U.S. patent application number 11/908742 was filed with the patent office on 2009-01-29 for protective garment.
Invention is credited to Daniel Crossman, Geoffrey Fisher, Clint Hedge, Justin Myles, Luciana Scafita, Magda Slobozianu.
Application Number | 20090025126 11/908742 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 36991244 |
Filed Date | 2009-01-29 |
United States Patent
Application |
20090025126 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Crossman; Daniel ; et
al. |
January 29, 2009 |
PROTECTIVE GARMENT
Abstract
A protective garment for protecting military and emergency
service personnel comprises an upper body garment having a torso
portion formed of flexible material and left and right arm sleeves
extending from the torso portion, each sleeve including one or more
pockets for retaining a protective armour element to the sleeve.
Right and left aide leggings are provided each having retainers for
retaining armour elements to the leggings. Each armour element
comprises a flexible or rigid ballistic resistant material or
structure for protecting the limbs of a wearer against bullets and
fragmentation from explosives. The protective garment includes a
lower sleeve and lower leggings, each of which are detachable from
the basic garment.
Inventors: |
Crossman; Daniel; (Ashton,
CA) ; Scafita; Luciana; (Ottawa, CA) ; Hedge;
Clint; (Winchester, CA) ; Fisher; Geoffrey;
(Ottawa, CA) ; Slobozianu; Magda; (Ottawa, CA)
; Myles; Justin; (Carlsbad Springs, CA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
BARNES & THORNBURG LLP
11 SOUTH MERIDIAN
INDIANAPOLIS
IN
46204
US
|
Family ID: |
36991244 |
Appl. No.: |
11/908742 |
Filed: |
March 16, 2006 |
PCT Filed: |
March 16, 2006 |
PCT NO: |
PCT/CA2006/000391 |
371 Date: |
April 24, 2008 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
60661937 |
Mar 16, 2005 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
2/456 ;
2/2.5 |
Current CPC
Class: |
F41H 1/02 20130101; A41D
13/015 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
2/456 ;
2/2.5 |
International
Class: |
A41D 13/00 20060101
A41D013/00 |
Claims
1-77. (canceled)
78. A protective garment for protecting personnel, comprising a
torso portion formed of flexible material, and left and right arm
sleeves extending from said torso portion, each sleeve comprising a
flexible material and including retaining means for retaining a
protective armour element to the sleeve.
79. A protective garment as claimed in claim 78, wherein each
sleeve has an upper arm portion and a lower arm portion, and said
retaining means comprises one or more of (1) a first retainer
positioned to retain a first protective armour element in the upper
arm portion, and (2) a second retainer for retaining a second
protective armour element in the lower arm portion.
80. A protective garment as claimed in claim 79, wherein said lower
arm portion comprises a discrete sleeve portion detachable from
said upper arm portion and fastening means for releasably fastening
the lower arm portion to the upper arm portion.
81. A protective garment as claimed in claim 78, wherein said
retaining means comprises at least one pocket provided on said
sleeve.
82. A protective garment as claimed in claim 81, wherein one or
more of (1) the pocket is formed on the outside of said sleeve, (2)
the pocket has an opening on at least one of the inside of the
sleeve and the outside of the sleeve for permitting insertion of a
protective armour element therein, and (3) an opening is positioned
near the top of said pocket.
83. A protective garment as claimed in claim 78, wherein one or
more of (1) at least a portion of each sleeve comprises a
lightweight, breathable material or mesh material, and (2) said
torso portion comprises a front panel and a rear panel and one or
both panels comprises a lightweight, breathable material or mesh
material.
84. A protective garment as claimed in claim 78, wherein at least
one of (1) said sleeves and (2) said torso portion comprises at
least one of a stretchable material, and polypropylene.
85. A protective garment as claimed in claim 78, wherein each
sleeve has an opening formed therein in the under part of the
sleeve near the junction between the sleeve and the torso
portion.
86. A protective garment as claimed in claim 78, wherein said torso
portion comprises a front portion and a rear portion, and at least
one of the front portion and the rear portion comprises left and
right side flaps for securing to at least one of the front portion
and rear portion.
87. A protective garment as claimed in claim 78, further comprising
at least one protective armour element for each sleeve.
88. A protective garment as claimed in claim 87, wherein at least
one protective armour element comprises at least one of (1) a
plurality of layers of ballistic resistant fabric, and (2) a
protective plate.
89. A protective garment as claimed in claim 88, wherein at least
one of (1) the protective plate has a pre-formed transverse
curvature to assist in conforming the plate to the shape of the
region of a wearer's arm when in use, and (2) each protective plate
has a transverse curvature and is flexible to allow the transverse
curvature to be varied.
90. A protective garment as claimed in claim 88, wherein a
protective plate comprises at least one layer of plastic and/or
ceramic material and at least one layer of ballistic resistant
fabric.
91. A protective garment as claimed in claim 90, wherein said
plastic or ceramic material is positioned as an outer layer
relative to the ballistic resistant material.
