U.S. patent application number 11/580442 was filed with the patent office on 2010-06-24 for ballistics vest pad cover.
This patent application is currently assigned to Survival Armor, Inc.. Invention is credited to Karen P. McCraney.
Application Number | 20100154092 11/580442 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 42226756 |
Filed Date | 2010-06-24 |
United States Patent
Application |
20100154092 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
McCraney; Karen P. |
June 24, 2010 |
BALLISTICS VEST PAD COVER
Abstract
A ballistics vest pad cover (4) having at least one side that is
transparent, thereby permitting a user to easily view the condition
of the ballistics vest pad (3). In addition, because at least one
side is transparent, a user will be able to readily determine which
side should be facing towards the body. An optional label (9) may
be placed on the body-face side of the cover (5) so as to provide
an additional means of indicating the body-face side of the cover
(5) and ballistics vest pad (7). Because the user will be able to
easily view the ballistics vest pad (3), he or she will always be
aware of the condition of the ballistics vest pad (3) and may
replace the ballistics vest pad (3) and cover (4) as needed. As the
user no longer needs to guess whether the ballistics vest pad (3)
is still in good condition, lives will be saved. In addition, the
number of injuries occurring from wearing the ballistics vest pad
(3) incorrectly will be dramatically reduced.
Inventors: |
McCraney; Karen P.; (Naples,
FL) |
Correspondence
Address: |
EDWARD M. LIVINGSTON, PA
963 TRAIL TERRACE DRIVE
NAPLES
FL
34103
US
|
Assignee: |
Survival Armor, Inc.
|
Family ID: |
42226756 |
Appl. No.: |
11/580442 |
Filed: |
October 13, 2006 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
2/2.5 ;
2/243.1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
F41H 1/02 20130101; F41H
5/0407 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
2/2.5 ;
2/243.1 |
International
Class: |
F41H 1/02 20060101
F41H001/02; A41D 27/00 20060101 A41D027/00 |
Claims
1. A ballistics vest pad cover comprising: a ballistics vest pad of
a predetermined size and shape; said ballistics vest pad having a
body-face side and an opposite strike-face side; a pad cover having
a first side and a second side; said pad cover first side having an
edge; said pad cover second side having an edge; wherein said pad
cover first side edge is connected to said pad cover second side
edge; said pad cover encases said ballistics vest pad when said
edges are connected; and said first side of said pad cover is
entirely transparent so as to permit a user to view said body-face
side of said ballistics vest pad.
2. The ballistics vest pad cover of claim 1 wherein: said second
side is transparent.
3. The ballistics vest pad cover 1 wherein: said first side is a
body-face side.
4. The ballistics vest pad cover of claim 1 wherein: said second
side is an strike-face side.
5. The ballistics vest pad cover of claim 2 wherein: said first
side is a body-face side.
6. The ballistics vest pad cover of claim 2 wherein: said second
side is an strike-face side.
7. The ballistics vest pad cover of claim 1 wherein: said second
side is opaque.
8. The ballistics vest pad cover of claim 3 wherein: said second
side is opaque.
9. The ballistics vest pad cover of claim 4 wherein: said second
side is opaque.
10. The ballistics vest pad cover of claim 1 further comprising: at
least one label located on said pad cover first side.
11. The ballistics vest pad cover of claim 1 further comprising: at
least one label located on said pad cover first side.
12. The ballistics vest pad cover of claim 3 further comprising: at
least one label located on said pad cover first side.
13. The ballistics vest pad cover of claim 7 further comprising: at
least one label located on said pad cover first side.
14. The ballistics vest pad cover of claim 1 further comprising: at
least one piece of Litmus paper encased within said pad cover.
15. The ballistics vest pad cover of claim 2 further comprising: at
least one piece of Litmus paper encased within said pad cover.
