Sock processing apparatus and method
AssigneeTodd Motion Controls, Inc.
InventorsWilliam H. Todd, Joseph L. Collins, Jr., Thomas A. Reavis
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A sock processing apparatus provides devices for folding, trimming, stacking, and compressing socks. The method provides folding socks by tucking them into a slot in a plate, closing a pair of rollers beneath the plate upon the socks, and thereafter pulling the socks through the slot under roller compression. The socks then move to a trimming station, where they are held in place while a trimmer removes excess threads. The socks are then stacked and moved to a compression station for compression prior to packaging.
Claims24
A sock processing apparatus comprising:
- (a) a plate, said plate defining an elongated slot;
- (b) a first pair of rollers, said pair of rollers adjacent said slot, said pair of rollers freely rotatable and unpowered;
- (c) a blade positioned proximate said slot and movable into said slot, said blade for selectively tucking socks into said slot;
- (d) a first powered roller, said first powered roller positioned proximate said slot;
- and
- (e) a fourth roller, said fourth roller positioned proximate said slot, wherein said first powered roller and said fourth roller are movable laterally to engage said socks.
A sock folder comprising:
- (a) a plate, said plate defining an elongated rectangular slot;
- (b) a blade, said blade positioned proximate said slot and movable thereinto, said blade for selectively tucking socks into said slot;
- (c) means for moving said blade, said blade moving means joined to said blade;
- (d) a pair of powered rollers positioned beneath said slot;
- (e) a roller pneumatic unit joined to said rollers, said roller pneumatic unit for moving said rollers laterally toward one another to engage the sock;
- (f) means for turning said rollers, said roller turning means in electrical communication with said rollers so that said rollers turn after they engage the socks;
- and
- (g) a pair of unpowered rollers, said unpowered rollers positioned adjacent said slot.
A method of folding socks, the method comprising the steps of:
- (a) providing a plate having an elongated slot, a first pair of unpowered rollers and a second pair of powered rollers positioned proximate the slot;
- (b) placing a sock across the slot;
- (c) tucking the sock into the slot;
- (d) cushioning the movement of the sock with the unpowered rollers;
- (e) compressing the sock by laterally closing the pair of powered rollers upon the socks;
- and
- (f) pulling the sock through the slot with the powered rollers to thereby fold the sock.
A method of processing socks, the method comprising the steps of:
- (a) picking up the socks with a vacuum plate;
- (b) placing the socks on a plate with a slot;
- (c) folding the socks by tucking them into the slot in the plate, laterally closing a pair of rollers upon the socks, and turning the rollers to pull the socks through the slot;
- (d) trimming loose threads from the socks;
- (e) stacking the socks;
- and
- (f) compressing the socks to remove air from the socks.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.