A system and method for dissipating impact momentum, energy waves and heat energy

Abstract

The invented device forms a flexible planar or nonplanar blast surface that is oriented to receive and dissipate energy and restrict penetrations received from objects, projectiles and / or blast waves received from and along a vector path. A flexible assembly forms a blast surface having a multitude of pinned or semi-pinned elongate entangled staples, wherein a multiplicity of the staples extends at least partially along a vector path, wherein the vector path is oriented perpendicularly relative to the blast surface. A flexible particulate assembly comprising a multitude of adjoining pinned, semi-pinned and / or semi-static particles assembled together to present interstitial areas no larger than the diameter of a selected projectile; and a flexible binding medium integrated with the multitude of adjoining particles and adapted to maintain the multitude of adjoining particles in a flexible semi-pinned semi-static array.

Description

[0001] FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0002] The present invention relates to systems and methods for protecting entities from projectiles, impact momentum, and blast energies.

[0003] BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0004] The subject matter discussed in the background section should not be assumed to be prior art merely as a result of its mention in the background section. Similarly, a problem mentioned in the background section or associated with the subject matter of the background section should not be assumed to have been previously recognized in the prior art. The subject matter in the background section merely represents different approaches, which in and of themselves may also be inventions.

[0005] Protection against violent threat has a long history, likely beginning with the use of one’s limbs to shield oneself, fashioning of shields to be presented to the threat, design of metal enclosures within which one could maneuver, to some degree, with protection in battle - yet needing to be hoisted upon a horse, to sliding, form-fitting, linked or chain-mail allowing greater levels of maneuverability, to thicker blocks of stone to protect those inside an enclosure (be they family or village) from organized attack, including thick metal sheets, or poured, possibly reinforced concrete surrounding stationary emplacements or mobile vehicles and ships, as well as increasing thicknesses of formed stone or metal.

[0006] As the armor has increased in thickness and weight, the projection of threats has increased in capability and mortal or morbid ingenuity. As the attackers have become more ingenious, the defenders have lost degrees of freedom in ability to maintain mobility simply in light of the sheer mass of the protective layers about them. In efforts to enhance effectiveness of armor, some are taking approaches employing multilayered structures, each layer of which intends some level of interaction with the incoming, and intruding, threat. Inclusion of sliding protective discs of metal or ceramic to both block the progress of projectiles and diminish their energy, or redirect the energy, by limited movement is showing up in protective personal armor. Others include interesting possibilities such as SILLYPUTTY (TM) intended to diminish the incoming threat’s energy, possibly through phase change or simple stickiness. Various synthetic fabrics of glass fiber, stretched polymer, tough aramid polymers, carbon and derivatives, compressed stuffing for protective garb and other possibilities have been explored. Others propose the use of high- energy, violent countervailing energy, including but not limited to one or more energy types, for fixed protective emplacements by initiating outward-directed explosive energy against an impinging projectile as found in the work of Shah, et al., US Patent 7,406,909.

[0007] In the field of protecting objects such as people, vehicles, and buildings from impacts — which might include everything from combat armor, to car crash mitigation, to packing fragile materials for shipping, and much more — there are many factors to account for, and the optimum solution may not always be something as straightforward as 'a heavy metal plate for the impact to run into instead'. Many prior art solutions for mitigating the destructive effects of projectile penetration, momentum and / or energy waves, particularly the indirect effects of ammunition, including but not limited bullets, rounds, artillery shells, and shrapnel, are rooted in diminishing the impact and / or blast energy and / or dispersing the momentum and received energy from the engagement of a shielding element with a projectile.

[0008] In the case of prior art combat armor, as a convenient example for the concepts illustrated herein, both kinds of impact mitigation are critical: even if a heavy metal plate might stop a projectile, the momentum behind something like a bullet, or the energy wave from an explosion such as a bomb, can still seriously bludgeon the wearer with their own armor, if said prior art armor doesn't also include elements for dispersing the momentum from impacts and energy waves safely, such as 'springy' elements or soft padding. Additionally, the prior art armor offers no protection against injuries caused by energy waves, such as traumatic brain injury.

[0009] The prior art that appears to be closest to the present invention is US Patent 8,015,617 (Inventors Carbajal, et al.) issued on September 13, 2011, and titled “Ballistic resistant body armor articles”, however, this prior art fails at least at providing light weight, flexible layers that protect wearers and equipment from energy wave damage. Accordingly, the present invention provides an improved solution to the problem of fabricating lighter weight, flexible layer or layers that protect wearers and equipment from energy wave damage.

[0010] SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0011] Towards these and other objects of the method of the present invention (hereinafter, “the invented method”) that are made obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art in light of the present disclosure, the invented method provides one or more layers of material that in various alternate preferred variations form a flexible planar or nonplanar blast surface that is oriented to accept and dissipate energy received from incoming objects, projectiles and / or blast waves traveling from and along a vector path. The flexible blast surface may be positioned to protect entities, including but not limited to persons, equipment, vehicles, buildings, structures and materiel, from energy directed toward one or more entities by projectiles, impact momentum, and / or blast waves.

[0012] It is understood that meaning of the term blast surface as defined herein describes a surface that received energy from incoming objects, projectiles and blast waves. It is understood that the scope of the meaning of the term energy wave as used within the present disclosure includes blast waves, shock waves and sound waves.

[0013] Some key problems addressed and solutions provided by aspects of the invented method include the following

[0014] TECHNICAL PROBLEM: Protecting people, animals, equipment, buildings, objects from both heat damage and energy wave damage.

[0015] TECHNICAL SOLUTION: Providing a textile structure which absorbs heat energy and redirects, disperses, and attenuates one or more received energy waves. TECHNICAL PROBLEM: Prior art hard armor blocks strikes of objects, e.g. blades, bullets, and projectiles, but not received momentum; a suit of armor that is only hard material could bludgeon the wearer when struck with energy waves.

[0016] TECHNICAL SOLUTION: Providing a textile structure which redirects, disperses, and attenuates one or more received energy waves.

[0017] TECHNICAL PROBLEM: Prior art hard armor reduces the damage caused by objects, blades, bullets, and projectiles, but is heavy, cumbersome, and difficult to shape to fit various entities and objects to be protected.

[0018] TECHNICAL SOLUTION: Providing a flexible textile structure which redirects, disperses, fragments and / or attenuates momentum of, and diminishes damage caused by, objects, blades, bullets, and projectiles.

[0019] TECHNICAL PROBLEM: Prior art hard armor reduces the damage caused by objects, blades, bullets, and projectiles, but is heavy, cumbersome, and difficult to shape to fit various entities and objects to be protected.

[0020] TECHNICAL SOLUTION: Providing a layer of containing a multitude or plurality of objects having a hardness factor above 6 Mhos which is disposed on an outside side of the invented flexible textile structure that redirects, disperses, fragments and / or attenuates momentum of, and diminishes damage caused by, objects, blades, bullets, and projectiles.

[0021] TECHNICAL PROBLEM: Improving energy absorption of armor.

[0022] TECHNICAL SOLUTION: Providing a textile structure which redirects, disperses, and attenuates received energy wave.

[0023] TECHNICAL PROBLEM: Improving armor without making the armor unreasonably heavier or bulkier.

[0024] TECHNICAL SOLUTION: Providing an energy -mitigating textile structure which is lightweight and efficient. TECHNICAL PROBLEM: Improving armor without making the armor unreasonably difficult to manufacture.

[0025] TECHNICAL SOLUTION: Providing an energy wave-mitigating textile structure which is produced just by incorporating non-woven material.

[0026] TECHNICAL PROBLEM: Providing energy wave absorption armor which is widely applicable TECHNICAL SOLUTION: Providing an energy wave-mitigating textile structure which can be trimmed and fitted for purpose, such as personal armor, inside car doors, energy-resistant curtains or walls, etc., and can be easily layered with other armors.

[0027] TECHNICAL PROBLEM: Wearing multiple layers of armor / padding for different kinds of threats, e.g. a padded suit under armor plates, is cumbersome and difficult to equip.

[0028] TECHNICAL SOLUTION: Providing a lightweight fabric mesh that can be incorporated flexibly into other garments to add energy wave protection, and the fabric mesh can be further modified to include fibers which add other benefits such as sound insulation, heat insulation, blast insulation, thermobaric, and / or fire protection.

[0029] TECHNICAL PROBLEM: Prior art armor is not suited for internal incorporation of wireless transmission devices that can be interrogated by wireless means to determine (a.) location and / or identification of the armor, (b.) damage to a structure, and / or (c.) injury to a wearer of the armor . TECHNICAL SOLUTION: providing woven or non-woven fabric that incorporate

[0030] While a significant number of armor solutions arise for various situations and to address various posited threats, a motivation of the present invention arises from the long-felt needs for improved solutions to widely experienced needs for safe and comparatively lightweight structures, to include but not limited to, panels effective against low-to-moderate, or greater, level direct-fire threats as well as shrapnel with which defined areas of protection could be enclosed in situations of possible or expected threats of this sort. Some level of movability is also desirable in such intended “temporary” protected areas. It is an object of the present invention to provide structures that exhibit high levels of protection against energy waves and projectile impacts, ease of movement, easy field handling, and minimal thickness (allowing ease of movement) to meet the expected threats through sensible design, optionally including multiple layers, each of which contributes to reduction of the inward energy of incoming projectiles or shrapnel. The core concept of threat-protection for specific enclosures prompts an additional object of the present invention to enable design principles that are applicable and transferable to other protective applications including those involving more or less mobility.

[0031] Therefore, there is a need for a method to attach substrates of very hard materials, such as but not limited to, Transformation Toughened Zirconia ceramic (hereinafter, “TTZ”), boron nitride or the like, to tough encapsulants, such as glass-filled Acrylonitrile-Butadiene-Styrene (hereinafter, “ABS”) plastic, toughened urethane, or the like, in order to provide a highly elastic collision and minimize the risk of catastrophic material failure caused by a compression wave.

[0032] Empirical data collected by the Applicant in experiments with TTZ inserts set in glass-filled ABS demonstrates that the geometry of the hard striking surface insert, and the means of attachment are critical to prevent failure, and can provide a means of reflecting the standing wave into an object struck, thereby imparting additional energy to the object.

[0033] Moreover, over twenty years of empirical studies have led to the Applicant’s development of a new theory relating to the behavior of matter wherein the morphing of certain properties of matter that are proportional to time are employed by the method of the present invention. More particularly, Applicant has developed and offers the following mathematical description of said morphing of certain properties of matter that are proportional to time: ft25

[0034] J db oc T t2

[0035] Where db is a real-time physical property equation, and T is the interval of time to be analyzed. Empirical demonstrations of variations of the present invention range from very long time intervals, such as glass acting as a viscous liquid when the elapsed time interval is measured in centuries, to foam rubber behaving as a brittle solid when subjected to an impact duration measured in microseconds. A reexamination of material property equations when non-real-time events are studied should change the currently used coefficients and constants used to approximate observed events.

[0036] The method of the present invention exploits and applies the temporal differences exhibiting by morphing properties of materials in interaction with potentially destructive projectiles, externally sourced momentum and / or energy waves. Furthermore, the method of the present invention is particularly effective when the objects, projectiles and energy waves travelling faster than 600 feet per second. While the instant patent does not attempt to claim natural laws nor their equations, it does use Byron’s Theory to claim Apparatuses and Methods to achieve objectives by teaching how to modify materials to optimize performance during non-real-time intervals of time.

[0037] It is therefore a long felt need to provide lower weight and more flexible materials and structures that protect persons, equipment, buildings and other entities from damage in interaction with high speed objects and energy waves, wherein said structures and materials employ the innate behavioral qualities of materials exhibited over short time spans in interaction with high speed objects and / or energy waves. Furthermore, the method of the present invention is particularly effective when applied in the design of devices intended to protect entities, e g., persons, equipment, objects and buildings, from damage caused by interaction with energy waves, objects and projectiles travelling faster than 180 meters per second in speed relative to said entities

[0038] It is additionally an object of the present invention to exploit the behavior of materials and energy as exhibited in high speed collisions and other interactions over short time frames to protect entities from resultant damage. It is noted that the invented method is generally directed to, but not limited to, providing a substantial advancement in the optimization of materials and structures adapted for this function of dispersing momentum and / or energy wave energy, and combines novel approaches to dispersing momentum and / or dispersing energy wave energy to provide significant advancements in the field of armoring and also in the field of impact and energy wave damage mitigation.

[0039] The invented method comprises novel and non-obvious aspects that exploit changes observed in the morphing of physics observed when materials are subjected to rapid collision impacts, rapid momentum transfers, and high speed energy wave receptions within critically brief time spans. Applicant has most clearly observed these changes in the dynamics of objects and energy at relative speeds of impact above 180 meters per second. The invented method utilizes the change of material properties that occur in materials subjected to very rapid events in order to optimize outcomes determined by material selection, geometry and integration as applied in various fabrication processes. The invented method additionally provides novel criteria and methods for selecting materials and device structures to fabricate protective systems and devices for specific end uses and to counter particular threats. The diffusion of momentum and the dispersal of energy wave energy into vectors that are both redirected from an original vector path of said momentum and / or blast energy and directed away from an entity to be protected are objects of the invented method.

[0040] The invented method comprises novel and non-obvious criteria applied in selecting materials and fabrication steps and in view of variation-specific intended end uses and pre-selected environments of end use.

[0041] In the case of a projectile, such as a bullet, striking certain preferred variations of the present invention, the initial impact of the projectile with said preferred variations of the present invention creates a rapidly promulgated discontinuity between the speed of a leading section of the projectile and the speed of a trailing section of the projectile. This instantaneous imposition of variances in speed of sections of the projectile are further effected by contemporaneous impositions of discontinuities of velocity and direction among finer grained compositive elements of the projectile. These rapid alterations in the direction of said projectile sections and composite elements of the projectile cause the momentum and blast energies emerging from the collision elements of the projectile with said preferred variations of the present invention to in large part scatter into multiple vectors diverging away from the projectile’s original vector path, whereby the degree and incidence of transferred momentum, projectile penetration, and blast energy transmission to a targeted entity positioned behind one of said preferred variations of the present invention may be greatly reduced or effectively made harmless. An entity positioned behind or encompassed by one or more preferred variations of the present invention may thereby receive limited, effectively harmless, or possibly no detected effect resulting from the interaction of said preferred variations of the present invention with a high speed object, projectile, or energy wave. These objects of the invented method rely upon the fundamental observable dynamics of energy and momentum delivered to certain alternate preferred variations of the present invention as described herein in high speed collisions and over short time spans.

[0042] It is understood that the invented method relies upon certain properties of matter that morph at high speeds and over short time spans, and further that the invented method and present invention as claimed each include elements and limitations that exceed mere recitation of natural processes. In certain preferred alternate variations of the present invention, energy received by the structures thereof causes phase changes in elements of the present invention whereby received momentum and / or blast energy is directed and dissipated by said phase changes of these elements of the present invention. Said phase changes include, but are not limited to, compressive destruction, deformation, vaporization, and melting from solid to liquid forms.

[0043] In a first preferred variation of the present invention (hereinafter, “the first version”), a multitude of elongate elements (hereinafter, “staples”) are entangled to form a felt structure is positioned between a shielding element and an entity. Some non-limiting examples of a shielding element as signified herein might include body armor, vehicle armor, or other suitable varieties of armor known in the art. The shielding element might preferably be selected to provide protection of the protected region or entity from projectiles or physical strikes, in combination with certain variations of the present invention which protect against energy wave sand dissipate momentum, thus providing a more versatile protection by this combination. These staples may be fabricated in executions of commercially available fabric manufacturing steps by prior art manufacturing equipment applied in novel and nonobvious aspects to produce staples from high tensile yarn, such as but not limited to the materials of KEVLAR (TM) para-aramid fiber as marketed by DuPont de Nemours, Inc., of Wilmington, DE, SPECTRA (TM) Ultra-high-molecular-weight polyethylene as marketed by Honeywell International, Inc. of Morristown, NJ, DYNEEMA™ ultra-high-molecular-weight polyethylene fiber as marketed by DSM of Heerlen, Netherlands, and other suitable high tensile and high compression materials known in the art. In certain alternate preferred variations of the invented method, carding and / or felting needles are applied to a feedstock to form an invented matrix of staples from the multitude of staples; the invented method thereby forms a non-woven fabric comprising the multitude of staples.

[0044] In certain alternate preferred variations of the first version, the invented matrix comprises both a distal zone and a blast layer, wherein the distal zone is positioned along an edge zone within the invented matrix that is distal from an expected direction of travel of an energy to be dissipated. The distal zone includes certain staples in their entirety and at least a portion of the lengths of individual staples of a first multiplicity of staples of the first version. The blast layer comprises those elements of the multitude of staples wherein a Z component of each extending length enables the establishment of a blast surface. It is understood that the distal zone and the first version in its entirety is flexible and that the present reference an X-Y plane is made in the context that the Z orientation of the extending lengths is embodied relative to instantaneously changing flexed or flat positioning of the distal zone.

[0045] The often barbed felting needles are applied in fabrication of the invented matrix by repeated insertion into and removal from the invented matrix of staples. This felting action of the felting needles is employed to both (a.) entangle staples within the distal zone and (b.) encourage and increase Z-axis components of the orientation of at least many of the staples. The felting needle barbs catch scales or locations of various staples and thereby push some staple ends through just- forming layers of the invented matrix of staples, thereby tangling and binding entangling sections of the staples together, as well as encouraging alignment of certain sections of the staples that are distal from the distal zone along the Z-axis or other intended axis. This needling action both (a.) interlocks the staples at least within the distal zone to supports stability in a resulting entangled structure of the multitude of staples, and (b.) increases the number of staples that at least partially project along the Z-axis within and / or extending the distal zone and into the blast layer. These invented applications of prior art needles and felting machinery are generally effective for the generation of two-dimensional and three-dimensional preferred variations of the present invention. It is understood that generally more staples extend at least partially along the Z-axis within and / or beyond the distal zone and present aligned lengths and / or front ends to contribute to the structure of the blast layer. It is preferable that the front lengths of certain staples are aligned along the Z-axis within the blast layer and / or extending within and / or within the distal zone.

[0046] More generally certain other alternate preferred variations of the present invention, one or more staples are formed by cutting and separating thread from lengths of yam by one or more suitable methods known in the art; one or more staples may be formed by cutting and separating suitable high tensile threads, such as but not limited to, KEVLAR (TM) feedstock, SPECTRA (TM) feedstock and / or other suitable high tensile and / or high compression materials known in the art in combination or in singularity.

