Abstract: A laundry folding appliance includes one or more folding panels mechanically coupled to a cabinet and at least partially defining a folding surface for receiving articles of clothing. An actuating assembly selectively pivots the folding panels to fold the articles of clothing and a camera assembly is positioned in view of the folding surface. A controller obtains one or more images using the camera assembly, identifies the laundry articles positioned on the folding surface by analyzing the one or more images using a laundry identification model, determines a folding protocol for folding the laundry article, and operates the actuating assembly to fold the laundry article in accordance with the folding protocol.

Abstract: A shirt folding apparatus, comprising a substantially rectangular upper mat, a substantially rectangular lower mat, a plurality of substantially rectangular plates, said plates are arranged in three columns each with three plates and three rows each with three plates, wherein the three columns are a Western Column, Center Column, and Eastern Column, wherein the three rows are a Northern Row, Center Row, and Southern Row, wherein the total surface area of said plates is much less than the surface area of either the upper or lower mats such that when laid out in rows and columns, a gap exists between the plates where the shirt folding apparatus can be folded, wherein said plurality of plates is laminated between said upper and lower mats using an adhesive, wherein said shirt folding apparatus is bounded by four edges that includes a Northern Edge, Eastern Edge, Southern Edge, and Western Edge, a plurality of grid elements, wherein a grid element is approximated by the local region of said shirt folding apparatu

Abstract: Devices, systems, and methods for autonomously folding a deformable laundry article are described. A folding device includes a rotatable platform configured to receive the article. A rotatable blade is suspended above the surface and a clamp rod is disposed parallel to a longitudinal axis of the blade. The clamp rod is configured to raise and lower from a surface of the rotatable platform, slidably move parallel to the surface, and clamp the deformable article to the surface in a lowered position. The blade is configured to raise and lower from the surface of the rotatable platform, slidably move parallel to the surface, slide under an unclamped portion of the article, lift the unclamped portion above the clamp rod, pass the unclamped portion over the clamp rod, and lower the free end to a resting position atop another portion of the article to fold the article.

Abstract: Devices, systems, and methods for autonomously folding a deformable laundry article are described. A folding device includes a rotatable platform configured to receive the article. A clamp rod raises and lowers from a surface of the platform and slidably moves parallel to the surface. A clamp drive is configured to operate the clamp rod to clamp the article to the surface. A table drive rotates the platform such that the clamp rod aligns with a fold line for the deformable article. A movable sweep rod disposed parallel to the clamp rod raises and lowers from the surface of the rotatable platform, slidably moves parallel to the surface, slides under an unclamped portion of the article, lifts the unclamped portion above the clamp rod, passes the unclamped portion over the clamp rod, and lowers the free end to a resting position atop another portion of the article.

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 clothing apparatus having a container being of a rectangular configuration. A clothing cleaning assembly is located within the container. The clothing cleaning assembly has a spherical configuration and a hollow interior configured to receive dirty laundry for washing. A rotational assembly is connected to the clothing cleaning assembly to provide rotation to the clothing cleaning assembly to provide movement during the wash cycle. A robotic arm assembly is located within the container and having at least one robotic arm having a plurality of fingers configured to grip articles of clothing attached at an operational end of the at least one robotic arm. The at least one robotic arm is configured to transport the articles of clothing within the container. At least one computer system is located within the container and is configured to provide operational control to the clothing apparatus.

Abstract: An automated system and method wrap the fastening ties around the body of a continuous stream of facemasks in a facemask production line. The facemasks are oriented such that each facemask has a leading pair of ties and a trailing pair of ties extending from a body in a conveying direction of the production line. At a wrapping station in the production line, the body is subsequently clamped with a clamping device of an automated robotic arm. The robotic arm is driven in the conveying direction while rotating the clamping device and body relative to a rotation axis through the body to cause the leading and trailing pairs of ties to wrap around the body. The robotic arm then deposits the facemask with wrapped ties onto the conveyor.

Abstract: An automated system and method wrap the fastening ties around the body of a continuous stream of facemasks in a facemask production line. The facemasks are oriented such that each facemask has a leading pair of ties and a trailing pair of ties extending from a body in a conveying direction of the production line. The leading pair of ties is drawn below the body as the facemask continues to be conveyed in the conveying and wraps under the body. Subsequently, an impinging force is directed onto the body that is sufficient to cause the body to flip backwards at least once as the facemask continues to be conveyed in the conveying direction, thereby causing the leading and trailing pairs of ties to further wrap around the body.

