And With Bending Patents (Class 493/352)
  • Patent number: 11718060
    Abstract: A dunnage conversion machine that converts a stock material into a less dense dunnage product includes an outlet chute having a housing with a passage therethrough from an inlet at an inlet end downstream to an outlet at an outlet end spaced from the inlet end. The output chute includes a lower guide surface that defines a bottom side of the passage. The lower guide surface has an upstream end toward the inlet and a downstream end toward the outlet. The upstream end of the lower guide surface is spaced from a centerline of the passage a distance that is greater than a distance that the downstream end is spaced from the centerline of the passage to provide an inclined surface, such that a cross-section of the passage decreases from the inlet to the outlet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2018
    Date of Patent: August 8, 2023
    Assignee: Ranpak Corp.
    Inventor: Raimond P. M. Demers
  • Patent number: 11383475
    Abstract: A method of making a dunnage product includes the following steps: (a) converting a sheet stock material into a lower density strip of dunnage having a width and a height that is less than the width; and (b) cutting the strip of dunnage to form a discrete dunnage product of a desired length by cutting across less than the width of the strip of dunnage to maintain a connection between the strip of dunnage and the discrete dunnage product. The connection between respective dunnage products in a string of connected dunnage products keeps the dunnage products together, in the order in which they were produced, and helps to ensure that the dunnage products do not shingle and can assist in feeding the dunnage products to a packing station.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 2017
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2022
    Assignee: Ranpak Corp.
    Inventors: Shawnasee E. Burns, William D. Bruck
  • Patent number: 11370190
    Abstract: An apparatus for the production of a three-dimensional packaging product, such as a cushion product, from a single- or multi-layer paper strip may include a preforming station deforming the paper strip to a three-dimensional packaging product with at least one crumple hollow space extending in the strip direction, and a rotation cutter following the preforming station in the feed direction of the paper strip, which is cutting a preformed paper strip to the desired length of the packaging product from a preformed paper strip. A cutting shaft on which a blade of the rotation cutter is mounted and a counter shaft on which the cutting pad is mounted may be included. A set-on element is mounted to the cutting shaft and/or the counter shaft for enlarging the flushing radial extension of the shaft and forming a flush profile channel wall section, the flushing profile course of the set-on element extending in the axial direction of the shaft to at least half of the width of the preformed paper strip section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 2019
    Date of Patent: June 28, 2022
    Assignee: Sprick GmbH Bielefelder Papier-und Wellpappenwerke & Co.
    Inventor: Bastian Schalk
  • Patent number: 10954018
    Abstract: A carton sizing system (1) that has a frame (2), a controller (4), one or more cutters (51) movably mounted to the frame (2) and operatively connected to the controller (4), one or more markers (61) movably mounted to the frame (2) and operatively connected to the controller (4). The carton sizing system (1) also has a measuring system (7) that is operatively connected to the controller (4) and configured to determine, in use, the footprint of an open top carton and to determine the height of one or more objects contained within the carton. The controller (4) is configured to position the one or more cutters (51) based on the determined footprint and to cut vertical edges of the carton based on the determined height and also to position the one or more markers (61) based on the determined footprint and eight and to score or crease vertical walls of the carton between the vertical edges to at least partially define foldable panels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 23, 2021
    Assignee: Westrock Linkx Systems Limited
    Inventors: Daniel Benterman, David Hayward
  • Patent number: 10793300
    Abstract: A method and an apparatus (10) for realising a box (9) starting from a cardboard band (7) for packing a plurality of articles (100) with the box (9), wherein the plurality of articles (100) is contained in a reusable crate (1), the first internal wall (4) of which is positioned such as to minimise the volume of the chamber (5) containing the plurality of articles (100).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 6, 2020
    Inventor: Lorenzo Ponti
  • Patent number: 10766221
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method for producing a cushioning product (88), comprising the following steps: providing a flat, longitudinal, two- or multilayered paper strip (10), wherein the individual layers (12, 14) of the paper strip (10) are connected to one another in at least some sections in a middle area (18) extending in the longitudinal direction, and wherein the individual layers (12, 14) of the paper strip (10) comprise marginal areas (20, 21, 22, 23) which are not connected to one another, opening adjacent marginal areas (20, 21, 22, 23) to form a paper strip (10) having a star-shaped cross section, and crumpling the paper strip (10) along the middle area (18).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 2017
    Date of Patent: September 8, 2020
    Assignee: Storopack Hans Reichenecker GmbH
    Inventors: Paul Deis, Jean-Marc Slovencik
  • Patent number: 10766220
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method for producing a cushioning product (88), comprising the following steps: providing a flat, longitudinal, two- or multilayered paper strip (10), wherein the individual layers (12, 14) of the paper strip (10) are connected to one another in at least some sections in a middle area (18) extending in the longitudinal direction, and wherein the individual layers (12, 14) of the paper strip (10) comprise marginal areas (20, 21, 22, 23) which are not connected to one another, opening adjacent marginal areas (20, 21, 22, 23) to form a paper strip (10) having a star-shaped cross section, and crumpling the paper strip (10) along the middle area (18).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 2017
