Abstract: This invention is directed to loose fill packing material comprising clean, elongated strips of paper formed from sheets of corrugated cardboard by an apparatus which comprises a shredder device operative to convert the sheets of corrugated cardboard into paper strips for discharge onto a perforated conveyor movable between a loading position at the shredder device and a discharge position where the paper strips are emptied into a collection hopper. A suction housing is mounted at the outlet of the shredder device in position to substantially enclose the conveyor so that a suction can be drawn over the paper strips to remove dirt, dust and other foreign materials therefrom after which the cleaned paper strips are transmitted by the conveyor to an angled sifter plate having a plurality of openings which are sized to allow undesired, short strips of paper to pass therethrough.

Abstract: A cushioning conversion machine and method for converting sheet-like stock material, such as paper in multi-ply form, into cut sections of relatively low density pad-like cushioning product. The machine includes conversion assemblies which convert the stock material into a strip of dunnage, a stock supply assembly which supplies the stock material to the conversion assemblies, a cutting assembly which cuts the strip into cut sections of a desired length, and a post-cutting constraining assembly which circumferentially constrains the cut section.

Abstract: Flowable loose packing dunnage is formed from paperboard into three dimensional particles of various shapes. Also, an apparatus for forming the dunnage employs two vertically aligned arrays of toothed, untoothed and/or cutting wheels through the nip of which paperboard segments pass and by which they are shaped into dunnage particles. Further, in a method of forming the dunnage particles, strips of paperboard are cut into segments which are formed into three dimensional shapes. A method of protecting a packed object surrounds it with the flowable loose packing dunnage made of paperboard in accordance with the present invention.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a low-density material element for use as protective packaging. The material element consists of a multi-layered body of a corrugated material which is lined on one of its sides. Thus the neighboring corrugated layers lie adjacent one another with a common lining layer without interlocking with one another and without being compressed. The multi-layer body has an extension length (L, E) which is in a direction perpendicular to both the corrugation extension direction and the layering direction. The multi-layer body is characterized in that it is held together with a singly positioned fixation. This singly positioned fixation functions to allow neighboring corrugated layers to lie loosely adjacent one another without being compressed. Furthermore, the singly positioned fixation allows the corrugated layers to be slidable relative to one another in a direction perpendicular to the corrugation extension (S) on being bent in a plane towards the body material.

Abstract: A method of producing a packing product includes the steps of feeding at least one sheet of material in a first direction; cutting the at least one sheet of material into a plurality of strips; the cutting being performed by rotating two sets of alternating, overlapping cutting discs; the feeding of the at least one sheet of material being between the two sets of cutting discs; advancing each of the strips by the rotating of at least an outer surface of a corresponding one of the cutting discs as the outer surface moves in the first direction; restricting each strip from continued advancing in the first direction; and sequentially folding each of the strip means by the restricting in opposition to the advancing. There is included apparatus and means for producing the packing product.

Abstract: A stock material for use with a cushioning conversion machine is provided. The stock material includes a plurality of superimposed plies of a sheet-like material which are fan-folded into a rectangonal stack. The superimposed plies include a series of alternating folds which each create superimposed creases through the plies. The alternating folds together form a sequence of rectangular pages which are piled accordion-style one on top of the other to form the rectangonal stack.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for making improved dunnage from a length of flexible material, such as paper. Strips are formed from the material and modified to form spiral coils by feeding the strips between a fixed rigid forming blade and a rotated roller having a resilient surface. The roller carries peripherally spaced cutting blades that act against the forming blade to periodically sever coiled portions of the strips. The coils are preferably then creased between their ends and are randomly oriented in a container to provide cushioning for packaged articles. The coils are formed at the time of use by the apparatus and methods disclosed.

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.

Abstract: Chips of cardboard, in particular of packing cardboard, which are formed by cutting flat, preferably used packing cardboard lengthwise and crosswise, and the bulk volume of which is increased by copings and/or bent-over portions and/or peaks and/or recesses are provided, as is a packing unit comprising a wrapper, loosely filled at least to a substantial proportion with the bulk packing material made from a web of paper, in which the wrapper is formed by the web of paper shaped in the manner of a helical roll, the adjacent, helically extending long edges of which web are joined overlapping one another, and in which the wrapper is closed at both ends in the manner of a sack, and as is a process in which the cardboard, in particular packaging cardboard, is comminuted (cut) and is deformed to increase the bulk volume of the chips forming the packaging material, as well as an apparatus having a device for comminuting cardboard, in particular packaging cardboard, having one lengthwise and one crosswise cutting unit

Abstract: A packaging material consisting of small pieces for filling the cavities in packaging containers. The packaging material consists of an outer cover, of a coarse-porous, air-permeable, thin paper, as for example a highstrength wrapping tissue, which surrounds a filling of waste paper or shredded paper (scraps) from paper shredding machines or the like. The ball-like packaging pieces of up to 10 cm in diameter are formed by folding or sealing. The filling does not have the tendency to crumble and all pieces are continuously reusable. Each packaging piece is very elastic due to its air-permeability and adapts well to the cavities to be filled.