92. A protective garment as claimed in claim 78, further comprising
tightening means for tightening each sleeve and/or at least one
protective element against a wearer's arm.
93. The use of a protective garment as claimed in claim 78, at
least one of (1) by military personnel and/or emergency service
personnel, (2) worn over standard military uniform, and (3) wherein
at least one of an additional protective jacket, a protective
jacket comprising a torso portion which includes a ballistic
resistant material or structure, a protective jacket which is
substantially sleeveless and comprises a torso portion which
includes a ballistic resistant material or structure, is worn over
the torso portion of said protective garment.
94. A protective garment for protecting personnel, comprising left
and right leg protectors, each leg protector comprising a legging
formed of flexible material and having retaining means secured
thereto for retaining at least one protective element to the
legging.
95. A protective garment as claimed in claim 94, wherein said
flexible material comprises at least one of (1) a lightweight
material, (2) a breathable material, and (3) a mesh material.
96. A protective garment as claimed in claim 94, wherein each
legging comprises an upper portion for covering an upper portion of
a wearer's leg above the knee.
97. A protective garment as claimed in claim 96, wherein each
legging further comprises a lower portion for covering at least a
portion of a wearer's lower leg below the knee.
98. A protective garment as claimed in claim 97, wherein each
legging includes a front portion and the front portion has an
opening formed therein in the knee region.
99. A protective garment as claimed in claim 97, wherein each lower
portion comprises a discrete element, which can be worn and removed
separately from said upper portion.
100. A protective garment as claimed in claim 99, further
comprising fastening means for fastening the lower portion to the
upper portion.
101. A protective garment as claimed in claim 96, further
comprising left and right knee protectors each comprising a
protective material and sized to cover a wearer's knee.
102. A protective garment as claimed in claim 101, wherein said
knee protector comprises a discrete element separate from said
upper portion.
103. A protective garment as claimed in claim 102, further
comprising fastening means for releasably fastening each knee
protector to a respective upper portion of a legging.
104. A protective garment as claimed in claim 94, wherein said
retaining means comprises at least one pocket provided on each
legging.
105. A protective garment as claimed in claim 104, wherein one or
more of (1) said at least one pocket is formed on the outside of
each legging, (2) said pocket comprises an opening on at least one
of the inside of the legging and the outside of the legging for
permitting insertion of a protective armour element therein, and
(3) the internal side of said pocket comprises at least one of a
lightweight and breathable material.
106. A protective garment as claimed in claim 105, wherein said
opening is positioned near the top of said pocket.
107. A protective garment as claimed in claim 94, wherein each
legging extends substantially to a waist region and said leggings
are connected together at said waist region.
108. A protective garment as claimed in claim 94, further
comprising at least one protective armour element for each
legging.
109. A protective garment as claimed in claim 94, wherein said
leggings each comprise one or more of (1) a retaining means for
retaining a protective element in a position for protecting a front
region of the thigh of a wearer, (2) a retaining means for
retaining a protective element in a position for protecting a rear
region of a wearer's upper leg, (3) retaining means for retaining a
protective element in a position to protect a buttock region of a
wearer, (4) a retainer for retaining a protective element at a
position for protecting a front portion of a wearer's lower leg,
and (5) a retainer for retaining a protective element in a position
for protecting a rear portion of a wearer's lower leg.
110. A protective garment as claimed in claim 109, further
comprising a respective protective element for protecting each said
respective region.
111. A protective garment as claimed in claim 94, wherein each
legging comprises tightening means for tightening a legging about a
wearer's leg.
112. A protective garment as claimed in claim 111, wherein at least
one of (1) said tightening means comprises at least one web or
strap, (2) said tightening means is positioned on the rear of each
legging, and (3) each tightening means is positioned to tighten at
least one protective element against a wearer's leg.
113. A protective garment as claimed in claim 94, wherein said
leggings each define an inside edge between the waist region and
crotch region thereof and at least a portion of the edges are
disconnected.
114. A protective garment as claimed in claim 113, wherein the
opposed edges are at least one of at the front of said leggings and
at the rear of said leggings.
115. A protective garment as claimed in claim 94, further
comprising a waist portion, each legging attached to said waist
portion, and wherein said waist portion includes at least one of a
retaining means for retaining a protective element for protecting a
portion of the waist region of a wearer, and a protective armour
material for protecting a waist region.
116. A protective garment as claimed in claim 115, wherein said
retaining means comprises at least one pocket.
117. A protective garment as claimed in claim 115, further
comprising a tailbone protector extending downwardly from a
mid-rear portion of said waist portion.
118. The use of a protective garment as claimed in claim 94, at
least one of (1) by military or emergency service personnel and (2)
by donning the protective garment by placing said leggings over
standard military uniform or other garment, and, optionally
tightening said leggings against said military uniform or other
garment.
