Quick access guide with integrated strap chute opener

1. 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.

2. The opening device in accordance with claim 1 wherein the handle is movable continuously through the first, second and third positions.

3. The opening device in accordance with claim 1 wherein the guide pin is disposed in a slotted opening in the cam plate, and wherein the guide pin is engaged by an end of the slotted opening to move the strap guide movable portion to an open position.

4. The opening device in accordance with claim 1 wherein the cam plate is pivotable about a pivot axis of the handle.

5. The opening device in accordance with claim 3 wherein the guide pin is a bolt extending through the slotted opening and includes a biasing element to maintain friction on the cam plate.

6. The opening device in accordance with claim 5 wherein the biasing element is a spring.

7. The opening device in accordance with claim 6 wherein the spring is a spring washer.

8. The opening device in accordance with claim 1 wherein the cam element is a roller cam.

9. The opening device in accordance with claim 1 wherein the cam plate further includes a second cam element.

10. The opening device in accordance with claim 9 wherein the two cam elements are roller cams.

11. The opening device in accordance with claim 1 wherein the cam element is a ramped surface.

12. The opening device in accordance with claim 1 wherein the cam element is a pin embedded in the cam plate.

13. The opening device in accordance with claim 11 wherein the ramped surface extends along an edge of the cam plate.

14. A strapping machine of the type for feeding a strapping material around a load, and positioning, tensioning and sealing the strapping material around the load, comprising:

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 strap chute movable wall including a cam surface mounted thereon;

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; and

a quick access guide with integrated strap chute opening device including 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 and 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.

15. The strapping machine in accordance with claim 14 wherein the handle is movable continuously through the first, second and third positions.

16. The strapping machine in accordance with claim 14 wherein the guide pin is disposed in a slotted opening in the cam plate, and wherein the guide pin is engaged by an end of the slotted opening to move the strap guide movable portion to an open position.

17. The strapping machine in accordance with claim 16 wherein the guide pin is a bolt extending through the slotted opening and includes a spring washer disposed between the bolt and the cam plate to maintain friction on the cam plate.

18. The strapping machine in accordance with claim 14 wherein the cam element is a roller cam.

19. The strapping machine in accordance with claim 14 wherein the cam plate further includes a second cam element.

20. The strapping machine in accordance with claim 14 wherein the cam element is a fixed pin embedded in the cam plate.