U.S. patent application number 13/367933 was filed with the patent office on 2012-08-09 for flexible protective armor.
Invention is credited to Gavin Reay.
Application Number | 20120198594 13/367933 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 46599622 |
Filed Date | 2012-08-09 |
United States Patent
Application |
20120198594 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Reay; Gavin |
August 9, 2012 |
FLEXIBLE PROTECTIVE ARMOR
Abstract
The present application relates generally to protective body
armor to be worn while engaging in sports activities for protecting
against injury due to impact. It is an object of the present
disclosure to provide flexible protective armor able to mitigate
impacts from both small and large hard objects without deforming,
while also providing adequate ventilation to the wearer.
Specifically, provided is a flexible protective armor system
comprised of a network of beams and spring elements for
distribution and dissipation of the force from impact, and
protection for the wearer from damage.
Inventors: |
Reay; Gavin; (London,
GB) |
Family ID: |
46599622 |
Appl. No.: |
13/367933 |
Filed: |
February 7, 2012 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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61440031 |
Feb 7, 2011 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
2/2.5 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A63B 71/12 20130101;
A41D 13/0531 20130101; A41D 13/05 20130101; A41D 13/0543 20130101;
A63B 2071/1241 20130101; A63B 2071/1258 20130101; A41D 13/0156
20130101; A63B 2243/0025 20130101; A63B 2244/19 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
2/2.5 |
International
Class: |
F41H 1/02 20060101
F41H001/02 |
Claims
1. A flexible protective armor comprising: a network of a plurality
of beams and a plurality of spring elements, wherein each beam
includes a spring element extending therefrom at a select angle,
wherein the beams are arranged to form a select pattern throughout
the network, and whereby the network of beams and spring elements
facilitates absorption and distribution of force such that each
spring element absorbs a set amount of force and disperses such
force to its corresponding beam and throughout the network.
2. The flexible protective armor of claim 1, further comprising an
outer border for binding the network of beams and spring elements
therein to form a select shape thereof.
3. The flexible protective armor of claim 1, wherein each spring
element has a select stiffness for distributing a select amount of
force.
4. The flexible protective armor of claim 3, wherein the spring
element stiffness is a function of the size and shape of the spring
element.
5. The flexible protective armor of claim 3, wherein the spring
element stiffness is a function of the angle the spring element
extends from its corresponding beam.
6. The flexible protective armor of claim 1, wherein the beams are
arranged to form a diamond pattern throughout the network.
7. The flexible protective armor of claim 6, wherein each diamond
shape in the diamond pattern is bounded by four beams, each beam
having a length of about 0.5 inches, a height of about 0.25 inches,
and a thickness of about 0.031 inches.
8. The flexible protective armor of claim 6, wherein each diamond
shape in the diamond pattern defines a hollow area, such that each
diamond shape defines an aperture therein such that air may pass
freely therethrough.
9. The flexible protective armor of claim 6, wherein the size of
each diamond shape in the diamond pattern is non-uniform over the
surface of the network.
10. The flexible protective armor of claim 1, wherein the size and
shape of each spring element is non-uniform over the surface of the
network.
11. The flexible protective armor of claim 1, wherein the angle
that each spring element is positioned relative to its
corresponding beam is non-uniform over the surface of the
network.
12. The flexible protective armor of claim 1, wherein the beams are
adapted to be transversally mounted for locking a plane of movement
in one direction.
13. The flexible protective armor of claim 12, wherein each beam is
mounted at one end to anchor situated adjacent to a beam of the
network and supported at the other end by a guide, and further
includes an end stop dimensioned for engaging said guide and to
inhibit movement of the beam in a given direction.
14. The flexible protective armor of claim 13, whereby applying
load in one direction such that the network bends to be convex
along the opposite axis to the bending force, the beam can move
freely through the guide.
15. The flexible protective armor of claim 13, whereby applying
load in one direction such that the network bends to be concave
along the opposite axis to the bending force, the beam is put under
tension and cannot move past the guide.
16. The flexible protective armor of claim 1, wherein the network
is modular such that the armor may be customized to fit a person's
body.
