FLEXIBLE PROTECTIVE ARMOR

Abstract

The present application relates generally to protective body armor to be worn while engaging in sports activities for protecting against injury due to impact. It is an object of the present disclosure to provide flexible protective armor able to mitigate impacts from both small and large hard objects without deforming, while also providing adequate ventilation to the wearer. Specifically, provided is a flexible protective armor system comprised of a network of beams and spring elements for distribution and dissipation of the force from impact, and protection for the wearer from damage.

Description

FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE

The present disclosure relates generally to protective equipment and in particular to flexible protective body armor to be worn while engaging in sports activities for protecting against injury due to impact.

BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE

It is common practice for athletes to wear protective guards and/or armor while participating in sports. This armor is intended to protect the athlete from the consequences of impact with both fixed hard structures, such as the ground, and with moving items, such as other people.

Traditionally, protective guards have been comprised of a hard plastic outer shell, injection molded, blow molded or thermoformed, with a lining of a softer compressible material, such as padding or foam. In such arrangements, the lining provides cushioning while the outer shell protects against impact by distributing impact load across its surface. However, these guards tend to be bulky and may limit movement and flexibility. Additionally, the use of foam padding decreases ventilation, which may cause discomfort to the wearer.

Various efforts have been made to create flexible, shock absorbing protection devices in body armor over the years. For instance, U.S. Pat. No. 4,610,034 issued to Johnson and U.S. Pat. No. 7,150,217 issued to Kershaw are directed to flexible, shock absorbing protection devices in body armor, utilizing a honeycomb construction bonded to a rigid skin. Specifically, Johnson discloses a protective pad that is readily deformable. However, such a readily deformable pad does not provide the required protection from point loads. Kershaw teaches a protective body armor comprising various layers of a non-deformable material.

However, when these layered armors are exposed to impact, such impact may produce a bulge which deforms the armor. Since the armor is worn adjacent to the body, such deformation may project into the body of the wearer, causing tissue damage or trauma to underlying organs. Therefore, although the honeycomb layered armor arrangements are flexible, they lack the necessary degree of stiffness to adequately protect a wearer from impact.

Thus, to be most desirable to an athlete, protective armor must: not hinder movement; have the ability to mitigate impacts from both small and large hard objects without deforming; and be able to “breathe” by defining a plurality of apertures therein such that air may pass freely therethrough, thus providing ventilation to the wearer. Accordingly, the present application is directed to a protective armor to be worn during sporting activities to protect the wearer from impact. The object of the present disclosure is to provide a protective armor having the most desirable balance between flexibility and rigidity whilst being lightweight and breathable.

SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE

The problems presented by existing protective guards are solved by the present protective armor. The present application is generally directed to protective body armor to be worn while engaging in sports activities to protect against injury due to impact. It is an object of the present disclosure to provide a flexible protective armor able to mitigate impacts from both small and large hard objects. The present protective body armor is intended to protect an athlete from the consequences of impact with both fixed hard structures, such as the ground, and with moving objects, such as other people. It is an object of the present protective body armor to: be flexible; have the ability to mitigate impacts from both small and large hard objects without bottoming out; and define a plurality of apertures therein such that air may pass freely therethrough, providing ventilation to the wearer.

Accordingly, the present disclosure is directed to protective armor to be worn during sporting activities to adequately protect the wearer from impact, while allowing for freedom of movement. The protective armor is made of a network of beams and spring elements. The spring elements extend from beams at a select angle and are arranged to form a select pattern. This arrangement of beamed spring elements facilitates absorption and distribution of force. Additionally, the present protective armor is comprised of a lightweight and breathable material such that the wearer is comfortable during exertion.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 a is a perspective view of a first embodiment of the present protective armor in use by a skier.

FIG. 1 b is another perspective view of the first embodiment present protective armor in use by a soccer player.

FIG. 1 c is a detailed perspective view of the first embodiment of network of beams and spring elements in accordance with the present protective armor.

FIG. 1 d is a cross-sectional depiction of an aspect of the embodiment of FIG. 1c.

FIG. 2 a is a front side view of a second embodiment of the present protective armor, including a transversally mounted sliding beam.

FIG. 2 b is a side view of the second embodiment of FIG. 2a.

FIG. 2 c is a front side view of the embodiment of FIG. 2a, illustrating free movement of the transversally mounted sliding beam.

