Ballistic vest, assembly and method for adjusting such a vest

Abstract

 The invention relates to a ballistic vest (2), an assembly of such a vest and a pouch (3), and a method for adjusting such a vest. The ballistic vest according to the invention comprises connecting means (6a,6b) are designed to connect a ballistic plate to a carrier in at least one tilted position with respect to the coronal plane of the person. The tilting of the ballistic plate with respect to the coronal plane of the person allows for creating a space which may accommodate relatively bulky parts of the body, such as a woman's bust. Additional advantages are improved ventilation and stand-off against impact.

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a ballistic vest, an assembly of such a vest and a pouch, and a method for adjusting such a vest.

[0002] Ballistic vests are generally used to protect law enforcement officers and military personnel under hazardous circumstances. Typical ballistic vests comprise a carrier with soft armour panels to protect against a wide range of threats including fragments, handgun ammunition and/ or stabbing from sharp objects. Soft armour panels are usually made of high tensile strength fibers, in particular aramid fibers (Kevlar/Twaron) or high-density polyethylene (Dyneema/Spectra). Such materials are relatively light weight and flexible, which increases comfort for the wearer of the body armour.

[0003] In order to further increase safety against projectile penetration, in some cases ballistic plates (also known as hard armour plates, ceramic plates, trauma plates, SAPI, ballistic panels, etc.) can be added to the ballistic vest, which may for instance be inserted in front and back pouches of the vest. Most ballistic plates provide a higher level of protection than soft armour panels by allowing them to stop high velocity projectiles, such as rifle bullets. Ballistic plates are typically a composite armour made of pressed stacked layers of aramid or high-density polyethylene combined with ceramic material layers. Typical ballistic plates are sized 25 by 30 cm or 10 by 12 inch, but there is a wide range of ballistic plates that come in different sizes and materials, offering different levels of protection.

[0004] Ballistic plates, either of the rigid or semi-rigid type, reduce the freedom of movement and comfort of the wearer. This is particularly true for women, as the rigid plates usually do not accommodate the bust. US 5020157 tries to solve this problem by shaping the ballistic plates to accommodate a woman's bust, but this is not a desirable solution. The great differences between women's shapes and sizes would still leave some women uncomfortable when a standard size is used, whereas having tailored plates for all sizes and shapes would make the ballistic vests exceedingly expensive. Also, having shaped ballistic plates would usually imply that the plates would compromise reliability as these could have undesirable weak spots. Another problem is that ballistic plates need to be replaced after having been hit. In particular in remote areas, such as war zones, it is most desirable if replacement ballistic plates would have a standard size. Also the shaping of ballistic plates according to a woman's bust would mean extra material to secure full coverage which would result in additional weight for the end-user.

[0005] It is an object of the invention to provide an improved ballistic vest which accommodates a ballistic plate, which is relatively comfortable to wear for persons of different shapes and sizes, in particular women, while at least partially circumventing some of the disadvantages of known ballistic vests.

[0006] The invention provides a ballistic vest, comprising a carrier structure for wearing by a person, and adjustable connecting means for connecting a ballistic plate to the carrier to protect at least part of the front of the body of the person, wherein the connecting means are designed to connect the ballistic plate to the carrier in at least one tilted position with respect to the coronal plane of the person. The coronal plane is also referred to as the frontal plane, and divides the body of a person (when standing up straight) in a front and back part along the vertical axis of a human body. The tilting of the ballistic plate with respect to the coronal plane of the person allows for a creating a space which may accommodate relatively bulky parts of the body, such as a woman's bust but also a relatively large belly. An additional advantage is that the tilting of the plate may be used to create or enlarge a space for air flow for ventilation under the armour, without compromising the safety provided by the ballistic plate. Another advantage is that the extra space between the ballistic plate and the body, created by the tilting of the plate, is creating more stand-off between plate and body resulting in significantly less blunt trauma from possible bullet impacts.

