BACKGROUND

Field

[0001] Aspects of the disclosure relate to yams. More particularly, the disclosure relates to highly cut-resistant composite yams, and personal protective equipment (PPE) such as knitted gloves, liners, or sleeves.

Description of Related Art

[0002] Gloves are commonly used to protect hands in many environments and, particularly, within industrial settings. Commonly used industrial gloves are not commonly cut resistant and/or flexible. Attempts have been made to provide covered yams capable of providing high cut-resistance and flexibility for garments made therefrom, such as gloves.

[0003] Cut resistant yams and knitted liners including cut-resistant yams are known. Past yams have included steel fibers, fiberglass, para-aramid fibers (such as KEVLAR®), meta- aramid fibers (such as NOMEX®) and extended chain polyethylene fibers, also known as ultra- high molecular weight polyethylene, (such as DYNEEMA® and SPECTRA®) are well known in the art. The cut resistance of a glass fiber is a function of its diameter. However, the flexibility of larger glass fibers is limited and glass fibers may break when subjected to a sharp bend as is experienced in a knitting machine or in service.

[0004] Generally, cut resistant liners are fabricated from inflexible yams of a relatively high denier and/or yams that irritate skin. Furthermore, such yams problematically shed fibers, which is unsuitable for medical and/or food preparation environments.

[0005] With the foregoing in view, there is a continuing need in the art for composite yarn for use in PPE such as knitted liners, gloves, and sleeves suitable for use in food preparation and medical environments as well as for industrial and household uses. SUMMARY

[0006] Embodiments according to the disclosure include highly cut-resistant composite yams, substantially as shown in and/or described in connection with at least one of the figures, as set forth more completely in the claims, are disclosed. Various advantages, aspects, and novel features of this disclosure will be more fully understood from the following description and drawings.

[0007] The foregoing summary is not intended, and should not be contemplated, to describe each embodiment or every implementation of the disclosure. Other and further embodiments Oare described below.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0008] So that the manner in which the above recited features of the disclosure can be understood in detail, a more particular description of embodiments, briefly summarized above, may be had by reference to some embodiments, some of which are illustrated in the appended drawings. It is to be noted, however, that the appended drawings illustrate only typical embodiments and are therefore not to be considered limiting of its scope, for the disclosure may admit to other equally effective embodiments. It is to be understood that elements and features of one embodiment may be in other embodiments without further recitation. It is further understood that identical reference numerals or letters are used to indicate comparable elements that are common to the figures.

[0009] FIG. 1 depicts a first core yam for a composite yam, according to embodiments of the disclosure;

[00010] FIG. 2 depicts a second core yam for a composite yam, according to embodiments of the disclosure;

[00011] FIG. 3 depicts a first composite yam having three core yams and a wrapping yam, according to embodiments of the disclosure;

[00012] FIG. 4 depicts a second composite yarn having three core yams and a wrapping yam, according to embodiments of the disclosure; |00013] FIG. 5 depicts a core yam for a composite yam in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure;

100014] FIG. 6 depicts a core yam for a composite yam in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure;

100015] FIG. 7 depicts a composite yam in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure;

[00016] FIG. 8 depicts a glove including one or more composite yams in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure; and

[00017] FIG. 9 depicts a sleeve including one or more composite yam embodiments in accordance with the present disclosure.

[00018] The figures are not drawn to scale and may be simplified for clarity.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

100019] Embodiments of the present disclosure provide one or more improved composite yams that provide flexible, highly cut-resistant composite yams compared to conventional composite yams. The composite yams embodiments of the present disclosure may advantageously be used in PPE such as knitted liners and gloves or sleeves suitable for use in food preparation and medical environments as well as for industrial and household uses. In embodiments, composite yams in accordance with the present disclosure are useful for forming PPE such as gloves or sleeves that are highly flexible while having an EN 388 cut resistance level of F or more.

[00020] FIG. 1 depicts a first core yam A for a composite yam, according to embodiments of the disclosure. In embodiments, the first core yam A comprises a metallic core Al . In embodiments, Al is a stainless steel monofilament having a 70 micrometer diameter. In embodiments, Al is a stainless steel monofilament having a diameter (shown as arrow 10 in FIG. l ) of about 30 to about 100 micrometers, about 60 to about 80 micrometers, about 70 micrometers, or 70 micrometers. It is to be understood that other and additional metallic cores may be used. For example, other steels may be used, or as shown in Fig. 5, in embodiments, more than one monofilament may be included such as two stainless steel monofilaments. Alternatively, in embodiments, other metals, such as copper or silver may be used.

