Timeline

tef braids & tensengral timeline

From Birds to Bodywear - Development of a Textile Art

2020	Integration of colored and mixed yarn types into bodywear and elastic bands Refine SPA bra for 2WAY comfort and performance

On-going development and testing of footwear and bodywear design and manufacturing techniques
Academic Paper: Lace Braiding Machines for Composite Preform
David Branscomb, Yang Shen, Vladimir Quinones, Royall Broughton and David Beale (November 28th 2018). Lace Braiding Machines for Composite Preform Manufacture, Engineered Fabrics, Mukesh Kumar Singh, IntechOpen, DOI: 10.5772/intechopen.82256. Available from: https://www.intechopen.com/books/engineered-fabrics/lace-braiding-machines-for-composite-preform-manufacture

2017	Bodywear Fabric Inquiries Patent Application - Plexus of Filaments with Linked Members Publication #20140377488 Birdball demonstrated at IFPA World Footbag Championship, Portland, Oregon

2016	TENSENGRAL'S partner, TEF BRAIDS featured in Material ConneXion’s global libraries, leading materials-driven design resource www.materialconnexion.com Invent patent pending “ALX” family of patterns Footwear Inquiries - Development

2014	On-going development and testing of footwear and bodywear using XhelX pattern Development of two piece, fully integrated "second skin" bodywear with integrated laces

Patent Application - Patterned Plexus of Filaments, Method of Producing and Articles Containing Patterned Filaments Patent number: 10159297
Purchase additional braiding machines - (128 spindle machine - largest machine for lace braiding technology)
Development of footwear and bodywear prototypes using TENSENGRAL zonal patterning technology

Invent patented “XhelX” pattern Patent number: 10159297
Footwear Inquiries - Development
Transform the scope of production using Jacquard Lace Braiding and CAD system for 3D textile structures
Development of tension distributive patterns for footwear
Development of textile structures having integrated function via filament engineering
Development of textile footwear upper manufacturing process that "creates less waste, uses less material and requires less manpower than traditional cut and sew technologies"

2011	Establish TEF Braids (Tensionally Engineered Fibers) www.tefbraids.com

2009	Incorporate Enter Play Sports, Inc. in Warrensburg, New York Continue Birdball production and product testing in schools and YMCA’s in New York Collaborate with Netherlands to test market Birdballs globally Develop manufacturing techniques to produce functional fabrics with zonal qualities

Design graphic interface to facilitate the visual representation of fiber paths to expedite the development of new patterns and complex filament structures.
Textile development for composite manufacturing with qualities:
   STABILITY: Maintains pattern when pulled over shaped mandrel
   CONFORMAL: Able to conform around irregular shapes
   STRENGTH: Can distribute tension and withstand impact without delamination
   MESH: For lightweight structure and air deflection
Production of lightweight mesh textile compositions that are strong and flexible -- offering a conformal fit and natural bend.

2007	Purchase first generation computer controlled lace braiding machine from China Become sole pattern engineer using a Programmable Braiding Machine (PBM) in the USA Experimentation with Jacquard looms and CAD systems to steadily advanced the “art of patterning”

2004	Introduces Bird Ball and Fairgame at YMCAs and schools in PA Hedstrom Sports “Bird Ball” licensing Receives patent for Sporting Goods Play Device Patent # 6682448

Global search for machine to manufacture linked, “hand-woven” material for Turkey Ball and Dodo Bird tail portion.
Material search leads to textile factory in Rhode Island that is using Jacquard Lace Braiding Machines that utilize a punch card system for programming the path of the spindles.
Commission lace-braider in UK to produce custom material
Develops manufacturing system for Turkey Balls and Dodo Birds
Develops Fair Game Court consisting of adjustable rings that can be sized to a players height to allow for a fair game to exist between players of different skills and statures.

Development of Turkey Ball - an oversized shuttlecock with a soft foam head. (Initial prototypes made with turkey feathers.)
Unsuccessful experiments with traditional braided material lead to hand-weaving fabric for prototype “shuttlecocks” and Turkey Balls with composite tail portion.
Continued experimentation with composite prototype production with emphasis on light-weight, impact resistant structures.

1998	Development of sports products such as sleds, short skis, cross country skis and kite boards. Arborist and collector of locally harvested lumber Designer, Engineer, Woodworker and Builder