U.S. patent application number 16/642158 was filed with the patent office on 2021-03-11 for width-folding system and method for folding an article of clothing.
This patent application is currently assigned to Foldimate, Inc.. The applicant listed for this patent is Foldimate, Inc.. Invention is credited to Neil Gabai, Alon Naim, Isaac Naor.
Application Number | 20210071353 16/642158 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 1000005235874 |
Filed Date | 2021-03-11 |
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United States Patent
Application |
20210071353 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Gabai; Neil ; et
al. |
March 11, 2021 |
WIDTH-FOLDING SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR FOLDING AN ARTICLE OF
CLOTHING
Abstract
An active width folder system (10) configured for article
folding within compact article folding machines and includes a
holding member (12) with two opposite holding edges (20) which
extend in an article motion direction, a conveyor (16) configured
for conveying articles in the motion direction and a pair of
actuated folding members (14), each configured for lifting and
folding at least a portion of the article. Wherein, each folding
member has a retractable lifting surface (24) which has a variable
length at least in the width direction which is perpendicular to
the motion direction.
Inventors: |
Gabai; Neil; (Herzliya,
IL) ; Naim; Alon; (Rosh-HaAyin, IL) ; Naor;
Isaac; (Hod Hasharon, IL) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Foldimate, Inc. |
Oak Park |
CA |
US |
|
|
Assignee: |
Foldimate, Inc.
Oak Park
CA
|
Family ID: |
1000005235874 |
Appl. No.: |
16/642158 |
Filed: |
August 30, 2018 |
PCT Filed: |
August 30, 2018 |
PCT NO: |
PCT/IL2018/050968 |
371 Date: |
February 26, 2020 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
62551846 |
Aug 30, 2017 |
|
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Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
D06F 89/02 20130101 |
International
Class: |
D06F 89/02 20060101
D06F089/02 |
Claims
1. An active width folder system (10) configured for article
folding within compact article folding machines and comprising: a
holding member (12) comprising two opposite holding edges (20)
extending in an article motion direction (MD); a conveyor (16)
aligned and configured for conveying articles in the motion
direction (MD) and located underneath the holding member (12) in a
vertical direction (VD) perpendicular to the motion direction (MD);
and a pair of opposite actuated folding members (14), each
configured for lifting and folding at least a portion of the
article across a respective holding edge (20) in a width direction
(WD) perpendicular to the motion direction (MD) and the vertical
direction (VD), wherein, each folding member (14) comprises a
retractable lifting surface (24) which has a variable length, which
is configured to handle various article sizes.
2. The width folder (10) according to claim 1, wherein each folding
member (14) is retractable and changes its length only in the width
direction (WD).
3-4. (canceled)
5. The width folder (10) according to claim 1, wherein each lifting
surface (24) is parallel, or generally parallel, to the motion
direction (MD) and the width direction (WD).
6. The width folder (10) according to claim 1, wherein the holding
member (12) is configured to adjust a holding width (HW) between
the holding edges (20) in the width direction (WD) to accommodate
different article widths and define different fold widths.
7. The width folder (10) according to claim 1, wherein the holding
member (12) comprises two ski-shaped holding sub-members, each of
which comprises a holding edge (20) located on opposite sides
thereof, each holding edge (20) configured to define a fold line in
the article when it is lifted and folded thereacross.
8-11. (canceled)
12. A passive width folder (100) configured for article folding and
comprising three members stacked in a vertical direction (VD): a
first male member (38) comprising two opposite first folding edges
(44) extending along a motion direction (MD) perpendicular to the
vertical direction (VD); a female member (36) located beneath the
first male member (38) and comprising two opposite second folding
edges (46) converging in the motion direction (MD); in a bottom
view of the with folder parallel to the vertical direction (VD),
each second folding edge (46) intersects a respective first folding
edge (44) at a first intersection location along the motion
direction (MD); and a second male member (40) located opposite the
first male member (38) beneath the female member (36) and
comprising two opposite third folding edges diverging along the
motion direction (MD); in the bottom view, each third folding edge
intersects a respective adjacent second folding edge (46) at a
second intersection location along the motion direction (MD),
wherein in the bottom view, the second intersection locations are
located further along the motion direction (MD) than the first
intersection locations.
