Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
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1
TITLE
PROTECTIVE CUT-RESISTANT SPORTSWEAR MATERIAL
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] The present disclosure relates to sportswear. More specifically,
but not exclusively, the present disclosure relates to protective cut-
resistant
sportswear material and a method for making such a material. More specifically
but
not exclusively, the present disclosure relates to a cut-resistant sock, to a
cut-
resistant shin guard or forearm sleeves and to a cut-resistant neck guard and
a
method of making the foregoing.
BACKGROUND
[0002] Cut-resistant socks, shin guard sleeves, forearm sleeves and neck
guards are widely used in sports such as Hockey, where the blade of the ice
skates
can cause a serious injury to a player. These materials need to be cut-
resistant as
well as protective of the human flesh they cover all the while being
comfortable for
the wearer.
[0003] There are several sports apparel distributors and manufacturers
offering their versions of cut resistant socks. Tuff n' LiteTM Hockey has a
terry cloth
knit or looped pile construction for their cut resistant sock. Due to the
nature of this
weave, once the sock is stretched over the leg, is seems that the sock will
show
vulnerability. The looped pile construction has a loose 3 X 1 rib knit in the
leg and
once stretched the yarns are further apart from one another causing gaps in
the sock
(See figure 1). The cushion foot is also bulkier versus a flat knit and not a
very
popular feature because it does not wick away moisture, rather it retains it
much like
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a bath towel. Additionally, this sock is treated to provide an antimicrobial
agent that
virtually eliminates odor caused by bacteria. Tactics ArmouredTM Hockey Socks
is
another cut resistant sock shown in Figure 2. This sock is flat knit and cut
resistant.
The major component in this sock is Kevlar, an aramid that is not a breathable
yarn/fabric. This does not allow for the removal of moisture such as sweat and
does
not efficiently remove heat either. Due to the fact that Kevlar is a rather
rigid
yarn/fabric, this sock does not have any compression characteristics and does
not
contour the leg or provide suppleness. antibacterial agents are added to the
sock to
combat bacteria and the like. HoganTM Hockey provides a similar product to the
Tactics ArmouredTM sock (See Figure 3). This sock however includes compression
bands to hold the sock in place and have a mesh zone on top of the foot to
eliminate
heat. This sock also uses flat knit reinforced Kevlar cut resistant sock.
[0004] The prior socks do not provide a sufficiently cut-resistant sock that
is conveniently supple. Moreover, consumers seek neck guards and shin guard or
forearm sleeves that are more comfortable yet stronger than available
products.
OBJECTS
[0005] An object of the present disclosure is to provide a protective cut
resistant sportswear material.
[0006] An object of the present disclosure is to provide a protective cut
resistant sock, shin guard sleeve, forearm sleeve and neck guard.
[0007] An object of the present disclosure is to provide a sock with a high
level of cut resistance all the while allowing a smooth and very comfortable
feel on
the foot and lower leg of the user.
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[0008] An object of the present disclosure is to provide a method of
making a protective cut resistant sportswear material.
[0009] An object of the present disclosure is to provide a method of
making a cut-resistant sock, shin guard sleeve, forearm sleeve and neck guard.
SUMMARY
[0010] In accordance with an aspect of the disclosure, there is provided a
protective weaved sportswear material comprising two strands of 400 denier
ultra-
high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) yarns having the same lengths and
being twisted together over their length.
[0011] In an embodiment, the two UHMWPE yarns are twisted once over
every inch of their length. In an embodiment, the two UHMWPE yarns are twisted
twice over every inch of their length. In an embodiment, the two UHMWPE yarns
are
twisted three times over every inch of their length.
[0012] In an embodiment, each of the UHMWPE yarns is characterized by
a parallel orientation of greater than 95%. In an embodiment, each of the
UHMWPE
yarns is characterized by a level of crystallinity of 85%.
[0013] In an embodiment, the protective weaved sportswear material
further comprises olefin. In an embodiment, the olefin comprises a strand of
150
denier olefin yarn. In an embodiment, the protective weaved sportswear
material
further comprises polyester. In an embodiment, the polyester comprises a
strand of
150 denier polyester yarn. In an embodiment, the protective weaved sportswear
further comprises spandex. In an embodiment, the spandex comprises a strand of
20
denier spandex yarn.
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[0014] In an embodiment, the material comprises a sock. In an
embodiment, the sock comprises a compression portion, the compression portion
comprising a strand of 20 denier spandex yarn covering a strand of 150 denier
polyester yarn. In an embodiment, the material comprises a sleeve. In an
embodiment, the sleeve is selected from a shin guard sleeve and a forearm
sleeve.
