U.S. patent application number 13/726662 was filed with the patent office on 2014-04-24 for cut resistant webbing system.
The applicant listed for this patent is Robert E. Golz. Invention is credited to Robert E. Golz.
Application Number | 20140113519 13/726662 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 50485745 |
Filed Date | 2014-04-24 |
United States Patent
Application |
20140113519 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Golz; Robert E. |
April 24, 2014 |
Cut Resistant Webbing System
Abstract
In general, the present invention has to do with a webbing
system used in a fall restraint retractor and other industrial
applications where the webbing has an elongated main body
comprising synthetic fiber warp yarns, lateral weft yarns, and wire
and multi-component stuffer yarns. Cut resistant warp yarns are
arranged across the face and back of the main body, the yarns being
formed of multi-filament high tenacity yarns. Specifically, the
high tenacity yarns are selected from a group consisting of an
extended chain, ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene. Cut
resistant stuffer yarns are arranged across the inner body, the
yarn being formed of multi-filament high tenacity yarns and
anti-corrosive wire, such as, for example, stainless steel twisted
wires.
Inventors: |
Golz; Robert E.; (Swansea,
MA) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Golz; Robert E. |
Swansea |
MA |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
50485745 |
Appl. No.: |
13/726662 |
Filed: |
December 26, 2012 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
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61581767 |
Dec 30, 2011 |
|
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Current U.S.
Class: |
442/190 ;
428/457; 57/235 |
Current CPC
Class: |
D02G 3/442 20130101;
Y10T 442/3073 20150401; D03D 1/0041 20130101; D02G 3/12 20130101;
D10B 2101/20 20130101; Y10T 428/31678 20150401; B66C 1/18 20130101;
D03D 3/02 20130101; D10B 2331/021 20130101; A62B 35/0075 20130101;
D03D 11/02 20130101; D03D 3/005 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
442/190 ;
428/457; 57/235 |
International
Class: |
D02G 3/44 20060101
D02G003/44; D02G 3/12 20060101 D02G003/12 |
Claims
1. A cut resistant webbing component comprising: at least one wire
strand core; and at least one first webbing yarn strand wrapped in
a Z direction about the at least one wire strand core.
2. A cut resistant webbing component as in claim 1 further
comprising: at least one second webbing yarn strand wrapped in an S
direction about the at least one wire strand core.
3. The cut resistant webbing component as in claim 1 wherein the at
least one wire strand core comprises at least one stainless steel
wire strand.
4. The cut resistant webbing component as in claim 1 wherein the at
least one first Z-direction webbing yarn strand comprises a
plurality of first Z-direction webbing yarn strand filaments,
wherein at least one of the first Z-direction webbing yarn strand
filaments comprises: a first strand filament core, wherein the
first strand filament core comprises a set first filament core
melting point; and a first strand filament sheathing, wherein the
first strand filament sheathing comprises a melting point different
than the first filament core melting point.
5. The cut resistant webbing component as in claim 4 wherein the
first strand filament sheathing comprises a melting point lower
than the first filament core melting point.
6. The cut resistant webbing component as in claim 2 wherein the
second at least one S-direction webbing yarn strand comprises a
plurality of second S-direction webbing yarn strand filaments,
wherein at least one of the second S-direction webbing yarn strand
filaments comprises: a second strand filament core, wherein the
second strand filament core comprises a set second filament core
melting point; and a second strand filament sheathing, wherein the
second strand filament sheathing comprises a melting point
different than the second filament core melting point.
7. The cut resistant webbing component as in claim 5 wherein the
second strand filament sheathing comprises a melting point lower
than the second filament core melting point.
8. A cut resistant webbing comprising: at least one upper ply; at
least one lower ply; at least one binder coupling the at least one
upper ply and the at least one lower ply; a plurality of stuffer
yarns disposed between the at least one upper ply and the at least
one lower ply, wherein the plurality of stuffer yarns comprise: at
least one cut-resistant stuffer yarn; and at least one stuffer
wire.
9. The cut resistant webbing as in claim 8 wherein the at least one
stuffer wire comprises at least one stainless steel stuffer
wire.
