A protective fabric

Abstract

A method for manufacturing a protective fabric (10), the method comprising the steps of: - forming a two-sided knitting fabric (1), the two-sided knitting fabric (1) comprising a front side (2) knitted with a front thermoplastic yarn (20), the front thermoplastic yarn (20) having abrasion-resistant properties, and a rear side (3) knitted with a rear yarn (30), the rear yarn (30) having physical properties different from those of the front thermoplastic yarn (20); - subjecting the formed two-sided knitting fabric (1) to a heat and pressure process, wherein the front side (2) turns into a flat plastic-like surface (21); - subjecting the protective fabric (10) to a surface treatment for providing a coating layer (5) bonded onto the flat plastic-like surface (21) of the front side (2); and - applying an imprint process onto the coating layer (5) to obtain a textured surface. The present method provides a protective fabric offering a high resistance to abrasion and a better durability.

Description

[0001] A protective fabric

[0002] This application claims priority from European patent application EP24383135.1 , filed on October 16, 2024.

[0003] The present disclosure relates to a method for manufacturing a protective fabric, and a protective fabric. The present disclosure also relates to a garment incorporating said protective fabric, in particular the garment is a hand grip for the practice of cross training (CrossFit®).

[0004] BACKGROUND

[0005] It is well known that cross training involves a high-intensity sport where different disciplines are mixed, such as gymnastics, weightlifting, powerlifting, cardio-based exercises, plyometrics, and others. Generally, in the case of gymnastics, athletes of all levels wear an accessory called “grips” or hand grips for cross training. Grips are worn on each hand, wherein each grip comprises a wrist portion to be attached to the user’s wrist, usually with a Velcro® strap, and a palm portion that covers the user’s palm with or without the aid of finger holes where one or more fingers may be introduced. The palm portion includes an inner side, i.e. the side facing the palm, and an outer side, i.e. the side to be in contact with an object to be gripped, as for example a gymnastic bar, rings or the like. Hence, the function of the grips is to aid the grip on the gymnastic bar or rings and protect the palms from the generated friction during cross training exercises.

[0006] Currently, grips are made in one of the following three ways:

[0007] - Single-layer material grips: These grips are usually made of leather or a nonwoven fabric. Thus, the same material is in contact with the bar or rings and with the user’s palm on its other side.

[0008] - Laminated non-woven grips: These grips are made of two kinds of non-woven microfibers, wherein one is more resistant to abrasion than the other for aiding the grip of objects, and the second one is soft and sweat-absorbing for contacting the user’s palm. These two layers of non-woven microfibers are glued together.

[0009] Laminated multi-material grips: These grips may be made of at least two layers, sometimes three layers, but many combinations may fall under the concept of “laminated”. These grips offer on the inner side, i.e. facing the palm of the hand, some sort of microfiber, velour leather or non-woven fabric. Glued to it and on the outer side, i.e. facing the bar or rings to be gripped, other materials can be used, for example: vegan leather, plastics of different kinds such as TPU (thermoplastic polyurethane) or Pll (polyurethane), rubbers silicones, and others. This last layer is intended to yield high friction and be resistant to abrasion. Also, in some grip models the outer side has a woven fabric onto which a plastic, rubber, silicone or grippy material has been deposited to provide strength.

[0010] However, in any of these three cases, durability is an issue, either because the material breaks or because the layers delaminate. In summary, single-layer materials lack durability and performance requirements, and laminated materials may delaminate and also lack durability.

[0011] Therefore, there is a need to provide a protective fabric which is capable of offering a high resistance to abrasion, while at the same time allowing a better durability.

[0012] SUMMARY

[0013] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, a method for manufacturing a protective fabric is provided. The method comprises the steps of:

[0014] - forming a two-sided knitting fabric, the two-sided knitting fabric comprising:

[0015] - a front side knitted with a front thermoplastic yarn, the front thermoplastic yarn having abrasion-resistant properties, and

[0016] - a rear side knitted with a rear yarn, the rear yarn having physical properties different from those of the front thermoplastic yarn, the rear yarn comprising a melting point higher than a melting point of the front thermoplastic yarn; wherein the front side and the rear side are linked together by a crossing yarn to form the two-sided knitting fabric;

[0017] - subjecting the formed two-sided knitting fabric to a heat and pressure process, wherein the front thermoplastic yarn of the front side is melted after reaching at least its melting point temperature, such that the front side after solidifying turns into a flat plastic-like surface;

[0018] - subjecting the protective fabric to a surface treatment for providing a coating layer bonded onto the flat plastic-like surface of the front side; and

[0019] - applying an imprint process onto the coating layer to obtain a textured surface. In the present disclosure, a “two-sided knitting fabric” is understood as a single layer of knitting fabric with two sides. The yarns of the two sides are linked together by a crossing yarn in the knitting process.

