Ranpak Corporation

Bruno H Baldacci

John E Silvis

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. The narrow width and small size dunnage product produced on the instant converter mechanism possesses a density of approximately one pound per cubic foot, and is between approximately 31/2 inches to approximately 4 inches in width and approximately 1 to 11/4 inches in thickness, and is especially useful for packaging and cushioning small parts, as well as for effectively cushioning edges of products, for instance furniture or the like, during shipment thereof.

Method for producing a narrow width cushioning paper product

Narrow width cushioning pad product for packaging small parts or

A gear-like stitching assembly adapted for use in a converter mechanism of the type providing for the production of pad-like cushioning dunnage product from sheet-like stock material which is conventionally disposed in multi-ply, roll form for use with the converter mechanism. The stock material is pulled from the stock roll by the converter and the lateral edges of the stock material are rolled inwardly prior to being formed into the pad-like product. The stitching assembly comprises a pair of rotatable gear-like members adapted to be disposed in coacting, meshed condition, and to stitch confronting and generally abutting rolled edge portions of the sheet-like stock material together by coining, as the latter rolled edge portions pass between the members. The teeth of at least one of the members have projections extending outwardly thereform, for perforating the stock material along the central coined section of the pad-like product, to aid the coined section in maintaining the product in its pad-like form. A novel method is also disclosed.

Stitching gear assembly having perforating projections thereon, for use

A flexible, cushioning dunnage product producible on a converter mechanism from a roll of sheet-like stock material, such as biodegradable paper. As the stock material is pulled off the roll by the converter, the edges of the stock material are rolled inwardly to form pillow-like portions which are urged by the converter mechanism laterally inwardly with respect to one another into confronting abutting relation, with the pillow-like portions being then connected together along their engaged abutting sides by in the preferred embodiment, transversely extending coined sections extending transversely of the product and defining a generally central connecting portion running in a direction lengthwise of the product. The lateral, spaced pillow-like portions possess considerable resiliency and thickness as compared to the coined central connecting portion, and perforations are provided in the connecting portion to aid the overlapped coined sections in preventing opening up or separation of the connecting portion, and thus such perforations aid in maintaining the pad-like form of the product for packaging or packing.

Growing community of inventors

Novelty, OH, United States of America

Bruno H Baldacci