BALLISTIC ARMOR CARRIER FOR CELLULOSE-BASED BALLISTIC ARMOR

Abstract

The instant disclosure seeks to provide a ballistic armor carrier system for cellulose-based ballistic armor wearable by a user. The system includes front and back cellulose-based ballistic armor and a ballistic armor carrier that is configured to support the front and back cellulose-based ballistic armor. The front and back cellulose-based ballistic armor each comprise printed literature. The ballistic armor carrier includes front and back pockets; a pair of shoulder straps coupled proximate to the top of both the front pocket and the back pocket; and a pair of waist straps coupled proximate to the bottom the both the front pocket and the back pocket. The front cellulose-based ballistic armor is demountably positioned within the front pocket. The back cellulose-based ballistic armor is demountably positioned within the back pocket. The front cellulose-based ballistic armor and the back cellulose-based ballistic armor comprise one or more pieces of printed literature.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 63/029,094 filed May 22, 2020, which is hereby incorporated herein by reference.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present disclosure relates generally to ballistic armor. More specifically, the present disclosure describes ballistic armor carrier for cellulose-based ballistic armor.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

School violence is youth violence that occurs on school property, on the way to or from school or school-sponsored events, or during a school-sponsored event. A young person can be a victim, a perpetrator, or a witness of school violence. School violence may also involve or impact adults.

To address violence at schools, different solutions from door locking mechanisms to personal protection have been explored to protect students and personnel. While an increasing portion of a school's budget is allocated to safety, such budgets are limited in size. Various solutions are available to address school violence (e.g., school-based prevention programs, parent- and family-based programs, street outreach programs, etc.). However, schools would benefit by being able to provide low cost and easy to use ballistic protection for staff and students.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Some of the embodiments will be described in detail, with reference to the following figures, wherein like designations denote like members, wherein:

FIG. 1 illustrates a front perspective view of a ballistic armor carrier, according to some embodiments.

FIG. 2 illustrates a rear perspective view of the ballistic armor carrier of FIG. 1 according to some embodiments.

Unless otherwise specifically noted, articles depicted in the drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale.

DETAIL DESCRIPTIONS OF THE INVENTION

As a preliminary matter, it will readily be understood by one having ordinary skill in the relevant art that the present disclosure has broad utility and application. As should be understood, any embodiment may incorporate only one or a plurality of the above-disclosed aspects of the disclosure and may further incorporate only one or a plurality of the above-disclosed features. Furthermore, any embodiment discussed and identified as being “preferred” is considered to be part of a best mode contemplated for carrying out the embodiments of the present disclosure. Other embodiments also may be discussed for additional illustrative purposes in providing a full and enabling disclosure. Moreover, many embodiments, such as adaptations, variations, modifications, and equivalent arrangements, will be implicitly disclosed by the embodiments described herein and fall within the scope of the present disclosure.

Accordingly, while embodiments are described herein in detail in relation to one or more embodiments, it is to be understood that this disclosure is illustrative and exemplary of the present disclosure, and are made merely for the purposes of providing a full and enabling disclosure. The detailed disclosure herein of one or more embodiments is not intended, nor is to be construed, to limit the scope of patent protection afforded in any claim of a patent issuing here from, which scope is to be defined by the claims and the equivalents thereof. It is not intended that the scope of patent protection be defined by reading into any claim a limitation found herein that does not explicitly appear in the claim itself.

Additionally, it is important to note that each term used herein refers to that which an ordinary artisan would understand such term to mean based on the contextual use of such term herein. To the extent that the meaning of a term used herein—as understood by the ordinary artisan based on the contextual use of such term—differs in any way from any particular dictionary definition of such term, it is intended that the meaning of the term as understood by the ordinary artisan should prevail.

Furthermore, it is important to note that, as used herein, “a” and “an” each generally denotes “at least one,” but does not exclude a plurality unless the contextual use dictates otherwise. When used herein to join a list of items, “or” denotes “at least one of the items,” but does not exclude a plurality of items of the list. Finally, when used herein to join a list of items, “and” denotes “all of the items of the list.”

