Protective vest, particularly bulletproof or plate carrier, with a pad

Abstract

Protective vest, in particular bulletproof or plate carrier, comprising a pad Protective vest, in particular a plate carrier or bulletproof vest, comprising: - a basic vest having, when worn, a front part intended to cover the front of the wearer of the vest, in particular the thorax and the abdomen, and a rear part intended to cover the back of the wearer of the vest, the two front and rear parts being connected to each other from above at the shoulders and laterally, so as to define between them a passage for the head and two passages for the arms;and - one or more block-shaped pads made of cellular material, or foam, in particular three blocks respectively for the abdomen, the sternum and the back, arranged between the basic vest and the abdomen and / or the sternum and / or the back of the user, characterized in that the or each block has an outer surface forming an envelope comprising a base surface, intended to be on the side of the vest, and opposite, a contact surface, intended to be on the side of the wearer of the vest, which extends from the peripheral edge of the base surface, the contact surface being of curved shape, with its convexity facing the user. Figure for the abstract: Fig. 1;

Description

Title of the invention: Protective vest, in particular bulletproof or plate carrier, comprising a pad

[0001] The present invention relates to a protective vest, in particular a bulletproof vest, in particular a so-called flexible vest, or a plate carrier vest which carries at least one so-called ballistic plate, such as a ceramic, steel, high-density thermoplastic or similar plate, and at least one pad positioned between the wearer's body and, as well as to a pad of this kind intended to be positioned between the wearer's body and the protective vest, in particular a bulletproof or plate carrier, as well as to a kit of pads of this kind, consisting of a plurality of pads intended to be positioned in several places between the protective vest, in particular a bulletproof or plate carrier and the wearer of the protective vest, in particular a bulletproof or plate carrier.

[0002] The present invention aims to improve protective vests, in particular bulletproof vests, in particular so-called flexible vests, or plate carriers of the type mentioned above, in particular to improve their comfort of use and / or their capacity to protect the wearer of the protective vest, in particular bulletproof vest or plate carrier against projectiles, in particular bullets, or blows.

[0003] According to a first aspect of the invention, a protective vest, in particular a bulletproof vest, in particular a so-called flexible vest, or a plate carrier vest, comprising: - a basic vest having, when worn, a front part intended to cover the front of the wearer of the vest, in particular the thorax and the abdomen, and a rear part intended to cover the back of the wearer of the vest, the two front and rear parts being connected to each other from above at the shoulders and laterally, so as to define between them a passage for the head and two passages for the arms; and - one or more block-shaped pads made of cellular material, or foam, in particular three blocks respectively for the abdomen, the sternum and the back, arranged between the basic vest and the abdomen and / or the sternum and / or the back of the user, is characterized in that the or each block has an outer surface forming an envelope comprising a base surface, intended to be on the side of the vest, and opposite, a contact surface, intended to be on the side of the wearer of the vest, which extends from the peripheral edge of the base surface, the contact surface being of curved shape, with its convexity facing the user.

[0004] Preferably, one or more ballistic plates, in particular in the form of a ceramic plate, steel, a block of high density or ultra high density polyethylene density or the like, being carried by the vest, for example by being received in a respective pocket or pockets formed in the front portion and / or the rear portion, so as to be positioned in front of the abdomen and / or the sternum and / or the back of the user, the pad or pads being arranged between the plate or plates and the abdomen and / or the sternum and / or the back of the user.

[0005] According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the base surface is flat.

[0006] Preferably, the contact surface is curved in longitudinal section and / or in cross-section transverse.

[0007] Preferably, at least one groove extending from one point to another of the peripheral edge is formed in the contact surface of the block, in particular a network of grooves connected to each other to allow the flow of air and its evacuation to the outside.

[0008] Preferably, three separate blocks are provided, respectively a back block, arranged on the user's back, an abdominal block, arranged on the user's abdomen and a pectoral block arranged on the user's sternum.

