Patent ID: 7395754

Claim:
A quick access guide with integrated strap chute opening device for a strapping machine, the strapping machine configured to feed a strapping material around a load, and position, tension and seal the strapping material around the load, the strapping machine having a frame, a strap chute mounted to the frame including at least one fixed wall cooperating with at least one movable wall to define a strap path through the strap chute through which strap is conveyed and from which strap is pulled onto the load, the strapping machine including a strap guide through which strap is conveyed to the strap chute, the strap guide is positioned under the strap chute, the strap guide including a fixed portion and a movable portion, movable toward and away from the fixed portion to open and close the strap guide, respectively, the opening device comprising: a cam surface mounted to the strap chute movable wall; a handle operably connected to the strap guide movable portion; a cam plate operably mounted to the handle and the strap guide movable portion, the cam plate having a cam element thereon; a guide pin mounted to the strap guide movable portion and engageable with the cam plate, wherein the handle is movable from a first position in which the cam plate element is out of engagement with the cam surface and the strap guide is closed and the strap chute is closed, to a second position in which the cam element engages the cam surface to move the strap chute movable wall away from the strap chute fixed wall, to a third position in which the cam element is maintained in engagement with the cam surface and the cam plate engages the guide pin to move the strap guide movable portion into an upright position to open the strap guide.