U.S. patent application number 13/509858 was filed with the patent office on 2012-09-20 for piece of clothing for a human being.
Invention is credited to Gerd Hexels.
Application Number | 20120233751 13/509858 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 43491947 |
Filed Date | 2012-09-20 |
United States Patent
Application |
20120233751 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Hexels; Gerd |
September 20, 2012 |
PIECE OF CLOTHING FOR A HUMAN BEING
Abstract
A piece of clothing is described and which detects external
effects and which generates a signal which can be relayed to an
analysis unit, and a multiplicity of sensors are incorporated into
the piece of clothing which are arranged in zones of the piece of
clothing and which adjoins a vital organ of a human body wearing
the piece of clothing.
Inventors: |
Hexels; Gerd; (Nettetal,
DE) |
Family ID: |
43491947 |
Appl. No.: |
13/509858 |
Filed: |
October 14, 2010 |
PCT Filed: |
October 14, 2010 |
PCT NO: |
PCT/EP2010/065441 |
371 Date: |
June 8, 2012 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
2/463 ; 2/69 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A61B 5/6804 20130101;
A61B 5/0002 20130101; A61B 5/02438 20130101; G01L 1/16 20130101;
F41H 1/02 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
2/463 ; 2/69 |
International
Class: |
A41D 1/00 20060101
A41D001/00; F41H 1/02 20060101 F41H001/02; A41D 13/05 20060101
A41D013/05 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Nov 19, 2009 |
DE |
102009046861.7 |
Claims
1. A piece of clothing for a human body, comprising: a sensor which
detects external effects and generates a signal which can be
relayed to an analysis unit, and wherein the sensor is implemented
as an electrical circuit and/or as an element, whose sensor
property is based on the piezo effect, and wherein the sensor is
arranged at least in a zone of a piece of clothing which adjoins a
vital organ of the human body.
2. A piece of clothing according to claim 1 and wherein the sensor
includes multiple sensors and wherein the sensors implement
multiple zones which are assigned to various vital organs of the
human body.
3. A piece of clothing according to claim 2, and wherein the zones
are implemented on a front side and a rear side of the piece of
clothing.
4. A piece of clothing according to claim 3, and wherein the zones
are arranged as a whole so that the piece of clothing is completely
covered.
5. A piece of clothing according to claim 4, and wherein the zones
cover at least one of the vital organs which include the lungs,
heart, stomach, intestines, liver, and/or the kidneys.
6. A piece of clothing according to claim 5, and wherein the
respective sensors relay a signal to a monitoring unit, and wherein
a radio unit is integrated in the piece of clothing or a connection
to an external radio unit is provided in the piece of clothing.
7. A piece of clothing as claimed in claim 6, and wherein the
respective sensors preferably monitor the heartbeat, pulse,
respiratory frequency, the oxygen saturation in the blood, the body
temperature and/or the blood pressure.
8. A piece of clothing according to claim 7, and wherein the
elements whose sensor property is based on the piezo effect are
combined with the electrical circuits.
9. A piece of clothing according to claim 8, and wherein two sensor
types are arranged one over another in the zones, and wherein one
sensor type is the elements having the piezo properties and the
other sensor type is an electrical circuit or an electrically
conductive polymer.
10. A piece of clothing according to claim 9, and wherein the
respective sensors are stitched or woven in the piece of
clothing.
11. A piece of clothing according to claim 10, and wherein the
electrical circuits or the electrically conductive polymers are
implemented as printed films.
12. A piece of clothing according to claim 11, and wherein the
electrical circuits or the electrically conductive polymers are
printed directly on the piece of clothing or a textile connected to
the piece of clothing.
13. A piece of clothing according to claim 12, and wherein the
electrical circuits or the electrically conductive polymer have
printed conductors extending in the form of waves or curves.
14. A piece of clothing according to claim 13, and wherein the
elements whose sensor property is based on the piezo effect are
implemented as piezo films.
15. A piece of clothing according to claim 14, and wherein the
elements whose sensor property is based on the piezo effect are
implemented as a polymer.
16. A piece of clothing as claimed in claim 15, and wherein the
polymer is a polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF), which has
piezoelectric properties through polarization.
17. A piece of clothing as claimed in claim 16, and wherein the
polyvinylidene fluoride is applied to the piece of clothing at
least in one zone and has a honeycomb structure.
18. A piece of clothing according to claim 17, and wherein an
electrically conductive polymer or an electrical circuit is applied
to the polyvinylidene fluoride in the form of printed
conductors.
19. A piece of clothing according to claim 18, and wherein the
electrically conductive polymer is fabricated from a polyethylene
dioxythiopene (PEDOT).
20. A piece of clothing according to claim 19, and wherein a
circuit is provided, which, on the one hand, recognizes pulses of
the polyvinylidene fluoride via the electrically conductive
polymers, and, on the other hand, recognizes a destruction of the
printed conductors formed by the electrically conductive
polymer.
