CN114074857A

CN114074857A - Constant friction device

Info

Publication number: CN114074857A
Application number: CN202011303557.4A
Authority: CN
Inventors: 江文勇
Original assignee: Lvbo Jiangmen Environmental Protection Technology Co ltd
Current assignee: Yintaipu Polymer Co
Priority date: 2020-08-18
Filing date: 2020-11-19
Publication date: 2022-02-22
Also published as: CN215207639U; WO2022036559A1

Abstract

The present application relates to constant friction devices. An apparatus for dispensing a stock roll of sheet material comprising: a frame having mounting features for securing a stock roll of sheet material; a friction device engaging an outer surface of the stock roll of sheet material; and a weight connected to the friction device by a flexible connecting element such that the friction device exerts a constant friction force on the outer surface of the stock roll of sheet material.

Description

Constant friction device

Technical Field

The present disclosure relates generally to a device that provides substantially constant friction, for example, for expanding a roll of slit material into an expanded slit cushioning material or dispensing a single or multi-layer, slit-free roll of sheet material, such as a cushioning dunnage.

Background

When stretched, the thickness of the slotted sheet paper wrapper increases. This stretching and increase in thickness of the slit sheet paper wrapper is known as expansion. Slotted sheet paper packaging materials typically include recycled paper with rows of die cut slots in the paper. When stretched, the thickness of the slotted sheet paper wrapper increases relative to its original thickness. This increased thickness allows the intumescent material to be used as a protective cushioning wrap material. Packaging materials for slit sheet paper are described in U.S. patent nos. 5,667,871 and 5,688,578.

When a sheet stock (sheet stock material) is pulled out/dispensed, a slip-out (Run-out) and looping (looping) may occur. This slip-out and looping effect will be explained with reference to fig. 33-38, taking a dunnage conversion dispenser (dunnage conversion dispenser) as an example. It will be appreciated that in various types of manually pulled dispensers or motorized dispensers for various stocks of sheet material, roll-out and looping may occur. In fig. 33, the sheet material from the magazine roll 2000 is being unwound and moved as the dispenser is pulled. The tension of the sheet material remains constant as long as the dispenser is feeding. Once the dunnage conversion dispenser stops pulling on the sheet, the roll 2000 will continue to rotate several revolutions due to mass inertia, and the sheet will continue to unwind, as shown in fig. 34. This effect is called "roll-out". Slipping out will create a "loop" as shown in fig. 35. Once the dispenser begins to pull the sheet again, the loop will be processed first and the roll has not yet moved, as shown in fig. 36-37. When the loop disappears and the roll of sheet material 2000 begins to rotate, the sheet will experience a sudden pull, which may cause the sheet to tear at various tear locations 2001 (e.g., at a strip (web), at the entrance of a dunnage dispenser, or between transfer gears of a dunnage dispenser, as schematically illustrated in fig. 38).

Existing solutions that attempt to minimize the effects of roll-out and looping are complex in the number of moving parts, or may be non-constant friction dispensers. When processing slit rolls of material, the user is required to adjust the non-constant friction dispenser. The number of adjustments required may vary from 4 to 10 per roll and need to be repeated after loading a new roll of slit material. The amount of expansion may change during the processing of the slit material.

SUMMARY

Some embodiments of the present disclosure provide an apparatus for dispensing a roll of sheet material, comprising: a frame having mounting features for securing a stock roll of sheet material; a friction device engaging an outer surface of the roll of material; and a weight (counterweight) connected to the friction device by a flexible connecting element, such that the friction device exerts a friction force on the outer surface of the stock roll of sheet material.

The stock of sheet material may be a slit material. When the paper is pulled, friction applied to the outside of the roll of slit material causes it to expand into a sheet of paper packaging material. The sheet material may also be a single or multi-layer, non-slit sheet stock roll, such as used on dunnage conversion dispensers for cushioning or void-filling applications.

The dispenser processes the stock roll of sheet material with frequent start and stop actions. Due to such a handling, the sheet stock rolls need to be accelerated and decelerated frequently. Due to mass inertia, the stock roll of sheet material tends to slip out when the pulling of the sheet material is stopped. This may cause the stock of sheets to be torn when the pulling of the stock of sheets is started. The constant friction device of the present application significantly reduces roll-out when stopping the pulling of the stock roll of sheet material. The friction means also eliminates the ringing effect.

The gravity-based device generates a continuous frictional force towards the outside of the stock roll of sheet material. The weight, which is directly connected to the friction device, moves the same distance in a manner corresponding to the diameter of the roll while contacting the stock of sheet material, which ensures a continuous pressure and therefore a continuous friction force to expand correctly, without any or frequent friction adjustments during the handling of the stock of sheet material, which may be a stock of sheet material of different grammage or different paper types.

In some embodiments, the device may further comprise a guide member to guide the flexible connecting element to change direction such that the friction device engages the lower outer surface of the stock roll of sheet material. The guide member may be a pulley.

In some embodiments, the apparatus may further comprise additional weights that can be added or removed as desired, for example to or from the weights.

