Abstract: A ballistic armored component attaches to the existing retention straps of common combat helmets and provides protection to the otherwise exposed lower skull and upper neck region. A fabric covering contains a soft armor or hard armor insert, and is mounted by straps or other fasteners to existing straps found in conventional helmets. The armor component may be fabric of aramid fibers, or fabric of ultra high molecular weight polyethylene fibers, or may be fabricated of a rigid plate of ceramic, polymer, or metal. The armored component adds additional protection from ground-level or subterranean munitions, by placing a ballistic shape on the lower skull region (occipital region), providing significant additional ballistic coverage with minimal weight and bulk. The fabric shell may also be connected directly to the helmet shell, to allow the component to withdraw within the helmet when the wearer's neck is flexed rearwardly.

Abstract: Ballistic material side elements are shaped to cover portions of a wearer's face and selectively attached to a ballistic helmet. The side elements cover the sides of the wearer's head, but leave room to avoid interfering with hearing needs and goggles. These side elements are held in place by connecting them to the existing helmet shell with an encircling strap and band, or to the straps and hardware of the helmet retention system by receiving portions of the straps through loops on the interior of the side elements. A front ballistic member may join the side elements to cover a significant portion of the wearer's face. The ballistic material is formed of a plurality of layers with a resin and joined by the application of pressure. Higher pressure in the forming of the side elements produces stiff members which stay in place when attached to the helmet.

Abstract: A bullet resistant garment is provided for in the current invention having a pliable protective insert contained within a concealed carrier shell that is integrated into an outer-garment. In certain embodiments, interconnecting seams and or darts may be incorporated into the pliable protective insert and/or carrier shell to provide a comfortable and protective three-dimensional shape to bullet resistant garment, especially for women.

Abstract: A ballistic vest does not include or require a carrier. The vest includes a front ballistic panel permanently enclosed in a front waterproof cover, the front waterproof cover having, on its outer surface, portions of an adjustable body-attachment system; a front body side liner that is detachably secured to a body side portion of the front waterproof cover and that is machine washable; a back ballistic panel permanently enclosed in a back waterproof cover, the back waterproof cover having, on its outer surface, portions of an adjustable body-attachment system; and a back body side liner that is detachably secured to a body side portion of the back waterproof cover and that is machine washable.

Abstract: A safety vest is provided for use by a wearer.

Abstract: A ballistic vest is formed with an integrated suspension system for supporting the duty belt directly from the ballistic vest. Front and rear support straps can be tunneled into the structure of the ballistic vest and terminate in clip members formed with an interior slot or cavity into which the duty belt can be positioned. The duty belt is loosely contained within the clip members to permit shifting relative to the ballistic vest to the comfort of the officer wearing the apparatus. The clip member can be formed with a latching clevis to engage the strap for positional adjustment of the clip member or with a plurality of horizontal slots for the threading of the strap. The ballistic vest can be manufactured with the appearance of a uniform shirt so that the ballistic vest can be worn as an external garment as part of the officer's uniform.

Abstract: The invention relates to a garment (1) for ballistic protection and carrying equipment, including: a carrying harness (2) including a back portion (5) suitable for covering the back of a user, the back portion including a cover (51) for accommodating a back-protecting pack (52) and straps (6, 7) suitable for being placed over the shoulders of the user in order to hang the harness (2) from the shoulders; and two abdominal portions (3, 4) suitable for covering the torso of the user, each abdominal portion (3, 4) being designed to be removably attached onto a respective suspender (6, 7) of the carrying harness (2), the abdominal portions (3, 4) including a closing device (10) for connecting the abdominal portions (3, 4) together in order to close the vest.

Abstract: An improved edge band for a protective helmet includes a flexible woven-fiber elongate band applied to the edge of a helmet shell. The elongate band is positioned such that side edges of the elongate band extend in intimately conforming contact along a surface contour of the helmet shell. The edge band includes a matrix material in contact with fibers of the elongate band.

Abstract: Multilayer ballistic resistant articles formed from a combination of flexible and semi-rigid panel components. The flexible and semi-rigid panels may include woven fibrous layers, non-woven fibrous layers or both. The articles provide suitable protection against high energy ballistic threats, while remaining suitable for flexible vest applications.

