U.S. patent application number 17/012929 was filed with the patent office on 2021-03-11 for ceramic armor plate with enhanced curvature.
The applicant listed for this patent is Tim Craig-Harvey, Pauline Cromer, A. Jacob Ganor, Blake Lockwood Waldrop. Invention is credited to Tim Craig-Harvey, Pauline Cromer, A. Jacob Ganor, Blake Lockwood Waldrop.
Application Number | 20210071995 17/012929 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 1000005085797 |
Filed Date | 2021-03-11 |
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United States Patent
Application |
20210071995 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Ganor; A. Jacob ; et
al. |
March 11, 2021 |
CERAMIC ARMOR PLATE WITH ENHANCED CURVATURE
Abstract
A carrier system that includes a multi-curve front body armor
plate that is wearable on a front torso having a protruding chest.
The strike face has a lower region with a lower convex portion
shaped to follow a cylindrical contour of an abdomen and chest of
the torso. An upper portion of the strike face laterally tapers to
a top edge and curves backwardly to accommodate the protruding
chest. An armor carrier of the carrier system includes (i) a back
panel; (ii) a front panel having an opening that is sized to
receive the multi-curve front body armor plate; and (iii) a
shoulder harness connecting the front and back panels. The shoulder
harness providing a support surface that rests upon shoulders of a
wearer.
Inventors: |
Ganor; A. Jacob; (Kowloon,
HK) ; Cromer; Pauline; (Barnstaple, GB) ;
Waldrop; Blake Lockwood; (Centerville, IA) ;
Craig-Harvey; Tim; (Calne, GB) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Ganor; A. Jacob
Cromer; Pauline
Waldrop; Blake Lockwood
Craig-Harvey; Tim |
Kowloon
Barnstaple
Centerville
Calne |
IA |
HK
GB
US
GB |
|
|
Family ID: |
1000005085797 |
Appl. No.: |
17/012929 |
Filed: |
September 4, 2020 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
62896434 |
Sep 5, 2019 |
|
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Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
F41H 5/0421 20130101;
F41H 1/02 20130101; F41H 5/013 20130101; F41H 5/0428 20130101 |
International
Class: |
F41H 5/013 20060101
F41H005/013; F41H 5/04 20060101 F41H005/04; F41H 1/02 20060101
F41H001/02 |
Claims
1. A multi-curve front body armor plate comprises: a ballistic
ceramic strike face wearable on a front torso and comprising: a
lower convex portion shaped to follow a cylindrical contour of an
abdomen and chest; and an upper portion that laterally tapers to a
top edge and curves backwardly to accommodate a protruding chest of
the front torso.
2. The multi-curve front body armor plate of claim 1, wherein where
the upper portion has a backward curve from a midpoint to the top
edge of the of the ballistic ceramic strike face in a range between
17.degree. and 33.degree..
3. The multi-curve front body armor plate of claim 1, further
comprising a layer of steel brazed to a back surface of the
ballistic ceramic strike face.
4. A carrier system comprising: a multi-curve front body armor
plate comprises: a ballistic ceramic strike face wearable on a
front torso and comprising: a lower region a lower convex portion
shaped to follow a cylindrical contour of an abdomen and chest; and
an upper portion that laterally tapers to a top edge and curves
backwardly to accommodate a protruding chest of the front torso;
and an armor carrier comprising: a back panel; a front panel having
an opening that is sized to receive the multi-curve front body
armor plate; and a shoulder harness connecting the front and back
panels and providing a support surface that rests upon shoulders of
a wearer.
5. The carrier system of claim 4, further comprising: a lower
cummerbund attached between lower portions and on a same lateral
side of the front and back panels; and an upper cummerbund attached
above the lower cummerbund between the same lateral side of the
front and back panels.
6. The carrier system of claim 5, further comprising a vertical
strap attached between the upper and lower cummerbunds.
7. The carrier system of claim 5, wherein the upper cummerbund
comprises a direct elastic band.
8. The carrier system of claim 5, wherein the upper cummerbund
comprises a fabric covered direct elastic band.
9. The carrier system of claim 5, wherein the upper cummerbund
comprises a breathable stretch fabric.
10. The carrier system of claim 5, wherein the upper cummerbund
comprises a compression fabric
11. The carrier system of claim 5, wherein where the upper portion
of the multi-curve front body armor plate has a backward curve from
a midpoint to the top edge of the of the ballistic ceramic strike
face in a range between 17.degree. and 33.degree..