21. A piece of clothing according to claim 20, and wherein the
printed conductors have connection points for attaching further
sensors, and preferably vital organ sensors.
22. A piece of clothing according to claim 21, and wherein the
printed film batteries are provided as a power supply.
23. A piece of clothing according to claim 22, and wherein the
clothing is a soft-ballistic or hard-ballistic protective vest.
24. A protective vest according to claim 23, and wherein the
sensors are applied to an external sheath, of a soft-ballistic or a
hard-ballistic protective packet of the protective vest.
Description
RELATED PATENT DATA
[0001] The present patent application claims priority from German
Patent application. Serial No. 10 2009 046 861.7 and which was
filed on Nov. 19, 2009, and PCT/EP2010/065441, and which was filed
on Oct. 14, 2010.
[0002] The present invention relates to a piece of clothing for a
human body, and having sensors which detect external effects and
generate a signal which can be relayed to an analysis unit.
[0003] A piece of clothing according to the species as mentioned
above is known from U.S. Pat. No. 6,315,009 B1.
[0004] In particular in the case of military and police actions,
humans are subjected to the danger of being injured, possibly in a
life-threatening or even deadly manner. It can be particularly
advantageous if a central headquarters or the like, is informed
early that a person involved in such an action has been injured.
Furthermore, it can be significant for rescuing or aiding the
person if rescue workers, for example, paramedics, are already
informed about the type of injury and possibly how severe the
injury is before they arrive at the injured person.
[0005] The solution known from the teachings of U.S. Pat. No.
6,315,009 B1 provides that a piece of clothing, for example, in the
form of a shirt, is provided with optical sensors. These can be
constructed as optical fibers or optical waveguides based which are
fabricated from quartz plastic or silicone. In this arrangement, a
signal is generated if a projectile breaks through the optical
fiber. An analysis unit is informed by the signal that the optical
waveguide is interrupted.
[0006] Furthermore, reference is made to U.S. Pat. No. 6,687,523 B1
regarding additional prior art.
[0007] The known prior art, in particular in U.S. Pat. No.
6,315,009 B1 and U.S. Pat. No. 6,687,523 B1 has a known
disadvantage that a signal can only be generated which informs
about the fact that the optical waveguide has been broken through.
The signal, however, contains no information about where a
projectile or a stabbing weapon, for example, has penetrated into
the human body who is wearing the clothing. The rescue workers
therefore accordingly arrive unprepared at the injured person.
Furthermore, it is quite disadvantageous that an injury by an
impact, which can possibly also result in severe injuries (trauma)
up to and leading to the death of the affected person, is not
readily detected.
[0008] The present invention is therefore based finds novelty in
providing a piece of clothing for a human body, and which allows
injuries on the human body, caused by stabbing weapons or firearms,
to be recognized reliably, and which further allows the injury to
be assigned or identified as precisely as possible to an affected
vital organ.
[0009] This object is achieved according to the invention as
disclosed in Claim 1.
[0010] It is presumed in the following description that the piece
of clothing as described, is worn correctly and in the intended
manner.
[0011] Because the sensors with which the piece of clothing is
provided are implemented as electrical circuits, and/or as elements
whose sensor property is based, at least in whole or in part, on
the piezo effect, and further the sensors are arranged at least in
one zone of the piece of clothing which adjoins vital organs, it
may be established comparatively precisely, in relative comparison
with the known prior art, at which point of the body the person
wearing the piece of clothing was affected. According to the
earlier prior art teachings, it could only be established that an
optical waveguide had been interrupted. A more precise assignment
of the location of the interruption was not possible.
[0012] It is additionally advantageous in the solution as provided
according to the teachings of the present invention that multiple
gunshots wounds be recognized or recorded.
[0013] In the case of an embodiment of the sensors as employed in
the invention and which utilize electrical circuits or electrical
printed conductors, the position at which the circuit or the
printed conductor is interrupted may be established using known
technical means. Through the knowledge of the interruption location
on the piece of clothing, conclusions can then be drawn about the
region of the human body which was affected by a projectile or a
stabbing weapon. Alternatively or additionally, a plurality of
small electrical circuits or networks can also be used, so that in
the case of a failure of a circuit, conclusions about the injury
location are possible on the basis of its position on the piece of
clothing.
[0014] It is advantageous if the electrical circuits have printed
conductors extending in the form of waves or curves. The inventors
has recognized that it is advantageous to arrange the printed
conductors elastically so that they are not torn off by a pulling
movement of the piece of clothing. Such an arrangement may be
achieved particularly advantageously if the printed conductors
extend in the form of waves or curves, so that a pulling or
stretching movement of the printed conductors is made possible.
