Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
CA 02866334 2014-09-04
WO 2013/132212
PCT/GB2013/000102
Ballistic Neck protector
=
= The present invention is concerned with garments for protecting the neck
from injury
by ballistic materials, especially neck protectors and under body armour
garments.
Combat neck injury continues =to cause significant morbidity and mortality
rates due
. to the exposure, and lack of adequate protection, of this area of the body.
Neck
wounds have been ascribed as having the second highest increase in severity
when
compared to the civilian equivalent. Many of the injuries are as a result from
=
explosive/ballistic fragments.
=
Combat neck injuries are predominantly fragmentation injuries,:and therefore
are
potentially preventable. Generally, neck protection is achieved by collars
attached to
the body armour vest, but the size, design and detachability of the collar
varies
-greatly.. Most designs of neck collar cover solely zone 1 of the neck,
leaving the
. upper zones (zones 2 and 3) vulnerable.
The lateral neck is divided into 3 zones (Monson DO et a), 1969, J. Trauma.,
9, 987),
'providing a system useful for evaluation of penetrating neck injuries. Zone 1
extends =
from the clavicle to the cricoid cartilage and includes the thoracic inlet.
This region.
contains the major vascular structures of the subclavian, artery and vein,
jugular vein,
and common carotid artery, as well as the esophagus, thyroid, and trachea.
Zone 2 .
extends from the cricoid to the angle of the mandible and contains the common
carotid artery, internal and external carotid arteries, jugular vein, larynx,
.
hypopharynx, and cranial nerves X, XI, and XII. Zone 3 is a small area
extending
= from the angle of the mandible to the skull base. This region contains
the internal
and external carotid arteries, jugular vein, lateral pharynx, and cranial
nerves VII, IX,
= =
X,,XI, and XII. . =
=
1 =
Confirmation Copy ,
CA 02866334 2014-09-04
WO 2013/132212
PCT/GB2013/000102
Reasons cited for the high level of combat neck injury include that neck
protectors
only protect zone one of the neck,= or that neck protectors are so
uncomfortable to a
=
user, hindering movement of the head and neck, as well as overheating, that a
user
will refuse to wear the. neck protector. There is a belief among users that
increased =
= Manoeuvrability and heat dissipation are critical to survival on the
modern battlefield,
and perhaps more so than simply=having increased protective coverage of the
body.
= There is thus a requirement for= new and improved products/garments for
protecting
the neck from ballistic materials. = =
= The present application generally aims to provide new and improved
garments for
= protecting the neck
against injury from ballistic materials. =
Accordingly, in afirst aspect, the present invention provides a ballistic neck
protectbr
for providing protection to zones 1 and 2 of the neck of a user for use with
body
armour or under,body armour garments comprising a soft armour material,
wherein.
= the neck protector has dimensions and a rigidity such that in use the
neck protector
is substantially upstanding and circumscribes the neck= to delimit a gap
therebetween= = .
. providing for minimal restriction of movement of the head and neck of
the user.
=
The neck protector provides prPtection to zone 1 and zone 2 of the neck, with
minimal or no hindrance to movement of the neck and head. This is a major
improvement over the prior art, which discloses neck protectors which either
only=
provide protection to zone 1 of the neck, or hinder movement of the neck
and/or are -
uncomfortable to wear. The shape and the rigidity are particularly important
in
providing for the comfort and lack of hindrance (the neck protector is
flexibly rigid), =
as is having the gap between the neck of a user and the neck protector.
=
,
2
CA 02866334 2014-09-04
WO 2013/132212 PCT/GB2013/000102
=
The dimensions of the neck protector should preferably provide coverage to
zones 1
and 2 of the whole neck of a user, including beneath the chin of the head of a
user.
The neck protector may be manufactured from a Substantially rectangular piece
of =
material, providing a single vertical dimension to the neck protector, though
preferably the neck protector is shaped to incorporate the shape of the head
of a
user, such as having a reduced vertical dimension at the nape of the neck, to
accommodate the back of the head of a user, and may also have further
modifications, such as to accommodate the chin of a user, or the helmet of a
user.
