Protective garment

Abstract

A protective garment includes a first handle, and a garment body that includes a front portion, a rear portion, and an intermediate portion having a central opening. The first handle is affixed to the front portion spaced from the central opening. The first handle enables a user, while grasping the garment by the first handle, to don the garment on a wearer, different from the user, by first causing alignment of the central opening over the wearer's head, and allowing or causing the garment to become donned on the wearer, the head projecting through the central opening, and the front portion and the rear portion overlying the wearer's torso. The garment is made from a material capable of providing a predetermined level of ballistic protection, and / or, includes at least one pocket capable of accommodating therein a ballistic protection element capable of providing the predetermined level of ballistic protection.

Description

[0001] PROTECTIVE GARMENT

[0002] TECHNOLOGICAL FIELD

[0003] The presently disclosed subject matter relates to protective garments, in particular to bullet proof garments for protection against ballistic threats.

[0004] BACKGROUND

[0005] Bulletproof garments are well-known, and are designed to provide an individual with a predetermined level of ballistic protection, typically correlated to the respective caliber of the bullets, proximity of the shooter, muzzle velocity of the fired firearm, and so on.

[0006] Such bullet proof garments are generally designed to be worn by the user in a body-hugging manner, for example bullet proof vests, and are usually worn prior to the user being exposed to a potential ballistic threat. However, since such garments can take some time for donning on the user they are rarely safely and effectively be donned after the user is already in the line of fire or close thereto. Such bullet proof vests do not cover the arms of the user, thereby allowing the user to use the arms in an active and offensive manner against a perceived threat, and not just as in a defensive manner.

[0007] Ballistic shields, while these not worn per se, are also known for providing ballistic protection to a user. While many such shields can be relatively rigid, some can be deployed when needed, for example the Executive Ballistic Briefcase from Point Blank converts from a lightweight, discreet briefcase to a fold-out ballistic shield, with additional “special threats” protection by inserting additional plates in the plate pockets.

[0008] By way of non-limiting example, DE 8024487 relates to a garment covering the upper body with a protective interior made of a penetration-resistance surface material,in which the surfaces consist of a flexible material, and in particular that can withstand fire from firearms.

[0009] Also by way of non-limiting example US 6,185,738 relates to a load-bearing protective vest adapted to selectively carry detachable elements such as supply receptacles and other auxiliary items. The vest is in the form of a unitary member having a front panel, a rear panel and a central panel interconnecting the front and rear panels.

[0010] Also by way on non-limiting example, EP 3510341 relates to a protective clothing unit, in particular a textile protective clothing unit, preferably a protective clothing unit having protection against splinters and / or fragments and / or having a ballistic protective function, and further relates to a use of said protective clothing unit.

[0011] Also by way on non-limiting example, US 6,841,791 relates to a lightweight, breathable garment which has radiopaque qualities, and to a method for making the radiopaque garment. In a preferred embodiment, a lightweight fabric, such as a cloth surgical mask liner or an entire surgical mask, is impregnated with a lightweight radiopaque compound, such as a barium sulfate compound, to impart radiopaque qualities.

[0012] Also by way on non-limiting example, US 2011 / 0145965 relates to a bulletproof protector capable of protecting the neck of a person securely from a bullet or the like. Bulletproof protector includes: a cylindrical neck protector made of a bulletproof material and protecting the neck of a person; and a sheet under- the-neck protector made of a bulletproof material, having an attachment hole for inserting the neck protector, and protecting a region immediately under the neck of the person. A bulletproof plate covers the neck protector inserted in the attachment hole and the under-the-neck protector to thereby cover a connection part of the neck protector and the under-the-neck protector, thereby preventing a bullet from penetrating the connection part.GENERAL DESCRIPTION

[0013] According to a first aspect of the presently disclosed subject matter there is provided a protective garment operable by a user to enable a predetermined level of ballistic protection to be provided to a wearer of the garment, the wearer being different from the user, the wearer having a head defining a head size within a head- size range and a torso defining a torso size within a torso size range, the garment comprising a garment body and a first handle;

[0014] the garment body including a front portion, a rear portion, and an intermediate portion therebetween, the front portion and rear portion being sized for compatibility with the torso size range, the intermediate portion having a central opening sized for compatibility with the head-size range to enable the head of the wearer to be freely inserted through said central opening;

[0015] the first handle being affixed to said front portion at a location spaced from the central opening by a non-zero handle spacing and the first handle being so dimensioned as to thereby enable the user, while grasping the garment by the first handle, to don the garment on the wearer by first causing the central opening to be at least partially aligned over the head, thereby enabling the head to be inserted through the central opening, and subsequently allowing or causing the garment to become donned on the wearer such that the head projects through the central opening, and the front portion and the rear portion overlie the torso;

[0016] wherein the garment is at least one of:

[0017] made from a material capable of providing said predetermined level of protection; comprises at least one pocket capable of accommodating therein a ballistic protection element capable of providing said predetermined level of protection.

[0018] For example, the garment is made from a material incapable of providing said predetermined level of protection, and wherein said garment comprises at least one said pocket capable of accommodating therein a ballistic protection element capable of providing said predetermined level of protection. Alternatively, for example, said garment comprises at least one said pocket capable of accommodating therein a ballistic protection element capable of providing said predetermined level of protection.In examples in which said garment comprises at least one said pocket capable of accommodating therein a ballistic protection element capable of providing said predetermined level of protection, the garment additionally or alternatively comprises one said pocket provided in the front portion to enable providing said predetermined level of protection to a chest area of the wearer, and optionally, the garment comprises at least one first ballistic plate accommodated in said pocket provided in the front portion. Additionally or alternatively, for example, the garment comprises one said pocket provided in the rear portion to enable providing said predetermined level of protection to a back area of the wearer, and optionally the garment further comprises at least one second ballistic plate accommodated in said pocket provided in the rear portion. For example, each one of said first ballistic plate and second ballistic plate comprises a ballistic material capable of providing a respective said level of ballistic protection corresponding to at least one of NIJ threat level III, NIJ threat level III+, NIJ threat level IV. Additionally or alternatively, for example, each one of said first ballistic plate and second ballistic plate is any one of a ceramic plate or a polyethylene plate. Additionally or alternatively, for example, each one of said first ballistic plate and second ballistic plate is relatively stiffer and less flexible than the front portion or the rear portion.

[0019] Additionally or alternatively, for example, the garment includes one of the following:

[0020] wherein the garment is made from a material capable of providing said predetermined level of protection, and wherein said material is made from one or more layers of high strength woven fibers, wherein optionally each fiber comprises at least one of aramid fibers and aramid fibers;

[0021] wherein the garment is made from a material capable of providing said predetermined level of protection, and wherein said material includes at least one of Kevlar, Twaron, Goldflex, Spectra and Dyneema.

[0022] Additionally or alternatively, for example, each one of said first ballistic plate and second ballistic plate is generally rectangular, and wherein said first ballistic plate and second ballistic plate are overlaid on the front portion and the rear portion, respectively,such as to overlie the torso at least between a neck and a waist, of the wearer when the garment is worn by the wearer.

[0023] Additionally or alternatively, for example, each one of said first ballistic plate and second ballistic plate is provided as a respective single contiguous plate, or wherein each one of said first ballistic plate and second ballistic plate is provided as two respective relatively smaller plates in longitudinal adjacent spatial arrangement with respect to one another at respective facing edges thereof, and wherein optionally each one of said first ballistic plate and second ballistic plate is foldable by nominally 180° about the respective said facing edges.

[0024] Additionally or alternatively, for example, said pockets are provided on one of an outer facing face and an inner facing face of the respective front portion or rear portion.

[0025] Additionally or alternatively, for example, said first ballistic plate and said second ballistic plate are affixed to the front portion and the rear portion, respectively, such as to define a first U-shaped zone extending from the first ballistic plate to an outer perimeter of the front portion, and a second U-shaped zone extending from the second ballistic plate to an outer perimeter of the rear portion.

[0026] Additionally or alternatively, for example, the garment body comprises a sheet defining at least the front portion, the rear portion and the intermediate portion, the sheet having an outer perimeter, wherein the outer perimeter is closed, and wherein the sheet lacks any slit therein joining the opening to the outer perimeter. For example, the sheet has a longitudinal length dimension and a transverse width dimension, wherein a transverse mid-line longitudinally divides the sheet into a first sheet half comprising said front portion, and second sheet half comprising said rear portion, and wherein sheet defines a transverse mid-band aligned on the mid-line, the mid-band corresponding to the intermediate portion, the mid-band including a first mid-band portion provided by the first sheet half, and a second mid-band portion provided by the second sheet half. For example, said mid-band has a mid-band transverse width dimension equivalent to said width dimension, and a mid-band longitudinal length dimension, wherein the mid-band longitudinal length dimension is sufficient to enable the mid-band to overlie a top of shoulders of the wearer to thereby enable a remainder of the first sheet half is overlaying an anterior part of the wearer and such that a remainder of the second sheet half isoverlying a posterior part of the wearer, and wherein optionally the mid-band length dimension is in the range between about 100% and 200% of a diameter of the central opening.

[0027] Additionally or alternatively, for example, the garment body is so dimensioned as to enable the garment body to overlie and cover at least a torso and outer facing portions of at least upper arms of the wearer when donned.

[0028] Additionally or alternatively, for example, the garment includes one of the following:

[0029] wherein the longitudinal length dimension is nominally at least twice the length of the torso, between a neck and a groin of the wearer;

[0030] wherein the longitudinal length dimension is such that the first sheet half and the second sheet half are overlying the anterior and posterior parts, respectively, of the wearer, from the neck and up to the waist;

[0031] wherein the longitudinal length dimension is significantly greater than twice the length of the torso such that the first sheet half and the second sheet half are overlying the anterior and posterior parts, respectively, of the wearer, from the neck and up to the knees;

[0032] wherein the longitudinal length dimension is significantly greater than twice the length of the torso such that the first sheet half and the second sheet half are overlying the anterior and posterior parts, respectively, of the wearer, from the neck and up to the ankles.

[0033] Additionally or alternatively, for example, the garment further comprises a head accessory affixed with respect to said central opening, wherein the head accessory is so sized and / or shaped as to accommodate therein at least a portion of the head of the wearer when the garment is worn by the wearer, and wherein the head accessory is made from the same or different material to the material of the sheet to thereby provide predetermined ballistic protection to the wearer with respect to said at least a portion of the head of the wearer when the garment is worn by the wearer. For example, said head accessory is a hood affixed to or integral with the sheet encompassing the central opening, wherein said hood defines a hood opening via which at least part of a face of the wearercan be viewed from outside the garment when worn by the wearer. For example, the garment includes one of the following:

[0034] wherein the hood opening lacks a cover for covering a throat of the wearer; wherein the hood opening comprises a hood neck portion for covering a neck of the wearer;

[0035] wherein the hood comprises a hood partial face portion covering a majority of the hood opening including a bottom such that only the eyes of the wearer are exposed via the hood opening;

[0036] wherein the hood comprises a hood full face portion covering all of the hood opening, such that the head is fully covered by the hood;

[0037] wherein the hood comprises a face flap, selectively movable from a closed position covering the hood opening such that the hood opening is completely closed, and an open position in which the respective hood opening is open exposing the face of the wearer.

[0038] For example, said head accessory is a hood reversibly attachable to the garment at or near the central opening, wherein said hood defines a hood opening via which at least part of a face of the wearer can be viewed from outside the garment when worn by the wearer, and wherein optionally the garment comprising a hood pocket for storing the hood when not attached to the garment.

[0039] Additionally or alternatively, for example, the garment lacks a head accessory that is otherwise configured for covering at least a portion of the head of the wearer.

[0040] Additionally or alternatively, for example, said predetermined ballistic protection includes providing protection to the wearer from ballistic threats, wherein said ballistic threats include bullets and / or other projectiles of predetermined caliber and momentum.

[0041] Additionally or alternatively, for example, said predetermined ballistic protection includes providing protection to the wearer from ballistic threats, wherein said ballistic threats include one or more of the US National Institute of Justice (NIJ) threat levels I, IIA II, IIIA, III, III+, and IV.Additionally or alternatively, for example, said predetermined ballistic protection includes providing protection to the wearer from ballistic threats, wherein said ballistic threats include protection against non-ballistic cold weapons.

[0042] Additionally or alternatively, for example, the first handle is affixed to or integral with the front portion in a load bearing manner.

[0043] Additionally or alternatively, for example, the first handle defines a handle opening that is so sized to enable receiving a hand of the user and for enabling the hand to grasp the first handle in a load bearing manner to thereby manipulate the garment to don the garment on the wearer by first causing the central opening to be at least partially aligned over the head, thereby enabling the head to be inserted through the central opening, and subsequently allowing by gravity, or causing by said hand, the garment to become donned on the wearer such that the head projects through the central opening, and the front portion and the rear portions overlie the torso.

[0044] Additionally or alternatively, for example, the first handle is U-shaped.

[0045] Additionally or alternatively, for example, the first handle has a grasping portion that is transversely aligned with respect to the garment body.

[0046] Additionally or alternatively, for example, the first handle is located on an outerfacing face of the front portion.

[0047] Additionally or alternatively, for example, the first handle is offset from a center of gravity of the garment by a non-zero spacing.

[0048] Additionally or alternatively, for example, the first handle is spaced longitudinally from the center of central opening by a non-zero longitudinal spacing along the longitudinal direction. For example, the longitudinal spacing is such as to locate the first handle at, or proximal to, an outer edge of the respective pocket, such as to cause a majority of the garment to hang downward from the first handle when the garment is lifted by the handle. Additionally or alternatively, for example, said longitudinal spacing is in any one of the following ranges, as corresponding percentages of the longitudinal length dimension: between 10% and 50%; between 15% and 45%; between 30% and 45%; between 35% and 45%.Additionally or alternatively, for example, the first handle is spaced transversely from a center of the central opening by a non-zero longitudinal spacing along the transverse direction.

[0049] Additionally or alternatively, for example, the garment includes one of the following:

[0050] wherein the head-size range and the torso size range correspond to at least one of: 5thpercentile male; 50thpercentile male; 95thpercentile male; 5thpercentile female; 50thpercentile female; 95thpercentile female;

[0051] wherein the head-size range and the torso size range correspond to at least one of a body type and size of the wearer corresponding to children of ages between toddler and 18 years.

[0052] Additionally or alternatively, for example, the garment further comprises a second handle affixed to the rear portion.

[0053] For example, the first handle and the second handle are symmetrically disposed with respect to the garment, allowing for easier gripping of the garment in the folded configuration, and enabling the garment to be manipulated from the folded configuration to a donning-enabling configuration and thence to a donned configuration via any one of the first handle or the second handle.

[0054] Additionally or alternatively, for example, the front portion and the rear portion are mirror images of one another.