In an embodiment, the material comprises a neck guard.
[0015] In accordance with an aspect of the disclosure, there is provided a
method of making a protective sportswear material comprising: twisting two 400
denier weight ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) yarns having
the
same length under the same tension along their lengths; and weaving the
twisted
yarns.
[0016] In an embodiment, the yarns are twisted between one to three
times over every inch of their length.
[0017] In an embodiment, there is provided sock comprising: ultra-high
molecular weight polyethylene and olefin.
[0018] In an embodiment, there is provided a sock comprising two 400
denier weight ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) yams, the two
yarns
being twisted together. In an embodiment, the sock further comprises olefin.
In an
embodiment, the sock further comprises polyester. In an embodiment, the
polyester is
150 denier polyester. In an embodiment, the sock further comprises spandex. In
an
embodiment, the spandex is 20 denier spandex. In an embodiment, the spandex
covers olefin. In an embodiment, the olefin comprises 150 denier olefin.
[0019] In an embodiment, there is provided a sock comprising fiber
CA 02775538 2012-04-30
characterized by high parallel orientation and high level of crystallinity. In
an
embodiment, the fiber is characterized by a parallel orientation of greater
than 95%. In
an embodiment, the he fiber is characterized by a level of crystallinity of up
to 85%. In
an embodiment, the fiber comprises ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene.
In an
5 embodiment, the sock further comprises olefin.
[0020] In accordance with an embodiment, the socks of the disclosure
further comprise a compression portion. In an embodiment, the compression
portion is
provided by flat circular knitting.
[0021] In an embodiment, the cut-resistant sock comprises ultra-high
molecular weight Polyethylene ("UHMWPE") and olefin providing this sock a high
level of cut resistance all the while allowing a smooth and very comfortable
feel on
the foot and lower leg of the user. The UHMWPE fiber comprises two 400 denier
t
UHMWPE yarns that are twisted together.
[0022] In accordance with an aspect of the present disclosure, there is
provided a method of making a cut resistant sock comprising: twisting together
two
denier 400 weight ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene yarns at given
intervals Y
along a length X of the yarns.
[0023] DEFINITIONS
[0024] "Weaves" are generally referred to and defined by a notation such
as: 2X2, 4X4, and 3X1, for example. The first number in this set, for example,
the 3
in 3X1, refers to how many strands are crossed "over" before going "under" the
perpendicular strands (in a 90 degree weave). The second number refers to how
many strands are crossed "under" before going back "over" the perpendicular
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strands (in a 90 degree weave). That is, a 3X1 weave would run: over, over,
over,
under, over, over, over, under, over, over, over, and so on and so forth A 1X1
weave would run: over, under, over, under, over, under, and so one and so
forth.
[0025] A "plain weave" is defined as a 1X1 weave; the weave is over,
under, over under, over, under and so on and so forth (see Figures 4A and 4B).
A
plain weave is the tightest weave and as such it is the least likely to fray
at the ends,
the easiest to work with, and the most likely to sand evenly.
[0026] A "3 X 1" knit is a looser weave and is not as compressive as a 1 X
1 and when stretched over a leg you can see the separation of the weave (see
Figures 5A and 5B).
[0027] "Denier" is, without limitation, a unit of fineness for yarn equal to
the fineness of a yarn weighing one gram for each 9000 meters.
[0028] A "yarn" is, without limitation, a continuous often plied strand
composed of either natural or man-made fibers or filaments and used in weaving
and
knitting clothes.
