Puncture and Cut Resistant Material

Abstract

A material that is elastic and cut/puncture resistant, for use in garments. Said material contains a plurality of protective elements 38, at least one elastic base layer 36, and minimal connective area 42 or no connective area (see FIG. 14a&b) between the protective element(s) 38 and the elastic base 36 layer(s). The attachment can be point attachment 42, or attachment of layers of elastic materials to form pockets 108 to capture the protective elements. The protective elements can be flexible (FIG. 3a) or (semi) rigid 82.

Description

FIELD OF INVENTION

This invention relates to cut and puncture resistant materials for garments. This invention is intended for use with wetsuits (like neoprene or nylon) for water activities, but said invention may prove useful wherever puncture and cut resistant material that is also elastic is used.

DESCRIPTION OF PRIOR ART

There are currently numerous “wet” suits worn by water sports enthusiasts. Some are made of elastic materials like nylon to reduce the body's natural “drag” against the water, such as used by Olympic swimmers. Others are made of elastic materials like nylon by surfers for the purpose of providing a thin level of rash protection from contact with the surfing equipment. Some are made from insulating materials like neoprene which provide thermal insulation for those participating in colder waters.

In order for these garments to work effectively, they must stretch and cling to the wearer. In order for these garments to be desired by enthusiasts (and actually be worn) they must allow for a high level of mobility, which again requires a high level of stretch and elasticity.

Current wetsuits do provide for simple rash protection or thermal insulation, but are not designed to resist puncture, cutting, or tearing, such as may be received from impacts with sharp rocks or reefs, or from shark bites. Many fatalities from shark bites result not from blunt force trauma or drowning induced by the shark, but rather from the deep puncture and cutting of tissue from the shark's razor sharp teeth. Some dive shops do offer chain mail garments designed to be worn over wetsuits or rash guards. These garments function when engaged in slow deliberate movements like SCUBA diving. However, these suits are too oversized, bulky, heavy, and burdensome for those participating in vigorous water sports like swimming or surfing.

So, manufacturers of wet suits for vigorous water sports have long sought a means to effectively protect the wearer from cutting, puncture, and tearing in a garment that remains highly elastic and form fitting.

There are essentially four “groups” of related art that should be discussed in detail. First, are the references related to wet suits or thermal suits for diving, which do not significantly protect the wearer from cutting or puncture. Second are suits or materials with small rigid elements or platelets designed for protection from fire, knife stabbing, or high velocity punctures (such as bullets). These materials are generally not designed to expand and contract, as such a property would be deleterious to their intended use (by allowing gaps between individual platelets to form during expansion of the base material, which may defeat the protection altogether). Third are materials designed primarily for the medical profession, in the form of gloves and various materials, to prevent accidental needle sticks and scalpel cuts. These materials are generally not intended for full suits or for vigorous water activities. Fourth are suits or materials specifically for shark bite protection, with materials ranging from chain mail to spiked outfits. All of the groups of referenced related art have serious limitations for use, which explains why they are not used by water sports enthusiasts currently.

Group one depicts thermal protection suits that do not possess significant cutting or puncture resistance. Related art U.S. Pat. Nos. 2,749,551 and 2,981,954 to Garbellano depict such underwater thermal suits. Garbellano's suits are designed primarily for thermal insulation, and do not possess significant cutting or tearing resistance other than that afforded by the neoprene and fabric itself.

The second group are suits or materials designed for knife stabbing or high velocity bullet protection. There are numerous patents that suggest plates affixed to a flexible, yet preferably non-elastic base (i.e., U.S. Pat. Nos. 2,819,759, 3,813,281, and 5,515,541). The non-elastic nature of the base material provides for flexibility but eliminates the clinging elastic properties required for vigorous water sports. Finally Zieglar's U.S. Pat. No. 5,511,241 depicts a chain mail glove impregnated with neoprene. Infusing flexible metal with rubber renders the composite material substantially inflexible and inelastic, because the elastic neoprene material would bond to virtually all of the steel ring surfaces. All of these referenced suits or materials seem to possess a significant degree of flexibility, but lack a significant level of elasticity.

