Small diameter fiber braid with central core member

Abstract

A cord comprising: a braided sheath of strands, the sheath having an outer surface, an inner surface, and a hollow portion defined by the inner surface and having a volume; and a core within the hollow portion of the tubular braided sheath, such that when the cord is in a relaxed state, the tubular braided sheath has a cylindrical shape and a relaxed volume of the hollow portion, wherein the core does not fill the relaxed volume of the hollow portion of the tubular braided sheath; when the cord is in a longitudinally stretched state, the tubular braided sheath elongates under longitudinal stretching, such that a stretched volume of at least a portion of the hollow portion of the tubular braided sheath is less than the relaxed volume; and the inner surface of the tubular braided sheath of the stretched volume contacts and binds a surface of the core.

Description

[0001] This application is a divisional application of the patent application filed on January 17, 2019, with application number 201980009643.3 and invention title: “Small-diameter fiber braided fabric with a central core component”. Technical Field

[0002] This invention relates to a braided rope (cord) for controlling (managing, handling) tensile loads on small diameter ropes, which exhibits increased overall strength and dimensional stability compared to conventional known ropes of the same diameter. The rope is suitable for applications requiring small diameter and high strength. Background Technology

[0003] Braided ropes with a central core structure are generally used in a variety of applications. In general, in various known structures, the braided outer sheath protects the inner core structure from factors such as abrasion and environmental stresses. The central core structure, whether a single component or multiple strands that can be entangled, braided, and / or further twisted (torsedated), contributes to the rope's strength and stiffness. Therefore, rope strength can typically be increased by altering the core's size and construction. In applications such as large-diameter ropes, increasing the core diameter and thus the rope's diameter generally does not adversely affect practical value. However, in applications requiring small diameters (less than 3 mm) and high toughness, increasing the rope's diameter to increase strength is not a desirable approach.

[0004] Conventional double-braided ropes are known in which the sheath and core are each designed to bear a significant portion of the tensile load. These ropes, which can be used in diameters as small as approximately 0.25 inches (about 6 mm), are typically made of low-modulus fibers such as nylon or polyester. Using such low-modulus materials, core-sheath structure ropes in which longitudinal stress loads are proportionally distributed can be constructed by appropriately adjusting the twist, braiding pattern, and lay-up angle of the core and sheath strands. However, when constructing high-strength ropes, high-modulus materials such as high molecular weight polyethylene (HMPE) or liquid crystal polymers (LCP), and the geometry of the core and sheath, cannot easily balance the longitudinal load; therefore, in conventional high-strength ropes, the core bears essentially all the longitudinal stress.

[0005] Tensile loads carried by conventional small-diameter braided ropes may be unevenly distributed between the braided sheath and the core member. As a result, when these ropes are stretched, the braided sheath and the core respond differently to the applied tensile force. The sheath will respond to the force independently of the core member, causing the central strand to move longitudinally relative to the surrounding sheath. The core member, especially if constructed of yarn, may also flatten and redistribute itself within the sheath, rather than maintaining a circular cross-sectional shape.

[0006] Therefore, in many fine braids, especially in very fine ropes (less than about 3 mm in diameter), core components are generally absent, primarily for structural simplicity, and the fine ropes can be constructed as hollow braids. A significant drawback of this method is that, to progressively increase the load-bearing capacity of such small-diameter ropes, a small number of fibers can be added to each braiding element. Adding to each element maintains the overall torque balance of the structure. Thus, in a 12-strand braided rope structure, each strand will increase in size to achieve an increase in rope strength. When dealing with very fine ropes (i.e., ropes less than 3 mm in diameter) in this way, rope manufacturers must consider the increased denier of available fibers. For example, considering a 12-strand braided rope (where each strand is 100 denier LCP fiber), the next increment in available strength would be the case where each strand consists of two 100 denier LCP fibers. However, this increase in the total number of fibers also results in an increase in the total rope diameter of approximately 1.4 times the original diameter.

[0007] Therefore, it would be advantageous to have a structure for very fine and ultrafine ropes (outer diameter 1 mm or less) designed for tensile load control, such that all tensile stress is borne proportionally by all components of the rope, resulting in an increase in overall strength with little or no corresponding increase in diameter. This is achieved by distributing the tensile force more evenly between the core and sheath components, ensuring that the entire rope structure responds consistently (commonly) to tensile forces, preferably without deformation of the rope's normal shape. Furthermore, using such a tensile load control structure, ropes of a given diameter can be obtained, exhibiting increased stability and strength compared to conventional ropes of the same diameter.

[0008] Therefore, the object of the present invention is to design a rope structure with an outer diameter of less than 6 mm using high modulus fibers, wherein the design results in a tensile load controlled structure such that the tensile load is shared proportionally by all components of the rope. Summary of the Invention

[0009] These and other objectives are achieved by the present invention, a first embodiment of which provides a rope comprising:

[0010] A tubular braided sheath of strands, having an outer surface, an inner surface, and a hollow portion defined by the inner surface and having volume; and

[0011] The core is located within the hollow portion of the tubular braided sheath.

[0012] in:

[0013] The tubular braided sheath comprises strands of yarn, each having a tensile strength of approximately 8 cN / min tex (dtex) or higher;

[0014] When the rope is in a slack state, the tubular braided sheath has a generally cylindrical shape with an outer diameter of about 20 μm to about 5 mm and a slack volume of hollow portion, in which the core does not fill the slack volume of the hollow portion of the tubular braided sheath; and

[0015] When the rope is under longitudinal tension (tension), the tubular braided sheath elongates under longitudinal tension, such that at least a portion of the hollow portion of the tubular braided sheath has a tensile volume smaller than a relaxed volume; and the inner surface of the tubular braided sheath with the tensile volume contacts and tightens (grips) the surface of the core, thereby reducing slippage between the core and the tubular braided sheath.

[0016] In one aspect of the first embodiment, the fabric density of the tubular braided sheath in the relaxed state is 30 to 3000 cross points / inch (10 to 1200 filament unit cross points / cm), and the fabric density of the tubular braided sheath in the longitudinally stretched state is reduced compared to the fabric density in the relaxed state.

[0017] In another aspect of the first embodiment, the core component occupies more than about 95% of the volume of the hollow portion of the tubular braided sheath in the relaxed state.

[0018] In another aspect of the first embodiment, the strands of the tubular braided sheath may be twisted (torsed) or untwisted monofilaments, or twisted or untwisted multifilaments, or the tubular braided sheath may be a combination of strands, wherein each strand is independently a twisted or untwisted monofilament or multifilament.