17. The flexible protective armor of claim 16, wherein each beam
includes a connector for selective adaptation of the network.
18. The flexible protective armor of claim 1, wherein the plurality
of spring elements form a network of spring elements to provide a
cushioning for a person's body.
19. The flexible protective armor of claim 1, wherein the beams are
arranged to form a honeycomb throughout the network.
20. A flexible protective armor comprising: a mesh structure
defining a plurality of apertures therein, wherein the mesh
structure defines a plurality of vertical channels therein to
provide lateral flexibility thereof, said mesh structure further
including a plurality of pillars situated at the vertex of each
channel defined in the mesh structure, wherein said pillars inhibit
longitudinal bending of the mesh structure, a plurality of spring
elements extending from the mesh structure at a select angle, and
whereby the mesh structure facilitates absorption and distribution
of force such that each spring element absorbs a set amount of
force and disperses such force to the mesh structure.
21. The flexible protective armor of claim 20, wherein the
apertures defined by the mesh structure are defined in a hexagonal
shape.
22. The flexible protective armor of claim 20, wherein each spring
element has a select stiffness for distributing a set amount of
force.
23. The flexible protective armor of claim 22, wherein the spring
element stiffness is a function of the size and shape of the spring
element and of the angle the spring element is positioned relative
to the mesh structure.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] The present patent application is a non-provisional
application claiming the benefit under 35 U.S.C. .sctn.119(e) of
U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 61/440,031, filed on Feb. 7,
2011, and entitled "FLEXIBLE PROTECTIVE ARMOR," naming Gavin Reay
as inventor, the complete disclosure thereof being incorporated
herein by reference.
FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE
[0002] The present disclosure relates generally to protective
equipment and in particular to flexible protective body armor to be
worn while engaging in sports activities for protecting against
injury due to impact.
BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE
[0003] It is common practice for athletes to wear protective guards
and/or armor while participating in sports. This armor is intended
to protect the athlete from the consequences of impact with both
fixed hard structures, such as the ground, and with moving items,
such as other people.
[0004] Traditionally, protective guards have been comprised of a
hard plastic outer shell, injection molded, blow molded or
thermoformed, with a lining of a softer compressible material, such
as padding or foam. In such arrangements, the lining provides
cushioning while the outer shell protects against impact by
distributing impact load across its surface. However, these guards
tend to be bulky and may limit movement and flexibility.
Additionally, the use of foam padding decreases ventilation, which
may cause discomfort to the wearer.
[0005] Various efforts have been made to create flexible, shock
absorbing protection devices in body armor over the years. For
instance, U.S. Pat. No. 4,610,034 issued to Johnson and U.S. Pat.
No. 7,150,217 issued to Kershaw are directed to flexible, shock
absorbing protection devices in body armor, utilizing a honeycomb
construction bonded to a rigid skin. Specifically, Johnson
discloses a protective pad that is readily deformable. However,
such a readily deformable pad does not provide the required
protection from point loads. Kershaw teaches a protective body
armor comprising various layers of a non-deformable material.
[0006] However, when these layered armors are exposed to impact,
such impact may produce a bulge which deforms the armor. Since the
armor is worn adjacent to the body, such deformation may project
into the body of the wearer, causing tissue damage or trauma to
underlying organs. Therefore, although the honeycomb layered armor
arrangements are flexible, they lack the necessary degree of
stiffness to adequately protect a wearer from impact.
[0007] Thus, to be most desirable to an athlete, protective armor
must: not hinder movement; have the ability to mitigate impacts
from both small and large hard objects without deforming; and be
able to "breathe" by defining a plurality of apertures therein such
that air may pass freely therethrough, thus providing ventilation
to the wearer. Accordingly, the present application is directed to
a protective armor to be worn during sporting activities to protect
the wearer from impact. The object of the present disclosure is to
provide a protective armor having the most desirable balance
between flexibility and rigidity whilst being lightweight and
breathable.
SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE
[0008] The problems presented by existing protective guards are
solved by the present protective armor. The present application is
generally directed to protective body armor to be worn while
engaging in sports activities to protect against injury due to
impact. It is an object of the present disclosure to provide a
flexible protective armor able to mitigate impacts from both small
and large hard objects. The present protective body armor is
intended to protect an athlete from the consequences of impact with
both fixed hard structures, such as the ground, and with moving
objects, such as other people. It is an object of the present
protective body armor to: be flexible; have the ability to mitigate
impacts from both small and large hard objects without bottoming
out; and define a plurality of apertures therein such that air may
pass freely therethrough, providing ventilation to the wearer.
[0009] Accordingly, the present disclosure is directed to
protective armor to be worn during sporting activities to
adequately protect the wearer from impact, while allowing for
freedom of movement. The protective armor is made of a network of
beams and spring elements. The spring elements extend from beams at
a select angle and are arranged to form a select pattern. This
arrangement of beamed spring elements facilitates absorption and
distribution of force. Additionally, the present protective armor
is comprised of a lightweight and breathable material such that the
wearer is comfortable during exertion.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0010] FIG. 1a is a perspective view of a first embodiment of the
present protective armor in use by a skier.
[0011] FIG. 1b is another perspective view of the first embodiment
present protective armor in use by a soccer player.
[0012] FIG. 1c is a detailed perspective view of the first
embodiment of network of beams and spring elements in accordance
with the present protective armor.
[0013] FIG. 1d is a cross-sectional depiction of an aspect of the
embodiment of FIG. 1c.
[0014] FIG. 2a is a front side view of a second embodiment of the
present protective armor, including a transversally mounted sliding
beam.
[0015] FIG. 2b is a side view of the second embodiment of FIG.
2a.
[0016] FIG. 2c is a front side view of the embodiment of FIG. 2a,
illustrating free movement of the transversally mounted sliding
beam.
[0017] FIG. 2d is a side view of the embodiment of FIG. 2a,
illustrating application of force to the transversally mounted
sliding beam.
[0018] FIG. 2e is a side view of the embodiment of FIG. 2a,
illustrating application of force to the transversally mounted
sliding beam.
[0019] FIG. 2f is a front side view of the embodiment of FIG. 2a,
illustrating the transversally mounted sliding beam under
tension.
[0020] FIG. 3a is a perspective view of a third embodiment of the
present spring element network.
[0021] FIG. 3b is a detailed perspective view of the connection
junction of the third embodiment of FIG. 3a.
[0022] FIG. 4 is a perspective bottom view of a third embodiment of
the present including a spring element network and a mesh
structure.
[0023] FIG. 5 is a perspective top view of the embodiment of FIG.
4.
[0024] FIG. 6a is a perspective front view of the embodiment of
FIG. 4, illustrating torsional flexibility.
[0025] FIG. 6b is another perspective front view of the embodiment
of FIG. 4, illustrating torsional flexibility.
[0026] FIG. 6c is another perspective top view of the embodiment of
FIG. 4.
[0027] FIG. 7a is a side view of the embodiment of FIG. 4,
illustrating application of force to the mesh network.
[0028] FIG. 7b is a side view of the embodiment of FIG. 4 being
compressed.
[0029] FIG. 8 is a side view of the embodiment of FIG. 4.
[0030] FIG. 9 is a side view of the embodiment of FIG. 4,
illustrating torsional flexibility.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0031] Embodiments of the present disclosure relate to protective
body armor to be worn while engaging in physical activities for
protecting against injury due to impact. The following description
is presented to enable one of ordinary skill in the art to make and
use the present protective body armor and is provided in the
context of a patent application and its requirements. Various
modifications to the preferred embodiment and the generic
principles and features described herein will be readily apparent
to those skilled in the art. Thus, the present disclosure is not
intended to be limited to the embodiments shown, but is to be
accorded the widest scope consistent with the principles and
features described herein. Advantages of the present protective
body armor will now be described in detail with references to the
accompanying drawings.
