Modular Multi-Purpose Armor

Abstract

A modular body armor assembly configured as a one size fits all or one size fits many and includes a plurality of modular armor panels, as well as a plurality of straps that detachably connect the modular armor panels together. The modular armor panels include armor plates encased in waterproof coverings. The waterproof coverings have a loop texturing configured for detachably connecting to the hook texturing on the straps. During use, straps are attached to the waterproof coverings of two different armor panels to position/affix the armor panels to a human torso.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. The Field of the Invention

This invention generally relates to modular body armor technology. More specifically, this invention relates to removably attachable and multi-configurable body armor.

2. The Relevant Technology

Conventional body armor typically comprises a complicated multi-piece system of body armor plates of varying sizes and shapes that are configured to be placed inside pockets of an external carrier. The external carrier is worn over a user's clothing and can be large and bulky. The user then must place each of the different body armor plates into the correct pocket of the external carrier. Typically, the external carrier is worn and is not easily storable in the user's bag or backpack. Furthermore, the different armor plates for each pocket in the dedicated carrier must also be stored, whether in the external carrier or the user's bag.

It is also noted that conventional systems are not easily assembled or dissembled, are uncomfortable to wear, not easy to store, and/or are expensive to manufacture. Furthermore, the external carriers and corresponding set of armor plates have to be of a particular size in order to fit the conforming size and shapes of the corresponding external carrier pockets/pouches and/or a specific user's body size/shape. In this regard the conventional modular armor plates are not viewed as universal. Instead, they are specially configured in size and shape for the pockets of the armor plate carriers.

In view of the foregoing, there is an ongoing need for improved systems, devices, and methods for a more multi-configurable and modular body armor that can be worn and used by different users, even without specifically configured/shaped pouches to hold the body armor.

The subject matter claimed herein is not limited to embodiments that solve any disadvantages or that operate only in environments such as those described above. Rather, this background is only provided to illustrate one exemplary technology area where some embodiments described herein may be practiced.

BRIEF SUMMARY

Disclosed embodiments include modular body armor that is removably attachable to a person's body with the use of straps and in such a manner as to facilitate universal or at least broad applications that are not restricted to any particular pocket sizes of armor plate carrier vests, for example.

As described herein, disclosed devices and methods are configured to provide modular body armor assemblies that include a panel of armor comprising an armor plate that is encased or otherwise enveloped in a waterproof covering that surrounds the armor plate. The waterproof covering is configured, in some instances, to detachably secure one or more straps for securing the plate of armor to a portion of a user's body (e.g., human torso, human leg, body of an animal, etc.) and without requiring the armor plate to be secured into a pocket or pouch of a vest or other armor carrier worn by the user.

Some disclosed embodiments are directed to a body armor assembly having a front armor panel and a back armor panel and a plurality of straps. The straps are configured to secure the front armor panel and the back armor panel together, around a portion of a user's body. Each armor panel includes a fastener (which may be the surface of the armor panel, or a separate fastener attached to the surface of the armor panel) to which the strap(s) can be securely and detachably affixed.

This Summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts in a simplified form that are further described below in the Detailed Description. This Summary is not intended to identify key features or essential features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to be used as an aid in determining the scope of the claimed subject matter. Additional features and advantages will be set forth in the description which follows, and in part will be obvious from the description, or may be learned by the practice of the teachings herein. Features and advantages of the invention may be realized and obtained by means of the instruments and combinations particularly pointed out in the appended claims. Features of the present invention will become more fully apparent from the following description and appended claims or may be learned by the practice of the invention as set forth hereinafter.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

In order to describe the manner in which the above-recited and other advantages and features can be obtained, a more particular description of the subject matter briefly described above will be rendered by reference to specific embodiments which are illustrated in the appended drawings. Understanding that these drawings depict only typical embodiments and are not therefore to be considered to be limiting in scope, embodiments will be described and explained with additional specificity and detail through the use of the accompanying drawings in which:

FIGS. 1-3 illustrate an example embodiment of a body armor assembly that includes at least two modular armor panels and that is configured to be removably secured to a user's body using a plurality of straps.

FIGS. 4-5 illustrate example embodiments of the body armor assembly from FIGS. 1-3 being worn by a human user.

