Ballistic protection element for a bulletproof vest adapted to the female body shape

Abstract

The invention relates to a ballistic protection element (100) intended to protect a female torso, the protection element having a rear face (101), intended to be arranged facing the female torso, and an opposite front face (102), and comprising, in its thickness: - a first assembly (120) of a plurality of layers (121) based on fibres, with surface-area dimensions suitable for covering the female torso, and having a shape reproducing the shape of the female torso, and - a second assembly (130) of at least one layer (131) based on selected fibres, with surface-area dimensions suitable for covering only the female chest, and having a shape reproducing the shape of the female chest. The layers of the first assembly (120) are independent of one another.

Description

[0001] Ballistic protection element for bulletproof vests adapted to the female anatomy

[0002] Technical field of the invention

[0003] The present invention falls within the field of personal protective clothing designed to protect the upper body, specifically the torso. More particularly, the invention relates to a ballistic protection element, of the type intended to be integrated into a bulletproof vest, for the protection of a female torso, and more specifically the breasts.

[0004] Previous technique

[0005] There are several types of bulletproof vests, depending on the desired level of protection for the individual wearing said bulletproof vest.

[0006] Bulletproof vests suitable for protecting an individual comply with different performance standards, including those set out by the American NIJ standard (acronym for National Institute of Justice), the German VPAM standard (Association of Testing Organizations for Attack-Resistant Materials and Constructions), the English HOSDB standard (acronym for Home Office Scientific Development Branch), the Russian GOST standard and the NATO STANAG standard (abbreviation for Standardization Agreement).

[0007] Typically, the level of protection is classified into five categories:

[0008] - protection of an individual against attacks carried out with so-called handguns,

[0009] - protection of an individual against attacks carried out with hunting rifles,

[0010] - Protection of an individual against attacks carried out with assault rifles, - Protection of an individual against attacks carried out with bladed weapons

[0011] - protection of an individual against attacks carried out with explosive devices generating shrapnel / fragments.

[0012] Bulletproof vests designed to protect an individual against attacks with handguns are capable of stopping, depending on the desired level of protection, ammunition in calibers of 9 mm x 19 mm, .357 Magnum, .44 Magnum, .22 Long Rifle, 7.62 x 25 and with a velocity between 200 and 650 m / s. Bulletproof vests designed to protect an individual against attacks with shotguns are capable of stopping ammunition in 12 / 76 or 16 gauge, for example of the Brenneke or Sauvestre type.

[0013] Bulletproof vests designed to protect an individual against attacks carried out with assault rifles are capable of stopping 7.62 mm, 5.56 mm, 5.45 mm caliber ammunition with a maximum velocity of 1000 m / s.

[0014] Bulletproof vests designed to protect an individual against attacks with bladed weapons are capable of stopping weapons such as ice picks, double or single-edged knives, and syringes.

[0015] Finally, bulletproof vests adapted for the protection of an individual against attacks carried out with explosive devices generating shrapnel / fragments are capable of stopping explosive devices as mentioned, for example, in the STANAG 2920 standard.

[0016] The most commonly used bulletproof vests, particularly by national police, gendarmerie, and municipal police forces, are those designed to protect individuals against handguns and shotguns. Typically, this type of vest incorporates a flexible ballistic protection element integrated into the front panel, usually inside a waterproof cover. This ballistic protection element consists of a stack of layers made of fibers.Each of these layers is generally formed from a series of unidirectional plies made of ultra-strong fibers such as very high or ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene fibers, or para-aramid fibers, which are stacked one on top of the other and held in a matrix of an organic binder, preferably of a thermoplastic type, or possibly of a thermosetting type. All the stacked layers are of the same shape and dimensions, except possibly for their thickness.

[0017] Such protective elements have a generally flat shape and are perfectly suited to the male morphology, the flexibility of the protective elements allowing them to adapt to a man's torso.

[0018] However, they are completely unsuited to the female anatomy, particularly the curves of a woman's breasts, and therefore cause discomfort when wearing a bulletproof vest containing such a protective element. Furthermore, such protective elements do not provide sufficient protection, especially in the area between the breasts, given the gap between the ballistic protection element and the body, and can cause significant trauma if a projectile strikes the breast.

[0019] Presentation of the invention

[0020] The present invention aims to remedy the aforementioned drawbacks, in particular those described above, by proposing a ballistic protection element, intended to be integrated into a bulletproof vest, adapted to the female morphology, and which provides both comfort when worn and sufficient protection, particularly in an area located between the two breasts, reducing trauma for the user of the bulletproof vest incorporating such a ballistic protection element.

[0021] Additional objectives of the invention are that the bulletproof vest incorporating this ballistic protection element is easy and quick to manufacture.

[0022] To this end, the present invention proposes a ballistic protection element intended for the protection of a female torso, this ballistic protection element having a first face, called the rear face, intended to be positioned opposite the female torso, and a second opposite face, called the front face.

[0023] The female torso is understood to be the region of the human body comprising the breasts, abdomen, and flanks.