The third group features many designs of materials and garments designed to protect those in the medical profession from accidental needle sticks or scalpel cuts. These materials are not generally intended for complete suits or for use in the water. The arrays of tiny platelets (i.e., U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,951,689, 5,200,263, 5,368,930, 5,601,895, and 5,953,751) are small and smooth faced. Teeth from a shaking shark bite would likely slide over the smooth faced platelets and find their way in between them. The woven metals or woven aramid fibers (U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,779,290, 4,742,578, 4,833,733, and 5,070,540) are flexible, but inelastic, and would prevent high degrees of elasticity and mobility required by water sports enthusiasts.

The final group holds examples of related art specifically designed for water activities. Prasser's protective garment, U.S. Pat. No. 3,284,806) depicts a thermal rubber wetsuit with impregnated steel mesh or a plurality of “intermeshed” rings to form an “interlinked fabric”. This design is similar in limitations to U.S. Pat. No. 5,511,241 above, wherein the infusing of flexible metal with rubber renders the composite material as substantially less flexible and inelastic. This is because the elastic neoprene material would bond to virtually all of the inelastic steel surfaces. Sullivan's U.S. Pat. No. 4,356,569 suggests chain mail with large steel plates. This suit is limited by non-clinging or form-fitting steel chain mail, with plates of steel strapped to the outside. This entire arrangement would be very difficult to efficiently maneuver through the water. Further, this arrangement would be prohibitively expensive and cumbersome to manufacture in requiring tailoring to the many different sizes and shapes of people. Schneider's U.S. Pat. No. 4,602,384, and Fox's U.S. Pat. No. 4,833,729 both suggest elements on the outside of the suits (spikes or repulsive chemical sacs) to deter shark attacks. Due to gear entanglement issues and the outrageous appearance of the suits, neither product would likely be considered by someone involved in vigorous water sports.

In conclusion, the referenced patents suffer from several critical problems:

• • (a) They attempt 100% solutions to a protection problem, providing so much protection that ultimate mobility and manufacturing costs are compromised. This results in garments that are not either not purchased or not worn.
  • (b) Some suits only offer only thermal or rash protection, and offer little to no protection from cuts or punctures such as may be imposed by a shark bite or a sharp rock or reef.
  • (c) The referenced platelet designs have problems in that: i) They are mounted to bases that are flexible but preferred as non elastic, which prevents both the clinging form fitting nature and high degrees of mobility ii) They propose small, rigid, smooth faced individual plates, which would not prevent teeth in a shaking shark bite to slide in between platelets.
  • (d) The chainmail, chainmail and metal plate, neoprene infused chainmail, and steel mesh designs are limited in that they are i) heavy. ii) expensive to manufacture. iii) they do not allow free expansion and contraction (they are limited to the designed expansion of the interconnected metal elements of the chainmail or steel mesh). Currently available chainmail suits for water activities are manufactured oversized to allow donning and doffing. The excess material is bound up with additional straps and rubber bands (creating significant water drag). These suits are generally acceptable for slow deliberate movements like scuba diving, but impractical for vigorous sports like surfing or swimming.
  • (e) The spike and chemical sac suits both suffer from i) an expensive manufacture process ii) likely entanglements of other gear or equipment (like scuba gear) iii) imposed difficulty in the wearer's movement (swimming, surfing, etc.) iv) large amounts of drag when moving through the water, and v) an appearance that would discourage use by water sports enthusiasts.

