Textiles: spinning – twisting – and twining – Strand structure – Covered or wrapped
Reexamination Certificate
1999-01-08
2001-07-31
Calvert, John J. (Department: 3765)
Textiles: spinning, twisting, and twining
Strand structure
Covered or wrapped
C057S230000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06266951
ABSTRACT:
TECHNICAL FIELD
This invention relates to a cut-resistant yarn and apparel made therefrom, specifically a protective glove.
DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION
The present invention provides a new and improved yarn that provides both cut-resistance and protection bacteria that can reside in gloves, especially when used in various industries, and result in an unsanitary condition, or improper washing after using the gloves.
A preferred yarn is suitable in diameter for machine knitting and is flexible enough to be used for making protective gloves. Preferably the yarn is of composite construction utilizing synthetic fibers and metallic wire. At least one of the fibers contains an anti-microbial chemical.
In its broad aspects, the yarn is comprised of a fiber strand that contains an anti-microbial chemical and a stand of cut-resistant material and is of a total denier and diameter suitable to be knit on a commercial knitting machine.
In a more preferred embodiment, the knittable cut-resistant yarn comprises a core having at least one strand of flexible, stainless steel having a diameter in the range of 0.001-0.004 inch and preferably a diameter of substantially 0.002 inches and at least one strand of the fiber that contains the anti-microbial chemical. A first wrap is wound in one direction about the core and, in the preferred embodiment, comprises polyester fiber having a denier in the range of 150-400. In the illustrated embodiment, the first wrap has a denier of substantially 240. A second wrap is wound in a second direction about the core and preferably includes at least one strand of a polyester fiber also having a denier in the range of 40-400. In the illustrated embodiment the fiber of the second wrap also has a denier of substantially 240.
Both the first and second wraps are preferably wound about the core at a rate of 7-12 turns per inch. In the illustrated embodiment the first and second wraps are wrapped at the rate of 8 turns per inch.
In the preferred embodiment, the anti-microbial treated fiber is a acetate-based fiber containing the active ingredient 5 chlor-2-(2,4 dichlorophenoxy) phenol or equivalent. A chemical of this type is sold under the brand name Microban-B which is available from Microban Products Company of Huntersville, N.C. An acetate-based fiber containing an anti-microbial chemical is available from Hoechst Celanese and is sold under the brand name Microsafe.
Other anti-microbial treated fibers may be used and are contemplated by this invention. For example, an anti-microbial treated, acrylic-based fiber may be used. This type of fiber is available from Sterling Fibers, Inc. and is sold under the designation CTF ANTIMICROBIAL acrylic fiber. Polypropylene or olefinic fibers impregnated with anti-microbial agents are also available and are also contemplated by the present invention. It is believed that an anti-microbial olefinic fiber is available from Filament Fiber Technology, Incorporated. In the preferred embodiment of the invention, the anti-microbial treated fiber has the anti-microbial agent as an integral part of the fiber, as opposed to being a topical agent. In the preferred embodiment, the anti-microbial agent forms part of the matrix of the polymer.
In the illustrated embodiment the core also includes at least one strand of a high strength, cut-resistant polyester fiber having a denier in the range of 150-1000 and, in the illustrated embodiment, preferably has a denier of about 420.
The yarn described above can be used to make protective gloves of the type that are used in the food handling industry. It has been found that the gloves made according to the invention are capable of dealing with bacteria that comes in contact with the glove. In the preferred construction the anti-microbial treated fiber is located in the core, which is positioned substantially centrally with respect to the overall yarn.
It is believed that by locating the anti-microbial treated fiber within the core, enhanced performance is provided. If the yarn, for example, is used to make a glove used in the food handling and processing industry, bacteria is transmitted to the glove when the outside of the glove makes contact with fluids and solutions encountered in processing or handling food, such as meat. As a result of capillary action, these fluids migrate towards the center of the yarn. The bacteria is carried to the center of the yarn with fluid. Once the bacteria makes contact with the anti-microbial treated fiber, its growth and propagation is inhibited. Based on experimentation conducted by the inventor, it is believed that forming the wrap from an anti-microbial treated fiber would still have some effectiveness in inhibiting the growth of the bacteria. However, the effectiveness is increased by using the anti-microbial fiber in the yarn core. With the preferred construction, wash the glove with appropriate detergent and water will remove all bacterial contamination from the surface of the glove, and the core of the glove will also be free of bacteria due to the presence of the anti-microbial agent.
Additionally, ac d anti-microbial fibers may be fragile. By locating this particular acetate, anti-microbial fiber in the core, protection is afforded to the fiber, thus reducing the chance of breakage or failure.
Additional features of the invention will become apparent and a fuller understanding obtained by reading the following detailed description made in connection with the accompanying drawings
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Microban ® Custom Designed Applications For the Food Service Industry, Microban Products Company, 1994 p. 4, column 1, third paragraph.
Calvert John J.
Watts, Hoffman, Fisher & Heinke Co.
Welch Gary L.
Whizard Protective Wear Corp.
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