SPECIFICATION TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The presently disclosed subject matter relates to systems for providing a string of packaging cushions, for example, systems for detaching one or more cushions from a string of inflated cushions.

BACKGROUND [0002] A string of inflated packaging cushions may be stored in a bin or other

container to provide an accumulation of cushions for an operator who is packaging articles for shipment. The operator may access the cushions directly from the bin.

However, this operation may require the use of two hands to detach the desired number of cushions from the string. This imposes a burden on the operator to detach the string of cushions, and further may slow down the packaging operation.

SUMMARY

[0003] One or more embodiments of the presently disclosed subject matter may address one or more of the aforementioned problems.

[0004] A system for detaching one or more cushions from a string of cushions includes a string of cushions, a channel, and a lever. The string of cushions includes a series of inflated cushions. Adjacent cushions of the string are connected by a non- inflated connection zone. The connection zone includes a detachment line. The distance between selected consecutive detachment lines of the string provides a given uniform cushion length. The channel is configured to guide the string of inflated cushions along a path of travel. The lever includes a beam having a tear end and an opposing clamp end. The beam has a given beam length from the tear end to the clamp end. The beam length corresponds to a multiple of the given uniform cushion length. The beam is pivotally mounted at a fulcrum between the tear end and clamp end and along the path of travel so that the tear end is downstream from the clamp end and the lever is movable between: (i) an engaged mode where a portion of the string of cushions engages the tear end of the beam to pivot the beam so that the clamp end of the beam clamps the string of cushions in one of the non-inflated connection zones between the clamp end and the channel as the tear end of the beam separates the string of cushions along a corresponding detachment line and (ii) a disengaged mode where the string of cushions is pullable along the path of travel past the lever.

[0005] These and other objects, advantages, and features of the presently disclosed subject matter will be more readily understood and appreciated by reference to the detailed description and the drawings. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING

[0006] FIG. 1 is a representative perspective view of a string 12 of cushions 14 useful in embodiments of the system;

[0007] FIG. 2 is a representative perspective view of an embodiment of a channel 22 and lever 24 useful in "upward detachment" embodiments of the system; [0008] FIG. 3 is a representative perspective view of an embodiment of channel 22 and lever 24 useful in "upward detachment" embodiments of the system, the channel having an elongated chute portion 36;

[0009] FIG. 4 is a representative exploded side elevation view of the channel 22 and lever 24 of Figure 3; [0010] FIG. 5 is a representative perspective view of an embodiment of a channel 22 and lever 24 useful in "upward detachment" embodiments of the system, the beam 30 of the lever having left and right tear ends 56, 58;

[0011] FIG. 6 is a representative perspective view of an embodiment of the system of the presently disclosed subject matter, the lever 24 being in the engaged mode 44 having the left tear end 56 inserted through the slit 40 of the detachment line 38;

[0012] FIG. 7 is a representative top down plan view of an embodiment of a channel 22, lever 24, and auxiliary lever 60 useful in "upward detachment" embodiments of the system; [0013] FIG. 8 is a representative perspective view of an embodiment of a channel 122, lever 124, and auxiliary lever 160 useful in "downward detachment"

embodiments of the system;

[0014] FIG. 9 is a representative top down plan view of the channel, lever, and auxiliary lever of Figure 8; [0015] FIG. 10 is a representative side elevation view of the channel of Figure 9 attached to a bin 20;

[0016] FIG. 1 1 is a representative rear perspective view of the embodiment of Figure

8;

[0017] FIG. 12 is a representative perspective view of an embodiment of the system of the presently disclosed subject matter in use at a packaging station 66;

[0018] FIG. 13 is a representative side schematic view of an "upward detachment" system 10 of the presently disclosed subject matter having the lever in the disengaged mode 46 and the clamp end in a first position 52 of oscillation on the surface of the inflated cushion;

[0019] FIG. 14 is a representative side schematic view of the "upward detachment" system 10 of Figure 13, with the string of cushions farther downstream the path of travel with the lever still in the disengaged mode 46 and with the clamp end in a second position 54 of oscillation aligned with the non-inflated connection zone 16;

[0020] FIG. 15 is a representative side schematic view of the "upward detachment" system 10 of Figure 14 with a portion of the string of cushions lifted upward to place the lever 24 in the engaged mode 44 having the clamp end of the beam clamping the string of cushions in one of the non-inflated connection zones as the tear end of the beam separates the string of cushions along a detachment line;

