Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
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CONSTRUCTION OF AND METHOD OF CONSTRUCTING
A PROTECTIVE AND EFFECTIVE GRIPPING GLOVE OR OTHER GARMENT
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
100011 The invention relates to a protective and effective grip glove, sleeve
or other
garment. In particular, the invention is directed to a novel yarn construction
that,
when made and used in accordance with the present invention, would provide a
cut resistant glove or other knit item having also effective grip
characteristics
even in moisture intensive environments.
BACKGROUND
[0002] Industrial safety focuses on protection of a worker from a variety of
dangers,
including cuts and abrasions from handling of items in process. While hand and
arm protection is critical, injury to other body parts is also of concern.
Thus,
protective garments such as gloves, sleeves, arm bands, vests, coats,
leggings,
pants and other garments are used to provide protection in a variety of work
environments. Such items must be both strong and flexible to be effective. For
example, gloves may be used to protect a worker from handling cold or hot
items.
Gloves may also be used to protect a worker from sharp or abrasive items. A
particularly difficult environment is a bottling plant, which routinely
requires a
worker to handle a variety of potentially dangerous work in process such as
glass,
aluminum, in addition to operating the machinery that is used in the
processing of
such work materials. A bottling plant involves yet further danger in that much
of
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the material may be wet due to the nature of such processes. Workers wearing
gloves in such a moisture intensive environment need not only protection from
punctures, cuts and abrasions, but also, an effective grip that guards against
slippage or mishandling of wet, often sharp, work materials.
[0003] A variety of work gloves have been used in such environments in the
past. String
knit gloves are a more recent garment that are growing in popularity. Such
garments, and more particularly gloves, provide a desired flexibility and
protection from both heat and cold. As a result, string knit gloves are
replacing
older work gloves made of canvas, leather or jersey. Further, string knit
gloves
have a multitude of uses ranging from a jogging glove to manufacturing and
package handling gloves.
[0004] String knit gloves may be made using various fibers. The introduction
of aramids
such as KEVLARTM brand fiber and other aramid fibers has proven effective
against cuts, punctures and other abrasions. String knit gloves may also be
made
using SpectraTM brand polyethylene and even steel fibers. Moreover, to address
grip ability and product life, PVC dot and brick patterns have been used on
the
palm.
[0005] Even so, string knit gloves and other garments may be improved. One
recognized
problem with protective string knit gloves and garments is that the fibers,
especially the SpectraTM fiber, can still be slippery. Since these gloves are
routinely used in food processing, glass handling, automobile manufacture,
metal
stamping and other hazardous work environments, there is substantial use of
such
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gloves. Moreover, these environments and other such manufacturing facilities
involve a variety of fluids. This causes the gloves or other garments to
become
even more slippery. The problem is so acute that it has been suggested to
users
that they place a disposable latex glove over the knit glove to improve
gripping
ability. Of course, sliding a latex glove on over a knit glove is difficult to
accomplish and awkward in use. As to other garments, such as sleeves and the
like, the suggestion has no application and the problem persists.
[0006] The art has attempted to address the slippage and grip problem by the
use of PVC
dots that may be placed about the palm of fingers of a glove. However, there
is a
need in the art for garments, specifically gloves that provide more direct and
comprehensive gripping ability in the context of a string knit glove. One
response
in the art is to apply or coat the glove or gloves with PVC in order to
enhance
gripping ability.
[0007] There is a further need in the art for gloves and other garments,
including but not
limited to sleeves, armbands, and protective apparel that enjoy the benefits
of a
cut resistant knit having enhanced, more comprehensive gripping ability.
[0008] There is a further need in the art for a yarn construction that
provides the
fundamental element for constructing string knit garments, including gloves,
to
protect a user and provide enhanced gripping ability.
[0009] There is a yet further need in the art for a knit glove and other
garments that
provide not only cut resistance but also gripping ability even in moisture
intense
work environments.
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[00010] These and other features, objects and advantages of the present
invention will be
seen and understood by those of ordinary skill in the art upon reading this
application in conjunction with the associated drawings.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[00011] The present invention, and the various embodiments thereof, addresses
the above
issues, both independently and separately, to provide novel yarn constructions
from which a variety of garments can be produced. The present description,
therefore, supports and discloses but does not limit the invention.
