Lubricating sheet for paper shredder

Abstract

The lubrication sheet includes: a material blank folded into a folded configuration along a fold line to form a lubricant containing pocket; a lubricant in the lubricant containing pocket; and a primary barrier for the lubricant. A primary barrier extends around and seals the lubricant containment bag to retain lubricant in the lubricant containment bag. The material blank includes a material crease along the fold line that forms a secondary barrier for the lubricant. The secondary barrier is configured to deflect the released lubricant toward the secondary barrier when the lubricant in the lubricant containing pocket is compressed during shredding of the lubricant sheet to release some lubricant through the primary barrier.

Description

[0001] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0002] This application claims priority under 35 USC 119(e) to previously co-pending U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 315,846, filed on March 2, 2022, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. Technical Field

[0003] The present patent application relates to paper shredders, and more particularly to a lubrication sheet configured for use in a paper shredder to provide lubrication to the paper shredder. Background Art

[0004] A shredder is a well-known device used to destroy items such as papers, documents, compact discs ("CDs"), expired credit cards, etc. Typically, users purchase shredders to destroy items with sensitive information, such as credit card statements with account information, documents containing company trade secrets, etc.

[0005] A paper shredder may generally include a paper shredder mechanism housed in a housing that is removably mounted on top of a container. The paper shredder mechanism generally includes a cutting mechanism having a series of cutting elements that shred the items fed into the paper shredder mechanism and discharge the shredded items downward into a container. Examples of known paper shredders include U.S. patents with the following patent numbers: 9,724,704, entitled "Thickness of paper shredder with anti-shake function"; 8,757,526 and 9,573,135, entitled "Paper shredder with thickness detector"; 7,798,435, entitled "Paper shredder with oiling mechanism"; 7,344,096, entitled "Paper shredder with switch lock"; 7,946,515, entitled "Paper shredder throat safety system"; 9,346,059, entitled "Paper shredder with vibration performance sensor and control system"; and 9,283,567, entitled "Paper shredder with anti-blocking system". These patents are jointly owned by the same assignee as the present patent application. The present patent application incorporates each of these patents in their entirety by reference.

[0006] As with any other mechanical equipment, by properly lubricating the moving parts in a shredder, wear in the shredder can be reduced and the performance of the shredder can be maintained. In particular, by oiling the cutting elements of the shredder mechanism, wear on the cutting elements / blades of the shredder mechanism and the load on the shredder motor can be reduced.

[0007] Oiling or using oil tablets is a convenient method for maintaining a shredder. Before using these oil tablets, manually oiling the paper feed throat of the shredder is the standard way to lubricate the shredder's cutting mechanism. Some methods involve manually dripping oil / lubricant directly onto the shredder, while others involve applying oil to the paper and, when the paper begins to become saturated, shredding the paper in the shredder's cutting mechanism. Other methods of maintaining the cutting elements or cutting mechanisms of a shredder with oil / lubricant also include various automatic oiling systems.

[0008] One example of a known lubrication pack is disclosed in U.S. Patent No. 7,793,876 (the "'876 patent"), the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. The lubrication pack of the '876 patent is illustrated in FIGS. 19A and 19B of the present patent application. As shown in FIGS. 19A and 19B of the present patent application, the '876 patent discloses a plurality of vents 24 disposed along a perimeter around the edge of the lubrication pack between two spaced-apart parallel perimeter seals 22, 23. Due to the arrangement of the perimeter seals 22, 23, the lubricant is retained within the lubrication pack (e.g., the middle portion) until it is shredded. During the shredding process, the portion with the lubricant may also be compressed and ruptured at a point outside the shredder, with the peripheral area receiving the lubricant. The vents 24 release the accumulated pressure and direct the compressed air and any oil droplets into the shredding mechanism. Thus, the '876 patent discloses the use of vents 24 within the seal perimeter (e.g., the seals 22, 23) and immediately outside the perimeter of the lubricant-filled inner cavity. The vent holes 24 of the '876 patent are configured to allow for immediate dispensing of liquid lubricant once the seal is breached to reduce the compressive pressures created when the lubricating sheet 1 is shredded.

[0009] Another example of a known lubrication pack is disclosed by U.S. Patent No. 9,751,673 ("the '673 patent"), the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. FIG. 20 of the present patent application illustrates the lubrication pack of the '673 patent. As shown in FIG. 20 of the present patent application, the '673 patent discloses the use of a plurality of internal seals 31 that are not in contact with the peripheral seal to separate the interior region into at least two regions 42, 52, 62, etc. and 44, 54, 64, etc. Thus, the lubrication pack of the '673 patent is configured to distribute the liquid lubricant within the internal sealed compartments to reduce compression of the lubricant against the external seams (tortuous path for the liquid / lubricant).

[0010] Yet another example of a known lubrication pack is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 8,708,261 ("the '261 patent"), the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. The '261 patent includes a shell layer that provides mechanical rigidity (e.g., the '261 patent's Figure 7The '261 patent includes a shell 715 in A) and means for evenly distributing the lubricant held by the shell (width and length of a single cavity). Figure 1-7 Various embodiments of means for maintaining a uniform distribution of the measured amount of lubricant are shown in B. Such means may include structures such as bubbles, tubes, and absorbent substrates, as well as other lubricating substrates having properties configured to maintain a uniform distribution of the measured amount of lubricant. In some embodiments, the lubricating sheet includes a composite of different agents that may or may not be separated into different compartments (e.g., tubes, bubbles, portions, layers) of the lubricating sheet. The uniform distribution of the '261 patent would not allow the lubricant to move and compress within a single cavity, thereby forcing the seams to burst when shredded.

[0011] The present patent application is directed to providing various improvements to the previously mentioned examples and any similar examples that may not be mentioned or included. The present patent application discloses an improved oiling / lubricating sheet configured for use in a shredder to provide lubrication between the cutting elements of the shredder once the cutting elements of the shredder come into direct contact with a lubricant, e.g., to extend the life of the shredder. Summary of the invention

[0012] In one embodiment of the present patent application, a lubricating sheet is provided that is configured to be used in a shredder to provide lubrication between the cutting elements of the shredder. The lubricating sheet includes a material blank, a lubricant, and a primary barrier for the lubricant. The material blank is folded into a folded configuration along a fold line to form a lubricant containing pocket. The lubricant is in the lubricant containing pocket. The primary barrier for the lubricant extends around the lubricant containing pocket and seals the lubricant containing pocket so as to retain the lubricant in the lubricant containing pocket. The material blank includes a material crease along the fold line that forms a secondary barrier for the lubricant. When the lubricant in the lubricant containing pocket is compressed during shredding of the lubricating sheet to release some of the lubricant through the primary barrier, the secondary barrier is configured to deflect the released lubricant toward the secondary barrier to release pressure in the released lubricant and retain the released lubricant in place to further lubricate the cutting elements of the shredder.

[0013] Implementations of the above aspects may include one or more of the following features.

[0014] The material blank may include a peripheral portion extending circumferentially around the primary barrier. The secondary barrier and the peripheral portion between the primary barrier and the secondary barrier may form a manifold for releasing lubricant.

[0015] The manifold may be open on its side edges to equalize any pressure buildup of the released lubricant and enable the released lubricant to drain in the plane of the material blank in the longitudinal direction of the material fold.