In some embodiments, the apparatus may further comprise adjustment means to vary the frictional force exerted on the outer surface of the stock roll of sheet material. The adjusting means may comprise: an adjustment spring member connected to the friction device and the weight; a movable guide member that guides the adjustment spring member such that a length of the adjustment spring member can be adjusted by moving the movable guide member. The adjustment device may further comprise a lever (lever) configured to move the movable guide member; and a locking device for holding the rod in place. The lever may be a rotatable lever having one end connected to the movable guide member. The movable guide member may be an adjustable rotating member or a slotted guide connected to the rod. The adjustment device may further comprise at least one fixed guide member for guiding the adjustment spring member. The adjustment device may further comprise a link rod (link rod) connecting rotatable rods on both sides of the device, such that the spring members on both sides can be adjusted simultaneously.

In some embodiments, the mounting feature is used to secure a roll core spool (roll core craft) of the stock roll of sheet material. Where a roll mandrel is used, the stock roll of sheet material is easily positioned, loaded into the device or roll holder, and is directly ready for processing of the stock sheet material.

In some embodiments, the core shaft comprises first and second shafts insertable into a core of the stock of sheet material, the first and second shafts being movable to an operative configuration in which one or more operators can operate the stock of sheet material through the first and second shafts, and the first and second shafts being movable to a stowed configuration in which the first and second shafts are further inserted into the core of the stock of sheet material.

In some embodiments, an outer diameter of each of the first and second shaft members is close to or equal to an inner diameter of the core of the stock roll of sheet material.

In some embodiments, one or more plugs are provided on each of the first and second shafts, and each of the plugs has an outer diameter that is close to or equal to an inner diameter of the core of the stock roll of sheet material.

In some embodiments, at least one bearing is disposed between the core of the stock roll of sheet material and each of the first and second shaft members.

In some embodiments, each of the first and second shafts is provided with a stop on an outer end to prevent the first and second shafts from being inserted further into the core of the stock roll of sheet material when the first and second shafts are in the stowed configuration.

In some embodiments, the device may include a front lift and at least one wheel for moving the device between the stowed position and the use position. The at least one wheel may not contact the surface for packaging when the device is resting on the surface for packaging. The front lift may be a roller under which the stock of unwound sheet material is fed.

The device can be moved over a surface when used to expand cushioning sheet material for wrapping/packaging a product without the need to lift the entire device. The added roller mechanism, without any unlocking feature, can move the apparatus to the user for loading a new roll of sheet stock. This is an ergonomic solution for the user, since the weight of the stock of sheet material may be between 6kg and 12kg, and it is usually necessary to lift the stock of sheet material at least 40cm to 80cm towards the loading position of the device.

The frame may include at least one surface retainer to prevent the apparatus from moving when pulling the stock of sheets.

The apparatus may further comprise a dust collecting device to collect surplus paper materials. The dust collecting device may include a dust collecting plate and a first bottom brush. The dust collecting device may further comprise an upstream brush arrangement comprising a second bottom brush and a top brush, forming a dust chamber (dust chamber) together with the dust collecting plate and the first bottom brush.

The apparatus may also include a motorized pull-out device to unwind the stock roll of sheet material. The motorized pull-out device may include an upper rotating member and a lower rotating member on both lateral sides of the device.

Gravity may be simulated by applying tension to the friction device, functionally equivalent to the gravity-based device described above. Some embodiments of the present disclosure provide an apparatus for providing constant friction to a stock roll of sheet material, comprising a frame having mounting features for securing the stock roll of sheet material; a friction device engaging an outer surface of the roll of material; and an elastic member connected at one end to the friction device and fixed at the other end to the frame such that the friction device exerts a frictional force on the outer surface of the stock roll of sheet material. The device may further comprise an adjustment guide member, the position of which can be changed to adjust the length of the resilient member.

Some embodiments of the present disclosure provide a winding core shaft that includes a first shaft member and a second shaft member that are insertable into a core of a stock roll of sheet material. The first and second shafts are movable to an operating configuration (handling configuration) in which one or more operators are able to operate the sheet stock roll by the first and second shafts, and to a stowed configuration (stowed configuration) in which the first and second shafts are further inserted into the core of the sheet stock roll. The first and second shaft members may each have an outer diameter that is close to or equal to the inner diameter of the core of the stock roll of sheet material. Alternatively, one or more plugs may be provided on each of the first and second shafts, and each plug has an outer diameter close to or equal to the inner diameter of the core of the stock roll of sheet material. At least one bearing may be provided between the core of the stock roll of sheet material and each of the first and second shaft members. Each of the first and second shafts may be provided with a stop on an outer end to prevent the first and second shafts from being inserted further into the core of the sheet stock roll when the first and second shafts are in the stowed configuration.

Brief Description of Drawings

Fig. 1 illustrates an example dispenser in accordance with aspects herein.

Fig. 2 shows a side view of the dispenser of fig. 1.

Fig. 3 shows another view of the dispenser of fig. 1.

Fig. 4 shows a side view of the dispenser of fig. 1 with a roll of slit material about to be loaded onto the dispenser.