[0019] In another aspect of the first embodiment, the strands of the tubular braided sheath may be selected from the following filaments: liquid crystal polyester filaments, aramid filaments, copolymer aramid filaments, polyetheretherketone filaments, and poly(p-phenylene benzo[a]ethylene]pyrene filaments. Poly(triazole) filaments, ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene filaments, high modulus polyethylene filaments, polypropylene filaments, polyethylene terephthalate filaments, polyamide filaments, polyhydroquinone diimidazopyridine filaments, high-strength polyvinyl alcohol filaments, and combinations thereof.

[0020] In another aspect of the first embodiment, the number of strands (ends) of the tubular braided sheath may be 4 to 24.

[0021] In other respects, the core component may be a twisted or untwisted monofilament or multifilament structure; and / or one or more filaments may be selected from: liquid crystal polyester filament, aramid filament, copolymer aramid filament, polyetheretherketone filament, poly(p-phenylene benzo[a]ethylene]pyrene filament, etc. Poly(ethylene) filaments, including (e.g., diimidazole), ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene, high-modulus polyethylene, polypropylene, polyethylene terephthalate, polyamide, high-strength polyvinyl alcohol, polyhydroquinone diimidazole pyridine (PIPD), and combinations thereof. On the other hand, the core is a combination of strands, wherein each strand is individually a twisted or untwisted monofilament or multifilament. In still other aspects, the core is twisted, and the twisting configuration includes greater than 0 up to 1600 turns / meter.

[0022] In another aspect of the first embodiment, the mass ratio of the tubular braided sheath to the core per unit length of rope is approximately 95 / 5 to approximately 50 / 50.

[0023] In another aspect of the first embodiment, when the rope is in a slack state, the outer diameter of the tubular braided sheath is about 20 μm to about 5 mm.

[0024] In another aspect of the first embodiment, the linear density of the rope is about 30 to about 5,000 deniers, or even about 50 to about 5,000 deniers.

[0025] In another aspect of the first embodiment, the braiding angle of the tubular braided sheath is about 5° to about 95° in the relaxed state, and the braiding angle increases in the longitudinally stretched state.

[0026] In a second embodiment, the present invention provides a rope according to the first embodiment and all the above aspects, wherein at least one of the core and the tubular braided sheath comprises a filament, fiber or strand having a coating (coating) of a crosslinked silicone polymer or a non-crosslinked silicone polymer or a long-chain fatty acid.

[0027] In another embodiment, the present invention relates to medical sutures or sutures comprising a cord according to embodiments described herein having an outer diameter of about 0.04 mm to about 0.7 mm.

[0028] In one specific aspect, (i) the fabric density of the woven fabric of the tubular braided sheath in the relaxed state is 30 to 3000 filament unit crosses per inch; or (ii) the core is twisted at a twist level greater than 0 up to 1600 turns per meter (tpm); or (iii) the core is a braided core; or (iv) the core occupies more than about 95% of the volume of the hollow portion of the tubular braided sheath in the relaxed state; or (v) the number of strands (ends) of the tubular braided sheath is 4 to 24 ends; or (vi) the mass ratio of the mass of the tubular braided sheath to the mass of the core per unit length of rope is about 95 / 5 to about 50 / 50; or (vii) the linear density of the rope is about 30 to about 5000 denier; or (viii) the braiding angle of the tubular braided sheath in the relaxed state is about 5° to about 95°, and this braiding angle increases in the longitudinally stretched state; or (ix) any combination of (i)-(viii).

[0029] In another specific aspect, (x) the strands of the tubular braided sheath are independently twisted or untwisted monofilaments; or the strands of the tubular braided sheath are independently twisted or untwisted multifilaments; or the tubular braided sheath is a combination of strands, wherein each strand is independently twisted or untwisted monofilament or multifilament; and (xi) the core is twisted or untwisted monofilament; or the core is twisted or untwisted multifilament; or the core is a combination of strands, wherein each strand is independently twisted or untwisted monofilament or multifilament.

[0030] In another specific aspect, (xii) the strands of the tubular braided sheath comprise filaments selected from: liquid crystal polyester filaments, aramid filaments, copolymer aramid filaments, polyetheretherketone filaments, poly(p-phenylene benzo[a]ethylene]pyrene filaments, and poly(p-phenylene benzo[a]ethylene]pyrene filaments. (xiii) The core comprises one or more filaments selected from the following: liquid crystal polyester filament, aramid filament, copolymer aramid filament, polyetheretherketone filament, poly(phenylene benzo[a]pyridine] filament, and combinations thereof; (xiv) filaments, ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene filaments, polypropylene filaments, high modulus polyethylene filaments, polyethylene terephthalate filaments, polyamide filaments, high-strength polyvinyl alcohol filaments and combinations thereof; or both (xiv), (xii) and (xiii).

[0031] Unless otherwise expressly stated, the above description is intended to provide a general introduction and overview of the invention and is not intended to be limiting in its disclosure. The present preferred embodiments and other advantages will be best understood by referring to the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. Attached Figure Description

[0032] A more comprehensive understanding of this disclosure and its many accompanying advantages will readily become apparent when considered in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, and by referring to the following detailed description, in which:

[0033] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the braided structure is shown.

[0034] Figure 2 A schematic diagram of a 1×1 woven pattern is shown.

[0035] Figure 3 A schematic diagram of a 2×1 woven pattern is shown. Detailed Implementation

[0036] In the context of this specification, unless otherwise indicated, all publications, patent applications, patents and other references mentioned herein are expressly incorporated herein by reference in their entirety for all purposes as if fully expounded.

[0037] Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this disclosure pertains. In the event of any conflict, this specification (including the definitions) shall prevail.

[0038] Unless otherwise specified, trademarks are displayed in capital letters.

[0039] Unless otherwise stated, all percentages, parts, ratios, etc. are by weight.

[0040] When quantities, concentrations, or other values ​​or parameters are given as a range or an enumeration of upper and lower limits, this should be understood as specifically disclosing all ranges formed by any pair of any upper and lower limits, regardless of whether the range is disclosed individually. Where numerical ranges are stated herein, unless otherwise stated, the range is intended to include its endpoints as well as all integers and fractions within that range. It is not intended that the scope of this disclosure be limited to the specific values ​​stated when a range is defined.

[0041] When the term "about" is used, it is used to indicate that a particular effect or result can be obtained within a certain tolerance, and that a person skilled in the art knows how to obtain that tolerance. When the term "about" is used to describe a value or endpoint of a range, this disclosure should be understood to include the specific value or endpoint involved.

[0042] As used herein, the terms “comprising,” “including,” “containing,” “having,” “with,” or any other variation thereof are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion. For example, a process, method, article of manufacture, or apparatus that includes a list of elements is not necessarily limited to those elements, but may include other elements not expressly listed or inherent to the process, method, article of manufacture, or apparatus.

