Fragmentation blanket

Abstract

There is provided a fragmentation blanket comprising a plurality of layers of fragmentation resistant or fabric material, the surface of each layer of fragmentation resistant or fabric material being affixed to provide structural integrity of a multi-layer fragmentation blanket arrangement.

Description

[0001] FRAGMENTATION BLANKET

[0002] FIELD:

[0003] The present disclosure relates to a fragmentation blanket. More particularly the present disclosure relates to a fragmentation blanket, a method of manufacturing a fragmentation blanket, a system comprising fragmentation blankets, and a method of connecting fragmentation blankets.

[0004] BACKGROUND:

[0005] Bullet-proof vests, which provide body worn protection for an individual, typically made up of layers of ballistic fabric, are known.

[0006] SUMMARY:

[0007] There is provided a fragmentation blanket comprising a plurality of layers of fragmentation resistant or fabric material, the surface of each layer of fragmentation resistant or fabric material being affixed to provide structural integrity of a multi-layer fragmentation blanket arrangement. The fragmentation blanket may further comprise outer layers of non-ballistic material. A fixing mechanism may be provided to affix the surface of each layer. The fixing mechanism may be provided in a pattern across at least part of the surface of the plurality of layers. The fixing mechanism may be a stitching mechanism, wherein the surface of each layer is joined by stitching the layers together over at least part of their surface area. The layers may be stitched together in a quilt stitching pattern over at least part of the surface area and / or a linear stitching pattern over at least the same part or a different part of the surface area. The outer layers may be one or more of: water resilient, UV resilient, flame retardant. The outer layers may comprise a fire resistant material. The plurality of layers may be formed as laminate structure, each layer adjoining an adjacent layer with an adhesive. The fragmentation blankets may be provided with one or more of at least one magnet, at least one strap, at least one Velcro® connection, and at least one eye ring, for one or more of affixing the fragmentation blanket to an object, affixing the fragmentation blanket to another fragmentation blanket, affixing one part of the fragmentation blanket to another part of the fragmentation blanket.

[0008] A fragmentation protective structure may comprise a plurality of fragmentation blankets as defined..

[0009] There is provided a method of manufacturing a fragmentation blanket, comprising: overlaying a plurality of layers of fabric material to form a multi-layer structure; forming an edge on the multi-layer structure to define a pattern of the fragmentation blanket, and to hold the multi-layer structure in place; and affixing the surfaces of the layers of the multi-layer structure together. The fabric layers may be fragmentation resistant layers. Affixing the surfaces of the layers of the multi-layer structure together may comprise stitching the layers together. Forming an edge on the multi-layer structure to define a pattern of the fragmentation blanket, and to hold the multi-layer structure in place may comprise sewing the edge. The method may further comprise binding the edges of the fragmentation blanket. The stitching process may comprise using a titanium needle. The method of manufacturing may use a compute numerical tool, CNC, controlled by a computer aided design, CAD, tool. The CAD tool may be used to design the shape of the fragmentation blanket, where the shape of the fragmentation blanket is any one or more of a rectangular shape, a shape of an object which the fragmentation blanket will protect, a shape designed to wrap around an individual, a shape to affix to another fragmentation blanket of a particular shape.

[0010] In an example there is provided a soft armour panel comprising a plurality of layers of ballistic material, the surface of each layer of ballistic material being affixed to provide structural integrity of the multi-layer arrangement. The soft armour panel may be a fabric soft armour panel. Each layer of ballistic material may be a fabric layer. The soft armour panel may further comprise outer layers of non-ballistic material. A fixing mechanism may be provided to affix the surface of each layer. The fixing mechanism may be provided in a pattern across the surface of the plurality of layers. The fixing mechanism may be a stitching mechanism, wherein the surface of each layer may be joined by stitching the layers together over their surface area. The layers may be stitched together in a quilt stitching pattern. The outer layers may be one or more of: water resilient, UV resilient, flame retardant. The outer layers may comprise a fire resistant material, for example fire resistant fabrics or non-combustible materials. As an example, the outer layers may comprises a silica needle mat. The outer layers may be provided with a glass cloth. The plurality of layers may be formed as a laminated structure, each layer adjoining an adjacent layer with an adhesive. The soft armour panel may comprise eight layers of ballistic material as inner layers, and an outer lay either side of the eight layers of ballistic material. A ballistic resistant structure may comprise a plurality of soft armour panels according to any preceding claim. The soft armour panels may be overlaid to increase the layers of ballistic material in the soft armour panel. The soft armour panels may be adjoined to provide a multiple panel structure.