[0015] It has also proven to be advantageous if the printed
conductors extend in the form of waves or curves in the case of an
implementation of the printed conductors by utilizing an
electrically conductive polymer which is described in greater
detail hereinafter. In the present invention, an electrically
conductive polymer is utilized in a specific design of an
electrical circuit, so that the features described with respect to
the electrical circuit always also apply for the electrically
conductive polymer.
[0016] It is particularly advantageous if the electrical circuits
or the printed conductors are imprinted, or printed directly onto,
the piece of clothing. It can also be provided that the electrical
circuits or the printed conductors are printed onto a textile,
which is subsequently connected to or made integral with the piece
of clothing in a known manner.
[0017] The sensors which are implemented in the invention as
elements, whose sensor property is based on the piezo effect, are
referred to hereafter as piezo elements for short.
[0018] A piezo element is a component which utilizes the so-called
piezo effect, in order, for example, to generate an electrical
voltage upon action of a mechanical force (e.g., pressure). Piezo
elements can be specific crystals (piezo crystals) or piezoelectric
ceramics, i.e., polycrystalline materials. A particularly suitable
material can be lead-zirconate-titanate.
[0019] The implementation of the sensors, as discussed above, as
piezo elements has the advantage that they respond to pressure and
it is therefore possible to detect an impact which is executed
against the person who wears the piece of clothing. It is therefore
not only possible to establish that a gunshot or stabbing injury
has occurred, but also hazardous impacts. An implementation of
piezo elements, for example, in head covers, to detect impacts
which are particularly hazardous, or in the heart region, can be
particularly advantageous. In addition, it can be advantageous if
the piezo elements are used jointly with sensors based on
electrical circuits. Therefore, both a stabbing or gunshot injury,
and also an injury by an impact are thus recognized particularly
advantageously.
[0020] Additionally, not only impacts, but also pressure waves,
occasioned by explosive detonations, and the like, can be
recognized by the piezoelectric embodiment of the sensors as
described herein.
[0021] Instead of piezo elements, other known pressure sensors can
also be used. In the present case, the term "piezo element", in its
most general meaning, is therefore also intended to comprise
pressure sensors of other designs.
[0022] It is advantageous if the sensors, i.e., the electrical
circuits or the piezo elements, be utilized in or with multiple
zones, which are assigned to various vital organs.
[0023] Through the implementation of the sensors in multiple zones,
an undesired effect on the human body can be readily recognized
particularly advantageously. For example, the vital organs, to
which corresponding zones are assigned, can preferably be the
heart, the lungs, the stomach, the intestines, the liver, or the
kidneys. These zones are preferably implemented both on the front
side, and also on the rear side of the piece of clothing. These
zones can mutually overlap or can be arranged in an interleaved
pattern. Furthermore, it can be advantageous if the aforementioned
zones, as a whole, at least approximately, and preferably
completely, encompass the piece of clothing, so that the entire
piece of clothing does not have any region which is not
monitored.
[0024] Through the front and rear application of the system or the
zones, in contrast to the teachings of the optical waveguide
technology as known from the prior art, gunshot wounds which
completely pass through a user's body can also be recognized.
[0025] The aforementioned zones can be adapted to the anatomical
and organ specific arrangements in the human body. For example, in
the case of an implementation of the zone by an electrical circuit,
if the zone is destroyed by a gunshot, for example, the circuit is
interrupted. A message can thus be generated via a control circuit
to an analysis unit. Information about the status of the wearer of
the piece of clothing can then optionally be transmitted
continuously via radio to a monitoring station.
[0026] To transmit the signal, a radio unit can be integrated into
the piece of clothing or a connection to an external radio unit can
be provided. Furthermore, an interface, preferably a USB interface,
can be provided so as to read out the signals provided by sensors
and/or the analysis unit.
[0027] The signal can be transmitted by the radio unit
continuously, at intervals, or when the sensors have detected an
external action.
[0028] It is also advantageous and a feature of the present
invention if vital sensors are provided, which preferably detect
various vital body signs such as the heartbeat; pulse; respiratory
frequency; oxygen saturation in the blood; body temperature and/or
the blood pressure. This vital body information can also be relayed
to an analysis unit or to a monitoring unit. In the case of a
detection of an impact or a stabbing or gunshot injury, it can thus
be recognized rapidly whether the external effect on the human body
is life-threatening. The required rescue or first aid measures can
then be coordinated accordingly. In addition, by detecting the
vital functions, incorrect messages can be reduced. It can
optionally be provided that the ascertainment of the vital body
functions does not occur continuously, but rather is triggered by a
radio command. For example, a blood pressure measurement could be
triggered by a radio command.
[0029] A temperature measurement is particularly advantageous,
because the temperature of a human body typically rises when it is
injured by an impact or serious wound or injury. The detection of
an impact in combination with an increase of the body temperature
can therefore be helpful for indicating a possibly life-threatening
situation.
[0030] To ascertain the heartbeat, for example, it can be provided
that a corresponding first vital organ sensor is integrated in the
piece of clothing in the region which adjoins the heart.
