Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
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PROTECTIVE COMBAT CLOTHING
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present invention relates to protective combat clothing.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] Military uniform is standardized clothing designed to be worn by
soldiers
and paramilitary forces.
[0003] Official dress uniform is designed to be worn at ceremonies and on
formal
occasions.
[0004] Battledress is typically, field dress uniform designed for field
and routine
work, typically outdoor, but is also used for office work, in camps and
barracks.
[0005] In many armies, battledress is worn by soldiers in combat,
however, it
may be desired to introduce protective combat clothing with enhanced
protection and
other safety and comfort features.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0006] There is thus provided, in accordance with an embodiment of the
present
invention, Protective combat clothing (PCC) comprising a shirt and trousers,
wherein
the shirt and the trousers are at least partially made of woven fabric made of
a
composition of the materials comprising flame-resistant fiber, flame-resistant
meta-
aramid fiber, heat-resistant fiber, polyamide and anti-static fiber.
[0007] According to some embodiments of the invention, the composition of
the
materials comprises Lenzing FR , Nomex , Kevlar , polyamide and anti-static
fiber.
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[0008] According to some embodiments of the invention, the composition of
the
materials comprises 30-60% Lenzing FR , 20-50% flame-resistant meta-aramid
fiber, e.g., Nomex , 10-25% Kevlar , 5-20% polyamide and 1-5% anti-static
fiber.
[0009] According to some embodiments of the invention the shirt and the
trousers
comprise each at least a pair of venting openings.
[0010] According to some embodiments of the invention, the shirt comprise
two
pairs of spaced apart venting openings.
[0011] According to some embodiments of the invention, each pair of
venting
openings of the at least two pairs of venting opening of the shirt comprises a
venting
opening on a forearm section of a sleeve, and a venting opening at an armpit
section
of the shirt adjacent to that sleeve.
[0012] According to some embodiments of the invention, the trousers
comprise
a pair of venting openings, each of the openings located across thighs of the
trousers,
one at each of the thighs.
[0013] According to some embodiments of the invention, the venting
openings
are designed to be closed or opened.
[0014] According to some embodiments of the invention, the venting
openings
include, each a zipper for closing or opening that venting opening.
[0015] According to some embodiments of the invention, a net is placed
over
each of the venting openings.
[0016] According to some embodiments of the invention, each of the
sleeves of
the shirt and each of the pant legs of the trousers includes a pocket for a
pad.
[0017] According to some embodiments of the invention, the pocket
includes a
closable opening.
[0018] According to some embodiments of the invention, the pocket
includes a
strap of hook-and-loop fastener.
[0019] According to some embodiments of the invention, the PCC includes a
pair
of elbow pads and a pair of knee pads.
[0020] According to some embodiments of the invention, each of the elbow
pads
and each of the knee pads comprises a three-layered article.
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[0021] According to some embodiments of the invention, the three-layered
article includes an impact distribution later, a puncture-resistant layer and
a cushioning
layer.
[0022] According to some embodiments of the invention, each of the pads
presents a curvature that is substantially orthogonal to and extending along
an
elongated axis of the pad, and is configured to bend along a bending axis that
is
substantially orthogonal to the elongated axis.
[0023] According to some embodiments of the invention, a layer of the
three-
layered article comprises two partially overlapping parts.
[0024] According to some embodiments of the invention, the two partially
overlapping parts are connected such that an edge of one of the parts over the
other
part is not secured to that other part, allowing bending of the first layer
about the
bending layer.
[0025] According to some embodiments of the invention, the PCC may
further
include underwear.
[0026] According to some embodiments of the invention, the underwear is
made
as a complete piece of clothing from UHMWPE knit fabric.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0027] In order for the present invention, to be better understood and
for its
practical applications to be appreciated, the following Figures are provided
and
referenced hereafter. It should be noted that the Figures are given as
examples only
and in no way limit the scope of the invention. Like components are denoted by
like
reference numerals.
[0028] Fig. 1 is a front view of an infantry soldier wearing protective
combat
clothing, according to some embodiments of the present invention.
[0029] Fig. 2 is a rear view of an infantry soldier wearing protective
combat
clothing (PCC), according to some embodiments of the present invention.
