Cushioning conversion machine with severing mechanism

Abstract

A cushioning conversion machine for converting sheet-like stock material into a relatively low density cushioning dunnage product. The machine has at least one conversion assembly for forming the stock material into a three-dimensional shape. The machine includes a feed mechanism for drawing the stock material over a shaping member in the conversion assembly. Any one of a plurality of manually operated severing mechanisms can be mounted in the second unit for cutting the cushioning dunnage product into cut sections. One severing unit has a circular cutting disc which is driven by a rack and pinion faster than rolling contact along a reaction member. Another severing mechanism has a fixed blade with an inclined cutting edge that moves across the path of the converted material. A third mechanism has straight edged blade that moves on vertical tracks downward through the path of the emerging converted material to sever the material against a fixed reaction member. Another mechanism has a taught wire which can be pulled through the converted material. A reaction bar with a slot is located on one side of the path of the material and the wire is pulled up through the slot, trapping and then severing the material. In another mechanism, a pair of blades with serrated edges are mounted for vertical movement in a plane transverse to the path of the converted material, the blades are driven in a reciprocating motion a by a pair of out of phase zigzag cams and a cam follower attached to each of the blades.