Furthermore, for example, to ascertain the respiratory frequency, a
corresponding second vital organ sensor can be integrated in the
piece of clothing in the region of the lungs.
[0031] The above-mentioned sensors based on the piezo elements can
be connected in an arbitrary manner to the piece of clothing. An
implementation of the piezo elements as a piezo film is
particularly preferable. This can be connected to the piece of
clothing in a simple manner.
[0032] It can be advantageous if the sensors based on the
electrical circuits are implemented as printed circuits. The
circuits can be printed on films or on other flexible
materials.
[0033] The sensors, in particular the electrical circuits, can also
be stitched or woven into the piece of clothing.
[0034] If it is provided that the piezo elements are used jointly
with electrical circuits, it can be provided that the sensor types
which are used are applied or integrated in two layers, preferably
one over another, in the piece of clothing. It is also suitable for
this purpose to integrate the respective sensor types in films. It
can optionally be provided that the piece of clothing is only
provided with two sensor types at the points at which it adjoins
impact-sensitive regions of the body.
[0035] The piece of clothing according to the present invention can
be implemented in an arbitrary manner, that is preferably for a
human upper body for example. The piece of clothing can also be
implemented as underclothing, as a shirt or T-shirt, as an overall,
as a typical upper piece of clothing, as a jacket, as a head cover,
or the like. An implementation of the piece of clothing as trousers
is also fundamentally possible. It is advantageous if the piece of
clothing is breathable and/or windproof and/or watertight and/or
water-vapor permeable. It is particularly preferable if the piece
of clothing has all of the above-mentioned properties.
[0036] It is advantageous if the sensors, in their implementation
as elements whose sensor property is based on the piezo effect, are
implemented as a polymer. It is particularly preferable if the
polymer is a polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF). The polyvinylidene
fluoride can preferably have piezoelectric properties through
polarization. The polyvinylidene fluoride is preferably implemented
as a film or as a layer.
[0037] It is advantageous if the aforementioned polyvinylidene
fluoride is applied in a honeycomb structure to the piece of
clothing or has a honeycomb structure. The positive
clothing-physiological properties of the piece of clothing are thus
retained. A pressure induced by an impact or a ballistic impact on
the piece of clothing always affects a larger area than a point of
the honeycomb structure has. An impact or a ballistic impact will
therefore not pass between a honeycomb structure and can therefore
be recognized by the piezoelectric properties of the polyvinylidene
fluoride.
[0038] In one embodiment of the invention, it can be provided that
the polyvinylidene fluoride is arranged at least in one zone of the
piece of clothing. The polyvinylidene fluoride is preferably
implemented on the front side and/or the rear side of the piece of
clothing. The piece of clothing is preferably completely or at
least approximately completely provided with a layer of the
polyvinylidene fluoride, preferably with a layer which is formed by
a honeycomb structure.
[0039] A conductor structure or printed conductors can be applied
to the layer made of the polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF). The
conductor structure or the printed conductors can therefore relay
or absorb the pulses of the polyvinylidene fluoride. Various
possibilities are known from the prior art for implementing the
conductor structure or printed conductors. For example, the
conductor structure or the printed conductors can be applied by an
exposure and etching technology employing copper.
[0040] The conductor structure or the printed conductors can also
be coated with a breathable coating and/or a corresponding film, in
particular to prevent oxidation. This is advantageous if the
conductor structure or the printed conductors are copper
conductors.
[0041] The implementation of the printed conductors and conductor
structures can be performed on arbitrary substrates, preferably in
a meandering technique.
[0042] Furthermore, it is advantageous if the printed conductors or
the conductor structure have connection points for attaching
further sensors, and in particular vital body sensors, as were
already described above. Measurements, for example, of the pulse or
other vital body functions, can thus be performed at arbitrary
intervals and locations.
[0043] It is advantageous if the power supply of the system is
performed by film batteries, which are preferably printed on the
garment.
[0044] A particularly advantageous implementation of the printed
conductors and the conductor structure or an advantageous
possibility in general for transmitting pulses or other signals is
to apply a further electrically conductive polymer, for example,
based on polyethylene dioxythiopene (PEDOT), to the polymer having
the piezoelectric properties. The polyethylene dioxythiopene is
preferably applied to a layer or an area or a film which is formed
by a polyvinylidene fluoride. A polyethylene dioxythiopene is an
electrically conductive polymer which is used in the prior art for
flexible displays, flexible solar cells, and so-called organic
light emitting diodes (LEDs).