[0007] The ballistic plate may be of the rigid or semi-rigid type. Generally ballistic plates partly consist of ceramics, typically when higher levels of protection are required against high velocity ammunitions or armour piercing ammunition. The ballistic plate may consist of a monolithic tile or a plurality of interconnected small ceramic tiles that come in different sizes and shapes. When a monolithic tile is used, the ballistic plate is generally rigid. Semi-rigid ballistic plates can be made when using smaller ceramic tiles in different configurations which enhance the flexibility of the ballistic plate. There are few semi-rigid ballistic plates on the market today. In addition to the ballistic plate, the vest may also be provided with soft armour panels. Optionally, a second ballistic plate may be positioned on the back side of the plate. The ballistic plate on the back is not necessarily capable of adopting a tilted position like the ballistic plate on the front side.

[0008] The carrier of the ballistic vest come in various models and designs, such as a front opening or openings on both sides of the body, and is typically made of nylon, polyester, cotton or other fabrics. In addition to the ballistic plate, the carrier typically includes soft armour panels, which can be made of ballistic nylon, aramid fibers (Kevlar/Twaron) and/ or high-density polyethylene (Dyneema/Spectra) and consists of multiple layers in a wide range of configurations, which may be worn by a person as a piece of clothing. Soft armour panels are generally lighter in weight and more flexible than rigid and semi-rigid ballistic plates and usually offer less protection. Preferably, the ballistic plate is attached to the carrier. The connecting means are preferably reversibly connected to the ballistic plate. The ballistic plate may have various shapes, but is preferably an essentially flat plate. Suitable plates include single or double curved plates, having a slightly curved surface which provides an improved ergonomical shape. For stability, the plate is preferably connected to the corners of a (virtual) rectangular base of the plate. When in use, the ballistic plate is connected to the connecting means either directly or indirectly. For instance, the ballistic plate may be placed in a suitable plate holder or pouch of the carrier.

[0009] In a preferred embodiment, the connecting means are designed to connect the ballistic plate to the carrier structure in a tiltable orientation with respect to the coronal plane of the person such that at least an upper part of the ballistic plate may be tilted towards a relatively remote distance from the coronal plate compared to a lower part of the ballistic plate, which would be relatively close to the coronal plane. In such a tilted position, the ballistic plate defines an essentially wedge-shaped space with respect to the coronal plane of the person, which is a particularly advantageous shape to accommodate a woman's bust. The tilted position also provides an upward air channel for ventilation while creating more stand-off with respect to the body surface against bullet impact. Preferably, the tilt angle is at least 5 degrees with respect to the coronal plane. More preferably, the tilt angle is between 5° to 30° with respect to the coronal plane. Angles larger than 30° would leave a significant portion of the chest of the person exposed.

[0010] In a preferred embodiment, the connecting means comprise upper connecting means for connecting the upper part of the ballistic plate, and lower connecting means for connecting to the lower part of the ballistic plate, wherein the upper connecting means are adjustable to have a longer distance with respect to a vertical axis of the person than the lower connecting means. Such connecting means provide a simple and effective means for tilting the ballistic plate forward with respect to the vertical axis of a person.

[0011] In a preferred embodiment, the upper connecting means are attached to a shoulder zone of the carrier structure. Attachment to a shoulder zone transfers part the carrying weight of the tilted ballistic plate to the shoulder, which adds to the comfort for the wearer. Preferably, the ballistic plate is attached to both shoulder zones. More preferably, the plate is also attached at locations on the lower end of the ballistic plate.

[0012] In a preferred embodiment, the upper connecting means are adjustable, such that the distance of the upper connecting means to the carrier distance may be varied. Varying the distance enables the easy restriction of the tilt of the ballistic plate to a preferred angle.

[0013] Preferably, at least the upper connecting means comprise adjustable straps having an adjustable length. Straps offer a very reliable way to connect and adjust the length in order to restrict the tilt of the ballistic plate to a preferred tilt angle.

[0014] In a preferred embodiment, the lower connecting means are attached to a belly zone or a hip zone of the carrier structure. These zones offer a preferred zone of attachment in order to provide a pivot point or pivot axis for the tilt of the ballistic plate.