[0020] In the present disclosure a “thermoplastic material” is understood as a plastic polymer material that becomes deformable and melts at certain high temperatures and solidifies when is cooled.

[0021] The fact that the materials used in each side of the two-sided knitting fabric are knitted, and not glued together in comparison with the fabrics known in the prior art, allows the two sides of the knitted fabric to be impossible to separate, thus avoiding the breakage, deterioration or delamination of the materials, and therefore a high durability of the protective fabric is achieved.

[0022] Thanks to the fact that the two-sided knitting fabric is subjected to a heat and pressure process, the cohesion between the front and rear sides is enhanced. Furthermore, one of the sides, in this case the front side, turns into a flat plastic-like surface which withstands friction and provides grip.

[0023] It is noted that the plastic-like surface of the front side is formed without affecting the physical properties of the rear side, due to the rear yarn has a higher melting point than that of the front thermoplastic yarn of the front side.

[0024] Therefore, the method of the present disclosure provides a protective fabric comprising a two-sided knitting fabric with different properties on each side. On the one hand, an excellent abrasion resistance at the front side is achieved thanks to the formation of the flat plastic-like surface, and also an enhanced durability is obtained. On the other hand, the rear side may provide other different physical properties depending on the use of the protective fabric, for example the rear side may be soft, sweat-absorbent, anti-odour, etc., i.e. suitable for skin contact of a user.

[0025] Furthermore, after forming the flat plastic-like, the resulting protective fabric maintains a suitable flexibility, which makes it appropriate to be incorporated to a garment.

[0026] The surface treatment applied onto the flat plastic-like surface provides an extra thickness in the front side, thus further improving the durability of the protective fabric. Furthermore, other mechanical properties, such as abrasion resistance and grip, may be obtained on the resulting surface of the coating layer depending on the type of coating material used.

[0027] It is noted that the surface treatment needs to be applied onto a flat surface so that the resulting surface of the coating layer ends up flat and has a uniform thickness.

[0028] The textured surface of the coating layer provides a non-slip surface and also improves the gripping properties. The imprint process can be applied e.g. with imprint paper, fabric or a milled cylinder. Furthermore, the textured surface may cover a part or the whole of the coating layer. In some examples, the textured surface may also include logos, designs or texts to customize the fabric and / or improving its aesthetic appearance.

[0029] According to another aspect, the present disclosure also provides a protective fabric comprising two-sided knitting fabric. The two-sided knitting fabric comprises a front side and a rear side; wherein the front side and the rear side are linked together by a crossing yarn to form the two-sided knitting fabric; and wherein the front side is configured as a flat plastic-like surface. The protective fabric further comprises a coating layer bonded onto the flat plastic-like surface of the front side; and the coating layer has an imprinted textured surface.

[0030] According to an example, the protective fabric may be manufactured using the method as disclosed herein.

[0031] Advantages derived from the protective fabric of the present disclosure may be similar to those mentioned regarding the method disclosed herein.

[0032] According to another aspect, the present disclosure also provides a garment, in particular a hand grip for cross training, comprising:

[0033] - a palm portion configured to be positioned covering at least partially the palm of a hand of a user, wherein the palm portion comprises an inner side to be in contact with the palm of the user, and an outer side to be in contact with an object to be gripped; and

[0034] - a wrist portion connected to the palm portion and configured to be attached to the wrist of a user; and wherein the palm portion is manufactured with a protective fabric as disclosed herein, such that the outer side of the palm portion is formed with the front side of the protective fabric, the front side being configured as a flat plastic-like surface, and the inner side of the palm portion is formed with the rear side of the protective fabric.

[0035] In the present disclosure, the term “grip” or “hand grip for cross training” is understood as an accessory provided in pairs to be worn on both hands to protect the user's palms during the practice of cross training. The cross training involves a high-intensity sport where different disciplines are mixed, such as gymnastics, weightlifting, powerlifting, cardio-based exercises, plyometrics, and others. The function of the hand grips for cross training is therefore to aid the grip on the gymnastic bar or rings and protect the palms from the generated friction during cross training exercises.

