Note : Les descriptions sont présentées dans la langue officielle dans laquelle elles ont été soumises.
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SCALABLE AND MODULAR PROTECTIVE GARMENT SYSTEM
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The invention relates to protective garments and suits,
and in particular, to a modular protective garment system for
protecting military, police and other emergency service personnel
during active service.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] Military personnel often work in hazardous environments
and are frequently exposed to ballistic threats such as bullets and
fragments from explosive devices such as bombs and roadside IEDs
(improvised explosive devices). Personnel operating in these
environments may be issued with a sleeveless protective jacket for
wearing in combination with standard military uniform. The
protective jacket comprises front and rear pockets each extending
over the front and rear torso regions for receiving a ballistic
resistant plate, typically composed of a composite of multiple
layers of ballistic resistant fabric such as an aramid material and
embedded epoxy resin which are heat pressed together. The front and
rear protective plates assist in preventing bullets and fragments
penetrating the thoracic cavity and damaging vital organs.
[0003] In more dangerous conditions, typically geared towards
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explosive device and bomb disposal applications, military personnel
may be provided with bomb suits including full body protective
armour. These suits typically require extensive dressing time and
are have highly restricted mobility, due to their size, weight and
bulkiness. Two-
piece suits are also known in the art, for
providing separate upper and lower body protection. There is a
need in the art for a protective garment in the form of a bomb or
tactical suit that provides for one or more of enhanced mobility,
versatility, customization, and protection, among other factors.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0004] In
accordance with a first embodiment of the present
invention there is disclosed a protective garment system for a user
including a cummerbund having a shoulder harness connected to a
wraparound waist portion, and at least one connector device
operatively attached to the cummerbund; and, one or more upper body
modular protective elements and one or more lower body modular
protective elements. preferably, at least one of the lower body
modular protective elements is attached to the cummerbund by the
connector device.
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[0005] According to one aspect of the first embodiment, the one
or more upper body modular protective elements is a shoulder
protector, and the at least one connector device extends from a
region of the cummerbund proximate the user's upper chest region to
interact with a corresponding connector on the shoulder protector.
Preferably, the at least one connector device are defined by
underarm ballistic flaps with an adjustable strap and buckle system
and the corresponding connector includes a complimentary strap and
buckle system, such that said shoulder protector is adjustably
positioned to accommodate the user and rest tautly against a vest
worn by the user over the cummerbund.
[0006] According to another aspect of the invention, the
shoulder protector includes an integral collar
[0007] According to another embodiment of the invention, the one
or more upper body modular protective elements are arm protectors
positioned over at least a portion of the user's arms. Preferably,
the arm protectors are connected to the shoulder protector, for
example, by emergency breakaway zippers positioned proximate each
respective shoulder on the shoulder protector and an upper portion
of the arm protectors on the arm protectors.
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[0008]
According to one aspect of this embodiment, the arm
protectors are arm-length arm protectors and include a bend at an
elbow portion thereof. Preferably, the protector includes an inner
portion formed from a flame, abrasion and tear resistant fabric,
and an outer portion formed in part from a flame, abrasion and tear
resistant plastic and in part from a flame, abrasion and tear
resistant fabric and/or elastomer. The arm
protector of this
embodiment may further include a gusset proximate an underarm
region of said arm protector to provide protection to the underarm
region of the user.
[0009]
According to another embodiment of the arm protector, the
arm protector includes a sleeve formed from an upper arm protective
portion and a lower arm protective portion. Preferably, breakaway
zippers are positioned on an upper portion of the upper arm
protective portion. According to one aspect of the invention, an
opening device, such as a zipper, is provided extending along a
length of the arm protectors to provide access to protective
inserts, for example, to facilitate removal for laundering
purposes.
