Abstract: Ballistic and athletic personal protective equipment utilizing rigid panel(s) featuring designs for improved cooling employing “stack effect” airflow in combination with optimized wearer contact surface geometry. Improved ballistic and athletic personal protective equipment designs contain rigid panel(s) for protection of wearer from impacts, ballistic threats and the like. The equipment is provided with spacers arranged to provide a stack effect powered airflow between rigid panel(s) and wearer, cooling the same. The spacers are further designed, dimensioned and arranged to provide optimal heat transfer and mass transfer efficiency from wearer to cooling air within the protective equipment system, providing optimal cooling effects. The system is simple, light, and inexpensive, providing improved wearer comfort and safety from hyperthermia for optimal performance at elevated temperatures.

Abstract: An armor element configured to be employed within the armor module, the armor element being formed with a base portion and a claw portion. The armor element has a longitudinal axis oriented substantially perpendicular to the base portion, the claw portion comprising two or more claw members extending from the base portion generally along a longitudinal direction defined by the longitudinal axis. Each claw member has a rear end associated with the base portion and a front end spaced from the base portion. The claw members are tapered with respect to the longitudinal axis so that the distance between the corresponding front ends of the two or more claw members is greater than the distance between the rear ends of the two or more claw members.

Abstract: An armor panel provides a continuous armored strike face defined within a periphery. The panel is manufactured from a composite material having a plurality of armor tiles embedded in a polymeric matrix that is structurally reinforced by a layer of fiber fabric. The armored strike face may be contoured to accommodate the base upon which it will be mounted. In some applications, an armor system is assembled from at least two of the armor panels. In such a system, at least a portion of the periphery of each armor panel defines an internal seam edge of the armor system. Each such periphery portion is in a lapping relationship with the corresponding internal seam edge of another armor panel.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an armor system that protects vehicle occupants from lands mines or improvised explosive devices. In the preferred embodiment, the armor system has an arc member, a membrane, reactive blocks, and a reactive block enclosure. The armor system is designed to dissipate, neutralize, and redirect explosion energy, fragments and shrapnel, thereby ensuring the safety of the vehicle occupants.

Abstract: An armor includes a metallic matrix; a plurality of ceramic rods disposed in the metallic matrix, the plurality of ceramic rods and the metallic matrix forming a core; and a spall liner disposed adjacent a rear face of the core. The metallic matrix places a compressive stress on the plurality of ceramic rods. A method for making an armor includes the steps of providing a plurality of ceramic rods in a desired configuration and embedding the plurality of ceramic rods in a metallic matrix to form a core, such that the metallic matrix provides a compressive stress to the plurality of ceramic rods. The method further includes providing a spall liner and disposing the spall liner adjacent a rear surface of the core to form an armor.

Abstract: A composite material plate comprising a plurality of hard ceramic stubs with silicon rich metal inclusions in a metal-ceramic, heterogeneous poly-phase matrix and a method of fabrication thereof comprising the steps of fabricating green ceramic stubs; densifying; optionally wrapping carbon fibers therearound and arranging the green ceramic stubs into a closely packed array with organic binder, pyrrolizing and Impregnating a silicon based metal matrix by reactive sintering.

Abstract: An encapsulated ballistic protection system (EBPS). In one embodiment, an EBPS for protecting a human or an object from a projectile includes one or more ballistic protection material layers at least substantially encapsulated by encapsulation material having a tensile strength of 20,000 psi or greater. Additionally, in one embodiment, an EBPS includes one or more ballistic protection material layers that are substantially encapsulated by the encapsulation material on a first side adapted to face the human or the object and on a second side opposite the first side and adapted to face the projectile, and the EBPS further includes a compressible layer between the one or more ballistic protection material layers and the encapsulation material on the first side, the compressible layer configured to at least one of dissipate energy, reduce velocity of the projectile, and reduce backface deformation.

Abstract: The invention relates to a lightweight transparent armor laminate comprising layers of borosilicate glass, layers of transparent glass-ceramics and a polymer spall layer of polycarbonate and/or polymethyl methacrylate. The layers are bound by polyurethane and/or polyvinylbutyral interlayer films.