[00012] A cut-resistant and effective gripping ability glove has been
developed comprised
of a novel yarn construction. Those of ordinary skill will appreciate that the
disclosed yarn construction has application well beyond that of a glove,
including
but not limited to sleeves, arm bands, vests, coats, pants, leggings and other
clothing items. The invention is disclosed in the form of a glove, but also
embodied in any other garment, having the following yarn constructions: (1) a
string knit glove formed with fibers of cotton and high-density polyethylene;
and
(2) a sting knit glove formed with fibers of cotton, steel and fiberglass. In
each
instance, the cotton string is exposed to provide comprehensive and wet grip
ability. Of course, many other garments may be made of these yarn
constructions.
[00013] The use of a cotton string not only provides for gripping of wet or
moist objects,
but also provides a cost benefit. It is known that gloves (or sleeves or other
garments) with superior cut resistance are made from yarns that cost
substantially
more than the materials of the present invention. Moreover, it has been found
that
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gloves made of the second yarn has significantly enhanced cut resistance when
compared to a glove made of aramid fibers of the same weight.
1000141 Described somewhat more particularly, the present invention is
embodied in a
glove made with a unique combination of materials that provides effective
gripping ability for a user. For example, the invention includes a cut
resistant and
comprehensive gripping ability glove made with a composite yarn having a
cotton
string or fiber comprising approximately 5 to 85 percent of the composite yarn
by
weight, and a high-density polyethylene string or fiber comprising 5 to 85
percent
of the composite yarn by weight. Another embodiment of the present invention
is
a glove made with a composite yarn having a cotton string or fiber comprising
approximately 20 to 84 percent of the composite yarn by weight, a steel string
or
fiber comprising approximately 8 to 45 percent of the composite yarn by
weight,
and a fiberglass string or fiber comprising approximately 8 to 45 percent of
the
composite yarn by weight. Yet another embodiment of the present invention is a
glove made from composite yarn having a cotton string or fiber comprising
approximately 70 percent of the composite yarn by weight, a steel string or
fiber
comprising approximately 15 percent of the composite yarn by weight, and a
fiberglass string or fiber comprising approximately 15 percent of the
composite
yarn by weight. In each of these embodiments, it is to be understood that the
cotton string or fiber is exposed so as to contact an item to be handled. By
use of
the cotton fiber, the glove is able to contact the item more comprehensively
than
would PVC dots or the like. Instead, the cotton fiber is able to make contact
with
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an object to be secured at all points where the user makes contact with the
object,
as opposed to just those points at which a PVC dot or the like is found.
[00015] It will be appreciated by those of skill in the art that the elemental
yarns described
herein may be used to manufacture a variety of garments. In fact, while the
present invention has specific application to cut-resistant and enhanced
gripping
ability gloves, sleeves and the like, it has application to any garment or
product
that may be constructed in accordance with the invention. Thus, any fabric,
garment or other product manufactured with a composite yarn having either
cotton and high-density polyethylene or cotton, steel and fiberglass is made
in
accordance with the present invention. Thus, the present invention includes:
1000161 a composite yarn as described herein having fibers of cotton and high-
density
polyethylene, or fibers of cotton, steel and fiberglass; a method of
manufacturing
such composite yarns for the construction of garments such as a glove; and a
method of manufacturing a cut resistant and enhanced gripping ability fabric
for
use in the manufacture of a glove, garment or other item such as protective
apparel or the like.
[00017] Objects, features and advantages of various systems, methods, and
articles of
manufacture according to various embodiments of the invention include:
[00018] Systems for providing cut resistant fabrics and garments having a
composite yarn
with either cotton and polyethylene or cotton, steel and fiberglass with the
cotton
string exposed, such as a glove;
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[00019] Methods of providing cut resistant fabric and garments, having a
composite yarn
with either cotton and polyethylene or cotton, steel and fiberglass with the
cotton
string exposed, such as a glove; and articles of manufacture providing cut
resistant fabrics and garments a composite yarn with either cotton and
polyethylene or cotton, steel and fiberglass with the cotton string exposed,
such as
a glove.
[00020] Other aspects, features and advantages will become apparent with
respect to the
remainder of this document.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[00021] Figure 1 is an illustration of an article of manufacture in accordance
with an
embodiment of the invention.
[00022] Figure 2 is an illustration of a fabric for an article of manufacture
in accordance
with an embodiment of the invention.
[00023] Figure 3 is an illustration of an example composite yarn for a fabric
and an article
of manufacture in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.
[00024] Figure 4 is an illustration of another example composite yarn for a
fabric and
article of manufacture in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.
[00025] Figure 5 illustrates a manufacturing process for a composite yarn used
in cut
resistant fabrics and garments in accordance with an embodiment of the
invention.
