U.S. patent application number 10/412312 was filed with the patent office on 2003-10-16 for lightweight armor plates with a ceramic component, systems including same and methods of use thereof.
Invention is credited to Peretz, Asher.
Application Number | 20030192426 10/412312 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 28793983 |
Filed Date | 2003-10-16 |
United States Patent
Application |
20030192426 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Peretz, Asher |
October 16, 2003 |
Lightweight armor plates with a ceramic component, systems
including same and methods of use thereof
Abstract
A lightweight opaque armor plate, systems including same and
methods of use thereof. Disclosed is a lightweight opaque armor
plate, which includes a ceramic layer designed and constructed to
absorb and disperse energy from a projectile and a hardened metal
layer designed and constructed to prevent penetration by the
projectile projectile. A total weight of the plate is less about 43
kg/M.sup.2 of the plate. Systems including the disclosed plate and
a positioning device are further disclosed. Methods which employ
the disclosed plate, preferably as part of the disclosed system, to
provide projection from projectile impact are further
disclosed.
Inventors: |
Peretz, Asher; (Ramat Ffal,
IL) |
Correspondence
Address: |
DR. MARK FRIEMAN LTD.
C/o Bill Polkinghorn
Disccovery Dispatch
9003 Florin Way
Upper Marlboro
MD
20772
US
|
Family ID: |
28793983 |
Appl. No.: |
10/412312 |
Filed: |
April 14, 2003 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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10412312 |
Apr 14, 2003 |
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10155670 |
May 28, 2002 |
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60343213 |
Dec 31, 2001 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
89/36.02 |
Current CPC
Class: |
F41H 5/06 20130101; F41H
5/0407 20130101; B32B 17/10761 20130101; F41H 5/0457 20130101; B32B
17/10018 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
89/36.02 |
International
Class: |
F41H 005/02 |
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. A lightweight opaque armor plate, the plate comprising: (a) a
ceramic layer, said ceramic being designed and constructed to
absorb and disperse energy from a projectile, and (b) a hardened
metal layer, said hardened metal layer situated behind said ceramic
layer and being designed and constructed to prevent penetration by
said projectile; wherein a total weight of the plate is less than
approximately exactly 43 kg/M.sup.2 of the plate.
2. The opaque plate of claim 1, wherein a total thickness of said
hardened metal layer and said ceramic layer is in the range of
approximately 12 to approximately 18 mm.
3. The opaque plate of claim 1, wherein a total thickness of said
hardened metal layer and said ceramic layer is in the range of
approximately 22 to approximately 32 mm.
4. The opaque plate of claim 1, wherein said hardened metal layer
is constructed of a material selected from the group consisting of
heat treated aluminum and a heat-treated alloy.
5. The opaque plate of claim 1, wherein said hardened metal layer
contains at least one material selected from the group consisting
of aluminum, magnesium, silicon, titanium, copper, manganese and
chromium.
6. The opaque plate of claim 1, further comprising a reversible
attachment device.
7. The opaque plate of claim 1, wherein said ceramic layer includes
primarily at least one material material selected from the group
consisting of Alumina (Al.sub.2O.sub.3) and Magnesia (MgO).
8. The opaque plate of claim 1, further comprising a coating.
9. A system for protecting a target from impact by a projectile,
the system comprising: (a) at least one lightweight opaque armor
plate comprising: (i) a ceramic layer, said ceramic layer being
designed and constructed to absorb and disperse energy from a
projectile, (ii) a hardened metal layer, said hardened metal layer
situated behind said ceramic layer and being designed and
constructed to prevent penetration by said projectile; and (b) a
positioning device designed and constructed to engage and retain
said at least one lightweight opaque armor plate in a position
between the target and the projectile; wherein a total weight of
said armor plate is less than approximately exactly 43
kg/M.sup.2.
10. The system of claim 9, further comprising at least one item
selected from the group consisting of: (c) a transparent armor
plate comprising; (i) at least one glass layer placed to receive an
initial impact from a projectile; (ii) at least one plastic layer,
said plastic layer situated behind said glass layer and designed
and constructed to be impenetrable by said projectile, said plastic
layer comprising at least approximately 50% of said total weight of
the plate. (iii) at least one adhesive, said adhesive bonding two
of said layers together; wherein a degree of transparency thereof
permits visibility therethrough by a user thereof; and (d) an
opaque armor plate comprising: (i) a first hardened metal layer,
said first hardened metal layer placed to receive an initial impact
from a projectile; (ii) a force dissipating layer, said force
dissipating layer situated behind said first hardened metal layer
and being designed and constructed to absorb and disperse energy
from said projectile, (iii) a second hardened metal layer, said
second hardened metal layer situated behind said force dissipating
layer and being designed and constructed to prevent penetration by
said projectile.
11. The system of claim 9, wherein said positioning device includes
at least one item selected from the group consisting of a
reversible attachment device, a permanent attachment device, a base
and an article of clothing modified to accommodate said at least
one lightweight armor plate.