[0024] This ballistic protection element, in its own conventional form, comprises within its thickness a first set of multiple layers made of fibers. This first set is of surface dimensions adapted to substantially cover the female torso.

[0025] The fibers in this first set are selected from among high or ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene fibers, para-aramid fibers, and basalt fibers, or any other type of fiber with properties that make them suitable for ballistic protection. The composition and number of layers in this first set are preferably chosen in combination to ensure that the first set is capable of protecting an individual against attacks with handguns (and thus meets, for example, NIJ Level IIIA standards) and shotguns. It is within the expertise of a person skilled in the art to determine the combinations of layer composition and number of layers that achieve such performance, or any other substantially equivalent performance required.

[0026] The first set advantageously presents a shape that closely resembles the form of the female torso. In other words, the first set does not have a generally flat shape, but rather a contoured form. This contouring presents a curved shape adapted to fit the shape of the female torso. The first set is thus designed to conform overall to the female torso, thereby allowing it to fit said female torso as closely as possible.

[0027] The ballistic protection element according to the invention further comprises a second assembly of at least one fiber-based layer, in particular fibers selected from high or ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene fibers, para-aramid fibers, and basalt fibers, or any other type of fiber exhibiting properties that make them suitable for ballistic protection. This second assembly has smaller surface dimensions than the first assembly. More specifically, the surface dimensions of the second assembly are adapted to cover only the female breast. The second assembly is positioned relative to the first assembly at a portion of the ballistic protection element, referred to as the local portion, which is intended to be positioned over the female breast.

[0028] The second set has a shape that closely resembles the shape of the female breast. In other words, the second set is not simply flat, but rather contoured. This contouring creates a rounded shape adapted to fit the shape of the female breast. The second set is thus designed to conform to the overall shape of the female breast, allowing it to fit the female breast as closely as possible.

[0029] The ballistic protection element may therefore exhibit, at the level of its local part, an excess thickness due to the second assembly.

[0030] The layers of the first assembly are independent of each other, over the entire surface of the ballistic protection element.

[0031] A layer of the second set adjacent to a layer of the first set is also independent of said layer of the first set.

[0032] Independent layers mean that the layers are not bonded together in a matrix of binder, particularly a polymer binder. Each layer is independent of the adjacent layer. The layers are therefore not fixed to one another, but free to move relative to each other. Such a ballistic protection element proves highly advantageous in terms of user comfort for a bulletproof vest incorporating this ballistic protection element. Indeed, the fact that the layers of the first assembly are independent of each other ensures flexibility in the ballistic protection element, allowing it to adapt optimally to the wearer's movements and thus guaranteeing greater comfort.

[0033] Furthermore, unlike existing protective elements which have a flat shape, the ballistic protective element according to the invention has a shape reproducing the curved shape of the female torso, which also contributes to the comfort for the user.

[0034] Furthermore, the ballistic protection element according to the invention advantageously allows, thanks to the addition of the second assembly, both for improved impact performance in the hollow area between the breasts and for reduced chest trauma in the event of a projectile impact. Indeed, the composition and number of layers forming the second assembly are jointly selected to minimize the rearward deformation of the ballistic protection element after impact. Injuries caused by this rearward deformation are thus limited.

[0035] Such a ballistic protection element thus advantageously provides a user with reinforced protection at the level of the female chest, while ensuring comfort of use.

[0036] Since the second assembly is present only at the local level of the ballistic protection element, said ballistic protection element according to the invention also presents a weight saving.

[0037] The bulletproof vest incorporating a ballistic protection element according to the invention is perfectly suited for use by women.

[0038] According to particular embodiments of the invention, the ballistic protection element also meets the following characteristics, implemented separately or in each of their technically operative combinations.

[0039] In particular embodiments of the invention, the second assembly comprises a single layer. Said layer is preferably formed by three-dimensional unweaving.

[0040] The term "three-dimensional weaving", or "3D weaving", refers to a form of weaving in which at least some of the warp yarns bind weft yarns over multiple weft stacks.

[0041] In particular embodiments of the invention, the second assembly comprises a plurality of layers.

[0042] In one embodiment, all the layers of the second assembly are independent of each other. The fact that the layers of the first and second assemblies are independent of each other ensures greater flexibility in the ballistic protection element, allowing it to adapt better to the movements of a user and thus guaranteeing greater comfort for said user.

[0043] In another embodiment, all the layers of the second assembly are bonded together by a binder matrix, forming a rigid shell. The fact that the layers of the second assembly are bonded together significantly reduces rearward deformation relative to the type of ammunition being stopped.

[0044] In another embodiment, some layers of the second assembly are bonded together by a binder matrix, while the remaining layers are independent. This embodiment advantageously maintains flexibility while reducing backstrap deformation.

[0045] In particular embodiments of the invention, at least one layer of the first assembly and / or the second assembly is formed of at least one, preferably a plurality, of fiber layers embedded in a binder matrix, preferably a thermoplastic or thermosetting binder. The binder may be the same for both assemblies, or different for the first and second assemblies. The same applies to the fibers used to form the layers.

