Abstract: An apparatus for providing protection from blast and ballistic energy is provided. The apparatus includes a liquid storage mechanism containing a liquid and a rigid layer internal to the liquid storage mechanism. The apparatus also includes a pressure release mechanism configured to allow the liquid to exit the liquid storage mechanism when a pressure sufficient to open or activate the pressure release mechanism contacts the liquid storage mechanism and presses the liquid storage mechanism against the rigid layer.

Abstract: A floatation member for ballistic carrier vest includes a first outer layer and an intermediate layer overlying the first outer layer. A peripheral edge of the intermediate layer is secured to a peripheral edge of the first outer layer to define a first cavity therebetween. A panel selected from a non-ballistic panel and a ballistic panel is received within the first cavity. A second outer layer overlies the intermediate layer and a peripheral edge of the second outer layer secured to the peripheral edge of the intermediate layer to define a second cavity therebetween. A valve configured to deliver an inflation gas into the second cavity. In a further aspect, a ballistic safety article for providing ballistic protection for a person is provided.

Abstract: A helmet shell formed from two types of high tenacity fibers in multiple layers of fibrous materials. The fibrous materials are in the form of layers of fibrous networks in a resin matrix. There are a plurality of each type of fibrous layers. Preferably the outer set of fibrous layers is formed from aramid fibers and the inner set of fibrous layers is formed from high tenacity polyolefin fibers. There may also be employed a third type of fibrous material as an additional set of fibers and used as the outer layers of the helmet shell. The third type of fibrous layers is formed from glass fibers that are also in a resin matrix. The helmet is lightweight, has excellent ballistic resistant properties and is useful for both military and non-military applications.

Abstract: Armoured over-trousers (10) are formed as “chinks” having an open lateral external flank (13). Protective anti-ballistic armour plate (42), integral with fabric material (22) used for the over-trousers or otherwise incorporated within correspondingly sized, shaped and strategically located pockets (40), protects lower abdominal regions, including the buttocks, upper thigh regions and genitals, of the wearer. The open flank (13) provides mobility whilst ensuring a low thermal burden and access to storage pockets in conventional trousers (14). The over-trousers are secured around the legs by strapping (16, 18) to reduce the possibility of a blast wave (36) funneling effect that might otherwise be experienced should the over-trousers (10) only fit loosely around the legs of a soldier.

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 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: An apparatus may be configured to provide electrical power while incorporated in an armored garment. The apparatus may include a plate having a footprint that corresponds to a plate of body armor, a plurality of energy storage cells carried by the power plate, and a port carried by the plate. The port may be configured to output power stored in the plurality of energy storage cells from the apparatus. The apparatus may also include one or more processors configured to enhance functionalities of the apparatus.

Abstract: A ballistics protective wearable item comprising a ballistics protective layer comprising a ballistics protective material having fibers coated with an electrochemical capacitive layer.

Abstract: A protective member such as a helmet includes an outer layer and an inner layer interconnected by multiple connectors, such as extension springs, under tension along their longitudinal axis. The connectors absorb energy from an impact force by resisting further tension along their longitudinal axis and allow the outer layer and inner layer to move relative to each other. In the helmet application, the head of a user experiences less impact force, reduced change in momentum or position of the head and neck, reduced head and neck loads and reduced amounts of linear and rotational acceleration. The protective member can be used in numerous applications and environments, including for participants in sports, in applications including bumpers, passenger cabins, car seats and beds.

Abstract: A quick release garment such as a tactical vest wherein the garment includes a waist belt that is provided with two connector systems, one for manual release of the belt and one for remote release of the belt. The vest may include armor that is generally conformable to the waist shape of a wearer, which armor is insertable within the waist belt of the garment.

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 method and apparatus for providing impact, abrasion and sharp implement resistance to a body. The apparatus including an impact layer having a plurality of plates adhered to a layer of penetration resistant fabric and an energy absorptive layer including an energy absorptive material coupled to the impact layer. The apparatus may further include a layer of woven fabric and a layer of multiple plies of a penetration resistant fabric.

Abstract: In some embodiments, the instant invention provides a ballistic garment that at least includes: a front portion; a rear portion; a first releasable shackle attached to a front portion at a waist area of a front portion, wherein the first releasable shackle is configured to releasably clasp a ring of a left-shoulder strap and a ring of a left-waist strap; a second releasable shackle attached to the front portion at the waist area of the front portion, wherein the second releasable shackle is configured to releasably clasp a ring of a right-shoulder strap and a ring of the right-waist strap; and a pull mechanism operatively connected to each of the first and second releasable shackles to essentially simultaneously release all four rings.

