Patent Publication Number: US-2011053749-A1

Title: Dunnage apparatus with pivoting sheet supply

Description:
TECHNICAL FIELD 
     The present disclosure relates to handling dunnage. 
     BACKGROUND 
     Products to be transported and/or stored often are packed within a box or other container. In many instances, however, the shape of the product does not match the shape of the container. Most containers utilized for transporting products have the general shape of a square or rectangular box and, of course, products can be any shape or size. To fit a product within a container and to safely transport and/or store the product without damage to the product, the void space within the container is typically filled with a packing or cushioning material. 
     The protective-packing material utilized to fill void space within a container is often a lightweight, air-filled material that may act as a pillow or cushion to protect the product within the container. Many types of protective packaging have been used. These include, for example, foam products, inflatable pillows, and paper dunnage. 
     In the context of paper-based protective packaging, rolls of paper sheet are crumpled to produce the dunnage. Most commonly, this type of dunnage is created by running a generally continuous strip of paper into a machine and then cutting the crumpled sheet material into a desired length to effectively fill void space within a container holding a product. Typically, paper material is crumpled longitudinally so as to form a long strip of dunnage having many folds or pleats. Because the paper has fold spaces and/or pleats, the crumpled paper can be very effective at protecting and cushioning a product contained within the container, and may effectively prevent damage to the product during transport and/or storage. 
     Various machines for dunnage conversion have been developed. U.S. Patent Publication No. 2009/0023570 discloses a machine for converting sheet material into a dunnage product. The machine includes a forming assembly for shaping the sheet material into a continuous strip of dunnage having a three-dimensional shape, a pulling assembly for advancing the sheet material through the forming assembly, and a severing assembly for severing the dunnage strip into a severed section of dunnage. 
     U.S. Patent Publication No. 2009/0082187 discloses a dunnage conversion machine that converts a sheet stock material into a multi-ply dunnage product. The machine includes a feed mechanism that advances a sheet stock material and a connecting mechanism downstream of the feed mechanism that retards the passage of the sheet stock material by feeding the stock material therethrough at a slower rate than the feed 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 another sheet. 
     Each of U.S. Pat. Nos. 7,258,657, 6,783,489, and 6,019,715 disclose cushioning conversion machines that convert material from a stock supply roll to dunnage. These patents disclose a cushioning conversion machine that converts a two-dimensional stock material into a three-dimensional cushioning product. The machine generally comprises a housing through which the stock material passes along a path; and a feeding/connecting assembly which advances the stock material from a source thereof along said path, crumples the stock material, and connects the crumpled stock material to produce a strip of cushioning. The feeding/connecting assembly includes upstream and downstream components disposed along the path of the stock material through the housing, at least the upstream component being driven to advance the stock material toward the downstream component at a rate faster than the sheet-like stock material can pass from the downstream component to effect crumpling of the stock material therebetween to form a strip of cushioning. Additionally, at least one of the upstream and downstream components includes opposed members between which the stock material is passed and pinched by the opposed members with a pinch pressure; and a tension control mechanism is provided for adjusting the amount of pinch pressure applied by the opposed members to the stock material. The machine may include a turner bar to enable alternative positioning of a stock supply roll. 
     In addition, a paper conversion machine should allow for efficient loading of the paper into the machine for conversion. A need, therefore, exists for a machine that is capable of self threading upon replenishing the supply of paper stock to get the machine back in service with minimal operator intervention, which can provide for deskilling the loading of stock, reducing the number of components, reducing time required to reload and mitigating future service concerns. 
     SUMMARY 
     The present subject matter relates generally to an apparatus for supplying paper sheeting to a paper crumpling machine to crumple paper for use in packaging. To this end, in an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, a dunnage apparatus for converting sheet stock into dunnage is provided, comprising a sheet stock supply member configured for holding the sheet stock, a dunnage machine configured for converting the sheet stock into dunnage, and an infeed mechanism disposed between the supply member and dunnage machine and associated therewith for feeding the sheet stock from the supply member to the crumpling mechanism, wherein the supply member is configured for pivoting to retain the sheet stock associated with the infeed mechanism. 
     The supply member can comprise a tray configured and dimensioned for holding a stack of sheets of the sheet stock. Gravity can cause the supply member to pivot to retain the sheet stock associated with the infeed mechanism. The infeed mechanism can comprise an engagement portion at an entry of the infeed mechanism and is configured for engaging and feeding the sheet stock in the supply member into the infeed mechanism. 
     The supply member can be configured for holding stacked sheets of the sheet stock, and the supply member and engagement portion are biased towards each other for biasing the engagement portion against the sheets for gripping the sheets. The supply member and engagement portion can be biased towards each other by gravity. The supply member can be pivoted with respect to the infeed mechanism about a pivot axis that is positioned with respect to the center of gravity of the sheet supply, causing the supply member to pivot to retain the sheet stock associated with the infeed mechanism. 
     The supply member can have a sheet area configured for holding the sheet stock, the sheet area having a first side closer to the infeed mechanism and a second side opposite therefrom, and a pivot axis of the supply member can be disposed closer to the first side of the sheet area. The pivot axis can be disposed above the sheet area such that when the sheet area is full, the center of gravity of the loaded sheet supply is below the pivot axis. 
     The dunnage apparatus can further comprise a sheet supply support from which the sheet supply member is pivotally supported. The dunnage apparatus can further comprise a pivot pin pivotally supporting the supply member about the pivot axis. The infeed mechanism can be configured for feeding individual sheets from the supply member to the dunnage machine. The supply member can be configured and dimensioned for the individual sheets to be arranged as a stack, and the infeed mechanism is configured for picking up a top sheet in the stack. 
     The infeed mechanism can comprise an engagement portion configured for picking up a top sheet in the stack, and the supply member is pivotally biased towards the engagement portion for retaining the top sheet associated therewith. The engagement mechanism can comprise a pick-up wheel positioned to engage the top sheet. The dunnage machine can comprise a crumpler configured for crumpling the sheets, which are made of a paper material. 
     Also provided in an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure is a method of providing sheet stock to be converted to dunnage, comprising providing a stack of sheets on a sheet stock supply member that is automatically pivotable for retaining the stack in association with an infeed mechanism, automatically pivoting the supply member to retain the stack in association with the infeed mechanism, picking up a sheet from the stack by the infeed mechanism and feeding the picked-up sheet to a dunnage machine, and converting the picked-up sheet into dunnage. 
     The supply member can be configured for holding stacked sheets of the sheet stock, and the supply member and an engagement portion at an entry of the infeed mechanism are biased towards each other by gravity for biasing the engagement portion against the sheets for gripping the sheets. The supply member can be pivoted with respect to the infeed mechanism about a pivot axis that is positioned with respect to the center of gravity of the sheet supply, causing the supply member to pivot to retain the sheet stock associated with the infeed mechanism. 
     Also provided in an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure is a dunnage apparatus for converting sheet stock into dunnage, comprising a frame, a pivoting sheet stock supply member attached to the frame by a pivot pin such that the pivoting supply member pivots about a pivot axis of the pivot pin, a paper crumpling machine attached to the frame, and an infeed mechanism attached to the frame, wherein the pivoting supply member pivots about the pivot axis such that a top of a proximal end of the pivoting supply member is biased towards the infeed mechanism. 
     Additional advantages and novel features of the examples will be set forth in part in the description which follows, and in part will become apparent to those skilled in the art upon examination of the following description and the accompanying drawings or may be learned by production or operation of the examples. The advantages of the concepts may be realized and attained by means of the methodologies, instrumentalities and combinations particularly pointed out in the appended claims. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS 
       The drawing figures depict one or more implementations in accord with the present concepts, by way of example only, not by way of limitations. In the figures, like reference numerals refer to the same or similar elements. 
         FIG. 1  is a front perspective view of a dunnage system constructed according to an embodiment with a dunnage handler in a partially full position; 
         FIG. 2  is a side partial cut-away view thereof; 
         FIG. 3  is a perspective view of a pick-up system of the dunnage system of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 4  is a side, partial cut-away view thereof; 
         FIG. 5  is a side, partial cut-away view of a dunnage machine according to an embodiment; 
         FIG. 6  is a side, partial cut-away view thereof; 
         FIG. 7  is a perspective view of a box of paper that can be used with the pivoting sheet supply. 
         FIG. 8  is a rear, perspective view of the dunnage mechanism and handler of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 9  is a close-up view of the crumpling mechanism  16  of the dunnage mechanism of  FIG. 8 ; 
         FIG. 10  is an illustration of a crumpling zone thereof; 
         FIG. 11  illustrates dunnage produced by the dunnage system of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 12  is a partial, top view of the dunnage system of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 13  illustrates a view of the third pivoting guide plate and associated exit-side rollers with a view of the eccentric assembly between the entry-side rollers and the exit-side rollers, in accordance with one embodiment; 
         FIG. 14  illustrates a cross sectional view of the eccentric assembly of  FIG. 13 ; 
         FIG. 15  is a perspective view of a portion of the dunnage system of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 16  is a side, partial cut-away view of a portion of the dunnage system of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 17  is side view of an upper holding portion thereof; 
         FIG. 18  is a front, cross-sectional view showing a crossbar thereof; 
         FIG. 19  is a side perspective view of a pulley side of a dunnage machine according to certain embodiments; 
         FIG. 20  is a side view of a dunnage handler support structure in a released position according to certain embodiments; 
         FIG. 21  is a front/side perspective view of a dunnage handler according to certain embodiments; and 
         FIG. 22  is a front view ‘A,’ as shown on  FIG. 12 , of a unit of dunnage according to certain embodiments. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
     Referring to  FIGS. 1-2 , a preferred embodiment of a dunnage system  10  using a dunnage handler  18  is shown. As shown more closely in  FIG. 3 , the dunnage handler  18  may take the form of a dunnage accumulator adapted to accumulate dunnage  40  fed out of a dunnage machine  17 , for example to allow packing personnel to retrieve the dunnage  40  from the accumulator for use in protective-packing operations. Alternatively, the dunnage handler  18  may be configured to discharge dunnage  40  or it may be reconfigurable between an accumulator configuration and a discharger configuration. 
     Referring to the top view of  FIG. 4 , a top view of a dunnage handler  18  integrated into a dunnage machine  17  is shown. One type of dunnage machine  17  can include a cross-crumpling dunnage machine  17 . The cross-crumpling dunnage machine  17  can pickup unprocessed paper from the material source  12  and feed it into a crumpling mechanism  16 . The unprocessed paper can be cross-crumpled to form dunnage  40  and can further be fed out into the dunnage handler  18 . The dunnage  40  may enter the dunnage handler  18  at a head end  501 , travel along a handling direction  522  into a handling area  503 , and be retrieved from a trailing end  505 . 
     The cross-crumpled dunnage  40  can be a relatively elongate crumpled sheet of paper formed from an individual sheet of preprocessed paper. That is, the dunnage  40  may be formed from sheet stock in lieu of, for example, a roll. The crumpled nature of the paper can be such that the paper is repeatedly folded back and forth in an accordion type fashion. As shown, the long dimension  602  of the processed paper can be oriented substantially in a transverse direction  573  relative to the handling direction  522  and the short dimension  604  of the paper can be oriented substantially parallel to the handling direction  522 . In some embodiments, the cross-crumpled dunnage may have a long dimension  602  substantially equal to or slightly less than the same dimension in its pre-processed condition. However, the short dimension  604  may be substantially less than the same dimension in its pre-processed condition. In some embodiments, the short dimension  604  may be between approximately 15% and approximately 25% of its preprocessed length. The height of the accordion folds of the dunnage may range from approximately 0.5 inches to 2 inches from valley to crest. In a preferred embodiment, the height may be approximately 1 inch. 
     It is noted that the dunnage handler  18  described herein may be used with and/or adapted for handling dunnage  40  of any sort and is not limited to use with cross-crumpled dunnage. Moreover, the dunnage machine  17  is not limited to a cross-crumpling machine. Other suitable types of dunnage  40  can be used in other embodiments, such as air-filled pillows or other material, foam peanut type material, continuous paper type material formed from a roll of pre-processed paper, and the dunnage machine  17  can be correspondingly adapted to dispense or produce such other types of dunnage. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 2 , a stack  132  of sheet stock can be held on a sheet stock supply member  110 , such as on a tray. Other types of paper containing devices may be used, and different shapes and sizes can be used. The stack  132  can comprise a plurality of paper sheets, or which are preferably independent sheets that are not attached to each other, although in other embodiments, a long sheet or attachments between the sheets may be used. For example, a banded plurality of sheets can be used. The tray  110  can hold a container for the paper sheets, such as a box or corrugated cardboard (with an opening for engaging the sheets) or paper or other suitable material, or the paper sheets can be placed directly inside the tray  110 . 
     The tray  110  can be a pivoting tray, such that it pivots about a pivot pin  112  on one or both lateral sides of the tray. The pivot pin  112  can hold the tray  110  to frame  118 , and can comprise a screw, pin, nail, or other suitable connection or linkage. The pin  112  is preferably oriented with it axis extending laterally with respect to the crumpling device, and is preferably disposed slightly off-center from the center of gravity of the portion pivoted therefrom. In one embodiment, a lengthwise distance  115  between a pivoting axis  119  of the pin  112  and a proximal end  114  of the tray  110  is less than a lengthwise distance  117  between the pivoting axis  119  of the pin  112  and a distal end  116  of the tray  110 . The pivot pin  112  is engaged against the frame  118  such that it is strong enough to hold the pivoting sheet supply  110  against the frame  118 , but yet allows the pivoting sheet supply  110  to pivot about the pivot axis  119  in a clockwise direction  122  and a counter-clockwise direction  124 . 
     The pivot pin  112  can be slightly off-center with respect to the length of the pivoting sheet supply  110 . In  FIG. 2 , the pivot pin  112  is off-center with respect to the length of the pivoting sheet supply  110  such that the length of a distance between the pin  112  and a proximal end  114  of the pivoting sheet supply  110  is less than the length of the distance between the pin  112  and a distal end  116  of the pivoting sheet supply  110 . Therefore, the center of gravity of the pivoting sheet supply  110  is such that the pivoting sheet supply  110  will tend to push in a downwards direction  126  at the distal end  116  of the pivoting sheet supply  110 , and will tend to push in an upwards direction  128  at the proximal end  114  of the pivoting sheet supply  110 . The height of the pivot pin  112  relative to the intersection of the top sheet  140  and the engagement portion  140 , when the sheet supply  110  is in a full level, can be approximately a height of ½ full material level of the sheet supply  110  from the top of the sheet supply  110  to the pivot pin  112 . 
