Method and apparatus for binding an article with a loop of tensioned strap

摘要

A method and apparatus is disclosed for binding an article with strap. A strap is encircled about the article to form a loop with the leading end segment of the strap overlapping an adjacent segment of the strap. The leading end is gripped to prevent further feeding and to subsequently restrain it against movement relative to the article while the trailing portion of the strap is retracted to draw the loop tight around the article. While holding the leading end segment of the strap and an adjacent overlapped segment against relative movement and under tension, either (1) a joint is first formed in the overlapping segments and the tension is then gradually released in the trailing portion of the strap to avoid shock loading of the joint and the machine or (2) the tension is first released only in the trailing portion of strap and the joint is then formed with tension in at least the overlapped segment adjacent the strap free end. The preferred embodiment of the apparatus is used with metal strap and forms an interlocking slit-type joint in the overlapping strap segments with a notcher jaw assembly coacting with a notcher punch, both of which also function prior to joint formation to hold the overlapping strap segments together against relative movement and to maintain tension on the overlapped segment adjacent the strap free end while tension is released in the trailing portion of strap.