Patent · US Expired

Fabric turner

US4968021A · kind A · utility

4Cited by
7References
11Claims
0Family size

Assignee

Inventors

Key dates

Filing dateApr 4, 1989
Grant dateNov 6, 1990
Priority date
Expiry dateApr 4, 2009

Classification

  • Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
  • CPC primaryB65H2404/561
  • WIPO fieldHandling
  • WIPO sectorMechanical engineering

Abstract

An apparatus is disclosed for flipping over flexible and limp planar workpieces such as fabric. The apparatus includes a primary workpiece propeller having a cylindrical means for contacting the workpiece about a central rotating axis. A slot of sufficient size to receive the workpiece is positioned in a vertical orientation beneath the primary propeller. The slot preferably has a flared upper end positioned directly beneath and in contact or near contact with the propeller. The fabric is drawn into the slot by the rotation of the propeller and follows the contour of the flared open end of the slot. The fabric enters into the slot until the trailing edge of the fabric is in contact with the primary propeller. The trailing edge of the fabric is gripped by the propeller and thereby drawn to the opposite side of the flared opening of the slot and is subsequently pulled out of the slot. The fabric has thereby been inverted so that the top of the fabric is now on the bottom.

Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.