U.S. patent application number 13/598134 was filed with the patent office on 2013-06-27 for energy-dissipating articles, materials and fibers.
This patent application is currently assigned to Protective Products Enterprises, Inc.. The applicant listed for this patent is Gerrad S. Allison. Invention is credited to Gerrad S. Allison.
Application Number | 20130160638 13/598134 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 46826328 |
Filed Date | 2013-06-27 |
United States Patent
Application |
20130160638 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Allison; Gerrad S. |
June 27, 2013 |
Energy-Dissipating Articles, Materials and Fibers
Abstract
A fiber includes at least a first portion extending axially and
including a shear thickening fluid. The fiber further includes at
least a second portion extending radially outwardly from the first
portion. The second portion extends axially and radially
encompasses the first portion over a length thereof. The shear
thickening fluid may, for example, include particles suspended in a
liquid phase. The second portion may, for example, include an
abrasion resistant material. The fiber may further include at least
a third portion extending axially and positioned radially inward of
the first portion. The third portion may, for example, include a
material having a higher strength than the second portion.
Inventors: |
Allison; Gerrad S.; (Angier,
NC) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Allison; Gerrad S. |
Angier |
NC |
US |
|
|
Assignee: |
Protective Products Enterprises,
Inc.
Sunrise
FL
|
Family ID: |
46826328 |
Appl. No.: |
13/598134 |
Filed: |
August 29, 2012 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
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61535041 |
Sep 15, 2011 |
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|
Current U.S.
Class: |
89/36.02 ;
428/221; 428/373; 442/189; 442/364 |
Current CPC
Class: |
D01F 8/04 20130101; F41H
5/007 20130101; Y10T 442/3065 20150401; F41H 5/0485 20130101; D01D
5/36 20130101; Y10T 428/249921 20150401; Y10T 428/2929 20150115;
Y10T 442/641 20150401; D01D 5/34 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
89/36.02 ;
428/373; 428/221; 442/189; 442/364 |
International
Class: |
F41H 5/007 20060101
F41H005/007; D01F 8/04 20060101 D01F008/04 |
Claims
1. A fiber comprising: at least a first portionextending axially
and comprising a shear thickening fluid, and at least a second
portion extending radially outwardly from the first portion, the
second portion extending axially and radially encompassing the
first portion.
2. The fiber of claim 1, wherein the shear thickening fluid
comprises: particles suspended in a liquid phase.
3. The fiber of claim 2, wherein the particles comprise: at least
one of an oxide, calcium carbonate or a polymer.
4. The fiber of claim 3, wherein the oxide is Si0.sub.2.
5. The fiber of claim 3, wherein the polymer is a polystyrene, a
polymethylmethacrylate, or a polyisobutene.
6. The fiber of claim 1, wherein the second portion comprises: at
least one polymer.
7. The fiber of claim 6, wherein the polymer of the second portion
is a nylon, a polyester, a polypropylene, or a polyethylene.
8. The fiber of claim 6, wherein the polymer of the second portion
is processible from a melt phase.
9. The fiber of claim 1, wherein the second portion comprises an
abrasion resistant material.
10. The fiber of claim 9, wherein the abrasion resistant material
is an abrasion resistant polymer.
11. The fiber of claim 10, further comprising: at least a third
portion extending axially and positioned radially inwardly of the
first portion, the third portion including a material having a
higher strength than the second portion.
12. The fiber of claim 11, wherein, the third portion comprises: at
least one of a high-strength polymeric material or a metallic
material.
13. The fiber of claim 1, further comprising: a flexible
subassembly including, an outer multi-ply strike-face layer, and a
middle multi-play layer, wherein an outwardly-facing surface of the
middle multi-play layer is disposed adjacent the outer multi-ply
strike-face layer, wherein an inwardly-facing surface of the middle
multi-play layer is disposed adjacent a fabric layer, wherein the
fabric layer includes the fiber.
14. The fiber of claim 13, further comprising: a ballistic panel
assembly, wherein the ballistic panel assembly includes the
flexible subassembly.