[0010]
According to another aspect of the invention, the lower
arm protective portion is attached to a lower portion of the upper
arm protective portion. Preferably, corresponding buckle elements
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are formed on the upper and lower arm protective portions for
connecting the upper arm protective portion to the lower arm
protective portion. Opening devices may be provided extending a
length of the upper arm protective portion and the lower arm
protective portion to facilitate placing the respective arm
protective portions over the user's arms.
[0011]
According to another embodiment of the invention, the one
or more lower body modular protective elements further includes
ballistic shorts.
Preferably, the cummerbund includes an
adjustable waist strap; the ballistic shorts further include belt
loop portions, such that the waist straps are adapted to hook into
the belt loops on the ballistic shorts to keep the shorts secure at
the waist of the user. According to one aspect, the ballistic
shorts include an elastic material along the outer thigh thereof.
[0012]
According to another embodiment of the invention, the one
one or more lower body modular protective elements further includes
a thigh protector. Preferably, the at least one connector device on
the cummerbund includes a connector extending at least partially
around a waist portion of the cummerbund, and the thigh protector
further include a complimentary connector for attaching to the
connector extending at least partially around the waist portion of
the cummerbund.
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[0013]
According to one aspect of this embodiment, the connector
on the cummerbund is a zipper portion and the complimentary
connector is a complimentary zipper portion.
Preferably, the
zipper portions extend substantially around the waist portion of
the cummerbund. The
thigh protector may further comprise an
opening device, such as a zipper, cn interior portions thereof.
[0014]
Preferably, the thigh protector extend from the waist of
the user to below the knees of the user. According to one aspect
of this embodiment, the thigh protector further comprise a knee
protector integral with the thigh protector. Preferably, the knee
protector is formed from a ballistic resistant material.
[0015]
According to another embodiment of the invention, the
protective garment system further comprises a lower leg protector
for one or both of the user's legs.
Preferably, the lower leg
protector is connected to a portion of the thigh protector
proximate the knee protector. According to one aspect of this
embodiment, the portion of the thigh protector proximate the knee
protector is on an underside of the knee protector. The lower leg
protector may include one or more buckles and the thigh protector
may include one or more corresponding buckles for attaching the
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lower leg protector to the thigh protector. Preferably, the lower
leg protector extends substantially over a knee region of the user
and includes a protective plate covering the knee region comprising
an impact resistant material.
[0016] According to another embodiment of the invention, the one
or more upper body modular protective elements further includes a
ballistic resistant body protective element, such as a blast chest
plate for covering the chest and upper body portion of the user.
The blast chest plate may further include a groin protective
portion extending over the groin region of the user. According to
another embodiment, a blast attenuation liner is positioned between
the blast chest plate and the user.
[0017] According to one aspect of this embodiment, the chest
blast plate includes two or more buckle elements, and at least one
buckle element is provided on the shoulder protector..
Preferably, the protector plate includes four buckle elements, the
shoulder protector includes two corresponding ballistic flaps
having two corresponding buckle elements to attach to two of the
four buckle elements and the shoulder protector further includes
two pectoral buckle elements to attach to the remaining two of the
four buckle elements
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[0018] Preferably, the buckle elements on the ballistic flaps
are adjustable, and, the pectoral buckle elements on the shoulder
protector are fixed, such that in use, the chest protector is first
buckled to the fixed buckle elements and subsequently to the
adjustable buckle elements to ensure that the chest prctector is
taught against a torso region of the user.
[0019] According to another embodiment of the invention, the at
least one connective device on the cummerbund may include one or
more protective devices selected from the group consisting of
straps, buckles, underarm flaps, straps extending from an underarm
flap, buckles extending from an underarm flap and zippers.
Similarly, at least one connective device on the shoulder protector
may include one or more protective devices selected from the group
consisting of straps, buckles, underarm flaps, straps extending
from an underarm flap, buckles extending from an underarm flap and
zippers.