The neck"protector is flexibly rigid. As Used herein a flexibly rigid neck
protector is
one that is rigid or stiff-enough to be substantially=upstanding about the
neck, but is ,
flexible enough to deform to accommodate movement of the neck and head Of a
= user such that any restriction of movement of the neck and head is
minimal.
The gap delimited between the neck protector and neck contributes to the
miniMal
= restriction of movement of the neck and head of a user. The gap
delimited, when the
. neck and head are in an upright position, is preferably between about 1
and 10 cm,
and mot preferably between about 2 and 5 cm.
=
The ballistic neck protector may be of wrapover arrangement:
= As used herein, the term wrapover refers to the arrangement of a
discontinuoLis
substantially flat material about (wrapped round) an object such that opposite
sides
of the material overlap.
The arrangement of overlapping opposite sides may be fixed/fastened together
by
fastening means,,such as with a button, or through partially or fully bonding
or
sewing the sides together.
=
3
CA 02866334 2014-09-04
WO 2013/132212
PCT/GB2013/000102
- A wrapover neck protector could be formed from an elongated substantially
flat .
material, such as a soft armour material, which could be generally of
rectangular ,
surface area, wherein opposite sides of the elongated material are fastened
together
=
such that the opposite sides overlap.
=
The wrapover arrangement provides a discontinuous essentiaily.circular neck
protector, providing protection about the whole 'circumference of the neck.
=
The opposite sides exhibit opposite edges. In a preferred embodiment, the
opposite =
sides will be fastened/fixed together such that the opposite edges rem,ain
open (not =
fastened or fixed together), whilst still providing protection about the whole
= circumference of the neck. Such an embodiment is herein referred to as an
open
=
, wrapover arrangement. This arrangement provides for a neck protector that
can
easily be donned, as the edges of the neck protector part ('open') as the
protector is
placed over the head of the user, and then return ('close') once the protector
is about
= the neck.
The open wrapover arrangement allows for further manoeuvrability and
flexibility of
movement of the neck, and provides an opening for the movement of hotair from
the
body or neck of a user, thus providing for cooling.
The soft armour material is preferably. sandwiched between a layer of a first
material .
at the inner surface of the neck protector and a layer of a econd material at
the
outer- surface of the neck protector. The first material preferably comprises
a
hydrophobic material. A hydrophobic material on the inner surface provides for
wicking of moisture from the neck, which also provides cooling of the neck and
comfort to the user. The hydrophobic material may be nylon or polyester. The
second material preferably comprises a fire retardant material. A fire
retardant
=
4
CA 02866334 2014-09-04
WO 2013/132212
PCT/GB2013/000102
material on the outer surface provides a robList surface with protection from
heat/fire/explosions. The fire retardant material may be cotton. The
hydrophobic
material may have a density of between about 150 and about 200 gm-2, and the
fire
retardant material may have a density between about 200 and about 250 gm-2:
densities which further contribute to providing a good level of flexible
rigidity to the
. neck protector. = . =
= The first material, the second material and the soft armour material are
preferably
= quilted together. The Applicant has discovered that a neck protector made
from
quilting three layers of material together produces, in comparison to bonding
the
layers together with an adhesive, a much softer and less bulky neck protector.
The
bonded neck protector caused some discomfort, and was less flexible.
As used herein, quilted and quilting refers to the sewing/stitching together
of three
layers of material. The stitching is often in a specific pattern, with lines
of stitching
often equidistant from each other..
The soft armour material is preferably an ultra high molecular weight
polyethylene
fibre. The neck protector is preferably able to be washed without substantial
degradation. Ultra high molecular polyethylene fibres are substantially
resistant to
degradation through washing, and are thus a preferred soft armour material.
The soft
armour material i preferably not a para-aramid material (such as Kev)ar0),
which do
degrade upon washing.
The soft armour material preferably has a density of between about 200 to
about 500
gm-2, and most preferably about 400 gm-2. Such densities provide for a good
level of
flexible rigidity in the .neck protector..
