Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
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MULTI-PANELLED PROTECTIVE UNDERGARMENT
Field of the Invention
This invention relates, in general, to multi-panelled protective undergarments
and is
particularly, but not exclusively, applicable to flexible reinforced
undergarments such as
abdominal body armour (in the form of trunks or shorts) which includes
protective,
armour-like areas for the groin, buttocks, crotch and upper thighs.
Summary of the Prior Art
With great regret, a rise in worldwide terrorism has seen an increased use of
improvised
explosive devices ("IEDs"); these are also known as roadside bombs due to
their
deployment. Such IEDs essentially contain an explosive attached to a
detonating
mechanism, and cause severe external and internal body traumas from several
effects,
principally: the blast pressure wave and the fragmentation effect. The
fragmentation
effect leads to penetrating ballistic or blunt force injuries that arise from
impacts with
projectiles included in the container, projectiles produced from the
destruction of the
container and from objects surrounding the detonator and target.
IEDs are therefore of considerable concern and present a real threat to both
civilians and,
more particularly, military or police personnel.
With respect to likely injuries sustained in an explosion, primary blast
injury is a direct
result of the over-pressurization waves' impact on the body. These injuries
occur mainly
to the gas-filled organs, including the gastrointestinal systems and colonic
track, and
arise (for example) from the blast wave being channeled into the body.
Particularly,
injuries result from spalling, implosion, inertia and the extreme pressure
differentials at
the body surfaces causing a stress wave that is produced in the underlying
tissues. Also,
IEDs can cause traumatic amputation (of a leg or genitalia) and potential
bleed-out when
a body-part is severed following an explosion. Indeed, with respect to leg
injuries, the
location of the femoral artery in the upper leg and the overall circumference
of the thigh
often inhibit the application of a tourniquet used conventionally and
initially to stem the
flow of traumatic bleeding in advance of surgery.
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Protection of the groin, crotch region, buttocks and upper thigh are therefore
equally
important, but conventional plate-armour, besides being heavy, is generally
considered
restrictive of movement to the extent that a soldier's effectiveness may be
compromised
in that they are unable to run or crouch easily (when wearing such plate-based
armour).
The U.S. Navy's BUAER (Bureau of Aeronautics) "Flak Shorts" were made from
ballistic nylon and protected the groin and lower abdomen from low velocity
fragments
(see: http://www.vietnamgear.com/kit.aspx?kit=659). They had a front zip
closure
protected by a snap fastener cover and featured an adjustable crotch strap.
The BUAER
shorts were worn with a matching vest by Navy and Marine Corps aircrews early
in the
Vietnam War. Often referred to as "Flak Diapers", the weight (approximately
3lbs or
about 1.3kg) and overall size of these flak diapers meant that they were
rarely worn and,
more often than not, were instead used as a cushion to protect air-crewmen
against
ground fire.
Imperial Armour SA has also marketed "ballistic underwear" (see
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ipDrFc7Zqnk). Four-ply unidirectional fibre is
cross-
plied and sandwiched into a flexible film that is cut into a specific pattern.
The resulting
"ballistic panel" is combined with a trauma sheet that is worn next to the
body. The
trauma sheet therefore defines a tailored article of clothing having a pocket
into which
the ballistic panel is inserted. The cumulative weight of the product is in
the region of
1.6kg. The multiple layers are heat retaining, especially since trapped air
acts as a
thermal insulator.
In terms of leg wear design, cycling shorts are skin-tight leg wear designed
to improve
comfort and efficiency while cycling. Particularly, they: i) reduce wind
resistance and
thereby increase aerodynamic efficiency; ii) protect the skin against the
repetitive friction
of the legs against the bicycle seat or frame; iii) draw sweat away from the
skin to
prevent chafing and rashes, and to cool the rider down through the process of
evaporation; iv) compress the legs, which can help combat muscular fatigue.
The
traditional chamois leather patch inside the shorts in the crotch area (which
corresponds
to the saddle region on the bike) remains popular, although synthetic chamois
linings are
now produced in a variety of shapes and styles to suit the needs of different
rider.
