U.S. patent application number 11/312892 was filed with the patent office on 2006-11-02 for personal armour system.
Invention is credited to Robert Tyler.
Application Number | 20060243126 11/312892 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 34090268 |
Filed Date | 2006-11-02 |
United States Patent
Application |
20060243126 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Tyler; Robert |
November 2, 2006 |
Personal armour system
Abstract
The present invention provides a personal armour system, for
example a seat armour kit (1), comprising a plurality of armour
components (2,3,4,5). Each component is configured for selective
use in a plurality of different roles, for example being for use in
different types of vehicle and also in buildings or aircraft. The
body 2 provides a vehicle seat armour component that can also be
used as a stretcher. There is also provided an armour component
(31) for use in a vehicle which armour component is movable from a
first position in which it does not obscure a part of the view from
the vehicle to a second position in which it can protect an
occupant.
Inventors: |
Tyler; Robert; (Hereford,
GB) |
Correspondence
Address: |
GOTTLIEB RACKMAN & REISMAN PC
270 MADISON AVENUE
8TH FLOOR
NEW YORK
NY
100160601
US
|
Family ID: |
34090268 |
Appl. No.: |
11/312892 |
Filed: |
December 19, 2005 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
89/36.01 ;
89/36.05; 89/36.06; 89/36.07 |
Current CPC
Class: |
F41H 7/00 20130101; F41H
1/00 20130101; F41H 5/06 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
089/036.01 ;
089/036.05; 089/036.06; 089/036.07 |
International
Class: |
F41H 5/00 20060101
F41H005/00; F41H 5/08 20060101 F41H005/08; F41H 5/12 20060101
F41H005/12; F41H 7/00 20060101 F41H007/00 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Dec 17, 2004 |
GB |
0427728.1 |
Claims
1. A personal armour system, comprising a plurality of armour
components, each being configured for selective use in a plurality
of different roles.
2. A personal armour system according to claim 1, comprising a kit
comprising a plurality of armour components.
3. A personal armour system according to claim 1, wherein the
armour components may be used in roles selected from at least two
of personal body armour, armour for a vehicle, armour for a part of
a building where personnel rest or operate, field protection,
sleeping space protection, portable shield and carrying device
4. A personal armour system according to claim 1, comprising
components which can be engaged with a seat to provide protection
for the occupant of the seat.
5. A personal armour system according to claim 4, comprising at
least: a seat base armour component, a seat back armour component,
and at least one seat side armour component.
6. A personal armour system according to claim 1, being for
armouring a vehicle.
7. A personal armour system according to claim 6, comprising armour
components selected from: floor armour component; a seat base
armour component, a seat back armour component, at least one seat
side armour component; head rest armour component; window
fragmentation protection; sun visor armour component; window armour
component; neck rest armour component; head protection plate
component; vehicle side protection armour component; and rear seat
protection armour component
8. An armour system according to claim 1, wherein at least some of
the armour components are designed so that they are not
recognisable as armour components.
9. An armour system according to claim 1, wherein at least one
armour component can be used as an armoured shield or a
stretcher.
10. A vehicle seat armour component that can also be used as a
stretcher.
11. An armour component for use in a vehicle, which armour
component is movable from a first position in which it does not
obscure a part of the view from the vehicle to a second position in
which it can protect an occupant.
Description
[0001] The present invention relates to a personal armour
system.
[0002] It is well known to provide personal armour in the form of
armour components which are specifically designed to be worn about
the body to protect against knife, splinter or ballistic
attack.
[0003] It is also well known to design vehicles which include
armour protection for protecting the vehicle and its occupants
against various types of weapon, for example small arms fire and
splinters. The armour remains fixed to the vehicle and cannot be
used in different roles.
[0004] The present inventor has realised that there is a need for a
personal armour system which can be used in a number of different
roles, for example for providing protection for occupants of a
vehicle and for providing ballistic shields for field positions.
Such a multirole personal armour system can be used and reused
wherever personnel have a need for ballistic or splinter
protection
[0005] Accordingly, in a first aspect, the present invention
provides a personal armour system, comprising a plurality of armour
components, each being configured for selective use in a plurality
of different roles.