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: A multi-layer material that provides blast and projectile impact protection is provided. The multi-layer material may include a hard metal layer, a composite layer, an air gap layer, and an innermost layer. An armor layer may also be provided that includes a polymeric honeycomb layer and a ceramic layer. In other aspects of the invention, a vehicle made from the multi-layer material is provided, and methods for making the multi-layer material are provided.

Abstract: Provided is a semi-fabricated armor layer for use in the production of an armor panel configured to protect a body from an incoming projectile, including a carrier and a plurality of armor elements. Each armor element has front and rear end surfaces and a side surface extending therebetween along a height axis of the element. The carrier is flexible and each of a majority of the armor elements is bonded to the carrier at one of its end surfaces and is free of bonding to adjacent armor elements at its side surface. When the carrier has a planar orientation, at least a majority of the armor elements has their height axes essentially parallel to each other and, when the carrier is at least slightly bent, the height axis of at least one of the elements is inclined relative to the height axis of another of the armor elements adjacent thereto.

Abstract: An armor component includes a plurality of tiles disposed on a rigid support. At least one spacer is disposed between the adjacent edges of the tiles to establish a minimum gap between the adjacent edges. The gap is filled with a gap filling material, which optionally includes a reinforcement additive. The spacers can be in the form of a spacer tray having a plurality of spacer segments and a plurality of tile cut-outs, with the tile cut-outs separated from adjacent tile cut-outs by a spacer segment, and tiles disposed one to each tile cut-out in the spacer tray. The armor component is in some embodiments placed between two fabric layers and fed into a pultruder, where it is impregnated with resin and heated to cure the resin to form a laminate armor.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an armor system that protects vehicle occupants from lands mines or improvised explosive devices. In the preferred embodiment, the armor system has an arc member, a membrane, reactive blocks, and a reactive block enclosure. The armor system is designed to dissipate, neutralize, and redirect explosion energy, fragments and shrapnel, thereby ensuring the safety of the vehicle occupants.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an armor system that protects vehicle occupants from lands mines or improvised explosive devices. In the preferred embodiment, the armor system has an arc member, a membrane, reactive blocks, and a reactive block enclosure. The armor system is designed to dissipate, neutralize, and redirect explosion energy, fragments and shrapnel, thereby ensuring the safety of the vehicle occupants.

Abstract: A capacitive reactive armor assembly for shielding a vehicle is disclosed herein. The capacitive reactive armor includes, but is not limited to, a first flyer plate, a second flyer plate, and a capacitor positioned between the first flyer plate and the second flyer plate. The capacitor is configured to store an electric charge and to explosively short circuit when the capacitor is penetrated while the capacitor is electrically charged. The explosive release of energy from the capacitor pushes the first and second flyer plates apart interfering with the penetration of a shaped charge jet or ballistic penetrator.

Abstract: An armor panel includes a multiple of pins which penetrate a first skin, a high molecular weight polyethylene fiber composite material layer and a second skin which integrates ballistic protection into load bearing structure.

Abstract: A composite ballistic armor or other composite component may be formed by encapsulating one or more ceramic elements in a casting shell and introducing molten base metal into the casting shell, such that the molten base metal encapsulates the one or more ceramic elements to form the composite component. Prior to the pouring process, the ceramic elements are pre-heated to, or near, the melting point temperature or pouring temperature of the encapsulating metal. Additionally, the cooling rate following the metal pour may be less than a predetermined rate for a predetermined period of time. The encapsulating metal may comprise, for example, a steel alloy, such as 4140 or 8630 AISI, a stainless steel alloy, or FeMnAl.

Abstract: A method for and apparatus absorbing the energy of a projectile strike by a multiplicity of energy dissipating elements of high mass that are contained within a spaced defined by walls. A projectile passing through one of the walls transmits its energy to a multiplicity of energy dissipating elements, such as hardened steel balls or various shaped objects of high mass, by causing energy transfer and distribution through a loose mass of the energy dissipating elements and disintegrating the projectiles. Energy absorbing apparatus embodying this method may take the form of a static or moveable bullet or projectile trap, an energy absorbing external barrier or shelter on vehicles, and portable personnel protection structures for use in a tactical environment. The energy absorbing and dissipating elements are subject to some movement in response to the energy imparted by the projectiles and quickly settle after the energy has been dissipated.