=
CA 02866334 2014-09-04
WO 2013/132212
PCT/GB2013/000102
In a second aspect, the present invention provides an under body armour-
garment
comprising the neck protector of the first aspect. The neck protector is
preferably
integral with the garment; Le...integrated into the garment to provide a
modular
system.
. The garment is preferably tight fitting. Although there are some
benefits to looser
fitting clothing in terms of comfort, tight fitting clothing have a number of
major
advantages: such a garment is particularly beneficial for hot environments
when the
wearer is perspiring, but perhaps more importantly a tight fitting garment
provides for .
reduced interference with other articles of clothing and equipment, which.is
of major
= 'importance for soldiers. Tight fitting= clothing also provides for
compression which can
= .help counteract an inflarnmatory response brought on by muscle damage.
Tight fitting garments allow the wearerlo feel cooler as moisture can escape
through =
gaps between yarns, they also allow very little air to be held against the
skin,
= providing a cooler microclimate than looser fitting garments. .
The garment preferably employs materials that have the capability to allow
= ventilation of hot air and wick sweat. The materials also preferably
comprise
comfortable and flexible fabrics or fibres to ensure that the garment is not
only soft= to
= the touch but also durable over time. The garment thus preferably has a
torso
= = = comprised of a hydrophobic material, such as nylon or polyester. A
hydrophobic
rnaterial provides for wicking of moisture from the neck, and cooling of the
body of a
user.
=
= = The garment preferably has sleeves, and the forearm section of the
sleeves
preferably comprise a soft armour material to protect veins and arteries. The
soft
armour materialis preferably an ultra high molecular weight polyethylene
fibre. The =
=
=
6 =
CA 02866334 2014-09-04
WO 2013/132212 PCT/GB2013/000102
=
=
sleeves are'also preferably comprised of a fire retardant material, such as
cotton.
Since the armour material will be fitted close to the body, as a result of the
tight fitting
=
garment, any task hindrance should be minimal with little or no issues related
to
=
clothing and equipment integration.
=
The inner layer of the neck protector and the torso of the garment are
preferably
elasticated, and preferably comprise between about .10% and about 30%
elastane,
= or similar material. The sleeves and the outer layer of the neck
protector may also be
elasticated, and may comprise between about 10% and about 30% elastane, or
similar material. Such an elastane content enables the high stretch and
recovery =
required for a tight fitting garment,=and correct placement of the armour
material in
the garment. Such an elastane content also contributes to the.flexible
rigidity of the
neck protector. The elastane content in the 'garment is preferably about 15%.
Any seams in the neck protector or garment should preferably be sealed and
covered so that they do not cause rubbing againSt sensitive areas of the
skin,. Any
seams are preferably positioned such that chaffing and rubbing does not occur
with
movement. Seams are preferably not placed in areas of anticipated discomfort,
such
as the underarms., .
The garment may comprise elbow protection, such as provided by an elbow pad,
inserted in to the sleeve Of the garment. Protection could be provided for
example
by a d3oTM impact protection elbow pad, having a 'Lock and Key' construction
to fit
around the elbow, providing comfort, flexibility and good range of movement to
the
wearer. =
=
.The present invention will now be described with reference to the following
non'-
limiting examples and drawings in which -
=
=
'7
=
=
=
CA 02866334 2014-09-04
WO 2013/132212
PCT/GB2013/000102
Figure 1 .illustrates. three perspectives of the neck protector when integral
With an
under body armour combat shirt, and being worn beneath body armour, =
Figure 2 is an illustration of the front of a first embodiment of the under
body armour
garment comprising a first embodiment of the neck protector, =
Figure 3 i an illustration of the back of the first,embodiment of the under
body = =
armour garment comprising the first embodiment of the neck pro,tector,
Figure 4 is a graph representing task success, according to a user, whilst
wearing
various under body armour garments, =
Figure 5 is a graph representing task acceptability; according to a user,
whilst
wearing various under body armour garments, and
Figure 6 is a graph representing the usability, comfort, satisfaction and
integration of
under body armour garments, according to a user, when worn under body armour,
=
and attempting various tasks.