[0043] The transitional phrase "composed of..." excludes any element, step, or component not specified in the claim, thus closing the claim to include materials other than the stated material, excluding impurities often associated with it. When the phrase "composed of..." appears in a clause of the body of a claim, rather than immediately following the preamble, it only limits the elements listed in that clause; generally, it does not exclude other elements from the claim.

[0044] The transitional phrase "consistent with..." limits the scope of the claim to the specified materials or steps and those novel features that do not substantially affect the basis of the claimed invention. Claims "consistent with..." occupy an intermediate position between closed claims written in the "consistent with..." format and fully open claims written in the "comprising..." format. The term "consistent with..." does not exclude optional additives (at appropriate levels for such additives) and trace amounts of impurities from the composition.

[0045] Furthermore, unless explicitly stated otherwise, “or” and “and / or” are inclusive rather than exclusive. For example, condition A or B, or A and / or B, are satisfied by any of the following: A is true (or exists) and B is false (or does not exist), A is false (or does not exist) and B is true (or exists), and both A and B are true (or exist).

[0046] The use of “a (kind) (indefinite article)” to describe the various elements and components herein is for convenience only and to give a general meaning to the disclosure. This description should be understood to include one (kind) or at least one (kind), and the singular includes the plural, unless clearly otherwise indicated.

[0047] Unless otherwise defined herein, the terms “major component” or “primarily” as used herein refer to more than 50% of the material mentioned. Unless otherwise specified, percentages are expressed in moles when referring to molecules (e.g., hydrogen and ethylene), and in mass or weight otherwise (e.g., for additive content).

[0048] Unless otherwise defined, the terms “most” or “substantially” as used herein mean all or almost all or the vast majority, as will be understood by one of ordinary skill in the art in the context in which they are used. It is intended to take into account some reasonable differences from 100% that often occur in industrial or commercial settings.

[0049] The terms “poor (lacking, depleted)” or “reduced (decreased, lowered)” are synonymous with a reduction relative to the original state. For example, removing most of a material from a logistics will result in a material-poor logistics that is essentially lacking in that material. Conversely, the terms “rich” or “increased (enlarged, raised)” are synonymous with greater than the original state.

[0050] As used herein, the term "copolymer" refers to a polymer comprising copolymer units obtained by copolymerization of two or more comonomers. In this regard, copolymers may be described herein with respect to their constituent comonomers or the amount of those constituent comonomers, for example, "a copolymer comprising ethylene and 15% by weight of comonomers" or similar descriptions. Such descriptions may be considered informal because they do not refer to the comonomers as comonomer units; they do not include conventional copolymer nomenclature, such as the IUPAC nomenclature; they do not use the term "product-by-process"; or for other reasons. However, as used herein, a description of a copolymer with respect to its constituent comonomers or the amount of those constituent comonomers means that the copolymer contains copolymer units of the specified comonomer (in the specified amount, when specified). Consequently, unless explicitly stated in limited circumstances, a copolymer is not a product of a reaction mixture containing a given amount of a given comonomer.

[0051] Throughout this specification, unless otherwise defined and described, the technical terms and methods used to determine relevant measurements are as described in ASTM D885M-94, Standard Test Methods for Tire Cords, Tire Cord Fabrics, and Industrial Filament Yarns Made From Man-made Organic-base Fibers [Metric], published in February 1995.

[0052] For convenience, many elements of the invention will be discussed separately, and a list of options may be provided, and numerical values ​​may be in the form of ranges; however, for the purposes of this disclosure, this should not be construed as a limitation on the scope of this disclosure or on any claim of this disclosure for any such individual element, listed item, or combination of scopes. Unless otherwise stated, every possible combination of this disclosure should be considered an explicit disclosure for all purposes.

[0053] Although methods and materials similar to or equivalent to those described herein can be used in the practice or testing of this disclosure, suitable methods and materials are described herein. Therefore, the materials, methods, and examples herein are illustrative only and are not intended to be limiting unless otherwise stated.

[0054] As described in the background discussion, rope structures with an outer sheath of braided strands and a core component within the sheath are conventionally known and applied to various uses, ranging from ordinary ropes to textile threads. However, for specialized applications requiring fine and ultra-fine ropes, achieving ropes with minimal diameter while providing products with high strength and stability is an ongoing research topic. As previously mentioned, increasing the strength of hollow braided structures leads to a significant increase in diameter.

[0055] Typically, the sheath functions to protect the core components while the core bears tensile loads, and is responsible for providing strength to the rope.

[0056] However, in applications where high strength and stability are required in conjunction with small outer diameters (less than, for example, 1 mm), the inventors have investigated designs that provide tensile load control, where tensile stress is shared by all components of the rope, and have considered that a sheath structure contributing to and / or proportionally bearing the tensile stress applied to the rope will provide a rope in which the entire diameter contributes to strength and stability in all respects, and thus provide a rope with greater strength and dimensional stability compared to conventional core-sheath ropes in which the sheath is primarily used as a protective layer on the core component.

[0057] The inventors have recognized that by using a specific structural arrangement of the core and sheath, it is possible to obtain fine-diameter ropes comprising high-modulus fibers, wherein tensile forces are more evenly distributed between the core and sheath components, such that the entire structure of the rope will respond consistently (commonly) to tensile forces, preferably without deformation of the rope's normal shape. With such a structure, ropes of a given diameter can be obtained that exhibit improved stability and strength relative to conventional ropes of the same diameter. Unlike hollow-braided fine or ultrafine ropes, the inventors have found that providing a core structure allows for a progressive increase in strength through increasing the fiber count, while having minimal impact on diameter compared to increasing the fiber count in the sheath braid as previously described. The inventors have found that finer increments in strength can be obtained, for example, using 100 denier LCP fibers if increments of 1x100d are added incrementally to the core element rather than the sheath braid. Accordingly, the core components with braids and / or twists and the sheath braid angles can be matched to ensure a uniform distribution of stress loads between the core and sheath. For applications requiring a combination of high tensile strength and low creep in ropes with a diameter of 5 mm or less, a design that controls the tensile load to be proportionally distributed across the core and sheath will be advantageous.

[0058] Therefore, in a first embodiment, the present invention provides a rope comprising:

[0059] A tubular braided sheath of strands, having an outer surface, an inner surface, and a hollow portion defined by the inner surface and having volume; and

[0060] The core is located within the hollow portion of the tubular braided sheath.

[0061] in:

[0062] The tubular braided sheath comprises strands of yarn, each with a tensile strength of approximately 8 cN / min tex or higher;

[0063] When the rope is in a slack state, the tubular braided sheath has a generally cylindrical shape with an outer diameter of about 20 μm to about 5 mm and a slack volume of hollow portion, in which the core does not fill the slack volume of the hollow portion of the tubular braided sheath; and

[0064] When the rope is under longitudinal tension, the tubular braided sheath elongates under longitudinal tension, such that the tensile volume of at least a portion of the hollow portion of the tubular braided sheath is less than the relaxed volume; and

[0065] The inner surface of the tubular braided sheath, which stretches the volume, contacts and binds the surface of the core, thereby reducing slippage between the core and the tubular braided sheath.