[0011] In an example, a method of manufacturing a soft armour panel, comprises overlaying a plurality of layers of ballistic material to form a multi-layer structure; forming an edge on the multi-layer structure to define a pattern of the soft armour panel, and to hold the multi-layer structure in place; and affixing the surfaces of the layers of the multi-layer structure together. Affixing the surfaces of the layers of the multi-layer structure together may comprise stitching the layers together. The stitching process may comprise using a titanium needle. Forming an edge on the multi-layer structure to define a pattern of the soft armour panel, to hold the multi-layer structure in place, may comprise sewing the edge. The method may further comprise binding the edges of the soft armour panel.

[0012] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES:

[0013] Examples are described herein with reference to the accompanying figures, in which:

[0014] FIG. 1 (a) illustrates a front plan view of an example fragmentation blanket;

[0015] FIG. 1 (b) illustrates a rear plan view of an example fragmentation blanket;

[0016] FIG. 2 illustrates an example of a cross-section through the example fragmentation blanket, specifically the cross-section X-X of FIG. 1 ;

[0017] FIG. 3 illustrates a further example of a cross-section through the example fragmentation blanket, specifically the cross-section X-X of FIG. 1 ; and FIG. 4 illustrates an example plan view of an example fragmentation blanket.

[0018] DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0019] The present disclosure relates to fragmentation blankets. Such fragmentation blankets may also be referred to as fragmentation barriers or fragmentation panels. Such fragmentation blankets may also be referred to as soft fabric armour panels, or fabric soft armour panels, fragmentation blankets of the present disclosure may be used individually or may be joined together to produce a barrier system, or an armoured barrier system.

[0020] Examples will now be described with reference to FIGS. 1 (a) and 1 (b) to 3.

[0021] With respect to FIG. 1 (a) there is shown a front side 101 a of an example fragmentation blanket 100, which is made of a fabric.

[0022] The example fragmentation blanket 100 has first and second opposite ends 114 and 116, and third and fourth opposite ends 118 and 120. The example fragmentation blanket 100 is a rectangular shape, with the first and second ends 114,116 being shorter than the third and fourth ends 118,120.

[0023] The perimeter of the example fragmentation blanket 100 is provided with a plurality of through-holes 124. One through-hole is provided in each corner, and a number of through-holes provided along each edge. The purpose of the through holes will be described later.

[0024] One edge of the front side of the example fragmentation blanket is provided with a Velcro® strip or surface 126, at the edge and along its length. The purpose of the Velcro® surface 126 will be described later.

[0025] The edges of the example fragmentation blanket 100 are provided with a fastening border 128, which is formed around the perimiter of the example fragmentation blanket. The fastening border 128 provides a closed edge at each end 114,116,118,120 of the fragmentation blanket. The fastening border 128 connects together the edge of each of multiple layers within the fragmentation blanket as will be described further below with refence to FIG. 2. With respect to FIG. 1 (b) there is shown a rear side 101 b of the example fragmentation blanket 100. Like reference numerals are used in FIG. 1 (b) to denote elements which correspond to FIG. 1 (a).

[0026] One edge of the rear side of the example fragmentation blanket 100 is provided with a Velcro® strip or surface 130, at the edge and along its length. The purpose of the Velcro® surface 130 will be described later.

[0027] With reference to FIG. 2 there is shown a cross-section view portion X-X of the example fragmentation blanket 100 of FIG. 1. Like reference numerals are used in FIG. 2 to denote elements which correspond to FIGS. 1 (a) or 1 (b).

[0028] The example fragmentation blanket 100 comprises a multi-layer structure, in the illustrated example a 3-layer structure of layers 202i, 2022 and 2023. One surface of layer 202i forms the front side 101 a of the example fragmentation blanket 100, the other surface of layer 202i is placed against one surface of layer 2022, the other surface of layer 2022 is placed against one surface of layer 2023, and the other surface of layer 2023 forms the rear aide 101 b of the example fragmentation blanket.

[0029] In the example of FIG. 2 each layer 202i, 2022 and 2023 is a fabric layer, and may also be referred to as a fragmentation layer, a protective layer or a resistant layer. In examples the fabric layer may be a ballistic fabric layer. Each of the layers may be formed of a fabric such as nylon, aramid and UHMWPE (ultra high molecular weight polyethylene) materials. The nylon may be ballistic nylon.