Abstract: A semi-continuous duty, Green Technology, self-charging 14, unmanned electric vehicle providing protection and security from underground mines. A deflector blade 11 follows natural existing contours to maintain straight line paths, while simultaneously carrying a mine detector 10, a vertical reciprocating ram set 30, 32 and 33 that preloads soil while also creating forward motion, followed by an energy dissipation and containment canopy system 22, 24, 26 & 29. The comprehensive system provides protection from mines on existing pathways in desert environments using a self-sufficient energy source. In addition, the total system utilizes only Green Technology for all modes of operation.

Abstract: Ultra high hardness steel based composite armor having crack mitigating layers. A method of using ultra high hardness steel in ballistics armor applications. A method of overcoming brittleness of a ultra high hardness steel plate for using the ultra high hardness steel in ballistic armor applications.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, an armor system comprises a plurality of metallic layers. The armor system further comprises a plurality of non-metallic layers located in between two or more metallic layers of the plurality of metallic layers, such that each non-metallic layer is located at a respective depth in the plurality of metallic layers.

Abstract: According to an embodiment, a ballistic structure comprises a front pellet layer configured to face a ballistic threat and rear pellet layer therebehind, each of the pellet layers comprising a plurality of pellets, which can be made of a ceramic material, having cylindrical bodies with their height axes in both layers being substantially parallel to each other, the pellets being arranged in a honeycomb pattern within a binder matrix, the pellet layers being codisposed such that all interior spaces (i.e., spaces which are surrounded on all sides by pellets) of each pellet layer are entirely overlapped by an area of the other pellet layer that is free of such spaces, the two layers being by an intermediate layer having such a width and being made of such a material as to allow the rear layer to rigidly support the front layer.

Abstract: According to the present invention, a ceramic composite material may be formed by a method comprising the steps preparing a solid solution comprising aluminium oxide, a second component comprising a cation in a first valent state, and a dopant, wherein the dopant is present in an amount of not more than 1000 ppm by weight of the solid solution; and carrying out a treatment on the solid solution to form the ceramic composite material, wherein the treatment changes the valent state of said cation to a second valent state, forming a ceramic composite material comprising grains containing aluminium oxide and a precipitate of particles comprising the cation in the second valent state. The materials may be useful in the manufacture of various products, including wear resistant products and armour.

Abstract: A body armor composite material is provided to protect a wearer from small-arms projectiles. The material includes a flexible liner, a polymer binder disposed on the liner, and ceramic solids embedded in the binder. The flexible liner conforms to a portion of the wearer and elastically deforms in response to application of mechanical force. The binder can be a polyurea foam. The solids can be spheres arranged in a single-layer pattern substantially parallel to liner.

Abstract: A structure having a first energy absorbing polymer layer, and an energy absorbing honeycomb structure formed from a continuous segment of metallic glass material having a thickness substantially less than a width, the continuous strip being bent into a repeating pattern of a teardrop shape providing an outer radius and an inner point defined by two adjacent radii.

Abstract: Protective armor panels comprising a grid formed of a plurality of strips of material having a front edge, a back edge, and side surfaces and a sheet of material secured to the front surface of the grid are disclosed. The strips of material can be contoured to form an armor panel having virtually any arbitrary shape.

Abstract: A ballistic-resistant panel in which the entire panel or a strike-face portion thereof is formed of a plurality of sheets of high modulus high molecular weight polyethylene tape. The sheets of high modulus polyethylene tape can be in the form of cross-plied laminated layers of tape strips or a woven fabric of tape strips. The strips of UHMWPE tape include a width of at least one inch and a modulus of greater than 1400 grams per denier. The ballistic-resistant panel may include a backing layer of conventional high modulus fibers embedded in resin. A wide variety of adhesives were found acceptable for bonding the cross-plied layers of high modulus polyethylene tape together for forming the ballistic-resistant panels of the present invention.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to Anti-ballistic Chairs with the preferred embodiment consisting of a conventionally appearing stacking chair with padded seat cushion and back rest, having a tubular framework with arm rests, having the addition of a skirt section below the seat extending to the floor level. The core of the chair will consist of layers of flexible anti-ballistic fabric, also known as soft armor, wrapped in two directions around the tubular members of the back rest, seat and skirt section. Alternatively, the stacking chair will be constructed of pre-manufactured hard anti-ballistic armor components, also known as hard armor. Two additional embodiments will be folding chairs with tubular frameworks, the first having hard armor anti-ballistic surfaces and the second being able to have hard armor or soft armor anti-ballistic surfaces.