[0036] Thanks to the palm portion is made of the protective fabric of the disclosure, an improved hand grip for cross training is obtained. The outer side provides an excellent abrasion resistance and grip, thus withstanding the great friction with the weight bar, rings, etc, generated during cross training activities, and also an enhanced durability is obtained. The inner side offers a soft surface to provide comfort in contact with the skin’s palm of the user. Other suitable properties, e.g. sweat-absorbent and / or odourless, may also be applied to the material of the inner side.

[0037] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0038] Non-limiting examples of the present disclosure will be described in the following, with reference to the appended drawings, in which:

[0039] - Figure 1 is a schematic representation of the operation method for manufacturing a protective fabric, according to an example of the present disclosure;

[0040] - Figure 2 is a schematic view of a two-sided knitting fabric according to an example of the present disclosure;

[0041] - Figure 3 is a plan view of the two-sided knitting fabric shown in figure 2, after being knitted;

[0042] - Figure 4 is a perspective view of a protective fabric after subjecting the two-sided knitting fabric to a heat and pressure process, according to an example of the present disclosure;

[0043] - Figure 5 is a simplified cross-sectional view of the protective fabric shown in figure 4;

[0044] - Figure 6 is a schematic representation of the operation method for manufacturing a protective fabric, according to another example of the present disclosure;

[0045] - Figure 7 is a simplified cross-sectional view of a protective fabric according to another example of the present disclosure, after subjecting the protective fabric to a surface treatment;

[0046] - Figure 8 is a front elevational view of a hand grip for cross training being worn on a hand of a user, according to an example of the present disclosure;

[0047] - Figure 9 is a schematic plan view of a hand grip for cross training in an extended position, according to an example of the present disclosure;

[0048] - Figure 10 is a simplified cross-sectional view of a hand grip for cross training, according to an example of the present disclosure; and

[0049] - Figure 11 is a simplified cross-sectional view of a hand grip for cross training, according to another example of the present disclosure.

[0050] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXAMPLES

[0051] Figure 1 shows a schematic representation of an example of a method 1000 for manufacturing a protective fabric 10 according to the present disclosure. The method comprising the steps of: a) forming a two-sided knitting fabric 1 (see figures 2 and 3), as represented in block 1001 (see figure 1), the two-sided knitting fabric 1 comprising:

[0052] - a front side 2 knitted with a front thermoplastic yarn 20, the front thermoplastic yarn 20 having abrasion-resistant properties, and

[0053] - a rear side 3 knitted with a rear yarn 30, the rear yarn 30 having physical properties different from those of the front thermoplastic yarn 20, the rear yarn 30 comprising a melting point higher than a melting point of the front thermoplastic yarn 20; wherein the front side 2 and the rear side 3 are linked together by a crossing yarn 40 to form the two-sided knitting fabric 1 ; and b) subjecting the formed two-sided knitting fabric 1 to a heat and pressure process, as represented in block 1002 (see figure 1), wherein the front thermoplastic yarn 20 of the front side 2 is melted after reaching at least its melting point temperature, such that the front side 2 after solidifying turns into a flat plastic-like surface 21 (see figures 4 and 5).

[0054] Figures 2 and 3 show an example of a two-sided knitting fabric 1 , which is an intermediate product of the method 1000, i.e. before applying the heat and pressure process. Figures 4 and 5 show a protective fabric 10 according to an example of the present disclosure, i.e. after subjecting the two-sided knitting fabric 1 to a heat and pressure process, wherein the front thermoplastic yarn 20 of the front side 2 is melted, and after its solidification turns into a flat plastic-like surface 21.

[0055] As explained above, the method of the present disclosure provides a protective fabric 10 comprising a two-sided knitting fabric 1 with different properties on each side. On the one hand, an excellent abrasion resistance at the front side 2 is achieved thanks to the formation of the flat plastic-like surface 21 , and also an enhanced durability is obtained. On the other hand, the rear side 3 may provide other different physical properties depending on the use of the protective fabric 10, for example the rear side 2 may be soft, sweat-absorbent, anti-odour, etc., i.e. suitable for skin contact of a user.

[0056] According to an example, the heat and pressure process is applied at a heating temperature comprised between 80 °C and 250 °C, optionally the heating temperature is 160 °C.