[0047] A first multiplicity of staples of the multitude of staples present front lengths that extend within the blast layer and may be substantively parallel. The first multiplicity of staples comprises certain staples oriented so that that portions thereof and / or their respective front points are opposed to a notional vector path, wherein the aligned front points and their respective staple Z- axis components are placed in opposition to an energy, momentum and / or object travelling along the vector path and toward the multitude of staples. The first multiplicity of staples defines a blast surface that is preferably normal to this vector path. It is understood that the blast surface is not necessarily planar, as not all front points are positioned within a same plane. Preferably many staples of the first multiplicity of staples are entangled with multiple other staples of the multitude of staples. The multitude of staples may optionally further comprise a second multiplicity of staples that are at least partially positioned relative to a second vector path, wherein the front lengths of certain staples of the second multiplicity of staples that are oriented so that portions thereof and / or their respective front points are opposed to a second notional vector path, wherein the aligned front points are meant to be placed in opposition to an energy, momentum and / or object travelling along the second vector path and toward the multitude of staples. The second multiplicity of staples defines a second blast surface that is preferably normal to the second vector path. It is understood that the second blast surface is not necessarily planar, as certain of the front ends of the second multiplicity of staples are not positioned within a same plane. Preferably many staples of the second multiplicity of staples are entangled with multiple other staples of the multitude of staples.

[0048] It is understood that the first multiplicity of staples may comprise more than half of the multitude of staples in certain alternate preferred variations of the invented method. Alternatively or additionally, the multitude of staples may comprise a third multiplicity of staples that are at least partially comprising a Z-axis component positioned in opposition to a third vector path. It is further understood, that in certain alternate preferred variations of the invented invention, the multitude of staples may comprise a multiplicity of collections of staples that include a unique grouping of staples that each comprise a Z-axis component positioned in opposition to an energy delivered along one of a multiplicity of alternate vector paths.

[0049] The multitude of staples when neither accompanied by nor coupled with layers of woven high tensile fabric are preferably positioned between a shielding element and the entity, wherein the first multiplicity of staples forms their blast surface normal to, and in opposition to, the vector path and the staple blast surface is positioned to be proximate to the shielding element and distal from the entity. Optionally or additionally, the multitude of staples may be distanced either from the entity and / or the shielding element to form one or more air gaps located between (a.) the multitude of staples and / or (b.) the entity or the shielding element. In various alternate preferred variations of the present invention, one or more staples of the multitude of staples may additionally, alternatively, optionally and / or selectively be (a.) at least partially coated and / or layered with a fire-proof or fire resistant material; (b.) at least partially coated and / or layered with a humidity-proof or humidity resistant material; (c.) at least partially enclosed within a fire-proof or fire resistant packaging material; and / or (d.) at least partially enclosed within a humidity-proof or humidity resistant packaging material.

[0050] In an additional preferred variation of the present invention (hereinafter, “the invented sewn assembly”) the multitude of staples are enclosed within a flexible fabric structure. The invented sewn assembly is formed by threading together at least two or more invented matrices of staples.

[0051] It is noted that the prior art design of soft material armor structure and fabrication teaches that applying stitching to couple or join layers of prior art shielding material and / or prior art armor induces weakness into a resultant prior art structure. The prior art thus teaches limiting the use of stitching for the purpose of coupling prior art shielding material and / or prior art armor together to adding stitching at the corners of relevant prior art material assemblies. Furthermore, the prior art explicitly teaches away from applying stitching within or near regions to be protected from bullet strikes.

[0052] In patentable distinction, one optional aspect of the invented method applies stitching that in combination with two or more invented matrices adds reinforcement to the invented sewn assembly along the aforementioned Z-axis, whereby the placement of the stitching within the at least two invented matrices induces internal dynamics within the invented sewn assembly that are analogous to a cantilever bridge.

[0053] The threading of the invented sewn assembly preferably comprises a material that exhibits a high level of tensile strength and compressive strength, such as, but not limited, to a size 207 KEVLAR (TM) / TEX 210 / GOVT. 3 -CORD threading, a size 346 KEVLAR thread / TEX 350 / GOVT. 5-CORD threading, and other suitable threading known in the art. Threading needles suitable for stitching the threading into various preferred variations of the invented sewn assembly include a non-titanium coated Groz-Beckert 135 X 17 #26 threading needle, a Groz- Beckert 135 X 17 SAN 5 #24 threading needle, and other suitable threading needles known in the art.

[0054] In a yet alternate preferred variation of the present invention (hereinafter, “the invented cladding system”), the multitude of staples is separated into a multiplicity of individual discrete sheets (hereinafter, “invented sheet”), wherein each invented sheet is individually paired with a unique and dedicated cladding element, and each invented sheet is positioned between said invented sheet’s paired cladding element and an exterior wall of a building. Each pair of one cladding element and a single invented sheet is preferably separately and detachably attached to the building exterior wall by a cladding attachment assembly. Optionally, with each paired cladding element and invented sheet, at least two fasteners, and preferably four or more fasteners, of the fastener assembly both extend through one dedicated invented sheet and stably couple and position said dedicated invented sheet and to its paired cladding element, whereby the paired cladding element and invented sheet form a combined structure that may be attached to and detached from the building exterior as a unified structure.

[0055] Preferably, the combined weight of each cladding element and paired invented sheet of the invented cladding system is transferred to the building via its dedicated cladding attachment assembly, wherein no or little weight is transferred when attached to the building exterior from any paired cladding element and invented sheet to any other paired cladding element and invented sheet of the invented cladding system.

[0056] Alternatively, additionally and / or optionally, one or more variations of the invented sewn assembly are placed within and coupled with, or positioned as an alternative to, the invented sheet.

[0057] Various alternate, additional and / or optional aspects of the invented cladding system include: (a.) establishing and maintaining an air gap between each cladding element and its paired invented sheet; (b.) establishing and maintaining an air gap between each invented sheet and the building exterior wall; (c.) fastener assemblies that further or optionally include building attachment element sets that are durably or permanently attached to the building exterior wall and wherein each building attachment element sets are shaped, sized and positioned to enable detachable attachment of at least one paired cladding element and invented sheet to the exterior building wall.

[0058] In various alternate preferred variations of the invented cladding system, one or more cladding elements and / or invented sheets may additionally, alternatively, optionally and / or selectively be or comprise fire-proof, fire resistant, humidity-proof and / or humidity resistant material or materials in singularity or in combination.

[0059] In yet additional alternate preferred variations of the invented cladding system, one or more cladding elements and / or paired invented sheets may additionally, alternatively, optionally and / or selectively be (a.) at least partially coated and / or layered with a fire-proof or fire resistant material; (b.) at least partially coated and / or layered with a humidity-proof or humidity resistant material; (c.) at least partially enclosed within a fire-proof or fire resistant packaging material; and / or (d.) at least partially enclosed within a humidity -proof or humidity resistant packaging material.

[0060] It is preferred in certain even other alternate preferred variations of the invented cladding system that a majority or up to 99.9% of the staples of each invented sheet are oriented such that the Z- axis elements and / or ends of the staples define blast surfaces that are each proximate to the paired cladding element that these blast surfaces are preferably parallel to an exterior side of its paired cladding element and / or the building exterior wall, wherein the exterior side of each paired cladding is preferably placed distally from the building exterior wall, when the paired cladding elements and invented sheets are attached to the building exterior wall.

[0061] In yet another preferred variation of the present invention, (hereinafter, “the invented compilation”) includes at least a first multitude of staples, one or more woven sheets of fabric, a second multitude of staples, and a threading, wherein the threading forms a stitching that numerously passes through the first multitude of staples, the one or more woven sheets of fabric, and the second multitude of staples to form the invented compilation into a unified and flexible structure.

[0062] It is understood that the stitching provides a reinforcement to the invented compilation in the Z- axis to assist in counteracting a received energy travelling along this Z-axis.

[0063] In certain additional alternate preferred variations of the invented compilation, one or more layers of woven, high tensile strength fabric are positioned between two or more layers of high tensile strength nonwoven material, wherein the nonwoven material comprises multitudes of partially entangled staples, and more than one multiplicity of staples of the layers of nonwoven fabric provides front ends that are substantively opposing a common vector path.

[0064] Optionally and additionally, the invented compilation may include a protective blast face sheet and a distal face sheet, wherein the blast face sheet and the distal face sheet in combination enable the handling, shipment and placement of the invented compilation. The stitching preferably extends through the blast face sheet, the first multitude of staples, the one or more woven sheets of fabric, the second multitude of staples, and the distal face sheet to form the invented compilation into an alternate unified and flexible structure. It is understood that the blast face sheet and the distal face may be or comprise a single sheet of fabric that is doubled over and around the first multitude of staples, the one or more woven sheets of fabric, the second multitude of staples.

[0065] It is further understood that the blast face sheet and the distal face sheet may be or be comprised within a compilation packaging that at least partially encloses the two or more sheets of staples and the one or more woven sheets, and that the compilation packaging and / or one or more woven sheets may (a.) be or comprise at least partial coating and / or layering with a fire-proof or fire resistant material; (b.) be or comprise at least partial coating and / or layering with a humidityproof or humidity resistant material; (c.) be or comprise at least partial enclosing within a fire- proof or fire resistant material; and / or (d.) be or comprise at least partial enclosing within a humidity -proof or humidity resistant material.

[0066] It is understood that the blast face sheet is preferably positioned proximate to the blast layer of the first multitude of staples, and that the blast layer of the second multitude of staples is positioned distally from the distal face sheet and proximate to the one or more woven sheets,

[0067] The threading of the invented compilation preferably comprises material that exhibits both a high level of tensile strength and a high level compressive strength, such as, but not limited, to a size 207 KEVLAR (TM) / TEX 210 / GOVT. 3 -CORD threading, a size 346 KEVLAR thread / TEX 350 / GOVT. 5-CORD threading, and other suitable threading known in the art. Threading needles suitable for threading various preferred variations of the invented compilation include a non-titanium coated Groz-Beckert 135 X 17 #26 threading needle, a Groz-Beckert 135 X 17 SAN 5 #24 threading needle, and other suitable threading needles known in the art.

[0068] In still alternate preferred variations of the invented compilation, the invented compilation comprises and is formed by threading that stitches together, pierces, and travels through the multitudes of staples and the one or more woven layers to form peripheral seams located at the peripheries of the blast face sheet and the distal face sheet. Optionally, additional threading further pierces and traverses through the multitude of staples sheets and woven sheets to form additional internal seams that each extend within the invented compilation to form sewn sheets coupled by the internal seams.

[0069] In a still additional preferred variation of the invented compilation, the invented compilation is attached to an attachment element, wherein the attachment element enables a positioning of the invented compilation to hang down as influenced by gravity as a fabric window curtain hangs vertically as affected by gravity. In these preferred variations, the invented compilation is often placed behind an exterior shielding element and in front of one or more entities to be protected, wherein a blast vector is expected to pass from and through the exterior shielding element and from the exterior shielding element toward the invented compilation. An air gap may be maintained in the placement of the invented compilation between the invented curtain and the exterior shielding element; alternatively, optionally or additionally the placement of the invented compilation may establish an additional or alternate air gap between the invented curtain and one or more entities to be protected by the invented curtain.

[0070] In certain preferred applications of the method of the present invention, one or more layers of the invented matrix are placed within an equipment and between a shielding element of the equipment and an inner protected region positioned within the equipment. It is preferable in these preferred applications of the method of the present invention that an air gap be maintained between the invented layers(s) and the inner protected region.

[0071] Alternatively, additionally and / or optionally, one or more variations of the invented compilation are placed within and coupled with, or positioned as an alternative to, either the first multitude of staples and / or the second multitude of staples. It is understood that the blast surface sheet of the compilation may be comprise an invented sewn assembly positioned most distal from the one or more woven sheets. It is further understood that a distal sheet of the compilation positioned most distal from the blast surface sheet may be or comprise a rear sheet of one instance of the invented sewn assembly.

[0072] It is preferred in certain alternate preferred variations of the invented curtain that a majority or up to 99.9% of the staples of the multitude of staples are oriented such that a multiplicity of the front ends define a planar or nonplanar blast surface that is normal to the curtain blast vector.

[0073] Still alternate preferred variations of the present invention comprise a multitude of discrete durable pieces maintained in an elastic band (hereinafter, “interrupter layer”) such that the interstitial volumes between the pieces are generally filled in with an elastic. The compositions of the pieces and the elastics are preferably selected to ensure that the elastic adheres to most or all of each piece of the multitude of discrete durable pieces to maintain the multitude of discrete durable pieces in a semi-pinned, semi-static, and stable position when at rest. The elastomer geometrically binds thereby geometrically binds the pieces within a three dimensional array and that the elastomer acts against relative movement of the pieces without imposing an internal rigidity within the interrupter layer. It is preferable that the pieces are positioned so that received energy or momentum may be transferred from one or more initially receiving pieces to be dissipated by vibration and displacement contained within the interrupter layer.

[0074] One or more pieces are preferably spherical and exhibit a surface hardness parameter of at least or about 8 MOHS or higher. Optionally, additionally, and / or alternatively, other pieces include compressible and / or flame retardant material encapsulated in a spherical or other outer shell, wherein said outer shell exhibits a surface hardness parameter of at least or about 8 MOHS or higher. Optionally, additionally, and / or alternatively, even additional alternative pieces present irregular and / or asymmetrical outer surfaces that exhibit a surface hardness parameter of at least or about 8 MOHS or higher.

[0075] In one inventive aspect of the interrupter layer, the size of each piece, location of each piece, and proximity of neighboring as positioned by the elastic all serve to interrupt, limit and inhibit travel of a projectile along a vector path, wherein the vector path is directed to extend through the interrupter layer.

[0076] In various alternate preferred variations of the invented method, the durable pieces may comprise linked elements including, but not limited to, chain mail elements and / or riveted brigandine elements.

[0077] It is understood that an objective of a projectile is to transfer the maximum amount of energy to its target in order to move, deform, damage, and / or break said target. Therefore, an elastic collision of an implement with a surface of a target is generally preferred by the originator of the projectile so as to damage to the target. However, this ideal is difficult to realize in practice since some of the impact energy transferred to the target from the projectile may be transformed to heat the striking surface of the target and thereby plastically deforms the striking implement; the momentum of the projectile is thus transferred from projectile to the striking surface, whereby compression waves which can damage structure of the projectile itself may also result. The contraposition also holds since a projectile striking a striking surface will cause that striking surface to demonstrate the same effects. Increasing the hardness of said striking surface will reduce plastic deformation of said striking surface and will thereby resist indentions imposed on the striking surface caused by impact with the projectile. In general, the harder the surface of the striking surface, the more efficient the elastic collision.

[0078] A major design constraint in designing protective armor and other shielding lies in balancing the use of an efficient hard surface with the propensity of materials to exhibit an increase in brittleness as the hardness is increased, and therefore be more likely to exhibit tension failure due to compression waves.

[0079] Hard, tough, efficient materials are currently available that can meet the design requirements of a near ideal striking surface. However, current methods of attachment can cause these materials, or their substrates, to fail catastrophically in use due to the compression wave. The effects of this wave can be amplified by refraction, and the part geometry and fastening method may result in a standing wave with an amplitude that causes the part to fail. There is no known prior art similar to the instant invention as it applies to the use of hard inserts as striking surfaces interacting with high velocity projectiles, e.g., projectile velocities above 600 feet per second. There exist systems that employ hard inserts, and these prior art systems do not take into account methods to obviate the deleterious effects of compression waves generated at or exhibiting high speeds and over brief time spans of promulgation or impact.

[0080] The discrete durable pieces are preferably positioned within the elastic such that each piece may be touching two or more neighboring pieces and the interstitial volumes between the pieces each form unique interstitial surface planes that are each instantaneously normal to the vector path. It is preferable that no interstitial surface plane present any length in any dimension than is equal to or greater than the caliber of a pre-selected bullet type. It is understood that the invented durable layer is made flexible by the nature of the elastic and that the establishment of interstitial surface planes is a dynamic process and further that the interstitial surface planes morph and reform relative to the vector path as the invented durable layer is flexed. One or more of the durable pieces may form an irregular shape, a spheroid, a sphere, a hemisphere, a partial spheroid, a hollow sphere, a hollow spheroid, or other suitable shape known in the art.

[0081] The invented durable layer may present an interrupting blast surface that is normal to the vector path and comprises a first multiplicity of pieces, wherein the one or more pieces of the first multiplicity of pieces may be or comprise material that is compressive, flame-proof, and or flame retardant. Alternatively, optionally or additionally, one or more pieces of the first multiplicity of pieces may (a.) be or comprise at least partial coating and / or layering with a fire-proof or fire resistant material; (b.) be or comprise at least partial coating and / or layering with a humidityproof or humidity resistant material; (c.) be or comprise at least partial enclosing within a fireproof or fire resistant material; and / or (d.) be or comprise at least partial enclosing within a humidity-proof or humidity resistant material.

[0082] It is understood that the one or more optional layer sheets may be or comprise, or be comprised within, a layer packaging that at least partially encloses the interrupter layer, and that the layer sheets may be or comprise (a.) a fire-proof or fire resistant material; and / or b.) a humidity-proof or humidity resistant material.

[0083] Yet additional alternate preferred variations of the present invention present a structured or unstructured combination of the interrupter layer placed between the multitude of staples and an entity to be protected. Both the interrupter layer and the multitude of staples are positioned to present both the interrupting blast surface the blast surface of the multitude of staples as distal from the entity to be protected. The multitude of staples may be comprised within the invented compilation and / or the invented curtain. Alternatively or additionally, the multitude of staples may be positioned relative to the invented durable layer to establish an air gap between the multitude of staples and the invented interrupter layer. Further optionally, alternatively or additionally, the multitude of staples may be positioned relative to one or more entities to be protected to form an additional or alternate air gap between the multitude of staples and one or more entities to be protected.

[0084] The size and positioning of spherically shaped interrupters, or interrupters that present a hemisphere normal to a path of projectile travel, may be selected in view of an intended projectile size, e.g., caliber. More particularly, when interrupters having a continuous and maximum spherical or hemispherical value of 5.0 mm, the largest projectile or object that can pass unimpeded through a positioning of three of maximally closely positioned within a same plane of said 5.0 mm diameter interrupters would be an object having a maximum of 0.375 mm projectile breadth travelling in a direction normal to the plane of the interrupters placement, and wherein the projectile breadth would be parallel to the plane of the interrupters placement.

[0085] It is understood that in even additional alternate preferred variations, two or more multiplicities of threads and / or pieces are positioned and oriented to oppose alternate vector paths, wherein particular instantiations of the present invention exhibit more than one blast surface, wherein each blast surface is oriented to oppose a projectile, momentum, penetration, and / or energy wave energy travelling among one particular vector path of a plurality of possible vector paths, whereby a single instantiation of the device forms two or more blast surfaces of differing orientations.

[0086] Some additional alternate preferred variations include a fabric system which is designed to catch and disperse energy from both solid projectiles and energy waves. By using a combination of very high modulus fibers that have portions of their lengths directed toward the path of the incoming projectile, the majority of the energy of those projectiles can be diverted latterly across the face of the system.

[0087] Protection provided by this fabric system may include mitigation of an incoming energy wave that can precede a solid object and that may travel faster than the solid object itself, when the wave reaches the fibers that are aligned or substantially aligned toward the path of the incoming bullet, the Z axis, which are spread latterly across the face of the system. This is accomplished at least partially because the Z axis fibers are laid in an “3D” form in the process to manufacture the fabric system. Because the layers of the system act as a “barrier” to both a solid object and an energy wave, the “3D” shaped fibers in the nonwoven fabric transfer the Z axis energy latterly across the face of the system as the X / Y axis is the area of least resistance.