[0009] According to a second aspect, which in itself constitutes an invention independent of the other aspects of the invention, but which can be implemented favorably with each of them and with a combination of two or more of them, the present invention relates to a pad or cushion made of foam or cellular material, in particular polyurethane, intended to be positioned inside a protective vest, in particular bulletproof, in particular so-called flexible, or plate carrier, in particular between a ballistic plate worn by the vest and the body of the user, the or each pad being formed of a block having an outer surface forming an envelope comprising a base surface, intended to be on the side of the vest, and opposite, a contact surface, intended to be on the side of the wearer of the vest, which extends from the peripheral edge of the base surface, the contact surface being of curved shape, with its convexity facing the user.

[0010] According to a third aspect of the invention, which in itself constitutes an invention independent of the other aspects of the invention, but which can be favorably implemented with each of them and with a combination of two or more of them, the abdominal pad has a U-shape, in particular a shape consisting of a base strip of substantially rectangular shape terminated on the left and right by two promontories extending perpendicularly to the base part upwards, in particular the two promontories have a width which decreases to a respective, preferably rounded, apex.

[0011] Preferably, the peripheral edge of the base surface comprises a lower end section, in particular rectilinear, followed by two vertical left and right outer sections, in particular rectilinear, which extend to two vertices, in particular rounded, left and right respectively, from which extend two sections, in particular rectilinear, interior sections each extending to an upper end section, the block thus forming, seen from above, a sort of U, consisting of a base, delimited by the two lower and upper end sections, and two substantially vertical branches, delimited by the exterior and interior sections.

[0012] According to a fourth aspect of the invention, which in itself constitutes an invention independent of the other aspects of the invention, but which can be implemented favorably with each of them and with a combination of two or more of them, the thickness of the block, i.e. the distance measured perpendicular to the base surface between the base surface and the contact surface is substantially constant at the base of the U, while the thickness varies at the branches of the U. In particular, seen in longitudinal section, the branches have the shape of a curved or curved line having an apex substantially halfway up the branches.

[0013] Preferably, seen in cross-section, in particular at the level of the apex at mid-height, each branch of the U has the shape of a curved or curved line.

[0014] According to a fifth aspect of the invention, which in itself constitutes an invention independent of the other aspects of the invention, but which can be favorably implemented with each of them and with a combination of two or more of them, the pectoral pad, intended to be positioned between a front ballistic plate and the user's sternum has a T-shape comprising a stem portion terminated upwards by two lateral portions forming wings.

[0015] Preferably, the peripheral edge of the base surface comprises a lower section in the shape of a semicircle whose convexity is turned outwards, followed by two vertical left and right sections, each followed by a respectively left and right curved section with a convexity turned inwards, the two curved sections extending to a respective point, from which then extend two inclined sections, these sections each extending to an upper end section, the block thus forming, seen from above, the T shape.

[0016] According to a sixth aspect of the invention, which in itself constitutes an invention independent of the other aspects of the invention, but which can be favorably implemented with each of them and with a combination of two or more of them, seen in longitudinal or vertical section, when the pad is in the position of use, at the level of the middle of the block, at least a part of the contact surface has the shape of a curved or curved line, and in particular the contact surface has the shape of a curved or curved line with its convexity facing away from the contact surface.

[0017] In particular, this line of curvature or curve at the level of the central line vertical of the pad corresponds to the curvature or curve in the vertical direction of the hollow formed at the level of the human sternum.

[0018] According to a seventh aspect of the invention, which in itself constitutes an invention independent of the other aspects of the invention, but which can be implemented favorably with each of them and with a combination of two or more of them, the contact surface intended to be on the side of the wearer of the vest has, seen in cross-section, the shape of a curved or curved line with its convexity facing the body of the wearer opposite the straight face.

[0019] In particular, this cross-sectional curvature corresponds to the curvature or curve in the lateral direction (left right) of the hollow formed at the level of the sternum of the human being.