    Date of Patent: September 8, 2020
    Assignee: Storopack Hans Reichenecker GmbH
    Inventors: Paul Deis, Jean-Marc Slovencik
  • Patent number: 10724243
    Abstract: A process for in-line extrusion of polymeric coatings onto roofing shingles during manufacturing includes moving a web of shingle substrate material in a downstream direction and extruding a liquefied coating of polymeric material onto at least one surface of the moving web to form a thin film. The liquefied coating may be a molten polymeric material that forms a thin film on a back surface of the shingle material to prevent sticking and eliminate the need for a traditional back dusting with material such as powdered stone. The polymeric film further may be applied to the substrate material in lieu of a saturation coating of asphalt, thus reducing cost and weight while providing a comparable moisture barrier and a lighter more flexible shingle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 28, 2020
    Assignee: Building Materials Investment Corporation
    Inventors: Olan Thomas Leitch, Mark Logan Keaten, Matti Kiik
  • Patent number: 9662746
    Abstract: A load-bearing member for a linkage assembly of an implement system includes a body and a joint assembly. The body includes a pair of sidewalls, a top portion, and a bottom portion. The top and bottom portions extend between the sidewalls and are connected to an inner surface of each of the sidewalls. The body is substantially free of structural weldments disposed within an interior cavity of the body. The joint assembly includes a cylindrical tube and a reinforcement plate. The cylindrical tube extends between and is connected to the sidewalls. The reinforcement plate is connected to an outer surface of one of the sidewalls. The reinforcement plate includes a central portion defining a tube opening and is in circumscribing relationship with the cylindrical tube such that it is disposed within the tube opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 30, 2017
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: William J. Ulrich, Naesung Lyu, Balasubramanyam Appalla, Tilak Inturi
  • Patent number: 9650756
    Abstract: A stick for a linkage assembly of an implement system includes a stick body and a stick joint assembly. The stick body defines a neutral axis and includes a pair of sidewalls in lateral spaced relationship to each other, a top portion extending between the pair of sidewalls, and a bottom portion extending between the pair of sidewalls, which define an interior cavity. The stick joint assembly includes a stick joint tube and a stick joint reinforcement plate. The stick joint tube extends between and is connected to the sidewalls. The stick joint reinforcement plate is connected to one of the pair of sidewalls and includes a pair of arms extending from a central portion. The ends of the first and second arms of are disposed along the neutral axis of the stick body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 16, 2017
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: William J. Ulrich, Tilak Inturi, James A. Forck
  • Publication number: 20150119216
    Abstract: A carton sizing system (1) that has a frame (2), a controller (4), one or more cutters (51) movably mounted to the frame (2) and operatively connected to the controller (4), one or more markers (61) movably mounted to the frame (2) and operatively connected to the controller (4). The carton sizing system (1) also has a measuring means (7) that is operatively connected to the controller (4) and configured to determine, in use, the footprint of an open top carton and to determine the height of one or more objects contained within the carton. The controller (4) is configured to position the one or more cutters (51) based on the determined footprint and to cut vertical edges of the carton based on the determined height and also to position the one or more markers (61) based on the determined footprint and height and to score or crease vertical walls of the carton between the vertical edges to at least partially define foldable panels.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 4, 2013
    Publication date: April 30, 2015
    Applicant: Linkx Systems Limited
    Inventors: Daniel Benterman, David Hayward
  • Patent number: 8900111
    Abstract: The preferred embodiment of a dunnage apparatus includes a crumpling device configured for crumpling sheets of paper to produce low-density packaging dunnage. A paper feeder is provided to feed feeding sheets of paper into the crumpling device for crumpling.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 2, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 2, 2014
    Assignee: Pregis Innovative Packaging, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas D. Wetsch, Robert Tegel
  • Patent number: 8696345
    Abstract: Disclosed is an apparatus for providing packaging material, comprising a shaping device (25) that has a couple of motor-driven molding wheels or rolls, a housing support (15) with an interior, an inlet via which packaging material can be fed into the interior, and an outlet via which packaging material can be discharged from the interior in which the molding wheels are arranged. The molding wheels are rotatably mounted on the housing support and each define an axis of rotation. A continuous penetration shaft (23), the longitudinal direction of which extends substantially parallel to the two axes of rotation of the molding wheels, from the interior to the exterior of the housing support, is formed withing the housing support, said penetration shaft (23) being open towards the interior and towards an exterior of the housing support.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 15, 2014
    Assignee: Sprick GmbH Bielefelder Papier- und Wellpappenwerke & Co.