[0045] The electrically conductive polymer which is applied to the
polymer having the piezoelectric properties can register the
destruction or damage of the system, which is occasioned by a
gunshot for example. The electrically conductive polymer can
preferably take over the function of the ballistic conductor, i.e.,
the function which was already described above with respect to the
electrical circuit. The electrically conductive polymer can
therefore preferably fulfill the functions which the electrical
circuit fulfills. The above-described features, with respect to the
electrical circuit therefore also applies to the electrically
conductive polymer, and in particular to the polyethylene
dioxythiopene, especially if it is provided in the form of printed
conductors or a conductor structure.
[0046] A circuit can be provided according to the teachings of
present invention which, on the one hand, recognizes pulses of the
polyvinylidene fluoride via the electrically conductive polymers
and, on the other hand, recognizes a destruction of the printed
conductors formed by the electrically conductive polymer, and
preferably the polyethylene dioxythiopene. This can preferably be
performed in that, on the one hand, a voltage is built up to record
the pulses of the piezoelectric polymer and, on the other hand, a
voltage is applied to recognize whether the printed conductors are
interrupted or destroyed.
[0047] According to the teachings of the present invention,
polyester knitwear or the like can be coated to form a network with
the polyvinylidene fluoride as a piezo sensor. Printed conductors,
preferably made of a polyethylene dioxythiopene, preferably in
meandering form, can then be printed on the garment, and above or
below the coating.
[0048] A particularly advantageous embodiment of a piece of
clothing comprises implementing it as a soft-ballistic or
hard-ballistic protective vest. Such soft-ballistic or
hard-ballistic protective vests are well known from the general
prior art. Such protective vests are typically worn by endangered
persons, for example, by soldiers or by police officials. It is
particularly advantageous especially in this case if external
effects on the human body are recognized. The protective vests,
which are also referred to as bulletproof vests, can have
soft-ballistic and/or hard-ballistic inserts on their front and/or
rear sides. It can be advantageous if only the ballistic packets
(soft-ballistic or hard-ballistic) are coated with sensors, for
example, a film circuit membrane. In the event of a destruction of
the ballistic protective packets, a signal effect is therefore
generated simultaneously. Vital functions can also be scanned and
biosensors can be integrated within the system in this case.
[0049] In the case of an embodiment of the piece of clothing as a
protective vest, it is advantageous if the sensors are arranged on
the side of the protective vest facing toward the body. The
arrangement can occur on the side of the ballistic protective
packets of the protective vest facing toward the body. It is
advantageous if the sensors are applied to or integrated in the
external sheath of the soft-ballistic or hard-ballistic protective
packets. It can additionally be advantageous if the sensors, in
particular in an embodiment as electrical circuits, are arranged on
a protective film, such as a UV protective film of the ballistic
protective packets. In particular the soft-ballistic protective
packets typically have a protective film in any case, which is to
protect it against undesired impairments, for example, due to UV
radiation or the penetration of water. The sensors can then be
applied to these same protective films.
[0050] It is advantageous if the protective vest is provided with a
computer unit for analyzing the signals, or alternatively a
connection to a computer unit exists.
[0051] Well-equipped military personnel currently carry protective
vests, in which corresponding computer units are already
integrated.
[0052] Advantageous embodiments and refinements of the invention
result from the further dependent claims. An exemplary embodiment
is schematically illustrated hereafter.
[0053] In the figures:
[0054] FIG. 1 shows a top view of a piece of clothing according to
the teachings of the present invention and having multiple zones
shown as examples, which are monitored by schematically illustrated
sensors;
[0055] FIG. 2 shows a piece of clothing according to the teachings
of the present invention and which is completely provided with
schematically illustrated sensors;
[0056] FIG. 3 shows a piece of clothing according to the present
invention and having a schematic illustration of the attachment of
the monitored zones to a radio unit and a further interface;
[0057] FIG. 4 shows a piece of clothing according to the present
invention and having a schematic illustration of a vital sensor in
the region of a heart of a wearer of the piece of clothing;
[0058] FIG. 5 shows a schematic illustration of a protective vest
which may incorporate features of the present invention;
[0059] FIG. 6 shows a schematic illustration of a soft-ballistic
protective packet employed in the structure of FIG. 5;
[0060] FIG. 7 shows a schematic illustration of a hard-ballistic
protective packet employed in the structure of FIG. 5.
[0061] The piece of clothing according to the invention is shown as
it would be used with a shirt in FIGS. 1 to 4. The fundamental
construction of such pieces of clothing is well known from the
general prior art.
[0062] It should be understood that in the exemplary embodiment
that the shirt is windproof, breathable, water-vapor permeable, and
watertight.
[0063] The piece of clothing 1 is implemented as a protective vest
as best seen and understood in FIG. 5.
[0064] A protective packet is shown in an embodiment of the
invention as a soft-ballistic protective packet (FIG. 6) and in
another embodiment as a hard-ballistic protective packet (FIG. 7).
Such protective packets are fundamentally known from the general
prior art, because of which only the specific embodiment of the
protective packet incorporating features of the invention will be
described in greater detail, below.
