U.S. patent application number 15/853033 was filed with the patent office on 2018-10-04 for ballistic body armor.
This patent application is currently assigned to RHEINMETALL BALLISTIC PROTECTION GMBH. The applicant listed for this patent is RHEINMETALL BALLISTIC PROTECTION GMBH. Invention is credited to Ingo Bornemann, Onno Rudolf 't Hart.
Application Number | 20180283827 15/853033 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 61750152 |
Filed Date | 2018-10-04 |
United States Patent
Application |
20180283827 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
't Hart; Onno Rudolf ; et
al. |
October 4, 2018 |
BALLISTIC BODY ARMOR
Abstract
Protective equipment is proposed as ballistic body armor, which
equipment has at least one chest protection plate and has slits
through which a carrying system can be pulled, which can include at
least two shoulder straps. The shoulder straps have a fastener in
the end area which can be connected to a fastener on the chest
plate. Further preferred is the integration of a back protection
plate into the protective equipment, which also has slits through
which the carrying system and optionally the side straps can be
guided and the chest protection plate and optionally the back
protection plate can be connected to one another.
Inventors: |
't Hart; Onno Rudolf; (HG
Doesburg, NL) ; Bornemann; Ingo; (Krefeld,
DE) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
RHEINMETALL BALLISTIC PROTECTION GMBH |
Krefeld |
|
DE |
|
|
Assignee: |
RHEINMETALL BALLISTIC PROTECTION
GMBH
Krefeld
DE
|
Family ID: |
61750152 |
Appl. No.: |
15/853033 |
Filed: |
December 22, 2017 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A41D 1/04 20130101; F41H
1/02 20130101; F41H 5/013 20130101 |
International
Class: |
F41H 1/02 20060101
F41H001/02; A41D 1/04 20060101 A41D001/04; F41H 5/013 20060101
F41H005/013 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Mar 28, 2017 |
DE |
20 2017 101 793U1 |
Mar 28, 2017 |
EP |
17163352.2 |
Claims
1. Protective equipment as ballistic body armor comprising: at
least one chest protection plate having slits; and a carrying
system formed at least from two shoulder straps, the shoulder
straps having a fastener in an end area, which is adapted to be
connected to a fastener on the chest protection plate, wherein the
shoulder straps are adapted to be pulled through the slits.
2. The protective equipment according to claim 1, further
comprising a back protection plate that has slits and is
connectable to the chest protection plate via the carrying
system.
3. The protective equipment according to claim 1, wherein the chest
protection plate or the back protection plate have a
shock-absorbing coating on their outer surface.
4. The protective equipment according to claim 1, wherein at least
two side straps are provided between the chest protection plate and
the back protection plate.
5. The protective equipment according to claim 1, wherein an
abdominal protection plate or side protection plates are
incorporated, which have at least one slit.
6. The protective equipment according to claim 1, wherein the
protective plates are formed of armor steel and fiber composites,
steel plates and steel fiber composites, polyethylene, ceramic
composite material, or titanium.
7. The protective equipment according to claim 6, wherein a
thickness for a ballistic steel plate is between 3 and 10 mm, for a
steel fiber composite between 4 and 20 mm, for a polyethylene or
ceramic composite plate between 5 and 25 mm, and for titanium
between 3 and 15 mm.
8. The protective equipment according to claim 1, wherein a
fastener at an end area of the shoulder straps and at an end area
of the side straps is a hook and loop fastener, and wherein the
fastener to the outer surface of the protective plates is a flap or
adjustable buckles.
9. The protective equipment according to claim 1, wherein a
stepwise adjustment of the length of the shoulder straps and the
side straps is performed by a plurality of loop and hook fasteners
in the end area.
10. The protective equipment according to claim 1, wherein a catch
against unintentional loosening of the shoulder straps and/or the
side straps is provided.
11. The protective equipment according to claim 10, wherein the
catch is a section that widens in an end area of the straps.
12. The protective equipment according to claim 1, wherein at least
one shock-absorbing pad is attached to an inner side of the chest
or back protection plate.
13. The protective equipment according to claim 12, wherein the at
least one shock-absorbing pad is rubber, foam rubber, cellular
rubber, foam, or trauma liner.
14. The protective equipment according to claim 1, wherein at least
one protective equipment is stored at critical locations or at
critical points, including embassies, schools, airports, sports
events, or other mass events for the protection of persons.
15. The protection equipment according to claim 14, wherein a
web-based or app application by which in the event of danger,
individuals are informed of where the nearest point with stored
protective equipment is located.
