Lifting device for a dunnage conversion machine and method for supporting and lifting a dunnage conversion machine
Patent Information
- Application Number
- JP2024544773
- Authority / Receiving Office
- JP · JP
- Patent Type
- Applications
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Priority Date
- 2022-01-26
- Filing Date
- 2023-01-23
- Publication Date
- 2025-12-17
AI Technical Summary
Dannage conversion machines are too heavy to be lifted alone and often require a forklift for transportation, which is cumbersome in narrow spaces around packaging assembly lines, making it difficult to install, move, or remove them from high positions.
A suspension device comprising a base frame, upright supporters, and a suspension unit with a mechanical connection bracket that allows the dannage conversion machine to be lifted and transported using a mobile cart with a smaller footprint, enabling operation in narrow spaces and facilitating installation at high altitudes.
The suspension device enables efficient installation, removal, and transportation of dannage conversion machines in tight spaces by providing stability and maneuverability, reducing the need for forklifts and enhancing operational flexibility.
Smart Images

Figure 00000000_0000_ABST
Abstract
Description
[Technical field]
[0001] The present invention relates to the field of packaging, in particular to dunnage conversion machines, and more particularly to an apparatus and method for transporting dunnage conversion machines to and from a packaging assembly line. [Background technology]
[0002] In the process of shipping one or more items in a container, a dunnage product is typically placed within the container to fill any voids and protect the items during shipping. Such dunnage products can be made of plastic or paper, such as air bags or bubble wrap, or crumpled paper dunnage products.
[0003] A dunnage conversion machine converts sheet stock material into a relatively low density dunnage product. The sheet stock material is typically provided as a continuous sheet in a compact configuration, such as a roll or a fan stack. This allows the dunnage conversion machine to convert the sheet stock material into a substantially continuous strip of dunnage that has a low density compared to the sheet stock material. Individual dunnage products are then separated from the strip and provided to a packaging process on an assembly line.
[0004] These dunnage conversion machines are usually too heavy for one person to lift, so a powered forklift is usually used to support the weight and transport the machine to the desired location. Once in place, the conversion machine can be equipped with wheels for moving it short distances. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]
[0005] To maximize space utilization, there may not be much space beside and around a packaging assembly line. Also, a dunnage conversion machine may be mounted at an elevated position to provide dunnage products to the packaging assembly line. Packaging lines using dunnage conversion machines mounted at elevated positions often use a forklift to transport and support the machine while it is being installed. However, a forklift is a large machine that does not maneuver well in tight spaces. As a result, a forklift does not always fit into the available space around a packaging assembly line. Described herein are exemplary lifting devices and methods for installing, moving, replacing, deinstalling, or otherwise transporting a dunnage conversion machine, especially when mounted at an elevated position. [Means for solving the problem]
[0006] Thus, an exemplary lifting apparatus includes a base frame for holding the members secured together, an upright support adjacent to the extendable support for additional stability, a lifting unit for providing sufficient force to raise and lower the dunnage conversion machine, and a mechanical linkage bracket. The mechanical linkage bracket is attached to the extendable support and is attachable to the dunnage conversion machine and includes a surface against which the lifting unit applies force to raise and lower the mechanical linkage bracket and / or the dunnage conversion machine relative to an elevated mounting location.
[0007] The base frame can include wheels to form a portable cart, a handle to facilitate maneuvering the cart, and an interface with a lifting device. Preferably, the cart may already be used on the assembly line to transport and support a supply of sheet stock material for the converting equipment. Additionally, the cart preferably has a smaller dimensional footprint than a forklift and preferably has a better turning radius. This combination of a lifting device and a mobile cart solves the problem that forklifts are too large to maneuver in the tight spaces around a packaging assembly line.
[0008] An exemplary method of installing a dunnage conversion apparatus at an elevated mounting location on a packaging assembly line includes the following steps: The first step in the process is to prepare a cart so that it is ready to receive a lifting device. An empty cart may be used or a cart with sheet stock material may be used after removal of the stock material. Once the cart is ready, the lifting device may be attached to the cart. After the lifting device is attached, an external power source may be attached to power the lifting device and a forklift may be used to mount the dunnage conversion machine to the lifting device. The cart may then be maneuvered to a mounting location and the lifting device will raise the dunnage conversion machine from a low transport location to an elevated mounting location. The dunnage conversion machine may then be mounted and the lifting device may be removed and lowered. The lifting device may then be removed from the cart and the cart may be refilled with stock material for use by the dunnage conversion machine. The method of removing the dunnage conversion machine from an elevated location in a packaging assembly line works in the same manner in reverse.