[0030] The end of each layer 202i, 2022 and 2023 is shown as connected together by the fastening border 204. The adjacent edges of each layer 202i, 2022 and 2023 are fastened together. The fastening border 204 may be a stitched border.

[0031] The fastening border functions to keep each layer each layer 202i, 2022 and 2023 aligned and properly together along their edges.

[0032] The layers 202i, 2022 and 2023 of the example fragmentation blanket are thus arranged in a face-to-face relationship and secured together along one edge.

[0033] In use, the example fragmentation blanket may be hung, connected or positioned vertically or substantially vertically, may be positioned or connected horizontally or substantially horizontally, r may be positioned or connected on a pitch or substantially on a pitch, or maybe wrapped around an object or an individual.

[0034] In such use the fastening achieved by the fastening border 203 may be insufficient to keep the multiple layers in position with respect to each other. The fastening border 204 may have sufficient strength to provide a seal or tidy edge for the example fragmentation blanket, but may not be sufficient to maintain this function across the surface area of the blanket in use, for example when a large example fragmentation blanket is hung or positioned vertically or substantially vertically.

[0035] In order to address this issue, the example fragmentation blanket is further adapted to provide stitching across the surface of the layers, in order to keep the layers joined and in position, and maintain the structural integrity of the example fragmentation blanket.

[0036] As shown in FIGS. 1 (a), 1 (b) and 2 a quilt stich generally denoted by dashed lines with reference numeral 150, is provided across the surface of the fabric soft armour panel 100, stitching the layers 202i, 2022 and 202a together. The stitching is shown in FIG. 2 with the layers 202i, 2022 and 202a stitched together.

[0037] Whilst FIGS. 1 (a), 1 (b) and 2 show the use of quilt stitching, other stitching techniques may be used to affix the surfaces of the multi-layers together. Other quilt stitching patterns than a diamond quilt stitching pattern may be used. Other stitching patterns than quilt stitching may be used. An example of stitching which is not quilt stitching is chain-stitching.

[0038] Further techniques other than stitching may be used to affix the surfaces of the multi-layers together. For example, an adhesive may be used to laminate the layers together at their surfaces.

[0039] In general, the surfaces of the multi-layers are attached at multiple points across their surfaces other than the edges of those layers, in order to ensure structural integrity of the example fragmentation blanket. The surfaces or surface areas of the multi-layers may therefore be considered adjoined or affixed.

[0040] In FIG. 2, for ease of illustration, the example fragmentation blanket is shown as constructed with 3 fabric layers, each of which may be an individual fragmentation later. Each layer maybe a ballistic fabric layer. A practical implementation is illustrated with respect to FIG. 3. Like reference numerals are used in FIG. 3 to denote elements which correspond to those shown in earlier Figures. To avoid obfuscation, the stitches are not shown in FIG. 3, but stitching is present in accordance with the principles described earlier.

[0041] In a practical implementation the fragmentation blanket is not formed solely of fragmentation layers (such as ballistic material layers), but additional outer layers are provided. These outer layers may offer additional protection for the inner fragmentation layers, such as providing water resilience, and / or protection from ultra-violet (UV) light exposure, and / or protection from direct contact with fire. Extra layers may provide a thermal barrier for thermal insulation and / or an acoustic barrier. A Kevlar® material has thermal layers.

[0042] In the example fragmentation blanket of FIG. 3, 10 layers are provided: 8 fabric fragmentation layers 3022 to 302g, with 2 outer layers denoted 302i and 302 . In some practical implementations more than 8 fabric fragmentation layers may be used. In some examples less than 8 fabric fragmentation layers may be used. In one example 22 fabric fragmentation layers are provided in a fragmentation blanket.

[0043] Each fabric fragmentation layer may be nylon (such as ballistic nylon), aramid or UHMWPE materials. The fabric fragmentation layers may be Kevlar® layers.

[0044] Each outer layer may be a fire resistant fabric of a non-combustible material. In an example implementation the outer layers 302i and 302 may each be a silica needle mat, in order to provide a flame barrier for the example fragmentation blanket. The outer layers may be layers of Cordura® and carbon fibre felt. These are nonlimiting examples which may be used singularly or in combination.

[0045] A treated glass cloth may be provided as an external surface for each outer layers, hiding the fire resistant fabric of a non-combustible material, such as the silica needle mat.