[0020] According to another embodiment of the invention, a
protective garment is disclosed, that includes, in combination, a
cummerbund having a shoulder harness, and at least one connector
device for attaching a plurality of modular protective elements to
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the cummerbund; wherein the plurality of modular protective
elements comprises ballistic shorts, and, a thigh protector.
[0021] According to one aspect of this embodiment, the
protective garment further includes lower leg protectors connected
to the thigh protector and a blast chest plate connected in part to
the to the shoulder protector and in part tc the underarm flaps of
the shoulder protector.
[0022] Other advantages, features and characteristics of the
present invention, as well as methods of operation and functions of
the related elements of the structure, and the combination of parts
and economies of manufacture, will become more apparent upon
consideration of the following detailed description and the
appended claims with reference to the accompanying drawings, the
latter of which is briefly described hereinbelow.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0023] The novel features which are believed to be
characteristic of the according to the present invention, as to its
structure, organization, use and method of operation, together with
further objectives and advantages thereof, will be better
understood from the following drawings in which a presently
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preferred embodiment of the invention will now be illustrated by
way of example. It is expressly understood, however, that the
drawings are for the purpose of illustration and description only,
and are not intended as a definition of the limits of the
invention. In the accompanying drawings:
[0024] Figure 1 is a perspective view of a representative
cummerbund according to the invention;
[0025] Figure 2 is a perspective view of the cummerbund of
Figure 1 on a user;
[0026] Figure 3 is a perspective view of a representative
protective vest for use with the invention;
[0027] Figure 4 is a perspective view of the cummerbund of
Figure 1 and the vest of Figure 3 on a user;
[0028] Figure 5 is a perspective view of a representative
shoulder protector according to the invention;
[0029] Figure 6 is a perspective view of the shoulder protector
of Figure 5 as worn by a user;
[0030] Figure 7 is a detail view as marked in Figure 6;
[0031] Figure 8A is a perspective view showing the invention
with representative single piece arm protectors;
[0032] Figure 8B is a perspective view showing the invention
with representative two piece arm protectors;
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[0033] Figure 9 is a perspective view of representative
protective shorts according to the invention;
[0034] Figure 10 is a perspective view of a user donning the
protective shorts of Figure 9;
[0035] Figure 11a is a perspective view of representative
modular protective elements according to the invention;
[0036] Figure llb is a perspective view of the modular
protective elements of Figure 11a on a user;
[0037] Figure 12 is a perspective view of representative lower
leg protectors according to the invention;
[0038] Figure 13 is a perspective view of a user donning the
lower leg protectors according to the invention;
[0039] Figure 14 is a perspective view of a user donning a
representative chest plate according to the invention;
[0040] Figure 15 is a detail view as marked in Figure 8A;
[0041] Figure 16 is a detail view as marked in Figure 8B;
[0042] Figure 17 is a detail view as marked in Figure 13;
[0043] Figure 18 is a front view of another embodiment of the
invention; and,
[0044] Figure 19 is a side view of the embodiment of Figure 18.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0045] The invention discloses a protective garment system, such
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as a bomb suit or a tactical personnel protection system, designed
to protect against a variety of threats posed by, for example,
explosive hazards, gunfire, fragments from explosions, and other
operational hazards that occur during the course of military,
police and other emergency service personnel missions. Unlike
prior art systems, the protective garment system of the present
invention provides a modular protective system that is readily
alterable and adaptable to providing a suitable level of protection
and mobility based on anticipated threats and operational
requirements in particular mission environments. The
modular
system of this invention allows the protective garment to be worn
in numerous configurations in order to address the requirements of
the operating environment and the specific tasks that will be
carried out by the user. For clarity, the term protective garment,
and protective garment system are used throughout the description
interchangeable, and it will be understood that these terms apply
equally to a bomb suit, emergency suit, and tactical suit and other
protective garments that may be used depending on a class of
mission in which the suit is used, but generally refer to the
garment of the present invention and may be referred to
interchangeably.