Abstract: In some embodiments, the instant invention provides a ballistic garment that at least includes: a front portion; a rear portion; a first releasable shackle attached to a front portion at a waist area of a front portion, wherein the first releasable shackle is configured to releasably clasp a ring of a left-shoulder strap and a ring of a left-waist strap; a second releasable shackle attached to the front portion at the waist area of the front portion, wherein the second releasable shackle is configured to releasably clasp a ring of a right-shoulder strap and a ring of the right-waist strap; and a pull mechanism operatively connected to each of the first and second releasable shackles to essentially simultaneously release all four rings.

Abstract: The invention relates to an article comprising a cut-resistant coating which contains a polymeric matrix and a cut-resistant component distributed in the polymeric matrix characterized in that said cut-resistant component is a plurality of fibers having an average length (L) to an average diameter (D) ratio, i.e. L/D, of at least 10.

Abstract: A composite material of the present invention is comprised of a textile layer of woven fabric and a first elastomer layer disposed on a first side of the textile layer. The textile layer may comprise a compound fabric such as a double-layer fabric. The double-layer fabric may have a first layer woven as a plain weave and a second layer woven as a crowfoot weave (3/1 twill weave). The composite material may further comprise a second elastomer layer disposed on the second side of the textile layer. The present invention may be embodied as a method of manufacturing a composite material comprising the steps of coating a compound fabric with an elastomer material and allowing the elastomer material of the coating to cure.

Abstract: A ballistic tile for use in an imbricated pattern of like ballistic tiles to achieve coverage of a protected area by the imbricated pattern, while having rounded corners to limit the potential for spalling on ballistic impact. The ballistic tile may include a strike face that is generally undulating to laterally deflect at least a portion of the impact force, and to induce turning of the ballistic projectile on impact to further distribute the impact force. The ballistic tile may also include one or more features on an obverse and reverse side thereof that, when arranged in an imbricated pattern, limit lateral motion of the tiles on ballistic impact, and/or laterally transmit the energy of the projectile for deflection and absorption thereof.

Abstract: A protective, wearable carriage device and method is provided such that the device conforms more substantially to the user's body, facilitates heat dissipation and facilitates modular attachment of different shapes and configurations of armor. In one embodiment of the present invention, a substantially rigid outer frame is provided with an outer surface material and an inner surface mesh material, and the outer frame is secured to an inner frame comprising a cloth netting such that the inner frame and outer frame create a gap between the inner frame and the spacer mesh material. In one embodiment of the present invention, one or more bowing stiffeners are secured to the outer frame so as to facilitate the desirable features of the present invention.

Abstract: A hockey shirt with a lower trunk opening, a neck opening and collar, including sleeves and cuff assembly. The shirt has special protective cover stitched, surged or fused on the lower sleeves, underarm parts and armpits to prevent against gashes, cuts and other injuries caused by skate blades.

Abstract: A releasable vest having a first panel, at least one shoulder strap element having at least one shoulder strap element attachment opening, a first waist belt element having at least one waist belt element attachment opening, a second waist belt element having at least one an attachment loop that is capable of being aligned with and passed through a waist belt attachment opening of the first waist belt element and a shoulder strap element attachment opening of the at least one shoulder strap element, a second panel, and a release lanyard that is capable of releasably securing the first waist belt element and the at least one shoulder strap element to the attachment loop.

Abstract: An integrated accessory mounting and electrical interconnection device are provided which can be embedded or attached to the surface of a ballistic or non-ballistic helmet. The helmet system herein includes a flexible circuit substrate that may be embedded between a ballistic shell and an outer skin or shell. The helmet system and method allow a secure connection of helmet mounted accessories to the helmet without the need to penetrate any one or more layers of the ballistic shell with mounting hardware, fasteners, wiring vias, and so forth.

Abstract: A frame for supporting body armor on a belt. The frame includes a first and second support each having a first end and a second end. Each support is configured for fitting the first end onto the belt and the second end into an opening of the body armor. The support aligns the body armor so that the weight of the body armor is substantially carried by the belt. The support further prevents shifting of the body armor from the belt, thereby preventing the weight of the body armor from shifting from a position in which it is substantially carried by the belt.

Abstract: A body armor component mounts to the waist of a wearer by attachment to a belt to protect the lower back of the wearer. The component has a flexible fabric carrier with a front sheet which faces the wearer, and two rear sheets sewn to the front sheet to define two pockets opening towards each other and joined by a connecting segment. A flexible soft ballistic armor element has a first wing connected by a center segment to a second wing, the ballistic armor element being concave and opening toward the wearer, and the first wing being received within the flexible carrier first pocket and the second wing being received within the carrier second pocket. A covering flap is pivotable on the fabric carrier to cover the gap between the pockets. A belt loop is defined by an accessory segment fixed to the covering flap.

