Patent · US Active

Linen spreader apparatus and method

US7836617B2 · kind B2 · utility

5Cited by
50References
27Claims
0Family size

Inventor

Key dates

Filing dateDec 21, 2007
Grant dateNov 23, 2010
Priority date
Expiry dateJun 7, 2028

Classification

  • Technology area (CPC D)Textiles; Paper
  • CPC primaryD06F67/04
  • WIPO fieldOther consumer goods
  • WIPO sectorOther fields

Abstract

A separated article of laundry is dragged over a plurality of wheels or belts. The wheels or belts adjust the amount of overhang on each side, making an edge of the article more horizontal. A clamp clamps the edge and drags the article of laundry from the wheels or belts. Resistance, such as by a pinch arm, may assist in untangling the article of laundry as the article is dragged. Sensors adjacent the belts or wheels measure a size of the article of laundry. A folder adjusts based on the size. For example, the types of folds to be made, the placement of runners for folding, or the output sorting are adjusted. The folder may operate more efficiently by providing time for the folder to adjust to the size of the article of laundry prior to feeding from the spreader.

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