WO2017062718A1

WO2017062718A1 - Cut resistant sleeve with elbow feature

Info

Publication number: WO2017062718A1
Application number: PCT/US2016/055907
Authority: WO
Inventors: Brian Hugh MOSELEY
Original assignee: Showa Best Glove, Inc.
Priority date: 2015-10-07
Filing date: 2016-10-07
Publication date: 2017-04-13

Abstract

A cut resistant sleeve includes a tubular sleeve and an elbow feature incorporated into the tubular sleeve. The tubular sleeve includes a plurality of cut resistant fibers. The plurality of cut resistant fibers may be in the form of yams. The yams may be in the form of a knit fabric or a woven fabric. The elbow feature may be sized and shaped to conform to a joint of a wearer. Methods for making a cut resistant sleeve are also described.

Description

CUT RESISTANT SLEEVE WITH ELBOW FEATURE

FIELD OF DISCLOSURE

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an apparatus, such as a cut resistant sleeve, and more particularly to a cut resistant sleeve including an elbow feature.

BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE

[0002] Personal protective equipment in the form of cut resistant gloves is often used in environments in which personnel are exposed to cut hazards. One particular example of such an environment is food preparation, in which the user cuts/prepares food with a knife or other sharp instrument. Cut resistant garments (such as shirts and pants) have also been produced for use in such environments. The sleeves or pant legs of such garments have been formed from traditional

manufacturing methods for shirts and pants, in which the shirt sleeve/pant leg is relatively straight along its length. Such garments lack comfort to the extent that the sleeve/pant leg does not conform to the joint (e.g., elbow or knee) of the user when the user bends the joint.

[0003] These and other shortcomings are addressed by aspects of the present disclosure.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

[0004] The summary, as well as the following detailed description, is further understood when read in conjunction with the appended drawings. For the purpose of illustrating the invention, there are shown in the drawings exemplary embodiments of the invention; however, the invention is not limited to the specific methods, compositions, and devices disclosed. In addition, the drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale. In the drawings:

[0005] Figure 1 depicts one view of a cut resistant sleeve according to an aspect of the disclosure.

[0006] Figure 2 depicts another view of the cut resistant sleeve depicted in

Fig. 1.

[0007] Figure 3 depicts a top view of the cut resistant sleeve depicted in Fig. [0008] Figure 4 is a graph generated in accordance with ASTM F 1790 (2004) for a cut resistant sleeve according to an aspect of the disclosure.

[0009] Figure 5 is a graph generated in accordance with ASTM F 1790 (2004) for a cut resistant sleeve according to an aspect of the disclosure.

[0010] Figure 6 is a graph generated in accordance with ASTM F1790 (2004) for a cut resistant sleeve according to an aspect of the disclosure.

SUMMARY

[0011] Aspects of the present disclosure relate to a cut resistant sleeve including a tubular sleeve and an elbow feature incorporated into the tubular sleeve. The tubular sleeve includes a plurality of cut resistant fibers. In some aspects the elbow feature is sized and shaped to conform to a joint of a wearer.

[0012] Further aspects of the present disclosure relate to a method for making a cut resistant sleeve, the method including forming a tubular sleeve and incorporating an elbow feature into the tubular sleeve. The tubular sleeve includes a plurality of cut resistant fibers. In some aspects of the method the elbow feature is sized and shaped to conform to a joint of a wearer.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0013] The present disclosure can be understood more readily by reference to the following detailed description of the disclosure and the Examples included therein. In various aspects, the present disclosure pertains to an apparatus, such as but not limited to a cut resistant sleeve including a tubular sleeve and an elbow feature incorporated into the tubular sleeve. The tubular sleeve includes a plurality of cut resistant fibers, and the elbow feature is sized and shaped to conform to a joint of a wearer.