Abstract: A helmet with a cover, liner and core. The liner includes an edge trim hidden pocket for containing the core between cover and liner. The core is made of semi-flexible ballistic material, and the liner and cover are configured to be assembled and locked together with a mechanical snap lock.

Abstract: Ballistic protective clothing can include elastically resilient material. Ballistic pads can be coupled with the material such that the pads are movable relative to each other. The pads can remain in an overlapping arrangement over large ranges of motion.

Abstract: A personal armor assembly protects a person from being harmed from behind. The assembly includes a plurality of armor plates. Each armor plate is curved wherein each armor plate is configured to cover an associated dorsal section of a person. A body member is configured to be worn by the person. Each armor plate is coupled to the body member wherein the body member extends between the armor plates. The body member has a plurality of forwardly extending portions forming a plurality of loops wherein the body member is configured to extend around a body of the person. The armor plates are supported against the dorsal side of the person. A plurality of biasing members is coupled to and extends between adjacently positioned armor plates. The biasing members urge the armor plates into an upright position wherein the armor plates provide support to the person.

Abstract: A stab resistant body armor and method of forming such component, wherein the component includes plurality of iron based glassy metal sheets, wherein the iron based glassy metal sheets comprise an iron based glass metal alloy including iron present in the range of 45 atomic percent to 71 atomic percent, nickel present in the range of 4 atomic percent to 17.5 atomic percent, boron present in the range of 11 atomic percent to 16 atomic percent, silicon present in the range of 0.3 atomic percent to 4.0 atomic percent and optionally chromium present in the range of 0.1 atomic percent to 19 atomic percent, and the alloy includes spinodal glass matrix microconstituent structures including one or both of a) semicrystalline phases and b) crystalline phases in a glass matrix.

Abstract: The present invention relates to body armor articles for resisting ballistic objects. The articles comprise unidirectional fabric layers and sheet layers. The unidirectional fabric layers are made from yarns having a tenacity of at least 7.3 grams per dtex and a modulus of at least 100 grams per dtex. The sheet layers comprise non-woven random oriented fibrous sheets and/or non-fibrous films. The unidirectional fabric layers and the sheet layers are stacked together comprising a first core section which includes at least two repeating units of, in order, at least one of the unidirectional fabric layers then at least one of the sheet layers. The sheet layers comprise 0.5 to 30 wt % of the total weight of the article.

Abstract: A ballistic vest carrier cover has a mantle that goes over the wearer's shoulders from the front waist to the rear waist. It has a fabric outer layer, an optional interlining, and a liner. The cover fits over a shirt so the combination appears as a standard uniform shirt. The liner attaches to the outer layer at the front and rear waist, neck, and along the sides from front armor openings to rear armor openings, producing front and rear pockets for receiving the body armor panel carriers. The panel carriers are attached using supplied straps at the waist through the armor openings and at the shoulders through tunnels between the front and rear pockets. A stretch panel extends from the cover at the rear armor opening, over the waist strap, and fastens to the cover at the front armor opening.

Abstract: A stab resistant knit fabric, made containing a plurality of panels of a knit fabric having a modified knit structure corresponding to rows of knit stitches, wherein each of the panels of knit fabric comprise a front layer of knit fabric and a back layer of knit fabric, wherein the front layer and back layer are joined together by rows of tuck stitches formed from a yarn having no more than 4.5% elongation; wherein at least one panel of knit fabric is arranged such that the rows of knit stitches of the at least one panel of knit fabric are perpendicular to the rows of at least one other panel of knit fabric, its combination with a ballistic layer to provide ballistic resistance properties, and a protective garment prepared therefrom.

Abstract: An under body armor hybrid fabric garment has first and second fabric portions. The first fabric portion, configured to cover an upper torso region of a user's body left exposed by the body armor and extending into a second body transition region covered by the body armor, is formed of low stretch or no stretch fabric of woven or knit construction. The first fabric portion comprises yarns and/or fibers having flame retardant properties. The second fabric element, configured to cover a lower torso region of the user's body underneath the body armor, is formed of stretchable fabric. The second fabric portion comprises yarns and/or fibers having flame retardant properties and/or yarns and/or fibers resistant to melting and dripping when exposed to fire or high heat.

