Glove with enhanced sections and method of making same

Abstract

A protective glove can comprise a primary cut resistant yarn defining the body of the glove. The interior surface of the primary yarn defines the interior surface of the glove, and the exterior surface of the primary yarn defines the exterior surface of the glove. Enhanced sections include a secondary yarn and can be formed at particular areas of the glove. The enhanced sections have at least one substantially enhanced physical characteristic in relation to the rest of the glove, such as enhanced compressive / stretch properties and / or enhanced gripping / slip resistance in relation to the primary yarn.

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 458,576, filed Apr. 11, 2023, which is incorporated herein by reference.TECHNICAL FIELD AND BACKGROUND

[0002] The present invention relates to textiles. In particular, the invention relates to fabric articles, such as protective gloves.

[0003] Often it is desirable for a single glove to be constructed of various sections having distinct properties. For example, protective safety gloves often have an interior surface layer comprised of a relatively soft yarn for the comfort of the wearer, and an exterior surface comprised of a relatively rough yarn providing cut resistance.

[0004] The users of protective gloves are often workers who must wear the gloves for long periods of time to be safe while performing their job duties over the course of a typical work shift. There is a need for a protective glove that provides cut resistance and is comfortable for the user to wear for extended periods of time.

[0005] U.S. Pat. No. 9,877,529, which is incorporated by reference herein, discloses protective gloves with enhanced exterior sections. U.S. Pat. No. 10,130,128, which is incorporated by reference herein, discloses cut resistant gloves and methods of making same. U.S. Pat. No. 11,918,064 discloses a protective glove with enhanced sections, and is incorporated by reference herein. U.S. Pat. No. 7,434,422, which is incorporated by reference herein, discloses a method of selective multiple yarn reinforcement of a knitted glove.SUMMARY

[0006] An object of the present invention is to provide a fabric article, such as a glove, having enhanced compressive / stretch properties. Another object of the invention is to provide a fabric article having enhanced compressive properties in specific areas to provide improved fit and comfort for the user. Another object of the invention is to provide yarns for making such an article. These and other objects of the invention can be achieved in various embodiments of the invention described herein.

[0007] An embodiment of the invention comprises a fabric article having enhanced compressive / stretch properties.

[0008] Another embodiment of the invention comprises a protective fabric article, such as a cut resistant glove, having enhanced compressive / stretch properties.

[0009] According to another embodiment of the invention, particular areas of the fabric article have enhanced physical properties, such as superior compressive / stretch properties and / or superior gripping properties / slip resistance, in relation to the other areas of the glove.

[0010] Another embodiment of the invention comprises a protective glove comprising a primary yarn used to construct a palm section, and thumb, index finger, middle finger, ring finger and baby finger sections. The interior surface of the primary yarn defines the interior surface of the glove, and the exterior surface of the primary yarn defines the exterior surface of the glove. Enhanced sections can be formed at particular areas of the glove, and the enhanced sections have at least one substantially enhanced physical characteristic in relation to the primary yarn. According to an embodiment, the enhanced sections have enhanced compressive / stretch properties in relation to the primary yarn. According to another embodiment, the enhanced sections have enhanced gripping / slip resistance in relation to the primary yarn.

[0011] Another embodiment of the invention comprises a method for making a fabric article having enhanced compressive properties.

[0012] Another embodiment of the invention comprises a glove having enhanced compressive properties in one or more specific areas of the glove.

[0013] According to another embodiment of the invention, the glove has enhanced compressive properties in one particular area of the glove.

[0014] According to another embodiment of the invention, the glove has enhanced compressive properties in multiple areas of the glove.

[0015] According to another embodiment of the invention, the glove has enhanced compressive properties in one or more finger sections of the glove and / or in the palm section of the glove.

[0016] According to another embodiment of the invention, the glove has compressive enhancement throughout the entire glove.

[0017] According to an embodiment of the invention, the glove comprises a primary yarn and a secondary yarn. The primary yarn defines the body of the glove and comprises a cut resistant yarn. The secondary yarn comprises a stretch elastic yarn having a stretch percentage of 80% to 350%. The stretch elastic yarn can be plated, knit in, or laid in at particular areas of the glove to form zones having enhanced compressive / stretch properties.

[0018] According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the stretch elastic yarn comprises spandex and is plated to the primary yarn.

[0019] According to an embodiment of the invention, the stretch elastic yarn is plated to the exterior surface of the primary yarn. In another embodiment, the stretch elastic yarn is plated to the interior surface of the primary yarn.

[0020] According to another embodiment of the invention, an additional cut resistant yarn can be plated to the primary yarn. According to a preferred embodiment, the additional cut resistant yarn is plated to the exterior surface of the primary yarn, and the stretch elastic yarn is plated to the interior surface of the primary yarn.

[0021] According to another embodiment of the invention, the stretch elastic yarn comprises a core comprised of spandex and one or more covers wrapped around the core comprised of one or more of following: textured polyester, a blended UHMWPE / spun polyester, UHMWPE, antimicrobial polyester, and / or flat and / or textured nylon. According to another embodiment, the core can further comprise blended UHMWPE / spun polyester, polyester, UMWHPE, antimicrobial polyester, and / or flat and / or textured nylon.

[0022] According to another embodiment of the invention, the primary yarn comprises fiberglass, ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE), stainless-steel wire, nylon, polyester, and / or a blended UHMWPE / spun polyester.

[0023] According to another embodiment of the invention, the primary yarn can comprise a core comprised of a cut resistant fiber and a cover comprised of a slip resistant / grip enhancing fiber wrapped around the core.

[0024] According to an embodiment of the invention, the cut resistant core of the primary yarn comprises fiberglass, ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE), stainless-steel wire, nylon, polyester, and / or a blended UHMWPE / spun polyester.

[0025] Another embodiment of the invention comprises a glove comprising a cut resistant yarn and a stretch elastic yarn plated to the cut resistant yarn. The cut resistant yarn comprises one or more core strands comprising fiberglass, UHMWPE, stainless-steel wire, flat and / or textured nylon, polyester, and / or a blended UHMWPE / spun polyester, and at least one cover strand comprised of UHMWPE, polyester, flat and / or textured nylon, antimicrobial polyester, a blended UHMWPE / spun polyester. The stretch elastic yarn comprises a core comprised of spandex and at least one cover strand wrapped around the core. The cover can be textured polyester, a blended UHMWPE / spun polyester, UHMWPE, antimicrobial polyester, and / or flat or textured nylon.

[0026] Another embodiment of the invention comprises a glove comprising a glove body comprised of a first cut resistant yarn and a second cut resistant yarn plated to the first cut resistant yarn. A stretch elastic yarn is plated, knit in, or laid in at particular areas of the glove body to form zones on the glove body having enhanced compressive properties.

[0027] Another embodiment of the invention comprises a protective glove comprising a palm section, a thumb section, an index finger section, a middle finger section, a ring finger section and a baby finger section. A primary yarn defines the palm section, the thumb section, the index finger section, the middle finger section, the ring finger section and the baby finger section. The primary yarn comprises a cut resistant yarn having an interior surface defining an interior surface of the glove and an exterior surface defining an exterior surface of the glove. At least one enhanced compressive section is formed at a selected area of the glove. The enhanced compressive section is comprised of the primary yarn and a secondary yarn, and the secondary yarn comprises a stretch elastic yarn having a stretch percentage of 80% to 350%.

[0028] According to an embodiment of the invention, the stretch elastic yarn comprises spandex having a denier of 40 to 1120.

[0029] According to another embodiment, the stretch elastic yarn is plated to selected areas of the primary yarn to form the at least one enhanced compressive section.

[0030] According to another embodiment, the enhanced compressive section comprises ribbed stitches formed by knitting the stretch elastic yarn in a 1×1 stitch, 2×2 stitch, or 3×1 stitch.

[0031] According to another embodiment, the stretch elastic yarn is plated to the interior surface of the first cut resistant yarn, and a second cut resistant yarn is plated to the exterior surface of the primary cut resistant yarn.

[0032] According to an embodiment, a slip resistant yarn can be plated to the exterior surface of the primary cut resistant yarn. The slip resistant yarn can comprise elastomeric polyester, bare spandex, rubber yarn, a thermoplastic polyurethane having a polyester core, and / or other suitable slip resistant material. The stretch elastic yarn can comprise spandex having a denier of 40 to 1120.

[0033] According to another embodiment, the cut resistant yarn comprises at least one core strand comprised of fiberglass, ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene, stainless-steel wire, flat and / or textured nylon, polyester, and / or a blended ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene / spun polyester, and at least one cover strand wrapped around the core strand comprised of textured polyester, a blended ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene / spun polyester, ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene, antimicrobial polyester, and / or flat and / or textured nylon.

[0034] According to another embodiment, the stretch elastic yarn comprises at least one core strand comprising spandex, and at least one cover strand comprising textured polyester, a blended ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene / spun polyester, ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene, antimicrobial polyester, and / or flat or textured nylon.