119. A body protective system comprising a torso portion formed of
flexible material, left and right arm sleeves extending from said
torso portion, each sleeve comprising a flexible material and
including retaining means for retaining a protective armour element
to the sleeve and left and right leg protectors, each leg protector
comprising a legging formed of flexible material and having
retaining means secured thereto for retaining at least one
protective element to the legging.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] This invention relates to protective garments, and in
particular, but not limited to, protective garments for protecting
military and emergency service personnel including police during
active service.
BACKGROUND
[0002] Military personnel often work in hazardous environments and
are frequently exposed to ballistic threats such as bullets and
fragments from explosive devices such as bombs and roadside IEDs
(improvised explosive devices). Personnel operating in these
environments may be issued with a sleeveless protective jacket for
wearing in combination with standard military uniform. The
protective jacket comprises front and rear pockets each extending
over the front and rear torso regions for receiving a ballistic
resistant plate, typically composed of a composite of multiple
layers of ballistic resistant fabric such as an aramid material and
embedded epoxy resin which are heat pressed together. The front and
rear protective plates assist in preventing bullets and fragments
penetrating the thoracic cavity and damaging vital organs.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0003] According to one aspect of the present invention, there is
provided a protective garment for protecting personnel, comprising
a torso portion formed of flexible material, and left and right arm
sleeves extending from said torso portion, each sleeve comprising a
flexible material and including retaining means for retaining a
protective armour element to the sleeve.
[0004] Advantageously, this arrangement provides a protective
garment for protecting areas of the arm susceptible to injury
during combat.
[0005] In some embodiments, the sleeves may be formed of a
lightweight material.
[0006] In some embodiments, the sleeves may be formed of a
breathable material, for example a mesh-like material.
[0007] In some embodiments, the sleeves may be formed of a material
which is capable of stretching.
[0008] In some embodiments, the torso portion may be formed of a
material having one or more of the same properties of the sleeve
material.
[0009] In some embodiments, each sleeve has an upper arm portion
and a lower arm portion, and the retaining means comprises a first
retainer positioned to retain a first protective element or plate
in the upper arm portion, and a second retainer for retaining a
second protective element or plate in the lower arm portion.
[0010] In some embodiments, the retaining means comprises at least
one pocket provided on the sleeve.
[0011] In some embodiments, the pocket is formed on the inside of
the sleeve. Advantageously, with the pockets formed on the inside
of the sleeve, the material of the sleeve itself overlies the
protective element or plate and assists in urging and holding the
protective element or plate against the wearer's arm. In other
embodiments, the pocket may be formed by attaching a web of
material to the outside of the sleeve, and may be secured thereto
to have a similar effect of urging the protective or plate against
a wearer's arm.
[0012] In some embodiments, the pocket has an opening on at least
one of the inside of the sleeve and the outside of the sleeve for
permitting insertion of a protective element or plate therein.
Advantageously, the use of a pocket having an opening allows the
protective element or plate to be removed from the protective
garment so that different protective elements or plates can be used
depending on the level of protection required and the prevailing
threat. Also, the removability of the plates allows the protective
garment to be more easily laundered.
[0013] In some embodiments, the opening of the pocket may be
closable, for example by any suitable fastening means such as a
surface contact type fastener (e.g. hook and loop fastener). This
allows the opening of the pocket to be quickly released and the
protective elements or plates to be quickly and conveniently
inserted or removed.
[0014] In some embodiments, the pocket comprises a material having
any one or more similar characteristics of the material forming the
main part of the sleeve and/or torso portion. In other embodiments,
the pocket(s) may comprise an opaque material (e.g. woven,
non-mesh) such as Cordura.TM. or similar material.
[0015] In some embodiments, each sleeve has an opening formed
therein in the underpart of the sleeve near the junction between
the sleeve and the torso portion, and/or in the torso portion
adjacent the underpart of the sleeve. Advantageously, the opening
reduces the heat load and facilitates cooling of the underarm
region, increases mobility, and allows the weight of the protective
garment to be substantially reduced. The opening may extend from
the junction between the torso portion and the sleeve and may
extend along a major part of the upper arm, and in some
embodiments, may extend further, for example to the elbow region or
below.
[0016] In some embodiments, each sleeve further comprises
tightening means for tightening the sleeve against a wearer's arm.
The tightening means may be disposed within a region of a
protective element or plate such that the tightening means tightens
the protective element or plate against a wearer's arm. For
example, in embodiments where the sleeve includes protective
elements for the upper and lower arms, a tightening means may be
arranged to tighten the upper protective element against the upper
arm and a further tightening means may be arranged to tighten the
lower protective element against the lower arm.
[0017] In some embodiments, the torso portion comprises a front
portion and a rear portion, and one of the front portion and the
rear portion comprises left and right side flaps for securing to
the other of the front portion and rear portion. Advantageously,
this allows the torso portion to be tightened and fitted against a
wearer's body.