Furthermore, differently sized monofilaments may be used. For example, in some

embodiments, 30-100 micrometer in diameter monofilaments are suitable. Also, the first core yam Al may comprise non-metallic yams. Suitable non-metallic yams comprise or consists of glass fibers, polyesters, extended chain polyethylenes, nylons, and/or the like. And, the first core yam Al , whether metallic or non-metallic, may comprise multifilaments. Furthermore, any first core yam Al may comprise staple fibers, stretch -broken fibers, cut fibers, etc. Any staple fiber or stretch-broken fiber may comprise a distribution of lengths. For example, the length of the staple fibers or stretch-broken fibers, in exemplary embodiments, ranges from 1 mm to 20 cm or any length therebetween. Some exemplary embodiments comprise lengths of 80 mm to 200 mm.

100021] In embodiments, the first core yam A for a composite yam, further comprises a first wrapping yam A2, which is helically wrapped around the metallic core Al . The first wrapping yam A2 may comprise a monofilament, such as a nylon, e.g., nylon 66 or nylon 6; a polyester; or a polyethylene. In embodiments, first wrapping yam A2 comprises or consists of a 400 denier high tenacity polyethylene (HPPE), such as an ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene, e.g., DYNEEMA® or SPECTRA®. Although in embodiments, the first wrapping yam A2 comprises or consists of a 400 denier monofilament, the first wrapping yam A2 may further comprise monofilaments of varying sizes, for example, 50 denier to 1200 deni er. In

embodiments, the first core yam A comprises a 630 denier yam.

100022] F1G. 2 depicts a second core yam B for a composite yam, according to embodiments of the disclosure. The second core yam B comprises a glass fiber core Bl and a second wrapping yam B2 and a third wrapping yam B3, which may be the same or different than the second wrapping yam B2. Optionally, the second core yam B further comprises an additional wrapping yam (not shown). In embodiments, the glass fiber core Bl comprises or consists of a 50 denier fiberglass, which is optionally a monofilament. In embodiments, the second wrapping yam B2 comprises a 100 denier polyester yam, which is helically wrapped around and/or atop the fiber glass core Bl . In embodiments, the second wrapping yam B2 comprises a 100 denier polyamide yam, which is helically wrapped around the fiber glass core Bl. In embodiments, a third wrapping yam B3 comprising or consisting of a 100 denier polyester yam or polyamide yam, is helically wrapped around the fiber glass core Bl and the second wrapping yam B2. Typically, the B2 and B3 yams would be wrapped in different directions. In other words, if B2 was wrapped in an S-configuration, then the B3 would be wrapped in a Z-configuration and vice-versa. In some embodiments, the second wrapping yam B2 is helically wrapped around the fiber glass core Bl in a first configuration and the third wrapping yam B3 is helically wrapped around fiber glass core Bl in a second configuration. In some embodiments, as shown in Figure 2, B2 may be directly atop Bl, and B3 may be directly atop B2. It is to be understood that the denier of B2 and B3 need not be the same. B2 and B3 may be between 30 and 2000 denier. B2 and B3 may be between 30 to 1200 denier. In some embodiments, B2 and B3 may be between 100 to 600 denier. The number of turns per meter wound around the second core yam B2 varies according to the size of the fiber glass core Bl being wrapped. As constituted above, the B2 yam is wound on the fiber glass core Bl at approximately 394 turns per meter and the third wrapping yam B3 is wrapped approximately 384 turns per meter. As shown, the second core yam B comprises or consists of a 250 denier yam.

|00023] FIG. 3 depicts a composite yam D having three core yams A (e.g., a first core yam as shown in Fig. 1 ), B (e.g. a second core yarn shown in Fig. 2), and B (e.g. another second core yam shown in Fig. 2), and a wrapping yam C, according to embodiments of the disclosure. As depicted, the composite yam D comprises the core yam A, the second core yam B, and another second core yam B, all of which together form a tri-core, which is helically wrapped with a third wrapping yam C. The third wrapping yam C, as shown, comprises or consists of a polyester yam such as a 480 denier polyester yam. In embodiments, the third wrapping yarn C may comprise or consist of a polyamide yam such as a 480 denier polyamide yam. In some embodiments, the third wrapping yam C could be any wrapping yam, such as a nylon, a p- aramid, a meta-aramid, an HPPE, and/or the like. Also, third wrapping yam C can have a denier of, for example, 30-1200 denier. In embodiments, the composite yam D, which can be used to knit a glove or a knitted liner, is a 1619 denier yam, wherein the core yam A comprises a 630 denier yam, each core B yam comprises 250 denier, and the third wrapping yarn C comprises a 480 denier yam, forming a highly cut resistant composite yam. Some embodiments comprise a core having A, B, and B tri-core. In some embodiments, wherein A, B, and B form a tri-core, B may be the same or different as described herein. Some embodiments comprise a core having a A, B, Z tri-core.