16. The protection equipment according to claim 15, wherein a
web-based or app application connects the person of the protective
equipment with a central office and/or with other persons with
protective equipment in order to exchange and/or receive
information about terrorist threats and/or alert messages.
Description
[0001] This nonprovisional application claims priority under 35
U.S.C. .sctn. 119(a) to European Patent Application No. 17163352.2,
which was filed in Europe on Mar. 28, 2017, and to German Patent
Application No. 20 2017 101 793 U1, which was filed on Mar. 28,
2017, and which are herein incorporated by reference.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Field of the Invention
[0002] The present invention relates to ballistic body armor for
protecting persons from terrorist attacks in particular.
Description of the Background Art
[0003] Conventional protective vests are known for protecting
persons from ballistic threats. The typical structure of a
protection system of this type is a textile substrate (shell) with
integrated pouches for receiving the ballistic armor. This has a
strictly flexible variant against first weapons and of solid
protective plates against long firearms (e.g., AK-47). The textile
shells are designed for police and military usage scenarios and
comprise a very high level of wearing comfort. In addition, there
are attachment points for, e.g., ammunition and other items.
[0004] U.S. Pat. No. 9,354,023 B1 discloses an assembly intended
for removably mounting armor on a user's body in a protective
orientation with a base having an inner portion and an outer
portion. The inner portion is structured such that an armor plate
is substantially retained in relation to the user's body, wherein
the outer portion is disposed in an overlying position
corresponding to the armor. Preferably, the base is formed of a
rigid material. An attachment assembly is connected to the base and
structured to facilitate the operative and removable mounting of
the base in a predetermined protective orientation. The attachment
assembly may also include a plurality of connectors and a common
release mechanism, wherein the base and the armor can be quickly
and easily removed.
[0005] A plate carrier wearable by a user for housing an armor
plate is disclosed in US 2016/0003581 A1. The plate carrier
comprises a plurality of hinges that connect a front portion of the
plate carrier and a back portion of the plate carrier at the
bottom. An attachment mechanism is disposed near the top of the
plate carrier and configured to adjustably secure the armor plate
inside the plate carrier.
[0006] The problem underlying these protective vests is the high
manufacturing cost of these specialized advanced body protection
solutions. The high purchasing cost is associated with this. In
addition, the demand and need for ballistic body armor are also
growing for other occupations and private individuals.
[0007] CN 201093944 Y refers to a self-defense armor with a hidden
chamber, mainly with two plate bodies, which are connected by a
connection belt and can be worn on the front and back of the body.
The plate bodies of the armor are provided with a compartment and a
discharging valve located outside the compartment. Therefore, when
the armor is used, the buffer action of the armor can be enhanced
to ensure personal safety protection.
[0008] CN 103126126 A refers to a detachable health care and
protection multifunctional casual clothes which comprise a casual
clothes body and a plurality of holding pockets. The casual
clothing consists of a front part and a back part. The plurality of
holding pockets are arranged on the casual clothes body. A pocket
opening of each holding pocket is formed in the surface of the
casual clothes body. A protective plate that can be pulled and
replaced through each pocket opening is contained in each holding
pocket. Each protective plate is formed by combining an
abrasion-resistant layer having flexibility, a polycarbonate layer,
and a buffer layer sequentially in a stacking mode, wherein the
thickness of the polycarbonate layer can be increased and decreased
according to the change in the safety levels. The buffer layer can
be attached to a body of a wearer and is flexible. The protective
plates can differ in the thickness of the polycarbonate layer,
which greatly reduces the weight and also improves the comfort.
[0009] A protective shield that can be worn by a person is
described in GB 2 210 773 A. It is made of two
penetration-resistant plates (front, back). The plates have a
reinforced zone which has enhanced penetration resistance and is
located over a high risk area of the wearer's body. The plates may
be a polycarbonate sheet and the reinforced zone may be formed by a
thickened area of the plate or by an attached section of
reinforcing material. Individual reinforcing plates may instead be
inserted in pockets in a jacket or other garment. The plates are
connected by straps whose length is adjustable via buckles. The
straps are in turn attached to the plates.
[0010] Although it is also pointed out that these solutions are
cost-saving, this last solution in particular cannot guarantee
sufficient protection.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0011] It is therefore an object of the present invention to
provide a cost-minimized protective equipment for anyone.