[0016] The manifold may include a directional seal configured to direct or deflect the released lubricant. The manifold may include a directional seal configured to form a tortuous and circuitous path for the released lubricant. The manifold may include an additional pressure relief port configured to release pressure in the released lubricant. The manifold may include additional materials configured to absorb and redistribute the released lubricant to slow or inhibit the flow of the released lubricant.

[0017] The material fold may be disposed between a first region of the material blank and a second region of the material blank. The first region and the second region may form a surface of the lubricant holding bag. Each of the first region and the second region may have an edge. The edge of the first region and the edge of the second region may correspond to each other and may together form an edge of the lubricant holding bag. The primary barrier may be formed along the edge of the lubricant holding bag.

[0018] The material fold may be a first material fold and the secondary barrier may be a first primary barrier. The material blank may include a second fold line disposed above the first region of the material blank or below the second region of the material blank. The material blank may include a second material fold along the second fold line that forms a second secondary barrier for the lubricant. The first barrier and the second secondary barrier may be disposed on opposite longitudinal ends of the lubricating sheet.

[0019] The material fold may be a first material fold and the secondary barrier may be a first barrier. The material blank may include at least one additional folded material portion, the at least one additional folded material portion protruding outwardly from at least one side of the upper half of the material blank or the lower half of the material blank. The at least one additional folded material portion may be folded onto the material blank along at least one additional fold line to form a second barrier. The first barrier and the second barrier may be disposed on opposite longitudinal ends of the lubricating sheet.

[0020] The at least one additional folded material portion may include three additional folded material portions, the at least one additional fold line may include three additional fold lines, and the at least one side may include three sides. Each of the three additional folded material portions may protrude outward from a corresponding side of the upper half of the material blank or the lower half of the material blank, and may be folded onto the material blank along a corresponding additional fold line to form a second barrier, a third barrier, and a fourth barrier, respectively. The third barrier and the fourth barrier may be disposed on opposite lateral ends of the lubricating sheet.

[0021] In another embodiment of the present patent application, a lubricating sheet assembly is configured for use in a shredder to provide lubrication between cutting elements of the shredder. The lubricating sheet assembly includes: at least two material blanks overlapping each other to form a lubricant containing pocket; lubricant in the lubricant containing pocket; and a primary barrier for the lubricant, the primary barrier extending around the lubricant containing pocket and sealing the lubricant containing pocket so as to retain the lubricant in the lubricant containing pocket. At least one of the material blanks is folded along a fold line and includes a crease of material along the fold line that forms a secondary barrier for the lubricant. When the lubricant in the lubricant containing pocket is compressed during shredding by the lubricating sheet assembly to release some of the lubricant through the primary barrier, the secondary barrier is configured to deflect the released lubricant toward the secondary barrier to release pressure in the released lubricant and retain the released lubricant in place to further lubricate the cutting elements of the shredder.

[0022] These and other aspects of the present patent application, as well as the functions and methods of operation of the related structural elements and the combination and manufacturing economy of the components, will become more apparent after considering the following description with reference to the accompanying drawings, all of which constitute a part of this specification, wherein similar reference numerals indicate corresponding components in the respective figures. In one embodiment of the present patent application, the structural components shown in this article are drawn to scale. However, it should be clearly understood that the drawings are only for illustration and description purposes and are not intended to be used as a limitation on the scope of the present patent application. It should also be understood that the features of one embodiment disclosed herein can be used in other embodiments disclosed herein. As used in the specification and claims, the singular forms of "a", "an" and "the" include plural references unless the context clearly states otherwise. In addition, as used in the specification and claims, the term "or" means "and / or" unless the context clearly states otherwise. It should also be understood that some components and features discussed herein can be discussed in conjunction with only one (singular) of these components, and additional similar components that may be disclosed herein may not be discussed in detail in order to reduce redundancy considerations.

[0023] Other aspects, features, and advantages of the present patent application will become apparent from the following detailed description, the accompanying drawings, and the appended claims. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0024] Various embodiments are disclosed by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying schematic drawings in which corresponding reference numerals indicate corresponding parts, and in which:

[0025] Figure 1A lubrication patch assembly according to an embodiment of the present patent application is shown, wherein the lubrication patch assembly includes a cavity configured to seal to retain lubricant therein and a fold of material configured to form a secondary barrier to any lubricant that breaks through the seal of the cavity, and wherein the lubrication patch assembly is in an initial deployed configuration;

[0026] Figure 2 Shown in folded and sealed configuration Figure 1 A lubricating sheet assembly;

[0027] Figure 2A A cross-sectional view showing a portion of a shredder with a shredder cutting element / cutting assembly according to an embodiment of the present patent application; and

[0028] Figure 2B Show Figure 2A A cross-sectional view of a shredder portion of the invention and wherein a lubricating sheet is inserted therein to provide lubrication between cutting elements of the shredder;

[0029] Figure 3 A lubricating sheet assembly according to another embodiment of the present patent application is shown, wherein the lubricating sheet assembly is similar to Figure 1-2 The lubrication patch assembly of the type shown in , but including two folds of material configured to form a secondary barrier to any lubricant that breaches the seal of the cavity, and wherein the lubrication patch assembly is in an initial deployed configuration;

[0030] Figure 4 Shown in folded and sealed configuration Figure 3 A lubricating sheet assembly;

[0031] Figure 4A A lubrication sheet assembly in a folded and sealed configuration according to another embodiment of the present patent application is shown;

[0032] Figure 5 A lubricating sheet assembly according to yet another embodiment of the present patent application is shown, wherein the lubricating sheet assembly is similar to Figure 1-2 or the lubrication sheet assembly shown in 3-4, but including four folds of material configured to form a secondary barrier to any lubricant that breaches the seal of the cavity, and wherein the lubrication sheet assembly is in an initial deployed configuration;

[0033] Figure 6 Shown in folded and sealed configuration Figure 5 A lubricating sheet assembly;

[0034] Figure 7 A lubricating sheet assembly according to yet another embodiment of the present patent application is shown, wherein the lubricating sheet assembly is similar to Figure 1-2 or Figure 3-4The lubrication sheet assembly of claim 1 , but including three folds of material configured to form a secondary barrier to any lubricant that breaches the seal of the cavity, and wherein the lubrication sheet assembly is in an initial deployed configuration;

[0035] Figure 8 A lubrication sheet assembly according to yet another embodiment of the present patent application is shown, wherein the lubrication sheet assembly is in a folded configuration, and the lubrication sheet assembly includes an air channel manifold;

[0036] Fig. 9 A lubrication sheet assembly according to yet another embodiment of the present patent application is shown, wherein the lubrication sheet assembly is in a folded configuration, and the lubrication sheet assembly includes a vent manifold region having directional heat seals that direct lubricant once the lubricant breaks through the initial retention seal; and

[0037] Figure 10-12 An explanatory schematic diagram showing a prototype of a lubricating sheet assembly according to an embodiment of the present patent application, wherein Fig.10 Showing the cut edge, Fig.11 Showing the folded edge, Fig.12 showing the loosely taped folded edge;

[0038] Fig.13 A flowchart showing various production procedures for a lubricating sheet assembly according to an embodiment of the present patent application;

[0039] Fig.14 The raw material of the lubricating sheet assembly according to one embodiment of the present patent application is shown;

[0040] Fig.15 The raw material processing procedure of the lubricating sheet assembly according to one embodiment of the present patent application is shown;

[0041] Fig.16A and 16B A lubricating sheet assembly with three sides sealing is shown before adding lubricant to the lubricant holding bag and before sealing the fourth side according to an embodiment of the present patent application;

