A novel cushioning conversion machine and method for converting sheet stock material into a novel cushioning product and for producing discrete sections or pads of desired length, without the need for a cutting assembly, thereby enabling the construction of a less expensive, smaller and less complex machine. The machine and method are characterized by a weakening device for perforating a sheet stock material of one or more plies along tear lines so that as a strip of cushioning is formed from the stock material, discrete sections or pads of desired length may be detachable along the tear lines. The stock material includes material which is biodegradable, recyclable and composed of a renewable resource, such as kraft paper.
RELATED APPLICATION DATA
This is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/250,695 filed Oct. 11, 2005, now U.S. Pat. No. 7,258,657 which is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/921,701 filed Aug. 19, 2004, now U.S. Pat. No. 6,974,407 which is a divisional of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/387,399 filed Sep. 2, 1999, now U.S. Pat. No. 6,783,489, which is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 08/983,593 filed Apr. 13, 1998, now U.S. Pat. No. 6,019,715 which is a continuation of International Application No. PCT/US96/10899, filed Jun. 26, 1996, which is a continuation-in-part of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 60/000,496 filed Jun. 26, 1995, all of which are hereby incorporated by reference.