[0021] FIG. 16 is a representative side schematic view of a "downward detachment" system 1 10 of the presently disclosed subject matter having the lever 124 in the disengaged mode 46 and the clamp end in a first position 52 of oscillation on the surface of the inflated cushion;

[0022] FIG. 17 is a representative side schematic view of the "downward

detachment" system 1 10 of Figure 16, with the string of cushions farther downstream the path of travel with the lever still in the disengaged mode 46 and with the clamp end in a second position 54 of oscillation aligned with the non-inflated connection zone;

[0023] FIG. 18 is a representative side schematic view of the "downward

detachment" system 1 10 of Figure 17 with a portion of the string of cushions pulled downward to place the lever in the engaged mode 44 having the clamp end of the beam clamping the string of cushions in one of the non-inflated connection zones as the tear end of the beam separates the string of cushions along a detachment line; [0024] FIG. 19 is a representative side schematic view of an adjustable beam 72;

[0025] FIG. 20 is a representative perspective view of the adjustable beam 72 of Figure 19;

[0026] FIG. 21 is a representative perspective view of an embodiment of a channel 222 and a "pincer detachment" system 210 having pincer levers 224 that move between disengaged and engaged modes;

[0027] FIG. 22 is a representative side view of the system 210 shown in Figure 21 with the pincer levers 224 in a disengaged mode;

[0028] FIG. 23 is a representative side cross-sectional view of the system 210 shown in Figure 21 with the pincer levers 224 in the disengaged mode; and

[0029] FIG. 24 is a representative side view of the system 210 shown in Fig. 21 with the pincer levers 224 in an engaged mode.

[0030] Various aspects of the subject matter disclosed herein are described with reference to the drawings. For purposes of simplicity, like numerals may be used to refer to like, similar, or corresponding elements of the various drawings. The drawings and detailed description are not intended to limit the claimed subject matter to the particular form disclosed. Rather, the intention is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the spirit and scope of the claimed subject matter.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0031] Embodiments of the presently disclosed subject matter include systems (10, 1 10) for detaching one or more cushions 14 from a string 12 of cushions. Systems 10 are configured for "upward detachment" of the string of cushions; systems 1 10 are configured for "downward detachment" of the string of cushions; and system 210 are configured for "pincer detachment", as described herein. The systems may include the string 12 of cushions, channels 22, 122, or 222, and levers 24, 124, or 224. (Figures 6, 12-18, 21 -24.) String of Cushions

[0032] String 12 of cushions 14 comprises a series of inflated cushions 14. (Figure 1 .) Cushions 14 may be any of inflated cushions, pillows, bubble rows, inflatable pouches, inflatable padded mailers, or other inflated containers that are useful in packaging for example, for dunnage, protective, and/or bracing functions. Adjacent cushions 14 are spaced apart and connected by a non-inflated connection zone 16. The connection zone 16 is a non-inflated section of the string, which may be defined between a pair of seals 36a, b (Figure 1 ) or may be one continuous seal or lamination between adjacent cushions. The length of the connection zone 16 is shown by d1 . The distance between selected consecutive detachment lines 38 (e.g., two consecutive detachment lines) provides a given uniform cushion length d2.

(Figure 1 .) Adjacent cushions may be connected by a non-inflated connection zones that do not include a detachment line; and a plurality of cushions may be between connection zones that comprise a detachment line.

[0033] The cushions 14 of string or web 12 may comprise gas-filled packaging cushions, which have previously been inflated and sealed closed. The term "string" in its broadest sense is used herein to refer not only to a line of single cushions in a row as illustrated in Figure 1 but also includes the sense of a web, such as a web of inflated cushions in the configuration of repeating transverse rows of bubble chambers, as described for example in one or more of the incorporated references. The string of cushions may comprise juxtaposed sheets that are sealed together to enclosed the inflation gas, as is known in the industry. Useful strings of cushions, as well as the method and equipment for manufacturing the strings of cushions, are disclosed, for example, in U.S. Patents 5,942,076; 6,598,373; 6,804,933; 7,220,476; 7,225,599; 7,950,433; 8,020,358; 8,991 ,141 ; U.S. Patent App. Pub. 2015/00751 14 A1 ; and U.S. Patent App. Serial No. 15/190,474; each of which is incorporated herein in its entirety by reference. Representative cushions are available, for example, from Sealed Air Corporation under the Fill-Air trademark and under the Bubble Wrap IB trademark; and representative machines for manufacture of a string of cushions are available, for example, from Sealed Air Corporation under the Fill-Air Rocket trademark and under the NewAir I.B. Express trademark.

