Patent ID: 7240612

Claim:
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 for supporting the load in the strapping machine, at least a portion of the work surface being upwardly pivotal; a strap chute for carrying the strapping material around the load and for releasing the strapping material from the strap chute; a feed assembly configured to convey the strapping material around the strap chute in a feed mode and to retract and tension the strapping material around the load during a tensioning mode; a sealing head for sealing the strapping material onto itself; an enclosure mounted to the machine frame, below the work surface, wherein the sealing head and at least a portion of the feed assembly are located within the enclosure; and a work surface opening assembly accessible from within the enclosure, the work surface opening assembly including an actuating lever having a gripping portion and a work surface engaging portion, the lever pivotable between an open positioning which the work surface is pivoted upwardly for access and a closed position in which the work surface is pivoted downwardly for machine operation, the gripping portion configured for a user to grip and manipulate to move the lever, the work surface engaging portion including a roller for engaging the work surface to facilitate movement of the roller along the work surface, the work surface opening assembly including a spring assist for moving the work surface from the open position to the closed position and a cylinder operably mounted to the work surface opening assembly to dampen movement of the work surface from the open position to the closed position, wherein the work surface includes a lip that is engaged by the roller and the lip includes a notch formed therein for receiving the roller to maintain the work surface in the open position.