U.S. patent application number 11/298283 was filed with the patent office on 2008-05-01 for extremity armor.
Invention is credited to Donna Branson, Richard Steven Bruno, Cheryl Farr, John Joseph Frost, Graham Hubler, Peter Matic, Semra Peksoz, Nevin Rupert, Kirth Simmonds, James Sprague.
Application Number | 20080098500 11/298283 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 36777686 |
Filed Date | 2008-05-01 |
United States Patent
Application |
20080098500 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Matic; Peter ; et
al. |
May 1, 2008 |
Extremity armor
Abstract
Body armor for ballistic protection of a user's extremities
preferably comprising right and left arm protection units and/or
right and left leg protection units. The units include a ballistic
protection material which preferably covers most of the user's
upper arm, elbow region, lower arm, shoulder, upper leg, knee
region, and lower leg except for ventilation zones preferably
located on the inner portion of the upper arm and the inner part of
the upper leg. The back of the knee is preferably covered by a
protective flap.
Inventors: |
Matic; Peter; (Alexandria,
VA) ; Hubler; Graham; (Columbia, MD) ;
Simmonds; Kirth; (Clinton, MD) ; Sprague; James;
(Arlington, VA) ; Rupert; Nevin; (Edgewood,
MD) ; Frost; John Joseph; (Alexandria, VA) ;
Branson; Donna; (Stillwater, OK) ; Farr; Cheryl;
(Stillwater, OK) ; Peksoz; Semra; (Stillwater,
OK) ; Bruno; Richard Steven; (Aberdeen, MD) |
Correspondence
Address: |
FELLERS SNIDER BLANKENSHIP;BAILEY & TIPPENS
THE KENNEDY BUILDING, 321 SOUTH BOSTON SUITE 800
TULSA
OK
74103-3318
US
|
Family ID: |
36777686 |
Appl. No.: |
11/298283 |
Filed: |
December 9, 2005 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
60634533 |
Dec 10, 2004 |
|
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Current U.S.
Class: |
2/2.5 |
Current CPC
Class: |
F41H 1/02 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
2/2.5 |
International
Class: |
F41H 1/02 20060101
F41H001/02 |
Claims
1-38. (canceled)
39. Body armor for high, intermediate and low ballistic protection
of a user's extremities comprising: an arm protection unit operable
to provide protection to the user's arm, where the full
circumference of the user's upper arm and elbow receive high
protection level, and the full circumference of the user's lower
arm receives intermediate protection level; and a leg protection
unit operable to provide protection to the user's leg, where a
medial region of the user's upper leg receives high protection
level, a lateral region of the user's upper leg receives low
protection level, where the full circumference of the user's knee
receives high protection level, an anterior region of the user's
lower leg receives low protection level, and a posterior region of
the user's lower leg receives intermediate protection level.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] This invention claims the benefit of co-pending U.S.
Provisional Application Ser. No. 60/634,533 filed Dec. 10,
2004.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The present invention relates to body armor systems for
ballistic protection of a user's extremities.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] The introduction of the outer tactical vest (OTV) with
ceramic plates has shifted the apparent injury pattern of soldiers
to make limb amputation more common. The superb effectiveness of
the torso armor results in the survival of soldiers who, without
the OTV, would have been killed. However, due to the closer
proximity to the blast, the arms and legs are vulnerable. This
situation was not anticipated so there does not exist today any
total limb protection option for the foot soldier.
[0004] There have been several partial options fielded just since
June 2004, such as an underarm protector and shoulder protector.
The US Army is fielding this option. The US Marine Corps has
fielded upper leg protectors, and has also fielded a limited number
of armored shorts to protect 50 mm gunners on HMWVV's. None of
these options offers complete arm and leg protection. The upper
arm, lower arm, elbow, knee and lower leg are not addressed at all
by these units.
[0005] There exist many body armor options for law enforcement
personnel including SWAT teams. These items generally are only for
frontal assault, short time encounters. As a result, they are not
designed for comfort factors like heat, long-time wear, mobility,
flexibility, and the like. Moreover, the threat to the soldier is
360 degrees, as opposed to merely the frontal assault, so the SWAT
team options leave the rear vulnerable.
[0006] There also exist many options from the bomb disposal
community in the Department of Defense and law enforcement sectors.