Abstract: A glove stacking apparatus forming a stack folded gloves has a supporting surface for supporting the stack as folded gloves are added to the stack along a stacking axis. First and second flaps are pivotable about first and second pivot axes opposite first and second sides of a glove stacking area. The supporting surface is relatively movable as folded gloves are added to the stack. A cyclic flap actuation system is configured to drive a folding action of each flap in which the flaps alternately pivot about the corresponding pivot axis so that each flap folds a first portion of a deposited glove overlapping a flap towards a second portion of the glove at the glove stacking area; the folding action alternating as gloves are added to the stack. Each flap in addition to being pivotable is also laterally movable both towards and away from the stacking area.

Abstract: A security adapter, which is provided for connecting a first and a second fluid line portion of a fluid line. The security adapter has an inner sleeve, which at a first sleeve end region has a fastening thread provided for connection to a first fluid line portion and at a second sleeve end region has an outer thread in the form of a movement thread. The outer thread can be screwed together with an inner thread of an outer sleeve, wherein the sleeve inner circumference of the outer sleeve is provided with a stop, against which a counter stop arranged on the outer circumference of the inner sleeve bears, in a rotational end position of the security adapter such that the inner sleeve and the outer sleeve are freely rotatable in relation to one another without engagement of the inner and outer thread forming the movement thread.

Abstract: A glove stacking apparatus for forming a stack of gloves for packing into a box comprises a packing recess for receiving gloves to be stacked and for containing the stack as the stack is being formed, and a glove placement means for moving and depositing gloves at the recess one of top of another for forming the stack of gloves. The recess has a pair of opposite side edges. A movable floor within the recess is lowered as the stack of gloves grows whereby the stack of gloves continues to be retained within the recess as gloves are added to the stack. The glove placement means is arranged to deposit gloves with a portion of each glove overlapping alternately one or the other of the opposite side edges of the recess as subsequent gloves are deposited. The apparatus also comprises a pair of movable flaps adjacent the opposite side edges of the recess for folding alternately inwards towards the recess the portions of that gloves that overlap alternately one or another of the opposite side edges of the recess.

Abstract: In one example, a conveyance system comprises a conveyance mechanism and a linkage configured to movably couple the conveyance mechanism to a vehicle, wherein the conveyance mechanism is coupled to the linkage at a first connection mechanism and configured to pivot about a pivot point. The conveyance system comprises a vertical movement mechanism configured to move the first connection mechanism in a substantially vertical direction, and a tilt movement mechanism comprising a tilt actuator configured to pivot the conveyance mechanism about the pivot point. A second connection mechanism couples the tilt actuator to one of the conveyance mechanism or the linkage and allows a defined range of tilt movement of the conveyance mechanism that is independent of actuation of the tilt actuator.

Abstract: An assistance device for folding an article comprises an angled structure having magnetic retention clamps that hangs upon a top door edge and holds the article while a user folds the article. An upper portion of the structure is provided with at least two (2) brackets that slidably receive an upper edge of a door and support the device. Extending from each bracket is a telescoping extender bar which provides height adjustability. At a distal end of each extender bar is a cross bar connecting the extender bars together. An article is secured to retainer clamps on the cross bar, thereby allowing the device to support the article to assist a user while attempting to fold it.

Abstract: In one embodiment, an apparatus for folding a fitted bedding article includes a folding platform having an arcuate surface configured to receive a corner of the fitted bedding article. The apparatus also includes a holding member configured to releasably hold one or more portions of the fitted bedding article relative to the folding platform when at least one corner of the fitted bedding article is positioned about the arcuate surface. In another form, a method is directed to folding a fitted bedding article. However, other embodiments, forms and applications are also envisioned.