13. The width folder (100) according to claim 12, wherein the width
folder (100) further comprises a pulling mechanism which is
configured to pull an article throughout the width folder (100) in
the motion direction (MD).
14. The width folder (100) according to claim 12, wherein each of
the first and second male members (38, 40) comprise respectively
adjustable first and second male extensions (39, 50) and the female
member (36) comprises adjustable female extensions (42), all of
which are configured to allow width adjustment of the width folder
(100) in the width direction (WD) to adapt to different article
widths.
15-16. (canceled)
17. The width folder (100) according to claim 12, wherein the width
folder (100) is configured to perform two consecutive pairs of
width folds in the article as it is conveyed in the motion
direction (MD)--a first pair of width folds between the first male
member (38) and the female member (36), and the second pair of
width folds between the female member (36) and the second male
member (40).
18. The width folder (100) according to claim 12, wherein a first
pair of width folds is defined at the first intersection location
and a second pair of width folds is defined at the second
intersection location.
19. (canceled)
20. The width folder (100) according to claim 12, wherein in the
bottom view of the width folder (100), a tangent to each second
folding edge (46) forms an acute second angle (a2) with the motion
direction (MD), and wherein the second angle (a2) ranges between 20
and 45 degrees.
21. The width folder (100) according to claim 12, wherein in the
bottom view of the width folder (100), a tangent to each third
folding edge (48) forms an acute third angle (a3) with the motion
direction (MD).
22-25. (canceled)
26. An active width folder system (10) configured for article
folding within compact article folding machines and comprising: a
folding member (14); a holding member (12, 112, 212, 312, 412)
comprising two opposite holding edges (20) extending in an article
motion direction (MD); a conveyor (16) aligned and configured for
conveying articles in the motion direction (MD) and located
underneath the holding member (12) in a vertical direction (VD)
perpendicular to the motion direction (MD); wherein each holding
member (12, 112, 212, 312, 412) comprises: a single or two holding
panels (18, 118, 218, 318, 418); a width adjustment mechanism; and
for each holding panel (18, 118, 218, 318, 418), the holding member
(12, 112, 212, 312, 412) has a support assembly (22, 122, 222, 322,
422) configured to support and suspend the holding panel at one end
thereof, and ensure article passage thereunder while counteracting
folding forces exerted in a width direction (WD) which is
perpendicular to the vertical direction (VD) and motion direction
(MD).
27. The width folder system (10) according to claim 26, wherein
each holding member (212) has a receiving plate (221) which is
located at a rear portion of the holding member (212), extends in
the width direction WD and oriented transversely with respect to
the conveyor (16); the receiving plate (221) is configured to lead
the article in between the holding member (212) and the conveyor
(16).
28. The width folder system (10) according to claim 26, wherein
each holding panel (418) has a sliding member (423) rigidly fixed
between the holding panel (418) and the conveyor (16).
29. The width folder system (10) according to claim 26, wherein
each support assembly (22, 322) has parallelogrammatic hinge
arrangement configured for ensuring one degree of freedom of
movement and wherein each holding panel (18, 318) remains parallel
to the conveyor (16) after the fabric was conveyed
therebetween.
30. The width folder system (10) according to claim 26, wherein
each support assembly (22, 122, 222, 422) has a double-hinged
arrangement which allows at least two degrees of freedom of
movement for each holding panel (18, 118, 218, 418).
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The subject matter of the current application relates to
compact garment/fabrics folding machines. Specifically, it relates
to folders, or mechanism, configured for performing a width-folds
in an article.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] There has been a long-felt need the domestic consumer market
for a compact, affordable product which can quickly, repeatedly and
reliably fold many types and various widths of laundry. Folding
machines of the field are known and disclosed, for example, in U.S.