[0046] Preferably, the layer is formed from a plurality of superimposed fiber sheets embedded in a binder matrix, preferably a thermoplastic or thermosetting binder, which ensures cohesion between the different sheets of each layer. These fiber sheets may, in particular, be unidirectional fiber sheets stacked crosswise, that is, arranged relative to each other so that the fibers of one sheet are oriented differently from the fibers of each adjacent sheet.

[0047] In particular embodiments of the invention, at least one layer of the first assembly and / or the second assembly is formed of a fabric, in particular a woven fabric, such as taffeta, twill, or satin. When the first assembly and / or the second assembly comprises at least two layers formed of a fabric, the fabrics of the layers may be of the same basis weight or of different basis weights and / or of the same weave or of different weaves.

[0048] In particular embodiments of the invention, at least one layer of the first assembly is formed by a combination of felt and fabric.

[0049] In particular embodiments of the invention, at least one layer of the first assembly is formed by a 3D weave.

[0050] The fibers used according to the invention preferably exhibit high strength. In particular embodiments of the invention, the fibers forming the layers of the first assembly, and / or the fibers forming the layers of the second assembly, are selected from:

[0051] - high or ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene fibers, such as fibers marketed under the names Dyneema® by DSM, Tensylon® by DuPont®, Endumax® by Teijin, Spectra by Honeywell,

[0052] - aramid fibers, more specifically para-aramid (poly-para-phenylene terephthalamide), such as the fibers marketed under the names Kevlar® by DuPont®, Twaron® or Technora by Teijin, or Gold Flex® by Honeywell, and

[0053] - basalt fibers, such as the fibers marketed under the name Filava® by Isomatex.

[0054] Such high-modulus Young's fibers offer exceptional strength. The binder can be chosen from polyurethanes and polyolefins, or any mixture thereof.

[0055] Preferably, the layers of the first set located on the side of the female torso are made of basalt fibers. Preferably also, the layers of the second set are made of basalt fibers.

[0056] In particular embodiments of the invention, the second assembly is superimposed on the first assembly at the front face of the ballistic protection element. The added thickness generated by the second assembly is thus positioned opposite the female torso, in the normal position for using the ballistic protection element. This configuration advantageously increases the comfort of using the ballistic protection element according to the invention.

[0057] In particular embodiments of the invention, the second assembly is superimposed on the first assembly at the rear face of the ballistic protection element.

[0058] In particular embodiments of the invention, the second assembly is placed between two successive layers of the first assembly. Such positioning of the second assembly allows it to be embedded within the ballistic protection element and limits the excess thickness on the front face of said ballistic protection element.

[0059] The invention also relates to a bulletproof vest incorporating a ballistic protection element according to the invention meeting one or more of the characteristics described above and / or below.

[0060] The ballistic protection element is designed to be integrated into the ventral section of the body armor vest, to protect the torso of the wearer. When the protection element is integrated into the ventral section of the body armor vest worn by a woman, the first assembly (120) is positioned to protect the female torso, conforming as closely as possible to its shape. The second assembly (130) is then stacked and positioned, along with the first assembly (120), solely at the level of the wearer's chest.

[0061] The invention also relates to a method for manufacturing a ballistic protection element according to the invention, meeting one or more of the characteristics described above and / or below. In this manufacturing method, the shaping of the first assembly and that of the second assembly are carried out simultaneously. This manufacturing method comprises the following steps:

[0062] - layering, in a suitable mold, of the layers of the first set and the second set, adding at least one release agent between each layer of the first set,

[0063] - thermocompression of said layers of the first and second sets. The mold used for the manufacturing process is shaped like the female torso.

[0064] The layer(s) of the second assembly are deposited solely in alignment with the portion of the mold shaped like the female breast. The invention also relates to a method for manufacturing a ballistic protection element according to the invention, exhibiting one or more of the characteristics described above and / or below. In this manufacturing method, the shaping of the first assembly and the shaping of the second assembly are performed separately.

[0065] When the second assembly consists of a single layer, the process includes the following steps:

[0066] - formatting of the first set comprising:

[0067] o layering, in a suitable mold, of the layers of the first assembly, adding a release agent between each layer, o thermocompression of the layers of the first assembly,

[0068] - formatting of the second set comprising:

[0069] o positioning, in a suitable mold, of the layer of the second assembly,

[0070] o thermocompression of the layer of the second assembly,

[0071] - assembly of the first and second sets.

[0072] When the second set has a plurality of layers, the process includes the following steps:

[0073] - formatting of the first set comprising:

[0074] o layering, in a suitable mold, of the layers of the first assembly, adding a release agent between each layer, o thermocompression of the layers of the first assembly,

[0075] - formatting of the second set comprising:

[0076] o superposition, in a suitable mold, of the layers of the second assembly, if necessary adding a release agent between two successive layers,

[0077] o thermocompression of the layers of the second assembly,

[0078] - assembly of the first and second sets.

[0079] The mold used for the first set has the desired shape and surface dimensions for a female torso.