Examples
=
. .
Design of improved under body armour garments
Having regard to Figures 1, 2 and 3, an improved under body armour garment was
= devised having a neck protector 1, preferably constructed of multiple
layers of =
material, including a soft armour material, quilted together, including an
open
=
wraparound collar 2, providing for ease of donning and doffing =of the garment
without loss of protection to the neck. The torso 3 of the garment preferably
consists
of a high-stretch synthetic blend fabric which dries fast, and won't absorb
= perspiration. Such a high-stretch fabric will also provide a close
fitting torso. The
garment includes sleeves 4 which are 'preferably comprised of a non.:melt
fabric,
such as cotton, to avoid melt iniuries to exposed areas. The sleeves 4 also
=
=
8
CA 02866334 2014-09-04
WO 2013/132212
PCT/GB2013/000102
=
=
. preferably comprise:a stretchable material, thus providing for close fitting
to the arms
of a wearer. The sleeves include a forearm layer 5 of soft armour material to
protect
the forearms from ballistic materials, with a narrow stretch panel 6 remaining
free of . =
= = any armour protection to ensure retention of the close fitting property
of the fabric to
== the arms of a wearer. The sleeves also include elbow protection 7, which
is =
= preferably a lightweight, ergonomically shaped Pad on the inside of the
sleeve. The
garment preferably includes flat bonded seams 8,,which provide for a flat
finish
which prevents chafing of close fitting garments. The neck protector
preferably
= = includes a depression 9 to accommodate=the nape of the neck of a
wearer, and to .
ensure comfort to the wearer. = =
= =
. Collar =
The difficulty of achieving full neck coverage is a significant challenge,
especially as
armour materials have negligible stretch. A design was required that could
provide
flexibility to the collar allowing easy donning/doffing, whilst maintaining a
comfortable
== close fit at the neck. A wrap-over front collar design was identified
as.Offering the
best Compromise of flexibility and protection.
=
=
Use of a wrapover collar design, preferably an open wrapover collar design,
also ¨
'removes the need for any zip or fastening means at the neck opening, which is
historically an area of discomfort and vulnerability.
= Higher protection is i.ncorporated into the front & sides of the collar
to protect key
=
.areas (in particular zones 1 and 2 of the neck). =
= =
=
=
9 =
CA 02866334 2014-09-04
WO 2013/132212
PCT/GB2013/000102
= Additional protection for the bae of the neck, and provide a collar with
a lower depth
= of protection at the back of the neck.of the 'collar to ensure minimal
interference with
a helmet. =
=
Arm Protection = =
, Increased protection on the inside forearm, perhaps using a single.wrap-
around
=
protective panel covering the entire inner arm (wrist to elbow). =
= =
=
= A strip of stretch fabric to be left without protection on the outer
side of the forearm,= =
to allow the stretch needed,for the sleeve to fit correctly and comfortably.
Elbow impact protection to be incorporated.
=
Fabrics
= = . . =
Torso to consist of a fabric, such as nylon or lycra, capable of proViding for
cooling of .
the body. Alternativel', polyester/lycra could be used, at a potentially lower
cost.
'All fabrics to preferably have effective and.durable =anti-micrtbial
abilities (for hygiene
and health primarily, odour control secondary) and be, treated with an insect
repellent, such as a permethrintased treatment.
=
The sleeve and collar include a "non-melt" fabric, such as cotton, to avoid
the .
potential for fabric melting onto 'the skin in the event of flash heat/flames.
=
=
Fibre blends =
= = =
A significant elastane content (more than 10%, and preferably 15% or more)
allows
for the stretch and recOvery required in a close fitting garment,
especially:for the
stretch and recovery required for the narrow "unprotected' strip in the lower
arm.
= =
=
= =
= =10
CA 02866334 2014-09-04
WO 2013/132212
PCT/GB2013/000102
An elastane content of 15% allows for the high stretch and recovery required
for
close fit of.sleeves and correct placement of the armour protection in the
sleeves on
the arm.