12. A method of protecting a target from impact by a projectile,
the method comprising: (a) ascertaining at least one source from
which a projectile is likely to emanate; and (b) employing a
positioning device to engage and retain at least one lightweight
opaque armor plate in a position between the target and said at
least one source from which a projectile is likely to emanate;
wherein said lightweight opaque armor plate comprises: (i) a
ceramic layer, said ceramic being designed and constructed to
absorb and disperse energy from the projectile, (ii) a hardened
metal layer, said hardened metal layer situated behind said ceramic
layer and being designed and constructed to prevent penetration by
the projectile; and wherein a total weight of the plate is less
than approximately exactly 43 kg/M.sup.2 of the plate
13. The method of claim 12, further comprising providing at least
one additional lightweight armor plate, wherein said additional
lightweight armor plate includes at least one item selected from
the group consisting of: (i) a transparent armor plate comprising;
(1) at least one glass layer placed to receive an initial impact
from a projectile; (2) at least one plastic layer, said plastic
layer situated behind said glass layer and designed and constructed
to be impenetrable by said projectile, said plastic layer
comprising at least approximately 50% of said total weight of the
plate. (3) at least one adhesive, said adhesive bonding two of said
layers together; wherein a degree of transparency thereof permits
visibility therethrough by a user thereof; and (ii) an opaque armor
plate comprising: (1) a first hardened metal layer, said first
hardened metal layer placed to receive an initial impact from a
projectile; (2) a force dissipating layer, said force dissipating
layer situated behind said first hardened metal layer and being
designed and constructed to absorb and disperse energy from said
projectile, (3) a second hardened metal layer, said second hardened
metal layer situated behind said force dissipating layer and being
designed and constructed to prevent penetration by said
projectile.
14. The method of claim 12, wherein said employing a positioning
device includes employing at least one item selected from the group
consisting of a reversible attachment device, a permanent
attachment device, a base and an article of clothing modified to
accommodate said at least one lightweight armor plate
Description
[0001] This application is a continuation in part of U.S. patent
application Ser. No. 10/155,670 filed on May 28, 2002 and currently
pending which claimed priority from U.S. patent application Ser.
No. 60/343,213 filed on Dec. 31, 2001 and now abandoned.
FIELD AND BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The present invention relates to lightweight armor plates
with a ceramic component, systems including same and methods of use
thereof and, more particularly, to an armor plate with a ceramic
component which may be reversibly attached to protect a target from
a projectile.
[0003] The recent increase in political unrest, financially
motivated crime and/or terrorism in many areas of the world has
caused many people to fear that they are potential targets for
attack with firearms or explosive devices.
[0004] Typically, protection from bullets or shrapnel required use
of expensive and heavy armor. True armored vehicles, such as tanks
and other vehicles designed to withstand artillery shells and
rockets are obviously ill suited to urban travel.
[0005] Previously available armor for normal vehicles was typically
so heavy that it required use of very large motors and/or all wheel
drive transmission systems. This meant that retrofitting a typical
passenger vehicle with armor was virtually infeasible.
[0006] Further, the cost of typical armoring for a vehicle is
prohibitive, owing in part to the types of materials employed and
in part to the amount of armor employed.
[0007] These considerations also apply to armoring static targets
such as buildings, windows and bus stops. Similarly, portable
bulletproof protection has typically been limited to "flack
jackets" and helmets which offer no protection for the face and
often leave arms and legs unprotected.
[0008] There is thus a widely recognized need for, and it would be
highly advantageous to have, lightweight armor plates with a
ceramic component, systems including same and methods of use
thereof devoid of the above limitations.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0009] According to one aspect of the present invention there is
provided a lightweight opaque armor plate. The plate includes:(a) a
ceramic layer, the ceramic being designed and constructed to absorb
and disperse energy from a projectile, and (b) a hardened metal
layer, the hardened metal layer situated behind the ceramic layer
and being designed and constructed to prevent penetration by the
projectile. A total weight of the plate is less than approximately
exactly 43 kg/M.sup.2 of the plate.
[0010] According to one aspect of the present invention there is
provided a system for protecting a target from impact by a
projectile The system includes: (a) at least one lightweight opaque
armor plate including: (i) a ceramic layer designed and constructed
to absorb and disperse energy from a projectile, and (ii) a
hardened metal layer situated behind the ceramic layer and designed
and constructed to prevent penetration by the projectile; and (b) a
positioning device designed and constructed to engage and retain
the at least one lightweight armor plate in a position between the
target and the projectile The total weight of the armor plate is
less than approximately exactly 43 kg/M.sup.2.
[0011] According to another additional aspect of the present
invention there is provided a method of protecting a target from
impact by a projectile. The method includes: (a) ascertaining at
least one source from which a projectile is likely to emanate; and
(b) employing a positioning device to engage and retain at least
one lightweight opaque armor plate in a position between the target
and the at least one source from which a projectile is likely to
emanate; wherein the lightweight opaque armor plate includes: (i) a
ceramic layer designed and constructed to absorb and disperse
energy from a projectile, (ii) a hardened metal layer situated
behind the ceramic layer and designed and constructed to prevent
penetration by the projectile. The total weight of the plate is
less than approximately exactly 43 kg/M.sup.2.
