Strapping machine with modular heads

A strapping machine for positioning a strapping material around an associated load and sealing the strapping material to itself around the load, the strapping machine comprising:

• a frame;
• a chute defining a strap path and having an opening therein, the chute being mounted to the frame;
• a modular feed assembly mounted to the frame by a first mounting assembly, the feed assembly configured to feed the strapping material therethrough, the modular feed assembly being independently removable from the frame;
• a modular strapping head assembly mounted to the frame by a guide assembly and removable from the frame independently of the first mounting assembly, the modular strapping assembly being configured for receipt in the chute opening and for providing a conveyance path for the strapping material from the feed assembly to the chute, the strapping head assembly further configured to receive a free end of the strapping material and to seal the strapping material to itself, the guide assembly including at least one rail mounted to the frame at about the chute, the strapping head assembly including at least one rail engaging element configured to traverse along the rail to position the strapping head at the chute opening;
• and
• a retaining assembly operably connected to the guide assembly, the retaining assembly having an engaged position configured to engage the at least one rail engaging element to maintain the strapping head assembly in the chute opening and a disengaged position to remove the strapping head assembly from the cute opening.

A modular strapping head assembly for use with a strapping machine of the type including a chute for positioning a strapping material around an associated load, the chute having an opening therein, the modular strapping head assembly comprising:

• a body;
• a strap receiving portion;
• a strapping material sealing portion;
• and
• an aligning and mounting portion, the aligning and mounting portion configured for independent, tool-less installation and removal of the modular strapping head assembly from the strapping machine, the aligning and mounting portion adapted for positioning the strapping head at the chute opening and maintaining the strapping head at the chute opening and further providing a conveyance path for the strapping material from into the chute.

A modular feed assembly for use with a strapping machine of the type including an associated strapping head and an associated chute for positioning, tensioning and sealing a strapping material around an associated load, the feed assembly configured to feed strapping material from an associated source to the associated strapping head and to retract strapping material therefrom to tension the strapping material around the load, the feed assembly comprising:

• a body;
• a drive;
• a pair of wheels, one of the pair of wheel being operably connected to the drive;
• a strap guide disposed over at least a portion of each of the pair of wheels;
• and
• an aligning and mounting portion, the aligning and mounting portion configured for independent, tool-less installation and removal of the modular feed assembly from the strapping machine, the aligning and mounting portion adapted for positioning the feed assembly at an associated second strap guide providing a conveyance path for the strapping material from the modular feed assembly to the strapping head.