     The center of gravity of the tray  110  is preferably disposed with respect to the pivoting axis  119  thereof such that the tray  110  will tend to push downwards at the distal end  116  and upwards at the proximal end  114 . This retains the stack  132  of sheeting material in the tray in contact with an engagement portion  140  of the infeed mechanism  14 . The engagement portion  140  of the embodiment shown includes one or more rollers, such as pick-up wheel  140  of the infeed mechanism  14 , against which the top sheet  130  of the stack  132  is biased into abutment. The geometry and pivot axis can be selected so that an approximately constant force is maintained against the pick-up wheel  140  as the stack  132  is depleted to help pick up a single sheet of paper from the stack  132 . The geometry and pivot axis can be selected such that such that the tray  110  and the engagement portion  140  are biased towards each other for biasing the engagement portion  140  against the sheets for gripping the sheets in the stack  132 . The tray  110  and the engagement portion  140  can be biased based on gravity. The center of gravity of the tray  110  allows the tray to pivot toward the engagement portion  140 . The engagement portion  140  can be located above, or directly above, the supply mechanism or tray  110 . The engagement portion  140  can be located directly above a first edge of the top sheet of the stack  132 . The engagement portion  140  can lift up shingle sheets, which can be based on the position of the pickup wheel  140  and/or a clutch timing, which will be further described below. 
     The sheet stock can comprise a stack of paper sheets which can be of any suitable size, and preferably of roughly 24″×18″, although other dimensions can be utilized, as will be apparent to one having ordinary skill in the art, to be fed into the pick-up wheel  140 . It should be noted that any size paper sheeting material, or other substrate, is contemplated by the present disclosure, although paper is preferred. In one embodiment, the sheeting material can be around 24″×48″. The sheeting material may be smaller or larger, such as up to a full pallet size (about 40″×48″), although larger sheets can be used in other embodiments. Moreover, the sheeting material may be of various densities, such as between 20 lb and 70 lb. Kraft paper. The sheeting material may be virgin or recycled. Moreover, the sheeting material may be intermixed so as to deliver 2 sheets or more at once of the same basis weight, or a combination of basis weights. A single sheet selector  142  can be placed inside a paper guide  144  so that only a single sheet of paper travels from the pick-up wheel  140  to the transfer roller  150 . Therefore, if two (or more) sheets of paper are picked up by the pick-up wheel  140 , the bottom sheet(s) will be blocked so that only one sheet (the top sheet) travels along the path to the transfer roller along the paper guide  144 . The single sheet selector  142  can be adjusted so that two, three or more sheets travel along the paper guide  144  to the transfer roller  150 . 
     As seen in  FIG. 3 , a stack  132  of papers is supplied in the tray  110 . The pick-up wheel  140  is in contact with the paper sheet  130 , due to the upwards force F at the proximal end  114  of the tray  110  and the downwards weight W due to the weight of the stack  132  and the tray  110 . Thus, the pick-up wheel  140  can be immediately above the paper sheet  130  and is in contact with and able to pick up the paper sheet  130  directly from the stack  132 . The pick-up wheel  140  is located preferably along a middle of the shaft  148  that rotates, which in turn rotates the pick-up wheel  140 . The tray  110  is also centered so that the pick-up wheel is in contact with a center area of the paper sheet  130 . The paper sheet  130  is picked up by the pick-up wheel  130  and travels along the paper guide  144  to the transfer roller  150 . The paper guide  144  can have curved walls to allow an easy path for the paper sheet  130 . The transfer roller is also centered and located along a middle of the shaft  152  that rotates, which in turn rotates the transfer roller  150 . A frame  102  may provide support for the pick-up wheel  150  and transfer roller  150 . The shaft  148  is connected to pulley  170 , and the shaft  152  is connected to pulley  178 , which are rotated by belt  180 . The belt  180  can be powered by a motor (not shown). The belt travels on a path along pulleys  170 ,  178 ,  176 ,  174  and  172 . An electromechanical clutch  179  can be provided that allows for intermittent control of the engagement portion  140  for engagement of a sheet  130  from the sheet supply  110 . A mechanical clutch can also be used that can trip itself based on an absence of a sheet in the path, that will not need an electrical apparatus. The pick-up wheel  140  has a surface material that is preferably selected to have the desired traction with the top sheet of the stack  132 . Suitable materials include, for example, elastomers such as rubber, and may be smooth or textured or have other shapes. Other materials can be used besides elastomers, which have sufficient friction such that they can displace the top sheet. For example, the engagement portion  140  could be hard but have a texture or selective coating on it. The engagement portion can also have vacuum porting. 
     The pick-up wheel  140  is preferably located at or near the lateral center of the stack on the tray and preferably includes only a single wheel or a plurality of wheels that are spaced close together. The central location of the pick-up wheel  140  and narrow lateral width thereof allow the paper sheet  130  that is drawn into the intake path  134  to rotate generally in plane, laterally with respect to the path. Lateral guide walls, which can be a continuous and/or curved, are provided by the sheet guide  144 , which are disposed so that if the paper sheet  130  in the stack  132  on the tray  110 , or other supply device, is not straight, it can be picked up by the pick-up wheel  140  and as it travels along the paper guide in contact with the sidewalls of the sheet guide  144 , the pick-up wheel  140  will cause the sheet to straighten out as it travels along the sheet guide  144 , preferably so it is straight with respect to the intake path  134  when it reaches the transfer roller  150  and crumpling zone  310 . 
       FIG. 4  illustrates a cross-sectional side view of the dunnage apparatus and shows a path taken by a paper sheet  130  coming off the paper stack  132 . A paper sheet  130  on a paper stack  132  with a first top side exposed is picked up by the pick-up wheel  140 , which can be driven. The pick-up wheel  140  can engage a central portion of the paper sheet  130 , and also an edge portion of a top side of the paper sheet  130 . The paper sheet  130  moves along a intake path  134  in a first direction, which can be an intake direction, and sheet guide  144  to the transfer roller  150 . A transfer assist roller  160  can assist by trapping the paper sheet  130  in between the transfer roller  150  and transfer assist roller  160 . The paper sheet  130  is then turned around on transfer roller  150  along path  136  such that when it comes off the transfer roller  150  the paper sheet is traveling in a different direction  138 , and can be turned around such that a bottom side of the paper sheet  130  is now on top. The transfer roller  150  can be driven, and the transfer assist roller  160  can be undriven. The direction  138  can be approximately 100° from the first direction of the intake path  134 , or approximately 130-150° from the first direction of the intake path  134 , such that the intake path substantially reverses upon itself. 
     The paper sheet  130  then travels along second direction  138  over a third roller, such as traction bearing  165  that again changes the direction of the paper sheet  130  from the second direction  138  to a third direction  139 , which can be opposite than the intake path reversal upon itself. The traction bearing  165  can be driven, and can be above the first roller. The third direction can be approximately 70-110° from the second direction, and can be approximately greater than 80°, and can be 90° from the second direction. The paper sheet  130  then enters the crumpling zone  310 , and can enter the crumpling zone in a third direction  139  that can be a crumpling direction. The crumpling direction can lead vertically upward into the crumpling zone  310 . The crumpling zone  310  can be above or directly above the traction bearing  165 . Such arrangement of the infeed mechanism being below the crumpling mechanism saves space, and particularly, horizontal space. Such an embodiment saves the footprint of the unit. Other embodiments are also possible in the present disclosure. For example, the transfer roller  150  can be in vertical alignment with the pick-up wheel  140 , and/or the traction bearing  165 , and/or in vertical alignment with the crumpling zone. The paper path can be approximately 90 degrees in relation to the paper supply  110 . 
     The intake path of the paper sheet  130  can also be seen by the dotted line  200  of  FIG. 5 . As illustrated in  FIG. 5 , the paper sheet  130  is picked up by the pick-up wheel  140  and enters the infeed zone  152 . The paper sheet travels along a paper guide  144  along an infeed ramp  162  up to the transfer roller  150 . The infeed ramp can be a slightly inclined surface along the paper guide  144 , such as at an angle between about 10° to 60°, and can be for example about 30° to forty-five degrees. As the paper sheet  130  travels along the transfer roller  150 , the transfer roller  150  changes the direction of the paper sheet  130  as described above. The paper sheet then travels along the path  200  along the traction bearing  165  which changes the path direction  200  of the paper  130  again, to substantially a vertical direction, where the paper sheet then enters the crumpling zone  310 . 
       FIG. 6  illustrates a partial cut-away view thereof of the pivoting sheet supply  110  and a sheet supply area  155 . As seen in  FIG. 6 , a stack  132  of paper sheets  130  can be placed inside the pivoting sheet supply  110  such that the edges of the paper sheets  130  are in touch with the inner walls of the pivoting sheet supply  110 . As shown in  FIG. 6 , the pivoting sheet supply  110  can be configured to naturally hold the stack  132  of paper sheets  130  in place using rear wall  113  and side wall  11 . Other orientations can alternatively be used. Preferably, there is no wall along the proximal end  114  of the pivoting sheet supply  110 , so that the edges of the paper sheets  130  are in contact with a pick-up wheel  140 . Alternatively, a wall on the proximal end  114  can have a lower height such that the edges of the paper sheets  130  are still in contact with the pick-up wheel  140 . 
     Further, as seen in  FIG. 6 , the weight of the stack  132  of paper sheets  130  located in the sheet supply area  155  will further assist pushing the distal end  116  of the pivoting sheet supply  110  in a downwards direction  126 , and pushing the proximal end  114  of the pivoting sheet supply  110  in an upwards direction  128 . Because the pivot pin  112  is located “off-center”, it allows the weight of the pivoting sheet supply  110  and the stack  132  of paper sheets  130  to push the pivoting sheet supply  110  in such manner. 
     Because the weight of the stack  132  and the weight of the pivoting sheet supply  110  push the proximal end  114  of the pivoting sheet supply  110  in an upwards direction  128 , this allows the stack  132  of sheeting material in the tray  110  to be in contact with one or more rollers, such as the pick-up wheel  140 . The geometry and pivot pin  112  location is such that an approximately constant force is maintained against the pick-up wheel  140  to help pick up a single sheet of paper, or more than one sheet, if preferable. As one or more paper sheets  130  come off the stack  132  by the pick-up wheel  140 , the pivoting sheet supply  110  pivots about the pivot pin  112  and moves slightly in an upwards direction  128  at the proximal end  114  of the pivoting sheet supply  110 , such that the pick-up wheel  140  is constantly in touch with a top paper sheet  130  of the stack  132 . Other devices besides the pick-up wheel can be used as a pick-up member for engaging the top sheet  130  of the stack. 
     The pivot pin  112  can be positioned so that the pivoting sheet supply  110  hangs therefrom, but other arrangements can be used to provide a similar arrangement. The pivot axis  119  can be disposed above the sheet supply  155  such that when the sheet supply  155  is full, the center of gravity of the loaded sheet supply  110  is below the pivot axis  119 . Gravity is preferably used to pivot the tray  110  to retain the sheets in association with the infeed mechanism. However, other embodiments can be used that can control the pivot movement of the pivoting tray  110 , such as, but not limited to, use of weights on one or both sides of the pivoting tray  110 , or use of springs. Also, an electromechanical actuator can be used to purposely imbalance the tray  110  to induce an interactive torque or force resulting in a tractive condition between the pickup wheel  150  and a top sheet  130 . 
     Between a fully loaded condition of the tray  110 , and an empty condition of the tray  110 , the tray  110  can pivot away from and towards the infeed mechanism/engagement portion  140 . In an exemplary embodiment, in the full position, the distal side  116  of the tray  110  is higher than the proximal side  114 , and in the empty position the proximal side  114  is higher than the distal side  116 . In a middle position, the tray  110  can be substantially level. The pivoting axis  119  is eccentric to the center of gravity and to the sheet supply area  155  in a preferred embodiment. 
     The engagement portion  140  can be configured for feeding more than one of sheet from the pivoting sheet supply  110  in an overlapping arrangement into the paper crumpling mechanism. The tray  110  can be configured and dimensioned for the individual sheets arranged as a stack, and the engagement portion  140  can be configured for picking up the top sheet in the stack. The engagement portion  140  can be configured for drawing one or more paper sheets from a top of the stack to the paper crumpling mechanism. The engagement portion can also be configured for engaging or picking up a sheet  130  that is not the top sheet. The loading time of the tray  110  can be reduced by configuring the tray  110  such that the tray  110  self-threads paper stock after replenishing. 
     The pivoting sheet supply  110  can hold a container  212  for the paper sheets, such as a box or corrugated cardboard or other suitable material, as shown in  FIG. 7 . The container  212  can alternatively be a soft envelope of paper or other suitable material, but is preferably at least semi-rigid to help maintain the alignment of the stack  132  regardless of handling and the current thickness of the stack  132 . The container  212  can have an access opening  214 . With the container  212  placed inside the pivoting sheet supply  110 , the pick-up wheel  140  can come in direct contact with the exposed supply sheet  130  of the stack  132  through the access opening  214 , allowing the supply sheet  130  to be fed into the dunnage machine. Preferably, the tear-away portion  216  is connected to the remainder of the container  212  with a perforated line  218  configured to expose the access opening  214 , to expose one of the supply sheets  130  in the stack  132 . The end of the container  212  with the access opening  214  would be placed at the proximal end  114  of the pivoting sheet supply  110 . 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 1 ,  2 ,  4 ,  5 , and  8 - 14 , a dunnage mechanism will be described. In a preferred embodiment, the dunnage mechanism may be a crumpling mechanism  16 . 
       FIG. 4  illustrates a close up view of a crumpling mechanism  16  of a dunnage system, in accordance with one embodiment. The crumpling mechanism  16  includes a plurality of crumpling members  302 ,  304 ,  306 ,  308  that together define a crumpling zone  310  therebetween when viewed laterally with respect to the feed path through the crumpling members and crumpling zone. The crumpling members  302 ,  304 ,  306 ,  308  may be supported by member supports  24  or  26 . The crumpling members  302 ,  304 ,  306 ,  308 , their lateral orientation to one another, and their relative speeds and movement cause the material to be formed into dunnage. In a specific embodiment, the crumpling members include two exit-side rollers  306 ,  308  and two entry-side rollers  302 ,  304  The exit-side rollers  306 ,  308  may be referred to as low-speed rollers  306 ,  308  in the preferred embodiment since in this embodiment their linear speed is less than that of the other two crumpling members. Alternatively, the exit-side rollers  306 ,  308  may be to as upper rollers in the preferred embodiment since in this embodiment they are disposed vertically above the crumple zone  310  and the high-speed rollers  302 ,  304 . The entry-side rollers  302 ,  304  may be referred to as high-speed rollers  302 ,  304  in the preferred embodiment since in this embodiment their linear speed is more than that of the other two crumpling members. Alternatively, the entry-side rollers  302 ,  304  may be referred to as lower rollers in the preferred embodiment since in this embodiment they are disposed vertically below the crumple zone  310  and the low-speed rollers  306 ,  308 ). 
     The first and second entry-side crumpling rollers  302 ,  304  define an entry therebetween while the first and second exit-side crumpling rollers  306 ,  308  define an exit therebetween. The first entry-side crumpling roller may be configured for moving at an first rate and may be associated with the second entry-side crumpling roller for moving sheet material through the entry in a first direction along a longitudinal path at an entry rate. The exit is disposed along the longitudinal path downstream of the entry in the first direction. The first exit-side crumpling roller may be configured for moving at a second rate and may be associated with the second exit-side crumpling roller for moving the sheet material through the exit in the first direction along the longitudinal rate at an exit rate that is slower than the entry rate to crumple the sheet material for producing dunnage. 
     A crumpling zone  310  is defined between the entry and the exit. It is generally within this crumpling zone  310  that the material is processed from raw material to dunnage. The entry-side crumpling rollers  302 ,  304  and the exit-side crumpling rollers  306 ,  308  may be displaced laterally along the path with respect to each other to cause shearing of the material within the crumpling zone. More specifically, the entry-side crumpling rollers  302 ,  304  and the exit-side crumpling rollers  306 ,  308  may be displaced laterally such that the shearing creates crumpling along axes at a non-orthogonal angle with respect to the longitudinal path. Such non-orthogonal angle may be any angle less than 91°. The exit-side crumpling rollers  306 ,  308  may be provided generally interior of the dunnage system while the entry-side crumpling rollers  302 ,  304  may be provided generally exterior of the dunnage system (shown in  FIG. 8 ). 
     It is to be appreciated that relative spatial orientations may vary in different orientations and/or configurations. In some embodiments, all of the low-speed rollers  306 ,  308  and the high-speed rollers  302 ,  304  have the same diameter. 
