Metal-Detectable Gloves

Abstract

A metal detectable glove is provided, including a plurality of unaltered fibers, and a plurality of altered synthetic fibers containing a metal, wherein the unaltered fibers and the altered synthetic fibers are knitted together to form the metal-detectable glove. Methods and means of manufacturing such metal detectable gloves are also provided.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS[0001]The present application claims the benefit of prior U.S. Provisional Application No. 61 / 318,051, filed Mar. 26, 2010.FIELD OF THE INVENTION[0002]The present invention relates generally to the field of protective gloves, and in a specific though non-limiting embodiment, to a metal-detectable string knit glove.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0003]Gloves are one of the most fundamental articles of personal protective equipment used in the manufacturing industry. In most manufacturing and / or processing environments, gloves serve a dual purpose: protection of the worker and protection of the product. The latter purpose is of great importance in environments where contaminants are particularly unacceptable, such as the food processing or pharmaceutical industries. In such industries, contaminants in the final product can result in expensive recalls and subsequent harm to the reputation of the brand and corresponding loss of sales.[0004]Accordingly,...

AI Technical Summary

Problems solved by technology

In such industries, contaminants in the final product can result in expensive recalls and subsequent harm to the reputation of the brand and corresponding loss of sales.

In certain circumstances, however, gloves themselves (as well as other personal protective equipment) may become a contaminant, should all or part of a glove be introduced into the product stream.

However, like their non-metal-detectable counterparts, currently available metal-detectable gloves suffer from a number of disadvantages.

First, they are not intended for long-term use (i.e. “disposable”) and must be replaced frequently, sometimes several times per hour.

Accordingly, these gloves are typically purchased in large lots, which may significantly increase costs.

Further, the glove material, such as latex, vinyl or other synthetic rubber, is typically thin and offers little protection from cuts or extreme temperatures, such as the near or below freezing temperatures frequently found in food processing environments.

However, while offering superior protection and potentially lower costs, string knit gloves pose a risk of non-detectable contamination.

Images