Method and apparatus for dispensing and expanding expandable slit sheet material

Abstract

A device for expanding and dispensing expandable slit sheet paper includes a pair of support members for a roll of expandable slit sheet paper. The roll of expandable slit sheet paper has an interior core member and a roll of expandable slit sheet paper wound on said interior core member. The interior core member has an axial length that is greater than the width of said slit sheet paper that is wound on said interior core member and has end regions that extend beyond the roll of expandable slit sheet paper. Pressure means is provided for pressing a first end region against its core support member and applying a frictional rotation resistance to the core member end region. The roll of expandable slit sheet paper is mounted on the device by positioning one end region under the pressure means and in a support relationship with its core support member while the roll of expandable slit sheet paper is inclined with respect to the device. The other end region is then moved into its supported position with its core support member. An adjustable downward pressure is exerted on the paper core end region and causing the paper core end region to be pressed against its support member as the paper is pulled. The downward pressure creates the friction required to enable the unexpanded slit sheet to be unwind and fed while simultaneously expanding.