DE202017102324U1 - A tool for folding a piece of clothing in a certain way - Google Patents

Abstract

Auxiliary means (200) for folding a garment (1) in a certain manner, said aid (200) comprising a stirrup (210) for receiving a garment (1) in a position depending from the stirrup (210), under the stirrup (210) a member (220) for receiving the back portion (40) of a garment (1) received on the yoke (210), said element (220) having a staggered position for securing said back portion (40 ) of a received garment (1) with respect to the strap (210) to push slightly forward, wherein the aid (1) further comprises a table (230) which can be moved from a parked position to an operating position, which table (230) in the parking position leaves free a certain suspension area (240) in which the bracket (210) and the element (220) are positioned, and wherein the table (230) essentially overlaps the suspension area (240) in the operating position, the table ( 230) is pivotable in the operating position from a substantially vertical position to a substantially horizontal position to take a garment (1) from a position depending from the bracket (210) to a position lying on the table (230), the table (230 ) has a central part (231) for supporting a certain part of a garment (1) in the position lying on the table (230), the table (230) further comprising one or more parts (232a, 232b, 233) relative to the central part (231) are hinged to turn over with respect to the specific part of the garment (1) another part of this garment.

Description

The present invention relates to an aid for folding a garment in a certain manner. These are, in particular, clothes with loose front pieces, such as bathrobes. With loose front parts are meant in particular front parts, which have no means by which they can be connected to each other and the garment can be closed. Further, the particular manner of folding is understood to mean, in particular, a method in which the garment in the folded state forms a package in which the front parts of the garment lie loosely on one another without the front pieces being connected to one another by means of optional closure means.

In hotels, bathrobes are often offered to hotel guests in folded condition, in a manner typically offered by new bathrobes in retail stores. With reference to 1 forms a bathrobe 1 while a package 100 , the three parts 110 . 120 . 130 includes, which are transposed with respect to each other. A first part 110 , with in the collar 42 the bathrobe 1 , lies above. The first part 111 lies overturned with respect to an underlying second part 120 , A third part 130 who is the lower margin 41 the bathrobe 1 includes, lies between the first part 110 and the second part 120 concerning the second part 120 handled.

In the folded state, two parts of the two front parts of the bathrobe fitting against the collar are at the top of the outside of the package, which is desired for presentation purposes, also to make visible any logo that may be present on the front part.

With reference to 2a to 2f be here while folding a bathrobe 1 to the package 100 first the two front pieces 10a . 10b superimposed so as to obtain a more closed, more compact whole (see 2 B ). Subsequently, each of the sleeves 20a . 20b folded laterally or to the rear, so that a substantially rectangular folding package is obtained (see 2c ). Then from this folding package each of the parts 30a . 30b with a transition between a front part 10a . 10b and the back part 40 also folded backwards, whereby the width of the folding package is reduced (see ). The narrowest package is obtained when the parts 30a . 30b to come to lie one above the other, but in principle can also be next to each other. From the obtained elongated, narrower folding package then the two end parts 110 . 130 turned back; first the end part 130 with in the lower edge 41 the bathrobe 1 (please refer 2e ), and then the end part 110 with in the collar 42 (please refer 2f ). Each end part 110 . 130 is doing with respect to an intermediate part 120 turned over, connecting between the two end parts 110 . 130 forms.

When folding by hand, a bathrobe is first placed face down on a flat surface. In a first step, one of the front parts is then placed at least partially over the other front part. Thereafter, the entire bathrobe is turned over so that it lies with the front parts down and then the following steps can be performed. When turning around, it is important that the two front parts remain on top of each other and the bathrobe does not open. One way to accomplish this is for a person to fold the robe to turn the collar of the back of the bathrobe over the forearm and then pull the robe completely over the collar on the collar until the robe is complete lies just then, but with the front parts down.

