PROTECTIVE APPAREL

Abstract

A gauntlet or protective glove comprising a fabric having a first layer comprising a yarn which is configured to provide mechanical protection (e.g. against abrasion, cuts, puncture and/or tearing); and a second layer comprising an electrically insulating material configured to provide a wearer with protection against electric shock; wherein the gauntlet or protective glove is arranged such that the first layer is outermost when worn.

Claims

1. A gauntlet or protective glove comprising a fabric having: a. a first layer comprising a yarn which is configured to provide mechanical protection (e.g. against abrasion, cuts, puncture and/or tearing); and b. a second layer comprising an electrically insulating material configured to provide a wearer with protection against electric shock; wherein the gauntlet or protective glove is arranged such that the first layer is outermost when worn.

2. A gauntlet or protective glove according to claim 1, wherein the first and second layers are integrally formed, e.g. bonded together.

3. A gauntlet or protective glove according to claim 2, wherein the second layer is formed as a shell of material, which is then bonded to the first layer to form a composite fabric layer.

4. A gauntlet or protective glove according to claim 1, wherein the yarn comprises an aramid filament, optionally wherein the aramid filament comprises a para-aramid and/or a meta-aramid.

5. A gauntlet or protective glove according to claim 4, wherein the aramid filament has a linear density of 200 dtex to 1200 dtex, e.g. 670 dtex.

6. A gauntlet or protective glove according to claim 4 or 5, wherein the yarn comprises a filament core comprising: a mineral filament, glass fibre, ceramic fibre, liquid crystal polymer and/or a carbon fibre, optionally wherein the filament core comprises a basalt filament.

7. A gauntlet or protective glove according to claim 6, wherein the aramid filament is wrapped around the filament core, e.g. in an S and/or Z formation.

8. A gauntlet or protective glove according to claim 6, wherein the filament core has a linear density of 150 dtex to 800 dtex, e.g. 340 dtex.

9. A gauntlet or protective glove according to claim 6, wherein the yarn further comprises one or more synthetic (e.g. polyester) fibres wrapped around the filament core, e.g. in an S and/or Z formation.

10. A gauntlet or protective glove according to claim 9, wherein the or each synthetic fibre has a linear density of 500 dtex to 2000 dtex, e.g. 750 dtex.

11. A gauntlet or protective glove according to claim 9, wherein the yarn comprises two synthetic fibres wrapped around the filament core in an S/Z formation to form an intermediate yarn, and wherein the aramid filament is wrapped around the intermediate yarn in an S and/or Z formation.

12. A gauntlet or protective glove according to claim 1, wherein the yarn is knitted to form the first layer, optionally wherein the yarn is knitted on a knitting machine having a gauge in the range of 10 to 21GG, e.g. 13GG.

13. A gauntlet or protective glove according to claim 1, wherein the second layer comprises any natural or synthetic rubber, e.g. natural rubber, latex and/or chloroprene.

14. A gauntlet or protective glove according to claim 1, wherein the second layer has a thickness in the range of 0.25 mm to 1.25 mm, e.g. 0.75 to 0.85 mm.

15. A gauntlet or protective glove according to claim 1, wherein the second layer provides insulation against voltages up to 1500V for an alternating current, e.g. 1000V.

16. A gauntlet or protective glove according to claim 1, wherein the fabric further comprises a third layer, optionally comprising a fireproof material.

17. A gauntlet or protective glove according to claim 16, wherein the gauntlet or glove is arranged such that the third layer is innermost when worn.

18. A gauntlet or protective glove according to claim 16, wherein the first, second and third layers are integrally formed, e.g. bonded together.

19. A fabric for use in protective apparel, wherein the fabric comprises: a. a first layer comprising a yarn which provides mechanical protection (e.g. against abrasion, cuts, puncture and/or tearing); and b. a second layer comprising an electrically insulating material configured to provide protection against electric shock; wherein the yarn comprises an aramid filament and a mineral filament core.

