Strapping device using multiple strap materials

Abstract

In one embodiment, a strapping device for strapping a bale ejected from a baler is provided. The strapping device includes a first strapper unit that couples to the baler adjacent an outlet of the baler, the first strapper unit having a first track for distributing a first strap media about the bale, and a second strapper unit that couples to the baler adjacent the outlet of the baler, the second strapper unit having a second track for distributing a second strap media about the bale, the second track positioned coaxially about the first track.

1 . A strapping device for strapping a bale ejected from a baler, the strapper device comprising:
 a first strapper unit that couples to the baler adjacent an outlet of the baler, the first strapper unit having a first track for distributing a first strap media about the bale; and   a second strapper unit that couples to the baler adjacent the outlet of the baler, the second strapper unit having a second track for distributing a second strap media about the bale, the second track positioned coaxially about the first track.   
     
     
         2 . The strapping device of  claim 1 , wherein the first strap media is different from the second strap media. 
     
     
         3 . The strapping device of  claim 1 , wherein the first strapper unit is operable with or without operation of the second strapper unit. 
     
     
         4 . The strapping device of  claim 1 , wherein first track is spaced apart laterally from the second track. 
     
     
         5 . The strapping device of  claim 1 , wherein the first track and the second track are coupled to a common side of a support structure that couples to the baler adjacent the outlet of the baler. 
     
     
         6 . The strapping device of  claim 5 , wherein first track and the second track are spaced apart laterally on the support structure. 
     
     
         7 . A strapping device for coupling to an outlet of a baler, the strapping device comprising:
 a first strapper unit that couples to the baler adjacent the outlet of the baler, the first strapper unit having a first track for distributing a first strap media; and   a second strapper unit that couples to the baler adjacent the outlet of the baler, the second strapper unit having a second track for distributing a second strap media, the second strap media being different than the first strap media.   
     
     
         8 . The strapping device of  claim 7 , wherein the second track is positioned coaxially about the first track. 
     
     
         9 . The strapping device of  claim 7 , wherein first track is spaced apart laterally from the second track. 
     
     
         10 . The strapping device of  claim 7 , wherein the first strapper unit and the second strapper unit are configured to couple to a common side of the baler adjacent to the outlet. 
     
     
         11 . The strapping device of  claim 7 , wherein the first track surrounds the second track. 
     
     
         12 . The strapping device of  claim 7 , wherein the first track and the second track are coupled to a support structure that couples to the baler adjacent to the outlet. 
     
     
         13 . The strapping device of  claim 12 , wherein first track and the second track are spaced apart laterally on the support structure. 
     
     
         14 . The strapping device of  claim 7 , further comprising a controller having a touch screen display that controls the first strapper unit and the second strapper unit. 
     
     
         15 . A method for strapping bales ejected from a baler, the method comprising:
 ejecting a first bale to pass through an outlet of the baler;   transferring the first bale through an opening surrounded by a first strapper unit and a second strapper unit;   strapping the first bale with a first strap media distributed by the first strapper unit;   switching from the first strap media to a second strap media that is different from the first strap media;   ejecting a second bale to pass through the outlet of the baler; and   strapping the second bale with the second strap media distributed by the second strapper unit.   
     
     
         16 . The method of  claim 15 , wherein the first strapper unit and the second strapper unit are coaxially positioned about the opening. 
     
     
         17 . The method of  claim 15 , wherein the first strapper unit includes a first track for distributing the first strap media and the second strapper unit includes a second track for distributing the second strap media. 
     
     
         18 . The method of  claim 17 , wherein the first track is positioned coaxially about the second track. 
     
     
         19 . The method of  claim 15 , wherein the switching from the first strap media to the second strap media is facilitated by a controller. 
     
     
         20 . The method of  claim 15 , wherein the switching from the first strap media to the second strap media is facilitated by a touch screen display.