[0012] According to further features in preferred embodiments of
the invention described below, a total thickness of the hardened
metal layer and the ceramic layer is in the range of approximately
12 to approximately 18 mm more preferably in the range of
approximately 6 to approximately 12 mm.
[0013] According to still further features in the described
preferred embodiments the hardened metal layer is constructed of a
material selected from the group consisting of heat treated
aluminum and a heat-treated alloy.
[0014] According to still further features in the described
preferred embodiments the hardened metal layer contains at least
one material selected from the group consisting of aluminum,
magnesium, silicon, titanium, copper, manganese and chromium.
[0015] According to still further features in the described
preferred embodiments the opaque plate further includes a
reversible attachment device.
[0016] According to still further features in the described
preferred embodiments the ceramic layer includes primarily at least
one material material selected from the group consisting of Alumina
(Al.sub.2O.sub.3) and Magnesia (MgO).
[0017] According to still further features in the described
preferred embodiments the opaque plate further includes a
coating.
[0018] According to still further features in the described
preferred embodiments the system further includes at least one item
selected from the group consisting of (c) a transparent armor plate
including; (i) at least one glass layer placed to receive an
initial impact from a projectile; (ii) at least one plastic layer,
the plastic layer situated behind the glass layer and designed and
constructed to be impenetrable by the projectile, the plastic layer
includes at least approximately 50% of the total weight of the
plate. (iii) at least one adhesive, the adhesive bonding two of the
layers together; wherein a degree of transparency thereof permits
visibility therethrough by a user thereof; and (d) an opaque armor
plate including: (i) a first hardened metal layer, the first
hardened metal layer placed to receive an initial impact from a
projectile; (ii) a force dissipating layer, the force dissipating
layer situated behind the first hardened metal layer and being
designed and constructed to absorb and disperse energy from the
projectile, (iii) a second hardened metal layer, the second
hardened metal layer situated behind the force dissipating layer
and being designed and constructed to prevent penetration by the
projectile.
[0019] According to still further features in the described
preferred embodiments the positioning device includes at least one
item selected from the group consisting of a reversible attachment
device, a permanent attachment device, a base and an article of
clothing modified to accommodate the at least one lightweight armor
plate.
[0020] According to still further features in the described
preferred embodiments the method further includes providing at
least one additional lightweight armor plate, wherein the
additional lightweight armor plate includes at least one item
selected from the group consisting of: (i) a transparent armor
plate includes; (1) at least one glass layer placed to receive an
initial impact from a projectile; (2) at least one plastic layer,
the plastic layer situated behind the glass layer and designed and
constructed to be impenetrable by the projectile, the plastic layer
includes at least approximately 50% of the total weight of the
plate. (3) at least one adhesive, the adhesive bonding two of the
layers together; wherein a degree of transparency thereof permits
visibility therethrough by a user thereof; and (ii) an opaque armor
plate includes:(1) a first hardened metal layer, the first hardened
metal layer placed to receive an initial impact from a projectile;
(2) a force dissipating layer, the force dissipating layer situated
behind the first hardened metal layer and being designed and
constructed to absorb and disperse energy from the projectile, (3)
a second hardened metal layer, the second hardened metal layer
situated behind the force dissipating layer and being designed and
constructed to prevent penetration by the projectile.
[0021] According to still further features in the described
preferred embodiments employing a positioning device includes
employing at least one item selected from the group consisting of a
reversible attachment device, a permanent attachment device, a base
and an article of clothing modified to accommodate the at least one
lightweight armor plate.
[0022] The present invention successfully addresses the
shortcomings of the presently known configurations by providing
portable lightweight armor plates which includes only two layers,
one of which is a ceramic layer, systems including the two layer
plates and methods of use thereof.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0023] The invention is herein described, by way of example only,
with reference to the accompanying drawings. With specific
reference now to the drawings in detail, it is stressed that the
particulars shown are by way of example and for purposes of
illustrative discussion of the preferred embodiments of the present
invention only, and are presented in the cause of providing what is
believed to be the most useful and readily understood description
of the principles and conceptual aspects of the invention. In this
regard, no attempt is made to show structural details of the
invention in more detail than is necessary for a fundamental
understanding of the invention, the description taken with the
drawings making apparent to those skilled in the art how the
several forms of the invention may be embodied in practice.
[0024] In the drawings:
[0025] FIG. 1 is a cross section of a lightweight transparent armor
plate employed in some embodiments of the present invention;
[0026] FIG. 2 is a cross section of a lightweight opaque armor
plate according various preferred embodiments of the present
invention;
[0027] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a reversible attachment
device according to the present invention;
[0028] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a carrying case for a
portable armoring system;
[0029] FIG. 5 is a simplified flow diagram illustrating a sequence
of steps in a method according to the present invention; and
[0030] FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a portable shelter
constructed of armor plates according to the present invention.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0031] The present invention is of lightweight armor plates with a
ceramic component systems including same and methods of use thereof
which can be employed to protect a target from damage caused by
projectiles including, but not limited to, bullets.