10. The cut resistant webbing as in claim 9, wherein the at least
one stuffer wire comprises: at least one cut resistant webbing
component, wherein the at least one cut resistant webbing component
comprises: at least one wire strand core; at least one first
webbing yarn strand wrapped in a Z direction about the at least one
wire strand core, wherein the at least one first Z-direction
webbing yarn strand comprises: a plurality of first Z-direction
webbing yarn strand filaments, wherein at least one of the first
Z-direction webbing yarn strand filaments comprises: a first strand
filament core, wherein the first strand filament core comprises a
set first filament core melting point; and a first strand filament
sheathing, wherein the first strand filament sheathing comprises a
melting point lower than the first filament core melting point.
11. The cut resistant webbing component as in claim 10 further
comprising at least one second webbing yarn strand wrapped in an S
direction about the at least one wire strand core.
12. The cut resistant webbing component as in claim 11 wherein the
second at least one S-direction webbing yarn strand comprises a
plurality of second S -direction webbing yarn strand filaments,
wherein at least one of the second S -direction webbing yarn strand
filaments comprises: a second strand filament core, wherein the
second strand filament core comprises a set second filament core
melting point; and a second strand filament sheathing, wherein the
second strand filament sheathing comprises a melting point lower
than the second filament core melting point.
13. The cut resistant webbing as in claim 9, wherein the at least
one stuffer wire comprises: at least one first webbing yarn strand
core; and at least one first wire strand weaved with the at least
one first webbing yarn strand core.
14. The cut resistant webbing as in claim 13, wherein the at least
one first yarn strand core comprises: a plurality of a plurality of
first webbing yarn strand filaments, wherein at least one of the
first webbing yarn strand filaments comprises: a first strand
filament core, wherein the first strand filament core comprises a
set first filament core melting point; and a first strand filament
sheathing, wherein the first strand filament sheathing comprises a
melting point lower than the first filament core melting point.
15. The cut resistant webbing as in claim 13 further comprising: a
sheathing surrounding the at least one first webbing yarn strand
core and the at least one first wire strand weaved with the at
least one first webbing yarn strand core.
16. The sheathing as in claim 15 comprising at least one webbing
yarn strand comprising: a second strand filament core, wherein the
second strand filament core comprises a set second filament core
melting point; and a second strand filament sheathing, wherein the
second strand filament sheathing comprises a melting point lower
than the second filament core melting point.
17. A webbing formed from warp and weft yarns woven together, the
webbing comprising: face and back surfaces, at least one of the
warp yarns made to exhibit resistance to abrasion and cutting, the
at least one warp yarn comprising: a plurality of individual
filaments, wherein each individual filament comprises: a core and
an outer sheath, the melting point of the outer sheath being lower
than that of its core, the at least one warp yarn being located
intermediate the longitudinal edges of the webbing; and at least
one stuffer wire, the at least one stuffer wire being located
intermediate the longitudinal edges of the webbing.
18. The webbing as in claim 17 wherein the filaments each have a
polyester core which melts at around 489 degrees F.
19. The webbing as in claim 18 wherein the at least one stuffer
wire comprises at least one stainless steel stuffer wire.
20. The webbing as in claim 18, wherein the webbing having been
subjected to a heat treatment sufficient to melt the sheaths, but
not the cores, comprises the at least one warp yarns having at
least as great a modulus of elasticity as the other weft and warp
yarns.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] The present application is related to, claims the earliest
available effective filing date(s) from (e.g., claims earliest
available priority dates for other than provisional patent
applications; claims benefits under 35 USC .sctn.119(e) for
provisional patent applications), and incorporates by reference in
its entirety all subject matter of the following listed
applications) (the "Related Applications") to the extent such
subject matter is not inconsistent herewith; the present
application also claims the earliest available effective filing
date(s) from, and also incorporates by reference in its entirety
all subject matter of any and all parent, grandparent,
great-grandparent, etc. applications of the Related Application(s)
to the extent such subject matter is not inconsistent herewith.
[0002] 1. U.S. provisional patent application 61/581,767, entitled
"A CUT RESISTANT WEBBING SYSTEM", naming Robert E. Golz as
inventor, filed 30 Dec. 2011.
BACKGROUND
[0003] 1. Field of Use
[0004] These teachings relate generally to a cut resistant webbing
system for self-retracting lanyards and other industrial
applications.
[0005] 2. Description of Prior Art (Background)
[0006] The history of protecting workers at heights in the infant
stages of fall protection was as basic as tying one end of a rope
around the workers safety belt and the other to an anchor point.
Over the years the technology became more sophisticated and
formalized.
