Modular dunnage machine

Abstract

A modular dunnage machine assembly consists essentially of discrete modules of grouped dunnage machine components, the dunnage assembly being usable for expanding, stitching and/or compressing and/or pulling, and cutting, sheet stock material into separate strips of dunnage or other cushioning product. The modules can be individually mounted to the assembly and stabilized thereon, before being securely connected to the assembly, for purposes of component part replacement or initially assembly. In some embodiments, the modules consist essentially of a gear and motor module, an expander module, a power supply module, an internal mounting frame module and a cutter module.

1 . A modular dunnage machine, comprising:
 an internal mounting frame module having a frame structure;   an electronic power supply module slidably mounted to and secured to an internal portion of the internal mounting frame module;   a gear and motor module mounted by being hung on the internal mounting frame module, and further being secured to the internal mounting frame module;   a cutter module including a cutter motor, mounted to the gear and motor module by being rested on a portion of the gear and motor module, and fastened to the gear and motor module; and   an expander module mounted on the internal mounting frame module and fastened thereto.   
     
     
         2 . The modular dunnage machine of  claim 1  wherein a portion of the gear and motor module below a location by which the gear and motor module is hung on the internal mounting frame module, abuts against a rear section of the internal mounting frame module. 
     
     
         3 . The modular dunnage machine of  claim 1  further comprising at least one removable fastening member connecting the gear and motor module and internal mounting frame module, to removeably securely connect the gear and motor module to the internal mounting frame module. 
     
     
         4 . A method for repairing a dunnage machine, comprising:
 operating a modular dunnage assembly consisting essentially of between three (3) to eight (8) distinct modules, the dunnage assembly being functional for expanding and compressing sheet stock material to form separately cut strips of dunnage; and   replacing a component on the dunnage assembly by removing a module containing the component, and replacing the module with a replacement module containing a replacement for the component.   
     
     
         5 . The method of  claim 4  wherein the replacing the module with a replacement module comprises hanging the replacement module on a portion of the dunnage assembly before securing the replacement module to the portion of the dunnage assembly. 
     
     
         6 . The method of  claim 5  wherein the portion of the dunnage assembly on which the replacement module is hung is a portion of a frame module. 
     
     
         7 . The method of  claim 4  wherein the replacing the module with a replacement module comprises sliding the replacement module into a portion of the dunnage assembly before securing the replacement module to the dunnage assembly. 
     
     
         8 . The method of  claim 7  wherein the portion of the dunnage assembly into which the replacement module is slid is a portion of a frame module. 
     
     
         9 . The method of  claim 4  wherein the dunnage assembly consists essentially of a frame module, a power supply module, an expander module, a gear module, and a cutter module. 
     
     
         10 . The method of  claim 9  wherein the replacement module is a replacement gear module and replacing the module with the replacement gear module comprising hanging the replacement gear module on the frame module. 
     
     
         11 . The method of  claim 10  further comprising abutting the replacement gear module against the frame module bellow a hanging point at which the replacement gear module hangs on the frame module.