[0080] The mold used for the second assembly can have the desired shape and surface dimensions for a female breast. In another embodiment of the mold used for the second assembly, the mold is the same one used to shape the first assembly. In this case, the layers of the second assembly are deposited only in coincidence with the portion of the mold that has the shape of the female breast.

[0081] Regardless of the manufacturing process, the fiber-based layers forming part of the first and second assemblies of the ballistic protection element according to the invention are initially in the form of fiber(s) embedded in a binder matrix, in particular a thermoplastic or thermosetting binder; the binder of each layer is softened during the thermocompression step and then cooled, each layer retaining its shape.

[0082] The release agent advantageously prevents the layers from sticking together during the thermocompression process. The layers thus remain independent of each other.

[0083] The thermocompression process can be carried out using a press or an autoclave. The parameters of the thermocompression process can vary depending on the materials used, and in particular the binder in each layer, especially if it is a thermoplastic or thermosetting binder, particularly with regard to the thermocompression temperature. When the binder is a mixture of several compounds, the temperature used should preferably be greater than or equal to the highest softening temperature of these compounds.

[0084] In one example, when the binder is a polyurethane, the softening temperature of the binder is approximately 100 to 135 °C.

[0085] The pressure can vary between 5 and 300 bars.

[0086] According to particular implementation methods of the invention, the manufacturing processes of the ballistic protection element also meet the following characteristics, implemented separately or in each of their technically operative combinations.

[0087] In examples of implementation of the invention, the addition of the release agent consists of applying a release film or spraying an anti-stick spray.

[0088] In examples of implementation of the invention, when the release agent is a release film, a step of removing said release film from the first set and / or the second set can be carried out after the thermocompression step.

[0089] Brief description of the figures

[0090] The invention will be better understood upon reading the following description, given by way of non-limiting example, and made with reference to the figures which represent: Figure 1 illustrates an isometric perspective and exploded view of a ballistic protection element according to a first embodiment,

[0091] Figure 2 illustrates an exploded side view of the ballistic protection element of Figure 1,

[0092] Figure 3 illustrates a front view of the ballistic protection element of Figure 1.

[0093] Description of the implementation methods

[0094] A ballistic protection element 100 according to a particular embodiment of the invention is illustrated in figures 1 to 3. The ballistic protection element 100 will hereafter simply be referred to as the protection element.

[0095] The protective element 100 is intended for the protection of a female torso 500.

[0096] This protective element 100 has dimensions adapted to cover the female torso. The torso is defined as the area of ​​the human body covering the chest and abdomen.

[0097] The protective element 100 has a face, called the rear 101, and an opposite face, called the front 102. In the worn configuration, the rear face of the protective element 100 is intended to be positioned opposite the female torso and the front face 102 is intended to be positioned opposite the female torso.

[0098] As seen in Figure 3, the protective element 100 has a curved shape adapted to fit the contours of the female torso 500. The protective element 100 has a shape reproducing the shape of the female torso 500.

[0099] The protective element 100 may have a top notch 103 shaped to fit the shape of the neck. It may have two lateral notches 104 shaped to fit the contour of the two arms.

[0100] The protective element 100 comprises, throughout its thickness and across its entire surface, a first assembly 120 of a plurality of layers, or plies, 121 made of fibers. The different layers 121 of the first assembly 120 are not bonded to one another, but are free to move relative to each other. The fibers used for each layer 121 of said first assembly are chosen to provide ballistic protection. They are preferably high or ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene fibers, para-aramid fibers, or basalt fibers.

[0101] The fact that the layers 121 of the first set 120 are not linked together guarantees flexibility to said first set.

[0102] The first assembly 120 makes up the general shape of the protective element 100. In the non-limiting example of figures 1 and 2, the first assembly 120 comprises nine distinct layers 121.

[0103] The first assembly 120 has surface dimensions suitable for covering the female torso 500. All the layers 121 of the first assembly 120 advantageously have substantially identical surface dimensions. The first assembly 120 advantageously has a shape that substantially reproduces the shape of the female torso.

[0104] As illustrated in Figures 1 and 2, each layer 121 of the first assembly 100 may have an upper notch 122 which together form the notch 103 of the protective element. Each layer 121 may have two lateral notches 123, each lateral notch of each layer together forming a lateral notch 104 of the protective element 100.

[0105] In one embodiment, a layer 121 of the first assembly 100 is formed of a plurality of layers of fibers superimposed on one another, and embedded in a binder matrix, preferably a thermoplastic or thermosetting binder, which ensures cohesion between the different layers of each layer.

[0106] These fiber mats can notably be mats of unidirectional fibers, stacked crosswise with respect to each other, that is to say arranged with respect to each other in such a way that the fibers of one mat have a different orientation from the fibers of each adjacent mat.

[0107] In another embodiment example, a layer 121 of the first set 100 is formed of a fabric, in particular a warp and weft fabric, such as taffeta, twill, satin.

