Helmets for protection against rifle bullets
AssigneeHoneywell International Inc.
InventorsAshok Bhatnagar, Bradley L. Grunden, Brian D. Arvidson, Lori L. Wagner
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Abstract
A helmet shell is formed having an outer section of fibrous layers, a middle section of fibrous layers and an inner section of fibrous layers. The outer section layers contain high tenacity abrasive fibers in a resin matrix. The middle section layers contain high strength polyolefin fibers and are in the form of woven or knitted fabrics with a resin matrix. The inner section layers contain high strength polyolefin fibers and are in the form of non-woven fabrics with a resin matrix. The helmet is lightweight and resists penetration of rifle bullets.
Claims23
A lightweight molded helmet that is resistant to penetration by rifle bullets, said helmet comprising a shell, said shell comprising from the outside to the inside:
- a first plurality of fibrous layers, said fibrous layers comprising high tenacity abrasive fibers impregnated with a first resin matrix;
- a second plurality of fibrous layers attached to said first plurality of fibrous layers, said second plurality of fibrous layers comprising a woven or knitted network of high tenacity fibers impregnated with a second resin matrix, said high tenacity fibers comprising polyolefin fibers;
- and
- a third plurality of fibrous layers attached to said second plurality of fibrous layers, said third plurality of fibrous layers comprising a non-woven network of high tenacity fibers impregnated with a third resin matrix, said high tenacity fibers comprising polyolefin fibers,
- wherein the total areal density of said shell is from about 3 to about 5 pounds per square foot (14.6 to 24.4 kg/m2).
A lightweight molded helmet that is resistant to penetration by rifle bullets, said helmet comprising a shell, said shell comprising from the outside to the inside:
- a first plurality of fibrous layers, said first plurality of fibrous layers comprising a woven network of high tenacity glass fibers impregnated with and fully embedded in a first resin matrix, said first resin comprising a thermosetting resin;
- a second plurality of fibrous layers attached to said first plurality of fibrous layers, said second plurality of fibrous layers comprising a woven network of high tenacity fibers impregnated with and fully embedded in a second resin matrix, said high tenacity fibers comprising polyethylene fibers, said second resin comprising a thermosetting resin or thermoplastic resin;
- and
- a third plurality of fibrous layers attached to said second plurality of fibrous layers, said third plurality of fibrous layers comprising a non-woven network of high tenacity fibers impregnated with and fully embedded in a third resin matrix, said high tenacity fibers comprising polyethylene fibers, said third resin comprising a thermoplastic resin,
- said helmet having a total areal density of from about 3 to about 5 pounds per square foot (14.6 to 24.4 kg/m2), and is resistant to rifle bullets having energies of at least about 1600 joules.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.