Abstract: A braided tubular article (FIG. 1) comprises a tubular form of helically braided yarns to which is coupled a plurality of spaced axially extending restraining elements, conveniently as warp elements braided with the tubular form. The yarns are braided with a small helix pitch that permits the tubular form to be extended axially and contract radially onto a substrate as a protective sleeve. The warp elements are essentially inextensible and frictional coupling between then and the braid yarns inhibits extension of the article, permitting it to be handled and passed over a substrate before applying a deliberate extension force to overcome the friction and contract it into the substrate. The restraining elements may be other than branded warp elements and the extension-inhibiting coupling may be a disruptable bond instead of, or supplementing, friction. Frictionally acting warp elements permit the extended article to assume a bent form in one or more directions.

Abstract: A tubular insulating gasket includes a braided jacket having a non-stretchable warp bead laid in along one side wall and a mesh bulb made of resilient wire contained within the jacket and spaced from the warp bead. The gasket is made by braiding the jacket on a tubular mandrel having a diameter greater than the pull-down diameter of the braid, interlocking the warp bead into the braid to prevent its axial expansion, feeding the bulb through the mandrel into the jacket as the jacket is taken off the mandrel. Gaskets have less tendency to crimp or collapse as where the gasket is fit around corners of an open door are produced.

Abstract: An expandable braided product having greatly reduced tendency to splay at its ends when cut is provided by coating the braided product with a thin layer of elastomeric material which provides the desired anti-splaying property, while retaining the expandable characteristic whereby the product expands laterally when compressed longitudinally and when released returns to its original size and shape.

Abstract: Tubular sleeves of braided, knited or woven construction comprised of bulky continuous filament yarns and a resilient engineered plastic monofilament have excellent noise reduction characteristics. The bulky yarn provides a flexible cushion for cables and tubes covered by the sleeves thereby reducing vibration induced wear. The resilient monofilament gives the sleeve material sufficient hand so that sleeves formed according to the invention tend to assume the open position without loss of the ability to deaden sound and cushion vibration.