[0066] In one embodiment of the rope, when in a slack state, the relationship between the rope's sheath and core component conforms to equation (I).

[0067] c / 10≤p / t≤c / 2 (I)

[0068] Where c is the number of woven carriers used for the sheath, p is the fabric density per inch in the sheath, and t is the twist level (twist) of the core yarn in turns per meter.

[0069] As expected, the linear density of the sheath basically matches that of the core.

[0070] Tubular braiding around the core element is conventionally known, and tubular braiding units are commercially available. A simple tubular braided sheath can be formed on the core element by mechanically crossing multiple strands of material diagonally in such a way that groups of strands alternately pass above and below groups of strands laid in opposite directions. A general illustration of the braided structure is shown in [the diagram]. Figure 1 In this braid, the longitudinal braiding axis extends parallel to the direction of the rope, and the lines parallel to the direction of the given braided strands define the braiding angle of the braided structure.

[0071] Besides the knitting angle, a knitted fabric can be characterized by its fabric density, defined as the number of stitches or S-units encountered per unit length along the longitudinal knitting axis. Furthermore, in addition to the fabric density along the longitudinal direction of the fabric, a knitted fabric can also be characterized by its thread count, defined as the number of repeating units per unit dimension along a line perpendicular to the knitting axis. The knitting angle, fabric density, and thread count can be determined by observing the knitted fabric under a microscope.

[0072] Actual weave patterns can vary depending on the interlacing (warp and weft) pattern. Common patterns include plain weave, twill weave, and panama weave, which are known to those skilled in the art. Additionally, different weave structures can be classified by the number of plies in the same fabric structure arranged side-by-side. Common weave patterns can be exemplified, but are not limited to, 1x1 patterns. Figure 2 ) and 2x1 pattern ( Figure 3 ).

[0073] In all embodiments of the invention, the twist, weaving pattern, and layup angle of the strands of the core and the tubular braided sheath are designed to balance the tensile load between the core and the sheath.

[0074] Knitting equipment is commercially available, and devices (units) with varying capabilities are available. In the embodiments described herein, the knitted fabric can be manufactured on STEEGER (Steeger USA, Inman, South Carolina USA) and / or HERZOG (Herzog GmbH, Oldenburg, Germany) knitting equipment designed for finer denier knitting. However, the equipment is not limited to these devices. For the sheath core design, it is essential that the knitting equipment be equipped with the capability to knit around a central core. STEEGER is well known to those skilled in the art as a machine with sheath core capability. According to the embodiments described herein, the minimum number of carriers used to manufacture the knitted fabric is three (3). There is no upper limit to the number of carriers, and it can be determined based on the knitting parameters and design.

[0075] In a highly specific aspect of the invention, the core component surface may be subjected to corona or plasma treatment prior to the application of the tubular braided sheath. Such treatment may produce surface defects or modifications that enhance the contact surface interaction between the core component and the inner surface of the tubular braided sheath when under longitudinal tension, further enhancing the tightening effect and improving the balance of load distribution between the core component and the sheath.

[0076] The invention according to this embodiment and aspect can be obtained by applying any known patterns and characteristics, as long as the disclosed elements exist.

[0077] According to an embodiment of the invention, a tubular braided sheath may be formed around a core member such that when the tubular braided sheath is not under longitudinal tension and is in a relaxed state, the volume of the hollow portion of the tubular braided sheath is not completely occupied by the core member. In the relaxed state, the braid may be defined at least by its outer diameter, braiding angle, and fabric density. According to a first embodiment, the outer diameter of the braid (and therefore the cord) is about 20 μm to about 5 mm, or about 20 μm to about 3 mm, or about 20 μm to about 1 mm.

[0078] The tubular braided sheath can be prepared with an even number of strands, and the rope structure according to the invention can have 4 to 24, or 4 to 18, or 4 to 12 strands (ends) per inch.

[0079] The tensile strength of each strand can be at least about 8 cN / dtex, or at least about 15 cN / dtex, or at least about 22 cN / dtex, and typically about 30 cN / dtex. Strands with higher tensile strength can be used, provided they have sufficient flexibility to be handled in a braiding apparatus. If the tensile strength of the strand is less than about 8 cN / dtex, the strand may not have sufficient strength to be bundled to the core when subjected to longitudinal tension as described in the following paragraphs.

[0080] As described above, when the rope is in a slack state, there is an open volume in the hollow portion of the tubular braided sheath that is not occupied by the core member. In the slack state, the braiding angle of the tubular braided sheath can be about 5° to about 85°, or about 5° to about 90°, or even about 5° to about 95°. However, when longitudinal tension is applied to the rope, the applied tension results in a longitudinally stretched state, in which the braided structure elongates, causing the braiding angle to increase and the fabric density to decrease. Moreover, due to this elongation, the diameter (outer and inner) of the tubular braided sheath contracts, causing at least a portion of the inner surface of the tubular braided sheath to contact and tighten the core member.

[0081] Due to the tightening structure obtained under longitudinal tension and the effect of load balance achieved by proper core and sheath design, tensile load control causes the core components and braided tubular sheath to work together to provide tensile strength to the rope.

[0082] As those skilled in the art will understand, the tightening effect and tensile strength achieved according to the first embodiment can be adjusted by selecting the weave pattern, number of plies, ply structure, ply twist, weave angle, and fabric density of the fabric in the relaxed state, along with the core structure and twist. The effects of these variables and other variables familiar to those skilled in the art in the weaving technique can be determined through conventional experiments and / or structural analysis.

[0083] The strand components of the tubular braided sheath may have a twisted or untwisted monofilament structure, a twisted or untwisted multifilament structure, or a combination of twisted or untwisted monofilaments and twisted or untwisted multifilaments. The monofilaments may be twisted, and the multifilament structure may be braided and / or twisted. Some aspects of the twisted structure may include a twist count of up to 1600 tpm.

[0084] Individual filaments can vary in weight from about 0.2 or from about 0.4 or from about 0.6 to about 10 or about 8.0 or about 6.0 denier. Those skilled in the art will recognize that the denier of the filament chosen will vary depending on the chemical composition of the filament and the intended end use of the rope.

[0085] In one aspect of these embodiments, the strands of the sheath braid may be identical in size, structure, and composition, or the strands may differ in any or all of these aspects. Thus, the sheath can be constructed from strands of varying denier, braiding, or twist, such that a firm grip or tightening of the core is achieved when the rope is under longitudinal tension. Furthermore, the braid may comprise strands with different chemical compositions. Such a structure can be designed to further increase the rope's strength and torsional properties using experimental design tools understood by those skilled in the art.