[0014] Before the present compounds, compositions, articles, systems, devices, and/or methods are disclosed and described, it is to be understood that they are not limited to specific synthetic methods unless otherwise specified, or to particular reagents unless otherwise specified, as such can, of course, vary. It is also to be understood that the terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular aspects only and is not intended to be limiting. [0015] Various combinations of elements of this disclosure are encompassed by this disclosure, e.g., combinations of elements from dependent claims that depend upon the same independent claim.

[0016] Moreover, it is to be understood that unless otherwise expressly stated, it is in no way intended that any method set forth herein be construed as requiring that its steps be performed in a specific order. Accordingly, where a method claim does not actually recite an order to be followed by its steps or it is not otherwise specifically stated in the claims or descriptions that the steps are to be limited to a specific order, it is no way intended that an order be inferred, in any respect. This holds for any possible non-express basis for interpretation, including: matters of logic with respect to arrangement of steps or operational flow; plain meaning derived from grammatical organization or punctuation; and the number or type of embodiments described in the specification.

[0017] All publications mentioned herein are incorporated herein by reference to disclose and describe the methods and/or materials in connection with which the publications are cited.

Definitions

[0018] It is also to be understood that the terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular aspects only and is not intended to be limiting. As used in the specification and in the claims, the term "comprising" can include the embodiments "consisting of and "consisting essentially of." Unless defined otherwise, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this disclosure belongs. In this specification and in the claims which follow, reference will be made to a number of terms which shall be defined herein.

[0019] As used in the specification and the appended claims, the singular forms "a," "an" and "the" include plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Thus, for example, reference to "an elbow feature" includes two or more elbow features.

[0020] As used herein, the term "combination" is inclusive of blends, mixtures, alloys, reaction products, and the like.

[0021] Ranges can be expressed herein as from one particular value, and/or to another particular value. When such a range is expressed, another aspect includes from the one particular value and/or to the other particular value. Similarly, when values are expressed as approximations, by use of the antecedent 'about,' it will be understood that the particular value forms another aspect. It will be further understood that the endpoints of each of the ranges are significant both in relation to the other endpoint, and independently of the other endpoint. It is also understood that there are a number of values disclosed herein, and that each value is also herein disclosed as "about" that particular value in addition to the value itself. For example, if the value "10" is disclosed, then "about 10" is also disclosed. It is also understood that each unit between two particular units are also disclosed. For example, if 10 and 15 are disclosed, then 1 1, 12, 13, and 14 are also disclosed.

[0022] As used herein, the terms "about" and "at or about" mean that the amount or value in question can be the value designated some other value approximately or about the same. It is generally understood, as used herein, that it is the nominal value indicated ±10% variation unless otherwise indicated or inferred. The term is intended to convey that similar values promote equivalent results or effects recited in the claims. That is, it is understood that amounts, sizes, formulations, parameters, and other quantities and characteristics are not and need not be exact, but can be approximate and/or larger or smaller, as desired, reflecting tolerances, conversion factors, rounding off, measurement error and the like, and other factors known to those of skill in the art. In general, an amount, size, formulation, parameter or other quantity or characteristic is "about" or "approximate" whether or not expressly stated to be such. It is understood that where "about" is used before a quantitative value, the parameter also includes the specific quantitative value itself, unless specifically stated otherwise.

[0023] Unless otherwise stated to the contrary herein, all test standards are the most recent standard in effect at the time of filing this application.

[0024] Each of the materials disclosed herein are either commercially available and/or the methods for the production thereof are known to those of skill in the art.

[0025] It is understood that the compositions disclosed herein have certain functions. Disclosed herein are certain structural requirements for performing the disclosed functions and it is understood that there are a variety of structures that can perform the same function that are related to the disclosed structures, and that these structures will typically achieve the same result. Cut resistant Sleeve

[0026] With reference to Figs. 1-3, in certain aspects the cut resistant sleeve

100 includes a tubular sleeve 150 and an elbow feature 200 incorporated into the tubular sleeve 150.