[0029] Other objects, advantages and features of the present disclosure
will become more apparent upon reading of the following non-restrictive
description
of non-limiting illustrative embodiments thereof, given by way of example only
with
reference to the accompanying drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0030] In the appended drawings, where like reference numerals denote
like elements throughout and in where:
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[0031] Figure 1 is a perspective view of a prior art cut-resistant sock worn
by a user;
[0032] Figure 2 is a perspective view of another prior art cut-resistant sock
worn by a user;
[0033] Figure 3 is a perspective view of a further prior art cut-resistant
sock worn by a user;
[0034] Figure 4A is top of view of plain weaved material;
[0035] Figure 4B is a sectional view of plain weaved material;
[0036] Figure 5A is top view of 3x1 weaved material;
[0037] Figure 5B is a sectional view of a 3x1 weaved material;
[0038] Figures 6 and 7 are respective perspective views of a cut-resistant
sock in accordance with a non-limiting illustrative embodiments of the
disclosure;
[0039] Figure 8A shows a pair of strands of UHMWPE yarns being twisted
in the clockwise direction to provide the protective cut resistant sportswear
material
in accordance with a non-limiting illustrative embodiment of the disclosure;
[0040] Figure 8B shows a pair of strands of UHMWPE yarns being twisted
in the counter-clockwise direction to provide the protective cut resistant
sportswear
material in accordance with a non-limiting illustrative embodiment of the
disclosure;
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10041] Figure 9 is a perspective view of a cut-resistant sleeve mounted to
the calf of a user; and
[0042] Figure 19 is a perspective view of a cut resistant neck guard
mounted to the neck of user.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF ILLUSTRATIVE EMBODIMENTS
[0043] Generally stated and in accordance with an embodiment of the
disclosure, there is provided a protective weaved sportswear material
comprising two
strands of 400 denier ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) yarns
having the same lengths and being twisted together over their length. The
sportswear material comprises a sock, a shin guard sleeve, a forearm sleeve or
a.
neck guard. With respect to the sock, the foregoing materials provide the sock
a high
level of cut resistance all the while allowing a smooth and very comfortable
feel on
the foot and lower leg of the user.
[0044] Ultra-high-molecular-weight polyethylene (UHMWPE or sometimes
shortened to UHMW), also known as high-modulus polyethylene (HMPE) or high-
performance polyethylene (HPPE), is a subset of the thermoplastic
polyethylene. It
has extremely long chains, with molecular weight numbering in the millions.
The
longer chain serves to transfer load more effectively to the polymer backbone
by
strengthening intermolecular interactions. This results in a very tough
material with
high impact strength, low density, low elongation at break, resistance to
corrosive
chemicals, low moisture absorption, low coefficient of friction. The material
is self-
lubricating and highly resistant to abrasion.
[0045] With respect to the sock, the comfort of the sock is provided by the
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low friction coefficient of the UHMWPE and the compliment of remaining fibers
that
make up the sock. Since UHMWPE is used as the main component it
[0046] Production of UHMWPE fibers demands relatively little energy and
uses no aggressive chemicals. The product can easily be recycled so
environmental
pollution from product and process is minimal.
10047] Gel spinning, also known as dry-wet spinning, is used to obtain
high strength or other special properties in the fibers. A polymer is in a
"gel" state,
only partially liquid, which keeps the polymer chains somewhat bound together.
These bonds produce strong inter-chain forces in the fiber, which increase its
tensile
strength. The polymer chains within the fibers also have a large degree of
orientation, which increases strength. The fibers are first air dried, then
cooled
further in a liquid bath.
[0048] Polyethylene molecules are not orientated and are easily torn
apart. Therefore, in the gel spinning process the molecules are dissolved in a
solvent
and spun through a spinneret thereby providing a solution. The molecules in
the
solution that form clusters in the solid state become disentangled and remain
in that
state after the solution is cooled to give filaments. As the fiber is drawn, a
very high
level of macromolecular orientation is attained resulting in a fiber with a
very high
tenacity and modulus.
[00491 This fiber is characterized by a parallel orientation and high level of
crystallinity. In one embodiment, this fiber is characterized by a parallel
orientation
greater than 95% and a level of crystallinity of up to 85%. This gives UHMWPE
its
unique properties such as its strength. The higher the content of UHMWPE in
the
material the greater the comfort.
CA 02775538 2012-04-30
[0050] Another fiber used in the manufacture of the sock, sleeve and neck
guard is olefin. A synthetic fiber which is also polyethylene. Olefin is a
very strong
fiber, being abrasion, stain, sunlight, and chemical resistant and keeping its
strength
and resilience in wet or dry conditions. Olefin fiber is a synthetic fiber
made from a
5 polyolefin, such as polypropylene or polyethylene. It is used in wallpaper,
ropes, and
vehicle interiors. Olefin's advantages are its strength, colorfastness,
comfort, stain,
mildew, as well as its abrasion and sunlight resistance, and good bulk and
cover.
[0051] In an embodiment, the sock, sleeve or neck guard of the present
disclosure can be considered to be biologically inert as the fibers have
excellent
10 biological resistance. They neither stimulate undesired growth nor are
sensitive to
any attack by micro-organisms. As such, the sock, sleeve or neck guard is
naturally
antimicrobial in the sense that it is bacteria and fungus resistant.