[0035] According to another embodiment, the stretch elastic yarn comprises a core strand comprising spandex, an inner cover strand wrapped around the core strand in a first direction comprised of textured polyester, a blended ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene / spun polyester, ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene, antimicrobial polyester, and / or nylon, and an outer cover strand wrapped around the inner cover strand and the core strand in a second direction opposite to the first direction, the outer cover strand comprised of elastomeric polyester, bare spandex, rubber yarn, and / or thermoplastic polyurethane with a polyester core.

[0036] According to an embodiment of the invention, the enhanced compressive section includes a slip resistant fiber, such as elastomeric polyester, bare spandex, rubber yarn, and / or thermoplastic polyurethane with a polyester core.

[0037] According to an embodiment of the invention, the cut resistant yarn comprises three core strands extending parallel to each other: a first core strand comprising fiberglass, a second core strand comprising ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene, and a third core strand comprised of stainless steel wire. An inner cover strand comprised of polyester or ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene is wrapped around the three core strands in a first direction. An outer cover strand comprised of polyester is wrapped around the inner cover strand and the three core strands.

[0038] According to an embodiment of the invention, the stretch elastic yarn comprises a core strand comprised of spandex, an inner cover strand comprised of polyester wrapped around the core strand in a first direction, and an outer cover strand comprised of polyester wrapped around the inner cover strand and the core strand in a second direction opposite to the first direction.

[0039] Another embodiment of the invention comprises a protective glove having enhanced slip resistant sections. The glove comprises a primary yarn defining a palm section, a thumb section, an index finger section, a middle finger section, a ring finger section and a baby finger section. The primary yarn comprises a cut resistant yarn having an interior surface defining an interior surface of the glove and an exterior surface defining an exterior surface of the glove. A slip resistant yarn plated to selected areas of the exterior surface of the cut resistant yarn to form a plurality of enhanced slip resistant sections on the exterior surface of the glove. According to a preferred embodiment, the slip resistant yarn is comprised of elastomeric polyester, bare spandex, rubber yarn, a thermoplastic polyurethane with a polyester core, and / or other suitable slip resistant material.

[0040] According to an embodiment of the invention, the cut resistant yarn comprises at least one core strand comprising at least one from the group consisting of fiberglass, ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene, stainless-steel wire, flat and / or textured nylon, polyester, and a blended ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene / spun polyester, and at least one cover strand comprising at least one from the group consisting of textured polyester, a blended ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene / spun polyester, ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene, antimicrobial polyester, and flat and / or textured nylon, the at least one cover strand wrapped around the at least one cover strand.

[0041] According to another embodiment of the invention, a stretch elastic yarn having a stretch percentage of 80% to 350% can be plated to the interior surface of the cut resistant yarn.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0042] FIG. 1 is a schematic view of a cut resistant yarn according to a preferred embodiment of the invention;

[0043] FIG. 2 is a schematic view of a stretch elastic yarn according to a preferred embodiment of the invention;

[0044] FIG. 3 is a schematic front view of a glove according to a preferred embodiment of the invention;

[0045] FIG. 4 is a schematic back view of the glove of FIG. 3;

[0046] FIG. 5 is a schematic view of a glove according to a preferred embodiment of the invention; and

[0047] FIG. 6 is a cross sectional view taken along lines 6-6 of FIG. 4, showing a three layer fabric construction according to an embodiment of the invention.DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0048] An embodiment of the invention comprises a cut resistant glove with enhanced compressive / stretch properties to provide improved fit and comfort. Preferably, the enhanced compressive properties are located in specific areas of the glove. Alternatively, there can be compressive enhancement throughout the entire glove.

[0049] The glove can have enhanced compressive enhancement in multiple zones or in a particular zone of the glove. The glove can be comprised of a primary yarn and one or more secondary yarns. The primary yarn can be a cut resistant yarn that defines the body of the glove, and the secondary yarn can be a stretch elastic yarn placed in specific areas of the glove to form the enhanced compressive zones. Preferably, the stretch elastic yarn comprises spandex and has from 80% to 350% stretch. The stretch elastic yarn can be silicone free, depending on the end use of the glove. The stretch elastic yarn can be plated, knit in, or laid in. The stretch elastic yarn can be knit every course, every two courses, or in some cases randomly in zones and / or throughout the glove. The enhanced compressive zones can be located at one or more finger sections and / or the palm area of the glove.

[0050] Preferably, the stretch elastic yarn comprises a yarn comprising a spandex core having a denier of 40 to 1120, and at least one cover yarn wrapped around the core. According to particular embodiments, the spandex core has a denier of 40, 70, 210, 420, 840, or 1120. According to another preferred embodiment, the stretch elastic yarn comprises bare spandex having a denier of 40 to 1120, with no cover yarns. According to particular embodiments, the bare spandex has a denier of 40, 70, 210, 420, 840, or 1120.

[0051] The glove can have zones that are ribbed to create more compressive areas where there could be specific benefits. The glove can be knit with compressive areas where the stitches are knit tighter or looser to enhance the fit and / or how compressive the glove is in that particular area, while maintaining a specified cut level in the areas where the cut specified cut level is needed most, based on the way the glove is used by the end user. According to an embodiment, the compressive properties of the glove can be enhanced by knitting with a ribbed stitch using the stretch elastic yarn(s) and primary yarn or other yarns disclosed herein.

[0052] Preferably, the primary yarn is a cut resistant yarn comprised of a core comprising one or more strands of the following: fiberglass, UHMWPE, stainless-steel wire, flat and / or textured nylon, polyester, and / or a blended UHMWPE / spun polyester. Preferably, the cut resistant yarn further comprises one or more cover strands wrapped around the core. The cover strand(s) can be comprised of UHMWPE, polyester, flat and / or textured nylon, antimicrobial polyester, a blended UHMWPE / spun polyester, and / or a core wrapped with of one of said fibers. According to a preferred embodiment, there is an inner cover wrapped around the core, and an outer cover strand wrapped around the inner cover and the core. According to another preferred embodiment, the inner cover strand is comprised of UHMWPE, polyester, flat and / or textured nylon, antimicrobial polyester, and / or a blended UHMWPE / spun polyester, and the outer cover strand comprises a slip resistant and / or grip enhancing fiber, such as elastomeric polyester, bare spandex, rubber yarn, and / or thermoplastic polyurethane with a polyester core.

[0053] A primary yarn according to a preferred embodiment is illustrated in FIG. 1 and shown generally at reference numeral 11. The primary yarn 11 comprises two core strands 12, 14 extending parallel to each other, an inner cover strand 16 wrapped in an S orientation around the core strands 12, 14, and an outer cover strand 18 wrapped in a Z orientation, as shown in FIG. 1. Alternatively, the inner cover strand 16 can be wrapped in a Z orientation, and the outer cover strand 18 can be wrapped in an S orientation. The two core strands 12, 14 can be fiberglass, UHMWPE, stainless-steel wire, flat and / or textured nylon, polyester, and / or a blended UHMWPE / spun polyester. The cover strands 16, 18 can be UHMWPE, polyester, flat and / or textured nylon, antimicrobial polyester, and / or a blended UHMWPE / spun polyester. In alternative embodiments, the primary yarn 11 can include core strands in addition to core strands 12, 14, and / or cover strands in addition to cover strands 16, 18.

[0054] The glove can include a first plating yarn comprising a stretch elastic yarn that can be plated at specific areas of the glove to form the enhanced compressive zones. Preferably, the stretch elastic yarn comprises spandex. The plating yarn can be plated to selected regions of the interior or exterior surface of the primary yarn using a glove knitting machine modified to plate on the interior or exterior surface of the fabric in selected glove regions. The plating yarn can be introduced into the knitting machine and / or tension controlled using an electronic yarn feeder. Alternatively, the plaiting yarn can be introduced into the knitting machine using spring tension, ladder tension, or a weighted tension device. Alternatively, the plating yarn can be fed into the knitting machine with no tension. The stretch elastic yarn can comprise a spandex core, and one or more additional core strands. The one or more additional core strands can comprise a blended UHMWPE / spun polyester, polyester, UMWHPE, antimicrobial polyester, and / or flat and / or textured nylon. The stretch elastic yarn can further comprise one or more cover strands wrapped around the core strands. The cover strands can comprise textured polyester, a blended UHMWPE / spun polyester, UHMWPE, antimicrobial polyester, and / or a flat or textured nylon. Alternatively, the stretch elastic yarn can be bare spandex, with no cover strands.

[0055] A stretch elastic yarn according to a preferred embodiment is illustrated in FIG. 2 and shown generally at reference numeral 31. The stretch elastic yarn comprises a spandex core strand 32, an inner cover strand 34 wrapped in an S orientation around the core strand 32 and an outer cover strand 36 wrapped in a Z orientation. Alternatively, the inner cover strand 34 can be wrapped in a Z orientation, and the outer cover strand 36 can be wrapped in an S orientation. The cover strands 34, 36 can be textured polyester, a blended UHMWPE / spun polyester, UHMWPE, antimicrobial polyester, and / or a flat or textured nylon. According to another embodiment, the outer cover 36 strand comprises a slip resistant and / or grip enhancing fiber, such as elastomeric polyester, bare spandex, rubber yarn, and / or thermoplastic polyurethane with a polyester core, and the inner cover strand is comprised of textured polyester, a blended UHMWPE / spun polyester, UHMWPE, antimicrobial polyester, and / or a flat or textured nylon. In this embodiment, it is preferable for the stretch elastic yarn to be introduced into the knitting machine using an electronic yarn feeder that can control the tension in the yarn. In alternative embodiments, the stretch elastic yarn 31 can include core strands in addition to core strand 32, and / or cover strands in addition to cover strands 34, 36. Alternatively, the stretch elastic yarn can be bare spandex, with no cover strands.