[0027] The tubular sleeve 150 includes a plurality of cut resistant fibers. In certain aspects, the plurality of cut resistant fibers includes a plurality of high performance fibers selected from, but not limited to, para-aramid fibers (e.g., Kevlar® fibers), steel fibers, high-performance polyethylene fibers, glass fibers (e.g., fiberglass fibers) and combinations thereof. Exemplary high-performance polyethylene fibers include, but are not limited to, ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) fibers, such as Dyneema® fibers.

[0028] The plurality of cut resistant fibers may include staple fibers or filament fibers (i.e., fibers having indefinite or extreme length), and may be, but do not have to be, incorporated into yarns formed from staple or filament fibers. For example, the plurality of cut resistant fibers could be in the form of multifilament yams formed from monofilament high performance fibers such as one or more of those described herein. Further, as described herein, high performance fibers are any fibers that, when incorporated into the tubular sleeve 150 in sufficient amount and/or in a suitable construction, provide the tubular sleeve 150 with cut resistance.

[0029] As noted, in some aspects the plurality of cut resistant fibers are in the form of yarns. In certain aspects the yarns are in the form of a knit fabric or a woven fabric. In further aspects the plurality of cut resistant fibers are in the form of a nonwoven fabric.

[0030] In some aspects the tubular sleeve 150 further comprises a plurality of non-high performance fibers. Such non-high performance fibers may be incorporated into the tubular sleeve 150 to provide the tubular sleeve with various properties, including but not limited to hand (i.e., softness/comfort), breathability, moisture wicking, abrasion resistance, antibacterial/ antimicrobial properties, and antistatic properties. Any amount or type of non-high performance fibers may be included in the tubular sleeve 150 as long as the tubular sleeve remains cut resistant. In particular aspects, the plurality of non-high performance fibers include cellulosic fibers, polymeric fibers, or combinations thereof. In certain aspects, the polymeric fibers include nylon fibers, polyester fibers, or combinations thereof. [0031] In particular aspects the plurality of cut resistant fibers are in the form of multifilament yarns formed from monofilament high performance fibers such as one or more of those described herein, and the yarns are in the form of a fabric (e.g., knit fabric or woven fabric) that includes other non-high performance fibers (e.g., staple or filament fibers).

[0032] Cut resistance as described herein can be, but does not necessarily have to be, determined according to an industry standard for cut resistance. Exemplary but by no means limiting standards include ASTM F1790 (2004) (Standard Test Method for Measuring Cut Resistance of Materials Used in Protective Clothing), EN 388 (2003) (Gloves Giving Protection From Mechanical Risks), and ISO 13997 (1999) (Protective Clothing - Mechanical Properties - Determination of Resistance to Cutting by Sharp Objects). The cut resistance performance may further be classified according a standard classification system, such as but not limited to ANSI/ISEA 105 (2005). The ASTM F1790 standard and the ANSI/ISEA 105 classification system are described below. In some aspects a cut resistant sleeve with an elbow feature formed as described herein may achieve an ANSI/ISEA 105 (2005) Cut Level of at least 1, or at least 2, or at least 3, or at least 4 or even 5. In 2016, the ANSI/ISEA 105 classification system has been modified to describe cut levels of A1-A9. Thus, in further aspects a cut resistant sleeve with an elbow feature formed as described herein may achieve an ANSI/ISEA 105 (2016) Cut Level of at least Al (> 200 grams (g)), or at least A2 (> 500 g), or at least A3 (> 1000 g), or at least A4 (> 1500 g), or at least A5 (> 2200 g), or at least A6 (> 3000 g), or at least A7 (> 4000 g), or at least A8 (> 5000 g), or even A9 (> 6000 g).

