Abstract: A package of expandable wrapping material, and a method of using that package. The package comprises a folder and a supply of sheets of expandable paper material connected to the folder. To use a sheet, the folder is opened, and a user grips the bottom edge of one of the sheets and stretches that sheet. As it is stretched, the sheet expands into a three-dimensional shape. The desired amount of expanded material is formed, and then that expanded material may be cut or torn from the folder. The expanded material may be used to wrap an article, either while that expanded material is still attached to the folder, or after that material is torn from the folder. Also, the expanded material may be used to fill voids or cavities in a box or container. Preferably, the package is secured to a fixed location, such as a work surface or a holder, while a sheet is stretched and cut or torn from the folder, and the package may be provided with means to facilitate attaching the folder to this fixed location.

Abstract: A machine for forming a packing material by positioning a paper material on or adjacent to a die member and forcing a multitude of cutting blades completely through the paper material and into the die member at a multitude of spaced apart locations to form a multitude of slits in the paper material. These slits allow the paper material to be pulled or expanded into a three dimensional shape that is both load bearing and resilient. In a first embodiment, the forming of the packing material is carried out in a flat die press, including upper and lower die members and with the cutting blades secured to the upper die member. In a second embodiment, the forming of the packing material is carried out in a rotary press including upper and lower rotatable rollers and with the cutting blades secured to the upper roller.

Abstract: A first embodiment of the envelope comprises an outer envelope forming an interior, and a packing material secured in the interior of the outer envelope and forming a pocket for receiving an article. This packing material is comprised of a flexible and expandable packing material forming a multitude of slits arranged to allow the packing material to be pulled into a three-dimensional shape in which the packing material cushions and protects the article inside the packing material. A second embodiment of the envelope of this invention comprises a plurality of sections connected together to form an interior for holding an article; and each of these sections is comprised of a flexible and expandable paper material forming a multitude of slits to allow the sections to be pulled into three dimensional shapes in which those sections cushion and protect the article in the interior of the envelope.

Abstract: A process for forming a packing material, comprising positioning a paper material on or adjacent to a die member, and forcing a multitude of cutting blades completely through the paper material and .into that die member at a multitude of spaced apart locations to form a multitude of slits in the paper material. These slits allow the paper material to be pulled or expanded into a three-dimensional shape that is both load bearing and resilient. In a first embodiment, the process is carried out in a flat die press, including upper and lower die members and with the cutting blades secured to the upper die member. In a second embodiment, the process is carried out in a rotary press including upper and lower rotatable rollers and with the cutting blades secured to the upper roller.