[0055] Additionally or alternatively, for example, the garment is operable for being deployed at least from a donning-enabling configuration to a donned configuration, wherein in the donning-enabling configuration the garment is unfolded, partially or fully, and sufficiently open to enable the garment to be donned on the wearer by the user, and wherein in the donned configuration the garment is worn by the wearer such as to provide the wearer with said predetermined ballistic protection over at least the torso of the wearer.

[0056] Additionally or alternatively, for example, the garment is configured for being selectively deployable from a folded configuration to a donning-enabling configuration, wherein in the folded configuration the garment is folded about a plurality of fold linesinto a compact form. Alternatively, for example, the garment is configured for being selectively deployable from a folded configuration to a donning-enabling configuration, wherein in the folded configuration the garment is folded about a plurality of fold lines into a compact form, and, wherein in said folded configuration the garment is folded into a compact generally parallelepiped form, and such that at least a first portion of the front portion and the handle are exposed on an outside of the folded configuration, while the rear portion and a second portion of the front portion are tucked within the folded configuration. Alternatively, for example, the garment is configured for being selectively deployable from a folded configuration to a donning-enabling configuration, wherein in the folded configuration the garment is folded about a plurality of fold lines into a compact form, and, wherein in said folded configuration the garment is folded into a compact generally parallelepiped form, and such that a first portion of the front portion and the handle are exposed on an outside of the folded configuration, while the rear portion and a second portion of the front portion are tucked within the folded configuration, and, wherein the first portion generally corresponds to the first ballistic plate, the first ballistic plate being folded by nominally 180°. Alternatively, for example, the garment is configured for being selectively deployable from a folded configuration to a donning-enabling configuration, wherein in the folded configuration the garment is folded about a plurality of fold lines into a compact form, and, wherein in said folded configuration the garment is folded into a compact generally parallelepiped form, and such that a first portion of the front portion and the handle are exposed on an outside of the folded configuration, while the rear portion and a second portion of the front portion are tucked within the folded configuration. Alternatively, for example, the garment further comprises a fastening arrangement for selectively maintaining the garment in the folded configuration, the fastening arrangement being selectively operative to release the garment from the folded configuration and allow the garment to be donned on the wearer by the user.

[0057] Alternatively, for example, the garment is configured for being selectively deployable from a folded configuration to a donning-enabling configuration, wherein in the folded configuration the garment is folded about a plurality of fold lines into a compact form, and, wherein in said folded configuration the garment is folded into a compact generally parallelepiped form, and such that a first portion of the front portionand the handle are exposed on an outside of the folded configuration, while the rear portion and a second portion of the front portion are tucked within the folded configuration, and further comprising a fastening arrangement for selectively maintaining the garment in the folded configuration, the fastening arrangement being selectively operative to release the garment from the folded configuration and allow the garment to be donned on the wearer by the user, and, wherein the fastening arrangement is provided in the garment at a location such that in folded configuration the fastening arrangement is in close proximity to the first handle.

[0058] Alternatively, for example, the garment is configured for being selectively deployable from a folded configuration to a donning-enabling configuration, wherein in the folded configuration the garment is folded about a plurality of fold lines into a compact form, and, wherein in said folded configuration the garment is folded into a compact generally parallelepiped form, and such that a first portion of the front portion and the handle are exposed on an outside of the folded configuration, while the rear portion and a second portion of the front portion are tucked within the folded configuration, and further comprising a fastening arrangement for selectively maintaining the garment in the folded configuration, the fastening arrangement being selectively operative to release the garment from the folded configuration and allow the garment to be donned on the wearer by the user, and, wherein the fastening arrangement is provided in the garment at a location such that in folded configuration the fastening arrangement is in close proximity to the first handle, and, wherein the fastening arrangement is operable to release the garment from the folded configuration by said hand of the user, while concurrently the user is grasping the handle with said hand.

[0059] Alternatively, for example, the garment is further configured for being selectively deployable from a folded configuration to the donning-enabling configuration, wherein in the folded configuration the garment is folded about a plurality of fold lines into a compact form, and, wherein in said folded configuration the garment is folded into a compact generally parallelepiped form, and such that a first portion of the front portion and the handle are exposed on an outside of the folded configuration, while the rear portion and a second portion of the front portion are tucked within the folded configuration, and further comprising a fastening arrangement for selectively maintaining the garment in the folded configuration, the fastening arrangement being selectivelyoperative to release the garment from the folded configuration and allow the garment to be donned on the wearer by the user, and, wherein the fastening arrangement is provided in the garment at a location such that in folded configuration the fastening arrangement is in close proximity to the first handle, and, wherein the fastening arrangement is operable to release the garment from the folded configuration by said hand of the user, while concurrently the user is grasping the handle with said hand, and, wherein said fastener arrangement includes any one of a hoop and loop fastener arrangement and a buckle arrangement.

[0060] Alternatively, for example, the garment is further configured for being selectively deployable from a folded configuration to the donning-enabling configuration, wherein in the folded configuration the garment is folded about a plurality of fold lines into a compact form.

[0061] Alternatively, for example, the garment is further configured for being selectively deployable from a folded configuration to the donning-enabling configuration, wherein in the folded configuration the garment is folded about a plurality of fold lines into a compact form, and, wherein in said folded configuration the garment is folded into a compact generally parallelepiped form, and such that the first handle and at least part of the front portion are exposed on an outside of the folded configuration, and such that at least a part of the rear portion is exposed on an outside of the folded configuration, while the intermediate portion and optionally other parts of the front portion and / or of the rear portion are tucked within the folded configuration.

[0062] Alternatively, for example, the garment is further configured for being selectively deployable from a folded configuration to the donning-enabling configuration, wherein in the folded configuration the garment is folded about a plurality of fold lines into a compact form, and, wherein in said folded configuration the garment is folded into a compact generally parallelepiped form, and such that the first handle and at least a first part of the front portion are exposed on an outside of the folded configuration, and such that at least a first part of the rear portion is exposed on an outside of the folded configuration, while the intermediate portion and optionally a respective second part of the front portion and / or of the rear portion are tucked within the folded configuration, and, wherein the first portion generally corresponds to the first ballistic plate.Alternatively, for example, the garment is further configured for being selectively deployable from a folded configuration to the donning-enabling configuration, wherein in the folded configuration the garment is folded about a plurality of fold lines into a compact form, and, wherein in said folded configuration the garment is folded into a compact generally parallelepiped form, and such that the first handle and at least a first part of the front portion are exposed on an outside of the folded configuration, and such that at least a first part of the rear portion is exposed on an outside of the folded configuration, while the intermediate portion and optionally a respective second part of the front portion and / or of the rear portion are tucked within the folded configuration, and, wherein the first portion generally corresponds to the first ballistic plate, and further comprising a fastening arrangement for selectively maintaining the garment in the folded configuration, the fastening arrangement being selectively operative to release the garment from the folded configuration and allow the garment to be donned on the wearer by the user.

[0063] Alternatively, for example, the garment is further configured for being selectively deployable from a folded configuration to the donning-enabling configuration, wherein in the folded configuration the garment is folded about a plurality of fold lines into a compact form, and, wherein in said folded configuration the garment is folded into a compact generally parallelepiped form, and such that the first handle and at least a first part of the front portion are exposed on an outside of the folded configuration, and such that at least a first part of the rear portion is exposed on an outside of the folded configuration, while the intermediate portion and optionally a respective second part of the front portion and / or of the rear portion are tucked within the folded configuration, and, wherein the first portion generally corresponds to the first ballistic plate, and further comprising a fastening arrangement for selectively maintaining the garment in the folded configuration, the fastening arrangement being selectively operative to release the garment from the folded configuration and allow the garment to be donned on the wearer by the user, and, wherein the fastening arrangement is provided in the garment at a location such that in folded configuration the fastening arrangement is in close proximity to the first handle.

[0064] Alternatively, for example, the garment is further configured for being selectively deployable from a folded configuration to the donning-enabling configuration, whereinin the folded configuration the garment is folded about a plurality of fold lines into a compact form, and, wherein in said folded configuration the garment is folded into a compact generally parallelepiped form, and such that the first handle and at least a first part of the front portion are exposed on an outside of the folded configuration, and such that at least a first part of the rear portion is exposed on an outside of the folded configuration, while the intermediate portion and optionally a respective second part of the front portion and / or of the rear portion are tucked within the folded configuration, and, wherein the first portion generally corresponds to the first ballistic plate, and further comprising a fastening arrangement for selectively maintaining the garment in the folded configuration, the fastening arrangement being selectively operative to release the garment from the folded configuration and allow the garment to be donned on the wearer by the user, and, wherein the fastening arrangement is provided in the garment at a location such that in folded configuration the fastening arrangement is in close proximity to the first handle, and, wherein the fastening arrangement is operable to release the garment from the folded configuration by said hand of the user, while concurrently the user is grasping the first handle with said hand.

[0065] Alternatively, for example, the garment is further configured for being selectively deployable from a folded configuration to the donning-enabling configuration, wherein in the folded configuration the garment is folded about a plurality of fold lines into a compact form, and, wherein in said folded configuration the garment is folded into a compact generally parallelepiped form, and such that the first handle and at least a first part of the front portion are exposed on an outside of the folded configuration, and such that at least a first part of the rear portion is exposed on an outside of the folded configuration, while the intermediate portion and optionally a respective second part of the front portion and / or of the rear portion are tucked within the folded configuration, and, wherein the first portion generally corresponds to the first ballistic plate, and further comprising a fastening arrangement for selectively maintaining the garment in the folded configuration, the fastening arrangement being selectively operative to release the garment from the folded configuration and allow the garment to be donned on the wearer by the user, and, wherein the fastening arrangement is provided in the garment at a location such that in folded configuration the fastening arrangement is in close proximity to the first handle, and, wherein the fastening arrangement is operable to release thegarment from the folded configuration by said hand of the user, while concurrently the user is grasping the first handle with said hand, and, wherein said fastener arrangement includes any one of a magnetic fastening arrangement, a hoop and loop fastener arrangement and a buckle arrangement.

[0066] Additionally or alternatively, the garment is configured for being selectively deployable from a folded configuration to a donning-enabling configuration, wherein in the folded configuration the garment is folded about a plurality of fold lines into a compact form, and further comprising a fastening arrangement for selectively maintaining the garment in the folded configuration, and including one or more of the following in any combination:

[0067] the fastening arrangement being selectively operative to release the garment from the folded configuration and allow the garment to be donned on the wearer by the user,

[0068] the fastening arrangement is provided in the garment at a location such that in folded configuration the fastening arrangement is in close proximity to the first handle;

[0069] a free first longitudinal edge of the front portion and a free second longitudinal edge of the back portion are superposed with respect to one another in the folded configuration;

[0070] the fastening arrangement comprises a plurality of magnetic elements affixed to outer facing faces of the front portion and of the rear portion.

[0071] For example, the garment is configured for being selectively deployable from a folded configuration to a donning-enabling configuration, wherein in the folded configuration the garment is folded about a plurality of fold lines into a compact form, and further comprising a fastening arrangement for selectively maintaining the garment in the folded configuration, the fastening arrangement being selectively operative to release the garment from the folded configuration and allow the garment to be donned on the wearer by the user.

[0072] For example, the garment is configured for being selectively deployable from a folded configuration to a donning-enabling configuration, wherein in the folded configuration the garment is folded about a plurality of fold lines into a compact form,and further comprising a fastening arrangement for selectively maintaining the garment in the folded configuration, wherein the fastening arrangement is provided in the garment at a location such that in folded configuration the fastening arrangement is in close proximity to the first handle, the fastening arrangement being selectively operative to release the garment from the folded configuration and allow the garment to be donned on the wearer by the user, and, wherein the fastening arrangement is provided in the garment at a location such that in folded configuration the fastening arrangement is in close proximity to the first handle.

[0073] For example, the garment is configured for being selectively deployable from a folded configuration to a donning-enabling configuration, wherein in the folded configuration the garment is folded about a plurality of fold lines into a compact form, and further comprising a fastening arrangement for selectively maintaining the garment in the folded configuration, wherein the fastening arrangement is provided in the garment at a location such that in folded configuration the fastening arrangement is in close proximity to the first handle.

[0074] For example, the garment is configured for being selectively deployable from a folded configuration to a donning-enabling configuration, wherein in the folded configuration the garment is folded about a plurality of fold lines into a compact form, and further comprising a fastening arrangement for selectively maintaining the garment in the folded configuration, and, wherein a free first longitudinal edge of the front portion and a free second longitudinal edge of the back portion are superposed with respect to one another in the folded configuration.

[0075] For example, the garment is configured for being selectively deployable from a folded configuration to a donning-enabling configuration, wherein in the folded configuration the garment is folded about a plurality of fold lines into a compact form, and further comprising a fastening arrangement for selectively maintaining the garment in the folded configuration, and, wherein a free first longitudinal edge of the front portion and a free second longitudinal edge of the back portion are superposed with respect to one another in the folded configuration, the fastening arrangement being selectively operative to release the garment from the folded configuration and allow the garment to be donned on the wearer by the user.For example, the garment is configured for being selectively deployable from a folded configuration to a donning-enabling configuration, wherein in the folded configuration the garment is folded about a plurality of fold lines into a compact form, and further comprising a fastening arrangement for selectively maintaining the garment in the folded configuration, and, wherein a free first longitudinal edge of the front portion and a free second longitudinal edge of the back portion are superposed with respect to one another in the folded configuration, the fastening arrangement being selectively operative to release the garment from the folded configuration and allow the garment to be donned on the wearer by the user, and, wherein the fastening arrangement is provided in the garment at a location such that in folded configuration the fastening arrangement is in close proximity to the first handle.

[0076] For example, the garment is configured for being selectively deployable from a folded configuration to a donning-enabling configuration, wherein in the folded configuration the garment is folded about a plurality of fold lines into a compact form, and further comprising a fastening arrangement for selectively maintaining the garment in the folded configuration, and, wherein a free first longitudinal edge of the front portion and a free second longitudinal edge of the back portion are superposed with respect to one another in the folded configuration, wherein the fastening arrangement is provided in the garment at a location such that in folded configuration the fastening arrangement is in close proximity to the first handle.

[0077] For example, the garment is configured for being selectively deployable from a folded configuration to a donning-enabling configuration, wherein in the folded configuration the garment is folded about a plurality of fold lines into a compact form, and further comprising a fastening arrangement for selectively maintaining the garment in the folded configuration, wherein the fastening arrangement comprises a plurality of magnetic elements affixed to outer facing faces of the front portion and of the rear portion.

