Abstract: A fiber-reinforced plastic article having first, second, and third cylindrical portions is disclosed. A helical braid is applied along a first cylindrical portion as a first cylindrical sleeve which conforms to and encases the outside surface of said first cylindrical portion. The second cylindrical portion is passed through the filaments forming the braid and the braid is collapsed into a first, substantially flat, double-ply braided ribbon which is then wrapped about the outer surface of the second intersection portion. The helical braid is again applied along the first cylindrical portion and a second braided ribbon is then wrapped about the outer surface of the third cylindrical portion. The fibers are impregnated with a thermosetting resin which is cured to produce the article.

Abstract: A plastic bearing is provided, as well as a method of fabricating these bearings, in which a number of strands of expanded polytetrafluoroethylene fibers are woven about a cylindrical mandrel to form a fabric about this mold surface. The fabric is then impregnated with a hardenable plastic. The plastic is hardened and the bearing is removed from the mold surface. The resulting plastic bearing has greatly improved wear resistance which permits new applications.

Abstract: A method of fabricating a fiber-reinforced plastic article having first, second, and third cylindrical portions is disclosed. A helical braid is applied along a first cylindrical portion as a first cylindrical sleeve which conforms to and encases the outside surface of said first cylindrical portion. The second cylindrical portion is passed through the filaments forming the braid and the braid is collapsed into a first, substantially flat, double-ply braided ribbon which is then wrapped about the outer surface of the second intersecting portion. The helical braid is again applied along the first cylindrical portion and a second braided ribbon is then wrapped about the outer surface of the third cylindrical portion. The fibers are impregnated with a thermosetting resin which is cured to produce the article.