[0012] The invention is based, in an exemplary embodiment, on the
idea of providing a protective plate system which is substantially
reduced to the essentials in wearing comfort and which realizes
sufficient protection at an affordable price. The protective
equipment should also be put on only when needed. The protective
equipment is in turn not designed for a specific tactical type but
conceived as strictly temporary ballistic armor. In addition, a
focus particular focus is from a threat from long firearms.
[0013] The protective equipment has at least one protective plate
of a material that breaks and/or intercepts a projectile. The
material can be, for example, armor steel and fiber composites,
steel plates and steel fiber composites, polyethylene, ceramic
composite material (ceramic and fiber composite), or titanium, etc.
These have a special coating. The protective plate(s) is/are
preferably flat, but may be made with a single or double curvature.
The special coating can be a robust shrapnel-absorbing layer
(PU-polyurethane), which is applied to the protective plate.
[0014] The protective equipment has at least a chest protection
plate as front body protection (chest protection plate). A back
protection plate does increase the weight of the protective
equipment, but at the same also the protection of the person from
behind as a back body protection plate.
[0015] A carrying system is integrated into the protective plate or
into the protective plates. For this purpose, the particular
protective plate in particular at the outer edges/sides has
openings/slits through which the carrying system is guided or
pulled. Preferably elastic belts or belt systems, bands, straps,
etc., with known opening and closing systems, such as hook and loop
fasteners, buckles (e.g., U.S. Pat. No. 9,354,023 B1, which is
incorporated herein by reference), etc., can be used as a carrying
system. This carrying system is used for direct wearing of the body
protection plate(s) by a person. Preferably, a catch against
unintentional loosening of the shoulder strap in particular is
provided. In a simplest embodiment, this may be a section which
widens in the end area of the straps/belts and which cannot slip
through openings/slits on its own. Alternatives are not ruled out.
The strap/belt catch prevents the protective equipment from falling
off, even if it is deliberately removed.
[0016] Further protective plates, e.g., for the abdomen and/or for
the sides, can be easily adapted to the equipment by identical
openings/slits introduced into the corresponding sections of the
body protection plates.
[0017] A shock-absorbing material may be attached in addition on
the body-facing side of the protective plate. In particular,
several small pads are suitable here, which are integrated at least
into the protective plate sections that could cause pressure points
in a person. These pads in a small as well as large assembly also
serve to dissipate the shock wave initiated by a projectile
(reduction of trauma). The material of the pads may be rubber,
e.g., foam rubber, cellular rubber, e.g., closed-cell, foam, trauma
liner, etc. The materials should preferably be self-adhesive.
[0018] As in the apparel industry, the protective equipment can be
offered in a number of sizes. Standardized plates are preferably
used for this purpose.
[0019] In a continuation of the inventive idea, a concept
associated with this idea includes storing this equipment in a
central location as so-called emergency or shelter stations,
similar to lifejackets on a ship or in an airplane. The stations
are set up or established at critical points, which would include,
for example, embassies, schools, airports, sports events and other
mass events, etc. Rooms in these places can also serve as stations.
This will ensure that adequate protective equipment is accessible
when needed. According to this concept, therefore, not every
person, whether in the private sector or in social life, needs to
have their own protective equipment.
[0020] Further, people can also be informed via known digital media
about where the nearest emergency station is which in case of
danger can direct the person so that he is able to protect himself,
similar to the already known emergency information and news app. In
this case, the amount of protective equipment available at the
particular emergency station and its distribution to persons are
taken into account. If necessary, efforts can be made to
redistribute protective equipment from other emergency stations
that are not needed to the emergency stations in the danger area,
if the provision of protective equipment is insufficient.
[0021] If buyers of the protective equipment are, inter alia,
private individuals as well, they can, for example, purchase a
web-based or app application with the purchase of the protective
equipment. Such digital media can be used to be able to connect the
persons with other wearers (persons) of the protective equipment
and/or a central office in order to be able to communicate directly
and quickly information and alert messages, e.g., about a current
terrorist threat, behavioral rules, etc.
[0022] Proposed as ballistic body armor, therefore, is protective
equipment which has at least one chest protection plate and has
slits through which at least one carrying system can be pulled. The
carrying system can have at least two shoulder straps. The shoulder
straps have a fastener in the end area, which can be connected to a
fastener on the chest plate. Preferred further is the integration
of a back protection plate into the protective equipment, which
also has slits through which the carrying system and optionally
side straps can be guided. The chest protection plate and
optionally the back protection plate are connected to each other by
the carrying system and optionally the side straps.
[0023] The advantage of the proposed protective equipment is its
convenience and its simplicity with sufficient protection. A
textile shell, etc., with pockets is no longer needed. The
protective equipment supports disaster protection and other
safety-related situations.