[0088] It is further noted that, if the non-woven fabric does not have enough “loft” (lower density fiber array), the system may be treated by the energy as a solid and energy dispersion will not occur and the energy will continue along the Z axis to the object being protected. Additionally, an optimal mode for holding together the fabric system in a proper orientation is sewing; gluing / encapsulation may not allow for proper loft, and needle punching alone may not provide for maintaining long-term continuity. High density stitching of these components (such as 5 or more stitches per inch) is likely to prevent the flow of energy wave energy on the lateral (X / Y axis) direction.

[0089] It is further understood that the invented fabric system is designed to minimize ballistic impact from bullet or other impact strikes, high velocity sound waves (sonic pressure waves), high pressure waves caused by either detonation, or preceding high velocity projectiles.

[0090] In some further additional preferred variations, the fabric system is interlaced with thermal resistant material layers in the form of low thermal conductivity fibers to protect the substrate / wearer. Some examples of this type of fibers include ceramic and non-polymeric materials. Such clothing can be used by firefighters or explosive disarming personnel. To elaborate further, a situation in which something might explode is already a suitable application for many variations of the invented system, and a variation of the invented fabric system which incorporates staples, fibers, and / or fabric which are specifically adapted to be heat and / or flame resistant, such as but not limited to mineral fibers and basalt, would be useful in protective gear for firefighters, as, in addition to providing heat / flame resistance by the materials, the fabric system structure as disclosed herein would be providing improved protection from any unexpected explosions or other energy waves that may also occur within the fire. It is noted that similar protective gear might also be useful to bomb disposal or defusing personnel, for similar reasons. It is further noted that this variation might be structured similarly to other variations as described herein, with the key difference being the kind of fibers and materials used to build additional benefit into the same fabric structure.

[0091] In certain other alternate versions of the present invention, the invented matrix comprising a multitude of staples may as installed in a garment, wherein the woven layers and / or one or more invented matrices house a first plurality of isolated heat dissipating devices / or a second plurality of thermally conductively coupled heat dissipating devices. One or more of the first plurality of prior art isolated encapsulated heat dissipating devices and / or of the second plurality of thermally conductively coupled prior art encapsulated heat dissipating devices (hereinafter, “coupled heat dissipating devices”) may include a phase change material, such as but not limited to a paraffin material.

[0092] The phase change material or materials (PCMs) of one or more of the first plurality of prior art isolated encapsulated heat dissipating devices and / or of the coupled heat dissipating devices may be microencapsulated by prior art methods, such as by means of an interfacial polymerization process to form the double-shell microcapsules with relatively low shell permeability. An inner shell may be formed through the reaction between polypropylene glycols and bifunctional polyisocyanates and shell outer through the reaction between bifunctional polyisocyanates and polyamines added in the continuous aqueous phase.

[0093] Each of the coupled heat dissipating devices may be thermally coupled via one or more thermally conductive pathways to a heat-conducting substrate. The one or more thermally conductive pathways and / or the heat conducting substrate may comprise diamond and / or another suitable thermal conductivity material known in the art. The heat conducting substrate preferably presents a maximal effective surface area extending within and curving as required within the garment. During operation, heat flows from the coupled heat-dissipating devices into the heat-conducting substrate, where the heat conducting substrate is preferably spread out over a relatively large area within the garment. A thermoelectric cooling material (e.g., a Bi. sub.2 Te.sub.3 -based film or other suitable thermoelectric material known in the art ) may be placed in thermal contact with the heat-conducting substrate. Application of electrical power to the thermoelectric material from an electrical energy source drives the thermoelectric cooling material to pump heat into a second heat-conducting substrate which, in turn, is thermally coupled and attached to a heat sink via a thermally conductive heat sink pathway. The thermally conductive heat sink pathway may comprise diamond and / or another suitable thermal conductivity material known in the art.

[0094] It is understood that the prior art teaches suitable methods and means known in the art to apply continuous diamond coatings to materials at room temperature while protecting heat and pressure sensitive substrate materials to enhance phase change material effects in protective gear or clothing comprising invented matrix. It is furher understood that one or more of the elements of the present invention that may shaped to conform within, and be integrated into, a full body suit or a top garment may also be shaped to conform within, and be integrated into a glove, a boot, and / or other suitable apparel.

[0095] In some further additional preferred variations, a nonwoven acoustic wave dampener which can be used as a sound dampener for structures, vehicles and the like might be provided by manufacture of a version or variation of the invented fabric system with more loft.

[0096] In some further additional preferred variations, the invented fabric system may utilize a nonwoven basalt, ceramic such as silicon carbide, or other such suitable fibers known in the art that provide thermobaric protection.

[0097] In some further additional preferred variations, the invented fabric system incorporating EMI shielding fibers that provide electromagnetic shielding, such as fibers coated in aluminum and / or other suitable materials well known in the art

[0098] In some further additional preferred variations, the invented fabric system incorporating glass- coated amorphous or nanocrystalline alloy microwires for electronic article surveillance. These programmable microwire devices can be used to monitor location, broadcast data such as real- time medical information, data can be encrypted, broadcast is passive and difficult to detect, and has been demonstrated from earth to satellites.

[0099] Further regarding applications of glass-coated amorphous or nanocrystalline alloy microwires, particularly as a component of a fabric layer in a garment, US Patent No. 7,233,249 (Liebermann et al.) states that "Glass-coated amorphous or nanocrystalline microwires may also be used in the technology of smart antennas" (col. 9 In. 12), and further discusses security and authentication applications at least at column 8. Another patent document regarding this technology, US 7,075,439 (Tynen et al.), further claims the advancement of a nanocrystalline wire-shaped sensor element which is capable of modulating its signal output. With this technology incorporated into a variation of the invented fabric system, such as by entangling one or more glass-coated amorphous or nanocrystalline alloy microwires as staples or including as components of a woven fabric element, such an assembled fabric might be suitable as a wearable antenna, providing remote connectivity for a wearer of a garment incorporating such fabric. Some benefits of this application might include uniquely identifying the garment and its wearer, tracking the location of the garment and its wearer, including sensors in the garment (such as sensors tracking vital signs of the wearer such as heart rate and temperature) and transmitting the data gathered by the sensors via the remote connection, and / or utilizing the garment connectivity to transmit other information securely. It is further noted that some security and authentication might preferably be built into such an application, such as configuring the garment to only respond to or accept transmissions from known or authorized parties, rather than announcing sensitive data such as its current location in response to any ping received.

[0100] In some further additional preferred variations, the invented fabric system may be incorporated into a container used to encapsulate an explosive object by providing a lining for a closed three- dimensional volume to contain the blast and expanding gasses. Examples might include cargo containers, aircraft, military storage igloos, and the like.

[0101] In some further additional preferred variations, an alternative method for manufacturing the “interrupter” spheres as described herein may further include adding a hollow hemisphere "cap" of a hard material such as alumina or boron carbide ceramics, resting on a high compressive strength material such as a high density carbon fiber reinforced polymer. The backing shape for the hollow hemisphere may be a continuation of the spherical shape, the sphere with a radiused truncated cylindrical rear cavity (to minimize stress concentrators and further lighten the weight) or may be a shape other than spherical.

[0102] It is noted that industrial applications of the invented fabric system may include: potential improvement of personal protective equipment, particularly in roles where a user is at increased risk of encountering hazards that include energy waves or explosions, which may be relevant and useful in several industries; potential improvement of containment storage for materials which may explode or protective storage for materials which should be protected from energy waves; potential improvement of physical environments such as factories, particularly safe hazard containment for accidental explosions or insulation from unexpected energy waves outside the building that may potentially disrupt, impact, or ruin a sensitive manufacturing process. It is noted that, while something like an explosives or fireworks factory might be one obvious example of an industrial context that includes an increased hazard of energy waves or explosions, others might include an industry or industrial area that stores combustible fuel onsite, which includes an increased risk of a fuel container catching fire; any manufacturing process wherein one or more ingredients is combustible, pressurized, or can otherwise explode; and also flour mills, where it's a well-known hazard that flour scattered in the air can explode if the grinding process produces any sparks.

[0103] Various alternate versions of the present invention may include one or more of the following aspects of the entangled staples and / or felt structure: an entangled felt structure comprising a plurality of entangled staple fibers, the entangled felt structure adapted to absorb and attenuate momentum / energy such as a blast wave; entangled felt matrix comprising a plurality of entangled staple fibers, the entangled felt structure adapted to absorb and attenuate momentum such as a blast wave; flexible fabric comprising a multitude of elongate entangled staples wherein each staple of a multiplicity of staples of the multitude of staples comprises a partial length that extends in a substantively parallel orientation; and flexible fabric comprising a multitude of elongate entangled staples positioned between a threat vector and an entity to be protected as a shielding element.

[0104] Various other alternate versions of the invented felt structure may include or comprise one or more of the following versions with regard to staple fiber material: an entangled felt structure of staple fibers which include suitable high tensile and high compression materials known in the art; an entangled felt structure of staple fibers which include high tensile yarn; an entangled felt structure of staple fibers which include KEVLAR (TM); an entangled felt structure of staple fibers which include SPECTRA (TM); an entangled felt structure of staple fibers which include DYNEEMA; an entangled felt structure of staple fibers which include flame-retardant fibers; an entangled felt structure of staple fibers which include flame-resistant fibers; an entangled felt structure of staple fibers which include low thermal conductivity fibers; an entangled felt structure of staple fibers which include moisture-proofing material fibers; an entangled felt structure of staple fibers which include water-repellant fibers; an entangled felt structure of staple fibers which include polymer fibers; an entangled felt structure of staple fibers which include metal fibers; an entangled felt structure of staple fibers which include metal alloy fibers; an entangled felt structure of staple fibers which include ceramic fibers; an entangled felt structure of staple fibers which include basalt fibers; an entangled felt structure of staple fibers which include temperature-regulating fibers; an entangled felt structure of staple fibers which include heat-resistant fibers; an entangled felt structure of staple fibers which include silicon carbide fibers; an entangled felt structure of staple fibers which include nanocrystalline alloy microwires; and / or an entangled felt structure of staple fibers which include non-polymeric material fibers.

[0105] Various still alternate versions of the invented felt structure may include or comprise one or more of the following versions with regard to staple shape: an entangled felt structure of staple fibers having a maximum elongate length of between 1.27 cm and 10.16 cm and a cross- sectional diameter 0.01016 cm - 0.00762 cm; an entangled felt structure of staple fibers, with one or more staple fibers having a substantively continuous cross section relative and perpendicular to the elongate dimension of the instant staple fiber; an entangled felt structure of staple fibers, with one or more staple fibers not having a substantively continuous cross section relative and perpendicular to the elongate dimension of the instant staple fiber; an entangled felt structure of staple fibers, wherein one or more staple fibers has a substantively circular cross-section; an entangled felt structure of staple fibers, wherein one or more staple fibers has a substantively elliptical cross-section; an entangled felt structure of staple fibers, wherein one or more staple fibers has a substantively square cross-section; an entangled felt structure of staple fibers, wherein one or more staple fibers has a substantively rectangular cross-section; an entangled felt structure of staple fibers, wherein one or more staple fibers has a substantively triangular crosssection; and / or an entangled felt structure of staple fibers, wherein one or more staple fibers has a suitable cross-sectional shape known in the art.

[0106] Various even alternate versions of the invented felt structure may include or comprise one or more of the following versions with regard to staple coatings: an entangled felt structure of layered staple fibers, wherein a fiber of one material is at least partially coated in a different material; an entangled felt structure of staple fibers which includes fibers at least partially coated in glass; an entangled felt structure of staple fibers which includes fibers at least partially enclosed in glass; an entangled felt structure of staple fibers which includes fibers at least partially coated in fire-resistant material; an entangled felt structure of staple fibers which includes fibers at least partially enclosed in fire-resistant material; an entangled felt structure of staple fibers which includes fibers at least partially coated in humidity-resistant material; an entangled felt structure of staple fibers which includes fibers at least partially enclosed in humidity-resistant material; an entangled felt structure of staple fibers which includes fibers at least partially coated in a polymer; an entangled felt structure of staple fibers which includes fibers at least partially enclosed in a polymer; an entangled felt structure of staple fibers which includes fibers at least partially coated in a metal; an entangled felt structure of staple fibers which includes fibers at least partially enclosed in a metal; an entangled felt structure of staple fibers which includes fibers at least partially coated in a metal alloy; an entangled felt structure of staple fibers which includes fibers at least partially enclosed in a metal alloy; an entangled felt structure of staple fibers which includes fibers at least partially coated in a ceramic; an entangled felt structure of staple fibers which includes fibers at least partially enclosed in a ceramic; an entangled felt structure of staple fibers which includes fibers at least partially coated in a basalt component; an entangled felt structure of staple fibers which includes fibers at least partially enclosed in a basalt component; an entangled felt structure of staple fibers which includes fibers at least partially coated in suitable protective substances known in the art and / or an entangled felt structure of staple fibers which includes fibers at least partially enclosed suitable protective substances known in the art.

[0107] Various additional alternate versions of the invented felt structure may include or comprise one or more of the following versions with regard to staple directions: an entangled felt structure of staple fibers wherein ends of the staples are oriented in a single same direction, to be positioned to receive a energy wave originating from a single anticipated threat vector; an entangled felt structure of staple fibers wherein ends of the staples are oriented in two directions, to be positioned toward an anticipated primary threat vector and also provide coverage along an anticipated secondary threat vector; an entangled felt structure of staple fibers wherein ends of the staples are oriented in three directions, to be positioned toward an anticipated primary threat vector, secondary threat vector, and tertiary threat vector; and / or an entangled felt structure of staple fibers wherein ends of the staples are oriented in a range of similar directions, to be positioned toward an anticipated primary threat direction and provide protection against a energy wave originating from any of several vectors toward or around that anticipated primary threat region.

[0108] Various other additional alternate versions of the invented felt structure may include or comprise one or more of the following versions with regard to entangled fabric structure density and / or loft: an entangled felt structure of staple fibers having a density of staple fibers in the range of 0.03052 kg to 0.3052 kg per square meter; an entangled felt structure of staple fibers having a density of staple fibers of 0.1282 kg per square meter + / - 25%; and / or an entangled felt structure of staple fibers having sufficient loft to provide sound dampening; and / or an entangled felt structure of staple fibers having an areal density of greater than 0.1526 kilograms per square meter. Various still additional alternate versions of the invented felt structure may include or comprise one or more of the following versions with regard to quilted and sewn assemblies incorporating entangled felt structures: assembly of two or more entangled felt structures of staple fibers sewn together; assembly of two or more entangled felt structures of staple fibers with an air gap maintained between them; assembly of one or more entangled felt structures of staple fibers sewn together with one or more layers of woven fabric; assembly of one or more entangled felt structures of staple fibers sewn together with one or more layers of woven fabric comprising a para-aramid synthetic fiber with a molecular structure of many inter-chain bonds; assembly of one or more entangled felt structures of staple fibers sewn together with one or more layers of a Kevlar (TM) fabric; assembly of one or more entangled felt structures of staple fibers sewn together with one or more layers of a fabric comprising an ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene fibers; assembly of one or more entangled felt structures of staple fibers sewn together with one or more layers of a SPECTRA (TM) fabric; assembly of one or more entangled felt structures of staple fibers sewn together with one or more layers of a fabric comprising an alternate ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene fibers; assembly of one or more entangled felt structures of staple fibers sewn together with one or more layers of a Dyneema (TM) fabric; an entangled felt structure of staple fibers enclosed inside a fabric container; an entangled felt structure of staple fibers sewn into a quilted assembly; an entangled felt structure of staple fibers sewn into a quilted assembly utilizing size 207 KEVLAR (TM) threading; an entangled felt structure of staple fibers sewn into a quilted assembly utilizing TEX 210 threading; an entangled felt structure of staple fibers sewn into a quilted assembly utilizing GOVT. 3 -CORD threading; an entangled felt structure of staple fibers sewn into a quilted assembly utilizing TEX 350 threading; an entangled felt structure of staple fibers sewn into a quilted assembly utilizing GOVT. 5-CORD threading; an entangled felt structure of staple fibers sewn into a quilted assembly utilizing threading of Bonded Kevlar® #207 dimensioned at a .46 mm diameter, and exhibiting a 29 kg breaking strength; an entangled felt structure of staple fibers sewn into a quilted assembly utilizing threading of Bonded Kevlar® #346, dimensioned at .65 mm diameter, and exhibiting a 56.25 kg breaking strength; an entangled felt structure of staple fibers sewn into a quilted assembly utilizing threading having a unit weight of 1500 grams per 9,000 meters, i.e., 1500 dernier; an entangled felt structure of staple fibers sewn into a quilted assembly having a plurality of stitched rows; an entangled felt structure of staple fibers sewn into a quilted assembly having a plurality of stitched columns; an entangled felt structure of staple fibers sewn into a quilted assembly having a stitched edge; an entangled felt structure of staple fibers sewn into a quilted assembly having a stitched edge secured with a serging stitch; an entangled felt structure of staple fibers sewn into a quilted assembly comprising one or more stitched rectangles ; an entangled felt structure of staple fibers sewn into a quilted assembly comprising one or more stitched rectangles that measure within the range of less than or equal to 2.54 cm to 5.08 cm; an entangled felt structure of staple fibers sewn into a quilted assembly comprising one or more stitched squares; an entangled felt structure of staple fibers sewn into a quilted assembly comprising one or more stitched diamonds; an entangled felt structure of staple fibers sewn into a quilted assembly comprising one or more stitched parallelograms ; an entangled felt structure of staple fibers sewn into a quilted assembly comprising one or more stitched spiral shapes; an entangled felt structure of staple fibers sewn into a quilted assembly comprising one or more stitched elliptical shapes; an entangled felt structure of staple fibers sewn into a quilted assembly comprising one or more stitched circular shapes; an entangled felt structure of staple fibers sewn into a quilted assembly comprising one or more stitched angular shapes; an entangled felt structure of staple fibers sewn into a quilted assembly further comprising one or more heat sink elements; an entangled felt structure of staple fibers sewn into a quilted assembly further comprising one or more heating pipes; an entangled felt structure of staple fibers sewn into a quilted assembly further comprising one or more heating structures; an entangled felt structure of staple fibers sewn into a quilted assembly further comprising one or more cooling pipes; an entangled felt structure of staple fibers sewn into a quilted assembly further comprising one or more cooling structures; an entangled felt structure of staple fibers sewn into a quilted assembly further comprising one or more pipes suitable alternately for heating or cooling; an entangled felt structure of staple fibers sewn into a quilted assembly further comprising one or more structures suitable alternately for heating or cooling; an entangled felt structure of staple fibers sewn into a quilted assembly further comprising one or more sensors; an entangled felt structure of staple fibers sewn into a quilted assembly further comprising one or more wireless enabled temperature sensors; an entangled felt structure of staple fibers sewn into a quilted assembly further comprising one or more wireless enabled pressure sensors; an entangled felt structure of staple fibers sewn into a quilted assembly further comprising one or more wireless enabled combined temperature and pressure sensors; an entangled felt structure of staple fibers sewn into a quilted assembly further comprising one or more wireless enabled communications sensors; an entangled felt structure of staple fibers sewn into a quilted assembly further comprising one or more Radio Frequency Identification Devices (RFID); and / or an entangled felt structure of staple fibers sewn into a quilted assembly further comprising one or more sensors for detecting Radio Frequency Identification Devices (RFID).