This equipment has a very high degree of frontal protection but is
very heavy, hot and cumbersome, and not suitable for the foot
soldier. There is no suitable product available for foot soldiers
to protect the extremities from the fragments of explosives. Nor
has there been any limb armor heretofore designed from the
standpoint of anatomical facts and injury statistics for the
purpose of reducing amputation from explosion.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0007] The present invention satisfies the needs and alleviates the
problems discussed above. In one aspect, there is provided a body
armor system for ballistic protection of a user's extremities
comprising a right arm protection unit and a left arm protection
unit, wherein each of the arm protection units includes a ballistic
protection material and has an upper arm section which preferably
comprises at least a portion of the ballistic protection material
positioned to cover a front portion, a back portion, and an outer
portion of the user's upper arm. The upper arm section also
preferably includes an upper arm ventilation zone which will be
positioned on the inner portion of the user's upper arm adjacent to
the user's torso and which does not include any of the ballistic
protection material. The portion of the ballistic protection
material provided in the upper arm section will preferably extend
at least 270 degrees around the user's upper arm and will most
preferably extend in the range of from about 270 degrees to about
300 degrees around the user's upper arm.
[0008] Terms such as "front," "back," "outer side," "inner," etc.
used herein and in the claims for identifying portions of the
user's arms and legs are in referenced to the position of the
user's arms and legs when standing erect such that the user's arms
are hanging in natural position adjacent to the sides of the user's
torso.
[0009] In another aspect, there is provided a body armor system for
ballistic protection of a user's extremities comprising a right arm
protection unit and a left arm protection unit wherein each of the
arm protection units includes a ballistic protection material and
has a lower arm section which preferably comprises at least a
portion of the ballistic protection material positioned to cover at
least a front portion, an outer portion, and an inner portion of
the user's lower arm. The portion of the ballistic protection
material in the lower arm section will preferably extend at least
270 degrees around the user's lower arm and will most preferably
extend about 360 degrees around the user's lower arm. The lower arm
section can also optionally include a lower arm ventilation zone
which will be positioned on a back portion of the user's lower arm
and which does not include any of the ballistic protection
material.
[0010] In another aspect, the inventive arm protection units
preferably comprise both upper arm and lower arm sections and
preferably further comprise another portion of the ballistic
protection material which is positioned to extend about 360 degrees
around the elbow region of the user. In addition, the upper arm
section preferably further comprises an upper arm fabric sleeve
section and the lower arm section preferably further comprises a
lower arm fabric sleeve section. The portion of the ballistic
protection material in the upper arm section is preferably a first
insert which is held by the upper arm fabric sleeve section. The
portion of the ballistic protection material in the lower arm
section is preferably a second insert, separate from the first
insert, which is held by the lower arm fabric sleeve section.
[0011] In another aspect, there is provided a body armor system for
ballistic protection of a user's extremities comprising a right arm
protection unit and a left arm protection unit, wherein each of the
arm protection units comprises (a) an upper section which is
positionable on a user's upper arm and includes an upper section
ballistic protection material and (b) a lower section which
includes a lower section ballistic protection material and is
removably attachable to the upper section such that the lower
section is positionable on a user's lower arm.
[0012] In another aspect, there is provided a body armor system for
ballistic protection of a user's extremities comprising a right leg
protection unit and a left leg protection unit, wherein each of the
leg protection units includes ballistic protection material and has
an upper leg section which comprises at least a portion of the
ballistic protection material positioned to cover at least a front
portion and a back portion of the user's upper leg. The upper leg
section also includes an upper leg ventilation zone which will be
positioned on an inner portion of the user's upper leg adjacent to
the user's other leg and which does not include any of the
ballistic protection material. The portion of the ballistic
material in the upper leg section will preferably extend at least
270 degrees around the user's upper leg and will most preferably
extend in the range from about 270 degrees to about 300 degrees
around the user's upper leg.
[0013] In another aspect, there is provided a body armor system for
ballistic protection of a user's extremities comprising a right leg
protection unit and a left leg protection unit, wherein each of the
leg protection units includes ballistic protection material and has
a lower leg section which comprises at least a portion of the
ballistic protection material positioned to cover at least an outer
side portion, an inner portion, and a back portion of the user's
lower leg. The portion of ballistic protection material in the
lower leg section will preferably extend at least 270 degrees
around the user's lower leg and will most preferably extend about
360 degrees around the user's lower leg. Alternatively, the lower
leg section can optionally include a lower leg ventilation zone
which will be positioned on a front portion of the user's lower leg
over the user's shin bone and which does not include any of the
ballistic protection material.