[0018] In some embodiments, the front of the torso portion can be
opened and may for example comprise left and right flaps and a
quick release fastener to allow the flaps to be opened. The quick
release fastener may for example comprise a hook and loop fastener
(e.g. Velcro).
[0019] In some embodiments, the protective element comprises a
protective plate having a pre-formed transverse curvature to assist
in conforming the plate to the shape of the region of a wearer's
arm when in use.
[0020] In some embodiments, each protective plate is flexible to
allow the transverse curvature to be varied. Advantageously, this
system allows the protective plate to be bent as needed to
effectively conform to the shape of a wearer's arm for increased
comfort, and so that the whole of the surface area of the plate is
encouraged to fit tightly and accurately to a wearer's arm. This
assists in preventing relative movement between the plate and the
arm, when the plate is subjected to forces along or transverse to
the surface of the plate, as caused by, for example, motion of the
wearer.
[0021] In some embodiments, each protective plate comprises at
least one layer of ceramic and/or plastic material, e.g.
polycarbonate, and at least one layer of ballistic resistant
material, for example, a ballistic resistant fabric such as an
aramid fibre-containing fabric, e.g. Kevlar, Dyneema, Twaron (or
similar material). The protective plate may further include a layer
of foam backing for increased comfort, thermal insulation and to
reduce back face deformation of the plate when subjected to high
velocity ballistic fragments, particles, bullets or other
objects.
[0022] According to another aspect of the present invention, there
is provided a protective garment for protecting personnel,
comprising left and right leg protectors, each leg protector
comprising a legging formed of flexible material and having
retaining means secured thereto for retaining at least one
protective element to the legging.
[0023] In some embodiments, the material comprises a lightweight
material.
[0024] In some embodiments, the material comprises a breathable
material, for example, a mesh-like material.
[0025] In some embodiments, each legging comprises an upper portion
for covering an upper portion of a wearer's leg above the knee, and
may further comprise a lower portion for covering at least a
portion of a wearer's lower leg below the knee.
[0026] In some embodiments, each legging includes a front portion,
and the front portion has an opening formed therein in the knee
region. Advantageously, this arrangement increases the flexibility
of the garment in the region of the knee, and also reduces the
weight of the garment.
[0027] In some embodiments, the retaining means comprises at least
one pocket provided on each legging. At least one pocket may be
formed on the inside of each legging. Advantageously, by forming
the pocket on the inside of each legging, the material of the
legging overlies the protective element or plate and can therefore
urge the plate into more intimate contact with the wearer.
Alternatively, each pocket may be formed on the outside of the
legging to have a similar effect of urging the protective element
against a wearer's leg.
[0028] In some embodiments, each legging extends substantially to a
waist region, and the leggings are connected together at the waist
region.
[0029] In some embodiments, each legging defines an inside edge
between the waist region and crotch region thereof, and at least a
portion of the edges are disconnected. Advantageously, this
arrangement in which there is an absence of material between the
waist and crotch region provides increased flexibility, cooling and
comfort.
[0030] In some embodiments, the protective element comprises a
protective plate.
[0031] Protective plates may be provided for protecting any one or
more of the front thigh, rear thigh, buttock region, front lower
leg and rear lower leg.
[0032] In some embodiments, each protective plate comprises at
least one layer of ceramic or plastic material (e.g.
polycarbonate), and at least one layer of a ballistic resistant
material, for example an aramid-based fabric such as Kevlar,
Twaron, Dyneema or similar material. The plastic or ceramic
material may be placed in front of the ballistic resistant material
or vice versa. At least one protective plate may further comprise a
foam backing or similar backing for increased comfort, thermal
insulation and reduction of back face deformation when the front of
the plate is subjected to high velocity impacts from sharp objects
such as bullets and shrapnel.
[0033] In some embodiments, each protective plate has a preformed
transverse curvature to generally conform to the shape of the
portion of the wearer's leg where the plate is to be worn.
[0034] In some embodiments, the protective plate is flexible so
that the transverse curvature can be varied to conform to the shape
of a wearer's leg. Advantageously, this allows the plate to be held
more closely to the wearer's leg and to reduce relative movement
between the plate and leg, for increased comfort.
[0035] In some embodiments, each legging comprises tightening means
for tightening a legging about a wearer's leg. The tightening means
may be positioned such that it acts to tighten a protective element
or plate to the wearer's leg.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0036] Examples of embodiments of the present invention will now be
described with reference to the drawings, in which:
[0037] FIG. 1 shows a front view of a protective vest according to
an embodiment of the present invention;
[0038] FIG. 2 shows a back view of the vest shown in FIG. 1;
[0039] FIG. 3 shows a front view of a pair of protective pants
according to an embodiment of the present invention;
[0040] FIG. 4 shows a back view of the pants shown in FIG. 3;
[0041] FIG. 5 shows a front view of a protective system comprising
vest and pants according to an embodiment of the present
invention;
[0042] FIG. 6 shows a side view of the embodiment of the protective
system shown in FIG. 5;
[0043] FIG. 7 shows a back view of the protective system of FIGS. 5
and 6;
[0044] FIG. 8 shows a perspective view of a protective plate
according to an embodiment of the present invention;
[0045] FIG. 9 shows a diagram showing proportionately where
injuries are sustained on the human body by combat soldiers;
[0046] FIG. 10 shows a front view of a protective garment according
to another embodiment of the present invention;
[0047] FIG. 11 shows a rear view of the protective garment shown in
FIG. 10;
[0048] FIG. 12 shows a right-side view of the protective garment
shown in FIGS. 10 and 11; and
[0049] FIG. 13 shows a front view of the protective garment shown
in FIGS. 10 to 12 when worn.
DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS
[0050] Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, a protective vest 1, according
to an embodiment of the present invention comprises a torso portion
3 having a neck opening 4 and left and right arm sleeves 5, 7,
extending from the torso portion. The sleeves 5, 7 and the torso
portion are formed of a lightweight breathable material, and in
this embodiment comprise a mesh-like material. The front of the
torso portion 3 comprises right and left front flaps 9, 11 which
overlap near a middle region of the torso portion and releasably
fasten together by means of a fastener 13. The fastener may
comprise any suitable fastener, and in one embodiment comprises a
quick release fastener, for example, a surface contact fastener,
such as a hook and loop fastener.
[0051] Referring to FIG. 2, a vest tightening system is provided to
allow the torso portion to be tightened against a wearer's body. In
this embodiment, the tightening system comprises right and left
lower flaps 15, 17 which extend from right and left side portions
19, 21 of the torso portion, and right and left fasteners 23, 25
for fastening each flap to the rear panel 27 of the torso portion.
In this embodiment, each fastener 23, 25 comprises a surface
contact fastener, such as a hook and loop type fastener, in which
one part of the fastener is secured to the back panel 27 of the
torso portion and the other part is carried by each flap 15, 17. A
slit at each side 26, 28 of the torso portion may be provided
between the front and back portions thereof and may extend from the
lower edge 29 of the vest a predetermined distance towards each
sleeve.
[0052] Each sleeve 5, 7 has an upper arm portion 31, 33 extending
between an elbow region 35, 37 and a shoulder region 39, 41, and a
lower arm portion 43, 45 extending from the elbow region 35, 37 to
a cuff region 47, 49.
[0053] An opening 51, 53 is provided in the underpart of each upper
arm portion 31, 33 for venting, comfort and to reduce the weight of
the vest and material used. The opening 51, 53 may extend from the
arm into the side of the torso portion.
[0054] Each sleeve includes a retainer for retaining at least one
protective element thereon. In this embodiment, the upper arm
portion 31 and the lower arm portion 43 each have a retainer for
retaining a protective plate, and each retainer may advantageously
comprise a pocket formed on the inside of each sleeve so that the
material of the sleeve overlays the protective plate and can urge
or squeeze the plate against a wearer's arm. Each pocket 55, 57,
59, 61 comprises a closable opening 63, 65, 67, 69 to allow each
plate to be removably inserted into the respective arm portion.
Each pocket or pouch may be formed of a similar material to the
sleeves and/or torso portion.
[0055] Each upper arm protective plate is adapted to protect the
major upper arm muscles such as any one or more of the deltoid, the
rotator cuff muscle, the tricep and bicep muscles. To this end,
each upper arm plate extends from the elbow region to the shoulder
region to cover the side of the arm and a portion of at least one
of the front and back of the arm.
[0056] The forearm plate protectors are adapted to protect the
anterior forearm which is most susceptible to injury during combat.
The forearm protective plate extends from the elbow region to the
cuff region.
[0057] Material having a high friction surface such as grip rubber
may be provided in various parts of the vest, where needed, for
example, in the shoulder regions 81, 83 to assist in securing the
butt of a rifle or other munitions or device thereon.
[0058] Tightening straps may optionally be provided on each sleeve
to allow the sleeve and/or protective plates to be tightened
against a wearer's arm. Advantageously, this increases the surface
contact area between the arm and the plate and assists in reducing
relative movement between the plate and arm for improved comfort,
particularly when the wearer is jogging or running or performing
other exercise which involves sudden movement, such as repeated
acceleration/deceleration of the limbs.
[0059] Referring to FIGS. 3 and 4, a pair of protective pants,
generally shown at 201, comprises right and left leggings 203, 205
which extend from a waist region 207 to an ankle region 209. The
leggings are connected together by a waistband 211. The waistband
may have a releasable connector/fastener such as a buckle,
snap-connector or surface contact/fastener to allow the waistband
to open, for example at the front, back or at a side thereof. Each
legging has a front portion 213, 215, and in this embodiment, the
front and rear portions of each legging have an inside edge 217,
219 between the waistband 211 and the crotch region 221 in which at
least a portion of the edges are disconnected.
