A self-wrapping protective textile sleeve and method of construction is provided. The sleeve includes a braided, tubular wall having opposite free edges extending lengthwise between opposite ends. The wall has a first state with a decreased length, increased cross-sectional area and a second state with an increased length, decreased cross-sectional area, as viewed in cross-section taken generally transversely to a central longitudinal axis. The wall further includes braided, heat-set yarns imparting a bias on the wall, wherein the bias causes the wall to self-wrap into a tubular configuration and to remain substantially in the first and second states absent some externally applied force.

A tubular structure having lobes is produced as a single piece over at least two lobes. Circumferential fibres of the structure have a constant orientation with respect to the longitudinal axis (A) of the structure in any plane (P) transverse to the longitudinal axis. The structure is obtained by weaving or by filament winding.

A tubular structure having lobes is produced as a single piece over at least two lobes. Circumferential fibres of the structure have a constant orientation with respect to the longitudinal axis (A) of the structure in any plane (P) transverse to the longitudinal axis. The structure is obtained by weaving or by filament winding.

The present invention provides tissue webs and products having improved z-directional properties. The improved z-directional properties may be achieved by providing the structure with a unique three-dimensional surface topography, which increases the structure's Exponential Compression Modulus (K) and Caliper Under Load (C.sub.0). By improving both K and C.sub.0, the present inventors have also been able to provide tissue structures with relatively high Compression Energy (E), which enables the structures to be calendered at high loads without significant loss of sheet bulk or degradation of strength.

Provided are systems and methods for producing seamless woven materials that are variable in each of their 3 dimensions. The systems and methods generally operate by altering heddle positions independently to impart three dimensional structure to a woven fabric. Weft yarn is woven into a set of warp yarns that have been individually raised or lowered along a particular cross section, essentially locking the weave into an intended 3 dimensional form.

Provided are systems and methods for producing seamless woven materials that are variable in each of their 3 dimensions. The systems and methods generally operate by altering heddle positions independently to impart three dimensional structure to a woven fabric. Weft yarn is woven into a set of warp yarns that have been individually raised or lowered along a particular cross section, essentially locking the weave into an intended 3 dimensional form.

The present invention provides tissue webs and products having improved z-directional properties. The improved z-directional properties may be achieved by providing the structure with a unique three-dimensional surface topography, which increases the structure's Exponential Compression Modulus (K) and Caliper Under Load (C0). By improving both K and C0, the present inventors have also been able to provide tissue structures with relatively high Compression Energy (E), which enables the structures to be calendered at high loads without significant loss of sheet bulk or degradation of strength.

A self-wrapping protective textile sleeve and method of construction is provided. The sleeve includes a braided, tubular wall having opposite free edges extending lengthwise between opposite ends. The wall has a first state with a decreased length, increased cross-sectional area and a second state with an increased length, decreased cross-sectional area, as viewed in cross-section taken generally transversely to a central longitudinal axis. The wall further includes braided, heat-set yarns imparting a bias on the wall, wherein the bias causes the wall to self-wrap into a tubular configuration and to remain substantially in the first and second states absent some externally applied force.

A self-wrapping protective textile sleeve and method of construction is provided. The sleeve includes a braided, tubular wall having opposite free edges extending lengthwise between opposite ends. The wall has a first state with a decreased length, increased cross-sectional area and a second state with an increased length, decreased cross-sectional area, as viewed in cross-section taken generally transversely to a central longitudinal axis. The wall further includes braided, heat-set yarns imparting a bias on the wall, wherein the bias causes the wall to self-wrap into a tubular configuration and to remain substantially in the first and second states absent some externally applied force.

Provided are systems and methods for producing seamless woven materials that are variable in each of their 3 dimensions. The systems and methods generally operate by altering heddle positions independently to impart three dimensional structure to a woven fabric. Weft yarn is woven into a set of warp yarns that have been individually raised or lowered along a particular cross section, essentially locking the weave into an intended 3 dimensional form.