[0034] The string 12 of cushions 14 may be provided from a supply 18, for example, contained as an accumulation in a structure such as a bin (e.g., a hopper) or in a configuration such as a roll. For example, bin 20 is shown in Figure 12 for accumulating a supply 18 of previously inflated cushions, and may include storage of string 12 of cushions and auxiliary string 26 of cushions, as described herein.

[0035] The string of cushions may be provided by a machine for producing the inflated cushions either to a structure such as bin 18 for accumulation, or directly to the systems 8, 10, in which case the inflated cushions may be supplied on demand from the machine producing (e.g., inflating and sealing) the cushions. Suitable machines are described herein, for example, in the incorporated references.

[0036] To facilitate individual or groups of inflated cushions 14 to be separated from the string 12 of cushions, the connection zone 16 includes a detachment line 38 extending, for example, transversely across the string between each cushion 14. A detachment line is a region of relative weakness in the web material to facilitate separation of one or a group of cushions 14 from attachment to the string 12 (e.g., to facilitate detachment of a group of inflated cushions from the remaining string). The transverse detachment line 38 (i.e., a region of relative weakness) may be in the form of a series of perforations in the web material (e.g., a perforated line), a scoring along the web material, gaps or slits or other configuration to cause relative weakness in the web material. In general, each transverse detachment line 38 will correspond to (e.g., be adjacent to or be formed within) in the non-inflated connection zone 16 between adjacent containers 14. The detachment line 38 may be positioned, for example, between transverse seals 36a, b as shown in Figure 1 .

[0037] The detachment line 38 of the non-inflated connection zones 16 may include a slit 40, for example, centrally located along the detachment line 38. The slit 40 may be configured to accommodate insertion of the tear end of the beam in separating the string of cushions, as described in more detail herein. (Figure 6.)

[0038] The string or web 12 may, in general, comprise any flexible film material that can be converted to enclose a gas as herein described, including various

thermoplastic materials (e.g., polyethylene homopolymer or copolymer,

polypropylene homopolymer or copolymer). Non-limiting examples of suitable thermoplastic polymers include polyethylene homopolymers, such as low density polyethylene (LDPE) and high density polyethylene (HDPE), and polyethylene copolymers such as, for example, ionomers, ethylene/vinyl acetate copolymer (EVA), ethylene/methyl acrylate copolymer (EMA), heterogeneous (Zeigler-Natta catalyzed) ethylene/alpha-olefin copolymers, and homogeneous (e.g., metallocene, single-cite catalyzed) ethylene/alpha-olefin copolymers. Ethylene/alpha-olefin copolymers are copolymers of ethylene with one or more comonomers selected from C3 to C20 alpha-olefins, including linear low density polyethylene (LLDPE), linear medium density polyethylene (LMDPE), very low density polyethylene (VLDPE), and ultra-low density polyethylene (ULDPE). Various other polymeric materials may also be used such as, for example, polypropylene homopolymer or polypropylene copolymer (e.g., propylene/ethylene copolymer), polyesters, polystyrenes, polyamides, and

polycarbonates. The film may be monolayer or multilayer and can be made by any known extrusion process by melting the component polymer(s) and extruding, coextruding, or extrusion-coating them through one or more flat or annular dies. Channels

[0039] The systems 10 may include channel 22, the systems 1 10 may include channel 122, and the systems 210 may include channels 222. (Figures 2-18 and 21 - 24.) In any case, the channel helps to guide the string 12 of inflated cushions along a path of travel 28, for example, as the string of cushions is pulled by an operator through the channel. (Figures 6, 12-18.) Figure 3 illustrates the channel 22 having an elongated chute portion 36.

Levers

[0040] The systems 10 include levers 24; systems 1 10 include levers 124; and systems 210 include levers 224. (Figures 2-18.) The levers include beam 30 having tear end 32 and opposing clamp end 34. (Figures 2-1 1 .) Levers 24 are configured for "upward detachment" of the string of cushions; levers 124 are configured for

