Wrapped Yarns for Use in Ropes Having Predetermined Surface Characteristics

A method of forming a rope adapted to engage a structural member, the method comprising the steps of:

• providing a first set of first fibers;
• providing a second set of second fibers;
• combining the first and second sets of fibers to form a plurality of wrapped yarns such that
• the first set of the first fibers forms a core that is substantially surrounded by the second set,
• the first fibers substantially determine the load bearing characteristics of the rope, and
• the second fibers substantially determine abrasion resistance properties and gripping ability of the rope.

A method of forming a blended yarn comprising the steps of:

• selecting a plurality of first fibers and a plurality of second fibers such that
• a coefficient of friction of the second fibers is greater than a coefficient of friction of the first fibers,
• abrasion resistance characteristics of the second fibers are greater than abrasion resistance properties of the first fibers, and
• a gripping ability of the second fibers is greater than a gripping ability of the first fibers;
• combining the plurality of second fibers with the plurality of first fibers using a false-twisting process such that
• the first fibers extend along the length of the blended yarn and the second fibers do not extend along the length of the blended yarn, and
• at least a portion of the second fibers are engaged with and extend from the plurality of first fibers effectively to define surface characteristics of the blended yarn.