=
=
The elastane content provides the high stretch to allow comfortable donning
and
flexibility in wearing, but also to maintain a.close fit for the protection.
It was
considered critical to allow some adjustment for comfort or cooling if the
wearer
wanted to'push thessleeves part way up over the forearm to expose the wrists,
but
not to allow the wearer to roll back or push back the sleeves to the elbow,
making
=the protection ineffective. A minimum elastane content of 15% would be
required if = =
ultrasonic line bonded seams were to be used in the garment.
A "non-melt" fabric is used in the exposed areas of the shirt, such as the
collar and
arms. Flame retardant (FR) synthetic fibres in warp knit blends were
investigated.
Since elastane bums it is rarely used, if at all, in such fabrics. Such a
fabric would .
= therefore have to be produced specifically for the purpose. Suitable
options were
considered to be cotton or wool blends. Cotton burns but does not melt. Wool
also
burns, but self-extinguishes when the flame is removed. Merino wool (a fine
fibre
= .which feels comfortable next to skin)= would also be suitable, but
achieving Infra red
reflectance (IRR) on wool blends is difficult. Cotton/elastane blends are much
lower
=
=
in cost (than Merino) to produce and easier to process with an IRR print.
Cotton (and woo)) absorb. moisture and will become wet.with perspiration. In a
dry,
= ''hot climate, however the moisture will evaporate and keep the wearer
cool, but the
damp fabric can cause chafing and discomfort in a close fit, so it was
important to
ensure there are no seams in areas where movement could cause chafing, such as
the under arm. = =
=
11.
CA 02866334 2014-09-04
WO 2013/132212
PCT/GB2013/000102
Nylon and polyester are naturally hydrophobic (non-absorbent) and will retain
very
little moisture, even without any treatments. Close fitting garments in such
f=ibre
blends therefore allow moisture to escape through the gaps between the yarns,
and
don't hold or retain moisture in the stru'cture. In addition, closer fitting
garments allow
very little air to be held against the skin, Providing a cooler microclirnate
than looser ==
fits.
. = Three fabrics identified for testing in an under body armour combat
shirt were:
Fabric 1) A single jersey weft knit 85% cotton I 15% elastane blend at 230 grn-
2 for
the sleeves and outer.collar.
Fabric.2) A warp knitted 72% Nylon / 28% Elastane blend at 164 grn2 for the
torso '
and inside collar.
= =
Fabric 3) A warp knitted 85% Polyester (15% Elastane blend at 180 gm-2 for the
torso and collar (second option). = = =
=
=
The soft armourmaterial was a 100% ultra high molecular weight polyethylene
fibre =
with a density 'of about 200 gm-2, though it was found that use ortWO layers
of this =
material in the collar provided for a good balance of protection and flexible
rigidity,
and thus an effective de.nsity of about 400 grn-2. ==
=
Testing =
=
Two prototypes were developed with different torso materials, methods of seam
=
construction, and Methods of inserting armour protection in'the neck and
forearm:
= Bonded under body armour combat shirt (bonded UBACS): Nylon torso with
bonded =.
seams and bonded protection. =
=
12
CA 02866334 2014-09-04
WO 2013/132212 PCT/GB2013/000102
= Quilted under body armour combat shirt (quilted UBACS): Polyester torso
with sewn
seams and quilted sewn protection.
The bonded UBACS and Quilted UBACS were compared, under body armour,
against each other, and also against the current UBACS shirt (which does not
have a
= col)ar), and the. current UBACS shirt with an 0S4 (Osprey mark IV) collar
attached to
the body armour.
Both of the prototypes had cotton arms and collar, with fire retardant
material applied
.to these exposed areas..The prototypes also included elbow pads for bump
s protection that were placed into the:sleeves using bonded seams (d3oTm).
The functional assessment required users to carry out simple, representative
,Dismounted Close Combat (DCC) tasks, whilst wearing each of the
configurations in
turn. The tasks were categorised.aS follows:
= Don and doff.
