U.S. patent application number 13/370480 was filed with the patent office on 2012-08-16 for knitted glove.
This patent application is currently assigned to Midas Safety, Inc.. Invention is credited to BASHEER ALI, ABDUL AZEEM, MIKHAIL KASSAM.
Application Number | 20120204604 13/370480 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 43859359 |
Filed Date | 2012-08-16 |
United States Patent
Application |
20120204604 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
AZEEM; ABDUL ; et
al. |
August 16, 2012 |
KNITTED GLOVE
Abstract
A double layer knitted glove is disclosed, the glove comprising
a first yarn and a second yarn, the knitted glove comprising at
least eight glove components, the components including: five digit
components, an upper palm component, a lower palm component, and a
wrist component, wherein one or more of the components comprises at
least one functional zone comprising a single layer. Also disclosed
is a knitted glove wherein each component comprises a plurality of
courses, each course comprising a first yarn and wherein more than
50% of the courses of each component are plaited with a second yarn
to provide a double layer component and wherein, in at least one
component, predetermined functional zones of the component are
single layer. Finally, a method for producing a double layer
knitted glove is also disclosed. The inventive gloves are flexible,
comfortable with enhanced fit and also functional.
Inventors: |
AZEEM; ABDUL; (Karachi,
PK) ; ALI; BASHEER; (Karachi, PK) ; KASSAM;
MIKHAIL; (Toronto, CA) |
Assignee: |
Midas Safety, Inc.
North York
CA
|
Family ID: |
43859359 |
Appl. No.: |
13/370480 |
Filed: |
February 10, 2012 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
66/174 ; 2/167;
66/45; 66/65 |
Current CPC
Class: |
D10B 2403/0114 20130101;
D04B 1/28 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
66/174 ; 66/45;
66/65; 2/167 |
International
Class: |
D04B 9/58 20060101
D04B009/58; A41D 19/00 20060101 A41D019/00; D04B 7/34 20060101
D04B007/34 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Feb 14, 2011 |
GB |
1102515.2 |
Claims
1. A double layer knitted glove comprising a first yarn and a
second yarn, the knitted glove comprising at least eight glove
components, the components including: five digit components, an
upper palm component, a lower palm component, and a wrist
component, wherein one or more of the components comprises at least
one functional zone comprising a single layer.
2. A knitted glove as claimed in claim 1, wherein at least the five
digit components and the upper palm component each comprise at
least one functional zone.
3. A knitted glove as claimed in claim 1, wherein each functional
zone comprises one or more courses.
4. A knitted glove as claimed in claim 1, wherein the functional
zones extend on both sides of the glove.
5. A knitted glove as claimed in claim 1, wherein the lower palm
and/or the wrist component each comprise at least one functional
zone.
6. A knitted glove as claimed in claim 1, wherein the first yarn
and second yarn are independently selected from monofilament yarns,
multifilament yarns, spun yarns, textured filament yarns,
multi-component yarns or combinations thereof.
7. A knitted glove as claimed in claim 1, wherein the material of
the first yarn and/or second yarn is independently selected from
one or more of cotton, polyamide, acrylic, aramid (meta- or para-),
PTFE, polyolefin, polyester, linen, polyvinyl alcohol, metal, glass
fibre, silk and/or wool.
8. A knitted glove as claimed in claim 1, further comprising a
polymeric coating.
9. A knitted glove comprising at least eight components, the
components comprising: five digit components, an upper palm
component, a lower palm component, and a wrist component, wherein
each component comprises a plurality of courses, each course
comprising a first yarn and wherein more than 50% of the courses of
each component are plaited with a second yarn to provide a double
layer component and wherein, in at least one component,
predetermined functional zones of the component are single
layer.
10. A knitted glove as claimed in claim 9, wherein at least 70% of
the courses of each component are plaited with the second yarn.
11. A knitted glove as claimed in claim 9, wherein the
predetermined functional zones comprise courses which are not
plaited with the second yarn.
12. A knitted glove as claimed in claim 9, wherein the first yarn
and second yarn are independently selected from monofilament yarns,
multifilament yarns, spun yarns, textured filament yarns,
multi-component yarns or combinations thereof.