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However, patch designs are minimized to reduce overall weight and to provide a
smooth
surface that is aerodynamically optimized. Modern cycling shorts are often
made of
stretchable spandex (Lycra fibre), with the hem of each leg usually lined
with elastic
and/or elastic gel that clings to the skin keeping it in a fixed position.
By way of example, the Black Pearl Bike short (by Aero Tech Designs) is made
from
tricot fabric that is highly aerodynamic and hydrodynamic. The microfiber
nylon is 87%
micro-denier nylon and 13% spandex, with the compression supporting muscles
and
movement to reduce muscle fatigue and lactic acid buildup. The material blend
of nylon
fibers allows for a soft feel that dries quickly. A shock absorbing cellular
urethane
("open-cell" structure) pad is designed to absorb shock while allowing water
vapor and
perspiration to move through the open cells and thus away from the body. Pads
in cycling
shorts can be both anti-bacterial and hypoallergenic, thereby resisting odors
and reducing
germ growth.
However, cycling shorts provide no protection against trauma and merely
prevent
chaffing and localized soreness arising from friction rubbing and related
friction burns.
Summary of the Invention
According to a first aspect of the present invention there is provided an anti-
ballistic
paneled protective pair of trunks comprising a torso region including front
abdominal and
back regions and a crotch region connecting said front abdominal and back
regions, said
crotch region being continuous with said front abdominal and back regions;
outer leg
coverings comprising a low thermal burden material; and inner, upper thigh
regions
coupled to the outer leg coverings that together form legs in the protective
trunks, said
inner upper thigh regions extending downwardly and continuously from said
crotch
region along each leg; an anti-ballistic protective region comprising at least
one
protective pal made from an anti-ballistic material, said anti-ballistic
protective region
extending continuously along the crotch region and extending downward and
continuously from said crotch region along said inner, upper thigh region in
each leg of
the protective trunks; and upward and continuously from said crotch region
across at least
a lower part of said front abdominal and back regions, said anti-ballistic
protective region
providing an area of continuous blast resistance around and under the wearer's
crotch,
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across the wearer's genitalia and over the wearer's anal passage and along the
wearer's
inner, upper thighs; and wherein said low thermal burden material is stitched
or securely
connected to said anti-ballistic protective region and said low thermal burden
material is
a fabric providing flexibility to the protective trunks, and wherein said anti-
ballistic
region and said low thermal burden material, in assembled combination, define
structure
of the protective trunks with said low thermal burden material securing said
anti-ballistic
protective region in place in the protective trunks.
According to a second aspect of the present invention there is provided a
multi-paneled
protective undergarment comprising a torso region including front lower
abdominal and
back regions and a crotch region connecting said front lower abdominal and
back
regions; outer leg coverings comprising a stretchable wicking fabric; and
inner, upper
thigh regions coupled to said outer leg coverings to form legs in the multi-
paneled
protective undergarment, said inner upper thigh regions extending downwardly
and
continuously from said crotch region; a first knitted protective panel forming
at least a
lower part of said front lower abdominal and back regions of the multi-paneled
protective
undergarment and extending continuously underneath and around said crotch
region of
multi-paneled protective undergarment; a second knitted protective panel
forming said
inner, upper thigh region in each leg of the multi-paneled protective
undergarment, said
second protective panel merging or connecting to said first protective panel
in said crotch
region and wherein said second protective panel extends downwardly and
continuously
therefrom, wherein said first protective panel and said second protective
panel comprise a
flexible, anti-ballistic material providing continuous blast wave protection
to at least said
lower part of said front lower abdominal and back regions, around said crotch
region, and
along the inner, upper thigh regions that, when worn, lie juxtaposed femoral
arteries of a
wearer of the multi-paneled protective undergarment; and said stretchable
wicking fabric
merging or connecting to said second protective panel shaped at least to
define said outer
leg coverings of the multi-paneled protective undergarment, said stretchable
wicking
fabric arranged, when worn by the wearer, to compress an outer, upper thigh
region of the
wearer, said stretchable wicking fabric providing a structural element to the
multi-
paneled protective undergarment by holding said first protective panel and
said second
protective panel in place in the multi-paneled protective undergarment.