[0086] The chemical composition of the strands (or filaments) of the tubular braided sheath may be any high-performance polymer known for providing a combination of high tensile strength, high toughness, and low creep, and may be selected from, but is not limited to, filaments selected from: liquid crystal polyester filaments, aramid filaments, copolymer aramid filaments, polyetheretherketone filaments, poly(p-phenylene benzo[a]bis(p-phenylene)) filaments. Poly(PBO) filaments, ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene filaments, high modulus polyethylene filaments, polypropylene filaments, polyethylene terephthalate filaments, polyamide filaments, high-strength polyvinyl alcohol filaments, polyhydroquinone diimidazopyridine (PIPD) filaments, and combinations thereof.

[0087] More particularly, the strand preferably comprises, for example, at least one fiber selected from the following: liquid crystal polyester fiber, aramid fiber, PBO fiber, ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene fiber and high-strength polyvinyl alcohol fiber, more preferably at least one fiber selected from the following: liquid crystal polyester fiber and aramid fiber, and particularly preferably liquid crystal polyester fiber.

[0088] In one embodiment of the invention, liquid crystal polyester fibers can be obtained by melt spinning of a liquid crystal polyester resin. The spun fibers may be further heat-treated to enhance mechanical properties. The liquid crystal polyester consists of repeating polymeric units, for example, derived from aromatic diols, aromatic dicarboxylic acids, or aromatic hydroxycarboxylic acids. The liquid crystal polyester may optionally further comprise polymeric units derived from aromatic diamines, aromatic hydroxylamines, or aromatic aminocarboxylic acids.

[0089] Exemplary aggregation units are shown in Table 1.

[0090] Table 1

[0091]

[0092] (Where, X in the formula is selected from the following structures)

[0093]

[0094] (where m = 0 to 2, and Y = substituents selected from the following: hydrogen atom, halogen atom, alkyl, aryl, aralkyl, alkoxy, aryloxy, and arylalkoxy)

[0095] The number of Y substituents in these formula ranges is equal to the maximum number of substituted positions in the ring structure, and each Y independently represents a hydrogen atom, a halogen atom (e.g., fluorine atom, chlorine atom, bromine atom, iodine atom, etc.), an alkyl group (e.g., an alkyl group having 1-4 carbon atoms, such as methyl, ethyl, isopropyl or tert-butyl), an alkoxy group (e.g., methoxy, ethoxy, isopropoxy, n-butoxy, etc.), an aryl group (e.g., phenyl, naphthyl, etc.), an aralkyl group [benzyl (benzyl), phenylethyl (phenylethyl) etc.], an aryloxy group (e.g., phenoxy, etc.), or an arylalkoxy group (e.g., benzyloxy, etc.).

[0096] More preferred polymerization units may be the structures shown in Tables 2, 3 and 4.

[0097] Table 2

[0098]

[0099] Table 3

[0100]

[0101] Table 4

[0102]

[0103] When the polymer unit in the formula can represent a variety of structures, two or more units can be used in combination as polymer units that constitute the polymer.

[0104] In the polymer units of Tables 2, 3, and 4, n is an integer of 1 or 2, and the corresponding units n=1 and n=2 may exist individually or in combination; and Y1 and Y2 may each independently be a hydrogen atom, a halogen atom (e.g., fluorine atom, chlorine atom, bromine atom, iodine atom, etc.), an alkyl group (e.g., alkyl groups having 1-4 carbon atoms, such as methyl, ethyl, isopropyl, or tert-butyl), an alkoxy group (e.g., methoxy, ethoxy, isopropoxy, n-butoxy, etc.), an aryl group (e.g., phenyl, naphthyl, etc.), an aralkyl group [benzyl (benzyl(benzylmethyl), phenylethyl (phenethyl) etc.], an aryloxy group (e.g., phenoxy, etc.), or an arylalkoxy group (e.g., benzyloxy, etc.). Among these groups, Y is preferably a hydrogen atom, a chlorine atom, a bromine atom, or a methyl group.

[0105] In addition, Z in row (14) of Table 3 may contain a divalent group represented by the following formula.

[0106]

[0107] The liquid crystal polyester is preferably a combination comprising a naphthalene backbone as a polymeric unit. Particularly preferably, it comprises both a polymeric unit (A) derived from hydroxybenzoic acid and a polymeric unit (B) derived from hydroxynaphthoic acid. For example, unit (A) may have formula (A), and unit (B) may have formula (B). From the perspective of improving melt-forming properties, the ratio of unit (A) to unit (B) may be in the range of 9 / 1 to 1 / 1, preferably 7 / 1 to 1 / 1, and more preferably 5 / 1 to 1 / 1.

[0108]

[0109] The sum of polymeric units (A) and polymeric units (B) may be, for example, about 65 mol% or higher, or about 70 mol% or higher, or about 80 mol% or higher, based on the total number of polymeric units. Liquid crystal polyesters containing about 4 to about 45 mol% of polymeric units (B) in the polymer are particularly preferred.

[0110] The melting point of liquid crystal polyester can range from about 250°C or about 260°C to about 360°C or about 320°C. The melting point used herein is the temperature of the main absorption peak measured and observed by a differential scanning calorimeter (DSC; “TA3000” manufactured by METTLER Co.) according to the JIS K7121 test method. Specifically, 10 to 20 mg of sample is used in the aforementioned DSC apparatus, and after the sample is encapsulated in an aluminum dish, nitrogen is flowed as the carrier gas at a flow rate of 100 cc / min, and the endothermic peak is measured when heated at a rate of 20°C / min. When a well-defined peak does not appear in the first run of the DSC measurement, depending on the type of polymer, the temperature is increased at a heating rate of 50°C / min to a temperature 50°C higher than the expected flow temperature, then completely melted at the same temperature for 3 minutes, and further cooled to 50°C at a cooling rate of -80°C / min. Then, the endothermic peak can be measured at a heating rate of 20℃ / minute.

[0111] Commercially available LCPs include those manufactured by KURARAY CO.,LTD. HT BLACK, manufactured by KURARAY CO.,LTD. HT, manufactured by Toray Industries, Inc. Monofilaments manufactured by ZEUS and monofilaments manufactured by KB SEIREN, LTD.

[0112] Liquid crystal polyester can be used alone or in combination.

[0113] According to the present invention, "aramid fiber" refers to a polyamide fiber with high heat resistance and high strength, comprising a molecular skeleton composed of aromatic (benzene) rings.

[0114] Aramid fibers can be classified into para-aramid fibers and meta-aramid fibers according to their chemical structure.

[0115] "Aramid fiber" preferably includes aramid fiber.

