The plate 154 is moved inwardly by a pusher 166 secured to one of the side compactors 16 which engages one of two rollers 168. As the strap guide is moved inwardly by the side compactor and downwardly by the top compactor, the clip engaging foot 164 is placed on the clip C, as shown in FIG. 9, and along with the opposite foot 164, holds the clip downwardly on the object being strapped. The frame 160 associated with the rear top compactor 22b has secured thereto approximately at its midpoint a spring guide 170. The opposite frame 160 associated with the front top compactor 22a has secured thereto approximately at its midpoint a spring guide 172. The spring guides are made of tempered spring steel capable of resiliently flexing and are normally positioned as shown in FIG. 9, i.e., the spring guide 170 is normally disposed vertically whereas the spring guide 172 is normally disposed with its lower end biased to the right as shown in FIG. 9. The spring guide 170 has connected to its lower end a cam follower 174. This cam follower is engaged by a cam surface 176 of the roller bracket 153 which is moved downwardly with the top compactor 22b.

In operation, the strap is pulled down between the spring guides 170 and 172. The top compactor will be lowered into a compressing position against the stack as shown in phantom lines in FIG. 9, with the cam surface 176 urging the cam follower 174 and thus the bottom ends of the spring guides 170 and 172 to the left into the phantom line position. Thus the initial straps are applied to the left as indicated by the reference character S 1. After the first two straps S 1 have been applied on the clip with the bundle having been compressed both vertically and horizontally, the top compactor 22 D is elevated slightly to relieve the pressure from the top compactor. The compressive force within the bundle is then relieved expanding against the strap S1. As the top compactor is elevated, the cam surface 176 leaves the cam follower 174i allowing the spring guides 170 and 172 to move to the right, as shown in FIG. 9, so that the next two straps are guided into the position indicated by the reference character S2 in FIG. 9. Because the top compactor is raised prior to applying the laterally spaced straps S2, the straps are pulled tightly around the bale with the compressive force in the bale thus being withstood substantially equally by all four straps S1 and S2. This feature advantageously prevents the possibility of having second straps S2 being applied with a different tension than the strap S1 so that the compressive force in the bale would not be withstood equally by each of the straps.

The overall operation of the apparatus and the method will best be illustrated by referring to the wiring and the hydraulic schematics FIGS. 23A, 23B and 24, of which the components necessary for an understanding of the novel features of the invention will be described, and the operational schematics FIGS. 11-16. Power from the lines L1 and L2 is transmitted through various manually operated control switches 200 to a bale sensing switch 858. The bale sensing switch is actuated by a bale moving on the conveyor 22 and sends a pulse to first start cycle timer ISCl" which locks in through is own relay contacts ISC'T. The timer begins timing. After 1SCT completes its timing, the following relays are energized: start cycle relay SCR, auxiliary start cycle relay ASCR, and the first and second strap counters 18C and 28C all of which are continued to be energized by the closing of contacts ASCR. The conveyor is stopped for application of the first set of straps S1 (FIGS. 9 and 11). Timer seal relay TSR is energized and remains energized by its own contacts while dropping out lSCT by opening normally closed contacts TSR. ZSCI' timing is interrupted, and probe in time relay PlTR (FIG. 23B) is energized and remains energized through its own contacts PlTR. First probe in and second probe in solenoid valves lPlV and 2P1V are energized, sending fluid to the respective hydraulic rams 72 to extend the probes in each clip placing mechanism 38. Each probe is inserted through the loop 46 of the clip C. Probe out relay POR is energized, holding the solenoid for the side compactor out valve SCOV and the solenoid for top compactor up valve TCUV de-energized. The clip motor run relays lCMRR and 2CMRR are energized, moving new clips into position, the movement of the clips being controlled by selective actuation of clutch and brake solenoids associated with the first and second clip motors ICM and 2CM. Relays ICMRR and 2CMRR are deenergized when a clip opens the switch 54 at the top of the clip dispensing device 36. Manual side compactor in button SCIB is then closed energizing the side compactor by solenoid valve SCIV, so that the side compactors 16 move in. Top compactor up switch TCUS and side compactor out switches ISCOS and 2SCOS close as the compactors move down and in, respectively, energizing compactors retracted relay CRR which remains energized through its own contacts CRR. Top compactor down relay and top compactor down solenoid valve, TCDR and TCDV respectively, are energized by pressing top compactor down button. Valve TCDV remains energized through contacts TCDR and ASCR.