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Advantageously, the preferred embodiments provide a fully-flexible
undergarment that
exhibits anti-ballistic properties whilst being lightweight and allowing good
leg mobility.
The improved integral design of the protective undergarment ensures that a
blast-
protective, slash-proof (or "ballistic resistant") patch remains in place to
protect the
lower abdomen and especially the crotch, groin, inside regions along the upper
thigh and
significant areas around/of the buttocks. The undergarment of the preferred
embodiments
therefore offers increased protection to the common iliac artery, the external
and internal
iliac, and the femoral artery (as well as the profunda femorus and superficial
femoral
artery).
Preferably, the protective patch is of unitary construction and is externally
stitched to a
low thermal burden material, such as polyester mesh, that provides both a low
thermal
burden effect and elastic support. Front and back regions of the protective
patch are
typically not symmetrical, with a rear portion having a larger area that
extends
substantially across the buttocks.
In a preferred embodiment, the slash-proof material is realized by knitted
Kevlar . To
reduce potential for skin irritation through rubbing, the protective panels
are externally
stitched to the low thermal burden material that completes the structure of
the shorts. The
Kevlar knit is flexible and preferably lies near to (or directly against) the
skin of a user
to provide blast wave and ballistic fragment deflection whilst is limited
overall areas
permit mobility in the resultant lightweight undergarment.
Brief Description of the Drawings
Exemplary embodiments of the present invention will now be described with
reference
to the accompanying drawings, in which:
FIG. 1 is a front view of protective trunks according to a preferred
embodiment of
the present invention;
FIG. 2 is a rear view of the protective trunks of FIG. 1; and
FIG. 3 is a front perspective view of the protective trunks of FIG. 1, the
view
showing further detail of supporting low thermal burden fabric.
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Detailed Description of a Preferred Embodiment
Turning to FIGs. 1 to 3, there are shown various views of protective trunks 10
according
to a preferred embodiment of the present invention. The terms "trunks" is not
limiting
and should be understood to include, and be interchangeable with, equivalent
terms such
as "boxers", "briefs", "shorts", "diapers" and "underpants".
The protective trunks 10, in a preferred embodiment, resemble cycling shorts
in that legs
12, 14 extend, when worn, down the thighs of a user to close slightly above
the knee and
thus around the quadriceps and hamstrings of a wearer. A waistband 16 extends
around
the top of the trunks 10, which waistband is either elasticated and/or
otherwise permits
for fitting adjustment. At the front, beneath the waistband 16, a relatively
narrow (but
optional) waist panel 18 connects the waistband 16 to: i) outer leg side
coverings 20; and
ii) a front adnominal protective panel 22. At the back, beneath the waistband
16, a
relatively narrow (but optional) lateral back panel 24 connects the waistband
16 to: i) the
outer leg side coverings 20; and ii) a rear buttock protective panel 26 that
extends across
the buttocks and which extends downwardly to merge or connect to the front
adnominal
protective panel 22 in a saddle or crotch region 28.
The waist panel 18 and lateral back panel 24 therefore provide some
flexibility in a torso
region of the trunks 10, since these panels and the outer leg side coverings
20 are
preferably made from a low thermal burden material, such as a polyester mesh
or a
combination of nylon and Lycra (or the like) which, also, preferably has good
wicking
properties. The waist panel 18, lateral back panel 24 and outer leg side
coverings 20
function to compress the legs and tummy to help combat muscular fatigue and,
furthermore, permit the trunks both to "breath" and to express perspiration
(in the form
of water vapour) through a cooling evaporative effect from the surface
thereof. The waist
panel 18, lateral back panel 24 and outer side legs may be formed of
individual pieces
that are stitched together or otherwise formed as larger, multi-functional
pieces.