[0116] Examples of commercially available aramid fibers include aramid fibers such as those manufactured by EIdu Pont de Nemoursand Company. From Kolon Industries Inc. and manufactured by Teijin Limited and And interaramid fibers, such as those manufactured by EIduPont de Nemours and Company and manufactured by Teijin Limited

[0117] These aramid fibers can be used alone or in combination.

[0118] Polyhydroquinone diimidazopyridine (PIPD) filaments are based on polymers with the following repeating units:

[0119]

[0120] This material is commonly referred to as M5 and is available from DuPont.

[0121] Poly(p-phenylenebenzobis) azole (poly(p-phenylene-2,6-benzobis) PBO (polyoxoyl oxalate) fiber is available as a product manufactured by TOYOBO CO.,LTD. AS and Obtained from HM retailer.

[0122] The ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene fiber according to this embodiment may have an intrinsic viscosity in the range of about 5.0, or about 7.0, or about 10 to about 30, or about 28, or about 24 dL / g. When the intrinsic viscosity of the "ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene fiber" is in the range of about 5.0 to about 30 dL / g, a fiber with good dimensional stability is obtained.

[0123] ASTM standards (e.g., Test Methods D789, D1243, D1601, and D4603, and Implementation D3591) describing procedures for the viscosity of diluted solutions of specific polymers such as nylon, poly(vinyl chloride), polyethylene, and polyethylene terephthalate can be used. Typically, the polymer is dissolved in a diluted solution, and the time of fall through a capillary relative to a control sample is measured at a specific temperature.

[0124] The weight-average molecular weight of the "ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene fiber" can be about 700,000, or about 800,000, or about 900,000 to about 8,000,000, or about 7,000,000, or about 6,000,000. When the weight-average molecular weight of the "ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene fiber" is in the range of about 700,000 to about 8,000,000, high tensile strength and modulus of elasticity can be obtained.

[0125] The weight-average molecular weight of "ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene fiber" cannot be easily determined using the usual GPC method. Therefore, the weight-average molecular weight can be determined based on the intrinsic viscosity value mentioned above using the following equation mentioned in "Polymer Handbook Fourth Edition, Chapter 4 (John Wiley, 1999)".

[0126] Weight-average molecular weight = 5.365 × 10 4 ×(Inherent viscosity) 1.37

[0127] The following are preferred embodiments: the repeating unit of the "ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene fiber" is essentially ethylene. However, in addition to homopolymers of ethylene, copolymers of ethylene with small amounts of other monomers such as α-olefins, acrylic acid and its derivatives, methacrylic acid and its derivatives, and vinylsilane and its derivatives may also be used. The polyethylene fiber may have a partially cross-linked structure. The polyethylene fiber may also be a blend of high-density polyethylene and ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene, a blend of low-density polyethylene and ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene, or a blend of high-density polyethylene, low-density polyethylene and ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene. The polyethylene fiber may be a combination of two or more types of ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene with different weight-average molecular weights, or a combination of two or more types of polyethylene with different molecular weight distributions.

[0128] Commercially available "ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene fiber" includes that manufactured by TOYOBO CO.,LTD. SK60 SK SK60 and SK71; and SPECTRA FIBER manufactured by Honeywell, Ltd. And SPECTRA FIBER 1000.

[0129] These "ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene fibers" can be used alone or in combination.

[0130] The core component can be a twisted or untwisted monofilament, a twisted or untwisted multifilament, or a combination of twisted or untwisted monofilament and twisted or untwisted multifilament. The core component can be a braided structure. The core composition can be any high-performance polymer filament previously described, and can be a filament selected from: liquid crystal polyester filament, aramid filament, copolymer aramid filament, polyetheretherketone filament, poly(p-phenylene benzo[a]pyrene) filament, etc. (Z-O) filaments, ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene filaments, high modulus polyethylene filaments, polypropylene filaments, polyethylene terephthalate filaments, polyamide filaments, high-strength polyvinyl alcohol filaments, and combinations thereof.

[0131] The composition of the core component filaments can be selected and structured to achieve specific performance characteristics relevant to the intended end use of the rope.

[0132] Those skilled in the art will recognize that, in addition to the polymer composition of the selected core component, the fabric structure or weave and / or twist applied to the core component (whether monofilament or multifilament) can be adjusted in combination with the aforementioned tubular braided sheath to alter and balance the load-sharing contribution of the core and the tubular braided sheath. In this way, the overall tensile strength and dimensional stability of the rope can be increased while maintaining or reducing the rope diameter.

[0133] In one particular embodiment of the invention, the rope may comprise an LCP core component and an LCP tubular braided sheath. The construction of the core and the tubular braided sheath may vary within the range of the variables described above and according to other variables known to those skilled in the art.

[0134] In one particular embodiment, the rope described in the above embodiments can be used as a tension member, wherein the outer diameter of the tension member is from about 0.04 mm to about 0.7 mm. In other embodiments, the tension member may have an outer diameter of from about 0.04 mm to about 0.6 mm, or from about 0.04 mm to 0.5 mm. An exemplary tension member is a medical suture or suture.

[0135] In another embodiment, the properties and characteristics of the rope can be modified and controlled by applying a finishing composition known to those skilled in the art. For example, at least one of the core and / or tubular braided sheath comprises filaments, fibers, or strands coated with a crosslinked silicone polymer, or a non-crosslinked silicone polymer or a long-chain fatty acid. An exemplary long-chain fatty acid is stearic acid. Ropes in which a crosslinked silicone polymer is applied to high-performance polyethylene are described in US8881496B2.

[0136] Applying crosslinked silicone polymers, especially to the filaments and / or multifilaments contained in the strands of the tubular braided sheath and / or core, can provide advantageous performance enhancements to the rope structure with tensile strength control of the present invention.

[0137] Generally, there are three crosslinking reaction methods that can be used to prepare silicone resins: 1) peroxide curing, in which the thermal activation of polymerization occurs under the formation of peroxide free radicals; 2) condensation in the presence of tin salt or titanium alkoxide catalysts under the influence of heat or moisture; and 3) addition reaction chemistry catalyzed by platinum or rhodium complexes that can be initiated by temperature or light.

[0138] Each of these systems is commercially available, for example, from Dow Corning, and is known to those skilled in the art.

[0139] The cross-linked silicone coating enhances the moisture resistance of the strands and also improves their lubricity, making the braid respond more effectively to longitudinal stress compared to an uncoated device where frictional interactions may need to be overcome before achieving a tightening effect.

