Method and mechanism for producing cushioning dunnage product

Abstract

Abstract A mechanism and method for producing relatively low density pad-like cushioning dunnage product from sheet-like stock material. The mechanism takes the sheet-like stock material from a multi-ply roll thereof and changes it into a pad-like cushioning dunnage product having lateral pillow-like portions connected together along the generally central portion of the product. The mechanism includes a converging member which in conjunction with a forming frame coacting with the converging member, causes inward rolling of the lateral edges of the stock material into generally rolled form which is then adapted to be received in a connector operable to connect the rolled edge stock material forming the pillow-like portions, into the pad-like cushioning dunnage product. A novel separating mechanism for separating the sheets of stock material as they move from the stock roll toward the forming frame and the converging member is provided, together with a transversely extending roller disposed ahead of the separating mechanism whereby the point of commencement of entry of the multi-ply sheet-like stock material toward the separating mechanism remains constant irrespective of the diameter of the stock roll. A novel alternate, multi-ply stock roll comprising a thicker gauge but lesser width web with a plurality of wider webs or sheets is also provided. The idea is to generally improve the construction of the dunnage producing mechanism, and to improve its operation as well as to provide a pad-like dunnage product possessing substantial resiliency per unit volume, and which is securely attached along the abutting rolled edges of the pillow-like portions of the produced cushioning product, so that the pad-like material tends to more positively remain in pad-like form during its use as a packing.

Inventors

• 👤 Anthony J. Komaransky
• 👤 Raymond Q. Armington

Bibliographic Details