Abstract: A dispenser having a start-assist for starting rotation of a coil for dispensing flexible material from the coil includes a frame, a support, a shaft mounted to the support for supporting the coil and configured for rotation with the coil and an arm mounted about the shaft by a one-way element. The arm is connected to the shaft for rotation such that when the arm rotates in a first direction the one-way element engages the shaft to rotate the shaft and when the arm rotates in a second, opposite direction the one-way element is disengaged from the shaft to permit the shaft to freely rotate. When the flexible material is pulled from the coil the arm is rotated in the first direction to begin rotation of the coil by tension in the flexible material.

Abstract: A flexible strap guide for an overhead strapper of the type for feed a strapping material around a load, positioning, tensioning and sealing the strapping material around the load, the overhead strapper having a feed head for feeding the strapping material from a supply to a strapping head, the feed head being stationary and spaced from a strapping head, the strapping head being mounted to a movable platen, the extends between the feed head and the strapping head. The guide includes an elongated flexible spine formed from a plurality of hinged elements. Each of the elements is hingedly connected to and independently movable relative to each adjacent element. The elements define a central channel therein defined by a contiguous inner periphery. A hollow tubular element is positioned within the flexible spine and is flexible with the spine. The tubular element defines a pathway for movement of the strapping material therethrough between feed head and the strapping head.

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.