U.S. patent application number 15/991847 was filed with the patent office on 2018-12-06 for method of manufacturing a bi-axial braided article of footwear.
The applicant listed for this patent is NIKE, Inc.. Invention is credited to Robert M. Bruce, Chikao Ichikawa, Eun Kyung Lee, James Y. Yoo.
Application Number | 20180343960 15/991847 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 62683509 |
Filed Date | 2018-12-06 |
United States Patent
Application |
20180343960 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Bruce; Robert M. ; et
al. |
December 6, 2018 |
METHOD OF MANUFACTURING A BI-AXIAL BRAIDED ARTICLE OF FOOTWEAR
Abstract
A method of manufacturing is provided, with an initial step of
providing an automated braiding machine having a braid ring
assembly and a plurality of spools associated with the braid ring
assembly, each of the plurality of spools containing a strand of
braiding material. When initially braiding the article of footwear,
the spools on the braid ring assembly are in a first set of
positions. Continuing, the article of footwear is braided beginning
with a first end of the article of footwear with the spools on the
braid ring assembly in the first set of positions. Upon reaching a
transition point of the article of footwear, the spools on the
braid ring assembly are positioned in a second set of positions.
Finally, the article of footwear is braided from the transition
point to the second end, with the spools on the braid ring assembly
in the second set of positions.
Inventors: |
Bruce; Robert M.; (Portland,
OR) ; Lee; Eun Kyung; (Beaverton, OR) ; Yoo;
James Y.; (Portland, OR) ; Ichikawa; Chikao;
(Gunma, JP) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
NIKE, Inc. |
Beaverton |
OR |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
62683509 |
Appl. No.: |
15/991847 |
Filed: |
May 29, 2018 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
62513202 |
May 31, 2017 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A43B 1/04 20130101; D03D
2700/03 20130101; D04C 3/48 20130101; D04C 1/06 20130101; D03D 3/02
20130101; A43B 23/0245 20130101; D04C 3/38 20130101; D04C 3/40
20130101; D04B 1/24 20130101; D10B 2501/043 20130101 |
International
Class: |
A43B 1/04 20060101
A43B001/04; D04B 1/24 20060101 D04B001/24; A43B 23/02 20060101
A43B023/02; D03D 3/02 20060101 D03D003/02; D04C 3/40 20060101
D04C003/40 |
Claims
1. A method of manufacturing an article of footwear having a first
end and an opposing second end, the method comprising: providing an
automated braiding machine having a braid ring assembly and a
plurality of spools associated with the braid ring assembly, each
of the plurality of spools containing a strand of braiding
material; positioning the spools on the braid ring assembly in a
first set of positions; braiding the article of footwear, beginning
with a first end of the article of footwear, with the spools on the
braid ring assembly in the first set of positions; upon reaching a
transition point of the article of footwear, positioning the spools
on the braid ring assembly in a second set of positions; and
braiding the article of footwear from the transition point to the
second end the article of footwear, with the spools on the braid
ring assembly in the second set of positions.
2. The method of manufacturing of claim 1, wherein the second set
of positions is obtained by rotating the first set of
positions.
3. The method of manufacturing of claim 2, wherein the rotating of
the first set of positions is between 0 and 45 degrees.
4. The method of manufacturing of claim 2, wherein the rotating of
the first set of positions is between 45 and 90 degrees.
5. The method of manufacturing of claim 1, wherein the first end of
the article of footwear is a toe end.
6. The method of manufacturing of claim 1, wherein the first end of
the article of footwear is an ankle end.
7. The method of manufacturing of claim 1, wherein the first end of
the article of footwear is braided in a first braiding plane, and
wherein the second end of the article of footwear is braided in a
second braiding plane.
8. The method of manufacturing of claim 7, wherein the first
braiding plane is perpendicular to the second braiding plane.
9. The method of manufacturing of claim 7, wherein the first
braiding plane is offset 45 degrees from the second braiding
plane.
10. The method of manufacturing of claim 1, wherein the transition
point is positioned between 2 to 6 inches from the first end of the
article of footwear.
11. A method of manufacturing an article of footwear utilizing an
automated braiding machine having a braid ring assembly, the method
comprising: positioning the braid ring assembly in a first
configuration; braiding the article of footwear with the braid ring
assembly in the first configuration; positioning the braiding ring
assembly in a second configuration; braiding the article of
footwear with the braid ring assembly in the second
configuration.