[0009] More specifically, a lifting apparatus for supporting and lifting a dunnage conversion machine includes a base frame, an upright support fixed to the base frame, an extendable support adjustable between a lower position and an upper position, and a lifting unit coupled to the extendable support for raising and lowering the extendable support between the lower position and the upper position.
[0010] The lifting device may include one or more of the following additional features: The base frame may be configured to be temporarily attached to a portable cart to allow the cart to be used for other purposes when the lifting device is not in use. The upright supports may include two members providing stability to each extendable support. The lifting device may include two extendable supports. The extendable supports may be coupled to the base frame symmetrically about their midpoints. The lifting unit may be located at the midpoint of the base frame. Preferably, when there are multiple extendable supports, the lifting unit is located to distribute forces evenly between the extendable supports.
[0011] Additional features of the lifting device may include one or more mechanical coupling brackets, at least one forklift bracket, and an external power source. The mechanical coupling bracket may be attached to the lifting unit and the extendable support, which may ensure that the extendable support moves in unison with the lifting unit. The mechanical coupling bracket may also facilitate a secure connection of the lifting device to the dunnage conversion machine. The one or more forklift brackets may be secured to the dunnage conversion machine when not in use on the assembly line. The forklift bracket may have an interface for attachment to the dunnage conversion machine and is configured to be used in combination with a forklift when there is sufficient space for the forklift to operate.
[0012] The lifting device may also include or be mounted to a cart having a horizontal support platform. In particular, the base frame may be mounted to the horizontal support platform. In that case, the lifting device is preferably mounted within a footprint defined by the horizontal support platform.
[0013] The lifting unit may include a drive and a bar extending outwardly from the drive. The drive may be a hydraulic drive, as an alternative to mechanical gears, electric motors, or other types of motors. The drive applies force via the bar on a bottom surface of the mechanical linkage bracket. The bar is in contact with the mechanical linkage bracket, and the drive may be fixed to the base such that when the bar is moved by the drive, the mechanical linkage bracket moves simultaneously. This movement is preferably linear. Finally, the lifting device may include an external power source.
[0014] An exemplary method of supporting and lifting a dunnage conversion machine typically includes the following steps: An operator prepares the dunnage conversion machine for interfacing with a lifting device. An operator adjusts the dunnage conversion machine from an operating position to another position for interfacing with the lifting device. The lifting bracket may have at least one pivot point to allow for this movement. An additional preparing step may include removing the bracket from the bottom of the dunnage conversion machine. This allows a clear path for the lifting device to connect to the dunnage conversion machine. An operator may then temporarily attach the lifting device to the portable cart if it is not already on the portable cart. Once the lifting device is secured, the cart may be positioned underneath the dunnage conversion machine. The lifting device is then powered. This may be accomplished via an external power source in the form of a battery or a wall outlet. An operator then raises the mechanical coupling bracket from a lowered position to an upper position such that the mechanical coupling bracket and the dunnage conversion machine are adjacent. The lifting device is then temporarily secured to the dunnage conversion machine and released from the hanging brackets. An operator can then lower the lifting device from the upper position to the lower position.
[0015] After the previous steps are completed, the operator can choose to transport the dunnage conversion machine in different ways. The dunnage conversion machine can be moved to the desired location while still on the lifting device. Or, the operator can attach a forklift bracket to the dunnage conversion machine. After moving the cart to a location with enough space for a forklift to operate, the dunnage conversion machine can be lifted from the lifting device and transported to the desired location.
[0016] When the dunnage conversion machine is ready for storage, it can be placed on a storage rack configured to mate with brackets on the dunnage conversion machine.