In machine folding, a bathrobe is placed by a user on an inclined conveyor belt, after which the user folds the front pieces and operates the machine to further insert the bathrobe on the conveyor into the machine where it is folded further. Turning over the bathrobe with the loose, stacked front pieces can be done with the help of two conveyor belts, between which the bathrobe is pressed smoothly.

A disadvantage of manual folding of a bathrobe is that it is relatively annoying and takes a relatively long time. In particular, the smooth laying of the bathrobe and the superimposition of the front parts and then turning the bathrobe, without causing the front parts slide off each other again, requires effort and time. In particular, when a larger number of bathrobes need to be folded, as is the case in the hotel world, for example, as well as in the textile-producing industry, this poses a problem.

However, existing machines for fully machine folding are relatively expensive on the other hand. With a smaller number to be folded bathrobes or for smaller businesses, the purchase of such a machine is often not worthwhile. Moreover, the time gained with such a machine is relatively small compared to manual folding.

A disadvantage of both manual folding and machine folding is that the thickness of the package that can ultimately be achieved is relatively small. In addition, very thick bathrobes often can not be folded by machine.

In order to provide a solution to the above-mentioned problems, it is the object of the present invention to provide a means for folding a garment in a certain manner by means of which folding can be carried out relatively quickly and easily. A further object is to provide such a tool which is relatively inexpensive compared to existing fully automatic or semi-automatic garment folding apparel-making aids. Yet another object is to provide such an aid that can be put together relatively easily and thus relatively inexpensive, and which preferably takes up little space in width, length and / or height. Yet another object is to provide such an aid which is relatively easy to use and which, after folding a garment, is again relatively quickly ready to be used to fold another garment.

It should be apparent that the aid to be provided is intended, in particular, for folding a garment with loose front pieces, the front pieces in the folded state of the garment preferably being loose from each other, and the particular manner of folding being as described in the introduction.

At least one of the above objects is achieved with an aid comprising a strap for receiving a garment in a position depending from the strap, wherein an element for receiving the back part of a garment received on the strap is placed under the strap; wherein the element has a staggered position for pushing the back of a garment received slightly forward relative to the stirrup, the aid further comprising a table that can be moved from a parked position to an operative position, which table in the parked position has a particular hanging area in which the bracket and the element are positioned, and wherein the table in the operating position substantially overlaps the suspension area, wherein the table is pivotable in the operating position from a substantially vertical state to a substantially horizontal position to a piece of clothing k from a hanger-hanging position to a table-lying position, the table having a central part for supporting a certain part of a garment in the on-table position, the table further comprising one or more parts are hinged relative to the central part to turn over a different part of this garment with respect to the particular part of the garment.

An aid in accordance with the invention provides a user with the ability to fold a garment with loose front pieces relatively quickly and neatly by placing the garment that he is looking at the front over the stirrup and then using the table to hang the garment from a hanging one Position in a lying position, then looking at the back of the garment certain parts of the garment with respect to each other to obtain the desired package.

A device according to the invention approaches when hanging a garment on the hanger from the front. The back part of the garment thereby comes to lie itself against the aforesaid element when suspending, whereafter the garment is held away from it by the staggered position of the element so as to hang down freely from the stirrup. This causes the front parts of the garment can then be smoothly placed on the back and on top of each other, without the bathrobe then opens again.

The position between the back part and the front parts remains while the table is placed in a vertical position in front of the suspension area and then the table is pivoted from the vertical position to the horizontal position. When swinging the table, the garment is taken, so it is placed with the front parts down on the table. Subsequently, certain parts of the bathrobe can be relatively easily turned over with respect to each other, possibly by means of the folding of a certain hinged part of the table with respect to another part.

In order to secure the position between the back and the front parts when pivoting the table, an element may, as stated, move with a pivoting of the table from a vertical position to a horizontal position, so as to be able to hold a garment taken along when swinging against the table and to prevent the superimposed front parts from sliding off each other.