[0032] The present protective body armor is intended to protect a
person from the consequences of impact with both fixed hard
structures, such as the ground, and with moving objects, such as
other people. For example, an armor may be provided for a person
participating in various physical activities (e.g., an armor 100a-c
for a person participating in skiing or soccer, as illustrated in
FIGS. 1a and 1b). It is an object of the present protective body
armor to: be flexible without hindering movement; have the ability
to mitigate impacts from both small and large hard objects without
bottoming out; and provide ventilation to the wearer. Accordingly,
the present disclosure is directed to protective armor to be worn
during sporting activities to adequately protect the wearer from
impact, while allowing for freedom of movement. Additionally, the
present protective armor is comprised of a lightweight and
breathable material such that the wearer is comfortable during
exertion.
[0033] In one embodiment, illustrated in FIGS. 1a through 1d, the
present protective body armor 100 is comprised of an outer border
107 and a network 103 of beams 102 and spring elements 101. The
network 103 of beams 102 and spring elements 101 may be comprised
of a plurality of beams 102 formed integrally with a plurality of
spring elements 101. Each beam 102 preferably includes a spring
element 101 extending therefrom at a select angle. The outer
periphery of the network 103 is bound by the outer border 107, as
specifically illustrated in FIG. 1a.
[0034] The network 103 of beams 102 and spring elements 101 may be
composed of plastic, PVC, fiberglass, rubber, polycarbonate,
polypropylene, Nylon, polyethylene, polyurethane or other similar
materials. Moreover, the network 103 material may be injection
molded, blow molded, sintered, vacformed or compression molded as
an integral construction. The outer border 107 may be composed of a
substantially soft and flexible material, such as Lycra.RTM.,
rubber, foam, or fabric.
[0035] As shown in FIG. 1c, the beams 102 are arranged to form a
diamond pattern 105, or X-pattern, throughout the network 103 of
beams 102 and spring elements 101. As shown, each diamond shape 106
is bounded by four beams 102a-d. The beams 102 create longitudinal
stiffness in the network 103 such that it generally maintains its
shape. Specifically, because the beams 102 are rigid, they inhibit
the network 103 from bending in a longitudinal direction, meaning
the network is generally longitudinally rigid. In this embodiment,
the area defined within the diamond shape 106 is hollow, such that
each diamond shape 106 defines an aperture therein. Thus, air is
free to pass through the network 103 via each diamond shape 106. As
a result, the present armor is aerated and lightweight for the
wearer's comfort, therefore being "breathable." In the embodiment
of FIG. 1c, each of beams 102a-d preferably has a length of about
0.5 inches, a height of about 0.25 inches, and a thickness of about
0.031 inches. As a result, each diamond shape 106 defines an area
of about 0.25 square inches therein.
[0036] The hollow area defined by each diamond shape 106 further
allows lateral movement of the network 103 of beams 102 and spring
elements 101. Thus, the larger the aperture defined by each diamond
shape, the more flexibility the wearer will have. As shown in FIG.
1c, the sizes of the diamond shapes 106 are uniform over the
surface of the network 103. However, the sizes of the diamond
shapes and of the spring elements may be non-uniform over the
surface of the network to accommodate flexing and for the ergonomic
function of the protective armor based upon the area of the body
being protected.
[0037] Alternatively, in another embodiment (not shown), the beams
may be arranged to form a circular, honeycomb or hexagonal pattern
throughout the network of beams and spring elements. In this
embodiment, each hexagon formed by the beams defines an aperture in
its center, such that each hexagon is hollow.
[0038] As described above, the network 103 is further comprised of
a plurality of spring elements 101 in connection with and extending
from the plurality of beams 102. Preferably, each beam 102 includes
a spring element 101 extending therefrom at a select angle to
facilitate distribution of a set amount of force. More
specifically, each spring element 101 includes a top portion 108
and a bottom portion 110. The top portion 108 is connected to and
extends from the beam 102 at a select fixed angle. The bottom
portion 110 extends from the top portion at a select angle, and may
be generally curved. In a collision, each spring elements 101
absorbs the force of impact and distributes it to its corresponding
beam 102, such that the force is dispersed throughout the network
103. Thus, the force of impact is sent away from the wearer,
thereby protecting the wearer from injury. More specifically, as
illustrated in FIG. 1d, when force is applied to the network, each
spring element 101 compresses, with respect to its corresponding
beam 102, until the bottom portion 110 of the spring element 101 is
flat. The spring element 101 deflects in a linear and consistent
manner such that the force is absorbed and dispersed to the beam
102. Thus, each beam 102 deflects force, while each spring element
101 absorbs force, acting to cushion impact for the wearer.