[0057] According to an example, the heat and pressure process is applied at pressure comprised between 10 and 1 ,200 kPa (kilopascal) (between 0.1 Bar and 12 Bar), optionally the pressure is 300 kPa (3 Bar).

[0058] The heating and pressure process may be performed using e.g. a heat transfer press or a heated roll.

[0059] Figure 6 shows a schematic representation of another example of the method 1000 for manufacturing a protective fabric 10 according to the present disclosure. In this example, the method further comprises the step of subjecting the protective fabric 10 to a surface treatment, as represented in block 1003 (see figure 6), for providing a coating layer 5 bonded onto the flat plastic-like surface 21 of the front side 2 (see figure 7).

[0060] The surface treatment applied onto the flat plastic-like surface 21 provides an extra thickness in the front side 2. Therefore, the durability of the protective fabric 10 is further improved. The surface treatment needs to be applied onto a flat surface, i.e. herein the plastic-like surface 21 , so that the resulting surface of the coating layer 5 ends up flat and has a uniform thickness. Many known surface treatments may be used, such as coating, laminating or sealing treatments, which are briefly explained in the following:

[0061] - Coating:

[0062] - Roll Coating: Coating applied using a roll to spread coating uniformity.

[0063] - Hot Melt Coating: The coating material is heated until molten and applied as a liquid that solidifies after cooling.

[0064] - High Solid Coating: The coating is applied in a viscous state with a roll, or a brush. It then is heated on top of a base layer until it melts and solidifies afterwards. This process is also called as high solid deposition.

[0065] - Powder Coating: A layer of dry powder is applied and then heated to cure it.

[0066] - Spray coating: The coating is applied with an atomized liquid that deposits on a surface. It may or may not need to be cured afterwards.

[0067] - Brush coating: The material is applied with a brush in a manual way.

[0068] - Bar / Knife coating: A rod or a blade spread the coating at a given distance to distribute it evenly.

[0069] - Vacuum Coating: The material is vaporized and deposited due to a vacuum.

[0070] - Spin Coating: There is a centrifugal force that applies the coating evenly.

[0071] - Laminating:

[0072] - Thermal Lamination: Layers are fused together due to heat.

[0073] - Pressure Lamination: Layers are fused together due to pressure.

[0074] - Adhesive Lamination: Layers are joined by the action of an adhesive.

[0075] All three lamination types can be combined at the same time.

[0076] - Sealings:

[0077] - Glueing: Glue is applied to bond two materials.

[0078] - Ultrasonic: An ultrasonic vibration is applied to different layers so that with the high velocity micro-movements the layers heat locally and melt together.

[0079] - High Frequency: Like ultrasonic, but the vibration comes from a high-frequency electrical current between the layers that makes them bond.

[0080] According to an example of the present disclosure, the surface treatment applied is a high solid deposition process, wherein the coating material is applied in a viscous state with e.g. a roll, or a brush onto the flat plastic-like surface 21. The coating material is heated, e.g. to 150 °C, until it melts and then solidifies forming the coating layer 5. As disclosed previously, a two-sided knitting fabric is understood herein as a single layer of knitting fabric with two sides, wherein the yarns of the two sides are linked together by a crossing yarn in the knitting process.

[0081] The two-sided knitting fabric 1 may be formed by a weft knitting machine or a warp knitting machine.

[0082] In the present disclosure, a weft knitting machine may comprise two sets of needles, i.e. a front needle bed and a rear needle bed, which are configured to knit front stitches and rear stitches, respectively. In weft knitting fabrics, the yarns run horizontally across the fabric. A single yarn is usually used to create each row of stitches. A weft knitting machine may be a flat weft or a circular weft knitting machine.

[0083] In a flat weft knitting machine, each yarn is carried from side to side while needles from the front or the back raise along its path to catch the yarn. When the needles go down, loops of fabric are completed around them, creating the fabric’s structure. Having two sets of needles (front and back) allows to form more complex fabrics and knitting two sides.

[0084] In a circular weft knitting machine, instead of moving each yarn side to side, the yarns are spun around a circle while needles rise to catch them. Tubular fabrics or just sections of the circle can be knitted, but the way in which the needles catch and pull the fabrics is the same.

[0085] Alternatively, in warp knitting fabrics, the yarns run vertically along the fabric. Multiple yarns are used simultaneously through adjacent columns, with each needle is usually working with its own yarn. Examples of warp knitting machines are e.g. a tricot machine and a raschel machine.