13. A knitted glove as claimed in claim 9, wherein the material of
the first yarn and/or second yarn is independently selected from
one or more of cotton, polyamide, acrylic, aramid (meta- or para-),
PTFE, polyolefin, polyester, linen, polyvinyl alcohol, metal, glass
fibre, silk and/or wool.
14. A knitted glove as claimed in claim 9, further comprising a
polymeric coating.
15. A knitted glove as claimed in claim 14, wherein the polymeric
coating is selected from one or more layers comprising natural
rubber, synthetic rubber, polyurethane, carboxylated acrylonitrile
butadiene, butyl latex, polychloroprene, polyvinyl alcohol,
non-carboxylated acrylonitrile and/or polyvinyl chloride or
combinations thereof.
16. A knitted glove as claimed in claim 14, wherein the polymeric
coating is porous or non-porous.
17. A method for producing a double layer knitted glove from a
first yarn and a second yarn, the method comprising, knitting a
glove comprising at least eight components, the components
comprising five digit components, an upper palm component, a lower
palm component, and a wrist component; wherein one or more of the
components comprises at least one functional zone comprising a
single layer.
18. A method as claimed in claim 17, wherein the knitting method is
weft knitting.
19. A method as claimed in claim 17, further comprising coating at
least a portion of the knitted glove with a polymeric coating.
20. A method as claimed in claim 17, wherein the gauge of glove
knitting machine is in the range 5 to 22.
21. A method as claimed in claim 17, wherein the method is used to
knit a sleeve or gauntlet.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present invention relates to knitted gloves and methods
of making such gloves. In particular, the present invention relates
to knitted gloves exhibiting enhanced flexibility.
[0002] Knitted gloves are known and may be produced using knitting
machines specifically constructed in order to knit such gloves. For
example Shima Seiki Manufacturing Limited (Wakayama City, Japan)
produces such knitting machines which can knit the various
components of a glove in one integral garment under computer
control. The use of the Shima automatic seamless glove knitting
machine New SFG is described in the New SFG instruction manual
20.sup.th Edition (June 2009).
[0003] Modified versions of conventional knitted gloves have also
been described.
[0004] U.S. Pat. No. b 6,155,084 describes protective articles
(including gloves) manufactured using a continuous, one step
process incorporating two or more dissimilar yarns or materials
each having dissimilar mechanical properties and
characteristics.
[0005] U.S. Pat. No. 5,965,223 describes a knitted protective
fabric using two or more layers of dissimilar cut resistant
materials also produced in a continuous one step process involving,
for example, knitting the fabric and plaiting the layers of yarn
used in the production process.
[0006] U.S. Pat. No. 5,547,733 discloses a textile fabric for
rapidly moving moisture away from the skin. The composite fabric
includes an inner fabric layer made of yarn primarily composed of
polyester which has been rendered hydrophilic and an outer fabric
layer made of yarn comprising polyester which has been rendered
hydrophobic. The inner and outer fabric layers are concurrently
knitted using a plaited construction so the layers are distinct and
separate yet integrated with one another.
[0007] Unfortunately, gloves in the prior art often do not take
detailed account of the comfort, flexibility and fit of a
particular glove (especially for industrial use).
[0008] U.S. Pat. No. 7.555.921 attempts to address this problem by
providing knitted gloves by creating each of the 15 sections of the
glove using a separate knitting course and providing varying stitch
dimensions with one or two yarns in one or more sections.
Unfortunately, embodiments of U.S. Pat. No. 7,555,921 which involve
plaiting (also known as plating) two yarns together are intended
solely to improve comfort and not to provide additional dexterity
and other functional properties of the glove.
[0009] There is therefore a need for a knitted glove which provides
both enhanced fit, comfort and also provides for functional
properties of the glove such as warmth, moisture absorption and
other properties. It is an aim of the present invention to address
this need and to overcome the problems of the prior art.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0010] The present invention accordingly provides in a first
aspect, a double layer knitted glove comprising a first yarn and a
second yarn, the knitted glove comprising at least eight glove
components, the components including: five digit components, an
upper palm component, a lower palm component, and a wrist
component, wherein one or more of the components comprises at least
one functional zone comprising a single layer.
[0011] This is advantageous because such a glove offers
flexibility, dexterity, enhanced grip and improved aesthetics.
[0012] Preferably, at least the five digit components and the upper
palm component each comprise at least one functional zone.
[0013] Preferably, each functional zone comprises one or more
courses.