FIGS. 6A-6C illustrate various back views of different body armor assemblies having modular armor panels of different shapes and sizes.

FIGS. 7A-7B illustrate a cross-sectional side and front view of a modular armor panel comprising an armor plate enveloped in a waterproof covering.

FIGS. 8A-8B illustrate a front view and a back view of a strap that may be used to secure two modular armor panels together.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Disclosed embodiments are directed towards devices and methods that provide for a modular body armor assembly. Such assemblies, as described herein, provide many advantages over conventional body armor. For instance, the disclosed modular body armor assemblies can be removably attachable to a user's body in a variety of configurable positions on the user's body and can be universally worn/attached to different body shapes and sizes, without requiring dedicated armor carrier vests to be worn by the users that have pockets sized for the body armor.

The disclosed modular armor assemblies include removably attachable armor panels that can be detachably secured together, about a user's body, with adjustable straps that enable the armor panels to be secured to different portions of user's bodies and to differently sized/shaped user bodies.

The disclosed embodiments provide many other technical and tactical advantages over conventional body armor, including a waterproof body armor assembly that is removably attachable to a user without the user of an external carrier, increasing the universality of the armor, and decreasing the cost and weight of the armor.

Notably, because the straps are adjustable and removably attachable to the different armor panels of the modular body armor assembly, the body armor assembly is configured to be a one-size-fits-all or one-size-fits-most configuration, in which the straps can be adjusted to accommodate for different user body sizes and user heights while still being positioned to protect the vital organs of the user's torso. Furthermore, because of the adjustable straps, the body armor assembly is beneficially configured to be worn over existing clothing, including existing protective clothing (e.g., a uniform or street clothes). No additional external carrier is required for the body armor assembly described herein, as is required in conventional body armor systems.

Furthermore, because the straps are detachable, the body armor assembly is easily storable in a user's bag or backpack within a relatively small footprint. The body armor assembly can be easily dissembled for storage, wherein the plurality of armor panels can be storable in a side-by-side configuration, with one side of a first armor panel being positioned adjacent to and flush with a second armor panel. The straps are also foldable into a small volume and can be fit into small empty spaces of the user's bag. Additionally, the armor panels can be easily stored in a backpack or other carrier to provide enhanced protection for items in that backpack/carrier.

Additional technical benefits are realized, wherein the manufacturing process is more efficient and less expensive. For example, because the plates of body armor preferably comprise a rectangular and/or square shape, when the plates are cut from the rectangular sheets of body armor material (e.g., Kevlar sheets), there are no waste scraps because the rectangular sheets are easily cut into smaller rectangular or square plates.

Attention will now be directed to FIGS. 1-3, which illustrate example embodiments of a body armor assembly that is configured to be removably secured to a user's torso using a plurality of straps.

As shown, the body armor assembly 100 comprises a first body armor panel 110 and a second body armor panel 120. Each armor panel is encased or enveloped in a waterproof pouch/covering 150, as will be described in more detail below in reference to FIGS. 7A and 7B.

The body armor assembly 100 also comprises a plurality of adjustable straps 130 that are removably attachable to various portions of the body armor panels. For example, the plurality of adjustable straps may include one or more shoulder straps 130 that can attach the first and second body armor panels (110 and 120) together around the shoulders of a user, as well as one or more waist straps 130 that can attach the first and second body armor panels (110 and 120) together around the waist of a user. The shoulder straps and waist straps are given the same reference number (130), inasmuch as they are interchangeable and can be detachably attached to different portions of the body armor panels.

Attention will now be directed to FIGS. 2 and 3, which illustrates opposing views of the body armor assembly 100 (e.g., FIG. 2 shows a front perspective view and FIG. 3 shows a back perspective view), such that the front surface 112 of the front armor panel and the back surface 124 of the back armor panel 120 are shown in FIG. 2, and such that back surface 114 of the front armor panel and the front surface 122 of the back armor panel 120 are shown in FIG. 3.

