A composite structural component including a braided material embedded in a resin matrix, the braided material with multiple braided components formed of continuous tows and connected by one or more intersections are described. Each of the multiple braided components is formed by sets of tows. Each set of tows includes a respective plurality of tows, which are substantially adjacent and parallel to each other at an angle relative to the longitudinal axis of the braided material. Each set of tows is further composed of multiple subsets of tows. The subsets of tows separate at the intersections and combine with different subsets of tows in adjacent components of the multiple braided components.

A composite structural component including a braided material embedded in a resin matrix, the braided material with multiple braided components formed of continuous tows and connected by one or more intersections are described. Each of the multiple braided components is formed by sets of tows. Each set of tows includes a respective plurality of tows, which are substantially adjacent and parallel to each other at an angle relative to the longitudinal axis of the braided material. Each set of tows is further composed of multiple subsets of tows. The subsets of tows separate at the intersections and combine with different subsets of tows in adjacent components of the multiple braided components.

A medical balloon with a variable diameter that is reinforced with continuous fibers woven to form a fabric with a varying number of layers and fiber densities. Portions of the balloon having a relatively smaller diameter are reinforced with a fabric having a reduced fiber density and an increased number of layers to facilitate the placement of the layers. The fabric also includes a braiding pattern that facilitates the transition from a single layer fabric to a multiple layer fabric. Also described is a manufacturing method for the braiding and layering.

A medical balloon with a variable diameter that is reinforced with continuous fibers woven to form a fabric with a varying number of layers and fiber densities. Portions of the balloon having a relatively smaller diameter are reinforced with a fabric having a reduced fiber density and an increased number of layers to facilitate the placement of the layers. The fabric also includes a braiding pattern that facilitates the transition from a single layer fabric to a multiple layer fabric. Also described is a manufacturing method for the braiding and layering.

A braiding apparatus includes a platform, a base plate, a core unit, a transmission unit, a track assembly, and strand carriers. The track assembly is divided into two braiding track groups each provided with transmission discs. The transmission discs of both braiding track groups are sequentially connected to define two braiding routes. The strand carriers shuttle on both braiding routes respectively and incessantly. Two intersection points are defined when the two braiding routes intersect. Accordingly, carrier strands fed by the strand carriers are wound around a core strand fed by the core unit while shuttling incessantly and are interwoven with each other while passing through the two intersection points during the incessant shuttling motion, thereby wrapping a multi-convolutional braided layer around the core strand to complete a rope. Each convolution of the braided layer has two crossing points, which increases the practicability of the rope.

A method of producing a component for an article of footwear or apparel or a sporting goods accessory. The method of producing a component includes forming at least a first layer by braiding a first braided tube. Braiding may be performed with an empty braiding center. The method further includes arranging the first layer on a form.

A method of producing a component for an article of footwear or apparel or a sporting goods accessory. The method of producing a component includes forming at least a first layer by braiding a first braided tube. Braiding may be performed with an empty braiding center. The method further includes arranging the first layer on a form.

A braided member can include a first set of yarns extending in a first direction, a second set of yarns extending in a second direction and intertwined with the first set of yarns, and a set of axial yarns extending along a longitudinal axis of the braided member and disposed between the first set of yarns and the second set of yarns. The braided member can include a tubular braid.

A method of producing a component for an article of footwear or apparel or a sporting goods accessory. The method of producing a component includes forming at least a first layer by braiding a first braided tube. Braiding may be performed with an empty braiding center. The method further includes arranging the first layer on a form.

A method of producing a component for an article of footwear or apparel or a sporting goods accessory. The method of producing a component includes forming at least a first layer by braiding a first braided tube. Braiding may be performed with an empty braiding center. The method further includes arranging the first layer on a form.