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[0046]
Accordingly, it will be apparent to a person skilled in
the art that the various components and upper and lower body
modular protective elements of the protective garment described
below may be worn in any combination to provide a protective
garment for particular operational requirements. Each of
the
modular protective elements protecting the lower body may be
attached to a base cummerbund (described further below), or to each
other to ultimately form the protective garment used Modular
protective elements protecting the upper body may be attached to a
shoulder protector, described in further detail below.
[0047] The
modular protective elements described below may be
formed from any number of materials, including fabrics such as
Aramid, ballistic resistant plastics, impact resistant materials
and similar materials, such as Kevlar, and any combinations thereof
that allow for one or more flame, abrasion and ballistic
resistance.
Furthermore, durable ultra-violet resistant
elastomerio rubber panels providing increased grip and wear
resistance may be incorporated into areas of the modular protective
elements. It will be understood by those skilled in the art that
these material descriptors are to aid in the understanding and
description of the invention, but the invention is not limited to
such materials. Various
other materials providing protective
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varying degrees of protection may be incorporated into any and all
portions of the modular protective elements of the invention.
[0048] Referring now to Figure 13, there is shown a
representative protective garment system 10 for a user 5, such as
military, police or other emergency services personnel. Shown in
Figures 1 and 2, the protective garment system 10 has a base
cummerbund 12 having a shoulder harness 14 and at least one
connector device for connecting one or more modular protective
elements to the cummerbund 12. Various embodiments of the at least
one connector device and the modular protective elements are
described in further detail below. The cummerbund 12 is preferably
adaptable to be worn over existing uniform or clothing such that
the protective garment system may be donned on short notice, in a
quick and efficient manner. Preferably, the cummerbund 12 is back-
supportive, and in combination with the shoulder harness 14 is
designed to provide support and decrease the stress placed on
stabilizer muscles of the back, thereby allowing for better posture
and carrying of the protective garment. This is
especially
critical where the protective garment system 10 includes a number
of protective elements increasing the weight of the protective
garment system 10 substantially. Furthermore, any tools, weaponry
or other accessories that may be attached to the protective garment
system 10 may be added while minimizing the load borne by the
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user's shoulders. Typical
prior art bomb suits and protective
garments placed substantial loads on the user's shoulders. The
base cummerbund 12 according to the invention allows for the
distribution of some weight, usually carried by the shoulders, to
the user's hips. The invention is not limited to the embodiment of
the cummerbund 12 shown, as will be understood by those skilled in
the art that any cummerbund 12 having a waist supportive portion
16, connector devices 18 and the shoulder harness 14, and
variations thereof providing the same functionality is within the
scope of the invention. A protective vest 30 (shown in Figure 3)
may be worn over the cummerbund 12 (as shown in Figure 4), and is
optionally, independent of the protective garment system of the
invention. That is, standard protective vests 30 as are known in
the art, may be worn over the cummerbund 12, and may be user
supplied. While not illustrated in this manner, in use, it will be
understood that the protective vest 30 extends over the cummerbund
12. However, for the purposes of illustrating the invention, the
portion of vest 30 extending over the cummerbund 12 has been
removed. Figures 18 and 19 show a fully illustrated embodiment
where the vest extends over the cummerbund (a further description
of these Figures is below).
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[0049]
The cummerbund 12 may include a number of connector
devices extending from various portions of the cummerbund 12.
Referring now to Figure 1, the cummerbund 12 is shown to include
lower connector devices 18 that may, for example, include straps,
buckles, hook and loop fasteners, and as illustrated, a zipper, and
similar connector devices as would be known to a person of ordinary
skill in the art. Additional wrap-around connector devices 18 may
also be provided at the waist portion 16 of the cummerbund. The
cummerbund 12 preferably further includes an adjustable waist strap
16 having lower connector devices 18 extending therefrom.
Additional upper connector devices (not shown) may be include for
attachment of additional protective elements. These may be fixed
or adjustable in nature.