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[0030] Fig. 3 is a front view of an infantry soldier wearing protective
combat
clothing, according to some embodiments of the present invention, with open
venting
openings.
[0031] Fig. 4A is a rear view of a knee (or elbow) pad, according to some
embodiments of the present invention.
[0032] Fig. 4B is a front view of a knee (or elbow) pad, according to
some
embodiments of the present invention.
[0033] Fig. 4C is an exploded view of a knee (or elbow) pad, according to
some
embodiments of the present invention.
[0034] Fig. 4D illustrates bending compliance of a knee or elbow pad,
according
to some embodiments of the present invention.
[0035] Fig. 5A is a front view of a PCC underwear, according to some
embodiments of the invention.
[0036] Fig. 5B is a back view of a PCC underwear, according to some
embodiments of the invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0037] In the following detailed description, numerous specific details
are set
forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the invention. However,
it will
be understood by those of ordinary skill in the art that the invention may be
practiced
without these specific details. In other instances, well-known methods,
procedures,
components, modules, units and/or circuits have not been described in detail
so as not
to obscure the invention.
[0038] Although embodiments of the invention are not limited in this
regard, the
terms "plurality" and "a plurality" as used herein may include, for example,
"multiple"
or "two or more". The terms "plurality" or "a plurality" may be used
throughout the
specification to describe two or more components, devices, elements, units,
parameters, or the like. Unless explicitly stated, the method embodiments
described
herein are not constrained to a particular order or sequence. Additionally,
some of the
described method embodiments or elements thereof can occur or be performed
simultaneously, at the same point in time, or concurrently. Unless otherwise
indicated,
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the conjunction "or" as used herein is to be understood as inclusive (any or
all of the
stated options).
[0039] PCC, according to some embodiments of the present invention, may
be
also referred to as combat uniform, field uniform, battledress, fatigues, etc.
is aimed
at providing a combat soldier (e.g., an infantry soldier) with enhanced
protection from
various hazards, which the soldier may face in combat situations, and offer
added
comfort.
[0040] PCC according to some embodiments of the present invention is
aimed at
providing a complete set of protective combat clothing for an infantry
soldier, so as to
meet various requirements. For example, such requirements may include making
all
or some parts of the clothing from fire-retardant material or materials,
possessing some
ballistic protection, having paddings at particular places (e.g., knees,
elbows).
[0041] PCC according to some embodiments of the present invention may be
made of a various textile materials. For example, PCC may include and/or
incorporate
knit, weave, non-woven fabric, etc.
[0042] Fig. 1 is a front view of an infantry soldier wearing PCC 100,
helmet 102
and boots 152, according to some embodiments of the present invention.
[0043] Fig. 2 is a rear view of an infantry soldier wearing protective
combat
clothing, according to some embodiments of the present invention.
[0044] PCC 100 may include trousers 106, shirt 104 and underwear (the
latter
not shown in this figure, see Figs. 5A and 5B).
[0045] The shirt 104 and/or trousers 106 may be made or at least include
textiles
which are designed to withstand stubbing and/or slashing, or stop high and/or
low
velocity projectiles and/or shrapnel and or ricochets. In some embodiments of
the
present invention, at least part or parts of the shirt are made of textile
comprising
polyethylene felt. In some embodiments of the present invention small
polymeric discs
(e.g., discs with a diameter ranging between 1-4 mm) are printed over the
fabric of the
trousers and/or shirt for increased durability. In some embodiments of the
invention,
zones of the textile of the trousers and/or shirt, at the knees and elbows are
reinforced
for enhanced durability and added protection from wear.
[0046] The shirt may include one or a plurality of enhanced protection
zones,
such as, for example, collar, shoulders and lower abdomen and back portions,
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marked by 103, which may be made of ultrahigh molecular weight polyethylene
(UHMWPE), or other ballistic protective material, so as to prevent penetration
of low
velocity projectiles and/or shrapnel and or ricochets. Shirt 104 may include a
zipper
105 for opening or closing the neck zone, to allow the soldier to put the
shirt on or
remove it. Shirt 104 may comprise a torso portion 108 and sleeves 110. Shirt
104 may
comprise sections made of different textile types. Types of textiles used in
making of
shirt 104 and/or trousers 106 may include, knit, weave, not-woven fabric, etc,
and
possess various textile characteristics. For example, the torso portion (front
and/or
back) 108 may be made of breathable, quick-dry material, so as to allow
cooling of
the body of the soldier, when heated as a result of physical strain in action.