Abstract: An article of protective clothing includes a strip of multilayered flexible material adapted to be wrapped entirely around a wearer's neck to form a collar therearound. The multilayered flexible material comprises an interior layer of cut-resistant fabric disposed within a cover of wicking fabric. The strip includes a layer of memory foam attached to a medial portion thereof and an adjustable fastener disposed coextensively over opposite short edges thereof to adjust a diametric size of the collar.

Abstract: A body armor component mounts to the waist of a wearer by attachment to a belt to protect the lower back of the wearer. The component has a flexible fabric carrier with a front sheet which faces the wearer, and two rear sheets sewn to the front sheet to define two pockets opening towards each other and joined by a connecting segment. A flexible soft ballistic armor element has a first wing connected by a center segment to a second wing, the ballistic armor element being concave and opening toward the wearer, and the first wing being received within the flexible carrier first pocket and the second wing being received within the carrier second pocket. A covering flap is pivotable on the fabric carrier to cover the gap between the pockets. A belt loop is defined by an accessory segment fixed to the covering flap.

Abstract: The helmet appliqué assembly of the present invention permits a helmet wearer to upgrade the ballistic prevention capabilities of a traditional helmet quickly and efficiently. The helmet appliqué can be provided as part of a helmet appliqué system and/or assembly that includes internal-side connection means for attaching to a helmet and external-side connection means for receiving any of various external items such as identification tags, mounts and external equipment or attachments. The appliqué element can comprise various types of material, including, for example, ultra high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE).

Abstract: The disclosure provides a shock absorbing layer comprised of one or more shock absorbing cells, where a shock absorbing cell is comprised of a cell interior volume containing a plurality of hydrogel particles and a free volume, and where the cell interior volume is surrounded by a containing layer. The containing layer has a permeability such that the hydrogel particles when swollen remain at least partially within the cell interior volume when subjected to a design shock pressure wave, allowing for force relaxation through hydrogel compression response. Additionally, the permeability allows for the flow of exuded free water, further dissipating wave energy. In an embodiment, a plurality of shock absorbing cells is combined with a penetration resistant material to mitigate the transmitted shock wave generated by an elastic precursor wave in the penetration resistant material.

Abstract: A carrying system with a ballistic protective vest is described, and which includes a front part, and a back part, and a means for attaching the carrying system to a person's upper body; a waist belt having a lateral support; a coupling to releasably attach a carrying means to the rear side of the back part, and wherein the lateral support can be attached to the carrying means.

Abstract: A rapid doffing and donning vest uses a clam shell design wherein the ends of the cummerbund are removably attachable to the rear panel. A blade on the cummerbund mates with a receiver on the rear panel and has a plunger hold the two together. The plunger is attached to a pull strap located on the front panel's shoulder strap via a cord. As the pull strap is pulled outwardly, the cord pulls the plunger away from the mated blade and receiver and allows the two to decouple detaching the cummerbund from the rear panel. Outward pulling on the pull strap also facilitates decoupling of the shoulder strap from the rear panel. When the vest is doffed, the front panel and cummerbund remain attached to each other and detached from the rear panel.

Abstract: The present invention refers to a method for continuous production of a textile structure resistant to perforation and penetration, comprising the steps consisting in: a) simultaneously weaving two fabric elements overlapped and spaced from each other, wherein at least the warp or chain threads of the upper fabric element and the weft threads of the lower fabric element, or vice-versa, comprise ballistic threads; b) inserting, during said weaving step, at least one intermediate layer between said upper fabric element and said lower fabric element; c) joining the assembly of the two upper and lower fabric elements interposed between which is said intermediate layer to obtain a multilayer textile structure.

Abstract: A shield configured for use within a vehicle for protecting an occupant of a seat in the vehicle from a force emanating from at least a region beneath the occupant. The seat has a supporting surface for supporting the occupant. The shield includes a deflecting member having more than one deflecting surface portion for deflecting the force away from the seat. The deflecting member is positioned near a side of the seat opposite the supporting surface of the seat, and the deflecting surface portions are each inclined in a direction toward each other at a first edge and away from the seat at a second edge.