[0046] As with the example of FIG. 2, in FIG. 3 the layers are adjoined or affixed using quilt stitching. In general, the layers are adjoined or affixed across the surface areas of adjacent layers, and quilt stitching is an example technique to achieve this. Other stitching techniques may be used, and techniques other than stitching may be used, such as laminating the layers with an adhesive. In the example where stitching, such as quilt stitching, is used to adjoin the layers, a special process is followed to manufacture the fabric soft armour panel. The manufacturing process utilises a computer numerical control (CNC) machine, operating under the control of computer aided design (CAD) process.

[0047] The CAD process is used to design the shape of the fragmentation blanket. The shape may a a standard rectangular blankets shape. The shape may be the shape of an object such as the side of a vehicle or the roof of a vehicle. The shape may be the shape of a doorway. Using the described process, there is no limitation to the shape of the fragmentation blanket.

[0048] The composite layers (in the example, layers 3022 to 302g) are prepared on a specialist machine, where the layers are placed in position, overlaying each other according to the multi-layer structure. This involves dragging and positioning the layers of material. This is required to provide correct traction for the stitching process.

[0049] The machine then performs a single stitch to fix the layers in position. This single stitch defines the edge of the fragmentation blanket. Thus the fragmentation blanket is defined and outlined, otherwise cutting the edges is challenging. This single stiching is defined by the CAD process, according to the shape of the fragmentation blanket being manufactured. The CNC machine is thus able to make the outline of the quilted panel, something that cannot be done with normal machines.

[0050] The quilt stitching (or other stitching) is then performed. The quilt stitching (or other stitching) may be carried out with titanium needles, and an alternating stitch machine for rigid thicknesses.

[0051] Following the quilting a fabric slab for the fragmentation blanket is obtained. Binding the edge of the layers are then formed in fastening border 204, by binding the edges. Prior to binding the edges, edge trimming is performed with specialist cutting tools, as the material is made up of thousands of anti-cut fibres.

[0052] Thus, forming the fragmentation blanket may comprise, using a CNC machine operating under the control of a CAD process:

[0053] 1 . Placing the multilayers in position with respect to each other according to the surface area size requirements of the fragmentation blanket; 2. Fixing the placed multi-layer structure in position by sewing to define an edge of the fragmentation blanket, according to the desired shape defined by the CAD process;

[0054] 3. Quilt (or other) sewing the multi-layer structure across the surface area of the fabric soft armour panel;

[0055] 4. Trimming the edge of the fabric soft armour panel; and

[0056] 5. Binding the edges of the fabric soft armour panel.

[0057] Each of the steps may be performed on a different machine, multiple steps may be performed on the same machine, or all steps may be performed on the same machine.

[0058] The quilt stitching may be performed using a titanium needle, to allow the multilayer structure including the ballistic material layers to be stitched.

[0059] The Velcro® strip 126 is provided on the front surface 101 a, and the Velcro® strip 130 is provided on the rear surface 101 b. This allows for two example fragmentation blankets to be connected. Such a Velcro® strip may be provided on any edge of the example fragmentation blanket, for connection with a Velcro® strip on any other fabric soft armour panel. The Velcro® strip on the example fragmentation blanket may connect to any other Velcro® strip, and not just one provided on another example fabric soft armour panel. The Velcro® strip is optional, and other means may be provided to connect example fragmentation blanket, or no such means may be provided.

[0060] The example fragmentation blanket comprises a plurality of eyelets 124, disposed along each edge. The number of eyelets provided is optional, and in examples no eyelets may be provided. The eyelets may be used to secure example fabric soft armour panels together, or to secure example fragmentation blanket to other structures with cable ties, hooks or bolts. The eyelets may enable the fragmentation blanket to be attached to a fence such as a Heras fence. The eyelets may be replaced or augmented with different attachment means.

[0061] In manufacturing the example fabric soft armour panel, adding grommets to form the eyelets requires special methods to punch the required holes. With reference to FIG. 4 there is illustrated an example fragmentation blanket 300. In this example the fragmentation blanket 300 is a rectangular banket for ease of illustration. The fragmentation blanket 300 and may be used as a hanging protective fragmentation blanket. The fragmentation blanket has a border region 303, and a main region 301.

[0062] The fragmentation blanket 300 comprises a plurality of magnets 304a, 304b, 304c, 304d provided in the boarder region 303, which may be used for affixing the fragmentation blanket to a metal frame for hanging, affixing the fragmentation blanket to an object to protect it, or to affix the fragmentation blanket to another fragmentation blanket.

[0063] The fragmentation blanket 300 comprises a plurality of straps 302a, 302b, 302c provided in the boarder region 303, which may be used for affixing the fragmentation blanket to a frame for hanging, affixing the fragmentation blanket to an object to protect it, or to affix the fragmentation blanket to another fragmentation blanket.