As the top compactor moves down, the clips C are positioned on the object B being strapped. When the top compactor compresses the object, a top compactor pressure switch TCPS is closed, energizing apply strap time relay ASTR, which remains energized through its own contacts ASTR. Probe in time relay PITR is deenergized by opening probe out button POB. Side compactor in valve SCIV is de-energized by opening side compactor out button SCOB. First and second probe in valves 1PIV and 2PIV are de-energized and the probes retract. Probe out relay POR is de-energized by opening probe out switches lPOS and 2POS. Top compactor down relay and top compactor down valve TCDR and TCDV are de-energized.

The strapping mechanism is then energized tensioning the strap around the object with one or more straps applied on the bundle over the clip C. After two straps have been applied, top compactor up valve TCUV is energized briefly with the top compactor rising slightly to shift the spring guides and 172 to the left, as shown in FIG. 9, preparatory to spacing the remaining straps at a distance from the first two straps S1.

The strapping apparatus is then re-cycled to place two additional straps on the clips C.

After the straps have been applied, first strap counter 1SC completes its timing and de-energizes SCR and ASCR. Strap counters 18C and 28C and counter timer relay CTR are de-energized. The solenoids for the side compactor out valve SCOV and top compactor up valve TCUV are energized and the compactors begin to retract. The conveyor 22 then starts forward and discharges the object if a second strapping position is not being used. Timer seal relay TSR is de-energized and second cycle timer ZSCT continues timing if the second stop is used.

When ZSCT completes its timing, if used, it energizes SCR, ASCR, 18C and 28C which lock in and the conveyor stops for the second set of straps. TSR is then energized, de-energizing 2SCT and the compactors retract completely with compactor retracted relays CRR being tie-energized. The second set of straps are ap plied in the same manner as the first two pair S1 and S2 and finally the conveyor 22 is energized, removing the object and introducing a new object to be strapped. While the preferred embodiments of the invention have been illustrated and described, it should be understood that modifications may be made while still incorporating the principles of the invention. Accordingly, it should be understood that the invention is not to be limited by the foregoing description of the embodiment, but is to be construed as broadly as the appended claims admit.

The embodiments of the invention in which an exclusive property or privilege is claimed are defined as follows:

1. Apparatus for binding and securing clips to objects or stacks of objects such as pulp bales or the like in a machine of the type having guideways for initially positioning a strap around the object at a location spaced from the object and drawing the strap toward the object along an imaginary strap line comprising:

clip dispensing means having a plurality of clips each having a strap engaging surface and an object engaging surface, said clip dispensing means having an exit positioned in said strap line for allowing the removal of the clip along said strap line,

clipplacing means for moving each of the clips along said strap line from the exit of said dispensing means and placing the clips on opposed comers of the object whereby the entire motion from the exit of the dispensing means to the corner of the object is planar and in the plane of the strap line, and

means for applying a strap through said guideways and onto said clips for holding the clips on the object.

2. The apparatus of claim 1 said clip placing means including means for holding the clip to pull it out of the clip dispensing means and move it onto the object whereby the means for pulling the clip out of the dispensing means continues to hold it as the clip is placed onto the object.

3. The apparatus of claim 2, said strap applying means including horizontally and vertically movable compacting means for compressing the object prior to applying the strap.

4. The apparatus defined by claim 2, said clip placing means including a hook plate movable toward the object, a positioning plate pivotally secured at its lower end'to said hook plate, said clip having a loop, said clip holding means including a probe secured to said positioning plate and insertable into the loop of a clip, resilient means for urging the upper portion of said positioning plate toward the object whereby the positioning plate, probe and clip can be pivoted inwardly toward the object, a C-frarne assembly movable horizontally and vertically toward the object, said hook plate being movable vertically relative to the C-frame assembly and including a hook engagable with the object and second resilient means for biasing the hook plate downwardly relative to the C-frame assembly, and cam means mounted between said C-fiame assembly and said positioning plate for allowing said positioning plate to be moved toward the object by said first resilient means as the hook plate is moved downwardly relative to the C-frame assembly.