[0047] Pocket 112 may be provided on each of the sleeves 110 designed to
allow
the soldier to carry small items, such as documents, a pocket knife, a small
flashlight,
etc. Pockets 112 may be, each, provided with an opening 114. Opening 114 may
be
controlled ¨ opened or closed - by a zipper 116. The zipper may be opened to
allow
insertion of items into the pocket, or for removing them from the pocket.
Zipper 116
may be provided for closing and opening opening 114.
[0048] Shirt 104 may be provided with at least two pairs of venting
openings 120
and 122. Venting openings may be provided with a zipper 124, so as to allow
the
soldier to open or close the venting opening. The venting openings may be
located at
spaced apart locations so as to allow, when open, air to pass inside the
shirt, and cool
the soldier's body. In some embodiments of the present invention, one venting
opening 112 may be located on the part of the sleeve 110 adjacent to the
position of
the forearm of the soldier, when earing the shirt. In some embodiments of the
present
invention the other venting opening may be located adjacent to the armpit, at
the
meeting of the sleeve with the torso portion of the shirt.
[0049] Shirt 104, according to some embodiments, includes elbow pads. In
order
to facilitate appropriate fit of the elbow pad to the elbow of the soldier,
each sleeve
110 may include a pad pocket 202, which is designed to hold an elbow pad (for
example, see Figs. 4a-4c). Each elbow pad pocket 202 may comprise an enclosure
with an opening 204, through which an elbow pad is inserted and placed in
position.
After insertion of the elbow pad, the opening 204 may be closed. The opening
may be
sealed using a fastener, e.g., hook-and-loop fastener 208. The soldier wearing
the shirt
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may reposition the elbow pad within the elbow pad pocket, so as to properly
align the
elbow pad with the elbow, when wearing the shirt. In order to facilitate
repositioning
of the elbow pad, an elongated hook (or loop) strap of hook-and-loop fastener
206
extends inwardly along the inner surface of the pocket. A matching patch of
loops (or
hooks) of a hook-and-loop fastener is provided on the lower end of the elbow
pad (see
412, Fig. 4B). The dimensions of the elbow pad pocket 202 are big enough, so
as to
allow positioning higher or lower within the pocket, and attaching the hook-
and-loop
parts 206 and 412 (see Fig. 4B) in the desired position, in order to properly
align the
elbow pad with the elbow of the soldier wearing the shirt 104.
[0050] Fastening strap 118, e.g., with hook-and-loop fastener may be
provided to
firmly secure the elbow pads to the elbows of the soldier wearing the PCC.
[0051] In some embodiments of the present invention, the front and/or
back torso
portions of the shirt 104 may be made of a knitted fabric.
[0052] In some embodiments of the present invention the knitted fabric of
the
torso portions of the shirt 104 may include, for example, the following
composition of
materials: flame-resistant fiber, e.g., Lenzing FR , flame-resistant meta-
aramid fiber,
e.g., Nomex , elastic fiber, e.g., Lycra , heat-resistant, strong fiber,
e.g., Kevlar ,
and carbon fibers.
[0053] In some embodiments of the present invention, the knitted fabric
of the
torso portions of shirt 104 may include the following composition of
materials: 45-
65% Lenzing FR , 15-30% Nomex , 5-20% Lycra , 2-10% Kevlar , and 1-5%
Pes/PA/ carbon.
[0054] Typically in combat situations a soldier may also be wearing a
tactical
vest over the shirt that protects large parts of the front and back torso.
[0055] In some embodiments of the invention, the sleeves 110 of shirt 104
and
the trousers 106 may be made of a woven fabric.