[0032] Specifically, the present invention can be used to armor a
vehicle or a portion thereof. Alternately, or additionally, the
present invention may be employed to protect a structure such as a
building or bus stop, or a portion thereof such as a window or a
door. Alternately, the present invention may be employed as a
portable bulletproof shelter for one or more people. Alternately,
the present invention may be employed in construction of improved
bulletproof clothing.
[0033] The principles and operation of lightweight armor plates,
systems including same and methods of use thereof according to the
present invention may be better understood with reference to the
drawings and accompanying descriptions.
[0034] Before explaining at least one embodiment of the invention
in detail, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited
in its application to the details of construction and the
arrangement of the components set forth in the following
description or illustrated in the drawings. The invention is
capable of other embodiments or of being practiced or carried out
in various ways. Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology
and terminology employed herein is for the purpose of description
and should not be regarded as limiting.
[0035] For purposes of this specification and the accompanying
claims, the term "projectile" includes, but is not limited to, a
bullet fired from a weapon such as, for example, an M-16, an AK-47
(i.e. Kalashnikov), a Galil assault rifle, an Uzi machine gun, a
pistol, a rifle or similar. Projectile further includes a
collection of small projectiles, for example buckshot fired from a
shotgun shell or shrapnel from an explosive device. The following
bullets are specifically included in the definition of projectile:
AK-47 7.62.times.39AP; AK-47 7.62.times.51AP NATO; M16
5.56.times.45 33-109 and M-80 Ball 7.62.times.51.
[0036] For purposes of this specification and the accompanying
claims, the term "explosive device" includes, but is not limited
to, a hand grenade, a pipe bomb and an explosive packet worn or
carried by a suicide bomber. Specifically, suicide bombers are
known to include small metal pieces (e.g. screws, nails) within the
explosive packet to produce shrapnel. These small metal pieces are
included within the definition of projectile.
[0037] For purposes of this specification and the accompanying
claims, the term "impenetrable" indicates a capability of
preventing penetration by a projectile fired from a weapon at a
distance of fifty meters, more preferably four to five meters, most
preferably zero to one meter from the armor plate.
[0038] Referring now to the drawings, FIG. 2 depicts a lightweight
opaque armor plate 40 including a ceramic layer 44. Ceramic layer
44 is designed and constructed to absorb and disperse energy from a
projectile 34. Plate 40 further includes a hardened metal layer 46
situated behind ceramic layer 44 and designed and constructed to
prevent penetration by projectile 34. A total weight of plate 40 is
less than approximately exactly 43 kg/M.sup.2. Preferably, a total
thickness of hardened metal layer 46 and ceramic layer 44 is in the
range of approximately 12 to approximately 18 mm more preferably in
the range of approximately 6 to approximately 12 mm. Preferably,
hardened metal layer 46 is constructed of heat treated aluminum or
a heat-treated alloy as described in more dtail hereinbelow. For
example, hardened metal layer 46 maycontain materials including,
but not limited to, aluminum, magnesium, silicon, titanium, copper,
manganese and chromium.
[0039] Preferably opaque plate 40 further includes a reversible
attachment device 38 and/or a coating 48 as described in more
detail hereinbelow.
[0040] Preferably, ceramic layer 44 includes primarily Alumina
(Al.sub.2O.sub.3), Magnesia (MgO) or a combination thereof.
Preferably layer 44 is 96% Alumina, more preferably 98% Alumina,
most preferably between 98% and Alumina.
[0041] The present invention is further embodied by a system for
protecting a target from impact by a projectile. The system
includes at least one lightweight opaque armor plate including 40
including a ceramic layer 44 and a hardened metal layer 46 as
detailed hereinabove and a positioning device (e.g 38 or 60 as
detailed hereinbelow) designed and constructed to engage and retain
the at least one lightweight armor plate 40 in a position between
the target and projectile 34.
[0042] Preferably the system further includes a transparent armor
plate 20 (FIG. 1) as detailed hereinbelow and /or an opaque armor
plate 40 including a first hardened metal layer 42, a force
dissipating layer 44, and a second hardened metal layer 46 as
detailed hereinbelow.
[0043] The positioning device may be, for example, a reversible
attachment device 38 or 60, a permanent attachment device, a base
or an article of clothing modified to accommodate plate 40.
[0044] The present invention is further embodied by a method 100
(FIG. 5) protecting a target from impact by projectile 34. Method
100 includes ascertaining 102 at least one source from which a
projectile is likely to emanate and employing 104 a positioning
device (e.g. 38 or 60) to engage and retain at least one
lightweight opaque armor plate 40 in a position between the target
and the at least one source from which a projectile is likely to
emanate. According to method 100, the lightweight opaque armor
plate 40 is as described hereinabove and includes a ceramic layer
44 and hardened metal layer 46.