Notably, the straps 130 are affixed to the front surfaces (112, 122) of the front and back armor panels (110, 120), respectively. In this embodiment, the front surfaces (112, 122) of the front and back armor panels (110, 120) compose or comprise a portion of a hook and loop fastener system and the strap(s) 130 comprise the opposing/alternate portion of the hook and loop fastener system. For instance, the front surfaces (112, 122) of the front and back armor panels (110, 120) compose or comprise an adhering loop surface texturing that is configured to be detachably connected with the opposing texture of an adhering hook surface of a portion of the strap(s).

In some embodiments, the adhering loop surface covers the entire surface area of the front surfaces (112, 122), enabling the strap(s) 130 to be detachably and flexibly affixed to different portions of the front surfaces (112, 122). In alternative embodiments, the adhering loop surface covers only a sub-portion of the surface area of the front surfaces (112, 122) to restrict the area(s) where the strap(s) can be detachably affixed.

In some embodiments, the front surfaces (112, 122) and the back surfaces (114, 124) both comprise adhering loop surface texturing. In alternative embodiments, only the front surfaces (112, 122) contain the adhering loop surface texturing, with the back surfaces (114, 124) comprising a smooth texture surface that may provide improved comfort for the user and/or that may help control the directionality of the armor panels that are being worn. (Controlling directionality of the panels can be useful for improving ballistic armor performance of the modular armor assembly when the armor plates have been manufactured to enhance performance based on directionality of a ballistic impact on the armor).

To further enhance the comfort of using and wearing the modular armor assembly 100, the straps 130 can be configured to restrict the loop surface texturing, which can feel fairly abrasive to the touch, to only limited portions of the straps 130. For instance, as shown, the straps 130 are each configured with distal ends 132 in which the front surface 132A of the strap omits any loop surface texturing and in which the back surface 132B of the distal ends 132 contains/comprises the loop surface texturing.

Notably, the middle portions 134 of the straps 130 omit any loop surface texturing, making the straps 130 and particularly the middle portions 134 of the straps 130 more ergonomic. To further enhance the ergonomics of the straps 130, the middle portions 134 of the straps 130 can be composed of a very flexible and/or elastic material, which is more flexible/elastic than the distal end portions of the strap that are configured to be securely, yet detachably connected to the surfaces of the armor panels.

FIG. 3 shows a user's hand being used for connecting and/or disconnecting a distal end 130 of a strap to the outer/front surface 122 of the back panel 120.

Notwithstanding the foregoing discussions regarding the hook and loop fastening functionality of the straps with the armor panels, it should be appreciated that the straps and/or the armor panels can be configured with additionally and/or alternative types of fasteners, including zippers, snaps, buttons, hooks, magnets, buckles and/or other fasteners with corresponding fasteners secured on the waterproof covering of the body armor plates. (e.g., FIG. 6C shows an armor panel 650 with buckle fasteners 660 that are configured to detachably couple with the distal ends 132 of the current straps 130 and/or with the ends of straps that do not contain any hook fastener texturing).

FIGS. 4-5 illustrate non-limiting examples of the disclosed modular armor assembly being worn by a user in which multiple straps 130 are being used to connect the front/first armor panel 110, which is positioned at the chest of the user, to the back/second armor panel 120, which is positioned on the back of the user. To remove and/or reposition the armor panels, the user simply needs to pull the distal ends of the straps away from the looped texturing of armor panels.

With this type of fastening system, the modular armor assemblies described herein are fairly universal (e.g., one size fits all or fits most). The flexibility and utility of the disclosed assemblies is even further expandable when considering that the armor panels (particularly when composed of flexible armor plate materials) can be worn on a leg, arm or other portion of a user's body. These assemblies can also be worn on animals. Such universal utility is enabled by providing straps and panel surfaces with fastener components that enable the armor panels to be easily secured in place (in different configurations and placements), without requiring the use of specialized vests or carriers having pockets for the armor plates/panels.

While the manufacturing of the armor panels can be significantly cost-effective when manufacturing armor panels that are rectangular in shape, such as to accommodate and utilize the maximum amount of armor plating material, when stamping or cutting the armor plating material. However, it will be appreciated that the shape and size of the armor panels and vary to accommodate different needs and preferences. By way of example, FIGS. 6A, 6B and 6C show three differently sized armor panels. In particular, FIG. 6A shows a rectangular-shaped armor panel 120, while FIG. 6B shows a bean-shaped armor panel 600, and while FIG. 6C shows a triangular-shaped armor panel 650 having rounded corners.