[0140] The coating composition can be applied using surface application techniques known to those skilled in the art. These surface application techniques may include simply pumping a finishing agent solution through a finishing guide, in which fibers come into contact with the finishing agent and are drawn into the fiber bundle by capillary action. Alternatively, other techniques may include spraying, roller coating, or immersion application techniques such as dip coating. Subsequent processing of the fibers with the finishing agent solution applied may include contacting them with one or more rollers to set the degree of crosslinking in the finishing agent and / or affect the finishing formulation. The rollers may be heated or not. The coating composition can then be cured to induce crosslinking of the crosslinkable silicone polymer. When using heat curing, the temperature may be about 20°C, or about 50°C, or about 120°C to about 200°C, or about 170°C, or about 150°C. The curing temperature may be determined by the thermal stability properties of the filament, fiber, or strand and the actual crosslinking system employed.

[0141] The degree of crosslinking can be controlled to provide different degrees of flexibility or other surface properties to filaments, fibers, or strands. The degree of crosslinking can be controlled by methods described by the crosslinking system supplier and known to those skilled in the art.

[0142] The degree of crosslinking can be determined by the method described in US8881496B2, in which the coating is extracted (extracted) with a solvent that dissolves the monomers but not the crosslinked polymers. The degree of crosslinking can be determined by the weight difference before and after extraction.

[0143] The degree of crosslinking can be at least about 20%, or at least about 30%, or at least about 50%, based on the total weight of the coating. The maximum degree of crosslinking can be about 100%.

[0144] The weight of the crosslinked coating may be from about 1% to about 20% by weight, or from about 10% by weight, or from about 5% by weight, based on the total weight of the filament, fiber, or strand.

[0145] The above description is presented to enable those skilled in the art to make and use the invention, and is provided in the context of a particular application and its requirements. Various changes to the preferred embodiments will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art, and the general principles defined herein may be applied to other embodiments and applications without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Therefore, the invention is not intended to be limited to the embodiments shown, but is to be given the broadest scope consistent with the principles and features disclosed herein. In this regard, some embodiments within the invention may not exhibit all the benefits of the invention when considered broadly.

[0146] Example

[0147] In the following embodiments, all sheath strands (yarns) are liquid crystal polyester (LCP) available from Kuraray America Inc., Houston, TX. The HT grade is 100 denier or 200 denier. The core also includes 200, 400, or 1500 denier LCP yarn from Kuraray, except for: Example 6, in which no core is present; Examples 10 and 11 comprise 1300 denier high molecular weight polyethylene (HMPE) from Honeywell Ltd. Yarn; Example 12 is a para-aramid (PA) yarn obtained from Dow DuPont, Wilmington, DE. 49 yarn. 1500 denier LCP yarn is 1550d / 300f. HT 150 766-1 14A. The structures of the sheath and core components of the embodiments are summarized in Table 5. In all embodiments, the number of braided carriers is four.

[0148] Table 5

[0149]

[0150] tpi = twist per inch

[0151] ppi = count of sheath yarns per inch

[0152] Table 6 summarizes the estimated core diameter, the diameter of a single strand in the sheath, and the outer diameter of the finished rope. All dimensions are in micrometers.

[0153] Table 6

[0154]

[0155] This invention includes the following:

[0156] Implementation method 1. A rope, comprising:

[0157] A tubular braided sheath of strands, having an outer surface, an inner surface, and a hollow portion defined by the inner surface and having volume; and

[0158] The core is located within the hollow portion of the tubular braided sheath.

[0159] Its features are:

[0160] The tubular braided sheath comprises strands of yarn, each with a tensile strength of approximately 8 cN / min tex or higher;

[0161] When the rope is in a slack state, the tubular braided sheath has a generally cylindrical shape with an outer diameter of about 20 μm to about 5 mm and a slack volume of hollow portion, in which the core does not fill the slack volume of the hollow portion of the tubular braided sheath; and

[0162] When the rope is under longitudinal tension, the tubular braided sheath elongates under longitudinal tension, such that the tensile volume of at least a portion of the hollow portion of the tubular braided sheath is less than the relaxed volume; and

[0163] The inner surface of the tubular braided sheath, which stretches the volume, contacts and binds the surface of the core, thereby reducing slippage between the core and the tubular braided sheath.

[0164] Embodiment 2. The rope according to Embodiment 1, characterized in that (i) the fabric density of the woven fabric of the tubular braided sheath in the relaxed state is 30 to 3000 filament unit cross points / inch; or (ii) the core is twisted at a twist level greater than 0 up to 1600 turns / meter (tpm); or (iii) the core is a braided core; or (iv) the core occupies more than about 95% of the volume of the hollow portion of the tubular braided sheath in the relaxed state; or (v) the number of strands (ends) of the tubular braided sheath is 4 to 24 ends; or (vi) the mass ratio of the mass of the tubular braided sheath to the mass of the core per unit length of rope is about 95 / 5 to about 50 / 50; or (vii) the linear density of the rope is about 30 to about 5000 denier; or (viii) the braiding angle of the tubular braided sheath in the relaxed state is about 5° to about 95°, and this braiding angle increases in the longitudinally stretched state; or (ix) any combination of (i)-(viii).

[0165] Implementation Method 3. The rope according to Implementation Method 1 or 2, characterized in that, when in a slack state, the relationship between the sheath and the core component of the rope conforms to equation (I).

[0166] c / 10≤p / t≤c / 2 (I)

[0167] Where c is the number of woven carriers used for the sheath, p is the fabric density per inch in the sheath, and t is the twist level of the core yarn in turns per meter.

[0168] Embodiment 4. The rope according to any one of Embodiments 1-3, characterized in that the fabric density of the tubular braided sheath in the longitudinally stretched state is reduced compared with the fabric density in the relaxed state.

[0169] Embodiment 5. The rope according to any one of Embodiments 1-4, characterized in that: (x) each strand of the tubular braided sheath is independently a twisted or untwisted monofilament; or each strand of the tubular braided sheath is independently a twisted or untwisted multifilament; or the tubular braided sheath is a combination of strands, wherein each strand is independently a twisted or untwisted monofilament or multifilament; and (xi) the core is a twisted or untwisted monofilament; or the core is a twisted or untwisted multifilament; or the core is a combination of strands, wherein each strand is independently a twisted or untwisted monofilament or multifilament.

[0170] Embodiment 6. The rope according to any one of Embodiments 1-5, characterized in that:

[0171] (xii) The strands of the tubular braided sheath include filaments selected from the following: liquid crystal polyester filaments, aramid filaments, copolymer aramid filaments, polyetheretherketone filaments, and poly(p-phenylene benzo[a]bis(p-phenylene)) filaments. (Azazole) filaments, ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene filaments, high modulus polyethylene filaments, polypropylene filaments, polyethylene terephthalate filaments, polyamide filaments, polyhydroquinone diimidazopyridine filaments, high-strength polyvinyl alcohol filaments, and combinations thereof;

[0172] (xiii) The core comprises one or more filaments selected from the following: liquid crystal polyester filament, aramid filament, copolymer aramid filament, polyetheretherketone filament, poly(phenylene benzo[a]pyrene) filament, etc. (e.g., azole) filaments, ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene filaments, polypropylene filaments, high-modulus polyethylene filaments, polyethylene terephthalate filaments, polyamide filaments, high-strength polyvinyl alcohol filaments, and combinations thereof; or

[0173] (xiv)(xii) and (xiii) are both.