[0033] In some aspects the elbow feature 200 is sized and shaped to conform to a joint of a wearer, such as but not limited to an elbow or a knee. The elbow feature 200 in some aspects includes the same fibers or fiber blends as those in the tubular sleeve 150. If, for example, the tubular sleeve 150 includes a fabric including a blend of 1/3 high-performance polyethylene fibers (e.g. UHMWPE), 1/3 glass and 1/3 polyester fibers, then the elbow feature 200 could also include 1/3 high- performance polyethylene fibers (e.g. UHMWPE), 1/3 glass and 1/3 polyester fibers. The elbow feature need not include the same fibers or fiber blends as the tubular sleeve 150, however. In one purely exemplary aspect in which the tubular sleeve is meant to be used in applications where the elbow feature 200 is more susceptible to abrasion, additional high performance fibers or other fibers may be included in the elbow feature 200 in order to provide the elbow feature 200 with improved abrasion resistance as compared to the tubular sleeve 150.

[0034] As discussed, the tubular sleeve 150 includes a plurality of cut resistant fibers, and in some aspects the plurality of cut resistant fibers are in the form of yarns, the yams in the form of a fabric. In certain aspects, the tubular sleeve may also include one or more non-cut resistant fabrics. For example, the tubular sleeve could include a plurality of layers of fabric, including one or more layers of fabric including a plurality of cut resistant fibers and one or more layers of fabric that do not include cut resistant fibers.

[0035] The cut resistant sleeve 100 can have any fabric weight suitable for the intended use of the sleeve. For example, in applications where the user is subject to extreme cut hazards, it may be desirable for the cut resistant sleeve to have a higher fabric weight than those in which the cut hazard is less severe.

Methods for making

[0036] Aspects of the present disclosure also include methods for making a cut resistant sleeve 100. The method includes forming a tubular sleeve 150 and incorporating an elbow feature 200 into the tubular sleeve. The tubular sleeve includes a plurality of cut resistant fibers. In certain aspects, the plurality of cut resistant fibers include a plurality of high performance fibers selected from, but not limited to, the high performance fibers described above. The elbow feature may in some aspects be sized and shaped to conform to a joint of a wearer. Other features of the cut resistant sleeve 100 are described above and not duplicated here.

[0037] In one aspect, the tubular sleeve 150 a knit or woven fabric. In a particular aspect the tubular sleeve 150 is a knit fabric. The elbow feature 200 may be incorporated into the tubular sleeve 150 as the tubular sleeve 150 is formed. In this manner, the tubular sleeve 150 with the elbow feature 200 incorporated therein is seamless. In a certain aspect, the tubular sleeve 150 could be formed in a circular knitting machine used for making socks, and the elbow feature 200 could be incorporated into the tubular sleeve 150 as the "heel" portion of the knitting machine. Of course, fabric constructions other than knit fabrics or woven fabrics (including but not limited to nonwoven fabrics) could be used.

[0038] As described herein and illustrated in the figures, the elbow feature 200 may be incorporated into the tubular sleeve 150 as the tubular sleeve is formed (e.g., during the sleeve knitting or weaving process) such that the tubular sleeve 150 with the elbow feature 200 incorporated therein is seamless, but it will be recognized that the elbow feature 200 could be incorporated into the tubular sleeve 150 by any other suitable manner.

Aspects of the Disclosure

[0039] In various aspects, the present invention pertains to and includes at least the following aspects.

[0040] Aspect 1 : A cut resistant sleeve comprising:

a tubular sleeve comprising a plurality of cut resistant fibers; and

an elbow feature incorporated into the tubular sleeve, the elbow feature sized and shaped to conform to a joint of a wearer.

[0041] Aspect 2: The cut resistant sleeve of Aspect 1, wherein the plurality of cut resistant fibers are in the form of yarns.

[0042] Aspect 3: The cut resistant sleeve of Aspect 1, wherein the yarns are in the form of a knit fabric or a woven fabric.

[0043] Aspect 4: The cut resistant sleeve according to any of the previous

Aspects, wherein the cut resistant fibers comprise a plurality of high performance fibers selected from the group consisting of para-aramid fibers, steel fibers, high- performance polyethylene fibers, glass fibers and combinations thereof.

