Abstract: A dual mode strapper for strapping an article is illustrated with a strap-forming mechanism capable of selectively operating in a first mode to pre-form an endless pre-formed strap of a predetermined length at least slightly greater than an initial perimeter of the article to be strapped, and in a second mode to apply strapping material directly to the article to be strapped and thereafter form the strapping material into an endless directly applied strap around the article. The strap-forming mechanism defines an opening in which the article is received. The dual mode strapper may also include a pre-formed strap holding area adjacent the strap-forming mechanism that extends at least partially around the opening.

Abstract: A dual mode strapper for strapping an article with a strap-forming mechanism is capable of selectively operating in a first mode to pre-form an endless pre-formed strap of a predetermined length at least slightly greater than an initial perimeter of the article to be strapped, and in a second mode to apply strapping material directly to the article to be strapped and thereafter form the strapping material into an endless directly applied strap around the article. The strapper may also include a pre-formed strap holding area adjacent the strap-forming mechanism that extends at least partially around an opening in which the article is received. When the strapper is operating in the first mode, the pre-formed strap holding area receives the pre-formed strap and maintains it in spaced-apart relation from the article before dispensing it from the holding area onto the article to be strapped.

Abstract: Embodiments of a dispensing apparatus capable of dispensing flexible material coiled on a roll or winding flexible material onto a roll include a rotatable spindle having an attached end and an opposite free end, a first roll guide proximate the attached end of the spindle, a second roll guide positionable proximate the free end of the spindle and at least one selectively actuated clutch arm operatively coupled to the spindle and movable between an unlocked position and a locked position. The spindle is configured to extend through an axial hole of the roll and the second roll guide is removable to allow installation or removal of the roll from the spindle. When in the locked position, at least a portion of the clutch arm extends through a side surface of the spindle and is engageable with the roll to reduce rotation of the roll relative to the spindle.