       FIG. 4  further illustrates portions of the in-feed system cooperatively associated with the crumpling members for feeding a subsequent sheet of the material along an infeed-path to the entry of the crumpling zone formed by the entry-side rollers. In the embodiment shown, the in-feed system comprises a pick up roller  140  and a transfer roller  150 . The pick up roller  140  for picks material up from the material source (for example, a tray) and feeds the material along a pick up path towards the in feed path. The transfer roller  150  the sheet of material from the pick up path to the in feed path. While this is a specific configuration of an in-feed system that may be used to feed unprocessed material into the crumpling mechanism  16 , it is to be appreciated that any system for feeding unprocessed material into the crumpling mechanism may be used. In the embodiments shown, unprocessed material is provided as a stack of sheets in a tray. The stack of sheets is picked up by the pick up roller  140 , fed through a transfer roller  150  and pinch bearing and guided into the crumpling mechanism  16 . 
     As shown, a stage eye  314  may be provided for determining when the in-feed path, or path from the transfer roller  150  to the crumpling mechanism  16 , is clear. The optical path  315  of the stage eye  314  is shown in dashed lines. It is to be appreciated that this path is not a structural element of the figure. A reflective element may be provided on the pick up roller  140  or on the pick up roller shaft  30  such that the reflective element reflects light back to the stage eye  314  when the optical path  315  from the stage eye  314  is not obstructed by material. In some embodiments, the reflective element may be a reflective sticker. The reflective element is provided generally in line with the stage eye  314 . The stage eye facilitates maintenance of steady state production. While optical sensing is herein described, mechanical or alternative sensing methods may alternatively be used. 
     A path clear eye  320  may be provided for determining when an end of the preceding sheet of processed material has passed through the high-speed rollers  302 ,  304 . A reflective element thus may be provided on the fixed guide plate high-speed roller  302  or the fixed guide plate high-speed roller shaft  328  such that the reflective element reflects light back to the path clear eye  320  when the optical path  322  from the path clear eye  320  is not obstructed by material. The path clear eye reduces the possibility of inadvertent jamming that may occur. While optical sensing is herein described, mechanical or alternative sensing methods may alternatively be used. 
     The in-feed system may be configured such that a sheet of material is picked up and fed towards the crumpling mechanism only when the stage eye  314  and the path clear eye  320  are clear. Thus, the subsequent sheet of material is fed when the preceding sheet is in the crumpling zone but passed the path clear eye  320 . 
     The transfer roller  150  feeds material into the crumpling mechanism  16 . In some embodiments, a guide may be provided with the transfer roller  150  for more effectively guiding the material to the crumpling mechanism  16 . The unprocessed material is fed into the crumpling mechanism  16  between the two high-speed rollers  302 ,  304 . An entry-guide  305  may be provided along the in-feed path to assist in guiding the material into the entry formed by the entry-side rollers  302 ,  304 . In a preferred embodiment, the entry-guide  305  is offset from the entry and is spaced from the entry-side roller  302  by the thickness being used to guide the material. This spacing places the material in the proper position for feeding into the entry. The unprocessed material then enters the crumpling zone  310 . The processed material, or dunnage, exits the crumpling zone  310  through the two low-speed rollers  306 ,  308 . At least because the exit-side rollers  306 ,  308  operate at a lower speed than the entry-side rollers  302 ,  304 , the material crumples in the crumpling zone  310 . Thus, the two low-speed rollers  306 ,  308  and the two high-speed rollers  302 ,  304  work together to create a crumpling zone  310 . 
       FIG. 4  illustrates example positioning of the end  316  of a preceding sheet of processed material and the beginning  318  of a next sheet of unprocessed material as the unprocessed material is fed from the pick-up system into the crumpling mechanism  16 . In use, the dunnage system  10  may be set such that a subsequent sheet of unprocessed material is fed into the crumpling zone at a specific position of the trailing edge of the preceding sheet of material. As discussed above, the path clear eye  320  may determine when the end  316  f the preceding material has passed through the entry-side rollers  302 ,  304 . This can prompt infeeding of another sheet of material. 
     Speed of crumpling rollers  302 ,  304 ,  306 ,  308  refers to the surface speed or linear speed of the rollers. Generally, the exit-side (or upper) rollers  306 ,  308  move slower than the entry-side (or lower) rollers  302 ,  304 . In embodiments in which the diameter of the exit-side rollers  306 ,  308  and the entry-side rollers  302 ,  304  is the same, to achieve a faster speed, the entry-side rollers  302 ,  304  rotate at a higher velocity than the exit-side rollers  306 ,  308 . In other embodiments, the diameter of the exit-side rollers  306 ,  308  may be larger than the diameter of the entry-side rollers  302 ,  304  such that, at the same velocity of rotation, the entry-side rollers  302 ,  304  have a higher linear speed than the exit-side rollers  306 ,  308 . The speed and relative orientation of the rollers  302 ,  304 ,  306 ,  308  together facilitate compression or crumpling of the unprocessed material into dunnage. More specifically, the crumpling mechanism  16  creates dunnage having a configuration including pleats and crimped regions. 
       FIG. 8  illustrates the dunnage system  10  from a rear perspective. The dunnage system  10  includes a pulley end  20  and a motor end  22 . As shown, The dunnage system may include a first set of entry and exit crumpling rollers near the pulley end  20  and a second set of entry and exit crumpling rollers near the motor end  22 . The material thus extends between the first set of entry and exit crumpling rollers and the second set of entry and exit crumpling rollers and is crumpled generally proximate ends of the material that pass through the respective sets of rollers. In some embodiments, a further crumpling roller, which in the preferred embodiment is a center roller  312  (shown in  FIG. 12 ), may be provided. The center roller may be provided at any lateral location between the first set of entry and exit side crumpling rollers and the second set of entry and exit side crumpling rollers. In some embodiments, the center roller is approximately central to the first and second sets of entry and exit side crumpling rollers. The center roller may be provided along a shaft supporting the first or the second high speed rollers, discussed more fully below. The center roller thus may be provided at a generally low location and may operate at a high speed. In use, the center roller operates to push the material along the longitudinal path. In embodiments where the exit-side crumpling rollers are provided interior of the dunnage system, the center roller may assist in pushing the material upwardly on each side against the exit-side crumpling rollers. More specifically, because the entry-side rollers are positioned laterally outside with respect to the exit-side rollers, a sheet of material is pushed up at the sides and down closer to the center (relatively speaking since the inner, upper rollers are slower and thus restrict the upward movement). The center roller pushes up so that there is an upward push on each lateral side of the exit-side rollers, helping the sheet of material move along and improving the creasing. In further embodiments, two center rollers may be provided and may be oriented generally in the same manner as the first and second entry-side rollers. 
     As shown, the dunnage system includes support structures. Suitable support structures can include, for example, a base, a plate, a bracket, or a mounting surface. Other suitable support structures can be provided. As shown, in  FIG. 8 , the support structures may be guide plates. In a specific embodiment, the support structures include pivoting guide plates and fixed guide plates. More specifically, in the embodiment shown, the support structures include first, second, and third pivoting guide plates  24   a - 24   c  (referred to collectively as pivoting guide plates  24 ) and first, second, and third fixed guide plates  26   a - 26   c  (referred to collectively as fixed guide plates  26 ). The pivoting guide plates  24  span from the crumpling mechanism  16  to the dunnage handler  18 . The first pivoting guide plate  24   a  is provided generally near the pulley side  20  of the dunnage system  10 , the third pivoting guide plate  24   c  is provided generally near the motor side  22  of the dunnage system  10 , and the second pivoting guide plate  24   b  is provided intermediate the first pivoting guide plate  24   a  and the third pivoting guide plate  24   c . A pivoting guide plate coupling shaft  29  is provided coupling the pivoting guide plates  24 . Fixed guide plates  26   a - 26   c  are provided coupled to each of the pivoting guide plates  24   a - 24   c . In some embodiments, a second fixed guide plate  26   b  (for coupling to the second pivoting guide plate  24   b ) may not be provided. A plurality of frames  28  may be provided for supporting the crumpling mechanism  16  and the dunnage handler  18 . In the embodiment shown, five frames  28  are provided with three of the frames  28  being associated with the pivoting guide plates  24  (one frame per pivoting guide plate  24 ). 
     A pick up roller  140  is provided generally centrally of the pulley end  20  and the motor end  22 . The pick up roller  140  works with a transfer roller  150  to move unprocessed material from the material source to the crumpling mechanism  16 . A pick up roller shaft  30  is provided through the pick up roller  140  and, in this embodiment, through the frames. The pick up roller shaft  30  is driven by an electromechanical clutch on the pulley end of the dunnage system and in turn drives the pick up roller  140 . 
     As discussed, in the embodiment shown, the crumpling mechanism  16  of the dunnage system  10  includes two sets of exit-side rollers  306 ,  308  and two sets of entry-side rollers  302 ,  304 . Each set of exit-side rollers includes a pivoting guide plate exit-side roller  308  (coupled to a respective pivoting guide plate  24 ) and a fixed guide plate exit-side roller  306  (provided proximate or coupled to a respective fixed guide plate  26 ). Each set of entry-side rollers includes a pivoting guide plate entry-side roller  304  (provided proximate or coupled to a respective pivoting guide plate  24 ) and a fixed guide plate entry-side roller  302  (provided proximate or coupled to a respective fixed guide plate  26 ). 
     Accordingly, the first set of entry-side rollers  302 ,  304  and the first set of exit-side rollers  306 ,  308  are provided proximate the first pivoting guide plate  24   a , with a first pivoting guide plate exit-side roller  308  being coupled to the first pivoting guide plate  24   a . The second set of entry-side rollers  302 ,  304  and the second set of exit-side rollers  306 ,  308  are provided proximate the third pivoting guide plate  24   c , with a second pivoting guide plate exit-side roller  308  being coupled to the third pivoting guide plate  24   c . In other embodiments, where more creasing of pleats in the dunnage (described below) is desired, further sets of entry-side rollers and exit-side rollers may be provided. 
     A pivoting guide plate low-speed roller shaft  322  is provided coupling the pivoting guide plate exit-side rollers  308 . A fixed guide plate low-speed roller shaft  324  is provided coupling the fixed guide plate exit-side rollers  306 . A pivoting guide plate high-speed roller shaft  326  is provided coupling the pivoting guide plate entry-side rollers  304 . A fixed guide plate high-speed roller shaft  328  is provided coupling the fixed guide plate entry-side rollers  302 . The optional center roller may be provided on one of the pivoting guide plate high-speed roller shaft  326  or the fixed guide plate high-speed roller shaft  328 . In the embodiment shown, the center roller is provided on the fixed guide plate high speed roller shaft  328 . The shafts  322 ,  324 ,  326 ,  328  assist in communicating movement to the rollers  308 ,  306 ,  304 ,  302 . 
     A motor  32  is provided in a suitable location for driving the dunnage mechanism  16 , and preferably also the intake mechanism  14 . The motor is preferably provided on the motor side  22  of the dunnage system  10  for driving various components of the dunnage system  10 . The motor  32  is coupled to the fixed guide plate high-speed roller shaft  328  and thus drives the fixed guide shaft high-speed rollers  304 . A pulley  34 , or other transmission, is provided for communicating power from the motor  32  to the fixed guide plate low-speed roller shaft  324 . Accordingly, the motor  32  powers the pulley  34  which in turn powers the fixed guide speed roller shaft  324  to rotate the fixed guide shaft low-speed rollers  306 . 
     In the preferred embodiment, an electromechanical clutch  36  is provided on the pulley end  20  of the dunnage system  10  for driving various components of the dunnage system  10 . The electromechanical clutch  36  drives the pick up roller shaft  30 , which in turn drives the pick up roller  140 . A belt drives the pulley along the pick-up roller shaft  30 . The electromechanical clutch  36  has an electrconnector that is associated with an adaptive control system  50  or controller. The controller  50  indicates to the clutch when to engage the pick-up roller shaft  30  and when to disengage the pick-up roller shaft  30 . When the pick-up roller shaft  30  is disengaged, the pulley may rotate but it will not rotate the pick-up roller shaft  30 . The controller  50  indicates information to the clutch based on data from the stage eye and the path-clear eye. When the stage eye and the path-clear eye are clear, the controller  50  indicates to the electromechanical clutch  36  to engage the pick-up roller shaft  30 . In some embodiments, the system may have a variable speed to reduce starting and stopping of the system. 
     In alternative embodiments, no electromechanical clutch may be provided and the dunnage system may be driven in a timed manner. For example, the dunnage system may engage the pick-up roller shaft on a timed basis such as by engaging the pick-up roller shaft every 15 seconds. 
     Thus, in a preferred embodiment, an adaptive control system  50  or controller may be provided to coordinate the timing of the ingress of the subsequent sheet to the crumpling zone with the egress of the preceding sheet from the crumpling zone to facilitate steady state operation of the dunnage system. It is to be appreciated that  FIG. 8  illustrates a schematic control system  50  and any suitable control system may be used for reading data from the stage eye  314  and the path clear eye  320  and communicating directions to the motor  32  and the electromechanical clutch  36 . For example, the control system  50  may be set such that the electromechanical clutch  36  is operated, and thus in-feed actuated, when both the stage eye  314  and the path clear eye  320  are clear. Generally, the next sheet of paper is fed into the crumpling zone when the preceding sheet is at a certain level in the crumpling zone. That is done by engaging and disengaging the electromechanical clutch on the pick up wheel. The precise timing of engagement and disengagement may be based on the length of the in feed path, the speed of the transfer rollers, and the speed of the crumpling rollers. 
       FIG. 9  illustrates another close up view of the crumpling mechanism  16 , in accordance with one embodiment. The lateral spacing of the entry-side rollers  302 ,  304  and the exit-side rollers  306 ,  308  is set in the present embodiment by the width of the guide plates, and is measured laterally with respect to the path between the entry-side roller  304  and the exit-side roller  308  on each guide plate. Thus, as can be seen in the figure, the entry-side rollers  302 ,  304  are provided on one side of the guide plates  24 ,  26  (the outboard side) and the exit-side rollers  306 ,  308  are provided on the other side of the guide plates  24 ,  26  (the inboard side). Because the entry-side rollers  302 ,  304  and exit-side rollers  306 ,  308  are laterally spaced from one another, they may overlap longitudinally. This in turn permits use of larger rollers. Larger rollers may have higher linear speed. 
     The lateral spacing  309  (shown in  FIG. 12 ) of the rollers may be selected based on the unprocessed stock material that is to be used. In various embodiments, the lateral separation of rollers may range between approximately 2 mm and approximately 20 mm depending on the unprocessed material properties. Generally, if the rollers are positioned too close together, the unprocessed material may be torn when forced between the rollers. Conversely, if the rollers are positioned too far apart, the crimped area may not lock in the pleats when the unprocessed material is forced between the rollers. The lateral spacing  309  is preferably selected to control the shearing within the crumple zone  310 . Typically, the closer the lateral spacing  209  is, the more shearing there will be in the material passing through the crumple zone  310  since this is the region that is deformed to accommodate the different speeds at which the material is moved through the entry-side rollers  302 ,  304  and the exit-side rollers  306 ,  308 . Higher shearing in the crumple zone has been found to increase the crimping in the crimped regions, more tightly locking in the folds in the central region of the formed dunnage. The lateral spacing is preferably sufficiently large to prevent tearing of the stock material, but sufficiently small to provide a high degree of creasing in the crimped region. 
     The longitudinal spacing of the rollers may be selected such that the exit-side rollers overlap the entry-side rollers. More specifically, as shown, the axes of the exit-side rollers and the axes of the entry-side rollers are positioned closer together than the radii of the exit-side rollers and the entry-side rollers. 
     The spacing of the entry-side rollers with respect to one another, the spacing of the exit-side rollers with respect to one another, and the spacing of the entry-side rollers with respect to the exit-side rollers determines the size and shape of the crumpling zone. The relative spacing and size of the rollers further determine the path through which the material is fed. It is to be appreciated that the paper is fed from the in-take area by the in-take roller  140 , around the transfer roller  150 , and to the entry-side rollers  302 ,  304 . More specifically, in the embodiment shown, the paper is fed around the forward entry-side roller  302 . As discussed, an entry-guide  305  may be provided to facilitate feeding of the paper into the entry formed by the entry-side rollers  302 ,  304 . 
     Referring to  FIG. 10 , in various embodiments, the crumpling zone  310  may be generally diamond-shaped. In a specific embodiment, the crumpling zone may have a height  330  of approximately 20-60 mm, and more preferably around 40 mm, and a width  332  of approximately 10-30 mm, and more preferably 15 or 16 mm. In one embodiment, the cross-sectional area, viewed from a lateral direction orthogonally to the path through the entry-side rollers, crumpling zone, and exit-side rollers, of approximately 200 sq. mm. 