[0039] Each spring element 101 in the network has a select
stiffness for distributing a set amount of force. The stiffness of
each spring element 101 is a function of its width, depth,
thickness, material composition and the angle at which it extends
from the beam 102. As described above, each spring element 101 is
positioned at a select angle to its corresponding beam 102 to
facilitate distribution of force. More specifically, the angle (A)
at which the top portion 108 of the spring element 101 extends from
the beam 102 determines the compressibility of the bottom portion
110. Accordingly, the angle (A) defined between the top portion 108
of the spring element 101 and the beam 102, in part, determines the
stiffness of the spring element 101.
[0040] The angle (A) that the top portion 108 of the spring element
101 is positioned relative to beam 102 directly corresponds to the
flexibility of the spring element 101, and inversely corresponds to
impact force able to be dispersed. Thus, the smaller the angle (A)
defined between the top portion 108 of the spring element 101 and
the beam 102, the less flexibility the wearer will have, and the
more force will be able to be dispersed. The angle (A) defined
between the top portion 108 of the spring element 101 and the beam
102 is generally selected from an angle between about 0.degree. and
about 90.degree., where 0.degree. provides the most rigidity to the
spring and 90.degree. provides the most flexibility. For example,
FIG. 1c illustrates a spring element 101 situated in-line with the
beam 102; that is, an angle of spring 0.degree. is defined between
the top portion 108 of the spring element 101 and the beam 102. At
this angle, the spring element 101 is generally stiff, meaning it
is able to disperse a large amount of impact force. In contrast, a
spring element situated at a larger angle, such that a 45.degree.
angle is defined between the top portion of the spring element and
the beam, would be relatively more flexible. However, such a spring
element would not be able to disperse as much impact force as the
spring element 101 of FIG. 1c.
[0041] Moreover, as described above, the stiffness of the spring
element 101 is further a function of its depth, width and
thickness, and material composition thereof. Specifically, the
dimensions of the spring element directly correspond to the
stiffness of the spring element 101 and to the amount impact force
it is able to absorb. For example, each spring element 101
illustrated in FIG. 1c has a depth (D) of about 0.25 inches, a
width (W) of about 0.25 inches, and a thickness (T) of about 0.03
inches. This spring element is relatively stiff, and therefore able
to absorb a relatively large amount of force. However, stiffer
spring elements 101 may restrict movement of the wearer. Flexible
spring elements 101 are not able to absorb and disperse as much
force as stiff spring elements 101. However, such flexible spring
elements 101 facilitate movement of the wearer.
[0042] The present armor 100 may also be comprised of variously
shaped or angled spring elements selected for specific groupings
within the network or on separate armors to provide for varying
regions of impact protection and varying regions of flexibility.
For example, FIG. 1a illustrates the protective armor including a
spinal guard 100a and a thigh guard 100b being used by a skier
having varied spring elements from one another.
[0043] Specifically, the thigh guard 100b is generally rigid, as
the thigh of a skier's body does not require much flexibility to
perform the activity. In this example, the thigh guard 100b is
comprised of a network 103 including spring elements 101 having top
portions 108 situated at a 0.degree. angle relative to their
corresponding beams. As a result, each spring element is generally
stiff and thus able to absorb increased force, thus protecting the
wearer from injury. Moreover, the network 103 includes relatively
small diamond shapes 106 to further limit flexibility. By contrast,
the spinal guard 100a requires increased flexibility because a
skier must be able to bend and move his spine freely. Therefore,
the spinal guard of FIG. 1a is comprised of a network including
relatively large diamond shapes to facilitate flexibility. However,
because the spine is requires increased shock absorption and
protection, the spinal guard includes spring elements situated at a
marginally larger angle, such as 10.degree., relative to their
corresponding beams (not shown). As a result, each spring element
is generally stiff and thus able to absorb increased force, thus
protecting the wearer from injury.