16. A ballistics vest pad cover comprising: a ballistics vest pad
of a predetermined size and shape; said ballistics vest pad having
a body-face side and an opposite strike-face side; a pad cover
having a body-face side; said pad cover having an strike-face side;
said pad cover body-face side having an edge; said pad cover
strike-face side having an edge; wherein said pad cover body-face
edge is connected to said pad cover strike-face side edge; said pad
cover encases said ballistics vest pad when said edges are
connected; and said body-face side of said ballistics vest pad is
entirely transparent so as to permit a user to view said body-face
side of said ballistics vest pad.
17. The ballistics vest pad cover of claim 16 wherein: said
strike-face side is opaque.
18. The ballistics vest pad cover of claim 16 wherein: said
strike-face side is transparent.
19. The ballistics vest pad cover of claim 16 further comprising:
at least one label located on said pad cover first side.
20. The ballistics vest pad cover of claim 17 further comprising:
at least one label located on said pad cover first side.
21. The ballistics vest pad cover of claim 18 further comprising:
at least one label located on said pad cover first side.
22. The ballistics vest pad cover of claim 16 further comprising:
at least one piece of Litmus paper encased within said pad
cover.
23. A ballistics vest pad cover comprising: a ballistics vest pad
of a predetermined size and shape; said ballistics vest pad having
a body-face side and an opposite strike-face side; a pad cover
having a body-face side; said pad cover having an strike-face side;
said pad cover body-face side having an edge; said pad cover
strike-face side having an edge; wherein said pad cover body-face
edge is connected to said pad cover strike-face side edge; said pad
cover encases said ballistics vest pad when said edges are
connected; said body-face side of said ballistics vest pad is
entirely transparent so as to permit a user to view said body-face
side of said ballistics vest pad; said strike-face side is opaque;
and at least one label located on said pad cover first side.
24. The ballistics vest pad cover of claim 23 further comprising:
at least one piece of Litmus paper encased within said pad cover.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] This invention relates to armored vests, more particularly,
a cover for a ballistics vest pad that permits a user to quickly
and easily view the ballistics vest pad.
[0002] Currently, armored vests, which are also referred to as
bullet-proof vests, comprise three main components: a ballistics
vest pad having body-face side and an opposing strike-face side, a
non-removable cover (which is also referred to as a pad cover) and
a carrier. The ballistics vest pad is encased within the pad cover.
A label is placed on the cover of one side of the pad, either the
strike-side or the body-side, so as to indicate to the wearer how
to insert the pad. When a person desires to use the armored vest,
he or she inserts the covered ballistics vest pad into the carrier
such that the body-face side of the ballistics cover is against the
body and, depending on the type of armored vest, is worn underneath
or over the person's clothing.
[0003] Oftentimes, however, problems may occur wherein a person,
due to carelessness, does not read the label on the cover and
inadvertently places the ballistics vest pad into the carrier
wherein the body-face portion is not facing the body. As the
ballistics vest pad is designed wherein the strike-face side is
able to withstand the impact of a bullet greater than the body-face
side, this mistake could cost the wearer his or her life.
[0004] In addition, the ballistics vest pad of the armored vest is
normally warranted for only five years. However, as the condition
of the armored vest is determined by the amount of use, five years
is a only a general guideline. For example, if an armored vest is
receiving considerable use, then the condition of the armored vest
is greatly diminished well before five years whereas an armored
vest that is rarely used may have a life-span well over five years.
In addition, if the ballistics vest pad gets wet with sweat, water
or other liquid, there is a great likelihood that the ballistics
vest pad will become moldy. Also, some fabrics used to make
ballistics delaminate with use. Thus, it is important for the
wearer of the armored vest to know the condition of the ballistics
vest pad prior to wearing the vest.
[0005] However, because the cover is opaque, the condition of the
ballistics vest pad is not readily apparent. In addition, because
the cover is non-removable, a person must rip open the cover to
view the condition of the ballistics vest pad and, once the cover
is ripped, the entire ballistics system is destroyed, requiring the
purchase of a new covered ballistics vest pad. Thus, the users of
armored vests rarely, if ever, check the condition of the
ballistics vest pad of an armored vest as it is not convenient to
do so. Unfortunately, if a person uses a ballistics vest pad that
has been compromised, he or she is placing his or her life in
danger wherein the potential consequence is death.
