A load bearing tension member for an elevator system includes a plurality of tension elements arrayed across a tension member width. The tension elements are offset from a tension member central axis, the central axis bisecting a tension member thickness and extending across the tension member width. The tension elements include a plurality of fibers extending along a length of the tension element, and a matrix material in which the plurality of fibers are embedded. A jacket at least partially encapsulates the plurality of tension elements.

A load bearing tension member for an elevator system includes a plurality of tension elements arrayed across a tension member width. The tension elements are offset from a tension member central axis, the central axis bisecting a tension member thickness and extending across the tension member width. The tension elements include a plurality of fibers extending along a length of the tension element, and a matrix material in which the plurality of fibers are embedded. A jacket at least partially encapsulates the plurality of tension elements.

A tension member for an elevator system has an aspect ratio of greater than one, where aspect ratio is defined as the ratio of tension member width w to thickness t (w/t). The increase in aspect ratio results in a reduction in the maximum rope pressure and an increased flexibility as compared to conventional elevator ropes. As a result, smaller sheaves may be used with this type of tension member. In a particular embodiment, the tension member includes a plurality of individual load carrying cords encased within a common layer of coating. The coating layer separates the individual cords and defines an engagement surface for engaging a traction sheave.

A tension member for an elevator system has an aspect ratio of greater than one, where aspect ratio is defined as the ratio of tension member width w to thickness t (w/t). The increase in aspect ratio results in a reduction in the maximum rope pressure and an increased flexibility as compared to conventional elevator ropes. As a result, smaller sheaves may be used with this type of tension member. In a particular embodiment, the tension member includes a plurality of individual load carrying cords encased within a common layer of coating. The coating layer separates the individual cords and defines an engagement surface for engaging a traction sheave.

A method is provided for making a fiber wire having a fiber bundle core and a polymer jacket. The method includes rotating a spool of fiber bundle about a first rotational axis to progressively unwind the fiber bundle from the spool. The fiber bundle includes a plurality of continuous synthetic fiber filaments. While the spool is rotated about the first rotational axis, the spool is simultaneously rotated about a second rotational axis to thereby twist the unwound fiber bundle about its longitudinal axis. The method further includes coating the twisted fiber bundle with a molten polymer, and permitting the molten polymer to cool to define a flexible outer jacket that encapsulates the twisted fiber bundle.

A method is provided for making a fiber wire having a fiber bundle core and a polymer jacket. The method includes rotating a spool of fiber bundle about a first rotational axis to progressively unwind the fiber bundle from the spool. The fiber bundle includes a plurality of continuous synthetic fiber filaments. While the spool is rotated about the first rotational axis, the spool is simultaneously rotated about a second rotational axis to thereby twist the unwound fiber bundle about its longitudinal axis. The method further includes coating the twisted fiber bundle with a molten polymer, and permitting the molten polymer to cool to define a flexible outer jacket that encapsulates the twisted fiber bundle.

A hoisting device rope has a width larger than a thickness thereof in a transverse direction of the rope. The rope includes a load-bearing part made of a composite material, said composite material comprising non-metallic reinforcing fibers, which include carbon fiber or glass fiber, in a polymer matrix. An elevator includes a drive sheave, an elevator car and a rope system for moving the elevator car by means of the drive sheave. The rope system includes at least one rope that has a width that is larger than a thickness thereof in a transverse direction of the rope. The rope includes a load-bearing part made of a composite material. The composite material includes reinforcing fibers in a polymer matrix.

A hoisting device rope has a width larger than a thickness thereof in a transverse direction of the rope. The rope includes a load-bearing part made of a composite material, said composite material comprising non-metallic reinforcing fibers, which include carbon fiber or glass fiber, in a polymer matrix. An elevator includes a drive sheave, an elevator car and a rope system for moving the elevator car by means of the drive sheave. The rope system includes at least one rope that has a width that is larger than a thickness thereof in a transverse direction of the rope. The rope includes a load-bearing part made of a composite material. The composite material includes reinforcing fibers in a polymer matrix.

A belt for an elevator system includes a plurality of tension members arranged along a belt width and a jacket material at least partially encapsulating the plurality of tension members defining a traction surface, a back surface opposite the traction surface together with the traction surface defining a belt thickness, and two end surfaces extending between the traction surface and the back surface defining the belt width. A metallic coating layer is applied via deposition of solid particles over at least one end surface of the two end surfaces.

A belt for an elevator system includes a plurality of tension members arranged along a belt width and a jacket material at least partially encapsulating the plurality of tension members defining a traction surface, a back surface opposite the traction surface together with the traction surface defining a belt thickness, and two end surfaces extending between the traction surface and the back surface defining the belt width. A metallic coating layer is applied via deposition of solid particles over at least one end surface of the two end surfaces.