Abstract: A cushioning conversion machine for converting sheet-like stock material, such as a paper in multi-ply form, into cut sections of cushioning product is provided. The machine includes a stock supply assembly, a forming assembly, a pulling/connecting assembly and a cutting assembly, all of which are mounted on a machine frame. The machine frame includes a base plate having an upstream end and a downstream end, a first end plate extending generally perpendicular from the upstream end of the base plate and a second end plate extending generally perpendicular from the downstream end of the base plate. The frame base plate and the two frame end plates together form a "C" shaped structure. The stock supply assembly is mounted on the first frame end plate, the forming assembly is mounted on an intermediate portion of the frame base plate, the pulling/connecting assembly is mounted on an upstream side of the second end plate, and the cutting assembly is mounted on the downstream side of the second end plate.

Abstract: According to a preferred embodiment of the invention a flat sheet of corrugated paper for producing a packing has a symmetrical shape and includes (i) two parallel central creases (A) extending from one edge (30) of the sheet to an opposed edge (31) thereof, (ii) five wall members (10) to (14), (iii) two first end sections (1), (iv) two outer side sections (2) located outside the wall members and the respective central creases (A), (v) two top sections (3) located outside the respective outer side sections (2), (vi) two inner side sections (5) partly surrounded by the respective top sections (3), (vii) two bottom sections (6) located outside the respective inner side sections (5), and (viii) two pairs of second end sections (20) located outside the respective inner side sections (5).

Abstract: The specification discloses a loose-fill packing material comprising a plurality of individual packing elements, and a method of making such packing elements. Each packing element comprises at least two paper rings which are connected to each other at their outer surfaces. Each ring comprises a strip of paper which is rolled lengthwise upon itself. The rolls are fabricated by rolling sheets of paper to form elongated paper rolls having cylindrical outer surfaces and by then attaching pairs of elongated paper rolls together at their outer surfaces along their lengths. Individual packing elements are then cut from the pairs of elongated paper rolls.

Abstract: Geometrically shaped bodies comprising a flat base having arcuate or geometrically shaped cross section from one face of which extend projections having a reverse arc or shape to that of the base below each of which is a cutout or slot.

Abstract: A void fill material (10) can be formed from ordinary scrap cardboard into an interlocking packaging material. Each piece of the material (10) has a primary section (20) defining a primary plane. The void fill has at least two limbs extending from the primary section. The void fill can be in any geometric shape, such as a block Y (10), a block H (62), an angled Y (80), an X (100), and a cross (120). Scoring can be applied to the void material at any location, thereby facilitating the deformation of the void fill.

Abstract: Free-flowing dunnage packaging material is made from molded pulp to form non-planar, dish-like shapes, each having a hollowed central void preferably surrounded by beaded edges. The dunnage pieces are preferably manufactured by a free of form process which results in random shaping, thereby avoiding nesting and maintaining package volume.

Abstract: The use of hollow tetrahedral units as cushioning loose-fill is described. The loose-fill tetrahedra can be made from recycled material such as paper waste by the method of the invention. The loose-fill tetrahedra do not fill the entire space surrounding a packed article, but do support each other during shipping and handling. Apparatus for forming the tetrahedra is described.

Abstract: A cushioning conversion machine for converting a sheet-like stock material, which may be viewed as having two edge sections and a central section, into a cushioning product is provided. The machine includes a conversion assembly for converting the sheet-like stock material into a cushioning product and a supply assembly which supplies the sheet-like stock material to the conversion assembly. The stock material is supplied to the conversion assembly in such a manner that its edge sections must travel in a longer path than the central section thereby creating edge-tension in the edge sections of the stock material. While a certain minimum conversion-tension is necessary in the edge sections of the stock material to properly convert the stock material into a cushioning product, a certain continuous tearing-tension, greater than the minimum conversion-tension, will cause a continuous tear in the stock material.