12. The carrier system of claim 5, integrated with a passive
exoskeleton, powered exoskeleton, or hip belt, for load
distribution purposes.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] The present application for patent claims priority to U.S.
Provisional Application No. 62/896,434 entitled "CERAMIC ARMOR
PLATE WITH ENHANCED CURVATURE" filed 5 Sep. 2019, which is hereby
expressly incorporated by reference herein.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of the Invention
[0002] The field of art disclosed herein pertains to armor
materials, and more particularly for composite ceramic materials
for ballistic protection.
2. Description of the Related Art
[0003] Military standard body armor plates are presently based on
established and proven technologies. For example, monolithic boron
carbide (B4C) or Silicon Carbide (SiC) plates over an ultra-high
molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) backing layer are frequently
used. UHMWPE is a type of high-strength polymer and includes the
generic families of Dyneema, Spectra Shield, Twaron, and Tensylon.
Alternative backing layers include other polymer or fibrous
materials, such as E-glass, S-glass, or para-aramid. Para-aramid is
another high-strength polymer and includes the generic families of
Kevlar and Twaron.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0004] The various exemplary embodiments of the present invention,
which will become more apparent as the description proceeds, are
described in the following detailed description in conjunction with
the accompanying drawings, in which:
[0005] FIG. 1 is a front view of an example multi-curve body armor
plate worn on a male torso and having a first complex curvature,
according to one or more embodiments;
[0006] FIG. 2 is a right side view of the example multi-curve body
armor plate of FIG. 1 worn on the male torso, according to one or
more embodiments;
[0007] FIG. 3 is a top left isometric view of the example
multi-curve body armor plate of FIG. 1 worn on the male torso,
according to one or more embodiments;
[0008] FIG. 4 is a front right isometric view of the example
multi-curve body armor plate of FIG. 1 worn on a female torso,
according to one or more embodiments;
[0009] FIG. 5 is a front right isometric view of an example
multi-curve body armor plate worn on the female torso and having a
reduced height and second complex curvature, according to one or
more embodiments;
[0010] FIG. 6 is a top left isometric view of the example
multi-curve body armor plate of FIG. 5 worn on the female torso,
according to one or more embodiments;
[0011] FIG. 7 is an isometric view of an exemplary multi-curve body
armor plate, according to one or more embodiments;
[0012] FIG. 8 is a front view of the exemplary multi-curve body
armor plate of FIG. 7, according to one or more embodiments;
[0013] FIG. 9 is a right side view of the exemplary multi-curve
body armor plate of FIG. 7, according to one or more
embodiments;
[0014] FIG. 10 is a detail right side view of the exemplary
multi-curve body armor plate of FIG. 9, according to one or more
embodiments;
[0015] FIG. 11 is a top right isometric view of a carrier system
for a multi-curved body armor plate, according to one or more
embodiments;
[0016] FIG. 12 is a graphical plot of illustrative dimensions of a
plate pouch of the carrier system of FIG. 11, according to one or
more embodiments;
[0017] FIG. 13 is a right isometric view of front panel of an
example carrier system, according to one or more embodiments;
[0018] FIG. 14 is front view of a direct elastic underarm and waist
cummerbunds with vertical link strap for the example carrier system
of FIG. 13, according to one or more embodiments;
[0019] FIG. 15 is front view of a fabric encased direct elastic
underarm and waist cummerbunds with vertical link strap for the
example carrier system of FIG. 13, according to one or more
embodiments;
[0020] FIG. 16 is a back view of a stretch fabric underarm
cummerbund for the example carrier system of FIG. 13, according to
one or more embodiments; the fabric used may be a mesh, or may be
another breathable fabric according to one or more embodiments;
[0021] FIG. 17 is a back view of a Lycra/Elatane-Polyester
compression fabric underarm cummerbund for the example carrier
system of FIG. 13, according to one or more embodiments;
[0022] FIG. 18 is a right isometric view of the example carrier
system of FIG. 13 with the fabric encased direct elastic underarm
and waist cummerbunds of FIG. 15, according to one or more
embodiments;
[0023] FIG. 19 is a right isometric view of the example carrier
system of FIG. 18 with the vertical link strap of FIG. 15
installed, according to one or more embodiments;
[0024] FIG. 20 is a right isometric view of the example carrier
system of FIG. 19 with a compression fabric cover on the upper
cummerbund on vertical link strap, according to one or more
embodiments; and
[0025] FIG. 21 is a right isometric view of the example carrier
system of FIG. 19 with a compression fabric cover on the upper
cummerbund and vertical link strap, according to one or more
embodiments.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0026] FIGS. 1-3 depict an example multi-curve body armor plate 100
worn toward the front of a male torso 102. FIG. 4 depicts the
example multi-curve body armor plate 100 worn on a female torso
104. Multi-curve body armor plate 100 has a ceramic strike face 106
having a first complex curvature that outwardly presents a convex
surface to ballistic projectiles. The armor plate 100 is wearable
on a front torso 102, 104 of a person having a protruding chest.