[0108] In this example, the term fabric is understood to mean that it is formed by a classic two-dimensional weave, or "2D weave", in other words a form of weave in which each warp thread passes from one side to the other of the threads of a single weft. In another embodiment example, a layer 121 of the first set 100 is formed by a combination of felt and fabric, assembled by needle punching, such as for example the CoreMatrix® complex.

[0109] In another example of implementation, a layer 121 of the first set 100 is formed by a 3D weave.

[0110] It is clear from the description that the first assembly may consist of identical layers and / or different layers. For example, the first assembly 120 may consist only of layers 121 formed from either a plurality of fiber plies, a single fabric, a combination of felt and fabric, or a 3D weave. In another example, the first assembly 120 may consist of layers 121 formed from a plurality of fiber plies, and / or a single fabric, and / or a combination of felt and fabric, and / or a 3D weave. When the first assembly has at least two layers made of fabric, the fabrics of the layers may be of the same basis weight or different basis weights, and / or the same weave or different weaves.

[0111] The protective element 100 further comprises, within its thickness and over a portion of its surface, a second assembly 130 of at least one fiber-based layer 131. It is understood that, over a portion of the surface of the protective element 100, the first assembly 120 and the second assembly 130 are stacked.

[0112] Preferably, the first set 120 and the second set 130 are stacked only on this part of the surface.

[0113] The fiber layer(s) 131 of the second set 130 is / are distinct from the fiber layers 121 constituting the first set 120. The fiber layer(s) 131 of the second set 130 is / are therefore not formed from the fiber layers 121 constituting the first set 120.

[0114] The fibers used for at least one layer 131 of the second assembly 130 are chosen for their suitability for ballistic protection. As with the first assembly 120, these are preferably high or ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene fibers, para-aramid fibers, or basalt fibers. The second assembly 130 has surface dimensions adapted to cover only the female chest. When the second assembly 130 has several layers 131, all the layers 131 of the second assembly 130 advantageously have substantially identical surface dimensions.

[0115] The second set 130 advantageously presents a shape that closely reproduces the female breast.

[0116] At least one layer 131 of the second set 130 may have an upper notch (not visible in the figures) of a shape similar to the upper notch 123 of the layers 121 of the first set 120.

[0117] It is thus understood that when a 100 protective element is placed on a user's torso, the first 120 assembly and the second 130 assembly are stacked on the user's chest. The second 130 assembly is therefore only present on the portion of the ballistic protective element intended to face the user's chest. Outside this area, only the first 120 assembly protects the user.

[0118] In a first configuration of the second set, said second set comprises a single layer 131.

[0119] In this first configuration, layer 131 is preferentially formed by a 3D weave.

[0120] In a second configuration of the second set, said second set comprises a plurality of layers 131.

[0121] In the non-limiting example of Figures 1 and 2, the second set 130 comprises three layers 131.

[0122] In an initial version of this second configuration, the different layers 131 of the second set 130 are not fixed to each other, but free to move relative to each other.

[0123] The fact that the layers 131 of the second set 130 are not linked together guarantees flexibility to said second set.

[0124] Furthermore, the independence of both the layers of the first set 120 and the second set 130 provides flexibility to the protective element, thus offering greater comfort of use to the user.

[0125] In a second version of this second configuration, the various layers 131 of the second assembly 130 are bonded to each other in a binder matrix, particularly a polymer binder. They are not free to move relative to each other. The rigidity of the second assembly is increased, which allows for a significant reduction in back deformation. In a third version of this second configuration, some layers 131 of the second assembly 130 are bonded to each other in a binder matrix, particularly a polymer binder, and the other layers 131 of the second assembly 130 are not bonded to each other. Preferably, some layers 131 of the second assembly can be bonded together in pairs or trios in a binder matrix. This third version advantageously provides some stiffness in the sensitive area of ​​the female breast.

[0126] In an example of the realization of this second configuration of the second assembly, a layer 131 of the second assembly 130 is preferably formed of a plurality of layers of fibers superimposed on one another, and embedded in a binder matrix, preferably a thermoplastic or thermosetting binder, which ensures cohesion between the different layers of each layer.

[0127] These fiber mats can notably be mats of unidirectional fibers, stacked crosswise with respect to each other, that is to say arranged with respect to each other in such a way that the fibers of one mat have a different orientation from the fibers of each adjacent mat.

[0128] In another example of the realization of this second configuration of the second set, a layer 131 of the second set 130 is formed of a fabric, in particular a warp and weft fabric, such as a taffeta, a twill, a satin.

[0129] Adding the second 130 assembly, regardless of the configuration, to the protective element enhances protection at the female chest when worn. The composition and number of layers in the second 130 assembly are carefully selected to minimize rear deformation of the protective element after impact.

[0130] Preferably, the layers 121 of the first set 120 intended to be positioned on the female chest side are chosen to reduce rearward deformation of the ballistic protection element after impact. For example, the layers 121 are preferably made of either fabric, a combination of felt and fabric, or a 3D weave.