[0065] The features which are described, hereafter, with respect to
FIGS. 1 to 4 and 5 to 7 are fundamentally exchangeable, i.e., the
features described hereafter are usable in both embodiments (shirt
and protective vest).
[0066] As should be obvious from a study of FIG. 1, the piece of
clothing 1 for a human body, in the present case for a human upper
body or torso, has sensors 2, which detect external effects and
relay a signal to an analysis unit 3, and which is schematically
illustrated in FIG. 2.
[0067] FIG. 1 only shows the sensors 2 in the region of the sleeves
of the piece of clothing 1 for reasons of clarity. However, it is
provided that all zones 4 (4b, 4c, 4d, 4e, 4f) explained in more
detail hereafter are provided with the sensors. The zones 4 were
not additionally also imaged with sensors 2 solely to show the
course or region of the different zones.
[0068] The sensors 2 which are shown in FIGS. 1 to 4 can be
implemented in a first exemplary embodiment as electrical circuits.
Fundamentally, the sensors 2 can also be implemented as an
arbitrary electrical network; as pressure-sensitive sensors; or as
piezo elements.
[0069] As shown in FIG. 1 and FIG. 3, the electrical circuits 2 or
their printed conductors are implemented in multiple zones (4A-4F
respectively), which are assigned to various vital organs. Only
four zones 4 are shown for reasons of clarity in FIG. 3. However,
the zones 4 which are shown in FIG. 1 are preferably also
implemented in the exemplary embodiment according to FIG. 3.
[0070] In the exemplary embodiment according to FIG. 1, one zone 4a
for the heart, one zone 4b for the two lobes of the lungs, one zone
4c for the stomach, one zone 4d for the liver, two zones 4e for the
kidneys, and one large zone 4f for the intestines are provided. The
zones 4 can mutually overlap.
[0071] FIG. 2 shows an embodiment in which the electrical circuits
2 or their printed conductors cover the entire piece of clothing 1.
The implementation of specific zones 4 was omitted.
[0072] In FIG. 2, a schematically illustrated power supply is
provided in the form of a battery 5. This can be utilized for all
embodiments.
[0073] As an alternative to the battery 5 as shown, the use of a
film battery, is preferably printed on the piece of clothing 1, can
also be utilized.
[0074] Instead of or in addition to a battery 5, it can also be
provided that a corresponding power supply is generated by the
wearer of the piece of clothing 1 himself (as shown).
[0075] The electrical circuits 2 communicate with an analysis unit
3, also shown in FIG. 3, which relays electrical signals using
wires or wirelessly to a computer unit 6. The computer unit 6 can
preferably relay the information wirelessly to a central monitoring
unit, for example, a central action computer 7. A radio unit 8
and/or an interface, in the exemplary embodiment a USB interface 9,
can also be provided to relay the signals, as should be obvious
from FIG. 3.
[0076] The analysis unit 3 can, in one form of the invention, be an
integral component of the 35 computer unit 6.
[0077] In the exemplary embodiment, the USB interface 9 and the
radio unit 8 are integral components of the piece of clothing 1. It
can be provided that the radio unit 8 relays the signals directly
to an analysis unit which is farther away or communicates with an
analysis unit 3 or a computer unit 6, which is fastened to the body
of the person who wears the piece of clothing 1, for example, in
the form of a backpack.
[0078] In the exemplary embodiment, it is provided that the
electrical circuits 2 continuously transmit information about the
status of the wearer to an analysis unit 3 and optionally to the
central action computer 7.
[0079] As shown in FIG. 4, in addition to the electrical circuits
2, a vital organ sensor 10, which monitors the heartbeat, for
example, is provided in the exemplary embodiment. The vital organ
sensor 10 is integrated into the piece of clothing 1 in the region
of the heart of a user (not shown).
[0080] In a way not shown in greater detail, it can also be
provided that the electrical circuits 2 are arranged between two
layers, or the electrical circuits 2 are sheathed so that
unintentional damage of the electrical network which the printed
conductors of the various electrical circuits 2 span is prevented.
It can be provided, for example, that the sheath is part of a
coating which simultaneously produces the water tightness of the
piece of clothing 1.
[0081] In a way not shown in greater detail, it can also be
provided that the electrical circuits 2 are used in combination
with piezo elements or piezoelectric elements. The piezoelectric
elements 2 and the electrical circuits 2 can preferably be used in
two layers, preferably one on top of another, in the piece 35 of
clothing 1, so that both pressure loads or pressure waves and also
destruction of the sensors 2 by firearms or stabbing weapons are
readily recognized.
[0082] In a way not shown in greater detail, the sensors 2 can be
arranged on a film both in an embodiment as electrical circuits and
also in an embodiment as piezo elements.
[0083] This may be implemented particularly simply if the sensors 2
are implemented as electrical circuits. In this case, the
electrical circuits can be printed on the film. In an embodiment of
the sensors as piezoelectric elements, it can be provided that they
are implemented as a piezo film.