       FIG. 10  shows the crumpling zone  310  divided into a plurality of sections  334 . The controller  50 , or another suitable element of the device, can be set to operate the crumpling mechanism to time subsequent sheets entering the crumpling zone  310  to obtain high reliability and optimal crumpling. In one embodiment, the controller  50  is configured to operate the infeed and crumpling mechanisms  14 ,  16  to move a subsequent sheet of material into the crumpling zone  310  when the preceding sheet of material is at a predetermined location in the crumpling zone  310 , or alternatively when the preceding sheet has entirely exited the crumpling zone  310 . Preferably, the controller  50  is configured to move the leading edge of a subsequent sheet of material into crumpling zone  310  when the trailing edge of a preceding sheet of material is disposed at a selected section within the crumpling zone  310 . 
     The crumpling zone may be considered as having 3 sub-zones. The first sub-zone is the entry-zone, where the material enters the crumpling zone. The second sub-zone is the fill-zone. The fill-zone is the area where, when the trailing edge of the preceding sheet of the material enters, it is ideal for the leading edge of the subsequent sheet to enter the entry-zone. The third sub-zone is the exit-zone, where the material enters the crumpling zone. In the embodiment shown, the crumpling zone has been divided into 15 sections  334  starting at section  15  where the material enters the crumpling zone  310  (between the high-speed rollers) and ending at section  1  where the material exits the crumpling zone (between the low-speed rollers) to the dunnage handler. Sections  15 - 11  comprise the entry-zone, sections  6 - 10  comprise the fill-zone, and sections  5 - 1  comprise the exit-zone. Generally, the sections of the fill-zone have a greater area per unit height. 
     As the time interval between sheets (preceding processed material to subsequent unprocessed material) decreases the ratio of velocities (between the entry-side rollers and the exit-side rollers) may be increased to reduce the likelihood of the crumpling zone filling too quickly. Generally, the time interval for a given ratio may be such that dunnage pitch is approximately equal to the maximum width of the crumpling zone. It was found that if only half of the crumpling zone sections (sections  1 - 8  in the embodiment shown) are full, the utilized area of the crumpling zone has a positive rate of change. If the time interval decreases, the crumpling zone sections operating (sections  8  or higher in the embodiment shown) have a negative rate of change and there is a propensity to jam. Thus, the ingress of the next sheet may be regulated to maintain the level at a relatively constant state. In some operational parameters, for example where the time duration is too high, the packing of the crumpling zone may be insufficient for effective packing to maintain the desired crimped region pattern. Similarly, the first sheet in any given processing generally has significantly less crumpling. 
     The size of the crumpling zone  310  may be varied for producing variations of pleat dimensions and characteristics in the produced dunnage. For example, the size and shape of the crumpling zone  310  may be changed for alternate material characteristics or basis weights. In one embodiment, the crumpling zone  310  may be varied by truncating one or more sections (for example from section  6  to section  11 ) with one or more guide plates. Generally, the support structures may be used to help control the shape of the crumpling zone  310 . In a preferred embodiment, the roller supports are positioned between the entry-side rollers and the exit-side rollers and narrow the space where the rollers begin to overlap (near the center of the crumpling zone). 
     In some embodiments, the subsequent sheet is fed into the crumpling zone when the trailing edge of the preceding sheet is in one of section  7 - 10  (depending on the material characteristics). Generally, a subsequent sheet of unprocessed material may be fed into the crumpling zone  310  before the previous sheet of material exits the crumpling zone. The preceding sheet of material aids in the crumpling of the subsequent sheet of material due to the subsequent sheet compressing the preceding sheet in the crumpling zone  310 . More specifically, the subsequent sheet of material thus assists in compressing the preceding sheet into the smaller profile of the upper sections of the crumpling zone  310 . 
     The crumpling zone  310  is described and oriented in a vertical orientation with flow being from the bottom (section  15 ) to top (section  1 ). In other embodiments, the longitudinal orientation and direction of flow may be varied. This embodiment further describes material following an approximately straight line. In alternative embodiments, the material may follow an arc path, an S-shaped path, or other generally non-linear path. In yet further embodiments, a created dunnage product be fed to a further crumpling-zone to progressively form pleats in the material. 
       FIG. 11  illustrates a unit of dunnage  40  created using the dunnage system, in accordance with one embodiment.  FIG. 12  illustrates movement of the material through the dunnage system with the resultant dunnage  40 . The cross-crumpled dunnage  40  can be a relatively elongate crumpled sheet of paper formed from an individual sheet of preprocessed paper. That is, the dunnage  40  may be formed from sheet stock in lieu of, for example, a roll. The crumpled nature of the paper can be such that the paper is repeatedly folded back and forth in an accordion type fashion. In some embodiments, the cross-crumpled dunnage may have a long dimension  602  that is equal to or slightly less than equal to the same dimension in its pre-processed condition. In some embodiments, the short dimension  604  may be between approximately 15% and approximately 25% of its preprocessed length. The height of the accordion folds of the dunnage may range from approximately 0.5 inches to 2 inches from valley to crest. In a preferred embodiment, the height may be approximately 0.75″. 
     As shown, the processed material, or dunnage  40 , includes a central area comprising a tight set of common folds  42  that are locked into place with a crimped region  44  on either end thereof. The dunnage  40  includes end areas  46  laterally outside of the crimped region  44 . The end areas  46  may comprise folds generally similar to the common folds of the central area but having a more relaxed configuration at least because they have a free side of the sheet. In some embodiments, a center crimped region  48  may be provided. 
     The central area includes large, mostly parallel folds  42 . The offset of the entry-side rollers to the exit-side roller creates shearing at the crimped regions  44 ,  48 . The crumpling in these regions thus is not purely along the longitudinal axis. The higher the shearing, the smaller the spacing between folds. The peaks of the folds in the crimped regions  44 ,  48  relative to the folds in the central area thus may be on the order of 2:1 to 20:1, with a preferred range being 5:1 to 8:1. The crimped regions  44 ,  48  include compressed folds having a higher frequency than the parallel folds  42  of the central area. Further, the folds in the crimped regions  44 ,  48  may not be aligned an may be offset by an angle, for example up to 10 to 20°. Some of the folds in the crimped regions  44 ,  48  do not extend fully across, some of the folds in the crimped region  44 ,  48  may intersect other folds in the crimped regions  44 ,  48 , some of the folds in the crimped regions  44 ,  48  terminate within the crimped regions  44 ,  48 . The pattern in the crimped regions  44 ,  48  thus may be referred to as a criss-crossing pattern. The folds in the crimped regions  44 ,  48  thus lock in the pattern of the folds throughout the dunnage. In some embodiments, the dunnage material has a length approximately equal to the length of the unprocessed material and a width that is approximately 15 to 25% of the length of the unprocessed material. In some embodiments, the dunnage material is approximately symmetrical and the outer sections comprise gathered end areas  46  up to the crimped regions  44 . In some embodiments, a further crimped region may be formed generally centrally of the common pleat an optional center roller. 
       FIG. 12  illustrates a top view of the dunnage system  10  with the unprocessed material being fed into the dunnage system and the created dunnage  40  being expelled from the dunnage system, in accordance with one embodiment. The system  10  may include a dunnage machine  17  such as a cross-crumpling dunnage machine  17 . The cross-crumpling dunnage machine  17  can pickup unprocessed paper from the material source  12  and feed it into a crumpling mechanism  16 . The unprocessed paper can be cross-crumpled to form dunnage  40  and can further be fed out into the dunnage handler  18 . The dunnage  40  may enter the dunnage handler  18  at a head end  501 , travel along a handling direction  522  into a handling area  503 , and be retrieved from a trailing end  505 . 
     To create the dunnage shown in  FIG. 11 , the sheet of unprocessed material is fed from the pick-up system into the crumpling mechanism with the ends of the sheet of unprocessed material generally extending between the pulley end  20  of the dunnage system to the motor end  22  of the dunnage system. The crimped regions  44  of the dunnage  40  are disposed in the portions of the material that have passed through the crumpling zones  310 , including the portion that passed laterally between the entry-side rollers  302 ,  304  and the exit-side rollers  306 ,  308  of the crumpling mechanism  16 . Thus, a first crimped region is created by the entry-side rollers  302 ,  304  and exit-side rollers  306 ,  308  proximate the first pivoting guide plate  26   a  and first fixed guide plate  24   a  and a second crimped region is created by the entry-side rollers  302 ,  304  and exit-side rollers  306 ,  30  proximate the third pivoting guide plate  26   b  and third fixed guide plate  24   c.    
     As discussed, the cross-crumpled dunnage  40  can be a relatively elongate crumpled sheet of paper formed from an individual sheet of preprocessed paper. As shown, the long dimension  602  of the processed paper can be oriented substantially in a transverse direction  573  relative to the handling direction  522  and the short dimension  604  of the paper can be oriented substantially parallel to the handling direction  522 . The common folds or pleats  42  extend between the crimped regions  44 . Ruffled areas  48  extend outwardly from the crimped regions  44 . 
       FIG. 5  illustrates a side view of the third pivoting guide plate  24   c , third fixed guide plate  26   c , and associated entry-side rollers  302 ,  304  and exit-side  306 ,  308 , looking towards the motor end. 
     As shown, the exit-side rollers  306 ,  308  are provided at an location vertically above the entry-side rollers  302 ,  304 . The entry-side rollers  306 ,  308  are generally inboard and the exit-side rollers  302 ,  304  are generally outboard. In some embodiments, these orientations may be varied. 
       FIG. 13  illustrates a view of the third pivoting guide plate  24   c  and associated exit-side rollers  306 ,  308  with a view of the eccentric assembly  351  between the entry-side rollers and the exit-side rollers. The entry-side rollers are provided behind the support structures  24   c  and  26   c .  FIG. 14  illustrates a cross sectional view of the eccentric assembly  351 . In the preferred embodiment, the exit-side rollers  306 ,  308  are driven from one of the entry-side roller shafts  326 ,  328  via a reduction mechanism, the eccentric assembly  351  in the embodiment shown. In other embodiments, the exit-side rollers  306 ,  308  can be driven by the motor  32  independently of the entry-side rollers  302 ,  304 . In yet other embodiments, at least one of the exit-side rollers may not be driven and may instead be free spinning and driven by its bias and abutment against the other exit-side roller. For example, the rear exit-side roller  308  (in some embodiments, the pivoting guide plate low-speed roller) may be biased and abut against the front exit-side roller  306  (in some embodiments, the fixed guide plate low-speed roller). The operation of the eccentric assembly  351  is shown and described only with respect to the rollers shown. However, as described with respect to  FIG. 8 , each roller shaft may support additional rollers (for example provided at additional support structures). Accordingly, the eccentric assembly  351  may be used with each of the corollary rollers shown in  FIG. 8  of the rollers shown in  FIGS. 13 and 14 . 
     The reduction mechanism  351  of the preferred embodiment is an eccentric assembly  351  including an eccentric bearing  340 , eccentric bearing crank  342 , first and second one-way clutch bearings  344  and  346 , and an oscillating crank  348 . The reduction mechanism  351  governs the rotation ratio between one or both of the exit-side roller shaft, preferably the forward exit-side roller shaft  324 , and at least one of the entry-side roller shafts, preferably the forward entry-side roller shaft  328 . 
     In the example shown, an eccentric bearing  340  is mounted on the forward entry-side roller shaft  328 . An eccentric bearing crank  342  is associated with the eccentric bearing  340 , mounted thereby eccentrically to the forward entry-side roller shaft  328 . 
     A first one-way clutch bearing  344  is mounted on the forward exit-side roller shaft  324 . An oscillating crank  348  is associated with the first one-way clutch bearing  344  and is connected thereby to the forward exit-side roller shaft  324 . The first one-way clutch bearing  344  is configured to allow relative rotation between the oscillating crank  348  and the forward entry-side roller shaft  328  when the oscillating crank  348  rotates with respect to the shaft  328  in a backwards direction (counterclockwise when viewed as in  FIG. 13 ), opposite the direction of the shaft  328  when causing the entry-side rollers  302 ,  304  to rotate to move the sheet in a forward direction along the path through the entry-side rollers, the crumpling zone, and the exit-side rollers. The first one-way clutch bearing  344  is configured to restrict, and preferably prevent, relative rotation of the oscillating crank  348  with respect to the shaft  328  in the forward direction (clockwise when viewed as in  FIG. 13 ), thus preferably coupling the oscillating crank  348  to the shaft  328  to allow the oscillating crank  348  to rotate the shaft  328  in the forward direction to move the dunnage forward along the path through the entry-side rollers, the crumpling zone, and the exit-side rollers. 
     A second one-way clutch bearing  349  is associated with the forward exit-side roller  306  and the forward exit-side roller shaft  324  to connect the forward exit-side rollers  306  to the forward exit-side roller shaft  324 . The second one-way clutch bearing  349  is configured to allow the forward exit-side roller  306  to rotate in the forward direction (clockwise when viewed as in  FIG. 13 ) with respect to the shaft  324 , but to restrict, and preferably prevent, relative rotation of the oscillating crank  348  with respect to the shaft  324  in the backwards direction (counterclockwise when viewed as in  FIG. 13 ), thus preferably coupling the forward exit-side roller  306  to the shaft  324  to allow the shaft  324  to rotate the roller  306  in the forward direction to move the dunnage forward along the path through the entry-side rollers, the crumpling zone, and the exit-side rollers. 
     The forward entry-side roller shaft  328  is connected to the motor and is driven via the belt. Rotation of the forward entry-side roller shaft  328  causes rotation of the forward entry-side roller  302  and of the eccentric bearing  340 . As the eccentric bearing  340  is rotated, the eccentric bearing crank  342  is reciprocated towards and away from the forward exit-side roller shaft  324 . This reciprocating motion reciprocates the oscillating crank  348  and intermittently causes the forward entry-side roller shaft  324  to rotate in the forward direction, each time the eccentric bearing  340  pulls the eccentric bearing crank  342  downwards, away from the entry-side roller shaft  324  since the first and second one-way clutch bearings  344 ,  349  are in an engaged condition, coupling the rotation of the oscillating crank  348  to the forward exit-side roller  306 . Upwards movement of the eccentric bearing crank  342 , towards the forward exit-side roller shaft  324 , does not cause rotation of the roller shaft  324  in the embodiment shown, since the first or both the first and second one-way clutch bearings  344 ,  349  are disengaged, allowing relative movement between the parts. In alternative embodiments, other portions of the eccentric bearing  351  stroke can cause the rotation of the forward exit-side roller shaft  324 . The second one-way clutch bearing  349  also can be used to help keep the forward exit-side roller  306  from rotating backwards. 
     The ratio of speed reduction between the forward entry-side roller shaft  328  (and thus the entry-side rollers  302 ,  304 ) and the forward exit-side roller shaft  324  (and thus the low-speed rollers  306 ,  308 ) may be controlled by adjusting the length of the cranks  342 , 348  or their attachment points. For example, relocating the pivotal connection between the cranks closer to the exit-side roller shaft  324  along the oscillating crank  348  would decrease the reduction ratio by increasing the angle of rotation imparted on the exit-side roller shaft  324  during each reciprocation. Conversely, placing the pivotal connection further from the exit-side roller shaft  324  along the oscillating crank would increase the ratio. 
     The preferred embodiment of the reduction mechanism allows a very large reduction in a small space and using relatively inexpensive components. Other embodiments may drive the rear exit-side roller shaft  322  via a large pulley or a set of gears. Thus, in one embodiment, a single motor drives both the high-speed rollers and the low-speed rollers with the high-speed rollers being directly driven and the low-speed rollers being driven via the eccentric gear reducer. The eccentric gear reducer provides a simple form of speed reduction between the high-speed rollers and the low-speed rollers to effect crumpling in the crumpling zone. The eccentric and bellcrank-oscillating arm geometry govern the ratio between upper and lower common shafts. 
     In some embodiments, the motor may run at speeds of up to approximately 2000 rpm with a primary reduction from the entry-side rollers  302 ,  304  to the exit-side rollers  306 ,  308  as shown in Tables 1 and 2, below. In some embodiments, the rollers may be approximately 1-5″ in diameter, with one embodiment having 2.25″ diameter rollers  302 ,  304 ,  306 ,  308 . In such embodiments, Tables 1 and 2 show exemplary relationships of tangential velocities vs. ratios. 
     