12. The method of manufacturing of claim 11, wherein braiding the
article of footwear with the braid ring assembly in the first
configuration results in a first end of the article of footwear
being braided in a first braiding plane, and wherein braiding the
article of footwear with the braid ring assembly in the second
configuration results in the second end of the article of footwear
being braided in a second braiding plane.
13. The method of manufacturing of claim 12, wherein the article of
footwear further comprises a transition section positioned between
the first end and the second end.
14. The method of manufacturing of claim 13, wherein the transition
section further comprises a beginning transition point and an
ending transition point, the beginning transition point defined at
an end of the first braiding plane, and the ending transition point
defined at an end of the second braiding plane.
15. The method of manufacturing of claim 11, wherein the second
configuration is achieved through rotating the braid ring assembly
between 45 and 90 degrees from the first configuration.
16. The method of manufacturing of claim 11, wherein the second
configuration is achieved through rotating the braid ring assembly
between 0 and 45 degrees from the first configuration.
17. The method of manufacturing of claim 11, wherein the first end
of the article of footwear is a toe end.
18. The method of manufacturing of claim 11, wherein the first end
of the article of footwear is a heel end.
19. An article of footwear having a toe end and an heel opening,
the article of footwear comprising: a first section at the toe end,
braided with a plurality of yarns in a first direction; and a
second section at the heel end, braided with the plurality of yarns
in a second direction. a transition section positioned between the
first section and the second section, wherein the transition
section further comprises a beginning transition point proximate
the first section and an ending transition point proximate the
second section, wherein the plurality of yarns of the transition
section linearly transitions from the first direction to the second
direction.
20. The article of footwear of claim 19, further comprising a
transition section positioned between the first section and the
second section, wherein the transition section further comprises a
beginning transition point proximate the first section and an
ending transition point proximate the second section, wherein the
plurality of yarns of the transition section linearly transitions
from the first direction to the second direction.
21. The article of footwear of claim 19, wherein the first
direction is orthogonal to the second direction.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application claims benefit of U.S. Provisional
Application 62/513,202 filed on May 31, 2017 and entitled Method of
Manufacturing a Bi-Axial Braided Article of Footwear. The entirety
of the aforementioned application is incorporated by reference
herein.
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0002] The present invention relates to a braided article of
footwear, and in particular, an upper for an article of
footwear.
BACKGROUND
[0003] Articles of footwear typically have an upper that provides
an enclosure for receiving the foot of a wearer. It is desirable to
have an upper construction that supports and protects a wearer's
foot, yet also provides comfort for the wearer. Accordingly, shoe
uppers may be created using a wide variety of materials and
manufacturing techniques, in order to impart flexibility and
aesthetic characteristics desired by the wearer of the upper.
[0004] One such technique available for manufacturing a shoe upper
is braiding. However, due to previous limitations with braiding as
a shoe upper manufacturing technique, the individual yarns of a
braided shoe upper were typically aligned in a single axis.
DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0005] FIG. 1 depicts a schematic view of an exemplary braiding
machine;
[0006] FIG. 2 depicts a schematic top view of an exemplary braiding
machine, illustrating the carriages and rotor metals;
[0007] FIG. 3 depicts a view similar to FIG. 2, but with the rotor
metals moving the carriages;
[0008] FIG. 4 depicts a view similar to FIG. 3, but showing the
completion of the exemplary movement of FIG. 3;
[0009] FIG. 5 depicts an article of footwear, in accordance with
aspects herein;
[0010] FIG. 6 depicts a perspective view of an exemplary braiding
machine having a lead bobbin or spool in a first position, in
accordance with aspects herein;
[0011] FIG. 7 depicts a perspective view of an exemplary braiding
machine having a lead spool in a second position, in accordance
with aspects herein;
[0012] FIG. 8 depicts a flow diagram of an exemplary method of
manufacturing the article of footwear of FIG. 5, in accordance with
aspects herein; and
[0013] FIG. 9 depicts an additional flow diagram of an exemplary
method of manufacturing the article of footwear of FIG. 5, in
accordance with aspects herein; and
[0014] FIG. 10 depicts an additional flow diagram of an exemplary
method of manufacturing the article of footwear of FIG. 5, in
accordance with aspects herein.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0015] Aspects herein are generally directed to a method of
manufacturing an article of footwear having a first end and an
opposing second end, the method comprising providing an automated
braiding machine having a braid ring assembly and a plurality of
spools associated with the braid ring assembly, each of the
plurality of spools containing a strand of braiding material. The
method further comprises positioning the spools on the braid ring
assembly in a first set of positions, braiding the article of
footwear, beginning with a first end of the article of footwear,
with the spools on the braid ring assembly in the first set of
positions, upon reaching a transition point of the article of
footwear, positioning the spools on the braid ring assembly in a
second set of positions, and braiding the article of footwear from
the transition point to the second end the article of footwear,
with the spools on the braid ring assembly in the second set of
positions.