    Inventors: Stefan Sprick-Schütte, Oliver Schmidt
  • Publication number: 20130337990
    Abstract: A panel structure having a low-density core that can withstanding loads normal to a first primary surface, and a first facing of high-density sheet material that can extend along the first primary surface. The high-density sheet material can be laminated on the core such that the laminated core and facing cooperatively resist bending loads and loads along the primary surface. The first facing can extend from the first primary surface on a side of the core along a secondary surface, which can be non-parallel to the first primary surface. The first facing can bend along a score line between the first primary surface and the secondary surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 20, 2013
    Publication date: December 19, 2013
    Applicant: HEXACOMB CORPORATION
    Inventors: LAWRENCE JAMES FRENCH, ROBERT EDWARD JAEGERS, SCOTT DAVID DANIEL
  • Patent number: 8568128
    Abstract: An apparatus for shaping packaging material, comprising a housing support including hopper, a packaging material reservoir, a discharge orifice, and a bearing structure therebetween defining a continuous feeding path for the packaging material. The feeding path includes an interior wall continuously extending around an axis of the material's feeding direction. The housing support further includes at least one concavity in the bearing structure extending laterally away from the feeding path, the concavity having a portion within the feeding path at a slit formed within the interior wall, the concavity holding a shaping device that is rotatably mounted on the bearing structure and partially projects from the slit into the feeding path, the shape of the slit being complementary to the shape of a section of the shaping device adjoining the slit such that a tolerance gap is formed allowing the shaping device to rotate relative to the bearing structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 29, 2013
    Assignee: Sprick GmbH Bielefelder Papier-und Wellpappenwerke & Co.
    Inventors: Stefan Sprick-Schütte, Oliver Schmidt
  • Patent number: 8505258
    Abstract: A load-bearing three-dimensional structure including a skeletal structure formed by a sheet of material having a plurality of bend lines, each bend line including a plurality of folding displacements, wherein the sheet of material is bent along the bend lines into a box-section; and a reinforcing member configured for substantially surrounding a portion of the skeletal structure when bent into a box-section to reinforce the structural integrity of the skeletal structure. A method of manufacturing the three-dimensional structure is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2013
    Assignee: Industrial Origami, Inc.
    Inventor: Max W. Durney
  • Patent number: 8425390
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for producing a thatch roofing material for building construction, the apparatus includes a pair of stanchions, a supporting frame, at least one holding member for holding the container, a first shaft extending substantially perpendicular to each stanchion of the pair of stanchions, and a blade coupled to the first shaft for cutting the container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 23, 2013
    Inventor: David Saiia
  • Patent number: 8419606
    Abstract: A compact dunnage conversion machine includes a converging chute with a restricted inlet, a powered feed assembly with a sealed gearbox, a plurality of interchangeable power supplies, and a restricted outlet chute. The converter can convert a sheet stock material into dunnage for use in packaging one or more objects in a container. The restricted inlet and outlet make it more difficult for foreign objects to enter the converter and disrupt the conversion process. The sealed gearbox interposed between the driving elements of the feed assembly and an electric motor facilitates maintenance and repair of the feed assembly, while also protecting the gears therein. Finally, the power supplies provide electrical power to the motor and can include an electrical storage device, such as a battery, or an alternating-current-to-direct-current converter which is connectable to a source of electricity for supplying that electricity to the motor in an acceptable form.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2013
    Assignee: Ranpak Corp.