[0052] In an embodiment, water absorption of the sock, sleeve or neck
guard fibers is negligible and as a result they act as capillaries to channel
sweat
away from the body towards the surface for quick evaporation and
breathability.
[0053] In an embodiment, the present sock sleeve or neck guard is
capable of absorbing and transmitting heat thereby dispersing body heat
quickly thus
keeping the wearer cooler.
[0054] In an embodiment, the present sock is a compression sock. More
particularly the sock comprises a portion thereof with an additional
compression
band around the ankle section of the sock, which compresses the leg, assisting
in
avoiding or at least attenuating muscular fatigue.
[0055] In an embodiment, the sock is manufactured at least partially by
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flat circular knitting. In an embodiment, the above-mentioned compression
characteristic is provided by the flat circular knit of the present sock. More
particularly, the tightness of the weave keeps the sock in place and allows it
to better
contour the leg thereby providing comfort as well as cut restistance.
[0056] In an embodiment, the UHMWPE is knitted into the sock thereby
providing a softness and suppleness to the present sock.
[0057] In one embodiment, two 400 denier UHMWPE yams instead of a
single 800 denier UHMWPE yarn were twisted together.
[0058] The twisted smaller diameter 400 denier UHMWPE yarns are
smaller in diameter individually but as a twisted pair they are stronger than
a single
800 denier UHMWPE single strand yarn. Both 400 denier UHMWPE yams together
however, have the same cross-sectional area as a single 800 denier UHMWPE
strand yam.
[0059] In one embodiment, the sock includes two individual 400 denier
UHMWP single strand yarns knitted into the sock but this sock did not have the
cut
resistance of that was provided when twisting two 400 denier UHMWP yarns.
[0060] In one embodiment, the sock comprises two 400 denier (800)
UHMWPE yarns that are twisted together, 150 denier polyester, 20 denier
Spandex
Covering one strand of 150 denier olefin yarn.
[0061] Turning now to Figure 6, there is shown a sock 10 in accordance
with a non-restrictive illustrative embodiment, comprising a leg portion 12
and a foot
portion 14. The leg portion 12 comprises twisted yarns while the foot portion
14
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does not. The leg portion 14 also comprises a sub-portion 16 thereof which is
a
compression portion. In an embodiment, the leg portion 14 is a compression
portion
and the sub-portion 16 is an additional compression sub-portion of leg portion
14.
[0062] Figure 7 shows a another sock 20 having a flat knitted main body
portion 22, a flat knitted foot portion 24 with Y-stich heel, a compression
ankle
section 26 including spandex and 1x1 weaved or plain weaved rib double welt
potion
26.
[0063] Turning now to Figure 8A there is shown a pair 40 of two strands ,
namely A and B, of 400 denier UHMWP yarn being twisted over their length in
the
clockwise direction. The strands are twisted about one another Y times about a
length X of the two yarns. The values of Y and X are determined by the skilled
artisan based on the desired compression, comfort and strength of the final
material
depending on the needs and wants of the user. In one embodiment, the yarns are
twisted once over every inch of length. In another embodiment, the yams are
twisted twice over every inch of length. In yet another embodiment, the yarns
are
twisted three times over every inch of length.
[0064] A variety of known twisting machines or ply yarn twisters are used
to twist (or ply or wind) two separate strands of yarns together. Essentially
two
spools become one. It is important that when twisting strands together, they
have
the same length and same tension. In an embodiment, the two separate strands
of
yarn of 400 denier UHMWP each are twisted opposite the rotation of knitting.
In an
embodiment, a pair 42 of two 400 denier UHMWP yams are twisted in a counter-
clockwise fashion (see Figure 8B).
[0065] In an embodiment, when knitting the material all yarns twisted and
non-twisted need to be under the same tension in order to avoid bundling of
the knit
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while maintaining a desirable compression.
[0066] In one embodiment, the composition of the sock comprises two
twisted yarns of 400 denier (800) count UHMWPE, one yam of 150 denier
polyester,
twenty 150 denier spandex strands covering the one 150 denier polyester. The
sock
includes a total of 1120 denier in the leg portion. The foot portion includes
two yarns
of 150 denier Olefin, one strand of 20 denier Spandex covered by one strand of
150
denier polyester. The arch area of the foot portion comprises elastic cover
polyester.
[0067] Figure 9 shows an example of a sleeve 50, in this case a shin
guard sleeve mounted to the calf of a user. Of course, a forearm sleeve would
have
a similar construction.