[0064] In practice, a fragmentation blanket may be provided with any one or more of a set of magnets, straps, Velcro® or eye-holes, preferably in the boarder regions, for affixing the fragmentation blanket to any objects, to other fragmentations blankets, or to fix portions of a fragmentation blanket to other portions of the fragmentation blanket.

[0065] The surface area 301 of the fragmentation blanket shows that were stitching is used, it can be used in a variety ways. Portions of the surface area have linear stitching 308, extending from one side of the fragmentation blanket to an opposite side, portions of the surface area have a chevron style pattern of stitching 306, portions of the surface area have both linear and chevron stitching.

[0066] The example fragmentation blanket 300 further has a portion 310 which is provided with a weather resilient layer, as when the fragmentation blanket 300 is hung, this part of the blanket may be in contact with the ground.

[0067] The example fragmentation blanket of the disclosure is a flexible blanket (or flexible) armour panel, with the layers being formed of flexible material. The example fragmentation blanket may be folded when not in use, for storage and / or transportation. The purpose of the fragmentation blanket is to catch fragments, rather than stop bullets. The manufactured blanket is a fragmentation blanket, rather than a ballistic blanket.

[0068] Examples of use of the fragmentation blanket are to erect as barriers to protect human or high-value assets, for example as part of a temporary structure, such as wall or ceiling of a temporary structure.

[0069] Example fragmentation blanket may be used as tent walls, roofs or gables, optionally in addition to standard tent walls, roofs or gables. The fragmentation blanket may be used to cover entrances and windows in existing buildings - such as temporarily protecting an Embassy building.

[0070] A framework can be added internally or externally to a fragmentation blanket to enable the construction of a self-supporting structure.

[0071] The portability of the example fragmentation blanket lends itself advantageously to use in temporary structures. The example fragmentation blanket can be setup, taken down and moved without the need of any specialist equipment. The example fragmentation blankets can be joined together on-location or on-site.

[0072] An example use is a sniper blanket, to wrap around an individual to protect from fragmentations.

[0073] Example fragmentation blankets may be placed over each other to increase the numbers of layers. For example, if the fragmentation blanket are made with 8 layers, 2 or 3 panels can be overlaid to provide a 16 or 24 layer panel. The fragmentation blankets are therefore scalable using different quantities of layers, to react to different threat levels.

[0074] An example fragmentation blanket may have dimensions of 2m x 1.5m, or approximately 2m x 1 .5m. Generally the width is set by the width of the material being used. A standard blanket may have a width of 150m to produce a finished blanket with a width of 145cm. The length need not be determined or restricted, and is easy to change. The width can be controlled as the material is made on a loom. This means there is minimal waste in final sizing as the material used - for example aramid is expensive. Specific sizes can be provided for different structures to minimise waste and consequently cost. The material when quilted needs to be sized to the correct panel width. This is governed by the perimeter stitch which sets the blanket size and which is cut to produce the final panel size.

[0075] The fragmentation blanket is not limited to being rectangular. It may be manufactured of any shape using the CAD controlled CNC manufacturing technique as described. The edges created do not have to be rectangular (or square). The fragmentation blanket may be manufactured with any shape. For example, the fragmentation blanket may have a vehicle specific shape.

[0076] The general portability of the fragmentation blanket allows it to be readily transported, and it may for example be transported by an individual and deployed regularly to provide protection for the individual.

[0077] The fragmentation blanket may be manufactured as a 2D fabric soft armour panel to allow it to be formed into a 3D shape. For example it may be manufactured as a 2D net of a 3D shape, for example a 2D net of a cube.

[0078] In examples, as discussed above, the fragmentation blanket may be formed with fragmentation material inner layers, and fire resistant material outer layers (optionally with a glass cloth). This may provide a fire rating for the fragmentation blanket to be used inside a building.