[0017] The power plant may be controlled via a user interface. [Brief description of the drawings]
[0018] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a packaging assembly line having an elevated mounted dunnage conversion machine. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a portable cart. [Diagram 3] 3 is a perspective view of the portable cart of FIG. 2 loaded with a supply of fan-folded sheet stock material to feed the dunnage conversion machine as shown in FIG. 1. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of an exemplary lifting device on a pallet. [Diagram 5] 5 is a perspective view of the lifting device of FIG. 4 mounted in a lowered position on the portable cart of FIG. 2. FIG. [Figure 6] 6 is a perspective view of the lifting device of FIG. 4 mounted in an upper position on the portable cart of FIG. 2. FIG. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a dunnage conversion machine on a pallet. [Figure 8] 8 is a perspective view of the dunnage conversion machine of FIG. 7 mounted in a lowered position on the lifting device of FIG. 5. [Figure 9] 9 is a perspective view of the dunnage conversion machine on the lifting device shown in FIG. 8 with the lifting device in an up position. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0019] Referring now to the drawings, and initially to FIGS. 1 and 9, the exemplary lifting apparatus 20 can be mounted on a mobile cart 22 with a relatively small footprint compared to that of a forklift, facilitating maneuvering in tight spaces around the packaging assembly line 24 for installing and removing the dunnage conversion machine 30 at an elevated operating position.
[0020] As shown in Figure 2, the exemplary cart 22 has a horizontal support platform 32 mounted on wheels 34 and has one or more handles 36 extending vertically upward at one end of the support platform 32 to facilitate maneuvering of the cart 22. The dimensions of the cart 22 allow it to be easily maneuvered in tighter spaces than a standard electric forklift. When not used with a lifting device 20, and as shown in Figures 1 and 3, the cart 22 can be used to deliver rectangular stacks of fan-folded sheet stock material 40 to a dunnage conversion machine 30 in an upper position above the packaging assembly line 24.
[0021] 4 and 5, an exemplary lifting device 20 is mounted on a pallet 38 in FIG. 4 for storage or transportation and on a cart 22 in FIG. 5. The lifting device 20 typically has a footprint that fits within the footprint of the horizontal support platform 32 of the cart 22. The connection between the lifting device 20 and the cart 22 may be temporary or permanent, but a temporary connection allows the cart 22 to be used continuously for other purposes, such as supplying sheet stock material 40 (FIG. 3). The lifting device 20 includes a base frame 42, a pair of upright supports 44, referred to as legs, and a power unit 46 for raising and lowering height-adjustable portions of the legs 44. The lifting device 20 is typically located in the center of the support platform 32 on the cart 22, but may be offset to accommodate a dunnage conversion machine 30 (FIG. 9) with an offset center of gravity. The lifting device 20 is typically mounted on the cart 22 such that the dunnage conversion machine 30 mounted on the lifting device 20 is also accommodated within the footprint of the cart 22.
[0022] The base frame 42 provides anchor points to securely hold the lifting apparatus 20 to the cart 22 or other support surface, such as the pallet 38 (FIG. 4), and provide stability for supporting and transporting the dunnage conversion machine 30 (FIG. 8). The lifting apparatus 20 may be secured to the cart 22 in a variety of ways, including, as a few examples, screws, nuts and bolts, pins and cooperating clips, latch systems similar to those used in the back doors of large trailers and mobile trucks, or grooves for the lifting apparatus to slide into.
[0023] The illustrated base frame 42 includes a pair of spaced apart legs 50 for engaging the support platform 32 of the cart 22, as shown in Figure 1, or the pallet 38 for storage or transport, as shown in Figure 3. The legs 50 may also include angled support members 52 that strengthen the legs 44 and provide stability against forces across the legs 44. The base frame 42 also includes a base cross member 54 that connects the legs 50 and supports one end of the power unit 46.
[0024] The power unit 46, also referred to as a lifting unit, may include hydraulic elements, electric motors, or other drive means sufficient to raise and lower the height adjustable portions 48 of the uprights 44 and the dunnage conversion machine 30. To facilitate remote use, the power unit 46 may include a portable power source, such as a battery.
[0025] The upright legs 44 are substantially vertical ("substantially vertical" includes within about 10% of vertical) and extend upward from the legs 50. The upright legs 44 include a base portion 56 fixed to the legs 50 and a movable portion, also referred to as a height-adjustable portion 48, which is movable in a vertical direction relative to the base portion 56. The illustrated embodiment includes a pair of parallel, spaced apart upright legs 44 attached to respective legs 50, with the height-adjustable portion 48 being telescopic and axially movable relative to the base portion 56. The base portion 56 is integrally formed with the legs 50 and cooperates with the legs 50 and the angled support member 52 to form a right triangle. The height-adjustable portion 48 has a major length dimension, and the height-adjustable portion 48 is movable in an axial direction parallel to the length dimension.