[0007] By the seventies most workers at heights were required by
their employees to wear safety belts. However, many workers were
negligent about securing them at a tie off point. The eighties
required 100% tie off where the worker was required to use two
lanyards attached to his safety belt. Used properly the worker
would be secured with one lanyard 100% of the time. During the
early nineties safety belts gave way to safety harnesses with a "D"
ring on the back side of the harness to avoid serious back injuries
and finally full body harnesses.
[0008] After years in development, the American National Committee
on Standards for Fall Protection in 1992 issued the ANSI Z359.1
fall protection standard, later revised in 1999. This standard
addressed the technological advances made by manufacturers of fall
protection equipment. The standard addressed fall protection
equipment. The Z359.1 is a voluntary compliance standard for the
four elements of Personal Fall Arrest Systems. Included were the
anchorage's, body wear, connectors and deceleration devices.
[0009] The state of the art today for fall arrest systems is the
use of Self Retracting Lifelines for fall restraint. The system is
comprised of narrow webbing wound on to a reel that has a locking
mechanism, similar to automotive locking retractor systems. The
locking mechanism limits the fall distance to 24 inches, rather
than the older technology which uses a personal energy absorber to
limit the free fall distance to six feet.
[0010] Currently the American National Committee on Standards for
Fall Protection is developing an expanded family of related
standards. When completed the new standards will be composed of 18
separate standards to address every aspect of Fall Protection.
Europe (EN 360:2002), Canada (CAN/CSA Z259.2.1-98 (R2011) and
Australia (AS/NZS 1891.1;2007) each have Fall Protection standards
similar to the Z359 family of standards.
[0011] Each of the Z359 standards addresses a specific issue in
Fall Protection. One of which is the Self Retracting Lifeline. This
standard requires webbing used in the Self Retracting Lifelines
meet a dynamic performance test for retractable type fall arrester
in horizontal use. There is a clause in the proposed Z359.14
document for a Self-Retracting Lanyard with Leading Edge Capability
(SRL-LE). "A self retracting device suitable for applications where
during use the device in not necessarily mounted or anchored
overhead and may be at foot level and where the possible free fall
is up to 5 ft. (1.5 m) that includes integral means to withstand
impact loading of the line constituent with a sharp or abrasive
edge during fall arrest and for controlling fall arrest forces on
the user.
[0012] Webbing's that have been used for Self-Retracting Lifelines
traditionally have been made using nylon or polyester fibers with
dimensions that were between 1/2'' wide up to 1-1/2'' wide and
thickness' of between 0.050'' and 0.100''. The strength requirement
of 4500 pounds is critical. The purpose of using a webbing with
those dimensions was to keep the retractor compact and allow 6 feet
of webbing to be coiled up on the retractor reel.
[0013] However, the traditional webbing made of nylon and or
polyester have not been shown to meet the Sharp edge testing
requirements. Various methods of weaving and combinations of high
performance fibers, e.g., high tenacity yarns such as, for example,
Kevlar.TM., Spectra.TM., Dyneema.TM., Vectran.TM., and Twaron.TM.,
have been made to attempt meet the requirements of the Leading Edge
Testing; but, have failed the standards requirements for sharp edge
testing.
[0014] In other industrial applications medium or heavy weight
industrial webbing is widely used, for instance, for truckload
restraint systems, container tie downs, and other relatively high
strength applications. Such webbings are typically woven in a
double or multiple weave construction having an upper layer of
fabric and a lower layer of fabric. The two or more layers are, of
course, joined by many binders and further preferably include an
inner layer of stuffer yarns.
[0015] Typically, medium or heavy weight industrial webbing is
woven from synthetic multifilament yarn. While polypropylene is
used when high strength is not necessary, high strength
applications typically use nylon (polyamid) or polyester. Both
nylon and polyester yarns have very high tenacity. Nylon yarn,
however, because of its superior elongation actually requires more
work to break. Polyester, because it has less elongation is
beneficial since its elongation under load is less.
[0016] Various attempts have been made to strengthen industrial
webbing. The Hammersla U.S. Pat. No. 4,856,837 utilizes vinyl
coated yarns at the selvage edges of cargo slings. Ogata U.S. Pat.
No. 4,600,626 shows a seat belt webbing which utilizes a first weft
thread having a low bending stiffness and a second weft thread
having a high bending stiffness. The Pickering et al. U.S. Pat. No.