An element that moves with the table can automatically be moved back into a position further away from the table if a horizontal stand is reached during said pivoting is to avoid the flaps of a certain part of the table and / or the turning of certain parts of a lying on the table garment in the way.

The table may also be movable in the operating position from the vertical position to the bracket and / or the element before the table pivots to a horizontal position, at which last pivoting the table moves away from the bracket again. Thus, the table can be placed directly along or against a suspended garment fitting and the garment can then be held relatively smooth against the table during the pivoting of the table.

The bracket may further comprise two arms for supporting two respective shoulder portions of a garment received, which arms are each movable to be retracted from such a shoulder portion, which arms are also movable to be withdrawn from the suspension area. After retraction of the arms, a garment hanging down from the stirrup can then be brought into a lying position with the table pivoting without the stirrup being in the way of the shoulder parts.

The arms preferably extend in position to support two shoulder parts along an edge of the table when in a vertical position in the operative position. A user can then simultaneously grasp one edge of the table and two shoulder parts lying on the edge to hold the two shoulder parts against the table after retracting the two arms and at the same time move the table to a horizontal position by drawing that edge towards itself ,

Existing means for moving the arms may be automatically operable, for example, depending on a movement of the table in the direction of the stirrup sensed by a possibly existing sensor, or be operated by a user, for example by means of a foot pedal.

Furthermore, means may be provided for blocking a pivoting of the table from a vertical position to a horizontal position, which means is operable to interrupt such blocking, for example by a signal from a possibly existing sensor or by means of an operation of certain means, such as a foot pedal, by a user. The fact that a block is canceled only when a certain signal is received or when a user deliberately controls it helps the user's safety.

Certain movements of the table, such as shifting from the parking position to the operating position, and pivoting the table from a vertical position to a horizontal position, are preferably passively and manually executable by a user in view of safety, which preferably supports such movements be, for example, pneumatically.

Other movements of the table, such as shifting from the operative position back to the parked position, and pivoting the table from the horizontal position back to a vertical position, are preferably active in terms of ease of use, for example controlled by pneumatic means.

Preferably, existing means for actively returning the table to the operative position and means for pivoting the table back from a horizontal position to a vertical position are simultaneously controllable, so that the return and the pivoting back can also be performed simultaneously. Thus, a folding device according to the invention can be relatively ready to stand ready to be used for folding a subsequent garment.

Moving the table from the parking position to the operating position preferably comprises a horizontal displacement. Thus, a folding device according to the invention does not have to be made much higher than approximately man-high, and also the user's manipulation of the table is relatively simple, since the table is then more within the reach of the user.

Foldable parts of the table may comprise at least one lateral folding part for turning over a part of a garment, with the transition from a front part to the back part, which lateral folding part is preferably manually operated, and a further folding part for turning over an end part of a folded into a narrower folding package Garment, with in the lower edge of the garment.

Another folding part is preferably foldable by means of a user-operable actuator. Thus, a further folding part, which is remote from a user, can still be easily folded down by a user.

Further advantageous embodiments are as defined in the appended claims and as described in the following description of the figures.

The invention will be explained in more detail below with reference to the figures, in which:

1 schematically shows a folded into a package bathrobe;

2a to 2f show in schematic illustration different steps of a way to make a bathrobe to the package 1 to fold; and

3 to 10 an inventive aid in different stages of operation of the aid for folding the bathrobe to the package 1 according to the method of 2a to 2f demonstrate.

With reference to 3 For example, an aid according to the invention comprises a relatively flat, vertically arranged main frame 201 which essentially defines a plane along which one is on the main frame 201 applied subframe 202 can move.

The subframe 202 carries a table 230 , concerning the subframe 202 is pivotable between a substantially vertical stand in which the table 203 essentially just in the subframe 202 lies parallel to the main frame 201 , and a substantially horizontal stand in which the table 230 essentially transverse to both the subframe 202 as well as to the main frame 201 stands.