[0020] According to an eighth aspect of the invention, which in itself constitutes an invention independent of the other aspects of the invention, but which can be implemented favorably with each of them and with a combination of two or more of them, the thickness of the block, i.e. the distance measured perpendicular to the base surface between the base surface and the contact surface, decreases from the upper side of the peripheral edge towards the lower side of the peripheral edge, and in particular down to this lower side.

[0021] According to a ninth aspect of the invention, which in itself constitutes an invention independent of the other aspects of the invention, but which can be favorably implemented with each of them and with a combination of two or more of them, the back pad, intended to be positioned between a rear ballistic plate and the user's back has a thickness, i.e. the distance measured perpendicular to the base face between the base face and the upper face which decreases from the lower side of the peripheral edge towards the upper side of the peripheral edge, and in particular up to the upper side.

[0022] According to a tenth aspect of the invention, which in itself constitutes an invention independent of the other aspects of the invention, but which can be implemented favorably with each of them and with a combination of two or more of them, seen in longitudinal or vertical section, in particular at the level of the middle of the block, when the pad is in the position of use, at least a part of the contact surface has the shape of a curved or curved line, and in particular the upper face has the shape of a curved or curved line with its convexity facing outwards.

[0023] In particular, this line of curvature or curve at the level of the vertical central line of the pad corresponds to the curvature or curve of the lower part of the human spine.

[0024] According to an eleventh aspect of the invention, which in itself constitutes an invention independent of the other aspects of the invention, but which can be implemented in a manner favorable with each of them and with a combination of two or more of them, the contact surface intended to be on the side of the wearer of the vest has, seen in cross-section, the shape of a curved or curved line with its convexity facing the wearer's body.

[0025] In particular, the cross-sectional curvature increases from the bottom of the block towards the top of the block.

[0026] According to a twelfth aspect of the invention, which in itself constitutes an invention independent of the other aspects of the invention, but which can be favorably implemented with each of them and with a combination of two or more of them, the width of the upper side of the peripheral edge is less than the width of the lower side of the peripheral edge, and in particular this width decreases from the upper side to the lower side.

[0027] According to a thirteenth aspect of the invention, which in itself constitutes an invention independent of the other aspects of the invention, but which can be favorably implemented with each of them and with a combination of two or more of them, the present invention relates to a kit comprising a plurality of pads, selected from a back pad, an abdominal pad and a pectoral pad.

[0028] According to a fourteenth aspect of the invention, which in itself constitutes an invention independent of the other aspects of the invention, but which can be favorably implemented with each of them and with a combination of two or more of them, the kit comprises an abdominal pad and a pectoral pad, the abdominal pad being U-shaped and the pectoral pad T-shaped, the width of the stem of the T being less than the distance between the two branches of the U, and preferably, the width of the head of the T being less than the width of the base of the U, and, preferably, less than the distance between the apexes of the two branches.

[0029] This provides a kit that is particularly suitable for being placed at the front of a protective vest, in particular bulletproof, in particular a so-called flexible vest, or plate carrier, in particular between a front ballistic plate worn by the vest and the user's body.

[0030] According to a favorable embodiment, means are provided for removable attachment of the pads, in particular by fields of hooks or loops of self-gripping material formed on the base surface of the pad which cooperate with associated fields of loops or hooks of the self-gripping material, formed on an inner face of the vest.