Fig. 5 shows a side view of the dispenser of fig. 1 with a roll of slit material held on the dispenser.

Fig. 6 illustrates a roll back holder clip for a dispenser in accordance with aspects hereof.

Fig. 7 illustrates another exemplary dispenser equipped with an additional adjustment spring member in accordance with aspects herein.

Fig. 8 shows an operator using an exemplary dispenser.

Fig. 9-10 illustrate a lift roller apparatus for a dispenser according to aspects herein.

Fig. 11 illustrates a loading and use/package position of a dispenser according to aspects herein.

Fig. 12-16 illustrate a dust collection device for a dispenser according to aspects herein.

Fig. 17-18 illustrate a motorized pull-out device of a dispenser according to aspects herein.

19-20 illustrate another exemplary dispenser according to aspects herein.

Fig. 21-24 illustrate a dunnage conversion dispenser stand with a seamless roll of sheet material loaded thereon in accordance with aspects hereof.

25-32 illustrate a two-piece winding mandrel in accordance with aspects hereof.

Fig. 33-38 illustrate the roll-out and looping effect.

Detailed Description

In the following description, specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of various embodiments of the disclosure. However, upon reviewing this disclosure, one skilled in the art will understand that the disclosure may be practiced without many of these details.

The drawings are not necessarily to scale; some features may be exaggerated or minimized to show details of particular components. Therefore, specific structural and functional details disclosed herein are not to be interpreted as limiting, but merely as a representative basis for teaching one skilled in the art to variously employ the present invention.

In this specification, if the terms "about," "substantially," "approximately," and "consisting essentially of … …" are used, they mean ± 20% of the indicated range, value, or structure, unless otherwise specified. It will be understood that the terms "a" and "an" as used herein refer to "one or more" of the listed components. The use of alternatives (e.g., "or") should be understood to refer to one, two, or any combination thereof, unless explicitly stated otherwise. As used herein, the terms "comprising" and "including" are used synonymously, and unless otherwise explicitly stated, both terms are intended to be interpreted in a non-limiting sense, as are variations thereof.

For illustrative purposes, various embodiments of the present disclosure are described in the context of a paper-based sheet stock for liner formation. However, other materials may also be suitable, as will be understood by those skilled in the art upon review of this disclosure. Throughout this disclosure, unless otherwise indicated, the term "sheet" may refer to a single layer material, but may also refer to a multi-layer material in which each "sheet" has multiple layers including thinner sheets.

Referring to fig. 1-6, an example of a dispenser/device 10 for dispensing rolls of stock sheet material is shown. The dispenser 10 may facilitate dispensing stock rolls of sheet material, such as a slit sheet paper wrapper or a 1-, 2-or 3-ply roll of material without slits. The dispenser 10 may be located on a surface for packaging or in a dispenser stand, as described below.

The dispenser 10 is a gravity-based device that creates a continuous frictional force toward the outside of the roll of slit material 1000, and as the paper is pulled, the roll of slit material 1000 expands into the slit sheet paper wrapper. While slit materials are discussed herein, it is contemplated that dispensing materials without slits may also benefit from the present invention. For example, a friction device may be used to control the tension of the stock roll of sheet material 2000 pulled by the dunnage buffer dispenser or the void-fill dispenser, thereby controlling the looping and roll-off effects.

The dispenser 10 may include a frame 100, a friction device 200, and a weight member 300.

The weight member 300 may be connected to the friction device 200 by a flexible connecting member 400. The flexible connecting element 400 may be generally non-stretchable (e.g., a cable or cord) or may have some elasticity (e.g., a spring). In some embodiments, the flexible connecting element 400 is secured at one end to the neck 3011 of the weight member 300 and at the other end to the neck 202 of the friction device 200. In some embodiments, the weight 300 may be connected to the friction device 200 at both ends by separate first and second flexible connecting elements 400, 400' for adjustment to correct defects in the roll of material to maintain the same friction force across the width of the roll.

The flexible connecting element 400 may be guided by a guide member 106 (e.g., a pulley) for changing direction such that the friction device 200 engages the lower outer surface of the roll 1000. The guide member 106 may be mounted on the frame 100. In the embodiment with separate first and second flexible connecting elements 400, 400 ', there are two guide members 106, 106' for each connecting element. The guide members 106, 106 'may be mounted on the first and second side plates 101, 101' of the frame 100. It is conceivable that there is more than one guide member per connecting element.

Due to the activation of the weight 300, the friction device 200 travels the same distance in a manner corresponding to the roll diameter while contacting the roll of sheet material 1000, which ensures a continuous pressure and thus a continuous friction force to expand correctly without any friction adjustment during handling of the roll of slit sheet material 1000, which may be slit sheet material of different grammages or different types of paper. Further, the width and diameter of the roll of slit material 1000 may be varied without any adjustment to maintain the same optimal 60% -70% expansion, pull the slit material and process the slit material into slit sheet packaging material. Referring to FIG. 8, the width W of the roll of slit material 1000 may vary between 300mm and 600mm, and the diameter D may vary between 40mm and 260 mm.