4,981,161 shows seat belt webbing having a soft, round edge. A
combination of a multifilament yarn and a monofilament yarn is used
as the filling or weft yarn. The Johnson U.S. Pat. No. 4,052,095
shows a web sling laminated with chloroprene rubber. The sides of
the web are also covered with an elastomer. The Taki sling belt,
U.S. Pat. No. 4,209,044, utilizes a sheath of polyamide filament
yarns, and the face side of the belt is thicker than the back side.
The Danzey U.S. Pat. No. 7,721,518 utilizes a multi-filamentary
core which melts when the constructed webbing is subjected to heat;
and, upon cooling, the filaments of the core wrapper are captured
in a solidified matrix forming a comparatively harder material than
if the core had not been melted. However, it will be appreciated
that melting the core in this fashion may negatively change the
filaments modulus of elasticity such that the modulus of elasticity
is substantially different that the modulus of elasticity of the
other synthetic fibers used in the webbing.
[0017] It is, therefore an outstanding object of the invention to
provide webbing with exceptional cut resistant properties to the
body of the webbing that can meet the Sharp Edge Testing
requirements according to the aforementioned standards.
[0018] Another object of this invention is the provision for
webbing for use in a Self-Retracting Lifeline which has excellent
strength, toughness and most importantly a high degree of cut
resistance.
[0019] It is a further object of the invention to provide a
synthetic and metallic fiber system to increase the resistance of
an article to damage by contact with sharp edge articles.
[0020] Another object of the invention is the provision of
strengthening the longitudinal yarns used in the webbing.
[0021] With these and other objects in view, as will be apparent to
those skilled in the art, the invention resides in the combination
of parts set forth in the specification and covered in the claims
appended hereto.
BRIEF SUMMARY
[0022] The foregoing and other problems are overcome, and other
advantages are realized, in accordance with the presently preferred
embodiments of these teachings.
[0023] In carrying out the objectives of the present invention for
a cut-resistant lanyard in a fall restraint retractor, the improved
webbing system described herein is sufficient to meet and exceed
the sharp edge cut resistance test. Wires, which may be any
suitable type of wire, such as, for example, stainless steel wires,
are woven into the elongated webbing intermittently to produce
superior cut resistance in certain sections of the webbing. Other
sections of the webbing, e.g., end sections, that may be affixed to
the retractor reel itself, or attached to an anchor, may not need
the superior cut resistance. For these applications the stainless
steel wire may not weave as stuffer yarns; but, float aside from
the synthetic yarns for a predetermined length.
[0024] In accordance with one embodiment of the present invention,
a cut resistant webbing component is provided. The cut resistant
webbing component includes at least one wire strand core; and, at
least one webbing yarn strand wrapped in a Z direction about the
wire strand core. One or more second webbing yarn strands are
wrapped in an S direction about the wire strand core. At least one
of the Z-direction webbing yarn strands comprises at least one
filament core, having a set core melting point, and is surrounded
by a filament sheathing having a melting point different from the
filament core melting point. The filament sheathing melting point
may be lower, or higher, than the filament core melting point.
[0025] The invention is also directed towards cut resistant webbing
having at least one upper ply and at least one lower ply coupled
together with a binder yarn. The cut resistant webbing also
includes a plurality of stuffer yarns disposed between the upper
and lower plies. The stuffer yarns are comprised of at least one
cut-resistant stuffer yarn and at least one stuffer wire. The
stuffer wire may be any suitable wire such as stainless steel
wire.