[0031] By way of example only, preferred embodiments of the invention will now be described with reference to the drawings, in which:

[0032] [Fig.l] is a top view (from the side intended to come, in use, closest to the wearer's body) of a back pad according to the invention;

[0033] [Fig.2] is a side view of the dorsal pad of [Fig.l];

[0034] [Fig. 3] is a front view of the top side (in use position) of the pad dorsal of figures 1 and 2;

[0035] [Fig.4] is a top view (from the side intended to come, in use, closest to the wearer's body) of a chest pad according to the invention;

[0036] [Fig.5] is a side view of the pectoral pad of [Fig.4];

[0037] [Fig.6] is a front view of the pad of Figures 4 and 5;

[0038] [Fig.7] is a top view (from the side intended to come, in use, as close as possible of the wearer's body) of an abdominal pad according to the invention;

[0039] [Fig.8] is a side view of the abdominal pad of [Fig.7];

[0040] [Fig.9] is a perspective view of the dorsal pad of Figures 1 to 3;

[0041] [Fig. 10] is a perspective view of the pectoral pad of Figures 4 to 6;

[0042] [Fig. 11] is a perspective view of the abdominal pad of Figures 7 and 8; and

[0043] [Fig. 12] is a perspective view of a bulletproof vest incorporating, in the worn, the three pads respectively dorsal, pectoral and abdominal, of the previous figures.

[0044] Figures 1 to 3 show an embodiment of a back pad according to the invention.

[0045] This pad is made up of a block 1 of cellular material, preferably with closed pores, in particular polyurethane (PU), in particular micro-cellular.

[0046] The block 1 comprises a substantially planar base face 2 (i.e. substantially rectilinear when viewed in longitudinal and transverse section), a lateral peripheral face 3 and an upper face 4 opposite the base face 2, the lateral peripheral face 3 extending vertically from the peripheral edge 5 of the base face 2 to the peripheral edge 6 of the upper face 4.

[0047] A network of grooves 7 is formed in the upper face 4, intended to be as close as possible to the wearer, in particular in contact with the wearer's body, ignoring clothing other than the vest worn by the user, which open out at the peripheral edge 6.

[0048] This network of grooves here comprises a central groove connecting the lower and upper sides of the peripheral edge 6 together, two lower left and right lateral grooves, extending from the lower edge of the peripheral edge, being inclined at an angle of approximately 45° relative to the central groove, to the left and right sides of the peripheral edge 6, and two upper left and right lateral grooves, extending from the central groove to the respectively left and right sides of the peripheral edge 6, being parallel to the lower lateral grooves.

[0049] Other configurations of the network of grooves are of course possible, the function of these grooves being to ensure the passage of a current of air from one side to the other. of the block along the upper face to provide ventilation at the contact point between the block and the wearer of the vest.

[0050] The thickness of the block 1, that is to say the distance measured perpendicular to the base face 2 between the base face 2 and the upper face 4, in particular at the level of the central groove, decreases from the lower side 8 of the peripheral edge 6 towards the upper side 10 of the peripheral edge 6, and in particular up to the upper side 10.

[0051] The block 1 thus has an outer surface forming its envelope which is made up of a base surface formed by the base face 2 and a contact surface, comprising the lateral peripheral face 3 and the upper face 4.

[0052] Seen in longitudinal or vertical section (when the pad is in the position of use) at the middle of the block (i.e. at the level of the central groove), at least a part of the contact surface has the shape of a curved or curved line, and in particular the upper face 4 has the shape of a curved or curved line with its convexity facing away from the contact surface consisting of the base face 2. In particular, this line of curvature or curve at the level of the vertical central line of the pad corresponds to the curvature or curve of the lower part of the human spine.

[0053] Similarly, as seen for example in [Fig.3], the contact surface, and in particular the upper face 4, intended to be on the side of the wearer of the vest, has, seen in cross-section, the shape of a curved or curved line with its convexity facing the wearer's body opposite the rectilinear face 2. In particular, the curvature in cross-section increases from the bottom of the block towards the top of the block.

[0054] The width of the upper side of the peripheral edge 5 is less than the width of the lower side of the peripheral edge 5, and in particular this width decreases from the upper side to the lower side.