    Inventors: Daniel L. Carlson, Donald A. Gorg, Thomas A. Bilkie
  • Patent number: 8348818
    Abstract: A machine for producing packaging cushioning generally includes a first feed mechanism for successively feeding sheets of a substrate at a first speed, the first feed mechanism including a motor and a power supply therefor, a second feed mechanism for receiving the sheets from the first feed mechanism and feeding the sheets at a second speed, a control unit for controlling at least one of the first and second speeds to produce a desired degree of overlap between successive sheets, and a sensor to measure the amount of electricity drawn by the motor. The control unit modulates the amount of electricity that the motor draws from a power supply when a signal from the sensor has a value that is greater than or equal to a predetermined value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2013
    Assignee: Sealed Air Corporation (US)
    Inventors: Kenneth J. Mierzejewski, David Seebauer
  • Publication number: 20120238429
    Abstract: Decorative grass and methods of providing same are disclosed wherein the decorative grass is either maintained in flattened configuration until restraint is removed and/or the decorative grass is curled and/or crimp at a point of use and/or sale.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 30, 2012
    Publication date: September 20, 2012
    Inventor: Donald E. Weder
  • Publication number: 20120238430
    Abstract: Curled decorative grass having a variety of configurations and methods for making such decorative grass is provided which, because of its increased bulk, can also be used as a packing material, animal bedding, cat litter, mulch for soil, and a media for plants. The curled decorative grass is produced by curling a substantially flat sheet of material and thereafter cutting the resulting curled sheet of material, or by cutting a pre-curled material.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 4, 2012
    Publication date: September 20, 2012
    Inventor: Donald E. Weder
  • Publication number: 20120165172
    Abstract: A dunnage system may include a converting station including a converter configured for pulling in a stream of sheet material and converting the material into dunnage, and an inlet guide having an inlet surface that is coiled such that first and second ends of the inlet surface are discontinuous with each other to define a gap therebetween, the inlet surface configured to channel the sheet material into the converter. A cutter for a dunnage system may include a blade with first and second phases of serrations that are coextensive over at least a portion of the blade, the first phase providing cutting serrations for cutting the dunnage, and the second phase comprising ledges for focusing the cutting and preventing or reducing bunching of the dunnage towards a side of the blade. A method of converting dunnage may also be provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 23, 2011
    Publication date: June 28, 2012
    Applicant: Pregis Innovative Packaging, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas D. Wetsch, Robert Tegel
  • Publication number: 20120035037
    Abstract: Decorative grass and methods of providing same are disclosed wherein the decorative grass is either maintained in flattened configuration until restraint is removed and/or the decorative grass is curled and/or crimp at the point of use and/or sale.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 17, 2011
    Publication date: February 9, 2012
    Inventor: Donald E. Weder
  • Publication number: 20110219922
    Abstract: Curled decorative grass having a variety of configurations and methods for making such decorative grass is provided which, because of its increased bulk, can also be used as a packing material, animal bedding, cat litter, mulch for soil, and a media for plants. The curled decorative grass is produced by curling a substantially flat sheet of material and thereafter cutting the resulting curled sheet of material, or by cutting a pre-curled material.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 17, 2011
    Publication date: September 15, 2011
    Inventor: Donald E. Weder
  • Publication number: 20110152053
    Abstract: Decorative grass and methods of providing same are disclosed wherein the decorative grass is either maintained in flattened configuration until restraint is removed and/or the decorative grass is curled and/or crimp at the point of use and/or sale.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 28, 2011
    Publication date: June 23, 2011
    Inventor: Donald E. Weder
  • Publication number: 20100285944
    Abstract: Curled decorative grass having a variety of configurations and methods for making such decorative grass is provided which, because of its increased bulk, can also be used as a packing material, an animal bedding, cat litter, mulch for soil, and a media for plants. The curled decorative grass is produced by curling a substantially flat sheet of material and thereafter cutting the resulting curled sheet of material, or by cutting a pre-curled material.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 21, 2010
    Publication date: November 11, 2010
    Inventor: Donald E. Weder
  • Patent number: 7740573
    Abstract: A dunnage conversion machine (115), wherein sheet stock material is crumpled to form a crumpled strip, includes a feeding assembly (132). The feeding assembly (132) includes opposed feeding members that engage and advance the crumpled strip therebetween. One of the feeding members (141) includes a rotating member (141) supported on a shaft (144) for rotation about the axis of the shaft, the shaft being mounted for transverse movement toward and away from the other feeding member (140) to accommodate variations of the thickness of the crumpled strip as it is advanced between the opposed feeding members (140 and 141). The conversion machine (115) also includes a guide member (200) positioned laterally adjacent to the rotating member (141) progressively to guide a portion of the crumpled strip underneath the shaft (144). The guide member (200) has at least a portion adjacent the shaft (144) that is transversely movable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 22, 2010
    Assignee: Ranpak Corp.