In the in 3 shown position is the table 230 in a parking position, in which position the subframe 202 essentially a first half 201 of the main frame 201 covered, and where the table 230 standing in a vertical position.

On a second half 201b of the main frame 201 is a temple at a relatively high level 210 arranged on which the garment to be folded can be hung. The coat hanger 201 in the embodiment shown comprises two with respect to the main frame 201 movable arms 211 . 211b , which are each intended to be in one of the two shoulder parts 50a . 50b a suspended garment (see also 2a ) to support the garment thus.

At a lower altitude is on the second half 201b of the main frame 201 a pole 220 set up, of which in the embodiment shown at least one central part 221 a forwardly projecting position with respect to the bracket 210 Has. By "forward" here is meant a direction that is perpendicular to one through the main frame 201 defined plane along which the subframe 202 can move in the direction of the table 230 the one on the subframe 202 is set up.

With the help of at least the arms 211 . 211b of the temple 210 and the pole 220 is in the second half 201b of the main frame a hanging area 240 defined in which a garment to be folded and suspended from the temple 210 along the front of the pole 220 hang down, and which suspension area 240 in the parking position of the table 230 essentially through the table 230 is released.

With reference to 4 is the table 230 by means of a movement of the subframe 202 along the main frame 201 movable from the parking position to an operating position in which the subframe 202 essentially the second half 201b of the main frame 201 covered, and where the table 230 at least in its vertical position, the suspension area 240 essentially overlapped.

With reference to 5 is the table 230 in the operating position primarily from the vertical position in the direction of the bracket 210 pivotable. The poor 211 . 211b of the bracket are positioned so that they are in the bracket 210 tilted stand of the table 230 along the upper edge 234 of the table.

With reference to 6 are the arms 211 . 211b of the temple 210 from a booth where she is the table 230 overlap (see 5 ) in a state where this is no longer the case and they are out of the hanging area 240 withdrawn, movable.

With reference to 7 is the table 230 then at least with the upper edge 234 swiveling forward with respect to the subframe 202 , In a substantially horizontal state. Optionally, this may be at least the middle part 221 the pole 220 with the table 230 move, then this back in one of the table 230 more distant position as in 7 shown moved back when a horizontal level is reached.

With reference to the 8th . 9 and 10 can stand at a horizontal level of the table 230 then different parts 232a . 232b . 233 of the table 230 with respect to a central part 231 of the table 230 be flipped upwards towards this central part 231 ,

With reference to 8th and 9 can two on opposite sides of the central part 231 located lateral parts 232a . 232b extending in the transverse direction to the pivot axis of the table 230 extend to be folded around an axis perpendicular to the pivot axis. The parts 232a . 232b extend in the embodiment shown to the above-mentioned edge 234 of the table 230 to stand in a horizontal position of the table 230 to be taken by a user for manual panning.

With reference to 10 may be in a direction transverse to the pivot axis extending in extension of the central part 231 located another folding part 233 be folded about an axis that extends parallel to the pivot axis. This further folding part 233 can with one at the above edge 234 of the table 230 positioned button 235 be operated, whereby an actuator for automatically folding the other folding part 233 can be activated.

When using the device 200 for folding a bathrobe 1 will the bathrobe 1 in the suspension area with the front parts 10a . 10b forward on the hanger 210 hanged, with the two shoulder parts 50a . 50b each on one of the arms 211 . 211b to come from it. The back part 40 The bathrobe comes from hanging itself at the middle part 211 the under the temple 210 positioned rod 210 to lie so that the back part 40 in the suspended state of the bathrobe 1 regarding a condition in which the bathrobe 1 from the temple 210 freely hanging down something is pushed forward.

After hanging up the bathrobe 1 sets the user as in 2 B shown one of the front pieces 10a . 10b across its width along the pole 220 extending back part 40 and the other front part 10a . 10b over the first front part 10a . 10b ,

Then a user moves the subframe 202 along the main frame 201 So to the table 230 from the parking position into the operating position, in which this the suspension area 240 and thus the suspended bathrobe 1 at least substantially overlapped. The displacement is preferably done manually, but can for example also be supported pneumatically.