[0109] Various even additional alternate versions of the invented felt structure may include or comprise one or more of the following versions with regard to layering: an entangled felt structure of staple fibers which is layered together with a prior art armor element; an entangled felt structure of staple fibers which is layered together with a prior art fabric element; an entangled felt structure of staple fibers which is layered together with a thermally insulative element; an entangled felt structure of staple fibers which is layered together with a ceramic thermally insulative element; an entangled felt structure of staple fibers which is layered together with a non-polymeric thermally insulative element; an entangled felt structure of staple fibers which is layered together with an invented interrupter matrix; an entangled felt structure of staple fibers which is kept apart from other layers by an air gap; and / or an entangled felt structure of staple fibers which is kept apart from a protected user or target by an air gap.

[0110] Various yet alternate versions of the invented felt structure may include or comprise one or more of the following versions with regard to clothing applications: clothing incorporating a protective entangled felt structure of staple fibers; personal protective gear incorporating a protective entangled felt structure of staple fibers; and / or personal protective gear incorporating a protective entangled felt structure of staple fibers, wherein the material of the staple fibers provides further situational benefit

[0111] Various yet additional alternate versions of the invented felt structure may include or comprise one or more of the following versions with regard to building protection applications: protective building cladding incorporating an entangled felt structure of staple fibers; protective curtains incorporating an entangled felt structure of staple fibers; protective panels incorporating an entangled felt structure of staple fibers; protective building cladding incorporating an entangled felt structure of staple fibers with sufficient loft for sound dampening applications; protective curtains incorporating an entangled felt structure of staple fibers with sufficient loft for sound dampening applications; protective panels incorporating an entangled felt structure of staple fibers with sufficient loft for sound dampening applications; protective building cladding incorporating an entangled felt structure comprising nonwoven basalt staple fibers for thermobaric resistance; protective curtains incorporating an entangled felt structure comprising nonwoven basalt staple fibers for thermobaric resistance; protective panels incorporating an entangled felt structure comprising nonwoven basalt staple fibers for thermobaric resistance; protective building cladding incorporating an entangled felt structure comprising silicon carbide staple fibers for thermobaric resistance; protective curtains incorporating an entangled felt structure comprising silicon carbide staple fibers for thermobaric resistance; protective panels incorporating an entangled felt structure comprising silicon carbide staple fibers for thermobaric resistance; protective building cladding incorporating an entangled felt structure comprising electromagnetic interference shielding staple fibers for electromagnetic interference shielding; protective curtains incorporating an entangled felt structure comprising electromagnetic interference shielding staple fibers for electromagnetic interference shielding; and / or protective panels incorporating an entangled felt structure comprising electromagnetic interference shielding staple fibers for electromagnetic interference shielding

[0112] Various still other alternate versions of the invented felt structure may include or comprise one or more of the following versions with regard to vehicle applications: protective vehicle cladding incorporating an entangled felt structure of staple fibers protective vehicle panels incorporating an entangled felt structure of staple fibers; protective vehicle cladding incorporating an entangled felt structure of staple fibers with sufficient loft for sound dampening applications; and / or protective vehicle panels incorporating an entangled felt structure of staple fibers with sufficient loft for sound dampening applications. Various even other alternate versions of the invented felt structure may include or comprise an entangled felt structure of staple fibers incorporated into a container lining.

[0113] Various yet other alternate versions of the invented felt structure may include or comprise one or more of the following versions with regard to smart fabric: entangled felt structure of staple fibers wherein one or more staples is a microwire adapted to send and receive signals; entangled felt structure of staple fibers wherein one or more staples is adapted to provide electronic article location surveillance; entangled felt structure of staple fibers including microwires wherein the microwires are configured to transmit identifying data; entangled felt structure of staple fibers including microwires wherein the microwires are configured to transmit medical information; entangled felt structure of staple fibers including microwires wherein the microwires are configured to transmit encrypted data; entangled felt structure of staple fibers including microwires wherein the microwires are configured to transmit usage data; entangled felt structure of staple fibers including microwires further communicatively coupled to a processor unit; entangled felt structure of staple fibers including microwires further communicatively coupled to a processor unit having a memory storage; entangled felt structure of staple fibers including microwires further communicatively coupled to a processor unit receiving sensor data; and / or entangled felt structure of staple fibers including microwires further communicatively coupled to a processor unit directing communication via the microwires

[0114] Various other additional alternate versions of the invented interrupter matrix may include or comprise one or more of the following versions: interrupter matrix comprising a multitude of discrete durable pieces maintained in an elastic band in a semi-pinned, semi-static, and stable position such that the interstitial volumes between the pieces are generally filled in with an elastic and received momentum may be transferred from one or more initially receiving pieces to be dissipated by vibration and displacement; interrupter matrix comprising a multitude of discrete durable pieces maintained in an elastic band; interrupter matrix comprising a multitude of discrete durable pieces maintained in an elastic band in a semi-pinned position; interrupter matrix comprising a multitude of discrete durable pieces maintained in an elastic band in a semistatic position; interrupter matrix comprising a multitude of discrete durable pieces maintained in an elastic band in a stable position; interrupter matrix comprising a multitude of discrete durable pieces maintained in an elastic band such that the interstitial volumes between the pieces are generally filled in with an elastic; interrupter matrix comprising a multitude of discrete durable pieces maintained in an elastic band in a position such that received momentum may be transferred from one or more initially receiving pieces to be dissipated by vibration and displacement; interrupter matrix comprising a multitude of discrete durable pieces maintained in an elastic band in a position such that the maximum displacement of the multitude of discrete durable pieces is five millimeters or less.

[0115] Various further alternate versions of the invented interrupter matrix may include or comprise one or more of the following versions with regard to interrupter particle shape: an interrupter matrix wherein the multitude of discrete durable pieces are positioned such that each piece may be touching two or more neighboring pieces; an interrupter matrix wherein the interstitial volumes between the pieces each form unique interstitial surface planes that are each instantaneously normal to a vector path; an interrupter matrix wherein no interstitial surface plane presents any length in any dimension than is equal to or greater than the caliber of a pre-selected bullet type; an interrupter matrix shaped as a rounded rectangle; and / or an interrupter matrix shaped to fit into place in a specific application

[0116] Various yet further alternate versions of the invented interrupter matrix may include or comprise one or more of the following versions with regard to interrupter layer packaging: an interrupter matrix at least partially enclosed within a layer packaging; an interrupter matrix at least partially enclosed within a layer packaging that is fireproof; an interrupter matrix at least partially enclosed within a layer packaging that is fire-resistant; an interrupter matrix at least partially enclosed within a layer packaging that is humidity -proof; and an interrupter matrix at least partially enclosed within a layer packaging that is humidity-resistant.

[0117] Various still further alternate versions of the invented interrupter matrix may include or comprise one or more of the following versions with regard to interrupter particle shape: an interrupter matrix wherein the multitude of discrete durable pieces are spherical; an interrupter matrix wherein the multitude of discrete durable pieces are irregularly shaped; an interrupter matrix wherein the multitude of discrete durable pieces are asymmetrically shaped; an interrupter matrix wherein the multitude of discrete durable pieces are chain mail elements; an interrupter matrix wherein the multitude of discrete durable pieces are riveted brigandine elements; an interrupter matrix wherein the multitude of discrete durable pieces are spheroid shaped; an interrupter matrix wherein the multitude of discrete durable pieces are hemisphere shaped; an interrupter matrix wherein the multitude of discrete durable pieces are shaped as partial spheroids; an interrupter matrix wherein the multitude of discrete durable pieces are shaped as hollow spheres; an interrupter matrix wherein the multitude of discrete durable pieces are shaped as hollow spheroids; and / or an interrupter matrix wherein the multitude of discrete durable pieces are shaped as a suitable shape known in the art.

[0118] Various even further alternate versions of the invented interrupter matrix may include or comprise one or more of the following versions with regard to interrupter particle materials: an interrupter matrix wherein the multitude of discrete durable pieces exhibit a surface hardness parameter of at least or about 8 MOHS or higher; an interrupter matrix wherein the multitude of discrete durable pieces are compressive; an interrupter matrix wherein the multitude of discrete durable pieces are flame-proof; an interrupter matrix wherein the multitude of discrete durable pieces are flame retardant; an interrupter matrix wherein the multitude of discrete durable pieces are at least partially coated with a fire-proof or fire resistant material; an interrupter matrix wherein the multitude of discrete durable pieces are at least partially layered with a fire-proof or fire resistant material; an interrupter matrix wherein the multitude of discrete durable pieces are at least partially enclosed within a fire-proof or fire resistant material; an interrupter matrix wherein the multitude of discrete durable pieces are at least partially coated with a humidityproof or humidity resistant material; an interrupter matrix wherein the multitude of discrete durable pieces are at least partially layered with a humidity-proof or humidity resistant material; and / or an interrupter matrix wherein the multitude of discrete durable pieces are at least partially enclosed within a humidity-proof or humidity resistant material. Various further other alternate versions of the invented interrupter matrix may include or comprise one or more of the following versions with regard to capped particles: an interrupter matrix wherein one or more of the multitude of discrete durable pieces comprises a cap of a different material on the side of the piece oriented toward a threat vector; an interrupter matrix wherein one or more of the multitude of discrete durable pieces comprises a cap of a significantly harder material than the rest of the piece; an interrupter matrix wherein one or more of the multitude of discrete durable pieces comprises a cap of a material having a hardness of at least 8 MOHS; an interrupter matrix wherein one or more of the multitude of discrete durable pieces comprises a cap of alumina; an interrupter matrix wherein one or more of the multitude of discrete durable pieces comprises a cap of boron carbide ceramics; an interrupter matrix wherein one or more of the multitude of discrete durable pieces comprises a hollow recess on the side of the piece oriented away from threat vector; an interrupter matrix wherein one or more of the multitude of discrete durable pieces is spherical and the cap is hemispherical; and / or an interrupter matrix wherein one or more of the multitude of discrete durable pieces comprises high compressive strength material such as a high density carbon fiber reinforced polymer.

[0119] This Summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts in a simplified form that are further described below in the Detailed Description. This Summary is not intended to identify key features or essential features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to be used to limit the scope of the claimed subject matter.

[0120] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0121] The detailed description of some variations of the invention is made below with reference to the accompanying figures, wherein like numerals represent corresponding parts of the figures.

[0122] Figure 1 is a detailed cut-away cross-sectional view of an invented lower density staple grouping; Figure 2 is a detailed cut-away cross-sectional view of a layered staple of the lower density staple grouping of Figure 1;

[0123] Figure 3 is a detailed cut-away cross-sectional view of an entangled structure comprising the staples of Figure 1, after numerous penetrations by the barbed needle of Figure 1 into and away from the first grouping of Figure 1;

[0124] Figure 4 is a detailed cut-away cross-section of a packaged grouping that comprises the entangled structure of Figure 3 enclosed within a protective material;

[0125] Figure 5 is a detailed cut-away cross-section of the packaged grouping of Figure 4 utilized in combination with a prior art shielding structure;

[0126] Figure 6 is a detailed cut-away cross-sectional view of a higher density version of the entangled structure of Figure 3;

[0127] Figure 7 is a top view of an assembly that includes one or more instances of the invented matrix of Figure 6 comprised within a top matrix;

[0128] Figure 8A is a cut-away sideview of the assembly of Figure 7 and presents the top matrix, a zone of woven material, and an internal matrix;

[0129] Figure 8B is an additional detailed representation of the cut-away sideview of the assembly of Figure 8A, comprising multiple layers of each component layer presented in Figure 8A;

[0130] Figure 9 is a detailed cut-away sideview of the assembly of Figure 7;

[0131] Figure 10 is an isolated view of the threading of the assembly of Figure 7; Figure 11A is a cut-away sideview of an alternate assembly comprising the top matrix of Figure 7 and the woven fabric of Figure 8 coupled together;

[0132] Figure 11B is an additional detailed representation of the cut-away sideview of the alternate assembly of Figure 11A, comprising multiple layers of each component layer presented in Figure 11 A;

[0133] Figure 12 is a cut-away sideview detail of the alternate assembly of Figure 11 A;

[0134] Figure 13 is a cut-away top view the assembly of Figure 7, further augmented with temperature mitigation elements;

[0135] Figure 14 is a cut-away side view of the assembly of Figure 7 that has been further augmented with sensors;

[0136] Figure 15 is a cut-away top view of an interrupter layer that is used in certain yet other alternate preferred variations of the present invention in combination with the assembly of Figure 7 and / or the alternate assembly of Figure 11A;

[0137] Figure 16 is a detailed cut-away top view of four of the spheres of the interrupter layer of Figure 15;

[0138] Figure 17A is a side view of an alternate sphere for inclusion in the interrupter layer of Figure 15;

[0139] Figure 17B is a cut-away side view of the sphere of Figure 17A;

[0140] Figure 18 is a cut-away side view of the interrupter layer of Figure 15; Figure 19 is a cut-away top view of a compilation comprising the interrupter layer of Figure 15 positioned on top of the assembly of Figure 7;

[0141] Figure 20A is a cut-away side view of the compilation of Figure 19;

[0142] Figure 20B is a cut-away side view of an alternate compilation showing the interrupter layer of Figure 15 positioned on top of the alternate assembly of Figure 11A;

[0143] Figure 21A is a representation of a bullet approaching a cut-away side view of the compilation of Figure 19;

[0144] Figure 21B is a continuation of the scenario of Figure 21A, wherein the bullet impacts the interrupter layer and fractures;

[0145] Figure 22 presents a first protective garment, a top garment, incorporating the interrupter layer of Figure 15 and the assembly of Figure 7;

[0146] Figure 23 presents a second protective garment, a glove, incorporating the interrupter layer of Figure 15 and the assembly of Figure 7;

[0147] Figure 24A presents a third protective garment, a full body suit, incorporating the interrupter layer of Figure 15 and the assembly of Figure 7;

[0148] Figure 24B is a partial cutaway detailed view of the assembly 700 as installed in the top garment 2200 of Figure 22 and / or the full body suit 2400 of Figure 24A;

[0149] Figure 25 presents a fourth protective garment, a boot, incorporating the interrupter layer of Figure 15 and the assembly of Figure 7; Figure 26 is a line drawing presenting a front view of a panel of invented material, such as the assembly of Figure 7, further adapted to be hung up as a protective curtain or panel;

[0150] Figure 27 is a line drawing presenting a side view of a plurality of the staples of Figure 1 incorporated into a static structure;

[0151] Figure 28A is a line drawing presenting a front view of a container in a closed state which is lined with the invented matrix of Figure 6;

[0152] Figure 28B is a line drawing presenting a top view of the container of Figure 28A in an open state;

[0153] Figure 28C is a line drawing presenting a cutaway side view of the container of Figure 28A;

[0154] Figure 29A is a line drawing presenting a first alternative sphere variation of the spheres of Figures 15 through 21B which further includes a partially spherical cap;

[0155] Figure 29B is a line drawing presenting the capped sphere of Figure 29A of the first alternative sphere variation incorporated into an alternative variation of the interceptor of Figures 18 and 19;

[0156] Figure 29C is a line drawing presenting a second alternative sphere variation of the spheres of Figures 15 through 21B which includes a partially spherical cap and a hollow recess;

[0157] Figure 29D is a 3D model presenting a tilted top view of the sphere base of the second alternative sphere variation of Figure 29C;

[0158] Figure 29E is a 3D model presenting a side view of the sphere base of the second alternative sphere variation of Figure 29C; Figure 29F is a 3D model presenting a tilted bottom view of the sphere base of the second alternative sphere variation of Figure 29C;

[0159] Figure 29G is a 3D model presenting a perspective bottom view of the cap of the second alternative sphere variation of Figure 29C;

[0160] Figure 29H is a 3D model presenting a side view of the cap of the second alternative sphere variation of Figure 29C;

[0161] Figure 30 is a line drawing presenting a detailed cut-away cross-sectional view of a variation of the invented matrix of Figure 6 further comprising heat-resistant staples;

[0162] Figure 31 is a line drawing presenting a detailed cut-away cross-sectional view of a variation of the invented matrix of Figure 6 further comprising thermobaric-resistant staples;

[0163] Figure 32 is a line drawing presenting a detailed cut-away cross-sectional view of a variation of the invented matrix of Figure 6 further comprising EMI-resistant staples;

[0164] Figure 33A is a line drawing presenting a detailed cut-away cross-sectional view of a variation of the invented matrix of Figure 6 further comprising electronic article surveillance staples;

[0165] Figure 33B is a line drawing presenting a front view of a garment incorporating the fabric of Figure 33A;

[0166] Figure 33C is a block diagram presenting together hardware and software aspects of the controller of Figure 33B;

[0167] Figure 33C is a diagram presenting wireless signal communications between the garment of Figure 33B and a base station; and Figure 34 is a line drawing presenting a detailed cut-away cross-sectional view of a variation of the invented matrix of Figure 6 manufactured with increased loft, such as for sound dampening applications.

[0168] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0169] In the following detailed description of the invention, numerous details, examples, and variations of the invention are described. However, it will be clear and apparent to one skilled in the art that the invention is not limited to the variations set forth and that the invention can be adapted for any of several applications.

[0170] It is to be understood that this invention is not limited to particular aspects of the present invention described, as such may, of course, vary. It is also to be understood that the terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular aspects only, and is not intended to be limiting, since the scope of the present invention will be limited only by the appended claims. Methods recited herein may be carried out in any order of the recited events which is logically possible, as well as the recited order of events.

[0171] Where a range of values is provided herein, it is understood that each intervening value, to the tenth of the unit of the lower limit unless the context clearly dictates otherwise, between the upper and lower limit of that range and any other stated or intervening value in that stated range, is encompassed within the invention. The upper and lower limits of these smaller ranges may independently be included in the smaller ranges and are also encompassed within the invention, subject to any specifically excluded limit in the stated range. Where the stated range includes one or both of the range's limits, an excluding of either or both of those included limits is also included in the invention.

[0172] Unless defined otherwise, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention belongs. Although any methods and materials similar or equivalent to those described herein can also be used in the practice or testing of the present invention, the methods and materials are now described.

[0173] It must be noted that as used herein and in the appended claims, the singular forms "a", "an", and "the" include plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. It is further noted that the claims may be drafted to exclude any optional element. As such, this statement is intended to serve as antecedent basis for use of such exclusive terminology as "solely," "only" and the like in connection with the recitation of claim elements, or use of a "negative" limitation.