Pat. No. 8,973,792. One of the main goals according to the subject
matter of the present application is providing am adjustable
compact article width folder system which fits inside such compact
folding machines and can self-adjust to various article widths.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0003] In accordance with a first aspect according to the subject
matter of the present application there is provided an active width
folder configured for article folding within compact article
folding machines and comprising:
a holding member comprising two opposite holding edges extending in
an article motion direction; a conveyor aligned and configured for
conveying articles in the motion direction and located underneath
the holding member in a vertical direction perpendicular to the
motion direction; and a pair of opposite actuated folding members,
each configured for lifting and folding at least a portion of the
article across a respective holding edge in a width direction
perpendicular to the motion direction and the vertical direction,
wherein, each folding member comprises a retractable lifting
surface which has a variable length, which is configured to handle
various article sizes
[0004] Any of the following features, either alone or in
combination, may be applicable to any of the above aspects of the
subject matter of the application:
[0005] Each folding member changes its length along the width
direction.
[0006] The folding members can be synchronized and do not contact
each other.
[0007] Each lifting surface retracts or extends before initially
engaging the article.
[0008] Each lifting surface is generally parallel to the motion
direction and the width direction. In other words, there can be a
tolerance angle of 2 degrees.
[0009] The holding member can be adjustable in the width direction
to accommodate different article widths and/or fold types and the
change in width is respective of the variable length of the lifting
surface.
[0010] The holding member is configured to adjust a holding width
between the holding edges in the width direction to accommodate
different article widths and define different fold widths.
[0011] The holding member comprises two ski-shaped holding
sub-members, each of which comprises a holding edge located on
opposite sides thereof, each holding edge configured to define a
fold line in the article when it is lifted and folded
thereacross.
[0012] The folding members can be operated by a single motor.
[0013] Each lifting surface has base and mobile portions, at least
one of which is actuated.
[0014] The base and mobile portions are connected via a linear
actuator.
[0015] A method of width-folding an article includes the following
steps: [0016] a. providing the width folder; [0017] b. adjusting a
holding member width to adapt the holding member to a desired
article width according to user input or sensory input; [0018] c.
adjusting the retractable lifting surface to a desired article
width according to user input or sensory input; [0019] d. conveying
the article under the holding member and above the retractable
lifting surface; [0020] e. lifting article extremities in the width
direction via the folding members and throwing them across the
holding edges; and [0021] f. repeating steps d and e until the
article includes two fold-lines throughout, in the motion
direction.
[0022] In accordance with a second aspect according to the subject
matter of the present application there is provided a passive width
folder configured for article folding and comprising three members
stacked in a vertical direction:
[0023] a first male member comprising two opposite first folding
edges extending along a motion direction perpendicular to the
vertical direction;
[0024] a female member located beneath the first male member and
comprising two opposite second folding edges converging in the
motion direction; in a bottom view of the with folder parallel to
the vertical direction, each second folding edge intersects a
respective first folding edge at a first intersection location
along the motion direction; and
[0025] a second male member located opposite the first male member
beneath the female member and comprising two opposite third folding
edges diverging along the motion direction; in the bottom view,
each third folding edge intersects a respective adjacent second
folding edge at a second intersection location along the motion
direction, wherein
[0026] in the bottom view, the second intersection locations are
located further along the motion direction than the first
intersection locations.
[0027] Any of the following features, either alone or in
combination, may be applicable to any of the above aspects of the
subject matter of the application:
[0028] The width folder further comprises a pulling mechanism which
is configured to pull an article throughout the width folder in the
motion direction.
[0029] According to one aspect, each of the first and second male
members comprise respectively adjustable first and second male
extensions and the female member comprises adjustable female
extensions, all of which are configured to allow width adjustment
of the width folder in the width direction to adapt to different
article widths.
[0030] Each pair of right at left portions are static during
folding.
[0031] First fold lines are defined by the narrowest portion
between the first folding edges and second fold lines are defined
by the narrowest portion between the second folding edges.
[0032] The width folder is configured to perform two consecutive
pairs of width folds in the article as it is conveyed in the motion
direction--a first pair of width folds between the first male
member and the female member, and the second pair of width folds
between the female member and the second male member.
[0033] A first pair of width folds is defined at the first
intersection location and a second pair of width folds is defined
at the second intersection location.
[0034] In the bottom view of the width folder, a tangent to each
first folding edge forms an acute first angle with the motion
direction, and wherein the first angle is 0 or between 0 and 2
degrees.