FIG. 2 d is a side view of the embodiment of FIG. 2a, illustrating application of force to the transversally mounted sliding beam.

FIG. 2 e is a side view of the embodiment of FIG. 2a, illustrating application of force to the transversally mounted sliding beam.

FIG. 2 f is a front side view of the embodiment of FIG. 2a, illustrating the transversally mounted sliding beam under tension.

FIG. 3 a is a perspective view of a third embodiment of the present spring element network.

FIG. 3 b is a detailed perspective view of the connection junction of the third embodiment of FIG. 3a.

FIG. 4 is a perspective bottom view of a third embodiment of the present including a spring element network and a mesh structure.

FIG. 5 is a perspective top view of the embodiment of FIG. 4.

FIG. 6 a is a perspective front view of the embodiment of FIG. 4, illustrating torsional flexibility.

FIG. 6 b is another perspective front view of the embodiment of FIG. 4, illustrating torsional flexibility.

FIG. 6 c is another perspective top view of the embodiment of FIG. 4.

FIG. 7 a is a side view of the embodiment of FIG. 4, illustrating application of force to the mesh network.

FIG. 7 b is a side view of the embodiment of FIG. 4 being compressed.

FIG. 8 is a side view of the embodiment of FIG. 4.

FIG. 9 is a side view of the embodiment of FIG. 4, illustrating torsional flexibility.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Embodiments of the present disclosure relate to protective body armor to be worn while engaging in physical activities for protecting against injury due to impact. The following description is presented to enable one of ordinary skill in the art to make and use the present protective body armor and is provided in the context of a patent application and its requirements. Various modifications to the preferred embodiment and the generic principles and features described herein will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art. Thus, the present disclosure is not intended to be limited to the embodiments shown, but is to be accorded the widest scope consistent with the principles and features described herein. Advantages of the present protective body armor will now be described in detail with references to the accompanying drawings.

The present protective body armor is intended to protect a person from the consequences of impact with both fixed hard structures, such as the ground, and with moving objects, such as other people. For example, an armor may be provided for a person participating in various physical activities (e.g., an armor 100a-c for a person participating in skiing or soccer, as illustrated in FIGS. 1a and 1b). It is an object of the present protective body armor to: be flexible without hindering movement; have the ability to mitigate impacts from both small and large hard objects without bottoming out; and provide ventilation to the wearer. Accordingly, the present disclosure is directed to protective armor to be worn during sporting activities to adequately protect the wearer from impact, while allowing for freedom of movement. Additionally, the present protective armor is comprised of a lightweight and breathable material such that the wearer is comfortable during exertion.

In one embodiment, illustrated in FIGS. 1a through 1d, the present protective body armor 100 is comprised of an outer border 107 and a network 103 of beams 102 and spring elements 101. The network 103 of beams 102 and spring elements 101 may be comprised of a plurality of beams 102 formed integrally with a plurality of spring elements 101. Each beam 102 preferably includes a spring element 101 extending therefrom at a select angle. The outer periphery of the network 103 is bound by the outer border 107, as specifically illustrated in FIG. 1a.

The network 103 of beams 102 and spring elements 101 may be composed of plastic, PVC, fiberglass, rubber, polycarbonate, polypropylene, Nylon, polyethylene, polyurethane or other similar materials. Moreover, the network 103 material may be injection molded, blow molded, sintered, vacformed or compression molded as an integral construction. The outer border 107 may be composed of a substantially soft and flexible material, such as Lycra®, rubber, foam, or fabric.

As shown in FIG. 1c, the beams 102 are arranged to form a diamond pattern 105, or X-pattern, throughout the network 103 of beams 102 and spring elements 101. As shown, each diamond shape 106 is bounded by four beams 102a-d. The beams 102 create longitudinal stiffness in the network 103 such that it generally maintains its shape. Specifically, because the beams 102 are rigid, they inhibit the network 103 from bending in a longitudinal direction, meaning the network is generally longitudinally rigid. In this embodiment, the area defined within the diamond shape 106 is hollow, such that each diamond shape 106 defines an aperture therein. Thus, air is free to pass through the network 103 via each diamond shape 106. As a result, the present armor is aerated and lightweight for the wearer's comfort, therefore being “breathable.” In the embodiment of FIG. 1c, each of beams 102a-d preferably has a length of about 0.5 inches, a height of about 0.25 inches, and a thickness of about 0.031 inches. As a result, each diamond shape 106 defines an area of about 0.25 square inches therein.