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In addition to the front adnominal protective panel 22 and rear buttock
protective panel
26, inside thigh protective panels 30 attach around the crotch region 28 and
further
attach, typically along as external seam, to outer leg side coverings 20 to
form short
trouser legs. The inside thigh protective panels 30 therefore extend along the
inside of
the thigh and join to (amongst other elements) the outer leg side coverings
along seams
32 (shown in dotted outline in FIGs. 1 and 2).
From a constructional perspective, the front adnominal protective panel 22,
rear buttock
protective panel 26 and inside thigh protective panels 30 (which may
collectively be
formed as a single piece or otherwise in parts) are manufactured from an anti-
ballistic or
slash-proof material. For example, the protective panels may be made from a
slash-proof
material that complies with at least British Standard (BS) EN 388-6.2 blade
cut level 2.
In light of forming the protective panels (reference numerals 22, 26 and 30 in
the figures)
as an integral part of the trunk 10, there is no possibility for any of the
protective panels
to substantially move away from their intended positions within the garment;
this
contrasts with the prior arrangements where armour either is incorporated into
a pouch or
pocket or where a padding or lining is stitched into a pre-existing trouser.
The protective
panels therefore provide blast protect to the lower abdomen and especially the
crotch,
groin, inside regions of the upper thighs and significant areas of or around
the buttocks.
Indeed, in contrast with prior art systems that make use of downward hanging
armour
panels that only protect the groin region from lateral impacts arising from
frontal assault,
the protective panels of the preferred embodiments extend at least under the
crotch and
around the front and rear areas of the lower abdomen (i.e. groin and buttocks)
and thus
provide protection against blasts (e.g. from IEDs) from ground level.
Although FIGs. 1 to 3 show the front adnominal protective panel 22 and rear
buttock
protective panel 26 as being generally U-shaped, cup-shaped or chalice-shaped,
their
exact shape is determined from the degree of protection that is desired for
the underlying
body parts. That said, to maintain flexibility of movement, the protective
panels
generally only cover the vital arteries and organs in the lower belly/upper
groin and also
the genitalia. For example, the preferred arrangement for the inside thigh
protective
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panels 30 of the trunks 10 offers increased protection to the common iliac
artery, the
external and internal iliac, and the femoral artery (as well as the profunda
femorus and
superficial femoral artery). Typically, therefore, the inside thigh protective
panels 30 will
be strip-shaped and surround about one-third of the leg. The rear buttock
protective panel
26, in contrast with conventional briefs or boxer shorts, extends across the
buttock
regions to inhibit the effects of explosion shockwaves that otherwise enter
the anal
passage and which might cause significant harm to the colon.
In a preferred embodiment, the protective panels 22, 26 and 30 are made from
knitted
Kevlar having a thickness of between about 2mm and 3mm. Different protective
panels
can have different thicknesses of this slash-proof material, e.g. front
adnominal
protective panel 22 for the groin region typically is made thicker than the
inside thigh
protective panels 30. In terms of slash-proof materials, the fabric "Quality
K2815" by
Dale Techniche with a weight of 360/380 grams per square metre (gsm) is one
suitable
material, with Quality K2815 being a heavier modified interlock knit fabric
that is flame
retardant and made from 100% Kevlar fibre. While not wishing to be bound by
theory,
it is understood that the knitted configuration of Kevlar has an increased
shrapnel
deflecting ability because the threads resist separation as compared to
conventional
materials in which the warp and weft are more easily teased apart (and thus
penetrated)
by ballistic fragments.
In other embodiments, alternative anti-slash/anti-ballistic materials other
than Kevlar
may be used, which other materials may include Ultra-High Molecular Weight
Polyethylenes (UHMwPE), such as Dyneema . Multiple stacked layers (typically
at least
three) of silk twill or knitted silk having a weave weight of 100 gsm have
also been
found to perform, with natural fibres having an inherent advantage with
respect to their
ability to take up and dissipate water, i.e. their natural wicking
capabilities. Also, in the
event that the trunks are compromised by fragment damage, the generally inert
nature of
(clean) silk in body tissue is a known medical quantity.
