FIELD

The present disclosure relates to a gauntlet or protective glove. The present disclosure also relates to a fabric and a yarn for use in protective apparel, in particular but not exclusively for use in gauntlets or protective gloves.

BACKGROUND

In many industries and occupations, individuals are at increased risk of suffering an electric shock. This is of particular risk in industries such as power utilities, and hybrid/electrical vehicle production and servicing.

In such circumstances, protective clothing in the form of an electrical gauntlet is usually worn to protect the individual. Electrical gauntlets are typically made from latex or biopolymer mixes and provide little or no mechanical protection from abrasion, cuts, tears or punctures. Therefore, circumstances where there is a risk of the electrical gauntlet abrading, cutting, tearing or puncturing require the use of leather over gloves to provide mechanical protection. This leads to greatly limited dexterity and fingertip sensitivity, hampering individuals carrying out their jobs.

It is an aim of the present disclosure to overcome or substantially reduce the problems associated with known protective apparel.

SUMMARY

In a first aspect, a gauntlet or protective glove is provided comprising a fabric having: a. a first layer comprising a yarn which is configured to provide mechanical protection (e.g. against abrasion, cuts, puncture and/or tearing); and b. a second layer comprising an electrically insulating material configured to provide a wearer with protection against electric shock;

In some embodiments, the gauntlet or protective glove is arranged such that the first layer is outermost when worn. In this way, a gauntlet or protective glove is provided which comprises a fabric having two layers. The first layer is configured to provide mechanical protection, and the second layer is configured to provide electrical insulation.

By providing a single fabric including this combination of layers, and hence combination of properties, a gauntlet or protective glove which is formed of a single thickness of fabric can be provided. This is much less restrictive to the wearer, as compared to wearing two separate gloves in which one is configured to provide mechanical protection and one is configured to provide electrical insulation.

Accordingly, the gauntlet or protective glove described herein provides the user with improved dexterity and fingertip sensitivity. This greatly reduces the extent to which the user is hampered by their protective equipment, leading to time and cost savings, as well as improving the scope for more intricate work.

Further, since only one item of protective equipment is required, there is less risk of user error, for example, in forgetting to put on one or other of the gloves/gauntlets required for a particular task.

Since the first layer is provided outermost when worn, mechanical protection is provided to the electrical insulation layer. In this way, the second layer is protected against abrasion, cuts, puncture and/or tearing, for example, and the effectiveness of the insulating second layer can be maintained.

Optionally, the first and second layers are integrally formed, e.g. bonded together.

In other words, the first and second layers are joined together to form a single thickness of fabric. This contributes to improved dexterity and fingertip sensitivity when worn. The first and second layers may be bonded together with an adhesive. In some embodiments, the second layer is formed directly onto the first layer.

Optionally, the second layer is formed as a shell of material, which is then bonded to the first layer to form a composite fabric layer.

In some embodiments, the gauntlet or protective glove comprises a cuff opening and the entirety of the gauntlet or protective glove up to a location proximal the cuff opening is formed of said fabric having said first and second layers. In other words, the gauntlet or protective glove comprises glove fingers, a front palm, and a glove back, wherein the gauntlet or protective glove terminates at a cuff opening and the fabric forming the glove fingers, a front palm, and a glove back, up to a location proximal the cuff opening, includes said first and second layers.

In some embodiments, the fabric forming the glove fingers, the front palm, and the glove back, up to the cuff opening, include at least said second layer.

Optionally, the yarn comprises an aramid filament.

Aramid fibres are strong and also heat resistant, so well suited to providing mechanical strength and will also withstand high temperatures in use. In this way, effective mechanical protection is provided by the first layer against abrasion, cuts, puncture and/or tearing.

The use of an aramid filament provides the fabric with fire and/or flame resistant properties and hence effective protection against arc flash. The aramid filament has a relatively high melting point, which contributes to effective protection against arc flash.

Optionally, the aramid filament comprises a para-aramid and/or a meta-aramid.

A para-aramid may be selected to provide enhanced strength properties with some heat protection. Whereas a meta-aramid may be selected to provide better heat protection but less strength.

Optionally, the aramid filament has a linear density of, 200 dtex to 1200 dtex, for example 400 dtex to 1000 dtex, for example 600 detx to 800 dtex e.g. 670dtex. It has been found that this linear density provides suitable yarn strength properties.

Optionally, the yarn comprises a filament core comprising: a mineral filament, glass fibre, ceramic fibre, liquid crystal polymer and/or a carbon fibre.

In this way, additional strength properties and/or heat resistant performance are provided to the yarn. Consequently, this enhances the mechanical protection and/or heat protection provided by the first layer, contributing to protection against abrasion, cuts, puncture, tearing and/or arc flash. Optionally, the aramid filament is wrapped around the filament core, e.g. in an S and/or Z formation.

Optionally, the filament core comprises a basalt filament.

Use of a basalt filament is beneficial due to its strength and high heat performance. The use of a basalt filament provides the fabric with fire and/or flame resistant properties and hence effective protection against arc flash. The basalt filament has a relatively high melting point, which contributes to effective protection against arc flash.

Optionally, the filament core has a linear density of 150dtex to 800dtex, for example 200 dtex to 500dtex, e.g. 340dtex. It has been found that this linear density provides a suitable yarn strength and flexibility.