[0174] When elements are referred to as being “connected” or “coupled,” the elements can be directly connected or coupled together or one or more intervening elements may also be present. In contrast, when elements are referred to as being “directly connected” or “directly coupled,” there are no intervening elements present.

[0175] Throughout this specification, like reference numbers signify the same elements throughout the description of the figures.

[0176] Referring now generally to the Figures and particularly to Figure 1, Figure l is a detailed cutaway cross-sectional view of a lower density staple grouping 2 (“the first grouping 2”) formed by a quantity of staples 4 (“the staples 4”). Each of the staples 4 comprises at least a first staple end length 4A and a second staple end length 4B ("the staple end lengths 4A & 4B"). Many of the staple end lengths 4A & 4B of the staples 4 of the first grouping 2 are initially randomly oriented with respect to a Z-axis, wherein the Z axis defines a thickness dimension Z of the first grouping 2.

[0177] It is noted that the terms 'multitude' and 'multiplicity' are utilized herein, wherein a 'multitude' is a group, plurality, or subset of elements and a 'multiplicity' is the set of all elements as specified.

[0178] A prior art barbed needle 6 having a barb 6A extending from a needle body 6B is penetrated through the first grouping 2 to cause the staple end lengths 4A & 4B of the staples 4 to orient generally along the Z-axis, e.g., each of the staple end lengths 4A & 4B preferably substantively parallel to the Z-axis, that is, separately and substantively extending within + / - 20 degrees in parallel with the Z-axis or more preferably substantively extending within + / - 10 degrees in parallel with the Z-axis.

[0179] An exemplary staple 8 of the many staples 4 is shown being captured between the barb 6A and the needle body 6B of the barbed needle 6 and thereby forcing a pair of exemplary staple ends 8A & 8B of the exemplary staple 8 to separately align in greater parallelism with the Z-axis. It is an inventive aspect of the invented method that the staple end lengths 4A & 4B of the staples 4 generally, and the exemplary staple end lengths 8A & 8B of the exemplary staple 8 as a specific example, are preferably positioned by the barbed needle 6 to terminate more proximately towards a notional threat region 10. A plurality of potential threat vectors 12 ("the vector paths 12") pass from the threat region 10 and into and potentially through the first grouping 2 and towards a protected region 14. It is noted that, in the absence of an actual incoming object, the vector paths 12 might be considered as preferred notional vector paths, that is, directions from which an incoming threat or object might preferably approach. It is noted that protective gear need not be hit 'straight on' from the front, i.e. from a single ideal preferred incoming notional vector path, in order to provide at least some protective benefit, and further that a 'direct hit' from an actual incoming threat at the ideal angle for maximal effectiveness of one's protective gear is rarely a good thing to count on. It may therefore be preferable to account for a range or variety of notional vector paths, rather than to orient the entirety of a piece of protective gear in the same direction on the assumption that the gear would only ever receive incoming threats from that single same notional vector path. Accordingly, a plurality of the vector paths 12 are presented here.

[0180] It is understood that the scope of the meaning of the term "the threat region 10" as used within the present disclosure includes a region that the first grouping 2 is intended to face and receive energy from. It is also understood that the scope of the meaning of the term "the protected region 14" as used within the present disclosure includes a region expected to encompass an entity for which the first grouping 2 is oriented to protect and / or dissipate energy originally received from the threat region.

[0181] It is understood that the threat region 10 faces the protected region 14 and that the first grouping 2 is preferably disposed between the threat region 10 and the protected region 14. It is further understood that the first grouping 2 is entirely positioned with a notional front plane 16 and a notional back plane 18, wherein no staple extends beyond either the front plane 16 or the back plane 18. The front plane 16 is positioned between the first grouping 2 and the threat region 10, and the back plane 18 is positioned between the first grouping 2 and the protected region 14.

[0182] These penetrations of the first grouping 2 by the barbed needle 6 encourage or increase an incidence of orientations of many of the staple end lengths 4A & 4B along the Z-axis. The Z-axis is selected as an anticipated primary direction of an incoming energy that the first grouping 2 would be positioned to accept. The first grouping 2, as an aggregate of the staples 4, will absorb and diffuse the energy received by the first staple grouping 2 when said energy passes from the threat region 10 to engage with the first grouping 2.

[0183] It is understood that the term “energy” as defined and used within the present disclosure includes, but is not limited to, a energy wave, a projectile, and / or transferred kinetic energy.

[0184] Increased alignment of any particular one of the staples 4 along any particular one of the vector paths 12 results in an increased potential of that instant one of the staples 4 to accept, diffuse, and dissipate energy wave energy travelling along that same one of the vector paths 12. It is understood that a given one of the staples 4 does not need to be exactly parallel with a particular threat vector path 12 to accept energy travelling along said one of the vector paths 12; any dimensional component evidenced within a three dimensional shape of any one of the staples 4 that is parallel with a particular one of the vector paths 12 will generally enable said one of the staples 4 to more effectively accept energy travelling along the instant one of the vector paths 12. It is understood that the staples 4 may absorb and dissipate some received energy in a phase change imposed by separate interactions of individual ones of the staples 4 with an energy travelling from the threat region 10 at high speed and toward the first grouping 2, such as faster than 180 meters per second.

[0185] The staples 4 preferably comprise one or more high tensile strength and high compression strength materials, such as but not limited to, KEVLAR (TM), SPECTRA (TM), DYNEEMA and other suitable high tensile and high compression materials known in the art.

[0186] In certain alternate preferred variations one or more of the staples 4 present a maximum elongate length of between 1.27 cm and 10.16 cm and a cross-sectional diameter 0.01016 cm + / - 0.00762 cm. It is understood that not every staple 4 of the first grouping 2 is or must be entangled.

[0187] It is understood that as referenced herein any length Z value is measured in parallel with the Z- axis, and any other length parameter is expressed as a distance along an X-axis, wherein the Z- axis and the X-axis are mutually orthogonal.

[0188] Referring now generally to the Figures and particularly to Figure 2, Figure l is a detailed cutaway cross-sectional view of a layered staple 200 that comprises one of the staples 4 that is coated and / or substantively encapsulated with a material 202. The material preferably encapsulates a first staple tip 4C and a second staple tip 4D ("the staple tips 4C & 4D") of the instant one of the staples 4. The material 202 may be or comprise one or more protective substances, such as, but not limited to, a flame resistant material, a flame proofing material, a moisture resistant material, a water repellant material, a polymer, a metal, a metal alloy, a ceramic, a basalt component and / or other suitable protective substances known in the art, in singularity or combination.

[0189] It is understood that any one of the staples 4 might be measured or understood, regardless of any instant or immediate orientation or positioning of the instant one of the staples 4, in terms of having an elongate dimension of a maximum length of the staple and a cross-sectional area. It is understood that one or more of the staples 4 may have a substantively continuous cross section relative and perpendicular to the elongate dimension of the instant one of the staples 4 that may be substantively round, elliptical, square, rectangular, triangular, or other cross-sectional shape known in the art. It is understood that one or more of the staples 4 may have a substantively non- continuous cross section relative to the elongate dimension of the instant one of the staples 4 that may vary over the elongate length of the instant one of the staples 4.

[0190] Referring now generally to the Figures and particularly to Figure 3, Figure 3 is a detailed cutaway cross-sectional view of an entangled structure 300 comprising the staples 4 of Figure 1 after numerous penetrations by the barbed needle 6 into and away from the first grouping 2. The entangled structure 300 comprises entangled staples 4 that are positioned between and do not extend either through or up to the front plane 16 or the back plane 18. For the purpose of clarity of explanation, selected entangled ones of the staples 4 are identified as a first exemplary entangled staple 302, a second exemplary entangled staple 304, a third exemplary entangled staple 306, and a fourth exemplary entangled staple 308 ("the exemplary entangled staples 302- 308") thereby caused the formation of a plurality of exemplary entanglements 310-316, specifically a first exemplary entanglement 310, a second exemplary entanglement 312, a third exemplary entanglement 314, and a fourth exemplary entanglement 316 ("the exemplary entanglements 310-316"). It is understood that each of the exemplary entanglements 310-316 entangles lengths of two or more of the staples 4, specifically the entangled staples 302-308. It is understood that not every one of the staples 4 of the first grouping 300 must be entangled.

[0191] The preferred density of the staples 4 of the entangled structure 300 is preferably in the range of 0.03052 kg to 0.3052 kg per square meter of the entangled structure 300 in the X-Y plane, and more preferably within the range of 0.1282 kg per square meter + / - 25% of an invented matrix 600, as introduced in Figure 6, in the X-Y plane.

[0192] In Figure 3, the first staple end length 4A is aligned along a first notional threat vector path Z1 and the fourth exemplary entangled staple 308 presents a fourth exemplary entangled staple end length 308A aligned along a second notional threat vector path Z2. It is understood that the preferred orientation of the staple end lengths 4A & 4B, such as the exemplary staple end lengths 8A & 8B of Figure 1 or the fourth exemplary entangled staple end length 308A, is to be perfectly parallel with at least one of the vector paths 12 such as the first notional threat vector path Z1 and the second notional threat vector path Z2 and that the entangled structure 300 preferably presents a diverse orientation of staples 4, such as the exemplary staple 8 of Figure 1 or the exemplary entangled staples 302-308, such that a portion of the staple end lengths 4A & 4B, such as the exemplary staple end lengths 8A & 8B of Figure 1 or the fourth exemplary entangled staple end length 308A, are substantively parallel with any actually received energy travelling along one of the vector paths 12, such as the first notional threat vector path Z1 and the second notional threat vector path Z2, received by the first grouping 2 and from the threat region 10. It is further understood that many of the staple tips 4C & 4D are positioned preferably more proximate to the threat region 10 and distal from the protected region 14. It is understood that the threat region 10 is the region through which at least one of the vector paths 12 is anticipated to pass to strike various alternate preferred variations of the present invention.

[0193] It is noted that one or more staples 4, such as the exemplary staple 8 of Figure 1 or the exemplary entangled staples 302-308, preferably comprises one or more high tensile strength and high compression strength materials, such as but not limited to, KEVLAR (TM), SPECTRA (TM) and other suitable high tensile and high compression materials known in the art.

[0194] Further, in certain alternate preferred variations, the staples 4 or other fiber or fabric elements of the entangled structure 300 or the protective material 402 may vary in composition to add, substitute, include, or incorporate other types of fibers and fabrics which might provide additional benefits, such as allowing for a single piece or garment to combine multiple types of protection. A few notable examples of such incorporation might include, but are not limited to: inclusion of heat-resistant or flame-retardant fibers or fabrics (such as but not limited to ceramic fibers such as made of alumina, silica, and other metal oxides or, less commonly, of nonoxide materials such as silicon carbide, other suitable materials in the art) for applications such as protective gear for firefighters or bomb specialists (either of which roles may benefit from additional protection against energy waves from explosions); inclusion of nonwoven basalt or ceramic such as but not limited to (alumina, silica, and other metal oxides or, less commonly, of nonoxide materials such as silicon carbide other suitable materials in the art), for improved thermobaric protection; inclusion of fibers coated in (intrinsically conducting polymers (ICPs), Aluminum-coated fibers, conductive carbon) or other suitable materials in the art which are useful for electromagnetic shielding; and inclusion of glass-coated amorphous or nanocrystalline alloy microwires for electronic article surveillance, allowing the garment to function similarly to an antenna for purposes such as tracking the wearer's position and condition, and sending and receiving signal transmissions.

[0195] Referring now generally to the Figures and particularly to Figure 4, Figure 4 is a detailed cutaway cross-section of a packaged grouping 400 that comprises the entangled structure 300 enclosed within a protective material 402. The protective material 402 may comprise a soft fabric and / or a formed shell, or a combination of one or more shape forming materials and soft fabric elements, to include but not limited to, any suitable material known in the art that may envelop the entangled structure 300 such as a film, a fabric, a spray, and a dip. Additionally or alternatively, the protective material 402 may be or comprise one or more protective substances, such as, but not limited to, a flame resistant material, a flame proofing material, a moisture resistant material, a water repellant material, and / or other suitable protective substances known in the art, in singularity or combination. The protective material 402 partially encloses, or alternatively totally encloses, the entangled structure 300 in various and distinguishable alternate preferred variations of the packaged grouping 400.

[0196] It is understood that the packaged grouping 400 is preferably disposed between the threat region 10 and the protected region 14.

[0197] Referring now generally to the Figures and particularly to Figure 5, Figure 5 is a detailed cutaway cross-section of a prior art shielding element 500 disposed between the threat region 10 and the entangled structure 300. The prior art shielding element 500 may be or comprise a prior art armor or armor material, such as, but not limited to, a woven Kevlar fabric, a hard shell Kevlar material, and / or other suitable shielding or armor structures known in the art. It is understood that the primary role of the shielding structure 500 may be to directly receive and interceded a projectile (not shown) traveling toward the entangled structure 300 along one of the vector paths 12 and toward an external shielding side 500A of the shielding structure 500. It is further understood that a primary function of the entangled structure 300 is to receive and dissipate energy received from an internal shielding side 500B of the shielding structure 500 as generated by a collision of one or more projectiles (not shown) passing from the threat region 10 and onto the external shielding side 500A. One or many of a prior art shielding structure layer 500C of internally and separately consistent or discrete shielding material may be comprised within the prior art shielding element 500. The prior art shielding element 500 may be or comprise a prior art armor or armor material, such as, but not limited a woven Kevlar fabric, a hard shell Kevlar material, and / or other suitable shielding or armor structures known in the art.

[0198] An additional key function of the entangled structure 300 is to receive and dissipate any energy that passes from the shielding structure 500 and into the entangled structure 300, particularly when received from the threat region 10.

[0199] Referring now generally to the Figures and particularly to Figure 6, Figure 6 is a detailed cutaway cross-sectional view of a higher density entangled structure 600 ("the invented matrix 600") comprising a plurality of the staples 4 entangled together after numerous penetrations by the barbed needle 6, or other suitable manufacturing means and methods known in the art, to encourage the formation of a plurality of staple entanglements 602 ("the matrix staple entanglements 602") of various instances of the staples 4 of the invented matrix 600. The invented matrix 600 thereby forms an energy capturing layer that dissipates and / or absorbs energy; in certain alternate preferred variations of the present in invention the absorption and / or dissipation of energy received by the energy capturing layer formed by the matric 600 may be generated at least partially through phase changes of individual staples 4. It is understood that not every one of the staples 4 of the invented matrix 600 must be entangled.

[0200] The preferred density of the staples 4 of the invented matrix 600 is in the range of 0.03052 kg to 0.9155 kg per square meter of the invented matrix 600 in the X-Y plane, and more preferably within the range of 0.2167 kg per square meter + / - 25% of the invented matrix 600 in the X-Y plane.

[0201] It is understood that the invented matrix 600 is preferably disposed between the threat region 10 and the protected region 14. It is further understood that many of the staple end lengths 4A & 4B and the staple tips 4C & 4D are positioned preferably more proximate to the threat region 10 and distal from the protected region 14.

[0202] In certain preferred applications of the method of the present invention, one or more layers of the invented matrix 600 are placed within an equipment (not shown) and between a shielding element 500 (of Figure 5) of the equipment and an inner protected region 14 positioned within the equipment. It is preferable in these preferred applications of the method of the present invention that an air gap be maintained between the invented matrix 600 or invented matrices 600 and the inner protected region 14 of the equipment.

[0203] Referring now generally to the Figures and particularly to Figure 7, Figure 7 is a top view of an assembly 700 that includes one or more instance of the invented matrix 600 (as disclosed in Figure 6) comprised with a top matrix 702 of the assembly 700 as seen from a point of view along the Z-axis, wherein the top view of the top matrix 702 is presented within a plane defined by the X-axis and a Y-axis orthogonal to both the X-axis and the Z-axis. The top matrix 702 may comprise two, three, or more instances of the invented matrix 600.

[0204] It is understood that the Z-axis, X-axis, and the Y-axis are mutually orthogonal. It is understood that as referenced herein any width parameter is expressed as a distance value measured along the Y-axis.

[0205] The top matrix 702 is bound by a top threading 704 that forms separate stitched columns 706 ("the columns 706") and stitched rows 708 ("the rows 708"). One or more additional lengths of the top threading 704 is applied to form an optional boundary serging 710. The optional boundary serging 710 is positioned 1 / 2" in from the outer edge of the assembly on all four external sides 712 thereof. It is noted that "serging" is a term of art in the field of sewing, and refers to a type of stitching generally done with a sewing machine that secures edges of a piece of fabric against fraying or raveling. It is noted that while the term serging is used, other means of securing the material as described herein besides a serging stitch may also be suitable as understood by one skilled in the art.

[0206] In certain still alternate preferred variations of the present invention, the columns 706 and the rows 708 form squares, diamonds, parallelograms, spiral shapes, elliptical shapes, circular, angular shapes, or rectangles that preferably measure within the range of less than or equal to 2.54 cm to 5.08 cm or more in either length along the X-axis or width along the Y-axis.

[0207] The top threading 704 of the assembly 700 preferably comprises material that exhibits a high level of tensile strength, such as, but not limited, to a size 207 KEVLAR (TM) / TEX 210 / GOVT. 3-CORD threading, a size 346 KEVLAR thread / TEX 350 / GOVT. 5-CORD threading, and other suitable threading known in the art. Sewing needles (not shown) suitable for threading various preferred variations of the assembly 700 include a non-titanium coated Groz-Beckert 135 X 17 #26 sewing needle, a Groz-Beckert 135 X 17 SAN 5 #24 sewing needle, and other suitable sewing needles known in the art. Alternatively or additionally, various still alternate preferred variations of the top threading 704 may be or comprise, in singularity of combination, (a.) Bonded Kevlar® #207 dimensioned at a .46 mm diameter, and exhibiting a 29 kg breaking strength; (b.) Bonded Kevlar® #346, dimensioned at .65 mm diameter, and exhibiting a 56.25 kg breaking strength; and / or (c.) any suitable thread known in that having a strength + / - 30% of any thread mentioned herein.

[0208] The unit weight of the top threading may be 1500 grams per 9,000 meters, i.e., 1500 dernier.

[0209] It is understood that the columns 706 and the rows 708 do not form pockets, nor quilted pockets, in the top matrix 702, but merely pass through the top matrix 702 preferably with minimal disturbance of the staples 4 of the top matrix 702. In certain still other alternate preferred variations of the invented method, the stitched columns 706 are spaced at 3.81 cm apart, and the stitched rows 708 are spaced at 3.81 cm apart. The preferred stitching pattern, e.g., the columns 706 and the rows 708, spiral designs, etc., are best selected as a design choice in view of the particular composition and quantity of the top matrix 702, the number of layers of a nonwoven fabric material 800, and the how many instances of the invented matrix 600 are included in forming the internal matrix 802 of Figure 8.