[0026] In accordance with another embodiment of the invention, cut
resistant webbing formed from warp and weft yarns woven together is
provided. The webbing includes face and back surfaces and at least
one of the warp yarns is made to exhibit resistance to abrasion and
cutting. The cut resistant warp yarn includes a plurality of
individual filaments, wherein each individual filament comprises a
core and an outer sheath. The melting point of the outer sheath is
either higher or lower than the melting point of its core. In one
embodiment the polyester core melts at around 489 degrees
Fahrenheit. When the webbing is subjected to a heat treatment
suitable to melt the sheathing, but not the core, the cut resistant
warp yarn has at least as great a modulus of elasticity as the
other wept and warp yarns not having multiple components. The cut
resistant warp yarn is located intermediate the longitudinal edges
of the webbing. In addition, the cut resistant webbing includes at
least one stuffer wire, for example, a stainless steel wire, also
located intermediate the longitudinal edges of the webbing. It will
be understood that the stuffer wire provides for a superior cut and
abrasion resistant webbing. For yarns having a core with a lower
melting point than the sheathing, and subjected to a heat treatment
that melts the core, the modulus of elasticity of the yarn may be
significantly altered. Thus, the stuffer wire, in addition to
providing for a superior cut and abrasion resistant webbing, also
offsets the negative effects of a significantly altered modulus of
elasticity.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0027] The subject matter which is regarded as the invention is
particularly pointed out and distinctly claimed in the claims at
the conclusion of the specification. The foregoing and other
objects, features, and advantages of the invention are apparent
from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with
the accompanying drawings in which:
[0028] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a self-retracting lanyard
incorporating reinforced webbing constructed in accordance with the
present invention;
[0029] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a reinforced cargo sling
constructed in accordance with the present invention;
[0030] FIG. 3 is a sectional view of the sling shown in FIG. 2 or
webbing shown in FIG. 1;
[0031] FIG. 4 is a plan view showing the cut-resistant wires and
optional protective multi-component yarns located in a section of
the webbing or sling shown in FIG. 1 and FIG. 2, respectively;
[0032] FIG. 5 is a transverse sectional view of the webbing or
sling shown in FIG. 1 and FIG. 2, respectively, showing the
cut-resistant wires and optional protective multi-component
yarns;
[0033] FIG. 6A is a cross sectional view of a 1.times.19 wire
strand used in accordance with the present invention shown in FIG.
1 and FIG. 2;
[0034] FIG. 6B is a cross sectional view of an optional 7.times.7
wire strand used in accordance with the present invention shown in
FIG. 1 and FIG. 2;
[0035] FIG. 6C is a cross sectional view of an optional 7.times.19
wire strand used in accordance with the present invention shown in
FIG. 1 and FIG. 2;
[0036] FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of an optional
multi-component yarn used in accordance with the present invention
shown in FIG. 1 and FIG. 2;
[0037] FIG. 8 is a pictorial view of an example length of webbing
used in accordance with the present invention shown in FIG. 1 and
FIG. 2;
[0038] FIG. 9 is a pictorial view showing the fabrication of a
cut-resistant webbing component located in a section of the webbing
or sling shown in FIG. 1 and FIG. 2, respectively;
[0039] FIG. 10 is a pictorial view showing the fabrication of an
alternate embodiment of the cut-resistant webbing component located
in a section of the webbing or sling shown in FIG. 1 and FIG. 2,
respectively; and
[0040] FIG. 11 is a pictorial view showing the fabrication of an
alternate embodiment of the cut-resistant webbing component shown
in FIG. 10.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0041] Referring now to FIG. 1, there is shown a typical,
self-retracting lanyard (SRL) fully assembled. The improved braking
mechanism with the pawl lockout element of the present invention is
internal to that SRL unit and is not visible in that view. Such
SRL's include a housing 18 about which is wrapped a cover 19,
removable for easier servicing. Housing 18 has at its one end
(directionally, at the top of FIG. 1) an anchor connector 17 for
the SRL wearer/user to fasten the unit to an anchorage point. On
this particular model, there is further shown a load indicator
button 15 for quickly showing that this particular unit has not
undergone a fall arrest and, as such, is safe to be used that
day.
[0042] Below the housing 10 in FIG. 1A, there extends a webbing or
lanyard 14 constructed in accordance with the present invention. At
the lower end of webbing or lanyard 14, FIG. 1A shows the
reinforced cut-resistant edging 16 of webbing or lanyard 14
constructed in accordance with the present invention that
reinforces the connection of line 14 about snap-hook 12.
[0043] Referring also to FIG. 2, there is shown a perspective view
of a reinforced cargo sling constructed in accordance with the
present invention. FIG. 2 illustrates a typical sling application
in which a pair of cargo webbing slings 26, 28 constructed in
accordance with the present invention are used to hoist two I-beams
22 having flanges 24. Flanges 24 tend to be sharp-edged and can cut
into the edges of typical slings, offering a severe
application.
[0044] Referring also to FIG. 3, there is shown a sectional view of
the slings 26, 28 shown in FIG. 2 or webbing 16 shown in FIG. 1.