[0014] Preferably, the functional zones extend on both sides of the
glove.
[0015] Preferably, the lower palm and/or the wrist component each
comprise at least one functional zone.
[0016] It is preferred if more than 50% of the courses of each
component of the glove are double layer.
[0017] In other words, a double layer glove according to the
invention comprises components, each component being preferably
more than 50% double layer. In preferred embodiments of the
invention, each component is more than 60% double layer, more than
66% double layer, more than 70% double layer, more than 80% double
layer, and most preferably more than 90% double layer.
[0018] Thus, the present invention accordingly provides in a second
aspect, a knitted glove comprising eight components, the components
comprising: five digit components (i.e. four finger components and
a thumb component), an upper palm component, a lower palm
component, and a wrist component, wherein each component comprises
a plurality of courses, each course comprising a first yarn and
wherein more than 50% of the courses of each component are plaited
with a second yarn to provide a double layer and wherein, in at
least one component, predetermined functional zones of the
component are single layer.
[0019] A knitted glove may, of course comprise more than eight
components depending upon how the components are defined.
[0020] Preferably more than 60% of the courses of each component
are plaited with the second yarn, more preferably more than 66% or
more than 70%, most preferably more than 80%. In the most preferred
embodiment at least 90% of the courses of each component are
plaited with the second yarn.
[0021] This is greatly beneficial because it enables a double layer
component to be produced in the glove which enables much greater
production flexibility in providing functional components of the
glove for example moisture absorption, cut resistance, punch
resistance, grip, feel and warmth. These functional characteristics
may be provided by incorporating dissimilar yarns within each
double layer component. For example the first yarn having one
property for example comfort (e.g. cotton or polyester) and a
second yarn providing cut resistance (e.g. metal fibres, glass
fibres or aramid fibres).
[0022] Preferably, the (predetermined) functional zones comprise
courses which are not plaited with the second yarn. In practice
this means that the functional zones of the component would usually
be single layer. Careful selection of the functional zones and
their position within each component of the glove enables the
comfort and flexibility of the glove to be significantly improved.
For example if the functional zones are produced on the front side
of the fingers (in particular at the areas where the joints of the
fingers are situated when the glove is worn) this enables the front
side of the fingers to collapse more easily when wearing the glove,
enhancing both comfort and flexibility. Similarly if the functional
zones of the component are on the backside of the fingers
especially where the joints are situated, this also enables easier
flexing of the fingers when the glove is worn. Functional zones on
the palm side (in particular the upper palm and finger and thumb or
the backside of the glove e.g. at those positions where the hand of
the wearer of the glove will bend and/or flex) offer additional
grip and also improve the flexibility of the glove by making it
easier for the glove to collapse or stretch. The great benefit of
this feature is that a knitted glove according to the invention
offers improved dexterity, flexibility and most importantly tends
to reduce the fatigue in a wearer. This is very important in an
industrial setting where fatigue can lead to accidents.
Furthermore, the functional zones of the knitted glove offer better
grip and improved aesthetics.
[0023] Because of the nature of the invention, all of these
advantages can be provided without using variable stitch density
(although of course this may be used if desired for other
reasons).
[0024] The functional zones will generally comprise a predetermined
number of courses starting at a predetermined course in the or each
component having a functional zone. The course at which the
functional zone starts depends upon the sizing of the glove.
However, it will generally be intended to provide a functional zone
at areas of bend and/or flex in a glove once worn.
[0025] Generally, the preferred predetermined number of courses is
at least one course. Preferably, the predetermined number of
courses will be eight or fewer, five or fewer, four or fewer, three
or fewer, two or fewer. The most preferred predetermined number of
courses is one course. Consequently, the glove according to the
present invention, will tend to have a double layer over the great
majority of its structure with only small predetermined number of
courses having a single layer. Surprisingly this provides
significantly enhanced flexibility, dexterity and reduced fatigue
even though there are only a few courses of single layer.
[0026] Generally, there will be a plurality (e.g. 2 or more, 3 or
more or 4 or more) of functional zones in each component where
there is a functional zone.
[0027] Generally, the first yarn and second yarn will be
independently selected from monofilament yarns, multifilament
yarns, spun yarns, textured filament yarns and/or multi component
yarns or combinations thereof.
