Vehicle protection method and system

Abstract

This invention relates to a vehicle protection method and system and more particularly, but not exclusively, to a vehicle protection method and system for both vehicle occupant and vehicle protection. In accordance with this invention there is provided a vehicle protection system comprising a protective panel (2a - 2i) made of bullet resistant material having, a rear surface shaped complementary to an outer surface of a body panel of a motor vehicle and having, releasable attachment means (5) to releasably attach the protective panel to the vehicle.

Description

[0001] VEHICLE PROTECTION METHOD AND SYSTEM

[0002] FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0003] This invention relates to a vehicle protection method and system and more particularly, but not exclusively, to a vehicle protection method and system for both vehicle occupant and vehicle protection.

[0004] BACKGROUND TO THE INVENTION

[0005] It is known to attach protective panels or strips to portions of a vehicle body which are prone to being chipped. For example, it is known to attach plastic strips or covers over, or in front of, a front edge of a bonnet of a vehicle, to prevent chipping of paintwork on the front edge of the bonnet. These strips are usually releasably attached to a portion of a vehicle. The strips or covers protect portions of vehicle panels where chipping from stones and other hard objects is more common. A majority of a vehicle panel is not protected or covered. These covers are normally not attached to the sides of a vehicle where paint may be scratched by tree branches and / or other plant material and / or objects when a vehicle passes too close to such objects. These covers are not resistant to high velocity projectiles such as bullets.

[0006] International Patent Application Number PCT / AU2014 / 000966, published under International Publication Number WO 2015 / 054723 on 23 April 2015, entitled “Off-road vehicle protective plates”, in the name of Rhino Hide (Pty) Limited (“Rhino”), discloses a protection system for protecting at least an external portion of a vehicle. The system comprises at least one protective plate which is adapted to be releasably secured to the at least an external portion of a vehicle to protect the external portion it is releasably secured to. The at least one protective plate being adapted to be complementary in shape to the external portion of the vehicle it is adapted to cover. The at least one protective plate is releasably secured to the vehicle using at least one magnet. The panels disclosed by Rhino are releasably secured to outer panels of a vehicle and are especially deigned and used for the protection of the paintwork of a vehicle when conducting offroad activities or when driving on overgrown roads. Rhino’s panels, whilst durable, are not bulletproof.

[0007] Bullet proof vehicles are well known and widely used. In some cases, major motor vehicle manufacturers offer bullet proofing as an option, to the public at large, in respect of their standard passenger vehicles.

[0008] Bulletproof passenger vehicles, available from various major motor manufacturers, offer a unique set of advantages and disadvantages for individuals and organizations seeking enhanced security. These vehicles, built with reinforced materials such as ballistic glass, armoured steel, and run-flat tires, aim to protect occupants from potential threats, including gunfire, explosions, and other physical attacks. Given rising concerns over safety in certain areas or for high-profile individuals, bulletproof vehicles provide peace of mind for those who may be targeted, such as diplomats, executives, celebrities, or security-focused individuals. The primary advantage of bulletproof passenger vehicles is the enhanced security and protection they offer. These vehicles are designed to shield occupants from various threats, making them invaluable in high-risk areas or situations. Features such as reinforced doors, bullet-resistant windows, and armoured exteriors help absorb and deflect potentially harmful attacks, while options like reinforced undercarriages protect against explosive devices. With these protective enhancements, individuals can travel more freely, knowing they have a layer of security that a standard vehicle cannot provide.

[0009] In addition, modem bulletproof vehicles are designed to appear discreet, blending in with regular passenger cars to avoid drawing unnecessary attention. Major manufacturers offering armoured options, such as Mercedes- Benz, BMW, and Land Rover, ensure that these models look as close to their standard counterparts as possible. This "stealth armour" approach prevents potential attackers from easily identifying and targeting a high-security vehicle. Furthermore, manufacturers are continually improving the comfort, aesthetics, and technology integration in these models, ensuring that passengers do not have to sacrifice luxury or convenience for security.

[0010] However, there are notable disadvantages to consider with bulletproof passenger vehicles. One significant drawback is the cost. These vehicles are considerably more expensive than standard models due to the added armour and specialized materials, with prices often exceeding hundreds of thousands of dollars, depending on the level of protection. Additionally, the weight of the added armour impacts fuel efficiency, requiring more power to operate and increasing long-term operational costs. Regular maintenance can also be more expensive, as specialized components may require attention from technicians trained in armoured vehicle repair.