The strike face 106 has a lower region 108 with a lower convex
portion shaped to follow a cylindrical contour of an abdomen and
chest of the torso 102, 104. An upper portion 110 of the strike
face 106 laterally tapers to a top edge and curves backwardly to
accommodate the protruding chest.
[0027] FIGS. 5-6 depicts an example multi-curve body armor plate
500 worn on the female torso 104. Multi-curve body armor plate 500
has a reduced height and a second complex curvature that
corresponds closer to the female torso 104.
[0028] FIGS. 7-10 depict an exemplary multi-curve body armor plate
700 that conforms to the front contours of a human torso.
[0029] In one aspect of the present disclosure, a multi-curve body
armor plate system provides:
(i) Horizontal axis curvature (X.degree.) of from 8.degree. to
22.degree.; and (ii) Vertical axis curvature (Y.degree.) of from
9.degree. to 28.degree.. In another aspect of the present
disclosure, a multi-curve body armor plate system provides: (i)
Horizontal axis curvature (X.degree.) of from 12.degree. to
22.degree.; and (ii) Vertical axis curvature (Y.degree.) of from
13.degree. to 25.degree.. In another aspect of the present
disclosure, a multi-curve body armor plate system provides: (i)
Horizontal axis curvature (X.degree.) of from 14.degree. to
16.degree.; and (ii) Vertical axis curvature (Y.degree.) of from
15.degree. to 18.degree..
[0030] In another aspect of the present disclosure, a multi-curve
body armor plate system provides for body armor plates having a
horizontal axis curvature which approaches a curvature of at least
12.degree., 15.degree., 17.degree., or 20.degree. along with a
vertical axis curvature which approaches a curvature of at least
15.degree., 17.degree., 21.degree., or 24.degree., despite the fact
that this would immediately facilitate the use of said armor plates
by subjects with a need for such curvatures. In another aspect of
the present disclosure, the plate is sized to fit a generally
shorter and narrower female torso.
[0031] Ceramic materials of the plates can be made as disclosed in:
(i) U.S. Pat. No. 10,234,243 to Ganor, entitled "Antiballistic
armor comprising a super-hard strike face"; (ii) U.S. Pat. No.
10,215,537 to Ganor, entitled "Modular ceramic composite
antiballistic armor"; and (iii) U.S. Pat. Publ. No. 20170275742 to
Ganor, entitled "Ceramic and metal boron nitride nanotube
composites" the disclosures of all of which are hereby incorporated
in their entirety.
[0032] In one or more embodiments, the plate is not comprised of a
ceramic material bonded to aramid or to an ultra-high molecular
weight polyethylene fiber composite plate, instead it is comprised
of solely of ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene fiber
composite material; solely of steel or a metal alloy with
comparable strength and toughness; of a high-hardness metal such as
steel bonded to aramid or to ultra-high molecular weight
polyethylene fiber composites; of a ceramic material bonded to a
metal alloy; of a carbon-fiber or SiC-fiber reinforced ceramic
article; of carbon fiber composite materials; of glass fiber
composite materials; of basalt fiber composite materials; of a
castable ballistic polymer; of a ceramic article encapsulated in
aluminum or magnesium; or of aluminum.