    Inventor: Thomas E. Manley
  • Patent number: 7722519
    Abstract: A dunnage conversion machine (10) and corresponding method for converting a supply of sheet stock material into a relatively less dense dunnage product includes a conversion assembly (20) that converts sheet stock material into a dunnage product, and a tension-adjusting assembly (26) having a sequence of transversely extending members (28) disposed upstream of the conversion assembly (20). The transversely extending members (28) engage the stock material and help to prevent or to minimize excessive edge tension and/or the tearing associated therewith, while maintaining sufficient tension for proper tracking, especially for the conversion of single ply, lesser quality and/or short fiber paper, and/or otherwise improves or enhances the conversion process. The transversely extending members (28) are generally aligned end-to-end, and define a path for the stock material from a supply thereof, via a stock supply assembly (15) to the conversion assembly (20).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 25, 2010
    Assignee: Ranpak Corporation
    Inventors: Mike J. Timmers, Jos Saive, Dan Coppus, Raimond Demers, Erwin Methorst, Erwin Riga
  • Patent number: 7614994
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 10, 2009
    Assignee: Ranpak Corp.
    Inventors: Joseph J. Harding, Judith L. Skiba, James A. Simmons, James Tekavec, Edward W. Lintala, Erwin Methorst, Koen H. M. Kuypers, Dan Koppus, Robert Cheich, Raymond P. M. Demers, Pierre Kobben
  • Patent number: 7608034
    Abstract: Apparatus and method for conditioning an edge of a sheet to be bound so that the edge is conducive to accepting heat activated adhesives used in conventional binding. The sheet is first bent in one direction to form a folding line, with the fold line being a short distance from the edge of the sheet to be conditioned and with that distance being determined primarily by the thickness of the sheet. The bend in the sheet is typically 90 degrees, with the radii of curvature of the opposite sheet surfaces at the fold line being unequal so that a shear force is applied near the sheet end thereby tending to tear or fracture in interior of the sheet near the end. Typically the sheet is then bent in an opposite direction along the folding line so as to produce an opposite shear force that reinforces the creation of tears and fractured in the sheet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 27, 2009
    Assignee: Powis Parker Inc.
    Inventors: Kevin P. Parker, Harold P. Hocking
  • Publication number: 20080148917
    Abstract: A cutting- and creasing-wheel assembly according to the invention comprises a cutting tool, such as a circular disc (1) having a continuous or a serrated cutting edge (2). The disc is rotatable and supported between a pair of rotatable creasing-wheel halves (3 and 4), the creasing-wheel halves being of equal radial dimension. The disc is controllable for movement between a non-operative position wherein said cutting edge is withdrawn radially inside the outer peripheries (5) of the creasing-wheel halves, and an operative position wherein the cutting edge (2) is projecting radially outside said peripheries (5). The method of slitting a corrugated or otherwise compressible material involves the provision and control of a cutting tool, preferably a circular disc having a continuous or serrated cutting edge. The disc is arranged to be rotatable and movably supported between a pair of rotatable creasing-wheel halves of equal radial dimension in a cutting- and creasing wheel assembly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 22, 2006
    Publication date: June 26, 2008
    Inventor: Niklas Pettersson
  • Patent number: 7354639
    Abstract: A sheet of material formed for bending along a bend line including a sheet of material (30) includes a plurality of dividing slits (37) and a plurality of strap slits (39) formed therethrough. The dividing slits extending substantially along a desired bend line (35) and divide the sheet of material into first and second planar regions (32, 33). The strap slits intersect the desired bend line and adjacent pairs of strap slits form a bending strap therebetween. The bending strap has a longitudinal strap axis intersecting the desired bend line. The sheet of material may be formed of composite materials. A method of forming and using the sheet of material is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2008
    Assignee: Industrial Origami, Inc.