Friction device 200 may have a friction surface 201 in contact with the outermost surface of roll 1000 to apply a frictional force to the surface of roll 1000. The friction surface 201 may have various patterns for a low friction sheet, or have a smooth surface. In the embodiment shown, the friction means 200 is a friction plate and the friction surface 201 extends almost all the way from the first side plate 101 to the second side plate 101' so that rolls with different widths (which may vary between 300mm and 600 mm) can be used on the same dispenser without any adjustment. The friction surface 201 may include an array of protrusions (projections).

The movement of the friction device 200 and the weight member 300 may be restricted by a guide on the frame 100. As best shown in fig. 2, the friction device 200 and the weight member 300 have equal travel lengths (travel lengths) along the channels. In the illustrated embodiment, the guides are cutouts or channels in the side panels of the frame 100. For example, the channel 103 for the friction device 200 and the channel 104 for the weight 300 are formed on the first side plate 101 of the frame 100, and the channel 103 ' for the friction device 200 and the channel 104 ' for the weight 300 are formed on the second side plate 101 ' of the frame 100. In another embodiment, the guide portion may be a guide track inside the side plate.

The weight 300 comprises at least one mass 301. In the illustrated embodiment, the mass 301 is cylindrical and extends almost all the way from the first side plate 101 to the second side plate 101'. It is contemplated that the mass 301 may have other shapes.

Additional weights/masses may be provided when different grams or types of paper are desired. Referring to fig. 3, additional weights 302 may be added or removed by fasteners 303 (e.g., bolts). The additional weight 302 may be a single component or multiple components. In other embodiments, the dispenser includes more than one additional weight.

Fig. 4-5 illustrate the process of loading a roll of slit material onto a dispenser. When the roll 1000 is loaded, the friction device 200 moves downward to accommodate the diameter of the roll 1000. The weight member 300 moves an equal distance from the friction device 200, maintaining a constant pressure and thus a constant friction force on the surface of the roll.

The roll of material may be provided with a conventional mandrel to position the roll in the dispenser. The frame 100 may include mounting features for securing the roll core shaft. Referring to fig. 5, the core axis 1003 carrying the slit roll of material 1000 rests on the grooves 102, 102' (shown in fig. 1) in the frame 100. Referring to fig. 6, a spool holder 1022 may be provided for securing the spool shaft 1003 at least at one end. The spool holder 1022 may be adjustable to adjust to the shaft diameter when loaded. The spool holder 1022 may be a clip, and may be made of spring steel. The clip may be circular or triangular. In another embodiment, the spool holder may be a magnet that holds the reeling spool 1003 in place. Depending on the gram and type of slit material, the holding force exerted by the spool holder 1022 may amount to a range between 1kg and 5kg for handling the slit material roll. The total holding force is relatively low because it only needs to keep the pushing force of the friction means towards the roll of material minus the weight of the spindle.

A core guide 109 '(shown in fig. 1 and 3) may be provided to prevent the roll from contacting the side panels 101, 101', which would result in a friction difference.

In some embodiments, the dispenser may include a regulating device 500 to enable use of different grams or different paper types. Referring to fig. 7, the adjusting device 500 includes an adjusting spring member 501 and a movable guide member 502.

The adjustment spring member 501 is connected to the friction device 200 and the weight 300. When the friction means 200 and the weight 300 travel equal distances, the spring tension, and thus the friction force, towards the roll of material will remain equal regardless of the diameter of the roll. The length of the adjustment spring member 501 can be adjusted by changing the position of the movable guide member 502. Thus, the weight member may be balanced to properly expand various grams of material.

The adjustment spring member 501 is guided by a movable guide member 502 (e.g., a pulley), and the position of the adjustment spring member 501 may be changed to adjust the length of the adjustment spring member 501. The adjustment spring member 501 may also be guided by at least one fixed guide member 506. In the embodiment shown, there are three pulleys for guiding the adjustment spring member 501, the middle one being a movable guide member 502, above two fixed guide members 506. It is envisaged that the guide member may have a different arrangement.

The position of the movable guide member 502 can be changed by a rotatable lever 503. The rotatable lever 503 is rotatably connected to the frame 100 by a pivot 5032. One end of the rotatable lever 503 may be connected to the movable guide member 502 to rearrange the position of the movable guide member 502, thereby changing the length of the adjustment spring member 501. The other end of the rotatable rod 503 may be connected to a link 505 to adjust the spring members on both sides simultaneously. It is also contemplated that the spring members on both sides may be independently adjustable.

It is also contemplated that the position of the movable guide member 502 may be changed by moving on a track provided on the frame 100.

The adjustment device 500 may be provided with a locking device 504 to maintain the desired tension. The locking device 504 may be a locking screw that holds the rotatable rod 503 in place.

Fig. 8 shows an operator using an exemplary dispenser. The dispenser rests in its use/wrapping position on a surface 900 for packaging, on which a roll of slit material 1000 is loaded. When the operator pulls on the loose end of the paper, the slit material expands into the wrapping material. The distance L between the front of the surface 900 for packaging and the front of the dispenser may be between 50cm and 100 cm. When fed from the front of the dispenser, about 20cm is required for the slit material to expand correctly and 30-80cm is additionally required for the product to be placed on the expanded sheet material to wrap the product with the unwound and expanded cushioning material.