100024] In accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure, the denier and percentages of each of glass fiber, steel, HPPE, and polyesters (PES) of the composite yam D is shown in Table 1. In spite of the thickness and size of the composi te yam D, the composite yam D is highly flexible due to the relatively low deniers of the core yams A and B and the presence of first, second, and third wrapping yams. In embodiments, the gauge of a knitted fabric depends on the pattern of stitches in the knitted fabric, e.g., glove or liner, and the size of the knitting needles, and the tension of the yams during knitting. The composite yam D may be knitted using 10-gauge needles. The composite yam D may be used to in knitted structures such as knitted liners, gloves, sleeves, aprons, and other personal protective equipment. Although steel filaments are generally expressed in diameter in microns, they may be converted. For example, a steel filament of 35 microns is approximately 67 denier.

[00025] Table 1

[00026] In some embodiments, the denier of one or more stainless steel yams in a core yam or a composite yarn in accordance with the present disclosure is less than 300. For example, denier of one or more stainless steel cores in accordance with the present disclosure may be a denier in the amount of between 10 and 300, between 100 and 300, between 200 and 300, or between about 250 and about 300. In embodiments, the denier of one or more stainless steel cores in a core yam or a composite yam in accordance with the present disclosure is about 258. |00027] In some embodiments, the denier of a fiber glass core of a second core yam or a third core yam in a composite yam in accordance with the present disclosure is less than 120 denier. For example, the denier of a fiber glass core in a composite yam in accordance with the present disclosure may be a denier in the amount of between 10 and 120, between 50 and 100, between 80 and 100, between 90 and 100, or about 95.

[00028] In some embodiments, the denier of an HPPE yam, such as a wrapping yam in a composite yam of the present disclosure is less than 500 denier. For example, the denier of one or more HPPE yams suitable for use herein may be between 100 and 500 denier, between 300 and 500 denier, or, in embodiments, about 407 denier.

[00029] In some embodiments, the denier of a polyester (PES) yam is less than 550. For example, in some embodiments, the denier of a polyester yam suitable for use herein is between about 400 and 550 denier.

[00030] In some embodiments, composite yams in accordance with the present disclosure comprises fiber glass in an amount of 4 to 7 percent weight of the total composite yam composition. For example, in some embodiments, the percent weight of fiber glass is about 5.5 percent weight of the total composite yam composi tion.

100031] In some embodiments, composite yams in accordance with the present disclosure comprises stainless steel in an amount of 10 to 20 percent weight of the total composite yam composition. For example, in some embodiments, the percent weight of stainless steel is about 15 percent weight of the total composite yam composition.

[00032] In some embodiments, composite yams in accordance with the present disclosure comprises HPPE in an amount of 15 to 25 percent weight of the total composite yam composition. For example, in some embodiments, the percent weight of HPPE is about 24 percent weight of the total composite yam composi tion.

100033] In some embodiments, composite yams in accordance with the present disclosure compri se polyester in an amount of 20 to 60 percent weight of the total composite yam composition. For example, in some embodiments, the percent weight of polyester is about 56 percent weight of the total composite yam composition. |00034] FIG. 4 depicts a second composite yam having three core yarns and a wrapping yam, according to embodiments of the disclosure. The three core yams are a core yam E, a core yam F, and a core yam G. As depicted in Table 2, below, there are twenty-seven combinations using core yam E, core yam F, and core yam G as core yams in composite yam I. The composite yam 1 further comprises yam H, which wraps the core yam E, the core yam F, and the core yam G. The core yam E, the core yam F, and the core yam G may all comprise any of the yams A1 , A2, Bl, B2, B3, or C, as described above in Figures 1 , 2, and 3 and any of the yams AG, A2’, BG, B2’, B3’, or C’ as described below in Figures 5, 6 and 7. Embodiments according to the disclosure comprise wherein the core yam E, the core yam F, and the core yam G may all or individually comprise filaments, such as high performance polyethylene, p-aramids, m-aramids, nylons, polyesters, and/or the like. Embodiments according to the disclosure comprise wherein the core yam E, the core yam F, and the core yam G may all or individually comprise fibers, such as staple fibers, such as high performance polyethylene, p-aramids, m-aramids, nylons, polyesters, and/or the like. Embodiments according to the disclosure comprise wherein the core yam E, the core yam F, and the core yam G may all or individually comprise covered yams.