[0045] Preferably, method 100 further includes providing at least
one additional lightweight armor plate, such as, for example
transparent armor plate 20 as detailed hereinbelow and/or an opaque
armor plate 40 including a first hardened metal layer 42, a force
dissipating layer 44, and a second hardened metal layer 46 as
detailed hereinbelow.
[0046] Preferably, employing a positioning device includes
employing, for example, reversible attachment device 38, a
permanent attachment device 110, a base 116 and an article of
clothing 114 modified to accommodate the at least one lightweight
armor plate (20 or 40).
[0047] FIG. 1 illustrates a lightweight transparent armor plate 20.
Plate 20 includes at least one glass layer 22 placed to receive an
initial impact from a projectile 34 (pictured as an arrow) on an
impact surface 36. Plate 20 further includes at least one plastic
layer 26 or 28 situated behind glass layer 22 and designed and
constructed to be impenetrable by projectile 34 which is typically,
but not always, a bullet fired from a gun at close range as
detailed hereinabove. Plastic layer 26 or 28 constitutes at least
approximately 50% of a total weight of plate 20. Plate 20 further
includes at least one adhesive 30 or 32. Adhesive 30 or 32 bonds
two of the layers of plate 20 together. Plate 20 is further
designed and constructed so that a total weight of the plate is
less than approximately exactly 50 kg/M.sup.2. Preferably plate 20
is supplied in relatively small pieces so that a total weight of
each piece does not exceed 20 kg, more preferably 15 kg, still more
preferably 10 kg, most preferably 5 kg. The degree of transparency
of the plate permits visibility therethrough by a user thereof.
This means that plate 20 may be used as, for example, a face-shield
of a helmet or a window of a building or a vehicle. Preferably,
plate 20 is used in conjunction with an existing window, most
preferably plate 20 is reversibly attachable to an existing window
to render it bulletproof. For these purposes, larger plates 20 or
40 may be preferred, for example plates having dimensions of
1.times.2 M. Such large plates will weigh approximately 100 kilos
and would potentially require two people to install. Alternately or
additionally, a single person operating installation equipment
might be employed.
[0048] Plate 20 preferably has a total thickness in the range of
approximately 30 to approximately 40 mm. This includes the
thickness of at least one glass layer 22 and 24, the at least one
plastic layer 26 and/or 28 and the at least one adhesive 30 and
32.
[0049] FIG. 1 depicts a preferred embodiment of plate 20 which
includes at least one glass layer composed of at least two glass
layers 22 and 24. In this preferred embodiment of plate 20, at
least one plastic layer 26 or 28 includes at least two plastic
layers 26 and 28. The plastic layer may be constructed of a
material selected from the group consisting of an acrylic plastic
(e.g. 26) and polycarbonate (e.g. 28). Each plastic layer 26 or 28
may optionally be constructed of a number of thinner sheets of
plastic bonded together until a desired thickness is achieved.
[0050] Preferably plate 20 further includes a reversible attachment
device 38. For purposes of this specification and the accompanying
claims, the phrase "reversible attachment device" includes, but is
not limited to, at least one hook, at least one snap, at least one
grommet, at least one cotter pin, Velcro.TM., at least one magnet,
at least one suction cup, at least one button, at least one
mounting bracket, at least one flexible strap, at least one
engageable edge or combinations thereof Reversibility of attachment
may be achieved, for example, by installing a first portion of a
reversible attachment device at a desired point of attachment and a
companion portion of the reversible attachment device on the armor
plate. Alternately, a reversible attachment device 38 may be
reversibly attachable to both plate 20 and a desired point of
attachment as depicted in FIG. 3 of sling 60. Reversible attachment
device 38 in the form of sling 60 includes at least one pocket 62
designed and constructed to engage and retain plate 20. Plate 20
may then be reversibly mounted, for example in a door of an
automobile so that it covers a side window, by means of hooks 38
which slip over the doorframe surrounding the window. Preferably
sling 60 includes additional pockets e.g. 64 and 66 attached by
fasteners 70. Pockets 64 and 66 may accommodate additional plates
20 or 40 (FIG. 2) to increase the area protected from projectile
34. Sling 60 may be mounted either on an exterior side or anterior
side of a surface such as a car door. Plates 20 and 40 will conform
to the size of the specific car door, or, more preferably, to a
generic car door dimension. Modifications in dimensions can easily
produce slings 60 suited to a variety of purposes including
protection of various windows in a vehicle and windows or doors of
buildings.
[0051] Layers of plate 20 are preferably bonded one to another with
at least one adhesive such as, for example, PVB 30 or polyurethane
32. PVB 30 is typically supplied as thin sheets which are
heat-sealed to, for example, two layers of glass 22 and 24 or a
glass layer 24 and a plastic layer (e.g. 26 or 28). Polyurethane 32
may be applied as, for example, a liquid glue to bond acrylic 26
and/or polycarbonate 28 layers to each other. Alternately, or
additionally polyurethane 32 may be supplied as thin sheets which
are heat-sealed to bond two layers.