Abstract: An apparatus for folding a product having a first portion and a second portion has a receiving roll with a drive assembly for rotating the receiving roll at variable surface speeds in a first direction of rotation. The receiving roll is adapted to selectively hold the first and second portions of the product thereto. A folding roll has a drive assembly for rotating the folding roll at variable surface speeds in a second, opposite direction of rotation. The folding roll is adapted to selectively hold the first portion of the product thereto. An oscillating member is adapted to transfer the first portion of the product from the receiving roll to the folding roll. The oscillating member has a drive assembly for moving the oscillating member at variable surface speeds in both the first direction and the second direction.

Abstract: A garment stored, transported, and displayed as a soft wedge. A triangular prism is transformed from flat fabric pieces by flexible fasteners and a method of folding. Sleeves and other delicate decorations and components are protected from damage by folding into a self enclosed polyhedron defined by two triangles and three trapezoid faces without pins, straps, ribbons, cans, cylinders, bags, boxes, or bands.

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 method of manufacturing a garment having at least one panel of fabric comprising the steps of: fixing a stiffening thread to a panel along a line substantially coincident with an intended crease line in the panel, the stiffening thread comprising at least one ply of material which is thermofusible; applying a fold to the panel along the crease line; applying heat and pressure to the fold, thereby to generate a crease, the heat being above the predetermined temperature.

Abstract: A frame for facilitating storage, transport, stacking and organizing garments includes four panels linearly aligned and connected by folds or creases. The rear panel has two flaps extending transversely. The frame is integrated with a shirt when folding such that the front panel positions the front of the shirt on the front of the folded frame. The flaps extend across the front of the shirt and detachably engage to secure the shirt in a semi-rigid state having a cuboid shape. The cuboid shape is maintained by the frame and facilitates stacking, organizing, transport and storage.

Abstract: A garment stored, transported, and displayed as a soft wedge. A triangular prism is transformed from flat fabric pieces by flexible fasteners and a method of folding. Sleeves and other delicate decorations and components are protected from damage by folding into a self enclosed polyhedron defined by two triangles and three trapezoid faces without pins, straps, ribbons, cans, cylinders, bags, boxes, or bands.

Abstract: A folding system for a fabric product is provided. The folding system includes an information obtaining device, a folding device and a width controlling device. The information obtaining device obtains first information held by a fabric product. The folding device includes a platen member, a width adjusting mechanism and a folding mechanism. The platen member is for holding the fabric product. The width adjusting mechanism adjusts the width directional length of the platen member. The folding mechanism folds the fabric product on the platen member. The width controlling device controls the width adjusting mechanism by using the first information obtained by the information obtaining device.

Abstract: A clothing folding system is provided comprising: one or more folding guides comprising: two or more sections of substantially rigid material: and a flexible web disposed between any two of the two or more sections of substantially rigid material, enabling the folding guide to be folded along the length of the flexible web: wherein the one or more folding guides are sized so as to enable each folding guide to be used to place the folding guide in contact with an article of clothing, folding the article of clothing in a folding pattern defined by folding each flexible web of the folding guide, wherein the folding guide remains folded within the article of clothing: and wherein the folding of multiple articles of clothing using the folding guides presents a plurality of articles of clothing that are substantially consistent in shape and size in their folded state, and such folded articles of clothing thereby are suitable to be stored in a sustainable organized arrangement.

Abstract: A frame for facilitating storage, transport, stacking and organizing garments includes four panels linearly aligned and connected by folds or creases. The rear panel has two flaps extending transversely. The frame is integrated with a shirt when folding such that the front panel positions the front of the shirt on the front of the folded frame. The flaps extend across the front of the shirt and detachably engage to secure the shirt in a semi-rigid state having a cuboid shape. The cuboid shape is maintained by the frame and facilitates stacking, organizing, transport and storage.

Abstract: A sock sorting apparatus is provided. The apparatus includes a basket for containing socks and a sock engaging assembly carried by the basket. The sock engaging assembly includes a channel through which a first sock is engaged at a periphery thereof, and a second sock is inserted into engagement with the first sock and ingressed through the channel into the basket.

Abstract: A cloth piece treating apparatus includes a spreading device for spreading a large area cloth piece, a press device, a folding device for folding the cloth piece into a predetermined small size and a cloth piece length measuring device having a cloth piece detector. The spread cloth piece is folded in the folding device on the basis of the length of the spread cloth piece. The cloth piece detector is disposed in the press device so that the horizontal length of a receiving conveyor of the folding device is minimized, whereby the total length of the cloth piece treating apparatus is shortened.

