NIKE, Inc.
Braiding Machine And Method Of Forming An Article Incorporating A Moving Object

Abstract:

A braiding machine comprising a support structure, a track, an enclosure, a plurality of rotor metals, and a passageway having a first opening and a second opening, and a method of forming an upper using a braiding machine, the method comprising braiding over a forming last that passes from a first side of a braiding point to a second side of the braiding point of the braiding machine. The braiding machine is capable of forming intricate braided structures and may include different sized rings and non-linear passageways through which a forming last passes. Multiple forming lasts may be attached together by connection mechanisms and passed through the braiding machine.