Abstract: A dunnage-producing system includes a dunnage conversion machine for converting a stock material into a relatively less dense dunnage product, a supply of stock material, and a guide element. The conversion machine is rotatable about a substantially vertical axis. The supply of stock material includes a support for the stock material that is movable relative to the conversion machine, such as for replenishing the stock material. The guide element is rotatable with the conversion machine to maintain a consistent position relative to the conversion machine, thereby consistently positioning the support relative to the conversion machine to avoid tearing or jamming problems associated with an improperly aligned supply of sheet stock material.

Abstract: A dunnage-producing system includes a dunnage conversion machine for converting a stock material into a relatively less dense dunnage product, a supply of stock material, and a guide element. The conversion machine is rotatable about a substantially vertical axis. The supply of stock material includes a support for the stock material that is movable relative to the conversion machine, such as for replenishing the stock material. The guide element is rotatable with the conversion machine to maintain a consistent position relative to the conversion machine, thereby consistently positioning the support relative to the conversion machine to avoid tearing or jamming problems associated with an improperly aligned supply of sheet stock material.

Abstract: A dunnage-producing system includes a dunnage conversion machine for converting a stock material into a relatively less dense dunnage product, a supply of stock material, and a guide element. The conversion machine is rotatable about a substantially vertical axis. The supply of stock material includes a support for the stock material that is movable relative to the conversion machine, such as for replenishing the stock material. The guide element is rotatable with the conversion machine to maintain a consistent position relative to the conversion machine, thereby consistently positioning the support relative to the conversion machine to avoid tearing or jamming problems associated with an improperly aligned supply of sheet stock material.

Abstract: A method of loading a stack of sheet stock material for use by a dunnage conversion machine, includes the following steps: (i) providing first and second stacks, the second stack being protected by a carrier having a central portion and longitudinally-spaced extensions that bound a central portion, the extensions and the central portion being joined along a weakened area defining a tear line, the central portion and the longitudinally-spaced extensions forming a planar bottom panel and a planar side panel, each panel extending substantially the length of the stack, and at a right angle to each other about a fold line over a bottom and an adjacent side of the stack, and one or more bale ties longitudinally inwardly of the tear lines holding the carrier to the stack; (ii) removing the extensions from the carrier; (iii) setting the second stack on top of the first stack; and (iv) removing the bale ties and the carrier, whereby an adhesive bonds the top page of the first stack to the bottom page of the second sta

Abstract: A method of loading a stack of sheet stock material for use by a dunnage conversion machine, includes the following steps: (i) providing first and second stacks, the second stack being protected by a carrier having a central portion and longitudinally-spaced extensions that bound a central portion, the extensions and the central portion being joined along a weakened area defining a tear line, the central portion and the longitudinally-spaced extensions forming a planar bottom panel and a planar side panel, each panel extending substantially the length of the stack, and at a right angle to each other about a fold line over a bottom and an adjacent side of the stack, and one or more bale ties longitudinally inwardly of the tear lines holding the carrier to the stack; (ii) removing the extensions from the carrier; (iii) setting the second stack on top of the first stack; and (iv) removing the bale ties and the carrier, whereby an adhesive bonds the top page of the first stack to the bottom page of the second sta

Abstract: A dunnage-producing system includes a dunnage conversion machine for converting a stock material into a relatively less dense dunnage product, a supply of stock material, and a guide element. The conversion machine is rotatable about a substantially vertical axis. The supply of stock material includes a support for the stock material that is movable relative to the conversion machine, such as for replenishing the stock material. The guide element is rotatable with the conversion machine to maintain a consistent position relative to the conversion machine, thereby consistently positioning the support relative to the conversion machine to avoid tearing or jamming problems associated with an improperly aligned supply of sheet stock material.

Abstract: An easy load packaging system, and a stand and a dunnage conversion machine therefor are disclosed. The stand includes a base and a pair of upright guide members mounted to the base and supporting at the upper ends thereof a dunnage conversion machine. The guide members define there between a channel for guiding sheet stock material to the dunnage conversion machine. The dunnage conversion machine is pivotable relative to the stand between an operating position and a servicing/loading position whereat access to internal components of the machine is simplified. A stack of sheet stock material is jacketed and/or baled for simplified loading into a packaging system or stand. An adhesive layer on the bottom or top of the stack enables the stack to be easily spliced to another stack.

Abstract: An easy load packaging system, and a stand and a dunnage conversion machine therefor are disclosed. The stand includes a base and a pair of upright guide members mounted to the base and supporting at the upper ends thereof a dunnage conversion machine. The guide members define there between a channel for guiding sheet stock material to the dunnage conversion machine. The dunnage conversion machine is pivotable relative to the stand between an operating position and a servicing/loading position whereat access to internal components of the machine is simplified. A stack of sheet stock material is jacketed and/or baled for simplified loading into a packaging system or stand. An adhesive layer on the bottom or top of the stack enables the stack to be easily spliced to another stack.

