US 10,119,793 B2 · Multi-layer slash protective body armor

Abstract

A slash-protecting panel is affordable, comfortable, flexible, light, and concealable, while providing at least 80N HOSDB slash protection. A plurality of solid elements are aligned on upper and lower backing sheets in rows and columns separated by continuous gaps between 25% and 95% as wide as the solid elements, the upper elements being centered above the gap intersections of the lower elements, leaving isolated gap “islands” uncovered but no continuous gaps. Embodiments further include a third layer with smaller “button” solid elements arranged behind the gap islands, leaving no gaps. The solid elements can be ceramic or metal, and the backing sheets can be ballistic fabric, or any convenient woven, non-woven, or warp knit. Solid elements can be attached to the sheets by rivets or adhesives, or held in pockets. Embodiments include an inner and/or an outer covering layer of a knit or similar fabric for added comfort.

Claims19

Dependent claims

A slash-protecting armor panel, comprising:

a first layer including a first plurality of unitary solid elements affixed to a first backing sheet;
and
a second layer including a second plurality of unitary solid elements affixed to a second backing sheet;
said solid elements being aligned horizontally and vertically on said backing sheets in rows and columns that are separated so as to form intersecting vertical and horizontal gaps therebetween, widths of said vertical and horizontal gaps being between 25% and 95% of widths and heights respectively of the solid elements;
said first and second layers being attached to each other so as to position the second plurality of solid elements centrally over the intersections of the vertical and horizontal gaps of the first layer;
and
said panel thereby including isolated gap islands that are bounded by said first and second solid elements but are not blocked by any solid elements in the slash-protecting armor panel.

4 more elements

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Multi-layer slash protective body armor

Life of this patent

Multi-layer slash protective body armor

Life of this patent

Abstract

Claims19