OBJECTIVES AND ADVANTAGES

Accordingly, several objectives and advantages of the present invention are:

• • (a) To provide a material to comprise a garment, that protects the wearer from cuts, punctures, and tears (such as may be imposed by a shark bite, or impact with a reef or sharp rock).
  • (b) To provide a material to comprise a garment, that expands and contracts to the limit of the elastic base material, and not to the limit of interconnected protective elements as in other garments. This is achieved by both specifically not interconnecting protective element(s), and limiting or eliminating the direct connective surface area between the protective element and the elastic base material(s). In comparison, typical chain mail can only expand to the limit of the extended interconnected rings.
  • (c) To provide a material to comprise a garment, that while protecting the wearer, it also expands and contracts. This elastic nature which clings to the wearers contours is critical to i) provide for easy donning and doffing ii) provide for ease of mobility and freedom of movement of the wearer iii) allow for potential thermal benefit if desired iv) minimize water drag v) minimize gear entanglements (like scuba gear).
  • (d) To provide a material to comprise a garment, that while protecting the wearer and allowing free movement, the material for the garment does not appear very different than other garments commonly worn today (like common surfing or diving wetsuits) This allows the wearer to feel comfortable around peers engaged in similar activities, as the proposed garment does not have an outrageous appearance (like the chain mail or spiked outfits).
  • (e) To provide a material to comprise a garment, that while protecting the wearer and allowing free movement, is relatively inexpensive to manufacture in materials and fabrication processes. This is achieved by using standard size and spacing of protective elements (mass produced), affixed to common elastic materials (like neoprene and nylon), with simple single point attachment like button sewing or rivets. The protective elements themselves can be made from laminated high strength cloth (i.e., aramid fiber cloth), already commonly used in sail boat sails.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In accordance with the present invention, I propose a material to form a garment, comprised of small (preferred flexible) protective elements, which are not connected or linked directly to each other, but rather are linked only to a flexible and highly expansive and contractive (elastic) base material. There should be minimal or no connective surface area between the elastic base material and the individual protective elements, like single point button stitching, or minimal connection of elastic thread material between the various platelets. This allows the base material to freely expand and contract to the limit of the base material, instead of being restricted to the limit of interconnected less-elastic protective elements. Covering the protective element(s) with additional layers of expansive material is preferred to create a garment that appears similar to other popular garments currently worn, to reduce water drag, and to prevent snagging of exposed protective element(s) on gear etc.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

In the drawing figures, closely related figures have the same number but different alphabetic suffixes.

FIG. 1 depicts a complete wet suit garment made from the composite protective material, with a flap exposing the protective layer underneath a layer of elastic cover material.

FIG. 2 shows the material in a perspective view with layers pulled up to expose the layers beneath. There is one layer of expandable base material, a layer of elastic material to attach the offset protective elements on either side, and an exterior layer of elastic material to cover the platelets.

FIG. 3 a depicts the preferred embodiment of a flexible protective element platelet comprised of a layer of high strength material (nylon web, aramid cloth, steel mesh, etc.) heat and pressure fused between two outside layers of plastic (i.e., polyethylene terephthalate (PET or Mylar). FIG. 3b depicts this platelet in cross section, and FIG. 3c is an exploded view.

FIG. 4A depicts individual non-expansive protective element platelets point attached to the elastic base material, with dimension lines showing the amount of elastic area in a linear format.

FIG. 4B depicts the same line of platelets with continuous attachment to the elastic base (not part of this invention). This figure also depicts the linear area remaining that is still elastic.

FIG. 5A depicts a cross section of the material in cross section in a relaxed state. FIG. 5b shows the same cross section in an expanded state.

FIG. 6 a depicts a single shark tooth in initial contact with the protective materials, with a representation of the tooth points surface area.

FIG. 6 b depicts a single shark tooth depressed halfway into the material with flexible protective elements yielding to the form of the tooth. There is also representation of the linear area of surface contact between the tooth and the protective layer.

FIG. 7 a and 7b depict a shark tooth with serrations reacting to the high strength fibers of the protective element. FIG. 7b depicts a magnified view of the serrations catching on the threads of the high strength fibers.