[0006] Two of the different roles may comprise the roles of seat
armour component and stretcher. The provision of a single armour
component which can fulfil both these roles is inventive in its own
right and, in a second aspect, there is provided a vehicle seat
armour component that can also be used as a stretcher.
[0007] The present inventor has further realised that there is a
need for an armour component for a vehicle that can be stored in a
position when it is not required so that it does not interfere with
vision out of the vehicle.
[0008] Accordingly, in a third aspect, there is provided an armour
component for use in a vehicle which armour component is movable
from a first position in which it does not obscure a part of the
view from the vehicle to a second position in which it can protect
an occupant.
[0009] Preferred and/or optional features of the invention will be
described further below.
Armour System
[0010] The present invention provides an armour system. The system
may exist in a number of forms.
[0011] It is particularly preferred that the amour system comprises
a kit comprising a plurality of armour components. In this way, the
kit can be stored or transported in a simple manner and then
deployed in a selected role as required.
[0012] The kit can be a standard issue kit, comprising a
predetermined set of armour components. Such a standard issue kit
can be issued to personnel, stored by them and used when
required.
[0013] There may be different types of kit, for example a basic kit
comprising a first set of armour components, as described below,
and an additional kit for providing more armour components.
[0014] The kit may comprise a number of different types of
component, as will be described further below. At least some, and
preferably all, of the armour components are multirole armour
components.
[0015] The user may employ all of the components in a selected role
or the user may choose components which are suitable for the
selected role or kind of threat to which personnel will be exposed.
In this manner, a particularly flexible system can be provided.
[0016] The system of the present invention can be used by a number
of different types of personnel including soldiers, special forces,
police and security agents and private security personnel.
[0017] The vehicle seat armour component of the second aspect of
the invention and the extendable armour component of the third
aspect of the invention may each form a component of the system of
the first aspect of the invention.
Armour Material
[0018] The present invention may employ any suitable type of armour
material. The armour material may be selected from armoured metal,
for example armoured steel, or synthetic polymeric armour, for
example a polymer composite. The synthetic polymeric armour. may
comprise components selected from KEVLAR (RTM) fibres, aramid
fibres, nylon fibres, glass fibre etc. The armour material may
comprise Dyneema (RTM).
[0019] The armour components may be designed so that they can
provide armour protection against specified forms of attack. For
example, the armour components may provide protection from
splinters, for example due to grenades, artillery fire, mines or
other explosive devices. The armour components may provide
protection against a specified calibre of small arms fire, for
example NATO standard 7.62 mm.times.51 mm, 7.62.times.39 mm AK47, 9
mm parabellum, 5.56 mm sS109 or any other selected small arms
ammunition. The armour may provide protection against blast and
fragmentation, for example at a level of V50>500 m/s for 1.1 g
FSP, according to STANAG 2920. It may comprise for example a
blanket material. The skilled person will be able to select designs
of material for providing protection required.
Roles of Armour Components
[0020] At least some armour components of the system of the present
invention are configured so that they can be used in a plurality of
different roles. Preferably, they can be used in at least two
different roles and preferably more.
[0021] The different roles may be selected from: [0022] Personal
body armour [0023] Armour for a vehicle, such as a road vehicle,
water vehicle or aircraft such as a helicopter. For example, the
armour component may be deployed as armour for a seat of a vehicle
or aircraft to protect an occupant of the seat. [0024] Armour for a
part of a building where personnel rest or operate, such as armour
for a bed, bunk or seat. [0025] Field protection. [0026] Protected
sleeping space. [0027] Portable shield [0028] Carrying device, for
example a stretcher
[0029] An armour component for use in the system of the invention
may be able to fulfil at least two and preferably more of these
roles.
Configuring Armour Components for Different Roles
[0030] In order to allow armour components to be used in different
roles, they may be provided with features selected from the
following;
[0031] Fixings--the armour components may comprise fixings for
engaging other structures. For example, they may be configured to
engage other armour components. They may be configured to engage a
framework. The framework may be provided as a component of the
armour system. The framework may comprise a pre-existing structure,
such as a seat (for example vehicle seat) or bed. Such a pre
existing framework is particularly useful, as it can provide a
rigid framework, onto which armour components may be fitted and
which allows the armour components themselves to be simple in
design. Fixings which have a variable component allow armour
components to be fixed to different types of structure, for example
seats of different types of vehicle. Armour components are
preferably configured so that they can be placed in the passenger
or goods carrying space of a vehicle.