    Inventors: Max W. Durney, Alan D. Pendley
  • Patent number: 7186208
    Abstract: A tabletop converter has a conversion assembly that inwardly gathers and crumples a stock material to form a strip of dunnage. The conversion assembly includes a feeding assembly that moves the stock material and a controller that controls the feeding assembly to operate in both a forward direction and a reverse direction. To automatically separate a discrete dunnage product from the strip, a holder grabs and holds the strip of dunnage at a holding location downstream of the feeding assembly. The feeding assembly then operates in a reverse direction and urges the strip away from the holding location. This causes the strip to separate at or between the holding location and the feeding assembly, leaving a discrete dunnage product ready for use. The converter is mounted to a stand that allows the converter to rotate relative to part of the stand about both a horizontal axis and a vertical axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2007
    Assignee: Ranpak Corp.
    Inventors: Raimond Demers, Erwin Riga, Dan Coppus, Patrick Klemke, Kristien Varrewaere
  • Patent number: 6915621
    Abstract: The invention is directed to method and apparatus for wrapping pads. A web of flexible wrapping material is adapted to be pulled in tension over a forming device. The forming device has first and second folding members having angled folding edges adapted for contact by respective opposite side margins of the web as the web is pulled past the folding edges. A web guide guides the web toward the folding edges. An opening between the web guide and the folding edges is adapted to be spanned by a central portion of the web as the web is pulled past the forming device. A series of pads are conveyed by a conveyor, one after another, and placed on the web as it is pulled past the forming device so that the pads move with the web over the opening and past the folding edges of the forming device. A surface applies a force to the pads to force the pads against the central portion of the web as the pads move across said opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2005
    Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.
    Inventors: Moshe Saraf, Stephen L. Nunn, Thomas P. Keenan, Scott D. Dobslaw, Dale J. Fischer, Daniel J. Heuer, James J. Hlaban, Michael K. Lewis, Richard W. Kubalek
  • Publication number: 20040127341
    Abstract: A dunnage conversion machine for converting stock material into a dunnage product includes a forming assembly and a pulling assembly. The pulling assembly includes at least two grippers movable together through a transfer region in opposition to one another and cooperative to grip therebetween the dunnage strip for advancing the dunnage strip through the transfer region, and at least one of the grippers including an aperture operative to gather and laterally capture therein the dunnage strip as the grippers move through the transfer region. Also disclosed is a severing assembly including a movable blade and a reciprocating actuator connected to the blade by a motion transmitting assembly that moves the blade through a full severing cycle upon a stroke of the actuator in either direction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 12, 2003
    Publication date: July 1, 2004
    Inventors: Kurt Kung, Dieter Schwarz, Dan Coppus
  • Publication number: 20040077474
    Abstract: The invention is directed to method and apparatus for wrapping pads. A web of flexible wrapping material is adapted to be pulled in tension over a forming device. The forming device has first and second folding members having angled folding edges adapted for contact by respective opposite side margins of the web as the web is pulled past the folding edges. A web guide guides the web toward the folding edges. An opening between the web guide and the folding edges is adapted to be spanned by a central portion of the web as the web is pulled past the forming device. A series of pads are conveyed by a conveyor, one after another, and placed on the web as it is pulled past the forming device so that the pads move with the web over the opening and past the folding edges of the forming device. A surface applies a force to the pads to force the pads against the central portion of the web as the pads move across said opening.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 16, 2002
    Publication date: April 22, 2004
    Applicant: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.
