Multi-functional metal fabrication glove

Abstract

Multifunctional liners and gloves that include impact-, cut- and flame / heat-resistant yarns and, optionally, flame / heat-resistant coatings, as well as methods for manufacturing liners and gloves, are disclosed.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS[0001]This application claims the benefit of the priority of U.S. Provisional Application No. 61 / 768,784, filed on Feb. 25, 2013; which is incorporated by reference in its entirety.BACKGROUND[0002]1. Field on the Invention[0003]Embodiments of the present invention generally relate to knitted articles and, more particularly, to knitted liners in the shape of gloves that have one or more yarns in one or more selected zones of the knitted liners to provide a balance of enhanced impact-, cut-, and heat-resistance while maintaining tactility and dexterity, and knitted liners having heat- and / or flame-resistant polymeric coatings disposed thereon.[0004]2. Description of the Related Art[0005]Gloves are used in many settings to protect the hands of users. Furthermore, many gloves are designed to embody specific properties for specific industrial applications, for example, cut resistant yarns in knitted liners and gloves comprising knitted liners, for u...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

The present invention relates to multifunctional gloves which have the ability to resist impact, cuts, and flame / heat. These gloves comprise impact- and cut-resistant yarns, as well as flame / heat-resistant coatings. The patent allows for the use of gloves and knitted liners interchangeably, with some gloves being made up of a knitted liner with additional features like a polymeric coating or a leather patch. The technical effect of the invention is the creation of gloves that can protect against multiple hazards, making them more versatile and safe for use in various situations.

Problems solved by technology

However, many users have multiple needs.

Designing gloves for such applications can be challenging because, for example, some properties, such as dexterity and tactility come at the expense of cut-resistance, heat-resistance, and durability.

Also, past attempts by glove designers have used expensive, top grain leathers to provide feel and dexterity.

Leathers used in these designs have generally been thin and, therefore, have inadequately protected users.

Moreover, leather gloves are cut and sewn, and typically have seams on the inside of the fingerstalls, which creates gloves that are bulky and stiff.

And, the stitches can be easily broken or burned, compromising the durability of the glove.

Furthermore, past gloves do not manage moisture and / or perspiration adequately.

Moreover, a wet glove that becomes tight against the skin of the user, for example, from tightly grabbing a hot workpiece, creates pressure and runs the risk of flashing the moisture into steam, creating another burn hazard.

Furthermore, welding processes subject the welder, and the gloves of the welder, to ultraviolet light, which can degrade the gloves.

Welders performing these welding processes have particular needs from gloves that are even more demanding than for conventional stick and / or flexrod welding.

Gloves for MIG welders, which are typically cowhide or other types of leather, tend to be much heavier and bulkier to protect the welder from high-heats, at the expense of versatility, dexterity, and tactility.

Also, TIG welding typically requires continuous weld runs and once the weld is started, it cannot be stopped because the quality of the weld will suffer.

In addition, the welds created by TIG welding processes are often thinner, used to join thinner materials, and requires considerable skill and attention to detail.

Furthermore, welders often perform different types of welding in a day and therefore have different needs, resulting in switching gloves during the day.

If the gloves are not changed, the welder may use a glove that is inappropriate for a task.

For example, if a welder uses the lighter TIG welding gloves for a MIG job, the gloves will wear quicker as well as inadequately protect the welder from higher heat.

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