Hand Held Strapping Tool

The present application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 18/924,358, filed Oct. 23, 2024, which is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 17/514,142, filed Oct. 29, 2021, which is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/277,574, filed Feb. 15, 2019, the disclosure of each of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

Tools can receive manual forces to manipulate the tools or actuate components of the tools. Such tools can be manipulated by hand. For example, strapping devices for strapping articles with a strapping band can be manipulated by manual forces.

At least one aspect is directed to a strapping device. The strapping device can include a handle, a body coupled with the handle, and an actuator. The handle includes an input device and a first switch, the input device including at least one of a trigger, a button, a lever, and a second switch, the input device spaced from the first switch by a biasing element that applies a bias force to the input device. The input device moves from a first state spaced from the first switch to a second state contacting the first switch responsive to receiving a force greater than the bias force. A circuit of the first switch is closed responsive to the input device moving from the first state to the second state. The first switch outputs an actuation signal responsive to the circuit being closed. The body includes a base and a tensioner. The base includes a strap receiver opposite the tensioner. The actuation signal causes the actuator to move the tensioner from a first tensioner position to a second tensioner position further from the strap receiver than the first tensioner position based on a movement force that is greater than the bias force.

At least one aspect is directed to a strapping device. The strapping device can include a body, a processing circuit, and an actuator. The body includes a base and a tensioner, the base including a strap receiver opposite the tensioner, the tensioner applies a tension force to a strap received by the body. The processing circuit receives an actuation signal and generates a control signal based on the actuation signal. The actuator causes the tensioner to move, responsive to receiving the control signal, from a first tensioner position to a second tensioner position further from the strap receiver than the first tensioner position.

At least one aspect is directed to a method of operating a tool. The method can include outputting, by a first switch of the tool, an actuation signal responsive to an input device closing a circuit of the first switch, the input device including at least one of a trigger, a button, a lever, and a second switch, outputting, by a processing circuit, a control signal responsive to receiving the actuation signal, and moving, by an actuator, a tensioner from a first tensioner position to a second tensioner position further from the base of the tool than the second tensioner position using a movement force greater than a bias force associated with the input device closing the circuit of the first switch.

These and other aspects and implementations are discussed in detail below. The foregoing information and the following detailed description include illustrative examples of various aspects and implementations, and provide an overview or framework for understanding the nature and character of the claimed aspects and implementations. The drawings provide illustration and a further understanding of the various aspects and implementations, and are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification.

Following below are more detailed descriptions of various concepts related to, and implementations of strapping devices (e.g., tools) having angled handles. Strapping devices can fix a strap to a package, such as a box. The strap can be made from various materials, such as steel, nylon, polypropylene, and polyester. The various concepts introduced above and discussed in greater detail below can be implemented in any of numerous ways.

depicts a block diagram of a strapping device (or tool). The strapping devicecan be handheld. For example, the strapping devicecan have a mass less than a threshold mass (e.g., less than 5 pounds; less than 10 pounds; less than 25 pounds; less than or 50 pounds), to enable the strapping deviceto be manipulated with a single hand. The strapping devicecan receive a strap (e.g., two straps on top of one another), apply tension to the strap, such as to secure the strap to a remote component (e.g., a box), and can include a welding clement that welds the strap together (e.g., welds the two straps that are on top of one another together).

The strapping devicecan include at least one handle. The handlecan be shaped to be held by a hand of a user. The handlecan include a gripextending at least partially on the handle. The gripcan be shaped to receive the hand of the user. The gripcan include a relatively high friction surface (e.g., greater friction than a remainder of a surface of the handle).

The handlecan be coupled with a bodyof the strapping device. For example, the handlecan extend between surface portions of the body. The handlecan allow a user to support the handleto support a mass of the strapping device. The handlecan extend from an end attached to the body. Various components of the strapping devicecan be disposed in or attached to the body. The bodycan be made of a plastic material.