[0042] Fig.17 The lubrication sheet assembly is shown after lubricant is added to the lubricant containing bag and the fourth side thereof is sealed according to an embodiment of the present patent application;

[0043] Fig.18A A lubricating plate assembly having two blanks according to an embodiment of the present patent application is shown;

[0044] Fig.18B It is shown that according to one embodiment of the present patent application, two blanks are arranged to overlap each other (and heat-sealed) to form a lubricant containing bag;

[0045] Fig.18C Two blank-constructed lubrication sheets are shown before final sealing (i.e., after oil / lubricant is placed in the lubricant containment bag) according to one embodiment of the present patent application;

[0046] 19A and 19B illustrate a prior art lubrication pack; and

[0047] FIG. 20 shows another prior art lubrication pack. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0048] Figure 1 and Figure 2 FIG. 1 shows a lubricating sheet assembly 100 according to an embodiment of the present patent application. The lubricating sheet assembly 100 may include Figure 1 The initial expansion structure shown in Figure 2 folded and / or sealed configuration as shown in . The lubricating sheet assembly 100, when in the folded, sealed configuration, may be interchangeably referred to as a lubricating sheet 120, an oiling sheet / oil sheet 120. The lubricating sheet 120 may be configured to be used in a shredder (not shown) to provide lubrication between the cutting elements of the shredder once the cutting elements of the shredder come into direct contact with the lubricant 104, so as to, for example, extend the life of the shredder. Unlike the prior art disclosed in the background section, the lubricating sheet assembly 100 is configured to be folded (e.g., folded at the meridian of the sheet blank) to form a crease, as will be described in detail in various embodiments below. The crease may act as a deflector / splash shield for the lubricant 104, which may sometimes be compressed during shredding of the lubricating sheet 120, causing the lubricant 104 to break through the sealing seam 110 and be forced upward toward the crease.

[0049] In one embodiment, referring to Figure 2A and 2B The lubrication sheet 120 is configured to be used in a shredder S to provide lubrication between cutting elements CE of the shredder S. Figure 2A A cross-sectional view of a portion of a paper shredder S with a cutting element CE / cutting assembly of the paper shredder S is shown, and Figure 2B Show Figure 2A , and a lubricating sheet 120 is inserted therein to provide lubrication between the cutting elements CE of the shredder S. The shredder S may include any shredder. For example, the shredder S may be a shredder owned by the same assignee as the present patent application, and the entire contents of which have been incorporated by reference into (the background section of) the present patent application.

[0050] The lubricating sheet 120 includes a material blank 106, a lubricant 104, and a primary barrier PB / 110 for the lubricant 104. The material blank 106 is provided along a fold line (e.g. Figure 11 (dashed lines in FIG. 1 ) into a folded configuration to form a lubricant containment bag 102. Lubricant 104 is located in the lubricant containment bag 102. A primary barrier PB / 110 for lubricant 104 extends around and seals the lubricant containment bag to retain the lubricant 104 in the lubricant containment bag 102. The material blank 106 includes a material crease 108 along the fold line that forms a secondary barrier SB / 108 for lubricant 104. When the lubricant 104 in the lubricant containment bag 102 is compressed during shredding by the lubricating sheet 120 to release some of the lubricant 104 through the primary barrier PB / 110, the secondary barrier SB / 108 is configured to deflect the released released lubricant toward the secondary barrier SB / 1008 to release pressure in the released lubricant and retain the released lubricant in place to further lubricate the cutting elements of the shredder.

[0051] The fold line may be on any edge / any edge portion of the material blank 106. The edge portion may include a portion of the material blank 106 adjacent to the edge of the material blank 106. The fold line may be located at the center of the material blank 106. The fold line may be between the center of the material blank 106 and any edge / any edge portion of the material blank 106. That is, the fold line may deviate from the center of the material blank 106 or any edge / any edge portion of the material blank 106. The fold line may extend longitudinally or transversely along the material blank 106. As used in the description of this patent application, the folded portion may be a crease and a soft radius.

[0052] like Figure 2 As shown in , the lubricating sheet assembly 100 may include an inner cavity 102, which is configured to hold a lubricant 104 therein. The cavity 102 may be configured to be sealed so as to hold the lubricant 104 therein. The lubricant 104 may be a fluid / liquid lubricant. The lubricant 104 may be an oil, such as soybean oil, vegetable oil, mineral oil, or other oils. Other lubricants may be used, including power lubricants and other types of liquid lubricants. The lubricant may also be infiltrated into a porous material sheet also disposed within the cavity 102. The cavity 102 may be interchangeably referred to as a lubricant retaining bag or a lubricant containing bag.

[0053] The lubrication plate assembly 100 may include a blank of material 106 that may be sealed in a manner (eg, as described in the embodiments of the present patent application) to form the cavity 102 . Figure 1 The material blank 106 shown in FIG. 1 may be used to form Figure 21, which is used to provide lubrication in a shredder. Material 106 may include a non-absorbent material. In other embodiments, material 106 may include an absorbent material. Material 106 may be interchangeably referred to as a shell. Material 106 may include a first region 113 of material 106 and a second region 115 of material 106 located on opposite sides of the fold line. Material 106 may include an additional peripheral region surrounding first region 113 and second region 115.

[0054] As will be discussed in detail below, the first region 113 and the second region 115 of the material 106 can be configured to form the major sides / major surfaces of the cavity 102. The first region 113 of the material 106 can include sides / edges 112a, 112b, 112c, 112d, and the second region 115 of the material 106 can include sides / edges 114a, 114b, 114c, 114d. As will also be discussed in detail below, the sides / edges 112a, 112b, 112c, 112d of the first region 113 of the material 106 and the sides / edges 114a, 114b, 114c, 114d of the second region 115 can be configured to form the sides / edges of the cavity 102. In other embodiments, the edges 112a-112d, 114a-114d can be provided on the blank 106 as ridges and / or depressions, which can be formed by any means, such as embossing, stamping, etc., to assist in sealing. As will be discussed below, in some embodiments, the edges 112a - 112d , 114a - 114d may not be initially present on the blank 106 , and may be formed during manufacturing, such as by sealing, placement of an adhesive, or the like.

[0055] The material fold 108 may be disposed between a first region 113 of the material blank and a second region 115 of the material blank. The first region 113 and the second region 115 may form a surface of the lubricant holding bag 102. Each of the first region 113 and the second region 115 may have edges 112a-112d, 114a-114d. The edges 112a-112d of the first region 113 and the edges 114a-114d of the second region 115 may correspond to each other and may together form an edge E of the lubricant holding bag 102. The primary barrier PB / 110 may be formed along the edge E of the lubricant holding bag 102.

[0056] The lubricating sheet assembly 100 may include a seal 110 that forms (and is disposed around) the cavity 102. The seal 110 may be interchangeably referred to as a primary barrier PB for the lubricant 104 retained in the cavity 102. The seal 110 may be a peripheral seal configured to extend around the cavity 102 so as to retain the lubricant 104 in the cavity 102. The seal 110 may include a heat-sealed perimeter that forms the cavity 102 in which the lubricant 104 is held. The seal 110 may also be formed by other means such as pressure-sensitive adhesives, ultrasonic welding, etc. The seal 110 can be formed along the sides / edges 112a, 112b, 112c, 112d of the first region 113 and the sides / edges 114a, 114b, 114c, 114d of the second region 115 so as to connect the corresponding sides / edges (e.g., 112a to 114a, 112b to 114b, 112c to 114c, 112d to 114d) of the first region 113 and the second region 115 to each other and form a cavity 102 therebetween.

