Autonomous laudry folding devices, systems, and methods of use

US11486084B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignee

• MONOTONY.AI, INC. · US

Inventors

• Stuart E. Schechter · Newton, US
• Benjamin D. Bixby · Newton, US
• Kevin M. LeBlanc · Medford, US
• Wilson J. Mefford · Somerville, US
• Elliot Sinclair Pennington · Lexington, US
• Laura E. Schwartz · Newton, US
• Jesse Sielaff · Norfolk, US
• Madeline R. Hickman · Arlington, US
• Carter J. Ithier · Hooksett, US
• Samuel Duffley · Cambridge, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Jun 30, 2021
• Grant date: Nov 1, 2022
• Expiry date: Jun 30, 2041

Classification

• Technology area (CPC D): Textiles; Paper
• CPC primary: D06F89/02
• WIPO field: Handling
• WIPO sector: Mechanical engineering

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.