[0060] The front portion 213 of each legging 203, 205 has an
opening 223, 225 in the region of the knee to allow greater
flexibility in the area of the knee joint and to reduce the weight
of the garment.
[0061] Each legging may comprise a material having at least one of
the following properties: 1) lightweight; 2) breathable; 3)
flexible; and 4) stretchable.
[0062] Each legging includes at least one retainer for retaining at
least one protective element thereon. In this embodiment, each
legging comprises retaining means for retaining a protective plate
227 for protecting the front upper leg, a protective plate 229 for
protecting the front lower leg, a protective plate 231 for
protecting the rear upper leg and a protective plate 233 for
protecting the rear lower leg.
[0063] In this embodiment, each retainer comprises a pocket or
pouch, preferably formed on the inside of each legging, into which
each protective plate can be removably inserted through a closable
opening 235, 237, 239, 241, formed for example at or near the top
of each pocket. However, the opening may be formed elsewhere, for
example, along the side of a pocket, at the bottom of a pocket or
at a position within the area of the pocket. Each opening may be
closable by a suitable fastening means, for example, a hook and
loop fastener.
[0064] In one embodiment, the protective plates are shaped to
protect the femur and/or the femoral artery.
[0065] In one embodiment, the lower leg protective plates are
adapted to cover the shin bone and prevent injuries which would
otherwise cause lower limb amputation.
[0066] Tightening means may optionally be provided to assist in
tightening each legging about a leg and may be arranged to assist
in tightening one or more protective plates to a wearer's leg. In
the embodiment shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the tightening means
comprises a plurality of web members or straps 251, 253, 255
extending from the side of each legging and which secure to a
fastener 257, 259, 261 (e.g. loop or buckle) on the rear of each
legging, as shown in FIG. 4.
[0067] FIGS. 5 to 7 show a mode of wearing the protective vest and
protective pants by military personnel. In this arrangement, the
protective vest and protective pants are worn as a garment over
standard military (e.g. combat) uniform. A (standard) ballistic
resistant vest 305 may be worn over the protective vest to protect
the front and back torso region, including the thoracic cavity. The
vest may extend from the neck region 309 to a region 311 below the
waist.
[0068] Advantageously, in embodiments of the present invention, the
vest and pants provide a lightweight, breathable carriage system
for carrying protective elements to protect extremities of the body
such as the arms and legs to complement and enhance existing
standard military jackets, which only protect the torso region.
Embodiments of the protective vest and/or pants may be treated with
an anti-infrared reflective treatment to reduce or prevent the
material reflecting infrared light, so that the wearer cannot be
observed in darkness under infrared light.
[0069] An example of a protective plate which may be used as an
element with the vest or pants is shown in FIG. 8. In this
embodiment, the protective plate 401 comprises one or more layers
403 of ceramic or plastics material, such as polycarbonate, one or
more layers 405 of ballistic resistant material or fabric, e.g.
aramid fabric such as Kevlar, Twaron, Dyneema or other similar
material, and an optional backing layer 407 of a relatively soft
material, such as foam. In this embodiment, the plastics layer is
placed to the front of the protective plate to protect against
blunt impacts and also reduce the velocity of high velocity objects
such as bullets and shrapnel. The ballistic resistant material
assists in preventing penetration of high velocity objects to a
wearer by virtue of its high tensile strength. The softer backing
layer 407 provides further protection by reducing back face
deformation caused by high velocity objects and may further provide
additional comfort and thermal insulation.
[0070] A cover (not shown) may be provided to cover the protective
plate, and may be formed of any suitable material, such as nylon,
and the material may be water resistant, or waterproof.
[0071] The protective plate may have a preformed, transverse
curvature generally shown at 409 between its side edges 411, 413 to
assist the plate in conforming to the shape of a wearer's limb in
the region at which the plate is to be worn. Alternatively, or in
addition, the protective plate structure may be flexible so that it
can fit more accurately to the individual's shape for increased
comfort and also to reduce relative movement between the plate and
a wearer (by increasing surface contact over its area).
[0072] In embodiments of the vest and/or pants, the vest or pant
shell material may be abrasion resistant.
[0073] The protective vest or pants may be formed of a material to
reduce its infrared signature.
[0074] At least one of the vest and pants may be provided with a
quick release mechanism to facilitate donning and doffing.
[0075] One or more protective plates may have a foam backing for
heat dissipation, back face deformation and comfort.
[0076] Although in FIGS. 5 to 7, the tightening webs are shown as
completely circumventing the arms and legs, in other embodiments,
the webs may only partially surround a limb to reduce the
possibility of snagging. For example, the leg tighteners may be
confined to the back of the leg.
[0077] Embodiments of the invention provide lightweight extremity
protection. The protective plates may provide protection to
fragmentation from various threat levels, which may include
standard test threat levels of 2, 4, 16, 64 g RCC (Right Circular
Cylinder). One or more protective plates may also provide
protection from 9 millimetre FMJ (full metal jacket) bullets.