=
= = Range of Movement (ROM) seated.
= Range of Movement (ROM) standing. =
= Weapon tasks. =
= Moving loads.
= Operation of equipment.
=
= Movement inside.
= Movement outside. = .
. 13
CA 02866334 2014-09-04
WO 2013/132212
PCT/GB2013/000102
'Vehicle activities.
= =Ground search / route check task.
=
Upon completion of each task, the participants were asked for their
perception(s) as
to how successfully the, task had been completed (Task Success) and if they
perceived it to have been completed to an acceptable level of military
performance
=
(Acceptability). =
=
=
Following completion of the functional assessment, participants were asked to
,= provide answers to a questionnaire, covering the key.aspects of
usability, comfort,
=
their opinions. This feedback was captured as subjective data to accompany the
.
= data
collected throughout the functional assessment. =
= The data from the questionnaire was assessed using a scoring system
alongside the
7-point scale of responses (Table 1): =
= Positive responses were given scores between 1 10.3, 0 for a neutral
answer.
= .Negative
responses received a negative score between -1 to -3. =
=
= = Each participant's data was collated to provide an average score
for each
configuration.
=
=
Table 1: The scoring system for the questionnaire
=
=
=
14
CA 02866334 2014-09-04
WO 2013/132212
PCT/GB2013/000102
3.4 How easy or difficult was the item to use? =
1 2 3 4 5 6 =7
= Very Difficult
Somewhat Neither Somewhat Easy Very
difficult difficult difficult Or easy =
easy =
easy
* Score
-3 -2 -1 0 = 1 2 3
. _
=
Following completion of the functional assessment and the subjective
evaluation,
participants took part in a focus group discussion. During this session
further
opinions were discussed, alongside judgements concerning participants' 'most'
and
'least' preferred configurations(s) and suggestions as to potential
improvements to
the design(s).
=
The task completion data (task success and acceptability), questionnaire data
and ,
subjective feedback were examined to allow for conclusions to be made about
the
assessment.
Having regard to figure 4 (successful task completion) and figure 5 (task
acceptability), throughout the functional assessment, participants rated the
success
of taskperformance and also the acceptability of each of the configurations
when
performing each task. The task success ratings indicated that the participants
were
=
=
able to successfully complete the majority of tasks. The task acceptability
ratings,
however, indicated that there were issues. = =
= 15
CA 02866334 2014-09-04
WO 2013/132212
PCT/GB2013/000102
= The task success results are Summarised as follows:
= == The Quilted UBACS performed the best, with 100% task
success, this was
. due to: fit, mobility and=integration (evidence based upon.subjective
feedback from
participants and observations made by investigators)
The current UBACS (which does=not have a collar) and Bonded UBACS also
performed well with-over 97% task succe.ss.
=
=
The current UBACS in combination with the current body armbur collar (0s4)
attached to the body armour itself demonstrated the lowest task success rate
due to
issues with poor integration causing hindrance to task performance.
Participants
stated that they could only, partially complete 17% of the tasks and could not
complete 9% of the tasks at all.
=
The task acceptability results are.summarised as follows:
= =Current UBACS and Quilted UBACS displayed high levels of task
acceptability as the garments were found to be satisfactory (according to
=
participants' feedback) during task performance, though critically the current
UBACS
provides no neck protection.
. The Bonded UBACS and current UBACS in combination with 0S4 collar
= ,
attach.ed to the body armour had low levels of acceptability. = I
= = Current UBACS and Quilted UBACS performed well, rated as
acceptable for
over 94% of taSks.
=
=
= . 16
CA 02866334 2014-09-04
WO 2013/132212 PCT/GB2013/000102
= Participants indicated that modifications were required for alrnoSt 50%
of the
tasks carried out using the Bonded UBACS, this was due to issues with
integration,
comfort, durability, and restricted ROM.
=
=
The current UBACS in combination with 0S4 collar attached to body armour
= performed most poorly with almost 30% of task performance with this
configuration
found to be unacceptable. =
Having regard to figure 6 (mean. questionnaire scores), the data collected
from.the
participant questionnaires and the subjective feedback collected throughout
the
assessrnent informed on the usability, comfort, satisfaction and integration
of the
UBACS.