For example, covered yams may include 1) air interlaced yams, 2) one or two strand yams twisted with each other and/or 3) composite yams in which a core yam is covered with one or more wrapping yams. Any of the core yams described herein may comprise corespun yam, as is known to those of skill in the art. Any of the core yams described herein may comprise a ply twisted yam, as is known to those of skill in the art.

Table 2

|00035] F1G. 5 depicts a core yarn for a composite yam in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure. More specifically, FIG. 5 depicts a first core yam A’ for a composite yam, according to embodiments of the disclosure. In embodiments, the first core yam A’ comprises one or more metallic cores AG. In embodiments, one or more metallic cores Al’ comprises at least two stainless steel monofilaments having a diameter of 20 to 40 micrometers, such as about 35 micrometers. In embodiments, one or more metallic cores A comprises two stainless steel monofilaments having a diameter of about 35 micrometers. It is to be understood that other and additional metallic cores may be used. For example, one or more metallic cores Al’ may comprise or consists of other metals, such as copper or silver, or combinations thereof. In some embodiments, one or more metallic cores Al’ may comprise non-metallic yarns. Suitable non- metallic yams comprise or consists of glass fibers, polyesters, extended chain polyethylenes, nylons, and/or the like. Furthermore, one or more metallic cores Al’ may comprise staple fibers, stretch-broken fibers, cut fibers, etc. Any staple fiber or stretch-broken fiber may comprise a distribution of lengths. For example, the length of the staple fibers or stretch-broken fibers, in exemplary embodiments, ranges from 1 mm to 20 cm or any length therebetween. Some exemplary embodiments comprise lengths of 80 mm to 200 mm.

100036] Still referring to FIG. 5, in embodiments, the composite yam A’ further comprises a first wrapping yam A2’, which is helically wrapped around the one or more metallic cores AG. The first wrapping yam A2’ may comprise a monofilament, such as a nylon, e.g., nylon 66 or nylon 6; a polyester; or a polyethylene. In embodiments, A2’ comprises or consists of high tenacity polyethylene (HPPE) such as a 400 denier high tenacity polyethylene (HPPE), or, in embodiments, an ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene, e.g., DYNEEMA® or SPECTRA®. Although in embodiments, the first wrapping yam A2’ comprises or consists of a 400 denier monofilament, the first wrapping yam A2’ may further comprise monofilaments of varying sizes, for example, 50 denier to 1200 denier. In embodiments, the first core yam A’ comprises a 630 denier yam.

[00037] FIG. 6 depicts a core yam for a composite yam in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure. More specifically, FIG. 6 depicts a second core yam B’ for a composite yam, according to embodiments of the disclosure. The second core yam B’ comprises a glass fiber core BG and a second wrapping yam B2’ and a third wrapping yam B3’, which may be the same or different than the second wrapping yam B2\ Optionally, the second core yam B’ further comprises an additional wrapping yam (not shown) ln embodiments, the glass fiber core BG comprises or consists of a 50 denier fiberglass, which is optionally a monofilament. In embodiments, the second wrapping yam B2’ comprises or consists of a 100 denier polyester yam or a 100 denier polyamide yam, which is helically wrapped around the fiber glass core BG. In embodiments, a third wrapping yam B3’ comprises or consists of a 100 denier polyester yam or a 100 denier polyamide yam helically wrapped around the fiber glass core BG and the second wrapping yam B2\ Typically, the B2’ and B3’ yams are wrapped in different directions. In other words, if B2’ was wrapped in an S-configuration, then the B3’ is wrapped in a Z- configuration and vice-versa. It is to be understood that the denier of B2’ and B3’ need not be the same. B2’ and B3’ may be between 30 and 2000 denier. B2’ and B3’ may be between 30 to 1200 denier. In some embodiments, B2’ and B3’ may be between 100 to 600 denier. The number of turns per meter wound around the second core yam B2’ varies according to the size of the fiber glass core BG being wrapped. As constituted above, the B2’ yam is wound on the fiber glass core BG at approximately 394 turns per meter and the third wrapping yam B3’ is wrapped approximately 384 turns per meter. As shown, the second core yam B’ comprises or consists of a 250 denier yam.