Abstract: A composite ballistic armor or other composite component may be formed by placing one or more ceramic cores in a mold and introducing molten base metal into the mold, such that the molten base metal encapsulates the one or more ceramic cores to form the composite component. The ceramic cores may comprise, for example, porous packed-particle ceramic cores or pre-cast porous ceramic cores. The base metal may comprise, for example, a steel alloy, such as FeMnAl.

Abstract: A composite armor plate includes a fracture layer placed adjacent to a ceramic layer. The ceramic layer provides a ballistic resistant layer that receives a ballistic impact and propagates a compression wave. The fracture layer is placed behind the ceramic layer and absorbs a portion of the compression wave propagating out in front of the ballistic impact. The absorbed compression wave causes the fracture layer to at least partially disintegrate into fine particles, which dissipates energy in the process. To cause a higher degree of fracturing (and thus larger dissipation of compression wave energy) the fracture layer includes a plurality of resonators embedded in a fracture material.

Abstract: An armor includes a metallic matrix; a plurality of ceramic rods disposed in the metallic matrix, the plurality of ceramic rods and the metallic matrix forming a core; and a spall liner disposed adjacent a rear face of the core. The metallic matrix places a compressive stress on the plurality of ceramic rods. A method for making an armor includes the steps of providing a plurality of ceramic rods in a desired configuration and embedding the plurality of ceramic rods in a metallic matrix to form a core, such that the metallic matrix provides a compressive stress to the plurality of ceramic rods. The method further includes providing a spall liner and disposing the spall liner adjacent a rear surface of the core to form an armor.

Abstract: An armor uses optimally shaped ceramic cross-pellets and a matrix for containing the cross-pellets. The armor comprises front and back plates and an array of interlocking ceramic cross-pellets of repeating shape between front and back plates. Each cross-pellet may have a horizontal cross-section in the shape of a cross and comprises a center and four fingers projecting therefrom. Each cross-pellet in a non-peripheral portion of the array may be supported by fingers of other cross-pellets which may include two fingers from each of four other cross-pellets. The result is lightweight, composite hybrid structure. The dense, hard armor has good fracture toughness, hardness and a high capacity to absorb impacts for ballistic protection particularly suited to tactical ground vehicles. Valley spaced is minimized. A polymer resin may be situated in spaces between the ceramic cross-pellets and between the array and at least one of the back plate and front plate.

Abstract: An armor plate is provided for use in the ballistic protection of a structure against projectiles incoming from an expected threat direction. The armor plate comprises a layer of pellets made of ballistic material; a gap having a contour at least partially defined by circumferential surfaces of those of the pellets that are exposed to the gap, and occupying an area corresponding to a plurality of the pellets; and an insert inserted within the gap and having an outer surface at least a part of which has an outer shape mimicking the contour of the gap. There is also provided a method for producing the armor plate and an insert for use therein.

Abstract: A method for forming a ballistic-impact armor structure Improved composite armor designs use optimally shaped ceramic cross-pellets and a web system for patterning the cross-pellets, improving manufacturability, and providing additional structural reinforcement. The result is lightweight, composite hybrid structures A dense, hard body having good fracture toughness, hardness and a high capacity to absorb impacts for ballistic protection particularly suited to tactical ground vehicles.

