Patent ID: 6955119
Filing Date: 2005-10-18
Classification: B65B

Abstract:
1. 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 comprising: a machine frame; a work surface mounted to the frame for supporting the load in the strapping machine; a strap chute mounted to the frame for carrying the strap around the load and for releasing the strap material from the strap chute; a feed assembly configured to convey the strap around the strap chute and to retract and tension the strap around the load; and a weld head for sealing the strap to itself, the welding head being disposed, at least in part, below the work surface; the work surface defining an in-feed surface on one side of the strap chute and an out-feed surface at an opposite side of the strap chute, the in-feed and out-feed surfaces separated from one another by a lower portion of the strap chute, at least one of the in-feed and out-feed surfaces including an integral conveyor for feeding the load into the strapping machine or out of the strapping machine, the conveyor being integral with a hinged work surface portion, wherein the hinged work surface portion is pivotal upwardly and outwardly from about the lower portion of the strap chute and wherein the hinged work surface portion is removable, without tools, when in an upwardly pivoted orientation, the hinged work surface portion being pivotal about a pair of hinges, each hinge including a hinge pin disposed on the frame engageable with a hinge opening in the work surface portion.