"downward detachment" of the string of cushions; and levers 224 are configured for "pincer detachment", as described herein. [0041] As illustrated for example by Figures 4, 10, and 23, the beam 30 has a given beam length "L" from the tear end 32 to the clamp end 34, the measurement taken from these regions where the beam engages the string during the engaged mode described herein. As illustrated for example in Figures 15 and 19, the beam length "L" corresponds to a multiple of the given uniform cushion length d2, in these illustrations a multiple of 2 times the given uniform cushion length d2. The beam length L may correspond to a multiple of the given uniform cushion length d2; for example, of at least any one of 1 , 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6 times the given uniform cushion length d2; and for example, of at most any one of 1 , 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, and 8 times the given uniform cushion length d2; and any combinations thereof. "Corresponds to" in this sense means that the beam length is the same as, or is close to, a multiple of the uniform cushion length d2 such that as the tear end 32 engages a corresponding detachment line 38, the clamp end 34 of the beam aligns with an connection zone 16 incorporating the detachment line 38 when clamping or pinching the upstream connection zone between the clamp end 34 and the channel 22. This does not require an exact mathematical equivalence of L with the multiple of d2 at least because, for example, the length d1 of the connection zone provides some leeway. For example, we have found that the same beam length L works satisfactorily with both a 3 times multiple of a d2 cushion length of 5 inches (i.e., 15 inches) and a 2 times multiple of a d2 cushion length of 8 inches (i.e., 16 inches). In the pincer embodiment, the two levers 242 may have the same beam length L or different beam lengths L and U (as depicted in Figure 23). The levers 224 of the pincer embodiment are biased toward the engaged mode by the tearing motion of the web 12 of cushions. In this way, the beam length L and/or the beam length U are not necessarily dependent on the cushion length d2. In some cases, operation of the system 210 may be improved if the beam length L and/or the beam length U is/are based on the d2 cushion length. [0042] The beam 30 is pivotally mounted at a fulcrum 42 (e.g., shaft 43) between the tear end 32 and the clamp end 34 and along the path of travel 28. (See, e.g., Figures 6, 13-18.) The tear end 32 is downstream from the clamp end 34. For the

embodiments of systems 10 (e.g., where the operator lifts the string upward to detach), the fulcrum 42 is above the path of travel so that in the engaged mode 44 a portion of the string 12 of cushions engages the tear end 32 of the beam 30 to pivot the clamp end 34 downward. (See, e.g., Figures 13-15.) For the embodiments of systems 1 10 (e.g., where the operator pulls the string downward to detach), the fulcrum 42 is below the path of travel 28 so that in the engaged mode 44 a portion of the string 12 of cushions engages the tear end 32 of the beam 30 to pivot the clamp end 34 upward. (See, e.g., Figures 16-18.) For the embodiments of systems 210 (e.g., where the tear ends 32 of the two levers 242 come together to detach), the fulcrums 42 are in the path of travel 28 so that in the engaged mode a portion of the string 12 of cushions engages the clamp ends 34 of the beams 30 to pivot the cl tear ends 32 toward each other. (See, e.g., Figures 22-24.) [0043] For any of the levers 24, 124, and 224, the lever is movable between an engaged mode 44 (e.g., Figures 6, 15, 18, 24) and a disengaged mode 46 (e.g., Figures 13-14, 16-17, 22-23.)

[0044] In the engaged mode 44 a portion of the string of cushions engages the tear end 32 of the beam 30 to pivot the beam so that the clamp end 34 of the beam clamps the string 12 of cushions 14 in one of the non-inflated connection zones 16. The clamping or pinching occurs between the clamp end 34 and the channel 22. Concurrently, the tear end 32 of beam 30 separates the string of cushions along a corresponding detachment line 38. [0045] In the disengaged mode 46, the string 12 of cushions 14 is pullable (e.g., by an operator) along the path of travel 28 past the lever without detachment.

[0046] The tear end 32 of beam 30 may be adapted to detach the string 12 along the transverse detachment line 38 as a detachment force is applied to the string while the tear end 32 of the beam 30 is aligned with the detachment line 38. A detachment force is the force applied (e.g., by pulling the string against the tear end of the beam) to tear or separate the web along the transverse detachment line 38. The tear end 32 of beam 30 may be shaped so that the tear end 32 is pointed toward the path of travel 28 of the string of cushions. The tear end 32 may have a shape that facilitates the separation of the string 12 of cushions 14 along the detachment line 38 by providing a focal region 48 for an applied separation force (e.g., a manual pulling force) against the tear end 32 during the engaged mode 44. For example, the tear end 32 may have a triangular shape or arrowhead shape having the apex pointing toward the path of travel 28 of the string of cushions. (See, e.g., Figures 2, 5-6, 8, 10-1 1 .) Further, where the detachment line 38 includes a slit 40, the tear end 32 of the beam 30 may be configured to insert through the slit 40 of the corresponding detachment line 38 in separating the string of cushions in the engaged mode 44. (Figure 6.) [0047] With any of the systems 10, 1 10, 210 described herein, the clamp end 34 of the beam 30 may be normally biased toward the string 12 of cushions in the path of travel 28. This "normally closed" bias may be provided by the weight distribution of the beam 30 relative the fulcrum 42 and/or may be provided by incorporating an elastic element such as a coil spring, torsion spring, or rubber band attached to the beam 30 to provide the normal bias force.