[0035] In the bottom view of the width folder, a tangent to each
second folding edge forms an acute second angle with the motion
direction, and wherein the second angle ranges between 20 and 45
degrees.
[0036] In the bottom view of the width folder, a tangent to each
third folding edge forms an acute third angle with the motion
direction.
[0037] The third folding edge is at least partially curved, and
when progressing along the curved third folding edge from one end
to another, at each point thereof, the tangent progressively
changes direction, and the third angle respectively and
progressively ranges between 0 and 90 degrees.
[0038] According to a preferred aspect, only the first male member
is width-adjustable and comprises width-adjustable first male
extensions which are configured to allow width-adjustment of the
width folder in the width direction by changing the distance
between the first folding edges to adapt to different article
widths.
[0039] A method of width-folding an article includes the following
steps: [0040] a. providing the width folder; [0041] b. adjusting a
female member width to a desired article width according to user
input or sensory input; [0042] c. adjusting the second male member
width to a desired article width according to user input or sensory
input; [0043] d. Pulling the article on top of the first male
member in the motion direction while the extremities of the article
hang respectively over the first folding edges, until a two
double-folds are created, one on each side of the article.
[0044] A method of width-folding an article includes the following
steps: [0045] a. providing the width folder; [0046] b. adjusting
only the first male member width to a desired article width
according to user input or sensory input; [0047] c. Pulling the
article on top of the first male member in the motion direction
while the extremities of the article hang respectively over the
first folding edges, until a two double-folds are created, one on
each side of the article
[0048] In accordance with a third aspect according to the subject
matter of the present application there is provided an active width
folder system configured for article folding within compact article
folding machines and comprising:
[0049] a holding member comprising two opposite holding edges
extending in an article motion direction;
[0050] a conveyor aligned and configured for conveying articles in
the motion direction and located underneath the holding member in a
vertical direction perpendicular to the motion direction;
wherein each holding member comprises:
[0051] a single or two holding panels;
[0052] a width adjustment mechanism; and
[0053] for each holding panel, the holding member has a support
assembly configured to support and suspend the holding panel at one
end thereof, and ensure article passage thereunder while
counteracting folding forces exerted in a width direction which is
perpendicular to the vertical direction and motion direction.
[0054] Any of the following features, either alone or in
combination, may be applicable to any of the above aspects of the
subject matter of the application:
[0055] Each holding member can have a receiving plate which is
located at a rear portion of the holding member, extends in the
width direction and oriented transversely with respect to the
conveyor; the receiving plate is configured to lead the article in
between the holding member and the conveyor.
[0056] Each holding panel can have a sliding member rigidly fixed
between the holding panel and the conveyor.
[0057] Each support assembly can have a parallelogrammatic hinge
arrangement configured for ensuring one degree of freedom of
movement and wherein each holding panel remains parallel to the
conveyor after the fabric was conveyed therebetween.
[0058] Each support assembly has a double-hinged arrangement which
allows at least two degrees of freedom of movement for each holding
panel.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0059] For a better understanding of the subject matter of the
present application and to show how the same may be carried out in
practice, reference will now be made to the accompanying drawings,
in which:
[0060] FIG. 1 is an isometric view of an active width folder with
retractable or adjustable folding members;
[0061] FIG. 2 is a front view of the width folder of FIG. 1;
[0062] FIG. 3 is a top plan view of the width folder of FIG. 1;
[0063] FIG. 4 is a side view of the folder of FIG. 1.
[0064] FIG. 5 is an isometric bottom view of the folding members of
FIG. 1, each having a lifting surface--one in a retracted position
and the other in an extended position, each lifting surface having
a linear actuator connected to extension bars;
[0065] FIG. 6 is a front view of the folding members of FIG. 5;
[0066] FIG. 7 is an isometric view of a first holding member
embodiment of the folding mechanism;
[0067] FIG. 8 is an isometric view of a second holding member
embodiment of the folding mechanism;
[0068] FIG. 9 is an isometric view of a third holding member
embodiment of the folding mechanism;
[0069] FIG. 10 is an isometric view of a fourth holding member
embodiment of the folding mechanism showing sliding members
attached beneath each holding panel;
[0070] FIG. 11 is a side view of a sliding member of FIG. 10;
[0071] FIG. 12 is an illustrative side view showing an additional
hinge arrangement of a holding member;
[0072] FIG. 13 is an isometric view of a passive width folder with
three stacked folding members;
[0073] FIG. 14 is a bottom plan view of the passive width folder of
FIG. 13;
[0074] FIG. 15 is a front view of the passive width folder of FIG.