[0016] Additionally, aspects herein are generally directed to a
method of manufacturing an article of footwear utilizing an
automated braiding machine having a braid ring assembly, the method
comprising positioning the spools on the braid ring assembly in a
first configuration, braiding the article of footwear with the
spools on the braid ring assembly in the first configuration, the
method continues by positioning the spools on the braid ring
assembly in a second configuration, braiding the article of
footwear with the spools on the braid ring assembly in the second
configuration.
[0017] Still further, aspects herein are generally directed to an
article of footwear having a toe end and an heel opening, the
article of footwear comprising a first section braided with a
plurality of yarns in a first plane, a second section braided with
the plurality of yarns in a second plane, and a transition section
positioned between the first section and the second section,
wherein the transition section further comprises a beginning
transition point proximate the first section and an ending
transition point proximate the second section, wherein the
plurality of yarns of the transition section linearly transitions
from the first plane to the second plane.
[0018] Braiding is a process of interlacing or interweaving three
or more yarns diagonally to a product axis in order to obtain a
thicker, wider or stronger product or in order to cover (overbraid)
some profile. Interlacing diagonally means that the yarns make an
angle with the product axis, which can be between 1 and 89 degrees
but is usually in the range of 30-80 degrees. This angle is called
the braiding angle. Braids can be linear products (ropes), hollow
tubular shells or solid structures (one, two or three-dimensional
textiles) with constant or variable cross-section, and of closed or
open appearance.
[0019] As used herein, the yarns used for braiding may be formed of
different materials having different properties. The properties
that a particular yarn will impart to an area of a braided
component partially depend upon the materials that form the yarn.
Cotton, for example, provides a softer product, natural aesthetics,
and biodegradability. Elastane and stretch polyester each provide
substantial stretch and recovery, with stretch polyester also
providing recyclability. Rayon provides high luster and moisture
absorption. Wool also provides high moisture absorption, in
addition to insulating properties and biodegradability. Nylon is a
durable and abrasion-resistant material with relatively high
strength. Polyester is a hydrophobic material that also provides
relatively high durability. In addition to materials, other aspects
of the yarn selected for formation of a braided component may
affect the properties of the braided component. For example, a yarn
may be a monofilament or a multifilament. The yarn may also include
separate filaments that are each formed of different materials. In
addition, the yarn may include filaments that are each formed of
two or more different materials, such as a bicomponent yarn with
filaments having a sheath-core configuration or two halves formed
of different materials.
[0020] As discussed herein, braided structures can be formed as
tubular braids on a braiding machine, such as a radial, axial or
lace braiding machine. One example of a lace braiding machine can
be found in Ichikawa, EP 1 486 601, granted May 9, 2007 entitled
"Torchon Lace Machine" and EP No. 2 657 384, published Oct. 30,
2013 entitled "Torchon Lace Machine," the entirety of which are
hereby incorporated by reference. The upper portion of an exemplary
braiding machine 10 is shown in FIG. 1. Braiding machine 10
includes a plurality of spools 12. In some embodiments, the spools
12 carry the yarn 14 selected for braiding. The yarns 14 from
individual spools are selectively interlaced or intertwined with
one another by the braiding machine 10. This interlacing or
intertwining of strands forms a braided structure 16, as further
described below. Each of the spools 12 is supported and constrained
by a track 18 about the circumference of the braiding machine 10.