The bodycan include at least one baseand at least one tensionercoupled with a drive assembly. The bodycan define an opening between the baseand the tensioner. The strapping devicecan receive a strap in the opening between the baseand the tensioner. The drive assemblycan cause the tensionerto move towards or away from the base, such as to apply a force against the strap when the strapping devicereceives the strap. For example, the drive assemblycan include a servomotor coupled to a cam, lead screw, or linkage to cause the tensionerto move.

The tensionercan include at least one tension gripper wheel. The tensionercan be driven by the drive assembly, such as to be rotated by the drive assembly. The tensionercan include frictional elements (e.g., ridges, roughened surfaces) to grip the strap. For example, the drive assemblycan rotate the tensioner, while the tensionergrips the strap, causing the strap to be translated by the tensioner. The drive assemblycan include separate drive components (e.g., separate motors) to cause the tensionerto move towards or away from the baseand to cause the tensionerto rotate. As such, the drive assemblycan drive the tensionerto apply a driving force against the strap, increasing tension of the strap relative to a package or other body to which the strap is to be secured. The drive assemblycan drive the tensionertowards or away from the strap to contact the tensionerto the strap (and increase a force applied by the tensionerto the strap).

The strapping devicecan include at least one processing circuit. The processing circuitincludes a processorand memory. The processing circuitcan be implemented using a circuit board. Processorcan be a general purpose or specific purpose processor, an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), one or more field programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), a group of processing components, or other suitable processing components. Processorcan execute computer code or instructions stored in memoryor received from other computer readable media (e.g., CDROM, network storage, a remote server, etc.).

Memorycan include one or more devices (e.g., memory units, memory devices, storage devices, etc.) for storing data or computer code for completing or facilitating the various processes described in the present disclosure. Memorycan include random access memory (RAM), read-only memory (ROM), hard drive storage, temporary storage, non-volatile memory, flash memory, optical memory, or any other suitable memory for storing software objects or computer instructions. Memorycan include database components, object code components, script components, or any other type of information structure for supporting the various activities and information structures described in the present disclosure. Memorycan be communicably connected to processorvia processing circuitand may include computer code for executing (e.g., by processor) one or more processes described herein. When processorexecutes instructions stored in memory, processorgenerally configures the processing circuitto complete such activities.

The strapping devicecan include at least one user interface. The user interfacecan receive user input and present information regarding operation of the strapping device. The user interfacemay include one or more user input devices, such as buttons, dials, sliders, keys, or a touch interface (e.g., touch screen) to receive input from a user. The user interfacemay include one or more display devices(e.g., OLED, LED, LCD, CRT displays), speakers, tactile feedback devices, or other output devices to provide information to a user. The user interfacecan output information regarding the strapping device, such as feedback regarding tensioning or welding operations being performed by the strapping device.

The strapping devicecan include at least one communications circuit. The communications circuitcan include wired or wireless interfaces (e.g., jacks, antennas, transmitters, receivers, transceivers, wire terminals) for conducting data communications with various systems, devices, or networks. For example, the communications circuitcan include an Ethernet card and port for sending and receiving data via an Ethernet-based communications network. The communications circuitcan include a WiFi transceiver for communicating via a wireless communications network. The communications circuitcan communicate via local area networks (e.g., a building LAN), wide area networks (e.g., the Internet, a cellular network), or conduct direct communications (e.g., NFC, Bluetooth). The communications circuitcan conduct wired or wireless communications. For example, the communications circuitcan include one or more wireless transceivers (e.g., a Wi-Fi transceiver, a Bluetooth transceiver, a NFC transceiver, a cellular transceiver). The processing circuitcan communicate with a remote network (e.g., an internet protocol network) using the communications circuit. The communications circuitcan output information regarding the strapping deviceto a remote device, such as a portable electronic device. For example, the processing circuitcan cause the communications circuitto output information detected by position sensor, as well as status information regarding the strapping device, such as if the strapping device needs to be cleaned. The communications circuitcan receive operational information that can be used to control operation of the tensioneror the welder, such as settings associated with tension to be applied to the strap or a duration of time for which to performing welding.