13; and
[0075] FIG. 16 is a plan view of an article in an unfolded flat
position and designated locations of fold lines which are going to
be formed in the article by the passive width folder; and
[0076] FIG. 17 is a front view of the passive width folder of FIG.
13 which illustrates two pairs of width folds created in the
article by the passive width folder of FIG. 13;
[0077] FIG. 18 is a front isometric bottom view of an alternative
embodiment of the width folder of FIG. 1, having an alternative
actuation mechanism which includes an actuator connected directly
to a mobile portion; and
[0078] FIG. 19 is a rear isometric bottom view of the width folder
embodiment of FIG. 18.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0079] In the following description, various aspects of the subject
matter of the present application will be described. For purposes
of explanation, specific configurations and details are set forth
in sufficient detail to provide a thorough understanding of the
subject matter of the present application. However, it will also be
apparent to one skilled in the art that the subject matter of the
present application can be practiced without some specific
configurations and details presented herein.
[0080] Reference is made to FIGS. 1 and 2. An article width folder
10 has a holding member 12 (or fold-line defining member) and can
have at least two opposite motorized folding members 14, each
located on opposite side of the holding member 12. The width folder
10 is located directly above a conveyor 16, which is configured to
convey articles 17 to be width-folded by the width folder 10. The
conveyor 16 defines a conveyance direction, or an article motion
direction MD which is parallel to the conveyor belts 34 motion
direction. A width direction WD is defined perpendicular to the
motion direction MD. A vertical direction VD is defined
perpendicular to the motion direction MD and perpendicular to the
width direction WD. The article 17 rests on, and is conveyed by,
the conveyor 16 under the holding member 12.
[0081] A width adjustable holding member 12 can include exactly two
elongated elements preferably ski-shaped, holding panels 18, or
holding sub-members, which extend in the motion direction MD
longitudinally thereabout. Each holding panel 18 can be slender and
planar, and have a thin cross section relative to its length. Each
holding panel 18 needs to be rigid to be able to hold the fabric
and counter folding forces exerted by the folding members 14 in the
width direction WD. Each holding panel 18 has an outwardly facing
holding edge 20. Each holding edge 20 defines a fold line, or
crease, as will be further explained below. Each holding panel 18,
and consequently each holding edge 20 extends, or is oriented, in
the motion direction MD.
[0082] The holding panels 18 are configured to hold the fabric to
allow the folding members 14 to fold only the necessary portion of
the fabric. The holding panels 18 are configured to locate, create,
or define two folds, or fold lines in each article 17. Each holding
panel 18 is secured to the width folder 10 at one end thereof, and
free to move according, e.g., to a hinged parallelogram support
assembly 22.
[0083] The holding member 12 preferably has a width adjustment
mechanism. According to some embodiments, both holding panels 18
can be connected, e.g., to a right-left screw. Depending on the
direction, when the screw is turned, the two holding panels 18 are
either distanced from each other, or come together. This adjustment
therefore affects the distance between the two width fold lines
created by the holding member 12.
[0084] Attention is drawn to FIG. 7, showing a first holding member
embodiment. According to the first holding member embodiment, the
holding panels 118 of the holding member 112 can be located between
two holding surfaces 119, and can extend, or protrude outwardly in
the width direction WD.
[0085] Attention is drawn to FIG. 8. According to a second holding
member embodiment, the holding member 212 includes a receiving
plate 221 which extends across the entire machine width in the
width direction WD. The receiving plate 221 is configured to lead
the article 17 in between the holding member 212 and the conveyor
16 underneath.
