Fiber Network Layers and Flexible Penetration Resistant Articles Comprising Same

Abstract

The present invention is directed to a fiber network layer for use in penetration resistant articles having a first plurality of yarns and a second plurality of yarns, each of the first and second yarns arranged in a first direction parallel or substantially parallel to the other first and second yarns and a third plurality of yarns, each of the third yarns arranged in a second direction parallel or substantially parallel to the other third yarns; the second direction transverse to the first direction. The third yarns and either the first yarns or the second yarns are made of a first polymer. Each of the first, second and third yarns having a tenacity of at least 15 g/dtex. The layers are such that either (i) the second yarns are made of a second polymer which is different than the first polymer, or (ii) the first yarns have a different average linear density than the average linear density of the second yarns, or (iii) the first and second yarns comprise multifilament yarns with filaments and the filaments of the first yarns have an average linear density different from the filaments in the second yarns, or (iv) combinations thereof.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.