Fabric structures having two connection segments and an expansion segment between the two connection segments are provided. The fabric structure includes ground yarns (31; 32) that form a sheath, binder yarns (38), elongation yarns (34) surrounded by the sheath, and lateral yarns (36). In the expansion segment (14), at least some of the lateral yarns (36) are interwoven with the elongation yarns to connect the elongation yarns laterally with the sheath. Heat treatment of the expansion segment shrinks the length of the elongation yarns during manufacture. The sheath does not substantially shrink from the heat treatment relative to the elongation yarns and gathers together in an accordion-like arrangement. A tensile load applied to the fabric structure stretches the elongation yarns and unfolds the gathered sheath. The high strength sheath supports the tensile load when completely unfolded, while the elongation yarns absorbs energy as the fabric structure stretches or elongates.
展开▼
