Appeal 2006-2985
Application 10/702,225
Fuss discloses that each strip 76 is then engaged with a moving belt 80
having a quantity of small spikes or pins 82 which protrude from the belt into the
still connected strips 76 for holding the transverse strips to the belt (Fuss, col. 6, ll.
33-36, Figures 14-15).
Fuss discloses that after the strips have been engaged to the spiked belt, the
sheet moves into a slitting and edge trimming station 90 that cuts the strips 76 into
shorter length strips 96 (Fuss, col. 6, l. 58 – col. 7, l. 1, Figures 16-17).
Fuss shows that the spikes or pins 82 create holes in the strips of dunnage 96
(Fuss, Figures 14, 16).
The holes in the strips of dunnage 96 result in a mass per unit volume less
than the starting material 60.
Thus, Fuss discloses a system for converting a continuous strip of flat sheet
material 60 into strips of “relatively less dense” dunnage material 96 (Fuss, col. 6,
l. 23-col. 7, l. 1, Figures 12-17).
Fuss also discloses a forming station 102 that bends, curls, folds, and curves
the strips 96 into a convoluted shape which encloses a convex region of space into
which the particle can compress (Fuss, col. 7, ll. 15-21 and 32-36).
Fuss discloses that one portion of the strip can be secured to another portion
of the formed strip where the portions have been brought into contact with one
another by the forming operation (Fuss, col. 7, ll. 51-53).
Fuss discloses that stapling may be used to join the end surface regions of
the convoluted shape (Fuss, col. 2, ll. 39-41).
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Last modified: September 9, 2013