    Inventors: Moshe Saraf, Stephen L. Nunn, Thomas P. Keenan, Scott D. Dobslaw, Dale J. Fischer, Daniel J. Heuer, James J. Hlaban, Michael K. Lewis, Richard W. Kubalek
  • Patent number: 6672037
    Abstract: A system for providing dunnage to packages as the packages are formed is disclosed. The system includes a dunnage forming machine having a work station for inflating and sealing plastic pouches to form dunnage units. An accumulator is positioned below the station for receiving and collecting such units as they are formed. The accumulator includes an outlet opening laterally offset from the station. A pair of counter rotating brushes having axes journaled in spaced relationship are mounted at the outlet. Each of the brushes includes circumferentially spaced bristle sets defining unit receiving spaces between adjacent sets. A motor drive is operably connected to the brushes for causing counter rotation. A unit volume sensor is provided for emitting a machine start signal when the volume of units in the accumulator reaches a predetermined low volume. A process for providing dunnage in packages being formed is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2004
    Assignee: Automated Packaging Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Rick Steven Wehrmann
  • Patent number: 6626812
    Abstract: A cushioning conversion machine (100, 200, 300, 400, 500, 600, 700, 800, 900) comprising a conversion assembly (101, 201, 301, 401, 501, 601, 701, 801, 901) which converts a sheet stock material into a three-dimensional strip of cushioning. The conversion assembly (101, 201, 301, 401, 501, 601, 701, 801, 901) includes a forming assembly (120, 220, 320, 420, 520, 620, 720, 820, 920) that forms the stock material into a strip of stock material. The forming assembly (120, 220, 320, 420, 520, 620, 720, 820, 920) comprises an external forming device (122, 222, 322, 422, 522, 622, 722, 822, 922) and an internal forming device (124, 224, 324, 424, 524, 624, 724, 824, 924). The internal forming device (124, 224, 324, 424, 525, 624, 724, 824, 924) includes interacting and/or mandrel portions (164, 264, 364, 464, 564, 664, 764, 864, 964) which internally interact with lateral portions of the strip of stock material to internally reshape the cross-sectional geometry of the strip.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2003
    Assignee: Ranpak Corp.
    Inventors: Joseph J. Harding, Richard O. Ratzel, Thomas E. Manley, Michael J. Lencoski, Mike J. Timmers, Rogers P. M. Rinkens, Kurt Küng, Livio Marchioni
  • Publication number: 20030125178
    Abstract: An apparatus and method of using the same is disclosed. The apparatus has a base and a plurality of shears adjustably secured thereto. Each shear has one cutting element that is adjustable secured to the base and another cutting element that is pivotally secured to the other cutting element. A handle operably connects the cutting elements to allow simultaneous cutting by the shears. The cutting apparatus is useful in bending sheet material such as aluminum or vinyl coil stock used in trimming structures. In use, the shears are adjusted on the base to cut slits in desired locations on a sheet. A sheet is put in place, and the shears are actuated to cut a plurality of slits in a side of sheet material, preferably simultaneously. The sheet is then repositioned, and the shears are actuated to cut a plurality of slits in another side of the sheet. The sheet is then folded along lines extending between pairs of slits. The folded sheet is then affixed to a structure such as a house.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 31, 2001
    Publication date: July 3, 2003
    Inventor: Boyce Penn
  • Publication number: 20020193224
    Abstract: A system for creating and dispensing cushioning dunnage is small and permits flexible installation configuration options for a single or multiple packing stations. A compact apparatus of the system is capable of being pivotally mounted as a unit on a stand and includes a motor and a material feeding arrangement driven by the motor for pulling material from a supply roll of the material supported on a stand of the system, and feeding it through the apparatus. A plurality of material shaping members upstream of the feeding arrangement shape the material in the apparatus to convert it into a continuous strip of cushioning product.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 1, 2002
    Publication date: December 19, 2002
    Inventor: Zsolt Toth
  • Patent number: 6468196
    Abstract: Curled decorative grasses and methods for producing same are disclosed wherein the curled decorative grasses have improved bulk and simulate Spanish moss in color and appearance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2002
    Assignee: Southpac Trust International, Inc.
    Inventor: Donald E. Weder
  • Patent number: 6460439
    Abstract: The present invention is related to an apparatus for cutting webs of material, including a first revolving member and a second revolving member having cutting elements integrated therein. Said revolving members, respectively, define a cutting region therebetween and supporting elements, respectively, assigned to said revolving elements within said cutting region. Said second revolving member comprises a belt assembly having a layered structure, said cutting elements mounted within said layered structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 1998
    Date of Patent: October 8, 2002
    Assignee: Heidelberger Druckmaschinen AG
    Inventor: James Richard Belanger
  • Patent number: 6428459
    Abstract: A protective furniture shipment and storage bag is formed as an envelope comprised of inner and outer transparent film layers with protective cushioning foam elements sandwiched therebetween at opposite ends of the envelope to define a furniture viewing window longitudinally between the foam elements. Such bags are fabricated by sandwiching foam elements in spaced relation between two essentially coextensive transparent film layers, folding the sandwiched components along the longitudinal fold line, and heat sealing or otherwise attaching the folded film layers and foam elements at the opposite ends to form the aforedescribed envelope.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2002
    Inventor: Robert L. Campbell, Jr.