The following detailed description refers to the accompanying drawings. Wherever possible, the same reference numbers are used in the drawings and the following description to refer to the same or similar elements. While many embodiments of the disclosure may be described, modifications, adaptations, and other implementations are possible. For example, substitutions, additions, or modifications may be made to the elements illustrated in the drawings, and the methods described herein may be modified by substituting, reordering, or adding stages to the disclosed methods. Accordingly, the following detailed description does not limit the disclosure. Instead, the proper scope of the disclosure is defined by the appended claims. The present disclosure contains headers. It should be understood that these headers are used as references and are not to be construed as limiting upon the subjected matter disclosed under the header.

Other technical advantages may become readily apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art after review of the following figures and description. It should be understood at the outset that, although exemplary embodiments are illustrated in the figures and described below, the principles of the present disclosure may be implemented using any number of techniques, whether currently known or not. The present disclosure should in no way be limited to the exemplary implementations and techniques illustrated in the drawings and described below.

Unless otherwise indicated, the drawings are intended to be read together with the specification, and are to be considered a portion of the entire written description of this invention. As used in the following description, the terms “horizontal”, “vertical”, “left”, “right”, “up”, “down” and the like, as well as adjectival and adverbial derivatives thereof (e.g., “horizontally”, “rightwardly”, “upwardly”, “radially”, etc.), simply refer to the orientation of the illustrated structure as the particular drawing figure faces the reader. Similarly, the terms “inwardly,” “outwardly” and “radially” generally refer to the orientation of a surface relative to its axis of elongation, or axis of rotation, as appropriate. As used herein, the term “dorsal” refers to positions that are located near, on, or towards the upper or top side of a structure.

The present disclosure includes many aspects and features. Moreover, while many aspects and features relate to, and are described in the context of ballistic armor carrier for cellulose-based ballistic armor, embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited to use only in this context.

School violence is youth violence that occurs on school property, on the way to or from school or school-sponsored events, or during a school-sponsored event. A young person can be a victim, a perpetrator, or a witness of school violence. School violence may also involve or impact adults.

To address violence at schools, different solutions from door locking mechanisms to personal protection have been explored to protect students and personnel. While an increasing portion of a school's budget is allocated to safety, such budgets are limited in size. Various solutions are available to address school violence (e.g., school-based prevention programs, parent- and family-based programs, street outreach programs, etc.). However, schools would benefit by being able to provide low cost and easy to use ballistic protection for staff and students. While bulletproof vests for military use can be expensive and bulky, especially for school children, schools have materials in which can also block the damage of firearms. Books, journals, reams of paper, and other everyday learning materials can help provide some protection by positioning such items across the user's vital organs across the chest.

The scientific reason why books, magazines, or any thick enough sheaf of pages is resistant to certain calibers of bullets is the same reason why Kevlar vests work: tensile strength. Kevlar's densely woven lattice of fibers is hugely resistant to stretching force, so when a bullet hits it, the kinetic energy of the bullet gets transferred to the fibers and radiates outward, transferring only minimal force to the vest's wearer. Paper fibers also have great tensile strength (just try stretching a piece of paper), though not as much as Kevlar, thus the need for layering. Pulp is a lignocellulosic fibrous material prepared by chemically or mechanically separating cellulose fibers from wood, fiber crops, waste paper, or rags. Mixed with water and other chemical or plant-based additives, pulp is the major raw material used in papermaking and the industrial production of other paper products. In other words, paper significantly consists of cellulose fibers.

The instant disclosure seeks to provide a ballistic armor carrier for cellulose-based ballistic armor (hereinafter “armor carrier”), in accordance with an embodiment. The instant disclosure seeks to provide armor carriers that can hold one or more cellulose-based ballistic panels. As used herein, the phrase “cellulose-based ballistic armor” refer to books, periodicals, and similar cellulose-based printed literature found, for example, in a typical classroom, library, workplace, and similar locations where printed literature may be located. The instant disclosure seeks to provide armor carriers that can be configured to fit average children and teenagers.

