A garment folding machine includes: a frame unit defining an external framework of the garment folding machine, a loading unit configured to receive a garment, a folding unit configured to convey and fold the received garment, and an unloading unit configured to collect the garment from the folding unit. The folding unit comprises a plurality of folding layers that are spaced apart from each other in a vertical direction, where each of the plurality of folding layers includes a conveyor configured to convey the garment, and a conveyor motor configured to provide driving power to the conveyor. A first conveyor motor is configured to, based on the garment being positioned over two or more adjacent conveyors of the plurality of folding layers, operate at a first rotational speed that is different from a second rotational speed of a second conveyor motor disposed above the first conveyor motor.

An automated system and method wrap the fastening ties around the body of a continuous stream of facemasks in a facemask production line. The facemasks are oriented such that each facemask has a leading pair of ties and a trailing pair of ties extending from a body in a conveying direction of the production line. The leading pair of ties is drawn below the body as the facemask continues to be conveyed in the conveying. The body is conveyed through a plurality of conveyor sections oriented at angles such that the conveying direction of the body changes at a junction from one conveyor section to an adjacent conveyor section. At the junctions between conveyor sections, an impinging force is directed against the body that causes body to flip, thereby causing the leading and trailing pairs of ties to further wrap around the body.

A surgical gown folded in a unique pattern that provides for a smaller sized gown that can be packaged in a smaller sized outer wrap as well as provide for an easily donnable gown that maintains its sterility. The fold pattern provides for the interior surfaces of the gown to be visible, and preferably, a portion of the interior surfaces, while maintaining sterility of the exterior surfaces by keeping them inside of the gown. A method of folding the gown in this new pattern is provided herein as well as a method of donning the folded gown.

Devices, systems, and methods for autonomously shuffling a plurality of platters through a plurality of tiered folding bays are described. Each of the platters includes a platter coupling, and the plurality of tiered folding bays each include a bidirectionally driven receiving coupling, at least one of a sliding folding rod and blade, and a lifting mechanism configured to separate the platter coupling from the receiving coupling. The system includes a loading elevator for loading a platter and unfolded laundry article disposed thereon into a bay, and an unloading elevator for lowering a platter and a folded laundry article thereon to an unloading station for handing off to packing. A return conveyor returns each emptied platter to a repositioning station for receiving another spread laundry article for folding. The loading elevator, unloading elevator and each of the plurality of folding bays includes a pair of driven conveyors for transferring platters.

A container includes a single piece of material having panels that are foldable about pre-formed crease lines into an enclosed configuration. The panels include a first base panel for supporting a garment and an insert panel extending from the first base panel and configured to be inserted within the garment. The insert panel is foldable to position the garment over the first base panel. The panels include sidewall panels, a second base panel, and a closure panel. The sidewall panels are foldable relative to the first base panel to form sidewalls of the container. The second base panel extends from one of the sidewall panels and is foldable over the first base panel. The closure panel extends from one of the panels, is foldable relative to the sidewall panels, and carries a fastener for fastening to another one of the panels to maintain the container in the enclosed configuration.

A glove stacking apparatus forming a stack folded gloves has a supporting surface for supporting the stack as folded gloves are added to the stack along a stacking axis. First and second flaps are pivotable about first and second pivot axes opposite first and second sides of a glove stacking area. The supporting surface is relatively movable as folded gloves are added to the stack. A cyclic flap actuation system is configured to drive a folding action of each flap in which the flaps alternately pivot about the corresponding pivot axis so that each flap folds a first portion of a deposited glove overlapping a flap towards a second portion of the glove at the glove stacking area; the folding action alternating as gloves are added to the stack. Each flap in addition to being pivotable is also laterally movable both towards and away from the stacking area.

A device for autonomously folding a deformable article includes a rotatable platform configured to receive the deformable article and at least one movable elongation in operable communication with at least one elongation drive. The at least one movable elongation is configured to raise and lower from the surface of the rotatable platform, move parallel to the surface, and manipulate the deformable article to thereby fold the deformable article at one of the one or more fold lines. The device includes a table drive configured to rotate the rotatable platform about a central axis such that the at least one elongation aligns with one of the one or more fold lines, and at least one sensor configured to detect the deformable article position and orientation on the rotatable platform. A controller is in operable communication with the at least one elongation drive, the table drive, and the at least one sensor.

An automated system for packaging an item includes a pallet, a packaging station and a controller. The pallet supports both the item and a packaging layer. The package is formed with the packaging layer. The packaging station folds the item and the packaging layer such that the item is enclosed within the packaging layer. The controller controls operation of the system. The item may be for example a textile, a digitally printed textile and/or a garment.

A garment folding machine includes: a frame unit defining an external framework of the garment folding machine, a loading unit configured to receive a garment, a folding unit configured to convey and fold the received garment, and an unloading unit configured to collect the garment from the folding unit. The folding unit comprises a plurality of folding layers that are spaced apart from each other in a vertical direction, where each of the plurality of folding layers includes a conveyor configured to convey the garment, and a conveyor motor configured to provide driving power to the conveyor. A first conveyor motor is configured to, based on the garment being positioned over two or more adjacent conveyors of the plurality of folding layers, operate at a first rotational speed that is different from a second rotational speed of a second conveyor motor disposed above the first conveyor motor.

A fabric folding article includes guide sections, cover section, and fold sections, cooperating to fold, place, and secure a fabric article inside the apparatus. The guide sections comprise three sections and folding sections comprise four sections cooperating to fold and place the article within the apparatus. The cover sections operate to secure the fabric article within the apparatus. The entire apparatus is made from a single material. Alternatively, the guide sections and the cover sections are made from a first flexible material and the fold sections are made from a second flexible material.