Abstract: A ballistic resistant groin protector is provided. The groin protector includes a groin panel and a deployable groin wrap. The groin panel can be suspended from clothing or equipment to protect a wearer's anterior pelvic region from ballistic impact. The groin wrap is moveable from a stowed position adjacent the anterior pelvic region to a deployed position between the wearer's legs and adjacent a posterior pelvic region. One or more fasteners secure the groin wrap to the wearer's clothing or equipment to maintain the groin wrap in the deployed position. Optional left and right femoral protective portions extend downwardly from the groin wrap to protect the wearer's medial thigh regions against ballistic injury in the deployed position.

Abstract: Gloves for military and law enforcement personnel that provide ballistic protection from high velocity fragments, bullets, and projectiles, flame and heat.

Abstract: Various embodiments of a spiral shaped element and embedded wavy materials are disclosed for use in a shock mitigating material to dissipate the energy associated with the impact of an object. The shock mitigating material can be used in helmets, bumpers, bullet proof vests, military armor, and other applications. One embodiment, among others, is a shock mitigating material having a plurality of spiral shaped elements, each having a circular cross section, and each being tapered from a large outside end to a small inside end but also having an embedded wavy material that can induce shear waves to mitigate the shock pressure and impulse.

Abstract: A support belt for use with body armor is disclosed. The support belt has a central member that includes two oppositely disposed side members and at least one horizontal strap that has a vertical receiving channel. There are at least two support straps configured to releasably interlock with the vertical receiving channel and a plurality of straps secured to an outer surface of the body armor to form a support trough that transfers at least a portion of the weight of the body armor to the waist of the wearer. There is a closure device to secure the side members to each other to secure the belt substantially around the wearer's waist.

Abstract: A body armor system that includes a fabric carrier configured (i) to be worn by a user and (ii) to hold armor plates. A back armor plate is held by the carrier. A right side plate is held by the carrier and a left side plate is held by the carrier. Straps are configured to wrap horizontally across the user and matingly connect to each other. Straps integral to the carrier are configured to wrap down over the front of the user and matingly connect to the connected horizontal straps. A right thigh plate and a left thigh plate are matingly connected with straps around right and left thighs of the user.

Abstract: Preferably, a vehicle ready modular light weight load bearing equipment apparatus “V-MOLLE,” includes a semi-rigid panel portion that includes a front side surface and a backside surface. In a preferred embodiment the front side surface includes a plurality of attachment points configured for reception of a number of utility pouches. The apparatus further preferably includes a vertical anchor system secured to the panel portion and configured for communication with a seat of a vehicle, and a horizontal anchor system secured to the panel portion and configured for communication with the seat of the vehicle. Additionally, the apparatus includes a cover portion attachable to a backside surface of the panel portion, wherein the backside surface of the panel portion is exposable to reveal a signal panel when the cover portion is detached from the panel portion.

Abstract: High-strength porous carbon and a method of its manufacture are described for multifunctional applications, such as ballistic protection, structural components, ultracapacitor electrodes, gas storage, and radiation shielding. The carbon is produced from a polymer precursor via carbonization, and optionally by surface activation and post-treatment.

Abstract: The present invention provides protective headgear comprising a shell (26) having an inwardly facing surface which in use faces the head (10) of a user of the headgear and an outwardly facing surface which in use faces away from the head (10) of a user. An outer layer (28) overlies at least a portion of the outwardly facing surface of the shell (26) and rupturing means (30) is provided for fixedly attaching the outer layer (28) to the remainder of the headgear at one or more locations. The rupturing means (30) is configured so as to fail when a force greater than a selected threshold is received on an outer surface (28) of the headgear which acts in an at least part tangential direction to rotate the headgear and the head (10) of the user.