To extend further the concept of using silk, a preferred embodiment makes use
of silk (or
another naturally strong material) to form both the low thermal burden
("support")
material that forms, for example, the outer thigh areas and also thicker
knitted or woven
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areas of silk for the protective areas 22, 26, 30. In this way, the trunks 10
have varying
material weights of silk covering different body regions. For example, the
areas of the
trunks designed with a lower thermal burden (seen in FIGs. 1 and 2 as the
darker/black
areas) may therefore be composed from silk with a weight of between about 75
gsm and
115 gsm, with the protective panels 22, 26, 30 realized by layers of this same
silk
material that combine to produce an effective protective panel weight of silk
in the
region of between about 250 gsm and about 450 gsm and more preferably in the
region
of about 300 gsm to about 400 gsm. Knitted silk would provide for some degree
of
natural elasticity. Fitting of a silk-based trunk about the waist (and legs)
could make use
of a draw string and/or a corset-based cross-fastening to drawing the truck
about the leg.
Alternatively, a small percentage of an elastic fibre could be included in the
weave/knit.
The mix of protective slash-proof materials and wicking materials that
assemble to
define the shape of the trunks 10 provides the wearer with a comfortable fit
that has a
degree of self-heat regulation and sweat dissipation. The breathability of the
polyester
mesh or a combination of nylon and Lycra (or the like) therefore offsets the
generally
higher thermal insulative properties of, for example, the Kevlar knit.
It is preferred that the trunks 10 have no opening or "fly".
Protective panels (and, if desired, the wicking material) can be treated with
both anti-
bacterial and hypoallergenic agents (including silver-based compounds),
thereby
resisting odors and restricting the potential for bacterial or fungal growth.
In one particular embodiment, the protective patch may be further covered with
a soft
material membrane that, in use, lies against the skin and acts to commute
perspiration
away from the skin. Such a liner may be coated with an anti-microbial agent or
anti-
odour agent, with the liner being either fixed or removable from the
protective patch.
The lining can also act to reduce sensitivity. Other embodiments may be
unlined but
additional coverings represent an additional weight and an increased thermal
burden.
The protective panels may be cut from a singular sheet of material, although
another
embodiment makes use of panels that are double-stitched together along
peripheral edges
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of each panel. Stitching together of the various pieces of the trunks 10 is
preferably
realized by external flat stitching and an external seam that reduce
opportunities for
internal stitches to rub against bare skin.
It will, of course, be appreciated that the above description has been given
by way of
example only and that modifications in detail may be made within the scope of
the
present invention. For example, the precise composition of the supporting
wicking
material need not exactly follow a nylon-spandex mix, with the material rather
needing
to be strong, soft, durable and elastic. Also, in terms of overall length of
the leg, it is
merely preferred that the tight-fitting leg extends to above the knee with an
opening
generally surrounding the quadricep muscle and hamstring. The length of the
leg of the
undergarment could optionally be shorter or longer than that shown in the
accompanying
drawings, with the protective patch covering at least a sizeable portion of
the inside thigh
to provide protection of the upper track of the femoral artery in the leg.
Indeed, whilst a preferred embodiment refers to shorts, the principal of
integrating one or
more slash-proof regions (preferably in the form of a Kevlar knit or the like)
with a
elasticized wicking cloth can be applied to other undergarments, including
vests or T-
shirts, that selectively target blast protection of arteries (such as the
axillary, anterior
humeral circumflex, profunda brachii and brachial arteries) in the upper arm
and
shoulder.
While various embodiments of the present invention refer to use of a "wicking
material",
it is envisioned that this fabric, whilst preferably supporting a wicking
effect, need not
accomplish any wicking effect whatsoever. More importantly, however, is that
the
material surrounding the protective panels has a low thermal burden and,
preferably, also
be a strong and lightweight support fabric. The term "wicking" should
therefore be
viewed in this context.
The terms "anti-ballistic" or "ballistic resistant" should be construed in the
sense of a
strengthened material knit or weave that deflects or impedes ballistic
fragment
penetration, with the term "slash-proof' representing one type of material
that is suitable
for application in this context.