[0078] For example, the garment is configured for being selectively deployable from a folded configuration to a donning-enabling configuration, wherein in the folded configuration the garment is folded about a plurality of fold lines into a compact form, and further comprising a fastening arrangement for selectively maintaining the garment in the folded configuration, wherein the fastening arrangement comprises a plurality of magnetic elements affixed to outer facing faces of the front portion and of the rear portion,and, wherein a free first longitudinal edge of the front portion and a free second longitudinal edge of the back portion are superposed with respect to one another in the folded configuration.

[0079] For example, the garment is configured for being selectively deployable from a folded configuration to a donning-enabling configuration, wherein in the folded configuration the garment is folded about a plurality of fold lines into a compact form, and further comprising a fastening arrangement for selectively maintaining the garment in the folded configuration, wherein the fastening arrangement comprises a plurality of magnetic elements affixed to outer facing faces of the front portion and of the rear portion, wherein a free first longitudinal edge of the front portion and a free second longitudinal edge of the back portion are superposed with respect to one another in the folded configuration, the fastening arrangement being selectively operative to release the garment from the folded configuration and allow the garment to be donned on the wearer by the user.

[0080] For example, the garment is configured for being selectively deployable from a folded configuration to a donning-enabling configuration, wherein in the folded configuration the garment is folded about a plurality of fold lines into a compact form, and further comprising a fastening arrangement for selectively maintaining the garment in the folded configuration, wherein the fastening arrangement comprises a plurality of magnetic elements affixed to outer facing faces of the front portion and of the rear portion, and, wherein a free first longitudinal edge of the front portion and a free second longitudinal edge of the back portion are superposed with respect to one another in the folded configuration, the fastening arrangement being selectively operative to release the garment from the folded configuration and allow the garment to be donned on the wearer by the user, and, wherein the fastening arrangement is provided in the garment at a location such that in folded configuration the fastening arrangement is in close proximity to the first handle.

[0081] For example, the garment is configured for being selectively deployable from a folded configuration to a donning-enabling configuration, wherein in the folded configuration the garment is folded about a plurality of fold lines into a compact form, and further comprising a fastening arrangement for selectively maintaining the garment in the folded configuration, wherein the fastening arrangement comprises a plurality ofmagnetic elements affixed to outer facing faces of the front portion and of the rear portion, and, wherein a free first longitudinal edge of the front portion and a free second longitudinal edge of the back portion are superposed with respect to one another in the folded configuration, wherein the fastening arrangement is provided in the garment at a location such that in folded configuration the fastening arrangement is in close proximity to the first handle.

[0082] Additionally or alternatively, for example, the fastening arrangement comprises a release mechanism operative to selectively disengage the front portion from the back portion via the fastening arrangement.

[0083] Additionally or alternatively, for example, the garment includes at least one of the following:

[0084] wherein the garment is deployable from the folded configuration to the donning- enabling configuration by holding the first handle uppermost, allowing a remainder of the garment to unfold and to fall in a direction away from the first handle by gravity;

[0085] wherein in the donning-enabling configuration, the garment is held nominally vertically via the first handle, and the garment being situated with respect to the wearer such that an inner-facing face of the garment is facing a posterior side of the wearer, and such that the first handle is about level with the head of the wearer; wherein the garment is operable to be deployable from the donning-enabling configuration to the donned configuration, via the user grasping the garment by the first handle, applying a pulling force on the first handle such as to cause the garment to assume a position above the wearer until the central opening is generally overlying the head of the wearer, and causing or allowing the garment to be draped onto the wearer by the garment being lowered onto the wearer such that the head of the wearer becomes inserted through the central opening, and causing or allowing the front portion to drape over an anterior part of the wearer, while the rear portion drapes over the posterior part of the wearer, and wherein optionally in order to achieve the donned configuration, the hood is further donned on the head of the wearer, concurrently while the head of the wearer is inserted through the central opening or after the head of the wearer is inserted through thecentral opening, or after the front portion is draped over the anterior part of the wearer.

[0086] Additionally or alternatively, for example, the garment further comprises a plurality of magnets affixed to outer facing faces of the front portion and of the rear portion at locations such that in the folded configuration a first group of said magnets having respective exposed faces of one magnetic polarity are aligned with and magnetically affixed to a second group of said magnets having respective exposed faces of an opposite magnetic polarity, or, the garment further comprises a plurality of magnets and a corresponding plurality of ferrous metallic plates affixed to outer facing faces of the front portion and of the rear portion, at locations such that in the folded configuration said magnets are aligned with and magnetically affixed to corresponding said metal plates.

[0087] According to a second aspect of the presently disclosed subject matter, there is provided a method for enabling a user to don a protective garment onto a wearer to provide a predetermined level of ballistic protection to the wearer, the protective garment being as defined herein regarding the first aspect of the presently disclosed subject matter, the method comprising:

[0088] (a) the user grasping the garment with one hand at the first handle;

[0089] (b) the user operating the garment such as to cause the central opening to be at least partially aligned over the head of the wearer;

[0090] (c) the user causing or allowing the head of the wearer to be inserted through the central opening, and causing or allowing a remainder of the garment to be donned on the wearer.

[0091] For example, prior to step (a) the garment is in a folded configuration, and comprising the step of unfolding the garment to an unfolded configuration.

[0092] According to a third aspect of the presently disclosed subject matter, there is provided a kit comprising at least one protective garment and donning instructions, wherein the garment is as herein regarding the first aspect of the presently disclosed subject matter, and wherein the donning instructions correspond to the method as defined herein regarding the second aspect of the presently disclosed subject matter.According to the first aspect of the presently disclosed subject matter there is also provided a protective garment operable by a user to provide a predetermined level of ballistic protection to a wearer of the garment, the wearer having corresponding body parameters within one or more predetermined body parameter ranges, the garment comprising a garment body and a handle, the garment body sized for compatibility with the one or more predetermined body parameter ranges, the garment body comprising a sheet of material capable of providing said predetermined level of ballistic protection, the sheet having an outer perimeter and a central opening, the central opening being so dimensioned as to enable a head of the wearer to be selectively inserted therethrough, the garment body being so dimensioned as to enable the garment body to overlie and cover at least a torso of the wearer when donned, the handle being affixed to the garment body at a location spaced from the central opening towards said outer perimeter by a non-zero handle spacing to thereby enable the user, by grasping the handle with one hand of the user, to operate the garment such as to cause the central opening to be at least partially aligned over the head, thereby enabling the head to be inserted through the central opening and the garment to be donned on the wearer.

[0093] A feature of at least one example of the presently disclosed subject matter is that a protective garment is provided that can deployed rapidly to a donned configuration on a wearer by a user using only one hand.

[0094] Nevertheless, it is possible to further aid in the deployment of the garment to the donned configuration by also using the other hand of the user, for example to hold an edge of the garment.

[0095] Another feature of at least one example of the presently disclosed subject matter is that a protective garment can be provided including a handle, wherein the location of the handle with respect to the remainder of the garment enables a wearer to readily protected in a fast and effective manner, for example as compared with conventional bullet proof vests which take much longer to don.

[0096] Another feature of at least one example of the presently disclosed subject matter is that a protective garment can be provided and donned on the wearer by the user in a number of fast donning steps within a short time period, subsequently freeing the user to take active measures against the threat while concurrently enabling the wearer to remainprotected and autonomous, as compared to conventional protection solutions in which a protective blanket is draped over the potential victim, thereby severely limiting or removing the ability of the potential victim to be autonomous, and necessitating the user to remain with the potential victim and reducing the ability of the user to concurrently actively engage the threat.

[0097] Another feature of at least one example of the presently disclosed subject matter is that a protective garment can be provided in which the handle provides a graspable structure that allows the garment to be unfolded and donned on the wearer by using only one hand of the user thereby freeing the other hand of the user to concurrently counter attack the potential threat, the graspable structure being characterized by at least one of: (i) the location of the handle on the garment is such as to allow the garment to be draped by gravity over the wearer, once the opening is aligned over the head, the head being inserted through the opening, thereby freeing the user to readily address the potential threat in the knowledge that the user is protected; (ii) the garment is foldable to a folded configuration in which the two longitudinal ends are close together, for example superposed on one another, and are secured together by fasteners, in which the fasteners can be operated by one hand of the user gripping the handle (for example by either pulling the handle or actively unfastening by the hand), thereby maintaining free the other hand of the user to readily address the attacker; (iii) providing the fasteners or fastening arrangement in the close proximity with the handle to enable unfastening and donning the garment with one hand of the user. For example, the attacker can be addressed by the user using a weapon such as for example a pistol, on the other hand.

[0098] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0099] In order to better understand the subject matter that is disclosed herein and to exemplify how it may be carried out in practice, examples will now be described, by way of non-limiting example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0100] Fig. 1 is a plan view of a garment according to a first example of the presently disclosed subject matter, in which the garment is laid out open and flat; Fig. 1A is a side view of the example of Fig. 1; Fig. IB is another plan top view of the example of Fig. 1.Fig. 2 is an isometric view of the example of Fig. 1 in the folded configuration.

[0101] Fig. 3 is an isometric view of the example of Fig. 1 in the donned configuration;

[0102] Fig.3A is a partial isometric view of part of garment according to an alternative variation of the example of Fig. 3.

[0103] Fig. 4A schematically illustrates relative positions of a user, a wearer, and the garment example of Fig. 1 in the donning-enabling position; Fig. 4B schematically illustrates relative positions of the garment example of Fig. 1 and the wearer at the initial stages of transitioning the garment from the donning-enabling position to the donned configuration; Fig.4C schematically illustrates relative positions of the garment example of Fig. 1 and the wearer at intermediate stage of transitioning the garment from the donning-enabling position to the donned configuration; Fig. 4D schematically illustrates relative positions of the garment example of Fig. 1 and the wearer at the final stages of transitioning the garment from the donning-enabling position to the donned configuration.

[0104] Fig. 5 schematically illustrates the garment example of Fig. 1 donned on the wearer in the donned configuration.

[0105] Fig.6A is a plan view of a particular implementation of the example of Fig. 1 and in which the garment is laid out open and flat; Fig.6B is an isometric view of the example of Fig. 6A in the folded configuration; Fig. 6C is an isometric view of the example of Fig. 6A in the folded configuration; Fig.6D schematically illustrates the garment example of Fig. 6A donned on the wearer in the donned configuration.

[0106] Fig. 7A is a partial isometric view of part of garment according to an alternative variation of the example of Fig. 3; Fig. 7B is a partial isometric view of part of garment according to another alternative variation of the example of Fig. 3; Fig. 7C is a partial isometric view of part of garment according to another alternative variation of the example of Fig. 3; Fig. 7D is a partial isometric view of part of garment according to another alternative variation of the example of Fig. 3 in the open position; Fig. 7E is a partial isometric view of part of garment of the example of Fig. 7E in the closed position;

[0107] Fig. 7F is a partial isometric view of part of garment according to another alternative variation of the example of Fig. 3.Fig. 8A is a partial plan view of part of garment according to another alternative variation of the example of Fig. 1; Fig. 8B is a partial plan view of part of garment according to another alternative variation of the example of Fig. 1.

[0108] Fig. 9 is a plan view of part of garment according to another alternative variation of the example of Fig. 1,

[0109] Fig. 10 schematically illustrates relative positions of a user, a wearer, and the garment example of Fig. 9 in the donning-enabling position.

[0110] Fig. 11 schematically illustrates relative positions of the garment example of Fig.

[0111] 9 and the wearer at the intermediate stages of transitioning the garment from the donning-enabling position to the donned configuration.

[0112] Fig. 12 schematically illustrates the garment example of Fig. 9 donned on the wearer in the donned configuration.

[0113] Fig. 13 is a plan back view of the garment example of Fig. 1 at the first step of a folding process according to an example thereof.

[0114] Fig. 14 is a plan view of the garment example of Fig. 13 at the second step of the folding process.

[0115] Fig. 15 is a plan view of the garment example of Fig. 13 at the third step of the folding process.

[0116] Fig. 16 is a plan view of the garment example of Fig. 13 at the fourth step of the folding process.

[0117] Fig. 17 is a plan view of the garment example of Fig. 13 at the fifth step of the folding process.

[0118] Fig. 18 is an isometric view of the garment example of Fig. 13 at the sixth step of the folding process.

[0119] Fig. 19 is a plan back view of the garment example of Fig. 6A at the first step of a folding process according to an example thereof.

[0120] Fig. 20 is a plan view of the garment example of Fig. 19 at the second step of the folding process.Fig. 21 is a plan view of the garment example of Fig. 19 at the third step of the folding process.

[0121] Fig. 22 is a plan view of the garment example of Fig. 19 at the fourth step of the folding process.

[0122] Fig. 23 is a side view of the garment example of Fig. 19 at the fourth step of the folding process.

[0123] Fig. 24 is an isometric view of the garment example of Fig. 19 at the fifth step of the folding process.

[0124] DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0125] Referring to Fig. 1 and Fig. 1A, a protective garment (also referred to interchangeably herein as a garment or as a bulletproof garment) for providing ballistic protection to the wearer thereof (the wearer having corresponding body parameters within one or more predetermined body parameter ranges), according to a first example of the presently disclosed subject matter, generally designated 100, is in the form of a poncho, and comprises a garment body sized for compatibility with the one or more predetermined body parameter ranges, the garment body 105 comprising a piece or sheet 110 having an opening 170, and further comprising a deployment handle 150.

[0126] Such body parameters and parameter ranges can be in connection with the head and torso of the wearer, and can correspondingly include a head size of the head of the wearer being within a head- size range, and a torso size of the torso of the wearer being within a torso size range.

[0127] In at least this example, the garment body comprises a front portion 105F (also interchangeably referred to herein as a forward portion), a rear portion 105R (also interchangeably referred to herein as an aft portion) and an intermediate portion 105M between the front portion 105F and the rear portion 105R.

[0128] As will become clearer herein, the front portion 105F and the rear portion 105R are sized for compatibility with the torso size range, and the intermediate portion 105M has thecentral opening 170, which is sized for compatibility with the head-size range to enable the head of the wearer to be freely inserted through said central opening 170.

[0129] Also as will become clearer herein, the protective garment 100 is operable by a user to enable a predetermined level of ballistic protection to be provided to the wearer of the garment 100, the wearer being different from the user.

[0130] Also as will become clearer herein, in at least this example, the garment is made from a material capable of providing the aforesaid predetermined level of protection, and / or, the garment comprises at least one pocket capable of accommodating therein a ballistic protection element capable of providing the aforesaid predetermined level of protection.

[0131] Also as will become clearer herein, the garment body is so dimensioned as to enable the garment body to overlie and cover at least the torso, and optionally the outer facing portions of at least upper arms, of the wearer when donned, the handle 150 being affixed to the garment body or sheet 110 at a location spaced from the central opening 170 by a nonzero handle spacing to thereby enable the user, by grasping the handle with one hand of the user, to operate the garment 100 such as to cause the central opening 170 to be at least partially aligned over the head of the wearer, thereby enabling the head of the wearer to be inserted through the central opening. The garment can then be donned on the wearer by allowing the garment to fall by gravity over the wearer, or by actively driving the garment, via the handle, onto the wearer, in any case with the head of the wearer projecting through the central opening.