[0056] In an alternative embodiment, the glove includes a second plating yarn that can be plated to the first plating yarn. The second plating yarn can be a stretch elastic yarn identical or similar in construction to the first plating yarn described above. Preferably, the second plating yarn comprises a spandex core strand. The stretch elastic yarn can further comprise one or more additional core strands comprising UHMWPE / spun polyester, polyester, UMWHPE, antimicrobial polyester, and / or flat and / or textured nylon. The stretch elastic yarn can comprise one or more cover strands comprising textured polyester, a blended UHMWPE / spun polyester, UHMWPE, antimicrobial polyester, and / or a flat or textured nylon.

[0057] According to a preferred embodiment the primary yarn and the stretch elastic yarn have the following constructions. The primary yarn comprises three core strands extending parallel to each other, wherein the first core strand comprises fiberglass, the second core strand comprises UHMWPE, and the third core strand comprises stainless steel wire. An inner cover strand comprising polyester is wrapped around the three core strands in a first direction, and an outer cover strand comprised of polyester is wrapped around the three core strands and the inner cover strand in an opposite direction. Alternatively, the inner cover strand of the primary yarn comprises UHMWPE. The stretch elastic yarn comprises a core strand comprised of spandex, an inner cover strand comprised of polyester wrapped around the spandex core in a first direction, and an outer cover strand comprised of polyester wrapped around the core and the inner cover strand in an opposite direction. Alternatively, the outer cover strand of the stretch elastic yarn comprises a slip resistant yarn such as elastomeric polyester, bare spandex, rubber yarn, and / or thermoplastic polyurethane with a polyester core.

[0058] A glove according to a preferred embodiment is illustrated in FIG. 3 and shown generally at reference numeral 10. The body of the glove 10 is generally comprised of a front palm section 51, back palm section 50, a thumb section 61, an index finger section 62, a middle finger section 63, a ring finger section 64 and a baby finger section 65. Enhanced compressive sections 20 can be formed on the palm sections 50, 51, thumb section 61, index finger section 62, and middle finger section 63, as shown in FIG. 3. Alternatively, the enhanced compressive sections 20 can be formed at other locations of the glove 10. The primary yarn 11 is used to form the body of the glove 10. The stretch elastic yarn 31 can be plated to selected portions of the exterior surface of the primary yarn 11 to form the enhanced compressive sections 20 on the glove.

[0059] The glove 10 provides cut resistance that can protect the user of the glove 10 against accidental cuts that can occur when handling and working with sharp objects, such as knives, blades, or broken glass. In addition, the enhanced compressive sections 20 of the glove 10 improve comfort for the user, and helps the glove 10 stay in place on the user's hand. The enhanced compressive sections 20 minimizes movement and / or sliding of the glove 10 while the user is performing manual tasks, thus minimizing time the user would otherwise spend manually maintaining the glove 10 in place on the user's hand. As such, the glove 10 can improve worker efficiency as the user can spend more time focused on job duties rather than being distracted by having to manually adjust the glove 10 in response to unwanted movement of the glove 10 on the user's hand. The glove 10 contributes to a safer and more comfortable work environment for the user of the glove as it can more easily be kept in the desired position on the user's hand, reducing the possibility of an accident.

[0060] According to a preferred embodiment, the stretch elastic yarn 31 is plated to the inside of the glove 10 two courses and skip two courses, throughout the fingers 61-65 and then throughout palm section 51 of the glove 10.

[0061] According to a preferred embodiment, the stretch elastic yarn 31 is plated to the inside of the glove 10 two courses and skip two courses, throughout the fingers 61-65 and then knit on every course in the palm section 51 of the glove 10.

[0062] According to another embodiment, the stretch elastic yarn 31 can be plated to the inside of the glove 10 every course throughout the fingers 61-65 and knit two courses and skip two courses in the palm section 51 of the glove 10.

[0063] Alternatively, the stretch elastic yarn is plated to the inside of the glove one course and skip one course, throughout the fingers and then throughout the palm section of the glove.

[0064] In another embodiment, the stretch elastic yarn is plated to the inside of the glove one course and skip one course, throughout the fingers and knit on every course in the palm section of the glove.

[0065] Alternatively, the stretch elastic yarn is plated to the inside of the glove every course throughout the fingers and knit one course and skip one course in the palm section of the glove.

[0066] Alternatively, the stretch elastic yarn is plated to the inside of the glove four courses and skip two courses, throughout the fingers and then throughout the palm section of the glove.

[0067] Alternatively, the stretch elastic yarn is plated to the inside of the glove four courses and skip two courses, throughout the fingers and then knit on every course in the palm section of the glove.

[0068] Alternatively, the stretch elastic yarn is plated every course to the inside of the glove throughout the fingers and knit four courses and skip two courses in the palm section of the glove.

[0069] Alternatively, the stretch elastic yarn is plated to the inside of the glove two courses and skip two courses only in particular fingers and / or areas of particular fingers and the stretch elastic yarn is not plated in the palm section.

[0070] Alternatively, the stretch elastic yarn is plated to the inside of the glove two courses and skip two courses only in particular fingers and / or areas of certain fingers, and then throughout the palm section of the glove.

[0071] Alternatively, the stretch elastic yarn is plated to the inside of the glove two courses and skip two courses only in certain fingers and / or areas of certain fingers, and then only in a certain section of the palm section of the glove or in multiple areas of the palm section of the glove.

[0072] Alternatively, there is no plating of the stretch elastic yarn in the fingers of the glove, and the stretch elastic yarn is plated only to the inside of the palm section of the glove. This can be in one area of the palm, or multiple areas of the palm, or every course of the palm section of the glove.

[0073] According to an embodiment, the stretch elastic yarn comprises a core comprising a silicone free or non-silicone free spandex core and a filament or spun polyester (the spun polyester may or may not be spun with an UMWHPE and or antimicrobial fiber). In another embodiment, the core can comprise nylon yarns with or in the place of the polyester yarns or spun fibers. The core can be wrapped with multiple yarns (in some cases one of these fibers and in some cases two or more of these fibers) such as filament polyester, spun polyester, polyester spun with UMWHPE and / or flat or textured nylon. The stretch elastic yarn has a stretch percentage of no less than 80% and a maximum stretch of up to 350%.

[0074] The stretch elastic yarn can be plated to either the inside, outside, or both inside and outside of the primary yarn comprising engineered cut resistant yarn or cut resistant yarns. The stretch elastic yarn can be plated with a para-aramid or UMWHPE that can be filament and / or spun fiber.

[0075] According to an embodiment, the primary yarn comprises a cut resistant yarn comprising a core comprising one or more of the following: stainless steel wire, UMWHPE, fiberglass, para-aramid, spun polyester, polyester, and / or flat or textured nylon. These core fibers can be wrapped with multiple yarns such as UMWHPE, stainless wire, filament polyester, spun polyester, polyester spun with UMWHPE and of flat or textured nylon.

[0076] The stretch elastic yarn can be plated on the inside or the outside of the primary yarn, or both sides of the primary yarn. The primary yarn and stretch elastic yarn can be knit into a glove using a ribbed pattern, that can be placed throughout the glove in the palm and fingers. In another embodiment, the stretch elastic yarn is only in the palm section of the glove. In another embodiment, only in the fingers section of a glove. In yet another embodiment, there can be a zonal stitch in certain fingers, parts of all fingers or parts of certain fingers. Alternatively, the zonal stitch can also be in the palm section of the glove, or certain areas of the palm section of the glove. The glove can have enhanced ribbed areas using these methods.

[0077] Ribbed stitches can be made by knitting the stretch elastic yarn or yarns, plated with a cut resistant yarn or yarns, into a stitch where it is knit on every other needle (1×1 stitch) in the specific area or areas of focus, and then every needle in the same course if the entire course is not ribbed. In some embodiments, it can be knit only into the ribbed area and not in the entire course. The width and length of the ribbed area or areas being determined by the size of the specific area or areas where the fabric needs to be more compressive.

[0078] In another embodiment, elastic stretch yarn or yarns, plated with a cut resistant yarn or yarns, are knit on two needles and skips two needles (2×2 stitch) in the specific area or areas of focus, and then every needle in the same course if the entire course is not ribbed. In some embodiments, it can be knit only into the ribbed area and not in the entire course. The width and length of the ribbed area or areas being determined by the size of the specific area or areas where the fabric needs to be more compressive.

[0079] According to another embodiment, elastic stretch yarn or yarns are knit, plated with a cut resistant yarn or yarns, on three needles, and skips one needle (a 3×1 stitch) in the specific area or areas of focus, and then every needle in the same course of the entire course is not ribbed. In some embodiments, it can be only knit into the ribbed area and not in the entire course. The width and length of the ribbed area or areas being determined by the size of the specific area or areas where the fabric needs to be more compressive.