[0014] In another aspect, each of the leg protection units
preferably further comprises a knee section including another
portion of the ballistic protection material positioned to cover a
front portion, an outer portion, and an inner portion of the knee
region of the user. In addition, each of the leg protection units
preferably includes a flap which includes another portion of the
ballistic protection material which will be positioned over a back
portion of the knee region of the user.
[0015] In another aspect, there is provided a body armor system for
ballistic protection of a user's extremities comprising a right leg
protection unit and a left leg protection unit, wherein each of the
leg protection units comprises (a) an upper section which is
positionable on a user's upper leg and includes an upper section
ballistic protection material and (b) a lower section which
includes a lower section ballistic protection material and is
removably attachable to the upper section such that the lower
section is positionable on a user's lower leg.
[0016] Further aspects, features, and advantages of the present of
invention will be apparent to those in the art upon examining the
accompanying drawings and upon reading the following detailed
description of the preferred embodiments.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0017] FIG. 1 is a front view of an embodiment 1 of the inventive
extremity armor system.
[0018] FIG. 2 is another front view of the inventive extremity
armor system 1.
[0019] FIG. 3 is a side kneeling view of the inventive extremity
armor system 1.
[0020] FIG. 4 is a 3/4 side view of a lower extremity protection
portion 6 of inventive system 1.
[0021] FIG. 5 is a front view of an upper extremity protection
system 4.
[0022] FIGS. 6 and 7 are front views illustrating the attachment of
the upper extremity protection system 4 to an outer tactical vest
15.
[0023] FIG. 8 is a back view illustrating the attachment of the
upper extremity protection system 4 to the vest 15.
[0024] FIG. 9 is a front view of an upper arm ballistic protection
insert 34 for the upper extremity protection system 4.
[0025] FIG. 10 is a front view of a shoulder ballistic protection
material insert 22 for the upper extremity protection system 4.
[0026] FIG. 11 is a back view of a lower arm ballistic protection
material insert 24 for the upper extremity protection system 4.
[0027] FIG. 12 shows a leg ballistic protection material insert 80
and a leg flap ballistic protection material insert 84 for the
lower extremity protection system 6.
[0028] FIG. 13 shows a leg cover fabric pattern 130 for the lower
extremity protection system 6.
[0029] FIG. 14 shows a back knee flap cover pattern 132 for the
lower extremity protection system 6.
[0030] FIG. 15 shows a leg ballistic material pattern 134 and a
back leg flap ballistic material pattern 136 for the lower
extremity protection system 6.
[0031] FIG. 16 shows a shoulder ballistic material pattern 138 for
the upper extremity protection system 4.
[0032] FIG. 17 shows an upper arm ballistic material pattern 140
for the upper extremity protection system 4.
[0033] FIG. 18 shows a pattern 142 for the inner layers of the
lower arm ballistic insert 24 for the upper extremity protection
system 4.
[0034] FIG. 19 shows a pattern 144 for the flanged layers of the
lower arm ballistic insert 24.
[0035] FIG. 20 shows a shoulder back cover pattern 146, a shoulder
front cover pattern 148 and a shoulder back cover pattern 150 for
the upper extremity protection system 4.
[0036] FIG. 21 shows an upper arm cover pattern 152 for the upper
extremity protection system 4.
[0037] FIG. 22 shows a lower arm cover pattern 154 for the upper
extremity protection system 4.
[0038] FIG. 23 is a front view of an embodiment 2 of the inventive
extremity armor system and assembly which includes an upper
extremity protection system 4' and a lower extremity protection
system 6'.
[0039] FIG. 24 is a 3/4 side view of the inventive extremity armor
system 2.
[0040] FIG. 25 is a back view of the inventive extremity armor
system 2.
[0041] FIG. 26 is an elevational view of the lower extremity
protection system 6' of embodiment 2.
[0042] FIG. 27 is a side view of the lower extremity protection
system 6' wherein the leg side zipper 86' thereof is open.