[00038] FIG. 7 depicts a composite yam in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure. More specifically, FIG. 7 depicts a composite yam D’ having three core yams A’ (e.g. such as a core yam shown in Fig. 5), B’ (such as a core yam shown in Fig. 6), and B’ (such as a core yarn shown in Fig. 6), and a wrapping yam C’, according to embodiments of the disclosure. As depicted, the composite yarn D’ comprises the core yam A’, the second core yarn B’, and an additional second core yam B’, all of which together form a tri-core, which is helically wrapped with a third wrapping yam C’. In embodiments, the third wrapping yam C’, as shown, comprises or consists of a polyester or polyamide yam such as a 480 denier polyester or polyamide yam. In embodiments, the third wrapping yam C’ could be any wrapping yam, such as a nylon, a p-aramid, a meta-aramid, an HPPE, and/or the like. Also, third wrapping yam C’ can have a denier of, for example, 30-1200 denier. As depicted, the composite yam D’, which can be used to knit a glove or a knitted liner, is a 1619 denier yam, wherein the core yam A’ comprises a 630 denier yam, each core B’ yam comprises 250 denier, and the third wrapping yam C’ comprises a 480 denier yam, forming a highly cut resistant composite yam. Some embodiments comprise a core having A’, B’, and B’ tri-core. In some embodiments, wherein A’, B’, and B’ form a tri-core, B’ may be the same or different as described herein.

[00039] In some embodiments, the present disclosure includes a highly cut resistant composite yam, including: a) a first core yam including one or more stainless steel cores and a first wrapping yam helically wrapped around the one or more stainless steel cores, the first wrapping yam comprising HPPE; b) a second core yam and a third core yam each including a fiber glass core, a second wrapping yam wrapped around the fiber glass core, and a third wrapping yam wrapped around fiber glass core; and c) a fourth wrapping yam including a polyester filament, a polyamide filament, or a nylon filament wrapped helically around the first core yam, the second core yam, and the third core yam, fonning a highly cut resistant composite yam. In

embodiments, the second core yarn and third core yam may be identical, and in some embodiments different. For example, in some embodiments, the second yam and third core yam may include a second wrapping yam and third wrapping yam selected from one of polyester or polyamide. In some embodiments, the second wrapping yam comprises a polyester fdament, polyamide filament, or a nylon filament. In some embodiments, the third wrapping yam comprises a polyester filament, polyamide filament, or a nylon filament. In some embodiments, the second wrapping yam is helically wrapped around the fiber glass core in a first configuration and the third wrapping yam is helically wrapped around fiber glass core in a second

configuration. In some embodiments, the second wrapping yam or third wrapping yam is a 100 denier polyester or polyamide yam. In some embodiments, the one or more stainless steel cores is one stainless steel core comprising a diameter of 70 micrometers. In some embodiments, the one or more stainless steel cores comprises or consists of two stainless steel cores, wherein each stainless steel core has a diameter of approximately 35 micrometers. In some embodiments, the first wrapping yam is a 400 denier HPPE yam, and the fiber glass core is a 50 denier fiber glass filament. In some embodiments, the fourth wrapping yam is a 480 denier polyester or polyamide yarn. Composite yams as described herein are suitable for forming a knitted glove, knitted liner, or a knitted sleeve that will comprise or consists of the highly cut resistant composite yam of the present disclosure.

100040] In some embodiments, the present disclosure includes a highly cut resistant composite yam, comprising or consisting of: a) a first core yam comprising one or more stainless steel cores and a first wrapping yam helically wrapped around the one or more stainless steel cores, the first wrapping yam comprising HPPE; b) a second core yam comprising a fiber glass core, a second wrapping yam helically wrapped around the fiber glass core in a first configuration and a third wrapping yam helically wrapped around fiber glass core in a second configuration, the second wrapping yam comprising a polyester filament, polyamide filament, or a nylon filament; c) a third core yam comprising a fiber glass core, a second wrapping yam helically wrapped around the fiber glass core in a first configuration and a third wrapping yam helically wrapped around fiber glass core in a second configuration, the second wrapping yam comprising a polyester filament, polyamide filament, or a nylon filament; and d) a fourth wrapping yam comprising a polyester filament, a polyamide filament, or a nylon filament wrapped helically around the first core yam, the second core yam, and the third core yam, forming a highly cut resistant composite yam. In some embodiments, the second wrapping yarn is a 100 denier polyester or polyamide yam. In some embodiments, the one or more stainless steel cores is one stainless steel core comprising a diameter of 70 micrometers. In embodiments, the first wrapping yam is a 400 denier HPPE yam. In some embodiments, the fiber glass core is a 50 denier fiber glass filament. In some embodiments, the fourth wrapping yam is a 480 denier polyester or polyamide yam. The composite yams described herein are useful for making a knitted glove, knitted liner, or knitted sleeve including the highly cut resistant composite yams described herein.