       
         
           
               
               
             
               
                   
                 TABLE 1 
               
               
                   
                   
               
               
                   
                 Circumference (mm) 
               
               
                   
                 Maybe remove this column 
               
               
                   
                   
               
             
            
               
                   
               
            
           
           
               
               
               
               
            
               
                   
                 Wheel Diameter (mm) 
                 57.15 
                 179.5 
               
               
                   
                 Primary Reduction 
                 4 
               
               
                   
                 Secondary Reduction 
                 25 
               
               
                   
                   
               
            
           
         
       
     
     
       
         
           
               
               
               
             
               
                   
                 TABLE 2 
               
             
            
               
                   
                   
               
               
                   
                   
                 Low-speed Rollers 
               
               
                   
                   
                 Tangential velocity 
               
               
                   
                   
                 (mm/s [Tom: Can 
               
               
                   
                   
                 you confirm the 
               
               
                   
                   
                 unit? We will 
               
               
                   
                 High-speed Rollers 
                 remove the 
               
            
           
           
               
               
               
               
               
            
               
                   
                   
                 Tangential 
                   
                 redundant unit from 
               
               
                   
                   
                 velocity 
                   
                 the high-speed roller 
               
               
                   
                   
                 (mm/s) 
                   
                 columns]) 
               
               
                 Motor RPM 
                 Rev./sec. 
                 Correct Units 
                 Feet/sec 
                 Correct Units 
               
               
                   
               
            
           
           
               
               
               
               
               
            
               
                 2000 
                 8.3 
                 1496.2 
                 4.9 
                 59.8 
               
               
                 1500 
                 6.3 
                 1122.1 
                 3.7 
                 44.9 
               
               
                 1000 
                 4.2 
                 748.1 
                 2.5 
                 29.9 
               
               
                   
               
            
           
         
       
     