The hollow area defined by each diamond shape 106 further allows lateral movement of the network 103 of beams 102 and spring elements 101. Thus, the larger the aperture defined by each diamond shape, the more flexibility the wearer will have. As shown in FIG. 1c, the sizes of the diamond shapes 106 are uniform over the surface of the network 103. However, the sizes of the diamond shapes and of the spring elements may be non-uniform over the surface of the network to accommodate flexing and for the ergonomic function of the protective armor based upon the area of the body being protected.

Alternatively, in another embodiment (not shown), the beams may be arranged to form a circular, honeycomb or hexagonal pattern throughout the network of beams and spring elements. In this embodiment, each hexagon formed by the beams defines an aperture in its center, such that each hexagon is hollow.

As described above, the network 103 is further comprised of a plurality of spring elements 101 in connection with and extending from the plurality of beams 102. Preferably, each beam 102 includes a spring element 101 extending therefrom at a select angle to facilitate distribution of a set amount of force. More specifically, each spring element 101 includes a top portion 108 and a bottom portion 110. The top portion 108 is connected to and extends from the beam 102 at a select fixed angle. The bottom portion 110 extends from the top portion at a select angle, and may be generally curved. In a collision, each spring elements 101 absorbs the force of impact and distributes it to its corresponding beam 102, such that the force is dispersed throughout the network 103. Thus, the force of impact is sent away from the wearer, thereby protecting the wearer from injury. More specifically, as illustrated in FIG. 1d, when force is applied to the network, each spring element 101 compresses, with respect to its corresponding beam 102, until the bottom portion 110 of the spring element 101 is flat. The spring element 101 deflects in a linear and consistent manner such that the force is absorbed and dispersed to the beam 102. Thus, each beam 102 deflects force, while each spring element 101 absorbs force, acting to cushion impact for the wearer.

Each spring element 101 in the network has a select stiffness for distributing a set amount of force. The stiffness of each spring element 101 is a function of its width, depth, thickness, material composition and the angle at which it extends from the beam 102. As described above, each spring element 101 is positioned at a select angle to its corresponding beam 102 to facilitate distribution of force. More specifically, the angle (A) at which the top portion 108 of the spring element 101 extends from the beam 102 determines the compressibility of the bottom portion 110. Accordingly, the angle (A) defined between the top portion 108 of the spring element 101 and the beam 102, in part, determines the stiffness of the spring element 101.

The angle (A) that the top portion 108 of the spring element 101 is positioned relative to beam 102 directly corresponds to the flexibility of the spring element 101, and inversely corresponds to impact force able to be dispersed. Thus, the smaller the angle (A) defined between the top portion 108 of the spring element 101 and the beam 102, the less flexibility the wearer will have, and the more force will be able to be dispersed. The angle (A) defined between the top portion 108 of the spring element 101 and the beam 102 is generally selected from an angle between about 0° and about 90°, where 0° provides the most rigidity to the spring and 90° provides the most flexibility. For example, FIG. 1c illustrates a spring element 101 situated in-line with the beam 102; that is, an angle of spring 0° is defined between the top portion 108 of the spring element 101 and the beam 102. At this angle, the spring element 101 is generally stiff, meaning it is able to disperse a large amount of impact force. In contrast, a spring element situated at a larger angle, such that a 45° angle is defined between the top portion of the spring element and the beam, would be relatively more flexible. However, such a spring element would not be able to disperse as much impact force as the spring element 101 of FIG. 1c.

Moreover, as described above, the stiffness of the spring element 101 is further a function of its depth, width and thickness, and material composition thereof. Specifically, the dimensions of the spring element directly correspond to the stiffness of the spring element 101 and to the amount impact force it is able to absorb. For example, each spring element 101 illustrated in FIG. 1c has a depth (D) of about 0.25 inches, a width (W) of about 0.25 inches, and a thickness (T) of about 0.03 inches. This spring element is relatively stiff, and therefore able to absorb a relatively large amount of force. However, stiffer spring elements 101 may restrict movement of the wearer. Flexible spring elements 101 are not able to absorb and disperse as much force as stiff spring elements 101. However, such flexible spring elements 101 facilitate movement of the wearer.