Then the user moves the table 230 from the vertical stand with what then the upper edge 234 is against the hanging bathrobe 1 , where the user with each hand simultaneously the upper edge 234 of the table 230 and also along this edge 234 lying shoulder part 50a . 50b grasps, by one of the arms 211 . 211b of the temple 210 is supported.

Subsequently, if necessary, after perceiving a pivoting of the table 230 by a sensor or in a certain way by a user operates the two arms 211 . 211b of the temple 210 by an actuator from the shoulder parts 50a . 50b drawn. It can also be an optional blocking of the table 230 against pivoting the table in a horizontal position 230 be automatically interrupted.

Then the user pans the table 230 manually in a horizontal position, placing the top edge 234 of the table 230 pulls to itself. He holds the shoulder parts 50a . 50b the bathrobe 1 fixed, causing the bathrobe 1 flat and with the front parts down on the table 230 to come to rest. The pole 220 shifts if necessary with the table 230 to the bathrobe 1 to hold against it, according to which the rod 220 neither in one of the table 230 moved back further away. In the example shown, the middle part 221 the pole 220 to swivel on the main frame 201 hung up.

With the bathrobe 1 on the table 230 lying down, the user then suggests, as in 2c shown the sleeves 20a . 20b the bathrobe 1 To this, if necessary, one above the other or even further turned over at the back 40 to apply.

Subsequently, the user operates each of the lateral folding parts 232a . 232b of the table 230 as much as in 2d two parts 30a . 30b the bathrobe 1 with a transition between a front part 10a . 10b and the back part 40 to the back of the bathrobe 1 turn over, whereby a relatively narrow folding package is obtained.

After that, the user operates by means of the button 235 the further folding part 233 to like in 2e an end part 130 the bathrobe 1 with in the lower edge 41 with respect to a middle part 120 the bathrobe 1 to fold.

In a last step, the user hits with his hand as in 2f shown at his side of the table 230 located end part 110 of the folding package with in the collar 42 the bathrobe 1 around, leaving the package 100 out 1 is obtained.

After use, table 230 and the subframe 202 then optionally automatically operated and controlled to each back to a vertical position with respect to the subframe 202 to panning and regarding the main frame 201 reset to the table 230 to return to the parking position. This swinging and retreating may optionally take place simultaneously, leaving the table 230 then again relatively quickly in the park position and the device is ready again to be used to fold another bathrobe.

It should be apparent to those skilled in the art that various variants of the above embodiment are possible that provide the same or even better function of the tool. One variant which deserves special attention in this context is one in which the article receiving part of the garment on the outer surface has a profiling or one or more projections shaped to engage with the fabric of the back part thereof Projecting towards the front parts to be placed on the back part so as to further obstruct the lateral sliding of the front parts from the back part and thus to help prevent the opening of a garment attached to the element.

Claims (16)