     Effective ratios of high-speed roller velocity to low-speed roller velocity to create dunnage product have been found within the range of 15 and 35:1. When used to crumple sheet material of paper having 18×24×30 pound paper, such ratios create a dunnage product having cross directional flow pleats with a pitch of 10-20 mm in width and that are creased by the shearing action of the tangential velocity differential of the high-speed rollers and the low-speed rollers. The material used may have any suitable finish, such as recycled MS or MG finish. The lateral spacing, the height of the crumpling zone, and the dimensions of the zone may be altered. The creased areas aid the dunnage in maintaining a defined v-shaped pattern in the pitches of the pleats or folds. 
     In some embodiments, the rollers  302 ,  304 ,  306 ,  308  may have structural characteristics to further aid in production of dunnage. For example, the rollers may be provided with cogs, pins (such as a plurality of radial mounted pins), or other structure to interact with a similar structure or complementary structure (such as a groove) in the adjacent roller. Further, the rollers may be provided of any suitable material. In some embodiments, the rollers may be provided in a combination of selective surfaces ranging from hard to soft and smooth to rough. In some embodiments, the rollers comprise a medium to hard durometer elastomeric and metallic and/or plastic mating rollers. 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 1 ,  2 ,  8 ,  12 , and  15 - 22 , a dunnage handler  18  will be described. 
     Referring to  FIGS. 1-2 , a preferred embodiment of a dunnage system  10  using a dunnage handler  18  is shown. As shown more closely in  FIG. 15 , the dunnage handler  18  may take the form of a dunnage accumulator adapted to accumulate dunnage  40  fed out of a dunnage machine  17 , for example to allow packing personnel to retrieve the dunnage  40  from the accumulator for use in protective-packing operations. Alternatively, the dunnage handler  18  may be configured to discharge dunnage  40  or it may be reconfigurable between an accumulator configuration and a discharger configuration. 
     Referring to the top view of  FIG. 12 , a top view of a dunnage handler  18  integrated into a dunnage machine  17  is shown. One type of dunnage machine  17  can include a cross-crumpling dunnage machine  17 . The cross-crumpling dunnage machine  17  can pickup unprocessed paper from the material source  12  and feed it into a crumpling mechanism  16 . The unprocessed paper can be cross-crumpled to form dunnage  40  and can further be fed out into the dunnage handler  18 . The dunnage  40  may enter the dunnage handler  18  at a head end  501 , travel along a handling direction  522  into a handling area  503 , and be retrieved from a trailing end  505 . 
     The cross-crumpled dunnage  40  can be a relatively elongate crumpled sheet of paper formed from an individual sheet of preprocessed paper. That is, the dunnage  40  may be formed from sheet stock in lieu of, for example, a roll. The crumpled nature of the paper can be such that the paper is repeatedly folded back and forth in an accordion type fashion. As shown, the long dimension  602  of the processed paper can be oriented substantially in a transverse direction  573  relative to the handling direction  522  and the short dimension  604  of the paper can be oriented substantially parallel to the handling direction  522 . In some embodiments, the cross-crumpled dunnage may have a long dimension  602  substantially equal to or slightly less than the same dimension in its pre-processed condition. However, the short dimension  604  may be substantially less than the same dimension in its pre-processed condition. In some embodiments, the short dimension  604  may be between approximately 15% and approximately 25% of its preprocessed length. The height of the accordion folds of the dunnage may range from approximately 0.5 inches to 2 inches from valley to crest. In a preferred embodiment, the height may be approximately 1 inch. 
     It is noted that the dunnage handler  18  described herein may be used with and/or adapted for handling dunnage  40  of any sort and is not limited to use with cross-crumpled dunnage. Moreover, the dunnage machine  17  is not limited to a cross-crumpling machine. Other suitable types of dunnage  40  can be used in other embodiments, such as air-filled pillows or other material, foam peanut type material, continuous paper type material formed from a roll of pre-processed paper, and the dunnage machine  17  can be correspondingly adapted to dispense or produce such other types of dunnage. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 16 , the dunnage handler  18  is shown integrated with a crumpling mechanism  16  of the dunnage machine  17 . The dunnage handler  18  is preferably constructed as a dunnage accumulator that is adapted to accumulate dunnage  40 . The dunnage handler  18  can include an intake  515  at the head end  501 , a retrieval port  519  or other exit at the trailing end  505 , and the handling area  503  can be in the form of an accumulation space  517 . The dunnage handler  18  can include one or more dunnage handling portions. In the case of a dunnage accumulator, the handling portions can be adapted as holding portions to hold and accumulate dunnage. Alternatively, the handling portions can be adapted to discharge or direct the flow of dunnage. The holding portions may be associated with one another via an articulation. As such, the holding portions may be allowed to articulate relative to one another to accommodate an accumulating amount of dunnage. The holding portions can include a bottom holding portion  502  and a top holding portion  504  each mounted to and extending from respective support structures on the dunnage machine  17 . The top and bottom holding portion  504 ,  502  can be positioned and adapted to cooperatively accumulate dunnage  40 . 
     The bottom holding portion  502  can be in the form of one or more bottom rails  508  each extending from a support structure on a dunnage machine along the handling direction  522 . The bottom rail  508  can include a first portion  524 , which extends from a head end at the support structure to a trailing end. The trailing end of the first portion  524  leads to an accumulating feature  510 . The rail  508  can further include a second portion  526 , which returns from the trailing end to the head end at the support structure. The first portion  524  of the rail  508  can be arranged parallel to the second portion  526  or in another suitable orientation. The second portion  526  can be positioned below the first portion  524 , and the accumulating feature  510  can be connected there between. While the rails  508  shown are made from bent, cylindrical rods, alternative rails can have other cross-sections and be made of other materials and by other methods. Suitable rail materials include materials that are sufficiently rigid to support the full load of dunnage and pressures caused by packing the dunnage into the accumulation space  517 , such as steel and aluminum alloys and other metals, plastics, and composite materials. In a preferred embodiment, the bottom rail  508  can be a steel rod or tube. Alternative bottom holding portions can be configured as a shelf or tray for receiving and supporting the dunnage fed out of the dunnage machine. 
     The preferred bottom rail  508  includes a first portion  524  and an accumulating feature  510 . The accumulating feature  510  is shaped to keep the dunnage  40  passing along an upper surface of the bottom rail  508  from falling or being pushed out of the accumulation space  517  during the normal operation of the dunnage machine  17 , without intentionally being removed, such as by a user or another device. The accumulating feature  510  can include an accumulating portion  511  that extends from the first portion  524  of the bottom rail  508  to partially close off or narrow the retrieval port  519 . As shown, the accumulating portion  511  can extend in the same direction as the first portion  524  of the bottom rail  508  and gradually turn into the accumulation space  517 . This gradual turn can be a radius turn or some other arcuate or segmentally sloped shape. Alternatively, the accumulating portion  511  can extend in the same direction as the first portion, but turn more abruptly in the accumulation space  517 . In yet another alternative, the accumulating portion can extend directly into the accumulation space  517  rather than extending initially in the same direction as the first portion  524 . Material being advanced along the upper surface of the bottom rail  508  through the dunnage handler  18  can encounter the accumulating portion  511  of the accumulation feature  510  which can resist the continued travel of the material. However, the gradual turn of the accumulating portion  511  may allow dunnage  40  to be pulled out of the retrieval port  519  of the accumulator without getting hung up or snagged on the accumulating feature  510 . Preferably, the rails  508  are smoothed and/or rounded to keep from snagging or tearing the dunnage  40 . 
     The accumulations feature  510  can also include a transition portion  513  connected to the trailing end of the second portion  526  of the bottom rail  508  and the second portion  526  can return to the dunnage machine  17 . This transition portion  513  may be any shape and may be adapted to accommodate any position of the second portion  526  of the bottom rail  508 . The transition portion  513  may abruptly return to the trailing end of the second portion  526  or it may gradually return via an arcuate or radiused shape to the trailing end of the second portion  526 . As shown in  FIG. 16 , the transition portion  513  can have a rounded shape when viewed from the side of the accumulation space  517 , and can be in the form of a circle or an eye for instance. The transition portion  513  can be positioned in-plane with the first and second portions  524 ,  526  of the bottom rail  508  and can have a diameter greater than the distance between the first and second portions  524 ,  526 . The transition portion  513  can be generally vertically centered relative to each of the first and second portions  524 ,  526  so as to extend above and below each of the first and second portions  524 ,  526 . 
     Suitable support structures can be included such as, for example, a base, a plate, a bracket, or a mounting surface. Other suitable support structures can be provided. As shown in  FIG. 16 , the support structure of the bottom rail  508  can include a fixed guide plate  26 . That is, the bottom rail  508  can be mounted, such as by affixing, on the fixed guide plate  26 . The fixed guide plate  26  can provide a stationary element securely positioned within the dunnage machine. The guide plate  26  can be a generally planar element positioned to support rollers associated with the crumpling mechanism  16 . The planar surface of the guide plate  26  can have a normal direction directed transverse to the handling direction  522  and the edge surface of the guide plate  26  can have a normal direction directed parallel to the handling direction  522 . The edge surface of the guide plate  26  can include a bore or bores in alignment with the rail or rails  508  of the bottom holding portion  502 . The rail  508  can be inserted into the bore and secured via a welded, glued, epoxied, or other adhering connection, or it can be press fit or secured with a fastener. The connection of the first and/or second portions  524 ,  526  of the bottom rail  508  to the support structure are preferably substantially rigid to allow for a cantilevered holding portion. 
     As mentioned, and as shown in  FIG. 15 , the bottom holding portion  502  can include one or more bottom rails  508 . In the case of multiple rails  508 , the rails  508  can be spaced laterally from one another and each rail  508  can extend from separate fixed guide plates  26 . The guide plates  26  can be spaced laterally from one another and can define the lateral spacing of the rails  508 . The longitudinal dimension of the dunnage unit  40  can extend transverse to the handling direction  522  as discussed with respect to  FIG. 12 . As such, laterally spaced bottom rails  508  may effectively support the dunnage  40  as it is fed out of the dunnage machine  17  through the intake  515  of the dunnage handler  18  and into and across the accumulation space  517 . The bottom holding portion  502  can include any number of bottom rails  508  to support the dunnage material  600 . The lateral spacing of the bottom rails  508  can be based on the sheet width being used for the dunnage. The lateral spacing can be between approximately 70% and 95% of the sheet width. Preferably, the lateral spacing can be approximately 80% of the sheet width. Accordingly, where an 18 inch wide sheet is used, the lateral spacing of the bottom rails can be between approximately 10 inches and approximately 16 inches, such that 1 to 4 inches of dunnage extend beyond each bottom rail. For 30 inch wide sheets, the lateral spacing of the bottom rails  514  can be between approximately 12 inches and approximately 28 inches, such that 1 to 9 inches of dunnage extend beyond each bottom rail. The relatively large spacing between the bottom rails provides for retrieval of dunnage  40  by pulling it through the space between the bottom rails  508  in addition to pulling them through the retrieval port  519 . 
     Referring to  FIG. 16 , the top holding portion  504  can be in the form of one or more top rails  514  each extending from a support structure on a dunnage machine  17  to an accumulating feature  516 . The top rail  514  can have a first arcuate portion  528  and a second, relatively straight, trailing portion  530 . 
     As shown in  FIG. 17 , the arcuate shape of the first portion  528  of the rail  514  can be adapted for accumulation of dunnage  40 . The first portion  528  of the top rail  514  may be an arcuate portion having a radius  521 . The radius can range from approximately 4″ to approximately 24″. Preferably the arcuate portion may have a radius  521  of approximately 16″. The first portion  528  may have an included angle  523  of approximately 60° to approximately 130°. Preferably the first portion  528  may have an included angle  523  of approximately 60°. The trailing portion  530  of the top rail  514  may include a length  529  of approximately 6 inches to approximately 15 inches beyond the arcuate portion  528 . In a preferred embodiment, the trailing portion  530  may have a length  529  of approximately 12″ or longer depending on the desired accumulation requirements. However, a radius, included angle, and trailing portion length with a value outside these ranges can be used. Each parameter can be selected to contain dunnage in the empty position with a minimal volumetric space and to optimize the volumetric space for containing dunnage in the full condition. 
     As such, and as shown best in  FIG. 16 , the top rail  514  can be positioned to extend from the head end  501  of the dunnage handler  18  in a generally outward direction (e.g., along the handling direction  522 ) and a generally upward direction (e.g., perpendicular to the handling direction  522  and away from the accumulation space  517 ). The arcuate portion  528  of the rail  514  can then extend along an arc such that the rail  514  transitions from a generally outward and upward direction to a generally outward direction. Further extension of the arcuate portion  528  of the rail  514  can include transitioning to a generally outward and generally downward direction. The second relatively straight trailing portion  530  of the rail  514  can then continue in a generally outward and generally downward direction generally parallel to and in alignment with the trailing end of the arcuate portion  528 . The accumulating feature  516  at the trailing end of the rail  514  can thus be positioned near or even below the accumulating feature  510  of a corresponding bottom rail  508  of the bottom holding portion  502 . While the rails  514  shown are made from bent, cylindrical rods, alternative rails can have other cross-sections and be made of other materials and by other methods. Suitable rail materials include materials that can induce pressures on the dunnage  40  as it accumulates into the accumulation space  517 , such as steel and aluminum alloys and other metals, plastics, and composite materials. In a preferred embodiment, the rails  514  can be made from a solid steel rod or hollow steel tube. Alternatively, the top holding portion can be constructed from a relatively flexible material adapted to provide secondary compression on the accumulating dunnage  40 . For example, the top handling portion can be as shown and described in U.S. Provisional Patent Application titled Flexible Dunnage Handler, filed on Aug. 28, 2009. 
     The arcuate shape of the rail  514  described can accommodate a pile of dunnage  40  and the path of travel of the dunnage  40  can be closed off by the interaction of the top and bottom holding portions  504 ,  502 . The natural tendency of accumulating dunnage  40  can be to form a heap of dunnage  40 . That is, as multiple units of dunnage  40  enter the accumulation space  517  and are arrested from continuing through the retrieval port  519 , the multiple units of dunnage  40  may pile up into a heap. The arcuate shape described together with the downward sloping trailing end can allow a heap of dunnage  40  to form and yet maintain a resistance to escape. That is, the upward and outward sloping head end leading to the arcuate shape can provide an accumulation space  517 . The arcuate shape can also begin the downward sloping trailing end which can close off the accumulation space  517  and prevent the dunnage  40  from escaping. This escape prevention may be in the form of pressure exerted by the portion of the top rail  514  near the tailing end  505 . 
     The accumulating feature  516  of the top rail  514  can be any shape and can function to arrest motion of material passing along the lower surface of the top rail  514 . As discussed with respect to the bottom rail  508 , the accumulation feature  516  can include an accumulating portion  525  and a transition portion  527 . The accumulating portion  525  can extend transverse to the top rail  514  into the accumulation space  517 . Alternatively, the accumulating portion  525  can first extend parallel to the top rail  514  and then, gradually or abruptly, turn into the accumulation space  517 . The transition portion  527  can return out of the accumulation space  517  and provide a smooth or rounded end on the top rail  514 . In some embodiments, the transition portion  527  may abruptly return out of the accumulation space  517  and in other embodiments, the transition portion  527  may gradually return. As shown, in  FIG. 16 , the transition portion  527  of the accumulation feature  516  can extend from the accumulating portion  525  and return gradually out of the accumulation space  517  and can, for example, be in the form of a circle or eye. The transition portion  527  can be in a plane parallel to that defined by the first and second portions  524 ,  526  of the bottom rail  508 . In the case of the circle or eye, the transition portion  527  can have a diameter larger than the thickness of the top rail  514  and may also be centered on the rail  514  causing it to extend above and below the rail  514  as shown. As such, material being advanced along the lower surface of the rail  514  from the dunnage machine  17  can encounter the accumulating portion  525  of the accumulating feature  516  which can resist the continued travel of the material. Additionally, with respect to the accumulating feature  510  on the bottom rail  508  and the accumulating feature  516  on the top rail  514 , the smooth transition portions  513 ,  527  may function to prevent injury to personnel that may be reaching into the accumulation space  517  to retrieve dunnage  40 . 
     As mentioned, the top holding portion  504  can include one or more top rails  514 . In the case of a single top rail  514 , the rail can be positioned at a selected location across the width of the accumulator. In a preferred embodiment, the rail  514  can be centered between two bottom rails  508 . In the case of multiple rails  514 , the rails  514  can be spaced laterally from one another and each rail  514  can extend from separate support structures. Similar to the multiple bottom rails  508 , multiple top rails  514  can accommodate relatively elongate units of dunnage  40  as they are fed out of the dunnage machine  17  with a longitudinal dimension  602  transverse to the handling direction  522 . The top holding portion  504  can include any number of top rails  514  and the top rails  514  may correspond to the number and location of the bottom rails  508  of the bottom holding portion  502 . Alternatively, they may not correspond. However, as with the bottom rails  508 , a preferred spacing of the top rails  514  may be approximately 70% to approximately 95% of the material width, or preferably approximately 80% of the material width, so as to accommodate retrieval of dunnage  40  from between the rails  514 . As shown best in  FIG. 12 , the top rails  514  may be spaced from one another slightly less than the bottom rails  508 . Alternatively, multiple top rails  514  can be positioned relatively close to one another, for example from approximately 2 to approximately 6 inches. In some embodiments, the rails may be spaced approximately 3 inches apart. In yet another alternative, the top rails  514  can converge toward a central position between two bottom rails  508 . The convergence of these rails can be relatively gradual or relatively abrupt as the rails  514  extend along the handling direction  522 . In the case of an abrupt convergence, the rails  514  can converge shortly after entering the handling area  503  shown in  FIG. 16 . In the case of a gradual convergence, the rails can converge more toward the trailing end of the accumulator. 
     A crossbar  518  can also be included. In embodiments where more than one top rail  514  is included, the plurality of top rails  514  can be connected to each other by one or a plurality of crossbars  518 . As shown, a crossbar  518  can extend laterally from a point on a top rail  514  to a corresponding point on a laterally spaced top rail  514 . The crossbar  518  can be in the form of and can be made from the same or similar materials as the top rails  514 . The crossbar  518  can follow an arcuate path. With reference to  FIG. 18 , the cross bar may have a radius  529  ranging from approximately 4″ to approximately 48″ or the cross bars may be relatively straight. In a preferred embodiment, the radius  529  can be approximately 20″. The crossbar  518  can also have an included angle  531  defined by the radius  529  and the lateral spacing of the top rails  514 . The included angle  531  can range from approximately 5° to approximately 180°. In a preferred embodiment, the included angle  531  of the crossbar  518  can be approximately 60°. It is noted that the longer the radius, the lesser the degree of curvature, and the smaller the included angle can be. However, as with the geometry of the top rails  514 , the crossbar  518  can have values beyond the ranges mentioned. In some embodiments, the crossbar may be straight or the crossbar may be omitted. The crossbars  518  are preferably disposed and associated between the top rails  514  to couple the rails  514  together, as well as to provide a convenient handle for lifting the top rail  514  to open the accumulation space  517 , and in some embodiments, to disengage the crumpling mechanism  16  to release any jams therein. 
     Referring again to  FIG. 16 , the arcuate shape of the crossbar  518  can allow the crossbar  518  to remain clear from material passing along the lower surface of the top rails  514 . That is, dunnage  40  traveling along the lower surface of the top rail  514  can have a longitudinal dimension  602  substantially parallel to the crossbar  518  and a travel direction substantially perpendicular to the crossbar  518 . As such, a tendency may exist for the traveling dunnage  40  to snag, hang up, or otherwise get caught on laterally extending members such as the crossbars  518 . The arcuate shape of the crossbar  518  can allow snags or hang-ups of dunnage  40  to be avoided, while still functioning to stabilize the plurality of top rails  514 . Additionally, the crossbar  518  can be rigidly connected to each of the top rails  514  such that pivoting motion of one rail  514  is mirrored by each of the connected rails  514 . As such, the plurality of top rails  514  can move in unison. 