[0015] In a preferred embodiment, the lower connecting means are designed to act as a pivotal axis for the tilt of the ballistic plate. The lower connecting means may for instance provide hinges or other pivotal connection means.

[0016] It is advantageous if the lower connecting means comprise at least one flexible zone for accommodating the tilt of the ballistic plate. The flexible zone may for instance be a connecting strap made of a flexible material. A flexible material offers relatively simple means to provide a pivotal axis for the tilt of the ballistic plate.

[0017] Preferably, the connecting means are detachable connecting means. Thus, the connections may easily be detached, for instance in an emergency situation. Another advantage is that the connected parts may easily be replaced or temporarily removed for maintenance. Preferably, the detachment is reversible. Suitable connecting means include but are not limited to clips, buttons, hooks, magnets and Velcro. The connectors may be part of a quick release system.

[0018] It is preferred if at least part of the carrier is adjustable and/or made of a flexible material in order to provide space for the body of the person dependent on the tilt of the ballistic plate. This may for instant be achieved by using zones of flexible or adjustable material, for instance an elastic patch.

[0019] Advantageously, at least a front portion of the carrier comprises a left front portion and a right front portion that are displaceable with respect to each other in order to provide space for the body of the person dependent on the tilt of the ballistic plate. This may for instance be achieved by a vest with an open front portion, which is covered by the ballistic plate. Due to the open front portion, the left and right front portions may accommodate improved use of the space created when the plate is tilted, in particular for ventilation and additional stand-off on bullet impact.

[0020] In a preferred embodiment, the connecting means are connected to a pouch for holding a ballistic plate. A pouch or other comparable holding means allows for quick replacement of the ballistic plate for maintenance or if the plate was hit and would no longer be useful. The connecting means may attach to the plate via the pouch.

[0021] In a preferred embodiment, the connecting means are located for connecting to corner positions of an essentially rectangular ballistic plate. The rectangular ballistic plate is particularly suitable for tilting with respect to a pivotal axis at a distal end of the plate with losing relatively little covering area. Also, essentially rectangular standard plates may be used in the vest. This allows for a limited range of different ballistic plate models that need to be kept as storage. Preferably, the connection means are located to attach to an essentially flat plate. Essentially flat plates include slightly curved plates.

[0022] It is advantageous, if the support structure or carrier is provided with a quick-release system for rapidly abandoning the vest. This may for instance be achieved to have all connecting means secured by a single connecting wire, which may be pulled out to detach all parts in a single move. Such a quick release system is vital in emergency situations where a ballistic vest would hamper movement.

[0023] When in use, it is preferred if the vest is provided with at least one ballistic plate connected to the carrier by the connecting means, such that the ballistic plate can be tilted with respect to the coronal plane of the person. The ballistic plate may be attached directly to the carrier, or a pouch may be attached to the carrier and the ballistic plate is inserted into the pouch.

[0024] The invention also provides an assembly of a ballistic vest according to any of the preceding claims and a pouch for use as a holder for a ballistic plate in a vest according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the pouch is connected to the carrier using the connecting means, such that the plate can be tilted in at least one tilted position with respect to the coronal plane of the person.

[0025] In a preferred embodiment, at least one side of the pouch is provided with at least one padding layer, preferably a soft armour padding, wherein the padding layer is located between the ballistic plate and the person. Thus, the person using the vest gains additional protection against injury upon impact on the ballistic plate. Also, the padding layer offers a basic level of protection in case no ballistic plate is inserted into the pouch.

[0026] The invention also provides a method of adjusting a ballistic vest worn by a person, wherein the vest comprises a carrier structure, and a ballistic plate connected to the carrier structure by connecting means to protect at least part of the front of the body of the person, wherein the connecting means are adjusted to connect the ballistic plate to the carrier structure in a tilted position with respect to a coronal plane of the person. This allows for an easy adjustment of the vest for improved ventilation, as well as accommodating protruding body parts such or a woman's bust.

[0027] The invention will now be further elucidated by the following non-limiting examples.

