US Patent 9982386 Rope structure with improved bending fatigue and abrasion resistance characteristics

A rope structure adapted to engage a bearing structure while under load comprises a plurality of fibers, a matrix, and lubricant particles. The plurality of fibers is adapted to bear the loads applied to the ends of the rope structure. The matrix surrounds at least a portion of some of the plurality of fibers. The lubricant particles are supported by the matrix such that at least some of the lubricant particles are arranged between at least some of the fibers to reduce friction between at least some of the plurality of fibers and at least some of the lubricant particles are arranged to be between the bearing structure and at least some of the plurality of fibers to reduce friction between the bearing structure and at least some of the plurality of fibers.