A braided device comprising: filaments of a first type and of a second type, the second type differing from the first type in at least one characteristic; the first type of filaments defining an integral symmetrical 1.times.1 sub-pattern; and the combination of the first type of filaments and the second type of filaments being braided together into a braided device exhibiting a uniform braid pattern.

a braided sleeve is formed from a tow of flexible filaments such as glass fibers and a rigid filament such as a stainless steel wire. The rigid filament reduces the tendency of a braided sleeve to fray at its ends, and can cause the end portions of the sleeve to taper inwardly, which can enhance the thermal insulation properties of the sleeve. The sleeve may be coated with polymeric material.

Sleeves of braided monofilament formed resilient materials are fabricated incorporating flexible, nonresilient (i.e. limp) multifilament warp yarns. Monofilaments are braided from strands of high modulus engineered plastic materials to provide enhanced pushback and springback propeties in sleeves formed of the braided material. Yarns, such as, spun or texturized yarns, impart body, coverage, and improved tensile strength without sacrificing springback properties. "Loopies", which are characteristic of monofilament warps, are avoided.

A filament rope may be produced continuously by the method and apparatus of this invention. In an upper portion of a frame of the apparatus is a unit having strand carrying spools that move about to braid the strands into a core of the rope. During braiding the strands overlap to form sets of pairs of transversely aligned openings which decrease in size as the rope core is drawn away from the braiding unit by a tension wheel assembly. While the openings are still large, a filament length carried by a first cylinder passes through one pair of strand openings. The cylinder then is withdrawn and the filament length severed leaving a filament segment in that pair of openings. Next, a second filament segment is placed in the other strand opening pair by a second cylinder. After filament segment insertion a tamping tool engages the strands and inserted filament segments to promote opening size reduction and improve formation of a compressive fit by the strands on the filament segments. The filament carrying rope core next may travel through a heating unit that softens the filament segments for crimping by a set of reciprocating rings. As crimped, the filament segments form an array about the core particularly adapted for absorbing liquid wastes.

A tensionable member is disclosed for installation on an archery bow as a bowstring or a cable of a compound bow. The tensionable member has an outer tubular component of braided construction and a core of multiple strands. A suitable material is polyethylene fiber for use in both the tubular outer member and the core. End loops are formed on the tensionable member by reversing the ends of same and inserting the ends back into the tubular member. A locking element passes transversely through the reversed and inserted end segment and through the tubular outer member to retain the loop configuration. A modified form of tensionable member includes provision for retention of a sight and includes a sight retainer member having its ends secured within the tubular outer member by locking elements passing therethrough. The locking elements are of a fusible material to facilitate securement.