[0131] Preferably, the layers of the first assembly intended to be positioned opposite the female breast are chosen to rapidly stop the munitions (increasing stopping power). The layers 121 are preferably formed from a plurality of fiber plies. In a preferred embodiment of the protective element 100, as illustrated in Figures 1 and 2, at least one layer 131 of the second assembly 130 is placed between two adjacent layers of the first assembly 120.

[0132] In another embodiment of the protective element 100, not shown in the figures, at least one layer 131 of the second assembly 130 is superimposed on all the layers of the first assembly 120, at the level of the front face 102 of said protective element 100.

[0133] In another example of the embodiment of the protective element 100, not shown in the figures, at least one layer of the second set 130 is superimposed on all the layers of the first set 120, at the level of the rear face 101 of said protective element 100.

[0134] In another embodiment of the protective element 100, not shown in the figures, where the second assembly 130 comprises a plurality of layers, a portion of the plurality of layers 131 of the second assembly 130 is placed between two successive layers 121 of the first assembly 120, and at least a portion of the layers 131 of the second assembly 130 is placed between two other successive layers 121 of the first assembly 120. Regardless of the embodiment of the protective element 100, a layer 121 of the first assembly 120 and a layer 131 of the second assembly 130 adjacent to said layer 121 of the first assembly 120 are independent of each other. In other words, each layer 121 of the first assembly 120 that is adjacent to a layer 131 of the second assembly is independent of said layer 131 of the second assembly.

[0135] Thus, as illustrated for example in figures 1 and 2, when the second set 130 is intercalated between two layers 121 of the first set 120, said two layers of said first set are each independent of the layer 131 of the second set to which they are adjacent.

[0136] As an example, a 100% protective element conforming to the invention can be constituted in the following way.

[0137] The first set 120, for example, comprises 22 layers 121, arranged in a first stack of 6 layers 121 superimposed on one another and a second stack of 16 layers 121 superimposed on one another. The second set 130 comprises 10 layers 131 superimposed on one another. The second set 130 is inserted between the first and second stacks of the first set 120. The second stack is positioned opposite the female torso.

[0138] The first stack of the first assembly 120 comprises 6 layers based on ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMW-PE) fibers. Each of the 6 layers is formed by superimposing at least two sheets of unidirectional fibers, the fiber sheets being oriented differently relative to each other, and embedded in a thermoplastic polymer binder matrix, in particular polyurethane.

[0139] The second layer of the first assembly 120 comprises six superimposed layers of ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMW-PE) fibers and ten superimposed layers of para-aramid fibers. The six polyethylene fiber layers are positioned opposite the female torso. Each of the six polyethylene fiber layers consists of a warp and weft fabric, with the fabric of each layer being different. The ten para-aramid fiber layers are each formed by superimposing at least two sheets of unidirectional fibers, with the fiber sheets oriented differently relative to each other, and embedded in a thermoplastic polymer binder matrix, such as polyurethane.

[0140] The second assembly comprises 10 layers based on superimposed para-aramid fibers. The 10 layers based on polyethylene fibers are each formed by a warp and weft fabric, the fabric of each layer being different.

[0141] The same type of binder is used for the 121 layers of the first set 120 and the 131 layers of the second set 130, although the grade of the particular polymer binder may differ between the first set 120 and the second set 130.

[0142] All of these characteristics, given simply as an example and in no way limiting the invention, make it possible to obtain a ballistic protection element intended to protect individuals against handguns, shotguns and bladed weapons.

[0143] The protective element 100 may also include a layer, known as a comfort layer, located on the rear face 101 of the protective element 100 (this layer is not shown in the figures). The comfort layer is at least sized to match the layers 131 of the second assembly 130. Preferably, the comfort layer is sized to match the layers 131 of the second assembly 130. Such a comfort layer advantageously provides additional comfort and also helps to reduce trauma.

[0144] Such a comfort layer can be made of foam, natural or synthetic, for example closed-cell polyurethane foam.

[0145] The protective element 100 is typically placed in a protective cover, sized appropriately for that element. Such a cover can be made of any type of material, including coated polyamide fabric, flexible plastic film, etc., or it can be produced by injection or spray overmolding of an organic polymer, or by any other method commonly used by those skilled in the art. This type of cover is preferably waterproof and impermeable to ultraviolet radiation.

[0146] Two manufacturing processes for a ballistic protection element 100 according to the invention are now described.

[0147] In a first manufacturing process, the shaping of the first set 120 and that of the second set 130 are carried out together.

[0148] The first manufacturing process includes a first step of superimposing the layers of the first set 120 and the second set 130.