     With continued reference to  FIG. 16 , the support structure to which the top holding portion  504  is connected can be on an opposing side of the outfeed area  506  from the support structure of the bottom holding portion  502 . As such, the material fed out of the dunnage machine  17  can pass between the support structures, through the outfeed area  506  and into the intake area  515  and accumulation space  517  between the top holding portion  504  and the bottom holding portion  502 . In some embodiments, the support structure of the top rail  514  can be aligned with the support structure of a corresponding bottom rail  508  and, as such, the two rails  514 ,  508  can be generally in line with one another. 
     Suitable support structures can be included such as, for example, a base, a plate, a bracket, or a mounting surface. Other suitable support structures can be provided. As shown in  FIG. 16 , the support structure of the top holding portion  504  can be a pivoting guide plate  24 . The pivoting guide plate  24 , while pivotally disposed, can be biased toward a generally stationary position and the top holding portion  504  can be secured to the guide plate  24  such that the position of the top holding portion  504  relative to the outfeed and intake areas  506 ,  515  can be maintained. The guide plate  24  can be a generally planar element positioned to support rollers associated with the crumpling mechanism  16  in addition to the top holding portion  504  of the dunnage handler  18 . The planar surface of the guide plate  24  can have a normal direction directed transverse to the handling direction  522 . 
     The top and bottom holding portions  504 ,  502  can be associated with one another via an articulation. The articulation may be a hinge, a sliding mechanism, or any other element allowing the top and bottom holding portions  504 ,  502  to move or articulate relative to one another and thus adapt to accumulating dunnage. As shown in  FIG. 16 , the articulation may include a pivotal connection of the top holding portion  504  to the pivoting guide plate  24  together with the additional elements creating the relative position of the top and bottom holding portions  504 ,  502 . 
     Regarding the pivotal connection, the top holding portion  504  can be pivotally connected to the pivoting guide plate  24 . Several pivoting relationships may be used including hinges, pins, ball and socket arrangements and the like. As shown, the top holding portion  504  can be pivotally connected to the planar surface of the pivoting guide plate  24  via a pivot pin  532 . In some embodiments, the top rail  514  can include a connecting plate  534  to facilitate pivotally connecting to the guide plate  24 . The connecting plate  534  can be a relatively flat element adapted to be connected to the planar surface of the guide plate  24 . In one embodiment, the top rail  514  can include a longitudinal slot for receiving the connecting plate  534 . The connecting plate  534  can extend into the slot and be affixed to the top rail  514  creating a rigid connection between the connecting plate  534  and the top rail  514 . This connection can be welded, glued, fused, or otherwise secured. Alternatively, the connecting plate  534  can include a slot for receiving the top rail  514  or a combination of these can be used. In some embodiments, the connecting plate  534  and the top rail  514  can be of molded construction and can be molded together or separate. The connecting plate  534  can be positioned adjacent to the guide plate  24  and secured with a pivot pin  532 . The connecting plate  534  can include a pivot hole defining a pivot point of the top rail  514 . The pivot pin  532  can pass through the pivot hole of the connecting plate  534  and into the guide plate  24 . Other alternative configurations to permit pivoting can be used such as, for example, hinged configurations. 
     The pivoting motion of the top holding portion  504  can be limited by certain motion limiting features. These motion limiting elements may take the form of blocking elements that prevent motion of the top holding portion  504  beyond on given range of motion. In one embodiment, motion limiting elements may be positioned on the connecting plate  534  and the planar surface of the guide plate  24 . As shown in  FIG. 16 , the guide plate  24  may include an arcuate track slot  536  with a radius and a center point defined by the pivot point of the top holding portion  504 . The connecting plate  534  of the top holding portion  504  can include a corresponding track pin  538  extending normal to the surface of the connecting plate  534 . Where the connecting plate  534  is positioned adjacent to the planar surface of the pivoting guide plate  24 , the track pin  538  extending from the connecting plate  534  can be positioned in the track slot  536 . As such, the track slot  536  and track pin  538  can be motion limiting elements. That is, the motion of the track pin  538  can be limited to the range defined by the path of the track slot  536  and the track pin  538  may be prevented from moving beyond the ends of the track slot  536 . 
     The track pin  538  can have a length less than, equal to, or greater than the thickness of the pivoting guide plate  24 . The track slot  536  can have a width and the track pin  538  can have a diameter equal to or slightly smaller than the track slot width so as to slidably engage the track slot  536 . The track slot  536  can define an arc length and can have radiused ends, the radius of the ends being substantially equal to one half of the width of the track slot  536 . The track slot  536  has a length selected to provide the desired angular limits to the pivoting of the top holding portion  204 . In one embodiment, the track slot  536  is positioned generally opposite the pivot point from the top holding portion  504  and can be centered on a horizontal line extending through the pivot point, although other positions with respect to the pivot point can be used. The track slot  536  can define an included angle  540  ranging from approximately 0° to approximately 120° about the pivot point. In other embodiments the included angle can range from approximately 15° to 90°. In still other embodiments the included angle can range from approximately 30° to 60°. 
     The interaction between the track pin  538  and the track slot  536  can define a range of motion of the top holding portion  504 . That is, as the top holding portion  504  is pivoted about the pivot pin  532 , the track pin  538  can encounter a first end of the track slot  536 . As the top holding portion  504  is pivoted about the pivot pin  532  in the opposite direction, the top holding portion  504  may pivot through one full range of motion until the track pin  538  encounters the other end of the track slot  536  defining a full position. As such, the range of motion of the top holding portion  504  can be substantially equal to the included angle  540  of the track slot  536 . The track pin  538  may be sufficiently rigid to arrest the motion of the top holding portion  504  upon abutting the ends of the track slot  536 . In some embodiments, the top holding portion  504  may be used to counteract a pivotal biasing force applied to the pivoting guide plate  24 . Accordingly, the shear capacity of the track pin  538  and the bearing capacity of the pivot limiting ends of the track slot  536  can be sufficient to sustain a force on the top holding portion  504  that counteracts this pivotal biasing force. 
     With reference again to  FIG. 16 , the angular orientation of the track slot  536  and the radial position of the track pin  538  can be coordinated to control the position of the top holding portion  504 . As shown, the top holding portion  504  is in an intermediate position, corresponding to a partial load of dunnage. An empty or start position  537  is shown in dashed lines and a full position can be defined. For example, if pivoted fully clockwise, a start position  537  may be defined by a head end rail angle  533  of approximately 0° to approximately 45° providing a trailing end rail angle  535  of approximately 30° to approximately 120°. Other start positions including those with angles outside the ranges mentioned can be defined. It is noted that the head end and trailing end rail angles  533 ,  535 , as shown, can be defined relative to the horizontal direction for convenience, and in the preferred embodiment, the horizontal direction is substantially parallel to the bottom holding portion  502 . In alternative embodiments, the bottom holding portion is in other orientations. As shown in  FIG. 12 , where the spacing of the top rails  514  is slightly less than the bottom rails  508 , the trailing end of the top rails  514  may be allowed to pass between the bottom rails  508 . Accordingly, as shown by the dashed lines in  FIG. 16 , the accumulation feature  516  can be positioned below the accumulation feature  510  of the bottom rail  508  in the start position  537  thus closing off the retrieval port  519  against escape of dunnage. The accumulation feature  516  can be approximately 0 inches to 8 inches below the accumulation feature  510 . Preferably, the accumulation feature  516  can be 4 inches below the accumulation feature  510 . Alternatively, the start position  537  can be defined where the accumulating feature  516  can be positioned adjacent to or slightly above the accumulating feature  510  of the bottom holding portion  502 . In yet another alternative, a larger space may occur between the accumulating features  510 ,  516 . Where the start position  537  causes the top and bottom rails  514 ,  508  to overlap, a length  539  is defined extending from the intake area  515  to the point at which the rails overlap. As the top rail  514  pivots upward, the length  539  of the accumulation space increases thereby causing the accumulation space to increase both with respect to its height and its length  539 . 
     The full position can be defined by limiting the upward motion of the top holding portion  504  to a particular radial position. The full position, for example, may be defined by a head end rail angle  533  of approximately 30° to approximately 120° providing a trailing end rail angle  535  of approximately 30° to approximately 0°. Other full positions can be selected and can include rail angles outside the ranges defined. In one alternative, the upward motion can be unlimited. In still other alternatives, one or a plurality of intermediate positions may be defined. 
     In addition to the track slot  536  and track pin  538  interaction limiting the motion of the top holding portion  504 , the motion of the top holding portion  504  may otherwise be caused by gravity and the accumulation of dunnage  40 . With reference to  FIG. 16 , the top holding portion  504  of the dunnage handler  18  may have a center of gravity located substantially above the accumulation space  517 . As such, the weight of the top holding portion  504  acting at its center of gravity about the pivot pin  532  can define an accumulation resistive moment and can cause the top holding portion  504  to tend generally toward the start position, where the track pin  538  may be positioned fully clockwise in the track slot  536 . Referring now to  FIG. 2 , where accumulated dunnage  40  is shown, as dunnage  40  is fed out of the dunnage machine  17  into the dunnage handler  18  and the dunnage  40  begins to accumulate, the dunnage  40  can exert a pressure on the lower surface of the top holding portion  504  due to the continuous outfeed of dunnage  40  from the crumpling mechanism  16 . The pressure can counteract the accumulation resistive moment by pushing upward on the top holding portion  504  against the gravitation force. Where the pressure is sufficient to overcome the weight of the top holding portion  504 , the top holding portion  504  can be lifted causing it to pivot upward about the pivot pin  532 , thereby increasing the size of the accumulation space  517 . The full position described above can reflect an opening height  588  of the retrieval port  519  as shown. The height  588  can range from approximately 0 inches to approximately 24 inches. In a preferred embodiment, the height  588  can be approximately 12 inches. The weight of the top holding portion  504  can be such that it can be readily lifted due to the dunnage pressure and does not cause undue back up into the crumpling mechanism  16  or overly crush the accumulating dunnage  40 . However, the weight of the top holding portion  504  can also be such that it provides sufficient resistance to inadvertent dunnage escape out of the retrieval port  519  of dunnage handler  18 . 
     Where the accumulation of dunnage  40  lifts the top holding portion  504 , at some point, the accumulation of dunnage  40  and the associated upward motion of the top holding portion  504  will reach a full condition. This position can be defined by limiting the upward motion of the top holding portion  504  to a point where the trailing end portion  530  of the top holding portion  504  maintains a slightly downward slope as shown in  FIG. 2 . In this position, the top holding portion  504  may not provide as much resistance to escape of dunnage  40  as it would in its fully downward position, but may provide enough to prevent dunnage  40  from escaping out the retrieval port  519 . Alternatively, the trailing end rail angle  535  may be different, but the shape and slope is preferably sufficient to keep the accumulated dunnage  40  from falling out of the retrieval port  519 , or from being pushed out by additional dunnage  40  that is being fed into the accumulation space  517 . 
     A sensor  542 , as shown in  FIG. 16 , can be included for monitoring the range of motion of the top holding portion  504  and, in particular, for monitoring when the top holding portion  504  is in the full position. Suitable types of sensors  542  can be used, such as pressure sensors, motion sensors, and contact sensors. In a preferred embodiment, a microswitch may be used. In one embodiment, the sensor  542  is positioned at or near the connection of the top holding portion  504  to its respective support structure and the sensor  542  can be adapted to sense the position of the track pin  538 . In the embodiment shown in  FIG. 16 , the sensor is a switch that is opened or closed by contact against the top holding portion  504 . The sensor can include a contact prong  543 , which, when pressed upon by the track pin  538  can compress into contact with an opposing prong, thus triggering a switch. 
     As previously discussed, the support structure for support of the top holding portion  504  can be in the form of pivoting guide plate  24 . A connecting plate  534  of a top holding portion rail  514  can be positioned adjacent to the guide plate  24  and the pivot pin  532  can pivotally connect the connecting plate  534  to the guide plate  24 . In this embodiment, the track pin  538  can extend through the track slot  536  and beyond the opposing surface of the guide plate  24 . As shown, the sensor  542  can be positioned on the opposing side of the guide plate  24  from the connecting plate  534  and can be located near the bottom of the track slot  536 . Accordingly, as the top holding portion  504  travels upward (e.g., as dunnage  40  is accumulated or the top holding portion  504  is otherwise lifted), the track pin  538  can travel toward the bottom of the track slot  536 . The track pin  538  can make contact with the sensor  542  indicating that the accumulator is full. It is noted that the sensor  542  can be adjusted along the length of the track slot  536  such that the full condition can reflect the full range of motion of the top holding portion  504  or only part of the range of motion. 
     The sensor  542  can be a wired device or a stand alone device. The sensor  542  can be in communication with a dunnage machine controller  50  and the sensor  542  can send a signal to the dunnage machine controller  50  reflecting that the accumulator is full when the track pin  538  contacts or otherwise triggers the sensor  542 . In the preferred embodiment, the dunnage machine controller  50  is configured to stop the pick up system  14  and the crumpling mechanism  16 , thereby stopping the outfeed of dunnage  40  and avoiding overfilling the dunnage handler  18 , upon receipt of a signal from the sensor  542  indicating that the accumulator is full. The machine controller can also be programmed for other adaptations including delaying the shut off time or adapting to on-off cycling frequencies. For example, the controller can be adapted to increase or decrease motor speeds based on the on/off cycle durations. If the cycles are low the motor can be commanded to reduce speeds allowing the process to conserve energy by running in a more preferable steady state process with a lower noise condition. 
     In one embodiment, as dunnage  40  is manually or otherwise removed from the dunnage handler  18 , the top holding portion  504  can pivot downward about the pivot pin  532  due to the decreased amount of dunnage  40  and the effects of gravity acting on the top holding portion. The track pin  538  can travel away from the bottom of the track slot  536  and out of contact or triggering relationship with the sensor  542 . The sensor  542  can then signal the dunnage machine controller to restart or start producing dunnage  40 . Alternatively, the controller may require the user to indicate that additional dunnage  40  is desired. In this instance, the sensor  542  may function only to stop dunnage production without restarting. 
     In still other embodiments, the top holding portion  504  may be manually pivoted up to or beyond a full condition for purposes of accessing the crumpling mechanism  16 , such as when a paper jamb occurs. In this embodiment, the contact of the track pin  538  with the sensor  542  may cause the sensor to indicate a full condition and the controller may stop production allowing the user to access the crumpling mechanism  16 . Releasing the top holding portion  504  and allowing it to pivot back down upon the accumulated dunnage can cause the top holding portion  504  to pivot such that the track pin  538  moves out of contact with the sensor  542 . As mentioned above, the controller can be configured to automatically restart production or require a user to indicate a desire for additional dunnage production. 
     In some embodiments, the sensor  542  can be a circuit interrupter. In this embodiment, the contact of the track pin  538  with the sensor  542  can bypass the power driving the dunnage machine  17 . As such, when the top holding portion  504  pivots to a full position bringing the track pin  538  into contact with the sensor  542 , the electrical power circuit running the dunnage machine  17  can be interrupted causing the dunnage machine  17  to stop producing dunnage  40 . Accordingly, when the accumulated dunnage  40  is reduced and the track pin  538  moves out of contact with the sensor  542 , the power circuit can become uninterrupted and the dunnage machine  17  can again produce dunnage  40 . 
     Referring now to FIGS.  8  and  19 - 21 , the preferred dunnage handler  18  can be used to disengage the converting portions of the dunnage machine  17 , for example in the case of a paper jamb. The handler can include a handling portion connected to a support structure. The support structure can also be connected to a moveable part of the converting portion of the dunnage machine  17 . Accordingly, in certain instances, motion of the handling portion can cause corresponding disengaging motion of the moveable part causing disengagement of the converting portion of the dunnage machine  17 . The disengaging motion can be pivotal or translational. Other disengaging motions can be provided. 
     As previously described, one or more support structures in the form of pivoting guide plates  24  can be provided. The pivoting guide plates  24  can be pivotally supported on the pivoting guide plate high-speed roller shaft  326  and can further support the pivoting guide plate low-speed roller  308  in an opposing position to the fixed guide plate low-speed roller  306 . Accordingly, pivoting motion of the pivoting guide plate  24  can cause low-speed roller  308  to move away from low-speed roller  306  thereby disengaging the crumpling mechanism  16 . 
     Referring now to  FIG. 8 , the support structures of the dunnage machine can be connected to one another via a connecting member such that the support structures move in unison. Preferably, the connecting member is in the form of a support structure coupling shaft  29  extending transversely between each of the pivoting guide plates  24 . The shaft  29  can extend through a bore  554  provided in each of the guide plates  24  and can be pivotally or fixedly positioned therein. The bore  554  may be positioned a distance from the pivoting guide plate high-speed roller shaft  326  creating a first lever arm  556  as shown in  FIGS. 16 and 20 . 
     The coupling shaft  29  may extend through the guide plates  24  and, as show in  FIG. 21 , through the pulley separation wall  572  on one side of the dunnage machine  17  and through a motor separation wall  574  on an opposing side of the dunnage machine  17 . As further shown in  FIG. 19 , each of the pulley separation wall  572  and the motor separation wall  574  may include an arcuate slot  558  for receiving the coupling shaft  29 . The slot  558  preferably has a width close to, but larger than the diameter of the coupling shaft  29  and may have radiused shaped ends with a radius to correspond with the cross section of the coupling shaft  29 . The slot  558  may also be defined by an outer radius and an inner radius, both of which have a center point generally aligned with the center point of the shaft  326 . As such, pivoting motion of the pivoting guide plates  24  about the shaft  326  may cause radial motion of the coupling shaft  29  that naturally follows the path defined by the arcuate slotted hole  558 . It is noted that the motion of the pivoting guide plate  24  in the preferred embodiment is defined by its pivotal support upon the shaft  326  and the slot  558  functions to allow passage of the shaft  29  through the separation wall. As such, the slot  558  can be a less defined opening that can be significantly larger than the coupling shaft  29 . In other embodiments, where the motion of the support structure is less defined, the particular shape of the slot  558  can guide the motion of the support structure. 
     The coupling shaft  29  is preferably associated with a support structure biasing element  552  to bias the support structures to maintain operational contact between the opposed low-speed rollers  306 ,  308 . As shown in  FIGS. 16 and 8 , the support biasing element  552  includes two compression springs  562  disposed laterally outside the crumpling mechanism  16 , preferably beyond separation walls  572 ,  574 , and pushing upwards against the coupling shaft  29  to pivot the support structures towards the operational position. The coupling shaft  29  can include bores  560  to ride over stabilizing rods  564  or other spring guides on which the compression springs  562  are mounted to keep them biased against the coupling shaft  29 . The bores  560  can be oversized to allow the coupling shaft  29  to rotate relative to the stabilizing rod as the support structures pivot. As shown in  FIG. 16 , the stabilizing rod  564  may be pivotally supported at its end opposite from the coupling shaft  29  to allow the rod  564  to pivot as the shaft  29  moves radially about the axis of the pivot shaft  326 . A biasing seat  566  may be positioned on the rod  564  and the compression spring  562  can be compressed between the coupling shaft  29  and the biasing seat. The biasing seat  566  can be adjustable to change the characteristics of the dunnage. That is, where the seat  566  is positioned to cause higher spring compression, the force between rollers  308  and  306  can be higher thereby creating more force within the crumpling mechanism. 