15. A fabric layer, comprising: a plurality of fibers, wherein each
of the plurality of fibers includes, at least a first portion
extending axially and comprising a shear thickening fluid, and at
least a second portion extends radially outwardly from the first
portion, the second portion extending axially and radially
encompassing the first portion.
16. The fabric layer of claim 15, wherein the plurality of fibers
are woven.
17. The fabric layer of claim 15, wherein the plurality of fibers
are nonwoven.
18. The fabric layer of claim 15, wherein the plurality of fibers
are arranged in a unidirectional manner or in a random manner.
19. The fabric layer of claim 15, wherein the fabric layer is an
inner layer of a flexible subassembly, wherein the flexible
subassembly comprises: an outer multi-ply strike-face layer
including a first aramid fabric, a middle multi-play layer
including a second aramid fabric, wherein an outwardly-facing
surface of the middle multi-play layer is disposed adjacent the
outer multi-ply strike-face layer, wherein an inwardly-facing
surface of the middle multi-play layer is disposed adjacent the
fabric layer.
20. The fabric layer of claim 19, further comprising: a ballistic
panel assembly, wherein the ballistic panel assembly includes the
flexible subassembly.
21. The fabric layer of claim 15, wherein each of the plurality of
fibers further comprises: at least a third portion extending
axially and positioned radially inwardly of the first portion, the
third portion including a material having a higher strength than
the second portion.
22. A ballistic panel assembly, comprising: at least one layer of a
material including a plurality of fibers, each of the plurality of
fibers including at least a first portion extending axially and
comprising a shear thickening fluid, and at least a second portion
extending radially outwardly from the first portion, the second
portion extending axially and radially encompassing the first
portion.
23. The ballistic panel assembly of claim 22, wherein the at least
one layer of the material including the plurality of fibers are
formed into a fabric.
24. The ballistic panel assembly of claim 23, wherein the plurality
of fibers forming the fabric are woven.
25. The ballistic panel assembly of claim 23, wherein the plurality
of fibers forming the fabric are nonwoven.
26. The ballistic panel assembly of claim 23, wherein the plurality
of fibers forming the fabric are arranged in a unidirectional or
random maner.
27. The ballistic panel assembly of claim 22, wherein each of the
plurality of fibers further comprises: at least a third portion
extending axially and positioned radially inwardly of the first
portion, the third portion including a material having a higher
strength than the second portion.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] Fibers and structures formed therefrom have proven to be
acceptable for various applications. Such fibers and structures
formed therefrom are nevertheless susceptible to improvements that
may enhance the overall performance of the fiber and structure
formed therefrom. Therefore, a need exists in the art for improved
fibers and structures formed therefrom that advance the art.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0002] In one aspect, a fiber includes at least a first portion
extending axially and including a shear thickening fluid. The fiber
further includes at least a second portion radially outward from
the first portion. The second portion extends axially and radially
encompasses the first portion over a length thereof. The shear
thickening fluid may, for example, include particles suspended in a
liquid phase. In a number of embodiments, the particles include at
least one of an oxide, calcium carbonate or a polymer. For example,
the particles may be Si0.sub.2.
[0003] In a number of embodiments, the second portion includes at
least one polymer. The at least one polymer of the second portion
may, for example, be processible from a melt phase. In a number of
embodiments, the at least one polymer of the second portion is a
nylon, a polyester, a polypropylene, or a polyethylene.
[0004] The second portion may, for example, include an abrasion
resistant material. In a number of embodiments, the abrasion
resistant material is an abrasion resistant polymer. The fiber may
further include a third portion extending axially and positioned
radially inward of the first portion. The third portion may, for
example, include a material having a higher strength than the
second portion. The third portion may, for example, include at
least one of a high-strength polymeric material or a metallic
material.