[0057] The lubricating sheet assembly 100 may include a material fold 108. The material fold 108 may include a Figure 1 106. The fold 108 is where continuous or integral material from two opposing sides of the blank 106 meet at a fold point. The material fold 108 can be configured to form a secondary barrier SB for any lubricant 104 that breaks through the seal 110 of the cavity 102. The fold 108 can be interchangeably referred to as a fold line, a secondary barrier SB, etc. A first region 113 and a second region 115 can be disposed on either side of the fold 108. The material fold 108 can be formed of the same material as the shell 106. The material fold 108 can be formed of additional material (e.g., such as Figure 5-6 ).

[0058] Figure 2 The lubricating sheet assembly 100 is shown in a folded and sealed configuration. The lubricating sheet assembly 100 may have dimensions of 8.5 inches x 6 inches when in the folded configuration. That is, Figure 2 The lubrication sheet 120 shown in FIG. 1 may be 8.5 inches x 6 inches in size. Any other dimensions may be used, and this example is not limiting.

[0059] The lubricating sheet assembly 100 may first be folded along the fold line 108 so that the first region 113 of the material 106 may overlap or coincide with the second region 115 of the material 106. The lubricating sheet assembly 100 may then be sealed (e.g., using a heat sealer / heat seal or other form of sealing) to form the cavity 102. That is, the seal 110 may be formed along the sides / edges 112a, 112b, 112c, 112d of the first region 113 and the sides / edges 114a, 114b, 114c, 114d of the second region 115 so that the corresponding sides / edges (e.g., 112a to 114a, 112b to 114b, 112c to 114c, 112d to 114d) of the first region 113 and the second region 115 are connected to each other and form the cavity 102 therebetween.

[0060] Optionally, the outermost edge of the blank 106 is left unsealed. As will be discussed, this configuration allows lubricant escaping upward from the ruptured cavity 102 to be directed laterally by the folded shield. In some embodiments, only the upper portion of the outer edge, such as between the upper edge of the cavity 102 and the fold, may be left unsealed, while the remainder is sealed. As an option, the bottom edge (i.e., the edge opposite the fold) may also be left unsealed.

[0061] The lubricating sheet assembly 100 may include an opening in the sealing perimeter to add the lubricant 104 to the cavity 102. That is, the cavity 102 may not be (initially) completely sealed in order to add the lubricant 104 to the cavity 102. After the lubricant 104 is added to the cavity 102, the opening in the sealing perimeter may be sealed. The sealing of the opening may be the final seal that holds the lubricant 104 in the cavity 102.

[0062] Figure 2 The insertion direction of the lubricating sheet 120 into the shredder is shown. That is, the bottom edge 116B of the lubricating sheet 120 may be inserted into the shredder first. The bottom insertion edge 116B of the lubricating sheet 120 may be the non-folded edge of the lubricating sheet assembly 100. Figure 2 The cross-sectional view A of FIG. 1 , ie the cross-sectional view taken along the axis AA, clearly shows the sealing area 110 and the cavity 102 formed by the seal 110 .

[0063] Figure 2 The cross-sectional view A of FIG. 1 also shows the fold 108 disposed at the top edge / side 116T of the lubricating sheet 120. That is, the sub-barrier SB of the lubricating sheet assembly 100 is disposed at the top edge / side 116T of the lubricating sheet 120. The sub-barrier SB or fold 108 may be open at the edges (e.g., the side edges) to balance any pressure buildup. Figure 2The assembled (folded and heat sealed) view and cross-sectional view A show that the crease portion 108 at the top edge 116T is open at the edge to form an internal ventilation or distribution manifold or area 118.

[0064] The material blank 106 may include a peripheral portion PP extending around the primary barrier PB / 110 (eg, Figure 2 ). The secondary barrier SB / 108 and the peripheral portion PP between the primary barrier PB / 110 and the secondary barrier SB / 108 may form a manifold 118 for releasing lubricant. The manifold 118 may be open on its side edges to balance any pressure buildup of the released lubricant and to enable the released lubricant to flow in the longitudinal direction of the material fold 108 (e.g., see the longitudinal direction of the material fold 108). Figure 2 The axis VV) is discharged in the plane of the material blank.

[0065] As will be described in detail in the discussion of this patent application, the manifold 118 may include a directional seal configured to direct or deflect the released lubricant. The manifold 118 may include a directional seal configured to form a tortuous and circuitous path for the released lubricant. The manifold 118 may include additional pressure relief ports configured to release pressure in the released lubricant. The manifold 118 may include additional materials configured to absorb and redistribute the released lubricant to slow or inhibit the flow of the released lubricant.

[0066] The ventilation manifold 118 of the present patent application is different from the peripheral vent holes of the prior art lubricating sheet. For example, the ventilation manifold 118 of the present patent application is open on the side edges, so as to be able to ventilate in the direction of the VV line. In contrast, the peripheral vent holes of the prior art lubricating sheet are able to ventilate outside the lubricating sheet and to its main surface in a direction perpendicular to the VV line direction and perpendicular to the plane of the paper / document.

[0067] The sharp edges of the cutting elements of the shredder may protrude outwardly and may be sharp so as to pierce the pile of paper inserted into the shredder. The piercing edges of the cutting elements may be the first part to become dull. Therefore, the piercing edges of the cutting elements may be properly / well lubricated. The vent manifold of the present patent application holds the lubricant in place so as to promote further lubrication of the piercing edges of the cutting elements of the shredder as they sequentially penetrate the space formed by the secondary barrier (fold). The vent holes of the prior art (e.g., the vent holes of the '876 patent) simply discharge the oil / lubricant more indiscriminately. In the lubricating sheets of the prior art (e.g., the '876 patent), the lubricant may leak out of the peripheral holes and may fall on the parts / components of the shredder. In the present patent application, the lubricant may leak out of the side holes (and may be blocked by the fold), so the leaked lubricant may have to travel a longer path to reach the parts / components of the shredder.

[0068] like Figure 2 As shown in , in the folded and sealed configuration of the lubricating sheet assembly 100, the crease and vent manifold 118 may act as a deflector / splash shield for the lubricant 104, which may sometimes be compressed during shredding of the lubricating sheet 120, causing the lubricant 104 to be forced to break through the sealing seam 110 to splash or spray upward toward the fold line 108.

[0069] The folded edge 116T with open side ends may also have additional pressure dissipating slits, a tortuous path, to form a secondary barrier SB for the passage of the lubricant 104 forming the initial sealed perimeter 110 of the lubricant retaining bag 102 .

[0070] If the fold 108 or secondary barrier SB could be significantly further away from the primary barrier 110 / PB forming the cavity 102 for the lubricant 104, this could allow the cutting tip of the shredder to penetrate the material between the two barriers PB, SB to form a pressure relief cut into the lubricating sheet 120 before the lubricating sheet 120 enters the highest compression zone of the shredder's cutting block. The highest compression zone can produce the greatest cutting tooth compression on the lubricant 104 and lubricating sheet 120 within the sealed bag 102.