Turning now to the figures. FIGS. 1-2 are included herein to illustrate non-limiting embodiments of the armor carrier. Although not shown, embodiments depicted in FIGS. 1-2 may include more or less components and/or features than shown. FIG. 1 depicts an armor carrier system, generally 100, according to some embodiments. The armor carrier system 100 or one or more of its individual components can be made using any durable material known in the arts (e.g., synthetic, nylon, laminated, and hydrophobic). The armor carrier preferably includes a front cellulose-based ballistic armor 105, a back cellulose-based ballistic armor 110, and a ballistic armor carrier 101. The ballistic armor carrier 101 is configured to be worn by a user to support the front armor cellulose-based ballistic armor 105 and the back cellulose-based ballistic armor 105.

To be sure, the front cellulose-based ballistic armor 105 and the back cellulose-based ballistic armor 110 each consist of one or more pieces of printed literature (e.g., books, encyclopedias, periodicals, pamphlets, workbooks, reams of paper, and similar cellulose-based literature).

The ballistic armor carrier 101 includes a front pocket 115 and a back pocket 120 that each function as a receptacle for one or more pieces of the aforementioned printed literature. Although FIGS. 1 and 2 depict the front pocket 115 and the back pocket 120 as having an overall square planar structure, either of the components can have an overall planar shape that is ovular or polygonal. The front cellulose-based ballistic armor 105 is positioned within the front pocket 115. The back cellulose-based ballistic armor 110 is demountably positioned within the back pocket 120. In preferred embodiments, the front pocket 115 and/or the back pocket 120 include elastic material to receive the front cellulose-based ballistic armor 105 and the back cellulose-based ballistic armor 110 that can each be any width, height, and/or length. For example, a user may desire to utilize two (2) encyclopedia volumes and one (1) journal volume as either the front cellulose-based ballistic armor 105 or the back cellulose-based ballistic armor 110.

Although each of the aforementioned printed literature can have a unique size, the front cellulose-based ballistic armor 105 and the back cellulose-based ballistic armor 110 must be configured to accommodate any reasonable number of printed literature to ensure the desired level of ballistic protection. The front pocket 115 and the back pocket 120 each include a top end 135, a bottom end 140, a first surface 145, and a second surface 150. The top end 135 is preferably opened and oriented upwards (e.g., towards the user's head) to receive either of the front cellulose-based ballistic armor 105 or the back cellulose-based ballistic armor 110. The bottom end 140 is closed as well as oriented and positioned opposite the top end. In other words, the bottom end 140 functions as a structural support for the cellulose-based ballistic armor 105 and the back cellulose-based ballistic armor 110.

The first surface 145 is oriented away from the ballistic armor carrier 101. The first surface 145 can include elastic material. The second surface 150 is oriented and positioned opposite the first surface 145. Each second surface 150 includes a lip 155 that extends beyond the first surface 145. The lip 155 is positioned proximate to the top end 135. In some embodiments, the shoulder straps 125 are affixed to the lips 155. The shoulder straps 125 are preferably coupled proximate to the top of both the front pocket 115 and the back pocket 120. Each shoulder strap 125 is adjustably coupled together via a first demountable fastener 160. The first demountable fastener 160 is preferably a multi-component clasp that fastens two loose ends of the shoulder strap 125, with one end of the shoulder strap 125 attached to the fastener 160 and the other held by a catch by the fastener 160 in a secure but adjustable manner.

To secure the ballistic armor carrier system 100 to the torso of the user, a pair of waist straps 130 are affixed proximate to the bottom the both the front pocket 115 and the back pocket 120. Each waist strap 130 is affixed to both of the second surfaces 150 proximate to the bottom ends 140. Each waist strap 130 is adjustably coupled together via a second demountable fastener 165. The second demountable fastener 165 is preferably a multi-component clasp that fastens two loose ends of the waist strap 130, with one end of the waist strap 130 attached to the second demountable fastener 165 and the other held by a catch by the second demountable fastener 165 in a secure but adjustable manner.

Although the disclosure has been explained in relation to its preferred embodiment, it is to be understood that many other possible modifications and variations can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the disclosure.