Abstract: A fitted bedsheet folding aid includes a telescoping left rod assembly having a pair of door hangers attached thereto for supporting the fitted bedsheet folding aid over the top of a door. A telescoping right rod assembly longitudinally abuts the left rod assembly and is attached thereto by means of a hinge to permit the right rod assembly to be rotated clockwise 180 degrees away from the door from an open position in which it is longitudinally aligned with the left rod assembly to a closed position in front of the left rod assembly. The length of each of the telescoping rod assemblies is adjustable to accommodate king, queen, double or twin fitted sheets. A spring-loaded tip member at each end of the telescoping rod assemblies is urged outwardly to maintain taut a sheet spanning the telescoping rod assemblies.

Abstract: A clothing folding system is provided comprising: one or more folding guides comprising: two or more sections of substantially rigid material: and a flexible web disposed between any two of the two or more sections of substantially rigid material, enabling the folding guide to be folded along the length of the flexible web: wherein the one or more folding guides are sized so as to enable each folding guide to be used to place the folding guide in contact with an article of clothing, folding the article of clothing in a folding pattern defined by folding each flexible web of the folding guide, wherein the folding guide remains folded within the article of clothing: and wherein the folding of multiple articles of clothing using the folding guides presents a plurality of articles of clothing that are substantially consistent in shape and size in their folded state, and such folded articles of clothing thereby are suitable to be stored in a sustainable organized arrangement.

Abstract: A folding system for a fabric product is provided. The folding system includes an information obtaining device, a folding device and a width controlling device. The information obtaining device obtains first information held by a fabric product. The folding device includes a platen member, a width adjusting mechanism and a folding mechanism. The platen member is for holding the fabric product. The width adjusting mechanism adjusts the width directional length of the platen member. The folding mechanism folds the fabric product on the platen member. The width controlling device controls the width adjusting mechanism by using the first information obtained by the information obtaining device.

Abstract: A packaged garment includes a garment and a sealed bag. The garment has a torso portion, a sleeve portion connected to the torso portion, and a leg portion connected to the torso portion. The garment has an outer surface and an inner surface opposite the outer surface. The sealed bag contains the garment with the sleeve portion folded onto the torso portion, a portion of the sleeve portion folded at least once underneath the sleeve portion between the sleeve portion and the torso portion, and the leg portion folded onto the torso portion. The garment is manipulated so that the inner surface of the torso portion faces outward and the torso portion forms an inner space containing the sleeve portion and the leg portion.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a clip for the construction of a temporary reduction of the seam of the sleeves of a short sleeve shirt, or the elastic cuffs of a long sleeve shirt. The temporary seam can be easily removed without damage to the material of the shirt. The present invention has the ability to create a friction lock between the metal frame of the clip and the clip body with the material locked between the two parts of the clip. The present invention can also be used to create a temporary seam or hem so that the shirt or other article of clothing appears tailored to accommodate medical prosthesis. The present invention can also be used to create a seam to hold a woman's scarf. The present invention could also be used to hold hospital gowns and medical gowns together, but still allow for quick release so the medical staff can open up the gown to conduct procedures on the patients.

Abstract: A mounting member, a rotation mechanism, and a plurality of plate-shaped members are included in a folding apparatus in order to simplify the configuration thereof, to make it easy to perform maintenance and repairs, and to reduce costs. The mounting member is a plate-shaped member wherein a foldable article can be mounted on a first surface so that part of the foldable article hangs down. The rotation mechanism rotates the first surface of the mounting member around an axis included in the first surface. The plurality of plate-shaped members are capable of moving toward the mourning member so as to hold part of the foldable article after part of the foldable article has been positioned in the vicinity of the mounting member due to the mounting member being rotated by the rotation mechanism.