[0032] Preferably, a plurality of different types of armour
component each have compatible fixings, for example, clips.
Preferably, a plurality of different armour components (or
components of the same type) may be interchangeably connected in
different configurations. Preferably, two or more may be connected
together.
[0033] Carrying devices, such as handles, straps (for example back
pack straps or shoulder straps) or slings, for example stretcher
handles or shield handles.
[0034] The armour system of the present invention preferably
includes at least one strap kit. Preferably, the strap kit is
engageable with a plurality of different types of armour component.
The strap kit may be adjustable in size and/or configuration. The
strap may have one, two or more fixings for engaging armour
components.
[0035] Shapes weight and size--armour components which have a size
and weight which allow them to be man portable can be easily
applied in a variety of roles. The weight may be in the range 3 kg
to 20 kg, more preferably 5 kg to 15 kg and most preferably 5 kg to
12 kg.
[0036] An armour component may be of a size so that it can be
inserted into a conventional form of portable equipment to provide
a shield. For example, an armour component may be installed into a
brief case, suit carrier or other component which may be carried
around. This is particularly suitable for covert operations.
[0037] Flexibility--some types of armour material have a certain
amount of flexibility. This can allow them to be flexed to conform
with different shapes of surface, for example seat surface. Flexing
lines may be built in to the armour component to make flexing
easier.
Seat Armour Kit
[0038] It is particularly preferred that the armour system
comprises components which can be engaged with a seat (for example
a seat of a vehicle) to provide protection for the occupant of the
seat.
[0039] The armour components preferably comprise at least: [0040] A
seat base armour component, [0041] A seat back armour component,
and [0042] At least one seat side armour component.
[0043] These armour components can, when fixed to a seat, provide
the occupant with protection from behind, from below and from at
least one side. For example in a road vehicle seat, the seat side
component can be mounted on the side facing a vehicle door.
[0044] An additional seat side armour component may be provided to
protect the other side of the seat.
[0045] The seat base armour component may comprise a first part for
resting on the sitting part of the seat and a second component for
resting in a position to protect the occupant's legs. The first and
second parts may be separate, integral or movably connected to one
another.
[0046] The seat base and seat back armour components may be
integral. They may be connected to one another at a fold line. They
may each be formed from a flexible armour material.
[0047] The seat side armour component may comprise a first seat
side component for protecting an occupant's thigh and leg side and
a second seat side armour component for protecting an occupant's
trunk.
[0048] A seat armour kit having these components can be employed
for seat protection in many different types of vehicle and aircraft
and also, with the components disassembled in many different
roles.
Vehicle Armour Kit
[0049] An armour system which is adapted for providing armour
protection for a vehicle may comprise armour components selected
from the following: [0050] floor armour component; [0051] seat base
armour component; [0052] leg armour component; [0053] seat side
armour component; [0054] seat back armour component; [0055] head
rest armour component; [0056] window fragmentation protection;
[0057] sun visor armour component; [0058] window armour component;
[0059] neck rest armour component; [0060] head protection plate
component; [0061] vehicle side protection armour component; and
[0062] rear seat protection armour component
[0063] The seat base armour component, leg armour component, seat
side armour component and seat back armour component may be as
described above for the seat armour kit.
[0064] Preferred features of the abovementioned on the components
are as follows:
[0065] Floor armour component--preferably the floor armour
component comprises an armour component for protection against
blast and fragmentation, for example from explosive devices. A
conventional blast and fragmentation blanket material may be used.
The blanket material may be constructed to a suitable size for
fitting onto floor sections of vehicles. The floor armour component
may be covered in a hard wearing canvas. It may be engageable with
at least one seat armour component
[0066] Seat or seat back armour component--this may comprise a
protected seat cover or a structure for mounting on a seat back, or
both. Preferably, it is designed so that it does not interfere with
movement of the seat, for example the seat back or position. There
may be separate designs of seat armour component for front seats
and rear seats. The seat or back armour component may be configured
to act selectively as a neck rest protector. A separate neck rest
protector may be provided to protect the neck area.
