Bag folding system

• US 5,471,817 A
• Filed: 03/01/1994
• Issued: 12/05/1995
• Est. Priority Date: 04/07/1993
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: U.S. Transportaiton Systems, Inc. (Precept Business Services, Inc.)
• Original Assignee: Automated Solutions, LLC
• Inventors: Baker, William F., Hulsey, Larry P., Rhinefrank, Robert A.
• Primary Examiner(s): BRAY, WAYMOND D
• Application Number:
  US08/203,801
• Time in Patent Office: 644 Days
• Field of Search: 280/731, 280/732, 280/743, 493/405, 493/407, 493/411, 493/451, 493/456, 493/457, 493/940, 53/117, 53/120, 53/429
• US Class Current: 53/429
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 2021/2375 Folding devices
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 21/237 characterised by the way they are folded
• CPC Class Codes: B65B 63/02 for compressing or compacting articles or materials prior to wrapping or insertion in containers or receptacles
• CPC Class Codes: B65B 63/04 for folding or winding articles, e.g. gloves or stockings
• CPC Class Codes: Y10S 493/94 Bellows

Abstract

An automated system is disclosed for folding vehicle air bags so that a small folded bag profile in a desirable bag deployment pattern results. A machine having a holding fixture for receiving the retainer of an air bag assembly, and a plurality of upright members. A flattened bag with pleated sides is supported above the upright members, and sequentially inserted between the upright members forming undulating folds. The upright members are removed while retaining the undulating folds. The folds are then compressed, sharpening the folds and forming a compact package. The machine also includes an inserter assembly which inserts the folded bag into the retainer.

Claims

1. A method of automatically packaging an air bag for deployment, said method comprising the steps of:

providing said air bag including a first end coupled to a retainer, a second end in a compacted state, and a coupling portion coupling said second end to said first end;

forming a bubble fold in said coupling portion;

inserting said second end into said retainer;

inserting said bubble fold into said retainer; and

securing said air bag within said retainer.

2. A method as claimed in claim 1 wherein the step of forming said bubble fold includes the step of moving said second end over said coupling portion toward said retainer.

3. A method as claimed in claim 2 wherein the step of moving said second end over said coupling portion includes the steps of:

providing a first blade movable between a rearward and a forward position;

providing a second blade independently operable with respect to said first blade, and movable between a raised position and a lowered position;

providing a movable blade support, supporting said first blade and said second blade in a substantially parallel relationship;

positioning said first blade and said second blade on opposing sides of said second end of said air bag; and

moving said blade support towards said retainer.

4. A method as claimed in claim 3 wherein the step of inserting said second end includes:

raising said second blade; and

moving said first blade to said forward position.

5. A method as claimed in claim 4 wherein the step of inserting said bubble fold includes the steps of:

providing a fold panel pivotally movable from a lowered position to a raised position;

moving said fold panel to said raised position; and

raising said first plate.

6. A method as claimed in claim 5 wherein the step of securing said air bag within said retainer includes the steps of:

providing a retaining cover coupled at a first edge to said retainer and having an opposing second edge;

covering said air bag with said retaining cover; and

affixing said second edge to said retainer.

7. An inserter assembly for packaging an air bag in preparation for deployment, said inserter assembly comprising:

a first blade movable between a rearward and a forward position;

a second blade independently operable with respect to said first blade, and movable between a raised position and a lowered position; and

a blade support movable between a raised and a lowered position, supporting said first blade and said second blade in a substantially parallel relationship.

8. An inserter assembly as claimed in claim 7 further including:

a first actuator coupling said first blade to said blade support; and

a second actuator coupling said second blade to said blade support.

9. An inserter assembly as claimed in claim 8 further including a fold panel having a first edge pivotally supported adjacent a lower edge of said retainer, said fold panel movable from a lowered position substantially perpendicular to said retainer to a raised position substantially parallel to and adjacent said retainer.