Abstract: Vest panels are constructed with outwardly exposed Velcro material (hook and loop) panels and 1? interval sewn webbing to create an attachment system (MOLLE) that allows items to be attached to the outside of the front and back piece plate holders. The closure flap holding the hard armor plate inserts are lined with “SPECTRA” ballistic fabric which resists wearing on the flap from the inside, making it more secure. Hook and loop fastening is used to secure the top and bottom of the armor plate insert flap assembly for secure closure. The front and back sections of the vest are attached one to the other at the shoulder with adjustable straps using hook and loop overlapped lengths to form a “clam shell” unit. Protective soft gear is placed in the inwardly oriented mesh pocket of the vest, and armor plate is placed in the outside pocket.

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: An umpire chest protector for use in a baseball game is disclosed to include a body member, a sternum plate, first left and right side plates, second left and right side plates, two shoulder plates, a shoulder strap assembly and a rear padding system. The rear padding system has an air channel defined therein, saving material, reducing the weight and enhancing wearing comfort. The left and right paddings, upper padding, outer left padding and outer right padding of the rear padding system are detachable, easy on and off and washable, material-saving and capable of dispersing impact force. The sternum plate is attached to one side of each of the shoulder plates and affixed thereto with rivets, and side flaps and bottom flaps of the sternum plate are respectively affixed to the upper portions and lower portions of the first left and right side plates with rivets, providing warp around feel and making the protector still and strong.

Abstract: A body armor system has a left vest section connected to a right vest section and has a front plate carrier which is alternatively mounted with a buckle at either the right shoulder or the left shoulder. The front plate carrier has identical straps terminated by patches of hook and loop fastener material. One strap is passed through a loop on the rear of the front plate carrier and mounts one part of a buckle, the other part of the buckle is mounted on a hook and loop fastener strap which is affixed to a shoulder element, thus permitting the system to be reconfigured for left- or right-handed users. U-shaped ballistic inserts are received in mating pockets in each vest section. A laced cord which joins the rear segments of the vest sections is held in place by a cord restraint member which defines a loop for each cord crossing.

Abstract: A protective garment is provided and includes a jacket having various releasably mounted protective components. The jacket includes a protective collar of ballistic resistant fabric for protecting the neck of a wearer and has front and rear portions which are releasably connected together at opposed side portions of the collar so that the front and rear portions can fold down when not in use. A protective plate is releasably fastened to the front of the jacket and the fastening mechanism allows the plate to be held in a number of different vertical positions. The jacket also includes a rear pocket for housing a rear protective plate. The sleeves of the jacket include a sleeve extension which is slideably mounted to the main sleeve to vary its effective length.

Abstract: Described embodiments include a system, device and method. A described device includes a first material configured to reflect a substantial portion of a specified incident air blast wave energy. The first material has an acoustic impedance substantially mismatched to air's acoustic impedance. The device includes a second material configured for wearing proximate to a human body and having attenuating-regions. A first attenuating-region has a first inelastic response to the specified incident air blast wave energy. A second attenuating-region has a second inelastic response to the specified incident air blast wave energy. At least a portion of a back surface of the first material is proximate to at least a portion of a front surface of the second material.

Abstract: A headpiece assembly for use with a night vision mounting arm includes a bump shell and an interior suspension assembly for seating on the head of a human. A mounting bracket is secured to the front of the bump shell for removably attaching the night vision mounting arm to the bump shell. A ballistic shell has a bottom forming an opening and a coupling mechanism for removably securing the ballistic shell to the bump shell when the ballistic shell is placed over the bump shell. The ballistic shell has a front and a notch extending upwardly from the opening into the front for receiving the mounting bracket when the ballistic shell is placed over the bump shell so as to permit the night vision mounting arm to be attached to the bump shell during use of the ballistic shell.

Abstract: A headpiece assembly for use with a night vision mounting arm includes a bump shell and an interior suspension assembly for seating on the head of a human. A mounting bracket is secured to the front of the bump shell for removably attaching the night vision mounting arm to the bump shell. A ballistic shell has a bottom forming an opening and a coupling mechanism for removably securing the ballistic shell to the bump shell when the ballistic shell is placed over the bump shell. The ballistic shell has a front and a notch extending upwardly from the opening into the front for receiving the mounting bracket when the ballistic shell is placed over the bump shell so as to permit the night vision mounting arm to be attached to the bump shell during use of the ballistic shell.

Abstract: There is provided a safety vest assembly including a vest having a vest outer layer defining a vest inner cavity. A pair of contact substrates is disposed within the vest inner cavity. Each contact substrate includes an input connection element. A data input is connected to a respective contact substrate. The data input is electrically connected to the respective input connection element and is configured to receive data from the wearer. A data output is connected to a respective contact substrates and is communicable with a remote transceiver. The data output is electrically connected to the respective input connection element and is configured to communicate data to the remote transceiver. An input flex circuit is engageable with the pair of input connection elements to facilitate communication between the data input and data output along the input flex circuit.

