US20130291268A1

US20130291268A1 - Protective clothing

Info

Publication number: US20130291268A1
Application number: US13/888,975
Authority: US
Inventors: Patrick Gerald Whaley
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2012-05-07
Filing date: 2013-05-07
Publication date: 2013-11-07

Abstract

Described herein are new and improved devices, systems, and methods for providing protective clothing and other like garments. The protective clothing can comprise an outer layer and an under layer. The outer layer and under layer can each comprise a plurality of protective plates. The protective plates of the outer layer can be configured to move over and between the protective plates of the under layer, and vice versa, to provide a wide range of motion and flexibility to a wearer without compromising protection.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/643,450, filed 7 May 2012, the contents of which are herein incorporated by reference.

BACKGROUND

1. Field
The various embodiments of the present invention relate to devices, systems, and methods for providing bulletproof protective clothing and other like garments.
2. Description of Related Art
A variety of devices exist that aim to protect wearers from gunshot injuries. The most common are vests reinforced with a composite material. The composite material is generally capable of absorbing the impact of a bullet without allowing the bullet to pass through the material. Many composite materials that are commonly used in vests comprise high strength fibers, such as Kevlar®.
One drawback of existing vests, however, is that they can significantly restrict the movement of a wearer. This is due, at least in part, to the stiffness of the composite material. It is also due to the various designs employed in conventional vests. Specifically, the vests are not designed to allow the composite material to move, flex or shift with the wearer's body movement. Instead, the vest and the composite material are held stationary against the wearer's body. The stiffness of the composite material therefore resists the wearer's movements. In addition, because conventional vests are stiff, they are often designed to cover only the chest and back of a wearer, leaving the arms, legs, and other parts of the body exposed and vulnerable.
In addition, in order to provide additional protection from injury, existing vests often incorporate metal plates. The metal plates can be disposed adjacent to the composite material, and can act as an additional barrier preventing the bullet from penetrating the vest. While metal plates may prevent penetration, however, they do not adequately absorb the impact from the bullet. Instead, they transfer this energy through the vest to the wearer's body. Thus, although it can be difficult for bullets to penetrate the metal plates, significant injury to the wearer can nevertheless result.
Accordingly, there exists a need for alternative devices, systems, and methods for effectively providing bulletproof protective clothing. The clothing should be flexible to allow a wearer an improved range of motion and flexibility. The clothing should also be able to protect a majority of the wearer's body, not just the chest and back. In addition, the clothing should disperse as much of the bullet's energy as possible when an impact occurs, instead of transferring the energy to the wearer's body. It is to such a device, system, and method that embodiments of the present invention are primarily directed.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION

Briefly described, the present invention can comprise protective clothing. The protective clothing can comprise a plurality of layers, and in some embodiments, the protective clothing can comprise an under layer and an outer layer. The under layer and the outer layer can comprise a plurality of protective plates. In some embodiments, the protective plates can protect a wearer from bullets, knives, and other dangers.
In some embodiments, the protective plates can be positioned on or in the under layer and the outer later to provide a wide range of motion, flexibility, and comfort to a wearer without compromising the protection afforded. In some embodiments, for example, the protective plates of the outer layer can be positioned above and between the plates of the under layer. When the wearer moves, therefore, the plates of the outer later can move over and between the plates of the under layer, and vice versa. Moreover, the plates can be configured such that this motion does not reduce the protection afforded to the wearer.
Embodiments of the present invention can comprise an article of protective clothing. The article can comprise an under layer having a plurality of protective plates and an outer layer having a plurality of protective plates. In some embodiments, the protective plates of the under layer and the protective plates of the outer layer can substantially cover an area of the body of a wearer when the wearer wears the article. In some embodiments, at least one protective plate of the outer layer can move relative to at least one protective plate of the under layer when the wearer moves.
In some embodiments, the under layer and the outer layer can be integrated. In some embodiments, the under layer and the outer layer can be attached proximate a neck area of the article. In some embodiments, the under layer and the outer layer can be separate.
In some embodiments, the article can comprise a vest. In some embodiments, the article can comprise a shirt. In some embodiments, the article can comprise pants.
In some embodiments, at least one protective plate of the outer layer can comprise graphene. In some embodiments, at least one protective plate of the outer layer can comprise a ceramic. In some embodiments, at least one protective plate of the outer layer can be disposed in a pocket of the outer layer. In some embodiments, at least one protective plate of the under layer can be integrated into the under layer. In some embodiments, at least one protective plate can be positioned to cover the pectoral area of the wearer and at least one protective plate can be positioned to cover the abdominal area of the wearer.
Embodiments of the present invention can further comprise an article of protective clothing. The article can comprise an under layer having a first protective plate and second protective plate with a gap therebetween. The article can further comprise an outer layer having a third protective plate. The outer layer can be configured to be worn on top of the under layer. In some embodiments, the third protective plate can cover an area of the body of a wearer that is disposed under the gap when the wearer wears the under layer and the outer layer.
In some embodiments, the third protective plate can be configured to cover the area of the body of the wearer that is disposed under the gap when the wearer moves such that the third protective plate moves over the first protective plate and the second protective plate. In some embodiments, the third protective plate can be configured to slide over the first protective plate and second protective plate. In some embodiments, the first protective plate can be configured to slide under the third protective plate.
Embodiments of the present invention can also comprise a protective article. The article can comprise an under layer having a plurality of protective plates and configured to be worn by a wearer. The article can further comprise an outer layer having a plurality of protective plates. In some embodiments, the outer layer can be attached to the under layer. In some embodiments, the outer layer can be configured to be worn by the wearer. In some embodiments, at least one plate of the outer layer and at least one plate of the under layer can cover an area of the body of the wearer. In some embodiments, the plates of the outer layer can be configured to move over and between the plates of the under layer.
In some embodiments, at least one protective plate of the under layer can be configured to cover the pectoral area of the wearer. In some embodiments, the outer layer can comprise a stretchable and breathable material. In some embodiments, the outer layer can comprise at least one pocket, and at least one protective plate of the plurality of protective plates of the outer layer can be disposed at least partially within the pocket.
These and other objects, features, and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent upon reading the following specification in conjunction with the accompanying drawing figures.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