[0026] The distal end of the height-adjustable portion 48 of each upright leg 44 includes a mechanical coupling bracket 60 to which the dunnage conversion machine 30 (FIG. 8) can be temporarily secured. The illustrated lifting apparatus 20 also includes a lifting cross-member 62 that extends between and connects the distal ends of the height-adjustable portions 48 of the upright legs 44. The mechanical coupling bracket 60 can be incorporated into the lifting cross-member 62 instead of or in addition to the height-adjustable portions 48 of the upright legs 44. The mechanical coupling bracket 60 that connects the dunnage conversion machine 30 to the lifting apparatus 20 is typically configured to removably secure the dunnage conversion machine 30 to the mechanical coupling bracket 60. Suitable connections can be provided by screws, nut and bolt fasteners, pin lock systems, clamp systems, magnetic bracket systems, interlocking groove systems, and the like.
[0027] The power unit 46 is attached to both the base cross-member 54 and the lifting cross-member 62 and can be controlled to extend and apply a force to the lifting cross-member 62 to move the lifting cross-member 62 and the height adjustable portions 48 of the upright legs 44, as well as the dunnage conversion machine 30 attached to the mechanical linkage bracket 60. The lifting cross-member 62 is preferably made of a material and shape that will not bend or flex under load to allow the lifting device to operate accurately and consistently.
[0028] The movements of the height-adjustable portions 48 of the upright legs 44 are coupled together by a lifting cross member 62. In another embodiment, the lifting unit 46, the height-adjustable portions 48 of the upright legs 44, and the mechanical coupling bracket 60 can be combined into a single unit. A single component can function as the height-adjustable portions 48 of the legs 44, have a power source and a motor to function as the lifting unit 46, and be configured to attach the end of the lifting unit 46 to the dunnage conversion machine 30. The movements of the lifting unit 46 and the mechanical coupling bracket 60 can be directly related, i.e., the height-adjustable portions 48 of the upright legs 44 will extend the same distance as the lifting unit 46 moves. Alternative devices such as levers, gears, or fluid dynamics can be used so that the movements of the height-adjustable portions 48 of the legs 44 are indirectly related to the movements of the lifting unit 46, i.e., the movements of the lifting unit 46 are much greater or much less than the movements of the mechanical coupling bracket 60.
[0029] In use, an operator typically controls the operation of the Lifting Unit 46 through a user interface (not shown). The user interface may consist of a lever, a set of buttons, a dial, or any device that receives user input to signal the Lifting Unit to move. The user interface may be integral with or attached to the cart handle.
[0030] In this embodiment, the lifting unit 46 is mounted between the two uprights 44. Alternatively, multiple lifting units, a different number of legs and uprights, or varying positions of the lifting units and configurations of legs and uprights may be used.
[0031] 7, a forklift bracket 66 may be attached to the machine coupling bracket 60 on the lifting apparatus 20 or the dunnage conversion machine 30 to facilitate using the forks of a forklift to lift the lifting apparatus 20 to or from the cart 22, or to or from the dunnage conversion machine 30 to a mounting location on the lifting apparatus 20. The dunnage conversion machine 30 mates with the forklift bracket 66 in a manner similar to how the dunnage conversion machine 30 mates with an overhead support structure in the packaging assembly line 24 (FIG. 1).
[0032] After describing the above structure, we move on to a description of the operation of the lifting apparatus 20 and the cart 22. The lifting apparatus 20, and in particular the movable elements of the lifting apparatus 20 (height adjustable portion 48 of the leg 44, the lifting cross member 62, the mechanical coupling bracket 60, and the lifting unit 46), are movable between a lowered position (FIG. 5) and an upper position (FIG. 6). The lifting apparatus 20 is shown in the lowered position in FIG. 5. The lowered position, with its lower center of gravity and more compact dimensions, allows for easier manipulation and storage of the lifting apparatus 20, with or without the dunnage conversion machine 30 attached to the mechanical coupling bracket 60.