The main body 30 is surrounded by an upper ply 39 and a lower ply
38. It will be appreciated that while two plies are shown, any
suitable number of plies may be used. The upper ply is formed with
longitudinal warp yarns 28 and transverse or lateral weft yarns 32.
The lower ply is formed with longitudinal warp yarns 38A, 38B and
transverse or lateral weft yarns 34. The upper and lower plies are
coupled via binder yarns 36A and 36B.
[0045] Also shown in FIG. 3 are stuffer yarns 37 and 37S interwoven
with the binder yarns 36A and 36B between upper ply 39 and lower
ply 38. As will be described herein stuffer yarns 37 may be any
suitable stuffer yarn, such as, for example, Dyneema.TM.,
Spectra.TM., Vectran.TM., Twaron.TM., Nomex.TM., Kevlar.TM. and
also yarns such as nylon or polyester.
[0046] The weft yarns 32, 34 and warp yarns 38A, 38B and 39A and
39B may also be any suitable yarn such Dyneema.TM. yarn. It will
also be appreciated that the binder weave may be any suitable weave
such as a double plain weave with two up two down binders. Other
suitable weave types include two ply twill weaves,
self-interlocking weaves, three ply weaves, or any combination
thereof. It will also be appreciated that any suitable yarn may
include wear indicator to gauge the amount of webbing wear.
[0047] Still referring to FIG. 3, it will also be appreciated that
the ply warp yarns 38A, 38B, 39A, 39B and the stuffer yarns 37 may
be any suitable bi-component or multi-component yarn combined with
any suitable wire, such as, for example, stainless steel wire, as
described herein in accordance with the present invention.
[0048] Also, shown in FIG. 3 are stuffer yarns 37S. As described
herein stuffer yarns 37S may be any suitable wire such as a
stainless steel wire strand construction 1.times.19. It will be
understood that any suitable wire strand constructions may be used,
such as, for example, 7.times.7, or 7.times.19. It will be
appreciated that the wire strands may be coated or galvanized. In
addition, the wire strands may be wound in any suitable winding
arrangement, such as, for example, regular lay, Lang lay, right
lay, left lay, or alternate lay.
[0049] Referring also to FIG. 4. there is shown a plan view showing
the cut-resistant wires and optional protective multi-component
yarns located in a section 40 of the webbing 14 or sling 26, 28
shown in FIG. 1 and FIG. 2, respectively. Warp yarns may be any
suitable combination of cut resistant yarns such as described
herein with any suitable combination of suitable wire strands. For
example warp yarn 42 may comprise a 1.times.19 stainless steel
strand surrounded on both sides by cut resistant warp yarn 41 and
cut resistant warp yarn 46. Likewise, warp yarn 48 may comprise any
suitable cut resistant warp yarn or a bi-component or
multi-component yarn discussed herein.
[0050] Referring also to FIG. 5, there is shown a transverse
sectional view of the webbing or sling shown in FIG. 1 and FIG. 2,
respectively, showing the cut-resistant wires and optional
protective multi-component yarns. Weft yarns 56 and warp yarns 52
may be any suitable yarn such as, for example, Dyneema.TM.,
Spectra.TM., Vectran.TM., Twaron.TM., Nomex.TM., Kevlar.TM. and
also yarns such as nylon or polyester. Stuffer yarns 59 may also be
any suitable yarn, such as, for example, Dyneema.TM., Spectra.TM.,
Vectran.TM., Twaron.TM., Nomex.TM., Kevlar.TM. and also yarns such
as nylon or polyester. Wire stuffer 58 may be any suitable wire
such as a stainless steel wire strand construction 1.times.19. As
noted earlier, it will be understood that any suitable wire strand
constructions may be used, such as, for example, 7.times.7, or
7.times.19. It will be appreciated that the wire strands may be
coated or galvanized. In addition, the wire strands may be wound in
any suitable winding arrangement, such as, for example, regular
lay, Lang lay, right lay, left lay, or alternate lay.
[0051] Still referring to FIG. 5, warp yarns 54, may be
bi-component or multi-component warp yarns discussed herein.
[0052] Referring also to FIG. 6A There is shown a cross sectional
view of a 1.times.19 wire strand used in accordance with the
present invention shown in FIG. 1 and FIG. 2.
[0053] Referring also to FIG. 6B There is shown a cross sectional
view of a 7.times.7 wire strand used optionally in accordance with
the present invention shown in FIG. 1 and FIG. 2.