[0052] The present invention is further embodied by a lightweight
opaque armor plate 40 (FIG. 2). Plate 40 includes a first hardened
metal layer 42, placed to receive an initial impact from a
projectile 34 on an impact surface 36. Plate 40 further includes a
force-dissipating layer, the force-dissipating layer 44 situated
behind first hardened metal layer 42. Force dissipating layer 44 is
designed and constructed to absorb and disperse energy from
projectile 34. Force dissipating layer 44 may be constructed of a
material such as, for example polyurethane, Keviar.TM., dynima,
magnesium, aluminum, an acrylic plastic or iron. Plate 40 further
includes a second hardened metal layer 46 situated behind force
dissipating layer 44 and designed and constructed to prevent
penetration by projectile 34. Preferably, the total weight of plate
40 is less than approximately exactly 50 kg/M Preferably plate 40
is supplied in relatively small pieces so that a total weight of
each piece does not exceed 20 kg, more preferably 15 kg, still more
preferably 10 kg, most preferably 5 kg. Plate 40 may be used as,
for example, a body shield, a portion of a helmet or a portable
protective wall. Preferably, plate 40 is used in conjunction with
an existing surface such as, for example, a car door. Most
preferably plate 40 is reversibly attachable to an existing surface
to render it bulletproof.
[0053] Preferably a total thickness of plate 40 is in the range of
approximately 12 to approximately 18 mm in order tp provide
protection from a rifle bullet. Thinner plates, for example 6 mm to
12 mm may be employed to provide protection from pistol bullets.
These thicknesses include the thicknesses of first and second
hardened metal layers (42 and 46) and force dissipating layer 44.
Preferably first and second hardened metal layers (42 and 46) are
each constructed of, for example, heat-treated aluminum or a
heat-treated alloy (e.g. aluminum alloy). Thus, layers 42 and 46
may be similar in composition or different in composition.
[0054] The heat-treated aluminum alloy may include, for example,
magnesium, copper, silicon or combinations thereof. Thus, according
different preferred embodiments of the invention, the first and
second hardened metal layers 42 and 46 may each independently
contain materials including, but not limited to aluminum,
magnesium, silicon, titanium, copper, manganese and chromium.
[0055] Examples of alloys known to be useful in construction
hardened metal layers 42 and 46 are provided in table 1. These
compositions are provided as examples only and are not intended to
limit the scope of the invention. One ordinarily skilled in the art
of metallurgy will be able to adjust the exact composition of an
alloy to slightly alter weight or elasticity by adding, for
example, rare earth metals such as tungsten, molybdenum or
beryllium according to guidelines set fort in metallurgy texts.
Addition of small quantities of such metals to the alloy is within
the scope of the present invention.
1TABLE 1 Alloys useful in construction of hardened metal layers
MATERIAL WEIGHT PERCENTAGE Magnesium (Mg) 0.3-3.0 Silicon (Si)
0.0-8.0 Titanium (Ti) 0.0-1.0 Copper (Cu) 0.0-5.0 Manganese (Mn)
0.0-1.0 Chromium (Cr) 0.0-5.0 Aluminum (Al) 70.0-100.0
[0056] Thus, according to some preferred embodiments of the
invention hardened metal layers 42 or 46 may include 0.45 to 0.6%
magnesium; 6.7 to 7.5% silicon; approximately 0.2% titanium and
aluminum, for example 91.7 to 92.65% aluminum.
[0057] According to alternate preferred embodiments of the
invention hardened metal layers 42 or 46 may include 2.1 to 2.9%
magnesium; 1.2 to 2% copper; approximately 0.3% manganese; 0.18 to
0.35% chromium and aluminum, for example 94.45 to 96.22%
aluminum.
[0058] According to additional alternate preferred embodiments of
the invention hardened metal layers 42 or 46 may include 1.2% to
1.8% magnesium; 3.8 to 4.9% copper; approximately 0.3 to 0.9%
manganese; and aluminum, for example 92.4 to 94.7% aluminum.
[0059] According to further additional alternate preferred
embodiments of the invention hardened metal layers 42 or 46 may
include 0.8 to 1.2% magnesium; 0.15 to 0.4% copper; approximately
0.4 to 0.8% silicon; and aluminum, for example 97.6 to 98.65%
aluminum.
[0060] Methods for preparation of alloys are well known in the art
and detailed description of common methods may be found, for
example, in "Principles of Metal Casting" (eds. Heine and
Rosenthal, McGraw Hill Book Co.; 1955). and in "Symposium on
Principles of Gating" published by the American Foundrymen's
Society (1951) or in "Casting Aluminum" by C. W. Ammen (Tab Books
Inc.;1985) or in "Metallurgy of Aluminum Alloys by M. van Lancker
(Chapman and Hall Ltd.; 1967). Each of these texts is fully
included herein by reference.