Abstract: The present invention relates to polyethylene material that has a plurality of unidirectionally oriented polyethylene monolayers cross-plied and compressed at an angle to one another, each polyethylene monolayer composed of ultra high molecular weight polyethylene and essentially devoid of resins. The present invention further relates to ballistic resistant articles that include or incorporate the inventive polyethylene material and to methods of preparing the material and articles incorporating same.

Abstract: A bullet-resistant armor element for use as a tessellation in a flexible armor matrix has a hard main body and a facing over said main body, such as layer of polymeric or polymer matrix composite material, wherein the facing has an acoustic impedance which is substantially lower than the acoustic impedance of the main body. Groups of said elements tessellate to form an aperture between the adjacent elements, and a cover element is arranged to cover said aperture. Limit stops restrict the degree of articulation between the adjacent elements. The elements include a deflector for deflecting bullet splash and traps for collecting bullet splash.

Abstract: Bullet-resistant garments and methods of making the bullet-resistant garments to protect high profile individuals. Bullet-resistant panels are incorporated to a suit jacket, a blazer, a sports coat, a leather jacket, an over coat, or a top coat to protect specific areas of the body such as the upper torso. The upper torso is protected from the front and the back. The incorporation of panels in to the garments allows the user to remove the bullet-resistant material at the same time when removing the garment. Other features include having the bullet-resistant material to be removable from the garment to use the garment in the usual way without protection.

Abstract: A releasable vest having a front panel; front shoulder strap elements that include at least one front shoulder strap attachment opening; a back panel; a first waist belt element that extends from the front panel and has at least one waist belt element attachment opening formed through the waist belt element; a second waist belt element that extends from the front panel and has at least one release loop attached thereto, wherein the at least one release loop is capable of being passed through the waist belt attachment opening of the first waist belt element and the at least one front shoulder strap attachment opening of the front shoulder strap elements; and a release lanyard that is capable of being passed through the release loop so as to releasably secure the first waist belt element and the at least one shoulder strap element to the release loop.

Abstract: The present invention relates to polyethylene material that has a plurality of unidirectionally oriented polyethylene monolayers cross-plied and compressed at an angle to one another, each polyethylene monolayer composed of ultra high molecular weight polyethylene and essentially devoid of resins. The present invention further relates to ballistic resistant articles that include or incorporate the inventive polyethylene material and to methods of preparing the material and articles incorporating same.

Abstract: Personal load-carrying systems are described. Embodiments include a waist belt having a pocket within which a support panel sets. An upper portion of the support panel resides in a sleeve coupled to a backpack or ballistic garment. The support panel thus supports some of the weight of the backpack or ballistic garment and transfers the load to the waist belt. Embodiments include personal load-carrying systems in which a backpack and ballistic garment use the same waist belt and support panel, and are interchangeable thereupon. Variations include personal load-carrying systems in which a ballistic garment and backpack are worn simultaneously.

Abstract: A divider member positioned at an intermediate location within a pocket associated with a garment for receiving at least one armor plate member, the divider member extending only partially along the height of the pocket and segregating the pocket into two separate compartments, each compartment being adaptable for receiving an minor plate member. The divider member is attachable to opposed portions forming the pocket and functions to restrict movement of the armor plate members within their respective compartments to maximize protection to the wearer during tactical maneuvering. One or both end portions of the divider member may be removably attachable to the opposed pocket portions for enabling a single armor plate member to be utilized within the space provided by the pocket, and the opposed end portions of the divider member may be attached to the opposed pocket portions in an offset manner.

Abstract: The invention relates to a carrier system having a front part and a back part first and second means for fastening to a human torso, and a hip belt which can be connected to the back part via at least one support, and wherein the first and the second fastening means together form a fastening device with fastening loops and receptacles and the fastening loops can be inserted into or passed through the receptacles, and an elongated fixing element is provided which can be passed through those ends of the fastening loops which have been inserted into the receptacles.

Abstract: A deltoid arm protection system for a ballistic vest including an asymmetrical anatomically shaped deltoid cover having fasteners for attachment to a ballistic vest. The deltoid cover is connected to the vest and prevents any gaps forming between the deltoid cover and the vest during arm movement of the wearer. The deltoid cover includes a weapon gripping pad and attachment loops on an outer surface of the deltoid cover.