[0132] The torso includes the shoulders, chest, lower abdomen, back, and buttocks of the wearer.

[0133] Nevertheless, it is possible to further aid in the deployment of the garment to the donned configuration by also using the other hand of the user, for example to hold an edge of the garment. Such additional grasping may be desirable in cases in which the garment is particularly heavy, for example.

[0134] More in particular, the handle 150 is affixed to the garment body 105, in particular the front portion 105F thereof, at a location spaced from the central opening 170 by a nonzero handle spacing, the handle 150 being so dimensioned as to thereby enable the user, while grasping the garment 100 by the handle 150, to don the garment on the wearer by firstcausing the central opening 170 to be at least partially aligned over the head of the wearer, thereby enabling the head to be inserted through the central opening 170, and subsequently allowing or causing the garment 100 to become donned on the wearer such that the head projects through the central opening 170, and such that the front portion 105F and the rear portion 105R overlie the torso of the wearer.

[0135] By "ballistic protection" is meant that the garment provides protection to the wearer from predetermined ballistic threats, including bullets, fragments, shrapnel, and / or other projectiles of predetermined caliber and momentum, for example but not limited to, one or more of the US National Institute of Justice (NIJ) threat levels I, IIA II, IIIA, III, III+, and IV. In addition, such ballistic protection can also include protection against at least some types of typically non-ballistic cold weapons, including for example knives, daggers, bayonets, swords, lances, and so on.

[0136] Referring also to Fig. 2, Fig. 3, Fig. 4 A and Fig. 5, according to an aspect of the presently disclosed subject matter, and as will become clearer herein, the garment 100 is selectively deployable from a folded configuration FC to a donning-enabling configuration (also referred to interchangeably herein as a deployed configuration) DC, and thence to a donned configuration DN, in a very short time interval T.

[0137] Thus, and as will become clearer herein, within the time interval T, the garment 100 can be donned on the wearer to provide instant protective coverage for at least some portions of the body of the wearer against at least ballistic threats.

[0138] According to an aspect of the presently disclosed subject matter, and referring to Fig.

[0139] 4A in particular, the deployment operation, in which the garment 100 is transitioned from the folded configuration FC to the donned configuration DN via the donning-enabling configuration DC, can be carried out by a user USR with respect to another person, the wearer, herein also interchangeably referred to as a potential value target PT. However, in other examples, the potential value target PT can also deploy the garment on himself / herself to the donned configuration DN.

[0140] For example, the wearer can be a dignitary, a diplomat, a VIP, a protected witness, a rescued hostage, schoolchildren, students, and so on.In the folded configuration FC, and referring to Fig. 2 in particular, the garment 100 can be easily carried, for example via the handle 150 using only one hand, and can also be easily stored and transported in this configuration.

[0141] In the folded configuration FC, and as will become clearer herein, the garment 100 is folded with respect to a plurality of fold lines into a compact form, and fits within a compact envelope EN, having a relatively small compact volume and relatively small length dimension LI, width dimension W1 and depth dimension DI.

[0142] In the donning -enabling configuration DC, and referring to Fig. 1, Fig. 1A and Fig.

[0143] 4A in particular, the garment 100 is unfolded, partially or fully, and is sufficiently open to enable the garment 100 to be donned on the potential value target PT by the user in the aforesaid time interval T.

[0144] In the donned configuration DN, and referring to Fig. 3 and Fig. 5 in particular, the garment 100 is worn by the potential value target PT such as to provide the potential value target PT with predetermined ballistic protection with respect to at least the torso (and in at least this example also with respect to at least part of the head, and also with respect to the shoulders and at least upper arms) of the potential value target PT, and thereby prevent or minimize risk of life-threatening injuries originating from a potential threat.

[0145] Such a time interval T is of sufficient short duration as to enable the potential value target PT to be thus protected even after a threat has already commenced with respect to the potential value target PT, and the potential value target PT is in the line of fire or close thereto. In fact, the garment 100 can be donned on the potential value target PT very quickly, so that even if the potential value target PT has already been hit and non-fatally injured, the potential value target PT can be protected from incurring further injuries, in particular life-threatening injuries.

[0146] For example, such a time interval T can be in the range between about 1 second and 3 seconds.

[0147] Thus, the protective garment 100 can deployed rapidly to a donned configuration on a wearer by a user using only one hand of the user.

[0148] Referring again to Fig. 1 and Fig. 1A, the garment 100 has an outer-facing surface or face 102 and an inner-facing surface or face 104. In the donned configuration DN,when the garment 100 is worn by the potential value target PT, the inner facing face 102 is facing the wearer and the outside facing face 104 is facing away from the potential value target PT.

[0149] In particular, the sheet 110 has an outer face 112 and an inner face 114, separated from one another by the thickness t of the sheet 110. When laid out flat, as in Fig. 1 and Fig. 1A, for example, the garment 100 has an outer perimeter 120 having a length dimension L2, a width dimension W2 and thickness dimension t, and the opening 170 is nominally centrally disposed on the sheet 110.

[0150] In at least this example, the outer perimeter 120 is closed, i.e., the outer perimeter 120 is a continuous perimeter, and the sheet 100 lacks any slit therein (i.e., lacks any continuous opening) joining the opening 170 to the outer perimeter 120.

[0151] In at least this example, the sheet 110 is nominally rectangular, in which the corners can optionally be rounded. Thus, the outer perimeter 120 comprises two longitudinal edges 123 spaced from one another by the transverse or lateral width dimension W2, and two transverse edges 126 spaced from one another by the longitudinal length dimension L2. In at least this example, the length dimension L2 is greater than the width dimension W2. However, in at least some alternative variations of this example, the respective sheet (in plan view and opened flat) can have any suitable shape, for example trapezoidal, or polygonal having five or more sides, or elliptical, or superelliptical.

[0152] The sheet 110 can be divided longitudinally (i.e., along the length direction) by an imaginary transverse mid-line 115 (orthogonal to the length direction) into a first sheet half 110A and a second sheet half HOB. The first sheet half 110A comprises the front portion 105F, and the second sheet half HOB comprises the rear portion 105R.

[0153] The sheet 110 defines the intermediate portion 105M which is in the form of a transverse mid-band 125, aligned on the mid-line 115. The mid-band 125 includes a first mid-band portion 125A, provided by the first sheet half 110A, and a second mid-band portion 125B, provided by the second sheet half HOB.

[0154] The mid-band 125, and thus each one of the first mid-band portion 125A and the second mid-band portion 125B, has a transverse width dimension equivalent to widthdimension W2. The mid-band 125 also has a mid-band longitudinal length dimension LM, and each one of the first mid-band portion 125A and the second mid-band portion 125B has a respective first length dimension LM1 and second length dimension LM2, respectively. The length dimension LM is sufficient to overlie at least the top of the shoulders of the potential value target PT, to thereby enable the remainder of the first sheet half 110A and the remainder of the second sheet half HOB to drape generally vertically over the upper body (including at least the torso and upper arms) of the potential value target PT. In at least this example, the length dimension LM is generally correlated to the width of the torso or shoulders of the potential value target PT, between the anterior and posterior parts thereof. In at least this example, the first length dimension LM1 and second length dimension LM2 are nominally equal to one another, and each is about 11% of the length dimension L2. However, in at least some alternative variations of this example, the respective first length dimension LM1 and second length dimension LM2 can be different from one another, and / or, each can be in the range between about 5% and 15% of the respective length dimension L2.

[0155] For example, the length dimension LM can be nominally equal to the diameter D of the opening 170, or for example the length dimension LM can be in the range between about 100% and 200% of the diameter D of the opening 170.

[0156] In at least this example, the opening 170 is generally centrally located in the garment body 105, and thus with respect to the sheet 110, and thus with respect to the outer perimeter 120. However, in at least some alternative variations of this example the respective opening can be shifted along the length direction from the central position towards the first sheet half 110A or towards the second sheet half HOB.

[0157] The opening 170 is sized such as to allow the head of the potential value target PT to pass through the opening 170 when the sheet 110 is draped over the body of the potential value target PT in the donned configuration DN. Thus, the diameter D of the opening is correlated with the maximum diameter DP (Fig. 4A) of the head of the potential value target PT. In at least this example the diameter D is greater than the maximum diameter DP of the head of the potential value target PT, for example by up to 10% or by up to 20%.In particular, and referring to Fig. 3 and Fig. 5, in at least this example, in the donned configuration DN the sheet 110 is draped over the shoulders, torso and at least upper arms of the potential value target PT, such that the first sheet half 110A of the sheet 110, in particular the front portion 105F, is overlying the anterior part of the body (in particular of the torso), the second sheet half HOB of the sheet 110, in particular the rear portion 105R, is overlying the posterior part of the body (in particular of the torso), and the mid-line of the sheet 110, i.e. the intermediate portion 105M, is draped over at least the top of the shoulders.

[0158] Thus, in at least this example, the length dimension L2 is nominally at least twice the length of the torso, between the neck and the groin of potential value target PT. However in at least some alternative variations of this example, the length LI is significantly greater than twice the length of the torso so that the respective first sheet half 110A and the respective second sheet half HOB of the respective sheet 110 is overlying the anterior and posterior parts, respectively, of the body, from the neck and up to the knees, or up to the ankles, for example. Conversely, in at least some other alternative variations of this example, the length LI is significantly less than in the example of Fig. 5, so that the respective first sheet half 110A and the respective second sheet half HOB of the respective sheet 110, in particular the front portion 105F and the rear portion 105R, are overlying the anterior and posterior parts, respectively, of the body of the wearer, from the neck and up to the waist, for example; in other words, in such examples, the length LI is less than twice the length of the torso, such as to overlie the chest and lower abdomen and back of the wearer, up to the waist, but excluding the groin or buttocks of the wearer.

[0159] The larger the length dimension L2, the greater the extent to which the anterior and posterior sides of the lower body below the waist are overlaid with the sheet 110 in the donned configuration DN, and thus the larger the area of the body of the potential value target PT that is protected by the garment 100. On the other hand, and as will become clearer herein, the larger the length dimension L2, potentially the greater the time T that can be required for deploying the garment 100 from the folded configuration to the donning-enabling configuration DC to the donned configuration DN, and potentially the more difficult or complicated that such a deployment can become.Furthermore, and referring also to Fig. 1 and Fig. 4A, in at least this example, the width dimension W2 is greater than the width WB of the upper body of the potential value target PT, including the respective shoulder width and arms, by a lateral excess width 2*WE, such that a half lateral excess width WE drapes over the outside of one arm, and another half lateral excess width WE drapes over the outside of the other arm, as best seen in Fig. 5. The larger the width dimension W2 and in particular the larger the half lateral excess width WE, the greater the extent to which the outsides of the arms of the potential value target PT can be overlaid with the sheet 110 in the donned configuration DN, and thus the larger the area of the body of the potential value target PT that can be protected by the garment 100. On the other hand, and as will become clearer herein, the larger the width dimension W2, and in particular the larger the half lateral excess width WE, potentially the greater the time T that can be required for deploying the garment 100 from the folded configuration to the donning-enabling configuration DC to the donned configuration DN, and potentially the more difficult or complicated that such a deployment can become. However, in at least some alternative variations of these examples, for example the examples of Fig. 6A to Fig. 6D as will become clearer below, the width dimension W2 is nominally equal to or less than the width WB of the upper body of the potential value target PT, such that the respective garment is in the form of a vest for example, such as to include only part of the respective shoulder width and excluding the arms of the wearer.

[0160] In at least this example, the garment 100 further comprises an optional head accessory in the form of hood 190, encompassing the opening 172. In at least this example the hood 190 is connected to the inner perimeter 172 of the opening 170 via an inside edge 192 of the hood 190. However, in at least some alternative variations of this example, and referring for example to Fig. 3A, the respective hood 190 can be connected to the sheet 110, and in particular to the mid-band 125, at a location 191 that is radially spaced from the perimeter 172 of the opening 170, to thereby provide an inner hood band 196 between the perimeter 172 and the inside edge 192 of the hood 190. In at least this example, the hood 190 is affixed to or is integral with the sheet 110. Thus, in at least some alternative variations of these examples, and as will become clearer below, the respective garment can optionally include a head accessory, for example in the form of a hood, that is reversibly attachable to the garment at or near the central opening, wherein the hooddefines a hood opening via which at least part of a face of the wearer can be viewed from outside the garment when worn by the wearer, and wherein optionally the garment comprising a hood pocket for storing the hood when not attached to the garment. However, in at least some alternative variations of these examples, for example the examples of Fig. 6A to Fig. 6D as will become clearer below, the respective garment can optionally omit a head accessory, for example in the form of a hood, that is reversibly attachable to the garment at or near the central opening, wherein the hood defines a hood opening via which at least part of a face of the wearer can be viewed from outside the garment when worn by the wearer, and wherein optionally the garment comprising a hood pocket for storing the hood when not attached to the garment.

[0161] In at least this example, and referring again to Fig. 3 and Fig. 3A, the hood 190 has a front hood opening 195 for the face of the potential value target PT associated with the first sheet half 110A of the sheet 110.

[0162] The hood 190 is sized to fully accommodate the head of the potential value target PT therein in the donned configuration DN. The hood 190 has a hood opening 195 through which at least part of the face of the potential value target PT can be viewed from outside the garment 100 in the donned configuration DN. In at least this example, the hood opening 195 lacks a covering for the neck. The hood opening 195 is generally shaped as an inverted U or inverted V, in which the bottom 193 of the hood opening 195, between the arms of the inverted U or inverted V, is defined by the inner perimeter 172 of the opening 170. In other words, in at least this example, hood opening 195 does not cover the face or neck of the potential value target PT, but rather exposes the neck and at least a lower portion of the face of the potential value target PT to the outside of the garment 100. In at least this example the hood 190 is sized to fit loosely over the head of the potential value target PT therein in the donned configuration DN, providing a significant spacing, in the order of centimeters, between the inside of the hood 190 and the sides, back and face of the head. In at least this example, and as illustrated in Fig. 5 for example, the top 193 of the hood opening 195 overhangs over at least the top of the head / face, for example overlying the temple and optionally eyes of the potential value target PT.