Aids ( 200 ) for folding a garment ( 1 ) in a certain way, which aid ( 200 ) a bracket ( 210 ) for receiving a garment ( 1 ) in one of the bracket ( 210 ) hanging position, wherein under the bracket ( 210 ) an element ( 220 ) for receiving the back part ( 40 ) of a garment ( 1 ), which is on the bracket ( 210 ) is placed, wherein the element ( 220 ) has a staggered position to the back part ( 40 ) of a received garment ( 1 ) with regard to the bracket ( 210 ) to push something forward, with the aid ( 1 ) also a table ( 230 ), which can be moved from a parking position to an operating position, which table ( 230 ) in the parking position a certain suspension area ( 240 ), in which the bracket ( 210 ) and the element ( 220 ), and leaving the table ( 230 ) in the operating position the suspension area ( 240 ) is substantially overlapped with the table ( 230 ) is pivotable in the operating position from a substantially vertical position to a substantially horizontal position to a garment ( 1 ) from one of the stirrups ( 210 ) drooping position in one on the table ( 230 ) lying position, the table ( 230 ) a central part ( 231 ) for supporting a specific part of a garment ( 1 ) in the on the table ( 230 ) lying position, wherein the table ( 230 ) one or more parts ( 232a . 232b . 233 ), which with respect to the central part ( 231 ) are hinged to allow for the particular part of the garment ( 1 ) to turn over another part of this garment. Aids ( 200 ) according to claim 1, wherein the element ( 220 ) is intended, with a pivoting of the table ( 230 ) move from a vertical position to a horizontal position. Aids ( 200 ) according to claim 2, wherein the element ( 220 ) is intended to automatically move to a table ( 230 ) to move more distant position when a horizontal level is reached when panning. Aids ( 200 ) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the table ( 230 ) in the operating position from the vertical position to the bracket ( 210 ) and / or to the element ( 220 ) is movable before the table ( 230 ) pivots in a horizontal position. Aids ( 200 ) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the bracket ( 210 ) two arms ( 211 . 211b ) for supporting two respective shoulder parts ( 50a . 50b ) of a received garment ( 1 ), which arms ( 211 . 211b ) are each movable to move from such a shoulder part ( 50a . 50b ), whereby the arms ( 211 . 211b ) are also movable to move out of the suspension area ( 240 ) to be withdrawn. Aids ( 200 ) according to claim 5, wherein the arms ( 211 . 211b ) in position for supporting two shoulder parts ( 50a . 50b ) along an edge ( 234 ) of the table ( 230 ), when it is in a vertical position in the operating position. Aids ( 200 ) according to claim 5 or 6, wherein existing means for moving the arms ( 211 . 211b ) are automatically operable, for example, as a function of a movement of the table perceived by an optionally present sensor ( 230 ) in the direction of the temple ( 210 ), or be operated by a user, for example by means of a foot pedal. Aids ( 200 ) according to one of the preceding claims, further comprising means for blocking pivoting of the table ( 230 ) from a vertical position to a horizontal position, which means is operable to interrupt such blocking, for example by a signal from an optional sensor or by means of an operation of certain means by a user. Aids ( 200 ) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein certain movements of the table ( 230 ), like putting one out of the Parking position in the operating position, and a pivoting of the table ( 230 ) are executable from a vertical position to a horizontal position, passively and manually by a user, these movements preferably being supported, for example pneumatically. Aids ( 200 ) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein certain movements of the table ( 230 ), such as moving from the operating position back to the parking position, and pivoting the table ( 230 ) are moved from a horizontal position back to a vertical position, actively controlled by certain means, such as pneumatic means. Aids ( 200 ) according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising first means for actively resetting the table ( 230 ) from the operating position to the parking position, and second means for pivoting back the table ( 230 ) in a vertical position, which first means and second means are simultaneously controllable. Aids ( 200 ) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein a displacement of the table ( 230 ) comprises a horizontal displacement from the parking position to the operating position. Aids ( 200 ) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein foldable parts ( 232a . 232b . 233 ) of the table ( 230 ) at least one lateral folding part ( 232a . 232b ) comprise for handling a part ( 30a . 30b ) of a garment ( 1 ) with a transition of a front part ( 10a . 10b ) to the back part ( 40 ), which lateral folding part ( 232a . 232b ) is preferably manually operable. Aids ( 200 ) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein foldable parts ( 232a . 232b . 233 ) of the table ( 230 ) at least one further folding part ( 233 ) comprise for the turnover of an end part ( 130 ) of a folded to a narrower folding package garment ( 1 ), with in the lower margin ( 41 ) of the garment ( 1 ). Aids ( 200 ) according to claim 14, wherein the further folding part ( 233 ) is foldable by means of an actuator operable by a user. Aids ( 200 ) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the element ( 220 ) has on its outer surface a profiling and / or one or more projections.

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