[0043] FIG. 28 is a side view of the lower extremity protection
system 6' wherein the upper leg side flap 94' thereof is open.
[0044] FIG. 29 is another side view of the lower extremity
protection system 6' including the leg flap system.
[0045] FIG. 30 shows an arm protection unit 8' of the upper
extremity protection system 4' wherein the lower arm vent 36'
thereof is closed.
[0046] FIG. 31 shows the arm protection unit 8' with the lower arm
vent 36' open.
[0047] FIG. 32 is a perspective view of the lower extremity
protection system 6' with one of the knee pads 90' removed.
[0048] FIG. 33 is another view of the lower extremity protection
system 6' showing a mesh crotch vent 55'.
[0049] FIG. 34 shows a shoulder ballistic insert 22' for the upper
extremity protection system 4'.
[0050] FIG. 35 shows an upper arm ballistic insert 34' for the
upper extremity protection system 4'.
[0051] FIG. 36 is a side view of a lower arm ballistic insert 24'
for the upper extremity protection system 4'.
[0052] FIG. 37 is a top view of the lower arm ballistic insert
24'.
[0053] FIG. 38 shows a leg ballistic insert 80' for the lower
extremity protection system 6'.
[0054] FIGS. 39 and 40 show an outwardly contoured back flap
ballistic insert 84' for the lower extremity protection system
6'.
[0055] FIG. 41 shows various ballistic insert patterns for the
upper extremity protection system 4' and the lower extremity
protection system 6'.
[0056] FIG. 42 shows various cover patterns for the upper extremity
protection system 4' and the lower extremity protection system
6'.
[0057] FIG. 43 shows an elbow mesh vent pattern 160' and a crotch
mesh vent pattern 162' for the inventive system 2.
[0058] FIG. 44 is an outer view of an arm unit of a third
embodiment of the inventive extremity armor system.
[0059] FIG. 45 is an inner side view of the arm unit of the third
embodiment.
[0060] FIG. 46 is an exploded, unattached view of the arm unit of
the third embodiment.
[0061] FIG. 47 is a back view of a lower extremity protection
system 204 of the third embodiment.
[0062] FIG. 48 is a side view of the lower extremity system
204.
[0063] FIG. 49 is a front view of the lower extremity system
204.
[0064] FIG. 50 shows ballistic insert pieces for the lower
extremity system 204.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0065] The inventive extremity protection system design is the
result of exhaustive trade-off studies of the anatomically most
vulnerable limb areas that, when damaged, cause amputation, weight
(and therefore ballistic performance), degree of coverage,
flexibility, total body cooling, and appearance. Important design
criteria in this effort included wearability, issues of body
cooling in desert use, weight and comfort. These issues led to the
armor being designed with open areas. The location of major sweat
glands was also an important factor in the positioning of open
areas. The design principles to handle these areas were formulated
from anatomical facts and injury statistics.
[0066] In some embodiments, the inventive system uses the bone as
part of the protection system. Where possible, an area left open
for ventilation is where the bone is near the skin surface. This
provides protection for the more vulnerable vascular and nerve
systems deeper into the limb and on the far side of the bone.
[0067] The inventive system also uses shadowing to protect
uncovered areas. Zones inside the legs and under the arms are left
open due to the location of major sweat glands. However, major
vascular and nerve bundles are also located there that need
protection. The concept of shadowing is effective for the arms when
the upper arm is hanging at one's side. The inner arm is protected
by the armor covering preferably at least the outer 270 degrees of
the arm and the user's torso on the other side. The under arm is
vulnerable when the arm is raised. This shadowing also provides
partial protection of the torso from bomb fragments. So this
concept provides protection, depending upon the arm position and
the specific scenario of operation. Similarly, the inner leg is
protected by shadowing when in the standing position by the armor
on the opposite leg, and the armor on the outer part of the same
leg. So this concept also provides protection to the femoral
arteries in the inner leg, depending upon the leg position and the
specific scenario of operation.
[0068] The inventive system preferably implements complete,
360-degree protection of the elbow and knee, while maintaining
flexibility of these joints. The elbow and knee are particularly
important to protect in order to prevent amputation. In addition,
in some embodiments, the inventive system preferably provides 360
degree protection for the lower arm and the lower leg.