Abstract: Apparatus for fabricating discrete segments of cushioned web material for use as dunnage. The apparatus includes a mobile supply cart having at least one substantially horizontal support arm for receiving the hollow core of rolled web material. The apparatus also includes a separate driven rugation device with feed rollers for directing multiple plies of the web material in overlying, contacting relationship along a single path of travel. The separate cart and rugation device may be removably interconnected for lateral alignment. Driven interdigitized texturing rolls downstream of the feed rollers emboss a raised pattern on the web material, and a plurality of separating rollers downstream from the texturing rolls separate the plies of web material and direct them in divergent paths of travel. Combining rolls recombine the plies of textured web material such that the embossed areas of each ply do not directly overlie each other but are offset, creating void areas between the adjacent plies.

Abstract: A cushioning material is disclosed which includes two laminated films between which a plurality of air tight cells are formed. Each of the films is composed of an intermediate layer formed of an aromatic polyamide resin and two surface layers formed of a polyolefin resin and provided on both sides of the intermediate layer, wherein the aromatic polyamide resin is one obtained by polycondensing m-xylylenediamine with an aliphatic dicarboxylic acid selected from the group consisting of adipic acid, terephthalic acid, isophthalic acid and mixtures thereof, and the polyolefin resin is a member selected from the group consisting of low density polyethylenes, ethylene/.alpha.-olefin copolymers and mixtures thereof.

Abstract: A packing sheet useful for preserving freshness of flowers, fruits and other foods from deterioration during transport. The packing sheet comprises a central partition sheet, a water permeable sheet having portions of a surface thereof sealed to a surface of the partition sheet, so as to create at least one closed pouch between the water permeable sheet and the central partition sheet, a water absorptive resin contained within the pouch, an air permeable sheet having portions of a surface thereof sealed to the other surface of the central partition sheet so as to create at least one opposite closed pouch between the air permeable sheet and the central partition sheet, and a marginal portion adapted for attachment to a transport case.

Abstract: A void fill material (10) can be formed from ordinary scrap cardboard into an interlocking packaging material. Each piece of the material (10) has a primary section (20) defining a primary plane. In a preferred embodiment, a first, second and third finger (22, 24, 26) extend from the primary section (20). The primary section (20) and each finger (22, 24, 26) have a length to width ratio between 3:1 and 1:1. The first finger (22) extends from one side of primary section (20) while the second and third fingers (24, 26) extend from its other side. The intersection (30, 32, 34) between each finger (22, 24, 26) and the primary section (20) is scored, thus allowing the fingers to be bent away from the primary plane. The cushioning benefit of the void fill material (10) is improved by the ability of the deformed fingers (22, 24, 26) to interlock with the fingers of the other void fill material pieces.

Abstract: A converter mechanism and method for producing a relatively narrow width and small size cushioning dunnage product of pad-like form, from sheet-like stock material. A conversion kit comprising a funnel-like chute member and a coacting elongated generally rectangular shaped (in top plan) bar former is provided for conversion of a known cushioning dunnage converter into one which can produce the relatively narrow and small size pad-like cushioning dunnage product of the invention. The bar former has its forwardmost end disposed generally adjacent the exit end of the funnel-like chute member, with its rearward end extending rearwardly of the entrance to the funnel-like chute member.

Abstract: A method of producing a packing product includes the steps of feeding at least one sheet of material in a first direction; cutting the at least one sheet of material into a plurality of strips; the cutting being performed by rotating two sets of alternating, overlapping cutting discs; the feeding of the at least one sheet of material being between the two sets of cutting discs; advancing each of the strips by the rotating of at least an outer surface of a corresponding one of the cutting discs as the outer surface moves in the first direction; restricting each strip from continued advancing in the first direction; and sequentially folding each of the strip means by the restricting in opposition to the advancing. There is included apparatus and means for producing the packing product.

Abstract: This invention comprises apparatus and methods for folding and crimping shredded strips of sheet material into preselected lengths of interlocking, decorative material and/or bulk packaging material. The apparatus generally includes an attachment for a commercial paper shredding device which shreds sheet material therein. The apparatus comprises a movable barrier against which the shredded strips of sheet material are impelled upon being expelled from cutting blades of the shredding device. The movable barrier causes the strips to become controllably jammed within a confined area between the barrier and the cutting blades. Further insertion of additional strips into the confined area causes the strips to become compacted, folded, and crimped against a remaining dam of jammed sheet material located within the confined area. This causes the strips to fold and press against themselves, and form lengths of thin sheet material having an accordion-shaped configuration.

