Abstract: A cushioning conversion system that converts sheet stock material into resilient cushioning product has associated therewith a stock roll support assembly, including a mount, a pedal, and a linkage assembly. The pedal is supported on the mount for pivotal movement about a horizontal axis from a raised position to a depressed position and a pair of laterally spaced apart roll lifter arms cooperate to support therebetween the stock roll for lifting the stock roll from the loading position to the elevated operating position when the pedal is depressed. A stay is provided for holding the roll lifter arms in the elevated operating position to support the stock roll for paying out material therefrom for conversion into the cushioning product.

Abstract: A cushioning conversion machine for converting a sheet-like stock material into a cushioning product. The machine includes a forming assembly which forms the sheet-like stock material into a three-dimensional strip of dunnage; a stock supply assembly which supplies the stock material to the forming assembly; a feed assembly which feeds the stock material through the forming assembly; and a cutting assembly which cuts the strip of dunnage into sections of a desired length. The machine's housing at least partially encloses the forming assembly, the feed assembly, and the cutting assembly. The machine further comprises a stand including a support to which the housing is mounted and a base extending from the support to which the stock supply assembly is mounted.

Abstract: A modular cushioning conversion machine for converting a sheet-like stock material into a cushioning dunnage product characterized by first and second modular units. The first unit includes a housing and a forming assembly within the housing which forms the sheet-like stock material into a three-dimensional strip. The second unit includes a housing and a feed mechanism within the housing which feeds the sheet-like stock material through the forming assembly. The housings of the first and second units respectively have an outlet opening and an inlet opening positionable with respect to one another to provide a pathway for the transfer of the strip from the first unit to the second unit.

Abstract: A thimble-shaped cushioning product is provided which includes a relatively flat top wall and a tubular wall extending therefrom. In the preferred embodiment, the top wall is circular and approximately 1/2 inch to 1 inch in diameter. Additionally, the tubular wall is approximately 1/2 inch to 1 inch in length and has a distal edge which follows a jagged path. The cushioning product is preferably made of paper or, more preferably, thirty-pound kraft paper and die-formed from a polygonal or, more preferably, a substantially square, piece of a sheet-like material.