[0086] Attention is drawn to FIG. 9. According to a third holding
member embodiment, the holding panels 318 can be supported, or
suspended over the conveyor 16 via a parallelogram leveling
mechanism 322. The leveling mechanism support assembly 322 keeps
the holding panels 318 parallel with respect to the conveyor 16,
and accommodates various article thicknesses, folded or unfolded.
The leveling mechanism allows a single degree of freedom of
movement along a curved path for the holding panels 318.
[0087] Attention is drawn to FIGS. 10 and 11. According to a fourth
holding member embodiment, each holding panel 418 can include a
sliding member 423 which can be secured thereto with screws. In
some cases where the holding panels 418 contact the conveyor 16,
the sliding members 423 are configured to allow smooth motion of
the holding panels 418 when moving in the width direction WD across
the conveyor belts 34. The sliding members 423 are also
advantageous since a mass thereof shifts the center of gravity of
each holding panel 418 towards a front end of the holding panel 418
to assist in keeping the holding panel 418 in its place, e.g., in a
scenario where lifting the fabric may result in lifting or
otherwise compromising the fold-lines created by the holding member
412. Finally, the sliding members 423 are configured to allow
smooth motion of the folded articles 17.
[0088] Attention is drawn to FIG. 11. Each sliding member has a
smoothed, or low-friction surface 427 to enable safe and reliable
passage for the articles and prevent tangling with the conveyor
belts. Each sliding member 423 can be broader than the holding
panel (extending in the width direction WD)
[0089] Attention is drawn to FIG. 12, a double hinge support
assembly 22 is one example that allows the holding member at least
two degrees of freedom of movement. The right-hand portion of FIG.
12 illustrates the displacement of the holding member or panel 12,
18 after an article 17 has been conveyed between the holding member
or panel 12, 18 and the conveyor 16.
[0090] Each folding member 14 is configured to lift, throw and fold
at least a portion of the article across a respective adjacent
holding edge 20 in the width direction WD perpendicular to the
motion direction MD.
[0091] Each folding member 14 is retractable, or adjustable, at
least in a dimension in the width direction WD. Each folding member
14 includes a lifting surface 24. Each lifting surface 24 can be
generally planar and configured to engage the article and
preferably always faces upwards, away from the conveyor 16 in the
vertical direction VD. According to some embodiments, each lifting
surface 24 is attached to a lifting arm 26 which can pivot, and can
move the lifting surface 24 in a semi-circular path, in which path
the lifting surface 24 passes, while carrying, and preferably
throwing, a portion of the article, across and above the respective
holding edge 20 thus creating the fold in the article.
[0092] Each lifting surface 24 is retractable to adapt to various
article sizes to be folded. In other words, each lifting surface 24
has a variable length in the width direction WD. Each lifting
surface 24 can have parallel (and preferably generally co-planar)
base and mobile portions 28, 30, at least one of which is movable,
or retractable with respect to the other. According to the present
embodiments, the mobile portion 30 is actuated and movable with
respect to the base portion 28 which is connected to the lifting
arm 26. The total length (in the width direction, including both
the base and mobile portions 28, 30) of each lifting surface 24 is
adjusted before the article reaches/contacts the width folder
10.
[0093] The lifting surfaces 24 can have various actuation
mechanisms for extending or retracting at least one of the base and
mobile portions 28, 30, and preferably, the mobile portion 30 with
respect to the base portion 28. Attention is drawn to FIGS. 18 and
19. For example, the mobile portion 30 can be connected to the base
portion 28 via a linear actuator 29 that is screw threaded into a
female thread of at least one of the base and mobile portions 28,
30. Alternatively, according to another example which is best
illustrated in FIG. 5, the lifting surfaces 24 can include
extension bars 31 which extend from the mobile portion 30 and
connected to a linear actuator 29, located at the base portion 28.
The linear actuator 29 was chosen, partially due to an advantageous
high locating accuracy. It was mainly chosen since it was a lighter
mechanism than others considered. Reducing the total mass of the
folding member 14 is advantageous since in addition to being
retractable, the lifting surface 24 has to move quickly, to throw
and fold the fabric. A faster movement of the lifting surface 24
increases the fold's accuracy and the general reliability.
