Light-weight semi-rigid composite Anti-ballistic systems with engineered compliance and rate-sensitive impact response

Abstract

Composite anti-ballistic systems having multiple nested sub-laminates manufactured from layers of unidirectional monofilaments made from engineering fibers with anti-ballistic properties embedded in polymer matrix materials and interfacial materials engineered for controlled compliance, deformation, energy release and rate sensitive behavior.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS[0001]This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61 / 780,803, filed Mar. 13, 2013, which is incorporated herein in its entirety.BACKGROUND[0002]Related disclosures are found in U.S. Pat. No. 5,470,062, entitled “COMPOSITE MATERIAL FOR FABRICATION OF SAILS AND OTHER ARTICLES,” which was issued on Nov. 28, 1995; and U.S. Pat. No. 5,333,568, entitled “MATERIAL FOR THE FABRICATION OF SAILS” which was issued on Aug. 2, 1994; and U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13 / 168,912, filed Jun. 24, 2011 entitled “WATERPROOF BREATHABLE COMPOSITE MATERIALS FOR FABRICATION OF FLEXIBLE MEMBRANES AND OTHER ARTICLES,”; and U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13 / 197,741, filed Aug. 3, 2011 entitled “SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR THE TRANSFER OF COLOR AND OTHER PHYSICAL PROPERTIES TO LAMINATE COMPOSITE MATERIALS AND OTHER ARTICLES”, the contents of all of which are hereby incorporated by reference for any purpose in their entirety.[0003]This ...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

The present invention aims to provide a system and products that can fine-tune rigidity / flexibility / elasticity properties at desired places on a product. Additionally, the invention aims to provide products that are both strong and light-weight. The invention also aims to provide adaptability for continuous bulk manufacturing systems.

Problems solved by technology

In the past, there has been difficulty in achieving desired combinations of such properties, especially with regard to fabric-related products like clothing and shoes, camping and hiking goods, comfortable armor, protective inflatables, etc.

Rigid ceramic SAPI plates provide effective protection, but they limit mobility and are uncomfortable, which distracts soldiers in the field and induces unnecessary rapid fatigue.

Additionally, SAPI plates are very susceptible to serious damage due to impacts endemic to soldier's operations in the field; and the damage is difficult to detect, impossible to repair and can result in serious or total degradation in ballistic protection.

SAPI plates also have poor protection of closely-spaced multiple hits.

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