Autonomous laundry folding devices, systems, and methods of use

US11932986B2 · 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: Mar 24, 2023
• Grant date: Mar 19, 2024
• Expiry date: Mar 24, 2043

Classification

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

Abstract

A device for autonomously folding a deformable article includes a rotatable platform configured to receive the deformable article and at least one movable elongation in operable communication with at least one elongation drive. The at least one movable elongation is configured to raise and lower from the surface of the rotatable platform, move parallel to the surface, and manipulate the deformable article to thereby fold the deformable article at one of the one or more fold lines. The device includes a table drive configured to rotate the rotatable platform about a central axis such that the at least one elongation aligns with one of the one or more fold lines, and at least one sensor configured to detect the deformable article position and orientation on the rotatable platform. A controller is in operable communication with the at least one elongation drive, the table drive, and the at least one sensor.