[0044] Aspect 5: The cut resistant sleeve according to any of the previous

Aspects, wherein the tubular sleeve further comprises a plurality of non-high performance resistant fibers.

[0045] Aspect 6: The cut resistant sleeve of Aspect 5, wherein the plurality of non-high performance fibers comprise cellulosic fibers, polymeric fibers, or combinations thereof.

[0046] Aspect 7: The cut resistant sleeve of Aspect 6, wherein the polymeric fibers comprise nylon fibers, polyester fibers, or combinations thereof.

[0047] Aspect 8: The cut resistant sleeve according to any of the previous

Aspects, wherein the cut resistant sleeve is suitable for use in food preparation or manufacturing applications.

[0048] Aspect 9: The cut resistant sleeve according to any of the previous

Aspects, wherein the cut resistant sleeve achieves an ANSI/ISEA 105 (2005) Cut Level of at least 3 when tested in accordance with ASTM F1790 (2004).

[0049] Aspect 10: The cut resistant sleeve according to any of the previous

Aspects, wherein the joint is an elbow or knee. [0050] Aspect 11 : The cut resistant sleeve according to any of the previous

Aspects, wherein the elbow feature is integrally formed with the tubular sleeve and comprises the same fibers as the tubular sleeve.

[0051] Aspect 12: A method for making a cut resistant sleeve, the method comprising:

forming a tubular sleeve, the tubular sleeve comprising a plurality of cut resistant fibers; and

incorporating an elbow feature into the tubular sleeve, the elbow feature sized and shaped to conform to a joint of a wearer.

[0052] Aspect 13: The method of Aspect 12, wherein the plurality of cut resistant fibers are in the form of yams, and the yarns are in the form of a knit fabric or a woven fabric.

[0053] Aspect 14: The method according to any of Aspects 12 and 13, wherein the plurality of cut resistant fibers comprise a plurality of high performance fibers selected from the group consisting of para-aramid fibers, steel fibers, high- performance polyethylene fibers, glass fibers and combinations thereof.

[0054] Aspect 15: The method according to any of Aspects 12 to 14, wherein the tubular sleeve further comprises a plurality of non-high performance fibers.

[0055] Aspect 16: The method according to any of Aspects 12 to 15, wherein the plurality of non-high performance fibers comprise cellulosic fibers, polymeric fibers, or combinations thereof.

[0056] Aspect 17: The method according to Aspect 16, wherein the polymeric fibers comprise nylon fibers, polyester fibers, or combinations thereof.

[0057] Aspect 18: The method according to any of Aspects 12 to 17 wherein the cut resistant sleeve achieves an ANSI/ISEA 105 (2005) Cut Level of at least 3 when tested in accordance with ASTM F1790 (2004).

[0058] Aspect 19: The method according to any of Aspects 12 to 18, wherein the joint is an elbow or knee.

[0059] Aspect 20: The method according to any of Aspects 12 to 19, wherein the elbow feature is integrally formed with the tubular sleeve and comprises the same fibers as the tubular sleeve.

EXAMPLES

[0060] The following examples are put forth so as to provide those of ordinary skill in the art with a complete disclosure and description of how the compounds, compositions, articles, devices and/or methods claimed herein are made and evaluated, and are intended to be purely exemplary and are not intended to limit the disclosure. Efforts have been made to ensure accuracy with respect to numbers (e.g., amounts, temperature, etc.), but some errors and deviations should be accounted for. Unless indicated otherwise, parts are parts by weight, temperature is in °C or is at ambient temperature, and pressure is at or near atmospheric. Unless indicated otherwise, percentages referring to composition are in terms of wt%.

[0061] There are numerous variations and combinations of reaction conditions, e.g., component concentrations, desired solvents, solvent mixtures, temperatures, pressures and other reaction ranges and conditions that can be used to optimize the product purity and yield obtained from the described process. Only reasonable and routine experimentation will be required to optimize such process conditions.