[0024] Further scope of applicability of the present invention will
become apparent from the detailed description given hereinafter.
However, it should be understood that the detailed description and
specific examples, while indicating preferred embodiments of the
invention, are given by way of illustration only, since various
changes, combinations, and modifications within the spirit and
scope of the invention will become apparent to those skilled in the
art from this detailed description.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING
[0025] The present invention will become more fully understood from
the detailed description given hereinbelow and the accompanying
drawing which is given by way of illustration only, and thus, is
not limitive of the present invention, and wherein the sole figure
illustrates an example embodiment, showing a cross-sectional view
of an adjustment fitting with sealing of an eccentric receiving
space.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0026] The single figure shows protective equipment 1 with a chest
protection plate 2 and a back protection plate 3. Chest protection
plate 2 and back protection plate 3 have slits 4, which are
introduced substantially at their outer edges at the top and on the
side. For abdominal protection, further slits 4 can be integrated
at the lower edge of chest protection plate 2 and the upper edge of
an abdominal protection plate 5. For side protection, side
protection plates 16 may be provided. Chest and back protection
plate 2, 3 are preferably coated on their outer surface 10, 11 with
a shock-absorbing layer.
[0027] Standardized plates are preferably used as chest or back
protection. The thickness for a ballistic steel plate should be
between 3 and 10 mm and for a steel fiber composite between 4 and
20 mm. In contrast, a plate made of polyethylene or a ceramic
composite solution may have a thickness between 5 and 25 mm. If
titanium is used, it may be sufficient here to choose the thickness
between 3 and 15 mm. When selecting the material and the thickness,
the carried total weight of protective equipment 1 should always be
taken into account. The above values are therefore to be regarded
as approximate values.
[0028] Chest and back protection plates 2, 3 are connected to one
another via shoulder straps 6 and side straps 7. In particular,
shoulder straps 6 form a carrying system 8 of protective equipment
1. Preferably, slits 4 of protective plates 2, 3 or 2, 5 are
aligned with each other so that a good connectivity of protective
plates 2, 3, 5 is ensured to form a protective equipment 1. Slits 4
should also be finished so that neither shoulder straps 6 nor side
straps 7 are torn during use.
[0029] Shoulder straps 6 as well as side straps 7 are preferably
elastic and have at least one hook and loop fastener 9 at least in
the end area. For a stepwise adjustment of the length of shoulder
straps 6 and side straps 7, more than one hook and loop fastener 9
can be placed or fastened in the end area. Flaps 12 are placed on
outer surface 10 or 11 of chest and back protection plates 2, 3.
Hook and loop fasteners 9 can be pressed onto these and attached
thereby. Different heights, body builds, etc., of the persons
wearing protective equipment 1 can be addressed by a variable
length of shoulder straps 6 and side straps 7.
[0030] If side protection plates 16 are desired, these, as well as
abdominal protection plate 5, can also be incorporated subsequently
into protective equipment 1. The connection between chest
protection plate 2 and abdominal protection plate 5 can be created
in the described manner by belt straps. Side protection plates 16
can in turn be fixed by side straps 7 by being pulled through at
least one slit 4 of side protection plates 16 and by being fastened
to chest protection plate 2/back protection plate 3. More slits 4
can also be integrated into side protection plate 16.
[0031] In order to be able to provide a certain level of wearing
comfort, it may be provided to attach at least one shock-absorbing
pad 15 in addition on inner sides 13, 14 of chest or back
protection plate 2, 3. This serves as cushioning in the case of a
threat and creates a softer wearing comfort.
[0032] The protective equipment 1 may also be formed of chest
protection plate 2. Shoulder straps 6 are then crossed over the
person's back and pulled through, for example, side slits 4 and
fastened to respective flap 12.
[0033] Protective equipment 1 of this type can be stocked and
stored as so-called emergency or shelter stations at a central
location/point. These stations are preferably placed at critical
points, e.g., in embassies, schools, airports, sports events and
other mass events, etc.
[0034] In the case of danger, people can be informed by a web-based
or app application of where the nearest station with the stocked
protective equipment 1 is located, and can then quickly seek them.
This information can be output as SMS or the like.
[0035] The invention being thus described, it will be obvious that
the same may be varied in many ways. Such variations are not to be
regarded as a departure from the spirit and scope of the invention,
and all such modifications as would be obvious to one skilled in
the art are to be included within the scope of the following
claims.
* * * * *