FIG. 9 a depicts a rigid protective element platelet design with a jagged surface. FIG. 9b depicts this same platelet in cutaway section. FIG. 9c depicts an alternate rigid platelet design with hole perforations, and FIG. 9d depicts this same platelet in section.

FIG. 10 a depicts the operation of rigid smooth faced platelets in contact with a sharks tooth under the operation of a bite (downward pressure and side to side shaking). FIG. 10b depicts a jagged surface of a rigid platelet capturing the tooth during side to side shaking.

FIG. 11 a through 11f depict multiple arrangements of protective element shapes, both in overlapping and non-overlapping arrangements.

FIG. 12 a depicts a “Z” shaped protective element platelet that overlaps other platelets thus allowing for expansion and contraction without opening gaps in the system. FIG. 12b depicts the same arrangement in cross section.

FIG. 13 a depicts a perspective view of flat overlapped protective element platelets in a rectangular shape. FIG. 13b depicts a cross section of this same material.

FIG. 14 depicts a “pocket” type arrangement where the protective element platelets are not attached in any way to the elastic covering materials. Rather, the exterior elastic layers are connected to form pockets to hold the platelets in relative position to each other.

FIG. 15 depicts an alternative embodiment of the protective element as a panel of knitted high strength fiber cloth joined only at panel seams to a layer of elastic base material.

FIG. 16 a and 16b depict an alternative embodiment of protective elements connected by a plurality of material, such as an elastic thread, or the like.

FIG. 17 a and 17b depict an alternative embodiment of protective platelets with their edges connected by material, such as an elastic thread, or the like, in perspective view and sectional view, respectively.

DRAWINGS—REFERENCE NUMERALS

20 Layer of protective elements

22 Layer of elastic cover

24 Elastic seaming (stitching etc.)

26 Zipper opening

28 Minimal protective elements

30 Area of large size platelets

32 Area of medium size platelets

34 Area of small sized platelets

36 Elastic layer

38 Protective element (Platelet)

40 Elastic base layer

42 Point connection (i.e., stitch)

50 Connection through all layers

52 Continuous bond (i.e., glue)

54 Dimension of elastic area

56 Dimension of non-elastic area

60 Knitted cloth protective elem.

62 Expansive stitching

64 Protective layer

66 Shark Tooth

68 Surface area of tooth point

70 Surface area of tooth edge

71 Individual tooth serration

72 Layer of plastic film

80 Layer of strong woven fabric

82 Rigid protective platelet

84 Jagged Surface

86 Hole perforation

90 Smooth Surface

92 Round platelet

94 Overlapped round platelet

96 Hexagonal platelet

98 Overlapped hexagonal platelet

100 Triangular platelet

102 Overlapped triangular platelet

104 “Z” shape overlap platelet

106 Flat overlapping platelet

108 “Pocket”-continuous attachment

110 Attachment Material (e.g., elastic thread)

112 Open area

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

FIGS. 1, 2, 3—Preferred Embodiment

FIG. 1 depicts a complete wet suit garment made from the composite protective material with a flap exposing the protective layer 20 underneath a layer of elastic cover material 22. The elastic material is preferred as neoprene or a thin nylon elastic fabric, depending on the desired thermal properties. Essentially, any elastic material either in fabric or sheets could be used for layer(s) of the material, such as rubber, nylon, silicone, etc. There is a typical closeable opening 26 (i.e., zipper, hook and eye, etc.), expansive connections (i.e., stitching, heat fusing, glue, tape, etc.) at the panel seams 24, and the potential for panels for different sized protective element(s) within. Large sized protective elements (i.e., 3″ diameter round platelets) could be used in torso and back areas 30, medium sized protective elements (i.e., 1½″ diameter round platelets) could be used in arm and leg areas 32, and small sized protective elements (i.e., ¾″ diameter round platelets) could be used in high mobility areas like elbows and knees 34. Areas of contact and chaffing like arm pits 28 and groin could have no protective element. The elastic cover layer 22 is preferred to render the complete garment as close in appearance to existing garments as possible, to reduce water drag on exposed protective elements, and to prevent snagging between the individual protective elements and gear (i.e., scuba gear).