[00041] In some embodiments, the present disclosure includes a highly cut resistant composite yam, including: a) a first core yam including one or more stainless steel cores and a first wrapping yam helically wrapped around the one or more stainless steel cores, the first wrapping yam comprising HPPE; b) a second core yam including a fiber glass core, and a second wrapping yam wrapped around the fiber glass core; c) a third core yam comprising a fiber glass core, and an additional second wrapping yam wrapped around the fiber glass core; and d) a fourth wrapping yam including a polyester filament, a polyamide filament, or a nylon filament wrapped helically around the first core yam, the second core yam, and the third core yam, forming a highly cut resistant composite yam. In embodiments, the second wrapping yam and additional second wrapping yam include one or more of a polyester filament, polyamide filament, or a nylon filament. In embodiments the second core yam and third core yam include a third wrapping yam wrapped around fiber glass core.

100042] In some embodiments, the present disclosure relates to a core yam suitable for use in a highly cut resistant composite yam, including one or more of: a) a first core yam including one or more stainless steel cores and a first wrapping yam helically wrapped around the one or more stainless steel cores, the first wrapping yam comprising HPPE. Non-limiting examples of a first core yam include core yam A in Figure 1 and core yam A’ in Figure 5. Another core yam in accordance with the present disclose is b) a second core yam including a fiber glass core, a second wrapping yam helically wrapped around the fiber glass core in a first configuration and a third wrapping yam helically wrapped around fiber glass core in a second configuration, the second wrapping yam including or consisting of a polyester filament, polyamide filament, or a nylon filament. Non-limiting examples of a second core yam include core yam B in Figure 2 and core yam B’ in Figure 6.

|00043] Referring now to FIG. 8, FIG. 8 depicts a glove including one or more composite yams in accordance with embodiments of the present di sclosure. In embodiments, glove 800 includes unsupported gloves, e.g., a knitted glove (shown in F1G. 8), and supported gloves (knitted gloves further comprising a polymeric coating disposed thereon, wherein the knitted structure is commonly referred to as a knitted liner) comprise knitted structures made using knitting machines that use a number of needles in the fonn of a needle array and one or more yams to knit the glove. In general, eight basic components can be used to comprise the glove 800.

These eight components include one component for each of the five fingers (801 , 802, 803, 804, and 805 respectively), one to two components for the palm including, optionally, an upper section 806 and a lower section 807; and one component for the wrist area 809. All of these components are cylinders or conical sections and, together, form a general anatomical shape of a hand and may be of different sizes. Conventional knitting processes use a knitting machine to knit each of these components. Any of the embodiments discussed herein can be knitted using Knitted Variable Stitch Design (KVSD) technologies to vary the stitch depth, tension, and casting off/picking up of stitches, as in commonly assigned US Patent Nos. 6,692,064;

7,246,509; 7,213,419; 7,434,422; 7,555,921; 7,908,891; and 8,001 ,809, each incorporated herein by reference in their entireties.

[00044] In embodiments, composite yams of the present disclosure is used to fonn PPE including gloves such as glove 800 of the present disclosure. In embodiments, a glove of the present disclosure has level F cut performance in accordance with EN388, the European standard for protective gloves concerning hand protection against mechanical risks.

[00045] In embodiments, the present disclosure relates to a glove comprising a composite yam, wherein the composite yam includes: a) a first core yam comprising one or more stainless steel cores and a first wrapping yam helically wrapped around the stainless steel core, the first wrapping yarn comprising HPPE; b) a second core yam comprising a fiber glass core, a second wrapping yam helically wrapped around the fiber glass core in a first configuration and a third wrapping yam helically wrapped around fiber glass core in a second configuration, the second wrapping yam comprising a polyester filament, nylon filament, or polyamide filament; c) a third core yam comprising a fiber glass core, a second wrapping yam helically wrapped around the fiber glass core in a first configuration and a third wrapping yam helically wrapped around fiber glass core in a second configuration, the second wrapping yam comprising a polyester filament, nylon filament, or polyamide filament; and d) a fourth wrapping yam comprising a polyester, nylon, or polyamide filament wrapped helically around the first core yam, the second core yam, and the third core yam. In embodiments, the denier of the one or more stainless steel cores is less than 300. In embodiments, the denier of the fiber glass core of the second core yam is less than 120 denier ln embodiments, the denier of the fiber glass core of the third core yam is less than 120 denier. In some embodiments, the second wrapping yam is a 100 denier polyester or polyamide yam. In some embodiments, the third wrapping yarn is a 100 denier polyester or polyamide yam. ln some embodiments, the one or more stainless steel cores comprises two stainless steel cores, wherein each stainless steel core has a diameter of approximately 35 micrometers ln embodiments, the first wrapping yam is a 400 denier HPPE yam, and the fiber glass core is a 50 denier fiber glass filament ln some embodiments, the fourth wrapping yarn is a 480 denier polyester or polyamide yam. In some embodiments, the second core yam and the third core yam are identical. In some embodiments, the second core yam and the third core yam are different in that the second wrapping yam and third wrapping yam may be selected from e.g., polyester or polyamide. In some embodiments, the one or more stainless steel cores comprises two stainless steel cores, wherein each stainless steel core has a diameter of approximately 35 micrometers.