[0080] In another embodiment, elastic stretch yarn (or yarns) can be knit on every needle, plated with a cut resistant yarn or yarns, in the specific area or areas of focus. This would be knit all needles or jersey stitch. The width and length being determined by the size of the specific area, or areas where the fabric needs to be more compressive. This particular stitch can be used throughout the glove or knit and skip courses. The width and length of the all needles up (jersey stitch) area or areas being determined by the size of the specific area or areas where the fabric needs to be more compressive.

[0081] Another embodiment of the invention comprises a glove 100 comprised of a first yarn 111, a second yarn 121 plated to selected portions of the interior surface of the first yarn 111, and a third yarn 131 plated to the exterior surface of the first primary yarn 111, as shown in FIGS. 5 and 6. The first and third yarns 111, 131 can form the body of the glove 100, which is comprised of a first palm section 151, a thumb section 161, an index finger section 162, a middle finger section 163, a ring finger section 164 and a baby finger section 165. The enhanced sections 120 have at least one substantially enhanced physical characteristic in relation to the rest of the glove 100. According to a preferred embodiment, the first yarn 111 comprises a cut resistant yarn, the second yarn 121 comprises a stretch elastic yarn, and the third yarn 131 comprises a cut resistant yarn. The second yarn 121 comprised of spandex can be plated to selected portions of the exterior surface of the primary yarn 111 forming the enhanced sections 120 wherein the enhanced sections 120 have enhanced compressive properties in relation to the rest of the glove 100. The first and third yarns 111, 131 can comprise fiberglass, UHMWPE, stainless-steel wire, flat and / or textured nylon, polyester, and / or a blended UHMWPE / spun polyester, and the third yarn 131 comprises spandex. Alternatively, the second yarn 121 can be a cut resistant yarn, and the third yarn 131 can be the stretch elastic spandex yarn. According to another preferred embodiment, the first and second yarns 111, 121 each comprise a cut resistant yarn, and the third yarn 131 comprises a slip resistant yarn whereby the enhanced sections 120 have substantially enhanced slip resistance in relation to the rest of the glove 100. The slip resistant yarn can comprise elastomeric polyester, bare spandex, rubber yarn, and / or thermoplastic polyurethane with a polyester core.

[0082] According to another embodiment of the invention, the first yarn 111 comprises a cut resistant yarn, the second yarn 121 comprises a stretch elastic yarn, and the third yarn 131 comprises a slip resistant yarn. The second yarn 121 is plated to the interior surface of the first yarn 111, and the third yarn 131 is plated to selected portions of the exterior surface of the first primary yarn 111 to form the enhanced sections 120 on the exterior of the glove 100, as shown in FIGS. 5 and 6. The first yarn 111 can comprise fiberglass, UHMWPE, stainless-steel wire, flat and / or textured nylon, polyester, and / or a blended UHMWPE / spun polyester, and the second yarn 121 can comprise spandex. The third yarn 131 comprises elastomeric polyester, bare spandex, and / or rubber yarn.

[0083] Another embodiment of the invention comprises a cut resistant glove having enhanced slip resistant sections formed on selected areas of the exterior of the glove. The glove can be comprised of a primary yarn and one or more secondary yarns plated to the primary yarn. The primary yarn is a cut resistant yarn defining the body of the glove, and the secondary yarn is a yarn having slip resistant properties that can be plated to specific areas of the exterior of the primary yarn to form the enhanced slip resistant sections on the exterior of the glove. The primary yarn can comprise fiberglass, UHMWPE, stainless-steel wire, flat and / or textured nylon, polyester, and / or a blended UHMWPE / spun polyester. The secondary yarn can comprise elastomeric polyester, bare spandex, and / or rubber yarn. Preferably, the primary yarn is comprised of a core comprising one or more strands of fiberglass, UHMWPE, stainless-steel wire, flat and / or textured nylon, polyester, and / or a blended UHMWPE / spun polyester, and one or more cover strands wrapped around the core comprised of UHMWPE, polyester, flat and / or textured nylon, antimicrobial polyester, a blended UHMWPE / spun polyester. Preferably, the slip resistant yarn comprises a core strand of UHMWPE and one or more covers comprised of slip resistant yarn such as elastomeric polyester, rubber yarn rubber yarn, or thermoplastic polyurethane with a polyester core. The glove provides cut resistance that can protect the user of the glove against accidental cuts that may occur when handling and / or working with sharp objects, such as knives, blades, or broken glass. In addition, the enhanced slip resistant sections help the user grip and handle smooth and slippery objects, helping to prevent the user from accidentally dropping the smooth / slippery objects. As such, the glove is ideal for handling glass objects. In addition, because the glove is made from knitted breathable fabric it provides ventilation, unlike the dipped gloves often used by glass workers currently. This results in a safer and more comfortable work environment for the user as the glove.

[0084] Various embodiments of gloves disclosed herein can be made utilizing methods disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 7,434,422, 9,877,529, 10,130,128, and / or 11,918,064, all of which are incorporated herein by referenced.

[0085] The term “compressive” as used in this application refers inclusively to compressive and / or stretching properties. Also, “slip resistant” and “slip resistance” as used in this application refers inclusively to slip resistant and / or enhanced grip or gripping properties. All numerical ranges stated in this application include the lowest and highest value of the range. For example, spandex having a denier of 40 to 1120 includes spandex having a denier of 40 and / or spandex having a denier of 1120.

[0086] Gloves with enhanced sections and methods of making same are described above. Various changes can be made to the invention without departing from its scope. The above description of embodiments and best mode of the invention are provided for the purpose of illustration only and not limitation—the invention being defined by the claims and equivalents thereof.

Examples

Embodiment Construction

[0048]An embodiment of the invention comprises a cut resistant glove with enhanced compressive / stretch properties to provide improved fit and comfort. Preferably, the enhanced compressive properties are located in specific areas of the glove. Alternatively, there can be compressive enhancement throughout the entire glove.

[0049]The glove can have enhanced compressive enhancement in multiple zones or in a particular zone of the glove. The glove can be comprised of a primary yarn and one or more secondary yarns. The primary yarn can be a cut resistant yarn that defines the body of the glove, and the secondary yarn can be a stretch elastic yarn placed in specific areas of the glove to form the enhanced compressive zones. Preferably, the stretch elastic yarn comprises spandex and has from 80% to 350% stretch. The stretch elastic yarn can be silicone free, depending on the end use of the glove. The stretch elastic yarn can be plated, knit in, or laid in. The stretch elastic yarn can be kn...

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 458,576, filed Apr. 11, 2023, which is incorporated herein by reference.TECHNICAL FIELD AND BACKGROUND

[0002] The present invention relates to textiles. In particular, the invention relates to fabric articles, such as protective gloves.

[0003] Often it is desirable for a single glove to be constructed of various sections having distinct properties. For example, protective safety gloves often have an interior surface layer comprised of a relatively soft yarn for the comfort of the wearer, and an exterior surface comprised of a relatively rough yarn providing cut resistance.

[0004] The users of protective gloves are often workers who must wear the gloves for long periods of time to be safe while performing their job duties over the course of a typical work shift. There is a need for a protective glove that provides cut resistance and is comfortable for the user to wear for extended periods of time.

[0005] U.S. Pat. No. 9,877,529, which is incorporated by reference herein, discloses protective gloves with enhanced exterior sections. U.S. Pat. No. 10,130,128, which is incorporated by reference herein, discloses cut resistant gloves and methods of making same. U.S. Pat. No. 11,918,064 discloses a protective glove with enhanced sections, and is incorporated by reference herein. U.S. Pat. No. 7,434,422, which is incorporated by reference herein, discloses a method of selective multiple yarn reinforcement of a knitted glove.SUMMARY

[0006] An object of the present invention is to provide a fabric article, such as a glove, having enhanced compressive / stretch properties. Another object of the invention is to provide a fabric article having enhanced compressive properties in specific areas to provide improved fit and comfort for the user. Another object of the invention is to provide yarns for making such an article. These and other objects of the invention can be achieved in various embodiments of the invention described herein.

[0007] An embodiment of the invention comprises a fabric article having enhanced compressive / stretch properties.

[0008] Another embodiment of the invention comprises a protective fabric article, such as a cut resistant glove, having enhanced compressive / stretch properties.

[0009] According to another embodiment of the invention, particular areas of the fabric article have enhanced physical properties, such as superior compressive / stretch properties and / or superior gripping properties / slip resistance, in relation to the other areas of the glove.

[0010] Another embodiment of the invention comprises a protective glove comprising a primary yarn used to construct a palm section, and thumb, index finger, middle finger, ring finger and baby finger sections. The interior surface of the primary yarn defines the interior surface of the glove, and the exterior surface of the primary yarn defines the exterior surface of the glove. Enhanced sections can be formed at particular areas of the glove, and the enhanced sections have at least one substantially enhanced physical characteristic in relation to the primary yarn. According to an embodiment, the enhanced sections have enhanced compressive / stretch properties in relation to the primary yarn. According to another embodiment, the enhanced sections have enhanced gripping / slip resistance in relation to the primary yarn.