[0086] Figures 3 and 4 show schematically an example of a weft two-sided knitting fabric, however the knitting fabric of the present disclosure is not limited to a particular structure, which pattern may vary depending on the needs of the protective fabric to be obtained.

[0087] In the present disclosure, the “gauge” of a knitting machine indicates the number of needles per mm (or needles per inch), so that the bigger the gauge number, the thinner the fabric is obtained.

[0088] In some examples, the weft or warp knitting machine comprises a gauge comprised between 0.1969 and 0.5512 needles per mm (between 5 and 14 needles per inch). The yarns used to form the front side and the rear side may have a thickness that allows to work on a weft or warp knitting machine with a gauge between 0.1969 and 0.5512 needles per mm (between 5 and14 needles per inch).

[0089] According to an example, the gauge is comprised between 0.1969 and 0.4724 needles per mm (between 5 and 12 needles per inch). A fabric knitted with a range between 0.1969 and 0.4724 needles per mm (between 5 and 12 needles per inch) of gauge may provide a thickness suitable to have treatments applied to it. Especially when such treatments need a flat surface so that the resulting coating layer ends up flat and has a uniform thickness.

[0090] In some examples, the method disclosed may also comprise the step of applying an imprint process onto the coating layer to obtain a textured surface.

[0091] The textured surface of the coating layer provides a non-slip surface and also improves the gripping properties. The imprint process can be applied e.g. with imprint paper, fabric or a milled cylinder. Furthermore, the textured surface may cover a part or the whole of the coating layer. In some examples, the textured surface may also include logos, designs or texts to customize the fabric and / or improving its aesthetic appearance.

[0092] Finally, the resulting protective fabric may be cut to obtain a piece of cloth which may be used to form a garment or a portion of a garment. For example, the protective fabric of the present description may be used for manufacturing hand grips for cross training, as explained below.

[0093] Alternatively, the protective fabric of the description may also be used in other protective garments, for example: gloves, pants, shirts, jackets, footwear, and the like; as well as for manufacturing accessories such as yoga mats, knee pads, the base of a backpack, etc. Therefore, the protective fabric of the present description may be used in many applications, as for example: indoor and outdoor sports, rock climbing gear, medical sector, military sectors, etc. According to an example, the front thermoplastic yarn 20 may be made of a thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) material.

[0094] A thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) is as a variety of polyurethane. The TPU is a thermoplastic elastomer with many properties including an excellent abrasion resistance, flexibility, durability, good adhesion to substrates, good microbial resistance, and others.

[0095] In examples, the front thermoplastic yarn 20 may have a thickness comprised between

[0096] 55.55 and 555.55 tex (between 500 and 5000 deniers). In the present disclosure, the thickness of a yarn is expressed in “tex” or “deniers”, which is a unit of measurement of the linear mass density of fibres.

[0097] In some examples, the rear yarn 30 may be made of at least one of: wool, cotton, silicone, polyester, aramid, graphene, graphene infused yarns, Kevlar, and more, wherein the yarn may be formed as single thread or as a plied or twisted combination of them.

[0098] In examples, the rear yarn 30 may have a thickness comprised between 55.55 and

[0099] 555.55 tex (between 500 and 5000 deniers).

[0100] In one example, the crossing yarn 40 may be formed with one of the yarns used for knitting the front side 2 or rear side 3 or may be formed with another additional yarn.

[0101] In one example, the coating layer 5 is made of a thermoplastic resin. For example, the coating layer 5 may be made of a TPU that is 100% compatible and of the same family as the yarn or one of the yarns of the front side 2 of the knitted fabric.

[0102] A garment, in particular a hand grip for cross training 100, according to an example of the present disclosure will be described in the following, with reference to Figures 8 to 10.

[0103] As previously disclosed, a hand grip for cross training is an accessory to be worn on each hand to protect the user's palms during the practice of cross training. The use of hand grips for cross training aids the grip on the gymnastic bar or rings and protect the palms from the generated friction during cross training exercises. Figure 8 shows an example of a hand grip for cross training 100 being worn on a hand 200 (illustrated in dashed lines) of a user.

[0104] Figures 9 and 10 show schematically a hand grip for cross training 100 according to an example of the present disclosure. The hand grip for cross training 100 comprises:

[0105] - a palm portion 110 configured to be positioned covering at least partially the palm of a hand 200 of a user, wherein the palm portion 110 comprises an inner side 111 to be in contact with the palm of the user, and an outer side 112 to be in contact with an object to be gripped (not shown), as for example a gymnastic bar, rings or the like; and

[0106] - a wrist portion 120 connected to the palm portion 110 and configured to be attached to the wrist of a user.