Abstract: An armor component includes a plurality of tiles disposed on a rigid support. At least one spacer is disposed between the adjacent edges of the tiles to establish a minimum gap between the adjacent edges. The gap is filled with a gap filling material, which optionally includes a reinforcement additive. The spacers can be in the form of a spacer tray having a plurality of spacer segments and a plurality of tile cut-outs, with the tile cut-outs separated from adjacent tile cut-outs by a spacer segment, and tiles disposed one to each tile cut-out in the spacer tray. The armor component is in some embodiments placed between two fabric layers and fed into a pultruder, where it is impregnated with resin and heated to cure the resin to form a laminate armor.

Abstract: One aspect of the present disclosure is directed to low-alloy steels exhibiting high hardness and an advantageous level of multi-hit ballistic resistance with minimal crack propagation imparting a level of ballistic performance suitable for military armor applications. Certain embodiments of the steels according to the present disclosure have hardness in excess of 550 HBN and demonstrate a high level of ballistic penetration resistance relative to conventional military specifications.

Abstract: An armor plated assembly (20) and a protective wall system (120) containing a protective material. The armor plated assembly (20) comprises of a container (22) having opposing walls (26) for encompassing the protective material. The assembly (20) includes an armor device (24) having a first plate (48) and a second plate (50) with one of the opposing walls (26) sandwiched between the first plate (48) and the second plate (50) securing the armor device (24) to the container (22). The armor device (24) impedes the penetration of a projectile through the armor plated assembly (20). The protective wall system (120) includes at least two of the armor plated assemblies (20) with a mechanical connection (140) between the armor devices (126, 134) of the armor plated assemblies (20) for aligning and securing the assemblies (20) in a stacked orientation.

Abstract: A dual hardness steel article comprises a first air hardenable steel alloy having a first hardness metallurgically bonded to a second air hardenable steel alloy having a second hardness. A method of manufacturing a dual hard steel article comprises providing a first air hardenable steel alloy part comprising a first mating surface and having a first part hardness, and providing a second air hardenable steel alloy part comprising a second mating surface and having a second part hardness. The first air hardenable steel alloy part is metallurgically secured to the second air hardenable steel alloy part to form a metallurgically secured assembly, and the metallurgically secured assembly is hot rolled to provide a metallurgical bond between the first mating surface and the second mating surface.

Abstract: An armor for protection against armor piercing and/or high energy projectiles has a ceramic layer with a confinement layer on a front thereof. The ceramic layer is backed by a first metal layer and the first metal layer in turn is backed by a composite layer. A second optional confinement layer may be included between the ceramic and first metal layers. The composite layer is backed by an optional second metal layer, which in turn is backed by an optional anti-trauma layer. The armor is used to protect personnel and objects such as vehicles.

Abstract: An article of armor includes a friction material operative to prevent penetration of a ballistic projectile. The armor is also operative to prevent penetration of a plurality of ballistic projectiles at a single point of impact. The armor may include a backing, or a facing, or may comprise an intermediate layer between a backing and facing in any combination. The armor of the invention applied directly to or attached to an article to be armored so as to cover all or any portion of the article. The backing and facing may include a friction material or a non-friction material. The friction material is a composite of a resin binder agent, a fibrous support structure, a friction modifier system, and a wear system.

Abstract: An encapsulated ballistic protection system (EBPS). In one embodiment, an EBPS for protecting a human or an object from a projectile includes one or more ballistic protection material layers at least substantially encapsulated by encapsulation material having a tensile strength of 20,000 psi or greater. Additionally, in one embodiment, an EBPS includes one or more ballistic protection material layers that are substantially encapsulated by the encapsulation material on a first side adapted to face the human or the object and on a second side opposite the first side and adapted to face the projectile, and the EBPS further includes a compressible layer between the one or more ballistic protection material layers and the encapsulation material on the first side, the compressible layer configured to at least one of dissipate energy, reduce velocity of the projectile, and reduce backface deformation.

Abstract: A ballistic resistant through insert with floating capability for stopping a ballistic projectile, comprising at least one of a bullet, a ballistic fragment, and a particle fragment, may comprise a stud, a floating nut, and a cap. The stud may have a flat base portion and a cylindrical stud portion mounted thereon. The cylindrical stud portion may comprise a stud cylinder aperture. The floating nut may be located inside the stud cylinder aperture such that the floating nut floats within the stud cylinder aperture. The cap may have a flat cap portion and a cylindrical cap portion mounted thereon. The cylindrical cap portion may mate with the cylindrical stud portion. The stud may be made of a material for stopping a ballistic projectile. The flat base portion of the stud may have a minimum thickness for stopping a ballistic projectile.