[0071] The fold edge zone FOEZ may also have additional features such as a directional heat seal (or a seal formed by other means) that is configured to direct the lubricant once the lubricant 104 has breached the initial retaining seal 110. Other options include ridges embossed or integrally formed on the inner surface of the blank 106. Another feature may be a carrier sheet that is configured to absorb the lubricant 104 and help distribute the lubricant 104 to the metal cutting tips and disks of the shredder. Furthermore, such additional materials may have other properties that sharpen the metal, and / or may be additional types of lubricants such as oil-impregnated wax, graphite, iron oxide type materials.

[0072] The shredder S may include a thickness sensor and an infrared (IR) paper sensor. The thickness sensor and the infrared IR paper sensor are described in detail in the following U.S. Patents, respectively: 7635102; 7631823; 7631824; 7712689; 7946514; 7963468; 8783592; RE44161 and 8757526, which are jointly owned by the same assignee as the present patent application and are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety. The thickness sensor may be used in conjunction with the IR paper sensor. The thickness sensor may be used independently of the IR paper sensor. The thickness sensor, whether used in conjunction with the IR paper sensor or not, is configured to determine when the lubricating sheet 120 is shredded. This may be due to an undulating pattern purposefully formed when the lubricating sheet 120 is shredded, which is recognized by the thickness sensor within a specified shredding time sensed by the IR sensor.

[0073] Figure 3 and Figure 4 FIG. 2 shows a lubricating sheet assembly 200 according to another embodiment of the present patent application. Except for the differences noted below, the lubricating sheet assembly 200 is similar to the lubricating sheet assembly 200. Figure 1-2 . For example, the lubricating sheet assembly 200 may include an additional fold barrier represented by the dashed fold line 208b. The additional fold 208b may be configured to allow the lubricating sheet 220 to be inserted into the shredder in a manner that either of the long edges 216B, 216T is inserted first because both long edges 216B, 216T have splash barriers SB1, SB2 that form pressure dispersion manifolds 2181, 2182. Figure 1-2 Similarly to the embodiment of , each folded edge can be open on its left and right edges.

[0074] Reference Figure 3-4 , the lubricating sheet assembly 200 may include two material folds 208a, 208b that are configured to form secondary barriers SB1, SB2 for any lubricant 204 that breaks through the seal 210 of the cavity 202. In the illustrated embodiment, an additional fold 208b is shown and is disposed above the fold 208a (i.e., disposed / positioned between the first region 213 and the second region 215 of the material 206) so that the fold 208a may form a secondary barrier SB1 at the top long edge 216T and the fold 208b may form a secondary barrier SB2 at the bottom long edge 216T. In another embodiment, the additional fold 208b may be disposed below the fold 208a. In such an embodiment, the fold 208a may form a secondary barrier SB2 at the bottom long edge 216B and the fold 208b may form a secondary barrier SB1 at the top long edge 216T.

[0075] In one embodiment, referring to Figure 3-4 , the material 260 of the sheet 206 adjacent to the fold 208b can be folded over the portion 262 of the lubricating sheet 220. Then, the material 260 of the sheet 206 can be sealed to the lubricating sheet 220 using an adhesive, tape, heat seal, or other type of seal.

[0076] Figure 4 The insertion direction of the lubricating sheet 220 into the shredder is also shown. That is, any one of the long edges 216B and 216T of the lubricating sheet 220 can be inserted into the shredder. The two insertion edges 216B and 216T of the lubricating sheet 120 can be the folded edges of the lubricating sheet assembly 100.

[0077] Figure 4 Section B in FIG. 1 (i.e., a section taken along axis BB) also shows how an additional fold 208b may be added so that the lubricating sheet 220 may be inserted into a shredder on both long edges 216B, 216T of the lubricating sheet 220 due to the vent manifold features 2181, 2182 now being located on both long edges 216B, 216T. As described above, the vent manifold features 2181, 2182 may include folded edges in addition to the sealed edges PB1, PB2 of the oil / lubricant bag 202. As shown by Figure 4 As can be seen in the cross-sectional view in FIG. 2 , air can enter the ventilation manifolds 2181 , 2182 from the side.

[0078] and Figure 1-2 Similar to the embodiments in, cutting into the folds can add additional pressure relief ports, heat seal patterns can redirect the released lubricant 204, and additional material can be added to the vent manifolds 2181, 2182 between the initial barrier PB1 or PB2 and the secondary barrier SB1 or SB2 to absorb and redistribute the released lubricant 204.

[0079] The material fold may be a first material fold (e.g., 208a), and the secondary barrier SB may be a first barrier 208a. The material blank 106 may include a second fold line SFL disposed above the first region 113 of the material blank or below the second region 115 of the material blank 106. Figure 3 , the second fold line SFL is disposed above the first region 113 of the material blank 106. The material blank 106 may include a second material fold 208b along the second fold line SFL, which forms a second barrier SB / 208b for the lubricant. The first barrier 208a and the second barrier 208b may be disposed on opposite longitudinal ends LE1, LE2 of the lubricating sheet.

[0080] Figure 4AA lubricating sheet assembly 200' is shown in a folded and sealed configuration according to another embodiment of the present patent application. Lubricant 204' is held in a lubricant containment bag 202' and sealed by a primary barrier / heat seal 210'. In addition to the differences noted below, Figure 4A and Figure 4 Similar. Figure 4A The lower portion is the fold of the main blank and the upper portion is the short fold of the remaining end. Both ends of the fold (e.g., manifolds 2181', 2182') are open to allow air to escape from the sides when the lubricating sheet 220' is shredded (the fold line provides a splash guard / protection device).

[0081] In another embodiment, the lubricating sheet assembly may have a heat sealed lower edge, while the upper edge is a single tab that is folded over on top. For example, two sheets of stock may be sealed together, with one sheet having a protruding tab that forms a folded splash guard. Figure 4A Similar, but the lower fold is eliminated and replaced with two blanks aligned together on both the lower and side edges. The lower and side edges of the two blanks are heat sealed together. Lubricant is then inserted and the upper tab is folded and sealed.

[0082] For example, in one embodiment, referring to Figures 18A-18C , the blank for the lubricating sheet can be made of two or more parts, rather than one folded (or having multiple folded portions) blank. With a double blank construction, two blanks are positioned overlapping each other to form a lubricant receiving pocket.

[0083] In one embodiment, one of the top edge and the bottom edge overlaps with the two side edges. Then, the two blanks are heat-sealed along the side edge portion and along one of the top edge portion and the bottom edge portion, while keeping the other of the top edge portion and the bottom edge portion open to receive lubricant through it. In another embodiment, the two blanks are positioned to overlap each other so that the top edge, the bottom edge and one of the side edges overlap. The top edge portion, the bottom edge portion and one of the side edge portions can be heat-sealed while keeping the other side edge portion open to receive lubricant through it. The last (remaining) edge is configured to overlap with the two blank construction lubricating sheets to form a folded portion before the final seal (i.e. after putting in the oil / lubricant). Typically, heat sealing can be used to connect two blanks, where the size of one edge is large enough to form a folded bag.

[0084] Compared with a single blank folded in the first meridian, Fig.18A A lubrication plate assembly 1820 having two blanks 18061 and 18062 is shown in a two piece blank construction (the offset is intentionally exaggerated so that one skilled in the art can clearly see it). Fig.18BTwo blanks 18061 and 18062 are shown arranged in an overlapping configuration / manner (and heat sealed on three sides) to form a lubricant holding pocket 1802. If lubricant / oil 1804 is added on the other edge, the lubricant / oil 1804 is added before the final fold and seal / final seal. Fig.18C The lubrication plate assembly 1802 is shown in a two piece blank construction prior to final sealing (ie, after placement of oil / lubricant 1804).