[0055] For example, the width of the lower side of the block is equal to approximately 25cm, the width of the upper side is equal to approximately 15cm, the length of the block is equal to approximately 29cm, the height of the block at the lower side is equal to approximately 4.5cm and the height of the block at the upper side is equal to approximately 1.5cm. The radius of the grooves (semi-circular in cross-section) is approximately 1cm.

[0056] This back pad is intended to be positioned against the user's back, between the latter and a ballistic plate associated with a back plate of a protective vest, in particular a ballistic plate received in a receiving pocket formed in the back plate. In use, the upper face 4 comes into contact with the user's back and in particular comes opposite the lower part of his spinal column, the longitudinal curve of the contact surface matching the shape of the column to thus ensure that the block is pressed against the body with a minimum of intermediate empty space.

[0057] Figures 4 to 6 show an embodiment of a so-called pectoral pad according to the invention.

[0058] This pad is made up of a block 101 of cellular material, preferably with closed pores, in particular polyurethane (PU), in particular micro-cellular.

[0059] The block 101 comprises a substantially planar base face 102 (i.e., substantially rectilinear when viewed in longitudinal and transverse section), a lateral peripheral face 103 and an upper face 104 opposite the base face 102, the lateral peripheral face 103 extending vertically from the peripheral edge 105 of the base face 102 to the peripheral edge 106 of the upper face 104.

[0060] There is formed, in the upper face 104, intended to be located as close as possible to the wearer, in particular in contact with the wearer's body, ignoring the clothing, other than the vest, worn by the user, a network of grooves 107 which open out at the peripheral edge 106.

[0061] This network of grooves here comprises a central groove connecting the lower and upper sides of the peripheral edge 106 together, two lower left and right lateral grooves, extending from the lower edge of the peripheral edge, being inclined at an angle of approximately 45° relative to the central groove, to the left and right sides of the peripheral edge 106, two intermediate left and right lateral grooves, extending from the central groove to the respectively left and right sides of the peripheral edge 106 and two upper left and right lateral grooves, extending from the central groove to the respectively left and right sides of the peripheral edge 106, being parallel to the lower and intermediate lateral grooves.

[0062] Other configurations of the network of grooves are of course possible, the function of these grooves being to ensure the passage of a current of air on either side of the block along the upper face to ensure ventilation at the level of contact between the block and the wearer of the vest.

[0063] The thickness of the block 101, that is to say the distance measured perpendicular to the base face 102 between the base face 102 and the upper face 104, in particular at the level of the central groove, decreases from the upper side 108 of the peripheral edge 106 towards the lower side 109 of the peripheral edge 106, and in particular up to this lower side 109.

[0064] The block 101 thus has an outer surface forming its envelope which is made up of a base surface formed by the base face 102 and a contact surface, comprising the lateral peripheral face 103 and the upper face 104.

[0065] Seen in longitudinal or vertical section (when the pad is in the use position) at the middle of the block (i.e. at the central groove), at least part of the contact surface has the shape of a curved line or curved, and in particular the upper face 104 has the shape of a curved or curved line with its convexity facing away from the contact surface consisting of the base face 102. In particular, this line of curvature or curve at the level of the vertical central line of the pad corresponds to the curvature or curve in the vertical direction of the hollow formed at the level of the sternum of the human being.

[0066] Similarly, as seen for example in [Fig.3], the contact surface, and in particular the upper face 104, intended to be on the side of the wearer of the vest, has, seen in cross-section, the shape of a curved or curved line with its convexity facing the body of the wearer opposite the rectilinear face 102. In particular, this curvature in cross-section corresponds to the curvature or curve in the lateral direction (left right) of the hollow formed at the level of the sternum of the human being.

[0067] The peripheral edge 105 of the base face 102 comprises a lower section 110 in the shape of a semicircle whose convexity is turned outwards, followed by two vertical left and right sections 111, each followed by a curved section 112 respectively left and right with a convexity turned inwards, the two curved sections 112 extending to a point 113 respectively left, from which two sections 114 inclined at approximately 45° relative to the vertical then extend, these sections each extending to an upper end section 115 extending horizontally.