FIG. 1 depicts an outer layer of an article of protective clothing, in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 2 depicts an under layer of an article of protective clothing, in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The various embodiments of the present invention are directed to devices, systems, and methods for providing bulletproof protective clothing and other like garments. It shall be understood that while the devices, systems, and methods for providing bulletproof protective clothing and other like garments are described as protecting a wearer from gunfire, the devices, systems, and methods described herein shall not be limited to protection from gunfire, as they can also protect wearers from knives and explosions, for example.
The various embodiments described herein provide clothing designed to protect a wearer from gun-inflicted injuries while providing the wearer with an improved range of motion and improved flexibility over existing designs. Embodiments described herein also provide a wearer with improved protection over conventional bulletproof vests due to the use of ceramic plates that disperse the energy of a bullet's impact.
In some embodiments, the clothing can be made of an elastic fabric and can comprise two layers. The layers can comprise an elastic or stretchable material. In some embodiments, the layers comprise a breathable material that allows air to pass through. This breathability can help keep a wearer cool and prevent the wearer from overheating while wearing the protective clothing. In some embodiments, the layers comprise a material that removes sweat from the wearer's body. This can also help keep a wearer cool and prevent the wearer from overheating.
As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the protective clothing can comprise, for example, an outer layer 100 and an under layer 200. In use, the outer layer 100 can be disposed over or worn over the under layer 200.
The layers can be separate or integrated. More specifically, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, in some embodiments, the under layer 200 can be a completely separate article from the outer layer 100. Thus, a wearer can wear the under layer 200 on his or her body, similar to wearing a shirt, vest, or pants, depending on the type of protective article being used. The wearer can then put the outer layer 100 on over the under layer 200. Like the under layer 200, the outer later can be worn like a shirt, vest, or pants, again depending on the type of protective article being used. The outer layer 100 can therefore be separated from the wearer's body by the under layer 200.
In some embodiments, the under layer 200 and the outer layer 100 can be integrated articles. The articles can, however, move relative to one-another. The under layer 200 and the outer layer 100, for example, can be attached only at certain locations, allowing for relative movement. In embodiments comprising a protective shirt, for example, the under layer 200 and the outer layer 100 can be attached only at the neck 105, 205, the ends of the sleeves 110, 210, and/or the bottom (“hem”) of the shirt 115, 215, for example and not limitation. This allows the under layer 200 and the outer layer 100 to be integrated, but nevertheless able to move relative to one-another everywhere except where attached. In embodiments comprising protective pants, the under layer 200 and the outer layer 100 can be joined at the waist and/or the bottom of the legs, which also allows for relative movement of the under layer 200 and outer layer 100. These examples are not limiting, as various embodiments of the present invention can comprise articles with an under layer 200 and outer layer 100 that are attached at various locations, or not attached at all.
To provide protection, each of the layers can comprise a plurality of bulletproof plates 120 (“plates”). The plates 120 can be integrated into the layers, or can be disposed on either side of the layers. In some embodiments, the plates 120 are disposed within pockets 125 that are integrated into the layers. The plates 120 can be permanently sealed into the pockets 125, or removably disposed within the pockets 125. The plates 120 can also be attached to the outside of the layers 100, 200. The plates 120 can be removably attached to the outside of the layers 100, 200, i.e., with Velcro® or a similar material, or can be permanently attached to the outside of the layers 100, 200.
In some embodiments, the outer layer 100 can be an elastic article with plates 120 that cover the major muscle groups and/or regions of the body. There can be, for example, separate plates 120 integrated into or on the outer layer 100 that cover all or some of the pectoral area, abdominal area, oblique area, deltoid area, biceps area, triceps area, forearm area, trapezius area, latissimus dorsi area, quadriceps area, gluteus area, hamstring area, shin area, and/or calve area.
In some embodiments, the under layer 200 can comprise plates 120 that are disposed under and in-between the outer layer 100 plates 120. The under layer 200 can therefore comprise plates 120 sized, shaped, and located to allow the outer layer 100 plates 120 to overlap the under layer 200 plates 120, providing complete protection to a wearer. In addition to providing complete protection, however, this arrangement allows the outer layer 100 plates 120 to move without interference from the under layer 200 plates 120, and allows the under layer 200 plates 120 to move without interference from the outer layer 100 plates 120. In some embodiments, the outer layer 100 plates 120 can slide over the under layer 200 plates 120, and the under layer 200 plates 120 can slide under the outer layer 100 plates 120. This can happen without compromising the protection offered to the wearer, i.e., without causing gaps to form between the outer layer 100 plates 120 and the under layer 200 plates 120 when the wearer moves.