The strapping devicecan include at least one position sensor. The position sensorcan detect at least one of a position or an orientation of the strapping device. The position sensorcan be on or within the body. The position sensorcan include one or more accelerometers, gyroscopes, or other devices that can detect the at least one of the position or the orientation of the strapping device. The position sensorcan output the position or orientation to the processing circuit. The position sensorcan output the position or orientation as absolute values or values relative to a home position or home orientation. The position sensoror the processing circuitcan maintain a home position or orientation and compare the detected position or orientation to the home position or orientation to generate the values relative to the home position or home orientation.

The position sensorcan output the at least one of the position or the orientation of the strapping deviceto the processing circuit. The processing circuit(including processing electronics of the position sensorif the position sensorincludes processing electronics) can process the at least one of the position or the orientation of the strapping device. For example, the processing circuitcan monitor a position of the strapping device, and detect a drop condition of the strapping devicebased on the position. The processing circuitcan detect the drop condition responsive to a rate of change of the position being greater than a threshold rate of change (the threshold rate of change may correspond to an expected acceleration of the strapping devicedue to gravity). The processing circuitcan monitor an orientation of the strapping deviceresponsive to detecting that the strapping devicewas dropped. The processing circuitcan maintain a count of a number of instances of the strapping devicebeing dropped, such as by incrementing the count responsive to detecting that the strapping devicewas dropped.

The strapping devicecan include at least one input device (e.g., trigger, lever, button, switch)coupled with the handle. Responsive to being actuated, the triggercan output an actuation signal to the drive assemblyto cause operation of the drive assembly, such as to adjust a position of the tensioner. As described with reference to, the triggercan be coupled with a switch (e.g., switch) that outputs the actuation signal responsive to operation of the trigger. The triggercan output the actuation signal directly to the drive assembly. The triggercan output the actuation signal to the drive assemblyvia the processing circuit. The triggercan output the actuation signal to cause the drive assemblyto move the tensioner, such as to lift the tensioneraway from the baseto allow the strap to be received between the tensionerand the base(e.g., prior to applying tension to the strap) or release the strap from between the tensionerand the base(e.g., subsequent to applying tension to the strap).

The strapping devicecan include or be coupled with at least one energy source. The energy sourcecan include a battery, which can be removably coupled with the strapping device. For example, the energy sourcecan be removed to allow the energy sourceto be recharged, or to replace the energy sourcewith a replacement energy source. The strapping devicecan be coupled with the energy sourcevia an energy interface, which may allow the strapping deviceto connect to a remote energy source. The energy sourcecan provide power to various components of the strapping device, including the processing circuit. The processing circuitcan detect a charge level of the energy sourceand cause the user interfaceto output an indication of the charge level.

The strapping devicecan include a welder. The weldercan be driven by operation of the drive assemblyto cause friction with the strap, enabling multiple straps (e.g., two straps adjacent to one another) to be welded together. For example, the drive assemblycan receive a weld command from the processing circuitand drive the welderresponsive to receiving the weld command, such as to cause the welderto at least one of vibrate and oscillate. As the weldervibrates or oscillates, a weld can be created between the straps using friction.

Referring to, among others, the strapping deviceis depicted. The strapping devicecan receive a strapbetween the tensionerand the base. The basecan include a first strap receiveralong which the strapcan be received along a strap axis(e.g., at which the weldercan contact the strap). The strap axiscan extend from an opening between the tensionerand the base(e.g., when the tensioneris spaced from the base) and between the first strap receiverand the welder. The basecan include or be defined by a first body endof the body. A second body endof the bodycan include the energy source. The handlecan extend from a first handle endproximate to the first body endto a second handle endproximate to the second body end.

The triggercan be adjusted from a first state, such as depicted in, to a second state, such as depicted in. The triggercan be adjusted from the first stateto the second stateresponsive to receiving a force applied to the trigger. For example, responsive to receiving a force applied to the trigger, the triggercan move from a first position corresponding to the first stateto a second position corresponding to the second state.

The triggercan be shaped to receive a finger of a user, such as by having a concave surfacefacing a direction at which a finger of the user is received. The triggercan be sized to receive less than a full hand of the user. For example, a length of the concave surfacecan be less than a threshold length (e.g., less than 3 inches; less than 2 inches; less than 1 inch).