For manual dispensers, the sheet material is pulled manually, which requires the dispenser to be stationary on a packaging table or surface to avoid movement of the dispenser as the sheet material is pulled. The dispenser may be provided with a separate surface retainer 105 to prevent the dispenser from moving as the paper is pulled. The retainer 105 may be part of a side plate. The retainer 105 may be a rubber extension added to the dispenser. In other embodiments, the dispenser may be secured to the surface using rubber feet (rubber feet) to prevent the dispenser from moving as the sheet material is pulled.

As mentioned above, if the operator is standing, the minimum distance from the front of the dispenser is about 50cm to 100 cm. This requires the operator to load a stock roll of sheet material over this distance, which typically weighs between 6-12 kg. Referring to fig. 8-10, in some embodiments, a front lift 107 may be provided on the frame 100 for moving the dispenser, for example, between a loading position (left position in fig. 11) and a use position (right position in fig. 8 and 11). The front lifting means 107 can be lifted up to a height H of 15 mm.

The front lift 107 may also be used to keep the unwound and expanded slit sheet material 1002 also close to the surface 900 for packaging as the roll diameter changes. The front lift 107 may be a roller and may be spaced a predetermined distance from the surface. In the embodiment shown, the front lifting means 107 are connected at both ends to the side plates 101, 101' of the frame 100.

The dispenser may include at least one wheel 108, which may facilitate movement of the dispenser. As shown in fig. 9, when the dispenser is resting on a surface, the wheels 108 do not contact the surface 900 for packaging to ensure that the dispenser remains stationary while pulling on the slit material. When the front lifting device 107 is lifted, the wheels 108 become the only part of the engagement surface, as shown in fig. 10. The operator can lift the front lift 107 and then move the dispenser via the wheels 108. In the embodiment shown, two wheels are included, each fixed to a side plate 101, 101' of the frame 100. By this arrangement, the dispenser can be easily moved over a surface.

The front lift 107 may be lifted and pulled toward the operator for loading rolls of material near where the operator stands. After loading, the dispenser may be returned to its use position by lifting the front of the device again and pushing it backwards. This moving mechanism is not provided with any parts that need to be unlocked. When the dispenser is stationary, the wheels do not contact the surface for packaging. In other embodiments, a common caster with brakes may also be used to move the dispenser on the packaging table/surface by unlocking the caster brakes.

Paper slot material generates significant dust when it swells as the slot is cut into the paper. When the slot material expands, the pre-cut slots in the paper open, releasing the paper fibers from the slots. Paper materials may accumulate around the dispenser near the operator. The packaging area may need to be cleaned often, which requires the dispenser and other items to be removed from the packaging area for cleaning.

Referring to fig. 12-16, an exemplary dispenser with a dust collection device 600 is shown. The dust collection apparatus 600 can be used with manual or motorized dispensers to minimize uncontrolled excess paper material (unbundances of paper substations) in the packaging area and under the dispenser.

The dust collecting apparatus 600 may include a dust collecting plate 601 and a first bottom brush 602. The first lower brush 602 is located below the front lift 107 and near the front lift 107 to reduce the paper slack in front of the dispenser when the slit material is inflated. With this arrangement, most of the paper material will be collected on the Dust-board (Dust-plate), thus reducing the paper material in the packaging area. The dust collection plate 601 and the brush 602 may be detachable for cleaning. The dust collection plate 601 may be provided with an electrostatic surface that can be cleaned. The dust collection plate 601 may be provided with removable adhesive paper on which the paper material is collected. An electrostatic surface or removable adhesive paper may be provided in the drawer to facilitate cleaning or replacement.

Alternatively, the dust collecting device 600 may be provided with an upstream brush arrangement comprising a second bottom brush 603 and a top brush 604. A dust chamber 607 will be obtained to minimize paper slack. This may be necessary for high end users or for packaging of cleaning products, such as cosmetics or cutlery.

The upstream brush arrangement may further comprise an upper plate 605. The dust chamber 607 may be formed by a dust collection plate 601, a first lower brush 602, a front lift 107, a second bottom brush 603, a top brush 604, and an upper plate 605. The upstream brush arrangement may further comprise a guide roller 606 upstream of the dust chamber 607.

Expanding the sheet material may typically be based on manually pulling the sheet material out of the dispenser, but may also be driven by a rotating member and a motor. Such a motorized solution may be based on an additional option (add-on) of a manual dispenser. Alternatively, a large number of packaging customers requiring continuous output of slit cushioning material may require dedicated belt-driven dispensers.

Referring to fig. 17-18, an exemplary dispenser with a motorized pull-out device 700 is shown. The motorized pull out device 700 may be an add-on to a manual dispenser. A motorized pull out device 700 for a manual constant friction dispenser may be provided as an ergonomic solution to high end users.