Each spool 12 has a tensioner 20 (shown schematically in FIG. 1)
that operates, along with a roller 22, to maintain a desired
tension in the yarns 14 and the braided structure 16. As the yarns
14 extend upwardly, they pass through a braid ring 24 that is
generally considered the braiding point. The braiding point is
defined as the point or area where yarns 14 consolidate to form
braid structure 16. At or near ring 24, the distance between yarns
14 from different spools 12 diminishes. As the distance between
yarns 14 is reduced, the yarns 14 intermesh or braid with one
another in a tighter fashion and are pulled linearly by roller
22.
[0021] As best seen in FIG. 2, each spool 12 is carried and
supported by a carriage 26. Each spool 12 is movable about the
circumference of the track 18 by rotor metals 28. As described on
the Torchon Lace Machine referenced previously, and disclosed in EP
1 486 601, each of the rotor metals 28 can be moved clockwise or
counterclockwise. In contrast to radial braiding machines or fully
non-jacquard machines, in a lace braiding machine, each rotor metal
is not intermeshed with the adjacent rotor metal. Instead, each
rotor metal 28 may be selectively independently movable. As can be
seen by comparing FIG. 2 to FIG. 3, as the rotor metals 28 rotate,
they move the carriages 26, and thus the spools 12 supported on the
carriages 26 by moving them about the circumference of the track
18. The braiding machine 10 is programmable such that the
individual rotor metals 28 rotate the carriages 26, and thus the
spools 12 to move them about the circumference of the track 18. As
an individual spool 12 moves relative to an adjacent spool 12, the
yarns 14 carried on the spools 12 interweave to create a desired
braid pattern. The movement of spools 12 may be pre-programmed to
form particular shapes, designs, and thread densities of a braided
component or portions of a braided component. By varying the
rotation and location of individual spools 12 various braid
configurations may be formed. Such an exemplary braiding machine
may form intricate braid configurations including both jacquard and
non-jacquard braid configurations or geometries. Such
configurations and geometries offer design possibilities beyond
those offered by other textiles, such as knitting.
[0022] In some aspects, the size of braiding machine 10 may be
varied. It should be understood that the braiding machine 10 shown
and described is for illustrative purposes only. In some aspects,
braiding machine 10 may be able to accept 144 carriages, although
other sizes of braiding machines, carrying different numbers of
carriages and spools is possible and is within the scope of this
disclosure. By varying the number of carriages and spools within a
braiding machine, the density of the braided structure as well as
the size of the braided component may be altered.
[0023] Turning now to FIG. 5, an exemplary article of footwear 100
is depicted as having a first end 102 and a second end 104. In
accordance with aspects herein, the first end 102 may correspond to
a portion of the article of footwear 100 adapted to cover the toes
of a wearer, while the second end 104 may correspond to a portion
of the article of footwear 100 adapted to cover a heel or ankle end
of a wearer. In accordance with the aspects discussed throughout
this disclosure, the article of footwear 100 is generally braided
from a first end 102 to a second end 104. In other words, the
article of footwear 100 is generally braided from a toe end to an
ankle end. However, it is envisioned that the first end 102 of the
article of footwear 100 and the second end 104 of the article of
footwear 100 may be reversed, such that the article of footwear is
braided from an ankle end to a toe end of the article of
footwear.
[0024] With continued reference to FIG. 5, the first end 102 of the
article of footwear 100 generally corresponds to a first plane of
braiding 106, while the second end 104 of the article of footwear
generally corresponds to a second plane of braiding 108. As
depicted in FIG. 5, the first plane of braiding 106 is generally
placed in an X-Y orientation, while the second plane of braiding
108 generally placed in a Y-Z orientation.
[0025] However, other orientations of the first plane of braiding
106 and second plane of braiding 108 are considered to be within
the scope of this disclosure. For example, the first plane of
braiding 106 may be placed in an X-Z orientation, while the second
plane of braiding 108 may be placed in a Y-Z orientation or an X-Y
orientation. Regardless of the exact planes of braiding selected,
the important aspect of the planes of braiding is that the first
plane of braiding 106 and the second plane of braiding 108 are
perpendicular to each other, such that a "Mobius-twist" is
performed to rotate from the first plane of braiding 106 to the
second plane of braiding 108. However, aspects in which the first
plane of braiding 106 and the second plane of braiding 108 are not
perpendicular are considered to be within the scope of this
disclosure. For example, the first plane of braiding 106 and the
second plane of braiding 108 may be offset 45 degrees from one
another, or may be offset any other amount between 0 and 90 degrees
from each other. Generally, the article of footwear will have the
greatest resistance to stretch in a direction that aligns to the
plane of braiding used to manufacture that portion of the article
of footwear. In other words, the amount of "Mobius-twist" performed
changes the functional characteristics of the article of footwear
created by the methods described herein.