[0163] However, in at least some alternative variations of the above examples, and referring to Fig. 7A for example, the respective head accessory is in the form of hood 190can further comprises a hood neck portion 193A covering the bottom 193, such that the respective hood opening 195 is open only to the face, and the hood neck portion 193A provides protection to the neck of the potential value target PT; in at least this example the neck portion 193A is permanently affixed or integral with the respective hood 190, or can be removable with respect to the respective hood 190. In at least some other alternative variations of the above examples, and referring to Fig. 7B for example, the respective hood 190 can further comprises a hood partial face portion 193B covering the bottom 193 and most of the opening 195, such that the respective hood opening 195 is open only to the eyes, and the hood partial face portion 193B provides protection to the neck and most of the face of the potential value target PT; in at least this example the hood partial face portion 193B can be permanently affixed or integral with the respective hood 190, or can be removable with respect to the respective hood 190. In at least some other alternative variations of the above examples, and referring to Fig. 7C for example, the respective hood 190 can further comprises a hood full face portion 193C covering all of the opening 195, such that the respective hood opening 195 is completely closed and the hood covers all of the head, and the hood full face portion 193B provides protection to the neck and the face of the potential value target PT; in at least this example the hood full face portion 193C is permanently, affixed or integral with the respective hood 190. In at least some other alternative variations of the above examples, and referring to Fig.

[0164] 7D and Fig. 7E for example, the respective hood 190 can further comprises a face flap 193D which is selectively movable between a closed position (Fig. 7D) covering all of the opening 195, such that the respective hood opening 195 is completely closed, and an open position (Fig. 7E) in which the respective hood opening 195 is open exposing the face; in the closed position, the hood flap 193D provides protection to the neck and the face of the potential value target PT; in at least this example the hood full face portion 193C is permanently affixed or integral with the respective hood 190 about a flap hinge 196D.

[0165] In at least some other alternative variations of the above examples, and referring to Fig. 7F for example, the respective hood 190 can be omitted, thereby lacking a head accessory that is otherwise configured for covering at least a portion of the head of the wearer. Thus in at least this example the respective garment 100 does not comprise thehood or other head accessory for covering the head, but rather the sheet 110 and opening 170, which leaves the head exposed in the donned configuration DN.

[0166] Referring again in particular to Figs. 1, 1A, 2, 3, 3 A, 5, in at least this example, the garment 100, in particular the sheet 110 and the hood 190, is made from one or more materials M, in which the one or more materials M provide the required or desired ballistic protection, i.e., the required or desired level of ballistic protection. Each one of the sheet 110 and the hood 190 is made contiguously from the one or more materials M.

[0167] For example, such a desired or required level of protection, i.e., the predetermined level of protection, can correspond to the US National Institute of Justice (NIJ) threat level I, or threat level IIA, or threat level II, or threat level IIIA.

[0168] Correspondingly, the material M for the sheet 110 and the hood 190 (which can be the same material or different materials) is generally soft and made from one or more layers of high strength woven fibers. For example, such a material M can include one or more types of fibers, each type of fiber being for example based on or comprising aramid fibers, for example including any one or more of Kevlar, Twaron, and Goldflex, or equivalents thereof, and / or, based on or comprises polyethylene fibers, for example including any one or more of Spectra and Dyneema or equivalents thereof.

[0169] Furthermore, different parts of the garment can be made from the same or from different materials. In the latter case, the different materials can provide different levels of ballistic protection to the wearer.

[0170] In at least some alternative variations of these examples, the respective material for the sheet 110 and the hood 190 can be made from a material incapable of providing the predetermined level of protection, and instead the garment comprises at least one pocket capable of accommodating therein a ballistic protection element capable of providing the aforesaid said predetermined level of protection.

[0171] In any case, and in at least this example, the one or more materials M for the sheet 110 and the hood 190 is flexible, in particular sufficient flexible to drape over the body and head of the potential value target PT in a loose but nevertheless generally complementary manner thereon. Furthermore, the thickness t of the sheet 110 and of the hood 190 is also sufficient to provide the desired or required level of protection, forexample as listed above. In at least this example, the thickness t of the sheet 110 and of the hood 190 is uniform and the same throughout. However, in at least some alternative variations of this example, the respective thicknesses of the sheet and hood can be different from one another, and / or the thickness of the respective sheet can be non-uniform, and / or the thickness of the respective hood can be non-uniform.

[0172] In at least this example, the garment 100 further comprises ballistic plates 140A, 140B located on the first sheet half 110A and the second sheet half HOB, respectively. Such ballistic plates 140A, 140B are configured for providing a desired or required level of protection corresponding to the NIJ threat level III, or threat level III+, or threat level IV. However, in at least some alternative variations of the above examples, one or both ballistic plates can be omitted.

[0173] For example, the ballistic plates 140A, 140B are ceramic plates or polyethylene plates.

[0174] In at least this example, the ballistic plates 140A, 140B are relatively stiffer, and thus less flexible, than the sheet 110.

[0175] The ballistic plates 140A, 140B, in at least this example, are generally rectangular, and are overlaid on the first sheet half 110A and the second sheet half HOB, respectively, such as to overlie the torso, in particular at least between the neck and waist, of the potential value target PT, in particular over the heart and lungs of the potential value target PT.

[0176] Each one of the ballistic plates 140A, 140B can be configured as a single contiguous plate, or can comprise two or more smaller plates in adjacent spatial arrangement with respect to one another.

[0177] In at least this example, the first ballistic plate 140A is formed from two plates 145A, 146A adjacently disposed with respect to one another longitudinally along the length dimension. Similarly, the second ballistic plate 140B is formed from two plates 145B, 146B adjacently disposed with respect to one another along the length dimension. This arrangement allows the first ballistic plate 140A to be folded by nominally 180° about the facing edges 147A of the two plates 145A, 146A, and similarly allows thesecond ballistic plate 140B to be folded by nominally 180° about the facing edges 147B of the two plates 145B, 146B.

[0178] The ballistic plates 140A, 140B are affixed to the sheet 110 in any suitable manner. For example, the ballistic plates 140A, 140B are affixed to the sheet 110 via suitable pockets (not shown) provided on the outer face 112 or inner face 114 of the sheet 110. The pockets can be sown shut after the ballistic plates 140A, 140B are inserted in the pockets, or, the pockets can be reversibly closable, for example via zippers or Velcro fasteners, to retain the ballistic plates 140A, 140B in place.

[0179] As best seen in Fig. 1, the first ballistic plate 140A has a length dimension LP1 and a width dimension WP1, and the second ballistic plate 140B has a length dimension LP2 and a width dimension WP2. In at least this example the first ballistic plate 140A and the second ballistic plate 140B are nominally identical, and thus the length dimensions LP1 and LP2 are nominally identical to one another, and similarly the width dimensions WP1 and WP2 are nominally identical to one another.

[0180] In at least this example, the inner edges 142A, 142B of the first ballistic plate 140A and the second ballistic plate 140B, respectively, are as close as possible to the inner perimeter 172 of the opening 170.

[0181] The outer edges 144A, 144B of the first ballistic plate 140A and the second ballistic plate 140B, respectively, are spaced from the respective transverse edges 126 by a first longitudinal spacing SI and a second longitudinal spacing S2, respectively.

[0182] The first lateral side edge 148A and the second lateral edge 149A of the first ballistic plate 140A are spaced from the respective (closest) longitudinal edges 123 by respective first transverse spacing N1A and second transverse spacing N2A, respectively. While in at least this example, the first transverse spacing N1A and second transverse spacing N2A are nominally equal to one another, in at least some alternative variations of this example, the respective first transverse spacing N1A and second transverse spacing N2A can be non-equal with respect to one another.

[0183] Similarly, the first later side edge 148B and the second lateral edge 149B of the second ballistic plate 140B are spaced from the respective (closest) longitudinal edges 123 by respective first transverse spacing NIB and second transverse spacing N2B,respectively. While in at least this example, the first transverse spacing NIB and second transverse spacing N2B are nominally equal to one another, in at least some alternative variations of this example, the respective first transverse spacing NIB and second transverse spacing N2B can be non-equal with respect to one another.

[0184] While in at least this example, the respective first transverse spacings N1A and NIB are nominally equal to one another, and the respective second transverse spacings N2A and N2B are nominally equal to one another, in at least some alternative variations of the above examples, the respective first transverse spacings N1A and NIB can be nonequal with respect to one another, and / or, the respective second transverse spacings N2A and N2B can be non-equal with respect to one another.

[0185] For example, each one of length dimensions LP1 and LP2 can be in any one of the following ranges, as corresponding percentages of the length dimension L2: between 40% and 90%; between 45% and 85%; between 50% and 80%.

[0186] For example, each one of first transverse spacings N1A and NIB, and of the second transverse spacings N2A and N2B, can be in any one of the following ranges, as corresponding percentages of the width dimension D2: between 10% and 30%; between 5% and 35%; between 5% and 40%.

[0187] Thus, the first sheet half 110A has a generally upper / central zone defined by the first ballistic plate 140A which provides relatively higher ballistic protection but is relatively more rigid, as compared with a first U-shaped zone extending from the first ballistic plate 140A to the outer perimeter 120 which provides relatively less ballistic protection but is relatively more flexible. Similarly, the second sheet half HOB has a generally upper / central zone defined by the second ballistic plate 140B which provides relatively higher ballistic protection but is relatively more rigid, as compared with a second U-shaped zone extending from the second ballistic plate 140B to the outer perimeter 120 which provides relatively less ballistic protection but is relatively more flexible.

[0188] The deployment handle 150 is configured for enabling fast deployment of the garment 100 from the folded configuration FC to the donning-enabling configuration DC, and thence to a donned configuration DN, in time interval T.The deployment handle 150 is configured for being graspable by the user USR, in particular by one hand of the user USR, and for enabling the garment 100 to be manipulated by the user USR to don the garment on the potential value target PTB, to effect the aforesaid deployment.

[0189] The handle 150 is affixed to or integral with the sheet 110 in a load bearing manner.

[0190] In at least this example, and referring again to Fig. 1 and Fig. 2, the handle 150 is U-shaped defining an opening 155 that is sized to receive the hand (or at least the fingers or palm of the hand, and optionally excluding the thumb of the hand) of the user USR to enable firm grasping of the handle 150 by one hand of the user USR. However, in at least some alternative variations of these examples, the respective handle can be configured differently. For example, referring to Fig. 8A the respective handle 150 can be formed integrally with the sheet 110, being in the form of two openings 158A spaced by a strip 159A in-between the of two openings 158A, and in which the user USR can grasp the strip 159A by inserting the fingers and thumb through the of two openings 158A. Alternatively, only one such opening 158A is provided close to the bottom edge of the outer perimeter 120, defining therebetween a strip that can be similarly grasped by the user USR. Alternatively, for example, the handle can be in the form of a loop 159B of material that is graspable by the user USR, as illustrated in Fig. 8B. Alternatively any other suitable form of a handle can be provided. In at least this example, and referring again to Fig. 1 and Fig. 2, and as disclosed above, the handle 150, has a handle opening 155 that is so sized to enable receiving a hand of the user and for enabling the hand to grasp the handle 150 in a load bearing manner to thereby manipulate the garment 100 to don the garment on the wearer by first causing the central opening 170 to be at least partially aligned over the head, of the wearer, thereby enabling the head to be inserted through the central opening 170, and subsequently allowing or causing the garment 100 to become donned on the wearer such that the head projects through the central opening 170, and the front portion 105F and the rear portions 105R overlie the torso.

[0191] In at least this example, the handle 150 has a grasping portion 159 that is transversely aligned with respect to the garment body 105. The grasping portion 159 is graspable by the hand of the user USR, for example by wrapping the fingers and thumb around the grasping portion 159. The grasping portion 159 thus extends in a transverse direction with respect to the garment body 105. In at least this example the grasping portion 159 is sized, in particularhas a transverse dimension HTD and a cross-section orthogonal to the transverse dimension HTD, that are such as to enable the fingers and thumb around the grasping portion 159. The grasping portion 159 forms the base of the "U"-shaped handle 150, and together with the handle sides 157 (corresponding to the arms of the U"-shaped handle 150) and the outerfacing face 102 of the garment 100 define the handle opening 155. The handle sides 157 space the grasping portion 159 from the outer-facing face 102 to define the handle opening 155 and thus enable the grasping portion 159 to be grasped by a hand of the user USR.

[0192] According to an aspect of the presently disclosed subject matter, and referring also to Fig. IB, the handle 150 is located on the outer-facing face 102 of the garment 100 (in the donned configuration DN), and in particular of the first sheet half 110A for example at a lower edge of the front portion 105.

[0193] Referring to the plan view of Fig. IB, in at least this example the handle 150 is centrally located on the sheet 110 in the transverse (i.e., width) direction, to enable the garment 100 to be handled and manipulated in a stable manner. Furthermore, the handle 150 is spaced longitudinally from the center of gravity CG of the garment 100, or from the midline 115, by a non-zero longitudinal spacing SX along the longitudinal (i.e., length) direction.

[0194] In at least this example, the center of gravity CG is located nominally at (or very near) the geometrical center CN of the garment 100, which is at or near the midline 115, or at the center of the opening 170, i.e., in at least this example, the handle 150 is spaced longitudinally from the center of the opening 170, by the non-zero longitudinal spacing SX.

[0195] In at least this example, the spacing SX is such as to locate the handle 150 at, or proximal to, the outer edge 144A of the first ballistic plate 140A, in particular the outer edge of the front portion 1005F, such that in the donning -enabling configuration DC, the majority of the garment 100 hangs downward from the handle 150. In other words, the longitudinal spacing SX is such as to locate the handle 150 at, or proximal to, the outer edge 144A of the first ballistic plate 140A such as to cause a majority of the garment 100 to hang downward from the handle 150 when the garment 100 is lifted by the handle 150.

[0196] In alternative variations of this example in which at least the first ballistic plate 140A is omitted, the respective handle 150 is located at a comparable spacing SX from the center of gravity CG of the garment 100, or from the mid-line 115.For example, the longitudinal spacing SX is in any one of the following ranges, as corresponding percentages of the length dimension L2: between 10% and 50%; between 15% and 45%; between 30% and 45%; between 35% and 45%.

[0197] Furthermore, the spacing SX provides a moment arm about the center of gravity CG to a force that can be applied by the user USR at the handle 150 to deploy the garment 100, particularly from the folded configuration FC to the donning-enabling configuration DC, and from the donning-enabling configuration DC to the donned configuration DN.

[0198] Thus, grasping the handle 150 and applying a suitable force enables the garment to be donned on the potential value target PT, as will become clearer herein.

[0199] Also as will become clearer herein, and referring again to Fig. 2, in at least this example, in the folded configuration FC, the garment 100 is folded into a compact generally parallelepiped form, and such that a first portion 113A of the first sheet half 110A including the handle 150 are exposed on the outside of the folded configuration FC, while the second sheet half HOB and a second portion 114A of the first sheet half 110A are tucked within the folded configuration FC.

[0200] In at least this example, the first portion 113A generally corresponds to the first ballistic plate 140A which is essentially folded by nominally 180° about the facing edges 147A of the two plates 145A, 146A, such that the two plates 145A, 146A are exposed and generally parallel to one another in the folded configuration FC.