As described above, the triggercan cause an actuation signal to be provided to the drive assembly, such as to translate the tensioneraway from the base. For example, a biasing elementcan be disposed between the triggerand a switch. The biasing clementcan include a spring. The biasing elementcan apply a bias force against the triggerto bias the trigger to the first state. The bias force can be less than a threshold bias force at which a user can be expected to be able to move the triggerfrom the first stateto the second state.

Systems that use a tensioner to apply force against the strap can have a relatively large lifting force to lift the tensioner away from the strap. The lifting force includes a force used to lift the mass of the tensioner and any components fixed to the tensioner. This mass may be relatively large so that the tensioner can apply a sufficient force against the strap in order to perform strapping operations. A relatively long trigger or handle may be implemented to provide a sufficient lever arm to allow a user to manually lift the tensioner away from the strap by compressing the trigger towards the handle, the trigger being mechanically coupled with the tensioner. Despite the length of the trigger (e.g., the trigger may be long enough so that the user can use four fingers to compress the trigger towards the handle), the relatively small distance between the trigger and the handle (a maximum distance between the trigger and the handle may be limited by a plane of a base of the strapping device along which the strap is received or a package to which the strap is to strapped below the base of the strapping device) may cause a manual trigger force that is converted into the lifting force for lifting the tensioner away from the strap to be relatively large, resulting in strain on the hand of the user when attempting to apply the manual trigger force to the trigger.

The strapping devicecan use the trigger, switch, and drive assemblyto move the tensioneraway from the basewithout depending on the relatively large manual trigger force to be applied by a user. For example, the bias force of the triggercan be less than the manual trigger force, reducing strain on the hand of the user, reducing the need for a trigger that is long enough for a user to use several fingers to manipulate the trigger, and enabling safer usage of the strapping device.

When, for example, the triggeris in the first state, a switch elementof the switchcan be in an open state. When the bias force of the biasing elementis overcome and the triggermoves to the second state, the switch elementis moved by the triggerto a closed state. Moving the switch elementto the closed statecontacts a corresponding electrical contactof the switch. When the switch elementcontacts the electrical contact, a circuit of the switchis closed, causing the switchto output an actuation signal that causes corresponding operation of the drive assembly. The switchcan output the actuation signal directly to the drive assembly.

The switchcan output the actuation signal to the processing circuit. The processing circuitcan output a control signal to the drive assemblyresponsive to receiving the actuation signal. The processing circuitcan generate the control signal to have a first parameter value (e.g., first voltage) responsive to receiving the actuation signal, the first parameter value causing actuation of the drive assembly, and a second parameter value different than the first parameter value while the actuation signal is not received. The processing circuitcan output the control signal responsive to receiving the actuation signal, and does not output the control signal while the actuation signal is not received. As such, operation of the switchcan selectively cause actuation of the drive assembly, such as moving the tensioneraway from the basewhen the switchis switched from the open stateto the closed state, and moving the tensionerback towards the basewhen the switchis switched from the closed stateto the open state.

The drive assemblycan include an actuatorthat receives the control signal from the processing circuit(or the actuation signal directly form the switch). The actuatorcan be actuated responsive to receiving the control signal to cause a resulting motion of the tensioner. For example, the actuatorcan include a rotary actuator or a linear actuator. The actuatorcan include a servomotor. The servomotor can include a DC motor. The actuatorcan receive the control signal from the processing circuit, and drive the servomotor to a predetermined position responsive to receiving the control signal. For example, the actuatorcan maintain the predetermined position in memory and retrieve the predetermined position responsive to receiving the control signal. The processing circuitcan generate the control signal to indicate the predetermined position. The actuatorcan cause the tensionerto move towards or away from the baseusing various components, such as a camas described herein, a lead screw, or a linkage.

The actuatorcan be coupled with a cam shaft. The cam shaftcan be coupled with a motor of the actuator, such as a servomotor. The cam shaftcan extend into the actuator. The cam shaftextends along a shaft axis. The cam shaftis spaced from the strap axis. A projection of the shaft axisinto a plane parallel to the basein which the strap axiscan lie can be perpendicular to the strap axis.