Notably, the scope of the claims and this disclosure also covers modular armor panels having shapes the same as those shown in this disclosure, as well as other shapes that are not shown, but which are still configured to function similarly to those that have been described, only changing size or shape to accommodate differently sized users and/or different portions of the users' bodies.

FIG. 6C also illustrates how the outer surface of an armor panel can be additionally configured with additional fastener components, such as the illustrated buckles 660. Although other types of fastener components can also be used and integrally/permanently affixed to the outer surface of the armor panel(s). That said, in preferred embodiments, to reduce costs the outer surface of the armor panel(s) omits any fastener component other than the loop texturing that was previously described for detachably fastening to the hook texturing of the disclosed straps.

Attention is now directed to FIGS. 7A and 7B, which illustrate how the different armor panels are composed of an inner armor plate that is encased within an outer pouch/envelope or other covering. Preferably, although not necessarily, the outer covering is waterproof and the seams between all connecting edges of the outer covering are configured as waterproof or watertight seals.

The waterproof cover can be a nylon material or any other suitable waterproof material or another non-waterproof material that can be made waterproof with a treatment (e.g., spray). Preferably, the nylon is configured, as mentioned early, with a loop texturing (e.g., configured to detachably affix to the loop side of a hoop and loop fastener like a Velcro fastening strap).

FIGS. 7A-7B illustrate a cut-away side view (FIG. 7A) and a cut-away front view (FIG. 7B) of an armor panel 110. As shown, the armor panel 110 includes an internal/interior armor plate 140 that is enclosed within a waterproof covering 130. In some instances, the waterproof covering 130 wraps smoothly around the armor plate 140, with no visible seams. In other instances, as shown, the waterproof covering 130 is composed of different pieces of material (e.g., outer surface 112 and inner surface 114) that are sealed together at seams 170 around the edges of the armor plate 140.

The internal armor plate 140 has a length 142, a thickness 144, and a width 146. The encompassing armor panel 110, which includes the internal armor plate 140 and the waterproof covering 150 surrounding the internal armor plate 140, has a length 152, a thickness 154, and a width 156.

It will be appreciated that the internal armor plate is configurable in a plurality of different sizes and shapes, having various length, width, and thickness dimensions top accommodate different needs and preferences. The dimensions of the internal plate 140 will determine what the dimensions of the waterproof covering 150 will be in order to accommodate the size of the internal plate, while still being streamlined with the internal armor plate 114.

For example, the thickness of the armor plate can range from 0.1 inches up to 0.5 inches, or even more, particularly when if the armor plate material is lightweight and/or flexible enough to accommodate the larger thickness. A larger thickness may be used for larger portions of the user's body, while smaller thickness may be used for smaller portions of the user's body in order to provide for user freedom of movement. The thickness may also be configured based on the type of organ or body part that is being protected (e.g., thicker plates for vital organs/arteries), as well as the different types of materials used for the internal armor plate 140 (e.g., metal and/or a synthetic Kevlar or other synthetic material).

In some embodiments, the length is greater than 6 inches and less than 20 inches, or between 12 inches and 20 inches, and the height is between 6 inches and 20 inches, or between 12 inches and 20 inches. Preferably, the width and length should preferably provide enough surface area to cover a substantial portion of the user's torso. However, smaller dimensions are still functional for protecting the heart of the user, including main arteries, and/or are usable to protect other parts of the user's body (e.g., a leg or arm).

In some instances, the armor plate is a one size fits most configuration (about 11 inches in width and 14.5 inches in length, plus or minus an inch in either direction, with a thickness of about 0.25 inches, plus or minus about 0.125 inches). It has been found that this size fits most body types/shapes. Although, as indicated earlier, different sizes can also be used. Additionally, although the armor plate is substantially planar, alternative configurations include concaved or convexly shaped plates.

It should be appreciated that the internal armor plate may be comprised of different materials. For example, in some embodiments, the internal armor plate is comprised of a rigid metallic material. Alternatively, the internal armor plate is comprised of a flexible, synthetic woven or other type of synthetic armor material (e.g., Kevlar). The internal armor plate should be comprised of a material that has substantial protective qualities that protect against blunt force impacts of different objects including strikes, blows, and bullets, as well as protect against sharp objects such as knives.