FIG. 2 shows a piece of the material in a perspective view with layers pulled up to expose the elastic layers and protective elements within. There is one layer of expandable base material 40, a layer of elastic material 36 to attach the offset protective elements 38 on either side, and an additional exterior layer of elastic material 36 to cover the protective elements 38.

FIG. 3 a depicts the preferred embodiment of an individual protective element, comprised of a layer of high strength fiber cloth 80, attached (glued, heat fused, etc.) between two outside layers of plastic 72 such as polyethylene terephthalate (PET). FIG. 3b depicts this same platelet in cross section, and FIG. 3c is an exploded view. The critical point of the outside layers of plastic is to keep the high strength material flat and expanded in whatever shape it is (i.e., circular), so that it will not roll up or fold between the layers of the elastic base and covering when those layers are expanding and contracting. Also, the plastic serves to keep the edges of high strength (cloth) materials from unraveling.

Operation—FIGS. 4,5,6,7

FIG. 4A depicts the individual non-expansive protective elements 38 point attached 42 to the elastic base material 36, with dimension lines showing the amount of relative elastic area 54 in a linear format. Notice that the point attachment 42 allows for virtually all of the linear area of the elastic material 36 to remain elastic.

FIG. 4B (shown for reference, not part of this invention) depicts the same line of protective elements 38 with continuous attachment 52 to the elastic base 36. This figure also depicts the linear area remaining that is still elastic 54, and also shows the extensive area that is rendered as non elastic 56 due to it's continuous connection 52 to a non elastic protective element 38. Notice that the sum total of elastic area 54 in FIG. 4a is substantially larger than the sum total of elastic area 54 in FIG. 4b.

FIG. 5A depicts this same material in cross section in a relaxed state. Notice the three layers of elastic material 36, with two layers of protective platelets 38. Also, it is important that the protective element 38 layers are offset to one another to provide greater protection through the section. The protective elements 38 are point attached 42 (i.e., button stitch, glue, rivet, etc.) to the elastic layers.

FIG. 5 b shows the same cross section in an expanded state. Notice that even though the elastic materials 36 have expanded, the protective elements 38 have not expanded, nor have the protective elements 38 limited the expansion of the base materials 36 due to the point only attachment. Also, with the protective element 38 layers offset to one another, one layer of protective elements will cover the gaps opened by the other layer of protective elements during expansion. It is also possible to connect all layers together via a connection attachment 50 (i.e., stitch, glue, rivet, etc.) without limiting the elasticity of the composite material. This helps create a consistent and interrelated composite material.

FIG. 6 a depicts a single shark tooth 66 in initial contact with the protective materials 64, with a representation of the tooth point's surface area 68. Notice the area of impact 68 in FIG. 6a is extremely small. Therefore, if the pressure of the bite were 60 pounds per square inch (PSI) with a single tooth, and the point of the tooth is 1/30^th of an inch, the relative puncture pressure on the small area of the protective element would be 1,800 PSI.

FIG. 6 b depicts a flexible protective element 64 yielding to the shape of the shark tooth 66, dramatically increasing the surface area between a single tooth 66 and the protective element 64. As the surface area of contact 70 with the tooth 66 increases, the relative puncture pressure on the protective element dramatically decreases. If the surface area 70 represented in FIG. 6b were ⅙^th of an inch, the same 60 PSI bite would yield a relative puncture pressure of a single tooth at 360 PSI, across the larger surface area.

FIG. 7 a depicts a shark tooth 66 with serrations 71 reacting to the high strength fibers 80 of the protective element 64. The serrated nature of the tooth snagging on the fibers 80 has not only prevented the tooth from puncturing through the material 64, it has also prevented it from sliding back and forth on the surface of the material 64, keeping it from pressing in between protective elements or slicing the surface of them.