[00046] In some embodiments, supported gloves are formed by dipping formers having a knitted liner dressed thereon into elastomeric emulsions, which adhere to the knitted liners. The emulsion coagulates as a coating on the knitted liners and, following a heat curing step, the gloves are stripped from the formers. A typical dip process is illustrated in the Table 3 shown below.

[00047] The highly cut resistant yams may be used to knit knitted liners according to embodiments of the disclosure. A highly cut resistant knitted liner (such as glove 800) may be dressed on a ceramic or metallic former that has the shape of a human hand. The highly cut resistant knitted liner is first coated with a calcium nitrate coagulant. The palm and finger portions are then dipped into a latex or emulsion. The coagulant destabilizes the latex or emulsion allowing the formation of a coagulated film covering the palm and finger portions of the glove. Since there are large interstices present between the yams in the knitted liner, it is desirable to prevent the latex or emulsion from“striking-through” to the hand-contacting side of the highly cut resistant knitted liner. The latex or emulsion tends to irritate the hand and it is desirable to avoid contact between the coagulated film and a hand.

100048] Various methods are available to limit the“strike-through” of the latex or emulsion into the interstices of the highly cut resistant knitted liner. One technique is to limit the depth of penetration of the former that is dressed with the highly cut resistant liner into the latex or emulsion bath. This can be accomplished by using a robot machine that articulates the movement of the former into the latex bath with a curved movement. The second approach is to limit the penetration of the latex or emulsion into the interstices of the highly cut resistant knitted liner by increasing the viscosity of the latex or emulsion. This is accomplished by use of thickeners added to the latex or emulsion bath. Another approach is to block the interstices in the highly cut resistant knitted liner with wax solvent based polyurethane or other water soluble blocking agent such as poly (vinyl acetate) prior to dipping in the coagulant and then into the latex or emulsion. The wax blockage is removed by washing in warm water and water soluble blocking agent is similarly removed by washing.

[00049] Components of an exemplary coagulant composition include calcium nitrate and a surfactant. Surfactants include but are not limited to FreeSil N, Surfynol 465 (ethoxylated acetylenic diol), Emulvin W (aromatic polyglycol ether). Water is typically part of the coagulant composition, but alcohols and/or other solvents can be used. [00050] Embodiments according to the disclosure comprise the use of a coagulant solution to wet the former and may include an exemplary aqueous solution of 5% calcium nitrate, although other concentrations are possible as are known to those in the art, such as an aqueous solution ranging in concentration from 6-40% calcium nitrate. Other salts, such as calcium chloride, calcium citrate, aluminum sulfate, and the like and/or mixtures thereof may be used.

Furthermore, the coagulant solution may be aqueous, alcoholic, or a mixture of aqueous and alcoholic solutions/sol vents. Weaker acid solutions may also be used as coagulants, such as formic acid, acetic acid, and other low pKa acids as are known to those in the art.

[00051] The terms“emulsion,”“dispersion,”“latex,” and“suspension” are generally analogous and indicate a system in which small particles of a substance, such as rubber particles, are mixed with a fluid (such as water and/or alcohols and/or other organic fluids) but are at least partially undissolved and kept dispersed by agitation (mechanical suspension) and/or by the molecular forces in a surrounding medium (colloidal suspension). Emulsions contemplated herein may further comprise typical and suitable components for rubber or elastomeric formulations and compounds, such as accelerators, such as guanidines, thiazoles, thiurams, sulfenamids, thioureas, dithiocarbamates, and xanthanates, surfactants, such as sodium dodecyl sulfates and polyvinyl alcohols, activators, such as zinc oxides, cross-linking agents and curatives, such as elemental sulfur and/or polysulphidic donors, anti-oxidants, anti-ozonants, rheology-modifiers, such as various clays and aluminosilicates, pH adjusters, such as hydroxides, such as potassium hydroxide, pigments, processing agents, and/or fillers as are known to those in the art.