[0011] Another embodiment of the invention comprises a method for making a fabric article having enhanced compressive properties.

[0012] Another embodiment of the invention comprises a glove having enhanced compressive properties in one or more specific areas of the glove.

[0013] According to another embodiment of the invention, the glove has enhanced compressive properties in one particular area of the glove.

[0014] According to another embodiment of the invention, the glove has enhanced compressive properties in multiple areas of the glove.

[0015] According to another embodiment of the invention, the glove has enhanced compressive properties in one or more finger sections of the glove and / or in the palm section of the glove.

[0016] According to another embodiment of the invention, the glove has compressive enhancement throughout the entire glove.

[0017] According to an embodiment of the invention, the glove comprises a primary yarn and a secondary yarn. The primary yarn defines the body of the glove and comprises a cut resistant yarn. The secondary yarn comprises a stretch elastic yarn having a stretch percentage of 80% to 350%. The stretch elastic yarn can be plated, knit in, or laid in at particular areas of the glove to form zones having enhanced compressive / stretch properties.

[0018] According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the stretch elastic yarn comprises spandex and is plated to the primary yarn.

[0019] According to an embodiment of the invention, the stretch elastic yarn is plated to the exterior surface of the primary yarn. In another embodiment, the stretch elastic yarn is plated to the interior surface of the primary yarn.

[0020] According to another embodiment of the invention, an additional cut resistant yarn can be plated to the primary yarn. According to a preferred embodiment, the additional cut resistant yarn is plated to the exterior surface of the primary yarn, and the stretch elastic yarn is plated to the interior surface of the primary yarn.

[0021] According to another embodiment of the invention, the stretch elastic yarn comprises a core comprised of spandex and one or more covers wrapped around the core comprised of one or more of following: textured polyester, a blended UHMWPE / spun polyester, UHMWPE, antimicrobial polyester, and / or flat and / or textured nylon. According to another embodiment, the core can further comprise blended UHMWPE / spun polyester, polyester, UMWHPE, antimicrobial polyester, and / or flat and / or textured nylon.

[0022] According to another embodiment of the invention, the primary yarn comprises fiberglass, ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE), stainless-steel wire, nylon, polyester, and / or a blended UHMWPE / spun polyester.

[0023] According to another embodiment of the invention, the primary yarn can comprise a core comprised of a cut resistant fiber and a cover comprised of a slip resistant / grip enhancing fiber wrapped around the core.

[0024] According to an embodiment of the invention, the cut resistant core of the primary yarn comprises fiberglass, ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE), stainless-steel wire, nylon, polyester, and / or a blended UHMWPE / spun polyester.

[0025] Another embodiment of the invention comprises a glove comprising a cut resistant yarn and a stretch elastic yarn plated to the cut resistant yarn. The cut resistant yarn comprises one or more core strands comprising fiberglass, UHMWPE, stainless-steel wire, flat and / or textured nylon, polyester, and / or a blended UHMWPE / spun polyester, and at least one cover strand comprised of UHMWPE, polyester, flat and / or textured nylon, antimicrobial polyester, a blended UHMWPE / spun polyester. The stretch elastic yarn comprises a core comprised of spandex and at least one cover strand wrapped around the core. The cover can be textured polyester, a blended UHMWPE / spun polyester, UHMWPE, antimicrobial polyester, and / or flat or textured nylon.

[0026] Another embodiment of the invention comprises a glove comprising a glove body comprised of a first cut resistant yarn and a second cut resistant yarn plated to the first cut resistant yarn. A stretch elastic yarn is plated, knit in, or laid in at particular areas of the glove body to form zones on the glove body having enhanced compressive properties.

[0027] Another embodiment of the invention comprises a protective glove comprising a palm section, a thumb section, an index finger section, a middle finger section, a ring finger section and a baby finger section. A primary yarn defines the palm section, the thumb section, the index finger section, the middle finger section, the ring finger section and the baby finger section. The primary yarn comprises a cut resistant yarn having an interior surface defining an interior surface of the glove and an exterior surface defining an exterior surface of the glove. At least one enhanced compressive section is formed at a selected area of the glove. The enhanced compressive section is comprised of the primary yarn and a secondary yarn, and the secondary yarn comprises a stretch elastic yarn having a stretch percentage of 80% to 350%.

[0028] According to an embodiment of the invention, the stretch elastic yarn comprises spandex having a denier of 40 to 1120.

[0029] According to another embodiment, the stretch elastic yarn is plated to selected areas of the primary yarn to form the at least one enhanced compressive section.

[0030] According to another embodiment, the enhanced compressive section comprises ribbed stitches formed by knitting the stretch elastic yarn in a 1×1 stitch, 2×2 stitch, or 3×1 stitch.

[0031] According to another embodiment, the stretch elastic yarn is plated to the interior surface of the first cut resistant yarn, and a second cut resistant yarn is plated to the exterior surface of the primary cut resistant yarn.

[0032] According to an embodiment, a slip resistant yarn can be plated to the exterior surface of the primary cut resistant yarn. The slip resistant yarn can comprise elastomeric polyester, bare spandex, rubber yarn, a thermoplastic polyurethane having a polyester core, and / or other suitable slip resistant material. The stretch elastic yarn can comprise spandex having a denier of 40 to 1120.

[0033] According to another embodiment, the cut resistant yarn comprises at least one core strand comprised of fiberglass, ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene, stainless-steel wire, flat and / or textured nylon, polyester, and / or a blended ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene / spun polyester, and at least one cover strand wrapped around the core strand comprised of textured polyester, a blended ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene / spun polyester, ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene, antimicrobial polyester, and / or flat and / or textured nylon.

[0034] According to another embodiment, the stretch elastic yarn comprises at least one core strand comprising spandex, and at least one cover strand comprising textured polyester, a blended ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene / spun polyester, ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene, antimicrobial polyester, and / or flat or textured nylon.

[0035] According to another embodiment, the stretch elastic yarn comprises a core strand comprising spandex, an inner cover strand wrapped around the core strand in a first direction comprised of textured polyester, a blended ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene / spun polyester, ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene, antimicrobial polyester, and / or nylon, and an outer cover strand wrapped around the inner cover strand and the core strand in a second direction opposite to the first direction, the outer cover strand comprised of elastomeric polyester, bare spandex, rubber yarn, and / or thermoplastic polyurethane with a polyester core.

[0036] According to an embodiment of the invention, the enhanced compressive section includes a slip resistant fiber, such as elastomeric polyester, bare spandex, rubber yarn, and / or thermoplastic polyurethane with a polyester core.

[0037] According to an embodiment of the invention, the cut resistant yarn comprises three core strands extending parallel to each other: a first core strand comprising fiberglass, a second core strand comprising ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene, and a third core strand comprised of stainless steel wire. An inner cover strand comprised of polyester or ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene is wrapped around the three core strands in a first direction. An outer cover strand comprised of polyester is wrapped around the inner cover strand and the three core strands.

[0038] According to an embodiment of the invention, the stretch elastic yarn comprises a core strand comprised of spandex, an inner cover strand comprised of polyester wrapped around the core strand in a first direction, and an outer cover strand comprised of polyester wrapped around the inner cover strand and the core strand in a second direction opposite to the first direction.

[0039] Another embodiment of the invention comprises a protective glove having enhanced slip resistant sections. The glove comprises a primary yarn defining a palm section, a thumb section, an index finger section, a middle finger section, a ring finger section and a baby finger section. The primary yarn comprises a cut resistant yarn having an interior surface defining an interior surface of the glove and an exterior surface defining an exterior surface of the glove. A slip resistant yarn plated to selected areas of the exterior surface of the cut resistant yarn to form a plurality of enhanced slip resistant sections on the exterior surface of the glove. According to a preferred embodiment, the slip resistant yarn is comprised of elastomeric polyester, bare spandex, rubber yarn, a thermoplastic polyurethane with a polyester core, and / or other suitable slip resistant material.

[0040] According to an embodiment of the invention, the cut resistant yarn comprises at least one core strand comprising at least one from the group consisting of fiberglass, ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene, stainless-steel wire, flat and / or textured nylon, polyester, and a blended ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene / spun polyester, and at least one cover strand comprising at least one from the group consisting of textured polyester, a blended ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene / spun polyester, ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene, antimicrobial polyester, and flat and / or textured nylon, the at least one cover strand wrapped around the at least one cover strand.

[0041] According to another embodiment of the invention, a stretch elastic yarn having a stretch percentage of 80% to 350% can be plated to the interior surface of the cut resistant yarn.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0042] FIG. 1 is a schematic view of a cut resistant yarn according to a preferred embodiment of the invention;

[0043] FIG. 2 is a schematic view of a stretch elastic yarn according to a preferred embodiment of the invention;

[0044] FIG. 3 is a schematic front view of a glove according to a preferred embodiment of the invention;

[0045] FIG. 4 is a schematic back view of the glove of FIG. 3;

[0046] FIG. 5 is a schematic view of a glove according to a preferred embodiment of the invention; and

[0047] FIG. 6 is a cross sectional view taken along lines 6-6 of FIG. 4, showing a three layer fabric construction according to an embodiment of the invention.DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0048] An embodiment of the invention comprises a cut resistant glove with enhanced compressive / stretch properties to provide improved fit and comfort. Preferably, the enhanced compressive properties are located in specific areas of the glove. Alternatively, there can be compressive enhancement throughout the entire glove.

