摘要 |
<p>A traction feed wheel (10), for use in connection with the tensioning of strapping material (3), is provided with a first set of teeth (16) which are formed upon an outer peripheral surface (14) of the feed wheel (10) in accordance with a 15 DEG right hand helix as considered with respect to the axis of the feed wheel (10), and a plurality of cuts (30), formed upon the outer peripheral surface (14) of the feed wheel (10) in accordance with a 20 DEG left hand helix with respect to the axis of the feed wheel. The cuts (30) intersect the first set of teeth (16) so as to discretely separate the first set of teeth (16) into adjacent tooth sections or segments (32), and in addition define a second set of teeth (36) upon the outer peripheral surface of the feed wheel. This tooth structure serves to prevent the generation of slivers from the strapping material during a strap tensioning operation so as to render strapped articles safe to end users and to preserve the tensile strength properties and structural integrity of the strapping material (3). <IMAGE></p> |