Abstract: A cushioning dunnage conversion machine for converting sheet-like stock material, such as paper in multi-ply form, into cut sections of relatively low density pad-like cushioning product, and cutting assembly therefor, is provided. The machine includes a stock supply assembly, a forming assembly, a pulling/connecting assembly and a cutting assembly, all of which are mounted on a machine frame. The machine frame includes a base plate having an upstream end and a downstream end, a first end plate extending generally perpendicular from the upstream end of the end plate and a second end plate extending generally perpendicular from the downstream end of the base plate.

Abstract: This invention comprises apparatus and methods for folding and crimping shredded strips of sheet material into preselected lengths of interlocking, decorative material and/or bulk packaging material. The apparatus generally includes an attachment for a commercial paper shredding device which shreds sheet material therein. The apparatus comprises a movable barrier against which the shredded strips of sheet material are impelled upon being expelled from cutting blades of the shredding device. The movable barrier causes the strips to become controllably jammed within a confined area between the barrier and the cutting blades. Further insertion of additional strips into the confined area causes the strips to become compacted, folded, and crimped against a remaining dam of jammed sheet material located within the confined area. This causes the strips to fold and press against themselves, and form lengths of thin sheet material having an accordion-shaped configuration.

Abstract: A unique and novel storage package and method and apparatus for making the same wherein differences in dimension between the outer receptacle and a package stored therein are compensated by a unique corrugated spacer to provide snug storage, such as in the packaging of cigarette packs.

Abstract: A converter mechanism and method for producing a relatively narrow width and small size cushioning dunnage product of pad-like form, from sheet-like stock material. A conversion kit comprising a funnel-like chute member and a coacting elongated generally rectangular shaped (in top plan) bar former is provided for conversion of a known cushioning dunnage converter into one which can produce the relatively narrow and small size pad-like cushioning dunnage product of the invention. The bar former has its forwardmost end disposed generally adjacent the exit end of the funnel-like chute member, with its rearward end extending rearwardly of the entrance to the funnel-like chute member.

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.A 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.An alternate, multi-ply stock roll comprising a thicker gauge but lesser width web with a plurality of wider webs or sheets is disclosed.

Abstract: A cushioning dunnage producing mechanism and method wherein the mechanism utilizes one or more webs of sheet-like stock material, with the stock material being adapted to be disposed by the mechanism in generally superimposed relation and then fed into a crumpler section of tubular-like construction, to radially compress the sheet-like material into a pad-like dunnage product. The lateral edges of the stock material are caused to be rolled inwardly into generally spiral-like form, prior to passage of the stock material into the crumpler section, by a forming frame of generally triangular-like shape both in plan and in side elevation, with the nose of the forming frame being disposed closely adjacent the entranceway to the crumpler section. Meshed spur gears coacting with the crumpler section, coin or stitch the confronting portions of the rolled edges of stock material together, to hold the produced dunnage product in a pad-like configuration.

Abstract: A converter mechanism for producing generally low density pad-like cushioning dunnage product in continuous strip form from flexible sheet-like stock material such as, for instance, paper, with an electrically energizable cutter mounted on the converter mechanism, for cutting the produced dunnage product into selected lengths. The cutter includes a pivotably movable blade member adapted for engaging the produced strip of dunnage product and severing it to selected length, together with an electrically energizable motor unit coupled to the cutter blade member for actuating the latter pursuant to control of the mechanism operator.

Abstract: A converter mechanism for producing low density, pad-like resilient cushioning dunnage product from sheet-like stock material, such as for instance paper, with a separate mobile cart for rotatably mounting a roll of sheet-like stock material thereon in position for feeding the stock material into the converter mechanism. The cart comprises a framework open at its forward end and including spaced upright members, and adapted to receive therebetween in generally snug relation a laterally projecting portion of the converter mechanism for coupling the cart to the converter mechanism especially in a direction transverse of the converter mechanism and cart, and providing for expeditiously positioning the cart and the associated stock roll in proper position adjacent the converter mechanism.

Abstract: A mechanism for producing low density pad-like resilient cushioning dunnage product from sheet-like stock material, such as for instance paper, comprising a support for rotatably mounting a roll of sheet-like stock material in operative condition thereon, and projections on the support adapted for coupling with receptacle structure defining recesses on a separable mobile cart, for detachably coupling the cart to the mechanism, with the cart having mounts thereon for rotatably mounting a roll of sheet-like stock material and in position for feeding the stock material into the dunnage producing mechanism, when the latter and the cart are in coupled condition, to create the pad-like cushioning dunnage product.