The present armor 100 may also be comprised of variously shaped or angled spring elements selected for specific groupings within the network or on separate armors to provide for varying regions of impact protection and varying regions of flexibility. For example, FIG. 1a illustrates the protective armor including a spinal guard 100a and a thigh guard 100b being used by a skier having varied spring elements from one another.

Specifically, the thigh guard 100b is generally rigid, as the thigh of a skier's body does not require much flexibility to perform the activity. In this example, the thigh guard 100b is comprised of a network 103 including spring elements 101 having top portions 108 situated at a 0° angle relative to their corresponding beams. As a result, each spring element is generally stiff and thus able to absorb increased force, thus protecting the wearer from injury. Moreover, the network 103 includes relatively small diamond shapes 106 to further limit flexibility. By contrast, the spinal guard 100a requires increased flexibility because a skier must be able to bend and move his spine freely. Therefore, the spinal guard of FIG. 1a is comprised of a network including relatively large diamond shapes to facilitate flexibility. However, because the spine is requires increased shock absorption and protection, the spinal guard includes spring elements situated at a marginally larger angle, such as 10°, relative to their corresponding beams (not shown). As a result, each spring element is generally stiff and thus able to absorb increased force, thus protecting the wearer from injury.

Additionally, the present protective armor may further include a means of securing the armor to a person's body. For example, as shown in FIGS. 1a and 1b, the protective armor may include a plurality of straps 111 affixed to the armor 100a-c outer border 107. In this example, the outer border 107 defines a plurality of apertures 109 therein for receiving the straps 111. The straps 111 may be threaded through apertures 109 defined in the outer border 107 and then secured around the user's body. The straps 111 may be comprised of any suitable fabric or material, such as nylon. Alternatively, the present protective armor may be affixed to a garment. For example, the armor may be sewn, glued, laminated, or otherwise affixed to the outside of a shirt or pair of pants. The armor may also be situated internal to the article of clothing.

FIGS. 2 a through 2f illustrate another embodiment of the present protective armor comprised of a network 203 of a plurality of beams 202 formed integrally with a plurality of spring elements 201. In this embodiment, the present protective armor may further include a plurality of transversally mounted sliding beams 212 for locking a plane of movement in one direction only. For example, the transversally mounted sliding beams 212 may be used to provide convex flexibility of the network 203, while providing concave rigidity. The sliding beam 212 is mounted at one end 213 to an anchor 214 situated adjacent to a beam 202 of the network 203. The other end 215 of the sliding beam 212 is supported by a guide 216. End 215 of sliding beam 212 has an end stop 217 dimensioned for engaging guide 216 and for inhibiting movement of sliding beam 212 in a given direction. For example, end stop 217 can be dimensioned to engage the body or portion thereof or extension thereof such as a shoulder to prevent movement of sliding beam 212 in a given direction.

As illustrated in FIG. 2c, when there is no load or force on the armor, the sliding beam 212 is free to move at one end through a guide 216. Moreover, when load (Force A) is applied to the armor from one direction, as illustrated in FIG. 2d, the network 203 bends, becoming convex along the opposite axis to the bending force (Force A). Under the influence of force (Force A), the distance between the anchor and the guide decreases, allowing the sliding beam to move freely through the guide. The sliding beam 212 does not provide any resistance to Force A. However, when load (Force B) is applied in the opposite direction, as illustrated in FIG. 2e, the network attempts to bend with the force and, at the opposite axis, becomes concave. As a result, as shown in FIG. 2f, the sliding beam 212 is put under tension and cannot move past the guide 216.

Thus, the sliding beam 212 only allows the network 203 to bend on one plane. The transversally mounted sliding beams create concave stiffness in the armor such that it maintains its shape. Specifically, because the transversally mounted sliding beams are rigid, they prevent the armor from bending in a concave direction, meaning the armor is concavely rigid. For example, when the armor of the present embodiment is used as a spinal guard, the sliding beam allows the armor to bend convexly to allow the spine to bend forward freely. However, the sliding beam prevents concave bending, so that the wearer may not bend backwards. As a result, the spine is properly protected.