Abstract: Described herein are new and improved devices, systems, and methods for providing protective clothing and other like garments. The protective clothing can comprise an outer layer and an under layer. The outer layer and under layer can each comprise a plurality of protective plates. The protective plates of the outer layer can be configured to move over and between the protective plates of the under layer, and vice versa, to provide a wide range of motion and flexibility to a wearer without compromising protection.

Abstract: A protective undergarment (10), shown in the form of shorts, includes integrally formed protective panels (22, 26, 30) that exhibit slash-proof properties. The protective areas (22, 26, 30) are made from a flexible Kevlar® knit or the like, and extend to cover the groin, crotch, substantial areas of the buttocks and the inner thigh regions of both legs. The protective panels (22, 26, 30) are externally snitched to a low thermal burden material (18, 20), such as a polyester mesh, that provides elasticity and completes the structure of the shorts (10). The Kevlar® knit is flexible and preferably lies directly against the skin of a user to provide blast wave and ballistic fragment deflection whilst permitting mobility in a lightweight arrangement. Varying thickness of the Kevlar® knit can be used in the protective areas (22, 26, 30) selectively to enhance protection against blast wave and fragment penetration.

Abstract: A load bearing weight distribution device is provided. The device comprises a flexible, yet rigid, back brace, a waist belt, wherein the waist belt is connected through a housing to back brace, and a vertical and circumferential tensioning mechanism. The back brace comprises flexible body with arms. The vertical and circumferential tensioning mechanism comprises a first securement strap and a second securement strap. The load bearing weight distribution device is designed for use with armor vests and other similar devices. First and second securement straps connect upper front portion of the armor vest through first and second channels and first and second rings, respectively, of the back portion and through first and second passages of the armor vest, respectively, for attachment to a securement device positioned on a lower front portion of the armor vest.

Abstract: A protective undergarment (10), shown in the form of shorts, includes integrally formed protective panels (22, 26, 30) that exhibit slash-proof properties. The protective areas (22, 26, 30) are made from a flexible Kevlar® knit or the like, and extend to cover the groin, crotch, substantial areas of the buttocks and the inner thigh regions of both legs. The protective panels (22, 26, 30) are externally snitched to a low thermal burden material (18, 20), such as a polyester mesh, that provides elasticity and completes the structure of the shorts (10). The Kevlar® knit is flexible and preferably lies directly against the skin of a user to provide blast wave and ballistic fragment deflection while permitting mobility in a lightweight arrangement. Varying thickness of the Kevlar® knit can be used in the protective areas (22, 26, 30) selectively to enhance protection against blast wave and fragment penetration.

Abstract: An energy absorbing and displacing structure for athletic protective equipment, such as an athletic shin-guard, is provided using a flexible web-shaped body to hold a rigid band-shaped member in place. The inner rigid band-shaped member follows the contour of the desired area to protect. The outer flexible web-shaped body is made of a softer rubber like material and works as a locator and supporter keeping the inner, rigid band-shaped member, in proper location.

Abstract: A ballistic vest-like garment using a torso pattern sloper as a base structure frame so that the garment can be adapted to various types of garments and wearers. Vest-like garment can contain unitary and detachable panels of pliable ballistic material capable of stopping bullets from most handguns. This garment is designed to be used as outerwear that can compliment casual, business, or other professional attire.

Abstract: An armoring panel for resisting edge impact penetrations by ballistic projectiles, the armoring panel including a strata having an outer stratum, an inner stratum, and a plurality of intermediate stratums, each stratum among the plurality of intermediate stratums being composed of ballistic fibers, having a lateral end, and having an oppositely lateral extension; at least a first durable sheet having an outer oppositely lateral extension, an inner oppositely lateral extension, and a delamination resisting tie section which spans between lateral ends of the outer and inner oppositely lateral extensions and laterally overlies the intermediate stratums' lateral ends, the outer stratum including the at least first durable sheet's outer oppositely lateral extension, and the inner stratum including the at least first durable sheet's inner oppositely lateral extension; and a bonding matrix interconnecting the strata's stratums.