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[00026] Figure 6 illustrates another manufacturing process for a composite
yarn used in
cut resistant fabrics and garments in accordance with an embodiment of the
invention.
[00027] Figure 7 illustrates a manufacturing process for a cut resistant
fabric used in a cut
resistant garment, such as a glove, in accordance with an embodiment of the
invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[00028] Embodiments of the invention are directed to systems, methods, and
articles of
manufacture providing cut resistant and gripping ability fabrics and garments
utilizing your compositions of the invention, such as a glove. References will
now be made in detail to the disclosed embodiments of the invention which are
illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Wherever possible, the same
reference
numbers will be used throughout the drawings to refer to the same elements.
[00029] Figure 1 illustrates an example of an article of manufacture in
accordance with an
embodiment of the invention. The article shown in Figure 1 is a glove 100 with
at
least one composite yarn 102 as described herein. Generally, the cut resistant
glove 100 is generally shaped to conform to the shape of a user's hand. An
example of a suitable composite yarn 102 construction includes at least one
cotton
fiber and at least one high-density polyethylene fiber. Another example of a
suitable composite yarn 102 includes at least one cotton fiber and at least
one steel
fiber and at least one fiberglass fiber. It will be understood that either
suitable
composite yarns may be combined with yet other fibers, but will include at
least
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those identified herein. Thus, for example, the first suitable composite yarn
may
be comprised of a cotton fiber, a high-density polyethylene fiber and another
fiber
such as SpectraT"', KevlarTMor any other suitable fiber.
[00030] In one embodiment, the glove can be made from a composite yarn with a
cotton
fiber that comprises approximately 5 to 85 percent of the composite yarn by
weight, and a high-density polyethylene fiber that comprises approximately 5
to
85 percent of the composite yarn by weight. Other embodiments can include
other types of fibers and materials with different material composition
percentages. Figure 2, as described in detail below, shows an example of such
a
construction.
[00031] In another embodiment, a glove can be made from a composite yarn with
a cotton
fiber that comprises approximately 20 to 84 percent of the composite yarn by
weight, a steel fiber comprising approximately 8 to 45 percent of the
composite
yarn by weight, and a fiberglass fiber comprising approximately 8 to 45
percent of
the composite yarn by weight. Other embodiments can include other types of
fibers and materials with different material composition percentages.
[00032] Another embodiment, the glove can be made from a composite yarn with a
cotton
fiber that is either wrapped around a base or core yarn of the composite yarn,
or
can otherwise be combined with the base or core yarn such that at least some
of
the cotton fiber is exposed to facilitate contact with an object to be gripped
or
handled.
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1000331 In another embodiment, the glove can be made from a composite yarn,
wherein
the composite yarn comprises cotton, steel, and fiberglass. In this example, a
cotton fiber may comprise approximately 70 percent of the composite yarn by
weight, the steel fiber may comprise approximately 15 percent of the composite
yarn by weight, and the fiberglass fiber may comprise approximately 15 percent
of the composite yarn by weight. In this embodiment, the composite yarn may
once again include a cotton fiber either wrapped around a base or core yarn of
the
composite yarn, or can otherwise be combined with the base or core yarn such
that some or all of the cotton fiber is exposed to facilitate contact with an
object to
be gripped or handled.
1000341 In some or all of these embodiments, a glove or other garment made in
accordance with the invention can impart a grip on a portion of an object in
relatively wet condition. Furthermore, the use of cotton fiber in a composite
yarn
for cut resistant fabrics and garments, such as gloves, can minimize the
material
costs of the composite yarn as compared to conventional fabrics and garments.
[00035] Figure 2 illustrates embodiments of the invention. The fabric 200
shown in
Figure 2 can be used to manufacture, for example, glove 100 in Figure 1. As
shown in Figure 2, the fabric 200 can be formed as a plain weave that includes
multiple body yarns 202. While the plain weave is illustrated in Figure 2,
other
types of weaves may be used. In accordance with the present invention, the
body
yarns 202 shown in Figure 2 can include at least one composite yarn 204
comprising a core material, wrap material, or optionally, additional wrap
materials. Various types of suitable materials and compositions for a
composite
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yarn in accordance with embodiments of the invention are described with
respect
to Figures 1, 3, and 4. However, it is to be understood that any suitable yarn
material may be used so long as the other attributes of the invention are
present.
