Lightweight, cut and/or abrasion resistant garments, and related protective wear

Abstract

The present invention relates to a cut and / or abrasion resistant garment that is lightweight, has improved comfort, flexibility and pliability and provides a cooling effect on the wearer, and is particularly suitable for use as hosiery products such as stockings, pantyhose and tights, or for protective coverings for the arms of the wearer.

Description

REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS[0001]This application is a Continuation-in-Part of U.S. application Ser. No. 12 / 134,446, filed Jun. 6, 2008, the entire contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0002]1. Field of Invention[0003]The present invention relates generally to protective garments that are lightweight, having improved comfort, flexibility and pliability, and are cut and / or abrasion resistant, particularly suitable for use as hosiery products such as pantyhose and tights, or for protective coverings for the limbs of the wearer.[0004]2. Discussion of the Background[0005]In many activities, it is desirable to provide protective garments, including undergarments, to protect participants from being cut. Ideally, such garments should be flexible, pliable, soft and cut / abrasion resistant. For activities in the sporting arena, the garments also need to be light weight, and preferably breathable and / or wicking to allow the removal and evapora...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0009]Accordingly, one object of the present invention is to provide a cut and / or abrasion resistant garment that is lightweight, has improved comfort, flexibility and pliability.

[0010]A further object of the present invention is to provide a cut and / or abrasion resistant garment that avoids heat buildup.

[0011]A further object of the present invention is to provide a cut an / or abrasion resistant garment that actually reduces the wearer's temperature during use (i.e. provides a cooling effect).

Problems solved by technology

However, the use of wire is problematic in environments where a protective garment must not be electrically or thermally conductive.

Moreover, experience has shown that the wire may break and injure the hand of the wearer.

Lastly, articles or garments having a high wire content may be difficult and / or expensive to clean using conventional cleaning techniques.

Further, the use of fiberglass can create significant problems with comfort, particularly in a light weight construction undergarment, as the glass fibers tend to cause significant skin irritation.

The use of high denier high performance yarns such as aramids is problematic in causing the yarn and resultant garment to be too bulky for use, particularly in sporting applications.

However, these yarns are typically too bulky in denier to be used in undergarments, hosiery or other intimate apparel.

Another problem that often arises when providing cut and / or abrasion resistant fabric is that the fabric must often be too heavy for comfort in order to provide the cut and abrasion resistance.

The resulting fabrics also tend to be uncomfortable due to buildup of heat for the wearer.

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