Figures 1a-1c show a ballistic vest according to the invention.

Figures 2a-2b show a vest according to the invention in use.

Figures 3a-3b show another embodiment of the invention.

[0028] Figure 1a and 1b shows parts of a ballistic vest 1 according to the invention in separate parts, figure 1c shows the same parts assembled to the actual ballistic vest 1. The vest comprises a carrier 2, and a detachable front pouch 3 wherein a ballistic plate 4 is placed. The ballistic plate may be any conventional rigid or semi-rigid hard armour plate. All parts are interconnected by coupling means for easy equipping and removing the vest, as well as easy replacement of damaged parts. Coupling means may include any conventional connectors such as clips, webbing or Velcro coupling elements.

[0029] The carrier 2 in fig. 1a and fig 1c is dimensioned to fit over the shoulders of a person.. On the front side, the pouch 3 may be connected by upper connectors 6a, 6b, and lower connectors 7 or 9. The distance A of the connectors to the shoulder area of the carrier 2 is adjustable by adjustable upper straps 8 and lower straps 9. The upper straps 8, coupled to a shoulder zone of the carrier, can be elongated in order to tilt the upper part 10 of the pouch 3 away from the body of the user, wherein the lower connectors 7, 9, connected at the height of the hips or the belly of the user, act as a virtual pivotal axis. The straps 9 are somewhat elastic in order to facilitate an easy tilting of the pouch 3 , whereas the strap fasteners 7 may also be adjusted in order to achieve the desired level of space between the carrier 2 and the pouch 3. In this example, the lower connectors 7,9 are attached on the side of the carrier. Alternatively, the connection may also be located at the very bottom of the pouch, for instance by Velcro connectors. The adjustability of the position and orientation of the pouch 3 including the ballistic plate 4 is particularly suitable to accommodate the bust of a female user.

[0030] Figure 1c shows the carrier 2 from figure 1a having the ballistic plate 4 in the detachable pouch 3 from figure 1b attached. Optionally, a second ballistic plate may be attached in a pouch at the back side of the carrier. The back plate does not have to be tiltable; therefore it may be attached in any conventional way. Also, soft armour parts may be added to the vest 1 as in conventional ballistic vests for additional protection.

[0031] These optinonal soft armour parts are not shown here for clarity.

[0032] Figure 2a schematically shows a person 20 wearing a ballistic vest 21 according to the invention. Details of the vest 21 have been omitted for clarity. The support structure of the vest 21 rests on the shoulders of the person. A ballistic plate 22 is attached to the front of the vest by upper straps 23, attached to a shoulder zone, and lower straps 24 attached to a belly zone. The ballistic plate is preferably inserted in a pouch (not shown here for clarity, see for instance figures 1b-1c). By adjusting the length A of the upper straps, the plate 22 is tilted under an angle C, moving the upper part of the ballistic plate 22 away from the support structure and forming increased space for the upper part of the body of the person 20. The tilted position may temporarily provide improved ventilation, while still maintaining the security provided by the ballistic plate. For additional protection, the pouch holding the ballistic plate 22 may have a soft padded layer 26 (for instance made of soft armour material) positioned between the rigid or semi-rigid ballistic plate 22 and the body of the person 20, in order to increase comfort and reduce injury upon impact on the ballistic plate 22. Figure 2b shows the same vest worn by a female user. A configuration having the ballistic plate 22 in a tilted orientation achieved by elongating the upper straps 23. In the tilted orientation, the upper part of the ballistic plate is located further away from the support structure than the lower part of the ballistic plate. The tilt angle C with the coronal plane 25 provides a wedge-shaped cavity which accommodates the bust of the user. In this orientation, the upper part of the ballistic plate 22 is further away from the vertical body plane 25 (coronal plane) of the person than the lower part of the plate. The vest 21 according to the invention greatly improves the comfort of wearing for users without compromising the security level provided. Another advantage is that standard, essentially flat ballistic plates may be used for both male and female users, which is particularly important for production costs and compatibility of spare parts.