20. A yarn for use in protective apparel, wherein the yarn comprises: a. a basalt filament core, and b. an aramid filament wrapped around the core.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF FIGURES

[0062] Embodiments disclosed herein will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0063] FIG. 1a illustrates a perspective view of a palm-side of a protective glove disclosed herein;

[0064] FIG. 1b illustrates a perspective view of a back view of the protective glove of FIG. 1a;

[0065] FIG. 2a illustrates a schematic cross section through the fabric of the protective glove of FIG. 1a;

[0066] FIG. 2b illustrates an exploded schematic view of the composition of the fabric of the protective glove of FIG. 1a; and

[0067] FIG. 3 illustrates a schematic of a yarn used to form the first layer of the fabric of FIGS. 2a and 2b.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0068] With reference to FIGS. 1a and 1b, a protective glove is provided as generally indicated at reference numeral 2. The protective glove 2 is configured to provide the wearer with mechanical protection (e.g. against abrasion, cuts, puncture and/or tearing), protection against electrical shock, chemical resistance, flame and fire resistance, and/or protection against arc flash.

[0069] The glove 2 comprises glove fingers 4, a front palm 6 and a glove back 8. At one end, a cuff opening 10 is provided for introducing the wearer's hand into the glove 2.

[0070] As shown in FIGS. 2a and 2b the fabric 28 of the glove 2 has a first layer 12 and a second layer 14.

[0071] In the illustrated embodiment, the fabric 28 of the entirety of the glove 2 up to a designated location proximal the cuff opening 10 is formed of said first and second layers 12, 14. In some embodiments, the designated location is 50 mm or less from the cuff opening, for example 30 mm or less, for example 20 mm or less, for example 10 mm or less from the cuff opening. In some embodiments, the designated location is 13 mm from the cuff opening. It will be appreciated that the designated location may be provided at any suitable distance from the cuff opening to comply with product regulations. Between the designated location and the cuff opening, the glove may include only the second layer (in other words the first layer only extends as far as the designated location).

[0072] In some embodiments, the entirety of the glove up to the cuff opening is formed of said first and second layers.

[0073] As will be described in more detail below, the first layer includes a yarn 16 (see FIG. 3) which is selected to provide mechanical protection to the wearer. For example, such mechanical protection may be against abrasion, cuts, puncture and/or tearing.

[0074] The second layer 14 includes an electrically insulating material. This protects the wearer from electric shock. When the glove 2 is worn, the first layer 12 is outermost. This provides mechanical protection to the electrically insulating layer 14 of the glove 2, such that the second layer 14 is protected against abrasion, cuts, puncture and/or tearing, for example, and the effectiveness of the insulating second layer 14 can be maintained.

[0075] As shown in FIG. 2a, the first and second layers 12, 14 are integrally formed. In some embodiments, the first and second layers 12, 14 are joined together with adhesive such that they form a single composite layer (i.e. no gap is present between the first and second layers 12, 14).

[0076] With reference to FIG. 3, the yarn 16 used to form the first layer 12 includes an aramid filament 18. This can be either a para-aramid and/or a meta-aramid, depending on the properties required. The strength and heat resistant properties of the aramid filament 18 contributes to the mechanical protection provided by the first layer 12 and also to the flame and fire resistant properties and effective protection against arc flash.

[0077] In the illustrated embodiment, the aramid filament 18 has a linear density of between 400 and 1000 dtex. For example, between 600 and 800 dtex. In some embodiments, the aramid filament has a linear density of 670 dtex.

[0078] The yarn 16 also has a filament core 20. This may comprise a mineral filament, glass fibre, ceramic fibre, liquid crystal polymer and/or a carbon fibre. In the illustrated embodiment, the filament core is a basalt filament 20.

[0079] As illustrated in FIG. 3, the aramid filament 18 is wrapped around the basalt core 20 in a helical fashion. In the illustrated embodiment, the aramid filament is wrapped around the basalt core in an S formation. Alternatively, the aramid filament may be wrapped around the core in a Z formation.

[0080] The use of a basalt filament core 20 is beneficial due to its strength properties and heat resistant properties. This contributes to the protective properties of the first layer 12.

[0081] The basalt filament core 20 has a linear density in the range of 150 to 500 dtex, for example, in the range of 300 to 400 dtex. In the illustrated embodiment, the linear density is 340 dtex.

