Strapping machine and method of operating same

A machine for wrapping a strap around a package, the machine comprising:

• a support frame;
• first and second upright generally annular strap-guiding channels generally parallel to and flanking an upright plane, the channels each having a pair of confronting ends defining a respective gap, the gaps being immediately adjacent each other, the package being engageable within the annular channels;
• a single-loop guide fittable in a single-loop mode in the gap of the first channel and having a guide groove extending between the ends of the first channel;
• a double-loop guide fittable in a dual-loop mode in the gaps of the first and second channels and having first and second crossing guide grooves, the first guide groove in the dual-loop mode extending between one of the ends of the first channel and one of the ends of the second channel and the second guide groove extending between the other of the ends of the first channel and the other of the ends of the second channel;
• means for supplying a strap to the first channel such that, when the single-loop guide in the single-loop mode is in the gap of the first channel, the strap passes only around the first channel and forms therein a generally closed first loop and, when the double-loop guide is in the dual-loop mode in the gaps of both channels, forms first and second loops in the first and second channels;
• and
• means for tensioning the strap around the package engaged within the channels and for forming and sealing together ends of the strap at a location offset from the gaps.