Braiding machine and method of forming a braided article using such braiding machine
First Claim
1. 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.
1 Assignment
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Accused Products
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.
156 Citations
28 Claims
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1. A method of forming a braided upper using a braiding machine system comprising a support structure, the method comprising the steps of:
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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. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10)
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11. A method of forming a braided upper using a braiding machine system comprising a support structure, the method comprising:
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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. - View Dependent Claims (12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17)
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18. A method of forming a braided upper comprising:
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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. - View Dependent Claims (19, 20, 21)
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22. A braiding machine system comprising:
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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. - View Dependent Claims (23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28)
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Specification