[0005] In another aspect, a material includes a plurality of
fibers. As described above, each of the plurality of fibers
includes at least a first portion extending axially and including a
shear thickening fluid. Each of the plurality of fibers further
includes at least a second portion radially outward from the first
portion. The second portion extends axially and radially
encompasses the first portion over a length thereof.
[0006] In a further aspect, a fabric includes a plurality of
fibers. As described above, each of the plurality of fibers
includes at least a first portion extending axially and including a
shear thickening fluid. Each of the plurality of fibers further
includes at least a second portion radially outward from the first
portion. The second portion extends axially and radially
encompasses the first portion over a length thereof. The plurality
of fibers may, for example, be woven into the fabric. The plurality
of fibers may also be nonwoven. The plurality of fibers may, for
example, be arranged in a unidirectional manner or in a random
manner.
[0007] In still a further aspect, a ballistic panel includes at
least one layer of a material including a plurality of fibers. As
described above, each of the plurality of fibers includes at least
a first portion extending axially and including a shear thickening
fluid. Each of the plurality of fibers further includes at least a
second portion radially outward from the first portion. The second
portion extends axially and radially encompasses the first portion
over a length thereof.
[0008] The present invention, along with the attributes and
attendant advantages thereof, will best be appreciated and
understood in view of the following detailed description taken in
conjunction with the accompanying drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0009] FIG. 1A illustrates a cross-sectional view of an embodiment
of a fiber of the subassembly of FIG. 1B along line 1A-1A thereof
including a polymeric sheath or outer portion enclosing a core or
inner portion of a shear thickening fluid.
[0010] FIG. 1B illustrates a perspective view of a plurality of
fibers hereof oriented generally parallel to each other, wherein
the fiber ends are cut to expose the inner core.
[0011] FIG. 1C illustrates a cross-sectional view of another
embodiment of a fiber of the subassembly of FIG. 1D along line
1C-1C thereof including a first portion of a shear thickening fluid
encompassed by a second portion of a polymeric material and a third
portion radially inward of the first portion.
[0012] FIG. 1D illustrates a perspective view of a plurality of
fibers hereof oriented generally parallel to each other, wherein
the fiber ends are cut to expose the inner core.
[0013] FIG. 2 illustrates a top plan view of the front of an
embodiment of an article of body armor including a fabric as
illustrated in FIGS. 1A and 1B, wherein a front ballistic panel
assembly interior to a vest carrier is shown in dashed lines.
[0014] FIG. 3 illustrates a top plan view of the rear of the
article of body armor of FIG. 2, wherein the rear closure sections
of the opposing closure mechanisms are folded back, wherein a rear
ballistic panel assembly interior to the vest carrier is shown in
dashed lines.
[0015] FIG. 4A illustrates a top plan view of an embodiment of a
subassembly for use in forming a front ballistic panel assembly of
the article of body armor of FIG. 2.
[0016] FIG. 4B illustrates a top plan view of an embodiment of a
subassembly for use in forming a rear ballistic panel assembly of
the article of body armor of FIG. 2.
[0017] FIG. 4C illustrates a cross-sectional view of the
subassembly of FIG. 4A along line A-A thereof.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0018] As used herein and in the appended claims, the singular
forms "a," "an", and "the" include plural references unless the
content clearly dictates otherwise. Thus, for example, reference to
"a fiber" includes a plurality of such fibers and equivalents
thereof known to those skilled in the art, and so forth, and
reference to "the fiber" is a reference to one or more such fibers
and equivalents thereof known to those skilled in the art, and so
forth.
[0019] In a number of embodiments of fibers hereof, a fiber 1
includes at least a first portion or layer 2 of a shear thickening
fluid as illustrated in FIGS. 1A and 1B. First portion or layer 2
extends axially through at least a portion of fiber 1 and typically
through the entire fiber. Fiber 1 further includes at least a
second axially extending portion or layer 4 (for example, formed
from a polymeric material) which is positioned radially outward of
first portion 2 and radially encompasses first portion 2 to retain
the shear thickening fluid within fiber 1 in the manner of, for
example, a sheath.