The motorized pull out device 700 may include a drive 701, an upper rotating member 703, 703 'and a lower rotating member 704, 704'. The upper rotating member 703, 703 'and the lower rotating member 704, 704' are located on both lateral sides of the dispenser and are driven by the driving means 701. As shown in fig. 18, the unwound and expanded slit sheet material 1002 is located between and fed by an upper rotating member 703, 703 'and a lower rotating member 704, 704'. The operator's hand may be replaced by a motor driven rotating member that pulls the slit sheet material only on both lateral sides of the slit sheet material unwound from the roll to avoid reducing the expansion, cushioning of the slit sheet material, which may be flattened if the rotating member comes into contact with the entire width of the slit material.

The distance between the rotating members may be factory set to a minimum thickness of the slit material sheet. All different grammage and paper types can be handled without any adjustment of the rotating member.

A guide plate 705 may be provided to guide the slit sheet material towards the driven rotation members 703, 703 ', 704'. Lower and upper intermediate guide plates may be provided to guide the expanded slit sheet material to avoid misalignment of the cushioning material with the drive when the slit material is fed.

Referring to fig. 19-20, another exemplary dispenser 10a is shown. The dispenser 10a includes a frame 100a and a friction device 200a, which are similar to the frame 100 and friction device 200 of the dispenser 10.

Further, the dispenser 10a includes an elastic member 300a, which is a simulated gravity friction generator. The resilient member 300a is connected to the friction device 200a at one end and is fixed to the frame 100a at the other end so as to exert a substantially constant force on the friction device 200a to pull the friction device 200a towards the roll of material.

The movement of the friction device 200a may be restricted by a guide on the frame 100 a. As best shown in fig. 19-20, the friction device 200a moves along

channels

103a and 103a 'formed in the

side plates

101a, 101 a' of the frame 100 a.

The elastic member 300a is guided by at least one guide member that may be mounted on the side plate 101a of the frame 100 a. The at least one guide member includes an adjustment guide member 400a, the position of which may be changed to adjust the length of the elastic member 300 a.

The side plates 101 a' of the frame 100a may have the same arrangement. If different grammage or paper type is desired, the tension of the elastic members 300a on both sides can be adjusted simultaneously to decrease or increase the tension. In the illustrated embodiment, the adjustment guide members 400a of both sides are connected by a link 500 a. The link 500a may have necks at both ends. The neck can slide along the

channels

104a, 104a 'and is received in a recess (dent)105a, 105 a' formed in the frame 100 a. With this arrangement, the positions of the link 500a and the adjustment guide member 400a can be adjusted step by step. It is contemplated that the adjustment guide member 400a may be steplessly adjusted by a locking device that may lock the linkage 500a or the adjustment guide member 400a in any position.

The elastic member 300a may also be guided by at least one fixed guide member 102 a. Longer elastic members are desirable because a change in length (as a function of diameter) does not substantially change the tension of the elastic member, thereby achieving a substantially constant frictional force. By using a long resilient member, the difference in friction between the whole roll and the small roll of slit material is minimized. This may be achieved by providing more guide members and moving adjacent guide members as far apart as possible. In the illustrated embodiment, four fixed guide members 102a are included, two of which are disposed at the top portion of the frame and two of which are disposed at the bottom portion of the frame. It is contemplated that the fixed guide members 102a may have different numbers or arrangements.

Referring to fig. 21-24, a dunnage conversion dispenser stand 800 is shown. In some embodiments, the dispenser may be part of the dispenser stand 800. The dispenser may be located on a separate cart that is movable from the rest of the dispenser stand 800. In the illustrated embodiment, the slitless sheet stock roll 2000 is loaded in the dispenser stand 800. While discussed herein as being slit-free, it is contemplated that the dispenser stand 800 may also be used to dispense slit material. The friction means used in the dispenser stand 800 provides a constant friction force to the roll of material based on gravity or spring loading as described above. The sheet material may be pulled by manual or motorized means.

As noted above, the core shaft may be used to position a stock roll of sheet material in a dispenser, a roll holder, or on a separate reel cart. The use of a reel mandrel to load a carrier web stock roll requires that both ends of the mandrel extend from the roll. The weight of the stock roll of sheet material may vary between 3kg and 45kg and may need to be lifted by two people on each side of the stock roll, depending on ergonomic requirements.

As shown in fig. 25, the length L of the extensions 1004, 1004' at each end of the winding mandrel needs to be at least 100mm in order to be able to hold and lift the shaft safely by hand. The extension of the roll core shaft requires additional, unused space on both sides of the dispenser/roll holder, which means that the roll holder core shaft in total extends at least 200mm outside the actual projection (footprint) of the dispenser/roll holder. Referring to fig. 25, it can be seen that after loading of a stock roll of sheet material 1000, the core spool extensions L extending beyond the projection w of the dispenser, dispenser stand or roll holder require unused space in the wrapping area b in the use position. With further reference to fig. 26, due to the storage of consumer items (e.g., printer 3000, box 4000 for packaging products), the limitation of space f to locate and use a dunnage conversion dispenser in packaging area b may be common. Due to space constraints, the use of a dispenser (with a spool wider than the dispenser body) in a packaging counter/surface environment may limit the positioning of the dispenser/roll holder, or even cause minor injury by hitting the shaft extension.