Optionally, the yarn further comprises one or more synthetic (e.g. polyester) fibres wrapped around the filament core, e.g. in an S and/or Z formation. In this way, comfort for the wearer is enhanced and the filament core is protected against breakage.

Optionally, the or each synthetic (e.g. polyester) fibre has a linear density of 500dtex to 2000dtex, for example 600 dtex to 1000 dtex e.g. 750dtex. It has been found that this linear density provides effective comfort and protection of the filament core.

Optionally, the yarn comprises two synthetic (e.g. polyester) fibres wrapped around the filament core in an S/Z formation to form an intermediate yarn, and wherein the aramid filament is wrapped around the intermediate yarn in an S and/or Z formation.

Optionally the yarn is knitted to form the first layer.

In this way, a gauntlet or glove can be formed without requiring seams to be formed. This is beneficial when bonding the second layer to the first layer, for example.

Optionally, the yarn is knitted on a knitting machine having a gauge in the range of 10 to 20GG, e.g. 13GG.

In this way, enhanced mechanical protection is provided, e.g. against puncture.

Optionally, the second layer comprises any natural or synthetic rubber, e.g. natural rubber, latex and/or chloroprene. In this way, protection against electric shock is provided. In this way, chemical protection is provided.

Optionally, the second layer has a thickness in the range of 0.25mm to 1.25mm, e.g. 0.75 to 0.85mm.

Optionally, the second layer provides insulation against voltages up to 1500V for an alternating current, e.g. 1000V.

Optionally, the fabric further comprises a third layer, optionally comprising a fireproof material.

In this way, enhanced fireproof protection is provided by the gauntlet or protective glove. Fire resistant properties also enhance the arc protection provided by the gauntlet or protective glove.

The third layer functions to separate the wearer's hand from the second layer.

Optionally, the gauntlet or glove is arranged such that the third layer is innermost when worn.

Optionally, the first, second and third layers are integrally formed, e.g. bonded together.

In this way, a gauntlet or protective glove with enhanced flexibility is provided such that the wearer will have greater dexterity and fingertip sensitivity.

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

In some embodiments, the yarn comprises an aramid filament and a mineral filament core. In a further aspect, a yarn for use in protective apparel is provided, wherein the yarn comprises: a. a filament core, and b. an aramid filament wrapped around the core.

In some embodiments, the filament core comprises a mineral filament core, e.g. a basalt filament core.

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

It will be appreciated that the optional features described herein may apply to any aspect disclosed herein. All combinations contemplated are not recited explicitly for the sake of brevity.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF FIGURES

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

Figure la illustrates a perspective view of a palm-side of a protective glove disclosed herein;

Figure lb illustrates a perspective view of a back view of the protective glove of Figure la;

Figure 2a illustrates a schematic cross section through the fabric of the protective glove of Figure la;

Figure 2b illustrates an exploded schematic view of the composition of the fabric of the protective glove of Figure la; and

Figure 3 illustrates a schematic of a yarn used to form the first layer of the fabric of Figures 2a and 2b. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

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

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

As shown in Figures 2a and 2b the fabric 28 of the glove 2 has a first layer 12 and a second layer 14.

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

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

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

The second layer 14 includes an electrically insulating material. This protects the wearer from electric shock. When the glove 2 is worn, the first layer 12 is outermost. This provides mechanical protection to the electrically insulating layer 14 of the glove 2, such that the second layer 14 is protected against abrasion, cuts, puncture and/or tearing, for example, and the effectiveness of the insulating second layer 14 can be maintained. As shown in Figure 2a, the first and second layers 12, 14 are integrally formed. In some embodiments, the first and second layers 12, 14 are joined together with adhesive such that they form a single composite layer (i.e. no gap is present between the first and second layers 12, 14).

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

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

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

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

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

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

Again with reference to Figure 3, the yarn 16 also includes two polyester fibres 22, 24 wrapped around the basalt core 20. A first polyester fibre 22 is wrapped around the basalt filament core 20 in an S formation and a second polyester fibre 24 is wrapped around the basalt filament core 20 in a Z formation. In alternative embodiments, the first and second polyester fibres may be wrapped in the opposite direction. The polyester fibres 22, 24 are wrapped around the basalt filament core 20 to form an intermediate yarn, around which the aramid filament 18 is wrapped to form the yarn 16.

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

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

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

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

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

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

The third layer 26 is integrally formed with the first and second layers 12, 14. In the illustrated embodiment, the third layer 26 is bonded to the second layer 14 by an adhesive. In this way, a fabric 28 of a single thickness is provided, without gaps between the layers 12, 14, 26. In other words the first, second and third layers 12, 14, 26 are bonded together such that they form a single composite layer of fabric 28. In the illustrated embodiment, the fabric 28 of the entirety of the glove 2 up to a designated location proximal the cuff opening 10 is formed of said second layer 14 and said first and/or third layers 12, 26. In some embodiments, the designated location is 50mm or less from the cuff opening, for example 30mm or less, for example 20mm or less, for example 10mm or less from the cuff opening. In some embodiments, the designated location is 13mm from the cuff opening. It will be appreciated that the designated location may be provided at any suitable distance from the cuff opening to comply with product regulations. Between the designated location and the cuff opening, the glove may include only the second layer (in other words the first and third layers 12, 26 extend only as far as the designated location). In some embodiments, between the designated location and the cuff opening, the glove may include only the second layer and the first and/or third layers.

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

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

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

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

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