Functional Knitted Gloves
BACKGROUND Knitted gloves are predominantly manufactured using speciality glove-knitting machines, or in certain instances circular-knitting equipment. Seamless gloves are already well-known, but can only be produced with simple plain-knitted structures. In the technical textiles sector, innovation has centered on development of new materials or modification of existing products through speciality coatings (e.g. dip-coating). The William Lee Innovation Centre (School of Materials, University of Manchester) is a leading centre for technical textiles innovation in the UK. The technical team has extensive experience (both industrial and academic) in glove-knitting and manufacture. During the past few years a wide-range of glove development projects has been delivered for customers, which are now being commercialised. THE TECHNOLOGY Recent work has developed a method for producing seamless knitted gloves using flat-bed knitting machines, which enables innovation of glove products through advanced knitting techniques. Functionality not achievable with existing simple plain-knitted or coated glove products can be introduced. The technology is already well established and, due to its versatility, can be quickly employed into new application areas. KEY BENEFITS• Improved durability
• Enhanced wearability and functionality
• Integration of advanced knitted structures for 3D shaping
• Accurate placement or integration of functional fibres
• Combination of different materials (or multiple layers) to aid performance, e.g. strength, appearance (‘function-not-fashion’)
• Incorporation of electro-textiles or new fibres
• Development of bespoke fibres/yarns for new applications
• Rapid development of new glove products for quick time-to-market
• Vast experience of industrial knitting for smooth technology transfer POTENTIAL APPLICATIONS The technology is applicable to a wide-range of bespoke glove products including, but not limited to, the following:
• Medical
• Industrial, e.g. heating, safety
• Sensors, control and tracking devices
• Consumer PATENT STATUS A UK priority application has been filed. COLLABORATION OPPORTUNITY The group’s extensive know-how, equipment and intellectual property base is available to companies interested in developing new glove products. Licensing of the technology and short-term development contracts are welcome.
Type of Offer: Licensing
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