The actuatorcan rotate the cam shaftto drive various components coupled with the cam shaftas described further herein. For example, the actuatorcan be coupled with the cam shaftto transfer torque to the cam shaft. The actuatorcan rotate the cam shaftusing a maximum torque portion of a range of motion of the actuator. For example, the actuatorcan have a 180 degree range of motion, while rotating the cam shaftby a selected angle (e.g., 70 degrees; greater than or equal to 55 degrees and less than or equal to 85 degrees; greater than or equal to 65 degrees and less than or equal to 75 degrees) responsive to receiving the control signal, the selected angle corresponding to a range of rotation including a maximum torque point of the 180 degree range of motion. The cam shaftextends from a first shaft endproximate to the actuatorto a second shaft enddistal from the actuator.

A camextends from the cam shaftproximate to the second shaft end. The camcan be integrally formed with the cam shaft, or can be a separate component attached to the cam shaftat the second shaft end. The camextends transverse to the shaft axis. The camincludes a first cam walland a second cam wall. The first cam wallcan be straight, and the second cam wallcan have a convex curvature, such that a radius of the second cam wall(e.g., as measured from the shaft axis) varies as a function of distance from the cam shaft.

The tensioneris coupled with a lever arm. The lever armis positioned between the tensionerand the actuator. For example, as depicted in, the lever armextends from a first lever endproximate to the camto a second lever endextending to a lever body. The lever bodyis coupled with the tensioner. For example, the lever bodycan be adjacent to and coaxial with a tensioner axisof the tensioner. The lever armcan be radially outward from the tensioner axis(e.g., the first lever endand second lever endare each radially outward from the tensioner axis).

The lever armincludes a stop. The stopcan be adjacent to the second lever end, such as by extending from the second lever endin a direction parallel or substantially parallel to the shaft axis. The stopcan be cylindrical.

When rotated by the cam shaft, the camcan drive the stop, and thus the lever armthat the stopis attached to, from a first stop position(e.g., as depicted in) to a second stop position(e.g., as depicted in). As depicted in, when the stopis in the first stop position, the stopcan be spaced from the second cam wallof the cam; a portion of the second cam wallhaving a relatively small radius relative to a remainder of the second cam wallcan contact the stop. As the camis rotated by the cam shaft, the second cam wallmoves in a generally upward direction (e.g., away from the base), and while in contact with the stop, applies a force against the stopto cause the stopto move away from the base. The tensionerwill move from a first tensioner position(e.g., as depicted in) to a second tensioner position(e.g., as depicted in) due to the movement of the stop, which is fixed in position relative to the tensionervia the lever body. The drive assemblycan move the tensionertowards or away from the responsive to the triggeractivating the switch, based on overcoming a bias force of the biasing clementthat can be less than a manual trigger force.

The drive assemblyrotates the tensionerabout the tensioner axis. For example, the drive assemblycan include a drive motorcoupled with a first drive shaftthat rotates about a drive axisof the drive motorand the first drive shaft. The first drive shaftcan be coupled with the tensionerto cause the tensionerto rotate. As depicted in, the first drive shaftcan include a first gearthat can rotate about the drive axisas the first drive shaftis rotated. Referring to, among others, the drive axisis, in this example, not coaxial with the tensioner axis; the first gearcan engage a second gearthat rotates about a gear axisperpendicular to the drive axis(and parallel to the tensioner axis). The second gearcan be coupled with a second drive shaftcoupled with a third gear, which rotates a third drive shaft. The third drive shaftcan be radially outward from the tensionerrelative to the tensioner axis.

As depicted in the example of, the tensionercan have a rotation member. The rotation membercan be cylindrical, and can rotate about the tensioner axis. The drive assemblycan include one or more planetary gearscoupled to the third drive shaftto be driven (e.g., rotated) by the third drive shaft. The one or more planetary gearscan be coupled with the rotation member, so that rotation of the one or more planetary gearsby the third drive shaftrotates the tensionerabout the tensioner axis. The one or more planetary gearsand the rotation membercan be disposed in a housingadjacent to an engagement surfaceof the tensionerthat contacts the strapwhen the tensioneris in the first tensioner position.