[0067] Leg or Body side armour component--preferably, there is an
armour component for mounting in the vehicle adjacent a side of an
occupant's body, for example adjacent the leg, trunk and/or thigh
of an occupant. The body side armour component may comprise a set
of armour component parts, which in use are mounted on one another,
to the vehicle seat or to the vehicle door.
[0068] Leg side armour components are preferably interchangeable
with body side armour components. The leg or body side armour
components may be interchangeably used for the left or right
side.
[0069] If suitable fixings are provided, these components may be
placed in one of up to eight different positions.
[0070] Window fragmentation protection--a commercially available
plastic film for adhesion to windows may be provided, to arrest
glass fragments in case of fracture.
[0071] Window armour component--in order to provide uninterrupted
vision, the window armour component may comprise a mesh or grid
material or a transparent material, for example a polymeric sheet
such as polycarbonate. A window armour component may be used which
has a first position, in which it is in a position in which it does
not obstruct the window and a second position in which it rests
adjacent a window. Means may be provided for moving the window
armour component from the first position to the second position.
For example, a rapid reaction system may be provided for flipping
the window armour component into position either upon operation by
an occupant of the vehicle or automatically in case of danger.
[0072] Headrest armour component--an armour component may be
provided which can be mounted on the front or rear of a headrest.
The kit may comprise different sizes of headrest armour component,
for use in vehicles of different size or for different threat
types.
[0073] Sun visor armour component--an armour component may be
mounted behind or in front of the flip down sun visor.
[0074] Rear seat protection armour component
[0075] A panel of size approximately equal to a vehicle rear seat
size may be provided to give protection from the rear. Preferably,
it can also be used as a separate ballistic shield. Preferably,
fixings or straps are provided for mounting the rear seat armour
component in a variety of positions, for example including across
the rear seat, suspended between solid objects or connected to
other armour components.
[0076] Vehicle Side protection armour component
[0077] At least one side protection armour component may be
provided. It may be constructed in a similar manner to the rear
seat armour component and be provided with fixings or straps in a
similar way. Hinged fixings can be provided, for allowing the side
protection armour component to open with a vehicle door.
Covert Design
[0078] Typically, at least some of the armour components are
designed so that they are not recognisable as armour
components.
[0079] The armour components may be stored in a first position in
which they are not visible and moved in case of danger to a second
position in which they can protect an occupant.
[0080] Armour components may be covered in material resembling
normal vehicle fittings. In this way, the armour component may be
made to look like conventional internal fittings of a vehicle. For
example, they may comprise conventional seat cover materials
Fittings
[0081] In order to allow armour components of the present invention
to be fitted to a framework such as a vehicle interior, they may
comprise suitable fittings. The fittings may be selected from:
[0082] a) adhesive fittings; armour components may comprise
adhesive portions which will stick to parts of the vehicle
interior. Preferably, the fittings may be removed and refitted if
necessary. [0083] b) touch and hold fastenings, for example VELCRO
(RTM). This may be for engaging fabric coverings of a seat, vehicle
interior or another armour component. [0084] c) mechanical fittings
to the framework--for example; armour components may comprise means
for engaging mechanical fittings formed in a vehicle. For example,
there may be means for engaging with seat belt fittings. [0085] d)
adjustable grips or straps. These may for example allow an armour
component to fit a wide variety of different types of vehicle or
vehicle structure. The armour component may comprise at least one
adjustable strap for passing around the vehicle structure or a grip
for gripping onto a vehicle structure or to other armour
components.
[0086] The armour components of the invention may be configured for
mounting in the passenger or goods carrying space of a vehicle for
example, in the driving compartment, passenger compartment, boot,
van body or other internal space of the vehicle.
Second Aspect of the Invention
[0087] The vehicle seat armour component of the second aspect of
the invention may have any of the features set out above,
particularly relating to the armour material, other roles,
configuration for other roles and covert design.
[0088] The vehicle seat armour component of the second aspect of
the invention is suitably a rigid rear seat armour component or a
front seat armour component. In order to allow it to act as a
stretcher, it preferably comprises at least two and preferably at
least four handles.
Third Aspect of the Invention
[0089] The third aspect of the invention provides an armour
component for use in a vehicle which armour component is movable
from a first position in which it does not obscure a part of the
view from the vehicle to a second position in which it can protect
an occupant.
[0090] It may form a part of a vehicle armour system according to
the invention.