Abstract: In a method and apparatus for manufacturing two-ply agricultural storage bags, two supplies (36, 38) of flexible tubular materials are positioned on opposite sides of feed wheels (26) mounted on a generally cylindrical frame structure (24). The inner material (36a) from the first supply (36) extends through the frame (24) and outwardly around the feed wheels (26). The outer material (38a) from the second supply (38) extends around the feedwheels (26) in surrounding engagement over the inner material (36a). Actuation of the feedwheels (26) effects simultaneous advancement of the materials (36a, 38a) around the frame (24) so that a bag can be collected at the lower end of the frame.

Abstract: A flexible bulk container assembled from a single length of material. The container comprises a base (5), first and second opposed side walls (6,7) each joined to the base and third and fourth opposed side walls each composed of two panel sections (8,9 and 10,11 respectively) joined along a vertical center seam, each third and fourth side wall being joined to the first and second side walls and to the base. Each side wall has two spaced parallel reinforcing bands (2,3) extending from the bottom to the top thereof, each band being extended above the top of the side wall into a connection section that connects with the closer reinforcing band of the adjacent side wall to form a lifting loop (12 to 14) over the respective corner of the container. Each connecting section is a continuous extension of the two reinforcing bands that it connects, so avoiding stitching of the lifting loops to the wall fabric.

Abstract: In the construction of a collapsible receptacle there is provided a length of fabric material and a length of webbing material formed from the same material as the length of fabric material. A plurality of lift loops formed from length of webbing material are positioned at spaced points along the length of fabric material with the lower ends of the lift loops located more than a predetermined distance above the lower edge of the material. After the lift loops are secured to the length of fabric material, the assembly is secured around the upper end of a collapsible receptacle body panel with the lift loops projecting above the upper edge of the panel. A line of stitching is used to at least partially secure the assembly to the body panel, with the line of stitching positioned at least the predetermined distance below the lowermost end of the lift loops.

Abstract: Improved embodiments of a blank for a dunnage plug which fills gaps between cargo and a side wall of a vessel or vehicle in which the cargo or lading is transported include a single sheet, preferably of corrugated cardboard, having cuts or slits, slots, perforations and bends positioned thereon for allowing portions of the sheet to be folded into a plurality of channels which intersect perpendicularly and interlock in a plurality of half cross-lap-joints to provide an extremely inexpensive structure having a designated thickness and being capable of withstanding substantial loads in compression without failure. Since the improved dunnage plug blank of the invention is assembled and disassembled without separation of the sheet into more than one piece, there is no tendency for portions of the dunnage plug to become lost at any time. Further, if the dunnage plug is disassembled it folds back into a single flat sheet for efficient storage.

Abstract: In a method and apparatus for manufacturing two-ply agricultural storage bags, two supplies (36, 38) of flexible tubular materials are positioned on opposite sides of feed wheels (26) mounted on a generally cylindrical frame structure (24). The inner material (36a) from the first supply (36) extends through the frame (24) and outwardly around the feed wheels (26). The outer material (38a) from the second supply (38) extends around the feedwheels (26) in surrounding engagement over the inner material (36a). Actuation of the feedwheels (26) effects simultaneous advancement of the materials (36a, 38a) around the frame (24) so that a bag can be collected at the lower end of the frame.

Abstract: A reinforced receptacle for bulk materials is constructed from a two-ply plastic tube having a reinforced sheet wrapped and overlapped about the two-ply plastic tube. The reinforced sheet is adhesively secured to the two-ply tube, and the lower end of the two-ply tube is folded and adhesively secured together to form a folded satchel bottom for the receptacle. The upper end of the two-ply tube is gathered and clamped to provide structure for lifting the receptacle.

Abstract: A paper spring is formed by longitudinally folding a sheet along parallel fold lines to provide a strip and thence transversely folding the strip in a zigzag manner. The resulting paper spring may be contained in a paper housing in the form of an open-sided rectangular band and a series of the resulting paper spring units may be mounted on a carboard panel to provide a platen. Such springs or units provide a resilient cushion for fragile items shipped in boxes.

Abstract: A cushioning dunnage producing and handling mechanism which is of relatively compact nature utilizing a multiply roll of sheet-like stock material, such as paper. As the stock is pulled off the composite roll, the edges are rolled inwardly in a longitudinally convergent chute, into generally superimposed condition. Pusher means urges the sheet-like stock material laterally toward a confronting surface of the chute. Then the inwardly rolled stock is passed into a crumpler section where mechanism attach together the confronting portions of the rolled edges of the stock material generally centrally, in a direction lengthwise thereof, to retain the dunnage product in highly compressible, lightweight pad-like form. A transfer vehicle is adapted to coact with the dunnage producing mechanism for storing a preselected amount of the pad-like dunnage product on the vehicle, whereupon the vehicle can be moved to a location distant from the dunnage producing mechanism for use at the distant location.