Abstract: A protective armor construction which reduces blunt action trauma and provides excellent penetration resistance, includes multiple layers arranged in serial relation between the front and back. These layers include a first plurality of layers of a penetration resistant material fabricated of high strength, e.g., aramid, fibers. These layers are secured together at the peripheral edge, e.g., by sewing, and are backed by a first plurality of backing layers of a thermoplastic polyester extrudable in sheet form, such as polyethyleneterephalate. Next is a further plurality of layers of a penetration resistant material fabricated of high strength fibers. These layers are disposed in serially contacting, unsecured relation so that the layers can individually flex and expand in response to bullet impact. These layers are backed by a further plurality of layers of an extrudable thermoplastic material.

Abstract: A protective armor construction includes a plurality of layers of penetration resistant material. These layers comprise one or more expandable stress layers of flexible penetration resistant material having a plurality of folds therein. The folds are arranged so as to unfold and expand in response to a penetration force exerted on the armor construction, e.g., by a bullet, such as to impede the penetration force and to thereby limit penetration of the armor construction. To provide superior protection, two or more of such expandable stress layers are provided along with multiple unfolded layers disposed in front and behind these layers. The folds of the two expandable layers extend orthogonally to one another while the folds of the individual expandable layers over lap. The folds of the outermost expandable layer face outwardly while the folds of the innermost expandable layer face inwardly.

Abstract: A high penetration bullet is provided which is made of lead and is of one piece construction. The nose of the bullet includes an outer nose portion, including an external, shaped (e.g., ogive) surface which gives the tip of the nose of the bullet its basic shape, and an inner nose portion including an internal, shaped (e.g., ogive) surface. The outer and inner nose portions are separated by a thin layer of a lubricant which is trapped between adjacent surfaces of the two nose portions when the stem or neck of an intermediate stage bullet element is peened over the inner nose portion during the formation of the outer nose portion. As a consequence of this construction, upon impact of the bullet with a target, the outer nose portion will decelerate and be impacted from behind by the trailing mass of the remainder of the bullet.

Abstract: A collapsible bullet is provided which rapidly expands upon impact and possesses excellent penetration characteristics. The bullet includes at least two separate parts which form an integrated unit, i.e., a nose part having a central bore therethrough and a base or rear part which includes a central collapse column that projects through the opening in the nose part. The distal end of the collapse column is peened over to help hold the parts together. After initial impact by the leading end of the nose part, successive impacts are produced by the rear part, and any intermediate parts, as these parts are driven into the nose part, thereby causing an outward expansion of the nose part and possible complete penetration of the nose part by the rear part or parts.