[0069] The inventive system preferably further provides: protection
of the shoulder joint and partial protection of the hip joint, that
also are important to prevent amputation; 100% coverage of the
sciatic nerve where injury statistics show that legs that survive
amputation are often useless due to impairment of the sciatic
nerve; the use of open or openable areas on the sides for access to
pockets and cargo pockets important for the mission of the soldier;
and the use of two-way zippers on the sides of the pant legs for
added cooling when needed and/or for ease of putting on over the
boot.
[0070] The arm protection units are preferably adapted to be worn
over a standard USMC Combat Utility uniform or Battle Dress Uniform
(BDU). The arm protection units preferably provide ballistic
protection for approximately 300 degrees on the upper arms, at
least 300 degrees on the lower arms, and 360 degrees in the elbow
regions. The remaining approximately 60 degrees of each upper arm
is preferably covered with a mesh fabric or perforated fabric to
provide ventilation. The mesh area ventilation zone on the upper
arm is toward the body. On the other hand, any ventilation zone on
the lower arm, if provided, will preferably be on the back of the
arm when the arm is held at the individual's side.
[0071] The components protecting the right and left arm can be
joined into a single unit by one or more straps or other devices
fitting across the individual's back.
[0072] The arm protection units provide for flexible movement of
each arm from a straight position to at least a normal rifle firing
position. The ballistic material can be sewn into the covering
fabric. Alternatively, pockets can be used to hold removable
ballistic protection to allow for laundering.
[0073] Examples of suitable ballistic protection materials are
mentioned below. The ballistic material preferably comprises from
about 15 to about 30 layers of an appropriate ballistic material,
most preferably, Dyneema.RTM.. Each layer of ballistic material
preferably contains one 0 degree and one 90 degree ply, i.e. (0-90)
degrees. The layers of ballistic material are preferably cut,
oriented, and stacked in the same direction to ensure that the ply
lay-up across any two layers is a (0-90)-(0-90) degrees plies. Any
suitable ballistic material or combination of materials may be used
to advantage with the novel pattern design of the armor. The
layered ballistic materials used in the present invention can be
quilted but will more preferably be held together using minimal
perimeter stitching.
[0074] The leg protection units can be worn alone and are
preferably adapted to be worn over a standard USMC or Army combat
utility uniform or Battle Dress Uniform (BDU). The leg protection
units preferably provide ballistic protection for approximately 300
degrees on the upper leg, at least 300 degrees on the lower leg,
and 360 degrees in the knee regions. The remaining 60 degrees of
the upper leg will preferably be covered with a mesh fabric or
perforated fabric to provide ventilation. The mesh area ventilation
zone on the upper leg is preferably positioned between the legs.
Any ventilation zone on the lower leg, if provided, will preferably
be over the shinbone.
[0075] The components protecting the right and left legs are
preferably joined at the top to form a single pants unit designed
to be worn alone or with the standard USMC or Army combat utility
uniform and can optionally include suspenders.
[0076] The leg protection units provide for flexible movement of
the legs from a normal standing position to a fully squatting
position. The ballistic material can be sewn into the covering
fabric. Alternatively, pockets can be used to hold removable
ballistic material to allow for laundering.
[0077] Examples of suitable ballistic protection materials for the
leg are mentioned below. The ballistic material preferably
comprises from approximately 15 to approximately 30 layers of an
appropriate ballistic material, most preferably Dyneema.RTM.. Each
layer of ballistic material contains one 0 degree and one 90 degree
ply, i.e. (0-90) degrees. The layers of ballistic material are
preferably cut, oriented, and stacked in the same direction to
ensure that the ply lay-up across any two layers is a (0-90)-(0-90)
degrees plies. Any suitable ballistic material or combination of
materials may be used to advantage with the novel pattern design of
the armor. The layered ballistic materials used in the present
invention can be quilted but will more preferably be held together
using minimal perimeter stitching.
[0078] In addition to use by soldiers, the body armor may be useful
for foot patrols, SWAT-type operations for penetrating buildings,
sentry duty, bomb disposal, convoy duty, 50 caliber machine gun
operators, and many other applications.
