Patent Application
20250137192
The present invention relates generally to the field of garment folding. More specifically, the present invention relates to a garment folding device comprised of a housing with motorized or manual folding panels and an integrated steam-generating element for wrinkle removal. Accordingly, the present disclosure makes specific reference thereto. Nonetheless, it is to be appreciated that aspects of the present invention are also equally applicable to other like applications, devices, and methods of manufacture.
After going through the considerable work of sorting, washing, and drying a full load of laundry, the next step—folding and organizing the clean clothes—can be an unexpectedly time-consuming and laborious process. While the initial stages of doing laundry, such as running the washer and dryer, are fairly automated, the manual task of folding each piece of clothing can become quite monotonous and exhausting. This is particularly true when faced with a large pile of freshly laundered items that need to be folded neatly and put away in their designated places. For many people, this step often feels like a daunting chore, requiring patience and attention to detail. Not only does it add significant time to the overall laundry routine, but it can also feel frustrating when it interrupts other activities or responsibilities. The act of carefully folding various types of clothing, from large bed sheets to delicate garments, often feels repetitive and can quickly turn into a tiresome task, making the whole process of doing laundry seem more cumbersome and overwhelming than it needs to be.
Therefore, there exists a long-felt need in the art for a folding device. There also exists a long-felt need in the art for an automated clothes-folding device. More specifically, there exists a long-felt need in the art for an automated clothes-folding device that automatically folds a garment or other foldable items placed within the device.
The subject matter disclosed and claimed herein, in one embodiment thereof, comprises an automated clothes-folding device. The device is comprised of a housing, which may take on various geometric shapes, preferably square or rectangular, and can be constructed from materials such as plastic or metal. The housing encloses an interior space where the folding operation occurs. The folding mechanism is centered around a base plate with left, right, and bottom panels that fold garments sequentially, driven by motorized or manual hinges. The device also features a steam-generating element for wrinkle removal and is powered by a rechargeable battery or continuous power via a cord. Users can initiate folding and steaming processes through external buttons, providing an automated solution for garment handling.
In this manner, the automated clothes-folding device of the present invention accomplishes all the forgoing objectives and provides a device for folding clothes. More specifically, the device automatically folds clothes or other foldable items placed inside the device. As a result, the device greatly improves the clothes-folding experience of a user while doing laundry.
The following presents a simplified summary to provide a basic understanding of some aspects of the disclosed innovation. This summary is not an extensive overview, and it is not intended to identify key/critical elements or to delineate the scope thereof. Its sole purpose is to present some general concepts in a simplified form as a prelude to the more detailed description that is presented later.
The subject matter disclosed and claimed herein, in one embodiment thereof, comprises an automated clothes-folding device. The device is comprised of a housing that may take various shapes, preferably square or rectangular for efficient space use. It is constructed from durable materials like plastic, metal, or composite and may feature aesthetic finishes such as matte or glossy surfaces. The housing contains an interior space accessible via a hinged lid, which can be secured by various locking mechanisms, including magnetic or electronic locks. In some embodiments, the lid may be transparent or translucent for viewing the interior.
The interior space is comprised of a folding base plate with three panels: left, right, and bottom. These panels are connected by hinges that may be mechanical or motorized, allowing for automated folding sequences. The motorized configuration enables synchronized panel movements, controlled by at least one motor, for fully automated folding with minimal manual intervention. The panels can be manually adjusted in non-motorized versions and are designed for folding common garments like shirts and towels. Soft, non-abrasive surfaces on the panels protect delicate fabrics.
Additionally, the device may feature a steam-generating element that removes wrinkles before or during the folding process. This element can operate independently or be integrated into the folding sequence, with adjustable steam settings for different fabric types.
The motor is powered by a rechargeable battery or through a power cord for continuous operation. The device may include an indicator light or display for battery status and support alternative power inputs like solar panels or USB charging.
A method of using the device involves placing a garment on the base plate, pressing a button to initiate the folding sequence, and optionally activating the steam function for wrinkle removal.
