Inventors:
Rainer Ropers - Lake Zurich IL, US
Richard Balling - Cary IL, US
James Roberts - Lake Zurich IL, US
Donna Roberts - Des Plaines IL, US
Assignee:
Illinois Tool Works, Inc. - Glenview IL
International Classification:
B65B035/30
B65B013/06
Abstract:
A stacking and strapping apparatus is configured to stack a first load layer on a pallet, horizontally strap the load, stack a second load layer on the first load layer and horizontally strap the second load layer. The apparatus includes a frame, a sealing head operably mounted to the frame, a feed head operably mounted to the frame and a strap chute mounted to the frame. The strap chute is stationary and is fixedly mounted to the frame in a generally horizontal plane and has an opening therein for receiving the sealing head. The strap chute defines the boundaries of a vertical path for movement of the pallet, the first load layer and the second load layer. A draw plate is disposed above the strap chute. The draw plate is configured to receive the first load layer or the second load layer and to move between a loading position in which the first or second load layer is loaded onto the draw plate and a withdrawn position in which the draw plate moves to position the first load layer on the pallet or to position the second load layer on the first load layer. The draw plate is configured to move back to the loading position following transfer of the first load layer or the second load layer. A lift plate is disposed below the strap chute and draw plate. The lift plate is adapted to receive the pallet and to receive a load on the pallet. The lift plate moves downwardly to position the first load layer at the strap chute, moves up to receive the second load layer and moves downwardly again to position the second load layer at the strap chute.