5. The apparatus of claim 1, said clip having a vertical leg and a horizontal leg, said clip held in the exit of said dispensing means with its horizontal and vertical legs generally parallel respectively with the horizontal and vertical sides of the object whereby the clips need not be substantially rotated to align them while being moved and placed on the edge of the object.

6. Apparatus for binding and securing clips to objects or stacks of objects such as pulp bales or the like comprising:

clip dispensing means having a plurality of corner clips each having a strap engaging surface and an object engaging surface;

means for placing clips on opposed corners of the object, said clip placing means including a positioning plate, a C-frame assembly and a hook plate movable vertically relative to said C-frame assembly, said hook plate including a hook engagable with the top of the object and first resilient means for biasing the hook plate downwardly relative to said C-frame assembly, and means for moving the C- frame assembly downwardly for engaging the object with said hook; and

means for applying strap around said object and over said clips whereby the strap holds the clips on the object, said strap applying means including horizontally and vertically movable compacting means for compressing the object prior to applying the strap.

7. The apparatus defined by claim 6 wherein said means for moving the C-frame downwardly includes said vertically movable compacting means.

8. Apparatus for binding and securing clips to objects or stacks of objects such as pulp bales or the like comprising:

clip dispensing means having a plurality of corner clips each having a strap engaging surface and an object engaging surface,

means for placing clips on opposed corners of the object, said clip placing means including a hook plate movable toward the object, a positioning plate pivotally secured at its lower end to said hook plate, probemeans secured to said positioning plate and engagable with a clip, first resilient means for urging the upper portion of said positioning plate toward the object whereby the positioning plate, probe means and clip can be pivoted inwardly toward the object;

a C-frame assembly movable horizontally and vertically toward the object, said hook plate being movable vertically relative to the C-frame assembly and including a hook engagable with the object, means for moving the C-frame assembly horizontally and downwardly for engaging the object with said hook, second resilient means for biasing the hook plate downwardly relative to the C-frarne assembly, and cam means mounted between said C-frame assembly and said positioning plate for allowing said positioning plate to be moved toward the object by said first resilient means as the hook plate is moved downwardly relative to the C-frame assembly; and means for applying strap around said object and over said clips whereby the strap holds the clips on the object, said strap applying means including horizontally and vertically movable compacting means for compressing the object prior to applying strap.

9. The apparatus of claim 8 wherein said means for moving the C-frame assembly horizontally and vertically includes said horizontally movable compacting means and said vertically movable compacting means, respectively.

10. Apparatus for binding and securing clips to objects or stacks of objects such as pulp bales or the like comprising:

means for placing clips on opposed comers of the object, said clip placing means including probe means engagable with the clip; said clip including a loop for receiving said probe means by insertion into said loop, said clip placing means including probe actuating means for extending said probe means outwardly and into said loop; and

means for applying strap around said object and over said clips whereby the strap holds the clips on the object, said strap applying means including horizontally and vertically movable compacting means for compressing the object prior to applying the strap, said horizontally movable compacting means being operable to move said probe means for withdrawing the clip from said magazine.

11. Apparatus for binding and securing clips to objects or stacks of objects such as pulp bales or the like in which the comer of the object has a height or width variation from the general rectangular periphery of the object comprising clip dispensing means having a plurality of corner clips each having a strap engaging surface and an object engaging surface;

top compacting means for pressing down on the top of the object;

side compacting means for pressing in on the sides of the object;

means for placing clips on opposed corners of the object including a top corner sensing member carried by said top compacting means and biased into a position below the top compacting means for engaging the object below the top compacting means, and permitting downward movement of the top compacting means relative to the top corner sensing means whereby the top corner sensing means is operative to sense the location of the top of a corner which is downwardly inset from the generally rectangular periphery of the object, opposed side comer sensing members carried by the side compacting means and being roughly positioned by the side compacting means into general alignment with the corners of the object, each said side corner sensing member being biased for movement inwardly of said side compacting means whereby each side corner sensing member is operative to sense the location of a side of a corner which is inwardly inset relative to the side compacting means and thus inset from the generally rectangular periphery of the object, means operatively connected to one of said top or side corner sensing members for moving a clip to the corner whose position is located by the top and side corner sensing members regardless of the height or width variation of the comer relative to the general periphery of the object; and

means for applying a strap around said object and said clips.