1000361 Figure 3 illustrates an example of a composite yarn in accordance with
the
invention. For example, composite yarn 300 shown in Figure 3 can be used in
the
fabric 200 of Figure 2. In the embodiments of the composite yarn 204 shown in
figure 3, the composite yarn may include a core material 301 and a wrap
material
302. In this embodiment, the core material 301 may include a cut resistant
fiber
such as high-density polyethylene. Other suitable cut resistant fibers and
materials for a core material such as 300, can include, but are not limited
to, an
aramid, acrylic, VectranTM (liquid crystal polymer), steel, fiberglass, a
polyolefin,
nylon, polyester, and other relatively strong, knittable, cut-resistant
materials or
fibers.
[00037] In one embodiment, a core material such as that shown at 301 in Figure
3 may be
wrapped with cotton fiber to expose an external surface of cotton that is
capable
of facilitating contact with an object to be gripped.
[000381 In the embodiments shown in Figures 2 and 3, the wrap material 302 may
include
at least one cotton fiber with an exposed external surface capable of
facilitating
contact with an object to be gripped. The wrap material 302 shown in Figure 3
can be wrapped, wound, twisted, or in any suitable manner cover at least a
portion
of the core material 300.
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1000391 In yet another embodiment, a cover material 302 may include a cut
resistant fiber
or material, such as high-density polyethylene. The cut resistant fiber or
material
can be wrapped, wound, twisted, or can otherwise cover at least a portion of
the
core material 300. Other suitable cut resistant fibers or materials for a
cover
material such as 302 can include, but are not limited to, an aramid, acrylic,
VectranTM (liquid crystal polymer), steel, fiberglass, a polyolefin, nylon,
polyester, and other relatively strong, knittable materials or fibers.
Regardless, it
is to be understood that such cover materials would also include a cotton
fiber that
would be exposed so as to contact or object to be wrapped.
1000401 In yet another embodiment, composite yarn may include a core material
and a
cover material, wherein at least one cotton fiber, associated with either the
core
material or cover material, includes an exposed external surface capable of
facilitating contact with an object that contacts an external surface of the
composite yarn.
[00041] In one embodiment of a composite yarn, the wrap fiber may comprise a
wrapped
fiber cotton which comprises approximately 5 to 85 percent of the composite
yarn
by weight, and the core fiber may comprise a high-density polyethylene which
comprises approximately 5 to 85 percent of the composite yarn by weight. Other
embodiments may include other types of fibers and materials with different
material composition percentages so long as a cotton wrap fiber or material is
used and exposed as described herein.
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[00042] Figure 4 is an illustration of another example composite yarn in
accordance with
an embodiment of the present invention. The composite yarn 400 of Figure 4
may be used in the construction shown at 200 in Figure 2. The composite yarn
400 shown in Figure 4 comprises a core material 402, a first cover material
404,
and a second cover material 406. The first cover material 404 and second cover
material 406 are both wrapped around a portion of the core material 402. In
this
embodiment, the core material 402 can be a cut resistant fiber or material
such as
steel. In other embodiments, the core material 402 can include, but is not
limited
to, high-density polyethylene, an aramid, acrylic, VectranTM (liquid crystal
polymer), fiberglass, a polyolefin, nylon, polyester, and other relatively
strong,
knittable materials or fibers. Further, the first cover material 404 may be
fiberglass, or a cut resistant fiber or material different than the core
material.
Thus, it is to be understood that the core material 402 is a steel fiber, the
first
cover material may be a different cut resistant fiber or material, such as
fiberglass.
In other embodiments, the first cover material may also be high-density
polyethylene, an aramid, acrylic, VectranTM (liquid crystal polymer), a
polyolefin,
nylon, polyester, and other relatively strong, knittable materials or fibers.
Yet
further, in this embodiment, the second cover material 406 is a cotton fiber
or
material with an exposed external surface 408 capable of facilitating contact
with
an object to be gripped. Various types of cotton fiber can be used for this
second
cover material.
[00043] Thus, in the embodiment shown, one or more cut resistant fibers or
materials can
be used as a second or additional cover material in conjunction with the core
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material and first cover material so long as at least one cotton fiber,
associated
with either the core material or cover material, includes an exposed external
surface capable of facilitating contact with an object that contacts an
external
surface of the composite yarn.
[00044] In one embodiment of a composite yarn, a core material can include a
cotton
fiber, and both the cover material and additional cover material can include
cut
resistant fibers. In this embodiment, the cotton fiber of the core material
can have
an exposed external surface capable of facilitating contact with an object
that
contacts an external surface of the composite yarn.
1000451 In another embodiment, the composite yarn may be made of a cotton
fiber
comprising approximately 20 to 84 percent of the composite yarn by weight, a
steel fiber comprising approximately 8 to 45 percent of the composite yarn by
weight, and a fiberglass fiber comprising approximately 8 to 45 percent of the
composite yarn by weight. Other embodiments can include other types of fibers
and materials with different material composition percentages.