[0210] In even other various alternate and distinguishable preferred variations of the assembly 700, a sewing pattern of top threading 704 may be positioned to form, in singularity or combination, (a.) an orthogonal vertical and horizontal stitching pattern, (b.) a square stitching pattern, (c.) a rectangular stitching pattern, (d.) a diamond stitching pattern, (e.) a spiral stitching pattern, (f.) and / or other patterns and variable stitches distances selected as a design choice typically made in view of a foreseeable threat.

[0211] In certain preferred applications of the method of the present invention, the assembly 700 is placed within an equipment (not shown) and between a shielding element 500 (of Figure 5) of the equipment and an inner protected region 14 positioned within the equipment. It is preferable in these preferred applications of the method of the present invention that an air gap be maintained between the assembly 700 and the inner protected region 14 of the equipment.

[0212] A cut-away indicator 714 indicates a line across the top matrix 702 used as a point of view of Figures 8A and 8B.

[0213] Referring now generally to the Figures and particularly to Figure 8A, Figure 8A is a cut-away sideview of the assembly 700 and presents the top matrix 702 and a zone of woven fabric material 800 (hereinafter, “the woven material” 800), and an internal matrix 802.

[0214] In certain alternate preferred variations of the present invention, the internal matrix 802 may comprise two, three, or more discrete or joined instances of the invented matrix 600. In certain alternate preferred variations of the present invention, the woven material 800, in various alternate preferred variations of the present invention, may comprise one, two, three, and up to between 12 to 18 layers or more, of high to moderate tensile strength fabric, in singularity, or in combination, such as, but not limited to, (1.) a fabric comprising a para-aramid synthetic fiber with a molecular structure of many inter-chain bonds, such as a Kevlar (TM) fabric, (2.) a fabric comprising an ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene fibers, such as a SPECTRA (TM) fabric, (3.) a fabric comprising an alternate ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene fibers, such as a Dyneema (TM), and / or (4.) any suitable shielding or protective material known in the art.

[0215] The top matrix 702, the woven material 800, and the internal matrix 802 are all pierced by the top threading 704. A bobbin threading 804 running outside of the internal matrix 802 and proximate to the protected region 14 couples with the top threading 704 to stitch the columns 706 and the rows 704.

[0216] The bobbin thread 804, and a boundary serging bobbin thread (not shown) may be coupled with or comprise material that exhibits a high level of tensile strength, such as, but not limited, to a size 207 KEVLAR (TM) / TEX 210 / GOVT. 3 -CORD threading, a size 346 KEVLAR thread / TEX 350 / GOVT. 5-CORD threading, and other suitable threading known in the art. Sewing needles (not shown) suitable for threading various preferred variations of the assembly 700 include a non-titanium coated Groz-Beckert 135 X 17 #26 sewing needle, a Groz-Beckert 135 X 17 SAN 5 #24 sewing needle, and other suitable sewing needles known in the art. Alternatively or additionally, various still alternate preferred variations of the bobbin thread may be or comprise, in singularity of combination, (a.) Bonded Kevlar® #207 dimensioned at a 46 mm diameter, and exhibiting a 29 kg breaking strength; (b.) Bonded Kevlar® #346, dimensioned at .65 mm diameter, and exhibiting a 56.25 kg breaking strength; and / or (c.) any suitable thread known in that having a strength + / - 30% of any thread mentioned herein.

[0217] It is understood that due to the compressive nature of the top matrix 702 and the internal matrix 802 allow the top threading 704 and the bobbin thread 804 to cause depressions that extend toward the woven layer 800, and these depressions in no way segment either the top matrix 702 or the internal matrix 802 into pockets such as quilted pockets. It is understood that the stitched columns 704 and stitched rows 706 do not form pockets, such as quilted pockets, in the top matrix 702, the woven material 802, nor the internal matrix 802, but rather the top threading 704 merely passes through the top matrix 702, the woven material 800, and the internal matrix 802 preferably with minimal disturbance or displacement of the top matrix 702, the woven material 802, and the internal matrix 802.

[0218] Referring now to the top matrix 702 and the internal matrix 802, the staples 4 of each respective instance of the invented matrix 600, such as the top matrix 702 and the internal matrix 802, are preferably oriented such that most of the staple end lengths 4A & 4B are generally parallel with the Z- axis with a plus or minus deviation of less than 45 degrees from the z-axis, and more preferably with a plus or minus deviation of less than 20 degrees from the Z-axis, and that the staple tips 4C & 4D are preferably largely oriented to point away from the protected region 14 and toward the threat region 12. By this orientation of the staples 4 of both the top matrix 702 and the internal matrix 802, the assembly 700 provides a greater capacity to dissipate and absorb energy received from the direction of the threat region 10. It is understood that a minority of the staple end lengths 4A & 4B of the top matrix 702 and the internal matrix 802 are variously distributed in relation to the Z-axis to add robustness to the method of the present invention in protecting against threat vectors in traveling along vector paths that are more than 45 degrees oblique to the Z-axis.

[0219] Referring now to the woven material 800, a series of one or more discrete woven layers 800A- 800E ("the woven layers 800A-E") are positioned to form the woven material 800. Each of the woven layers 800A-800E is preferably a continuous and individual layer of high to moderate tensile strength fabric, in singularity, or in combination, such as, but not limited to, (1.) a fabric comprising a para-aramid synthetic fiber with a molecular structure of many inter-chain bonds, such as a Kevlar (TM) fabric, (2.) a fabric comprising an ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene fibers, such as a SPECTRA (TM) fabric, (3.) a fabric comprising an alternate ultra- high molecular weight polyethylene fibers, such as a Dyneema (TM), and / or (4.) any suitable shielding or protective material known in the art. In some further additional preferred variations, either the top matrix 702, the internal matrix 802, or both, may be manufactured with additional loft — such as by increasing the quantity or density of threads included in either the top matrix 702, the internal matrix 802, or both — to further provide the benefit of sound muffling or dampening. This may provide additional explosion protection — such as from noise generated by an explosion — but may also allow the same fabric to provide additional features if preferred in individual use cases, such as providing both protection from danger and muffling of everyday street noise in a building that could use both.

[0220] Referring now generally to the Figures and particularly to Figure 8B, Figure 8B is an additional detailed representation of the cut-away sideview of the assembly 700 of Figure 8A and presents the top matrix 702 as comprising five invented matrices 600, and the woven material 800 comprising five woven material layers 800A-800E, and the internal matrix 802 as comprising four invented matrices 600. It is understood that the quantity of top invented matrices 600 comprised within the top matrix 702 and the internal matrix 802 are design choices that may be varied in view of the intended use of the assembly 700. It is further understood that the number of woven material layers 800A-800E of the woven material 800 is a design choice that may be varied in view of the intended use of the assembly 700.

[0221] Referring now generally to the Figures and particularly to Figure 9, Figure 9 is a detailed cutaway sideview of the assembly 700 and again presents a length of the top threading 704 joining with the bobbin thread 802 to form a stitch coupling feature 900 only after the top threading 704 pierces through the top matrix 702, the woven material 800, and the internal matrix 802. The staples 4 are shown to be oriented such that the staple end lengths 4A & 4B in combination with the first staple tip 4C and second staple tip 4D of the instant one of the staples 4 preferably point generally away from protected region 14 and toward the threat region 10.

[0222] For the purpose of clarity of illustration and explanation, Figure 9 presents clear areas within the top matrix 702, the woven material 800, and the internal matrix 802. In fact, the areas defined between or bordered by the various lengths of the top threading 704 and / or the bobbin threading 804 are filled with respective locations of the top matrix 702, the woven material 800, and the internal matrix 802 that the top threading 704 is traversing through.

[0223] Referring now generally to the Figures and particularly to Figure 10, Figure 10 is an isolated view of the assembly 700 showing a length of the top threading 704, two stitch coupling features 900A & 900B and a length of the bobbin thread 804. This isolated view of Figure 10 is provided for clarity of description of the dynamics generated by the interaction of the top threading 704, the stitch coupling features 900 and the bobbin thread 804 within the assembly 700. It is understood that the structure of the top threading 704 coupled with the bobbin thread 804 increases the stability of the woven material 800 within the assembly 700.

[0224] An exemplary stitch 1000 is formed by a bobbin length 1002 of the bobbin threading 804, a top thread length 1004 of the top threading 704, a first coupling feature 900A and a second coupling feature 900B. A top thread length 1004 extends through (1.) a first coupling feature 900A and (2.) to and through a second coupling feature 900B, wherein the bobbin length 1002 extends to and through the first coupling feature 900 A; the bobbin thread length 1002 further extends to through the neighboring second coupling feature 900B. It is understood that the coupling features, such as the stitch coupling feature 900, the first coupling feature 900A, and the second coupling feature 900B, are formed of and comprise elements of both the bobbin thread 804 and the top threading 704.

[0225] Various series of stitches 1000 are generally positioned to form the columns 706, the rows 708 and the optional boundary serging 710. One or more coupling features 900, 900A & 900B and / or stitches 1000 may be, include, or be comprised within, any suitable stitch known in the art, to include, but not limited to, a lock stitch, a chain stitch, a zigzag stitch, a running stitch, a back stitch, a satin stitch, and an overlock stitch, in singularity or in combination. The top threading 704 may also couple with a boundary bobbin thread (not shown) to form stitches 1000 that in turn form the boundary serging 710. It is understood that each stitched column 706 and stitched row 708 comprise a plurality of stitches 1000. It is further understood that a series of stitches 1000 may be formed to create the boundary serging 710.

[0226] In even other various alternate and distinguishable preferred variations of the assembly 700, a sewing pattern of top threading 704 may be positioned to form, in singularity or combination, (a.) an orthogonal vertical and horizontal stitching pattern, (b.) a square stitching pattern, (c.) a rectangular stitching pattern, (d.) a diamond stitching pattern, (e.) a spiral stitching pattern, (f.) and / or other patterns and variable stitches distances selected as a design choice typically made in view of a foreseeable threat.

[0227] In patentable distinction, one optional aspect of the invented method applies stitches 1000 in combination with two or more invented matrices 600 adds reinforcement to the invented sewn assembly 700 along the aforementioned Z-axis, whereby the placement of the stitches 1000 within the invented sewn assembly 700 induces internal dynamics within the invented sewn assembly 700 that are analogous to a cantilever bridge.

[0228] Referring now generally to the Figures and particularly to Figure 11A, Figure 11A is a cutaway sideview of an alternate assembly 1100 comprising the top matrix 702 and the woven fabric 800 coupled together in part by the length of the top threading 704. It is understood that the internal matrix 802 is not included in the alternate assembly 1100. It is understood that the decision to not include the internal matrix 802 is most appropriate when there is little or need to provide protection against backface signature energy that penetrates the woven fabric 802. Additional preferred variations of the invented method where backface signature protection is not required include, ballistic protection curtains, internally positioned ballistic protection curtains, tarpaulin, tenting fabrics, and other suitable structures and environments known in the art. Installations of the alternate assembly 1100 within airframes and other structures provide with both protection from penetrating energids, e.g., energy waves and projectiles, as well as sound proofing and thermal insulation while remaining hidden from external viewing. Referring now generally to the Figures and particularly to Figure 11B, Figure 11B is an additional detailed representation of the cut-away sideview of the alternate assembly 1100 of Figure 11A and presents the top matrix 702 as comprising five invented matrices 600, and the woven material 800 comprising three woven material layers 800A-800C. It is understood that the quantity of top invented matrices 600 comprised within the top matrix 702 is a design choice that may be varied in view of the intended use of the alternate assembly 1100. It is further understood that the number of woven material layers 800A-800C of the woven material 800 are design choices that may be varied in view of the intended use of the alternate assembly 1100.

[0229] Referring now generally to the Figures and particularly to Figure 12, Figure 12 is a cut-away sideview detail of the alternate assembly 1100 comprising the top matrix 702 and the woven fabric 800 coupled by the length of the top threading 704 and the bobbin thread 802. The staples 4 are shown to be oriented such that the staple end lengths 4A & 4B in combination with the first staple tip 4C and the second staple tip 4D of the instant one of the staples 4 preferably point generally away from the woven layer 800 and toward the threat region 10.

[0230] For the purpose of clarity of illustration and explanation, Figure 12 presents clear areas within the alternate assembly 1100. In fact, the areas defined between or bordered by the various lengths of the top threading 704 and / or the bobbin threading 804 are filled with respective elements of the top matrix 702, the woven material 800 that the top threading 704 is merely traversing through.

[0231] Referring now generally to the Figures and particularly to Figure 13, Figure 13 is a cut-away top view the assembly 700 that has been augmented with heat sink elements 1300 and / or cooling heat pipes 1302 that are positioned within the top matrix 702 and / or the internal matrix 802. One or more cooling heat pipes 1302 may comprise heat absorbing or dissipating wax, oil, a phase changing heat absorbing or dissipating wax material or structure, or other suitable cooling material or structure known in the art. Alternatively or additionally, the cooling heat pipes 1302 may be or comprise one or more prior heat pipe materials and structures configured to remove and dissipate heat from the assembly 700, to include the suitable prior art materials and structures known in the art as disclosed in US Patent 9,301,557 issued to Inventor Santos, Elmer, on April 5, 2016, or People’s Republic of China Patent Application CN204599382U, fded by Zhongyuan University of Technology on May 21, 2015. Still alternatively or additionally, the cooling heat pipes 1302 may comprise one suitable alternate prior art heat pipe or cooling materials and structures known in the art, to include paraffin waxes that have a high heat of fusion per unit weight and a specific melting point selection, provide dependable cycling, are non-corrosive and are chemically inert, such as products marketed by Advance Cooling Technologies, Inc., of Lancaster, PA. Yet alternatively or additionally, the cooling heat pipes 1302 may comprise one or more additional suitable prior art heat pipe or cooling materials and structures known in the art such as paraffin wax and / or polystyrene capsules containing M3 paraffin wax as phase change material for thermal energy storage in a polypropylene (PP) matrix, and as disclosed in POLYMER ENCAPSULATED PARAFFIN WAX TO BE USED AS PHASE CHANGE MATERIAL FOR ENERGY STORAGE by Mokgaotsa Jonas Mochane and as published by the University of the Free State, Qwaqwa Campus, Phuthaditjhaba, 9866, Republic of South Africa.

[0232] Even further alternatively or additionally, cooling heat pipes 1302 may be or comprise suitable flexible thermal regulation systems known in the art based on suitable phase change materials (“PCM’S) known in the art to include, but not limited to, encapsulated PCM’s positioned within or upon flexible supporting materials of the assembly 700, e.g., the staples 4, top matrix 702, the internal matrix 802, the woven fabric 800; these encapsulated PCMs provide a physical approach that may be based on capillarity and / or hydrogen bonding.

[0233] Even further alternatively or additionally, cooling heat pipes 1302 may be or comprise suitable flexible thermal regulation systems known in the art based on suitable phase change materials (“PCM’S) known in the art to include, PCM’s grafted or positioned within or upon the assembly 700 onto the supporting materials, e.g., which is a chemical approach based on grafting reaction.

[0234] Referring now generally to the Figures and particularly to Figure 14, Figure 14 is a cut-away side view of the assembly 700 that has been augmented with sensors 1400-1406 within the top matrix 702 and / or the internal matrix 802. One or more sensors 1400-1406 may comprise suitable prior art Radio Frequency Identification Devices (“RFID”), wireless communications circuits, and / or parametric sensing modules known in the art. One or more parametric sensing modules 1400-1406 may generate measurements of ambient temperature velocity, detections of received forces and other parametric values. These RFID devices and / or wireless communications circuits comprised within one or more or more sensors 1400-1406 may be configured to transmit by wireless means identifying information of the assembly 700, GPS location data related to the assembly 700, and / or parametric measurement values generated by the one or more parametric sensing modules. Alternatively or additionally, one or more sensors 1400-1406 may be or comprise one or more suitable prior art amorphous ferromagnetic microwire (GCM) technology devices that optionally record information, and / or mark or enable track the location and movement of the assembly 700.

[0235] Alternatively or additionally, one or more sensors 1400-1406 may be or comprise one or more prior art devices to include, but not limited to, a wireless communications enabled (a.) pressure sensor, (b.) temperature sensor, and / or (c.) combined pressure and temperature sensor.

[0236] Still alternatively or additionally, one or more sensors 1400-1406 may be or comprise one or more prior art devices to include, but not limited to, a wireless communications enabled ultraminiature, high-temperature, low frequency, RFID passive wireless sensor, such as, but not limited to, one or more wireless communications enabled sensors as marketed by Phase IV Engineering, Inc. of Boulder Colorado, or other suitable wireless communications enabled sensors known in the art.

[0237] Still alternatively or additionally, one or more sensors 1400-1406 may be or comprise one or more prior art devices to include, but not limited to, a wireless communications sensor as marketed by RVmagnetics Kosice, Kosice, Slovakia (Slovak Republic), or other suitable wireless communications enabled sensor known in the art.

[0238] Still other potential elements comprising or comprised within one or more RFID sensors 1400- 1406 may be or comprise RFID devices such as, but not limited to, an NFC Bluetooth FPC On- Metal Sticker Tag With Genuine RFID Chip Ntag213 (TM) Universal Small Size [DIAlOmm] as marketed by Far East Technology Co., Ltd of Shenzhen, China; a 5mm*5mm Mini Ntag213 (TM) NFC Tag 13.56MHZ FPC Sticker With RFID Micro Chip 144 Bytes 1mm Reading Range as marketed by Ancient Code Store of Shenzhen, China; a Micro NFC / RFID Transponder - NTAG203 ™ 13.56MHz as marketed by Kiwi Electronics of Den Haag, The Netherlands; a 5pcs Programmable 12mm NTag215 Micro Chip FPC Mini RFIDNFC Tag (TM) as marketed by Pack of Adventure of Florence, KY; and / or one or more other suitable RFID sensor devices known in the art.

[0239] Referring now generally to the Figures and particularly to Figure 15, Figure 15 is a cut-away top view of an interrupter layer 1500 that is used in certain yet other alternate preferred variations of the present invention in combination with the assembly 700 and / or the alternate assembly 1100. The interrupter layer 1500 comprises a particulate matter, e g., a plurality of particles, 1502 (hereinafter, “spheres” 1502), maintained in semi-pinned, semi-static status by an elastomer 1504. It is understood that the term "pinned" signifies that the relative movement of the spheres 1502 in three dimensional space is highly restricted, and therefore "semi -pinned" signifies that the relative movement of the spheres 1502 in three dimensional space is partially restricted. Further, the term "static" would signify that the positions of the spheres 1502 are fixed in place, and therefore "semi-static" signifies that the positions of the spheres 1502 are partially fixed in place. It is understood that the particles presented as spheres 1502 in Figure 15 may be or comprise one or more three dimensional suitable shapes known in the art, including but not limited to, in part or in totality, a non-symmetric volume, a dodecahedron, a cube, or a pyramid. It is noted that the interrupter layer 1500 is referred to herein sometimes as a particulate layer comprising within it a plurality of particles such as the spheres 1502. Further, the element of the particulate fabric binding the particles together, such as the elastomer 1504, may be referred to herein as a binding medium.