[0056] In some embodiments of the present invention, the woven fabric of
the
shirt and/or trousers, may include, for example, the following composition of
materials: flame-resistant fiber, e.g., Lenzing FR , flame-resistant meta-
aramid fiber,
e.g., Nomex , heat-resistant, strong fiber, e.g., Kevlar , polyamide and
anti-static
fiber.
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[0057] In some embodiments of the present invention, the woven fabric of
the
shirt and/or trousers, may include, for example, the following composition of
materials: 30-60% Lenzing FR , 20-50% flame-resistant meta-aramid fiber,
e.g.,
Nomex , 10-25% Kevlar , 5-20% polyamide and 1-5% anti-static fiber.
[0058] A PCC according to some embodiments of the invention, may also
include a pair of gloves 124. Each glove may include a fastening strap 126 for
firmly
holding the glove about the wrist of the soldier wearing the gloves 124.
[0059] Trousers 106 may comprise of a pelvis portion 109 and two pant
legs 132.
Trousers 106 may include a belt 107. Trousers 106 may include pockets, e.g.,
pockets
134, 150, at various positions. For example, hip pocket 134 may include a top
opening
covered by top cover 138. Hip pocket 134 may also include a side opening 136,
which
may be opened or closed using a zipper 137 that is provided across the side
opening
136.
[0060] The trousers 106 may be made of textile/s that are stab or slash
resistant.
[0061] Trousers 106 may include venting openings 128. The soldier may
keep
the venting openings 128 closed or opened, by employing a zipper (shown is the
zipper
puller 130). By opening the venting openings, the soldier may facilitate air
flow
through the trousers so as to cool the soldier's body. In some embodiments the
venting
openings 128 may be positioned across the thighs, one at each of the thighs,
as
illustrated in Fig. 1. Other design arrangements of the venting openings may
also be
employed.
[0062] On each leg pant 132 a knee pad pocket 140 may be provided.
Similarly
to the elbow pad pockets, the knee pad pockets 140 may be located at the
anticipated
position of the knee of the soldier who is to wear the trousers 106. Each knee
pad
pocket 140 is designed to receive a knee pad.
[0063] Each knee pocket 140 has an opening (e.g. a bottom opening 144,
through
which the knee pad may be inserted into the pocket. A fastener, e.g. hook-and-
loop
fastener 148 is placed across opening 144, so that the knee pad may be
inserted and
the pocket opening 144 is then sealed by the fastener 148.
[0064] In order to facilitate appropriate positioning of the knee pad
against the
knee of the soldier wearing the trousers, the knee pad pocket is designed so
as to allow
repositioning of the knee pad within the pocket.
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[0065] An elongated strap 146 of a hook-and-loop fastener extends
inwardly on
the inside surface of pocket 140, so that the knee pad may be properly
positioned
adjacent to the knee of the soldier, and secured in position, by attaching the
matching
patch 412 of the hook-and-loop fastener (see Fig. 4B) to corresponding strap
146. This
ensures that the soldier may rearrange the knee pad inside knee pad pocket 140
to lay
at a proper and convenient position. Strap 142 (e.g., comprising two
cooperating
fastener straps 142a and 142b) may be used to fasten the pant leg and secure
the knee
pad in its proper position against the soldier's knee.
[0066] Fig. 3 is a front view of an infantry soldier wearing protective
combat
clothing, according to some embodiments of the present invention, with open
venting
openings.
[0067] Venting opening 128 (this may apply to any venting opening
provided on
the PCC) may include a zipper across the opening (show is the zipper puller
130) for
opening or closing the venting opening. Net (e.g., mesh) 302, with holes of
predetermined size, may be placed over the opening to allow ventilation and
prevent
entry of dirt, bugs, etc. through the net 302.
[0068] Fig. 4A is a rear view of a knee (or elbow) pad 400, according to
some
embodiments of the present invention.
[0069] Fig. 4B is a front view of a knee (or elbow) pad 400, according to
some
embodiments of the present invention.
[0070] Fig. 4C is an exploded view of a knee (or elbow) pad 400,
according to
some embodiments of the present invention.
[0071] Pad 400 may be designed as a three-layered article.