[0044] Additionally, the present protective armor may further
include a means of securing the armor to a person's body. For
example, as shown in FIGS. 1a and 1b, the protective armor may
include a plurality of straps 111 affixed to the armor 100a-c outer
border 107. In this example, the outer border 107 defines a
plurality of apertures 109 therein for receiving the straps 111.
The straps 111 may be threaded through apertures 109 defined in the
outer border 107 and then secured around the user's body. The
straps 111 may be comprised of any suitable fabric or material,
such as nylon. Alternatively, the present protective armor may be
affixed to a garment. For example, the armor may be sewn, glued,
laminated, or otherwise affixed to the outside of a shirt or pair
of pants. The armor may also be situated internal to the article of
clothing.
[0045] FIGS. 2a through 2f illustrate another embodiment of the
present protective armor comprised of a network 203 of a plurality
of beams 202 formed integrally with a plurality of spring elements
201. In this embodiment, the present protective armor may further
include a plurality of transversally mounted sliding beams 212 for
locking a plane of movement in one direction only. For example, the
transversally mounted sliding beams 212 may be used to provide
convex flexibility of the network 203, while providing concave
rigidity. The sliding beam 212 is mounted at one end 213 to an
anchor 214 situated adjacent to a beam 202 of the network 203. The
other end 215 of the sliding beam 212 is supported by a guide 216.
End 215 of sliding beam 212 has an end stop 217 dimensioned for
engaging guide 216 and for inhibiting movement of sliding beam 212
in a given direction. For example, end stop 217 can be dimensioned
to engage the body or portion thereof or extension thereof such as
a shoulder to prevent movement of sliding beam 212 in a given
direction.
[0046] As illustrated in FIG. 2c, when there is no load or force on
the armor, the sliding beam 212 is free to move at one end through
a guide 216. Moreover, when load (Force A) is applied to the armor
from one direction, as illustrated in FIG. 2d, the network 203
bends, becoming convex along the opposite axis to the bending force
(Force A). Under the influence of force (Force A), the distance
between the anchor and the guide decreases, allowing the sliding
beam to move freely through the guide. The sliding beam 212 does
not provide any resistance to Force A. However, when load (Force B)
is applied in the opposite direction, as illustrated in FIG. 2e,
the network attempts to bend with the force and, at the opposite
axis, becomes concave. As a result, as shown in FIG. 2f, the
sliding beam 212 is put under tension and cannot move past the
guide 216.
[0047] Thus, the sliding beam 212 only allows the network 203 to
bend on one plane. The transversally mounted sliding beams create
concave stiffness in the armor such that it maintains its shape.
Specifically, because the transversally mounted sliding beams are
rigid, they prevent the armor from bending in a concave direction,
meaning the armor is concavely rigid. For example, when the armor
of the present embodiment is used as a spinal guard, the sliding
beam allows the armor to bend convexly to allow the spine to bend
forward freely. However, the sliding beam prevents concave bending,
so that the wearer may not bend backwards. As a result, the spine
is properly protected.
[0048] FIGS. 3a and 3b illustrate another embodiment of the present
protective armor comprised of a network 303 and an outer border
(not shown). The network 303 comprised of a plurality of beams 302
formed integrally with a plurality of spring elements 301. In this
embodiment, the beams 302 and spring elements 301 are modular such
that the armor 300 may be customized to fit the wearer. Each beam
302 may include a connector 320 for selective adaptation of the
network 303. In this embodiment, the connector 320 may be comprised
of a tongue 321a and groove 321b connection. Specifically, one beam
302 includes a tongue 321a, whereas another beam 302 includes a
corresponding groove 321b. As specifically illustrated in FIG. 3b,
the tongue 321a is received by the groove 321b to form a connection
between the beams 302a, 302b.
[0049] FIGS. 4-9 show yet another embodiment of the present
protective armor including a plurality of spring elements 401
extending from a mesh structure 420. As illustrated in FIGS. 4-9,
the mesh structure 420 may be comprised of a honeycomb or hexagonal
pattern. In this embodiment, each hexagon formed by the mesh
structure defines an aperture in its center, such that each hexagon
is hollow. As a result, the mesh structure is lightweight and
flexible.
