Patent ID: 6962109

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, the strap chute defining a strap path along the chute and a longitudinal axis transverse to the chute, the strap chute being movable between an operating position in which the strapping material is conveyed along the chute and a release position in which the strap chute is moved longitudinally to release the strapping material from the chute for positioning around the load; 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, at least a portion of the feed assembly being disposed below the work surface; a weld head for sealing the strapping material onto itself, at least a portion of the weld head being disposed along the strap path and at least a portion of the weld head being disposed below the work surface; and a chute opening system operably connected to the chute and engageable with the upwardly pivotal portion of the work surface, the chute opening system including a contact arm for engaging a lower surface of the work surface, the contact arm operably connected to the chute such that upward pivoting of the work surface moves the chute from the operating position to the release position.