[0079] The total body armor units provide protection from blast and
bomb fragments for approximately 85% or more of the limbs,
including the upper and lower arm, shoulder, elbow, upper and lower
leg, knee and hip. The unit design is the result of exhaustive
trade-off studies of factors such as the anatomically most
vulnerable limb areas (that when damaged cause amputation), weight
of the armor system (and therefore ballistic performance), degrees
of coverage, flexibility, total body cooling, and appearance. All
other available limb armor options provide, at best, only 20%
coverage of the limbs.
[0080] The arm units can include any or all of the following
features: adaptability for integration with an Outer Tactical Vest
(OTV) and/or other vests or systems; light weight (approximately
1.3 lbs/arm); flexible elbow and shoulder designs that do not
impede weapon aiming or firing; open areas or overlap areas for
cooling under the arm, behind the elbow, and at the top of the
shoulder; at least 270 degree (more preferably approximately 300
degree) protection from the shoulder to the top of the elbow;
approximately 360 degree protection around the elbow; at least 270
degree (more preferably at least 300 degree and most preferably
approximately 360 degree) protection below the elbow to the wrist;
protection of anatomically critical vulnerable areas such as
vascular/nerve bundles inside the elbow, the shoulder and under the
armpit; approximately double armor protection over small areas at
the elbow and the shoulder; removable ballistic material for
cleaning of the outer camouflage material; and ease of
manufacture.
[0081] The leg units can include any or all of the following
features: adaptability for integration with an OTV and/or other
vests or systems; light weight (approximately 3.2 lbs/leg); a
flexible knee design that does not impede squatting to a rifle
aiming position, running or jumping; open areas or overlap areas
for cooling at the groin, inside the thighs, at the hips, behind
the knee, and optionally at the lower shin; two-way zippered lower
legs for ease of donning and for extra cooling when needed;
approximately double armor protection over most of the area behind
the knee; at least 200 degree protection around the waist; at least
270 degree (more preferably approximately 300 degree) protection
around the thighs; approximately 360 degree protection around the
knees and the majority of the lower legs; complete protection of
anatomically critical points such as the vascular/nerve bundles
behind the knee and the sciatic nerve extending from the lower
back, down the buttocks to rear of the thigh; complete protection
of the femoral artery area inside the thigh when the groin
protector issued with OTV is worn; side and cargo pockets which are
easily accessible; an anti-chaffing design provided at the shin;
removable ballistic material for cleaning of the camouflage
material; and ease of manufacture.
[0082] Any suitable ballistic material or combination thereof can
be selected from many of the commercially available soft armor
products. These include, but are not limited to, Dyneema, Twaron,
Kevlar, Spectra, and Zylon. Additionally, hard versions of the soft
armor products may be used, or hybrid versions. The degree of
ballistic protection may be increased or decreased within the same
clothing pattern, with a concomitant increase or decrease,
respectively, in weight. The inventive design provides heat
dissipation and is appropriate for desert heat. As will be
apparent, versions of the inventive extremity armor for other,
cooler climates could increase the area of protection to greater
than 85% of the extremities by changing the material
dimensions.
[0083] An embodiment 1 of the inventive extremity armor protection
system comprising an upper extremity protection system 4 and a
lower extremity protection system 6 is depicted in FIGS. 1-22. An
alternative embodiment 2 of the inventive system comprising a
somewhat different upper extremity protection system 4' and a
somewhat different lower extremity protection system 6' is depicted
in FIGS. 23-43. In each embodiment 1 or 2, the upper extremity
system 4 or 4' comprises a left arm protection unit 8 or 8' and a
right arm protection unit 10 or 10'. The lower extremity protection
system 6 or 6' is preferably a pant system comprising a left leg
protection unit 12 or 12' and a right leg protection unit 14 or
14'. The inventive body armor system will preferably be worn in a
combination with an outer tactical vest 15 which can also include a
groin protector 16.