Abstract: A fitted bedsheet folding aid includes a telescoping left rod assembly having a pair of door hangers attached thereto for supporting the fitted bedsheet folding aid over the top of a door. A telescoping right rod assembly longitudinally abuts the left rod assembly and is attached thereto by means of a hinge to permit the right rod assembly to be rotated clockwise 180 degrees away from the door from an open position in which it is longitudinally aligned with the left rod assembly to a closed position in front of the left rod assembly. The length of each of the telescoping rod assemblies is adjustable to accommodate king, queen, double or twin fitted sheets. A spring-loaded tip member at each end of the telescoping rod assemblies is urged outwardly to maintain taut a sheet spanning the telescoping rod assemblies. A spring clip mounted on the left rod assembly proximate the hinge provides a point of attachment of the top edges of the sheet spanning the telescoping rod assemblies, midway along the span.

Abstract: A clothing packing apparatus for folding a clothing article, such as a suit, comprising a spacing material to separate parts of the folded clothing article comprises a parts that partial overlay a fold line in the aligned sleeves and the body of an article of clothing; a slit for folding the sleeves independently; gripping surfaces to engage the clothing article; rounded/tapered edges to eliminate pressure compressions; pre-formed bands to improve folding performance; and a casing for storage and transit. The spacing material is preferably formed of foam capable of forming a continuous U-shaped curve along the fold lines and an anti-collapsible structure when folded with the clothing article.

Abstract: A bed sheet storage device for compactly folding and storing a bed sheet set between uses. The storage device includes a foldable rectangular panel assembly with a center panel disposed between a pair of side panels hingedly connected together edgewise using living hinges, separate hinges, elastic strips, or intermediate panels hingedly connected edgewise thereto. A pair of semi-circular corner retaining panels may be hingedly connected edgewise to the side panels to retain two corners of the fitted sheet. The panel assembly has a flat opened position and a closed position which defines an enclosed channel therethrough to contain excess sheet material of a fitted sheet, a folded flat sheet, and two folded pillow covers of the bed sheet set. Sheet retaining devices include a non-skid pad, spring clips, spring boxes, and elastic retaining strips to retain the fitted sheet tautly folded around the panel assembly.

Abstract: A travel accessory for the folding of garments inside a suitcase, includes at least one structural element for spreading and/or hanging (1) and an insert (2) of a soft, flexible material, designed to be inserted into the garment, engaged with the structural element (1).

Abstract: A clean room suit (1) comprising at least one first grasping means (16) on an inner face for facilitating dressing.

Abstract: The present invention is generally directed to a method of treating a folded garment to achieve good alcohol repellency on the innermost layers of the folded garment.

Abstract: A bias tape making device including a housing, a spindle rotatably disposed in the housing for supporting a strip of fabric, at least one bias tape folding tip located in the housing in communication with the spindle for folding the strip of material into a bias tape having folded longitudinal edges, and a heated pressing assembly disposed in the housing for receiving the bias tape and setting the folded longitudinal edges of the bias tape. The device includes a plurality of interchangeable bias tape folding tips to produce a variety of different sized single fold bias tapes.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for folding a shirt. More particularly, the apparatus includes a folding plate assembly that includes a center plate, which has a first and second lateral side, a first side plate, which is pivotably connected to the first lateral side of the center plate, and a second side plate, which is pivotably connected to the second side plate of the center plate. The apparatus is designed to fold a shirt when the shirt is placed on the folding plate assembly by folding the first and second side plates backwardly so that the respective side portions of the shirt are folded behind the shirt. A hanger is also provided for hanging a shirt. The hanger is sized and shaped to orient shoulder portions of the shirt so that the lower portion of the shirt expands in a laterally outward direction and thereby inhibits the formation of folds therein.

Abstract: A method for forming stable pleats on a fabric composed of a polylactic acid yarn of 100 mass % without causing decrease in physical properties of the polylactic acid yarn includes preparing a fabric composed of a polylactic acid yarn of 100 mass %. The fabric may be a raw fabric such as a woven raw fabric or a sewed product into which a raw fabric is sewed. The sewed product may be one in which part of clothing is sewed, or a final product. The fabric is folded up, and imparted a pressure in the folded state. Specifically, the folded fabric is passed under a suitable line pressure between a pair of rolls whose surfaces are heated in atmospheric ambience. The surface temperature of the rolls is about 100 to 130° C. As described above, a pleated fabric such as pleated clothing whose folded-up portion becomes stable pleats can be obtained.