To address this issue, some embodiments of the present disclosure provide a two-piece jellyroll 1003a that includes a first shaft piece 1005 and a second shaft piece 1005'. The first shaft element 1005 and the second shaft element 1005' may be positioned into the core from the left and right sides, respectively.

The first shaft 1005 and the second shaft 1005' may be slid or pushed into the core 1001 of the sheet stock roll 1000 after the sheet stock roll 1000 is loaded onto a dispenser or roll holder. The projected external extension of the dispenser/roll holder may be limited to 10mm after the two-piece roll core shaft is slid or pushed into the roll core 1001.

To ensure that the roll of sheet material 1000 is concentric with the two-piece core shaft 1003a, the diameter of the two-piece core shaft 1003a is approximately equal to the inner diameter of the core 1001. Alternatively, one or more plugs (e.g., plugs 1007, 1007') having a diameter close to or equal to the inner diameter of jellyroll 1001 are provided for use with thinner shafts.

Low rotational friction devices (e.g., bearings) may be disposed between the core 1001 and the shaft to facilitate rotation of the roll of sheet material 1000 on the core shaft 1003 a. The outer race of the bearing may engage the inner surface of the core 1001.

The first shaft 1005 and the second shaft 1005 'may be provided with stops 1006, 1006', respectively, at the outer ends to ensure that the shafts have a certain length outside the roll of sheet material stock for holding the roll on a dispenser, dispenser stand or roll holder.

The first and second shaft members 1005, 1005' may be of the same or different lengths, depending on the available space in the packaging area. Shorter and longer shafts 1005, 1005' may be required if the dispenser or roll holder is near a side obstruction.

Fig. 26-30 illustrate how the two-piece spool shaft 1003a works. Referring to fig. 26, to load a sheet stock roll 1000, the dispenser, dispenser stand or roll holder may be repositioned from the normal use area u to a loading position. Referring to fig. 27-28, the first shaft member 1005 and the second shaft member 1005' are about to be inserted into the core 1001. In the illustrated embodiment, the first and second shaft members 1005, 1005 'are provided with plugs 1007, 1007'. There may be two or more plugs per shaft. Fig. 29 shows the first and second shaft elements 1005, 1005' in an operative configuration, with a portion in the core 1001, with a length L (e.g., 100mm or greater) remaining outside of the dispenser, dispenser stand, or roll holder for handling the roll. It can be seen that the outer diameter of the plugs 1007, 1007 'is close to or equal to the inner diameter of the core 1001 so that the roll of sheet material 1000 is concentric with the first shaft 1005 and the second shaft 1005'. Fig. 30 shows the first and second shaft members 1005, 1005' in a stowed configuration. The stops 1006, 1006' interfere with the dispenser, dispenser holder, or roll holder to prevent further insertion. The space f' in the roll of material having the two-piece roll mandrel 1003a in the collapsed configuration is less than the space f required for a conventional mandrel.

Fig. 31 shows a two-piece roll spindle 1003a applied to a workstation with a slit sheet stock roll 1000 and dispenser. Fig. 32 illustrates the use of a two-piece roll spindle 1003a with a slitless sheet stock roll 2000 and a liner converting dispenser stand 800. In both embodiments, the two-piece spool shaft 1003a in the stowed configuration will occupy less space and the risk of injury to a person is reduced or eliminated.

While exemplary embodiments are described above, it is not intended that these embodiments describe all possible forms of the invention. Rather, the words used in the specification are words of description rather than limitation, and it is understood that various changes may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Furthermore, features of different implementing embodiments may be combined to form further embodiments of the invention.

Claims

1. An apparatus for dispensing a stock roll of sheet material comprising:

a frame having mounting features for securing the stock roll of sheet material;

a friction device engaging an outer surface of the stock roll of sheet material; and

a weight connected to the friction device by a flexible connecting element such that the friction device exerts a frictional force on the outer surface of the stock roll of sheet material.

2. The device for dispensing a stock roll of sheet material as claimed in claim 1, further comprising a guide member that guides the flexible connecting element to change direction such that the friction device engages a lower outer surface of the stock roll of sheet material.

3. The device for dispensing a stock roll of sheet material as recited in claim 2, wherein the guide member is a pulley.

4. A device for dispensing a stock roll of sheet material as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 3, further comprising additional weights that can be added or removed as required.

5. A device for dispensing stock rolls of sheet material as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 4, further comprising adjustment means to vary the frictional force exerted on the outer surface of the stock roll of sheet material.

6. An apparatus for dispensing a stock roll of sheet material as defined in claim 5, wherein the adjustment means comprises:

an adjustment spring member connected to the friction device and the counterweight; and

a movable guide member that guides the adjustment spring member such that a length of the adjustment spring member can be adjusted by moving the movable guide member.

7. The apparatus for dispensing a stock roll of sheet material as recited in claim 6, wherein the adjustment device further comprises:

a lever configured to move the movable guide member; and

a locking device for holding the rod in place.