[0049] The glove can have enhanced compressive enhancement in multiple zones or in a particular zone of the glove. The glove can be comprised of a primary yarn and one or more secondary yarns. The primary yarn can be a cut resistant yarn that defines the body of the glove, and the secondary yarn can be a stretch elastic yarn placed in specific areas of the glove to form the enhanced compressive zones. Preferably, the stretch elastic yarn comprises spandex and has from 80% to 350% stretch. The stretch elastic yarn can be silicone free, depending on the end use of the glove. The stretch elastic yarn can be plated, knit in, or laid in. The stretch elastic yarn can be knit every course, every two courses, or in some cases randomly in zones and / or throughout the glove. The enhanced compressive zones can be located at one or more finger sections and / or the palm area of the glove.

[0050] Preferably, the stretch elastic yarn comprises a yarn comprising a spandex core having a denier of 40 to 1120, and at least one cover yarn wrapped around the core. According to particular embodiments, the spandex core has a denier of 40, 70, 210, 420, 840, or 1120. According to another preferred embodiment, the stretch elastic yarn comprises bare spandex having a denier of 40 to 1120, with no cover yarns. According to particular embodiments, the bare spandex has a denier of 40, 70, 210, 420, 840, or 1120.

[0051] The glove can have zones that are ribbed to create more compressive areas where there could be specific benefits. The glove can be knit with compressive areas where the stitches are knit tighter or looser to enhance the fit and / or how compressive the glove is in that particular area, while maintaining a specified cut level in the areas where the cut specified cut level is needed most, based on the way the glove is used by the end user. According to an embodiment, the compressive properties of the glove can be enhanced by knitting with a ribbed stitch using the stretch elastic yarn(s) and primary yarn or other yarns disclosed herein.

[0052] Preferably, the primary yarn is a cut resistant yarn comprised of a core comprising one or more strands of the following: fiberglass, UHMWPE, stainless-steel wire, flat and / or textured nylon, polyester, and / or a blended UHMWPE / spun polyester. Preferably, the cut resistant yarn further comprises one or more cover strands wrapped around the core. The cover strand(s) can be comprised of UHMWPE, polyester, flat and / or textured nylon, antimicrobial polyester, a blended UHMWPE / spun polyester, and / or a core wrapped with of one of said fibers. According to a preferred embodiment, there is an inner cover wrapped around the core, and an outer cover strand wrapped around the inner cover and the core. According to another preferred embodiment, the inner cover strand is comprised of UHMWPE, polyester, flat and / or textured nylon, antimicrobial polyester, and / or a blended UHMWPE / spun polyester, and the outer cover strand comprises a slip resistant and / or grip enhancing fiber, such as elastomeric polyester, bare spandex, rubber yarn, and / or thermoplastic polyurethane with a polyester core.

[0053] A primary yarn according to a preferred embodiment is illustrated in FIG. 1 and shown generally at reference numeral 11. The primary yarn 11 comprises two core strands 12, 14 extending parallel to each other, an inner cover strand 16 wrapped in an S orientation around the core strands 12, 14, and an outer cover strand 18 wrapped in a Z orientation, as shown in FIG. 1. Alternatively, the inner cover strand 16 can be wrapped in a Z orientation, and the outer cover strand 18 can be wrapped in an S orientation. The two core strands 12, 14 can be fiberglass, UHMWPE, stainless-steel wire, flat and / or textured nylon, polyester, and / or a blended UHMWPE / spun polyester. The cover strands 16, 18 can be UHMWPE, polyester, flat and / or textured nylon, antimicrobial polyester, and / or a blended UHMWPE / spun polyester. In alternative embodiments, the primary yarn 11 can include core strands in addition to core strands 12, 14, and / or cover strands in addition to cover strands 16, 18.

[0054] The glove can include a first plating yarn comprising a stretch elastic yarn that can be plated at specific areas of the glove to form the enhanced compressive zones. Preferably, the stretch elastic yarn comprises spandex. The plating yarn can be plated to selected regions of the interior or exterior surface of the primary yarn using a glove knitting machine modified to plate on the interior or exterior surface of the fabric in selected glove regions. The plating yarn can be introduced into the knitting machine and / or tension controlled using an electronic yarn feeder. Alternatively, the plaiting yarn can be introduced into the knitting machine using spring tension, ladder tension, or a weighted tension device. Alternatively, the plating yarn can be fed into the knitting machine with no tension. The stretch elastic yarn can comprise a spandex core, and one or more additional core strands. The one or more additional core strands can comprise a blended UHMWPE / spun polyester, polyester, UMWHPE, antimicrobial polyester, and / or flat and / or textured nylon. The stretch elastic yarn can further comprise one or more cover strands wrapped around the core strands. The cover strands can comprise textured polyester, a blended UHMWPE / spun polyester, UHMWPE, antimicrobial polyester, and / or a flat or textured nylon. Alternatively, the stretch elastic yarn can be bare spandex, with no cover strands.

[0055] A stretch elastic yarn according to a preferred embodiment is illustrated in FIG. 2 and shown generally at reference numeral 31. The stretch elastic yarn comprises a spandex core strand 32, an inner cover strand 34 wrapped in an S orientation around the core strand 32 and an outer cover strand 36 wrapped in a Z orientation. Alternatively, the inner cover strand 34 can be wrapped in a Z orientation, and the outer cover strand 36 can be wrapped in an S orientation. The cover strands 34, 36 can be textured polyester, a blended UHMWPE / spun polyester, UHMWPE, antimicrobial polyester, and / or a flat or textured nylon. According to another embodiment, the outer cover 36 strand comprises a slip resistant and / or grip enhancing fiber, such as elastomeric polyester, bare spandex, rubber yarn, and / or thermoplastic polyurethane with a polyester core, and the inner cover strand is comprised of textured polyester, a blended UHMWPE / spun polyester, UHMWPE, antimicrobial polyester, and / or a flat or textured nylon. In this embodiment, it is preferable for the stretch elastic yarn to be introduced into the knitting machine using an electronic yarn feeder that can control the tension in the yarn. In alternative embodiments, the stretch elastic yarn 31 can include core strands in addition to core strand 32, and / or cover strands in addition to cover strands 34, 36. Alternatively, the stretch elastic yarn can be bare spandex, with no cover strands.

[0056] In an alternative embodiment, the glove includes a second plating yarn that can be plated to the first plating yarn. The second plating yarn can be a stretch elastic yarn identical or similar in construction to the first plating yarn described above. Preferably, the second plating yarn comprises a spandex core strand. The stretch elastic yarn can further comprise one or more additional core strands comprising UHMWPE / spun polyester, polyester, UMWHPE, antimicrobial polyester, and / or flat and / or textured nylon. The stretch elastic yarn can comprise one or more cover strands comprising textured polyester, a blended UHMWPE / spun polyester, UHMWPE, antimicrobial polyester, and / or a flat or textured nylon.

[0057] According to a preferred embodiment the primary yarn and the stretch elastic yarn have the following constructions. The primary yarn comprises three core strands extending parallel to each other, wherein the first core strand comprises fiberglass, the second core strand comprises UHMWPE, and the third core strand comprises stainless steel wire. An inner cover strand comprising polyester is wrapped around the three core strands in a first direction, and an outer cover strand comprised of polyester is wrapped around the three core strands and the inner cover strand in an opposite direction. Alternatively, the inner cover strand of the primary yarn comprises UHMWPE. The stretch elastic yarn comprises a core strand comprised of spandex, an inner cover strand comprised of polyester wrapped around the spandex core in a first direction, and an outer cover strand comprised of polyester wrapped around the core and the inner cover strand in an opposite direction. Alternatively, the outer cover strand of the stretch elastic yarn comprises a slip resistant yarn such as elastomeric polyester, bare spandex, rubber yarn, and / or thermoplastic polyurethane with a polyester core.

[0058] A glove according to a preferred embodiment is illustrated in FIG. 3 and shown generally at reference numeral 10. The body of the glove 10 is generally comprised of a front palm section 51, back palm section 50, a thumb section 61, an index finger section 62, a middle finger section 63, a ring finger section 64 and a baby finger section 65. Enhanced compressive sections 20 can be formed on the palm sections 50, 51, thumb section 61, index finger section 62, and middle finger section 63, as shown in FIG. 3. Alternatively, the enhanced compressive sections 20 can be formed at other locations of the glove 10. The primary yarn 11 is used to form the body of the glove 10. The stretch elastic yarn 31 can be plated to selected portions of the exterior surface of the primary yarn 11 to form the enhanced compressive sections 20 on the glove.