Abstract: A separating garment system has two sleeves and a chest piece and collar that can be opened. The chest piece having a front and a back and having a length in the front and the back such that the chest piece extends downward on a wearer so as to cover no more than a chest of a wearer. The chest piece also may not extend under the arms of the wearer.

Abstract: The armour repair patch uses a simplified adhesive system for securement of the repair patch in the field without specialized equipment. A preferred adhesive system includes a pressure sensitive adhesive provided on a back surface of a body member and a fabric overlay cover is and extending beyond the body member. This combination provides an effective system for battlefield repair.

Abstract: A soft body armor panel includes a subpack that is formed by overlapping sections of ballistic material and sewing them at one or more seams to form discontinuous layers in the subpack.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for the manufacture of a shaped part comprising the steps of—forming a stack by stacking (2) or more sheets comprising mono-layers of unidirectional anti-ballistic fibers and a binder followed by placing the stack in a mould, clamping the stack in the mould with a control member closing the mould—consolidating the stack under temperature and pressure into a curved shaped part. The invention furthermore relates to products obtainable with said process, which are very suitable for use in anti-ballistic applications and include e.g. helmets, curved panels, cones and domes.

Abstract: A device for dispersing and dampening impact forces that includes a first sheet structure and a second sheet structure that are joined together at a boundary zone. The boundary zone joins the first sheet structure and the second sheet structure together to define at least one gas-tight chamber having two sides. A gas is contained within the gas-tight chamber at a pressure within a predetermined range of acceptable pressures for dispersing impact forces translated against one side of the device such that a blunt force trauma producing impact force is not transferred through the device to a wearer's body disposed proximal to the other side of the device.

Abstract: The pants with ballistic panel shields includes a pair of short or long pants with pockets located along the inseam over the anterior and medial aspects of the pant legs. The pockets are preferably shaped like an inverted “U”, and are secured at the top, arcuate portion by hook and loop fastening material or other appropriate fasteners. A ballistic panel is inserted into each pocket to protect the upper thigh and femoral arteries from penetration by bullets or other offensive weapons or devices.

Abstract: Bulletproof vests, body armor, and other tactical vests with quick release buckle mechanisms are described along with methods of their use. The multi-point buckle mechanisms release upon rotating a shaft, allowing the vest panels and straps to fall cleanly to the ground without knocking the wearer off balance. Waist belt clips allow a wearer to put the vest on over his or her head without engaging the emergency release, or the multi-point buckle mechanism can release only the waist straps upon rotating the shaft in the opposite direction. A flap protects the rotatable quick release mechanism from inadvertent activation.

Abstract: Methods for manufacturing cast titanium helmets include casting a helmet in an oversized mold. The resulting oversized cast helmet is then exposed to a hot isostatic press (HIP) process that applies heat and pressure for a predetermined period of time. The resulting oversized cast helmet is then exposed to an acid bath that chemically mills the helmet to a desired thickness and removes contaminants formed during casting of titanium.

Abstract: A ballistic composite having a front impact surface and a back surface. The composite may include a plurality of layers of woven fabric of polarized ballistic fibers and a metal salt, oxide, hydroxide or hydride polar bonded onto the woven fibers. In addition, a substantially water impermeable coating composition can be applied onto the layers of the woven fibers and/or on the exterior of the composite. In addition, the layers of woven fabric adjacent to the front impact surface can differ in composition from the layers of woven fabric adjacent to the back surface. In addition, the weave fabric making up the composite may have a cover factor of between about 0.6 and about 0.98.

Abstract: Disclosed is an assembly which can include a hardened outer shell and an inner surface comprising a polymeric gel. The polymeric gel is enclosed within an envelope having opposed layers and is attached to the outer hardened surface cover. The hardened outer surface cover may be comprised of most any material known within the art. The sporting or shooting vest comprises a garment including gel-filled pockets or envelopes whereby impact can be absorbed and dissipated. Additionally, the outer layer of the shooting vest may be comprised of a Kevlar material wherein the vest would become a ballistic vest.

Abstract: A protective covering with a hard outer layer and a soft inner layer. The hard outer layer comprises a plurality of substantially rigid shape-retaining and interworking tiles anatomically conformed to a contoured object. The outer layer has sufficient flexibility to adjust its conformity to the object as the object's contour changes. The soft inner layer comprises a plurality of impact absorbing units. The protective covering provides impact resistance and is designed to remain securely in place and protective of the object even when the contour of the object changes.