Accordingly, the present invention can provide complete coverage of the body as the wearer moves, without restricting movement of the wearer. The plates 120 can shift over and under each other, and the layers can flex, maximizing the wearer's range of motion and flexibility, and providing substantial improvement over existing designs. The plate shifting can be similar to tectonic plates 120 shifting over and under each other.
In some embodiments, the under layer 200 plates 120 can, for example, cover all or part of the sternum area, trapezius area, abdominal area, oblique area, deltoid area, elbow area, latissimus dorsi area, groin area, hip area, and/or knee area. Those of skill in the art will understand, however, that this disclosure contemplates 120 that the outer layer 100 plates 120 and the under layer 200 plates 120 can cover any portion of the body, and can be a variety of shapes and sizes.
In some embodiments, the plates 120 are sized and shaped to fit close to the wearer's body. The under layer 200 plates 120, for example, can be sized and shaped to fit flush against the wearer's body. The outer layer 100 plates 120 can be sized and shaped to fit flush against or very close to the wearer's body, while nevertheless overlapping the under layer 200 plates 120. To help keep the plates 120 close to the wearer's body, all or some of the plates 120 can be sized and shaped to cover and protect individual muscles, entire muscle groups, or skeletal structures that move together (such as the ribs or sternum, for example). The plates 120 can therefore emulate various shapes of the human anatomy.
In some embodiments, the plates 120 can comprise a combination of a ceramic and a resilient or non-penetrable fabric, such as graphene. In some embodiments, graphene sheets can be integrated into the ceramic and can prevent a bullet from passing through the protective apparel. The graphene can therefore operate as a “net” or “catcher's mitt” for the bullet. The graphene can be disposed within the ceramic, or can be disposed as a cover or coating on the outside of the ceramic. Accordingly, in some embodiments, the plates 120 can have a graphene outer layer and a ceramic inner layer.
The ceramic can disburse the energy of an impact by shattering, causing a dispersion of energy across the plates 120. The shattering ceramic also absorbs a substantial percentage of the bullet's energy. This shattering and dispersion of energy increases the time it takes for the bullet to slow down, thereby reducing the force applied the wearer's body. The ceramic therefore acts similar to a crumple zone in a car frame, in that it provides an avenue for energy to be dispersed so that only a minimum amount of energy is transferred to a wearer's body.
Embodiments of the present invention can therefore disperse energy, and therefore prevent injury, more effectively and efficiently than existing bulletproof vests. In some embodiments, the ceramic can comprise alumina, silicon carbide, fiberglass, carbon fiber, or any brittle material that is lightweight. In some embodiments, moreover, the plates 120 can comprise only carbon fiber or only fiberglass.
In addition, in some embodiments, the plates 120 can comprise viscoelastic material. Viscoelastic materials can exhibit properties of a solid and a liquid when a force is applied. More specifically, a viscoelastic material can be lightweight and flexible, but under an impact force, such as an impact force applied by a bullet, the viscoelastic material can dissipate the impact force. Accordingly, the viscoelastic material can dissipate the force being transferred to the wearer's body, thereby reducing the amount of force applied to the wearer's body. In some embodiments, the plates 120 can comprise a graphene outer layer with a viscoelastic material disposed within the graphene layer.
Embodiments of the present invention can comprise a vest, short sleeve shirt, long sleeve shirt, pants, shorts, gloves, and shoes, for example and not limitation. Thus, embodiments of the present invention can protect more than the chest and back of a wearer, providing a significant advantage over conventional bulletproof vests. The arms, legs, hips, and pelvic area, for example, can all be protected.
While the present disclosure has been described in connection with a plurality of exemplary aspects, it is understood that other similar aspects can be used or modifications and additions can be made to the described aspects for performing the same function of the present disclosure without deviating therefrom. For example, in various aspects of the disclosure, methods and compositions were described according to aspects of the presently disclosed subject matter. However, other equivalent methods or compositions to these described aspects are also contemplated by the teachings herein. Therefore, the present disclosure should not be limited to any single aspect, but rather construed in breadth and scope in accordance with the appended claims.