[0059] The glove 10 provides cut resistance that can protect the user of the glove 10 against accidental cuts that can occur when handling and working with sharp objects, such as knives, blades, or broken glass. In addition, the enhanced compressive sections 20 of the glove 10 improve comfort for the user, and helps the glove 10 stay in place on the user's hand. The enhanced compressive sections 20 minimizes movement and / or sliding of the glove 10 while the user is performing manual tasks, thus minimizing time the user would otherwise spend manually maintaining the glove 10 in place on the user's hand. As such, the glove 10 can improve worker efficiency as the user can spend more time focused on job duties rather than being distracted by having to manually adjust the glove 10 in response to unwanted movement of the glove 10 on the user's hand. The glove 10 contributes to a safer and more comfortable work environment for the user of the glove as it can more easily be kept in the desired position on the user's hand, reducing the possibility of an accident.

[0060] According to a preferred embodiment, the stretch elastic yarn 31 is plated to the inside of the glove 10 two courses and skip two courses, throughout the fingers 61-65 and then throughout palm section 51 of the glove 10.

[0061] According to a preferred embodiment, the stretch elastic yarn 31 is plated to the inside of the glove 10 two courses and skip two courses, throughout the fingers 61-65 and then knit on every course in the palm section 51 of the glove 10.

[0062] According to another embodiment, the stretch elastic yarn 31 can be plated to the inside of the glove 10 every course throughout the fingers 61-65 and knit two courses and skip two courses in the palm section 51 of the glove 10.

[0063] Alternatively, the stretch elastic yarn is plated to the inside of the glove one course and skip one course, throughout the fingers and then throughout the palm section of the glove.

[0064] In another embodiment, the stretch elastic yarn is plated to the inside of the glove one course and skip one course, throughout the fingers and knit on every course in the palm section of the glove.

[0065] Alternatively, the stretch elastic yarn is plated to the inside of the glove every course throughout the fingers and knit one course and skip one course in the palm section of the glove.

[0066] Alternatively, the stretch elastic yarn is plated to the inside of the glove four courses and skip two courses, throughout the fingers and then throughout the palm section of the glove.

[0067] Alternatively, the stretch elastic yarn is plated to the inside of the glove four courses and skip two courses, throughout the fingers and then knit on every course in the palm section of the glove.

[0068] Alternatively, the stretch elastic yarn is plated every course to the inside of the glove throughout the fingers and knit four courses and skip two courses in the palm section of the glove.

[0069] Alternatively, the stretch elastic yarn is plated to the inside of the glove two courses and skip two courses only in particular fingers and / or areas of particular fingers and the stretch elastic yarn is not plated in the palm section.

[0070] Alternatively, the stretch elastic yarn is plated to the inside of the glove two courses and skip two courses only in particular fingers and / or areas of certain fingers, and then throughout the palm section of the glove.

[0071] Alternatively, the stretch elastic yarn is plated to the inside of the glove two courses and skip two courses only in certain fingers and / or areas of certain fingers, and then only in a certain section of the palm section of the glove or in multiple areas of the palm section of the glove.

[0072] Alternatively, there is no plating of the stretch elastic yarn in the fingers of the glove, and the stretch elastic yarn is plated only to the inside of the palm section of the glove. This can be in one area of the palm, or multiple areas of the palm, or every course of the palm section of the glove.

[0073] According to an embodiment, the stretch elastic yarn comprises a core comprising a silicone free or non-silicone free spandex core and a filament or spun polyester (the spun polyester may or may not be spun with an UMWHPE and or antimicrobial fiber). In another embodiment, the core can comprise nylon yarns with or in the place of the polyester yarns or spun fibers. The core can be wrapped with multiple yarns (in some cases one of these fibers and in some cases two or more of these fibers) such as filament polyester, spun polyester, polyester spun with UMWHPE and / or flat or textured nylon. The stretch elastic yarn has a stretch percentage of no less than 80% and a maximum stretch of up to 350%.

[0074] The stretch elastic yarn can be plated to either the inside, outside, or both inside and outside of the primary yarn comprising engineered cut resistant yarn or cut resistant yarns. The stretch elastic yarn can be plated with a para-aramid or UMWHPE that can be filament and / or spun fiber.

[0075] According to an embodiment, the primary yarn comprises a cut resistant yarn comprising a core comprising one or more of the following: stainless steel wire, UMWHPE, fiberglass, para-aramid, spun polyester, polyester, and / or flat or textured nylon. These core fibers can be wrapped with multiple yarns such as UMWHPE, stainless wire, filament polyester, spun polyester, polyester spun with UMWHPE and of flat or textured nylon.

[0076] The stretch elastic yarn can be plated on the inside or the outside of the primary yarn, or both sides of the primary yarn. The primary yarn and stretch elastic yarn can be knit into a glove using a ribbed pattern, that can be placed throughout the glove in the palm and fingers. In another embodiment, the stretch elastic yarn is only in the palm section of the glove. In another embodiment, only in the fingers section of a glove. In yet another embodiment, there can be a zonal stitch in certain fingers, parts of all fingers or parts of certain fingers. Alternatively, the zonal stitch can also be in the palm section of the glove, or certain areas of the palm section of the glove. The glove can have enhanced ribbed areas using these methods.

[0077] Ribbed stitches can be made by knitting the stretch elastic yarn or yarns, plated with a cut resistant yarn or yarns, into a stitch where it is knit on every other needle (1×1 stitch) in the specific area or areas of focus, and then every needle in the same course if the entire course is not ribbed. In some embodiments, it can be knit only into the ribbed area and not in the entire course. The width and length of the ribbed area or areas being determined by the size of the specific area or areas where the fabric needs to be more compressive.

[0078] In another embodiment, elastic stretch yarn or yarns, plated with a cut resistant yarn or yarns, are knit on two needles and skips two needles (2×2 stitch) in the specific area or areas of focus, and then every needle in the same course if the entire course is not ribbed. In some embodiments, it can be knit only into the ribbed area and not in the entire course. The width and length of the ribbed area or areas being determined by the size of the specific area or areas where the fabric needs to be more compressive.

[0079] According to another embodiment, elastic stretch yarn or yarns are knit, plated with a cut resistant yarn or yarns, on three needles, and skips one needle (a 3×1 stitch) in the specific area or areas of focus, and then every needle in the same course of the entire course is not ribbed. In some embodiments, it can be only knit into the ribbed area and not in the entire course. The width and length of the ribbed area or areas being determined by the size of the specific area or areas where the fabric needs to be more compressive.

[0080] In another embodiment, elastic stretch yarn (or yarns) can be knit on every needle, plated with a cut resistant yarn or yarns, in the specific area or areas of focus. This would be knit all needles or jersey stitch. The width and length being determined by the size of the specific area, or areas where the fabric needs to be more compressive. This particular stitch can be used throughout the glove or knit and skip courses. The width and length of the all needles up (jersey stitch) area or areas being determined by the size of the specific area or areas where the fabric needs to be more compressive.

[0081] Another embodiment of the invention comprises a glove 100 comprised of a first yarn 111, a second yarn 121 plated to selected portions of the interior surface of the first yarn 111, and a third yarn 131 plated to the exterior surface of the first primary yarn 111, as shown in FIGS. 5 and 6. The first and third yarns 111, 131 can form the body of the glove 100, which is comprised of a first palm section 151, a thumb section 161, an index finger section 162, a middle finger section 163, a ring finger section 164 and a baby finger section 165. The enhanced sections 120 have at least one substantially enhanced physical characteristic in relation to the rest of the glove 100. According to a preferred embodiment, the first yarn 111 comprises a cut resistant yarn, the second yarn 121 comprises a stretch elastic yarn, and the third yarn 131 comprises a cut resistant yarn. The second yarn 121 comprised of spandex can be plated to selected portions of the exterior surface of the primary yarn 111 forming the enhanced sections 120 wherein the enhanced sections 120 have enhanced compressive properties in relation to the rest of the glove 100. The first and third yarns 111, 131 can comprise fiberglass, UHMWPE, stainless-steel wire, flat and / or textured nylon, polyester, and / or a blended UHMWPE / spun polyester, and the third yarn 131 comprises spandex. Alternatively, the second yarn 121 can be a cut resistant yarn, and the third yarn 131 can be the stretch elastic spandex yarn. According to another preferred embodiment, the first and second yarns 111, 121 each comprise a cut resistant yarn, and the third yarn 131 comprises a slip resistant yarn whereby the enhanced sections 120 have substantially enhanced slip resistance in relation to the rest of the glove 100. The slip resistant yarn can comprise elastomeric polyester, bare spandex, rubber yarn, and / or thermoplastic polyurethane with a polyester core.

[0082] According to another embodiment of the invention, the first yarn 111 comprises a cut resistant yarn, the second yarn 121 comprises a stretch elastic yarn, and the third yarn 131 comprises a slip resistant yarn. The second yarn 121 is plated to the interior surface of the first yarn 111, and the third yarn 131 is plated to selected portions of the exterior surface of the first primary yarn 111 to form the enhanced sections 120 on the exterior of the glove 100, as shown in FIGS. 5 and 6. The first yarn 111 can comprise fiberglass, UHMWPE, stainless-steel wire, flat and / or textured nylon, polyester, and / or a blended UHMWPE / spun polyester, and the second yarn 121 can comprise spandex. The third yarn 131 comprises elastomeric polyester, bare spandex, and / or rubber yarn.