[0094] Each folding member 14 has operational and non-operational
positions. In the non-operational position, the lifting surface 24
is located slightly below, or at the same level as, a conveyor top
surface 32 of the conveyor 16 which is oriented perpendicular to
the vertical direction VD. In other words, a fabric conveyed by the
conveyor 16 is conveyed on top of the lifting surfaces 24. In the
operational position, the lifting surface 24 is located above the
holding member 12 in the vertical direction VD and is configured to
move across the respective holding edge 20 as seen at the bottom of
FIG. 3. Each lifting surface 24 has retracted and extended
positions. In a retracted position, the lifting surface 24 has a
minimal length in the width direction WD (In FIGS. 5 and 6, the
right hand lifting surface 24 is in the retracted position). In an
extended position, the mobile portion 30 is located with respect to
the base portion 28 anywhere between the minimal length and a
maximum length (In FIGS. 5 and 6, the left hand lifting surface 24
is in the extended position). The folding members 14 can be
synchronized, at least in a sense that the folding members 14 do
not engage each other in the extended position, and configured for
fast, and efficient consecutive motion and lifting of the article
across the holding edge 20. In other words, each folding member 14
can be in the extended position when the other isn't. This is
advantageous, to save room in the width direction, which keeps the
folding mechanism `slender`. Alternatively, the folding member can
simultaneously move into the extended position, provided that there
is sufficient space in the width direction WD. According to the
current example, the folding members 14 are operated by a single
motor 25. According to the present embodiments, the folding members
14 move into the operational position simultaneously, i.e., extend
and fold the article at the same time. Specifically, even in a
fully extended position, the lifting surfaces 24 cannot engage each
other.
[0095] Attention is drawn to FIGS. 3 and 4. Each lifting arm 26 is
located on opposite sides of the conveyor 16. Therefore, the
conveyor 16 becomes narrower (e.g., seven belts 34 become five
belts 34--as seen in FIGS. 1-3) in the width direction WD, right
before entering the width folder 10. Specifically, the conveyor 16
can include seven belts 34 connected to a first roller (left hand
side of FIG. 3), five belts 34 connected to a second roller (right
hand side of FIG. 3), and a third roller which connects the two
sets of belts 34 which is located between said first and second
rollers located at opposite ends of the conveyor 16. A swing lever
35 can connect the single motor 25 to both of the lifting arms 26,
which lowers costs and improves production efficiency, and power
savings as compared to two motors and/or solenoids. According to
the subject matter of the present application, the lifting arms 26
can work in the width direction WD while the article is
simultaneously being conveyed in the motion direction MD.
[0096] The width folder 100 can automatically (e.g.--input received
from the user prior to loading the article) and/or autonomously
(i.e.--sensory input) adjust in the width direction WD to
accommodate different article widths. The width folder 100 can
change a distance (in the width direction WD) between each pair of
male and female extensions 42 using, e.g., a rail mechanism.
[0097] Articles can be conveyed into the width folder 10 via the
conveyor 16. The holding member 12 and folding members 14 adjust
their width/extension magnitude, to adapt to the incoming article
width. The article is conveyed between the holding member 12 and
the conveyor 16. As the article proceeds in the motion direction
MD, extremities thereof climb on top of the folding members 14
which are in a respective, desired retracted or extended position,
according to user or sensory input/s. As the article is being
conveyed, the single motor 25 turns, causing the lifting arms 26 to
move synchronously while lifting the article extremities in the
width direction and across the holding edges 20 respectfully. Once
the extremities of the article are folded on top of the article
itself, the folding members 14 can repeat the folding action as
required, e.g., according to remaining, unfolded portions of the
article along its length/motion direction MD.
[0098] According to the subject matter of the present application,
a method of width folding articles via the width folder 10 includes
the following steps: [0099] a. Providing the width folder 10;
[0100] b. Adjusting a holding width HW between the holding panels
18 to adapt to certain article dimension according to user input or
sensory input; [0101] c. Pulling or conveying the article between
the holding member 12 and the conveyor 16; [0102] d. Lifting
article extremities in the width direction via the folding members
14 and moving them across the holding edges 20; and [0103] e.