[0082] Again with reference to FIG. 3, the yarn 16 also includes two polyester fibres 22, 24 wrapped around the basalt core 20. A first polyester fibre 22 is wrapped around the basalt filament core 20 in an S formation and a second polyester fibre 24 is wrapped around the basalt filament core 20 in a Z formation. In alternative embodiments, the first and second polyester fibres may be wrapped in the opposite direction.

[0083] The polyester fibres 22, 24 are wrapped around the basalt filament core 20 to form an intermediate yarn, around which the aramid filament 18 is wrapped to form the yarn 16.

[0084] The second layer 14 includes any natural or synthetic rubber, for example, natural rubber, latex and/or chloroprene. In the illustrated embodiment, the second layer 14 includes chloroprene.

[0085] The second layer 14 has a thickness in the range of 0.25 to 1.25 mm, for example, 0.75 to 0.85 mm. This has been found to be effective against electrical shock.

[0086] The second layer 14 is configured to provide insulation against voltages up to 1500 volts for an alternating current, for example, up to 1000 volts.

[0087] With reference to FIGS. 2a and 2b, the fabric 28 of the protective glove 2 includes a third layer 26 which includes a fireproof material. This provides enhanced fireproof protection to the glove 2 and also enhances the arc protection provided by the glove 2. As can be seen in FIGS. 2a and 2b, the glove 2 is formed such that the third layer 26 is innermost when worn.

[0088] In some embodiments, the third layer is formed form a fire resistant modacrylic cotton. In some embodiments, the third layer is formed of any suitable fabric or material having suitable fire and/or flame resistant properties, for example Nomex, or a wool/Nomex mix.

[0089] In some embodiments, a fire resistant modacrylic cotton having a linear density in the range of 50 to 300 dtex, for example 164 dtex. This has been found to provide a suitable balance between the functions of separating a wearer's hand from the second layer and maximising comfort and dexterity for the wearer.

[0090] The third layer 26 is integrally formed with the first and second layers 12, 14. In the illustrated embodiment, the third layer 26 is bonded to the second layer 14 by an adhesive. In this way, a fabric 28 of a single thickness is provided, without gaps between the layers 12, 14, 26. In other words the first, second and third layers 12, 14, 26 are bonded together such that they form a single composite layer of fabric 28.

[0091] In the illustrated embodiment, the fabric 28 of the entirety of the glove 2 up to a designated location proximal the cuff opening 10 is formed of said second layer 14 and said first and/or third layers 12, 26. In some embodiments, the designated location is 50 mm or less from the cuff opening, for example 30 mm or less, for example 20 mm or less, for example 10 mm or less from the cuff opening. In some embodiments, the designated location is 13 mm from the cuff opening. It will be appreciated that the designated location may be provided at any suitable distance from the cuff opening to comply with product regulations. Between the designated location and the cuff opening, the glove may include only the second layer (in other words the first and third layers 12, 26 extend only as far as the designated location). In some embodiments, between the designated location and the cuff opening, the glove may include only the second layer and the first and/or third layers.

[0092] In some embodiments, the entirety of the glove up to the cuff opening is formed of said first, second and third layers.

[0093] The glove 2 is formed by knitting the yarn 16 to form the first layer 12. In this way, the requirement for seams is avoided. In the illustrated embodiment, the yarn is knitted on a knitting machine having a gauge the range of 10 to 20 GG, for example, 13GG. This gauge has been found to be particularly beneficial in protecting against puncture.

[0094] A chloroprene shell having a thickness in the range of 0.75-0.85 mm is formed. The fire resistant modacrylic yarn is knit to form the third layer. The first, second and third layers 12, 14, 26 are then bonded together with adhesive to form the glove 2.

[0095] It will be appreciated that the protective glove 2 will be used by a wearer in the typical way.

[0096] Although this disclosure has been made with reference to one or more embodiments, it will be appreciated that various changes or modifications can be made without departing from the scope of the disclosure, as described in the appended claims. For example, although a gauntlet or protective glove has been described, it will be appreciated that the fabric disclosed herein could be used to make any protective garment.