[0033] The lifting device 20 is shown in an upper position in FIG. 6, with the height adjustable portion 48 of the leg 44, the lifting cross member 62, and the machine coupling bracket 60 elevated to a higher position relative to the base frame 42, as compared to the lower position in FIG. 1. This higher position is beneficial when the machine coupling bracket 60 needs to contact the dunnage conversion machine 30 in an upper position for use in the packaging assembly line 24. In use, the lifting device 20 is held in the lower position most of the time and is elevated to the upper position briefly to lift the dunnage conversion machine 30 to or from the upper position. The lifting device 20 is typically maintained in the upper position only for the time required to move the dunnage conversion machine 30 between the machine coupling bracket 60 and a corresponding support structure in its use position in the packaging assembly line 24 (FIG. 1).
[0034] An exemplary method for installing, removing, and / or replacing the dunnage conversion machine 30 for use in an upper position includes the following steps: Starting with a provided portable cart 22, such as a cart 22 that can also be used to provide a supply of sheet stock material 40 (FIG. 3), a support surface formed by a support platform 32 on the cart 22 is leveled to receive the lifting device 20. A provided lifting device 20, which can be stored in a remote location until needed, such as on a pallet 38 (FIG. 4), is placed on the cart 22 and is securely or otherwise attached to the support platform 32 of the cart 22. The lifting device 20 can be permanently or temporarily attached to the cart 22. Thus, the lifting device 20 is ready for use when moving the dunnage conversion machine 30. The lifting device 20 can be installed on the cart 22 for use and then removed, and the cart 22 can be returned to its previous use or used for another use.
[0035] The process of moving and raising the dunnage conversion machine 30 to an elevated mounting position begins with providing the dunnage conversion machine 30 and securing the dunnage conversion machine 30 to the lifting device 20. Specifically, the dunnage conversion machine 30 is attached to the machine mounting bracket 60 and secured thereto. This process may include attaching a forklift bracket 66 to the dunnage conversion machine 30 and using a forklift to lift and support the dunnage conversion machine 30 against the machine mounting bracket 60 for mounting. The forklift bracket 66 may be removed when no longer needed. With the lifting device 20 in the lowered position, the cart 22 is maneuvered to a position below the elevated operating position of the dunnage conversion machine 30. If the lifting device 20 does not have power, power is provided to the lifting unit 46 and an operator engages the lifting unit 46 to lift the dunnage conversion machine 30 to a position above the packaging assembly line 24. The dunnage conversion machine 30 is then connected to the lifting support structure and disengaged from the lifting apparatus 20. The lifting unit 46 is reengaged and returned from the upper position to the lower position and removed from the packaging assembly line 24. The lifting apparatus 20 is then removed from the cart 22 and stored, such as on the pallet 38, so that the cart 22 can return to other service, such as loading the cart 22 with a supply of fan-folded sheet stock material 40 and returning the cart 22 to a position below the dunnage conversion machine 30 in the packaging assembly line 24 (FIG. 1) to supply the sheet stock material to the dunnage conversion machine 30.
[0036] When it is time to remove the dunnage conversion machine 30, the process is reversed. The cart 22 is cleared, the lifting apparatus 20 is attached to the cart 22, and the cart 22 is moved into position within the packaging assembly line 24 below the dunnage conversion machine 30. The lifting unit 46 is engaged to move to an upper position, and the dunnage conversion machine 30 is attached to the machine mounting bracket 60 and decoupled from the lifting support structure. The lifting unit 46 is then engaged to lower the dunnage conversion machine 30 to a lower position so that the cart 22 can be moved away from the packaging assembly line 24. Once removed, the forklift bracket 66 is attached to the dunnage conversion machine 30, and a forklift can engage the forklift bracket 66 to support the dunnage conversion machine 30 while the forklift is decoupled from the machine mounting bracket 60 on the lifting apparatus 20. The forklift can then lift the dunnage conversion machine 30 from the lifting device 20 and transport the dunnage conversion machine 30 to a desired location for transportation or storage, such as on a pallet 64 configured to support the dunnage conversion machine 30 for storage or transportation, as shown in FIG. 7.