[0107] The palm portion 110 is manufactured with a protective fabric 10 as disclosed herein, such that the outer side 112 of the palm portion 110 is formed with the front side 2 of the protective fabric 10, the front side 2 being configured as a flat plastic-like surface 21 , and the inner side 111 of the palm portion 110 is formed with the rear side 3 of the protective fabric 10.

[0108] Figure 9 illustrates the hand grip for cross training 100 in an extended position viewed from its outer side 112, and figure 10 is a simplified cross-sectional view of the hand grip for cross training 100, along the line A-A in figure 9.

[0109] In addition, the palm portion 110 may include finger holes (not shown) through which one or more fingers may be introduced for a better fastening to the hand during use.

[0110] As can be seen in more detail in figure 9, the wrist portion 120 comprises an adjustable strap 121 to be positioned around the wrist of the user and a fastener 122 to hold in place the wrist portion 120 during use. The adjustable strap 121 may be made of e.g. neoprene or any soft material to provide comfort during use. In some examples, the fastener 122 may comprise a Velcro® strap (as shown in figure 9), a buckle, a rivet, or the like. Furthermore, the wrist portion 120 may be sewn or glued to the palm portion 110.

[0111] According to an example, the palm portion 110 of the hand grip for cross training 100 is manufactured with a protective fabric 10, as disclosed herein, wherein the front thermoplastic yarn 20 of the front side 2 is made of a TPU material, and the rear yarn 30 of the rear side 3 comprises a first yarn made of aramid and a second yarn made of graphene-infused polyester.

[0112] In an example, both first and second yarns of the rear yarn 30 may be twisted together e.g. at 2.362 turns per mm (60 turns per inch) in Z twist direction. Separately, aramid yarn may be plied to achieve a thickness of 0.275 turns per mm (7 turns per inch) (unit of measurement of the linear mass density of fibres), which is equivalent to approximately 840 dtex, and it may be preferably comprised between 650 and 1 ,050 dtex. Also, separately, graphene-infused polyester yarn may undergo a process of texturation.

[0113] The combination of yarns made of aramid and graphene-infused polyester yarns offers sweat-absorbent, odorless, and soft properties, thus providing a comfortable surface in contact with the skin of the user. In other examples, the rear side may be simply soft, have anti-slip properties, etc. Such properties can be modulated by changing the yarns used on the rear side 3.

[0114] In some examples, the thickness of each the thermoplastic yarn 20 and the rear yarn 30 may be comprised between 55.55 and 555.55 tex (between 500 and 5000 deniers). In an example, the front thermoplastic yarn 20 made of a TPU material may be formed with three threads of 103.33 tex (930 deniers) or just one thread of 344.44 tex (3100 deniers).

[0115] The protective fabric 10 used to form the palmar portion 110 of the hand grip for cross training 100, as herein disclosed, may be manufactured using a weft or warp knitting machine with a gauge of between 0.1969 and 0.4724 needles per mm (between 5 and 12 needles per inch). This range of gauge allows to obtain a protective fabric 10 with a thickness suitable to receive a surface treatment applied onto the flat plastic-like surface 21.

[0116] Thanks to the palm portion 110 is made of the protective fabric 10 herein disclosed, an improved hand grip for cross training is obtained. On the one hand, the outer side 112 which is configured with a flat plastic-like surface 21 made of a TPU material, provides an excellent abrasion resistance and grip, thus withstanding the great friction with the weight bar, rings, etc, generated during cross training activities, and also an enhanced durability is obtained. On the other hand, the inner side 111 which is made of a composition of an aramid and graphene-infused polyester material, offers a soft surface to provide comfort in contact with the skin’s palm 201 of a user, as well as other suitable properties, as e.g. sweat-absorbent and / or odourless.

[0117] Figure 11 shows a simplified cross-sectional view of a hand grip for cross training 100 according to another example of the present disclosure. In this example, the outer side 112 of the palmar portion 110, which is configured as a flat plastic-like surface 21 , further comprises a coating layer 5. The coating layer 5 may be applied with a suitable surface treatment, such as for example a high solid deposition process, as previously explained. The coating layer 5 provides an extra thickness in the outer side 112 of the palmar portion 110, thus improving the durability of the hand grip for cross training 100.