12. A strap applying device of the type having primary guideways located outwardly from an object for guiding an encircling strap around the object and corner clips on the object, the improvement comprising strap guide means positioned between the object and the primary guideways and having an inner end terminating closely adjacent the corner clips for laying a loop of strap at an exact location on the corner clips, and

means for shifting the strap guide means along the object and relative to the primary guideways without shifting the object or the primary guideways to lay a second loop of strap closely alongside the first loop of strap.

13. A strap applying device comprising means for encircling an object with a strap and means for guiding the strap into laterally spaced wraps, said guiding means including guides normally located in a first position and movable into a second laterally placed position for placing said wrap, and means for moving said guides into said second position; means for compressing the object, said guides including resilient spring members normally positioned in said first position, and wherein said means for moving said spring members into said second position is operatively connected to said compressing means for moving said spring members as said compressing means is retracted.

14. The apparatus of claim 11, said clip moving means being connected to said side corner sensing means for movement therewith and including a swing able plate pivoted at its lower end on said top corner sensing means, and means permitting inward swinging movement of said swingable plate upon downward movement of said top compacting means relative to said top comer sensing means.

15. The apparatus of claim 14, said clip having a loop, said clip moving means including a probe insertable in said loop for moving the clip in a predetermined orientation generally the same as the orientation of the comer of the object whereby the clip is carried directly to the corner without changing its orientation, and means for withdrawing the probe from said loop after the clip is strapped on the object.

16. The device of claim 12, said strap guide means including a pair of spaced guide members defining a wide end facing and aligned with said primary guideway, and a narrow end converging toward said corner clips and closely spaced therefrom.

17. The device of claim 16, said shifting means including means for moving the narrow end of said guide members laterally relative to said primary guideways.

18. The device of claim 12 including side and top compactors movable into engagement with the object to compress the object, and control means for automatically withdrawing at least one of the compactors prior to placing the second loop of strap closely adjacent the first loop to release at least part of the compressing force on the object to assure the load is distributed between both loops.

19. Apparatus for binding and securing irregularly shaped corner clips each having a strap engaging surface and an object engaging surface defined by a pair of legs angularly disposed to one another, one leg having a pair of spaced guide notches, said clip dispensing means including an elongated magazine having an exit and elongated bars engageable in said guide notches for guiding said clips for movement along a path toward said exit, clip moving means in said magazine including a plurality of spaced pusher members for spacing the clips and for moving them upwardly along said path, said pusher members each having a surface engageable centrally on a clip so that the clip can move freely without inducing a rotational movement on the clips to cause twisting and jamming,

means for withdrawing a clip from the exit and placing the clip on the corner of the object, and means for strapping the clip on the object.

20. The apparatus of claim 19 including switch means in the exit of said magazine for stopping the clip moving means when a clip is positioned in said exit.

21. The apparatus of claim 2, said clip having a vertical leg and a horizontal leg and being held in the exit of said dispensing means with the horizontal and vertical legs generally parallel respectively with the horizontal and vertical sides of the object so that the clip need not be rotated or substantially reoriented prior to placing it on the corner of the object, said clip placing means including means for placing the clip on a corner inset vertically and horizontally from the generally rectangular periphery of the object, and means for 14 compacting the object both vertically and horizontally.

22. In an apparatus for binding and securing clips to objects or stacks of objects such as pulp bales or the like, said clips each having a loop, a horizontal leg and a vertical leg, said loop extending across said legs, clip dispensing means having a plurality of clips, and clip placing means for removing the clips from the dispensing means and placing it on the object, said clip placing means having a probe insertable into said loop for supporting the clip as it is pulled out of the dispensing means and placed on the object, said clip placing means including means for pushing the probe to push the clip against the object with a predetermined force, pressure sensor means for terminating the movement of the probe at a predetermined pressure, and means on said probe for contacting said loop centrally thereof for transferring the pushing force through the center of the clip to push the clip generally uniformly against the ob ject.