Abstract: An easy load packaging system, and a stand and a dunnage conversion machine therefor are disclosed. The stand includes a base and a pair of upright guide members mounted to the base and supporting at the upper ends thereof a dunnage conversion machine. The guide members define there between a channel for guiding sheet stock material to the dunnage conversion machine. The dunnage conversion machine is pivotable relative to the stand between an operating position and a servicing/loading position whereat access to internal components of the machine is simplified. A stack of sheet stock material is jacketed and/or baled for simplified loading into a packaging system or stand. An adhesive layer on the bottom or top of the stack enables the stack to be easily spliced to another stack.

Abstract: An easy load packaging system, and a stand and a dunnage conversion machine therefor are disclosed. The stand includes a base and a pair of upright guide members mounted to the base and supporting at the upper ends thereof a dunnage conversion machine. The guide members define there between a channel for guiding sheet stock material to the dunnage conversion machine. The dunnage conversion machine is pivotable relative to the stand between an operating position and a servicing/loading position whereat access to internal components of the machine is simplified. A stack of sheet stock material is jacketed and/or baled for simplified loading into a packaging system or stand. An adhesive layer on the bottom or top of the stack enables the stack to be easily spliced to another stack.

Abstract: A dunnage converter system (10), components and method are disclosed. A support device (14) supporting one or more stacks (61-65) of fan-folded sheet stock material is provided. Stock material is supplied from the support device (14) to a dunnage converter (12) when the support device (14) is positioned in proximity thereto. A supply of sheet stock material (18) for use with a dunnage converter includes at least one continuous ply of sheet stock material that is fan-folded, and includes a series of folds that together form a sequence of rectangular pages, the pages being piled accordion style one on top of the other to form the stack(s) (61-65) of sheet stock material.

Abstract: An easy load packaging system, and a stand and a dunnage conversion machine therefor are disclosed. The stand includes a base and a pair of upright guide members mounted to the base and supporting at the upper ends thereof a dunnage conversion machine. The guide members define there between a channel for guiding sheet stock material to the dunnage conversion machine. The dunnage conversion machine is pivotable relative to the stand between an operating position and a servicing/loading position whereat access to internal components of the machine is simplified. A stack of sheet stock material is jacketed and/or baled for simplified loading into a packaging system or stand. An adhesive layer on the bottom or top of the stack enables the stack to be easily spliced to another stack.

Abstract: A cushioning conversion system (20; 120; 320) and method for making a coil of cushioning product, including a cushioning conversion machine (22; 122; 322) and a coiler (24; 124; 224; 324). As a strip of cushioning product (S) is emitted from the cushioning conversion machine (22; 122; 322), the coiler (24; 124; 224; 324) rolls the strip of cushioning product (S) into a coiled configuration to form a coil of cushioning product (C). The coiler (24; 124; 224; 324) is adapted to allow the coil of cushioning product (C) to be removed in its coiled configuration. The cushioning conversion system may also include a guide device (26; 326), which guides the strip of cushioning product from the cushioning conversion machine's outlet (34) to the coiler (24; 124; 324), and/or a controller (28; 328), which controls the coiler (24; 124; 224; 324) based on the production of the cushioning conversion machine (22; 122; 322).

Abstract: A label-like pull tab device releasably secures a leading end of a sheet stock material to a supply of stock material for a dunnage producing machine. The device has end portions with an adhesive on a back side, and a tab portion between the end portions. In use, one end portion is attached to the leading end of the stock material, the tab portion is placed across the leading edge of the stock material, and the other end portion, on the other side of the tab portion, is attached to the supply of stock material. The device also includes at least one tear line between the tab portion and at least one of the end portions. Pulling on the tab portion tears the device along the tear line, separating the tab portion from at least one end portion, and releasing the leading end of the stock material from the supply.

Abstract: A safety output chute for a cushioning conversion machine includes a chute having an input end and an output end, the input end including an opening for receiving a flexible cushioning product from an outlet of the cushioning conversion machine; and a plurality of rollers situated inside the chute, the rollers being oriented such that the flexible cushioning product must follow a non-linear path from the input end of the chute to the output end of the chute. Other embodiments of a safety output chute are also disclosed.

Abstract: A cushioning conversion machine, method and product characterized by a connecting assembly that provides a mechanical interlock between overlapped portions of sheet-like stock material to prevent “unzippering” of a low density cushioning product produced by the cushioning conversion machine. The connecting assembly comprises a pair of rotatable stitching members, a first one having a plurality of radially outwardly extending projections, or teeth, around the circumference thereof, with the projections having at least two axially spaced apart segments defining a recess therebetween. The second stitching member includes at least one axial punch segment which includes a peripheral edge portion dimensioned to be received in the recess in the first stitching member during rotation of the stitching members.

Abstract: A safety output chute for a cushioning conversion machine includes a chute having an input end and an output end, the input end including an opening for receiving a flexible cushioning product from an outlet of the cushioning conversion machine; and a plurality of rollers situated inside the chute, the rollers being oriented such that the flexible cushioning product must follow a non-linear path from the input end of the chute to the output end of the chute. Other embodiments of a safety output chute are also disclosed.