摘要 |
A strapping tool is disclosed as being of the type used to apply a steel strap in a tensioned loop around a package and to join the strap by a series of interlocking joints comprising interlockable shoulders punched into overlapped ends of the strap. A base of the strapping tool extends longitudinally and defines a pair of recesses. A frame upstanding from the base is integrally mounted upon the base. In a mechanism for admitting the overlapped ends of the straps into the tool, for retaining the overlapped ends of the straps, and for releasing the overlapped ends of the straps from the tool, a pair of latches having hooked ends are pivotably mounted upon the base so as to be pivotable between closed positions wherein the latches are positioned with the hooked ends extending into the recesses so as to retain the overlapped ends of the straps between the latch and the base and between the hooked ends and the frame, and opened positions wherein the latches are displaced angularly from the closed positions so as to admit the overlapped ends of the straps into the tool and to release the overlapped ends of the straps from the tool. The latches are biased to the closed positions. Coacting elements including a lever, which can be manually squeezed toward an actuating handle of the strapping tool, and a camming member, which is arranged to cam the latches, are provided for pivoting the latches from the closed positions to the opened positions. |