A braided tube formation apparatus and associated methods of use are disclosed for assisting in the manufacture of a braided tube. In at least one embodiment, the apparatus provides at least one elongated core mandrel, and at least one elongated, radially collapsible primary tube sized and configured for removably receiving the at least one elongated core mandrel therewithin. Each of the at least one primary tube provides a plurality of spaced apart primary tube portions circumferentially arranged and configured for cooperating to define said primary tube. During use, after the braided tube is circumferentially formed on an outer surface of the at least one primary tube, the at least one core mandrel is removed from within the at least one primary tube, thereby allowing the primary tube portions to radially move inwardly toward one another so that braided tube may be disengaged from the at least one primary tube.

A braiding path generating method includes the following steps. Firstly, a mandrel model is received. Then, an outer diameter of the mandrel model is obtained. Then, a target braiding angle is obtained according to a target coverage rate and the outer diameter of the mandrel model. Then, a braiding simulation path is generated according to the target braiding angle.

A braiding path generating method includes the following steps. Firstly, a mandrel model is received. Then, an outer diameter of the mandrel model is obtained. Then, a target braiding angle is obtained according to a target coverage rate and the outer diameter of the mandrel model. Then, a braiding simulation path is generated according to the target braiding angle.

An apparatus for making surgical braids comprises a plurality of bobbin carrier assemblies. An active track engages at least some of the bobbin carrier assemblies. A passive track arranged to selectively engage at least one of the bobbin assemblies, and a gate positioned between the active track and the passive track. The gate defines an inter-track path and an intra-track path. The gate has an open position wherein the inter-track path is aligned between the active and passive tracks. The gate further has a closed position wherein the intra-track path is aligned with the active track.

An apparatus for making surgical braids comprises a plurality of bobbin carrier assemblies. An active track engages at least some of the bobbin carrier assemblies. A passive track arranged to selectively engage at least one of the bobbin assemblies, and a gate positioned between the active track and the passive track. The gate defines an inter-track path and an intra-track path. The gate has an open position wherein the inter-track path is aligned between the active and passive tracks. The gate further has a closed position wherein the intra-track path is aligned with the active track.

A method of manufacturing a braided footwear upper is provided. The method includes braiding a two-layer, single-tube structure with a first end that couples a first braided layer to a second braided layer, and second end that couples the first braided layer to the second braided layer of the tubular braided structure. The first end is proximate the second end. At least one yarn from the first end, and at least one yarn from the second end are braided with at least one draw yarn. The draw yarn is braided to be easily removable, such that the first end is selectively de-coupled from the second end. When the draw yarn is removed, the double-layer tubular braided structure is expandable to form a larger diameter tubular braided structure.

A method of manufacturing a braided footwear upper is provided. The method includes braiding a two-layer, single-tube structure with a first end that couples a first braided layer to a second braided layer, and second end that couples the first braided layer to the second braided layer of the tubular braided structure. The first end is proximate the second end. At least one yarn from the first end, and at least one yarn from the second end are braided with at least one draw yarn. The draw yarn is braided to be easily removable, such that the first end is selectively de-coupled from the second end. When the draw yarn is removed, the double-layer tubular braided structure is expandable to form a larger diameter tubular braided structure.

Systems and methods for forming a tubular braid are disclosed herein. A braiding system configured in accordance with embodiments of the present technology can include, for example, an upper drive unit, a lower drive unit, a mandrel coaxial with the upper and lower drive units, and a plurality of tubes extending between the upper drive unit and the lower drive unit. Each tube can be configured to receive individual filaments for forming the tubular braid, and the upper drive unit and the lower drive unit can act against the tubes in synchronization to cross the filaments over and under one another to form the tubular braid on the mandrel.

Systems and methods for forming a tubular braid are disclosed herein. A braiding system configured in accordance with embodiments of the present technology can include, for example, an upper drive unit, a lower drive unit, a mandrel coaxial with the upper and lower drive units, and a plurality of tubes extending between the upper drive unit and the lower drive unit. Each tube can be configured to receive individual filaments for forming the tubular braid, and the upper drive unit and the lower drive unit can act against the tubes in synchronization to cross the filaments over and under one another to form the tubular braid on the mandrel.

A braided component for an article of apparel or footwear may be formed by application of a method that utilizes a braiding machine to braid a plurality of braiding yarns to form a tubular structure with a plurality of axial yarns incorporated into the tubular structure during braiding. At least two different types of axial yarn may be incorporated into the braided component, for example, to provide different properties to different parts of the tubular structure.