[0026] In accordance with aspects herein, the "Mobius-twist" is
generally performed at a transition point 110 of the article of
footwear, which generally refers to a point of the article of
footwear in which the first plane of braiding 106 and second plane
of braiding 108 intersect. In some aspects, the first plane of
braiding 106 may transition to the second plane of braiding 108
instantaneously at the transition point 110. The transition point
110 may be located between 2 and 6 inches from the first end 102 of
the article of footwear. However, in some aspects, the first plane
of braiding 106 may gradually morph into the second plane of
braiding 108. In this aspect, the transition point 110 may be more
accurately referred to as a transition section 112, wherein the
transition section 112 has a beginning transition point 114a and an
ending transition point 114b. Similar to the transition point 110,
the beginning transition point 114a may be located between 2 and 6
inches from the first end 102 of the article of footwear.
[0027] Thus far in this disclosure, the discussion with respect to
FIG. 5 has focused on manufacturing the exemplary article of
footwear 100 comprises a first section 101 braided with a plurality
of yarns in a first direction, which corresponds to the first plane
of braiding 106. Next, the exemplary article of footwear comprises
a second section 103 braided with a plurality of yarns in a second
plane, which corresponds to the second plane of braiding 108.
Further, the exemplary article of footwear 100 further comprises
the transition section 110 positioned between the first section 101
and the second section 103, wherein the transition section 110
further comprises the beginning transition point 114a proximate the
first section 101 and the ending transition point 114b proximate
the second section 103, wherein the plurality of yarns of the
transition section 110 linearly transitions from the first
direction, or the first plane of braiding 106, to the second plane,
or second plane of braiding 108. In accordance with aspects herein,
transitioning linearly refers to the angle of the yarns rotating
smoothly between perpendicular directions, the first plane and the
second plane, over the length of the transition section 110.
Alternatively, the plurality of yarns of the transition section 110
may transition in a non-linear manner, in which the angle of the
yarns rotate quickly in one part of the transition section 112, and
rotate less quickly another part of the transition section 112.
[0028] Turning now to FIG. 6, an automated braiding machine 200,
similar to those shown in FIGS. 1-4 is depicted. In FIG. 6, the
article of footwear 100 is shown as being braided beginning at
first end 102. The automated braiding machine has a braid ring
assembly 202 and a plurality of spools 204 associated with the
braid ring assembly 202. The plurality of spools 204 may be
integrally formed into the braid ring assembly 202, or provided
separately and then coupled to the braid ring assembly 202. In
accordance with aspects herein, at least some of the plurality of
spools 204 may contain strands of braiding material, such as yarn,
although it is generally desirable for the entirety of the
plurality of spools 204 to contain strands of braiding material.
One of the plurality of spools 204 has been shaded, and is referred
to as the "lead spool" throughout this disclosure, for the purposes
of tracking the positioning of the plurality of spools 204 on the
braid ring assembly 200. As used throughout this disclosure, the
braid ring assembly 200 may have a first set of positions 210 (FIG.
6) and a second set of positions 212 (FIG. 7), where the second set
of positions 212 is obtained by rotating the spools on the braid
ring assembly 202 from the first set of positions 210. The amount
of rotation of spools on the braid ring assembly is completely
variable based on the desired properties of the article of
footwear. For example, the second set of positions 212 may be
rotated 45 degrees from the first set of positions 210, or the
second set of positions 212 may be rotated 90 degrees from the
first set of positions 210. Alternatively, other intermediate
amounts of rotation are considered to be within the scope of this
disclosure.
[0029] For example, the lead spool can be tracked from the first
set of positions 210 as shown in FIG. 6, to a second set of
positions 212 as shown FIG. 7, which depicts that the braid ring
assembly has rotated approximately 90 degrees. As discussed
previously, the article of footwear 100 is braided, beginning with
a first end 102, with the plurality of spools 204 on the braid ring
assembly 200 in the first set of positions 210. In accordance with
the "Mobius-twist" described herein, braiding the article of
footwear 100 with the braid ring assembly in the first set of
positions 210 results in a first end 102 of the article of footwear
100 being braided in a first braiding plane 106, and wherein
braiding the article of footwear 100 with the braid ring assembly
202 in the second configuration results in the second end of the
article of footwear being braided in a second braiding plane.