FIG. 7 b depicts a magnified view of the serrations 71 catching on the fibers of the high strength material 80.

FIGS. 9,10,11,12,13,14—Additional Embodiments

FIG. 9 a depicts an additional embodiment of a (semi) rigid protective element 82. These (semi) rigid protective elements may be desired to limit blunt force trauma for certain garments. It is critical that these protective elements have some sort of jagged, perforated, “snagging” material on the surface of the rigid protective element (like hook and eye, wire mesh, softer material, etc.) or other non smooth surface 84 to prevent a sliding action of the tooth. A typical shark bite includes a downward pressure, as well as shaking from side to side. If teeth are allowed to slide over protective element faces, they will find their way in between protective elements (shown in FIG. 10a below).

FIG. 9 b depicts this same protective element 82 in cutaway section depicting the irregular surface of the design.

FIG. 9 c depicts another additional embodiment rigid protective element platelet 82 with hole perforations 86.

FIG. 9 d depicts this same protective element platelet 82 in section.

FIG. 10 a (not part of this invention, shown for reference) depicts the operation of rigid protective element platelets 82 with smooth surfaces 90 in contact with a sharks tooth under the operation of a typical bite (downward pressure and side to side shaking). This figure illustrates that the tooth can slide over the surface of the protective element platelet, finding its way between two protective element platelets thus defeating the protective qualities of the platelets.

FIG. 10 b depicts an irregular surface 84 of a rigid protective element platelet 82 “capturing” the tooth point during side to side shaking, thus preventing it from simply sliding in between protective elements.

FIGS. 11 a through 11f depict various geometric patterns of protective element platelets in exposed and overlapping configurations, which can be utilized for style or ease of manufacturing. The actual shape of the protective element platelets could be in many different forms or variations. FIG. 11a depicts the surface of material with round protective element platelets 92, FIG. 11b with round overlapping protective element platelets 94. FIG. 11c depicts the surface of material with hexagonal protective element platelets 96, FIG. 11d with overlapping hexagonal protective element platelets 98. FIG. 11e depicts the surface of material with triangular protective element platelets 100, FIG. 11f with overlapping triangular protective element platelets 102.

FIG. 12 a depicts another additional embodiment of protective element platelets, in rectangular “Z” shaped protective element platelets 104 that overlap other protective element platelets 104, thus allowing for expansion and contraction without opening gaps in the system.

FIG. 12 b depicts the same arrangement of rectangular “Z” shaped protective element platelets 104 that overlap one another in a flat plane, affixed with point connections 42, to an elastic base 36, in cross section.

FIG. 13 a depicts another additional embodiment, in a perspective view of flat overlapped protective element platelets 106 in a rectangular shape, affixed to layers of elastic materials 36. FIG. 13b depicts a cross section of this same material of flat overlapped protective element platelets 106, affixed to layers of elastic materials 36 with point connections 42.

FIG. 14 a depicts another additional embodiment where the elastic materials 36 are connected together 50 in such a fashion as to create “pockets” 108 to hold the protective element platelets 38 in relative position to each other across the plane of elastic material. In this embodiment there is no direct attachment whatsoever from the protective element platelets 38 to the elastic material 36.

FIG. 15—Alternative Embodiment

FIG. 15 depicts an alternative embodiment of the protective material with a large protective element of knitted high strength material like knitted aramid fibers 60 and a layer of elastic base material 36, connected together only at panel seams with an elastic attachment 62 (i.e., stitching, glue, fusing, etc.). This embodiment also minimizes connective area between the elastic material and the protective element, by only connecting the materials at the panel seams 62.

FIG. 16—Alternative Embodiment

FIG. 16 a depicts a frontal view of an alternative embodiment of platelets 38 connected via a plurality of individual elastic threads 110.