[0062] Example 1:

[0063] A cut resistant sleeve according to aspects described herein was produced having a fiber blend of 50% para-aramid fibers, 36% polyester fibers, 12% fiberglass fibers and 2% elastic fibers. The fibers in the sleeve were in the form of yams and included mixed spun and multi-filament yarns (spun yams including the para-aramid fibers and monofilaments of polyester, fiberglass and elastic). The cut resistant sleeve, including the elbow feature, was formed from the yams in a circular knit machine used for making socks.

[0064] The sleeve was tested for cut resistance in accordance with ASTM

F 1790 (2004). Samples of the sleeve were exposed to a cutting action by blade under specified loads, and the distance that the blade travelled before the blade cut through the sample was determined. The raw data is provided in Table 1 :

Table 1

1200 23.99

1200 22.76

1200 19.81

800 42.98

800 43.95

800 44.21

800 45.00

800 38.03

[0065] A graph of this data was made as shown in FIG. 4, and the applied load required to achieve a distance of 20 mm was extrapolated from the graph (1250 g). This result, 1250 g at 20 mm, may then be applied to a classification system such as ANSI/ISEA 105 (2005) to provide a classification level for the cut resistance of the sleeve. The ANSI/ISEA 105 classification levels are provided in Table 2:

Table 2

[0066] The sleeve of Example 1 thus achieved an ANSI/ISEA 105 (2005) Cut

Level of 3.

[0067] Example 2:

[0068] A cut resistant sleeve according to aspects described herein was produced having a fiber blend of 60% para-aramid fibers, 23% polyester fibers, 15% fiberglass fibers and 2% elastic fibers. The fibers in the sleeve were in the form of yams and included mixed spun and multi-filament yarns (spun yams including the para-aramid fibers and monofilaments of polyester, fiberglass and elastic). The cut resistant sleeve, including the elbow feature, was formed from the yams in a circular knit machine used for making socks.

[0069] The sleeve was tested for cut resistance in accordance with ASTM

F1790 (2004) as discussed above in Example 1. The raw data is provided in Table 3: Table 3

[0070] A graph of this data was made as shown in FIG. 5. The 20 mm load was determined to be 1178 g, which corresponded to an ANSI/ISEA 105 (2005) Cut Level of 3.

[0071] Example 3:

[0072] A cut resistant sleeve according to aspects described herein was produced from approximately 1/3 high-performance polyethylene fibers (Dyneema®, available from Royal DSM), approximately 1/3 glass fibers, and the balance

(approximately 1/3) polyester fibers. The fibers in the sleeve were in the form of yarns and included mixed multi-filament yams (i.e., monofilaments of Dyneema®, glass fiber and polyester blended together). The cut resistant sleeve, including the elbow feature, was formed from the yams in a circular knit machine used for making socks. The cut resistant sleeve, including the elbow feature, was formed from the yams in a circular knit machine used for making socks.

[0073] The sleeve was tested for cut resistance in accordance with ASTM

F1790 (2004) as discussed above in Example 1. The raw data is provided in Table 3 :

Table 4

3600 5.22

3600 4.50

3600 9.92

3600 6.89

1600 25.17

1600 18.00

1600 21.47

1600 25.49

1400 36.36

1400 36.73

1400 33.28

1400 38.47

1400 30.97

[0074] A graph of this data was made as shown in FIG. 6. The 20 mm load was determined to be 1943 g, which corresponded to an ANSI/ISEA 105 (2005) Cut Level of 4.

[0075] The cut resistant sleeve is suitable for use in any application in which the user is at risk from cut hazards. Specific but by no means limiting applications include food preparation applications that involve cutting, or manufacturing applications such as those that occur on an assembly line and that involve sharp objects. The user could, for example, don the cut resistant sleeve prior to a work shift and then doff the cut resistant sleeve at the end of his/her shift. The cut resistant sleeve according to aspects described herein may be more comfortable than traditional cut resistant garments that do not include an elbow feature, because the elbow feature can conform to the joint of the wearer.