The basecan include a second strap receiverbetween the tensionerand the base. The second strap receivercan include a concave curvature, allowing for an increased surface area of the convex engagement surfaceof the tensionerto contact the straprelative a flat second strap receiver. The basecan include or define a slotbetween the first strap receiverand the second strap receiver. The tensionercan include a strap guiding memberthat extends from the housingand further outward from the tensioner axisthan the housing. When the tensioneris in the first tensioner position, the strap guiding membercan be at least partially disposed in a space defined by the slot; the strap guiding membercan guide the strap. A lengthof the strap guiding memberparallel to the strap axiscan be less than a lengthof the slotparallel to the strap axis, so that the strap guiding membercan move freely out of the slotwhen the tensioneris moved from the first tensioner positionto the second tensioner position.

Referring further toand to, the handlecan be sized, shaped, or oriented relative to the bodyto be more effectively manipulated than in systems where the handle (or a trigger attached to the handle) would be used as a mechanical lever to lift the tensioner, the handle may be oriented in a manner that places a wrist of a user in an uncomfortable or ergonomically undesirable position. A center of mass of a tool that includes the handle may be offset from a point at which the manual lifting force should be applied to the handle or trigger in order to lift the tensioner, such that a user may need to excessively strain their hand to both support the tool in their hand and apply the manual lifting force to lift the tensioner, including when repeatedly operating the tool. The handlecan reduce strain on the hand of the user, such as by orienting the handlerelative to the bodyin a more ergonomic manner or more closely aligning the center of mass of the strapping devicewith the trigger.

The handleextends from the first handle end, which is coupled with the bodyproximate to the first body end, to the second handle end, which is coupled with the bodyproximate to the second body end. The handleincludes the grip. The handlecan define a lengthfrom the first handle endto the second handle end. The lengthcan be greater than or equal to 2 inches and less than or equal to 7 inches. The lengthcan be greater than or equal to 3 inches and less than or equal to 6 inches. The lengthcan be greater than or equal to 4 inches and less than or equal to 5 inches. The lengthcan be 4.5 inches.

The handle(e.g., a sectionof the handle between the first handle endand second handle end) can be oriented at an angle α relative to a planeparallel to at least one of the strap axis, the base, and the strapwhen the strapis received by the strapping device. The planecan be parallel to a level surface when the strapping deviceis rested on the level surface or perpendicular to gravity when the strapping deviceis rested on the level surface. The planecan be perpendicular to gravity when the strapping deviceis supported at a center of mass of the strapping device, such that the planeis defined to be horizontal.

The angle α can be defined between the planeand a handle axisof the handle. The handle axiscan extend through a centroid of the handle. The handle axiscan be equidistant from a maximum number of points on an outer surfaceof the handle(e.g., of the section). The handle axiscan be perpendicular to a plane of a cross-sectionof the handlethat extends through a centerof the handle, the centerof the handlebeing defined as a point equidistant from the furthest points on either end (e.g., from the first handle endand the second handle end) and equidistant between a surface of the handleclosest to the strap axisand a portion of the handlefurthest from the strap axis.

The angle α can be an acute angle, greater than or equal to 15 degrees, or less than or equal to 45 degrees. The angle α can be greater than or equal to 20 degrees or less than or equal to 35 degrees. The angle α can be greater than or equal to 25 degrees or less than or equal to 32 degrees. The angle α can be greater than or equal to 28 degrees or less than or equal to 31 degrees. The angle α can be 30 degrees. By orienting the handleat the angle α, the handlecan be more easily held by a user, such as by reducing a likelihood that a wrist of the user is in a strained or uncomfortable position while manipulating the strapping device.

The triggercan be positioned proximate to a center of gravity of the strapping device. For example, the triggercan be within a threshold distance of the center of gravity of the strapping device. The threshold distance can be less than or equal to 8 inches (in). The threshold distance can be less than or equal to 4 in. The threshold distance can be less than or equal to 2 in. The threshold distance can be less than or equal to 1 in. The threshold distance can be less than or equal to 0.5 in.