[0006] Thus, a need exists for a ballistics vest pad cover that
permits a person to quickly and easily view the condition of the
ballistics vest pad without damaging the covered ballistics vest
pad.
[0007] The relevant prior art includes the following
references:
TABLE-US-00001 Patent No. (U.S. unless stated otherwise) Inventor
Issue/Publication Date 5,127,105 Sacks Jul. 07, 1992 5,471,906
Bachner, Jr. et al. Dec. 05, 1995 5,063,614 McSheffery Nov. 12,
1991 6,704,934 Graham et al. Mar. 16, 2004 4,510,200 Samowich Apr.
09, 1985 2005/0193459 Field et al. Sep. 08, 2005 6,845,513 Field et
al. Jan. 25, 2005 6,526,862 Lyons Mar. 04, 2003 4,413,357 Sacks
Nov. 08, 1983 4,198,707 Haupt et al. Apr. 22, 1980 3,398,406
Waterbury Aug. 27, 1968
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0008] The primary object of the present invention is to provide a
ballistics vest pad cover that permits a user to easily determine
which side of the ballistics vest pad should be worn facing the
body.
[0009] A further object of the present invention is to provide a
ballistics vest pad cover that permits a user to easily view the
condition of the ballistics vest pad without having to remove the
cover.
[0010] An even further object of the present invention is to
provide a ballistics vest pad cover that is washable.
[0011] The present invention fulfills the above and other objects
by providing a ballistics vest pad cover having at least one side
that is transparent, thereby permitting a user to easily view the
condition of the ballistics vest pad. In addition, because at least
one side is transparent, a user will be able to readily determine
which side should be facing towards the body. An optional label may
be placed on the body-face side of the cover so as to provide an
additional means of indicating the body-face side of the cover and
ballistics vest pad. In addition, an optional piece of Litmus paper
may also be located within the cover so as to indicate whether the
conditions within the cover are too acidic, thereby indicating that
the ballistics vest pad is degrading. Because the user will be able
to easily view the ballistics portion, he or she will always be
aware of the condition of the ballistics vest pad and may replace
the ballistics vest pad and cover as needed. As the user no longer
needs to guess whether the ballistics vest pad is still in good
condition, lives will be saved. In addition, the number of injuries
occurring from wearing the ballistics vest pad incorrectly will be
dramatically reduced.
[0012] The above and other objects, features and advantages of the
present invention should become even more readily apparent to those
skilled in the art upon a reading of the following detailed
description in conjunction with the drawings wherein there is shown
and described illustrative embodiments of the invention.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0013] In the following detailed description, reference will be
made to the attached drawings in which:
[0014] FIG. 1 is a plan perspective view of an armored vest
utilizing a ballistics vest pad cover of the present invention;
[0015] FIG. 2 is a side view of a ballistics vest pad encased
within a ballistics vest pad cover of the present invention;
[0016] FIG. 3 is a front view of a body-face side of a ballistics
vest pad encased within a ballistics vest pad cover of the present
invention; and
[0017] FIG. 4 is a rear view of an strike-face side of a ballistics
vest pad encased within a ballistics vest pad cover of the present
invention.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0018] For purposes of describing the preferred embodiment, the
terminology used in reference to the numbered components in the
drawings is as follows:
TABLE-US-00002 1. armored vest, generally 2. carrier 3. ballistics
vest pad 4. pad cover 5. pad cover body-face side 6. pad cover
strike-face side 7. ballistics vest pad body-face side 8.
ballistics vest pad strike-face side 9. label 10. pad cover
body-face edge 11. pad cover strike-face edge 12. Litmus paper
[0019] With reference to FIG. 1, a plan perspective view of a
bullet-proof vest utilizing a ballistics vest pad cover of the
present invention. The bullet-proof vest 1 generally has three main
components: a carrier 2, a ballistics vest pad 3 and a pad cover 4.