  • Patent number: 6398703
    Abstract: An apparatus for manufacturing a cushioning packaging material from a web-shaped material having at least two layers, the apparatus comprising a material supply shaft for deforming side edges of the web-shaped material into a substantially rolled shape with bead-shaped margins, and a device for receiving a deformed material and for joining layers of the deformed material and having a first wheel-shaped member and a second wheel-shaped member the axes of the rotation of which lie in a plane inclined to a running plane of the deformed material, which is determined by a longitudinal extent of the supply shaft, at an angle deviating from a right angle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 5, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 4, 2002
    Inventor: Reinhard Keller
  • Patent number: 6311596
    Abstract: A cushioning conversion machine for converting sheet-like stock material into cut sections of a pad-like cushioning dunnage product is provided. The machine includes a frame, conversion assemblies which convert the sheet-like stock material into the cushioning dunnage product, and a cutting assembly (56) which cuts the cushioning dunnage product into cut sections. The frame (46) includes an outlet opening (48) through which the cushioning dunnage product emerges. The cutting assembly (56), which is mounted downstream of the outlet opening (48), comprises a first blade (160) and a second blade (162). The second blade (162) is mounted on the frame (46) in such a manner that it travels between a rest position whereat it is removed from the first blade (160) to a cutting position whereat it coacts with the first blade (160) to cut the cushioning dunnage product into a cut section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 1993
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2001
    Assignee: Ranpak Corp.
    Inventors: Richard O. Ratzel, James A. Simmons
  • Patent number: 6221000
    Abstract: The present invention discloses folded corrugated material for producing segments or strips for use as Easter grass, packing material and the like or for use as flower pot covers, floral wrappings and ribbon materials.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2001
    Assignee: Southpac Trust Int'l, Inc.
    Inventor: Donald E. Weder
  • Patent number: 6217500
    Abstract: A twist-tie cluster is described that includes a plurality of twist ties, each having a wire retained within a strip of material, wherein a cut is made in each of said wires between said first end and said second end, and where an uncut portion of the material connects the twist ties. A connecting means connects first segments of the twist ties together. A twist-tie dispenser is also described including a back wall and a cam member rotatable between a first position and a second position, where the second position traps the twist ties between the back wall and the cam member. A method of dispensing twist-ties is described including trapping a group of twist-ties between a cam member and a back wall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2001
    Assignee: Twist-Ease, Inc.
    Inventors: James Ray Helseth, Brian Ye
  • Patent number: 6217498
    Abstract: A packaging system and method according to the invention are generally characterized by a cushioning conversion machine for forming and dispensing cut sections of a cushioning product through a discharge outlet, an inclined dispensing chute for sequentially receiving the cut sections of the cushioning product, a cut section presence detector for detecting the presence of a cut section on the inclined chute at a pick-up location remote from the discharge outlet of the conversion machine, and a controller which initiates dispensing of a cut section of cushioning product in response to a detected absence of a cut section by the cut section presence detector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2001
    Assignee: Ranpak Corp.
    Inventor: James A. Simmons
  • Patent number: 6168559
    Abstract: A cushioning conversion machine (10) comprising conversion assemblies (52, 54) which convert a sheet-like material (22) into a continuous strip (30) of a cushioning product; a cutting assembly (56) which cuts a leading portion of the strip (30) into a cut pad (32) of a desired length; and a pad-transferring assembly (12). The pad-transferring assembly (12) is mounted to the machine's frame (36) downstream of the cutting assembly (56) and it is designed to engage the leading portion of the strip (30) prior to it being cut. Once the strip (30) is cut, and the pad (32) is formed, the pad-transferring assembly (12) transfers the cut pad (32) away from the cutting assembly (56).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 1993
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2001
    Assignee: Ranpak Corp.
    Inventor: James A. Simmons
  • Patent number: 6146321
    Abstract: In combination, a cushioning conversion machine and a dispensing table, the cushioning conversion machine connected underneath the dispensing table by a guide system. The guide system includes at least one multiposition guide track connected to the dispensing table in cooperative relation with a follower connected to the cushioning conversion machine, whereby the cushioning conversion machine can be withdrawn out either the front, rear, or either side of the dispensing table.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 1997
    Date of Patent: November 14, 2000
    Assignee: Ranpak Corp.
    Inventor: James A. Simmons