[0061] The term "heat treatment" or "heat treated" as used herein
preferably refers to a process which includes precipitation
hardening, tempering, solution treatment or combinations thereof.
As used herein, the term "tempering" specifically includes rapid
cooling, for example by immersion in a chilled water bath or ice
and water slurry.
[0062] Thus, one method for preparation of a hardened metal alloy
according to the present invention includes solution treatment
followed by tempering in an ice/water bath followed by
precipitation hardening. This process imparts previously unachieved
properties to the resultant alloy, for example elongation of
11%.
[0063] Solution treatment may be accomplished, for example by
heating the alloy (e.g. Aluminum alloy) to a temperature in excess
of 500 degrees centigrade, more preferably 540 to 550 degrees
centigrade, most preferably approximately 543 degrees centigrade a
period of two to eighteen hours. The alloy is subsequently cooled
to less than 60 degrees centigrade, more preferably 20 to 30
degrees centigrade by immersion in a liquid bath, for example an
ice/water bath or chilled acetone/ethanol bath for four to ten
seconds. This process imparts a "potential hardness" to the
alloy.
[0064] Precipitation hardening may be accomplished by, for example,
heating the alloy to a moderate temperature, preferably 150 to 170
degrees more preferably 155 to 165 degrees centigrade. Preferably,
precipitation hardening is performed 24 hours or more after
solution treatment.
[0065] These industrial processes are described in greater detail
in American Standards MIL-A-21180 (casting); MIL-A-6088 (heat
treatment) and MIL-ASTM-B26 ASTM-B26 (all published by the U.S.
Government Printing office; 1971) which are fully incorporated
herein by reference.
[0066] Preferably plate 40 further includes a reversible attachment
device 38 as defined hereinabove. Thus, attachment device 38may be,
for example, sling 60 as pictured in FIG. 3 and described
hereinabove. Alternately, but also preferably, attachment device 38
may take the form of suction cups as pictured in FIG. 2.
[0067] In order to facilitate ease of handling, plate 40 further
includes a coating 48. Coating 48 may be, for example, rubber,
plastic or fabric. Preferably fabric coatings are bonded to plate
40 with a suitable adhesive.
[0068] The present invention is further embodied by a system for
protecting a target from impact by a projectile 34. The system
includes at least one lightweight armor plate (e.g. 20 or 40; as
described hereinabove) and a positioning device (e.g. 60 or 38)
designed and constructed to engage and retain at least one
lightweight armor plate 20 and/or 40 in a position between the
target and projectile 34. Preferably, a total weight of the armor
plate is less than approximately exactly 50 kg/M.sup.2, more
preferably less than approximately exactly 43 kg/M.sup.2 and the
armor plate is supplied in lightweight easily handled pieces as
described hereinabove.
[0069] Positioning device 60 may alternately be embodied by a
reversible attachment device 38 as defined hereinabove, a permanent
attachment device (e.g. screws, nails, rivets, cement or glue), a
base and an article of clothing modified to accommodate the at
least one lightweight armor plate.
[0070] A base may be, for example a polygonal solid with an opening
designed to engage and retain at least a portion of an edge of
plate 20 or 40. Alternately, a base may be an assembly of legs,
preferably collapsible legs.
[0071] An article of clothing modified to accommodate the at least
one lightweight armor plate 20 or 40 may be produced, for example,
by incorporating pockets designed to engage and retain plates 20 or
40 into, for example, the legs of a pair of trousers. Alternately,
or additionally, plates 20 or 40 may be sown between layers of
fabric when manufacturing a garment. The garment, in these cases,
functions as reversible attachment device 38.
[0072] Alternately, or additionally, the invention may take the
form of a portable bulletproof shelter 58 as depicted in FIG. 6.
Shelter 58 includes rigid supports 72 upon which pockets 62, 64,
and 66 are arranged. Plates 20 and 40 are installed in pockets 62,
64, and 66, Wheels 74 allow a user of shelter 58 to easily adjust
the location and or position of shelter 58 during use. Transparent
plate 20 allows visibility during use. Opaque plates 40 are
employed in areas where visibility is not required. Reversible
attachment devices 38 allow removal and insertion of plates 20 or
40. This facilitates assembly. Shelter 58 is preferably supplied in
one or more carrying cases 80 as depicted in FIG. 4.
[0073] The present invention is further embodied by a method 100 of
protecting a target from impact by a projectile 34. Method 100
includes ascertaining 102 at least one source from which a
projectile 34 is likely to emanate and employing 104 a positioning
device to engage and retain at least one lightweight armor plate
(e.g. 20 or 40) in a position between the target and the at least
one source from which a projectile is likely to emanate.
[0074] Method 100 preferably further includes causing 106 a total
weight of the armor plate to be less than approximately exactly 43
kg/M.sup.2. This may be accomplished, for example providing 108 a
transparent armor plate 20 as described hereinabove and or an
opaque armor plate 40 as described hereinabove.