[0201] In at least this example, the garment 100 can be selectively and reversibly maintained in the folded configuration FC using any suitable fastening arrangement 180, that is configured for maintaining the outer edge 144A and the inner edge 142A in mutually overlying spatial relationship with respect to one another.

[0202] In at least some examples, the fastening arrangement maintains the garment 100 in the folded configuration FC, independently of whether or not it is being held by the user. For example, the fastening arrangement 180 can comprise a fastener, for example a hoop and loop fastener arrangement (for example a Velcro strip), or any other suitable fastener, for example a buckle arrangement or a magnetic fastener arrangement, for example the magnetic fastener arrangement as disclosed herein with reference to the example of Fig. 6A to Fig. 6D, mutatis mutandis.In at least some other examples, the fastening arrangement can comprise an additional handle provided close to the central opening on the first mid-band portion 125A, for example at the inner edge 142A, and the additional handle together with handle 150 are simultaneously grasped by the user USR to maintain the garment 100 in the folded configuration; however, once released the garment can at least partially open by itself.

[0203] In any case, in at least this example, in the folded configuration the fastening arrangement 180 is in close proximity to the handle 150, such as to enable the user to open the fastening arrangement 180 with the same hand that is grasping the handle 150, to provide one-hand deployment of the garment 100.

[0204] Referring in particular to Fig. 2 and Fig. 4A, the garment can be transitioned or deployed from the folded configuration FC to the donning-enabling configuration DC by unfastening the fastening arrangement 180, and holding the handle uppermost, allowing the remainder of the garment 100 to unfold and to fall by gravity, since the center of gravity CG is below the handle 150. This first stage of the deployment process is best achieved while holding the garment 100 such that the handle 150 is at a height above the ground that in the donning-enabling configuration DC, the lowermost edge of the garment 100 is not touching the ground. Alternatively, the garment 100 can be deployed partially while the lower part of the garment 100 is touching the ground, and subsequently raised.

[0205] In the donning-enabling configuration DC, the sheet 110 is nominally vertical, and situated such that the inner-facing face 104 is facing the posterior side of the potential value target PT, and such that the handle 150 is about level with the head of the potential value target PT.

[0206] Referring also to Figs. 4B to 4D, the second stage of the deployment process in which the garment 100 is deployed from the donning-enabling configuration DC to the donned configuration DN, the user USR while still grasping the garment by the handle 150, applies a pulling force F on the handle 150 such as to essentially cause the garment to follow a generally arched trajectory TR over the potential value target PT.

[0207] Such a trajectory TR is nominally along the sagittal plane of the potential value target PT, typically, and the trajectory TR is also referred to interchangeably herein as a sagittal trajectory.The trajectory TR is continued until the opening 170 is generally overlying the head of the potential value target PT, whereupon the user USR causes the garment 100 to be draped onto the potential value target PT by actively lowering the garment 100 onto the potential value target PT, or by allowing the garment 100 to fall by gravity and / or momentum, over the potential value target PT, such that the head of the potential value target PT is inserted through the opening 170 (Fig. 4C). Thus, the user can apply a force F on the handle 150 in a downward direction, or can allow the first sheet half 110A to naturally drape over the anterior part of the potential value target PT by gravity and / or momentum, while the second sheet half HOB drapes over the posterior part of the potential value target PT (Fig. 4D).

[0208] The hood 190 can be donned on the head of the potential value target PT concurrently while the head thereof is inserted through the opening 170 (Fig. 4C). Alternatively, the hood 190 can be donned on the head of the potential value target PT after the head thereof is inserted through the opening 170, or after the first sheet half 110A is draped over the anterior part of the potential value target PT.

[0209] However, in at least some alternative variations of these examples, for example the examples of Fig. 6A to Fig. 6D as will become clearer below, the respective garment can optionally include a head accessory, for example in the form of a hood, that is reversibly attachable to the garment at or near the central opening, wherein the hood defines a hood opening via which at least part of a face of the wearer can be viewed from outside the garment when worn by the wearer, and wherein optionally the garment comprising a hood pocket for storing the hood when not attached to the garment. In such examples, the hood can be attached to the respective garment and donned on the user's head after the garment has been donned on the user and the user's head is projecting through the respective central opening, for example.

[0210] Once fully draped over the potential value target PT, and referring again to Fig. 5, the garment 100 assumes the donned configuration DN. In the donned configuration DN the first sheet half 110A is overlying the anterior part of the body of the potential value target PT, such that the first ballistic plate 140A overlies the anterior part of the torso (in particular overlies the location of the heart of the wearer), and the second sheet half HOB is overlying the posterior part of the body of the potential value target PT, such that the second ballisticplate 140B overlies the anterior part of the torso. Concurrently, the mid-band 125 is draped over the shoulders and upper arms, while the hood 190 is draped over the head.

[0211] It is thus readily apparent from the above that the location of the handle 150 with respect to the remainder of the garment 100 enables the potential value target PT to be readily protected in a fast and effective manner, for example as compared with conventional bullet proof vests which take significantly longer to don.

[0212] It is also readily apparent from the above that the protective garment 100 can be donned on the potential value target PT by the user in a number of fast donning steps within a short time period, subsequently freeing the user to take active measures against the threat while concurrently enabling the wearer to remain protected and autonomous, as compared to conventional protection solutions in which for example a protective blanket is draped over the potential victim, thereby severely limiting or removing the ability of the potential victim to be autonomous, and necessitating the user to remain with the potential victim and reducing the ability of the user to concurrently actively engage the threat.

[0213] It is also readily apparent from the above that the handle 150 provides a graspable structure that allows the garment 100 to be unfolded and donned on the wearer by using only one hand of the user, thereby freeing the other hand of the user to concurrently counter attack the potential threat, the graspable structure being characterized by at least one of: (i) the location of the handle 150 on the garment is such as to allow the garment to be draped by gravity over the wearer, once the opening is aligned over the head, the head being inserted through the opening, thereby freeing the user to readily address the potential threat in the knowledge that the user is protected; (ii) the garment is foldable to a folded configuration in which the two longitudinal ends are close together, for example superposed on one another, and are secured together by fasteners, in which the fasteners can be operated by one hand of the user gripping the handle (for example by either pulling the handle or actively unfastening by the hand), thereby maintaining free the other hand of the user to readily address the attacker; (iii) providing the fasteners or fastening arrangement in the close proximity with the handle to enable unfastening and donning the garment with one hand of the user. For example, the attacker can be addressed by the user using a weapon such as for example a pistol, on the other hand.It is to be noted that in some applications of the presently disclosed subject matter, the garment 100 can be in an unfolded configuration, for example in a pile. In such cases the donning process starts by simply grasping the garment by the handle 150 and manipulating the garment 100 to adopt the donning-enabling configuration DC, for example by lifting the garment 100 by the handle 150. Thereafter the second stage of the deployment process is executed, in which the garment 100 is deployed from the donning-enabling configuration DC to the donned configuration DN, for example as disclosed above with reference to Figs.

[0214] 4B to 4D.

[0215] Referring to Fig. 9, in an alternative variation of the examples of Figs. 1 to 8B, the handle 150 can be instead located spaced from the center of gravity CG or geometrical center CN in a lateral direction (i.e., parallel to the width direction), rather than in longitudinal direction, by a non-zero lateral spacing SY. Also in this example, the center of gravity CG is located nominally at (or very near) the geometrical center CN of the garment 100, which is at or near the midline 115. In at least this example, the lateral spacing SY is such as to locate the handle 150 at, or very near to, one lateral edge 128 of the midband 125, such that in the donning-enabling configuration DC, the majority of the garment 100 hangs downward from the handle 150.

[0216] For example, the lateral spacing SY is in any one of the following ranges, as corresponding percentages of the width dimension D2: between 0% and 50%; between 10% and 50%; between 20% and 50%; between 35% and 50%; between 0% and 45%; between 10% and 45%; between 20% and 45%; between 35% and 45%.

[0217] Furthermore, the lateral spacing SY provides a moment arm about the center of gravity CG to a force that can be applied by the user USR at the handle 150 to deploy the garment 100, particularly from the folded configuration FC to the donning-enabling configuration DC, and from the donning-enabling configuration DC to the donned configuration DN.

[0218] Thus, grasping the handle 150 and applying a suitable force enables the garment to be donned on the potential value target PT, in a similar manner to that of the example illustrated in Figs. 4A to 4D, mutatis mutandis.

[0219] Thus, referring to Fig. 10, Fig. 11 and Fig. 12, in the corresponding second stage of the deployment process in which the garment 100 is deployed from the donning-enablingreconfiguration DC to the donned configuration DN, the user USR while still grasping the garment by the handle 150, applies a pulling force F on the handle 150 such as to essentially cause the garment to follow a generally arched lateral trajectory TRL over the potential value target PT. Such a lateral trajectory TRL is nominally along the frontal plane of the potential value target PT, typically. The lateral trajectory TRL is continued until the opening 170 is generally overlying the head of the potential value target PT, whereupon the user USR causes the garment 100 to be draped onto the potential value target PT by lowering the garment 100 onto the potential value target PT such that the head of the potential value target PT is inserted through the opening 170 (Fig. 11). Thereafter, the user can continue applying a force F on the handle 150 in a downward direction, or can allow the first sheet half 110A to naturally drape over the anterior part of the potential value target PT, while the second sheet half HOB drapes over the posterior part of the potential value target PT. The hood 190 can be donned on the head of the potential value target PT concurrently while the head thereof is inserted through the opening 170 (Fig. 11). Alternatively, the hood 190 can be donned on the head of the potential value target PT after the head thereof is inserted through the opening 170, or after the first sheet half 110A is draped over the anterior part of the potential value target PT (Fig. 12).

[0220] In yet other alternative variations of the examples of Fig. 1 and Fig. 9, the respective handle can be placed at any desired location along or close to the outer perimeter of the sheet, spaced from the center of gravity of the garment in plan view, for example at any intermediate location between the locations illustrated in Figs. 1 and 9.

[0221] Once fully draped or overlaid over the potential value target PT, and referring again to Fig. 5, the garment 100 assumes the donned configuration DN. In the donned configuration DN the first sheet half 110A is overlying the anterior part of the body of the potential value target PT, such that the first ballistic plate 140A overlies the anterior part of the torso, and the second sheet half HOB is overlying the posterior part of the body of the potential value target PT, such that the second ballistic plate 140B overlies the anterior part of the torso. Concurrently, the mid-band 125 is draped over the shoulders and upper arms, while the hood 190 is draped over the head.

[0222] As disclosed above, and referring again to Fig. 2, in at least this example, in the folded configuration FC, the garment 100 is folded into a compact generally parallelepiped form, and such that a first portion 113A of the first sheet half 110A including the handle 150-41 -are exposed on the outside of the folded configuration FC , while the second sheet half HOB and a second portion 114A of the first sheet half 110A are tucked within the folded configuration FC.

[0223] The garment 100 according to the examples of Fig. 1 to Fig. 5, and Fig. 7A to Fig. 9 can be folded into the folded configuration FC in any suitable manner. For example, and referring to Figs. 13 to 18, the garment 100 can be folded into the folded configuration FC according to an example of a folding method, comprising the following steps.

[0224] In the first folding step 1100, and referring to Fig. 13, the garment 100 is laid out flat, for example over a flat surface such as for example a table or the floor, such that the inner-facing face 104 is exposed and facing upwards. The hood 190 and the handle 150 are underneath the remainder of the garment 100. In alternative variations of the example of Fig.

[0225] 13 in which the respective garment 100 omits the hood, the respective handle is underneath the remainder of the respective garment.

[0226] In the second folding step 1200, and referring to Fig. 14, the garment 100 is folded about a lateral first fold line FL1 with is aligned with the mid-line 115, such that the second sheet half HOB is overlying and in registry with the first sheet half 110A.

[0227] In the third folding step 1300, and referring to Fig. 15, the hood 190 is pulled into overlying relationship with respect to the second sheet half HOB. Furthermore, part 182 of the garment 100, in particular of the overlying first sheet half 110A second sheet half HOB, is folded about a lateral second fold line FL2, such that the part 182 is now overlying the remainder of the second sheet half HOB. Referring also to Fig. 13, the second fold line FL2 is nominally parallel to the first fold line FL1, and the second fold line FL2 is aligned with the overlying outer edges 144A, 144B of the first ballistic plate 140A and the second ballistic plate 140B, respectively. The handle 150, which is comprised on the first sheet half 110A can now be accessed. In alternative variations of the example of Fig. 13 in which the respective garment 100 omits the hood, the respective third folding step 1300 correspondingly omits the sub step of pulling the hood into the aforesaid overlying relationship.

[0228] In the fourth folding step 1400, and referring to Fig. 16, another part 184 of the garment 100, in particular of the overlying first sheet half 110A second sheet half HOB, is folded about a longitudinal third fold line FL3, such that the part 184 is now overlying theremainder of the second sheet half HOB. Referring also to Fig. 13, the third fold line FL3 is nominally orthogonal to the first fold line FL1, and the third fold line FL3 is aligned with the overlying first lateral edges 148A, 148B of the first ballistic plate 140A and the second ballistic plate 140B, respectively.

[0229] In the fifth folding step 1500, and referring to Fig. 17, another part 186 of the garment 100, in particular of the overlying first sheet half 110A second sheet half HOB, is folded about a longitudinal fourth fold line FL4, such that the part 186 is now overlying part 184 and the remainder of the second sheet half HOB. Referring also to Fig. 13, the fourth fold line FL4 is nominally orthogonal to the first fold line FL1, and the fourth fold line FL4 is aligned with the overlying second lateral edges 149A, 149B of the first ballistic plate 140A and the second ballistic plate 140B, respectively.

[0230] In the sixth folding step 1600, and referring to Fig. 18, the thus folded garment 100 of step 1500 is folded about a lateral fifth fold line FL5, such that a first half of the first ballistic plate 140A is overlying the second half of the first ballistic plate 140A, and such that the two halves of the first ballistic plate 140A sandwich therebetween the remainder of the garment except for the handle 150 and the fastening arrangement 180, and in which the corresponding portion of the first ballistic plate 140A that is on the outer-facing face 102 is exposed. Referring also to Fig. 13, the fifth fold line FL5 is nominally parallel to the first fold line FL1, and the fifth fold line FL5 is aligned with the overlying facing edges 147A of the two plates 145A, 146A, and facing edges 147B of the two plates 145B, 146B, of the first ballistic plate 140A and the second ballistic plate 140B, respectively. Thus, the aforesaid first half and second half of the first ballistic plate 140A correspond to the plates 145A, 146A, respectively. Thereafter, the fastening arrangement 180 can secure the garment 100 in the folded configuration FC, and the garment can be carried by, and selectively deployed by, the handle 150.