[0091] It may be suitably mounted on the rear seat of a passenger
carrying vehicle.
[0092] The armour component preferably comprises armour material as
set out above, being preferably able to withstand a specified
calibre of small arms fire, for example NATO standard 7.62
mm.times.51 mm, 7.62.times.39 mm AK47, 9 mm parabellum, 5.56 mm
sS109 or any other selected small arms ammunition.
[0093] It may have any suitable size, being preferably of a size
sufficient to extend across the rear windscreen of conventional
designs of passenger carrying vehicle. It may have a width in the
range 50 cm-150 cm, more preferably 80-120 cm.
[0094] The armour component may be mounted in a frame. It may be
slidably mounted in the frame between the two positions. Means may
be provide for moving the armour component. For example, a
mechanical spring, hydraulic or pneumatic pressure system or
pyrotechnic system (for example of the type used to operate vehicle
air bags) may be used. Means may be provide for urging the armour
component from its first to its second position, a latch being
provide to prevent the armour component moving until the latch is
released. The latch may be operable by mechanical means, for
example a ripcord or string, or electronically. A safety device for
the latch may be provided to prevent accidental operation of the
latch when there is no threat. The present invention will be
further described by way of example only with reference to the
accompanying drawings, in which:
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0095] FIG. 1 is a schematic view of an armour system comprising a
seat armour kit.
[0096] FIG. 2 is a schematic view of the seat armour component laid
out
[0097] FIG. 3 is a schematic view of the seat armour component
folded.
[0098] FIG. 4 is a schematic cross sections through a conventional
passenger carrying vehicle comprising armoured components of the
system of the invention.
[0099] FIG. 5 is a sketch isometric view of a headrest protector in
place.
[0100] FIG. 6 is a sketch isometric view of a combined front seat
back armour component and seat armour component.
[0101] FIG. 7 is a sketch view of a first embodiment of rear seat
armour component.
[0102] FIG. 8 is a sketch view of a suit carrier enclosing an
armour component according to the present invention.
[0103] FIG. 9 is a sketch view of a rear window flip-up armour
component.
[0104] FIG. 10 is a sketch view of a second embodiment of rear seat
armour component.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0105] FIG. 1 shows a schematic view of an armour system comprising
a seat armour kit 1.
[0106] It comprises an integral body 2 which comprises a leg armour
component, seat base armour component and seat back armour
component, joined to one another at folds lines. The body 2 is
formed of a relatively flexible blast resistant armour blanket
material (described further below). The body 2 can be fled to fit a
wide variety of different seat designs in a variety of different
locations for example in a building or in a vehicle.
[0107] The kit 1 further comprises an additional seat back armour
component 3 made of a relatively stiff ballistic armour material
(described further below), to provide protection against splinter
and bullets.
[0108] There is a seat side armour component formed of a body side
armour unit 4 and a thigh and leg side armour unit 5.
[0109] These components are each provided with a plurality of clips
and straps to allow them to be placed in up to eight different
positions.
[0110] The body 2 can be fixed to a seat by straps 7. Straps 7 are
configured to be of variable length so that they can be fixed
around different types of seat. The body 2 is connectable by
variable buckled straps 8 to the additional seat back armour
component 3 so that they enclose and are fixed to a seat back. The
body side armour unit 4 and thigh and leg side armour unit 5 are
each fixable by engagement of touch and hold fastenings, such as
VELCRO (RTM) for engaging fabric covers of the seat or the body
2.
[0111] Finally, the body 2 is provided with handles 6. These allow
the body 2 to be lifted at six points so that the body can be used
as a stretcher, as shown in FIG. 2.
[0112] The body 2 can be folded over completely as shown in FIG. 3.
This can double the local armour thickness, providing additional
armour protection.
[0113] Where there is sufficient space under a seat, the additional
armour component may be selectively fixed under the seat to the
seat base portion of the body 2. This is particularly useful for
example in helicopters where fire may be received from below.
[0114] FIG. 4 shows a sketch cross-section through a conventional
passenger carrying road vehicle 9. Conventional details, such as
the structure, the engine and the controls are not shown, as they
are completely conventional in design. It can be seen that the
vehicle comprises a driver position 10, a rear seat position 11 and
a boot 12. Vehicle 9 comprises a pair of front seats, of which one
is visible. It comprises a seat portion 13 and a back portion 14
together with a headrest. The rear seat 15comprises a continuous
sea, continuous seat back and head rests of which one 16 is
visible.