[0075] Employing 104 a positioning device may include employing,
for example, a reversible 112 attachment device 38 as described
hereinabove, a permanent 110 attachment device, a base (e.g. wheels
74 in FIG. 6) or an article of clothing 114 modified to accommodate
the at least one lightweight armor plate.
[0076] As an illustrative, non-limiting, example of use of the
armored plates, system and method of the present invention, the
following story of a telephone repairman is provided. The repairman
typically drives his repair truck within the city limits of Utopia,
where no shooting has occurred in recent memory. However, the
outlying suburb of Chaos is within his service area and,
occasionally he must travel north along a highway which passes past
the village of Hades. Inhabitants of Hades habitually shoot at
vehicles passing their village on the highway.
[0077] The repairman uses one of twenty repair trucks in the fleet
of the telephone company. Each day he is assigned an available
vehicle when he reports to work. The phone company has equipped all
twenty vehicles with reversible attachment devices 38 in the form
of metal snaps. The cost of installing snaps on all twenty vehicles
was negligible compared to the cost of a single workmen's
compensation lawsuit from an employee injured or killed by gunfire.
Snaps are installed on the interior of the driver side door, the
interior of the passenger side door and the interior of the frame
surrounding the front windscreen and the midline of the ceiling
over the front seat.
[0078] One day, the repairman reports for work and sees that he has
a repair call in Chaos on his list of stops. Before beginning his
daily rounds he stops at the dispatcher's office and requests one
of three armoring kits purchased by the phone company to serve
their twenty vehicles. The kit includes two suitcases 80 (FIG. 4),
each of which is equipped with a handle 82 and a closure means
(e.g. zipper 79). One suitcase contains a sling 60 with a small
transparent armored plate 20 and two opaque armored plates 40. The
total weight of this case, including contents is about 20 kilos.
The second case contains a transparent plate 20, designed to cover
a third, more preferably a half, of the front windscreen of the
repair truck and weighing 10-30 kilos, more preferably 11-16 kilos.
The repairman loads the two cases into the back of his truck.
[0079] As he approaches the city limits of Utopia, he stops the
truck and assembles the armor system. Assembly and mounting is
accomplished quickly, preferably in less than 2 minutes, more
preferably in approximately 1 minute or less. He first mounts sling
60 on the interior of the driver side door. He then inserts a
transparent plate 20 into pocket 62 of sling 60 and two opaque
plates 40 into pockets 64 and 66 of sling 60. An additional
transparent plate 20 is affixed to snaps on the interior frame of
the front windscreen so that the left (driver's) side of the front
windscreen is armored. The repairmen has chosen to employ 104 this
configuration of positioning devices for plates 20 and 40 because
he has ascertained 102 that projectiles 34 are most likely to
emanate from Hades, which will be on his left as he travels north
from Utopia to Chaos. The repairman travels without incident to
Chaos.
[0080] Prior to returning to Utopia, the repairman moves sling 60
so that it hangs from snaps along the midline of the cabin
interior. This positioning 104 is chosen because Hades will be on
his right side as he travels south from Chaos to Utopia. Plate 20
on the front windscreen is not moved for the return trip. On his
return trip, a sniper crouching in bushes three meters from the
highway opens fire on the repair truck with an automatic rifle.
Four projectiles 34 hit the repair truck. The first projectile 34
hits the left side of the front windscreen where it is stopped by
plate 20 installed there, the second projectile 34 hits the right
side of the front windscreen and then plate 40 in sling 60 hanging
in the center of the passenger cabin. The third projectile hits the
right front window of the truck and is similarly stopped by plate
40 in sling 60 hanging in the center of the passenger cabin. The
fourth projectile hits the rear portion of the right side of the
truck and passes through the truck behind the driver.
[0081] The glass layer 22 of plate 20 installed in the front
windscreen is preferably replaced as it is cracked from the impact
of the first projectile. Similarly, the front windscreen and front
passenger side window of the truck are preferably replaced.
However, the repairman has not been injured by projectiles 34 or
glass shrapnel.
[0082] It will be appreciated that, if the repairman lived in
Chaos, he could use the same armoring kit (plates 20 and 40, sling
60 and cases 80, for his own car and for his repair truck provided
that reversible attachment devices are available in both vehicles.
Alternately, or additionally, if the repairman visited Chaos
frequently, he might choose to leave one or more components of the
armioring kit installed all the time, instead of assembling and
mounting them for specific trips.
[0083] Alternately, or additionally, two people traveling in the
same vehicle could combine two kits to armor the full front
windscreen and both front doors. Additional armoring kits could add
protection to additional portions of a vehicle since the system of
the present invention is fully modular.
[0084] Although the invention has been described in conjunction
with specific embodiments thereof, it is evident that many
alternatives, modifications and variations will be apparent to
those skilled in the art. Accordingly, it is intended to embrace
all such alternatives, modifications and variations that fall
within the spirit and broad scope of the appended claims.
* * * * *