[0231] In at least some alternative variations of the above examples, in which the respective garment 100 omits one or both of the first ballistic plate 140A and the second ballistic plate 140B, two imaginary zones can be defined in the respective garment, in which a first such imaginary zone corresponds to, and sized and located in the respective garment a similar manner to, the first ballistic plate 140A, and in which a second such imaginary zone corresponds to, and sized and located in the respective garment a similar manner to, the second ballistic plate 140B. In such cases, steps 1300, 1400, 1500 and 1600 are modified torefer to the first imaginary zone and / or the second imaginary zone rather than to the omitted first ballistic plate 140A and / or the omitted second ballistic plate 140B, mutatis mutandis.

[0232] Referring to Fig. 6A to Fig. 6D, in a particular implementation of the examples of Figs. 1 to 8B, the garment 100 is nominally symmetrical about the midline 115, and enables the garment to be donned on the potential target PT in two alternative ways.

[0233] In the example of Fig. 6A to Fig. 6D, the garment body 105 comprises a front portion 105F, a rear portion 105R and an intermediate portion 105M including the central opening 170 and inner perimeter 172 thereof, sheet 110, and a handle 150 affixed to the front portion 105F, substantially as disclosed herein regarding the examples of Figs. 1 to 8B, mutatis mutandis.

[0234] Furthermore, in the example of Fig. 6A to Fig. 6D, the garment 100 also comprises a first ballistic plate 150A and a second ballistic plate 140B, each being configured as a respective single contiguous plate, substantially as disclosed herein regarding the examples of Figs. 1 to 8B, mutatis mutandis.

[0235] In the example of Fig. 6A to Fig. 6D, the garment body 105 comprises a first pocket 106F provided in the front portion 105F, and a second pocket 106R provided in the rear portion 105R.

[0236] The first pocket 106F has transversely spaced lateral edges 107A, 107B, and longitudinal edge 107C in proximity to the first handle 150.

[0237] The second pocket 106R has transversely spaced lateral edges 107A', 107B', and longitudinal edge 107C in proximity to the second handle 150'.

[0238] The first ballistic plate 140A and the second ballistic plate 140B are affixed to the sheet 110 via the first pocket 106F and the second pocket 106R. in this example, the pockets 106F, 106R are provided on the outer face 112 of the sheet 110. However, in at least some alternative variations of this example, the first pocket 106F and / or the second pocket 106R are instead provided on the inner face 114. In at least some alternative variations of these examples, one or the other of the first pocket 106F and the second pocket 106R (together with the respective ballistic plate) can be omitted. In such examples in which both the first pocket 106F and the second pocket 106R (together withthe respective ballistic plate) are omitted, the sheet 110 is made from a material M capable of providing the predetermined level of ballistic protection.

[0239] In such examples in which the garment 100 comprises one or both of the first pocket 106F and the second pocket 106R, the respective one or both ballistic plates can be inserted in the respective pockets at factory, or at the user end. In such examples in which the garment body 105 is made from a material M capable of providing the predetermined level of ballistic protection, the user can choose whether to maintain such a level, and not insert the one or both ballistic plates in the pockets, or to increase the level of ballistic protection by inserting the respective ballistic plate(s) in the pocket(s). In yet other such examples, the garment body 105 is optionally made from a material that is incapable of providing the predetermined level of ballistic protection, and the one or both ballistic plates must be accommodated in the respective pocket(s) - either at factory or at the user end - in order to provide the desired level of protection to the wearer.

[0240] In the examples of Fig. 6A to Fig. 6D, the pockets 106F, 106R can be sown shut or otherwise closed after the ballistic plates 140A, 140B are inserted in the pocketsl06F, 106R. Alternatively, the pockets 106F, 106R can be reversibly closable, for example via zippers 108 or Velcro fasteners, to retain the ballistic plates 140A, 140B in place.

[0241] In the above examples of Fig. 6A to Fig. 6D and variations thereof, the garment lacks a hood or other head accessory. However, in at least some other alternative variations thereof, the respective garment can include a head accessory, for example as disclosed herein with respect to Figs. 1, 3, 3A, 7A, 7B, 7C, 7D, 7E, mutatis mutandis. In yet at least some other alternative variations of the above examples of Fig. 6A to Fig. 6D and variations thereof, the garment comprises a head accessory, for example in the form of a hood reversibly attachable to the garment at or near the central opening 170, and in which the hood defines a hood opening via which at least part of a face of the wearer can be viewed from outside the garment when worn by the wearer; optionally, the garment can include a hood pocket for storing the hood when not attached to the garment or is being used to cover the head of the user.

[0242] In the above examples of Fig. 6A to Fig. 6D and variations thereof, the garment 100 further comprises a second handle 150' affixed to the rear portion 105R. The second handle 150' is similar if not identical to the first handle 150. the first handle 150 and the secondhandle 150' are symmetrically disposed on the garment body 110 with respect to the midline 115. Thus, the second handle 150' is affixed with respect to the rear portion 105R in a similar location and in a similar manner, as compared to the location and manner in which the first handle 150 is affixed to the front portion 105F, thereby rendering the garment essentially symmetrical about the midline 115.

[0243] This symmetrical feature allows the garment 100 to be donned onto the wearer such that the front portion 105F is overlying an anterior part of the torso and the rear portion 105R to be in overlying the posterior part of the torso by using the first handle 150, or, such that the rear portion 105R is overlying an anterior part of the torso and the forward portion 105F to be in overlying the posterior part of the torso by using the second handle 150'.

[0244] In at least the above examples of Fig. 6A to Fig. 6D and variations thereof, the garment 100 includes a fastening arrangement 180 that maintains the garment 100 in the folded configuration FC, independently of whether or not it is being held by the user. In these examples, the fastening arrangement 180 comprises a magnetic fastener arrangement; however, in at least some alternative variations of the above examples, the fastening arrangement can instead comprise, for example, a hoop and loop fastener arrangement (for example a Velcro strip), or any other suitable fastener, for example a buckle arrangement.

[0245] Referring for example to Fig. 6A, the fastening arrangement 180 in the form of the magnetic fastener arrangement, comprises a plurality of magnetic elements 185 affixed to outer facing faces of the front portion 105F and of the rear portion 105R at a number of locations ML. For example two magnetic elements 185A, 185B are affixed at locations MLA, MLB on the front portion 105F, and two complementary magnetic elements 185A', 185B are affixed at complementary respective locations MLA', MLB' on the rear portion 105R. The locations and exposed polarities two magnetic elements 185A, 185B and of the two magnetic elements 185A', 185B' are such that in the folded configuration, a first group of the magnetic elements having respective exposed faces of one magnetic polarity are aligned with and magnetically affixed to a second group of the magnetic elements having respective exposed faces of an opposite magnetic polarity. For example, the two magnetic elements 185A, 185B at locations MLA, MLB have exposed surfaces with a North polarity, while the two magnetic elements 185A', 185B' at locations MLA', MLB' have exposed surfaces with a South polarity; thus in the folded configuration magnetic elements 185A and 185A are aligned face each other and are magnetically coupled to one another, and magneticelements 185B and 185B' are aligned and face each other and are magnetically coupled to one another. Any other combination of polarities for the facing pairs of magnetic elements can be instead provided. Alternatively, each facing pair of magnetic elements in the folded configuration can include a magnet and a corresponding ferrous metal plate, for example an iron or steel plate; such as to become are magnetically coupled to one another in the folded configuration.

[0246] In at least this example, the fastening arrangement 180 in the form of the magnetic fastener arrangement, comprises an additional plurality of magnetic elements 185 affixed to outer facing face of the intermediate portion 105M at a number of corresponding locations ML. For example two magnetic elements 185C, 185D are affixed at locations MLC, MLD on the intermediate portion 105M close to the front portion 105F, and two complementary magnetic elements 185C, 185D' are affixed at complementary respective locations MLC, MLD' on the intermediate portion 105M close to the rear portion 105R. The locations and exposed polarities two magnetic elements 185C, 185D and of the two magnetic elements 185C , 185C are such that in the folded configuration, a first group of the magnetic elements having respective exposed faces of one magnetic polarity are aligned with and magnetically affixed to a second group of the magnetic elements having respective exposed faces of an opposite magnetic polarity. For example, the two magnetic elements 185C, 185D at locations MLC, MLD have exposed surfaces with a North polarity, while the two magnetic elements 185C, 185C at locations MLC, MLD' have exposed surfaces with a South polarity; thus in the folded configuration (in which the intermediate portion 105M is folded about the midline 115, as will become clearer herein) magnetic elements 185C and 185C are aligned face each other and are magnetically coupled to one another, and magnetic elements 185D and 185D' are aligned and face each other and are magnetically coupled to one another. Any other combination of polarities for the facing pairs of magnetic elements can be instead provided. Alternatively, each facing pair of magnetic elements in the folded configuration can include a magnet and a corresponding ferrous metal plate, for example an iron or steel plate; such as to become are magnetically coupled to one another in the folded configuration.

[0247] The garment 100 according to the example of Fig. 6A to Fig. 6B and the above alternative variations thereof can be donned on the potential target PT by the user USR in asimilar manner to that disclosed herein with reference to Fig. 4A to 4D and Fig. 5, mutatis mutandis.

[0248] The garment 100 according to the examples of Fig. 6A to Fig. 6D can be folded into the folded configuration FC in any suitable manner. For example, and referring to Figs. 19 to 24, the garment 100 can be folded into the folded configuration FC according to an example of a folding method, comprising the following steps.

[0249] In the first folding step 2100, and referring to Fig. 19, the garment 100 is laid out flat, for example over a flat surface such as for example a table or the floor, such that the inner-facing face 104 is exposed and facing upwards. The first handle 150 and the second handle 150' are underneath the garment body 105. In alternative variations of the example of Fig. 19 in which the respective garment 100 includes a head accessory such as for example a hood that is affixed to the garment body, the respective hood is underneath the remainder of the respective garment.

[0250] In the second folding step 2200, and referring to Fig. 20, part 182 of the garment 100, of the first sheet half 110A is folded about a lateral first fold line FL1, such that the part 182 is now overlying the inner-facing face 104 of the remainder of the first sheet half 110A. furthermore, the respective part 182 of the garment 100, of the second sheet half HOB is folded about a lateral second fold line FL2, such that the respective part 182 is now overlying the inner-facing face 104 of the remainder of the second sheet half HOB. Referring also to Fig. 19, the first fold line FL1 and the second fold line FL2 are nominally parallel to one another and to the midline 115. The first fold line FL1 is aligned with the outermost edge 107C of the first pocket 106F, while the second fold line FL2 is aligned with the outermost edge 107C of the second pocket 106R. The first handle 150, which is comprised on the first sheet half 110A, and the second handle 150', which is comprised on the second sheet half HOB, and can now be accessed.

[0251] In the third folding step 2300, and referring to Fig. 21, another part 184 of the garment body 105, in particular of one lateral side of the first sheet half 110A and the second sheet half HOB, is folded about a longitudinal third fold line FL3, such that the part 184 is now overlying the remainder of the first sheet half 110A and the second sheet half HOB.

[0252] Similarly, an additional part 184 of the garment body 105, in particular of the other lateral side of the first sheet half 110A and the second sheet half HOB, is folded about a longitudinalfourth fold line FL43, such that the part 184 is now overlying the remainder of the first sheet half 110A and the second sheet half HOB.

[0253] Referring also to Fig. 19, the third fold line FL3 is nominally orthogonal to the first fold line FL1, and the third fold line FL3 is aligned with the aligned first lateral edges 107A, 107A' of the first pocket 106F and the second locket 106R, respectively. Similarly, the fourth fold line FL4 is nominally orthogonal to the first fold line FL1 (and also nominally parallel to the third fold line FL3), and the fourth fold line FL4 is aligned with the aligned second lateral edges 107B, 107B' of the first pocket 106F and the second locket 106R, respectively.

[0254] In the fourth step 2400, and referring to Fig. 22 and Fig. 23, the intermediate portion 105M is "pinched" by folding the first mid-band portion 125A and second mid-band portion 125B towards one another to a U-shape, in which the respective parts of the outer-facing face 102 abut one another, as best seen in Fig. 23. Such folding is carried out with respect to a fifth fold line FL5, a sixth fold line FL6 and a seventh fold line FL7, which are nominally parallel to one another. The sixth fold line FL6 is aligned with the midline 115, the fifth fold line FL5 is longitudinally spaced from the sixth fold line FL6 and is at the longitudinal end of the first mid-band portion 125A, while the seventh fold line FL7 is longitudinally spaced from the sixth fold line FL6 in the opposite direction to the fifth fold line FL5, and is at the longitudinal end of the second mid-band portion 125B. In the "pinched" position, the pair of magnetic elements 185C and 185C are aligned and come into magnetic connection with one another, and similarly the pair of magnetic elements 185D and 185D' are aligned and come into magnetic connection with one another.

[0255] In the fifth folding step 2500, and referring to Fig. 24, the front portion 105F of thus "pinched" garment 100 of step 2400 is folded about the seventh fold line FL7, and the rear portion 105R of thus "pinched" garment 100 of step 2400 is folded about the fifth fold line FL, such that the first pocket 106F is overlying the second pocket 106R, and such that the forward portion 105F and the rear portion 105F sandwich therebetween the "pinched" intermediate portion 105M. In this overlying position, the pair of magnetic elements 185A and 185A' are aligned and come into magnetic connection with one another, and similarly the pair of magnetic elements 185B and 185B' are aligned and come into magnetic connection with one another. Thus, the fastening arrangement 180 can secure the garment100 in the folded configuration FC, and the garment can be carried by, and selectively deployed by, the first handle 150, or indeed by the second handle 150'.

[0256] The above folding method including steps 2100 to 2500 can be carried out whether the pockets 106F, 106R are accommodating the respective ballistic plates, or whether they are empty.

[0257] The magnetic force keeping the matched pair of magnetic elements 185A and 185A' together, and the matched pair of magnetic elements 185B and 185B' together, and the matched pair of magnetic elements 185C and 185C together, and the matched pair of magnetic elements 185D and 185D' together, is sufficiently strong to maintain the respective couplings in place during carrying and other non-deployment activities on the garment 100, in particular where the garment 100 is being handled when keeping the first handle 150 and the second handle 150' in close proximity to one another.

[0258] However, such a magnetic force is also not so great as to prevent the respective pairs of matched magnetic elements from becoming uncoupled when the garment 100 is grasped by only one of the two handles, and the flicked open, after which the garment 100 essentially opens into the donning-enabling configuration DC. In other words, a sharp shake of the garment (when in the folded configuration) uncouples the respective pairs of magnetic elements, and separates the garment portions enabling the garment to be transitioned to donning enabling configuration.