FIGS. 3 a and 3b illustrate another embodiment of the present protective armor comprised of a network 303 and an outer border (not shown). The network 303 comprised of a plurality of beams 302 formed integrally with a plurality of spring elements 301. In this embodiment, the beams 302 and spring elements 301 are modular such that the armor 300 may be customized to fit the wearer. Each beam 302 may include a connector 320 for selective adaptation of the network 303. In this embodiment, the connector 320 may be comprised of a tongue 321a and groove 321b connection. Specifically, one beam 302 includes a tongue 321a, whereas another beam 302 includes a corresponding groove 321b. As specifically illustrated in FIG. 3b, the tongue 321a is received by the groove 321b to form a connection between the beams 302a, 302b.

FIGS. 4-9 show yet another embodiment of the present protective armor including a plurality of spring elements 401 extending from a mesh structure 420. As illustrated in FIGS. 4-9, the mesh structure 420 may be comprised of a honeycomb or hexagonal pattern. In this embodiment, each hexagon formed by the mesh structure defines an aperture in its center, such that each hexagon is hollow. As a result, the mesh structure is lightweight and flexible.

Moreover, the mesh structure 420 adds rigidity to the armor to provide more protection for the wearer upon impact. Additionally, as illustrated in FIG. 4, the mesh structure 420 defines a plurality of vertical channels 405 therein to provide lateral flexibility (407) of the mesh structure, while providing longitudinal rigidity. This flexibility is illustrated more specifically in FIGS. 6a-6c and 9. The channels 405 create underlying pillars 413 situated at the vertex 412 of each v-shape 410 defined in the mesh structure. The pillars 413 create longitudinal stiffness in the mesh structure 420 such that it maintains its shape. Specifically, because the pillars 413 are rigid, they prevent the mesh structure 420 from bending in a longitudinal direction, meaning the mesh structure 420 is longitudinally rigid (409 shown in FIG. 5).

As illustrated specifically in FIGS. 7a and 7b, when force is applied to the mesh structure, the mesh structure disperses the initial impact throughout its network and the network of spring elements absorb the impact force such that the wearer is protected. Specifically, upon impact, each spring element 401 compresses with respect to the mesh structure to deflect and disperse such force through the mesh structure. As force is applied, the spring element 401 deflects in a linear and consistent manner such that the force is absorbed and dispersed to the mesh structure. That is, upon impact the spring element 401 compresses and deflects force away from the wearer 422. At the same time, impact force is absorbed by the mesh structure 420 and dispersed throughout. The rigid mesh structure 420 prevents deformation of the spring elements 420, and thus better protects the wearer 420 from impact force.

The stiffness of each spring element 401 is a function of its width, depth, thickness, material composition and the angle at which it extends from the beam 402. Each spring element is positioned at a select angle to its corresponding beam to facilitate distribution of force. Specifically, the angle at which the spring element 401 is positioned, relative to the beam, directly corresponds to the flexibility of the spring element 401 and inversely corresponds to impact force able to be dispersed. Therefore, a spring element 401 that extends at a larger angle relative to the beam 402 is generally flexible, but is unable to disperse a large amount of impact force. By contrast, a spring element 401 which extends at a smaller angle relative to the beam 402 is generally stiff, and able to disperse a larger amount of impact force.

As described above, the stiffness of the spring element 401 is further a function of its depth, width and thickness. Generally, a relatively stiff spring element 401 has a larger depth, width and thickness. By contrast, a flexible spring element 401 has a comparably smaller depth, width and thickness. A stiffer spring element 401, having a larger depth, width and/or thickness, provides a larger area for forces to be dispersed through. However, stiffer spring elements 401 restrict movement of the wearer. Flexible spring elements 401 are not able to deflect and disperse as much force as stiff spring elements 401. However, such flexible spring elements 401 facilitate movement of the wearer. Accordingly, the present armor includes a select combination of flexible and stiff spring elements 401 in the network 400 such that force of impact may be effectively deflected and dispersed, while allowing ample freedom of movement for the wearer.

Additionally, the spring elements 401 provide integrated cushioning in the armor, such that the wearer need not wear additional foam or padding to protect against chafing or other irritation from the armor. As a result, fabric breathability and ventilation is improved, preventing the wearer from over-heating during exertion. Moreover, as described above, the mesh structure defines a plurality of apertures therein. Each aperture defined in the mesh structure provides a passage for air to reach the wearer. As a result, the armor is aerated and comfortable for the wearer.