Accordingly, the automated clothes-folding device of the present invention is particularly advantageous as it provides a device for folding clothes. More specifically, the device automatically folds clothes or other foldable items placed inside the device. As a result, the device greatly improves the clothes-folding experience of a user while doing laundry. In this manner, the automated clothes-folding device overcomes the limitations of existing methods of folding clothes known in the art.
To the accomplishment of the foregoing and related ends, certain illustrative aspects of the disclosed innovation are described herein in connection with the following description and the annexed drawings. These aspects are indicative, however, of but a few of the various ways in which the principles disclosed herein can be employed and are intended to include all such aspects and their equivalents. Other advantages and novel features will become apparent from the following detailed description when considered in conjunction with the drawings.
The description refers to provided drawings in which similar reference characters refer to similar parts throughout the different views, and in which:
The innovation is now described with reference to the drawings, wherein like reference numerals are used to refer to like elements throughout. In the following description, for purposes of explanation, numerous specific details are set forth to provide a thorough understanding thereof. It may be evident, however, that the innovation can be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known structures and devices are shown in block diagram form to facilitate a description thereof. Various embodiments are discussed hereinafter. It should be noted that the figures are described only to facilitate the description of the embodiments. They are not intended as an exhaustive description of the invention and do not limit the scope of the invention. Additionally, an illustrated embodiment need not have all the aspects or advantages shown. Thus, in other embodiments, any of the features described herein from different embodiments may be combined.
As noted above, there exists a long-felt need in the art for a folding device. There also exists a long-felt need in the art for an automated clothes-folding device. More specifically, there exists a long-felt need in the art for an automated clothes-folding device that automatically folds a garment or other foldable items placed within the device.
The present invention, in one exemplary embodiment, is comprised of an automated clothes-folding device. The device includes a housing that may vary in shape, preferably square or rectangular for optimal space efficiency. It is made from durable materials such as plastic, metal, or composite, and may feature aesthetic finishes like matte or glossy surfaces. The housing encloses an interior space accessible through a hinged lid, which can be secured by locking mechanisms, such as magnetic or electronic locks. In some embodiments, the lid may be transparent or translucent for viewing the interior.
The interior space includes a folding base plate with three panels: left, right, and bottom. These panels are connected by hinges that can be mechanical or motorized, enabling automated folding sequences. In the motorized version, panel movements are synchronized and controlled by at least one motor, allowing for fully automated folding with minimal manual effort. The panels in non-motorized versions can be manually adjusted and are designed to fold garments like shirts and towels. Soft, non-abrasive surfaces on the panels protect delicate fabrics.
The device may also include a steam-generating element to remove wrinkles before or during the folding process. This element can function independently or as part of the folding sequence, with adjustable steam settings for different fabric types.
The motor is powered by a rechargeable battery or a power cord for continuous operation. The device may include an indicator light or display for battery status and may support alternative power inputs such as solar panels or USB charging.
The method of using the device involves placing a garment on the base plate, pressing a button to initiate the folding sequence, and optionally activating the steam function for wrinkle removal.
Thus, the automated clothes-folding device provides a solution for automatically folding clothes or other foldable items placed inside. This greatly enhances the user's experience during laundry by improving efficiency and overcoming the limitations of existing folding methods.
Referring initially to the drawings,
The interior space 115 is comprised of a folding base plate 120. The base plate 120 is designed to provide a stable and adjustable surface for garments during the folding process. The base plate 120 is comprised of at least three panels: a left panel 121, a right panel 122, and a bottom panel 123, as seen in
The base plate 120 and corresponding panels 121, 122, and 123 may be manufactured in a variety of shapes and sizes to accommodate different garment types, but a square or rectangular shape is preferred for folding common items such as shirts, pants, and towels. The dimensions of the base plate 120 can be adjustable or customizable to suit various garment sizes, from children's clothing to larger adult garments. In operation, once a garment 10 is placed flat on the base plate 120, at least one button 114 located on the exterior or interior of the device 100 can be pressed, initiating the folding sequence. First, the left panel 121 folds over the garment 10, applying light pressure to smooth out any wrinkles or creases. After a set duration, the left panel 121 retracts, returning to its original position. Subsequently, the right panel 122 folds over the garment 10, performing a similar action and retracting in sequence. Finally, the bottom panel 123 folds upward, completing the folding process. This sequential folding action is designed to produce a neatly folded garment that remains positioned on the base plate 120. In certain configurations, the folding panels 121, 122, and 123 may feature soft, non-abrasive surfaces, such as rubber or fabric padding, to protect delicate fabrics from damage.