[0078] Advantageously, the vest and/or pants have a low thermal
burden and provide an exoskeleton carriage system for carrying an
adaptive armour system comprising a plurality of protective
elements (e.g. plates).
[0079] The carriage system allows the protective elements to be
intimately secured to the limbs of a wearer so that they move
together with the wearer's limbs, and remain effectively integrated
with the wearer, even when subjected to shock.
[0080] The protective system is particularly applicable to protect
dismounted soldiers, although the protective system may be applied
to any other personnel, for example, those operating in a hazardous
environment.
[0081] Embodiments of the present invention may provide protection
over a range of areas of the limbs. Studies show that the
percentage of injuries in different areas of the body sustained by
military personnel when in combat, are as follows:--
1) upper arm 16% 2) lower arm 11% 3) shoulder 8% 4) thigh 19% 5)
lower leg 18% 6) lower extremities hand/elbow 11% 7) knee/foot 11%
8) hip/buttock 5%.
[0082] A diagram showing the percentage of injuries inflicted on
different parts of the human anatomy is shown in FIG. 9.
[0083] Advantageously, embodiments of the invention can be adapted
to protect limbs and limb regions which are traditionally difficult
to protect and at the same time maintain operational
effectiveness/flexibility and user confidence.
[0084] An example of another embodiment of a protective system is
shown in FIGS. 10 to 13. Referring to FIGS. 10 to 13, the
protective system generally shown at 501 comprises an upper body
garment 503 in the form of a jacket having front and rear torso
portions 505, 507 for generally covering the torso of a wearer, and
right and left upper sleeve portions 509, 511 each extending from a
shoulder region of the torso portion. Each upper sleeve 509, 511
terminates at a lower edge 513, 515, which in this embodiment is
positioned at the elbow region of a wearer. Each sleeve has an
opening 517, 519 in the upper lower portion thereof, i.e. in the
underarm region to reduce heat load, facilitate the circulation of
air, increase mobility and prevent bunching of material for
comfort. Each upper sleeve includes a pocket 521, 523 for retaining
a protective insert such as a ballistic resistant plate for
protecting the upper arm, for example the deltoid region, against
injury. The pocket may include an opening to allow the protective
insert to be removed and inserted, as required. Each insert may be
adapted to fit relatively tightly into each pocket to prevent
relative movement between the pocket and insert. In one embodiment,
this may be achieved by conforming the size and shape of the insert
to that of the pocket. An optional strap 525, 527 may be provided
to tighten each plate more securely against the upper arm, as
required. The strap may be adapted for at least partially or
completely surrounding the upper arm.
[0085] The protective system further comprises right and left lower
arm sleeves 529, 531 which can be detachably connected to the upper
arm sleeves by a fastening system 533. In this embodiment, the
fastening system comprises first and second straps 535, 537
positioned on opposite sides and adjacent the upper edge of each
lower arm sleeve and which pass through and fold back on opposed
loops 539, 540 positioned near the lower edge 513 of each upper arm
sleeve. Each end of the straps carries a suitable fastener for
fastening the strap back onto the lower arm sleeve. Each lower
sleeve 529, 531 includes a pocket 541 for retaining a protective
insert for protecting the lower arm of a wearer. Each pocket may
include an opening, for example positioned along the upper edge of
the pocket, for enabling the protective insert to be removed and
inserted, as required. An optional strap 542 may be provided for
each lower arm sleeve for tightening the protective insert against
a person's lower arm. The strap may be fixed to the lower arm or
separate therefrom. The protective insert for the lower and/or
upper arms may comprise a ballistic resistant plate comprising any
suitable material or structure. In one embodiment, the protective
plate may comprise an outer layer of ceramic material and one or
more layers of ballistic resistant fabric, e.g. a high tensile
strength fabric such as an aramid or other polymeric material. The
protective plate may additionally include a backing layer for
reducing back deformation and may, for example, comprise a foam
material.
[0086] The protective system further comprises an upper leg
protective garment 543 comprising a waist section 544 and right and
left upper leg sections 545, 546 connected to and depending from
the waist section 544. In this embodiment, each upper leg section
545, 546 has the form of a hose for receiving and surrounding the
upper leg of a wearer, and is formed of a flexible material. An
opening 547 is formed in the upper inside edge of each leg section
to reduce heat load and increase mobility. Each leg section
includes a front pocket 548 for retaining a protective insert
therein. Each pocket may include an opening for enabling the
protective insert to be removed and inserted, as required. Each leg
section further includes rear upper and lower pockets 549, 550 each
for retaining a protective insert. In this embodiment, the upper
pocket 549 is positioned to cover a buttock region and the lower
pocket 550 is positioned to cover a portion of the rear upper leg.
Each pocket may have an opening for enabling the protective insert
to be removed and inserted, as required.