[0050]
Referring now to Figures 5 to 7, according to one
embodiment of the invention, one of the upper body modular
protective elements is a shoulder protector 50.
The shoulder
protector 50 is shaped and otherwise dimensioned to provide
protection to the upper chest and neck regions of the user. In one
aspect of the invention, the shoulder protector further includes
attachment points 52a and 52b for additional protective elements
providing protection to the upper and lower arms of the user, these
are described in further detail below. The shoulder protector 50
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preferably further includes an integral collar portion 54 for
providing additional protection to the shoulder region of the user.
The integral collar portion 54 may further include additional
shoulder plates 56 formed from a hard plastics material.
[0051] in order
to don the shoulder protector 50 , the shoulder
protector 50 includes a connector, preferably in the form of a
complimentary strap and buckle system 58 formed on underarm
ballistic flaps, such that the shoulder protector 50 may be
adjustably positioned to accommodate the user and rest tautly
against the vest 30 worn by the user over the cummerbund 12. In
use, the user would connect the corresponding buckle and strap 58,
60 underneath each of the underarm regions, respectively and pull
the straps 58 away from the body to thereby ensure the shoulder
protector 50 is firmly, and properly positioned.
[0052] With
reference now to Figures 8A and 8B, according to one
aspect of the invention, the one or more upper body modular
protective elements of the protective garment system 10 may
further include arm protectors 80 positioned over at least a
portion of the user's arms. The
preferred embodiments of the
invention include both a single piece arm protector 80, shown in
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Figure 8A, and a two piece arm protector 80a/80b, show in Figure
BE.
[0053] The
single piece arm protector 80 is preferably connected
to the shoulder protector 50, by means of a quick-release type
connector 150 having one portion on the shoulder protector 50 and
another portion on an upper portion 82 of the arm protector 80.
The quick-release type connector may, for example, be an emergency
tear away zipper 150. Thus, a user may doff the arm protectors 80
quickly and efficiently, and in extreme situations, where it is
preferably to doff the arm protectors 80 under stressed situations,
they may be quickly removed. The arm
protector 80 of this
embodiment is preferably full arm-length and includes a bend 84 to
approximate the natural bend of a user's arm. Preferably, the arm
protector 80 includes an inner portion 86 formed from a flame,
abrasion and tear resistant fabric and an outer portion 88 formed
from a flame, abrasion and tear resistant plastics material. In
this manner, the generally exposed portions of the arm are provided
with a higher degree of protection, while the inner portions of the
user's arm are provided with a material and elements designed to
increase mobility, while still providing a high degree of
protection. The arm protector 80 preferably further includes an
opening device extending along a length of the arm protector 30 for
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removal of protective inserts for laundering of outer shell 80. In
an exemplary embodiment, the opening device includes a zipper 805
extending the length of the arm, and preferably positioned at an
interface of the aforementioned plastics and fabric material.
Preferably, the zipper 805 is hidden, and completely covered during
use.
[0054] The arm protector 80 preferably further includes an
integral gusset 807 formed on an inner portion of the arm 88,
proximate the underarm region of the arm protector. The gusset 807
provides additional protection to the underarm region of the user
and substantially ensures eliminates any gaps in protection between
the arm protector 80 and the vest 30 worn by the user. The arm
protector may further include integral pockets for accommodating
various tools and accessories.
[0055] In another embodiment of an arm protector shown in Figure
813, a two-piece arm protector 80a,80b is provided including a
sleeve formed from an upper arm protective portion 80a and a lower
arm protective portion 80b. The upper arm protective portion 80a
is preferably connected to the shoulder protector 50 in a manner
similar to that described above with respect to the single piece
arm protector 80. That is, the upper arm protective portion 80a and
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the shoulder protector 50 are preferably provided with
corresponding portions of emergency breakaway zippers for quick
removal of the arm protector 80a. An
opening device , and
materials as described above with respect to the single piece arm
protector 80 may be used on one or both of the upper arm protective
portion BCa and the lower arm protective portion BOb. Preferably,
the lower arm protective portion 80b is attached to the upper arm
protective portion 80a. In the
illustrated and preferred
embodiment, the detail of which is shown in Figure 16,
corresponding buckle elements 820, 830 are formed on the upper and
lower arm protective portions BOa and 80b, respectively.