[00046] In another embodiment, the composite yarn may be made of a cotton
fiber
comprising approximately 70 percent of the composite yarn by weight, a steel
fiber comprising approximately 15 percent of the composite yarn by weight, and
a
fiberglass fiber comprising approximately 15 percent of the composite yarn by
weight. Other embodiments can include other types of fibers and materials with
different material composition percentages.
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[00047] Figure 5 illustrates a manufacturing process for a composite yarn used
in cut
resistant fabrics and garments in accordance with an embodiment of the
invention.
The method 500 can be used to make a composite yarn, for example, the
composite yarn 204 in Figures 2 and 3, or the composite yarn 400 in Figure 4.
The method 500 begins at block 502.
[00048] In block 502, a core material is provided for a composite yarn,
wherein the core
material comprises a cut resistant fiber.
[00049] Block 502 is followed by block 504, in which a cover material is
provided for a
composite yarn, wherein the cover material comprises at least one cotton
fiber.
[00050] Block 504 is followed by block 506, in which a portion of the core
material is
covered with a cover material, wherein an exposed external surface of the
cover
material can facilitate contact with an object that contacts an external
surface of
the composite yarn.
[00051] Block 506 is followed by block 508, in which, optionally, another
portion of the
core material is covered with an additional cover material, wherein the
additional
cover material comprises a cut resistant fiber.
[00052] The method 500 ends at block 508. Other processes or methods in
Allocation
Committee accordance with other embodiments of the invention can include
fewer or greater elements.
[00053] Figure 6 illustrates another manufacturing process for a composite
yarn used in
cut resistant fabrics and garments in accordance with an embodiment of the
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invention. The method 600 can be used to make a composite yarn, for example,
the composite yarn 204 in Figure 2 and 3, or the composite yarn 400 in Figure
4.
The method 600 begins at block 602.
[00054] In block 602, a core material is provided for a composite yarn,
wherein the core
material comprises a cotton fiber.
[00055] Block 602 is followed by block 604, in which a cover material is
provided for a
composite yarn, wherein the cover material comprises a cut resistant fiber.
[00056] Block 604 is followed by block 606, in which a portion of the core
material is
covered with a cover material, wherein an exposed external surface of the
cotton
fiber can facilitate contact with an object that contacts an external surface
of the
composite yarn.
[00057] Block 606 is followed by block 608, in which, optionally, another
portion of the
core material is covered with an additional cover material, wherein the
additional
cover material comprises a cut resistant fiber.
[00058] The method 600 ends at block 608. Other processes or methods in
accordance
with other embodiments of the invention can include fewer or greater elements.
[00059] A cut resistant fabric in accordance with an embodiment of the
invention can be
manufactured using a process or method, such as the method 700 illustrated in
Figure 7. In the embodiment shown in Figure 7, the fabric can be utilized in
cut
resistant garments, such as a cut resistant glove. In one example, a fabric
can be
used to form the cut resistant glove 100 shown in Figure 1. In another
example, a
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fabric can be used to form a sleeve for a protective garment. The process or
method 700 for making a cut resistant fabric, for example, fabric 200
described in
Figure 2, begins at block 702.
1000601 In block 702, a plurality of composite yarn is provided. In the
embodiment shown
in Figure 7, each composite yarn can include a cut resistant fiber and at
least one
cotton fiber, wherein an exposed external surface of the cotton fiber can
facilitate
contact with an object that contacts an external surface of the composite
yarn.
Examples of suitable composite yams are described above with respect to
Figures
3, 4, 5 and 6.
[00061] Block 702 is followed by block 704, in which the plurality of
composite yams is
incorporated into a body of a fabric. In this embodiment, the plurality of
composite yarns can be woven or knitted into a body of a fabric using a plain
weave, similar to the fabric shown in Figure 2. The plurality of composite
yarns
can be subjected to other types of weaves in accordance with other embodiments
of the invention. In one embodiment, the fabric can be processed into a glove
to
conform with the shape of a user's hand, similar to the glove 100 in Figure 1.
[00062] At bock 704, the process or method 700 ends. Other processes or
methods in
accordance with other embodiments of the invention can include fewer or
greater
elements.
[00063] While the above description contains many specifics, these specifics
should not be
construed as limitations on the scope of the invention, but merely as
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exemplifications of the disclosed embodiments. Those skilled in the art will
envision many other possible variations that within the scope of the
invention.
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