[0174] Embodiment 7. The rope according to Embodiment 6, characterized in that the strands of the tubular braided sheath comprise liquid crystal polyester filaments, and the content of the liquid crystal polyester filaments is at least 50% by mass relative to the total mass of the tubular braided sheath.

[0175] Embodiment 8. The rope according to any one of Embodiments 1-7, characterized in that, when the rope is in a slack state, the outer diameter of the tubular braided sheath is about 20 μm to about 5 mm, or about 20 μm to about 3 mm, or about 20 μm to about 1 mm.

[0176] Embodiment 9. The rope according to any one of Embodiments 1-8, characterized in that at least one of the core or tubular braided sheath comprises filaments, fibers or strands coated with a cross-linked silicone polymer or a non-cross-linked silicone polymer or a long-chain fatty acid.

[0177] Embodiment 10. The rope according to any one of Embodiments 1-9, characterized in that the linear density of the sheath is substantially matched with the linear density of the core.

[0178] Embodiment 11. The rope according to any one of Embodiments 1-10, characterized in that the tubular braided sheath comprises strands each having a tensile strength of 15 cN / min tex or higher, or 22 cN / min tex or higher.

[0179] Embodiment 12. A tension member comprising a rope according to any one of Embodiments 1-11, characterized in that the outer diameter of the tension member is from 0.04 mm to 0.7 mm, or to 0.6 mm, or to 0.5 mm.

[0180] Embodiment 13. The tension member according to Embodiment 14, characterized in that the tension member is a medical suture or a suture.

Claims

1. Rope, including: A tubular braided sheath for strands, having an outer surface, an inner surface, and a hollow portion defined by the inner surface and having volume; and The core is located within the hollow portion of the tubular braided sheath. Its features are: The tubular braided sheath comprises strands of yarn, each with a tensile strength of 8 cN / min tex or higher; When the rope is in a slack state, the tubular braided sheath has a cylindrical shape with an outer diameter of 20 μm to 5 mm and a slack volume of hollow portion, in which the core does not fill the slack volume of the hollow portion of the tubular braided sheath; and When the rope is under longitudinal tension, the tubular braided sheath elongates under longitudinal tension, such that the tensile volume of at least a portion of the hollow portion of the tubular braided sheath is less than the relaxed volume; and The inner surface of the stretched tubular braided sheath contacts and tightens the core surface, thus reducing slippage between the core and the tubular braided sheath. The core occupies more than 95% of the volume of the hollow portion of the tubular braided sheath in a relaxed state.

2. The rope according to claim 1, characterized in that... (i) The fabric density of the tubular braided sheath in the relaxed state is 30 to 3000 filament unit crosses per inch; or (ii) the core is twisted at a twist level greater than 0 up to 1600 turns per meter (tpm); or (iii) the core is a braided core; or (v) the number of strand ends of the tubular braided sheath is 4 to 24; or (vi) the mass ratio of the tubular braided sheath to the core per unit length of rope is 95 / 5 to 50 / 50; or (vii) the linear density of the rope is 30 to 5000 denier; or (viii) the braiding angle of the tubular braided sheath in the relaxed state is 5° to 95°, and this braiding angle increases in the longitudinally stretched state; or (ix) any combination of (i)-(viii).

3. The rope according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, When in a slack state, the relationship between the rope's sheath and core component conforms to equation (I). c / 10 ≤ p / t ≤ c / 2 (I) Where c is the number of woven carriers used for the sheath, p is the fabric density per meter in the sheath, and t is the twist level of the core yarn in turns per meter. In the relaxed state, the braiding angle of the tubular braided sheath is 5° to 90°.

4. The rope according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The fabric density of the tubular braided sheath in the longitudinally stretched state is reduced compared to the fabric density in the relaxed state.

5. The rope according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, (x) Each strand of the tubular braided sheath is an independently twisted or untwisted monofilament; or each strand of the tubular braided sheath is an independently twisted or untwisted multifilament; or the tubular braided sheath is a combination of strands, wherein each strand is an independently twisted or untwisted monofilament or multifilament; and (xi) the core is a twisted or untwisted monofilament; or the core is a twisted or untwisted multifilament; or the core is a combination of strands, wherein each strand is an independently twisted or untwisted monofilament or multifilament.

6. The rope according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: (xii) The strands of the tubular braided sheath include filaments selected from the following: liquid crystal polyester filaments, aramid filaments, copolymer aramid filaments, polyetheretherketone filaments, and poly(p-phenylene benzo[a]bis(p-phenylene)) filaments. (Azazole) filaments, ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene filaments, high modulus polyethylene filaments, polypropylene filaments, polyethylene terephthalate filaments, polyamide filaments, polyhydroquinone diimidazopyridine filaments, high-strength polyvinyl alcohol filaments, and combinations thereof; (xiii) The core comprises one or more filaments selected from the following: liquid crystal polyester filament, aramid filament, copolymer aramid filament, polyetheretherketone filament, poly(phenylene benzo[a]pyrene) filament, etc. (e.g., azole) filaments, ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene filaments, polypropylene filaments, high-modulus polyethylene filaments, polyethylene terephthalate filaments, polyamide filaments, high-strength polyvinyl alcohol filaments, and combinations thereof; or (xiv) (xii) and (xiii) are both.

7. The rope according to claim 6, characterized in that... The strands of the tubular braided sheath include liquid crystal polyester filaments, and the content of liquid crystal polyester filaments is at least 50% by mass relative to the total mass of the tubular braided sheath.

8. The rope according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, When the rope is in a slack state, the outer diameter of the tubular braided sheath is 20 μm to 3 mm, or 20 μm to 1 mm.

9. The rope according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that... At least one of the core or tubular braided sheaths comprises a filament, fiber, or strand coated with a cross-linked silicone polymer or a non-cross-linked silicone polymer or a long-chain fatty acid.

10. The rope according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that... The linear density of the sheath matches that of the core.

11. The rope according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that... The tubular braided sheath comprises strands of yarn, each having a tensile strength of 15 cN / min tex or higher, or 22 cN / min tex or higher.

12. A tension member comprising a rope according to any one of claims 1-11, characterized in that... The outer diameter of the tension member is 0.04 mm to 0.7 mm, or up to 0.6 mm, or up to 0.5 mm.

13. Medical sutures or stitches, including the tension member according to claim 12.

Images