[0068] The block thus forms, seen from above, a sort of T, the lower end of the base rod of which is curved and the transition with the lateral wings is made in a curved manner.

[0069] For example, the tip 113 to tip 113 width of the block is equal to approximately 16cm, the width of the end section 115 is equal to approximately 13cm, the length of the block is equal to approximately 20cm, the diameter of the semicircle forming the lower section is approximately 10.5cm, the length of the vertical sections 111 is approximately 7cm, the length of the inclined sections 114 is approximately 4cm. The height of the block at the lower side is equal to approximately 1cm and the height of the block at the upper side is equal to approximately 2cm. The radius of the grooves (semi-circular in cross-section) is approximately 0.5cm.

[0070] Figures 7 and 8 show an embodiment of a so-called abdominal pad according to the invention.

[0071] This pad is made up of a block 201 of cellular material, preferably with closed pores, in particular polyurethane (PU), in particular micro-cellular.

[0072] The block 201 comprises a substantially planar base face 202 (i.e., substantially rectilinear when viewed in longitudinal and transverse section), a lateral peripheral face 203 and an upper face 204 opposite the base face 202, the face 203 lateral peripheral extending vertically from the peripheral edge 205 of the base face 202 to the peripheral edge 206 of the upper face 204.

[0073] The block 201 thus has an outer surface forming its envelope which is made up of a base surface formed by the base face 202 and a contact surface, comprising the lateral peripheral face 203 and the upper face 204.

[0074] The peripheral edge 205 of the base face 202 comprises a rectilinear lower section 207, followed by two vertical left and right outer rectilinear sections 208 which extend to two respective left and right rounded vertices 209 from which extend two inner rectilinear sections 210 slightly inclined relative to the vertical sections 208 (by approximately 10 to 15°), these inclined sections 210 each extending to an upper end section 211 extending horizontally, parallel to the lower section 207. The transition between the inner rectilinear sections 210 and the end section 211 is carried out smoothly in an arc of a circle.

[0075] The block thus forms, seen from above, a sort of U, consisting of a base delimited by the two horizontal sections 207 and 211 and two substantially vertical branches delimited by the sections 208 and 210.

[0076] The thickness of the block 201, that is to say the distance measured perpendicular to the base face 202 between the base face 202 and the upper face 204 is substantially constant at the level of the base of the U. On the other hand, this thickness varies at the level of the branches of the U. In particular, seen in longitudinal section, the branches have the shape of a curved or curved line having a summit 212 substantially at mid-height of the branches. At this summit, the thickness of the block is maximum, decreasing on either side of it.

[0077] Similarly, seen in cross-section, particularly at the mid-height apex, the two branches of the U have the shape of a curved or rounded line.

[0078] For example, the lower section 207 extends over 23cm, the outer sections 208 over 16cm, the distance between the section 207 and the end section 211 is equal to approximately 5cm, and the inner sections extend over approximately 12cm.

[0079] The height of the block at the base of the U is approximately 0.5cm and the height of the block at the top of the branches is approximately 1cm.

[0080] No grooves are formed in the upper face 204 of the block 201, as is the case for blocks 1 and 101. However, they could be provided. Similarly, conversely, they could not be provided in blocks 1 and / or 101.

[0081] To manufacture the pads, a compression molding process is used.

[0082] The pads may be, as shown in the figures, independent of the bulletproof vest, their retention being ensured by being clamped between the vest and the user's body. Conversely, it is also possible to provide fixing means removable from the pads, in particular by fields of hooks or loops of self-gripping material formed on the pad, in particular on the base surface, which cooperate with associated fields of loops or hooks of the self-gripping material, formed on an inner face of the vest.

[0083] The pads according to the invention have a certain flexibility, but nevertheless hold their shape by themselves, in particular do not collapse when they are taken in a cantilever position, by hand at the peripheral edge.