Preferably, the buckle elements 820, 830 are located in the elbow
region, proximate the interface between the upper arm protective
portion 80a and the lower arm protective portion 80b and are
concealed during use.
[0056] Either
of the two variations of arm protectors ,
described above may further include additional armored components,
such as elbow plates 840, forearm armor 850, and any other
additional protection as would be apparent to one skilled in the
art. As will become apparent to one skilled in the art from the
above description, the ability to quickly don or doff the entire
arm protector, or portions of the arm protector in the two piece
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embodiment is beneficial in cases where mission and combat
situations vary rapidly, or when transferring from situations where
maximum protection is required to those where high mobility is
required in a short timeframe.
[0057] According to another embodiment of the present invention,
that may not be mutually exclusive to the above described
embodiments, the one or more modular protective elements further
includes ballistic shorts 90. Representative ballistic shorts are
shown in Figures 9 and 10, and may be used alone, or in combination
with one or more of the shoulder protector 30 and the arm
protectors 80 described above. The ballistic shorts 90 preferably
include belt loop portions 92 adapted to hook onto, or be hooked
onto, the adjustable waist strap 16 of the cummerbund 12 to keep
the shorts secure at the user's waist. In the preferred embodiment,
there are two loops positioned at respective side portions of the
waist and a third loop positioned at a back portion of the waist.
The ballistic shorts 90 are preferably formed in part, from an
elastic material at portions that overlap otherwise protected
portions of the protective garment. For example, the outside thigh
portion 94 of the ballistic shorts may be formed from an elastic
material.
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[0058]
According to another aspect of the invention, the one or
more modular protective elements may further include thigh
protector 100. In a preferred embodiment, the thigh protector is
in the form of protective chaps. Preferably, the thigh protector
100 extend from the waist region of the user to a region proximate
the knee of the user, and more preferably, to a region slightly
below the knee of the user. The
thigh protector 100 further
include a connector 105 complimentary to the wrap-around connector
device 18 formed on the cummerbund 12. In this manner, the thigh
protector 100 is substantially supported and connected around the
entire waist region of the user. In the preferred embodiment, the
wrap-around connector device 18 on the cummerbund 12 forms one half
of a zipper and the complimentary connector 105 on the thigh
protector 100 forms the other half of the zipper, extending
substantially around the entire waist portion of the thigh
protector 100 and the cummerbund 12. The aforementioned zipper is
preferably an emergency breakaway zipper to facilitate quick
removal of the thigh protector. The
thigh protector 100 may
further include an opening means (not shown) on an
interior
portion 110 thereof, for example, zippers on inside thigh portions
of the user to facilitate donning and doffing of the thigh
protector 100. The thigh protector 100 preferably further includes
integral knee protectors 112 covering substantially all of the
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user's knee region. The knee protectors 112 may be formed from a
ballistic resistant material and provide additional protection to
the user's knees, and are preferably made integral with the thigh
protector by being sewn into a pocket in the thigh protector.
[0059] According to another embodiment of the invention, the
protective garment 10 further includes lower leg protectors 120
(shown in Figure 12) connected to a portion of the thigh protector
100 proximate the knee protector 112, or proximate a region of the
user's knees. The lower leg protector 120 provides protection for
the shin region of the user and is provided separately from the
thigh protector 100 to provide for increased mobility in the
protective garment. According to the preferred embodiment, buckles
125, or similar connecting means, are provided on the lower leg
protectors 120 and one or more corresponding straps or buckles 108
are provided on the thigh protector 100 proximate an underside of
the knee protector 112 for attaching the lower leg protectors 120
to the thigh protector 100 (see Figure 18). It will be apparent to
one skilled in the art that one or two lower leg protectors may be
used at any particular time.
