Fabric article folding machine and method

摘要

A rotating rod in combination with a retractable concave/convex tape creates pairs of folds on a fabric article on a horizontal platform. A machine and method are described. The tape extends outward and downward to hold the article at a first fold location, while the rotating rod moves from below, then over and across the tape, pulling the fabric with it to create a second fold at the farthest motion of the rod. These motions are typically repeated on the other side of the article, then at right angles, created a finished, folded article of a generally rectangular shape.

主权项

1. A device for folding a fabric article comprising:
a fabric support surface adapted to hold a fabric article generally horizontal; a concave-convex tape with an elongate axis, comprising a supported end and a free end, the free end movable in a first motion along the elongate axis of the tape, in a plane generally parallel to the fabric article such that the tape has a first retracted position wherein it is not over the fabric article, and a second extended position wherein it is at least partially over the fabric article and not touching the fabric article; a movement means that reduces the distance between the fabric article and the concave-convex tape such that from the tape's second extended position not touching the fabric article a third tape emplacement position is achieved wherein the tape is at least partially in contact with the fabric article; a generally horizontal cylindrical rod with an elongate axis, comprising a supported end and a free end, rotatable in a first motion of rotation around its elongate axis and movable in a second rod motion, while rotating, generally horizontal and perpendicular to the rod's elongate axis; wherein the rod is located below at least a portion of the fabric article, such that this second rod motion passes over the concave-convex tape with a portion of the fabric article between the tape and the rod; such that the second rod motion creates a fold in the fabric article defined by an edge of the concave-convex tape.