[0048] As a result of the normally closed bias, when in the disengaged mode 46, the normal bias causes the clamp end 34 of the beam 30 to oscillate between (i) a first oscillation position 52 having the clamp end 34 on the surface of an inflated cushion 14 (Figures 13, 16) and (ii) a second position 54 having the clamp end 34 aligned with a non-inflated connection zone 16 (Figures 14, 17) as the string 12 of cushions travels along the path of travel 28. This feature of a normally closed bias may provide the advantage of a tactile perception (slight "tug" of resistance) to the string of cushions as the operator pulls the string of cushions along the path of travel 28 to indicate when a cushion has passed. The normally closed bias feature may also cause the clamp end 34 to create a "thump" noise as the clamp end 34 hits the cushion 14, which also indicates when a cushion has passed. As a result, an operator may, without looking at the system, easily determine the number of cushions that have been withdrawn from the system (i.e., by counting the slight "tugs" and/or "thump" noises), and may also "feel" when the clamp end 34 has nested in the dip or valley associated with the connection zone 16 between inflated cushions, so that the operator can determine when to move the system to the engaged mode (i.e., pull upward or downward on the string to engage the tear end of the beam, depending on the system) to separate the desired number of cushions from the string.

[0049] The clamp end 34 may include a lip portion 50 that is angled away from the path of travel 28 of the string of cushions. (Figures 2-7, 9-1 1 , 13-18.) This

configuration helps to prevent snagging the clamp end on the string of cushions, and facilitates the clamp end 34 to fall into the dip or valley associated with the connection zone 16 between cushions, as the clamp end 34 oscillates while the string of cushion travels along the path of travel, as described herein.

[0050] The tear end 32 of the beam 30 may include a left tear end 56 and a right tear end 58 that are adjacent each other and (ii) opposite and downstream of the clamp end 34 of the beam 30. (Figures 5-6.) The distance from the left tear end 56 to the clamp end 34 and the distance from the right tear end 58 to the clamp end 34 may be substantially the same, and also define the beam length L; or, such distances may be different from each other, such as one such distance being a multiple of the other. An advantage of the left and right tear ends 56, 58 is that an operator on the left side of the system may be able to pull the string of cushions in the left operator's direction to use the left tear end to separate the string of cushions, and an operator on the right side of the same system may be able to pull the string of cushions in the right operator's direction to use the right tear end to separate the string of cushions.

[0051] The systems 10 may optionally include an auxiliary lever 60 in addition to lever 24 (Figure 7); and systems 1 10 may optionally include auxiliary lever 160 in addition to lever 124 (Figures 8-10). Auxiliary levers 60 are configured for "upward detachment" of the string of cushions; and auxiliary levers 160 are configured for "downward detachment" of the string of cushions. The auxiliary levers 60, 160 include an auxiliary beam 130 having a tear end 32 and an opposing clamp end 34. The auxiliary beam 130 has a given auxiliary beam length "LL" from the tear end 32 to the clamp end 34 of the auxiliary beam. The auxiliary beam length "LL" may also correspond to a multiple of the given uniform cushion length d2, and may be substantially the same as, or may be different from, the beam length L of the beam 30. The auxiliary beam 130 length LL may be a multiple of the beam 30 length L. [0052] As with the beam 30, the auxiliary beam 130 is pivotally mounted at a fulcrum 42 between the tear end 32 and clamp end 34 of the auxiliary beam 130 and along the path of travel 128 so that (i) the tear end 32 of the auxiliary beam is downstream from the clamp end 34 of the auxiliary beam and (ii) the auxiliary lever 130 is movable between an engaged mode and a disengaged mode.

[0053] As with levers 24, 124, the auxiliary levers 60, 160 have (i) an engaged mode where a portion of the string of cushions engages the tear end 32 of the auxiliary beam 130 to pivot the auxiliary beam so that the clamp end 32 of the auxiliary beam clamps the string of cushions in one of the non-inflated connection zones 16 between the clamp end of the auxiliary beam and the channel as the tear end of the auxiliary beam separates the string of cushions along a corresponding detachment line 38 and (ii) a disengaged mode where the string 12 of cushions are pullable along the path of travel 28 past the auxiliary lever without detachment.