[0060] According to another embodiment of the invention shown in
Figure 14, a ballistic resistant body protective element 140 is
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also provided. The ballistic resistant body protective element 140
is preferably in the form of a blast chest plate 140, as
illustrated, and is a modular protective element that would be used
for example, in demining applications of the protective garment
system. In other applications, such as for explosive ordinance
disposal, an additional protective element in the form of a blast
attenuation layer may be included between the chest protector and
the user's chest; that is when the protective garment is to be used
as bomb suit.
The blast chest plate 140 preferably covers
substantially an entire portion of the upper body region of the
user. The chest plate 140 preferably includes two or more buckle
elements 142 positioned, sized and otherwise dimensioned to
correspond with the buckle elements or straps 52c and 52d on the
shoulder protector 50. Preferably, there are four buckle elements
52a-d or straps on the
shoulder protector, two of which are
extension of, or are otherwise connected to ballistic flaps 55 and
two of which are on the shoulder protector proximate the pectoral
region. In a preferred embodiment, the buckle elements 52c, 52d on
the shoulder protector 50 that attach to the ballistic flaps 55 are
adjustable, and the pectoral buckle elements 52a and 52b are
fixed, such that in use, the chest protector 140 is first buckled
to the fixed pectoral buckle elements 52a, 52b and subsequently to
the adjustable buckle elements 52c, 52d, after which the user would
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pull the adjustment strap 53 away from the body to thereby tighten
the adjustable buckle elements 52c, 52d, and thus ensure that the
chest protector 140 is taught against a torso region of the user.
While only one adjustment strap 53 is shown in Figure 14, it will
be apparent that a corresponding adjustment strap 53 is positioned
on the other side of the user.
[0061] The invention further relates to a kit for forming a
protective garment or bomb suit, including, at least a cummerbund
as described hereinabove and one or more of the additional modular
protective elements.
[0062] It will be appreciated by one skilled in the art that the
invention provides for a fully scalable and modular protective
garment system, whereby the specific protective elements may be
adaptable, redesigned, or otherwise alternated depending on
specific mission requirements. In this regard, Figures 18 and 19
show an alternative embodiment of the invention whereby the
protective elements are designed for substantially more dangerous
situations. The embodiment shown in Figures 18 and 19 includes a
base cummerbund (not visible), shoulder protector 500, arm
protectors 800, ballistic shorts 550, thigh protectors 600, chest
plate 575 and lower leg protectors 650. Various attachment points
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for tools and other accessories are shown on the suit of Figures 18
and 19. Furthermore, pull straps 630 are shown, by which the chest
plate 575 is tightened against the user, as described earlier.
Chest plate 575 further includes a groin protective region 580 that
may for formed unitary with the chest plate 575, or provided as an
add-on portion. Figure 19 shows the blast attenuation liner 578
positioned between the chest plate 575 and the user. Figure 19
further shows the two piece arm protector having upper and lower
protective portions 800a, 800b.
As illustrated, the lower
protective portion 800b extends over the elbow of the user to
provide added protection when the arm is bent.
It will be
understood by those skilled in the art that the connective elements
and assembly of protective elements as shown in Figures 18 and 19
is substantially as has been previously described and reference is
made to the earlier description for describing the assembly,
connectivity, and general arrangements of the protective elements,
different embodiments of which are shown in Figures 18 and 19.
[0063]
Other modifications and alterations may be used in the
design and manufacture of other embodiments according to the
present invention. The scope of the claims should not be limited by
the preferred embodiments, but should be given the broadest
interpretation consistent with the description as a whole.
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