Wrapped yarns for use in ropes having predetermined surface characteristics
AssigneeSamson Rope Technologies
InventorsJustin Gilmore, David E. O'Neal, Danielle D. Stenvers, Chia-Te Chou, Ronald L. Bryant, Eric W. McCorkle
Life of this patent
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Abstract
A rope and method of making the same. The rope comprises a plurality of yarns. At least one of the yarns comprises first and second sets of fibers. The first fibers are formed of a first material, and the second set of second fibers at least partly surrounds the first fibers. The second fibers are formed of a second material. The first material defines a set of operating characteristics adapted to bear tension loads on the rope. The second material defines a set of operating characteristics adapted to affect at least one surface characteristic of the rope.
Claims21
A rope adapted to engage a structural member comprising:
- a plurality of yarns, where at least one of the yarns comprises
- a first set of first fibers, where the first fibers are formed of HMPE and extend the length of the rope such that the first fibers directly bear tension loads applied to the rope;
- and
- a second set of second fibers, where
- the second fibers do not extend the length of the rope such that the second fibers indirectly bear tension loads on the rope and
- the second set of fibers at least partly surrounds the first set of fibers such that, when the rope contacts the structural member, the second set of fibers is primarily in contact with the structural member;
- wherein
- the first fibers substantially determine load bearing properties of the rope;
- the second fibers substantially determine abrasion resistance properties of the rope;
- and
- the second fibers substantially determine a coefficient of friction between the rope and the structural member.
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 comprising HMPE;
- providing a second set of second fibers;
- combining the first and second sets of fibers to form a rope such that the first fibers extend the length of the rope, and
- the second fibers do not extend the length of the rope and at least partly surround the first set of fibers;
- wherein
- the first fibers directly bear tension loads applied to the rope and substantially determine load bearing properties of the rope;
- when the rope contacts the structural member, the second set of fibers is primarily in contact with the structural member such that
- the second fibers substantially determine abrasion resistance properties of the rope;
- and
- the second fibers substantially determine a coefficient of friction between the rope and the structural member.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.