100052] The tenn“polymer” generally includes, but is not limited to, homopolymers, copolymers, such as for example, block, graft, random and alternating copolymers, terpolymers, etc. and blends and modifications thereof. Furthermore, unless otherwise specifically limited, the term“polymer” includes all possible geometrical configurations of the molecule. These configurations include, but are not limited to isotactic, syndiotactic and random symmetries.

[00053] The tenn“thennoplastic” generally includes polymer materials that become reversibly pliable, moldable, and/or heatable above a specific temperature and solidify upon cooling. The term“thermoset” generally includes polymer materials that strengthen following heating and solidification, but cannot be successfully remolded or otherwise processed after an initial heat- fonning. The tenn“thennoplastic elastomer” (TPE) connotes a class of copolymers comprising both thennoplastic and elastomeric/thermoset material properties and generally have crosslinking between adjacent polymeric molecular chains. The term“rubber” generally indicates elastomers produced from natural rubber latexes or synthetic elastomers.

[00054] Exemplary thermoplastics include, without limitation, polychloroprenes, butyl rubbers, natural rubber, synthetic polyisoprenes, poly(vinyl) chlorides, polyesters, polyamides, polyolefins, polybutadienes, polyurethanes, polystyrenes, poly(vinyl) alcohols, and copolymers of the foregoing, and elastomeric polymers such as elastic polyolefins, copolyether esters, polyamide polyether block copolymers, block copolymers having the general fonnula A-B-A' or A-B like nitrile-butadiene rubber (NBR), carboxylated nitrile-butadiene rubber, styrene- poly(ethylene-propylene)-styrene, styrene-poly(ethylene-butylene)-styrene,

(polystyrene/poly(ethylene-butylene)/polystyrene, poly( styrene/ethylene-butylene/styrene), co- poly(styrene/ethylene-butylene), A-B-A-B co-polymers and blends of the foregoing.

[00055] FIG. 9 depicts a sleeve 900 including one or more composite yam embodiments in accordance with the present disclosure. In embodiments, sleeve 900 comprises knitted structures made using knitting machines that use a number of needles in the form of a needle array and one or more yams to knit the sleeve. In general, the sleeve is tube shaped and may be sized to fit one or more arms of a user. The sleeve may include darts or pleads to shape the sleeve for comfort or to conform to the shape of an arm. In embodiments, a sleeve may have a wrist opening 901 and an upper arm opening 902. All of these components are cylinders or conical sections and, together, in some embodiments, form a general anatomical shape of an arm and may be of different sizes. Conventional knitting processes use a knitting machine to knit each of the sleeve. Any of the embodiments discussed herein can be knitted using Knitted Variable Stitch Design (KVSD) technologies to vary the stitch depth, tension, and casting off/picking up of stitches, as in commonly assigned US Patent Nos. 6,692,064; 7,246,509;

7,213,419; 7,434,422; 7,555,921; 7,908,891 ; and 8,001 ,809, each incorporated by referene in their entireties.

[00056] In embodiments, PPE in accordance with the present disclosure such as gloves or sleeves comprising or consisting of composite yams in accordance with the present disclosure may be highly flexible while maintaining excellent cut resistance.

[00057] The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only, and is not intended to be limiting. Embodiments should not necessarily be limited to specific compositions, materials, sizes, designs or equipment, as such may vary. All technical and scientific terms used herein have the usual meaning conventionally understood by persons skilled in the art to which this disclosure pertains, unless context defines otherwise. Also, as used in this specification and the appended claims, the singular forms“a,”“an,” and“the” include plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. The term“flexing” or “flex” refers to finger movements, such as bending fingers, making a fist, gripping, grasping, clenching or otherwise folding the fingers.

[00058] All numerical values recited herein are exemplary, are not to be considered limiting, and include ranges therebetween, and can be inclusive or exclusive of the endpoints. Optional included ranges can be from integer values therebetween, at the order of magnitude recited or the next smaller order of magnitude. For example, if the lower range value is 0.1, optional included endpoints can be 0.2, 0.3, 0.4 . . . 1.1 , 1.2, and the like, as well as 1 , 2, 3 and the like; if the higher range is 10, optional included endpoints can be 7, 6, and the like, as well as 7.9, 7.8, and the like.

[00059] It is to be understood that various changes and modifications to the embodiments described herein will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Such changes and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of this disclosure and without demising the attendant advantages. It is, therefore, intended that such changes and modifications be covered by the appended claims.

[00060] All references, including publications, patent applications, and patents, cited herein are hereby incorporated by reference to the same extent as if each reference were individually and specifically indicated to be incorporated by reference and were set forth in its entirety herein.