Abstract: Various embodiments of the present disclosure provide load-securement devices and processes for securing loads in a shipping container. Generally, each load-securement device includes a base and two wings each having a corner-engaging end. The wings are attached to the base and are movable relative to one another and to the base from a compact configuration in which a first distance separates the corner-engaging ends to a securement configuration in which a second greater distance separates the corner-engaging ends. Since the load-securement device is more compact when the wings are in the compact configuration (as compared to the securement configuration), it is easier to attach to a shipping container—and particularly to a front corner post of the shipping container—as compared to a similar load-securement device that has immovable wings fixed in the securement configuration.

Abstract: A sealing patch for a polymeric bag includes a carrier, a pressure sensitive adhesive on the carrier and a heat-activated material on the pressure sensitive adhesive. A high-strength polymeric bag is formed from woven tapes and is coated with a polymer material. The sealing patch is positioned on the bag for sealing the bag. A method for sealing a high-strength polymeric bag with a sealing patch and a device for sealing a polymeric bag with a sealing patch are disclosed.

Abstract: A bag applicator assist device for a baling system having a discharge mandrel, includes a frame movable longitudinally along the mandrel from a loading position to a bagging position and at least one gripper mounted to the frame. The gripper is movable between a closed position to secure the bag therein and an open position to release the bag from the gripper. A bag is positioned in the gripper at the loading position, the frame is moved longitudinally along the mandrel from the loading position to the bagging position and the bag is released from the gripper when the frame is in the bagging position. A bag configured for use with the applicator assist device includes a polymeric tubular member having a sealed end and an open end. The open end defines four corners. The bag has a gripper receiving region at about each corner.

Abstract: A sealing patch for a polymeric bag includes a carrier, a pressure sensitive adhesive on the carrier and a heat-activated material on the pressure sensitive adhesive. A high-strength polymeric bag is formed from woven tapes and is coated with a polymer material. The sealing patch is positioned on the bag for sealing the bag. A method for sealing a high-strength polymeric bag with a sealing patch and a device for sealing a polymeric bag with a sealing patch are disclosed.

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to dunnage bags formed using polyethylene terephthalate (PET) and processes for manufacturing these PET dunnage bags. Generally, the PET dunnage bags of the present disclosure include a PET outer bag, an inner bladder enclosed within the PET outer bag, and a valve assembly that enables air to be introduced into (or escape out of) the inner bladder to inflate (or deflate) the inner bladder, thereby inflating (or deflating) the PET dunnage bag.

Abstract: A bag for containing a bale of compressed material is a sleeve formed from woven tapes of polymeric material having a sealed end and an open end. The sleeve has a first region where the tapes are woven at a first density and one or more second regions where the tapes are woven at a second density less than the first density. The first region is configured to, when the bale is introduced into the bag, be positioned on at least a portion of a length of the bale.

Abstract: A bag applicator assist device for a baling system having a discharge mandrel, includes a frame movable longitudinally along the mandrel from a loading position to a bagging position and at least one gripper mounted to the frame. The gripper is movable between a closed position to secure the bag therein and an open position to release the bag from the gripper. A bag is positioned in the gripper at the loading position, the frame is moved longitudinally along the mandrel from the loading position to the bagging position and the bag is released from the gripper when the frame is in the bagging position. A bag configured for use with the applicator assist device includes a polymeric tubular member having a sealed end and an open end. The open end defines four corners. The bag has a gripper receiving region at about each corner.

Abstract: A system for transferring and containing a bale of compressible material includes a conveyor, a transfer device to transfer the bale of compressible material from the conveyor and a bagger. The bagger includes an entrance, a discharge station and a bag mandrel. The bale is received in the entrance from the transfer device and is discharged from the bagger by the discharge station into a bag positioned on the mandrel. The mandrel has a plurality of walls, at least one of the walls having a crowned profile.