[0240] One or more spheres may be or comprise alumina ceramic, boron carbide ceramic, and / or other suitable materials known in the art. It is understood that the interrupter layer 1500 in various other alternate preferred variations of the present invention, may comprise elements having shapes other than spherical, such as a hemisphere, irregular shapes and / or any suitable shape known in the art. A hemisphere variation, which may be preferable in some contexts at least for the feature of a reduction in weight, is presented in Figure 28.

[0241] Referring now generally to the Figures and particularly to Figure 16, Figure 16 is a detailed cut-away top view of four of the spheres 1502 that illustrates the invented design concept of the present invention of the interrupter layer 1500. A designer of a preferred variation may select a particular dimensional value of a projectile, for example a base diameter of 0.91 cm bullet diameter of a 35 caliber round. The designer may then select spheres 1502 and arrange the selected spheres 1502 to establish a sphere maximum displacement value to be built into in the interrupter layer 1500, such preferably as less than one half of the expected bullet radius. In the exemplary illustration of Figure 16, a representative maximum displacement value 1600 is indicated. This representative maximum displacement value 1600 is less than the selected dimensional aspect of a projectile; for example if the interrupter designer selects the projectile dimensional value 0.91 cm, the designer would preferably designate a smaller maximum displacement value 1600, e.g., 1.016 cm. By this applying this exemplary design criteria to the entire interrupter layer 1500, no sphere 1502 would be more than 1.016 cm from a neighboring sphere 1502 within the X-y plane defined by the X-axis and the Y-axis.

[0242] The size and positioning of spheres 1502 or interrupters that present a hemisphere normal to a path of projectile travel, may be selected in view of an intended projectile size, e.g., caliber. More particularly, when spheres 1502 having a continuous and maximum spherical or hemispherical value of X mm diameter, the largest projectile or object that can pass unimpeded through a positioning of three of maximally closely positioned spheres 1502 within a same plane of said X mm diameter spheres 1502 would be an object having a maximum of 0.075X projectile breadth travelling in a direction normal to the plane of the placement of the spheres 1502, and wherein the projectile breadth would be parallel to the plane of the placement of the spheres 1502. Referring now generally to the Figures and particularly to Figure 17A, Figure 17A is a side view of an alternate interrupter sphere 1700 showing a hemispherical shell 1702 coupled with a high compressive material 1704. The hemispherical shell 1702 may be or comprise a hard material such as alumina or boron carbide ceramics or other suitable material known in the art having a hardness quality greater than 6 Mhos. The high compressive material 1704 may be or comprise a high compressive strength material such as a high density carbon fiber reinforced polymer or other suitable material known in the art.

[0243] Referring now generally to the Figures and particularly to Figure 17B, Figure 17B is a cutaway side view of the alternate sphere 1700, the hemispherical shell 1702 is clearly coupled with the high compressive material 1704 whereby the high compressive material 1704 may receive energy waves passing through the hemispherical shell 1702.

[0244] Referring now generally to the Figures and particularly to Figure 18, Figure 18 is a cut-away side view of the interrupter layer 1500 The plurality of spheres 1502 may be set into the semipinned, semi-static status by pouring the elastomer 1504 in a liquid state over and around the spheres 1502. In certain alternate preferred variations of the method of the present invention, the elastomer 1504 may be provided and positioned within the interrupter layer 1500 by suitable injection molding techniques known in the art, by suitable transfer molding techniques known in the art, and / or other suitable fabricating techniques known in the art.

[0245] In certain preferred methods of fabrication and repair of the interrupter layer 1500, the spheres 1502 may be aligned more towards a certain direction of Z-axis, as presented in Figure 18.

[0246] Referring now generally to the Figures and particularly to Figure 19, Figure 19 is a cut-away top view a compilation 1900 comprising the interrupter layer 1500 positioned on top of, i.e., closer to the threat region along the Z-axis, of the assembly 700. It is understood that the interrupter layer 1500 is positioned on top of, i.e., closer to the threat region along the Z-axis, of the alternate assembly 1100. As noted in the discussion of Figure 15, the plurality of spheres 1502 are maintained in semi-pinned, semi-static status by the elastomer 1504.

[0247] A cut-away indicator 1902 indicates a line across the compilation 1900 used as a point of view of Figure 20A and Figure 20B.

[0248] Referring now generally to the Figures and particularly to Figure 20A, Figure 20A is a cutaway side view of the compilation 1900 showing interrupter layer 1500 positioned on top of, i.e., more proximate to the threat region than the assembly 700.

[0249] In certain preferred applications of the method of the present invention, the compilation 1900 is placed within an equipment (not shown) and between a shielding element 500 (of Figure 5) of the equipment and an inner protected region 14 positioned within the equipment. It is preferable in these preferred applications of the method of the present invention that an air gap be maintained between the compilation 1900 and the inner protected region 14 of the equipment.

[0250] Referring now generally to the Figures and particularly to Figure 20B, Figure 20B is a cutaway side view of an alternate compilation 1904 showing interrupter layer 1500 positioned on top of, i.e., more proximate to the threat region than, the alternate assembly 1100.

[0251] In certain preferred applications of the method of the present invention, the alternate compilation 1904 is placed within an equipment (not shown) and between a shielding element 500 (of Figure 5) of the equipment and an inner protected region 14 positioned within the equipment. It is preferable in these preferred applications of the method of the present invention that an air gap be maintained between the alternate compilation 1904 and the inner protected region 14 of the equipment.

[0252] Referring now generally to the Figures and particularly to Figure 21A, Figure 21A is a representation of a bullet 2100 approaching a cut-away side view of the interrupter layer 1500 positioned on top of the assembly 700 at a rate of speed faster close to faster than 600 feet per second. It is noted that the bullet is represented as having a leading section 2100A and a trailing section 2100B, wherein the leading section 2100A will contact the interrupter layer 1500 before the trailing section 2100B.

[0253] Referring now generally to the Figures and particularly to Figure 21B, Figure 21B is a representation of a bullet 2100 contacting the interrupter layer 1500 and fragmenting. A first plurality of shattered bullet elements 2102A variously fly away from or into the interrupter layer 1500, and a second plurality of shattered bullet elements 2102B of the bullet 2100 penetrate into the assembly 700. It is noted that the leading section 2100A will deaccelerate before the trailing section 2100B deaccelerates, and this temporal displacement of deacceleration will encourage the generation of the two pluralities of shattered bullet elements 2102A & 2102B.

[0254] Referring now generally to the Figures and particularly to Figure 22, Figure 22 presents a top garment 2200 having an external garment textile layer 2202 covering an interrupter layer 1500, wherein the interrupter layer is disposed between the external garment textile layer 2202 and an assembly 700. The spheres 1504 of the interrupter layer 1500 of the top garment 2200 may preferably be dimensioned with a diameter of less than five millimeters to protect a wearer (not shown) against barbed wire, razor wire and other suitable barrier material known in the art, whereby the preferred maximum displacement of the spheres 1504 of the interrupter layer 1500 of the top garment 2200 would preferably be five millimeters or less.

[0255] Referring now generally to the Figures and particularly to Figure 23, Figure 23 presents a glove 2300 having an external glove textile layer 2302 covering an interrupter layer 1500, wherein a detailed cut-away view shows that interrupter layer 1500 is disposed between the external glove textile layer 2302 and an assembly 700. The spheres 1504 of the interrupter layer 1500 of the glove 2300 may preferably be dimensioned with a diameter of less than five millimeters to protect a wearer (not shown) against barbed wire, razor wire and other suitable barrier material known in the art, whereby the preferred maximum displacement of the spheres 1504 interrupter layer 1500 of the glove 2300 would five millimeters or less. Referring now generally to the Figures and particularly to Figure 24A, Figure 24A presents a full body suit 2400 having an external full body suit layer 2402 covering an interrupter layer 1500, wherein detailed cut-away view shows that the interrupter layer 1500 is disposed between the external full body suit layer 2402 and one assembly 700. The spheres 1504 of the interrupter layer 1500 of the body garment 2400 may preferably be dimensioned with a diameter of less than five millimeters to protect a wearer (not shown) against barbed wire, razor wire and other suitable barrier material known in the art, whereby the preferred maximum displacement of the spheres 1504 interrupter layer 1500 of the body garment 2400 would five millimeters or less.

[0256] Referring now generally to the Figures and particularly Figures 8, 22, 24A and 24B, Figure 24B is a partial cutaway detailed view of the assembly 700 as installed in the top garment 2200 of Figure 22 and / or the full body suit 2400 of Figure 24A, wherein the two of the woven layers 800D & 800E, and the internal matrix 802 comprising the four invented matrices 600 of staples 4 are illustrated along with a first plurality of isolated heat dissipating devices 2404 and a second plurality of thermally conductively coupled heat dissipating devices 2406. One or more of the first plurality of prior art isolated encapsulated heat dissipating devices 2404 and / or of the second plurality of thermally conductively coupled prior art encapsulated heat dissipating devices 2406 (hereinafter, “coupled heat dissipating devices 2406”) may include a phase change material, such as but not limited to a paraffin material.

[0257] The phase change material or materials (PCMs) of one or more of the first plurality of prior art isolated encapsulated heat dissipating devices 2404 and / or of the coupled heat dissipating devices 2406 may be microencapsulated by prior art methods, such as by means of an interfacial polymerization process to form the double-shell microcapsules with relatively low shell permeability. An inner shell may be formed through the reaction between polypropylene glycols and bifunctional polyisocyanates and shell outer through the reaction between bifunctional polyisocyanates and polyamines added in the continuous aqueous phase.

[0258] Each of the coupled heat dissipating devices 2406 are thermally coupled via one or more thermally conductive pathways 2408 to a heat-conducting substrate 2410. The one or more thermally conductive pathways 2408 and / or the heat conducting substrate 2410 may comprise diamond and / or another suitable thermal conductivity material known in the art. The heat conducting substrate 2410 preferably presents a maximal effective surface area extending within and curving as required within the top garment 2200 of Figure 22 and / or the full body suit 2400 of Figure 24A. During operation, heat flows from the coupled heat-dissipating devices 2406 into the heat-conducting substrate 2410, where it is preferably spread out over a relatively large area within the top garment 2200 of Figure 22 and / or the full body suit 2400 of Figure 24A. A thermoelectric cooling material 2412 (e.g., a Bi. sub.2 Te.sub.3 -based film or other suitable thermoelectric material known in the art ) is placed in thermal contact with the heat-conducting substrate 2410. Application of electrical power to the thermoelectric material 2412 from an electrical energy source 2414 drives the thermoelectric cooling material 2412 to pump heat into a second heat-conducting substrate 2416 which, in turn, is thermally coupled and attached to a heat sink 2418 via a thermally conductive heat sink pathway 2420. The thermally conductive heat sink pathway 2420 may comprise diamond and / or another suitable thermal conductivity material known in the art.

[0259] It is understood that the prior art teaches suitable methods and means known in the art to apply continuous diamond coatings to materials at room temperature while protecting heat and pressure sensitive substrate materials to enhance phase change material effects in protective gear, e.g., the assembly 700 of the top garment 2200 of Figure 22 and / or the full body suit 2400 of Figure 24A

[0260] Referring now generally to the Figures and particularly to Figure 25, Figure 25 is a cut-away side view that presents a boot 2500 having an external layer 2502 covering an interrupter layer 1500, wherein the interrupter layer is disposed between the external boot layer 2502 and an assembly 700. The spheres 1504 of the interrupter layer 1500 of the boot 2500 may preferably be dimensioned with a diameter of less than five millimeters to protect a wearer (not shown) against barbed wire, razor wire and other suitable barrier material known in the art, whereby the preferred maximum displacement of the spheres 1504 interrupter layer 1500 of the boot 2500 would five millimeters or less. It is understood that one or more of the elements 700, 600, 800D, 800E, 802, 1500, and 2402 - 2420 of Figures 24 A and 24B may shaped to conform within, and be integrated into the glove 2300, the boot 2500, and / or other suitable apparel. It is further understood that the interrupter layer 1500 of the Figures 22 through 25 may include alternate spheres 1700 and / or additional alternate spheres 1706 in addition to, combined with, and / or replacing spheres 1504.

[0261] Referring now generally to the Figures and particularly to Figure 26, Figure 26 is a line drawing presenting a front view of a panel of invented material, such as the assembly of Figure 7, further adapted to be hung up as a protective curtain or panel. A curtain 2600 may include at least a sheet of material 2602 including or coupled to a hanging assembly 2604 suitable for hanging up the curtain 2600, such as but not limited to on a wall or over a window. The hanging assembly 2604, instantiated in this Figure more specifically as a left hanging assembly 2604A and a right hanging assembly 2604E, might be any suitable means for hanging up the curtain 2600. The non-limiting example presented in this Figure comprises an aperture 2606 which can be secured onto a hook 2608, with the hook 2608 fastened to some feature not shown that the curtain 2600 might be hung up on, such as a wall. More specifically, this Figure presents a first aperture 2606A secured onto a left hook 2608A, collectively forming the left hanging assembly 2604A; and a right aperture 2606E secured onto a right hook 2608E, collectively forming the right hanging assembly 2604E. It is noted that not every instance of the aperture 2606 need necessarily correspond to an instance of the hook 2608; extra apertures may be useful for adjustability. It is further noted that additional features for this type of assembly, such as grommets to reinforce the durability of one or more instance of the aperture 2606, are obvious potential enhancements that one skilled in the art might further choose to include. It is further noted that hook-and-aperture is just one non-limiting example of a possible implementation of the hanging assembly 2604, and other means exist for hanging up the sheet of material 2602, such as but not limited to snaps, nails, staples, adhesives, hook-and-loop fasteners, and more. It is noted that the sheet of material 2602 might be any shape, not just the rectangle presented here; for instance, the sheet of material 2602 might be shaped to fit within or behind a car door, or even shaped and colored such that the sheet of material 2602 might not appear out of place doubling as an aesthetic decoration. It is noted that an edge of the sheet of material 2602 which includes one or more elements of a hanging assembly 2604, such as the top edge as presented in Figure 26, might be referred to also herein as a coupling edge.

[0262] Referring now generally to the Figures and particularly to Figure 27, Figure 27 is a line drawing presenting a side view of a plurality of the staples 4 of Figure 1 incorporated into a static structure 2700 such as a block 2702 of a stiff material such as a plastic or resin presenting a hardness at or above 70 Shure on the A scale. It is noted that the static structure 2700 might be in any shape, and this is just a simple example. It is further noted that a key benefit of the staples 4 is mitigation of effects such as energy waves, and static structures such as the static structure 2700 presented here are also vulnerable to energy wave effects, such as resonant effects between solid material and wave; a sound wave shattering a wineglass might be one practical example. As another practical example, experts in the field of earthquake-resistant architecture might readily recognize the pitfalls of building a static structure such as a building entirely solid, such that any resonance or wobble, small or large, would be likely to resonate through that whole structure and even amplify itself, and such that the structure would be likely to shatter rather than bend, wobble, or otherwise dissipate any received energy (such as from an earthquake) less harmfully. These are practical examples included to illustrate the phenomenon of a static structure being threatened or destroyed just by receiving waves of non-physical energy, without anything physically smashing into the static structure itself. Inclusion of the staples 4 within a static structure, as presented here with the static structure 2700, may provide the beneficial effect of dissipating, interrupting, and redirecting wave momentum received by the static structure 2700, and potentially giving the static structure 2700 a higher level of resilience toward incoming energy.

[0263] Referring now generally to the Figures and particularly to Figure 28A, Figure 28B and Figure 28C, Figure 28A is a container 2800, in this variation comprising a box 2802 with a lid 2804 that form an escape seam 2805 as a simple, non-limiting example. The container 2800 is enhanced by providing a peferably continuous lining 2806 of Figure 28B that incorporating a variation of the invented matrix 600 for equipping the closed three-dimensional volume of the container 2800 to better contain energy waves. Examples for application of this concept might include cargo containers, aircraft, military storage igloos, and the like, such as a safety container for storing or transporting explosive material carefully.

[0264] Referring now generally to the Figures and particularly to Figures 3, 6, 9, 12, and 28B, Figure 28B is a top view of the box 2802 of the container 2800 with the lid 2804 removed, as though a viewer removed the lid 2804 and looked directly down into an interior of the box 2802. The lining 2806 comprises a plurality of staples 4 of the invented matrix 600, illustrated to indicate directionality; as in other variations and examples presented herein, less-entangled free ends of the staples 4 point towards the threat region defined by the location of an explosive object 2808 as shown at least in Figures 3, 6, 9, and 12, which in this context would be inward toward the stored explosive object 2808. It is noted that an alternative variation of the container 2800 which isn't pictured here might further incorporate an additional layer of invented matrix 600 fabric facing outward, such that the container 2800 might both insulate the stored explosive object 2808 against energy waves that might trigger the stored explosive object 2808 to go off, and also acts as a precaution to contain the blast if the stored explosive object 2808 goes off. This image further includes a dotted line 2810 indicating a cut plane for the cutaway side view of Figure 28C. The escape seam 2805 of Figure 28A allows expanding and slowed gasses that have passed through the lining 2806 to then egress through the escape seam 2805.

[0265] Referring now generally to the Figures and particularly to Figure 28C, Figure 28C is a cutaway side view of the container 2800, as though the container 2800 in a closed state were sheared in half at the dotted line 2810 without damage and the viewer is now looking at the side of the container 2800 in the direction of the arrows of the dotted line 2810. Labeled here are the lid 2802, the box 2804, the stored explosive object 2808, and the liner 2806. As shown here, the liner 2806 may further comprise a box liner 2812 and a lid liner 2814, and the thickness of the liner 2806 might vary in different areas of the container 2800 as preferred. It is further noted that, for simplicity in illustration, these drawings exclude any other padding, stuffing, or other support that might be preferably packed inside the container 2800 to further mitigate energy wave or deter the stored explosive object 2808 from 'bouncing around' inside the container 2800. It is additionally noted that the stored explosive object 2808 is purposefully sized in these drawings to not run up against or block other pictured elements, but a container 2800 selected or designed to allow less space around the stored explosive object 2808 might be preferable in application. The escape seam 2805 of Figure 28A allows expanding slowed gasses by egress through the liner 28o6to escape from through the escape seam 2805 .

[0266] Referring now generally to the Figures and particularly to Figure 29A, Figure 29A presents a first alternative sphere variation 2900, which is variation of the spheres 1502, and includes (1.) an interrupter spheriod 2902 comprising a high compressive strength material such as a high density carbon fiber reinforced polymer, and (2.) a hemisphere cap 2904 of a hard material such as alumina or boron carbide ceramics or other suitable material known in the art having a hardness quality greater than 6 Mhos.

[0267] The interrupter spheriod 2902 is formed by (1.) a lower partially spherical portion 2902A having a proximate outer radius preferably within a tolerance of + / - 0.001 mm of a cap outer radius R1 of the hemisphere cap 2904, and (2.) an upper partially spherical portion 2902B having an upper outer radius preferably within a tolerance of + / - 0.001 mm of a cap inner radius R2 of the hemisphere cap 2904.