[0028] The first yarn and second yarn may be the same or different,
thus the two layers of the glove may be composed of the same or
different yarns. The difference may lie in the material, colour or
count/denier of the yarns or technology from which the yarns are
manufactured. The yarns may or may not be coated.
[0029] If desired, the first and second yarn may be selected so
they have dissimilar but complementary properties to enhance other
aspects of the glove (for example cut resistance, comfort, moisture
absorption or puncture resistance).
[0030] Generally, the material of the first yarn and/or second yarn
will be selected from any of natural, regenerated and/or synthetic
fibre or a combination thereof. In particular, the material of the
first yarn and/or second yarn will preferably be selected from one
or more of cotton, polyamide (e.g. nylon), acrylic, aramid (meta-
or para-), polyolefin, polyester, linen, polyvinyl alcohol, metal,
glass fibre, silk, wool, acetate yarns, PTFE, carbon fibre, steel
fibre, mineral fibre, glass fibre, PBI, PBO, Rayon.TM., viscose,
and/or bamboo fibres, or a combination thereof.
[0031] In a preferred embodiment, the knitted glove further
comprises a polymeric coating. In particular, it is preferred if
the knitted glove further comprises an elastomeric polymeric
coating. The polymeric coating may be selected from one or more
layers comprising natural rubber, synthetic rubber, polyurethane,
carboxylated acrylonitrile butadiene, butyl latex, polychloroprene,
polyvinyl alcohol, non-carboxylated acrylonitrile and/or polyvinyl
chloride, or combinations thereof.
[0032] The knitted glove may have a polymeric coating that is
porous or non porous i.e. may have a relatively solid polymeric
coating or may have a porous polymeric coating (e.g. a foam coated
coating).
[0033] In a third aspect, the present invention provides a method
for producing a double layer knitted glove from a first yarn and a
second yarn, the method comprising, knitting a glove comprising at
least eight components, the components comprising five digit
components, an upper palm component, a lower palm component, and a
wrist component wherein one or more of the components comprises at
least one functional zone comprising a single layer.
[0034] In a fourth aspect, the present invention provides a method
for producing a knitted glove comprising eight components, the
components comprising five digit components, an upper palm
component, a lower palm component, and a wrist component, wherein
each component is knitted by knitting a plurality of courses, each
course comprising a first yarn and plaiting more than 50% of the
courses of each component with a second yarn to provide a double
layer component and wherein, in at least one component,
predetermined functional zones of the component are single
layer.
[0035] Preferably, the knitting method is weft knitting. The gauge
of weft knitting will preferably be between 5 to 18 gauge or more
than 18 gauge (the higher gauge resulting in much finer knit and
requiring thinner yarns).
[0036] The method generally comprises the steps of programming a
knitting machine to knit a glove comprising at least the eight
glove components. The method may also be used to knit
sleeve/gauntlet or any other article. The gauge of glove knitting
will preferably be between 5 and 18 (or higher).
[0037] The method also preferably comprises coating at least a
portion of the knitted glove with a polymeric coating (preferably
an elastomeric coating as discussed above).
[0038] The preferred methods of coating the knitted glove include
dip coating in which a coagulant solution may (or may not) be first
applied to the knitted glove. Thereafter the knitted glove is
dipped in a polymeric latex or sol (e.g. plastisol), dried and
cured.
[0039] The knitted gloves according to the present invention have
uses in many areas in which gloves are used but find particular use
in industrial fields to provide protective gloves.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0040] In order that the present invention may be better
understood, it will now be described by way of example with
reference to the accompanying drawings in which:
[0041] FIG. 1 illustrates the conventional components of a knitted
glove.
[0042] FIG. 2 illustrates plaiting (also known as plating) in weft
knitting.
[0043] FIG. 3 illustrates an embodiment of the glove according to
the present invention.
[0044] FIGS. 4 and 5 illustrate the back and palm sides
respectively of an embodiment of the glove according to the present
invention coated on the palm and parts of the digits with an
elastomeric coating.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0045] FIG. 1 illustrates the various component of the knitted
glove according to the invention. These components are used, for
example, in the instructions to the New SFG Shima glove knitting
machines. The components are the little ("pinky") finger 1, the
ring finger 2, the middle finger 3, the index finger 4, the thumb
5, the upper palm 6, the lower palm 7 and the wrist portion 8.