[0084] It can be particularly advantageous if the sensors 2 are
implemented as electrical circuits and are printed or applied
directly on the piece of clothing. It can also be provided that the
electrical circuits are located between two textile plies of the
piece of clothing 1 or are printed onto the piece of clothing 1, so
that unintentional damage of the printed conductors of the
electrical circuits is substantially prevented.
[0085] The zones 4 shown in the drawings are implemented in the
exemplary embodiment on both the front side and also the rear side
of the piece of clothing 1.
[0086] In a second embodiment, the sensors shown in FIGS. 1 to 4
can also be implemented as elements 2, whose sensor property is
based on a piezo effect. In the exemplary embodiment, these
elements are implemented as polymers 2, which have piezoelectric
properties which are effected through polarization. In the
exemplary embodiment, the polymer 2 is a polyvinylidene fluoride
(PVDF). The PVDF is preferably applied in a honeycomb structure or
in a meandering form to the piece of clothing 1, as shown in FIGS.
1 to 4.
[0087] The features and variants of the present invention as
described, above, with respect to the first embodiment of the
sensors as electrical circuits 2 can also be implemented similarly
in an embodiment of the sensors which are formed from a polymer,
preferably a polyvinylidene fluoride 2.
[0088] In a way not shown in greater detail, it is provided that a
further sensor in the form of an electrically conducting or
conductive polymer is applied to the honeycomb structure formed by
the polyvinylidene fluoride 2, the polymer preferably being in the
exemplary embodiment a polyethylene dioxythiopene (PEDOT). The
polyethylene dioxythiopene has a structure made of printed
conductors or a conductor structure, which can correspond in its
structure to the structure of the electrical circuit 2, as was
described above with respect to the first embodiment.
[0089] The piece of clothing 1 preferably has a circuit, by which
it can be established when a pressure is applied to the sensors
based on the operation of the polyvinylidene fluoride 2. In this
case, a pulse is transmitted via the printed conductors made of the
polyethylene dioxythiopene. Furthermore, the circuit is recognizes
whether the printed conductors made of the polyethylene
dioxythiopene have been damaged or interrupted and which may be
caused by ballistic impact or a through-and-through gun shot or a
stabbing injury can be concluded. It can be advantageous for this
purpose if a voltage is applied to the printed conductors made of
the polyethylene dioxythiopene, and upon the change or
disappearance of which a corresponding signal is generated or a
recognition occurs by the circuit. This can be performed, for
example, in a simple manner in that the voltage which is generated
by the piezoelectric properties of the polyvinylidene fluoride and
the voltage which is applied to the printed conductors to recognize
their destruction have different frequencies.
[0090] The circuit can be part of the analysis unit or can
represent it.
[0091] It is advantageous if the printed conductors have connection
points and/or soldering points to which further sensors, in
particular vital organ sensors, can be attached.
[0092] The power supply of the system can preferably be performed
by printed film batteries or in the way described hereafter with
respect to FIGS. 5 to 7.
[0093] A polymer having piezoelectric properties, as described
above, can also be combined with an electrical circuit or small
electrical networks, as were described, earlier, with respect to
the first embodiment.
[0094] The implementation of piezo elements based on a
polyvinylidene fluoride or a polymer, in general, is also suitable
for use in a protective vest. A protective vest is shown as an
example hereafter on the basis of FIGS. 5 to 7. An implementation
of printed conductors based on a polyethylene dioxythiopene or an
electrically conductive polymer in general is also suitable for use
in protective vests.
[0095] FIG. 5 schematically shows a protective vest 1, whose
construction is fundamentally known from the general prior art. The
protective vest 1 has a front side, which is armored or provided
with ballistic protective packets 11, 12, and optionally a
similarly implemented rear side. The rear side can additionally be
provided with carrier elements to transport baggage, for example, a
backpack, which can simultaneously also have a computer unit 6.
Furthermore, it can be provided that the backpack contains a
battery. However, it is preferably provided that the battery is a
component of the protective packet 11, 12 (shown in greater detail
in FIGS. 6 and 7).
[0096] FIG. 6 shows a soft-ballistic embodiment of the present
invention and which is incorporated into a protective packet 11.
Soft-ballistic bullet-resistant composites or so-called
soft-ballistic protective packets are well known from the general
prior art, because of which only the features essential for the
invention will be discussed in greater detail hereafter.
[0097] The bullet-resistant composite 11 shown in FIG. 6 is formed
from multiple plies 13 of a fabric which are connected to one
another, and in the present case from multiple plies of a textile
material. In the exemplary embodiment, 20 to 40, and preferably 28,
plies, 13, of the textile material are provided. The textile
material can be an arbitrary textile material which is suitable to
achieve the desired bullet-resistant effect in the composite and
simultaneously remains flexible. Aramid, e.g., aromatic polyamide
fibers, are particularly suitable for this purpose.