[0011] Another disadvantage is that the added weight and bulk of bulletproof materials may impact performance. Bulletproof vehicles typically have lower acceleration and handling capabilities than standard models, making them less agile and potentially harder to manoeuvre in certain driving conditions. Moreover, despite their robust design, they can still be vulnerable to certain high-calibre firearms or explosives, meaning they provide enhanced - but not absolute - security.

[0012] In summary, bulletproof passenger vehicles from major manufacturers offer crucial protection and peace of mind in high-risk situations, yet they come with trade-offs in cost, efficiency, and handling. For those in need of heightened security, they are often a valuable investment, but potential buyers must carefully weigh these factors against their specific needs and risks.

[0013] OBJECT OF THE INVENTION

[0014] It is an object of the invention to provide a vehicle protection method and system which, at least partially, alleviates some of the abovementioned difficulties. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0015] In accordance with this invention there is provided a vehicle protection system comprising a protective panel made of bullet resistant material having a rear surface shaped complementary to an outer surface of a body panel of a motor vehicle and having releasable attachment means to releasably attach the protective panel to the vehicle.

[0016] There is provided for the protective panel to be bulletproof or bullet resistant to ballistic levels 111 A (B4) and / or 111 (B6).

[0017] There is also provided for the protective panel to be bulletproof or bullet resistant in respect of handgun firearm projectiles travelling up to 450m / s.

[0018] A further feature of the invention provides for the plate to be made of, or to include aramid fiber or other bulletproof or bullet resistant material.

[0019] There is provided for the bulletproof or bullet resistant material to be Kevlar®.

[0020] The releasable attachment means includes a bolt and a nut device, the bolt extends through a hole in the protective panel, and screws onto a screw threaded bore of the nut device which is glued to a body panel of the vehicle to which the protective panel is attached. The releasable attachment means may also include a screw or nut extending through the protective panel into the body panel of the vehicle.

[0021] There is yet further provided for the nut device to be a disc with the screw- threaded bore centrally in the body of the disc.

[0022] Alternatively, a still further feature of the invention provides for the releasable attachment means to be magnets, with the magnets embedded in the panel, or attached to a rear surface of the panel.

[0023] This invention extends to a vehicle protection method comprising the steps of: providing a protective panel made of bullet resistant material and having a rear surface shaped complementary to an outer surface of a vehicle body panel to which it is to be attached; and releasably attaching the protective panel to a body panel of the vehicle.

[0024] There is further provided for the step of attaching the protective panel to the vehicle to further include the step of gluing a nut device to the outer surface of the body panel.

[0025] A still further step includes inserting a bolt though a hole of the protective panel and screwing it into a screw threaded bore on the nut device which is attached to the body panel with glue.

[0026] These and other features of the invention are described in more detail below. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0027] Embodiments of the invention are described below, by way of example only, and with reference to the drawings in which:

[0028] Figure 1 shows a perspective view of a vehicle with protective panels attached over or to body panels of the vehicle;

[0029] Figure 2 shows a perspective view of a protective panel attachable on the outside of a door panel of the vehicle;

[0030] Figure 3 shows the protective panel of figure 2 attached to the door of the vehicle;

[0031] Figure 4 shows a perspective exploded view of releasable attachment means for attaching protective panels to vehicle body panels;

[0032] Figure 5 show an exploded view of a second embodiment of releasable attachment means for attaching protective panels to vehicle body panels;

[0033] Figure 6 shows a cross-sectional exploded side view of the attachment means of figure 4 used to attach a protective panel to a body panel of the vehicle;

[0034] Figure 7 shows the same view as figure 6 but with the attachment means, protected panel and body panel assembled, instead of in exploded view; and

[0035] Figure 8 shows a cross-sectional side view of the attachment means of figure 5 used to attach a protective panel to a body panel of the vehicle. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0036] With reference to the drawings, in which like features are indicated by like numerals, a vehicle protective system is generally indicated by reference numeral 1 .

[0037] The protective system includes protective panels (2a to 2i) made of bullet resistant material. Each door has a panel (2a and 2b). There are two more protective panels on the other side of the vehicle for the other two doors. The side of the bin has a panel (2c) with another one on the other side of the vehicle. The rear flap or tailgate of the load bay has a panel (2d). The side rear, front and middle cabin pillars also have their own panels or panel extensions from panels on other parts to also cover these pillars. In this embodiment panel (2e) is a separate panel on the left rear pillar of the cabin of the vehicle. It will be appreciated that this panel could be integrally formed as an extension of panel (2b).

[0038] As will be gleaned from the drawings, the panels are shaped to conform with the shape of the vehicle body panels to which they are to be attached. The panels may also include inwardly protruding rims or lips to enhance aerodynamic performance when attached to the vehicle body panels.