FIG. 16 b depicts a rear view of an alternate embodiment of platelets 38 connected via individual elastic threads 110.

FIG. 17—Alternative Embodiment

FIG. 17 a depicts a perspective view of platelets 38 with elastic connections 110 at the outside edge of the platelets.

FIG. 17 b depicts a section of this arrangement of protective platelets 38 with elastic connections 110 at the perimeter edges, and an optional layer(s) of a covering or underlying material 36.

Advantages

From the description above, a number of advantages of my puncture and cut resistant material become evident:

• • a) This material is comfortable. It is specifically designed to be both elastic, form fitting, and light weight. A completed garment will act much like currently available elastic nylon garments or elastic neoprene garments. This means it has a high probability of actually being worn. The clinging fit reduces water drag, eliminates snagging of equipment, and allows it to worn as an undergarment. This ease of mobility would be highly sought after by water sports enthusiasts, law enforcement, military operations, etc.
  • b) The material is easy to manufacture. Assembly of the material is executed with standard garment industry methods. The preferred embodiment of the material is layers of elastic nylon or neoprene, with multiple layers of high strength laminated protective elements in between. The protective elements can be made from laminating high strength cloth (i.e., aramid fiber cloth, etc.). Aramid fibers have a longstanding reputation for protection, and laminated aramid fibers have been used for decades in racing sails for boats, proving the composite protective element material's longevity. The composite layered material can be simply sewn together, or attached by any number of methods including fusing, gluing, tapes, etc. If (semi) rigid protective elements are desired, they can be attached with button stitching, rivets, or any number of other techniques.
  • c) The elastic nature of the material eliminates the need for precise tailoring to individuals. This means a certain size garment would fit a large percentage of the population, reducing costs to manufacture and distribute the garments. This same elastic nature also allows for ease of donning and donning of the garment, in not requiring numerous holes and closures. This further simplifies the manufacturing process of garments.
  • d) The completed material and garments look substantially like currently available garments. Wetsuits, rash guards, elastic nylon sport wear, etc. all appear substantially the same as the protective material. This means this protective material is likely to actually be purchased and worn. Other protective products like chain mail diving garments have an appearance not likely to be utilized by surfers or swimmers.
  • e) This material lends itself to various applications. Protective elements can be thin and flexible for small shark bite protection, or the protective elements could be (semi) rigid and/or thicker for ballistic or stab protection. The elastic layers could be thin nylon for warm water, or neoprene for cold water, and there can be any number of layers. There is any number of combinations possible to fit the perceived threat or conditions. The various possible configurations of this material allow it to be adapted for water activities, law enforcement, military, etc.

Accordingly, the reader will see that the puncture and cut resistant material is a substantial improvement from currently available technology. The material can be used in a number of applications, but is would prove especially useful in relation to water activities. The material of this invention is designed to provide relative free expansion and contraction, while also providing for protection from punctures, cutting, tearing, etc. via a plurality of protective element(s). Furthermore, the puncture and cut resistant material has additional advantages in that:

• • the material's construction permits the wearer to move freely and vigorously, while maintaining a substantial level of protection;
  • the material's smooth exterior surface reduces water drag, and prevents snagging on gear or outerwear;
  • the material allows for a relatively simple manufacturing process in that existing fabrics and existing laminated high strength fibers are combined with simple stitching or other fabric joining methods;
  • the material's elastic properties allow for garments to stretch to fit the wearer, thus eliminating the need for custom tailoring or numerous openings and closures to properly fit a wide range of different wearers;
  • its finished appearance is substantially the same as other materials currently used in garments, allowing users to wear the improved garments with being subjected to an unpleasing appearance;
  • the material's construction allows for a wide range of application, utilizing a few layers of protective elements or many, utilizing thin flexible protective elements or thicker (semi) rigid protective elements, thus being adaptable to various perceived threats or conditions.