[0054] The auxiliary levers 60 and 160 may be adjacent the levers 24, 124, respectively, to provide the left and right operation as described herein, with the result of the capability for independent operation and oscillation of the auxiliary lever 60, 160 relative the lever 24, 124, respectively. Accordingly, in this arrangement, the operation may be easier for provision of two independent strings of cushions (i.e., a string and an auxiliary string of cushions as described herein) from a single system, as illustrated in Figure 12, because of the capability of independent operation of the auxiliary lever relative the lever.

[0055] The beam length and the auxiliary beam length may be substantially the same. The fulcrum 42 of the lever and the fulcrum 42 of the auxiliary lever may be aligned with each other along the path of travel. (Figures 7-1 1 .) The shape, configuration, bias, components, and other attributes of the auxiliary beam 130 may be any of those described herein with respect to the beam 30.

[0056] Any of the systems 10, 1 10, 210 may include an auxiliary string 26 of cushions. (Figure 12.) The auxiliary string of cushions 26 may be substantially the same as the string 12 of cushions, or may have a different configuration or size (e.g., a different given uniform length). The string 12 of cushions follows a path of travel 28 corresponding to the lever 24, 124, 224 so that the lever in the engaged mode engages the string 12 of cushions; and the auxiliary string 26 of cushions may follow a separate path of travel corresponding to an auxiliary lever 60, 160 so that the auxiliary lever in the engaged mode engages the auxiliary string 26 of cushions. As with the string 12, the auxiliary string 26 of cushions may be supplied in roll configuration.

[0057] The beam may be adjustable to provide the desired given beam length, for example to adjust the given beam length to accommodate a changeover to a string of cushions having a given uniform cushion length that differs from that of the string previously used with the system. Figures 19 to 20 illustrate the feature of an adjustable beam 72 that is adjustable to provide the desired given beam length L\ For example, beam 72 includes first portion 68 and second portion 70 that are movable relative each other to adjust the given beam length L\ One or more fasteners 74, for example extending through slot 76 in first portion 68, may be used to hold the first and second portions 68, 70 relative each other to set the desired given beam length. Exemplary fasteners include any of one or more of screws, bolts, clips, pins, locks, catches, latches, hold downs, clasps, clamps, and buckles.

[0058] Any of the systems described herein may include further features to allow adjustment of the lever and/or channel to accommodate varying types or sizes of cushioning materials, and/or "tune" or adjust the system for desired style or feel of operation. For example, the channel on which the shaft 43 is mounted may include several mounting holes at different vertical heights to facilitate mounting the shaft (i.e., providing a fulcrum 42) at different heights relative the channel. Also, the beam may include varying (two or more) mounting holes or positions relative the shaft 43 to allow the fulcrum to be adjusted horizontally relative the beam. Operation

[0059] By way of example, left and right operators 62, 64 respectively are at packaging station 66 on alternate sides of the detachment system 10. (Figure 12.) The left operator 62 is withdrawing the string 12 of cushions from bin 20 and the right operator 64 is withdrawing the auxiliary string 26 of cushions from bin 20 while the system is in the disengaged mode. Each operator may independently move the levers to the engaged mode by pulling up on the string to engage the tear end of the beam with the detachment line of the string, as described herein. The operator may withdraw the desired amount of cushions and move the lever to the engaged mode without having to visually confirm the number of cushions, as described herein.

Advantageously, the operator may conduct the withdrawal and detachment of the string of cushions with one hand, leaving the other hand free, for example, to pack or arrange the container in preparation for insertion of the detached cushions into a container. [0060] The above descriptions are those of preferred embodiments of the invention. Various alterations and changes can be made without departing from the spirit and broader aspects of the invention as defined in the claims, which are to be interpreted in accordance with the principles of patent law, including the doctrine of equivalents. Except in the claims and the specific examples, or where otherwise expressly indicated, all numerical quantities in this description indicating amounts of material, reaction conditions, use conditions, molecular weights, and/or number of carbon atoms, and the like, are to be understood as modified by the word "about" in describing the broadest scope of the invention. Any reference to an item in the disclosure or to an element in the claim in the singular using the articles "a," "an," "the," or "said" is not to be construed as limiting the item or element to the singular unless expressly so stated. The definitions and disclosures set forth in the present Application control over any inconsistent definitions and disclosures that may exist in an incorporated reference.