[0084] In particular, the compressive force at 25% on a sample 25mm thick may be between 20kPa and 80kPa, in particular is equal to 51kPa and the compressive force at 50% on a sample 25mm thick may be between 50kPa and 200kPa, in particular is equal to 114kPa, the measurements being carried out according to the BS EN ISO 7214(2012) standard.

[0085] In [Fig. 12], there is shown a bulletproof vest having a front portion, a rear portion, a front ballistic plate being received in a pocket of the front portion, a rear ballistic plate being received in a pocket of the rear portion and a back block being disposed between the user's back and the pocket of the rear portion and an abdominal block and a pectoral block being disposed between the user and the pocket of the front portion.

[0086] The above embodiments are described in the context of a plate carrier vest, which carries, in particular in pockets provided for this purpose, one or more so-called ballistic plates, in particular in the form of a ceramic plate, steel, a block of high-density polyethylene or the like. Although the invention applies particularly favorably to these plate carrier vests, it also applies to other types of bulletproof vests, in particular so-called flexible ones. A flexible bulletproof vest is understood to mean a vest not comprising hard ballistic plates, such as ceramic, metal or the like, but flexible plates or panels, called flexible packs, consisting of a stack of sheets of woven or composite polymer materials, for example Polyethylene (PE), in particular High Density (HD), aramid or the like, preferably enclosed in a moisture-proof and UV-proof envelope.These flexible panels, due to their greater possible deformation, can be inserted into pockets formed in the vest with larger dimensions, which allows them to cover a larger surface area of ​​the body than a plate carrier.

Claims

Claims

1. Protective vest, in particular a bulletproof vest, in particular a so-called flexible vest, or a plate carrier vest, comprising: - a basic vest having, in the worn state, a front part intended to cover the front of the wearer of the vest, in particular the thorax and the abdomen, and a rear part intended to cover the back of the wearer of the vest, the two front and rear parts being connected to each other from above at the shoulders and laterally, so as to define between them a passage for the head and two passages for the arms;and - one or more block-shaped pads made of cellular material, or foam, in particular three blocks respectively for the abdomen, the sternum and the back, arranged between the basic vest and the abdomen and / or the sternum and / or the back of the user, characterized in that the or each block has an outer surface forming an envelope comprising a base surface, intended to be on the side of the vest, and opposite, a contact surface, intended to be on the side of the wearer of the vest, which extends from the peripheral edge of the base surface, the contact surface being of curved shape, with its convexity facing the user.;

2. Vest according to claim 1, characterized in that one or more ballistic plates, in particular in the form of a ceramic plate, steel, a block of high density polyethylene or the like, being carried by the vest, for example by being received in one or more respective pockets formed in the front part and / or the rear part, so as to be positioned in front of the abdomen and / or the sternum and / or the back of the user, the pad(s) being arranged between the plate(s) and the abdomen and / or the sternum and / or the back of the user.

3. Vest according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the base surface is flat.

4. Vest according to claim 1, 2 or 3, characterized in that the contact surface is curved in longitudinal section and / or in transverse section.

5. Vest according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that there is formed, in the contact surface of the block, at least one groove extending from one point to another of the peripheral edge, in particular a network of grooves connected to each other to allow the flow of air and its evacuation to the outside.

6. Vest according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that three separate blocks are provided, respectively a back block, arranged on the user's back, an abdominal block, arranged on the user's abdomen and a pectoral block arranged on the user's sternum.

7. A cushion or pad made of foam or cellular material, in particular polyurethane, intended to be positioned inside a bulletproof vest, in particular a so-called flexible vest, or a plate carrier vest, in particular between a ballistic plate worn by the vest and the body of the user, the cushion being formed of a block having an outer surface forming an envelope comprising a base surface, intended to be on the side of the respective ballistic plate, and opposite, a contact surface, intended to be on the side of the wearer of the vest, which extends from the peripheral edge of the base surface, the contact surface being of curved shape, with its convexity facing the user.