[0149] In a first example of implementing this first step, each layer 121 of the first assembly 120 is deposited into a mold. This mold has the desired shape and surface dimensions for a female torso. Between each deposit of a layer 121, a release agent is added. A release agent has also been previously added between the mold and the layer 121 of the first assembly 120 that is in contact with the mold. The layer(s) 131 of the second assembly 130 is / are then deposited onto the first assembly 120, coinciding with the part of the mold having the shape of the female breast. When the second assembly 130 has several layers 131, a release agent can be added between each deposit of a layer 131 of the second assembly 130. A release agent is also added between the adjacent layer of the first assembly 120 and the adjacent layer of the second assembly 130.This first implementation example is representative of a protective element whose second assembly is located on the rear face 101 of the protective element 100. In a second implementation example of this first step, the layer(s) 131 of the second assembly 130 is / are deposited in a mold. This mold has the desired shape and surface dimensions for a female torso. Each layer 131 of the second assembly 130 is deposited only in coincidence with the part of the mold having the shape of the female breast. Between each deposit of a layer 131 of the second assembly 130, a release agent can be added. A release agent has also been previously added between the mold and the layer 131 of the second assembly 130 that is in contact with the mold. Each layer 121 of the first assembly 120 is then deposited onto the second assembly 130, in the mold.Only a surface portion of the first assembly 120 is superimposed on the second assembly 130. Between each application of a layer 121 of the first assembly 120, a release agent is added. A release agent is also added between the adjacent layers of the first assembly 120 and the second assembly 130. This second example of implementation is representative of a protective element in which the second assembly is located on the front face 102 of the protective element 100.

[0150] In a third example of implementing this first step, a portion of the layers 121 of the first set 120 is deposited into a mold. This mold has the desired shape and surface dimensions for a female torso. Between each deposit of a layer 121 of the first set 120, a release agent is added. A release agent has also been previously added between the mold and the layer of the first set 120 that is in contact with the mold. The layer(s) 131 of the second set 130 is / are then deposited onto the already deposited layers 121 of the first set 120, coinciding with the portion of the mold having the shape of the female breast. Between each deposit of a layer 131 of the second set 130, a release agent may be added. A release agent is also added between the adjacent layer 121 of the first set 120 and the adjacent layer 121 of the second set 130.The remaining layers 121 of the first set 120 are then deposited onto the second set 130. Between each deposit of a layer 121 of the first set 120, a release agent is added. A release agent was also previously added between the layer of the second set 130 and that of the first set 120. This third example of implementation is representative of a protective element 100 in which the second set 130 is placed between two layers of the first set 120.

[0151] Regardless of the specific implementation of this first step, the addition of the release agent may involve applying a release film. This release film is typically made of polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) or polyethylene tetrafluoroethylene (ETFE).

[0152] Regardless of the implementation example of this first step, the addition of the release agent may consist of spraying a spray, for example a silicone spray or a PTFE spray, onto the layer.

[0153] The first process then involves a second step of thermocompression of all the layers of the first and second sets.

[0154] This second thermocompression stage can be carried out in an autoclave or under a press, preferably by applying sufficient pressures and at a temperature above the softening temperature of the thermoplastic or thermosetting binder of each layer.

[0155] In one example, the pressure can vary between 5 and 300 bars.

[0156] In one example, when the binder is a polyurethane, the softening temperature of the binder is approximately 125°C.

[0157] At the end of this second stage of the first process, after cooling and hardening of the binder, all the layers are shaped.

[0158] The release agent applied between each layer effectively prevents the layers from sticking together. Therefore, after the thermocompression stage, the different layers are not bonded to each other.

[0159] When the release agent is a release film, the first process may include a third step of removing said release film from each layer of the first and / or second assembly. Once the release films are removed, the layers are stacked on top of each other again and then placed in a protective cover.

[0160] In a second manufacturing process, the shaping of the first set 120 and that of the second set 130 are carried out separately.

[0161] The second manufacturing process includes a first step of shaping the first assembly 120.

[0162] This first step includes a first sub-step of superimposing the layers 121 of the first set 120.

[0163] In an example of implementing this first substep, each layer 121 of the first set is deposited into a mold. This mold has the desired shape and surface dimensions for a female torso. Between each deposit of a layer 121 of the first set 120, a release agent is added. A release agent has also been previously added between the mold and the layer of the first set 120 that is in contact with the mold.

[0164] The first step then includes a second sub-step of thermocompression of the layers 121 of the first assembly 120.

[0165] This second sub-step of thermocompression can be carried out in an autoclave or under a press, preferably by applying sufficient pressures and at a temperature above the softening temperature of the thermoplastic or thermosetting binder of each layer of the first assembly.

[0166] Following this initial stage, after cooling under pressure and hardening of the binder, all the layers of the first assembly are formed. The release agent applied between each layer effectively prevents the layers of the first assembly from sticking together. Thus, at the end of the thermocompression stage, the different layers of the first assembly are not bonded to each other.

[0167] The second manufacturing process includes a second shaping step of the second assembly 130.

[0168] When the second assembly 130 comprises a single layer 131, this second step includes a first substep of depositing the layer 131 into a mold. When the second assembly 130 comprises a plurality of layers 131, this second step includes a first substep of stacking the layers 131 of the second assembly 130.

[0169] In an example of the implementation of this first substep, each layer 131 of the second set 130 is deposited in a mold.

[0170] Between each application of a layer 131 of the second assembly 130, a release agent may be added. A release agent has also been previously added between the mold and the layer of the second assembly 130 that is in contact with the mold.

[0171] In one form of mold realization, the mold can have the desired shape and surface dimensions for a female breast.

