DUNNAGE CONVERSION MACHINE AND METHOD
A dunnage conversion machine ( 36 ) converts a sheet stock material into a dunnage product that is relatively thicker and less dense than the stock material, but is relatively thin and sufficiently flexible to function as a protective wrap. The conversion machine includes a feed mechanism ( 40 ) that advances a sheet stock material therethrough and a connecting mechanism ( 42 ) downstream of the feed mechanism. The connecting mechanism retards the passage of the sheet stock material therethrough by feeding the stock material therethrough at a slower rate than the feed mechanism feeds the stock material to the connecting mechanism. This causes the stock material to randomly crumple in a longitudinal space between the feed mechanism and the connecting mechanism. The connecting mechanism connects multiple overlapping layers of sheet stock material together as they pass therethrough, including connecting at least one crumpled sheet to one side of one other sheet.
1 - 30 . (canceled)
31 . A dunnage conversion machine, comprising
a shelf for supporting a supply of stock material;
a conversion assembly for converting a stock material into a dunnage product; and
a stand that supports the conversion assembly and the shelf;
where the shelf is linearly movable between an operating position adjacent the conversion assembly and a loading position spaced from the operating position for loading stock material without moving the conversion assembly.
32 . A machine as set forth in claim 31 , wherein the conversion assembly is capable of converting a stock material into a dunnage product as the stock material moves through the conversion assembly in an upstream-to-downstream direction, and the loading position of the shelf is downstream of the operating position.
33 . A machine as set forth in claim 31 , wherein the shelf is mounted to the stand by a pair of parallel, spaced apart, telescoping support and guide members.
34 . A machine as set forth in claim 31 , wherein the stand supports the conversion assembly above the shelf.
35 . A machine as set forth in claim 31 , wherein in the operating position the shelf is under the conversion assembly.
36 . A machine as set forth in claim 31 , comprising a supply of stock material supportable on the shelf, wherein the stock material includes one or more stacks of fan-folded sheet stock material.
37 . A machine as set forth in claim 31 , wherein the shelf defines a horizontal, substantially flat and continuous surface for supporting a supply of stock material.
38 . A method of loading a dunnage conversion machine comprising the steps of:
(a) providing the dunnage conversion machine of claim 31 ;
(b) linearly moving the shelf from the operating position to the loading position without moving the conversion assembly;
(c) loading a supply of stock material onto the shelf; and
(d) returning the shelf to the operating position.
39 . A method as set forth in claim 38 , comprising the step of splicing a new supply of stock material to an almost-spent supply of stock material before the step of returning the shelf to the operating position.
40 - 53 . (canceled)