Usability
=
=
The usability of the UBACS items should be simple, being an item of clothing, -
.
. however, some issues did arise during the assessment;
= The stiffness Of the neck and forearm protection of the Bonded UBACS
caused
some hindrance for ROM.
=
= Donning and doffing the current UBACS in combination with 0S4 collar
proved to be
difficult and the collar made it difficult to perform certain tasks.
= The neoprene pads-in the, forearm of the current UBACS shirt restricted
ROM and
interacted poorly with other clothing and equiprpent.
17
CA 02866334 2014-09-04
WO 2013/132212
PCT/GB2013/000102
= The closer fit design of the quilted and bonded UBACS allowed the users
to perform
tasks with little hindrance and enabled successful *completion of tasks that
were
found to be difficult when wearing the current UBACS.
=
Comfort
=
Comfort is an issue with clothing in some current operational environments due
to:
the heat, integration with other items of clothing and equipment, and the need
for.
greater levels of protection. The following issues were reported:
= The current UBACS torso material was found to be uncomfortable (it was
also stated
. that this material was very uncomfortable when wet from perspiration),
the seams
under the-arm caused some rubbing and chafing, the zip dug in to the chest,
and
the collar caused discomfort resulting in a rash on the neck.
= The neoprene pads in the current UBACS were found to cause a thermal
build up as
they were not breathable and described as 'hot and cumbersome'. The body of
the
garment also caused thermal discomfort.
= Participants felt that the 0S4 collar caused thermal discomfort due to
trapping warm
air. It was felt that the collar prevented heat leaving the Body Armour.
= The 0S4 collar also gave a sensation of choking as it pushed down on the
neck
causing friction and rubbing against the skin.
= The collar and= cuff of the Bonded UBACS proved to be very uncomfortable
due to
=
rigidity and thickness of the protection.
=
18
CA 02866334 2014-09-04
WO 2013/132212
PCT/GB2013/000102
= The tight fit and material of the bonded and quilted UBACS were found to
be more
= comfortable in terms of thermal comfort (hydrophobic) and feel against
the skin.
Participants also felt thatsthe tighter fit of.the prototype garments allowed
for greater
ROM.
=
=
The collar of the Quilted UBACS was found to.be very comfortable. Participants
preferred the overlap design to the zip of the current UBACS. The shape and
fit of
the collar also allowed full ROM of the head and neck (vital for patrolling,
weapon
=
use and maintaining general situational awareness) without chafing or
rubbing. =
= The d3OTM elbow pad was found to improve comfort when leaning on the
elbow
during tasks such as leopard crawl, however participants did feel that
tapering the
edges of.this would improve fit and position of the d3oTM pad.
Satisfaction
Satisfaction scores comprised of a participant's rating of how attractive they
found = ..
each configuration, how confident they were using / wearing it, and how
satisfied =
they were with the configuration, with a specific focus on operational
application;
= = The Bonded UBACS seams tended to rip, this reduced
participants'.confidence in
the item.as it would leave areas of the body vulnerable to fragments and other
debris ,
such as needles when crawling etc. The bonded seams were not robust enough for
.the performance of some military tasks.
=
=
= The Quilted UBACS was rated much more satisfactory than other
configurations.
= Participants liked the sports apparel style design, integration, level
and location of
=
19 .
CA 02866334 2014-09-04
WO 2013/132212
PCT/GB2013/000102
protection comfort afforded by.the material, and design features (i.e. collar,
seams,
fit). =
= Participants described the 0S4 collar as 'horrible', 'unattractive' and
`not.practicar,
and therefore rated, poorly in terms of satisfaction.
=
Integration
=
Issues with integration arose when performing certain military tasks. 'The
areas of the =
garments that proyided protection (neck and forearms) were the main cause for
concern. The more rigid designs interacted poorly with other items' of
clothing and
= equipment (such as weapon, helmet and day sack) and thus affected task
performance:.