[0037] In summary, the present invention provides a lifting apparatus 20 for supporting and lifting a dunnage conversion machine 30, and more particularly, a lifting apparatus 20 that can be mounted on a mobile cart 22 with a relatively small footprint and can be easily maneuvered in a tight space around a packaging assembly line 24 to install or remove the dunnage conversion machine 30 to an elevated operating position. The lifting apparatus 20 includes a base frame 42, a base portion 56 of an upright support 44 fixed relative to the base frame 42, an extendable support 48, also referred to as a movable height adjustable portion, that is adjustable between a lower position and a higher position, and a lifting unit coupled to the extendable support for raising and lowering the extendable support 48 between the lower position and the higher position relative to the base frame 42. The extendable support 48 is configured to be attached to the dunnage conversion machine 30 by a mechanical coupling bracket 60.
[0038] Although the present invention has been illustrated and described with respect to specific embodiments, equivalent changes and modifications will occur to those skilled in the art upon reading and understanding this specification and the accompanying drawings. In particular, with respect to the various functions performed by the above-described elements (components, parts, devices, configurations, etc.), the terms used to describe such elements (including references to "means") are intended, unless otherwise indicated, to correspond to any element that performs the specified function of the above-described element (i.e., is functionally equivalent) even if it is not structurally equivalent to the disclosed structure that performs that function in one or more exemplary embodiments of the present invention illustrated herein. Moreover, although certain features of the present invention are described above with respect to only one or more of some exemplary embodiments, such features can be combined with one or more other features of other embodiments as desired and advantageous for any given or specific application.
Claims
1. 1. A lifting device for supporting and lifting a dunnage conversion machine, comprising: A base frame; an upright support having a base portion fixed to the base frame and a movable portion axially movable relative to the base portion between a lower position and an upper position vertically higher than the lower position; a lifting unit connected to the movable part of the upright support and configured to raise and lower the movable part relative to the base frame between the lower position and the upper position; the upright support is configured to be attached to the dunnage conversion machine; Lifting equipment.
2. The base frame is configured to be removably mounted to a portable cart. The lifting device according to claim 1.
3. The base portion of the upright support is fixed to the base frame, and the movable portion is telescopically movable relative to the base portion.
3. The lifting device according to claim 1 or 2.
4. The base frame includes a pair of spaced apart legs, each of which has an upright support attached thereto.
3. The lifting device according to claim 1 or 2.
5. The upright supports include a pair of upright supports arranged parallel to each other and spaced apart from each other. The lifting device according to claim 1.
6. the lifting unit is mounted to the base frame between the upright supports; 6. The lifting device according to claim 5.
7. the distal ends of each of the upright supports are connected by a lift cross member; the lifting unit is connected to the pair of upright supports by the lifting cross members; 7. A lifting device according to claim 5 or 6.
8. The lifting unit is mounted between the base frame and the lifting cross member.
8. The lifting device according to claim 7.
9. further comprising a mechanical linkage bracket at a distal end of each of said upright supports; the mechanical coupling bracket includes an interface for attachment to the dunnage conversion machine; 7. A lifting device according to claim 5 or 6.
10. further comprising one or more forklift brackets having an interface for attachment to the dunnage conversion machine; the one or more forklift brackets have openings for receiving forks of a forklift; 3. The lifting device according to claim 1 or 2.
11. The lifting unit is hydraulic.
3. The lifting device according to claim 1 or 2.
12. Further, a cart having a horizontal support base is provided, The base frame is attached to the horizontal support.
3. The lifting device according to claim 1 or 2.
13. the lifting device is mounted within a footprint defined by the horizontal support platform; 13. The lifting device of claim 12.
14. 1. A method for supporting and lifting a dunnage conversion machine, comprising the steps of: Prepare a dunnage conversion machine to link with the lifting device, Positioning the lifting device below the dunnage conversion machine; connecting the dunnage conversion machine to a mechanical coupling bracket of the lifting device; Raising the mechanical coupling bracket from a lower position to an upper position; lowering the mechanical coupling bracket from the upper position to the lower position; method.
15. the providing step includes attaching the lifting device to a movable cart; 15. The method of claim 14.
16. using the movable cart to move the dunnage conversion machine to a desired location.
16. The method of claim 14 or 15.
17. The connecting step is performed before the placing step.
16. The method of claim 14 or 15.
18. The connecting step is performed before the raising step.
16. The method of claim 14 or 15.
19. The connecting step is performed before the lowering step.
16. The method of claim 14 or 15.
20. the providing step includes connecting one or more forklift brackets to the dunnage conversion machine; and moving the dunnage conversion machine using forklift forks to engage the forklift brackets.
16. The method of claim 14 or 15.