[0054] Referring also to FIG. 6C There is shown a cross sectional
view of a 7.times.19 wire strand used optionally in accordance with
the present invention shown in FIG. 1 and FIG. 2.
[0055] Referring also to FIG. 7 there is shown a cross-sectional
view of an optional multi-component yarn used in accordance with
the present invention shown in FIG. 1 and FIG. 2. Protective warp
yarns 71 may be arranged anywhere in the lanyard webbing or cargo
sling. Each protective yarn 71 consists of bi-component or multiple
filaments 72, each having a core 76 and an outer sheath 74, the
latter having a lower melting temperature than the core.
[0056] Specifically, each protective yarn 71 consists of
multi-component or multiple filaments 72 which have a polyester
core 76 which melts at a temperature of around 489 degrees F. and a
sheath 74 that is formed of a polymer selected from the group
consisting of nylon-6, polypropylene, or polyethylene, or any other
fiber having a lower melting point than the core. It will be
appreciated that any suitable core may be used, including, for
example, polycyclohexanedimethanol terephthalate, poly trimethylene
terephthalate, polybutylene terephthalate, PET glycol,
copolyesters, aliphatic polyesters such as polylactic acid and
polyhydroxyalkanoates; and engineering polymers, such as, for
example polyphenylene sulfide, acetal, ionomers, polyvinyl alcohol,
polyetherimide, and thermoplastic polyurethanes. In addition, the
bi-component cross section of protective warp yarn 71 may be any
suitable cross section such as, for example, a pie wedge. Finally,
it will be appreciated that the bi-component yarn 71 maybe any
suitable shape such as, for example, round, hollow pie wedge shape,
trilobal, or segmented oval to name a few.
[0057] Once the sling or webbing has been constructed in the manner
described above, it is subjected to a temperature treatment that is
sufficient to melt the sheath 74, but not the core 76. As a result
of this melting or fusing operation, the molecular characteristics
of yarn 71, and particularly sheath 74, are somewhat altered,
resulting in an unexpectedly high resistance to abrasion. In
addition, the melting operation results in some degree of fusion
between adjacent protective yarns 71, resulting in a web-like
structure that further enhances resistance to abrasion and cutting.
The temperature treatment can be applied locally to edges (FIG. 1,
item 16, 16A), or else the entire strap can be exposed to the heat
source.
[0058] In a version of the present invention using wires and
multi-component fiber, the multi-component fiber has a sheath of
nylon-6 that is treated for 4 minutes at about 435 degrees F.
Another version of the invention uses a sheath of polypropylene
that is treated for 4 minutes at around 375 degrees F. A still
further version of the invention uses a sheath of polyethylene
which is treated for 4 minutes at a temperature of around 300
degrees F. In all cases, the multi-component fiber has
substantially the same modulus of elasticity as the synthetic fiber
of the yarns of the main body, even after the fusing operation. In
one embodiment, the end edges 16 and 16A shown in FIG. 1 are
subjected, after the temperature treatment, to a cracking operation
to increase their flexibility, while not decreasing the edge
resistance to abrasion, and to cutting by sharp edges. In all of
the above cases, the degree of heat is sufficient to melt or fuse
the sheath 74 but not core 76.
[0059] Referring also to FIG. 8 there is shown a pictorial view of
an example length of webbing 80 used in accordance with the present
invention shown in FIG. 1 and FIG. 2. Webbing length 80 includes a
top ply 82, a bottom ply 84 and at least one stainless steel
stuffer wire 86. It will be appreciated that the stainless steel
stuffer wire 86 is woven into the body 81 of the webbing 80 for a
predetermined length defined by vertical boundary lines 89 and 88.
Beyond these boundaries the stainless steel stuffer wire 86 at each
end 88, 89, is allowed to "float", or in other words, is not woven
into the body 81 of webbing length 80.
[0060] Referring also to FIG. 9 there is shown a pictorial view
showing the fabrication of a cut-resistant webbing component 90
located in a section of the webbing or sling shown in FIG. 1 and
FIG. 2, respectively. Webbing component 90 includes sheathing 91,
component core 92, and wire 93. Wire 93 may be wrapped around, or
weaved with, component core 92 in either the S or Z direction. It
will also be appreciated that any suitable number of wire strands
or filaments may be used to wrap component core 92. Sheathing 91
may include any suitable number of webbing yarn strands or
filaments, as described earlier, wrapped in either, or both, S or Z
directions around the wire wrapped component core 92. It will be
appreciated that component core 92 may be any suitable webbing
material, as described earlier, or, such as, for example, bi or
multi-component yarns having at least one filament core and a
corresponding filament sheath (See FIG. 7). Further, sheathing 91
may also be composed of one or more bi-component, or
multi-component yarn ends, each end having one or more filament
cores, and each filament core surrounded by a filament sheathing
having a higher, or lower, melting point than the filament
core.