[0087] Each protective insert may be sized and shaped to fit
relatively tightly into each pocket to reduce relative movement
therebetween. The protective inserts may be formed of any suitable
material and have any structure, depending on the nature of the
threat. For example, each insert may comprise a ballistic resistant
material or structure and may be similar to the structure described
above for the arm protective inserts. The protective inserts may
comprise a rigid or semi-rigid plate or may have a relatively
flexible structure, for example as may be provided by one or more
layers of ballistic resistant fabric.
[0088] The waist section 544 comprises front, side and rear
portions 551, 552, 553 which surround the waist and includes a
fastener 554 such as a belt. In this embodiment, each side portion
552 of the waist section extend downwardly relative to the front
and rear portions to cover at least a portion of the hips of a
wearer, (so that the waist section has a generally saddle shape,
but this shape is optional). The waist section includes a pocket
for retaining one or more protective inserts therein, and in one
embodiment, the protective insert(s) may have the general form of
the waist section. The protective insert(s) may be formed of any
suitable material, and in one embodiment comprise a flexible or
resilient structure comprising one or more layers of ballistic
resistant fabric, such as an aramid or other polymeric material.
The pocket or pockets of the waist section may have openings to
allow the protective insert to be removed and inserted, as
required.
[0089] In this embodiment, the waist section 544 includes a tail
section which extends downwardly from a mid portion of the rear
section 553 to protect the tailbone of a wearer. The tail section
555 may comprise a ballistic resistant material or structure and
may be rigid, semi-rigid or flexible. In one embodiment, the tail
section 555 comprises a plurality of layers of ballistic resistant
fabric, such as an aramid or other polymeric material. The tail
section may include a pocket for retaining a protective insert
therein and the pocket may have an opening to allow the protective
insert to be removed and inserted, as required. In other
embodiments, a fastening system may be provided for releasably
fastening the tail section to the waist section.
[0090] The protective system further comprises right and left knee
protectors 556, 557. Each knee protector may comprise one or more
layers of ballistic resistant material, such as an aramid or other
polymeric material and may be rigid, semi-rigid or flexible. Each
knee protector includes a fastener for fastening the knee protector
to the corresponding upper leg section 545, 546, and includes a
second fastener 559 comprising a strap for fastening the knee
protectors about the leg of a wearer. In this embodiment, the first
fastener comprises a web of flexible material extending from an
upper edge region of each knee protector, and a loop 560 positioned
adjacent a lower front edge of the upper leg sections for receiving
the web 558 which is then folded back and attaches to the knee
protector by a suitable fastener, for example a hook and loop
fastener such as Velcro. The provision of a fastening system for
fastening the knee protector to the upper leg section keeps the
knee protector in the correct vertical position and prevents it
from sliding down.
[0091] The protective system further comprises right and left lower
leg sections 561, 562. Each section is in the form a hose for
receiving and surrounding a person's lower leg and may be formed of
a suitable flexible fabric. Each lower leg section 561, 562
includes a front pocket 563 for retaining a protective insert for
protecting the front of a person's leg, and a rear pocket 564 for
retaining a protective insert for covering and protecting a
person's rear lower leg portion. Each pocket may include an opening
to allow the protective inserts to be removed and inserted, as
required. Each protective insert may comprise a ballistic resistant
material or structure, and may comprise a rigid or semi-rigid
protective plate or a flexible material such as one or more layers
of ballistic resistant fabric such as an aramid or other polymeric
material. An additional strap 565 may be provided for tightening
the front and rear protective inserts against a person's lower leg.
A strap or other tightening mechanism 566 may be provided to
tighten the lower portion of the lower leg section about a wearer's
ankle. An optional strap 567 may be provided for tightening front
and rear lower protective inserts against a person's upper leg.
[0092] The protective system of this embodiment is a modular design
comprising separable components which include separable lower arm
sleeves, separable knee protectors and separable lower leg
protectors, and provides a high degree of flexibility for the
wearer. Each of the detachable lower arm sleeves, the knee
protectors and lower leg protectors can be removed or worn as
required depending on the application and the type and/or level of
prevailing threat.
[0093] In the embodiments described above, any one or more of the
protective elements may have the same or similar shape to the
pockets.
[0094] In other embodiments, the material of the vest and/or pants
may comprise a continuous fabric, e.g. a closely woven fabric
rather than a mesh material, but may otherwise have characteristics
of lightweight and/or stretchable and/or breathable. The material
may have a smooth external surface to reduce the possibility of
snagging and may be made of natural and/or synthetic fibres, either
alone or in combination. (Non-limiting examples include polyester,
polypropylene, cotton and aramid fibre)
[0095] The vest and/or pants and/or protective elements may be
provided with any camouflage pattern, as desired or needed.
[0096] Other aspects and embodiments of the present invention may
comprise a combination of any two or more features disclosed
herein. In other aspects and embodiments, any one or more features
may be removed altogether or substituted by another feature, for
example an equivalent or variant thereof.
[0097] Numerous modifications and changes to the embodiments
described above will be apparent to those skilled in the art.
* * * * *