23. The apparatus of claim 22 further including top and side compactors for compressing the object, said clip placing means being connected with one of said compactors to move therewith, said pressure sensor means being mounted on said one compactor to terminate movement of said compactor upon said predetermined pressure, whereby said probe pushes the clip inwardly against the bale with a force sufficient to firmly press the clip against the bale simultaneously with movement of said one compactor and said probe terminates inward movement of said clip when said compactor movement is terminated.

Claims

1. Apparatus for binding and securing clips to objects or stacks of objects such as pulp bales or the like in a machine of the type having guideways for initially positioning a strap around the object at a location spaced from the object and drawing the strap toward the object along an imaginary strap line comprising: clip dispensing means having a plurality of clips each having a strap engaging surface and an object engaging surface, said clip dispensing means having an exit positioned in said strap line for allowing the removal of the clip along said strap line, clip placing means for moving each of the clips along said strap line from the exit of said dispensing means and placing the clips on opposed corners of the object whereby the entire motion from the exit of the dispensing means to the corner of the object is planar and in the plane of the strap line, and means for applying a strap through said guideways and onto said clips for holding the clips on the object.

4. The apparatus defined by claim 2, said clip placing means including a hook plate movable toward the object, a positioning plate pivotally secured at its lower end to said hook plate, said clip having a loop, said clip holding means including a probe secured to said positioning plate and insertable into the loop of a clip, resilient means for urging the upper portion of said positioning plate toward the object whereby the positioning plate, probe and clip can be pivoted inwardly toward the object, a C-frame assembly movable horizontally and vertically toward the object, said hook plate being movable vertically relative to the C-frame assembly and including a hook engagable with the object and second resilient means for biasing the hook plate downwardly relative to the C-frame assembly, and cam means mounted between said C-frame assembly and said positioning plate for allowing said positioning plate to be moved toward the object by said first resilient means as the hook plate is moved downwardly relative to the C-frame assembly.

6. Apparatus for binding and securing clips to objects or stacks of objects such as pulp bales or the like comprising: clip dispensing means having a plurality of corner clips each having a strap engaging surface and an object engaging surface; means for placing clips on opposed corners of the object, said clip placing means including a positioning plate, a C-frame assembly and a hook plate movable vertically relative to said C-frame assembly, said hook plate including a hook engagable with the top of the object and first resilient means for biasing the hook plate downwardly relative to said C-frame assembly, and means for moving the C-frame assembly downwardly for engaging the object with said hook; and means for applying strap around said object and over said clips whereby the strap holds the clips on the object, said strap applying means including horizontally and vertically movable compacting means for compressing the object prior to applying the strap.

8. Apparatus for binding and securing clips to objects or stacks of objects such as pulp bales or the like comprising: clip dispensing means having a plurality of corner clips each having a strap engaging surface and an object engaging surface, means for placing clips on opposed corners of the object, said clip placing means including a hook plate movable toward the object, a positioning plate pivotally secured at its lower end to said hook plate, probe means secured to said positioning plate and engagable with a clip, first resilient means for urging the upper portion of said positioning plate toward the object whereby the positioning plate, probe means and clip can be pivoted inwardly toward the object; a C-frame assembly movable horizontally and vertically toward the object, said hook plate being movable vertically relative to the C-frame assembly and including a hook engagable with the object, means for moving the C-frame assembly horizontally and downwardly for engaging the object with said hook, second resilient means for biasing the hook plate downwardly relative to the C-frame assembly, and cam means mounted between said C-frame assembly and said positioning plate for allowing said positioning plate to be moved toward the object by said first resilient means as the hook plate is moved downwardly relative to the C-frame assembly; and means for applying strap around said object and over said clips whereby the strap holds the clips on the object, said strap applying means including horizontally and vertically movable compacting means for compressing the object prior to applying strap.

10. Apparatus for binding and securing clips to objects or stacks of objects such as pulp bales oR the like comprising: clip dispensing means having a plurality of corner clips each having a strap engaging surface and an object engaging surface, means for placing clips on opposed corners of the object, said clip placing means including probe means engagable with the clip; said clip including a loop for receiving said probe means by insertion into said loop, said clip placing means including probe actuating means for extending said probe means outwardly and into said loop; and means for applying strap around said object and over said clips whereby the strap holds the clips on the object, said strap applying means including horizontally and vertically movable compacting means for compressing the object prior to applying the strap, said horizontally movable compacting means being operable to move said probe means for withdrawing the clip from said magazine.