Various modifications to the preferred embodiments of the protective armor and the generic principles and features described above will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art. Thus, the present protective armor is not intended to be limited to the embodiments shown, but is to be accorded the widest scope consistent with the principles and features described above. The present protective armor has been described in accordance with the embodiments shown, and one of ordinary skill in the art will readily recognize that there could be variations to the embodiments, and any variations would be within the spirit and scope of the present disclosure. Accordingly, many modifications may be made by one of ordinary skill in the art without departing from the spirit and scope of the appended claims.

Claims

1. A flexible protective armor comprising: a network of a plurality of beams and a plurality of spring elements, wherein each beam includes a spring element extending therefrom at a select angle, wherein the beams are arranged to form a select pattern throughout the network, andwhereby the network of beams and spring elements facilitates absorption and distribution of force such that each spring element absorbs a set amount of force and disperses such force to its corresponding beam and throughout the network.

2. The flexible protective armor of claim 1, further comprising an outer border for binding the network of beams and spring elements therein to form a select shape thereof.

3. The flexible protective armor of claim 1, wherein each spring element has a select stiffness for distributing a select amount of force.

4. The flexible protective armor of claim 3, wherein the spring element stiffness is a function of the size and shape of the spring element.

5. The flexible protective armor of claim 3, wherein the spring element stiffness is a function of the angle the spring element extends from its corresponding beam.

6. The flexible protective armor of claim 1, wherein the beams are arranged to form a diamond pattern throughout the network.

7. The flexible protective armor of claim 6, wherein each diamond shape in the diamond pattern is bounded by four beams, each beam having a length of about 0.5 inches, a height of about 0.25 inches, and a thickness of about 0.031 inches.

8. The flexible protective armor of claim 6, wherein each diamond shape in the diamond pattern defines a hollow area, such that each diamond shape defines an aperture therein such that air may pass freely therethrough.

9. The flexible protective armor of claim 6, wherein the size of each diamond shape in the diamond pattern is non-uniform over the surface of the network.

10. The flexible protective armor of claim 1, wherein the size and shape of each spring element is non-uniform over the surface of the network.

11. The flexible protective armor of claim 1, wherein the angle that each spring element is positioned relative to its corresponding beam is non-uniform over the surface of the network.

12. The flexible protective armor of claim 1, wherein the beams are adapted to be transversally mounted for locking a plane of movement in one direction.

13. The flexible protective armor of claim 12, wherein each beam is mounted at one end to anchor situated adjacent to a beam of the network and supported at the other end by a guide, and further includes an end stop dimensioned for engaging said guide and to inhibit movement of the beam in a given direction.

14. The flexible protective armor of claim 13, whereby applying load in one direction such that the network bends to be convex along the opposite axis to the bending force, the beam can move freely through the guide.

15. The flexible protective armor of claim 13, whereby applying load in one direction such that the network bends to be concave along the opposite axis to the bending force, the beam is put under tension and cannot move past the guide.

16. The flexible protective armor of claim 1, wherein the network is modular such that the armor may be customized to fit a person's body.

17. The flexible protective armor of claim 16, wherein each beam includes a connector for selective adaptation of the network.

18. The flexible protective armor of claim 1, wherein the plurality of spring elements form a network of spring elements to provide a cushioning for a person's body.

19. The flexible protective armor of claim 1, wherein the beams are arranged to form a honeycomb throughout the network.

20. A flexible protective armor comprising: a mesh structure defining a plurality of apertures therein, wherein the mesh structure defines a plurality of vertical channels therein to provide lateral flexibility thereof, said mesh structure further including a plurality of pillars situated at the vertex of each channel defined in the mesh structure, wherein said pillars inhibit longitudinal bending of the mesh structure,a plurality of spring elements extending from the mesh structure at a select angle, andwhereby the mesh structure facilitates absorption and distribution of force such that each spring element absorbs a set amount of force and disperses such force to the mesh structure.

21. The flexible protective armor of claim 20, wherein the apertures defined by the mesh structure are defined in a hexagonal shape.

22. The flexible protective armor of claim 20, wherein each spring element has a select stiffness for distributing a set amount of force.

23. The flexible protective armor of claim 22, wherein the spring element stiffness is a function of the size and shape of the spring element and of the angle the spring element is positioned relative to the mesh structure.