GB2194562A

GB2194562A - Fabric folding machine

Info

Publication number: GB2194562A
Application number: GB08619280A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Cyril Millward Atkinson
Original assignee: ORBIT WEAVING MACHINERY LIMITE
Current assignee: ORBIT WEAVING MACHINERY LIMITE
Priority date: 1986-08-07
Filing date: 1986-08-07
Publication date: 1988-03-09
Also published as: GB8619280D0

Abstract

A folding machine comprises a support 2 with rollers 3 under which material from rolls 1 can be drawn. The support 2 reciprocates between first and second positions in the latter of which it overlies folding stations which each comprises pivotal blades 5,6,7. A guillotine 9 is disposed adjacent the folding stations. Material can be drawn from the rolls by reciprocation of the support 2 after the free ends of the material are clamped to an edge 12 of the folding station by a clamp 11. Guillotine operates to sever lengths of material on the folding station from the remainder. Clamp 11 is released and blades 7 pivot anticlockwise to produce the first fold and then blades 5 and 7 pivot respectively clockwise and anticlockwise to produce further folds on the materials positioned on platforms 8. The platforms 8 are pivoted anticlockwise to pack the folded material piece into packets 14. Operation of the support 2, blades 5,6,7, guillotine 9 and clamp 11 could be automated. <IMAGE>

Description

SPECIFICATION Fabric folding machine The present invention relates to a fabric folding machine.

According to the present invention there is provided apparatus for producing folded lengths of material from a longer length of material comprising means for advancing the free end of the longer length of material to a position at which it can be clamped, and for laying the material on a folding station, and means for severing the material on the folding station from the remainder of the material the folding station comprising means for folding the severed length of material.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the means for advancing comprises a reciprocable support. This support supports a roll of material which is to be cut into smaller lengths. It also carries a roller under which the free end of the material may be pulled and between which and the surface of the support the material may be lightly gripped. The support with the material so lightly gripped can be advanced over the folding station and the free end of the material clamped by clamping means disposed adjacent the clamping station.

When the support is retracted, material is withdrawn from the roll and laid on the folding station. The length of the material so laid can then be severed from the remainder of the material by means of a guillotine. The folding station may comprise several pivotable blades.

In one form, three blades are provided one disposed on one side and the other two disposed on the other side of a platform. Pivoting these blades clockwise or anticlockwise in a predetermined sequence produces the desired folded length of material. The platform may then be pivoted to pack the folded length into a container.

In order that the invention may be more clearly understood, one embodiment thereof will now be described, by way of example, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: Figure 1 shows a side elevational diagrammatic view of one embodiment of a folding machine, and Figure 2 shows a plan view of the machine of Figure 1, Figures 3a and 3b are cross section through two forms of fabric which are to be folded, and Figures 4 and 5 respectively show an intermediate stage and final stage in the folding of the fabric of Figure 3.

Referring to the drawing, five rolls of longitudinally folded material are provided at 1.

These are supported on a support 2 which also supports rollers 3 under which material drawn from the rolls 1 can be drawn. The support 2 is mounted for reciprocation between first and second positions. The support is shown in the first position in the drawings.

In the second position, the support overlies respective folding stations indicated generally by the reference numeral 4. Each folding station comprises three pivotally mounted blades 5,6 and 7. Blade 1 is disposed on one side of a platform 8 and blades 6 and 7 on the other side of that platform. The disposition of the pivots of the blades is such that blade 5 is operative to pivot clockwise and blades 6 and 7 anticlockwise. Handles (not shown) may be provided to facilitate turning of the platforms.

A guillotine 9 which coacts with a fixed edge 10 disposed at one side of the folding stations is provided and a clamp 11 which coacts with another fixed edge 12 is provided at the other side of the platform 8. The whole arrangement is supported on a bench indicated generally by the reference numeral 13.

The platform itself may also be pivotally mounted to enable folded material pieces to be loaded directly into a packet indicated in dotted outline 14.

The machine is operated as follows. The free ends of the material are drawn from the rolls 1 round rollers 3. This material is rolled in difolded or trifolded form as shown in cross section in Figures 3a and 3b respectively. The material is lightly gripped between rollers 3 and the upper surface of the support 2 leaving the free ends of the material overhanging the edge 10. Operation of the guillotine 9 then severs the ends of the material from the rest.

The support 2 is then moved to the left to bring it over the folding stations 4 and the free ends of the material are clamped to the edge 12 by clamp 11. The support is then returned as a result of which material is drawn from the rolls 1 and laid on the folding stations. When the support reaches its original right hand position, the guillotine 9 is again operated severing the lengths of material on the folding stations from the remainder. The clamp 11 is released and blades 7 pivoted anti-clockwise to produce the first fold (see Figure 4). Blades 5 and 6 are then pivoted respectively clockwise and anticlockwise to produce folded material pieces positioned on platforms 8 (see Figure 5). Pivoting platforms 8 in an anticlockwise direction then packs the folded material piece into packets 14 when the process can be repeated.

The clamping of the free end of the material and the drawing back from the clamped position to draw a length of material from the roll enables a length of material to be laid on the platform in a controlled and positive manner thus facilitating folding.

It will be appreciated that the above embodiment has been described by way of example only and that many variations are possible without departing from the scope of the invention. For example, although five material rolls have been provided for more or less than four could be provided for if required. Also, if desired, operation of the support, blades, guillotine and clamp could be automated in accordance with an appropriately timed programme.

Claims

1. Apparatus for producing folded lengths of material from a longer length of material comprising means for advancing the free end of the longer length of material to a position at which it can be clamped, and for laying the material on a folding station, and means for severing the material on the folding station from the remainder of the material the folding station comprising means for folding the severed length of material.

2. Apparatus as claimed in claim 1, in which the means for advancing comprises a reciprocable support.

3. Apparatus as claimed in claim 2, in which the support supports a roll of material which is to be cut into smaller lengths.

4. Apparatus as claimed in claim 2 or 3, in which the support comprises a roller under which the free end of the material may be pulled and between which and surface of the support the material may be lightly gripped.

5. Apparatus as claimed in claim 2,3 or 4, in which the support is disposed so that it can be advanced over and retracted from the folding station and clamping means are disposed adjacent the folding station for clamping the free end of the material when the support is advanced such that when the support is retracted material is withdrawn from the roll and laid on the folding station.

6. Apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim in which the means for severing comprises a guillotine.

7. Apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim, in which the folding station may comprise several pivotable blades.

8. Apparatus as claimed in claim 7, in which there is at least one blade disposed on one side of a platform and at least one blade is disposed on the other side of the platform andmeans are provided for pivoting those blades on one side in a clockwise direction and those blades on the other side in an anticlockwise direction in a predetermined sequence to produce the desired folded length of material.

9. Apparatus as claimed in claim 8, in which the platform is pivotable so that a folded length of material may be packed into a container.

10. Apparatus for producing folded lengths of material from a longer length of material substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to the accompanying drawings.