In addition to folding, the interior space 115 may also be comprised of at least one steam-generating element 116, which provides the additional functionality of garment steaming. The steam-generating element 116 is designed to emit steam at controlled temperatures and pressures, effectively removing wrinkles from garments 10 before they are folded. This feature may be particularly useful for items made from cotton, linen, or other fabrics prone to wrinkling. The steam-generating element 116 may be controlled independently or integrated into the overall folding sequence, activating automatically when a garment is detected within the device. In some embodiments, the element 116 may include adjustable steam settings, allowing users to modify the intensity and duration of steam based on the fabric type or condition of the garment via at least one button 118.
The motor 125 that powers the folding mechanisms of the panels 121, 122, and 123 is driven by at least one battery 130. The battery 130 may be a rechargeable lithium-ion battery or other suitable power source, providing sufficient energy for multiple folding and steaming cycles. The battery 130 is comprised of at least one charging port 131, which allows the battery to be recharged using standard power outlets. In some embodiments, the device 100 may feature an indicator light 150 or display 160 that shows the current charge level of the battery 130, alerting users when recharging is necessary. Additionally, the battery 130 may be charged through at least one power cord 132, enabling continuous operation when plugged into an electrical outlet. This dual power option allows the device 100 to function either as a portable unit, running on battery power, or as a stationary unit with a constant power supply via the power cord 132. In certain embodiments, the device 100 may also support alternative power inputs, such as solar panels or USB charging ports, enhancing its versatility in various settings.
The present invention is also comprised of a method of using 200 the device 100, as seen in
Certain terms are used throughout the following description and claims to refer to particular features or components. As one skilled in the art will appreciate, different persons may refer to the same feature or component by different names. This document does not intend to distinguish between components or features that differ in name but not structure or function. As used herein “automated clothes-folding device” and “device” are interchangeable and refer to the automated clothes-folding device 100 of the present invention.
Notwithstanding the forgoing, the automated clothes-folding device 100 of the present invention and its various components can be of any suitable size and configuration as is known in the art without affecting the overall concept of the invention, provided that they accomplish the above-stated objectives. One of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the size, configuration, and material of the automated clothes-folding device 100 as shown in the FIGS. are for illustrative purposes only, and that many other sizes and shapes of the automated clothes-folding device 100 are well within the scope of the present disclosure. Although the dimensions of the automated clothes-folding device 100 are important design parameters for user convenience, the automated clothes-folding device 100 may be of any size, shape, and/or configuration that ensures optimal performance during use and/or that suits the user's needs and/or preferences.
Various modifications and additions can be made to the exemplary embodiments discussed without departing from the scope of the present invention. While the embodiments described above refer to particular features, the scope of this invention also includes embodiments having different combinations of features and embodiments that do not include all the described features. Accordingly, the scope of the present invention is intended to embrace all such alternatives, modifications, and variations as fall within the scope of the claims, together with all equivalents thereof.
What has been described above includes examples of the claimed subject matter. It is, of course, not possible to describe every conceivable combination of components or methodologies for purposes of describing the claimed subject matter, but one of ordinary skill in the art may recognize that many further combinations and permutations of the claimed subject matter are possible. Accordingly, the claimed subject matter is intended to embrace all such alterations, modifications, and variations that fall within the spirit and scope of the appended claims. Furthermore, to the extent that the term “includes” is used in either the detailed description or the claims, such term is intended to be inclusive in a manner similar to the term “comprising” as “comprising” is interpreted when employed as a transitional word in a claim.
The present application claims priority to, and the benefit of, U.S. Provisional Application No. 63/594,050, which was filed on Oct. 30, 2023, and is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 63594050 | Oct 2023 | US |