[0098] In the embodiment shown in FIG. 6, it is provided that an
energy accumulator 14 is formed from multiple energy accumulator
plies 15 and is integrated in the bullet-resistant composite 11.
The energy accumulator plies 15 are each arranged between aramid
plies 13. It can be provided that at least one aramid ply 13 is
arranged between two energy accumulator plies 15. In the exemplary
embodiment, it is provided that there is precisely one ply 13 in
this case. In the exemplary embodiment, four energy accumulator
plies 15 are typically provided, which are each arranged and
separated by aramid plies 13 on the side facing toward the body in
the bullet-resistant composite 11.
[0099] In the soft-ballistic embodiment of the bullet-resistant
composite 11, the energy accumulator 14 is located behind the
soft-ballistic protective packet, i.e., on the side of the
bullet-resistant composite 11 facing away from the outer side. The
sensors 2 according to the present invention are also arranged on
this side. In the exemplary embodiment, it can be provided that the
sensors 2 are integrated in a sheath-shaped film 16, which is
preferably watertight, or are arranged thereon. The arrangement is
preferably performed on the side of the sheath 16 which faces
toward the user's body. Alternatively thereto, a film or a ply
which contains the sensors 2 can also be integrated directly into
the bullet-resistant composite 11. Preferably this integration can
take place in a region adjoining the body of the wearer, for
example, between the last energy accumulator ply 15 and the outer
sheath 16.
[0100] In a way not shown in greater detail, it can be provided
that the bullet-resistant composite 11 shown in FIG. 6 is provided
with an additional puncture safeguard and/or splinter
safeguard.
[0101] The energy accumulator plies 15 can also be implemented or
include in the exemplary embodiment very thin film batteries.
[0102] The sensors 2 can be implemented as pressure-sensitive
sensors, as piezoelectric elements, as electrical circuits, or as
small electrical networks. A combination of the electrical circuits
with the piezoelectric elements or the pressure-sensitive sensors
is also possible. It is advantageous if the sensors 2, and in
particular in an embodiment as electrical conductors, are applied
to the UV protective film of the soft-ballistic protective packet
11 or integrated therein. This is possible in a simple manner in
particular in that the electrical circuits are implemented as
printed circuits.
[0103] FIG. 7 shows the embodiment of a hard-ballistic protective
packet.
[0104] The hard-ballistic composite 12 shown in FIG. 7 also has an
energy accumulator 14. This is also arranged on the side of the
bullet-resistant composite 12 facing toward the body. I.e., the
energy accumulator 14 is located in the hard ballistic embodiment
behind the so-called "strike face". The bullet-resistant composite
12 has a rigid, bullet-resistant plate 17, which is connected to
the energy accumulator 14. The plate 17 can consist of greatly
varying ceramics (preferably high-performance ceramics), polymers,
polyethylenes, metals, or a combination of the above-mentioned
materials. In the exemplary embodiment, the rigid plate 17 is
implemented as a ceramic plate (preferably made of boron carbide).
The rigid plate 17 is connected to multiple plies of a fabric 18.
The fabric is preferably aramid 18 or a similar material. In the
exemplary embodiment, the ceramic plate 17 is connected to multiple
plies of aramid 18, which is initially provided in soft or flexible
form as a fabric/scrim, and then permanently, non-removably, and
rigidly bonded 25 by means of an adhesive film or adhesives (not
shown in greater detail) to the ceramic plate 17 under the action
of pressure and temperature. The ceramic plate 17 is fabricated to
also withstand so-called long core gunshots.
[0105] In the exemplary embodiment, 30 to 40, and preferably 36,
aramid plies 18 are typically provided.
[0106] It is provided that the energy accumulator 14 has at least
one energy accumulator ply 15. Only one energy accumulator ply 15
is shown in the exemplary embodiment.
[0107] According to FIG. 7, it is provided that the energy
accumulator ply 15 is non-removably and rigidly glued to the
ceramic plate 17.
[0108] The bullet-resistant composite 12 is enclosed by an external
sheath 19. The external sheath 19 can be a film, which has the
property which was already described with respect to the exemplary
embodiment according to FIG. 6. The external sheath 19 is
preferably formed from a rubberized material, which encloses the
composite 12. A so-called "box solution" can also be provided, in
which a preferably rigid or solid box is provided, in which the
composite 12 is inserted and which is subsequently closed by a
cover. The composite 12 can be fixed arbitrarily in the box,
preferably embedded or glued.
[0109] The arrangement of the sensors 2 can be performed in the
hard-ballistic protective packet in the way which was already
described with respect to the embodiment according to FIG. 6.
[0110] In the embodiment according to FIGS. 6 and 7, the
arrangement of an energy accumulator 14 or the arrangement 25 of
energy accumulator plies 15 can also be omitted.
* * * * *