Abstract: Ceramic armor having a ceramic material encapsulated within a metal frame assembly and an alloy joint formed therebetween. A hot pressing procedure is carried out on the metal frame assembly containing the ceramic material and braze composition to cause the metal to plastically deform about the encapsulated ceramic material and form a diffusion bonded metal frame assembly and an alloy joint formed in-situ from the braze composition, which melts and wets the ceramic material and the metal frame assembly during the process of diffusion bonding the components of the metal frame assembly together. In instances of a titanium frame assembly, a silicon carbide ceramic material, and a copper-silicon braze composition, the alloy joint formed in-situ during the diffusion bonding process has an alloy gradient including a Cu—Ti component, a Ti—Cu—Si component, and a Cu—Si component.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to the initial construction of furniture having bullet-proof and/or bullet-resistant properties, and methods for manufacturing furniture providing ballistic defense shielding using soft armor and hard armor material components. Soft armor and hard armor require an area of flexibility or expansion to work effectively when struck by a projectile. If these materials are completely restricted their effectiveness is diminished. With the unique design of this application both the soft armor and hard armor are affixed to the interior and/or exterior surfaces of furniture allowing the flexibility or expansion required for maximum protection. The unique design may also be applied to retro-fit panels and/or frames comprising soft armor or hard armor material components to be attached to the exterior and/or interior surfaces of existing furniture.

Abstract: Ring-shaped shape memory alloys put disk-shaped ceramic materials in a state of compression. The rings are radially deformed to introduce plastic strain into the rings. The rings are sized to closely receive the disk-shaped ceramic strike plates. When the assembly is heated, the rings attempt to regain their original shape and thereby put the ceramic strike plates into uniform, two-dimensional compression.

Abstract: A conformable self-healing ballistic armor protective structure has a shell formed of a laminated cloth material having outer and inner lamellae. The outer lamella of the laminated material is a ballistic cloth and the inner lamella is a soft, conformable self-healing, rubber compound. The shell is filled preferably with multiplicity of ceramic particles disposed in a fluid.

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: The invention relates to an air hardenable high-hardness steel for armouring applications, such as armour plate for use in light armoured vehicles and body armour, and having a high level of ballistic performance relative to its plate thickness. In particular, the invention concerns a high ballistic strength martensitic armour steel which, in an air cooled and untempered condition, has a strength coefficient (s0) of higher than 2500 MPa; a flow parameter (P) of higher than 8.0, preferably higher than 18.0; and a manganese content of 1.8 to 3.6% by weight of manganese, preferably 2.8 to 3.1% by weight of manganese. The armour steel also includes retained austenite at a volume fraction of at least 1%, and preferably a volume fraction of 4 to 20%.

Abstract: A steel armour comprising between 90% and 50% bainite, the rest being austenite, in which excess carbon remains within the bainitic ferrite at a concentration beyond that consistent with equilibrium; there is also partial partitioning of carbon into the residual austenite. In one embodiment of the invention the bainite comprises in weight percent: carbon 0.6 to 1.1%, silicon 1.5 to 2.0%, manganese 0.5 to 1.8%, nickel up to 3%, chromium 1.0 to 1.5%, molybdenum 0.2 to 0.5%, vanadium 0.1 to 0.2%, balance iron save for incidental impurities. In particular it was noted that excellent properties were obtained if the manganese content is about 1% by weight. By forming the steel as a pearlite sheet the elements (310,410) of the panel can be formed easily by cutting or stamping before final transformation to bainite. Cutting may also occur after final transformation using water- jet or laser cutting. Alternatively hot forging elements is described.

Abstract: A rigid structure for ballistic protections is described. The structure comprises a plurality of textile elements which are distinct from each other and co-operate with each other to stop an incident bullet along a direction. A third element is placed between two of the textile elements. Such third element is aimed at creating a discontinuity surface between the two adjacent elements, which provides a further reduction of the trauma value and increase of the stopping capability.