Cut-Resistant Knit Garment Using Composite Yarns
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing protective garments that are cut and/or abrasion resistant often compromise on comfort, flexibility, and weight, particularly in hosiery and undergarment applications, due to the use of materials like wire, fiberglass, and high denier yarns which can cause skin irritation, bulkiness, and difficulty in cleaning.
Innovation Solution
A lightweight, cut and/or abrasion-resistant knit garment composed of at least one elastomeric yarn and one high performance yarn, with deniers ranging from 10 to 300, which provides improved comfort, flexibility, and elasticity, suitable for hosiery products like stockings, pantyhose, and tights, and can include composite yarns with an elastomeric core for enhanced properties.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If wire, fiberglass, or high denier yarns are used to improve cut and abrasion resistance, then protection is enhanced, but comfort deteriorates due to skin irritation and bulkiness
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the denier parameter of the yarn from traditional high denier (e.g., 200-400) to a lower range (e.g., 100-300), which reduces the bulkiness and improves comfort while maintaining cut and abrasion resistance through optimized fiber construction and blending ratios
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses composite yarn constructions combining multiple fiber types (e.g., elastomeric fibers with cut-resistant fibers like aramid or high-tenacity polyethylene) to achieve both protection and comfort. The composite structure allows different fibers to contribute their specific properties: elastomeric fibers provide flexibility and comfort while cut-resistant fibers provide protection
2Reliability
If high denier high performance yarns are used to improve cut resistance, then protection is enhanced, but flexibility and pliability deteriorate due to bulkiness
Solution Approach 1:
The patent optimizes the denier range (100-300) and fiber diameter to reduce bulkiness while maintaining sufficient cut resistance, thereby improving flexibility and pliability for athletic movements
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies different fiber compositions to different regions of the garment - using higher cut-resistant fiber content in areas requiring maximum protection and higher elastomeric fiber content in areas requiring flexibility, achieving local optimization of both protection and movement capability
3Reliability
If wire content is increased to improve cut resistance, then protection is enhanced, but ease of cleaning deteriorates and electrical/thermal conductivity issues arise
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes metal wire from the yarn construction entirely, replacing it with non-metallic cut-resistant fibers such as aramid, high-tenacity polyethylene, or other synthetic fibers that provide cut resistance without the cleaning and conductivity problems associated with wire
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses conventional, easily cleanable synthetic fibers that can be machine washed and treated with standard textile care, replacing wire which requires special cleaning procedures and can damage washing machines
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The solution provides a lightweight, comfortable, and flexible fabric that maintains cut and/or abrasion resistance while being suitable for hosiery and undergarments, offering improved stretch properties and reduced denier for a softer feel, making it suitable for athletic and protective wear.
Implementation Method 1
at least one elastomeric yarn... which provides improved comfort, flexibility, and elasticity
Implementation Method 2
cut and/or abrasion resistant... at least one high performance yarn, wherein each yarn has a denier of from 10 to 300
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a cut and/or abrasion resistant garment that is lightweight, has improved comfort, flexibility and pliability, and is particularly suitable for use as hosiery products such as stockings, pantyhose and tights, or for protective coverings for the arms of the wearer.