[0085] For example, refer to Figures 18A-18C , the lubricating sheet assembly 1820 is configured to be used in a shredder S to provide lubrication between cutting elements CE of the shredder S. The lubricating sheet assembly 1820 includes: at least two material blanks 18061 and 18062, which overlap each other to form a lubricant containing bag 1802; a lubricant 1804 in the lubricant containing bag 1802; and a primary barrier PB for the lubricant 1802, which extends around the lubricant containing bag 1802 and seals the lubricant containing bag to retain the lubricant 1804 in the lubricant containing bag 802. At least one of the material blanks 18061 and 18062 is folded along a fold line, including a material crease portion along the fold line that forms a secondary barrier SB for the lubricant 1804. When the lubricant 1804 in the lubricant holding bag 1802 is compressed during shredding by the lubricating sheet assembly 1820 so that some of the lubricant 1804 is released through the primary barrier PB, the secondary barrier SB is configured to deflect the released lubricant toward the secondary barrier SB to release pressure in the released lubricant and hold the released lubricant in place to further lubricate the cutting element CE of the shredder S.

[0086] The at least two blanks may include a plurality of blanks. The plurality of blanks or the at least two blanks may be configured to be sealed to impart properties of forming a lubricant containment pocket and a secondary barrier. In one embodiment, the plurality of blanks or the at least two blanks may include two blanks. In another embodiment, the plurality of blanks or the at least two blanks may include three or four blanks. The number of blanks in the plurality of blanks or the at least two blanks may vary.

[0087] In one embodiment, any heat seal represents an opportunity to combine multiple separate blanks or at least two blanks sealed together to serve as one blank in which a lubricant containment pocket, primary seal / primary barrier PB, and / or secondary fold seal / secondary barrier SB are formed.

[0088] Figure 5 and Figure 6 FIG. 2 shows a lubricating sheet assembly 300 according to yet another embodiment of the present patent application. The lubricating sheet assembly 300 is similar to the lubricating sheet assembly 300 except for the differences noted below. Figure 1-2and the lubrication sheet assembly shown in 3-4.

[0089] The lubrication sheet assembly 300 may include additional fold barriers SB3, SB4 represented by dashed fold lines 308c, 308d on the shorter sides 316RS, 316LS of the lubrication sheet 320. These additional folds allow the lubrication sheet 320 to be inserted into a shredder on both short edges 316RS, 316LS because both of the short edges have splash barriers SB3, SB4 (e.g., the folds are open on the left and right edges) that form pressure dispersion manifolds 3183, 3184.

[0090] Figure 6 Section C in FIG. 1 (i.e., the section taken along axis CC) shows how additional folds 308c, 308d can be added to the sides 316RS, 316LS of the lubricating sheet 320 so that since the ventilation manifold features 3181, 3182, 3183, 3184 are now located on all edges 316T, 316B, 316RS, 316 LS of the lubricating sheet 320, the lubricating sheet 320 can be inserted into the shredder on all four sides 316T, 316B, 316RS, 316LS. Figure 6 The insertion direction of the lubricating sheet 320 into the shredder is also shown. That is, one of the long edges 316B and 316T or one of the short edges 316RS and 316LS of the lubricating sheet 220 can be inserted into the shredder. All the insertion edges 316B, 316T, 316RS and 316LS of the lubricating sheet 120 can be folded edges of the lubricating sheet assembly 100.

[0091] In the illustrated embodiment, fold 308b is shown and disposed above fold 308a (i.e., disposed / positioned between first region 313 and second region 315 of material 306) so that fold 308a can form a secondary barrier SB1 at top long edge 316T, and fold 308b can form a secondary barrier SB2 at bottom long edge 316T. In another embodiment, additional fold 308b can be disposed below fold 308a. In such an embodiment, fold 308a can form a secondary barrier SB2 at bottom long edge 316B, and fold 308b can form a secondary barrier SB1 at top long edge 316T.

[0092] In the illustrated embodiment, material 306 includes additional material 306b, 306c, 306d extending outwardly from an upper half of material 306. Folds 308b, 308c, 308d may be formed on additional material 306b, 306c, 306d disposed on an upper half of material 306. In another embodiment, material 306 includes additional material 306b, 306c, 306d extending outwardly from a lower half of material 306. In such an embodiment, folds 308b, 308c, 308d may be formed on additional material 306b, 306c, 306d disposed on a lower half of material 306.

[0093] like Figure 6 As can be seen in the cross-sectional view in FIG. 1 , air can enter the ventilation manifolds 3181, 3182, 3183, 3184 from the side. Figure 1-2 or Figure 3-4 Similar to the embodiments in, cutting into the fold portion can add additional pressure relief ports, the heat seal pattern can redirect the released lubricant 304, and additional material can be added between the initial barrier PB1, PB2, PB3 or PB4 and the secondary barrier SB1, SB2, SB3 or SB4 to absorb and redistribute the released lubricant 304.

[0094] In one embodiment, referring to Figure 5-6 , material 360 of sheet 306 adjacent to fold 308b, material 364 of sheet 306 adjacent to fold 308d, and material 366 of sheet 306 adjacent to fold 308c can each be folded over portion 362 of lubricating sheet 320. Material 360, material 364, and material 366 of sheet 306 can then each be sealed to lubricating sheet 320 using an adhesive, tape, heat seal, or other type of seal.

[0095] The material fold may be a first material fold (e.g., 308a), and the secondary barrier may be a first barrier SB1. The material blank 106 may include at least one additional folded material portion (e.g., 306b-306d), which protrudes outward from at least one side of the upper half of the material blank 106 (e.g., which includes the region 313) or the lower half of the material blank 106 (e.g., which includes the region 315). The at least one additional folded material portion (e.g., 306b) may be folded onto the material blank 106 along at least one additional fold line AFL2 to form a second barrier SB2. The first barrier SB1 and the second barrier SB2 may be disposed on opposite longitudinal ends LE1 and LE2 of the lubricating sheet 320.

[0096] The at least one additional folded material portion may include three additional folded material portions 306b-306d, the at least one additional fold line may include three additional fold lines AFL2-AFL4, and the at least one side may include three sides. Each of the three additional folded material portions 306b-306d may protrude outward from a corresponding side of an upper half of the material blank (e.g., including region 313) or a lower half of the material blank 106 (e.g., including region 315), and may be folded onto the material blank 106 along corresponding additional fold lines AFL2-AFL4, thereby forming a second barrier SB2, a third barrier SB3, and a fourth barrier SB4, respectively. The third barrier SB3 and the fourth barrier SB4 may be disposed on opposite lateral ends TE1 and TE2 of the lubricating sheet.

[0097] Figure 7 A lubricating sheet assembly 300' according to yet another embodiment of the present patent application is shown, wherein the lubricating sheet assembly 300' is similar to Figure 1-2 or the lubricating sheet assembly shown in 3-4, but including three folds of material configured to form a secondary barrier to any lubricant that breaks through the cavity seal, wherein the lubricating sheet assembly is in an initial deployed configuration. For example, Figure 7 and Figure 5 Very similar, but Figure 7 It has a main fold and two side tab folds, and Figure 5 There is one main fold and three tab folds (two side tab folds and one top tab fold).