[0061] Still referring to FIG. 9, it will also be appreciated that
wire 93 may be any suitable type of wire, such, as, for example:
stainless steel wire; copper wire, aluminum wire, or any suitable
alloy wire.
[0062] Referring also to FIG. 10 there is shown a pictorial view
showing the fabrication of an alternate embodiment of the
cut-resistant webbing component located in a section of the webbing
or sling shown in FIG. 1 and FIG. 2, respectively. Webbing
component 100 includes component sheathing 101, component core 302,
and wire 103. Wire 103 may be adjacent to core 102. It will also be
appreciated that any suitable number of wires may be adjacent to
component core 102. Component sheathing 101 may include any
suitable number of strands wrapped in either, or both, S or Z
directions around the wire wrapped component core 102. Sheathing
101 may include any suitable number of webbing yarn strands or
filaments, as described earlier, wrapped in either, or both, S or Z
directions around the wire wrapped component core 102. Further,
sheathing 101 may be composed of one or more bi-component, or
multi-component yarn having one or more yarn cores surrounded by a
yarn sheathing wherein the yarn sheathing may have a higher or
lower melting point than the yarn core. In addition, component
sheathing 101 may have a higher or lower melting point than the
component core 102.
[0063] Still referring to FIG. 10, it will also be appreciated that
wire 103 may be any suitable type of wire, such as, for example:
stainless steel wire; copper wire, aluminum wire, or any suitable
alloy wire.
[0064] Referring also to FIG. 11 there is shown a pictorial view
showing the fabrication of an embodiment of the cut-resistant
webbing component 110 shown in FIG. 10. As discussed earlier, the
cut-resistant composite yarn of the invention includes a core 114
that may include any suitable number and type of filaments 112,
wrapped by at least one and optionally two strands, 116 and 118, to
form sheathing 101. Each of the strands, 116 and 118, may comprise
any suitable number and type of filaments 119 and 117. It will be
appreciated that core 112 may be wrapped by strands 116 and 118,
one each being applied in the S- and Z-directions, that is, one
clockwise and the other counterclockwise.
[0065] Still referring to FIG. 11 it will be understood that core
114 may include a stainless steel strand, or a combination of
stainless steel wire filaments with a combination of bi- or
multi-component yarns having a yarn sheathing with a lower melting
point than the core of the bi- or multi-component yarn; and, or, a
combination of bi- or multi-component yarns having a yarn sheathing
with a higher melting point than the core of the bi- or
multi-component yarn.
[0066] Still referring to FIG. 11 it will be also be understood
that strand 116 may include a stainless steel strand, or a
combination of stainless steel wire filaments with a combination of
bi- or multi-component yarns having a sheathing with a lower
melting point than the core of the bi- or multi-component yarn;
and, or, a combination of bi- or multi-component yarns having a
sheathing with a higher melting point than the core of the bi- or
multi-component yarn.
[0067] Still referring to FIG. 11 it will be also be understood
that strand 118 may include a stainless steel strand, or a
combination of stainless steel wire filaments with a combination of
bi- or multi-component yarns having a sheathing with a lower
melting point than the core of the bi- or multi-component yarn;
and, or, a combination of bi- or multi-component yarns having a
sheathing with a higher melting point than the core of the bi- or
multi-component yarn.
[0068] It should be understood that the foregoing description is
only illustrative of the invention. Thus, various alternatives and
modifications can be devised by those skilled in the art without
departing from the invention. Accordingly, the present invention is
intended to embrace all such alternatives, modifications and
variances that fall within the scope of the appended claims. For
example, the bi- or multi-component yarns having a sheathing with a
higher or lower melting point than the core of the bi- or
multi-component yarn may be subjected to a heating process before,
or after, the cut-resistant webbing component (e.g., 110 shown in
FIG. 10) is incorporated into a webbing (e.g., 14 shown in FIG.
1A.)
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