[0046] FIG. 2 illustrates a plaiting stitch during weft knitting in
which a latch needle 14 (the latch needle is illustrated
schematically: the latch of the needle is not shown) gathers a loop
of a first yarn 10 and a second yarn 12 during downward movement of
the latch needle 14. The technical face 18 of the fabric is
situated on the side of first yarn 10 and the technical back 16 of
the fabric is situated on the side of the second yarn 12.
[0047] FIG. 2 shows an illustration of plaited weft fabric
according to David Spencer Knitting Technology (3.sup.rd edition)
(2001).
[0048] FIG. 3 illustrates the palm side of a knitted glove
according to an embodiment of the present invention. The back side
of the glove is substantially the same. The knitted glove 30
comprises over most of its structure a double layer fabric 32
comprising a black Nylon yarn (first yarn) and light green coloured
Nylon yarn). At points of flex on thumb component 5 the plaiting is
discontinued at a plurality of single courses 34 (the plaiting is
also discontinued at the same parts on the back side). Similarly,
at single courses 36 the plaiting is discontinued in the upper palm
portion. Finally the plaiting is discontinued at single courses 38
in the digit components (1,2,3,4). Each of the single courses 34,
36, 38 are situated at points of flex of the glove when worn and
these form predetermined functional zones. The single courses 34,
36, 38 are separated on the same component by eight courses of
double layer knit. The glove 30 also has a wrist component 40 and a
finishing section 42.
[0049] The glove 30 is knitted with the first yarn outermost and
the second yarn innermost. After knitting the glove is turned
inside out so the second yarn is visible on the outside of the
glove.
[0050] FIGS. 4 and 5 illustrate a glove 50, 52 as in FIG. 4 but dip
coated in a nitrile rubber porous coating prepared as discussed in
EP-A-2181826 (see, in particular the Examples) with an elastomeric
coating 52 on the palm and palm side of the fingers and on portions
of the back side of the fingers/thumb and palm components.
[0051] The invention is further illustrated by the following
example which illustrates the production of the glove of FIG.
3.
[0052] The glove was knitted on an NewSFG knitting machine (Shima
Seiki) using the plaiting attachment (U3). The purpose of U3 device
is to introduce the plaiting yarn at regular intervals.
[0053] According to Shima's instruction manual if setting is
selected 0 then there will be no plaiting yarn. The option of
introducing plaiting pattern can be used to introduce plaiting yarn
in all courses OR every second course OR every third course and so
on up to every ninth course.
[0054] The output according to Shima's specification will be a
single layer glove with double layer occurring at regular intervals
for only a single course.
[0055] In contrast, and according to the invention, the plaiting
feeder/yarn is stopped at specified locations of each glove
component, instead of introducing plaiting yarn intermittently as
per Shima's instruction mentioned above. Consequently, the glove
according to the invention is a double layer glove with single
layer occurring at specified courses for specified number of
courses.
[0056] As an example for this invention Table 1 indicates that the
plaiting yarn (yarn 2) being stopped at specified courses for
specified number of courses and again started.
TABLE-US-00001 TABLE 1 Yarn2 (Plaiting Yarn) Yarn1 Plaiting
Plaiting Glove Stitch No. of Principal yarn stopped at Component
Setting Courses Yarn inserted courses 1 (Pinky 34 1-90 1-90 1-50,
52-60, 51, 61, 71, finger) 62-70, 72-80, 81 82-90 2 (Ring 34 1-108
1-108 1-60, 62-70, 61, 71, 81, finger) 72-80, 82-90, 91 92-108 3
(Middle 34 1-118 1-118 1-70, 72-80, 71, 81, 91, finger) 82-90,
92-100, 101 102-118 4 (Index 34 1-104 1-104 1-60, 62-70, 71, 81,
91, finger) 72-80, 82-90, 101 92-104 5 (Thumb) 34 1-64 1-64 1-20,
22-30, 21, 31, 41, 32-40, 42-50, 51 52-64 6 (Upper 34 1-92 1-92
1-50, 52-60, 51, 61, 71. palm) 62-70, 72-80, 81 82-92 7 (Lower 34
1-50 1-50 1-50 palm) 8 (Wrist) 34 1-80 1-80 1-80
[0057] The knitted glove offers dexterity, flexibility, reduced
fatigue, better grip, and better aesthetics. This is achieved
without using variable stitch density.
* * * * *