[0033] FIG. 11 depicts a carrier system 1100 having an armor
carrier 1102 with front and back panels 1104, 1106 for carrying
armor plates. A shoulder harness 1108 connects the front and back
panels. The shoulder harness providing a support surface that rests
upon shoulders of a wearer. According to aspects of the present
innovation, the front panel 1104 can hold a multi-curved body armor
plate 100 (FIG. 1). The armor carrier 1102 incorporates what is
effectively an integral sports-bra. If the standard plate carrier
looks like a "plate carrier," according to aspects of the present
innovation the carrier system 1100 look like a "female plate
carrier." Carrier system 1100 has an extra adjustment mechanism and
extra padding around the bust line, which is fairly strong and
elastic to function as a sports bra. Side pouches can be included
for optional side plates (not shown). With a strong and elastic
adjustment mechanism around the bust line, the plate can be held
close and tight against the upper torso. Tests conducted have shown
that women wearing armor plates are significantly more comfortable
if the plate is worn in this manner. The carrier system 1100 is
built for plates with an enhanced curvature, but can accommodate
standard multi-curve plates. The bust-line adjustment mechanism can
be removed, unfastened, or loosened quickly. The bust-line
adjustment mechanism is held in place either by Velcro, by a
buckle, or by a rapid-release plastic fasteners.
[0034] A plate pocket 1110 is made of soft fabric, and is in some
manifestations elastic, so the plate pocket 1110 will fit all
plates within a certain size range, such as 7''.times.9'' to
10''.times.12'', and can accommodate various degrees of curvature.
Given the exaggerated curvature of the new plate, along with the
fact that it is being worn angled forward against the wearer's body
to some extent, an elastic band around the bust of the wearer and
that is behind the plate provides additional support and comfort.
FIG. 12 is a graphical plot 1200 of illustrative dimensions of a
plate pouch of the carrier system 1100.
[0035] FIG. 13 depicts a front panel of the carrier system 1100.
Each of the front and back panels 1104, 1106 include an S-shaped
gusset panel to provide a rain barrier. Un upper point of front and
back flaps 1112 respectively of the front and back panels 1104,
1106 are higher the generally known carrier systems to accommodate
an underarm cummerbund. For example, FIG. 14 depicts detachable
direct elastic underarm and waist cummerbunds 1420, 1422 with a
vertical link strap 1424 for the armor carrier 1102 the carrier
system 1100 (FIG. 11).
[0036] The vertical link strap 1424 is separate attachable with
vertical elastic of adjustable link strap could be introduced to
make the upper strap (underarm cummerbund 1420) follow forward when
reaching back for lower waist cummerbund to make easier to grab
hold of end for fixing in place at front.
[0037] In one or more embodiments, the direct elastic underarm
cummerbund 1420 uses 50 mm wide elastic. FIG. 15 depicts detachable
fabric encased direct elastic underarm and waist cummerbunds 1520,
1422 with a vertical link strap 1424 for the armor carrier 1102 the
carrier system 1100 (FIG. 11). FIG. 16 depicts a detachable stretch
mesh fabric underarm cummerbund 1620 for the armor carrier 1102 the
carrier system 1100 (FIG. 11). FIG. 17 depicts a detachable
Lycra/Elatane-Polyester compression fabric underarm cummerbund 1720
for the armor carrier 1102 the carrier system 1100 (FIG. 11). In
one or more embodiments, the stretch mesh and compression fabric
underarm cummerbunds 1620 (FIG. 16), 1720 (FIG. 17) are 50 mm wide
with 75 mm wide Velcro attachment pads. FIG. 18 depicts the carrier
system 1100 with an attached fabric encased direct elastic underarm
cummerbund 1820 and waist cummerbund 1822. FIG. 19 depicts the
carrier system 1100 with the attached fabric encased direct elastic
underarm cummerbund 1820 and waist cummerbund 1822 with an attached
vertical link strap 1924. FIG. 20 depicts the example carrier
system 1100 with a compression fabric cover 2026 over the attached
upper cummerbund 1820 (FIG. 18). FIG. 21 depicts the example
carrier system 1100 with a compression fabric cover 2026 over the
attachment of the vertical link strap 1924 to the upper cummerbund
1820 (FIG. 18).
[0038] In one or more embodiments, the armor carrier includes a
load-distribution system; this links the carrier to a hip belt,
passive exoskeleton, or powered exoskeleton, and reduces the
perceived load on the wearer's shoulders and back.
[0039] In one or more embodiments, the load distribution device
comprises a flexible back brace secured to a back portion of the
armor vest/carrier; a belt; a coupling, wherein the coupling
attaches the belt to the back portion of the carrier adjacent a
lower portion of the flexible back brace; and strap supports,
wherein the strap supports slideably connect a front portion of the
armor vest to the back portion of the armor vest through a
ring-like device.
