Braided tubular article
Number of patents in Portfolio can not be more than 2000
United States of America Patent
Stats
-
May 8, 2001
Grant Date -
N/A
app pub date -
Apr 26, 1999
filing date -
Apr 27, 1998
priority date (Note) -
In Force
status (Latency Note)
Importance
Abstract
A braided tubular article (FIG. 1) comprises a tubular form of helically braided yarns to which is coupled a plurality of spaced axially extending restraining elements, conveniently as warp elements braided with the tubular form. The yarns are braided with a small helix pitch that permits the tubular form to be extended axially and contract radially onto a substrate as a protective sleeve. The warp elements are essentially inextensible and frictional coupling between then and the braid yarns inhibits extension of the article, permitting it to be handled and passed over a substrate before applying a deliberate extension force to overcome the friction and contract it into the substrate. The restraining elements may be other than branded warp elements and the extension-inhibiting coupling may be a disruptable bond instead of, or supplementing, friction. Frictionally acting warp elements permit the extended article to assume a bent form in one or more directions. The warp elements may be positionally floating or anchored with respect to the braid yarns.
First Claim
Other Claims data not available