8. Pad according to claim 7, characterized in that the pad is an abdominal pad having a U-shape, in particular a shape consisting of a base strip of substantially rectangular shape terminated on the left and right by two promontories extending perpendicularly to the base part upwards, in particular the two promontories have a width which decreases to a respective, preferably rounded, apex.

9. A pad according to claim 8, characterized in that the distance measured perpendicular to the base surface between the base surface and the contact surface is substantially constant at the base of the U, while the thickness varies at the branches of the U, in particular, seen in longitudinal section, the branches have the shape of a curved or curved line having a peak substantially halfway up the branches.

10. A bearing according to claim 8 or 9, characterized in that, seen in cross-section, in particular at the level of the apex at mid-height, each branch of the U has the shape of a curved or rounded line.

11. A pad according to claim 7, characterized in that the pad is a pectoral pad, intended to be positioned between a front ballistic plate and the user's sternum has a T-shape comprising a stem portion terminated upwards by two lateral portions forming wings.

12. A pad according to claim 7 or 11, characterized in that the pad is a pectoral pad and, seen in longitudinal or vertical section, when the pad is in the position of use, at the level of the middle of the block, at least part of the contact surface has the shape of a curved or curved line, and in particular the contact surface has the shape of a curved or curved line with its convexity facing away from the contact surface.

13. A pad according to claim 12, characterized in that the line of curvature or curve at the vertical center line of the pad corresponds to the curvature or curve in the vertical direction of the hollow formed at the sternum of the human being.

14. Pad according to one of claims 11 to 13, characterized in that the contact surface intended to be on the side of the wearer of the vest has, seen in cross section, the shape of a curved or curved line with its convexity facing towards the body of the wearer opposite the straight face.

15. A pad according to claim 14, characterized in that the cross-sectional curvature corresponds to the curvature or curve in the lateral direction of the hollow formed at the sternum of the human being.

16. Bearing according to one of claims 11 to 15, characterized in that the thickness of the block, i.e. the distance measured perpendicular to the base surface between the base surface and the contact surface, decreases from the upper side of the peripheral edge towards the lower side of the peripheral edge, and in particular up to this lower side.

17. A pad according to claim 7, characterized in that the pad is a back pad, intended to be positioned between a rear ballistic plate and the user's back, having a thickness, i.e. the distance measured perpendicular to the base face between the base face and the upper face which decreases from the lower side of the peripheral edge towards the upper side of the peripheral edge, and in particular up to the upper side.

18. A pad according to claim 7 or 17, characterized in that the pad is a back pad and, seen in longitudinal or vertical section, in particular at the middle of the block, when the pad is in the position of use, at least part of the contact surface has the shape of a curved or rounded line.

19. A pad according to claim 18, characterized in that the line of curvature or curve at the vertical center line of the pad corresponds to the curvature or curve of the lower part of the human spine.

20. A pad according to claim 7 or 17 to 19, characterized in that the contact surface intended to be on the side of the wearer of the vest has, seen in cross-section, the shape of a curved or curved line with its convexity facing towards the wearer's body.

21. A pad according to claim 7 or 17 to 20, characterized in that the width of the upper side of the peripheral edge is less than the width of the lower side of the peripheral edge, and in particular this width decreases from the upper side to the lower side.

22. Kit comprising a plurality of pads, chosen from a back pad according to one of claims 7 or 17 to 21, an abdominal pad and a pectoral pad according to one of claims 7 or 11 to 16 and an abdominal pad according to one of claims 7 to 10.

23. A kit according to claim 22, comprising an abdominal pad and a chest pad, the abdominal pad being U-shaped and the chest pad T-shaped, the width of the stem of the T being less than the distance between the two legs of the U.

24. A kit according to claim 22 or 23, the width of the head of the T being less than the width of the base of the U.

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