[0268] A lip line 2905 indicates where the hemisphere cap 2904 meets the lower partially spherical portion 2902A when the hemisphere cap 2904 is positioned upon the upper partially spherical portion 2902B.

[0269] When the hemisphere cap 2904 is coupled with upper partially spherical portion 2902B the interrupter spheriod 2902 structurally supports the hemisphere cap 2904 and receives energy waves that pass through the hemisphere cap 2904 and into the upper partially spherical portion 2902B. Referring now generally to the Figures and particularly to Figure 29B, Figure 29B is a cutaway side view of a second interrupter layer 2906 similar to the interrupter layer 1500 but comprising a plurality of the first alternative sphere variation 2900 instead of the spheres 1502. The plurality of the first alternative sphere variation 2900 may be set into a semi-pinned, semistatic state by pouring a second elastomer 2908 in a liquid state over and around each of the first alternative sphere variations 2900. When the second elastomer 2908 dries into a solid and flexible state, the plurality of the first alternative sphere variation 2900 are set into the semipinned, semi-static state. In certain alternate preferred variations of the method of the present invention, the second elastomer 2908 may be provided and positioned within the second interrupter layer 2906 by suitable injection molding techniques known in the art, by suitable transfer molding techniques known in the art, and / or other suitable fabricating techniques known in the art.

[0270] Referring now generally to the Figures and particularly to Figure 29C, Figure 29C presents a second capped sphere 2910, which is variation of the spheres 1502 comprising a second capped sphere base 2912 of a high compressive strength material such as a high density carbon fiber reinforced polymer and a second sphere cap 2914 comprising a hard material such as alumina or boron carbide ceramics or other suitable material known in the art preferably having a hardness quality of greater than 6 Mhos. The second capped sphere base 2912 is formed by a second lower hemi-spheroid portion 2912A and an second upper partially spherical portion 2912B. The second sphere cap 2914 presents an outer radius R3.

[0271] The backing shape for the second sphere cap 2914 may be a continuation of the spherical shape of the second capped sphere base 2912. The second capped sphere base 2912 may further include a radiused truncated cylindrical rear cavity (to minimize stress concentrators and further lighten the weight), such as the hollow recess 2916 of Figures 29D through 29E, and / or may be a shape other than spherical.

[0272] Referring now generally to the Figures and particularly to Figure 29D, Figure 29D is a semi- translucent 3D model presenting a perspective top view of the second capped sphere base 2912 in isolation, without the second sphere cap 2914. Further features of the second capped sphere base 2912 are presented here, including a hollow recess 2916 in the bottom of the second capped sphere base 2912 (with the top pointed in the direction of the threat region 10), such as to lighten the weight of the second capped sphere 2910.

[0273] Referring now generally to the Figures and particularly to Figure 29E, Figure 29E is a 3D model presenting a side view of the second capped sphere base 2912 in isolation and separated from the second sphere cap 2914. Further features of the second capped sphere base 2912 are presented here, including the hollow recess 2906 in the bottom of the second capped sphere base 2912 (with the top pointed in the direction of the threat region 10), such as to lighten the weight of the second capped sphere 2910.

[0274] Referring now generally to the Figures and particularly to Figure 29F, Figure 29F is a 3D model presenting a tilted bottom view of the second capped sphere base 2912 in isolation, without the sphere cap 2914. Further features of the second capped sphere 2910 are presented here, including a hollow recess 2906 in the bottom of the second capped sphere base 2912 (with the top pointed in the direction of the threat region 10), such as to lighten the weight of the second capped sphere 2910.

[0275] Referring now generally to the Figures and particularly to Figure 29G, Figure 29G is a 3D model presenting a tilted bottom view of the second sphere cap 2914 in isolation without the second capped sphere 2910.

[0276] Referring now generally to the Figures and particularly to Figure 29H, Figure 29H is a 3D model presenting a side view of the second sphere cap 2914 in isolation without the second capped sphere 2910.

[0277] Referring now generally to the Figures and particularly Figures 29C, 29E and 29G, the second lower hemi-spheroid portion 2912A has a maximum outer radius R4 preferably within a tolerance of + / - 0.001 mm of the second cap outer radius R3 of the hemisphere cap 2904, and (2.) the second upper partially spherical portion 2912B has a second upper outer radius R5 preferably within a tolerance of + / - 0.001 mm of a second cap inner radius R6 of the hemisphere cap 2904, as shown in Figure 29G.

[0278] Referring now generally to the Figures and particularly to Figure 30, Figure 30 is a nonwoven heat-resistant entangled structure 3000, with a plurality of heat-resistant staples 3002 entangled and included. Some examples of this type of fibers may include ceramic and non-polymeric materials. Clothing incorporating the heat-resistant entangled structure 3000 as described herein with regard to other variations may be particularly useful to firefighters or explosive disarming personnel. To elaborate further, a situation in which something might explode is already a suitable application for many variations of the invented system, and a variation of the invented fabric system which incorporates staples, fibers, or fabric which are specifically adapted to be heat and / or flame resistant, such as but not limited to ceramic fibers would be useful in protective gear for firefighters, as, in addition to providing heat / flame resistance by the materials, the fabric system structure as disclosed herein is adapted to provide improved protection from any unexpected explosions or other energy waves that may also occur within an uncontrolled fire. It is noted that similar protective gear might also be useful to bomb disposal personnel, for similar reasons. It is further noted that this variation might be substituted for the invented matrix 600 in relevant applications, such as for manufacturing particularly heat-resistant variations of the clothing items of Figures 22 through 25, the panel of Figure 26, or the container lining of

[0279] Figures 28A through C

[0280] Referring now generally to the Figures and particularly to Figure 31, Figure 31 is a nonwoven thermobaric-resistant entangled structure 3100, with a plurality of thermobaric-resistant staples 3102 entangled and included, such as but not limited to a nonwoven basalt, ceramic such as silicon carbide or other such fibers for thermobaric protection. It is further noted that this variation might be substituted for the invented matrix 600 in relevant applications, such as for manufacturing particularly thermobaric-resistant variations of the clothing items of Figures 22 through 25, the panel of Figure 26, or the container lining of Figures 28A through C. Referring now generally to the Figures and particularly to Figure 32, Figure 32 is a nonwoven electromagnetic interference (EMI) shielding entangled structure 3200, with a plurality of EMI shielding staples 3202 entangled and included, such as but not limited to fibers coated in This variation may be particularly useful for incorporation as a relatively lightweight layer of building or vehicle protection to counteract attempts to disable electronics of the building or vehicle. It is further noted that this variation might be substituted for the invented matrix 600 in relevant applications, such as for manufacturing particularly specialized variations of the clothing items of Figures 22 through 25, the panel of Figure 26, or the container lining of Figures 28A through C

[0281] Referring now generally to the Figures and particularly to Figure 33A, Figure 33A is a nonwoven electronic article surveillance entangled structure 3300, with a plurality of electronic article surveillance staples 3302 entangled and included, such as but not limited to glass-coated amorphous or nanocrystalline alloy microwires for electronic article surveillance. These optionally programmable microwire devices can be used to monitor location, broadcast data such as real-time medical information, data can be encrypted, broadcast is passive and difficult to detect, and has been demonstrated from satellite to earth and from earth to satellite. An example microwire devices is disclosed in the nanotechnology fibers made by Demodulation (US Patents such as US Patent No. 7,233,249), which, per the text of US Patent No. 7,233, 249, are "glass- coated microwires, comprising a magnetic amorphous or nanocrystalline alloy and having regions of locally altered magnetic domain structure providing multi -bit magnetic encoding of the microwire". Further, "[e]ncoding is achieved magnetically, optically or through a combination of magnetic and optical encoding processes. Magnetic encoding is carried out by modifying the constituent magnetic domain structure through selective relief of interfacial stress between the glass coating and the amorphous metallic alloy core. It is also achieved by selective surface crystallization of the amorphous metallic core in order to produce a controlled magnetic bias field. Optical encoding is associated with the glass coating. It is readily achieved by fluorescent element deposition, patterned removal of fluorescent element coating, Bragg grating, and thermally activated pattern deposition. The magnetic and optical multi-bit encoding approaches for glass-coated amorphous metallic microwire can be used individually or collectively in either a redundant or a complementary manner. Encoded microwire of the instant invention can be assembled into tags for electronic article surveillance and into numerous other structures as well". It is further noted that this variation might be substituted for the invented matrix 600 in relevant applications, such as for manufacturing particularly specialized variations of the clothing items of Figures 22 through 25, the panel of Figure 26, or the container lining of Figures 28A through C.

[0282] Further regarding applications of glass-coated amorphous or nanocrystalline alloy microwires, particularly as a component of a fabric layer in a garment, US Patent No. 7,233,249 (Liebermann et al.) states that "Glass-coated amorphous or nanocrystalline microwires may also be used in the technology of smart antennas" (col. 9 In. 12), and further discusses security and authentication applications at least at column 8. Another patent document regarding this technology, US 7,075,439 (Tynen et al ), further claims the advancement of a nanocrystalline wire-shaped sensor element which is capable of modulating its signal output. With this technology incorporated into a variation of the invented fabric system, such as by entangling one or more glass-coated amorphous or nanocrystalline alloy microwires as staples or including as components of a woven fabric element, such an assembled fabric might be suitable as a wearable antenna, providing remote connectivity for a wearer of a garment incorporating such fabric. Some benefits of this application might include uniquely identifying the garment and its wearer, tracking the location of the garment and its wearer, including sensors in the garment (such as sensors tracking vital signs of the wearer such as heart rate and temperature) and transmitting the data gathered by the sensors via the remote connection, and / or utilizing the garment connectivity to transmit other information securely. It is further noted that some security and authentication might preferably be built into such an application, such as configuring the garment to only respond to or accept transmissions from known or authorized parties, rather than announcing sensitive data such as its current location in response to any ping received.

[0283] Referring now generally to the Figures and particularly to Figure 33B, Figure 33B is a line diagram of an electronic article surveillance garment 3306 incorporating the nonwoven electronic article surveillance entangled structure 3300 bi-directionally communicatively coupled with a controller 3308 and one or more sensor elements 3310. It is noted that, while the controller 3308 is represented as a box, the controller 3308 might be very small or shaped differently. It is further noted that, while the one or more sensor elements 3310 is represented as a small bar proximal to the collar of the garment, the one or more sensor elements 3310 may be positioned anywhere on the electronic article surveillance garment 3306 and may have any shape or appearance. It is further understood that the bi-directional communicative coupling is represented as dotted lines, but might be internal wiring of the electronic article surveillance garment 3306, wireless interconnection, or something else.

[0284] Referring now generally to the Figures, and particularly to Figure 33C, Figure 33C is a block diagram of the controller 3308 displaying together both hardware and software aspects thereof, wherein the controller 3308 comprises: a central processing unit or “CPU” 3308A; a software bus 3308B bi-directionally communicatively coupled with the CPU 3308A, a signal interface 33O8C, enabling sending and receiving of wireless signals via the electronic article surveillance staples 3302; a memory 3308D; and an input module 3308E interfacing with the one or more sensor elements 3310. The software bus 3308B facilitates communications between the above- mentioned components of the controller 3308. The memory 3308D of the controller 3308 may include a software operating system OP. SYS 33O8E; any software 3308F which might be required to perform the functions or methods practiced utilizing the controller 3308; ID data storage 3308G for storing information regarding identification of an individual instance of the electronic article surveillance garment 3306 or wearer (e g.: this is suit number 42 which is currently assigned to Fred of unit 25, etc.); authentication data storage 3308H for storing information regarding authenticating access to this individual instance of the electronic article surveillance garment 3306, such as but not limited to passcodes or private keys, for determining whether an incoming signal is directed to this individual instance of the electronic article surveillance garment 3306 and whether an incoming signal should be responded to as authorized access or ignored; sensor data storage 33081 for storing data gathered by the one or more sensor elements 3310; medical data storage 3308 J for storing medical data regarding the current wearer of the suit; encrypted data storage 3308K such as sensitive data this electronic article surveillance garment 3306 might be carrying; and use data storage 3308L such as a record of the use, maintenance, and condition of this electronic article surveillance garment 3306. It is understood that any of these stored data might be transmitted via the signal interface 3308C. It is further understood that the controller 3308 may not include all of the elements presented here, or these computing aspects of the electronic article surveillance garment 3306 may be structured differently in accordance with suit design constraints and technology available. It is further noted that the microwire technology of the electronic article surveillance staples 3302 alone may be capable of certain simpler embedded applications without the support of a separate processor or data storage medium.

[0285] Referring now generally to the Figures and particularly to Figure 33D, Figure 33D is a diagram presenting the wireless electronic communications 3310 of the electronic article surveillance garment 3306 with a base station 3314, more specifically, an incoming signal 3310A being transmitted from the base station 3314 to the electronic article surveillance garment 3306 and an outgoing signal being transmitted from the electronic article surveillance garment 3306 to the base station 3314. The base station 3314 may be understood to represent a device or group of devices capable of wireless communications with the electronic article surveillance garment 3306, such as but not limited to a "receiver box" paired to a particular instance of the electronic article surveillance garment 3306 and adapted to allow sending and receiving of signals; a computing device which might perform a wide variety of tasks, one of which might be interfacing with the electronic article surveillance garment 3306; or a "mission control" location which may include multiple devices capable of interfacing with the electronic article surveillance garment 3306 and personnel operating or monitoring these devices.

[0286] Referring now generally to the Figures and particularly to Figure 34, Figure 34 is a nonwoven acoustic wave dampener entangled structure 3400, which can be used as a sound dampener for structures, vehicles and the like. The nonwoven acoustic wave dampener entangled structure 3400 is manufactured with more loft, which is "fluffmess" of a fabric article, such as by manufacturing the fabric article to be thicker or to contain a higher density of fibers or stuffing. While selected variations have been chosen to illustrate the invention, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art from this disclosure that various changes and modifications can be made herein without departing from the scope of the invention as defined in the appended claims. For example, the size, shape, location or orientation of the various components can be changed as needed and / or desired. Components that are shown directly connected or contacting each other can have intermediate structures disposed between them. The functions of one element can be performed by two, and vice versa. The structures and functions of one variation can be adopted in another variation, it is not necessary for all advantages to be present in a particular variation at the same time. Every feature which is unique from the prior art, alone or in combination with other features, also should be considered a separate description of further inventions by the applicant, including the structural and / or functional concepts embodied by such feature(s). Thus, the foregoing descriptions of the variations according to the present invention are provided for illustration only, and not for the purpose of limiting the invention as defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.

[0287] The above description and drawings are illustrative and are not to be construed as limiting. Numerous specific details are described to provide a thorough understanding of the disclosure. However, in certain instances, well-known details are not described in order to avoid obscuring the description. Further, various modifications may be made without deviating from the scope of the variations. Accordingly, the variations are not limited except as by the appended claims.

[0288] Reference in this specification to “one variation” or “a variation” means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the variation is included in at least one variation of the disclosure. The appearances of the phrase “in one variation” in various places in the specification are not necessarily all referring to the same variation nor are separate or alternative variations mutually exclusive of other variations. Moreover, various features are described which may be exhibited by some variations and not by others. Similarly, various requirements are described which may be requirements for some variations but not for other variations. The terms used in this specification generally have their ordinary meanings in the art, within the context of the disclosure, and in the specific context where each term is used. Certain terms that are used to describe the disclosure are discussed below, or elsewhere in the specification, to provide additional guidance to the practitioner regarding the description of the disclosure. For convenience, certain terms may be highlighted, for example, by using italics and / or quotation marks. The use of highlighting has no influence on the scope and meaning of a term; the scope and meaning of a term is the same, in the same context, whether or not it is highlighted. It will be appreciated that the same thing can be said in more than one way. One will recognize that “memory” is one form of a “storage,” and that the terms may on occasion be used interchangeably.

[0289] Consequently, alternative language and synonyms may be used for any one or more of the terms discussed herein nor is any special significance to be placed upon whether or not a term is elaborated or discussed herein. Synonyms for certain terms are provided. A recital of one or more synonyms does not exclude the use of other synonyms. The use of examples anywhere in this specification, including examples of any term discussed herein, is illustrative only and is not intended to further limit the scope and meaning of the disclosure or of any exemplified term. Likewise, the disclosure is not limited to variations given in this specification.

[0290] Without intent to further limit the scope of the disclosure, examples of instruments, apparatus, methods and their related results according to the variations of the present disclosure are given below. Note that titles or subtitles may be used in the examples for convenience of a reader, which in no way should limit the scope of the disclosure. Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this disclosure pertains. In the case of conflict, the present document, including definitions will control over and other cited, incorporated or referenced disclosures or patent documents.

Claims

I claim:

1. A flexible fabric comprising a multitude of elongate entangled staples (“staples”), wherein each staple of a multiplicity of staples of the multitude of staples comprises a partial length that extends in a substantively parallel orientation.

2. The flexible fabric of claim 1, wherein the flexible fabric is comprised within an article of clothing.

3. The flexible fabric of claim 1, further comprising a multitude of phase change material elements.

4. The flexible fabric of claim 3, further comprising a heat sink that is thermally conductively connected with at least a portion of the multitude of phase change material elements.

4. The flexible fabric of claim 4, wherein the flexible fabric is comprised within an article of clothing.

5. The flexible fabric of claim 1, further comprising a thermobaric protective material.

6. The flexible fabric of claim 1, further comprising nonwoven protection material incorporating EMI shielding fibers, wherein the EMI shielding fibers provide electromagnetic shielding.

7. The flexible fabric of claim 1, further comprising at least one microwire device.

8. The flexible fabric of claim 7, wherein the at least one microwire is configured to transmit data.

9. The flexible fabric of claim 1 implemented as a lining of a container, wherein the flexible fabric encapsulates an internal volume of the container, whereby the flexible fabric is positioned to at least partially absorb an energy wave and a kinetic energy of expanding gasses generated by an explosion originating within the container.

10. The flexible fabric of claim 1, further comprising an interrupter flexible fabric containing a plurality of spheres comprising a high compressive strength material capped by a hollow hemisphere of a hard material.

11. The flexible fabric of claim 10, wherein each discrete high compressive strength material element is a continuation of the spherical shape of the hard material, wherein each sphere has a hollowed base.

12. The flexible fabric of claim 1, further comprising an interrupter flexible fabric containing a plurality of hollow hemi-spheroids of a hard material resting upon a discrete high compressive strength material element.

13. The flexible fabric of claim 1, wherein the multiplicity of staples is formed into a semipinned state.

14. The flexible fabric of claim 1, wherein the multiplicity of staples is formed in a semi- pinned, semi-static state.

15. The flexible fabric of claim 1 , wherein the multitude of staples further comprises a second multiplicity of staples, wherein the second multiplicity of staples is distributed to at least partially extend linearly in a range of orientations, wherein the range extends from parallel to the multiplicity of partial lengths of the first multiplicity of staples to orthogonal to the multiplicity of partial lengths of the multiplicity of staples.

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