[0020] In a number of embodiments, a sheath (second portion 4) and
core (first portion 2) fiber is extruded wherein the sheath of
second layer 4 is formed from one or more polymers such as nylon 6,
nylon 6,6 polyester, polypropylene, polyethylene (for example, an
ultra-high-molecular-weight polyethylene such as DYNEEMA.RTM.,
available from DSM, of Heelen, Netherlands) SPECTRA.RTM. available
from Honeywell, Inc.) and/or other polymers and the core of the
fiber is a dilatant or shear thickening fluid (STF). In a number of
embodiments, the polymer or polymers of second portion 4 are
processed/extruded from a melt phase.
[0021] Fibers hereof can include other portions or layers. For
example, multiple layers of shear thickening fluids encompassed by,
for example, polymer layers in a generally alternating concentric
fashion. FIG. 1C illustrates another embodiment of a fiber 1a
including at least a first axially extending portion or layer 2a
includes a shear thickening fluid. As with fiber 1, fiber 1a
further includes at least a second axially extending portion or
layer 4a (for example, formed from a polymeric material) which is
positioned radially outward of first portion 2a and radially
encompasses first portion 2a to retain the shear thickening fluid
within fiber 1a. In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 1C, fiber 1a
further includes a third axially extending portion 8a encompassed
by second portion 4a. Second portion 4a may, for example, be formed
from an abrasion resistant material such as an abrasion resistant
polymer. In a number of embodiments, abrasion resistant materials
used herein have, for example, an abrasion value of at least 1000
cycles, at least 1500 cycles or at least 1900 cycles when tested
according to ASTM 3884. Third portion 8a may, for example, be
formed from a high strength material (for example, a high strength
polymer such as DYNEEMA or SPECTRA) or of a conductive metallic
material. In a number of embodiments, high materials used herein
have, for example, a tensile strength of at least 0.25 gigapascals,
(GPa), at least 0.75 GPa, at least 1.5 GPa or at least 2.25
GPa.
[0022] STF suitable for use herein can, for example, be formed as
particles suspended in a liquid phase/solvent (for example, an
organic solvent or an aqueous solvent). The particles used can be
made of various materials, including, but not limited to, Si0.sub.2
(silica) or other oxides, Si0.sub.2 or other oxides with a polymer
(for example, polyethylene glycol), calcium carbonate, or polymers,
such as polystyrene, polymethylmethacrylate, polyisobutenes (for
example, OPPANOL.RTM., available from BASF Aktiengesellschaft of
Ludwigshafen, Germany), or other polymers from emulsion
polymerization. The particles can be stabilized in solution or
dispersed by charge, Brownian motion, adsorbed surfactants, and
adsorbed or grafted polymers, polyelectrolytes, polyampholytes, or
oligomers. Particle shapes include spherical particles, elliptical
particles, or disk-like or clay particles. The particles may be
synthetic and/or naturally occurring minerals. Also, the particles
can be either monodisperse, bidisperse, or polydisperse in size and
shape. In a number of embodiments, particles having a particle size
less than, for example, 100 microns may be used in forming STFs for
use herein.
[0023] The solvents or liquid phases used to form the STFs can, for
example, be aqueous in nature (i.e. water with or without added
salts, such as sodium chloride, and buffers to control pH) for
electrostatically stabilized or polymer stabilized particles, or
organic (such as ethylene glycol, polyethylene glycol, ethanol
etc.), or silicon based (such as silicon oils, phenyltrimethicone).
The liquid phase can also be composed of compatible mixtures of
liquids, and may, for example, include free surfactants, polymers,
and oligomers. The liquids should be environmentally stable so that
they remain integral to the fabric and suspended particles during
service.
[0024] The particles are suspended in the liquid to produce a fluid
that has shear thickening properties. Shear thickening does not
require a dilatant response, that is, it may not be associated with
an increase in volume such as often observed in dry powders or
sometimes in suspensions of larger particles (greater than 100
microns).