[0039] Releasable attachment means (5) including a bolt (7), a washer (8), and a nut device in the form of a disk (6) is used to secure the protective panels to the vehicle body panels. The nut (6) has a central, co-axial blind bore (9). The nut is glued to the vehicle body panel to which a protective panel is to be attached. The bolt is inserted through a hole (4) in the protective panel so that it engages with the screw-threaded blind bore. The bore is blind thus ensuring that the bolt cannot protrude on the other side of the disk and damage the body panel. In any event, the length (10) of screw threaded shaft of the bolt is shorted that the width 11 of the disk.

[0040] In some cases, it may be necessary or desirable to attach the panels more securely or more permanently to the body panels. In such cases, the bolt (7) will protrude through a hole in the body panel (2a) such as the door panel (3) and be secured into a nut device 13 behind the door panel. The disk 6 may still be used to provide a spacer of width 11 , if required.

[0041] There is provided for the protective panel to be bulletproof or bullet resistant to ballistic levels 111 A (B4) and / or 111 (B6).

[0042] The protective panel is also bulletproof or bullet resistant in respect of handgun firearm projectiles travelling up to 450m / s.

[0043] The protective panels are made of or include aramid fiber or other bulletproof or bullet resistant material. Typically, the protective panels will include Kevlar®.

[0044] In use, once protective panels for a specific vehicle are acquired, they are attached to the body panels of the vehicle as described above. In case they are to be removed, the glued-on disks can be forced free of the body panels whereafter any residual glue may be cleaned away. In cases where holes were made in the body panels to secure the panels (refer to figure 8), the holes can be plugged with suitable plugs once the protective panels are removed. It is envisaged that the protective panels described herein and the method of using them will be convenient, will be easy to use and remove, will provide a cost-efficient, fuel efficient and easy to use alternative to existing systems. Being lighter than conventional bullet proof panels, the system will not impede on the performance of a vehicle to which the panels are attached. Of course, the main advantage of the system and method described herein is that the panels are bullet proof, or at least bullet resistant, to protect occupants of a vehicle. The panels further also protect the paintwork and body work from scratches, chips and small dents.

[0045] It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that invention is not limited to the precise details as described herein. For example, any type of bolt and nut combination can be used as long as the nut or nut device can be either glued to a body panel of the vehicle or receives the bolt on the other side of a hole in the body panel as is common in the art. The panels may also include thicker, strengthened sections remembering that even if they enhanced to be stronger, it remains preferably that they have rear surfaces substantially complementary shaped to the outer surfaces of the body panels to which they are to be attached.

Claims

CLAIMS1 . A vehicle protection system comprising a protective panel made of bullet resistant material having a rear surface shaped complementary to an outer surface of a body panel of a motor vehicle and having releasable attachment means to releasably attach the protective panel to the vehicle.

2. A system as claimed in claim 1 in which the protective panel is bullet resistant to ballistic levels 111 A (B4) and / or 111 (B6).

3. A system as claimed in claim 1 in which the protective panel is bullet resistant to ballistic levels 111 A (B4) and / or 111 (B6).

4. A system as claimed in claim 1 in which the protective panel is bullet resistant in respect of handgun firearm projectiles travelling up to 450m / s.

5. A system as claimed in any one of the preceding claims in which the plate is made of, or includes, aramid fiber.

6. A system as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 4 in which bullet resistant material is Kevlar®.

7. A system as claimed in any one of the preceding claims in which the releasable attachment means includes a bolt and a nut device, the bolt extends through a hole in the protective panel, and screws onto a screw threaded bore of the nut device which is glued to a body panel of the vehicle to which the protective panel is attached.

8. A system as claimed in claim 7 in which the releasable attachment means also includes a screw or nut extending through the protective panel into the body panel of the vehicle.

9. A system as claimed in claims 7 or 8 in which the nut device is a disc with the screw-threaded bore centrally in the body of the disc.

10. A system as claimed in any one of the claims 1 to 7 in which the releasable attachment means are magnets, with the magnets embedded in the panel, or attached to a rear surface of the panel.11 .A vehicle protection method comprising the steps of: providing a protective panel made of bullet resistant material and having a rear surface shaped complementary to an outer surface of a vehicle body panel to which it is to be attached; and releasably attaching the protective panel to a body panel of the vehicle.

12. The method as claimed in claim 10 in which the step of attaching the protective panel to the vehicle further includes the step of gluing a nut device to the outer surface of the body panel.

13. The method as claimed in any one of claims 10 or 11 in which a still further step includes inserting a bolt though a hole of the protective panel and screwing it into a screw threaded bore on the nut device which is attached to the body panel with glue.

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