[0172] In one form of mold construction, the mold is the one used to shape the first assembly. In this case, the layer(s) of the second assembly are deposited only in coincidence with the part of the mold that has the shape of the female breast.

[0173] The second step then includes a second sub-step of thermocompression of the layers 131 of the second assembly 130.

[0174] This second sub-step of thermocompression can be carried out in an autoclave or under a press, preferably by applying sufficient pressures and at a temperature above the softening temperature of the thermoplastic or thermosetting binder of each layer of the second assembly.

[0175] At the end of this second stage, after cooling under pressure and hardening of the binder, all the layers of the second set 130 are shaped.

[0176] When a release agent is used between two layers 131 of the second assembly 130, it advantageously prevents the two layers of the second assembly from sticking together.

[0177] The order of implementation of the first and second steps is not imposed and, according to the procedure, can be carried out in the reverse order of the order described or carried out simultaneously without changing the result of said steps.

[0178] When the release agent is a release film, the second process may include a step of removing said release film from each layer of the first set and / or the second set.

[0179] In a step subsequent to the first and second steps, the layers of the two sets are superimposed on each other.

[0180] In an example implementation, the layer(s) 131 of the second set 130 is / are positioned between two successive layers 121 of the first set 120.

[0181] In another implementation example, the layer(s) 131 of the second set 130 is / are positioned on or below the layer(s) 121 of the first set 120.

[0182] The protective element is then placed in a protective cover, sized appropriately for said protective element. The ballistic protection element 100 according to the invention can be integrated into a conventional bulletproof vest itself, in the ventral part thereof. The resulting vest is advantageously easy and comfortable for a woman to use, and it provides protection against projectiles fired from handguns, shotguns, or edged weapons.

Claims

Demands Claim 1. Ballistic protection element (100) intended to be integrated into a bulletproof vest and intended for the protection of a female torso (500), said ballistic protection element: - presenting a first face, called the rear face (101), intended to be positioned opposite the female torso, and a second opposing face, called the front face (102), and - comprising, in its thickness and over its entire surface, a first set (120) of a plurality of layers (121) based on defibrates chosen from high or ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene fibers, para-aramid fibers and basalt fibers, of surface dimensions adapted to cover the female torso, characterized in that the first set (120) has a shape reproducing the shape of the female torso, in that the ballistic protection element (100) comprises, within its thickness and over a portion of its surface, a second assembly (130) of at least one layer (131) based on fibers selected from high or ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene fibers, para-aramid fibers and basalt fibers, with surface dimensions adapted to cover only the female breast, said second assembly (130) having a shape reproducing the shape of the female breast, in that the layers (121) of the first set (120) are independent of each other, and in that a layer (131) of the second set (130) adjacent to a layer (121) of the first set (120) is independent of said layer of the first set (120). Claim 2. Ballistic protection element (100) according to claim 1, wherein the second assembly (130) comprises a plurality of layers (131) and wherein: - all the layers (131) of the second set (130) are independent of each other, or - all the layers (131) of the second set (130) are linked to each other by a binder matrix, or, some layers (131) of the second set (130) are linked to each other by a binder matrix and the other layers (131) of the second set (130) are independent. Claim s. Ballistic protection element (100) according to claim 1 in which the second assembly (130) comprises a single layer (131), preferably formed by a three-dimensional weave. Claim 4. Ballistic protection element (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the second assembly (130) is either superimposed on the first assembly (120) at the front face (101) of said ballistic protection element (100), or superimposed on the first assembly (120) at the rear face (102) of said ballistic protection element (100). Claim 5. Ballistic protection element (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the second assembly (130) is placed between two successive layers (121) of the first assembly (120). Claim 6. Bulletproof vest, characterized in that it incorporates, in a ventral portion of said bulletproof vest, a ballistic protection element (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 5. Claim 7. A method for manufacturing a ballistic protection element (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that it comprises the steps of: - superposition, in a suitable mold, of the layers of the first set (120) and the second set (130), adding at least one release agent between each of the layers of the first set, - thermocompression of said layers of the first and second sets (120, 130). Claim 8. A method for manufacturing a ballistic protection element (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that it comprises the steps of: - formatting of the first set (120) comprising: o superposition, in a suitable mold, of the layers (121) of the first assembly (120), adding a release agent between each layer, o thermocompression of the layers (121) of the first assembly, - shaping of the second assembly (130) comprising, when the second assembly comprises a plurality of layers: o superposition, in a suitable mold, of the layers (131) of the second assembly (130), where appropriate adding a release agent between two successive layers, o thermocompression of the layers (121) of the second set, - assembly of the first and second sets (120, 130). Claim 9. Method of manufacturing a ballistic protection element (100) according to any one of claims 7 or 8 wherein the addition of the release agent consists of the application of a release film or the spraying of an anti-stick spray. Claim 10. A method for manufacturing a ballistic protection element (100) according to any one of claims 7 to 9 comprising, where the release agent is a release film, a subsequent step of removing said release film from the first assembly (120) and / or the second assembly (130).

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