[0025] The fibers, yarns, fabrics (for example, woven fabrics or
nonwoven fabrics), materials and/or articles hereof provide a
number of advantages over fibers coated or impregnated with a
dilatant or an STF. For example, the STF is contained in fluid form
in the core of the fibers hereof. STF applied in a secondary
operation such as coating or impregnation is not contained. By
containing the STF in the fibers hereof, the STF is much more
robust and stable and less likely to evaporate and/or degrade under
higher temperature conditions (for example, at ambient summer
temperatures or higher temperatures). Containing the STF in the
fiber also provides more uniformity and consistency of the STF than
current methods which involve application processes such as coating
and/or impregnating. Coating and impregnation methods are, for
example, susceptible to variations in thickness and coverage
uniformity. Containing the STF in the fiber will also improve the
overall durability of the STF, including its abrasion resistance,
as compared to STFs applied to fibers in a secondary operation.
Energy dissipation may, however, be further improved via coating or
impregnating the exterior of fabrics hereof with an STF to enhance
inter-fiber friction.
[0026] Fabrics formed from fibers hereof can, for example, be used
to mitigate blunt force trauma in a ballistic vest when impacted by
a projectile (bullet, spike, blade, etc). Fibers hereof can also be
used to mitigate impact damage in other applications (for example,
in hardhats, in advanced combat helmets (ACH), in shielding for
machinery etc.).
[0027] FIG. 2 illustrates a representative embodiment of an article
of body armor 10 in which a body armor carrier is in the form of a
vest 20. Vest 20 can be used alone or in operative connection with
a connected garment such as a shirt (not shown). For example, an
exterior shell fabric of the body armor can be sewn to the shirt. A
user of body armor 10 first dons body armor 10 and then adjusts the
fit of body armor vest 20 using one or more side closure
mechanisms. Lightweight outer carriers in the form of vests similar
to vest 20 are available from Mine Safety Appliances Company (MSA)
of Pittsburgh, Pa. under the mark PARACLETE.RTM.. Vest 20 is
provided as a representative example of use of a fabric of fibers
hereof in a ballistic panel. One skilled in the art appreciates
that the fibers hereof are suitable for use in many different
uses.
[0028] As described above, body armor 10 includes ballistic panel
assemblies or ballistic resistant panel assemblies that provide
resistance to, for example, edged weapons, sharp objects, and
ballistic threats. As illustrated with dashed lines in, for
example, FIG. 2, vest 20 includes a generally contiguous (in
coverage), flexible front ballistic panel assembly 200. Ballistic
panel assembly 200 can be formed as one, integral section or
assembly or as a plurality of separate sections or assemblies.
However, the coverage provided by ballistic panel assembly 200 is
preferably contiguous. Front ballistic panel assembly 200 includes
side sections 210a and 210b adapted to extend around the side of a
user. Ballistic panel assembly 200, including side sections 210a
and 210b, is enclosed within an outer shell of fabric forming the
front of carrier or vest 20. As illustrated with dashed lines in,
for example, FIG. 3, vest 20 also includes a generally contiguous
(in coverage), flexible rear ballistic panel assembly 300. Like
front ballistic panel assembly 200, rear ballistic panel assembly
300 can be formed as one section or assembly or as a plurality of
separate sections or assemblies. Rear ballistic panel assembly 300
includes side sections 310a and 310b adapted to extend around the
side of a user. Like ballistic panel assembly 200, ballistic panel
assembly 300, including side sections 310a and 310b, is enclosed
within an outer shell of fabric forming the rear of carrier or vest
20.
[0029] FIGS. 4A through 4C illustrate one embodiment of a ballistic
panel assembly or ballistic package of the present invention FIG.