[0076] It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and variations can be made in the present disclosure without departing from the scope or spirit of the disclosure. Other embodiments of the disclosure will be apparent to those skilled in the art from consideration of the specification and practice of the disclosure disclosed herein. It is intended that the specification and examples be considered as exemplary only, with a true scope and spirit of the disclosure being indicated by the following claims.

[0077] The patentable scope of the disclosure is defined by the claims, and can include other examples that occur to those skilled in the art. Such other examples are intended to be within the scope of the claims if they have structural elements that do not differ from the literal language of the claims, or if they include equivalent structural elements with insubstantial differences from the literal languages of the claims.

Claims

CLAIMS That which is claimed is:

1. A cut resistant sleeve comprising:

a tubular sleeve comprising a plurality of cut resistant fibers; and

2. The cut resistant sleeve of claim 1, wherein the plurality of cut resistant fibers are in the form of yarns.

3. The cut resistant sleeve of claim 2, wherein the yarns are in the form of a knit fabric or a woven fabric.

4. The cut resistant sleeve according to any of the previous claims, wherein the cut resistant fibers comprise a plurality of high performance fibers selected from the group consisting of para-aramid fibers, steel fibers, high-performance polyethylene fibers, glass fibers and combinations thereof.

5. The cut resistant sleeve according to any of the previous claims, wherein the tubular sleeve further comprises a plurality of non-high performance resistant fibers.

6. The cut resistant sleeve of claim 5, wherein the plurality of non-high performance fibers comprise cellulosic fibers, polymeric fibers, or combinations thereof.

7. The cut resistant sleeve of claim 6, wherein the polymeric fibers comprise nylon fibers, polyester fibers, or combinations thereof.

8. The cut resistant sleeve according to any of the previous claims, wherein the cut resistant sleeve is suitable for use in food preparation or manufacturing applications.

9. The cut resistant sleeve according to any of the previous claims, wherein the cut resistant sleeve achieves an ANSI/ISEA 105 (2005) Cut Level of at least 3 when tested in accordance with ASTM F1790 (2004).

10. The cut resistant sleeve according to any of the previous claims, wherein the joint is an elbow or knee.

11. The cut resistant sleeve according to any of the previous claims, wherein the elbow feature is integrally formed with the tubular sleeve and comprises the same fibers as the tubular sleeve.

12. A method for making a cut resistant sleeve, the method comprising:

incorporating an elbow feature into the tubular sleeve, the elbow feature sized and shaped to conform to a j oint of a wearer.

13. The method of claim 12, wherein the plurality of cut resistant fibers are in the form of yarns, and the yams are in the form of a knit fabric or a woven fabric.

14. The method according to any of claims 12 and 13, wherein the plurality of cut resistant fibers comprise a plurality of high performance fibers selected from the group consisting of para-aramid fibers, steel fibers, high-performance polyethylene fibers, glass fibers and combinations thereof.

15. The method according to any of claims 12 to 14, wherein the tubular sleeve further comprises a plurality of non-high performance fibers.

16. The method according to any of claims 12 to 15, wherein the plurality of non- high performance fibers comprise cellulosic fibers, polymeric fibers, or combinations thereof.

17. The method according to claim 16, wherein the polymeric fibers comprise nylon fibers, polyester fibers, or combinations thereof.

18. The method according to any of claims 12 to 17, wherein the cut resistant sleeve achieves an ANSI/ISEA 105 (2005) Cut Level of at least 3 when tested in accordance with ASTM F 1790 (2004).

19. The method according to any of claims 12 to 18, wherein the joint is an elbow or knee.

20. The method according to any of claims 12 to 19, wherein the elbow feature is integrally formed with the tubular sleeve and comprises the same fibers as the tubular sleeve.