Braiding machine and method of forming a braided article using such braiding machine
AssigneeNIKE, Inc.
InventorsRobert M. Bruce, Eun Kyung Lee
Life of this patent
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Abstract
Aspects herein are directed to a braiding machine and method of forming a braided upper for an article of footwear. The braiding machine includes a support structure that includes a track defining a plane with a plurality of rotor metals arranged along the track. The method of forming an article of footwear includes extending a plurality of threads through a ring located along a plane at a braiding point of the braiding machine, and braiding over a forming mandrel that passes from a first side of the braiding point to a second side of the braiding point. The braiding machine being capable of forming intricate braided structures.
Claims28
A method of forming a braided upper using a braiding machine system comprising a support structure, the method comprising the steps of:
- locating a forming mandrel above a ring located at a braiding point of the braiding machine system, wherein the braiding point is located on a first plane of the ring, wherein a first portion of the forming mandrel extends through the braiding point, and wherein a second portion of the forming mandrel is located above the first plane;
- securing the forming mandrel to the support structure of the braiding machine system;
- braiding a plurality of strands to form a three dimensional braided component, wherein the plurality of strands extend through the ring;
- pulling the braided component over the forming mandrel;
- and
- inserting a last into the braided component to shape the braided component, wherein the braiding machine system includes a plurality of rotor metals arranged in a track on the support structure, wherein at least one of the plurality of rotor metals is selectively moveable.
A method of forming a braided upper using a braiding machine system comprising a support structure, the method comprising:
- locating a forming mandrel within a ring located at a braiding point of the braiding machine system, the braiding machine system comprising a plurality of rotor metals arranged in a track on the support structure, wherein at least one of the plurality of rotor metals is selectively moveable, wherein the braiding point is located on a first plane of the ring, wherein a first portion of the forming mandrel extends through the braiding point, and wherein a second portion of the forming mandrel is located above the first plane;
- securing the forming mandrel to the support structure of the braiding machine system;
- braiding a plurality of strands to form a three dimensional braided component, wherein the plurality of strands extend through the ring of the braiding machine system;
- pulling the braided component over the forming mandrel;
- and
- inserting a last into the braided component.
A method of forming a braided upper comprising:
- braiding a tube structure using a braiding machine, the braiding machine comprising:
- a support structure with a plurality of rotor metals arranged in a track on the support structure, wherein at least one rotor metal in the plurality of rotor metals is selectively moveable, and wherein a forming mandrel is secured to the support structure;
- a ring, the ring being located in a plane, wherein a braiding point of the braiding machine is located in the plane, wherein a first portion of the forming mandrel is located within the ring, and wherein a second portion of the forming mandrel is located above the plane;
- inserting a last into the tube structure;
- and
- conforming the tube structure to a shape of the last.
A braiding machine system comprising:
- a support structure;
- a plurality of rotor metals arranged along a track on the support structure;
- a forming mandrel, a first portion of the forming mandrel extending through a braiding point;
- a ring, the ring being located in a plane, wherein the braiding point is located in the plane and a second portion of the forming mandrel is located above the plane;
- and
- a securing portion securing the forming mandrel to the support structure of the braiding machine;
- wherein at least one of the plurality of rotor metals is selectively movable.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.