The thickness of the internal plate will also be based on the type of material that is used to make the internal armor plate. For example, an armor plate comprising a rigid metallic material should have a smaller thickness in order to reduce the weight of the internal armor plate. In contrast, an armor plate comprising a flexible, lightweight material (e.g., a bulletproof synthetic or woven material like Kevlar) can comprise a larger thickness in order to provide more protection while still being of manageable weight to the user.

It should be appreciated that while FIGS. 7A-7B illustrate a rectangular shape for the body armor plate 140, the body armor plate 140 may comprise any shape, including square, rectangular, triangular, circular, oval, or other polygonal shape. Different shapes are beneficial for different parts of the body. However, a rectangular (and/or square) shape offer a large surface area of protection (e.g., for a user's torso) and reduce material waste of the raw armor material sheets which typically come in rectangular shaped sheets. Furthermore, the corners of the body armor plate may be rectangular or curved. While the curved corners may be more comfortable to the wearer, the rectangular corners provide more surface area coverage and reduce waste during manufacturing.

It should be appreciated that while FIGS. 7A-7B illustrate an internal body armor plate comprises a single layer of a single material, the internal body armor plate may comprise a plurality of layers having the same thickness (e.g., a plurality of 0.125 thick armor plates), wherein each layer/plate can be composed of the same material as another plate/layer in the stack and/or different materials. In this regard, the body armor plate may actually comprise a plurality of stacked plates that are not permanently affixed together and/or that are affixed in a laminated fashion with an adhesive. Accordingly, the term plate should be broadly interpreted as one or more plates, unless specifically limited to a single plate.

In some embodiments, the seams/edges 170 of the waterproof covering is heat sealed and/or sealed with an adhesive and/or stitching all the way around the internal plate, such that the internal plate is completely enveloped in a waterproof seal from water and/or salts that could possibly degrade the integrity of the protective/bullet-proof materials of the internal armor plate 140. The waterproof covering is configured to be flush with the internal plate in order to keep a low-profile that is easily storable. Furthermore, the waterproof covering provides a surface on which to removably affix one or more adjustable straps that are used to removably secure the body armor plate to the user.

In alternative embodiments, the seal around the seams/edges of the covering are not waterproof or formed by an adhesive or heat seal. Instead, the seams/edges 170 are connected with hook and loop faster surfaces, zippers, stitching, snaps and/or other fastener components that enable easy access to the armor plate for replacing/augmenting and/or otherwise modifying the armor plate within the covering between or during use (e.g., such as when the integrity of the armor plate may have been compromised due to a forceful impact).

As described herein, the modular body armor assembly includes two or more modular armor panels connected together by one or more straps. When the modular body armor assembly includes two or more straps, the straps can be of uniform width and length.

In some embodiments, the body armor assembly comprises a plurality of straps of different widths/lengths (e.g., some waist straps comprise a longer length than the shoulder straps, some waist straps comprise a shorter width than the shoulder straps). Longer lengths are able to accommodate for a larger range of sizes of the user, while shorter lengths are easier to store. However, even with long lengths the straps are still modular and take up a small volume when being stored. Additionally, shorter widths are easier to store, but larger widths, particularly for the shoulder straps are more comfortable.

In some embodiments, the width of the straps comprises widths ranging from 0.5 inches up to 2 inches, or larger than 2 inches. The lengths of the straps range from 12 inches up to 30 inches, or up to 40 inches (e.g., if a single waist strap is used), thus the lengths of the straps may comprise lengths ranging from 10 inches up to 40 inches, wherein shorter lengths may be used for the shoulder straps. The straps should comprise a minimal thickness as compared to the lengths and/or widths.

In some embodiments, the straps comprise an elastic central portion (e.g., a portion positioned between two non-elastic length portions) that omits any hook texturing for the hook and loop fastener system. In some alternative embodiments, the strap includes hook texturing entirely along the back surface of the strap (even along the central portion of the strap).