     As shown in  FIG. 16 , an engaged position of the pivoting guide plate low-speed roller  308  may be such that it abuts the fixed guide plate low-speed roller  306  on an opposing side of the crumple zone  310 . The biasing mechanism  552  biases the coupling shaft  29 , and thus the guide plates  24 , biasing the low-speed roller  308  toward abutment with the opposing low-speed roller  306 . The compressive force provided by the spring  562  on the surface of the coupling shaft  29  can create a force on the guide plates  24  via the bore  554  through which the coupling shaft  29  passes. The force on the guide plate  24  in the preferred embodiment is offset from the shaft  326  a first lever arm distance  556 . This force induces a torque on the guide plates  24  selected to cause the guide plates  24  to rotate about the shaft  326  to bias the crumpling rollers  308 ,  306  against each other with a desired force to sufficiently keep the low-speed rollers  308 ,  306  in contact with each other and to grip and crumple the sheets, while releasing the sheets in response to a preselected force caused by a jam of the sheets in the crumpling zone  310 . 
     Referring now to  FIG. 20 , the biasing force of the biasing mechanism  552  is preferably selected so that it is overcome in certain situations, causing the low-speed rollers  308 ,  306 , to separate as shown. The crumpling mechanism  16  may build up pressure in a sheet jamb due to the high-speed rollers  302 ,  304  advancing paper more quickly than the low-speed rollers  308 ,  306  creating an undesired back up of paper. In some embodiments, the internal forces on the low-speed rollers  308 ,  306  may increase sufficiently to overcome the torque on the guide plate  24 . That is, the pressure on the crumpling zone side of the low-speed rollers  308 ,  306  may transmit a force through the pivoting guide plate low-speed roller shaft  322  of the low-speed roller  308  to the guide plate  24 . The force on the roller  308  may act on the guide plate  24  at the low-speed roller shaft  322  location, which is spaced apart from the shaft  326  of the guide plate  24  defining a second lever arm  568 . Where the torque caused by the force on the low-speed roller  308  is greater than the torque caused by the biasing force of the biasing mechanism  552 , the crumpling mechanism  16  becomes disengaged. In this instance, the low-speed rollers  308 ,  306  are allowed to move apart, allowing the dunnage  40  to escape therefrom. 
     The biasing force preferably can also be overcome manually in the preferred embodiment. That is, the guide plate  24  can be physically rotated in a direction opposite to the biasing force. This may be desired in cases where a jamb has occurred and access to the crumpling zone  310  is required. In the embodiment shown, the top holding portion  504  of the dunnage handler  18  can be pivoted about its pivot pin  532  through a range of handling positions between a start position and a full position. In the full position, the track pin  538  engages the sensor  542 . As discussed above, where the top holding portion  504  is pivoted to bring the track pin  538  into contact with the sensor  542 , production of dunnage can be interrupted. Where disengagement of the converting portion of the dunnage machine is desired, the top holding portion  504  may be further pivoted beyond the full position until the track pin  538  engages the ends of the track slot  536 . This may define a transition position in that motion of the top holding portion  504  beyond this position will begin to cause motion of the pivoting guide plate  24  in conjunction with the top holding portion  504 . It is noted that the full position and the transition position can be the same position where, for example, the track pin  538  abuts the end of the track slot  536  at the same point at which the sensor  542  is triggered. As the top holding portion  504  is pivoted further, beyond the transition position, the top holding portion  504  and the pivoting guide plate  24  may begin to pivot together about the shaft  326 . In this embodiment, the distance from the force on the top holding portion  504  of the dunnage handler  18  defines a third lever arm  570 . When the torque caused by the force on the top holding portion  504  of the dunnage handler  18  over the third lever arm  570  is greater than the torque caused by the biasing force over the first lever  556  arm, the low-speed rollers  308 ,  306  are caused to separate. When the top holding portion  504  and the pivoting guide plate  24  are pivoted such that the low-speed rollers  308 ,  306  separate, the top holding portion  504  can be said to be in a release position. Depending on the force applied to oppose the biasing force, more or less separation between the rollers  308 ,  306  can be provided. In some embodiments, the separation between the rollers  308 ,  306  may be limited by the motion of the coupling shaft  29  in the slot  558 . In the present embodiment, the high-speed rollers  302 , 304  are not separated when the low-speed rollers  308 ,  306  are separated by the opening of the dunnage handler  18 , although other arrangements can be employed. 
     In some embodiments, the top holding portion  504  of the dunnage handler  18  may be pivoted by grasping and lifting from one or a plurality of the top rails  514 . In some embodiments, a crossbar  518  may be grasped and lifted to pivot the top holding portion  504 . In either case, the use of the top holding portion  504  to disengage the crumpling mechanism  16  can advantageously provide an increased lever arm to overcome the torque tending to keep the crumpling rollers  308 ,  306  engaged against each other by the biasing mechanism  552 . Also, by using the top holding portion  504  to move the guide plate  24 , the top holding portion  504  is naturally cleared from the path of access to the crumpling zone  310  allowing the jamb or other obstruction to be removed, and relieving back pressure that may be caused on the crumpling mechanism  16  by dunnage  40  accumulated in the handler  18 . Moreover, where the top holding portion is used to release the abutment between the two low-speed rollers  308 ,  306 , inadvertent motion of the crumpling mechanism  16  may be avoided since the track pin  538  will have moved up to or beyond the sensor  542  causing the production of dunnage to be interrupted. 
     In another embodiment, the biasing mechanism  552  may be a piston type mechanism, balloon, elastic material, or other known biasing mechanism. Moreover, the biasing mechanism  552  may be tensile in lieu of compressive. Gravity may be used to provide the desired biasing in other embodiments. The biasing mechanism  552  can include single elements, such as a spring, or multiple biasing elements. 
     Referring again to  FIG. 12 , as dunnage  40  passes through and is fed out of the dunnage machine  17 , the lateral position of the crimped regions  44  of the dunnage  40  may correspond to guides. Preferably, the guide plates  26 ,  24  and the top and bottom rails  508 ,  514  are in alignment with one another and act as guides. As shown in  FIG. 8 , each set of low-speed and high-speed rollers (e.g.,  306  and  302  or  308  and  304 ) can be positioned to laterally straddle the location of the fixed guide plate  26  or the pivoting guide plate  24 . That is, as shown, the low-speed rollers  308 ,  306  are positioned on an opposing side of the fixed guide plate  26  and the pivoting guide plate  24  from the high-speed rollers  304 ,  302 . As such, the center of the crumpling mechanism  16  and, thus, the center of the crimped regions  44  are located laterally near, and preferably at, the location of the guide plates  24 ,  26 . As shown, the bottom rails  508  of the bottom holding portion  502  can extend from a position adjacent to the group of crumpling rollers  302 ,  304 ,  306 ,  308 . Preferably, the bottom rails  508  extend from between the rollers  302 ,  304 ,  306 ,  308  and thus are in alignment with the center of the crumpling mechanism  16 . The top rails  514  of the top holding portion  504  can be slightly offset from the bottom rails  508 . The coupling plate  534  is relatively thin allowing the center of the top rails  514  to be positioned more or less in line with the edge of the support structure. This offset position can allow the top rails  514  to close and laterally overlap the bottom rails  508 , while still maintaining the top rails  514  in general alignment with the crumpling mechanism  16 . 
     As discussed, the guides are preferably positioned so that when dunnage  40  exits the dunnage machine  17 , the crimped regions  44  of the dunnage  40  are generally positioned and preferably also in alignment, with the guides. As shown in  FIG. 12  and described above, the crimped regions  44  result from passage through the crumpling zone  310  of the crumpling mechanism  16  and include a multitude of creases. The series of creases in the crimped region  44  can create a narrowing in the dunnage  40  at the crimped regions  44  when viewed from above. Moreover, referring to  FIG. 22 , the crimped region  44  can include more creases than the other portions of the dunnage  40 . Accordingly, the crimped regions  44  can reflect a narrowing in the dunnage  40  at the crimpted regions  44 , when viewed from the front as well. Accordingly, the crimped regions create a natural tendency for the dunnage  40  to maintain its alignment with the guides. As such, the guides may assist in maintaining control of the dunnage  40  when the dunnage handler  18  is accumulating dunnage  40  by preventing the dunnage  40  from leaking, shifting, or otherwise escaping out the lateral sides of the dunnage handler  18 . Moreover, where the dunnage handler  18  is being used to discharge dunnage  40 , the guides may assist in controlling the path of the dunnage  40  as it passes through the dunnage handler  18 . As such, where the dunnage  40  is being directed into a container, onto a conveyor, or otherwise, the guides may assist in controlling the direction of the dunnage flow. 
     Referring to  FIG. 1 , a dunnage handler support housing  590  can be included. The housing  590  can enclose the connection between the top holding portion  504  and the support structure within the dunnage machine  17 . The housing  590  can be pivotally positioned on the dunnage machine  17 . The housing  590  can be affixed to the top holding portion  504  of the dunnage handler  18  and can pivot together with the handler  18 . Accordingly, the housing  590  can be configured to pivot about and axis aligned with the pivot pin  532 . Alternatively, slots or other clearance can be provided in the housing  590  to accommodate the articulating motion of the top holding portion  504 . 
     In use, a dunnage machine  17  may feed cross-crumpled dunnage  40  into the intake area  501  of the dunnage accumulator. The top holding portion  504  may initially be in a starting position. The starting position may be defined by the top holding portion  504  being pivoted to a first end of its range of motion. The dunnage  40  may travel through the accumulation space  517  until it encounters an accumulation feature  516 ,  514  of the top and/or bottom holding portion  504 ,  502 , the lower surface of the top holding portion  504 , or other dunnage  40 , at which point, the dunnage motion may be arrested. As the dunnage motion is arrested, the dunnage  40  entering the accumulation space  517  may accumulate and begin to pile up. As this occurs, the dunnage  40  may reach the lower surface of the top holding portion  504  and begin exerting pressure on the top holding portion  504 . As the pressure increases, the top holding portion  504  may begin to pivot about its pivot pin  532  to accommodate the accumulating dunnage  40 . This process may continue until the top holding portion  504  reaches a full condition. Where a sensor  542  is included, the production of dunnage  40  may be interrupted when the top holding portion  504  reaches a full condition. During the production of dunnage  40  and/or when production of dunnage  40  has stopped, dunnage  40  may be removed from the dunnage accumulator by retrieving it from the retrieval port  519 . That is, packing personnel, devices, or other equipment may grasp the dunnage  40  in the accumulator and pull it through the retrieval port  519 . Alternatively or additionally, the dunnage  40  may be pulled through the space between the rails  514 ,  508  of the top and bottom holding portions  504 ,  502  and/or out the lateral sides of the dunnage accumulator. As dunnage accumulation is reduced, the top holding portion  504  may pivot away from the full condition back toward the start position and the sensor  542  may restart dunnage  40  production. 
     In the case of a dunnage production jamb, the dunnage handler  18  can be used to free the jamb. Preferably, a user can grasp a portion of the top holding portion  504  by grasping a top rail  514  or a crossbar  518  and lifting the dunnage handler  18  out of contact with the surface of the accumulated dunnage  40 . The top holding portion  504  can be pivoted about its pivot pin  532  to a transition position where the top holding portion  504  and the pivoting guide plate  24  begin to rotate together about the shaft  326 . This transition position may be where the track pin  538  travels to the fully counterclockwise position in the track slot  536  or another stopping point can be provided. Additionally, the transition point is preferably at or beyond the full position of the top holding portion  504  such that the process of disengaging the crumpling mechanism  16  also interrupts the production of dunnage  40 . That is, moving the top holding portion  504  to or beyond the full position can preferably trigger the sensor  542  and interrupt the dunnage  40  production. The top holding portion  504  and the pivoting guide plate  24  can be pivoted about the shaft  326  to disengage the crumpling mechanism  16  by creating separation of the low-speed rollers  308 ,  306 . 
     While the dunnage handler  18  has been described in detail, several modifications can be made and still be within the scope of the present invention. For example, the top and bottom holding portions  504 ,  502  can be in the form of a flexible and/or rigid flap material in lieu of the rails  508 ,  514  described. This material can be relatively light weight material such as plastic, fiberglass, aluminum, fabric and the like. Alternatively, the material can be relatively heavy. In this embodiment, the top holding portion  504  can be relatively flat and the top holding portion  504  can be relatively arcuate simulating the shape of the rails  514  previously described. In other embodiments, the bottom holding portion  502  can also be relatively arcuate forming a basket or trough for accumulating dunnage  40 . In other embodiments, the top holding portion  504  can be relatively flat. 
     In other embodiments, the first and second portions  524 ,  526  described above can be positioned relative to one another in an orientation other than above and below one another. Instead, the first and second portions  524 ,  526  may be positioned adjacent to one another and laterally spaced from one another. In this embodiment, an accumulation feature  510  can be included on the trailing ends of each of the first and second portions. The accumulation feature  510  can extend parallel to the first and second portions  524 ,  526  and can gradually turn into the accumulation space  517 . A U-shaped transition may be included to connect each of the accumulation features  510  to one another. 
     In other embodiments, the accumulation features  516 ,  510  of the top and/or bottom holding portions  504 ,  502  can be in the form of hooks, gripping surfaces, or other arresting mechanisms in lieu of the eye type shapes described. In some embodiments, the accumulation features  510 ,  516  may be decoupleable from the rails  508 ,  514  and may be adjustable along the length of the rails  508 ,  514 . In the case of a plate-like top and/or bottom holding portion  504 ,  502 , the trailing end of the plate-like support can turn inward (e.g., toward the stream of dunnage) sharply or gradually to form an accumulating feature  510 ,  516 . 
     An additional modification can relate to the crossbars  518 . The crossbars  518  can extend diagonally or otherwise non-perpendicular to the top rail  514 . As such, they can extend from a first top rail  514  at a first point and connect to a second top rail  514  at a second point, where the second point does not necessarily correspond to the first point. In the case of plate-like top and/or bottom holding portions  504 ,  502 , the crossbars  518  may not be included. In these embodiments, a handle can be secured to the outer surface of one or both of the holding portions  504 ,  502 . The handle can be a U-shape, knob, or other known handle shape. 
     Regarding the range of motion of the top holding portion  504 , the downward direction can be limited or unlimited. That is, in some embodiments, the top holding portion  504  can be allowed to pivot downward and be relatively unobstructed. In this embodiment, as dunnage  40  is fed out of the dunnage machine  17 , the top holding portion  504  can pivot upward due to outfeed forces from the exiting dunnage  40 . In other embodiments, the downward range of motion can be limited by a shelf, ledge, or other vertical support at the trailing end of the top holding portion  504 . This shelf, ledge, or other vertical support can be positioned on the bottom holding portion  502  or can be separate from the bottom holding portion  502 . 
     In still other embodiments, the top and bottom holding portion  504 ,  502  can be connected to one another and close off the path of exiting dunnage  40 . In these embodiments, the top and/or bottom rail  514 ,  508  can be made of elastic or flexible material to expand as dunnage  40  is accumulated. In this embodiment, the dunnage  40  can be removed from the dunnage handler  18  by pulling the dunnage  40  out the lateral end of the handler  18  or through the lateral spaces between rails of the top and bottom holding portions  504 ,  502 . Additionally, sensors can be provided to monitor the amount of expansion and interrupt the production of dunnage  40  when a particular level of expansion is detected. 
     In still other embodiments, the dunnage handler  18  can be a separate device and can be positioned adjacent to or remote from the dunnage machine  17  and be adapted to accumulate or discharge dunnage  40 . This separate device can include an intake area  501  for receiving dunnage  40  either exiting the dunnage machine  17  or being conveyed or otherwise transported from the dunnage machine  17 . The intake area  501  can include connection elements for the top and bottom holding portions  504 ,  502 . The intake area  501  can also include a connecting mechanism for anchoring the dunnage handler  18  to the dunnage machine  17  when the handler  18  is positioned adjacent to the dunnage machine  17 . The connecting mechanism may assist in avoiding separation due to forces from exiting dunnage  40 . 
     In still other embodiments, the top holding portion  504  can include a biasing mechanism, which creates a biasing force that can be overcome by accumulating dunnage  40 . The mechanism can be, for example, a spring positioned near the connection of the top holding portion  504  to the connection element. The spring can be a tension or compression spring connected to the dunnage machine  17  and to the top holding portion  504 . The spring can be positioned to bias the top holding portion  504  to rotate about the pivot pin  532  against the accumulation of dunnage  40 . 
     In still other embodiments, different orientations may be used. As such, while the terms top and bottom have been used to refer to the supports  504 ,  502 , different orientation can be used. For example, a completely inverted orientation may be used. In this embodiment, a biasing mechanism similar to that just described may be used to maintain the top holding portion  504 , which is now below the bottom holding portion  502 , in a start position until the biasing force may be overcome by accumulating dunnage  40 . 
     In still other embodiments, the bottom holding portion  502  can be pivotally connected to the dunnage machine  17  in lieu of the top holding portion  504  or both the top and bottom holding portions  504 ,  502  can be pivotally connected. These embodiments can also include several alternative dunnage machine orientations including inverted orientations, where the above described bottom holding portion  502  can be oriented above the top holding portion  504  in lieu of below it. 
     In still other embodiments, the track slot  536  and track pin  538  can be reversed. The track slot  536  can be positioned on the connecting plate  534  and the track pin  538  can be positioned on the pivoting guide plate  24 . In this embodiment, motion of the top holding portion  504  would be facilitated by the track slot  536  sliding along a relatively stationary track pin  538 . 
     The above described handler can have certain advantages. For example, the outward/downward sloping trailing end portion  530  of the top rail  514  can serve at least two purposes. First, this trailing end  530  can interact with the accumulating dunnage  40  and ride on the dunnage  40  to naturally create the upward motion of the top holding portion  504 . Second, this outward/downward sloping trailing end  530  can also allow for more accumulation of dunnage  40  than would be available with, for example, a straight top holding portion  504 . That is, as the generally elongate dunnage  40  is accumulated, and additional dunnage  40  is fed out of the dunnage machine  17 , the tendency of the accumulated dunnage  40  to escape out the trailing end  505  of the dunnage handler  18  increases. However, the downward sloping trailing end  530  can function to maintain a component of force opposite to the handling direction  522  thereby resisting this outflow of dunnage  40 . This is in contrast to an alternative straight top holding portion that may not have this opposing component of force. That is, once a straight top holding portion is rotated beyond the horizontal position its weight may include a component of force along the handling direction  522  rather than opposite to the handling direction  522 . This may cause the weight of the support to contribute to the tendency of the dunnage  40  to escape. 
     Another advantage of the described handler  18  relates to its tendency to set the shape of the dunnage  40 . In some cases, dunnage  40  in the form of crumpled paper dunnage may have a tendency to return to its pre-crumpled shape and thus slightly uncrumple or expand upon exiting the dunnage mechanism  16 . By accumulating the dunnage  40  in the dunnage handler  18 , the crumpled dunnage  40  may experience a varying amount of setting force or compression that acts to hold the shape of the dunnage  40  for a period of time thereby setting its shape. 
     One having ordinary skill in the art should appreciate that there are numerous types and sizes of dunnage for which there can be a need or desire to accumulate or discharge according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. Additionally, one having ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that although the preferred embodiments illustrated herein reflect a round rail steel rod or tube type construction, the dunnage handler can be constructed of different materials with differing cross-sections, e.g., square, triangular, oval, rectangular, or another cross-section. 
     As used herein, the terms “top,” “bottom,” and/or other terms indicative of direction are used herein for convenience and to depict relational positions and/or directions between the parts of the embodiments. It will be appreciated that certain embodiments, or portions thereof, can also be oriented in other positions. In addition, the term “about” or “approximately” should generally be understood to refer to both the corresponding number and a range of numbers. In addition, all numerical ranges herein should be understood to include each whole integer within the range. 
     While illustrative embodiments of the invention are disclosed herein, it will be appreciated that numerous modifications and other embodiments may be devised by those skilled in the art. For example, the features for the various embodiments can be used in other embodiments. Therefore, it will be understood that the appended claims are intended to cover all such modifications and embodiments that come within the spirit and scope of the present invention.