WEAVING MACHINE AND METHOD

A weaving machine for weaving a wrap thread into a multiplicity of longitudinal threads to create a tubular weave of substantial thickness includes means for supporting a mandrel about which the weave is formed and for further anchoring the longitudinal threads so that they extend downwardly along the mandrel in a shed-like configuration. Located below and centered with respect to the mandrel is a transporting mechanism including a plurality of radial slideways, each of which supports a series of individual sliders which confine the longitudinal threads and are capable of shifting independently of one another to change the radial positions of the various longitudinal threads. The transporting mechanism positions the threads in groups corresponding to the various slideways with the threads in each group being spaced radially from one another due to the radial disposition of the slideways. By manipulating the sliders, any two of the threads of a group can be spaced further apart than the remaining threads to provide a shed opening in the group. An endless track encircles the shed formed by the longitudinal threads, and this track has radial slots for receiving the various groups of longitudinal threads. A feed assembly rides around the track, and this assembly is sized to fit through the shed openings in the various groups of longitudinal threads. The feed assembly carries a bobbin of wrap thread and lays this wrap thread into the portion of the shed opening adjacent to the mandrel as the feed assembly moves along the track, thus forming the tubular weave.