[0118] In an example, the coating layer 5 is made of thermoplastic resin, such as a TPU material compatible with the TPU material used to form the flat plastic-like surface 21 .

[0119] The coating layer thus obtained not only provides better durability, but also allows to improve the abrasion resistance and grip properties required for the proper use of hand grips for cross training.

[0120] For reasons of completeness, various aspects of the present invention are set out in the following numbered clauses:

[0121] Clause 1. A method for manufacturing a protective fabric (10), the method comprising the steps of:

[0122] - forming a two-sided knitting fabric (1), the two-sided knitting fabric (1) comprising:

[0123] - a front side (2) knitted with a front thermoplastic yarn (20), the front thermoplastic yarn (20) having abrasion-resistant properties, and

[0124] - a rear side (3) knitted with a rear yarn (30), the rear yarn (30) having physical properties different from those of the front thermoplastic yarn (20), the rear yarn (30) comprising a melting point higher than a melting point of the front thermoplastic yarn (20); wherein the front side (2) and the rear side (3) are linked together by a crossing yarn (40) to form the two-sided knitting fabric (1); and

[0125] - subjecting the formed two-sided knitting fabric (1) to a heat and pressure process, wherein the front thermoplastic yarn (20) of the front side (2) is melted after reaching at least its melting point temperature, such that the front side (2) after solidifying turns into a flat plastic-like surface (21). Clause 2. The method according to clause 1 , further comprising the step of subjecting the protective fabric (10) to a surface treatment for providing a coating layer (5) bonded onto the flat plastic-like surface (21) of the front side (2).

[0126] Clause 3. The method according to clause 2, wherein the surface treatment is a high solid deposition process.

[0127] Clause 4. The method according to any of the clauses 2 or 3, further comprising the step of applying an imprint process onto the coating layer (5) to obtain a textured surface.

[0128] Clause 5. The method according to any of the preceding clauses, wherein the front thermoplastic yarn (20) is made of thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU).

[0129] Clause 6. The method according to any of the preceding clauses, wherein the rear yarn (30) comprises a first yarn made of aramid and a second yarn made of graphene- infused polyester.

[0130] Clause 7. The method according to any of clauses 2 to 6, wherein the coating layer (5) is made of a thermoplastic resin.

[0131] Clause 8. The method according to any of the preceding clauses, wherein the heat and pressure process is applied at a heating temperature comprised between 80 °C and 250 °C, optionally the heating temperature is 160 °C.

[0132] Clause 9. The method according to any of the preceding clauses, wherein the heat and pressure process is applied at pressure comprised between 0,1 Bar and 12 Bar, optionally the pressure is 3 Bar.

[0133] Clause 10. The method according to any of the preceding clauses, wherein the two- sided knitting fabric (1) is formed by a knitting machine selected from a weft knitting machine or a warp knitting machine.

[0134] Clause 11. The method according to clause 10, wherein the knitting machine comprises a gauge comprised between 5 and 14, optionally the gauge is comprised between 5 and 12. Clause 12. A protective fabric (10) comprising two-sided knitting fabric (1), the two- sided knitting fabric (1) comprising:

[0135] - a front side (2) knitted with a front thermoplastic yarn (20), the front thermoplastic yarn (20) having abrasion-resistant properties, and

[0136] - a rear side (3) knitted with a rear yarn (30), the rear yarn (30) having physical properties different from those of the front thermoplastic yarn (20), the rear yarn (30) comprising a melting point higher than a melting point of the front thermoplastic yarn (20); wherein the front side (2) and the rear side (3) are linked together by a crossing yarn (40) to form the two-sided knitting fabric (1); and wherein the front side (2) is configured as a flat plastic-like surface (21).

[0137] Clause 13. A protective fabric (10) according to clause 12, further comprising a coating layer (5) bonded onto the flat plastic-like surface (21) of the front side (2).

[0138] Clause 14. A protective fabric (10) manufactured using the method according to any of the clauses 1 to 11.

[0139] Clause 15. A garment, in particular a hand grip for cross training (100), comprising:

[0140] - a palm portion (110) configured to be positioned covering at least partially the palm of a hand (200) of a user, wherein the palm portion (110) comprises an inner side (111) to be in contact with the palm of the user, and an outer side (112) to be in contact with an object to be gripped; and

[0141] - a wrist portion (120) connected to the palm portion (110) and configured to be attached to the wrist of a user; and wherein the palm portion (110) is manufactured with a protective fabric (10) according to any of clauses 12 to 14, such that the outer side (112) of the palm portion (110) is formed with the front side (2) of the protective fabric (10), the front side (2) being configured as a flat plastic-like surface (21), and the inner side (111) of the palm portion (110) is formed with the rear side (3) of the protective fabric (10).

