# US 8,769,713 B2 · Impact marking vest

> Agents: this data is available as JSON from the patentgrep API and MCP server — see https://patentgrep.com/llms.txt

- Number: US 8,769,713 B2
- Document ID: US8769713B2
- Status: Granted
- Kind: B2
- Application number: 13/006,419
- Filed: 2011-01-13
- Published: 2012-07-19
- Granted: 2014-07-08
- Earliest claimed: 2011-01-13
- Assignees: Apex Tactical Specialties, Inc.
- Applicants: Randall M. Lee; Jerry L. Jones
- Inventors: Randall M. Lee; Jerry L. Jones
- Web page: https://patentgrep.com/patent/US8769713B2

## CPC

- F41J 5/24: Targets producing a particular effect when hit, e.g. detonation of pyrotechnic charge, bell ring, photograph
- A41D 1/04: Vests, jerseys, sweaters or the like
- A41D 31/02: Layered materials (characterised by special function or use A41D31/04)
- F41H 1/02: Armoured or projectile- or missile-resistant garments; Composite protection fabrics {(F41H5/04 takes precedence)}
- F41J: TARGETS; TARGET RANGES; BULLET CATCHERS {(targets for shooting or hurling games A63F9/0204)}
- A41D: OUTERWEAR; PROTECTIVE GARMENTS; ACCESSORIES
- F41H: ARMOUR; ARMOURED TURRETS; ARMOURED OR ARMED VEHICLES; MEANS OF ATTACK OR DEFENCE, e.g. CAMOUFLAGE, IN GENERAL

## Abstract

A method and apparatus for use in facilitating force-on-force (FOF) training. Specifically, an impact marking vest (IMV) for use in registering a ballistic impact event upon a three-dimensional target surface.

## Claims

### Claim 1

An impact marking vest comprising:
a backing layer comprising a flexible material for forming a three-dimensional (3D) vest shape target surface;
a substrate layer bonded to the backing layer such that the substrate layer covers at least a portion of an exterior surface of the backing layer, wherein the substrate layer comprises a first color;
a coating layer disposed on the substrate layer and covering substantially an entire exterior surface of the substrate layer, wherein the coating layer is a second color different from the first color of the substrate layer; and
an attachment device connected to the backing layer and configured for attachment to a ballistic vests;
wherein the substrate layer is configured to not be removed at a point of ballistic impact.

### Claim 2 (depends on 1)

The impact marking vest of claim 1, further comprising the ballistic vest, wherein the ballistic vest is mechanically cooperated with the backing layer.

### Claim 3 (depends on 1)

The impact marking vest of claim 1, wherein the backing layer is configured to cover at least a portion of an outer surface of the ballistic vest.

### Claim 4 (depends on 3)

The impact marking vest of claim 3, wherein the backing layer is shaped to conform to the outer surface of the ballistic vest.

### Claim 5 (depends on 1)

The impact marking vest of claim 1, wherein the substrate layer forms a target design.

### Claim 6 (depends on 1)

The impact marking vest of claim 1, wherein the coating layer is a flake away coating.

### Claim 7 (depends on 6)

The impact marking vest of claim 6, wherein the coating layer is further configured to flake away exposing the substrate layer at the point of ballistic impact.

### Claim 8 (depends on 1)

The impact marking vest of claim 1, wherein the second color of the coating layer is one of a (i) black color, (ii) matte-olive drab color, or (iii) earth tone color.

### Claim 9 (depends on 1)

The impact marking vest of claim 1, wherein the attachment device comprises a hook fastener.

### Claim 10 (depends on 1)

The impact marking vest of claim 1, wherein the attachment device comprises a loop fastener.

### Claim 11

A method of forming a ballistic impact marking vest comprising the steps of:
forming a backing layer comprising a flexible material into a three-dimensional (3D) vest shape target surface;
bonding a substrate layer to the backing layer such that the substrate layer covers at least a portion of an exterior surface of the backing layer, wherein the substrate layer comprises a first color;
disposing a coating layer on the substrate layer such that the coating layer substantially covers an exterior surface area of the substrate layer, wherein the coating layer is a second color, different from the first color of the substrate layer; and
fixing an attachment device to the backing layer, wherein the attachment device is configured for attachment to a ballistic vest;
wherein the substrate layer is configured to not be removed at a point of ballistic impact.

### Claim 12 (depends on 11)

The method of claim 11, wherein the backing layer further comprises an adhesive coating for use in bonding the backing layer to the substrate layer.

### Claim 13 (depends on 11)

The method of claim 11, wherein the substrate layer further comprises an adhesive coating for use in bonding the substrate layer to the backing layer.

### Claim 14 (depends on 11)

The method of claim 11, further comprising the step of:
attaching the backing layer to the ballistic vest using the attachment device.

### Claim 15 (depends on 14)

The method of claim 14, wherein the backing layer is configured to cover at least a portion of an outer surface of the ballistic vest.

### Claim 16 (depends on 11)

The method of claim 11, wherein the coating layer is configured to flake away, exposing the substrate layer at the point of ballistic impact.

### Claim 17 (depends on 11)

The method of claim 11, wherein the substrate layer forms a target design.

### Claim 18 (depends on 11)

The method of claim 11, wherein the attachment device comprises a hook fastener.

### Claim 19 (depends on 11)

The method of claim 11, wherein the attachment device comprises a loop fastener.