Abstract:
The present invention is embodied in a composite yarn having fibers of cotton and high-density polyethylene, or fibers of cotton, steel and fiberglass where the cotton fiber is in some fashion exposed to a surface to be engaged by the composite yarn. The present invention is further embodied in a method of making such composite yarns or a fabric including one or more composite yarns in accordance with the present invention. The present invention is further embodied in a method of making protective apparel, such as a glove, from a composite yarn or fabric in accordance with the present invention. By way of example, a knit glove made with either or any of the disclosed composite yarns enjoys the benefits of both cut-resistance and enhanced gripping ability. Such articles of manufacture thus protect a user from sharp or abrasive items while also allowing that user to handle items that may be wet or otherwise difficult to manipulate.

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
       [0001]    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 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 KEVLAR™ brand fiber and other aramid fibers has proven effective against cuts, punctures and other abrasions. String knit gloves may also be made using Spectra™ 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 Spectra™ 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 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. 
         [0010]    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 
       [0011]    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. 
         [0012]    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. 
         [0013]    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 gloves made of the second yarn has significantly enhanced cut resistance when compared to a glove made of aramid fibers of the same weight. 
         [0014]    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 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. 
         [0015]    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: 
         [0016]    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. 
         [0017]    Objects, features and advantages of various systems, methods, and articles of manufacture according to various embodiments of the invention include: 
         [0018]    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; 
         [0019]    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. 
         [0020]    Other aspects, features and advantages will become apparent with respect to the remainder of this document. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
         [0021]      FIG. 1  is an illustration of an article of manufacture in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. 
           [0022]      FIG. 2  is an illustration of a fabric for an article of manufacture in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. 
           [0023]      FIG. 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. 
           [0024]      FIG. 4  is an illustration of another example composite yarn for a fabric and article of manufacture in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. 
           [0025]      FIG. 5  illustrates a manufacturing process for a composite yarn used in cut resistant fabrics and garments in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. 
           [0026]      FIG. 6  illustrates another manufacturing process for a composite yarn used in cut resistant fabrics and garments in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. 
           [0027]      FIG. 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  
       [0028]    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. 
         [0029]      FIG. 1  illustrates an example of an article of manufacture in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. The article shown in  FIG. 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&#39;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 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 Spectra™, Kevlar™ or any other suitable fiber. 
         [0030]    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.  FIG. 2 , as described in detail below, shows an example of such a construction. 
         [0031]    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. 
         [0032]    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. 
         [0033]    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. 
         [0034]    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. 
         [0035]      FIG. 2  illustrates embodiments of the invention. The fabric  200  shown in  FIG. 2  can be used to manufacture, for example, glove  100  in  FIG. 1 . As shown in  FIG. 2 , the fabric  200  can be formed as a plain weave that includes multiple body yarns  202 . While the plain weave is illustrated in  FIG. 2 , other types of weaves may be used. In accordance with the present invention, the body yarns  202  shown in  FIG. 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 yarn in accordance with embodiments of the invention are described with respect to  FIGS. 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. 
         [0036]      FIG. 3  illustrates an example of a composite yarn in accordance with the invention. For example, composite yarn  300  shown in  FIG. 3  can be used in the fabric  200  of  FIG. 2 . In the embodiments of the composite yarn  204  shown in  FIG. 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, Vectran™ (liquid crystal polymer), steel, fiberglass, a polyolefin, nylon, polyester, and other relatively strong, knittable, cut-resistant materials or fibers. 
         [0037]    In one embodiment, a core material such as that shown at  301  in  FIG. 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. 
         [0038]    In the embodiments shown in  FIGS. 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  FIG. 3  can be wrapped, wound, twisted, or in any suitable manner cover at least a portion of the core material  300 . 
         [0039]    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, Vectran™ (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. 
         [0040]    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. 
         [0041]    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. 
         [0042]      FIG. 4  is an illustration of another example composite yarn in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. The composite yarn  400  of  FIG. 4  may be used in the construction shown at  200  in  FIG. 2 . The composite yarn  400  shown in  FIG. 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, Vectran™ (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, Vectran™ (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. 
         [0043]    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 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. 
         [0044]    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. 
         [0045]    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. 
         [0046]    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. 
         [0047]      FIG. 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  FIGS. 2 and 3 , or the composite yarn  400  in  FIG. 4 . The method  500  begins at block  502 . 
         [0048]    In block  502 , a core material is provided for a composite yarn, wherein the core material comprises a cut resistant fiber. 
         [0049]    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. 
         [0050]    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. 
         [0051]    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. 
         [0052]    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. 
         [0053]      FIG. 6  illustrates another manufacturing process for a composite yarn used in cut resistant fabrics and garments in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. The method  600  can be used to make a composite yarn, for example, the composite yarn  204  in  FIGS. 2 and 3 , or the composite yarn  400  in  FIG. 4 . The method  600  begins at block  602 . 
         [0054]    In block  602 , a core material is provided for a composite yarn, wherein the core material comprises a cotton fiber. 
         [0055]    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. 
         [0056]    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. 
         [0057]    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. 
         [0058]    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. 
         [0059]    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  FIG. 7 . In the embodiment shown in  FIG. 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  FIG. 1 . In another example, a 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  FIG. 2 , begins at block  702 . 
         [0060]    In block  702 , a plurality of composite yarn is provided. In the embodiment shown in  FIG. 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 yarns are described above with respect to  FIGS. 3 ,  4 ,  5  and  6 . 
         [0061]    Block  702  is followed by block  704 , in which the plurality of composite yarns 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  FIG. 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&#39;s hand, similar to the glove  100  in  FIG. 1 . 
         [0062]    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. 
         [0063]    While the above description contains many specifics, these specifics should not be construed as limitations on the scope of the invention, but merely as exemplifications of the disclosed embodiments. Those skilled in the art will envision many other possible variations that within the scope of the invention.