The predeterminedly sized and shaped ballistics vest pad 3 is
encased within a pad cover 4, which is preferably made of
thermoplastic polyurethane, and is predeterminedly sized and shaped
to encase the ballistics vest pad 3. Then, the covered ballistics
vest pad 3 is inserted into a carrier 2 for wearing. The carrier 2
may be of various shapes and sizes and may be adjustable so as to
provide a tailored fit for the wearer. In addition, the ballistics
vest pad 3 is preferably sized and shaped so as to be accommodated
within a particular sized and shaped carrier 2. The pad cover 4 is
preferably washable so as to maintain a sanitary ballistics cover
4.
[0020] Next, FIG. 2 shows a side view of a ballistics vest pad
encased within a ballistics vest pad cover of the present
invention. The ballistics vest pad 3 has a first side which is a
ballistics vest pad body-face side 7 and a second side which is a
ballistics vest pad strike-face side 8 wherein the ballistics vest
pad body-face side 7 is closest to a wearer's body when positioned
within the carrier 2. The proper positioning of the ballistics
body-face side 7 closest to the body is of great importance as the
ballistics vest pad strike-face side 8 may withstand the impact of
a bullet greater than the body-face side 7.
[0021] The pad cover 4 has a pad cover body-face side 5 and a pad
cover strike-face side 6. The pad cover body-face side 5 has a pad
cover body-face edge 10 and the pad cover strike-face side 6 has a
pad cover strike-face edge 11. The edges 10 and 11 are attached to
one another so as to form an encasement around the ballistics vest
pad 3. When the ballistics vest pad 3 is housed within the pad
cover 4, the pad cover body-face side 5 is located adjacent to the
ballistics vest pad body-face side 7 and the pad cover strike-face
side 6 is located adjacent to the ballistics vest pad strike-face
side 8.
[0022] In FIG. 3, a front view of a body-face side of a ballistics
vest pad encased within a ballistics vest pad cover of the present
invention is shown. The pad cover body-face side 5 is preferably
transparent so as to permit a wearer to easily view the ballistics
vest pad body-face side 7 while the pad cover strike-face side 6 is
preferably opaque and colored gray or black. In this manner, a
wearer is able to quickly and easily view the entire ballistics
vest pad body-face side 7 so as to determine whether the condition
of the ballistics vest pad 3 is acceptable. The ability to view and
examine the entire ballistics vest pad body-face side 7 is of great
importance as the ballistics vest pad 3 may appear in excellent
condition in one area, such as the abdominal area, but may be of
poor condition in another area, such as the chest area. In
addition, an optional label 9 may be located on the pad cover
body-face side 5 so as to serve as an additional indicator as to
the ballistics vest pad body-face side 7. An optional piece of
Litmus paper 12 may also be encased within the pad cover 4 so as to
readily indicate whether the conditions within the pad cover 4 are
too acidic, the ramifications of which cause the degrading of the
ballistics vest pad 3.
[0023] Finally, FIG. 4 shows a rear view of an strike-face side of
a ballistics vest pad encased within a ballistics vest pad cover of
the present invention. The pad cover strike-face side 6 is
preferably opaque so as to readily distinguish the pad cover
body-face side 5 from the pad cover strike-face side 6. However,
the pad cover strike-face side 6 may be transparent as well. In
addition, an optional label 9 may also be located on the pad cover
strike-face side 6 as well.
[0024] The use of the present invention will permit a wearer to
quickly and easily determine the condition of his or her ballistics
vest pad 3 without having to remove the pad cover 4.
[0025] It is to be understood that while a preferred embodiment of
the invention is illustrated, it is not to be limited to the
specific form or arrangement of parts herein described and shown.
It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various
changes may be made without departing from the scope of the
invention and the invention is not be considered limited to what is
shown and described in the specification and drawings.
* * * * *