Claims

1. A ballistic armor carrier system for cellulose-based ballistic armor wearable by a user, comprising:

a front cellulose-based ballistic armor;

a back cellulose-based ballistic armor;

a ballistic armor carrier configured to support the front armor cellulose-based ballistic armor and the back cellulose-based ballistic armor;

wherein the front cellulose-based ballistic armor and back cellulose-based ballistic armor each comprise printed literature; the ballistic armor carrier comprises: a front pocket; a back pocket; a pair of shoulder straps coupled proximate to the top of both the front pocket and the back pocket; a pair of waist straps coupled proximate to the bottom the both the front pocket and the back pocket; the front cellulose-based ballistic armor is positioned within the front pocket; the back cellulose-based ballistic armor is positioned within the back pocket; and the front cellulose-based ballistic armor and the back cellulose-based ballistic armor comprise one or more pieces of printed literature.

2. The ballistic armor carrier system of claim 1, wherein the front cellulose-based ballistic armor is demountably positioned within the front pocket.

3. The ballistic armor carrier system of claim 2, wherein the back cellulose-based ballistic armor is demountably positioned within the back pocket.

4. The ballistic armor carrier of claim 3, wherein

the front pocket and the back pocket each comprise: a top end is oriented upwards; a bottom end oriented and positioned opposite the top end; a first surface oriented away from the ballistic armor carrier; a second surface that is oriented and positioned opposite the first surface;

the top end is opened; and

the bottom end is closed.

5. The ballistic armor carrier system of claim 4, wherein

each of the second surfaces comprise a lip;

the lip is positioned proximate to the top end; and

the pair of shoulder straps are affixed to the lips.

6. The ballistic armor carrier of system claim 5, wherein

each waist strap is affixed to both of the second surfaces proximate to the bottom ends.

7. The ballistic armor carrier system of claim 6, wherein

each shoulder strap is adjustably coupled together via a first demountable fastener.

8. The ballistic armor carrier system of claim 7, wherein

each waist strap is adjustably coupled together via a second demountable fastener.

9. The ballistic armor carrier system of claim 8, wherein

the first surface comprises an elastic material.

10. The ballistic armor carrier system of claim 9, wherein

the second surface comprise the elastic material.

11. The ballistic armor carrier system of claim 10, wherein

the printed literature definition comprises one or more of a book, a periodical, and a ream of paper.

12. A ballistic armor carrier system for cellulose-based ballistic armor wearable by a user, comprising:

a front cellulose-based ballistic armor;

a back cellulose-based ballistic armor;

a ballistic armor carrier configured to support the front armor cellulose-based ballistic armor and the back cellulose-based ballistic armor;

wherein the front cellulose-based ballistic armor and back cellulose-based ballistic armor each comprise printed literature; the ballistic armor carrier comprises: a front pocket; a back pocket; a pair of shoulder straps coupled proximate to the top of both the front pocket and the back pocket; a pair of waist straps coupled proximate to the bottom the both the front pocket and the back pocket; the front cellulose-based ballistic armor is demountably positioned within the front pocket; the back cellulose-based ballistic armor is demountably positioned within the back pocket; and the front cellulose-based ballistic armor and the back cellulose-based ballistic armor comprise one or more pieces of printed literature.

13. The ballistic armor carrier of claim 12, wherein

the front pocket and the back pocket each comprise: a top end is oriented upwards; a bottom end oriented and positioned opposite the top end; a first surface oriented away from the ballistic armor carrier; a second surface that is oriented and positioned opposite the first surface;

the top end is opened; and

the bottom end is closed.

14. The ballistic armor carrier system of claim 13, wherein

each of the second surfaces comprise a lip;

the lip is positioned proximate to the top end; and

the pair of shoulder straps are affixed to the lips.

15. The ballistic armor carrier of system claim 14, wherein

each waist strap is affixed to both of the second surfaces proximate to the bottom ends.

16. The ballistic armor carrier system of claim 15, wherein

each shoulder strap is adjustably coupled together via a first demountable fastener [that allows the length of the shoulder strap to be adjusted].

17. The ballistic armor carrier system of claim 16, wherein

each waist strap is adjustably coupled together via a second demountable fastener.

18. The ballistic armor carrier system of claim 17, wherein

the first surface comprise an elastic material.

19. The ballistic armor carrier system of claim 18, wherein

the second surface comprise the elastic material.

20. The ballistic armor carrier system of claim of claim 19, wherein

the printed literature definition comprises one or more of a book, a periodical, and a ream of paper.