The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document.
The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge covers the following: Patent number, Date patent was issued, Date patent was filed, Title of the patent, Applicant, Inventor, Assignee, Attorney firm, Primary examiner, Assistant examiner, CPCs, and Abstract. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document (in Adobe Acrobat format, aka pdf). To download or print any patent click here.
Patent No.:
Date of Patent:
Sep. 13, 2011
Filed:
Feb. 28, 2007
Timothy B. Pearson, Antioch, IL (US);
Wayne J. Thas, Arlington Heights, IL (US);
Manuel C. Enriquez, Morton Grove, IL (US);
Timothy B. Pearson, Antioch, IL (US);
Wayne J. Thas, Arlington Heights, IL (US);
Manuel C. Enriquez, Morton Grove, IL (US);
Illinois Tool Works Inc., Glenview, IL (US);
Abstract
A plastic strap particularly useful for automated strapping machines is formed with an integrated, longitudinally disposed rib for enhancing the stiffness of the strap. The strap is formed with at least one rib extending longitudinally from a first end of the strap to a second end of the strap. The rib preferably extends upwardly from the top surface of the strap and comprises, preferably, a slight arcuate profile. The profile of the rib, the number of ribs, and the location of the ribs on the strap may vary depending upon the desired longitudinal stiffness of the strap and the desired width and thickness of the strap. The ribs may be centered across the width the strap or offset. The strap further comprises side panels that are parallel to the longitudinal plane of the strap and outer edges that are generally perpendicular to the longitudinal plane of the strap. The geometry of the strap prevents the strap from twisting and permits overlapping sections of the strap to interlock and self-align during sealing. The rib is formed by passing the heated strap through a rolling mechanism configured to form the desired rib profile in the strap while exerting compressive forces on the side panels of the strap.