Additionally, in some embodiments, the straps may comprise only non-elastic portions and/or a single non-elastic length/portion. Additionally, or alternatively, the straps may comprise additional padding for comfort to the user. The padding can be positioned along any one or more portions of the strap (e.g., such as a central portion of the strap interposed between to unpadded distal portions/lengths of the strap where the strap is configured to be affixed to the armor covering).

FIGS. 8A-8B illustrate, respectively, a front view (130A) and back view (130B) view of a strap 130 in which the strap 130 includes two distal ends 132 and a central portion 134 interposed there in between. As previously mentioned, and shown, the distal ends of the strap 132 may include a textured back surface 132B, having hook texturing for a hook and loop fastener, and a relatively smooth front surface 132A that omits any of the hook texturing that is contained on the back surface 132B of the distal ends 132. Such as strap is particularly useful/configured for attaching two of the armor panels together by fastening the hook texturing of the straps onto the loop texturing of the front surfaces of the armor panels, as previously described.

With regard to the foregoing, it will be appreciated that the scope of the invention also extends to embodiments in which an armor panel (e.g., panel 110) is used with more than the 2 or 4 straps that have been shown in certain configurations (e.g., 5, 6, 7, 8 or more straps). Alternatively, the scope of the invention also extends to embodiments in which an armor panel is affixed to a user's body with another fastener (e.g., tape) or with another device (e.g., within a pocket).

In yet other embodiments, the scope of the invention further extends to embodiments in which a modular armor assembly includes three, four, five, six or more individual armor panels of the same size and/or shape or of different sizes and/or shapes are attached together (in pairings of two or more armor panels) with any quantity of detachable straps (as desired). Such configurations are particularly useful for very large users and/or when the user wants to cover multiple regions of their body at the same time.

In view of the foregoing, it will be appreciated that the disclosed embodiments provide many technical benefits over conventional body armor systems and that the disclosed modular body armor has a very high utility universal flexibility, such that it is truly a multi-purpose modular armor.

The present disclosure may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from its essential characteristics. The described embodiments are to be considered in all respects only as illustrative and not restrictive. The scope of the disclosed embodiments is, therefore, indicated by the appended claims rather than by the foregoing description. All changes which come within the meaning and range of equivalency of the claims are to be embraced within their scope.

Claims

1. A modular body armor assembly comprising: (i) two or more armor panels, each of the two or more armor panels including: (a) an armor plate; and(b) a waterproof cover that envelopes the armor plate, the waterproof cover including an outer surface with a loop texturing for a hook and loop type fastener; and(ii) a plurality of straps, each strap in the plurality of straps including: (a) two distal ends having hook texturing for the hook and loop type fastener that is configured to be detachably connected to the loop texturing of the outer surface of the waterproof cover; and(b) a central portion interposed between the two distal ends and which omits any hook texturing.

2. The modular body armor assembly of claim 1, wherein the plurality of straps includes at least four straps, including two shoulder straps and two waist straps, the two shoulder straps having a thickness that is greater than a thickness of the two waist straps.

3. The modular body armor assembly of claim 1, wherein the armor panels are configured in one or more rectangular shapes.

4. The modular body armor assembly of claim 3, wherein each of the armor panels also has an inner surface and wherein the outer surface and the inner surface both have the loop texturing.

5. The modular body armor assembly of claim 3, wherein each of the armor panels also has an inner surface and wherein the inner surface has a smooth texture that is different than the loop texturing of the outer surface.

6. The modular body armor assembly of claim 1, wherein the central portion of each strap comprises an elastic material.

7. The modular body armor assembly of claim 1, wherein the armor plate is composed of a rigid metallic material.

8. The modular body armor assembly of claim 1, wherein the armor plate is composed of a flexible synthetic material.

9. The modular body armor assembly of claim 8, wherein the flexible synthetic material comprises Kevlar.

10. The modular body armor assembly of claim 1, wherein the two or more armor panels each have a length within a range of 13.5 inches and 15.5 inches and a width within a range of 10 inches and 12 inches.

11. The modular body armor assembly of claim 1, wherein the two or more armor panels include a first armor and a second armor panel, wherein the first armor panel has a different size or shape than the second armor panel.

12. The modular body armor assembly of claim 1, wherein the two or more armor panels include at least three armor panels.

13. The modular body armor assembly of claim 1, wherein the outer surface omits any fastener component other than the loop texturing.