Although the description above contains much specificity, the specific details provided should not be construed as limiting the scope of the invention, but as merely providing illustrations of some of the presently preferred embodiments of this invention. For example, the elastic materials could be many different materials, thicknesses, configurations, weaves, knits, etc. The protective elements can be made from flexible high strength materials like aramid fibers, nylon fibers, steel mesh, plastic (i.e., high density polyethylene etc.) etc. or from (semi) rigid materials like steel, aluminum, plastic (thicker layers), etc. The protective elements can also be made from any number of composite assemblies, like carbon fiber, laminated aramid cloth, rubber infused with steel mesh, etc. The minimal attachment of the protective elements can be accomplished by button stitching, rivets, pocket sewing, panel seweing, adhesive, etc. Finally, the assembly of the material can be from any number of layers of elastic materials, layers of protective elements, and various means to connect the layers (i.e., stitching, riveting, adhesives, heat fusing, tapes, etc.

Thus the scope of the invention should be determined by the appended claims and their legal equivalents, rather than by the examples given.

Claims

1. A garment of a form fitting and protective type, comprising, a layer of elastic material, andat least one layer of protective element(s), where the said layer of elastic material and said layer of protective element(s) are set against each other, and the resulting composite material's edges are joined to form a garment, and still allow elastic movement of the composite material.

2. A garment of a form fitting and protective type as defined in claim 1, wherein said layer of elastic material is comprised of elastic nylon fabric, neoprene, or other elastic materials.

3. A garment of a form fitting and protective type as defined in claim 1, wherein said layer of protective element(s) is comprised of a plurality of laminated, high-strength cloth protective elements in consistent shapes, attached to the elastic layer of claim 1.

4. A garment of a form fitting and protective type as defined in claim 3, wherein said high-strength cloth is aramid fiber or other high strength material.

5. A garment of a form fitting and protective type as defined in claim 3, wherein said laminated element is comprised of polyethylene terephthalate, or other similar laminating material.

6. A garment of a form fitting and protective type as defined in claim 3, where said attachment is achieved by point attachment button-stitching or similar point attachment.

7. A garment of a form fitting and protective type as defined in claim 3, where said attachment is achieved by connecting elastic layers into pockets to house protective elements.

8. A garment of a form fitting and protective type as defined in claim 1, wherein said layer of protective element(s) is comprised of a plurality of (semi) rigid protective elements in consistent shapes, related attached to the elastic material of claim 1.

9. A garment of a form fitting and protective type as defined in claim 8, wherein said (semi) rigid protective elements are made of metal, high density polyethylene, or other similar protective materials.

10. A garment of a form fitting and protective type as defined in claim 8, where said attachment is achieved by point connection button stitching or similar attachment.

11. A garment of a form fitting and protective type as defined in claim 8, where said attachment is achieved by connecting elastic layers into pockets to house protective elements.

12. A garment of a form fitting and protective type as defined in claim 1, wherein said layer of protective element(s) is a layer of knitted high strength cloth, joined at the panel seams to said layer of elastic material in claim 1.

13. A garment of a form fitting and protective type as defined in claim 12, wherein said knitted high strength cloth is knitted aramid fiber.

14. A garment of a form fitting and protective type as defined in claim 12, where said joining is achieved with elastic pattern stitching or other connection by joining.

15. A flexible and elastic material with protective properties, comprising: at least one layer of flexible and elastic material, andat least one protective element,a means for holding each said protective element in relative position to said elastic material, anda means of fitting and joining edges of composite of said elastic material and held protective element together to cover a human body or individual body parts, whereby the resulting composite material remains flexible and elastic while providing a summary of protection from the protective element.

16. A flexible and elastic material with protective properties, comprising, a plurality of protective elements,a means for relating each said protective element in relative position to other protective elements via threadlike elastic materials,a means of fitting and joining edges of the plurality of protective elements together to cover a human body or individual body parts, whereby the resulting composite material remains flexible and elastic while providing a summary of protection from the protective elements.