[0084] Each of the arm protection units 8, 8' and 10, 10' is
preferably a fabric sleeve system comprising: an upper arm sleeve
section 18 or 18'; a lower arm sleeve section 20 or 20' which
extends from the upper sleeve section 18 or 18'; an upper arm
ballistic protection material insert 34 or 34' which is held in the
upper sleeve section 18 or 18'; a lower arm ballistic protection
material insert 24 or 24' which is held in the lower sleeve section
20 or 20'; and a shoulder protection flap 32 or 32' having a
ballistic material insert 22 or 22' therein and providing a
flexible shoulder joint. As further illustrated in embodiment 1,
the arm protection units can include attachment features such as:
an upper rear attachment strap 26; an upper epaulet attachment loop
28; and an upper front attachment strap 30. In addition, as
illustrated in embodiment 2, the arm protection units can include
an openable lower arm vent 36' with releasable hook and loop (e.g.,
Velcro.RTM.) attachment straps 38.
[0085] The upper arm ballistic insert 34 or 34' of the upper arm
section 18 or 18' preferably covers the front 40, back 42, and
outer side 44 of the user's arm but does not extend over the inner
portion of the upper arm. The inner portion of the upper arm
section 18 or 18' includes an upper arm ventilation zone 46 or 46'
which does not include any ballistic protection material and is
preferably formed of a mesh or perforated fabric 45 or 45'.
[0086] Although the lower sleeve section 20 or 20' of the arm
protection unit can be connected to or integrally formed with the
upper sleeve section 18 or 18', the lower arm ballistic insert 24
or 24' is preferably separate from the upper arm ballistic insert
22 or 22' so that a flexible elbow joint 48 or 48' is provided. The
lower arm ballistic insert 24 or 24' preferably also includes a
portion 60 or 60' which will fully encircle the elbow region of the
user's arm.
[0087] In embodiment 2, the lower arm ballistic insert 24'
preferably extends 360 degrees around the user's lower arm.
[0088] In embodiment 1, the lower arm ballistic insert 24 includes
a first portion 50 which extends over the front 52, the outer side
54, and the inner side 56 of the user's lower arm but does not
extend over the back 58 of the lower arm. The lower arm section 20
of embodiment 1 thus includes a lower arm ventilation zone 62 which
does not include any ballistic material. The lower arm ventilation
zone 62 of embodiment 1 is most preferably provided by forming a
ventilation cutout 64 in the lower arm ballistic insert 24.
[0089] The use of the upper extremity protection system 4 of
embodiment 1 with an outer tactical vest 15 is illustrated in FIGS.
5-8. The upper arm protection units 8 and 10 of embodiment 1 can be
conveniently attached to the outer tactical vest 15 by: (a) sliding
the vest epaulets 66 through the arm protection unit epaulet
attachment loops 28 and snapping; (b) inserting the arm protection
unit front attachment straps 30 through the utility strip slots 68
provided on the front of the vest 15; (c) looping the front
attachment straps 30 back and snapping; (d) inserting the arm
protection unit rear attachment straps 26 through the top emergency
extraction strap 70 on the back of the vest 15; and (e) looping the
rear attachment straps 26 back and snapping.
[0090] In embodiments 1 and 2, each of the left and right leg
protection units 12 or 12' and 14 or 14' of the inventive system
preferably comprises: a fabric pant leg 72 or 72' having an upper
leg portion 74 or 74', a knee portion 76 or 76', and a lower leg
portion 78 or 78'; a ballistic material insert 80 or 80' which is
held in the pant leg 72 or 72'; a back flap 82 or 82' extending
vertically, when the user is standing, over the back of the user's
knee; a ballistic material insert 84 or 84' which is held in the
back flap 82 or 82' such that the insert 84 or 84' will cover the
back of the user's knee when standing; and a two-way side zipper 86
or 86'. The lower extremity protection system 6 or 6' can also
include suspenders 100 or 100'. The lower extremity protection
system 6' of embodiment 2 further comprises: an optional front knee
pad pocket 88' having a removable knee pad 90' positioned therein;
an outer lower hook and loop (e.g., Velcro.RTM. tie down 92'; an
openable upper leg side flap 94'; and a releasable hook and loop
strap 96' for closing the upper side flap 94'.
[0091] The ballistic material insert 80 for each of the leg
protection units 12 and 14 of embodiment 1 includes: an upper
portion 102 which covers at least the front portion 104 and the
back portion 106 of the user's upper legs but does not extend over
the inner portion of the upper leg; a knee portion 110 which will
extend around the knee region of the user's leg but includes a
cutout 112 which will be positioned on the back of the user's knee
to provide flexibility for squatting, running, climbing, etc.; and
a lower leg portion 114 which will extend over the outer side 116,
the inner portion 118, and the back 120 of the user's lower leg but
includes a ventilation cutout 122 which will be positioned on the
front of the lower leg over the user's shin bone.