[0115] The armour system of the present invention, when used in
armouring a vehicle comprises the following elements, which have
been placed in position.
[0116] There is a floor armour component comprising a blast and
fragmentation protection blanket 17. This comprises a rectangular
sheet of blast or fragmentation resistant material whose
specification will be described further below. The sheet is
stretched between the front portion of the foot well and a space
underneath the front seats. Similarly, floor armour components
comprising blankets 18 and 19 are placed in position in the rear
foot well and underneath the rear seat.
[0117] The front seat comprises a seat armour kit as shown in FIGS.
1 to 3. On top of the front seat, there is a front seat armour
component comprising the body 2, together with the additional seat
back armour component 3 located on the rear of the front seat. The
body side armour unit 4 and a thigh and leg side armour unit 5 can
be seen in position next to the front seat. There is also a
headrest armour component 20.
[0118] A rear seat armour component 23 is mounted in contact with
the rear seat back.
[0119] A sun visor protector 22 is placed in contact with a sun
visor.
[0120] The armour specifications of the armour components will be
described further below.
[0121] Window armour components comprising oblong panels 21 of
transparent or grid material are provided, stuck to the windows by
mechanical fixings in addition to conventional suction fixings.
[0122] Further armour components may be included, which are not
shown, for example a headrest protector on the headrest 16 of the
rear seat 15, leg and thigh protectors adjacent the rear seat 15
and anti splinter film of a conventional type applied to the
windows of the vehicle.
[0123] The vehicle 9 could also be provided with a smaller number
of armour components selected from the kit of armour components of
the system of the present invention according to the threat to be
encountered. It should be noted that each of the armour components
conforms very closely to the inside structures of the vehicle.
Further, the armour components may be provided with covers which
resemble conventional vehicle furniture, so that the presence of
the armour components is not readily detectable.
[0124] The specifications of the armour components are as
follows:
[0125] The armour blankets 17,18 and 19 may each provide
fragmentation and blast protection up and including the level of
V50>600 m/s for 1.1-gram FSP (STANAG 2920). They may be composed
of any suitable material, for example, aramid fibres woven and
stitched together with a water resistant PVC cover. Each blanket
17,18, and 19 may have a square or rectangular shape, having a
length in the range 40-100 cm and the width in the range 30-70
cm.
[0126] Armour components may each comprise suitable types of
ballistic armour, for example aramid woven fibres stitched
together. They may be coated with a water resistant covering or
comfort in use. Extra covers may be selected from foam covering for
comfort, canvas to provide a hardwearing exterior and covers
resembling conventional vehicle interior finish.
[0127] A seat and leg armour component is most likely to encounter
blast and fragmentation ammunitions and accordingly should be able
to resist them. For example, it may provide protection up to and
including the level of V50>500 ms for 1.1 gm FSP according to
STANAG 2920. This material may be used to form the body 2 of FIG.
1.
[0128] Armour components which are located higher up in the vehicle
suitably provide small arms ballistic protection up to and
including 7.62.times.51 mm NATO ball and AK47 7.62.times.39 fmj
msc. This is particularly the case for additional seat back armour
component 3, body side armour unit 4 and thigh and leg side armour
unit 5, head rest armour component, sun visor armour component,
rear seat armour component. They are suitably constructed from
Dyneema (trade mark). These armour components may be further
provided with adjustable straps for connection to other armour
components and/or to vehicle furniture. They may be covered with
padded commercial seat covers.
[0129] Suitable component sizes are as follows: [0130] body side
armour unit,--15 cm.times.40 cm (1.4 kg) [0131] thigh and leg side
armour unit--44 cm.times.35 cm (2.5 kg) [0132] additional seat back
armour component 40.times.45 cm (4.0 kg) [0133] Head rest
protector--22 cm.times.13 cms (0.87 kg) [0134] Sun visor
protector--22 cm.times.13 cm (0.87 kg) [0135] Rear seat
protector--100 cm.times.50 cm (11.5 kg) [0136] Seat base
armour--54.times.77 mm [0137] Head rest protector--22.times.30 mm
[0138] Neck rest protector--22.times.13 mm
[0139] All of these items are designed to be very rapidly fitted
into the vehicle, taking from two --20 minutes and preferably from
5-15 minutes to fit.