[0072] Top protection layer 404 may be impact-distribution layer 404,
which is
aimed at distributing an impact on the knee, when kneeling or otherwise. This
layer
may be made, for example, from a laminate of polypropylene and aramide, and is
aimed at distributing an incoming impact over the layer so as to reduce the
pressure
imparted by the impact on the knee and minimize any risk of damage.
[0073] Second protection later 403 (see Fig. 4C) may be a puncture-
resistant
layer, which may be made, for example from aramide. This layer is design to
prevent,
or greatly reduce the possibility of a sharp object, such as, for example, a
blade, a nail,
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broken glass, etc. from penetrating the pad and injuring the soldier's knee,
when
kneeling down.
[0074] A third cushioning layer 402 ¨ which is designed to face the knee
or
elbow, serves as a cushioning layer, to cushion the knee, when placed on the
ground,
when the soldier kneels, or when coming in contact with or hit by a rigid
object (e.g.,
will, stone, metal object, etc.). The third layer may be made, for example,
from
ethylene-vinyl acetate (EVA), polyethylene foam, etc.
[0075] Fig. 4D illustrates bending compliance of a knee or elbow pad,
according
to some embodiments of the present invention.
[0076] The elbow or knee pad, according to some embodiments of the
present
invention are designed to dynamically change from a generally flat
orientation, along
the elongated axis of the leg or arm, when placed over a straightened knee or
elbow,
to a bent orientation, when the knee or elbow bend, in compliance with the
bending of
that limb. At the same time, the pad is designed to present a curvature that
is
orthogonal to and extending along the longitudinal axis of the limb, so as to
conform
to the curvature of the limb.
[0077] Thus, according to some embodiments, the pad has a substantially
fixed
curvature 414 orthogonally to the elongated axis 415. The cushioning layer may
be
provided with two substantially opposite indentations 410, which define an
axis
extending between these indentations, about which the pad may bend. A groove
408
in the cushion padding 406 may enhance this bending axis, as the padding is
likely to
more readily yield along the groove 408 in response to bending force applied
on the
pad.
[0078] The second puncture resistant layer is typically rather thin and
possess
some flexibility, that allows it to bend easily with the bending of the third
cushioning
layer.
[0079] The first, impact distribution layer, is typically hard and not as
flexible as
the other two layers. Furthermore, because of its curvature extending along
the
elongated axis, it may be hard to bend it about the bending axis 413, which is
substantially orthogonal (right angle 418) to the elongated axis 415. To
address this
problem the first puncture-resistant layer 404 may be comprised of two parts
404a and
404b, which partially overlap. The two parts may be stitched together along
stitch line
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407, so that the edge 409 of part 404b, which is over part 404a, is free ¨ not
secured
to part 404a. Thus, when the pad is bent in conjunction with bending of the
knee or
elbow, a bend curvature 416 of the pad may be obtained.
[0080] Fig. 5A is a front view of a PCC underwear 500, according to some
embodiments of the invention.
[0081] Fig. 5B is a back view of a PCC underwear 500, according to some
embodiments of the invention.
[0082] Underwear 500 may be made as a complete piece of clothing 502,
from
for example, UHMWPE knit fabric, for enhanced protection against shrapnel
and/or
ricochets. A rubber band 504 may be provided for holding the underwear about
the
waist and/or thighs of the wearer. Preferably, Lycra threads may be
incorporated into
the UHMWPE knit fabric for added flexibility and comfort.
[0083] Different embodiments are disclosed herein. Features of certain
embodiments may be combined with features of other embodiments; thus certain
embodiments may be combinations of features of multiple embodiments. The
foregoing description of the embodiments of the invention has been presented
for the
purposes of illustration and description. It is not intended to be exhaustive
or to limit
the invention to the precise form disclosed. It should be appreciated by
persons skilled
in the art that many modifications, variations, substitutions, changes, and
equivalents
are possible in light of the above teaching. It is, therefore, to be
understood that the
appended claims are intended to cover all such modifications and changes as
fall
within the true spirit of the invention.
[0084] While certain features of the invention have been illustrated and
described
herein, many modifications, substitutions, changes, and equivalents will now
occur to
those of ordinary skill in the art. It is, therefore, to be understood that
the appended
claims are intended to cover all such modifications and changes as fall within
the true
spirit of the invention.
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