A process of yarn spinning and/or twisting, in which a yarn runs between a yarn feeding means (1) towards a yarn picking means is provided. A driving means rotates the yarn picking means at a predetermined speed, in which a stretch of balloon is generated in a point located between the feeding means (1) and the picking means by the presence of twisting means. A helical path with oscillating spiral diameters exists between the yarn feeding means (1) and the yarn picking means, so that the path of the yarn, by the operation of the twisting means, creates a body of revolution from a diameter generating a balloon that has at least a hyperboloid structure (E) forming at least two stretches of balloons (B) consecutive to each other. A machine for performing the process is also provided.

Staple fibers and compositions formed from staple fibers are disclosed herein. The fibers are functionalized with molecules that render fabrics comprising the disclosed fibers hydrophobic, hydrophilic, and/or release molecules upon exposure to an external stimulus. Also presented are methods of synthesizing the same and a fabric comprising woven yarns including the staple fiber.

Staple fibers and compositions formed from staple fibers are disclosed herein. The fibers are functionalized with molecules that render fabrics comprising the disclosed fibers hydrophobic, hydrophilic, and/or release molecules upon exposure to an external stimulus. Also presented are methods of synthesizing the same and a fabric comprising woven yarns including the staple fiber.

A guard insert having a body and a guide. The body can include a top surface, an opposed bottom surface, and a plurality of side edges extending between the top and bottom surfaces and including a front side edge. The body can define a slot and a plurality of fastener-receiving openings. The slot can extend inwardly from the front side edge. The plurality of fastener-receiving openings can extend through the top and bottom surfaces, with each opening of the plurality of fastener-receiving openings being configured to receive a fastener. The guide can be securely received within the slot of the body. The guide can have an outer peripheral wall and an inner peripheral wall. The outer peripheral wall can have a shape complementary to the slot, and at least a portion of the inner peripheral wall can define a channel configured for receiving yarn.

A guard insert having a body and a guide. The body can include a top surface, an opposed bottom surface, and a plurality of side edges extending between the top and bottom surfaces and including a front side edge. The body can define a slot and a plurality of fastener-receiving openings. The slot can extend inwardly from the front side edge. The plurality of fastener-receiving openings can extend through the top and bottom surfaces, with each opening of the plurality of fastener-receiving openings being configured to receive a fastener. The guide can be securely received within the slot of the body. The guide can have an outer peripheral wall and an inner peripheral wall. The outer peripheral wall can have a shape complementary to the slot, and at least a portion of the inner peripheral wall can define a channel configured for receiving yarn.