[0140] Additional features of the armour components will be
described further below.
[0141] Anti splinter film of commercially available type may be
used and applied to vehicle windows to hold glass splinter in place
in case of attack or in case occupants have to return fire through
windows of the vehicle.
[0142] A window armour component may comprise a mesh or a
transparent component, for example a 10 mm thick polycarbonate
sheet mounted in conventional mesh sunshade.
[0143] The window armour component may include conventional windows
suckers for fitting, though additional mechanical fittings may be
required to support the additional weight of the armour
component.
[0144] FIG. 5 shows a sketch of the headrest protecting position.
It comprises a pair of adjustable webbing straps 23 of conventional
design which will allow a single design of head rest protector 15
to be attached to many conventional head rests. When in place, a
covering material may be applied so that the head rest protector is
not visible
[0145] FIG. 6 shows the additional seat armour component 3 which is
connected by adjustable straps 8 to a front seat armour component
2. It can be seen that a pocket 25 can be integrally formed with a
covering material of the armour component for storage of weapons,
first aid kit etc.
[0146] FIG. 7 is a sketch view showing a first embodiment of rear
seat armour component 23. It comprises straps 26 of various designs
for allowing it to be fitted to a wide of range of commercial car
seat designs. For example, it may be fitted to the front of a seat
or, particularly in the case of trucks or 4 by 4 vehicles, to the
rear of the seats.
[0147] The armour component is also provided with carrying handles
27 which allow the component to be used as a stretcher.
[0148] FIG. 8 shows how an armour component, for example the rear
seat armour component or folded body 2 can be held within a
conventional suit carrier 29. In this way it can be readily carried
around to act as a ballistic shield but is not immediately apparent
to an outside observer,
[0149] FIG. 9 shows the rear window flip armour component. It
comprises a steel frame 30 which has a hollow interior within which
an armour component 31 is slidably mounted. The armour component 31
is shown in a retracted position in which it does not project very
far from the frame 30. In this position, it can be placed on the
rear seat of a vehicle so that it does not obscure vision through
the rear windscreen. A pair of pneumatic cylinders 32 are provided,
each being configured to propel the armour component 31 from the
stored position shown in FIG. 6 to an extended position in which it
extends across the rear window. A cylinder 33 comprising a
reservoir of compressed gas is provided. Compressed gas form the
cylinder acts on pistons in the cylinders to urge them upwards. A
latch 34 is provided which, in a latching position, prevents the
armour component being driven upwards. The latch may be released,
for example by a string, whereupon the armour component is very
rapidly pushed by the compressed gas acting on pistons on the
cylinders to an extended position in which it rest adjacent a rear
window of a vehicle, to protect occupants from attack from the
rear. The distance by which the armour component projects in its
extended position may be variable. The armour component is
preferably driven so that it contacts the vehicle roof and jams
against it so that the whole structure is firmly held even when
impacted by munitions.
[0150] The flip up rear window protector 22 further includes straps
35 for allowing the apparatus to be fitted to a rear bulkhead or
rear seats of a vehicle.
[0151] The armour component 31 is preferably of dimensions 91 cm by
41 cm and preferably weighs around 13 kg.
[0152] Preferably, armour components according to the present
invention are configured so that they do not obscure vision or the
opportunity to fire through the windows of the vehicle. For example
the window armour component may be removed if necessary to open the
field of vision or fire.
[0153] The armour components shown in the vehicle 9 of FIG. 4 are
preferably supplied in the form of a kit of parts.
[0154] FIG. 10 shows a second embodiment of rear seat armour
component 36. It is similar to the one shown in FIG. 7 and
comprises similar straps 26 and carrying handles 27 which allow the
component to be used as a stretcher. There are additional clips 37
for engaging parts of a vehicle, straps or other armour components
(including other rear seat armour components 36), and a detachable
carrying bar 38, which is enageable with additional handles 39.
[0155] The present invention has been described above purely by way
of example and modifications can be made within the spirit of
invention, which extends to equivalents of the features described.
The invention also consists in any individual features described or
implicit herein or shown or implicit in the drawings or any
combination of any such features or any generalisation of any such
features or combination.
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