Claims

What is claimed is:

1. An article of protective clothing comprising:

an under layer having a plurality of protective plates; and

an outer layer having a plurality of protective plates;

wherein the protective plates of the under layer and the protective plates of the outer layer substantially cover an area of the body of a wearer when the wearer wears the article; and

wherein at least one protective plate of the outer layer moves relative to at least one protective plate of the under layer when the wearer moves.

2. The article of protective clothing of claim 1, wherein the under layer and the outer layer are integrated.

3. The article of protective clothing of claim 2, wherein the under layer and the outer layer are attached proximate a neck area of the article.

4. The article of protective clothing of claim 1, wherein the under layer and the outer layer are separate.

5. The article of protective clothing of claim 1, wherein the article comprises a vest.

6. The article of protective clothing of claim 1, wherein the article comprises a shirt.

7. The article of protective clothing of claim 1, wherein the article comprises pants.

8. The article of protective clothing of claim 1, wherein at least one protective plate of the outer layer comprises graphene.

9. The article of protective clothing of claim 1, wherein at least one protective plate of the outer layer comprises a ceramic.

10. The article of protective clothing of claim 1, wherein at least one protective plate of the outer layer is disposed in a pocket of the outer layer.

11. The article of protective clothing of claim 1, wherein at least one protective plate of the under layer is integrated into the under layer.

12. The article of protective clothing of claim 1, wherein at least one protective plate is positioned to cover the pectoral area of the wearer and at least one protective plate is positioned to cover the abdominal area of the wearer.

13. An article of protective clothing comprising:

an under layer having a first protective plate and second protective plate with a gap therebetween; and

an outer layer having a third protective plate, the outer layer configured to be worn on top of the under layer, and the third protective plate covering an area of the body of a wearer that is disposed under the gap when the wearer wears the under layer and the outer layer.

14. The article of protective clothing of claim 13, wherein the third protective plate is configured to cover the area of the body of the wearer that is disposed under the gap when the wearer moves such that the third protective plate moves over the first protective plate and the second protective plate.

15. The article of protective clothing of claim 13, wherein the third protective plate is configured to slide over the first protective plate and second protective plate.

16. The article of protective clothing of claim 13, wherein the first protective plate is configured to slide under the third protective plate.

17. A protective article comprising:

an under layer having a plurality of protective plates and configured to be worn by a wearer; and

an outer layer having a plurality of protective plates, the outer layer attached to the under layer, and the outer layer configured to be worn by the wearer;

wherein at least one plate of the outer layer and at least one plate of the under layer cover an area of the body of the wearer; and

wherein the plates of the outer layer are configured to move over and between the plates of the under layer.

18. The protective article of claim 17, wherein at least one protective plate of the under layer is configured to cover the pectoral area of the wearer.

19. The protective article of claim 17, wherein the outer layer comprises a stretchable and breathable material.

20. The protective article of claim 17, wherein the outer layer comprises at least one pocket, and at least one protective plate of the plurality of protective plates of the outer layer is disposed at least partially within the pocket.