4A illustrates a flexible subassembly 230 for use in forming front
ballistic panel assembly 200, while FIG. 4B illustrates a flexible
subassembly 330 for use in forming rear ballistic panel assembly
300. Subassemblies 230 and 330 can, for example, be designed for
Type II level of ballistic performance as set forth in Section 2.2
of NIJ Standard-0101.06. Performance standards for ballistic panels
are, for example, set forth in National Institute of Justice (NIJ)
Standard-0101.06, "Ballistic Resistance of Body Armor". NIJ
Standard-0101.06 is a technical document that specifies the minimum
performance requirements that equipment must meet to satisfy the
requirements of criminal justice agencies and the methods that
shall be used to test this performance. This standard is used to
determine which body armor models meet the minimum performance
requirements for inclusion on the NIJ Compliant Products List.
[0030] In the embodiment of FIGS. 4A through 4B, each of front
ballistic panel assembly 200 and rear ballistic panel assembly 300
can, for example, be manufactured using generally the same
materials and procedures and differ generally only in shape. FIG.
4C illustrates a cross-sectional view of subassembly 230 along line
A-A of FIG. 4A. A cross-section of subassembly 330 along line A-A
of FIG. 4B (which is not shown) is identical to that of subassembly
230.
[0031] As illustrated in FIG. 4C, subassembly 230 (as well as
subassembly 330) includes, for example, a multi-ply (for example, a
2-ply) layer 232 of an aramid fabric on the front, outer or strike
face thereof. The term "aramid" is short for aromatic polyamide. In
one embodiment, layer 232 included two plies of GOLD FLEX.RTM.
material available from Honeywell. No adhesive was placed between
the plies of GOLD FLEX material. Without limitation to any
particular mechanism of operation, layer 232 is believed to
operate, at least in part, to alter the shape, deform or flatten a
projectile or bullet impacting layer 232 so that it has less
potential to penetrate any adjacent layer(s).
[0032] Adjacent to layer 232 is a layer 234 including, for example,
a plurality of plies of, for example, an aramid fabric. In one
embodiment, layer 234 included, for example, multiple plies of
TWARON.RTM. woven fabric available from Teijin Aramid BV of Amhem,
The Netherlands. TWARON material is a very strong, light
para-aramid (poly-paraphenylene terephthalamide), which has a high
tensile strength and is thermally stable. TWARON fabrics also
exhibit high impact and chemical resistance. No adhesive was used
between the plies of TWARON fabric in layer 234. Without limitation
to any particular mechanism of operation, it is believed that the
projectile or bullet is stopped within layer 234 as a result, at
least in part, of elongation and breakage of the high tensile
strength fibers of the TWARON fabric.
[0033] Adjacent to layer 234 is a layer 236 including, for example,
a fabric formed from fibers 1 that forms the back, inner or wear
face of subassembly 230. Layer 236 can, for example, be a
single-ply layer or a multi-ply layer of such a fabric material
with no adhesive between the plies thereof. The diameter and/or
other parameter of the fibers can be varied or optimized to achieve
desired results via application of established engineering
principles. Layer 236 can operate, at least in part, to limit
deformation of the wear face of subassembly 230 upon a ballistic
strike thereto to limit the amount of blunt force trauma
experienced by a user of vest 20. In that regard (and, once again,
without limitation to any particular mechanism of operation,),
layer 236 can, for example, operate to distribute rearward
propagating force from the projectile or bullet over the surface
area thereof and assists in limiting backface deformation or
backface signature (BFS) as defined in Section 3.8 of NIJ
Standard-0101.06. In that regard, the allowable BFS is the greatest
extent of indentation in a backing material caused by a
nonperforating impact on tested armor. As set forth in Section 3.9
of NIJ Standard-0101.06, the backing material is a homogeneous
block of nonhardening, oil-based modeling clay placed in contact
with the back of the armor panel during ballistic testing.
[0034] The foregoing description and accompanying drawings set
forth the preferred embodiments of the invention at the present
time. Various modifications, additions and alternative designs
will, of course, become apparent to those skilled in the art in
light of the foregoing teachings without departing from the scope
of the invention. The scope of the invention is indicated by the
following claims rather than by the foregoing description. All
changes and variations that fall within the meaning and range of
equivalency of the claims are to be embraced within their
scope.
* * * * *