Abstract: A reentry gate assembly is for use with a strapping machine of the type having a feed assembly, a chute and a strapping head. The reentry gate assembly directs returning strapping material into the strapping head and releases the strapping material therefrom to prevent the strap from becoming caught as it is pulled from the chute. The reentry gate assembly includes a body having a strap path surface and first and second pivotable gates movable between a closed position in which the gates overly the strap path surface and define a strap pathway, and an open position in which the gates are pivoted away from the strap path surface. A link operably connects the first and second gates. When strapping material present in the strap pathway with the gates closed is urged outwardly of the strap pathway, contact of the strapping material with either the first or second gate moves the link to open the other of the first or second gate, so that both gates open together.

Abstract: A strapping machine configured to feed a strapping material around a load, position, tension and seal the strapping material around the load, includes a chute opening system to open a lower portion of the strap chute upon upwardly pivoting a portion of the work surface. Such a machine includes a machine frame, a work surface for supporting the load in the strapping machine, at least a portion of which is upwardly pivotal. A strap chute carries the strapping material around the load and releases the strapping material from the strap chute. The strap chute defines a strap path along the chute. The chute is movable between an operating position in which the strapping material is conveyed along the chute and a release position in which the strap chute is moved longitudinally to release the strapping material from the chute for positioning around the load. A weld head seals the strapping material onto itself. At least a portion of the weld head is disposed along the strap path below the work surface.

Abstract: A strapping machine configured to feed a strapping material around a load, position, tension and seal the strapping material around the load, the strapping machine including a strap chute for carrying the strap around the load and for releasing the strap material from the strap chute. The strap chute defines a longitudinal axis transverse to the chute. The strap chute is formed having a chute frame and an inner wall defining a track for conveying the strap through the strap chute. The inner wall is movable relative to the chute frame, parallel to the longitudinal axis between an operating position and a release position to release the strap from the strap chute. A drive assembly is operably connected to the inner wall for moving the inner wall between the operating and release positions. The drive assembly includes driven elements mounted to the inner wall for longitudinal movement therewith. The driven elements constrain movement of the inner wall in a direction transverse to the longitudinal direction.

Abstract: A strapping machine configured to feed a strapping material around a load, position, tension and seal the strapping material around the load, includes a chute opening system to open a lower portion of the strap chute upon upwardly pivoting a portion of the work surface. Such a machine includes a machine frame, a work surface for supporting the load in the strapping machine, at least a portion of which is upwardly pivotal. A strap chute carries the strapping material around the load and releases the strapping material from the strap chute. The strap chute defines a strap path along the chute. The chute is movable between an operating position in which the strapping material is conveyed along the chute and a release position in which the strap chute is moved longitudinally to release the strapping material from the chute for positioning around the load. A weld head seals the strapping material onto itself. At least a portion of the weld head is disposed along the strap path below the work surface.

Abstract: A strapping machine configured to feed a strapping material around a load, position, tension and seal the strapping material around the load, the strapping machine including a strap chute for carrying the strap around the load and for releasing the strap material from the strap chute. The strap chute defines a longitudinal axis transverse to the chute. The strap chute is formed having a chute frame and an inner wall defining a track for conveying the strap through the strap chute. The inner wall is movable relative to the chute frame, parallel to the longitudinal axis between an operating position and a release position to release the strap from the strap chute. A drive assembly is operably connected to the inner wall for moving the inner wall between the operating and release positions. The drive assembly includes driven elements mounted to the inner wall for longitudinal movement therewith. The driven elements constrain movement of the inner wall in a direction transverse to the longitudinal direction.

Abstract: A reentry gate assembly is for use with a strapping machine of the type having a feed assembly, a chute and a strapping head. The reentry gate assembly directs returning strapping material into the strapping head and releases the strapping material therefrom to prevent the strap from becoming caught as it is pulled from the chute. The reentry gate assembly includes a body having a strap path surface and first and second pivotable gates movable between a closed position in which the gates overly the strap path surface and define a strap pathway, and an open position in which the gates are pivoted away from the strap path surface. A link operably connects the first and second gates. When strapping material present in the strap pathway with the gates closed is urged outwardly of the strap pathway, contact of the strapping material with either the first or second gate moves the link to open the other of the first or second gate, so that both gates open together.