[0030] Turning now to FIG. 7, the automated braiding machine 200 is
depicted as manufacturing an article of footwear 100, after the
"Mobius-twist" has been performed. In other words, the article of
footwear depicted in FIG. 7 has been fully braided in the first
plane of braiding 106, has passed the transition point 110, and is
now braiding in the second plane of braiding 108, meaning that the
positioning of the spools on the braid ring assembly in the second
set of positions 212. Accordingly, FIG. 7 depicts the automated
braiding process after reaching and completely passing through the
transition point 110 of the article of footwear 100, or in other
words, after the "Mobius-twist" has been performed.
[0031] FIG. 8 depicts an exemplary method of manufacturing 800 an
article of footwear having a first end and an opposing second end.
The method 800 comprises the step 802 of providing an automated
braiding machine having a braid ring assembly and a plurality of
spools associated with the braid ring assembly. At this step, some
or all of the plurality of spools may contain a strand of braiding
material. Next, at step 804, positioning the spools on the braid
ring assembly in a first set of positions. As discussed previously,
the first set of positions generally refers to the position of the
spools on the braid ring assembly when the article of footwear is
being braided in the first plane of braiding 106, as depicted in
FIG. 5. Next, step 806 comprises braiding the article of footwear,
beginning with a first end of the article of footwear, with the
spools on the braid ring assembly in the first set of positions.
Further, step 808 comprises reaching a transition point (or
transition section) of the article of footwear, and then
positioning the spools on the braid ring assembly in a second set
of positions. As discussed previously, the second set of positions
generally refers to the position of the spools on the braid ring
assembly when the article of footwear is being braided in the
second plane of braiding 108. As further discussed previously, the
second set of positions is generally obtained by rotating the braid
ring assembly an amount between 0 and 90 degrees, as depicted in
FIGS. 6-7. Finally, step 810 comprises braiding the article of
footwear from the transition point to the second end of the article
of footwear, with the spools on the braid ring assembly in the
second set of positions.
[0032] Turning now to FIG. 9, flow diagram 900 depicts an exemplary
method of manufacturing an article of footwear utilizing an
automated braiding machine having a braid ring assembly. The method
comprises step 902, which includes positioning the braid ring
assembly in a first configuration. In accordance with aspects
herein, the term "first configuration" and the term "first set of
positions" may be used interchangeably. Next, step 904 includes
braiding the article of footwear with the braid ring assembly in
the first configuration, as depicted by FIG. 6. Moving forward,
step 906 involves positioning the braid ring assembly in a second
configuration. As also discussed previously, the term "second
configuration" and "second set of positions" are used
interchangeably throughout this disclosure. Finally, step 908
includes braiding the article of footwear with the braid ring
assembly in the second configuration, as shown in FIG. 7.
[0033] Turning now to FIG. 10, flow diagram 1000 depicts an
exemplary method of manufacturing an article of footwear using an
automated braiding machine. As discussed throughout the disclosure,
the article of footwear manufactured by performing the steps of
flow diagram 1000 generally comprises a toe end and an ankle end.
Next, step 1002 positioning a braid ring assembly of the automated
braid machine in a first set of positions, the braid ring assembly
having a plurality of spools. Moving forward, step 1004 depicts
braiding, beginning with the toe end of the article of footwear,
the article of footwear with the braid ring assembly in the first
set of positions. Next, step 1006 depicts that upon reaching a
transition point of the article of footwear, positioning a braid
ring assembly of an automated braid machine in a second set of
positions. Finally, step 1008 depicts braiding the article of
footwear from the transition point to the ankle end.
[0034] Examples of the present invention have been described with
the intent to be illustrative rather than restrictive. Alternative
examples will become apparent to those skilled in the art that do
not depart from its scope. A skilled artisan may develop
alternative means of implementing the aforementioned improvements
without departing from the scope of the present invention.
[0035] It will be understood that certain features and
subcombinations are of utility and may be employed without
reference to other features and subcombinations and are
contemplated within the scope of the claims.
* * * * *