Abstract

A strap seal joint and method for applying a seal to the overlapping ends of a strap about a bale of resilient material are disclosed. The bale is preferably initially restrained against expansion in a press. The strap is provided with two oppositely facing major side surfaces having predetermined frictional characteristics. The strap is looped around the bale with a predetermined length of an inner end portion of the strap adjacent the bale extending at least partially around a corner of the bale and being overlapped by an outer end portion of the strap. The seal is applied to the overlapping end portions of the strap and deformed to crimp the seal against the outer end portion sufficiently to prevent withdrawal of the strap outer end portion from the closed seal. The seal is also crimped against the strap inner end portion with a predetermined degree of frictional force engagement which, in combination with the frictional forces between the bale and the strap as well as between the overlapping strap portions resulting from subsequent bale expansion, is sufficiently great to initially restrain the strap inner end portion relative to the seal at least until the press is opened but which is sufficiently low to permit relative movement between the overlapping strap end portions when the tension force on the strap exceeds a predetermined tension force.

Other References

• Pages 1, 7, 10 & 11 and cover sheet of Catalog-26 entitled, "Signode Systems" .COPYRGT.1974 Signode Corporation, 2600 N. Western Ave., Chicago, Illinois 60647
• Title page and pp. 52 and 53 of Circular 736, U.S. Department of Agriculture entitled, "The Packaging of American Cotton and Methods for Improvement", 1945
• Operation and Safety Manual entitled, "Signode, Model M361, Power Strapping Machine", Signode Corporation, 3600 West Lake Avenue, Glenview, Ill. 60025