Repeating steps b and c until the article includes two complete
fold lines, or creases.
[0104] According to the subject matter of the present application,
a method of width folding articles via the width folder 10 includes
the following steps: [0105] a. providing the width folder; [0106]
b. adjusting the holding width HW to adapt the holding member to a
desired article width according to user input or sensory input;
[0107] c. adjusting the retractable lifting surface 24 to a desired
article width according to user input or sensory input; [0108] d.
conveying the article under the holding member 12 and above the
retractable lifting surface 24; [0109] e. lifting article
extremities in the width direction WD via the folding members 14
and throwing them across the holding edges 20; [0110] f. repeating
steps d and e until the article includes two fold-lines throughout,
in the motion direction MD.
[0111] Attention is drawn to FIGS. 13-17. A passive width folder
100 is configured to perform, or create, two width-folds on each
side of an article centerline AC which extends in the motion
direction MD. The width folder 100 is passive, or semi-passive
mechanism, in the sense that it is stationary, and does not
actively move by itself, or the fabric, to fold it, but rather the
fabric is being pulled thereacross (or therethrough) in the motion
direction MD, to create the two pairs of folds. According to the
present embodiment, the width folder 100 includes three members 36,
38, 40 stacked in the vertical direction VD--a first male member 38
located above a female member 36, which is located above a second
male member 40.
[0112] The first male member 38 can include two width-adjustable
first male extensions 39, each of which includes a first folding
edge 44. According to a preferred embodiment, only the first male
member 38 is width-adjustable. Alternatively, the first male member
38 can be non-adjustable, and have a unitary, one-piece
construction. Both first folding edges 44 are preferably parallel,
or generally parallel, within tolerances (deviations of about 2
degrees), and define the first fold lines in the article. The first
male member 38 preferably includes a bend (forming a
downwards-facing concavity in the male member) such that after the
bend it extends downwards in the vertical direction, towards the
second male member 40.
[0113] In the width direction WD, the female member 36 includes two
opposite female extensions 42 and an opening therebetween. Each of
the two female extensions 42 includes an internal second folding
edge 46 which faces a second folding edge 46 of the opposite female
extension 42. The two second folding edges 46 are located opposite
of each other and converge inwards, in the motion direction MD.
[0114] The second male member 40 includes second male extensions
50. Each of the second male extensions 50 includes an external
third folding edge 48. The two third folding edges 48 are located
opposite of each other and diverge inwards, in the motion direction
MD.
[0115] In a bottom view of the width folder 100, each third folding
edge 48 can be at least partially curved, and when progressing
therealong, at each point thereof, a tangent line to the third
folding edge 48 progressively changes direction, and forms an acute
third angle (a2) which respectively and progressively ranges
between 0 and 90 degrees.
[0116] The two second folding edges 46 are located between the two
first folding edges 44 (transversely thereto) such that when an
article is pulled across the first male member 38 in the motion
direction MD, a mid-portion of the article climbs onto the first
male member 38 and any excess fabric at its sides is urged, or
folded (folds are therefore created both at, and by, the first
folding edges 44 and, at the third folding edges 48), beneath the
first male member 38 and beneath the female member 36.
[0117] According to the subject matter of the present application,
a method of width folding articles via the width folder 100
includes the following steps: [0118] a. providing the width folder
100; [0119] b. adjusting a female member 36 width to a desired
article width according to user input or sensory input; [0120] c.
adjusting the second male member (40) width to a desired article
width according to user input or sensory input; and [0121] d.
Pulling the article on top of the first male member (38) in the
motion direction (MD) while the extremities of the article hang
respectively over the first folding edges (44), until a two
double-folds are created, one on each side of the article.
[0122] According to the subject matter of the present application,
a method of width folding articles via the width folder 100
includes the following steps: [0123] a. providing the width folder
100; [0124] b. adjusting only the first male member 38 width to a
desired article width according to user input or sensory input; and
[0125] c. Pulling the article on top of the first male member 38 in
the motion direction MD while the extremities of the article hang
respectively over the first folding edges 44, until a two
double-folds are created, one on each side of the article.
* * * * *