[0033] Figures 3a and 3b show another vest 30 according to the invention. The carrier 31 of the vest is embodied as a sleeveless jacket. A ballistic plate 32, which may be either rigid or semi-rigid material, is attached to the front portion of the carrier 31. On the upper part 33 of the ballistic plate 32, the plate is connected to the shoulder portions of the vest 30 by straps 34 of variable length through click connectors 35. These connectors 35 are integrated with the plate 32. The lower part 36 of the ballistic plate 32 is connected on both sides by flexible Velcro patches 37 made of reinforced fabric, that act as hinges for the forward tilting of the top 33 of the plate. Figure 3a shows the plate in an essentially upright position, essentially parallel to the coronal plane of the user, whereas figure 3b shows the same vest wherein the straps 34 are adjusted to increase the distance to the shoulders, in order to provide a wedge-shaped space 38 between the carrier and the ballistic plate 32.

Claims

1. Ballistic vest, comprising a carrier for wearing by a person, and connecting means for connecting a ballistic plate to the carrier to protect at least part of the front of the body of the person, wherein
the connecting means are designed to connect the ballistic plate to the carrier in at least one tilted position with respect to the coronal plane of the person.

2. Ballistic vest according to claim 1, characterised in that the connecting means are designed to connect the ballistic plate to the carrier in a tiltable orientation with respect to the coronal plane of the person such that at least an upper part of the ballistic plate may be tilted towards a relatively remote distance from the body compared to a lower part of the ballistic plate.

3. Ballistic vest according to claim 1 or 2, characterised in that
the connecting means comprise upper connecting means for connecting the upper part of the ballistic plate, and
lower connecting means for connecting to the lower part of the ballistic plate,
wherein the upper connecting means are adjustable to have a longer distance with respect to the coronal plane of the person than the lower connecting means.

4. Ballistic vest according to claim 3, characterised in that
the upper connecting means are attached to a shoulder zone of the carrier.

5. Ballistic vest according to claim 3 or 4, characterised in that
the upper connecting means are adjustable, such that the distance of the upper connecting means to the carrier may be varied.

6. Ballistic vest according to any of the claims 3-5, characterised in that
the lower connecting means are attached to a belly zone or a hip zone of the carrier.

7. Ballistic vest according to any of the claims 3-6, characterised in that
the lower connecting means are designed to act as a pivotal axis for the tilt of the ballistic plate.

8. Ballistic vest according to any of the claims 3-7, characterised in that the lower connecting means comprise at least one flexible zone for accommodating the tilt of the ballistic plate.

9. Ballistic vest according to any of the preceding claims, characterised in that at least part of the carrier is adjustable and/or made of a flexible material in order to provide space for the body of the person dependent on the tilt of the ballistic plate.

10. Ballistic vest according to any of the preceding claims, characterised in that at least a front portion of the carrier comprises a left front portion and a right front portion that are displaceable with respect to each other in order to provide space for the body of the person dependent on the tilt of the ballistic plate.

11. Ballistic vest according to any of the preceding claims, characterised in that the connecting means are located for connecting to corner positions of an essentially rectangular ballistic plate.

12. Ballistic vest according to any of the preceding claims, characterised in that the vest is provided with at least one ballistic plate connected to the carrier by the connecting means, such that the ballistic plate can be tilted with respect to the coronal plane of the person.

13. Assembly of a ballistic vest according to any of the preceding claims and a pouch for use as a holder for a ballistic plate in a vest according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the pouch is connected to the carrier using the connecting means, such that the plate can be tilted in at least one tilted position with respect to the coronal plane of the person.

14. Assembly according to claim 13, wherein at least one side of the pouch is provided with at least one padding layer, preferably a soft armour padding, wherein the padding layer is located between the ballistic plate and the person.

15. Method of adjusting a ballistic vest worn by a person, wherein the vest comprises a carrier, and a ballistic plate connected to the carrier by connecting means to protect at least part of the front of the body of the person, wherein
the connecting means are adjusted to connect the ballistic plate to the carrier in a tilted position with respect to the coronal plane of the person.

Drawing