[0040] Velcro is described throughout description and shown
throughout the figures as a means to secure parts of carrier 1100
together. Alternative forms of removeable attachments may be used,
including but not limited to, buttons, snaps, or other suitable
forms of attachment.
[0041] Clasps may comprise plastic or other suitable forms of
material for attachment. Any form of clasps, buckles, and other
suitable forms of connectors may be used. D-rings, rings, and strap
connectors may comprise plastic, metal, or other suitable forms of
material for creating static and dynamic connections with the strap
support. In one or more embodiments, the belt may comprise a
multilayered materials including padding and foam configured for a
comfort fit.
[0042] The present invention may be used in connection with back
packs, alternative types of armor vests and plate carriers, and
other applications requiring use of a support system to
redistribute weight away from the shoulders of a wearer of a system
implementing the present invention. As shown throughout the
figures, carrier 1100 may have additional straps attached along
various aspects of its surface for holding packs, grenades,
carabineers, and other devices and materials.
[0043] In one or more embodiments, the protective vest may comprise
a vest shell, at least one cooling subsystem and an onboard power
supply. Each cooling subsystem may include a cooling disbursement
element, a thermoelectric module and a heat dissipation assembly.
The cooling disbursement element may comprise at least one coolant
bladder attached to the inner layer. The heat dissipation assembly
may include a fan element and a heat sink. The thermoelectric
module may be in heat-transferring communication between the
cooling disbursement element and the heat dissipation assembly. The
fan element may be configured to force a flow of air across the
heat sink. The power supply may be in electrical power-providing
communication with the thermoelectric module and the fan
element.
[0044] In one or more embodiments, the vest shell may have a heat
exchange aperture extending from the inner layer of the vest shell
through the outer layer. At least a portion of either the heat sink
or the thermoelectric module, or the combined heat sink and
thermoelectric module, may protrude through the heat exchange
aperture such that at least a portion of the fins of the heat sink
extend outwardly of the outer layer.
[0045] It must be noted that, as used in this specification and the
appended claims, the singular forms "a," "an" and "the" include
plural referents unless the content clearly dictates otherwise.
Thus, for example, reference to a "colorant agent" includes two or
more such agents.
[0046] Unless defined otherwise, all technical and scientific terms
used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of
ordinary skill in the art to which the invention pertains. Although
a number of methods and materials similar or equivalent to those
described herein can be used in the practice of the present
invention, the preferred materials and methods are described
herein.
[0047] The entire disclosures of all applications, patents and
publications cited herein, if any, are herein incorporated by
reference. Reference to any prior art in this specification is not,
and should not be taken as an acknowledgement or any form of
suggestion that that prior art forms part of the common general
knowledge in the field of endeavor in any country in the world.
[0048] The invention may also be said broadly to consist in the
parts, elements and features referred to or indicated in the
specification of the application, individually or collectively, in
any or all combinations of two or more of the parts, elements or
features.
[0049] Where in the foregoing description reference has been made
to integers or components having known equivalents thereof, those
integers are herein incorporated as if individually set forth.
[0050] As will be appreciated by one having ordinary skill in the
art, the methods and compositions of the invention substantially
reduce or eliminate the disadvantages and drawbacks associated with
prior art methods and compositions.
[0051] It should be noted that, when employed in the present
disclosure, the terms "comprises," "comprising," and other
derivatives from the root term "comprise" are intended to be
open-ended terms that specify the presence of any stated features,
elements, integers, steps, or components, and are not intended to
preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features,
elements, integers, steps, components, or groups thereof.
[0052] As required, detailed embodiments of the present invention
are disclosed herein; however, it is to be understood that the
disclosed embodiments are merely exemplary of the invention, which
may be embodied in various forms. Therefore, specific structural
and functional details disclosed herein are not to be interpreted
as limiting, but merely as a basis for the claims and as a
representative basis for teaching one skilled in the art to
variously employ the present invention in virtually any
appropriately detailed structure.
[0053] While it is apparent that the illustrative embodiments of
the invention herein disclosed fulfill the objectives stated above,
it will be appreciated that numerous modifications and other
embodiments may be devised by one of ordinary skill in the art.
Accordingly, it will be understood that the appended claims are
intended to cover all such modifications and embodiments, which
come within the spirit and scope of the present invention.
* * * * *