[0068] Figure 10 shows an example of a neck guard 60 mounted to the
neck 62 of a user. In one embodiment, the neck guard comprises four strands of
400 denier (1600) count UHMWPE yarns. In this cases, two pairs of two twisted
yarns of 400 denier UHMWPE yarns are knitted together. The neck guard further
comprises a 20 denier spandex yarn covered by two 150 denier polyester
strands,
two 150 denier polyester stands and a 90 denier rubber strand knitted together
with
a 70 denier Polyester strand.
[0069] TESTING OF MATERIALS
[0070] TEST 1:
[0071] A product test was conducted on sock comprising 1 strand of 400
denier UHMWPE and spandex (Sock A). The test was conducted on May 18, 2010 in
accordance with the ASTM F 1790-05 standard (Measuring Cut Resistance of
Materials
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Used in Protective Clothing) protocol. The smaplea was conditioned at 21 C,
65% R.H.
The apparatus was used was a Tomodynamometer TDM-100 (by IRRST). The cut
direction was 45 in relation to the weave direction of the sock. The blade
used was
Gru-Gru #88-0121 , Lot #3706 210 14 363163. The blade was validated and had a
cut-
through distance before and after of 17.60mm and 19.42mm. The blade sharpness
correction factor was 1.0806mm. The number of readings was 24 and the number
of
specimens used was 3. The weight needed to cut through the material with 25 m
mm of
blade travel was 470.2g.
[0072] TEST 2:
[0073] TEST 2.1
[0074] A product test was conducted on sock comprising 1 strand of 400
denier UHMWPE and spandex (sock A). The test was conducted on September 16,
2010 in accordance with the CAN/BNQ 9415-370/2007 standard Neck Guard test
protocol. This procedure tests the resistance of neck guards to the blade of
an ice
skate. The test was effectuated by the CRIQ (Centre de Recherche lndustrielle
du
Quebec). The blade that was used was from a Bauer Tuuk 270R Hockey Skate. The
speed of impact was 25Km/h. The test weight that was used was 215.70 lbs. The
blade
is actuated by a rig in accordance with the foregoing procedure.
[0075] In this test, the sock is mounted to a drum comprising metal
cylinder having a 4.5 inch diameter with a 0.5 inch of foam thereon. The
skilled
artisan will appreciate that the foam used is an industry standard that is
used to
simulate human flesh. The standard is in accordance with the ACTMD3575-00
protocol. Therefore, the diameter of the drum on which the sock was mounted
was
5.5 inches in total.
CA 02775538 2012-04-30
10076] A first impact was effectuated with the blade being parallel to the
weave direction of the sock. This resulted in the deformation of the sock
material
due to the blade passing over it. The foam was indented which means that there
would be no skin removal but bruising would occur.
5 [0077] A second impact was effectuated with the blade being at a 90
angle to the weave direction with the sock being regularly stretched over the
drum.
This resulted in the sock being cut and the foam being compressed but not out.
This
same impact was repeated but in this case, the sock was extremely stretched
over
the drum to simulate a larger human calf. The result was that the sock was cut
and
10 the foam was both deformed and cut.
[00781 A third impact was conducted with the blade at a 450 angle to the
weave direction. This resulted in the sock being cut, while the foam was not
cut but
compressed. The compression signifies that there are good chances that the leg
can be cut.
15 [0079] TEST 2.2
[0080] Another set of tests was conducted on a sock comprising I strand
of 400 denier UHMWPE yam, spandex and a strand 150 denier polyester yam (Sock
B).
[0081] A first impact was conducted with blade being parallel to the weave
direction. This resulted in a negligible cut on the sock and a slight
compression on the
foam.
(00821 A second impact was conducted with the blade at a 90 angle to the
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weave direction. The sock was normally stretched over the drum. This impact
resulted in a slight abrasion of the sock with no cut. The foam was not cut
but
compressed. This impact was repeated with the sock being extremely stretched
over the drum to simulate a larger calf. A cut occurred at the ankle
compression
area. The foam was lightly compressed but not cut.
[0083] A third impact was conducted with the blade at a 450 angle to the
weave direction. The blade cut through the sock but the foam was slightly
compressed and not cut.
[0084] TEST 3
[0085] TEST 3.1
[0086) A product test was conducted on a sock comprising 2 strands of
400 denier UHMPWE that were knitted together and spandex (Sock C). The test
was conducted on October 22, 2010 by the CRIQ and in accordance with the
CAN/BNQ 9415-37012007 standard Neck Guard test protocol which as previously
mentioned tests the resistance of neck guards to the blade of an ice skate.