[0083] Another embodiment of the invention comprises a cut resistant glove having enhanced slip resistant sections formed on selected areas of the exterior of the glove. The glove can be comprised of a primary yarn and one or more secondary yarns plated to the primary yarn. The primary yarn is a cut resistant yarn defining the body of the glove, and the secondary yarn is a yarn having slip resistant properties that can be plated to specific areas of the exterior of the primary yarn to form the enhanced slip resistant sections on the exterior of the glove. The primary yarn can comprise fiberglass, UHMWPE, stainless-steel wire, flat and / or textured nylon, polyester, and / or a blended UHMWPE / spun polyester. The secondary yarn can comprise elastomeric polyester, bare spandex, and / or rubber yarn. Preferably, the primary yarn is comprised of a core comprising one or more strands of fiberglass, UHMWPE, stainless-steel wire, flat and / or textured nylon, polyester, and / or a blended UHMWPE / spun polyester, and one or more cover strands wrapped around the core comprised of UHMWPE, polyester, flat and / or textured nylon, antimicrobial polyester, a blended UHMWPE / spun polyester. Preferably, the slip resistant yarn comprises a core strand of UHMWPE and one or more covers comprised of slip resistant yarn such as elastomeric polyester, rubber yarn rubber yarn, or thermoplastic polyurethane with a polyester core. The glove provides cut resistance that can protect the user of the glove against accidental cuts that may occur when handling and / or working with sharp objects, such as knives, blades, or broken glass. In addition, the enhanced slip resistant sections help the user grip and handle smooth and slippery objects, helping to prevent the user from accidentally dropping the smooth / slippery objects. As such, the glove is ideal for handling glass objects. In addition, because the glove is made from knitted breathable fabric it provides ventilation, unlike the dipped gloves often used by glass workers currently. This results in a safer and more comfortable work environment for the user as the glove.

[0084] Various embodiments of gloves disclosed herein can be made utilizing methods disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 7,434,422, 9,877,529, 10,130,128, and / or 11,918,064, all of which are incorporated herein by referenced.

[0085] The term “compressive” as used in this application refers inclusively to compressive and / or stretching properties. Also, “slip resistant” and “slip resistance” as used in this application refers inclusively to slip resistant and / or enhanced grip or gripping properties. All numerical ranges stated in this application include the lowest and highest value of the range. For example, spandex having a denier of 40 to 1120 includes spandex having a denier of 40 and / or spandex having a denier of 1120.

[0086] Gloves with enhanced sections and methods of making same are described above. Various changes can be made to the invention without departing from its scope. The above description of embodiments and best mode of the invention are provided for the purpose of illustration only and not limitation—the invention being defined by the claims and equivalents thereof.

Examples

Embodiment Construction

[0048]An embodiment of the invention comprises a cut resistant glove with enhanced compressive / stretch properties to provide improved fit and comfort. Preferably, the enhanced compressive properties are located in specific areas of the glove. Alternatively, there can be compressive enhancement throughout the entire glove.

[0049]The glove can have enhanced compressive enhancement in multiple zones or in a particular zone of the glove. The glove can be comprised of a primary yarn and one or more secondary yarns. The primary yarn can be a cut resistant yarn that defines the body of the glove, and the secondary yarn can be a stretch elastic yarn placed in specific areas of the glove to form the enhanced compressive zones. Preferably, the stretch elastic yarn comprises spandex and has from 80% to 350% stretch. The stretch elastic yarn can be silicone free, depending on the end use of the glove. The stretch elastic yarn can be plated, knit in, or laid in. The stretch elastic yarn can be kn...

Claims

1. A protective glove comprising:(a) a palm section, a thumb section, an index finger section, a middle finger section, a ring finger section and a baby finger section;(b) a primary yarn defining the palm section, the thumb section, the index finger section, the middle finger section, the ring finger section and the baby finger section, the primary yarn comprising a first cut resistant yarn having an interior surface defining an interior surface of the glove and an exterior surface defining an exterior surface of the glove; and(c) at least one enhanced compressive section formed at a selected area of the glove and comprised of the primary yarn and a secondary yarn, the secondary yarn comprising a stretch elastic yarn having a stretch percentage of 80% to 350%.

2. The protective glove according to claim 1, wherein the stretch elastic yarn comprises spandex.

3. The protective glove according to claim 2, wherein the spandex has a denier of 40 to 1120.

4. The protective glove according to claim 1, wherein the stretch elastic yarn is plated to selected areas of the primary yarn to form the at least one enhanced compressive section.

5. The protective glove according to claim 4, wherein the at least one enhanced compressive section comprises ribbed stitches formed by knitting the stretch elastic yarn in a 1×1 stitch, 2×2 stitch, or 3×1 stitch.

6. The protective glove according to claim 1, wherein the stretch elastic yarn is plated to the interior surface of the first cut resistant yarn.

7. The protective glove according to claim 6, further comprising a second cut resistant yarn plated to the exterior surface of the first cut resistant yarn.

8. The protective glove according to claim 6, further comprising a slip resistant yarn plated to the exterior surface of the first cut resistant yarn.

9. The protective glove according to claim 8, wherein the slip resistant yarn comprises at least one selected from the group consisting of elastomeric polyester, bare spandex, rubber yarn, and thermoplastic polyurethane with a polyester core, and the stretch elastic yarn comprises spandex having a denier of 40 to 1120.

10. The protective glove according to claim 1, wherein the first cut resistant yarn comprises at least one core strand comprising at least one from the group consisting of fiberglass, ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene, stainless-steel wire, flat and / or textured nylon, polyester, and a blended ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene / spun polyester, and at least one cover strand comprising at least one from the group consisting of textured polyester, a blended ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene / spun polyester, ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene, antimicrobial polyester, and flat and / or textured nylon, the at least one cover strand wrapped around the at least one core strand.

11. The protective glove according to claim 10, wherein the stretch elastic yarn comprises at least one core strand comprising spandex, and at least one cover strand comprising at least one from the group consisting of textured polyester, a blended ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene / spun polyester, ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene, antimicrobial polyester, and / or flat or textured nylon, the at least one cover strand wrapped around the at least one core strand.

12. The protective glove according to claim 9, wherein the stretch elastic yarn comprises a core strand comprising spandex, an inner cover strand wrapped around the core strand in a first direction and selected from the group consisting of textured polyester, a blended ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene / spun polyester, ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene, antimicrobial polyester, and / or flat or textured nylon, and an outer cover strand wrapped around the inner cover strand and the core strand in a second direction opposite to the first direction, the outer cover strand selected from the group consisting of elastomeric polyester, bare spandex, rubber yarn, and thermoplastic polyurethane with a polyester core.

13. The protective glove according to claim 1, wherein the at least one enhanced compressive section further comprises a slip resistant fiber.

14. The protective glove according to claim 13, wherein the slip resistant fiber is selected from the group consisting of elastomeric polyester, bare spandex, rubber yarn, and thermoplastic polyurethane with a polyester core.

15. The protective glove according to claim 1, wherein the first cut resistant yarn comprises:(a) a first core strand comprising fiberglass, a second core strand comprising ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene, and a third core strand comprised of stainless steel wire;(b) an inner cover strand comprised of polyester or ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene, the inner cover strand wrapped around the first core strand, the second core strand, and the third core strand in a first direction; and(c) an outer cover strand comprised of polyester wrapped around the inner cover strand, the first core strand, the second core strand, and the third core strand.

16. The protective glove according to claim 15, wherein the stretch elastic yarn comprises:(a) a core strand comprised of spandex;(b) an inner cover strand comprised of polyester wrapped around the core strand in a first direction; and(c) an outer cover strand comprised of polyester wrapped around the inner cover strand and the core strand in a second direction opposite to the first direction.

17. A protective glove comprising:(a) a palm section, a thumb section, an index finger section, a middle finger section, a ring finger section and a baby finger section;(b) a primary yarn defining the palm section, the thumb section, the index finger section, the middle finger section, the ring finger section and the baby finger section, the primary yarn comprising a cut resistant yarn having an interior surface defining an interior surface of the glove and an exterior surface defining an exterior surface of the glove; and(c) a slip resistant yarn plated to selected areas of the exterior surface of the cut resistant yarn to form a plurality of enhanced slip resistant sections on the exterior surface of the glove.

18. The protective yarn according to claim 17, wherein the slip resistant yarn comprises at least one selected from the group consisting of elastomeric polyester, bare spandex, rubber yarn, and thermoplastic polyurethane with a polyester core.

19. The protective glove according to claim 17, wherein the cut resistant yarn comprises at least core strand comprising at least one from the group consisting of fiberglass, ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene, stainless-steel wire, flat and / or textured nylon, polyester, and a blended ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene / spun polyester, and at least one cover strand comprising at least one from the group consisting of textured polyester, a blended ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene / spun polyester, ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene, antimicrobial polyester, and flat and / or textured nylon, the at least one cover strand wrapped around the at least one cover strand.

20. The protective glove according to claim 17, further comprising a stretch elastic yarn having a stretch percentage of 80% to 350% plated to the interior surface of the cut resistant yarn.

Images