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 aligning and mounting assembly, the feed assembly configured to feed the strapping material therethrough, the modular feed assembly being independently removable from the frame;
• a guide mounted to the frame adjacent the feed assembly, the guide being mounted to the frame independent of the feed assembly, the guide configured to receive the strapping material from the feed assembly and to provide a path for the strapping material toward the chute;
• and
• a modular strapping head assembly mounted to the frame by a second aligning and mounting assembly independent of the first mounting assembly, the feed assembly and the guide, the strapping head assembly being independently removable from the frame and configured for receipt in the chute opening and for providing a conveyance path for the strapping material from the guide 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,
• wherein the second aligning and mounting assembly includes first and second cooperating, aligning members for aligning the strapping head assembly to the frame and a securing member for securing the strapping head assembly to the frame.

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.