The blade
that was used was from a Bauer Tuuk 270R Hockey Skate. The speed of impact was
25Km/h. The test weight that was used was 215.70 lbs. The drum was had a
diameter
of 5.5 inches with a 4.5 inch metallic cylindrical core and a 0.5 inch layer
of foam in
accordance the ACTMD3575-00 protocol.
[0087] A first impact was conducted with the blade being parallel to the
weave direction. This impact was repeated three times at three different
positions along
the length of the sock, at the top extremity and the bottom extremity and in
or about the
middle. These impacts resulted in the sock not being cut at the top or bottom
CA 02775538 2012-04-30
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extremities, yet there was a slight negligible hole in the middle of the sock.
The foam
beneath the sock was deformed at all three positions but not cut.
[0088] A second impact was conducted with the blade being at a 900 angle
to the weave direction. This impact was repeated three times at three
different
positions along the length of the sock, at the top extremity and the bottom
extremity
and in or about the middle. These impacts resulted in the sock not being cut
at the
top or bottom extremities, yet there were perforations in the middle of the
sock. The
foam beneath the sock was deformed at all three positions but not cut.
[0089] A third impact was conducted with the blade being at a 45 angle to
the weave direction. This impact did not cut the sock; there were minimal
markings on
the sock and small indentations on the foam.
[0090] TEST 3.2
[0091] A product test was conducted on a sock comprising 2 twisted
strands of 400 denier UHMPWE and spandex (Sock D). In each impact below, the
sock was impacted by the blade at three different positions along the length
of the
sock, at the top extremity and the bottom extremity and in or about the
middle.
[0092] A first impact was conducted with the blade being parallel to the
weave direction. There were no cuts on the sock and only minor abrasions to
the foam.
[0093] A second impact was conducted with the blade being at a 900 angle
to the weave direction. There were no cuts on the sock and only minor
abrasions on
the foam.
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[0094] A third impact was conducted with the blade being at a 45 angle to
the weave direction. There were no cuts to the sock and only minor
deformations to
the foam.
[0095] TEST 4
[0096] The same test as test 3.2 was conducted on December 7, 2011 and
the results were confirmed.
[0097] CONCLUSION
[0098] The tests above show that the material having a composition that
includes two,strands of 400 denier UHMPWE (Sock D) having been twisted
together
are more cut resistant and provide greater protection to the human flesh
beneath the
material than the other compositions (Sock A, Sock B, Sock C). Moreover, the
two
twisted strands of 400 denier UHMPWE have greater malleability and less
rigidity
than a single strand of 800 denier UHMPWE yarn. As such, the materials
provided
herein improve the cut resistance of the protective sportswear (socks, neck
guards
and shin guard sleeves) and are comparable to greater denier UHMPWE yarns
while
at the same time maintaining the malleability and comfort that lesser denier
and
single strand yarns of UHMPWE provide.
[0099] More particularly, a material comprising one strand of 800 denier
UHMPWE yam provides greater protection than a material comprising either a
single
strand of 400 denier UHMPWE yarn or two non-twisted strands of 400 denier
UHMPWE yarn. A material comprising two twisted strands of 400 denier UHMPWE
yarn provides a similar protection to that of a material comprising a strand
of 800
denier UHMPWE yarn. A material comprising a single strand of 400 denier
CA 02775538 2012-04-30
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UHMPWE yarn is far more malleable and comfortable than a material comprising a
single strand of 800 denier UHMPWE yarn which is very rigid. A material
comprising
two twisted strands of 400 denier UHMPWE yarn provides a similar comfort level
to
a material comprising a a single strand of 400 denier UHMPWE yarn.
[00100] The various materials disclosed herein can be used for socks,
sleeves or neck guards. It should be noted that the various components and
features of the embodiments described above can be combined in a variety of
ways
so as to provide other non-illustrated embodiments within the scope of the
disclosure.
As such, it is to be understood that the disclosure is not limited in its
application to the
details of construction and parts illustrated in the accompanying drawings and
described hereinabove. The disclosure is capable of other embodiments and of
being practiced in various ways. It is also to be understood that the
phraseology or
terminology used herein is for the purpose of description and not limitation.
Hence, although the present disclosure has been described hereinabove by way
of
embodiments thereof, it can be modified, without departing from the spirit,
scope
and nature of the subject disclosure as defined herein and in the appended
claims.