[0142] Although only a number of examples have been disclosed herein, other alternatives, modifications, uses and / or equivalents thereof are possible. Furthermore, all possible combinations of the described examples are also covered. Thus, the scope of the present disclosure should not be limited by particular examples, but should be determined only by a fair reading of the claims that follow. If reference signs related to drawings are placed in parentheses in a claim, they are solely for attempting to increase the intelligibility of the claim, and shall not be construed as limiting the scope of the claim.

Claims

CLAIMS1 . A method for manufacturing a protective fabric (10), the method comprising the steps of:- forming a two-sided knitting fabric (1), the two-sided knitting fabric (1) comprising:- a front side (2) knitted with a front thermoplastic yarn (20), the front thermoplastic yarn (20) having abrasion-resistant properties, and- a rear side (3) knitted with a rear yarn (30), the rear yarn (30) having physical properties different from those of the front thermoplastic yarn (20), the rear yarn (30) comprising a melting point higher than a melting point of the front thermoplastic yarn (20); wherein the front side (2) and the rear side (3) are linked together by a crossing yarn (40) to form the two-sided knitting fabric (1);- subjecting the formed two-sided knitting fabric (1) to a heat and pressure process, wherein the front thermoplastic yarn (20) of the front side (2) is melted after reaching at least its melting point temperature, such that the front side (2) after solidifying turns into a flat plastic-like surface (21);- subjecting the protective fabric (10) to a surface treatment for providing a coating layer (5) bonded onto the flat plastic-like surface (21) of the front side (2); and- applying an imprint process onto the coating layer (5) to obtain a textured surface.

2. The method according to claim 1 , wherein the surface treatment is a high solid deposition process, wherein the coating layer (5) is applied in a viscous state onto the flat plastic-like surface (21).

3. The method according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the front thermoplastic yarn (20) is made of thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU).

4. The method according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the rear yarn (30) is made of a combination of aramid and graphene-infused polyester.

5. The method according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the coating layer (5) is made of a thermoplastic resin.

6. The method according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the heat and pressure process is applied at a heating temperature comprised between 80 °C and 250 °C, optionally the heating temperature is 160 °C.

7. The method according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the heat and pressure process is applied at pressure comprised between 10 and 1 ,200 kPa (between 0.1 Bar and 12 Bar), optionally the pressure is 300 kPa (3 Bar).

8. The method according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the two-sided knitting fabric (1) is formed by a knitting machine selected from a weft knitting machine or a warp knitting machine.

9. The method according to claim 8, wherein the knitting machine comprises a gauge comprised between 0.1969 and 0.5512 needles per mm (between 5 and 14 needles per inch), optionally the gauge is comprised between 0.1969 and 0.4724 needles per mm (between 5 and 12 needles per inch).

10. A protective fabric (10) comprising two-sided knitting fabric (1), the two-sided knitting fabric (1) comprising a front side (2) and a rear side (3); wherein the front side (2) and the rear side (3) are linked together by a crossing yarn (40) to form the two- sided knitting fabric (1); and wherein the front side (2) is configured as a flat plastic-like surface (21); and the protective fabric (10) further comprising a coating layer (5) bonded onto the flat plastic-like surface (21) of the front side (2); and the coating layer (5) having an imprinted textured surface.

11. A protective fabric (10) according to claim 10, which is manufactured using the method according to any of the claims 1 to 9.

12. A garment, in particular a hand grip for cross training (100), comprising:- a palm portion (110) configured to be positioned covering at least partially the palm of a hand (200) of a user, wherein the palm portion (110) comprises an inner side (111 ) to be in contact with the palm of the user, and an outer side (112) to be in contact with an object to be gripped; and- a wrist portion (120) connected to the palm portion (110) and configured to be attached to the wrist of a user; and wherein the palm portion (110) is manufactured with a protective fabric (10) according to claim 10 or 11 , such that the outer side (112) of the palm portion (110) is formed with the front side (2) of the protective fabric (10), the front side (2) being configured as a flat plastic-like surface (21), and the inner side (111) of the palm portion (110) is formed with the rear side (3) of the protective fabric (10).

Images