11. Apparatus for binding and securing clips to objects or stacks of objects such as pulp bales or the like in which the corner of the object has a height or width variation from the general rectangular periphery of the object comprising clip dispensing means having a plurality of corner clips each having a strap engaging surface and an object engaging surface; top compacting means for pressing down on the top of the object; side compacting means for pressing in on the sides of the object; means for placing clips on opposed corners of the object including a top corner sensing member carried by said top compacting means and biased into a position below the top compacting means for engaging the object below the top compacting means, and permitting downward movement of the top compacting means relative to the top corner sensing means whereby the top corner sensing means is operative to sense the location of the top of a corner which is downwardly inset from the generally rectangular periphery of the object, opposed side corner sensing members carried by the side compacting means and being roughly positioned by the side compacting means into general alignment with the corners of the object, each said side corner sensing member being biased for movement inwardly of said side compacting means whereby each side corner sensing member is operative to sense the location of a side of a corner which is inwardly inset relative to the side compacting means and thus inset from the generally rectangular periphery of the object, means operatively connected to one of said top or side corner sensing members for moving a clip to the corner whose position is located by the top and side corner sensing members regardless of the height or width variation of the corner relative to the general periphery of the object; and means for applying a strap around said object and said clips.

12. A strap applying device of the type having primary guideways located outwardly from an object for guiding an encircling strap around the object and corner clips on the object, the improvement comprising strap guide means positioned between the object and the primary guideways and having an inner end terminating closely adjacent the corner clips for laying a loop of strap at an exact location on the corner clips, and means for shifting the strap guide means along the object and relative to the primary guideways without shifting the object or the primary guideways to lay a second loop of strap closely alongside the first loop of strap.

14. The apparatus of claim 11, said clip moving means being connected to said side corner sensing means for movement therewith and including a swingable plate pivoted at its lower end on said top corner sensing means, and means permitting inward swinging movement of said swingable plate upon downward movement of said top compacting means relative to said top corner sensing means.

15. The apparatus of claim 14, said clip having a loop, said clip moving means including a probe insertable in said loop for moving the clip in a predetermined orientation generally the same as the orientation of the corner of the object whereby the clip is carried directly to the corner without changing its orientation, and means for withdrawing the probe from said loop after the clip is strapped on the object.

19. Apparatus for binding and securing irregularly shaped corner clips each having a strap engaging surface and an object engaging surface defined by a pair of legs angularly disposed to one another, one leg having a pair of spaced guide notches, said clip dispensing means including an elongated magazine having an exit and elongated bars engageable in said guide notches for guiding said clips for movement along a path toward said exit, clip moving means in said magazine including a plurality of spaced pusher members for spacing the clips and for moving them upwardly along said path, said pusher members each having a surface engageable centrally on a clip so that the clip can move freely without inducing a rotational movement on the clips to cause twisting and jamming, means for withdrawing a clip from the exit and placing the clip on the corner of the object, and means for strapping the clip on the object.

21. The apparatus of claim 2, said clip having a vertical leg and a horizontal leg and being held in the exit of said dispensing means with the horizontal and vertical legs generally parallel respectively with the horizontal and vertical sides of the object so that the clip need not be rotated or substantially reoriented prior to placing it on the corner of the object, said clip placing means including means for placing the clip on a corner inset vertically and horizontally from the generally rectangular periphery of the object, and means for compacting the object both vertically and horizontally.

22. In an apparatus for binding and securing clips to objects or stacks of objects such as pulp bales or the like, said clips each having a loop, a horizontal leg and a vertical leg, said loop extending across said legs, clip dispensing means having a plurality of clips, and clip placing means for removing the clips from the dispensing means and placing it on the object, said clip placing means having a probe insertable into said loop for supporting the clip as it is pulled out of the dispensing means and placed on the object, said clip placing means including means for pushing the probe to push the clip against the objecT with a predetermined force, pressure sensor means for terminating the movement of the probe at a predetermined pressure, and means on said probe for contacting said loop centrally thereof for transferring the pushing force through the center of the clip to push the clip generally uniformly against the object.