Patent ID: 6210310
Filing Date: 2001-04-03
Classification: B31D,C09D,Y10S

Abstract:
A cushioning conversion machine comprising:a conversion assembly which converts a sheet stock material into a relatively as dense cushioning product; the conversion assembly including a forming assembly which inwardly turns lateral regions of the sheet stock material as the sheet stock material travels through the forming assembly in an upstream to downstream direction;the forming assembly including an external forming device and an internal forming device positioned at least partially within the external forming device, the sheet stock material passing between the external forming device and the internal forming device as it travels through the forming assembly;the internal forming device having a central guide portion having a bottom guide surface extending substantially continuously at least in a region coextensive with the external forming device for guiding a central region of the sheet stock material as its lateral regions are inwardly turned, and a cascade portion including multiple stages disposed above the bottom guide surface of the guide portion and defining therebetween relatively relieved areas in lateral regions of the internal forming device that facilitate the formation of creases in the lateral regions of the sheet stock material, wherein each stage has a top guide surface and lateral guide surfaces depending from the top guide surface, the lateral guide surfaces forming lateral edges inclined relative to the top guide surface.