[0098] Figure 8 and Fig. 9 Lubricating sheet assemblies 400 and 500 according to other embodiments of the present patent application are shown, respectively. The lubricating sheet assemblies 400, 500 are in their folded configurations. Figure 8 and Fig. 9 An alternative sealing (eg, heat or other form of sealing) pattern 452, 552 is shown that may be applied one edge at a time, rather than as Figure 5-6 The closed box seal shown in and described with respect to these figures is shown earlier. Figure 8 and Fig. 9 In the illustrated embodiment, only one edge (eg, the upper edge 416T, 516T) has the fold barrier SB1. In another embodiment, any and all sides of the lubrication sheet 420, 520 may be assembled with the fold barrier feature.

[0099] Figure 8 It shows how additional materials can be inserted and how point seals can be made at appropriate locations to give the material additional properties. Figure 8The cross-sectional view E (ie, the cross-sectional view taken along the EE axis) shows how the additional folds can hold the carrier sheet 450 . Figure 8 The front view of also shows the folded air channel manifold, with the carrier material 450 located within the space. If the sheet material is absorbent, the air channels or vents at the side edges can be eliminated, so that the sheet material can work with and without ventilation. The carrier sheet 450 can slow or inhibit the flow of the lubricant, thereby preventing any spraying or splashing thereof.

[0100] Fig. 9 It shows how a heat seal (or other type of seal) may deflect or act to form a tortuous path for the lubricant 504 once it has breached the initial seal 510 / PB forming the containment bag 502 . Fig. 9 Section F in (ie, a section taken along axis FF) shows how the folded air channel manifold may have additional seals 552 to further control the flow of lubricant 504 once the lubricant 504 breaks through the initial retaining seal PB. The viscosity of a lubricant, such as oil, may vary from liquid to gel-like.

[0101] exist Figure 8 and Fig. 9 In embodiments of the present invention, the fold edge ventilation manifold area or zone FOEZ may have additional features such as directional heat seals 452, 552 that direct the lubricant once the lubricant 404, 504 has breached the initial retention seal PB. Figure 8 and Fig. 9 Embodiments of the present invention may also include a carrier sheet 450, 550 configured to absorb the lubricant 404, 504 to help distribute the lubricant 404 to the metal cutting tips and disks of the shredder. In addition, the additional carrier material 450, 550 may have other properties that are dispersed to sharpen the metal (such as iron oxide particles), may be formed to provide additional types of lubricants such as oil-impregnated wax, may contain graphite, and / or may have a different viscosity than that contained within the primary seal receiving area 402, 502.

[0102] Figure 10-12 An explanatory schematic diagram showing a prototype of a lubricating sheet assembly according to yet another embodiment of the present patent application, wherein Fig.10 Shown is a cut edge 1000, Fig.11 Folded edge 1100 is shown, Fig.12 A loosely taped folded edge 1200 is shown.

[0103] Fig.13A flow chart is shown with various production procedures 1300 for producing a lubricating sheet or a method 1300 of forming a lubricating sheet according to an embodiment of the present patent application. The production procedures may include a procedure 1302 of weighing the lubricating sheet before adding the lubricant to the lubricant holding bag, and a procedure 1304 of adding / injecting the lubricant into the lubricant holding bag. In one embodiment, the lubricating sheet weighs about 7.2 grams before the lubricant is added to the lubricant holding bag. In one embodiment, the lubricating sheet (i.e., before the lubricant is added to the lubricant holding bag) includes three sealed sides, and a fourth side is open and configured to receive lubricant therethrough. This is also Fig.16A , 16B 17. The production process may also include a process 1306 of hot rolling edge sealing or hot pressing edge sealing the fourth edge of the lubricant holding bag (ie, after the lubricant is added or injected into the lubricant holding bag).

[0104] The system 1312 with the controller 1314 can be programmed to add / inject a predetermined amount of injection lubricant into the lubricant holding bag and check the weight of the lubricating patch before and / or after adding / injecting lubricant into the lubricant holding bag. In one embodiment, the weight of the lubricant added to the lubricant holding bag is about 2.6 grams. In another embodiment, the weight of the lubricant added to the lubricant holding bag is in a range between about 2.1 grams and about 3.1 grams.

[0105] The system can also be configured to perform hot rolling edge sealing or hot pressing edge sealing on the fourth edge of the lubricant containing bag. The system can also be configured to perform hot rolling edge sealing or hot pressing edge sealing on the fourth edge of the lubricant containing bag at a predetermined temperature and for a predetermined time.

[0106] The production process may optionally include a process 1308 of resetting the electronic balance before weighing the lubricating sheets (ie, before adding lubricant to the lubricant holding bag). The production process may optionally include a process 1310 of packaging the lubricating sheets (eg, 10 lubricating sheets in a box).

[0107] Reference Fig. 16B, when lubricant is added to a lubricant containing bag having three heat-sealed sides, the lubricant is added, for example, from the open side indicated by the arrow. Once the lubricant is added to the lubricant containing bag, the fourth / open side of the lubricant containing bag is also sealed in the final sealing stage / procedure. In one embodiment, the order of the opening / fourth side of the lubricant containing bag can be changed. For example, the bottom side of the lubricant containing bag / lubricating sheet can be the opening / fourth side of the lubricant containing bag, through which the lubricant is added to the lubricant containing bag. In another embodiment, the upper / lower cover / folded side can be the final side, but when the lubricating sheet is in a lateral position (wider than tall), the lubricating sheet is then filled.

[0108] Fig.14 A raw material 1400 of a lubricating sheet according to an embodiment of the present patent application is shown. The raw material may be in the form of a roll. In one embodiment, the width W of the raw material 1400 is approximately 630 mm. The raw material having a length L of 850 mm may be cut to form a lubricating sheet.

[0109] Fig.15 The raw material processing procedure of the lubricating sheet according to an embodiment of the present patent application is shown. The raw material roll can be processed by a production line. The raw material processing procedure of the lubricating sheet may include cutting a desired length of raw material from the raw material roll (because the width of the raw material roll remains constant), folding the lubricating sheet into a folded configuration along a fold line, and then heat-pressing the edge seals of three sides of the lubricant containing bag and leaving the fourth side of the lubricant containing bag open to receive lubricant therethrough.

[0110] Fig.16A and 16B A lubrication sheet assembly 1600, 1600' with three sides 1601 / 1601', 1603 / 1603' and 1605 / 1605' sealed is shown before adding lubricant 1604 / 1604' to the lubricant holding bag 1602 / 1602' and before sealing the fourth side 1607 / 1607' according to an embodiment of the present patent application.

[0111] Fig.17 The lubrication sheet assembly 1700 is shown after lubricant 1704 has been added to the lubricant holding bag 1702 and after sealing the fourth side 1707 thereof in accordance with an embodiment of the present patent application.

[0112] In one embodiment, the dimensions indicated in this patent application may be 5%, 10%, 15% or 20% greater than the values ​​described in the entire patent application, or may be 5%, 10%, 15% or 20% less than the values ​​described in the entire patent application. In another embodiment, the dimensions mentioned in this patent application may be within the range of + / -5%, + / -10%, + / -15% or + / -20% of the values ​​described in the entire patent application.

[0113] Although the present patent application has been described in detail for the purpose of illustration, it should be understood that such details are used only for this purpose, and the present patent application is not limited to the disclosed embodiments, but on the contrary, the present patent application is intended to cover modifications and equivalent arrangements within the spirit and scope of the appended claims. In addition, it should be understood that the present patent application contemplates that, to the extent possible, one or more features of any embodiment can be combined with another or more features of any other embodiment.