8. Device for dispensing a stock roll of sheet material according to claim 6 or 7, wherein the adjustment device further comprises at least one stationary guide member for guiding the adjustment spring member.

9. Device for dispensing storage rolls of sheet material according to claim 7 or 8, wherein the adjustment device further comprises a linkage connecting the levers on both sides of the device for dispensing storage rolls in the transverse direction, such that the adjustment spring members on both sides can be adjusted simultaneously.

10. A device for dispensing a stock roll of sheet material as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 9 wherein the mounting feature is for securing a roll mandrel of the stock roll of sheet material.

11. A device for dispensing a stock roll of sheet material as claimed in claim 10, wherein the roll core shaft comprises first and second shafts insertable into a core of the stock roll of sheet material, the first and second shafts being movable to an operative configuration in which one or more operators can operate the stock roll of sheet material through the first and second shafts and the first and second shafts being movable to a stowed configuration in which the first and second shafts are further inserted into the core of the stock roll of sheet material.

12. The apparatus for dispensing a storage roll of sheet material as claimed in claim 11, wherein each of the first and second shaft members has an outer diameter that is close to or equal to an inner diameter of the core of the storage roll of sheet material.

13. The apparatus for dispensing a roll of sheet stock material as recited in claim 11, wherein one or more plugs are provided on each of the first and second shafts, and each of the plugs has an outer diameter that is close to or equal to an inner diameter of the core of the roll of sheet stock material.

14. A device for dispensing storage rolls of sheet material as claimed in claim 11 wherein at least one bearing is provided between the core of the storage roll of sheet material and each of the first and second shaft members.

15. A device for dispensing a stock roll of sheet material as claimed in claim 11 wherein each of the first and second shafts is provided with a stop on an outer end to prevent the first and second shafts from being inserted further into the core of the stock roll of sheet material when the first and second shafts are in the stowed configuration.

16. Apparatus for dispensing a store of sheet material as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 15 further comprising front lifting means and at least one wheel for moving the apparatus for dispensing a store of sheet material between a loading position and a use position.

17. The apparatus for dispensing a stock roll of sheet material as recited in claim 16, wherein the at least one wheel does not contact the surface for packaging when the apparatus for dispensing a stock roll of sheet material is resting on the surface for packaging.

18. A device for dispensing a stock of sheet material rolls as claimed in claim 16 or 17, wherein the forward lifting means is a roller under which an unwound stock of sheet material is fed.

19. A device for dispensing stock rolls of sheet material according to any one of claims 1 to 18, wherein the frame comprises at least one surface retainer to prevent the device for dispensing stock rolls from moving when pulling the stock of sheet material.

20. The apparatus for dispensing storage rolls of sheet material as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 19, further comprising a dust collecting device for collecting surplus paper material.

21. The apparatus for dispensing storage rolls of sheet material as claimed in claim 20 wherein said dust collection means comprises a dust collection plate and a first bottom brush.

22. The device for dispensing a supply of sheet material from a roll of claim 21, wherein the dust collection device further comprises an upstream brush arrangement including a second bottom brush and a top brush, the second bottom brush and the top brush forming a dust collection chamber with the dust collection plate and the first bottom brush.

23. A device for dispensing a stock roll of sheet material as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 22, further comprising a motorized pull-out device for unwinding the stock roll of sheet material.

24. The device for dispensing a stock roll of sheet material as claimed in claim 23, wherein the motorized pull-out device comprises an upper rotating member and a lower rotating member located on either lateral side of the device for dispensing a stock roll of sheet material.

25. An apparatus for dispensing a stock roll of sheet material comprising:

a frame having mounting features for securing the stock roll of sheet material;

a resilient member connected at one end to the friction device and fixed at the other end to the frame such that the friction device exerts a frictional force on the outer surface of the stock roll of sheet material.

26. The device for dispensing a stock roll of sheet material as claimed in claim 25, further comprising an adjustment guide member, the position of which can be changed to adjust the length of the resilient member.

27. A winding core shaft comprising a first shaft member and a second shaft member insertable into a core of a stock of sheet material, wherein the first and second shaft members are movable to an operating configuration in which one or more operators can operate the stock of sheet material through the first and second shaft members and the first and second shaft members are movable to a stowed configuration in which the first and second shaft members are further inserted into the core of the stock of sheet material.

28. A roll spindle according to claim 27, wherein the outer diameter of each of the first and second shaft members is close to or equal to the inner diameter of the core of the stock roll of sheet material.

29. A roll spindle according to claim 27, wherein one or more plugs are provided on each of the first and second shaft members, and each of the plugs has an outer diameter close to or equal to the inner diameter of the core of the stock roll of sheet material.

30. A roll spindle according to claim 27 in which at least one bearing is provided between the core of the stock roll of sheet material and each of the first and second shaft members.

31. A roll spindle according to claim 27, wherein each of the first and second shafts is provided with a stop on an outer end to prevent the first and second shafts from being inserted further into the core of the stock roll of sheet material when the first and second shafts are in the stowed configuration.