As depicted in, the triggercan extend from the handletowards the base. By positioning the triggerproximate to the center of gravity of the strapping device, the strapping devicecan reduce strain on the user, as the user need not expend significant effort to simultaneous (1) apply a force against the triggerto cause the triggerto overcome the bias force of the biasing elementand move the triggerto the second stateand (2) maintain balance of the strapping devicewhile the triggeris being moved (as compared to systems in which the trigger would be spaced relatively far from the center of gravity of the tool, such that the trigger cannot be actuated while the tool is continued to be supported or balanced at the center of gravity). The triggercan have a lengthmeasured from a first end of the triggerproximate to the first body endto a second end of the triggerproximate to the second body end. The lengthcan be greater than or equal to 0.2 inches and less than or equal to 3 inches. The lengthcan be greater than or equal to 0.4 inches and less than or equal to 2 inches. The lengthcan be greater than or equal to 0.6 inches and less than or equal to 1.8 inches. The lengthcan be greater than or equal to 1 inch and less than or equal to 1.4 inches. The lengthcan be 1.2 inches.

The handlecan define an interface surfaceopposite the base. The interface surfacecan support at least a portion of the user interface. The interface surfacecan be spaced from a tangentextending from the handleby a spacing. The spacingcan be, for example, less than one inch, greater than or equal to 0.2 inches, or less than or equal to 0.8 inches. The spacingcan be greater than or equal to 0.4 inches, or less than or equal to 0.6 inches. The spacingcan be 0.5 inches. The spacingcan be greater than or equal to 0.55 inches, or less than or equal to 0.60 inches. In some examples, the spacingis between 0.56 and 0.60 inches, e.g. 0.58 inches.

The spacingcan be sized to facilitate manipulation of the user interfacewithout moving a finger from the trigger, such as to allow a thumb to manipulate the user interfacewhile an index finger is positioned on the trigger. The handlecan define a spacingbetween the tangentand the trigger. The spacingcan be greater than or equal to 0.5 inches and less than or equal to 5 inches. The spacingcan be greater than or equal to 1 inch and less than or equal to 3.5 inches. The spacingcan be greater than or equal to 2 inches and less than or equal to 3 inches. The spacingcan be 2.5 inches.

The interface surfacecan define an angle β between the planeand a planein which the interface surfacelies. The angle β can be greater than or equal to 5 degrees and less than or equal to 35 degrees. The angle β can be greater than or equal to 8 degrees and less than or equal to 25 degrees. The angle β can be greater than or equal to 10 degrees and less than or equal to 20 degrees. The angle β can be greater than or equal to 12 degrees and less than or equal to 18 degrees. The angle β can be 15 degrees.

The handlecan have a cross-sectional shape(e.g., at the plane of the cross-section) that is at least one of oval-like and elliptical. For example, the cross-sectional shapecan have a maximum diameterperpendicular to a minimum diameter, with a perimeterof the cross-sectional shapeextending along where the diameters,intersect the perimeter, the perimeterbeing curved. The perimetercan be elliptical or substantially elliptical, such that when foci,of the perimeterare identified based on the diameters,, each point on the perimetercan be equidistant from the foci,within a threshold tolerance (e.g., each point on the perimeteris no further than the threshold tolerance from a point that would be equidistance from the foci,as in an exact ellipse; the threshold tolerance can be no greater than 20 percent of the minimum diameter; no greater than 15 percent of the minimum diameter; no greater than 10 percent of the minimum diameter; no greater than 5 percent of the minimum diameter; no greater than 2 percent of the minimum diameter; no greater than 1 percent of the minimum diameter). The handlemay have a smaller cross-sectional area adjacent to the second body endthan proximate to the trigger. By shaping the cross-sectional shapeto be oval-like or elliptical, the handlecan be more comfortably held by the hand of a user, including when supporting the weight of the strapping deviceand manipulating the trigger.