[0114] The description of the embodiments of this patent application should not be considered limiting in any way, as countless configurations and methods can be implemented using this patent application from what is disclosed or revealed in this patent application. The systems, features, and embodiments described in this patent application should not be considered limiting in any way. These descriptions represent possible structural and mechanical embodiments and methods of obtaining the desired features. Any minor design details or the location and / or form of materials specified in this patent application can be changed without being considered new material because this patent application covers these embodiments in the broadest form.

[0115] The terms used herein are only used to describe specific example embodiments and are not intended to be limiting. Unless the context clearly indicates otherwise, as used herein, the singular forms "a", "an", and "the" may also be intended to include plural forms. The terms "comprise", "include", "have", and "have" are inclusive, and thus specify the presence of the features, integers, steps, operations, elements, and / or components of the description, but do not exclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and / or groups thereof. The method steps, processes, and operations described herein should not be interpreted as having to perform them in the specific order discussed or described, unless specifically specified as an execution order. It should also be understood that additional or alternative steps may be adopted.

[0116] When an element or layer is referred to as being "engaged to," "connected to," or "coupled to," or "on," another element or layer, it may be directly engaged, connected to, or coupled to, or on, that other element or layer, or there may be intervening elements or layers. Conversely, when an element is referred to as being "directly engaged to," "directly connected to," or "directly coupled to," or "directly on," another element or layer, there may be no intervening elements or layers. Other terms used to describe relationships between elements should be interpreted in a similar manner (e.g., "between" versus "directly between," "adjacent" versus "immediately adjacent," etc.). As used herein, the term "and / or" includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items.

[0117] Although the terms first, second, third, etc. can be used herein to describe various elements, components, regions, layers and / or parts, these elements, components, regions, layers and / or parts should not be limited by these terms. These terms may only be used to distinguish an element, component, region, layer or part from another region, layer or part. Unless the context clearly indicates, otherwise the terms such as "first", "second" and other numerical terms when used in this article do not mean sequence or order. Therefore, the first element, component, region, layer or part discussed below can be referred to as the second element, component, region, layer or part, and this does not depart from the teaching of exemplary embodiments.

[0118] When describing the relative positions, sizes, dimensions or values ​​of various elements, components, regions, layers and / or parts, terms of degree such as "generally", "substantially", "approximately" and "about" may be used herein. These terms mean that, in the context of the various elements, components, regions, layers and / or parts being described, these relative positions, sizes, dimensions or values ​​are within a defined range or comparison range (e.g., equal or nearly equal) with sufficient accuracy as would be understood by one skilled in the art.

[0119] The above-mentioned embodiments are provided to illustrate the structural and functional principles of the present patent application, and are not intended to be limiting. On the contrary, the present patent application is intended to cover all modifications, changes and substitutions within the spirit and scope of the appended claims.

Claims

1. A lubricating sheet configured to be used in a paper shredder to provide lubrication between cutting elements of the paper shredder, the lubricating sheet comprising: a blank of material folded along a fold line into a folded configuration to form a lubricant containment pocket; a lubricant in a lubricant containment bag; and a primary barrier for lubricant, the primary barrier extending around the lubricant containment bag and sealing the lubricant containment bag to retain the lubricant within the lubricant containment bag; The material blank includes a fold of material along a fold line that forms a secondary barrier for the lubricant, Wherein, when the lubricant in the lubricant holding bag is compressed during shredding of the lubricating sheet to release some of the lubricant through the primary barrier, the secondary barrier is configured to deflect the released lubricant toward the secondary barrier to release the pressure in the released lubricant and hold the released lubricant in place to further lubricate the cutting elements of the shredder.

2. The lubricating sheet according to claim 1, wherein: The material blank includes a peripheral portion extending peripherally around the primary barrier, and The secondary barrier and the peripheral portion between the primary barrier and the secondary barrier form a manifold for releasing the lubricant.

3. The lubricating sheet according to claim 2, wherein: The manifold is open on its side edges to equalize any pressure buildup of the released lubricant and to enable the released lubricant to drain in the plane of the material blank in the longitudinal direction of the material fold.

4. The lubricating sheet according to claim 2, wherein: The manifold includes a directional seal configured to direct or deflect the released lubricant.

5. The lubricating sheet according to claim 2, wherein: The manifold includes a directional seal configured to form a tortuous path for releasing lubricant.

6. The lubricating sheet according to claim 2, wherein: The manifold includes an additional pressure relief port configured to relieve pressure in the released lubricant.

7. The lubricating sheet according to claim 2, wherein: The manifold includes additional material configured to absorb and redistribute the released lubricant to slow or inhibit the flow of the released lubricant.

8. The lubricating sheet according to claim 1, wherein: The material fold is arranged between the first area of ​​the material blank and the second area of ​​the material blank, wherein the first region and the second region form a surface of the lubricant holding pocket, wherein each of the first region and the second region has an edge, wherein an edge of the first region and an edge of the second region correspond to each other and together form an edge of the lubricant containing pocket, and Therein, the primary barrier is formed along the edge of the lubricant containing pocket.

9. The lubricating sheet according to claim 8, wherein: The material fold is the first material fold, the secondary barrier is the first barrier, The material blank includes a second fold line, and the second fold line is arranged above the first area of ​​the material blank or below the second area of ​​the material blank. wherein the material blank includes a second material fold along a second fold line that forms a second barrier for the lubricant, and The first barrier and the second barrier are arranged on opposite longitudinal ends of the lubricating sheet.

10. The lubricating sheet according to claim 8, wherein: The material fold is the first material fold, the secondary barrier is the first barrier, The material blank comprises at least one additional folded material portion, wherein the at least one additional folded material portion protrudes outward from at least one side of the upper half of the material blank or the lower half of the material blank, wherein the at least one additional folded material portion is folded onto the material blank along at least one additional fold line to form a second barrier, The first barrier and the second barrier are arranged on opposite longitudinal ends of the lubricating sheet.

11. The lubricating sheet according to claim 10, wherein: the at least one additional folded material portion comprises three additional folded material portions, the at least one additional fold line comprises three additional fold lines, and the at least one side comprises three sides, Each of the three additional folded material portions protrudes outward from a corresponding side of the upper half of the material blank or the lower half of the material blank and is folded onto the material blank along a corresponding additional fold line, thereby forming a second barrier, a third barrier and a fourth barrier, respectively. The third barrier and the fourth barrier are arranged on opposite lateral ends of the lubricating sheet.

12. A lubrication sheet assembly configured for use in a paper shredder to provide lubrication between cutting elements of the paper shredder, the lubrication sheet assembly comprising: at least two blanks of material overlapping one another to form a lubricant containment pocket; a lubricant in a lubricant containment bag; and a primary barrier for lubricant, the primary barrier extending around the lubricant containment bag and sealing the lubricant containment bag to retain the lubricant within the lubricant containment bag; at least one of the material blanks is folded along a fold line and includes a crease of material along the fold line that forms a secondary barrier for the lubricant, Wherein, when the lubricant in the lubricant holding bag is compressed during shredding of the lubricating sheet assembly to release some of the lubricant through the primary barrier, the secondary barrier is configured to deflect the released lubricant toward the secondary barrier to release pressure in the released lubricant and hold the released lubricant in place to further lubricate the cutting elements of the shredder.

Images