Multipurpose Cooling and Trauma Attenuating Devices and Associated Methods

A method of retrofitting a conventional body armor garment to reduce trauma to a wearer associated with an impact on the body armor garment, the method comprising the steps of:

• (a) attaching a first attachment fastener to the garment;
• and
• (b) securing an inflatable trauma attenuating panel directly to the first attachment fastener, the panel comprising:
• an outer layer including an outer fabric and a first gas barrier layer disposed on the outer fabric;
• a middle layer including a middle fabric having first and second middle fabric sides and including a second gas barrier layer disposed on the first middle fabric side and a third gas barrier layer disposed on the second middle fabric side;
• and
• an inner layer including an inner fabric having a fourth gas barrier layer disposed on the side of the inner fabric facing the middle layer,
• a primary gas chamber defined between the inner layer and the middle layer;
• and
• a secondary gas chamber defined between the outer layer and the middle layer.

An apparatus for absorbing impact forces, comprising:

• a first sheet including an outer fabric and a first gas barrier layer disposed on the outer fabric;
• a second sheet positioned adjacent the first sheet including a second fabric having first and second sides and including a second gas barrier layer disposed on the first side and a second gas barrier layer disposed on the second side;
• a third sheet positioned adjacent the second sheet, the third sheet including a third fabric having a fourth gas barrier layer disposed on the side of the third sheet facing the second sheet;
• a primary gas chamber defined between the second and third sheets,
• wherein the outer fabric comprises a fastener.