Abstract: The present invention features a ballistic vest 100 for protecting a spinal cord of a person wearing the ballistic vest. In some embodiments, the ballistic vest 100 comprises a pocket 110 disposed on the backside of the vest at a place where it overlays the user's spinal cord and a soft or hard trauma plate 120 that is inserted into the pocket 110. The trauma plate is effective to prevent a projectile from damaging the user's spine.

Abstract: A quickly releasable vest capable of protecting a torso portion of a user is disclosed. The quickly releasable vest includes a first torso panel, a second torso panel, a plurality of plug members, a plurality of socket members and a quick release mechanism. The plurality of plug members is disposed on the first torso panel. The plurality of socket members is disposed on the second torso panel. Each of the plurality of socket members is configured to detachably couple to one of the plurality of plug members disposed on the first torso panel. The quick release mechanism is disposed on the first torso panel. The quick release mechanism includes a pull cord and a plurality of connecting tapes. The quick release mechanism is configured to separate the first torso panel from the second torso panel.

Abstract: A method for providing a shock penetration resistant apparatus may include providing an item of protective gear to be positioned proximate to an object to be protected, and disposing a shock penetration resistant material proximate to the item of protective gear to attenuate or redirect shock pulses away from the object to be protected. An apparatus is also provided that may include an item of protective gear and a shock penetration resistant material. The item of protective gear may be configured to be positioned proximate to an object to be protected. The shock penetration resistant material may be disposed proximate to the item of protective gear to attenuate or redirect shock pulses away from the object to be protected.

Abstract: A protective undergarment (10), shown in the form of shorts, includes integrally formed protective panels (22, 26, 30) that exhibit slash-proof properties. The protective areas (22, 26, 30) are made from a flexible Kevlar® knit or the like, and extend to cover the groin, crotch, substantial areas of the buttocks and the inner thigh regions of both legs. The protective panels (22, 26, 30) are externally snitched to a low thermal burden material (18, 20), such as a polyester mesh, that provides elasticity and completes the structure of the shorts (10). The Kevlar® knit is flexible and preferably lies directly against the skin of a user to provide blast wave and ballistic fragment deflection while permitting mobility in a lightweight arrangement. Varying thickness of the Kevlar® knit can be used in the protective areas (22, 26, 30) selectively to enhance protection against blast wave and fragment penetration.

Abstract: A protective garment including a waist portion adapted to be donned proximate the waist of a wearer and first and second leg portions extending from a waist portion to at least proximate a knee portion of the wearer and a tourniquet member attached to an inner surface of at least one of said first and second leg portions.

Abstract: A wearable guard that provides cut and impact protection. The wearable guard includes a wearable piece of clothing including a cut-resistant material, and at least one pocket for retaining at least one insert over a protected area of a wearer. The wearable guard also includes the insert, which is formed from an impact-resistant material.

Abstract: Protective over garment shorts including at least one pocket sized and otherwise dimensioned to removeably receive a ballistic protection panel therein and at least one ballistic protection panel configured to fit within each of the at least one pockets. The shorts are configured to be worn over existing pants and extend from a position covering the pelvic region of a wearer to a position proximate the knee region of the wearer.

Abstract: An armored garment stabilization system utilizing a shirt with fastening means for the stabilization of ballistic armor and ballistic armor carriers worn over the shirt.

Abstract: A ballistic vest carrier cover has a mantle that goes over the wearer's shoulders from the front waist to rear waist. It has a fabric outer layer, an interlining heat-fused to the back of the outer layer, and a liner. The cover is designed to fit over a pullover shirt so the combination appears as a standard uniform shirt. The liner attaches to the outer layer at the front and rear waist, neck, and along the sides from front armor openings to rear armor openings, thereby producing front and rear pockets for receiving the body armor panel carriers through the armor openings. The front of the mantle attaches to the rear at the waist by zippers. One zipper component is on a stretch panel that extends from the outer layer at the rear armor opening and the other zipper component is on the outer layer at the front armor opening.