[0092] The ballistic material insert 80' for each of the leg
protection units 12'and 14' of embodiment 2 is similar to insert 80
except that (a) the upper portion 102' of the embodiment 2 insert
80' will extend over at least most of the outer side 108 of the
user's upper leg when the upper leg side flap 94' is closed and (b)
the lower leg portion 114' will preferably extend 360 degrees
around the lower leg.
[0093] In each of embodiments 1 and 2, the upper open area 115 or
115' in the leg ballistic insert 80 or 80' provides an upper leg
ventilation zone 124 or 124' which will be positioned on the inner
portion of the user's upper leg adjacent to the user's other leg.
The upper leg ventilation zone 124 or 124' is preferably formed of
a mesh or perforated fabric material. In addition, as indicated
above, the knee cut out 112 or 112' provided in each leg insert 80
or 80' will be covered or shadowed by the back flap ballistic
insert 84 or 84'. However, for ease of movement and flexibility,
the back flap and the flap insert 84 or 84' will automatically
slide downwardly when the user squats or kneels. The back flap
ballistic inserts 84 or 84' also preferably have an outwardly bowed
or contoured shape to facilitate this sliding movement. The back
flap inserts, shoulder inserts, and other insert pieces of the
various embodiments are also preferably sewn together in a
contoured manner as shown in the drawings to correspond with the
shape of the body and thus provide better fit, comfort and
protection.
[0094] In regard to embodiment 1 of the inventive system, the
accompanying figures also show: a leg cover fabric pattern 130; a
back knee flap cover pattern 132; a pattern 134 for the leg
ballistic insert 80; a pattern 136 for the back leg flap ballistic
insert 84; a pattern 138 for the upper arm ballistic insert 34; a
pattern 140 for the shoulder ballistic insert 22; a pattern 142 for
the inner layers of the lower arm ballistic insert 24; a pattern
144 for the two larger flanged layers of the lower arm ballistic
insert 24; a shoulder back cover pattern 146; a shoulder front
cover pattern 148; a shoulder back cover pattern 150; an upper arm
cover pattern 152; and a lower arm cover pattern 154.
[0095] In regard to embodiment 2 of the inventive system, the
accompanying figures also show: a leg cover fabric pattern 130'; a
back knee flap cover pattern 132'; a pattern 134' for the leg
ballistic insert 80'; a pattern 136' for the leg flap ballistic
insert 84'; a pattern 138' for the upper arm ballistic insert 34';
a pattern 140' for the shoulder ballistic insert 22'; a pattern
142' for the lower arm ballistic insert 24'; shoulder cover
patterns 146', 148', and 150'; an upper arm cover pattern 152'; a
lower arm cover pattern 154'; pocket patterns 155', 156', and 157';
a mesh pattern 160' for the arm mesh vent 45'; and a mesh pattern
162' for a crotch mesh vent 55'.
[0096] A third embodiment of the inventive extremity armor system
is depicted in FIGS. 42-48. The third embodiment comprises an upper
extremity protection system and a lower extremity protection system
which are substantially similar to the upper and lower extremity
protection systems 4' and 6' of embodiment 2. However, the third
embodiment is different in that: the lower arm sections 206 of the
upper system are detachable from the upper arm sections 208
thereof; the lower arm sections 206 are removably attachable using
zippers 210, snaps 212, and/or similar attachments; the upper arm
sections 208 are removably attachable to the shoulder pieces 214
using elastic tabs 216 and snaps 218 or similar attachments; each
leg 220 and 222 of the lower extremity protection system 204 is
removably attached above the knee by a covered zipper 224 or 226 or
other attachment; and each of the leg ballistic material inserts is
correspondingly divided into a front upper leg piece 230, a back
upper leg piece 232, and a lower leg and knee piece 234.
[0097] Thus, the present invention is well adapted to carry out the
objects and attain the ends and advantages mentioned above as well
as those inherent therein. While presently preferred embodiments
have been described for purposes of this disclosure, numerous
changes and modifications will be apparent to those in the art.
Such changes and modifications are encompassed within this
invention as defined by the appended claims.
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