[0079] An example provides a soft armour panel comprising a plurality of layers of ballistic material, the surface of each layer of ballistic material being affixed to provide structural integrity of the multi-layer arrangement. The soft armour panel may further comprise outer layers of non-ballistic material. A fixing mechanism may be provided to affix the surface of each layer. The fixing mechanism may be provided in a pattern across the surface of the plurality of layers. The fixing mechanism may be a stitching mechanism, wherein the surface of each layer is joined by stitching the layers together over their surface area. The layers may be stitched together in a quilt stitching pattern. The outer layers may be one or more of: water resilient, UV resilient, flame retardant. The outer layers may comprise a fire resistant material. The plurality of layers may be formed as laminate structure, each layer adjoining an adjacent layer with an adhesive. A ballistic resistant structure may comprise a plurality of soft armour panel according to any preceding claim. An example provides a method of manufacturing a soft armour panel, comprising: overlaying a plurality of layers of ballistic material to form a multi-layer structure; forming an edge on the multi-layer structure to define a pattern of the soft armour panel, and to hold the multi-layer structure in place; and affixing the surfaces of the layers of the multi-layer structure together. Affixing the surfaces of the layers of the multi-layer structure together may comprise stitching the layers together. Forming an edge on the multi-layer structure to define a pattern of the soft armour panel, and to hold the multi-layer structure in place may comprise sewing the edge. The method may further comprise binding the edges of the soft armour panel. The stitching process may comprise using a titanium needle.

[0080] The examples described herein are to be understood as illustrative examples of embodiments of the invention. Further embodiments and examples are envisaged. Any feature described in relation to any one example or embodiment may be used alone or in combination with other features. In addition, any feature described in relation to any one example or embodiment may also be used in combination with one or more features of any other of the examples or embodiments, or any combination of any other of the examples or embodiments. Furthermore, equivalents and modifications not described herein may also be employed within the scope of the invention, which is defined in the claims.

Claims

CLAIMS1. A fragmentation blanket comprising a plurality of layers of fragmentation resistant or fabric material, the surface of each layer of fragmentation resistant or fabric material being affixed to provide structural integrity of a multi-layer fragmentation blanket arrangement.

2. The fragmentation blanket of claim 1 further comprising outer layers of non- ballistic material.

3. The fragmentation blanket of claim 1 or claim 2 wherein a fixing mechanism is provided to affix the surface of each layer4. The fragmentation blanket of claim 3 wherein the fixing mechanism is provided in a pattern across at least part of the surface of the plurality of layers.

5. The fragmentation blanket of claim 3 or claim 4 wherein the fixing mechanism is a stitching mechanism, wherein the surface of each layer is joined by stitching the layers together over at least part of their surface area.

6. The fragmentation blanket of claim 5 wherein the layers are stitched together in a quilt stitching pattern over at least part of the surface area and / or a linear stitching pattern over at least the same part or a different part of the surface area.

7. The fragmentation blanket of any one of claims 3 to 6 wherein the outer layers are one or more of: water resilient, UV resilient, flame retardant.

8. The fragmentation blanket of any one of claims 2 to 7 wherein the outer layers comprise a fire resistant material.

9. The fragmentation blanket of claim 3 wherein the plurality of layers are formed as laminate structure, each layer adjoining an adjacent layer with an adhesive.

10. The fragmentation blanket of any one of claims 1 to 9 wherein the fragmentation blankets is provided with one or more of at least one magnet, at least one strap, atleast one Velcro® connection, and at least one eye ring, for one or more of affixing the fragmentation blanket to an object, affixing the fragmentation blanket to another fragmentation blanket, affixing one part of the fragmentation blanket to another part of the fragmentation blanket.

11. A fragmentation protective structure comprising a plurality of fragmentation blankets according to any preceding claim.

12. A method of manufacturing a fragmentation blanket, comprising: overlaying a plurality of layers of fabric material to form a multi-layer structure; forming an edge on the multi-layer structure to define a pattern of the fragmentation blanket, and to hold the multi-layer structure in place; and affixing the surfaces of the layers of the multi-layer structure together.

13. The method of claim 12 wherein the fabric layers are fragmentation resistant layers.

14. The method of claim 12 or claim 13 wherein affixing the surfaces of the layers of the multi-layer structure together comprises stitching the layers together.

15. The method of any one of claims 12 to 14 wherein forming an edge on the multilayer structure to define a pattern of the fragmentation blanket, and to hold the multilayer structure in place comprises sewing the edge.

16. The method of any one of claims 12 to 15 claim further comprising binding the edges of the fragmentation blanket.

17. The method of any one of claims 12 to 16 wherein the stitching process comprises using a titanium needle.

18. The method of any one of claims 12 to 17 wherein the method of manufacturing uses a compute numerical tool, CNC, controlled by a computer aided design, CAD, tool.

19. The method of claim 18 wherein the CAD tool is used to design the shape of the fragmentation blanket, where the shape of the fragmentation blanket is any one or more of a rectangular shape, a shape of an object which the fragmentation blanket will protect, a shape designed to wrap around an individual, a shape to affix to another fragmentation blanket of a particular shape.

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