[0050] Moreover, the mesh structure 420 adds rigidity to the armor
to provide more protection for the wearer upon impact.
Additionally, as illustrated in FIG. 4, the mesh structure 420
defines a plurality of vertical channels 405 therein to provide
lateral flexibility (407) of the mesh structure, while providing
longitudinal rigidity. This flexibility is illustrated more
specifically in FIGS. 6a-6c and 9. The channels 405 create
underlying pillars 413 situated at the vertex 412 of each v-shape
410 defined in the mesh structure. The pillars 413 create
longitudinal stiffness in the mesh structure 420 such that it
maintains its shape. Specifically, because the pillars 413 are
rigid, they prevent the mesh structure 420 from bending in a
longitudinal direction, meaning the mesh structure 420 is
longitudinally rigid (409 shown in FIG. 5).
[0051] As illustrated specifically in FIGS. 7a and 7b, when force
is applied to the mesh structure, the mesh structure disperses the
initial impact throughout its network and the network of spring
elements absorb the impact force such that the wearer is protected.
Specifically, upon impact, each spring element 401 compresses with
respect to the mesh structure to deflect and disperse such force
through the mesh structure. As force is applied, the spring element
401 deflects in a linear and consistent manner such that the force
is absorbed and dispersed to the mesh structure. That is, upon
impact the spring element 401 compresses and deflects force away
from the wearer 422. At the same time, impact force is absorbed by
the mesh structure 420 and dispersed throughout. The rigid mesh
structure 420 prevents deformation of the spring elements 420, and
thus better protects the wearer 420 from impact force.
[0052] The stiffness of each spring element 401 is a function of
its width, depth, thickness, material composition and the angle at
which it extends from the beam 402. Each spring element is
positioned at a select angle to its corresponding beam to
facilitate distribution of force. Specifically, the angle at which
the spring element 401 is positioned, relative to the beam,
directly corresponds to the flexibility of the spring element 401
and inversely corresponds to impact force able to be dispersed.
Therefore, a spring element 401 that extends at a larger angle
relative to the beam 402 is generally flexible, but is unable to
disperse a large amount of impact force. By contrast, a spring
element 401 which extends at a smaller angle relative to the beam
402 is generally stiff, and able to disperse a larger amount of
impact force.
[0053] As described above, the stiffness of the spring element 401
is further a function of its depth, width and thickness. Generally,
a relatively stiff spring element 401 has a larger depth, width and
thickness. By contrast, a flexible spring element 401 has a
comparably smaller depth, width and thickness. A stiffer spring
element 401, having a larger depth, width and/or thickness,
provides a larger area for forces to be dispersed through. However,
stiffer spring elements 401 restrict movement of the wearer.
Flexible spring elements 401 are not able to deflect and disperse
as much force as stiff spring elements 401. However, such flexible
spring elements 401 facilitate movement of the wearer. Accordingly,
the present armor includes a select combination of flexible and
stiff spring elements 401 in the network 400 such that force of
impact may be effectively deflected and dispersed, while allowing
ample freedom of movement for the wearer.
[0054] Additionally, the spring elements 401 provide integrated
cushioning in the armor, such that the wearer need not wear
additional foam or padding to protect against chafing or other
irritation from the armor. As a result, fabric breathability and
ventilation is improved, preventing the wearer from over-heating
during exertion. Moreover, as described above, the mesh structure
defines a plurality of apertures therein. Each aperture defined in
the mesh structure provides a passage for air to reach the wearer.
As a result, the armor is aerated and comfortable for the
wearer.
[0055] Various modifications to the preferred embodiments of the
protective armor and the generic principles and features described
above will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art. Thus,
the present protective armor is not intended to be limited to the
embodiments shown, but is to be accorded the widest scope
consistent with the principles and features described above. The
present protective armor has been described in accordance with the
embodiments shown, and one of ordinary skill in the art will
readily recognize that there could be variations to the
embodiments, and any variations would be within the spirit and
scope of the present disclosure. Accordingly, many modifications
may be made by one of ordinary skill in the art without departing
from the spirit and scope of the appended claims.
* * * * *