Abstract: A folding assembly structured to arrange any one of a plurality of different articles into a folded orientation and including an orienting device having a main segment and at least one outwardly extending side segment, wherein the main segment and side segment are initially disposed in engaging relation to different portions of the article being folded. An attachment assembly in the form of a flexible material connector pivotally attaches the side segments in spaced relation to the main segment and outwardly spaced relation therefrom in a manner that can achieve a gap of varying width so as to accommodate the folding of articles of various thicknesses, in that it allows for the automatic spaced positioning of the side segment at different spaced distances above the main segment as the different portions of the article are being oriented when the side segment is in a folded position.

Abstract: A mounting member, a rotation mechanism, and a plurality of plate-shaped members are included in a folding apparatus in order to simplify the configuration thereof, to make it easy to perform maintenance and repairs, and to reduce costs. The mounting member is a plate-shaped member wherein a foldable article can be mounted on a first surface so that part of the foldable article hangs down. The rotation mechanism rotates the first surface of the mounting member around an axis included in the first surface. The plurality of plate-shaped shaped members are capable of moving toward the mounting member so as to hold part of the foldable article after part of the foldable article has been positioned in the vicinity of the mounting member due to the mounting member being rotated by the rotation mechanism.

Abstract: A clothing packing apparatus for folding a clothing article, such as a suit, comprising a spacing material to separate parts of the folded clothing article comprises a parts that partial overlay a fold line in the aligned sleeves and the body of an article of clothing; a slit for folding the sleeves independently; gripping surfaces to engage the clothing article; rounded/tapered edges to eliminate pressure compressions; pre-formed bands to improve folding performance; and a casing for storage and transit. The spacing material is preferably formed of foam capable of forming a continuous U-shaped curve along the fold lines and an anti-collapsible structure when folded with the clothing article.

Abstract: A garment folding apparatus according to the present invention includes a folding mechanism including a width direction folding section and a length direction folding section for folding a garment hung on a hanger in a horizontal direction and a vertical direction into a predetermined size. The width direction folding section includes a pair of clamps for picking two horizontal-direction ends of the garment hung on the hanger, and a pair of folding width determination sections. The clamps pivot while picking the garment so as to wrap the garment around the folding width determination sections and fold the garment along the folding width determination sections.

Abstract: A hanger according to the present invention is a hanger for hanging a garment thereon, including: a main body section; a suspension section at which the hanger is suspended, the suspension section being connected to the main body section; and a pair of arm sections for supporting the garment in a suspended state from inside, the pair of arm sections being linked to the main body section, wherein, from a state of supporting the garment spread, the arm sections transform to fold at least a part of the garment.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method and apparatus for folding cloth articles, such as bed sheets and the like, for stacking and storing by providing a rigid or semi rigid apparatus to be folded and incorporated with the folded sheets.

Abstract: An apparatus for folding and storing articles of clothing is provided, and the apparatus comprises a relatively flat sheet having opposing ends, a topside and a bottomside. The apparatus has at least one aperture that serves as a handle on one end and an extended portion on the opposing end. The extended portion is bendable from about 0 degrees to about 90 degrees, and the extended portion serves as a support for the articles of clothing when the articles are folded and stacked atop the topside surface of the sheet.

Abstract: An apparatus for automatically folding garments is described. The apparatus has a frame, a garment support, a tucker plate, a guide, and a means for transporting a garment along the tucker plate. The garment support is supported by the frame and has a first surface for supporting the garment and an opposing second surface. The tucker plate is also supported by the frame and is transversely spaced from the opposing second surface of the garment support. The guide is also supported by the frame. The guide is associated with the tucker plate and located adjacent the garment support so as to engage a portion of a folded edge of the garment supported on the first surface of the garment support.

Abstract: A folding assembly structured to arrange any one of a plurality of different articles into a folded orientation and including an orienting device having a main segment and at least two outwardly extending and spaced apart side segments, wherein the main segments and two side segments are initially disposed in engaging relation to different portions of the article being folded. An attachment assembly in the form of a flexible material connector pivotally attaches each of the side segments in spaced relation to the main segment and outwardly spaced relation therefrom. The flexible material connectors thereby serve to accommodate the folding of articles of various thicknesses, in that they allow for the automatic spaced positioning of each of the sides segments at different spaced distances above the main segment as the different portions of the article are being oriented when the side segments are in a folded position.

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.