= The neoprene padding in= the current UBACS. shirt was found to be
'cumbersome'
and 'ill fitting', interacting poorly with equipment such as weapons and
restricting
ROM..
= = The material at the armpit of the current UBACS rubbed against the
skin, due to the
. interaction between the torso material and the day sack straps, causing
discomfort. '
= The rigid collar of the Bonded UBACS added to the issue of the day sack
pushing
= = the helmet forward when in prone position, thus adding to the
restriction on th'e user '
when performing tasks such as leopard crawl and prone weapon firing. Both the
collar and forearm protection also restricted participants general ROM due to
the =
rigidity and stiffness of the bonded protection.
. ,
== 20 =
CA 02866334 2014-09-04
WO 2013/132212 PCT/GB2013/000102
= The tight fit of the Quilted UBACS and low profile / softer design of the
protection
allowed for better movement and.signifibantly reduced issues of integration.
Participants felt like they weren't wearing a shirt due to the tight fit,
therefore, there =
were no issues during task performance as the shirt moved with the,body, with
no
baggy areas to catch or restrict.
= The
0S4 collar was rated the most poor in terms of integration as it. restricted
=
participants' ROM, and especially the ability to look around. The collar also
=
interacted poorly with the day sack, body armour, and respirator. =
Design Features = =
Bonded seams; the seams that were applied to the Bonded UBACS proved= to be
poor in terms of robustness as they came apart during wear by one of the =
participants. .
Bonded protection; the collar and forearm protection was far too stiff when
bonding
adhesive was applied to the design, causing integration issues.
= Torso material,= the torso material used in the quilted and bonded UBACS
(Nylon
= and Polyester) proved to be comfortable. in terms of feel against the
skin and a1so
thermal comfort as these materials were hydrophobic.
=
Arm material; the cotton material used for the arms of the quilted and bonded
UBACS was not robust enough for use during the functional assessment, and .
therefore, not robust enough for the operational environment. The weight of
the
material should be increaSed to. ensure that the arms of the shirt are able to
= '
21
CA 02866334 2014-09-04
WO 2013/132212
PCT/GB2013/000102
withstand constant use and interaction with tough materials (i.e. gravel when
crawling on the ground etc).
Tight fit; the tight fit of the quilted and bonded UBACS garments allowed
moisture to
escape through gaps between yarns and did not hold/retain moisture in the
structure.
They also allowed very little air to be heldagainst the skin', providing a
cooler =
microclimate than looser fits. The tighter fit was also preferred
aesthetically as this
= Was thought to be like popular sports apparel. The tight fit also moved
with the
wearer causing minimal interaction with other items of clothing or equipment.
=
Seam structure; in order to avoid discomfort in areas that are likely to chafe
rub,
the quilted and bonded UBACS garments were constructed with as few, seams as
=
possible especially in areas of discomfort (i.e. under arms etc) == .
Quilted protection; the application of quilted protection rather than bonded
was
preferred as this was softer allowing for greater ROM at the neck (better for
situational awareness, weapon use and. movement in prone position). The
quilted/softer protection also minimised the interaction with other items at
the
forearm enabling the wearer greater movement and flexibility.
ElbOW pads; the d3oTm elbow (bump protection) pads were found to be a useful
feature, particularly in the prone position. Participants felt that the edge
of these pads
needed to be tapered to allow the pad to sit better underneath the elbow when
leaning on the ground or performing =tasks such as leopard crawl and prone
shot.
Collar design; the current UBACS collar with zip was found to be uncomfortable
and
= ,would also get caught on the body armour. The quilted and bonded UBACS
. garments adopted an overlap design to allow for appropriate coverage of
the neck,
22
CA 02866334 2014-09-04
WO 2013/132212 PCT/GB2013/000102
flexibility of movement and also integration with other items (i.e. he)met).
The Quilted
= UBACS collar worked better as this was not as rigid but still protected
the required
areas. The patch of protection at the top of the spine below the rear of the
collar
= covered a previously exposed vulnerable area.
23
