Abstract: An active width folder system configured for article folding within compact article folding machines and includes a holding member with two opposite holding edges which extend in an article motion direction, a conveyor configured for conveying articles in the motion direction and a pair of actuated folding members, each configured for lifting and folding at least a portion of the article. Wherein, each folding member has a retractable lifting surface which has a variable length at least in the width direction which is perpendicular to the motion direction.

Abstract: An active width folder system configured for article folding within compact article folding machines and includes a holding member with two opposite holding edges which extend in an article motion direction, a conveyor configured for conveying articles in the motion direction and a pair of actuated folding members, each configured for lifting and folding at least a portion of the article. Wherein, each folding member has a retractable lifting surface which has a variable length at least in the width direction which is perpendicular to the motion direction.

Abstract: A folding device (14?, 14?) includes a driven contact device (15?, 15?) configured for continuously creating a fold in a moving article (12) during an operative folding mode of the folding device. In the operative folding mode, the article moves along a base plane in a motion direction (MD). The folding device includes a support structure (54) connected to, and configured for supporting, the contact device. The contact device includes a peripheral surface (48) which extends at least partially about at least one rotation axis. The peripheral surface includes multiple fingers (44) which protrude outwardly away therefrom. In the operative folding mode, the fingers consecutively and incrementally engage and fold the article starting at an edge (28) defining an outline thereof.

Abstract: A domestic compact article folding machine (10) configured for autonomous article folding includes first, second and third primary conveyors (CI, C2, C3), at least two of which in a stacked formation, each includes two primary rollers (32) and a primary belt (34) which extends thereabout. First and second holding conveyors (U1, U2), each includes at least three holding rollers (32) and a holding belt (34) which extends thereabout. Each of the holding conveyors engages each of the first and second primary conveyors respectively. The folding machine further includes at least a first width-folder (38) which is configured for creating a width-fold in the article and at least a first length-folder (64) which is configured for creating a length-fold in the article.

Abstract: A domestic compact article folding machine (10) configured for autonomous article folding has machine top and bottom ends (12, 14) and a uniform machine body portion which extends therebetween. The folding machine (10) includes an active loading system (20) located at the machine top end (12), at least five stacked conveyor layers (38) and an active unloading system (22) located at the machine bottom end (14). Outer dimensions of the folding machine (10) are equal or smaller than a domestic appliance for article treatment. The folding machine (10) is configured to fold the article at least once in a width of the article and at least once in a length thereof.

Abstract: A folding device (14?, 14?) includes a driven contact device (15?, 15?) configured for continuously creating a fold in a moving article (12) during an operative folding mode of the folding device. In the operative folding mode, the article moves along a base plane in a motion direction (MD). The folding device includes a support structure (54) connected to, and configured for supporting, the contact device. The contact device includes a peripheral surface (48) which extends at least partially about at least one rotation axis. The peripheral surface includes multiple fingers (44) which protrude outwardly away therefrom. In the operative folding mode, the fingers consecutively and incrementally engage and fold the article starting at an edge (28) defining an outline thereof.

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.

Abstract: A domestic compact article folding machine (10) configured for autonomous article folding includes first, second and third primary conveyors (CI, C2, C3), at least two of which in a stacked formation, each includes two primary rollers (32) and a primary belt (34) which extends thereabout. First and second holding conveyors (Ul, U2), each includes at least three holding rollers (32) and a holding belt (34) which extends thereabout. Each of the holding conveyors engages each of the first and second primary conveyors respectively. The folding machine further includes at least a first width-folder (38) which is configured for creating a width-fold in the article and at least a first length-folder (64) which is configured for creating a length-fold in the article.

Abstract: An article clip for article folding machines includes a body which includes opposite body front and rear ends and a body intermediate portion which extends therebetween. The body front end includes a front body pivot and the body intermediate portion includes an intermediate body pivot. The clip further includes a base jaw located at the front end and a clamping jaw located opposite the base jaw at the body front end, connected to the body via the front body pivot. The clip further includes a clamping recess formed in the body front end. The clip further includes an elongated driver configured to transfer forces from the body rear end to the clamping jaw. The driver is connected to the clamping jaw via a front floating pivot which is not connected to the body, and is connected to the intermediate body pivot via a pulling mechanism.

Abstract: A compact domestic article folding machine configured for autonomous article folding and has machine top and bottom portions and a front and rear portions which extend therebetween. The folding machine includes a hanger rack located at the front portion and configured for receiving articles from a user at a rack external portion and move them inside the folding machine. The folding machine further includes a folding device located between the front and rear portions, and a robot configured for moving each article from a rack internal portion onto the folding device.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: 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.