[0259] It is to be noted that in the fully folded configuration of Fig. 24, the first handle 150 and the second handle 150' are in close proximity to one another, and in at lest this example, and essentially overlying one another. Accordingly, the user can carry the folded garment by grasping concurrently both the first handle 150 and the second handle 150' together, and when required to don the garment on a wearer, the user lets go of the first handle 150 or the second handle 150', and thus is only grasping one of the two handles, and the user can then don the garment on the wearer via the single handle that is being grasped, as disclosed above.

[0260] It is to be noted that in the fully folded configuration of Fig. 24, a first exposed edge 101A of the front portion 105F, defined at the first fold line FL1, is in close proximity, and in at least this example overlying, a second exposed edge 101B of the rear portion 105R, defined at the second fold line FL2.It is to be noted that the garment of the example of Fig.

[0261] 6A to Fig. 6D and Fig. 19 to Fig. 24, can be donned on the potential target PT by the userUSR in a similar manner to that disclosed herein regarding Fig. 4A to Fig. 5, mutatis mutandis, by grasping the first handle 150, with the main difference being that the optional had accessory can be donned on the potential target PT and affixed to the garment body 105, after the garment body 105 has been donned on the potential target PT. In such examples, the garment 100 can be provided in the folded configuration FC, and can be transitioned to the donning-enabling configuration DC, by grasping the first handle 150, and flicking the garment 100 via the handle, thereby uncoupling the magnetic elements of the fastening system 180. In such a case, in the donned configuration the forward portion 105F is overlying the anterior part of the torso, and the rear portion 105R is overlying a posterior part of the torso.

[0262] Thus, in at least this example, the length dimension of the garment is nominally at least twice the length of the torso, between the neck and the groin of potential value target PT. However in at least some alternative variations of this example, the dimension of the garment is significantly greater than twice the length of the torso so that the respective first sheet half and the respective second sheet half of the respective sheet is overlying the anterior and posterior parts, respectively, of the body, from the neck and up to the knees, or up to the ankles, for example. However, in at least some other alternative variations of this example, the dimension of the garment is less than twice the length of the torso, such as to overlie the chest and lower abdomen and back of the wearer, up to the waist, but excluding the groin or buttocks of the wearer.

[0263] Alternatively, the garment of the example of Fig. 6A to Fig. 6D and Fig. 19 to Fig.

[0264] 24, can be donned on the potential target PT by the user USR in a similar manner to that disclosed herein regarding Fig. 4A to Fig. 5, mutatis mutandis, by grasping the second handle 150' instead of the first handle 150, and the optional had accessory can be donned on the potential target PT and affixed to the garment body 105, after the garment body 105 has been donned on the potential target PT. In such examples, the garment 100 can be provided in the folded configuration FC, and can be transitioned to the donning-enabling configuration DC, by grasping the second handle 150' only, and flicking the garment 100 via the handle, thereby uncoupling the magnetic elements of the fastening system 180. In such a case, in the donned configuration the rear portion 105R is overlying an anterior part of the torso and the forward portion 105F is overlying the posterior part of the torso.The ability to enable the garment 100 to be donned on the user in two alternative and symmetrical ways provides further versatility to the user, and can reduce the deployment time.

[0265] It is readily apparent from the above that the protective garment 100 of the example of Fig. 6A to Fig. 6D and Fig. 19 to Fig. 24, can be donned on the potential value target PT by the user in a number of fast donning steps within a short time period, subsequently freeing the user to take active measures against the threat while concurrently enabling the wearer to remain protected and autonomous, as compared to conventional protection solutions in which a protective blanket is draped over the potential victim, thereby severely limiting or removing the ability of the potential victim to be autonomous, and necessitating the user to remain with the potential victim and reducing the ability of the user to concurrently actively engage the threat.

[0266] It is also readily apparent from the above that the first handle 150 (or indeed the second handle 150') provides a graspable structure that allows the garment 100 to be unfolded and donned on the potential value target PT by using only one hand of the user thereby freeing the other hand of the user to concurrently counter attack the potential threat, the graspable structure being characterized by at least one of: (i) the location of the handle 150 (or indeed the second handle 150') on the garment is such as to allow the garment to be draped by gravity over the wearer, once the opening is aligned over the head, the head being inserted through the opening, thereby freeing the user to readily address the potential threat in the knowledge that the user is protected; (ii) the garment is foldable to a folded configuration in which the two longitudinal ends are close together, for example superposed on one another, and are secured together by fasteners, in which the fasteners can be operated by one hand of the user gripping the handle (for example by either pulling the handle or actively unfastening by the hand), thereby maintaining free the other hand of the user to readily address the attacker; (iii) providing the fasteners or fastening arrangement in the close proximity with the handle to enable unfastening and donning the garment with one hand of the user. For example, the attacker can be addressed by the user using a weapon such as for example a pistol, on the other hand.

[0267] In at least some alternative variations of the example of Fig. 6A to Fig. 6D and Fig. 19 to Fig. 24, the garment can include extensions, integrally formed with or attachable to the garment, such that when in the donned configuration such extensionsoverlie lower portions of the body of the potential target, for example the groin and / or buttocks, or up to the knees, or up to the ankles of the potential target. Such extensions can be made from the same or similar materials as parts of the garment to thereby provide ballistic protection to such overlying portions of the body.

[0268] The general dimensions of the garment 100, according to at least the examples of Fig. 1 to Fig. 24 including alternative variations thereof, including in particular the length dimension L2, the width dimension W2 and diameter D can be tailored to be suitably compatible with body parameters of a particular individual potential value target PT to thereby ensure a good fit with respect to the particular individual potential value target PT. Alternatively, a plurality of garments 100 can be provided in sets of standard sizes corresponding to body parameters of a plurality of different individuals.

[0269] Such body parameters can be within one or more predetermined ranges, each range corresponding to different type and / or body size.

[0270] Some such body parameter ranges (and corresponding standard sizes) can correspond to, for example, to the body type and / or size corresponding to one or more of: 5thpercentile male; 50thpercentile male; 95thpercentile male; 5thpercentile female; 50thpercentile female; 95thpercentile female. Respective garments of such sizes can be provided in many different scenarios as a precautionary measure against potential assassinations, shootings, or the like, to be deployed as and when required.

[0271] Some other such body parameter ranges (and corresponding standard sizes) can also correspond to the body type and / or size corresponding to children of ages between toddler and 18 years, and thus in at least some applications of the above examples, the corresponding potential value target PT is a child, teenager or young adult, and the respective garments 100 can be provided for example in schools or colleges as a precautionary measure against potential school mass shootings or the like.

[0272] It is to be noted that at least in the above examples, the garment 100 has an absence of (and does not require) any under-arm connections, for example straps between the lateral sides of the first sheet half and the second sheet half, in which such lateral connections are located under the arms, or below the armpits, or intermediate between the torso and the arms, in the donned configuration DN.According to the presently disclosed subject matter, a donning method is also provided for enabling the user to don a protective garment onto the wearer to provide a predetermined level of ballistic protection to the wearer, the protective garment being as disclosed herein.

[0273] The donning method comprises, according to at least one example:

[0274] (a) the user grasping the garment with one hand at the handle;

[0275] (b) the user operating the garment such as to cause the central opening to be at least partially aligned over the head of the wearer;

[0276] (c) the user causing or allowing the head of the wearer to be inserted through the central opening, and causing or allowing a remainder of the garment to be donned on the wearer.

[0277] By "causing" is meant that the user is actively manipulating or otherwise moving the garment, while holding the garment by the handle, to thereby enable the head of the wearer to become inserted through the central opening, and / or to drape the remainder of the garment over the wearer.

[0278] By "allowing" is meant that the user is passively allows the garment to fall by gravity and / or momentum, such that the head of the wearer to become inserted through the central opening, and / or such that the remainder of the garment becomes draped over the wearer.

[0279] For example, prior to step (a) the garment is in a folded configuration, and the donning method comprises the step of unfolding the garment to an unfolded configuration.

[0280] According to the presently disclosed subject matter, a kit is also provided enabling the user to don a protective garment onto the wearer to provide a predetermined level of ballistic protection to the wearer. In at least one example, the kit comprises at least one protective garment 100, and donning instructions. The donning instructions correspond to the donning method as disclosed above.In the method claims that follow, alphanumeric characters and Roman numerals used to designate claim steps are provided for convenience only and do not imply any particular order of performing the steps.

[0281] Finally, it should be noted that the word “comprising” as used throughout the appended claims is to be interpreted to mean “including but not limited to”.

[0282] While there has been shown and disclosed examples in accordance with the presently disclosed subject matter, it will be appreciated that many changes may be made therein without departing from the scope of the presently disclosed subject matter as set out in the claims.

Claims

CLAIMS:

1. A protective garment operable by a user to enable a predetermined level of ballistic protection to be provided to a wearer of the garment, the wearer being different from the user, the wearer having a head defining a head size within a head- size range and a torso defining a torso size within a torso size range, the garment comprising a garment body and a first handle;the garment body including a front portion, a rear portion, and an intermediate portion therebetween, the front portion and rear portion being sized for compatibility with the torso size range, the intermediate portion having a central opening sized for compatibility with the head-size range to enable the head of the wearer to be freely inserted through said central opening;the first handle being affixed to said front portion at a location spaced from the central opening by a non-zero handle spacing and the first handle being so dimensioned as to thereby enable the user, while grasping the garment by the first handle, to don the garment on the wearer by first causing the central opening to be at least partially aligned over the head, thereby enabling the head to be inserted through the central opening, and subsequently allowing or causing the garment to become donned on the wearer such that the head projects through the central opening, and the front portion and the rear portion overlie the torso;wherein the garment is at least one of:made from a material capable of providing said predetermined level of protection; comprises at least one pocket capable of accommodating therein a ballistic protection element capable of providing said predetermined level of protection.

2. The garment according to claim 1, wherein the garment is made from a material incapable of providing said predetermined level of protection, and wherein said garment comprises at least one said pocket capable of accommodating therein a ballistic protection element capable of providing said predetermined level of protection.

3. The garment according to claim 1, wherein said garment comprises at least one said pocket capable of accommodating therein a ballistic protection element capable of providing said predetermined level of protection.

4. The garment according to any one of claims 2 to 3, comprising one said pocket provided in the front portion to enable providing said predetermined level of protection to a chest area of the wearer.

5. The garment according to any one of claims 2 to 4, further comprising at least one first ballistic plate accommodated in said pocket provided in the front portion.

6. The garment according to any one of claims 2 to 5, comprising one said pocket provided in the rear portion to enable providing said predetermined level of protection to a back area of the wearer.

7. The garment according to claim 6, further comprising at least one second ballistic plate accommodated in said pocket provided in the rear portion.

8. The garment according to claim 7, wherein each one of said first ballistic plate and second ballistic plate comprises a ballistic material capable of providing a respective said level of ballistic protection corresponding to at least one of NIJ threat level III, NIJ threat level III+, NIJ threat level IV.

9. The garment according to any one of claims 7 to 8, wherein each one of said first ballistic plate and second ballistic plate is any one of a ceramic plate or a polyethylene plate.

10. The garment according to claim 1, including one of the following:wherein the garment is made from a material capable of providing said predetermined level of protection, and wherein said material is made from one or more layers of high strength woven fibers, wherein optionally each fiber comprises at least one of aramid fibers and aramid fibers;wherein the garment is made from a material capable of providing said predetermined level of protection, and wherein said material includes at least one of Kevlar, Twaron, Goldflex, Spectra and Dyneema.

11. The garment according to any one of claims 7 to 10, wherein each one of said first ballistic plate and second ballistic plate is generally rectangular, and wherein said first ballistic plate and second ballistic plate are overlaid on the front portion and the rearportion, respectively, such as to overlie the torso at least between a neck and a waist, of the wearer when the garment is worn by the wearer.

12. The garment according to any one of claims 7 to 11, wherein each one of said first ballistic plate and second ballistic plate is provided as a respective single contiguous plate, or wherein each one of said first ballistic plate and second ballistic plate is provided as two respective relatively smaller plates in longitudinal adjacent spatial arrangement with respect to one another at respective facing edges thereof, and wherein optionally each one of said first ballistic plate and second ballistic plate is foldable by nominally 180° about the respective said facing edges.

13. The garment according to any one of claims 7 to 12, wherein said pockets are provided on one of an outer facing face and an inner facing face of the respective front portion or rear portion.

14. The garment according to any one of claims 7 to 13, wherein said first ballistic plate and said second ballistic plate are affixed to the front portion and the rear portion, respectively, such as to define a first U-shaped zone extending from the first ballistic plate to an outer perimeter of the front portion, and a second U-shaped zone extending from the second ballistic plate to an outer perimeter of the rear portion.

15. The garment according to any one of claims 1 to 14, wherein the garment body comprises a sheet defining at least the front portion, the rear portion and the intermediate portion, the sheet having an outer perimeter, wherein the outer perimeter is closed, and wherein the sheet lacks any slit therein joining the opening to the outer perimeter.

16. The garment according to claim 15, wherein the sheet has a longitudinal length dimension and a transverse width dimension, wherein a transverse mid-line longitudinally divides the sheet into a first sheet half comprising said front portion, and second sheet half comprising said rear portion, and wherein sheet defines a transverse mid-band aligned on the mid-line, the mid-band corresponding to the intermediate portion, the midband including a first mid-band portion provided by the first sheet half, and a second midband portion provided by the second sheet half.

17. The garment according to claim 16, wherein said mid-band has a mid-band transverse width dimension equivalent to said width dimension, and a mid-bandlongitudinal length dimension, wherein the mid-band longitudinal length dimension is sufficient to enable the mid-band to overlie a top of shoulders of the wearer to thereby enable a remainder of the first sheet half is overlaying an anterior part of the wearer and such that a remainder of the second sheet half is overlying a posterior part of the wearer, and wherein optionally the mid-band length dimension is in the range between about 100% and 200% of a diameter of the central opening.

18. The garment according to any one of claims 1 to 17, wherein the garment body is so dimensioned as to enable the garment body to overlie and cover at least a torso and outer facing portions of at least upper arms of the wearer when donned.

19. The garment according to any one of claims 15 to 18, including one of the following:wherein the longitudinal length dimension is nominally at least twice the length of the torso, between a neck and a groin of the wearer;wherein the longitudinal length dimension is such that the first sheet half and the second sheet half are overlying the anterior and posterior parts, respectively, of the wearer, from the neck and up to the waist;wherein the longitudinal length dimension is significantly greater than twice the length of the torso such that the first sheet half and the second sheet half are overlying the anterior and posterior parts, respectively, of the wearer, from the neck and up to the knees;wherein the longitudinal length dimension is significantly greater than twice the length of the torso such that the first sheet half and the second sheet half are overlying the anterior and posterior parts, respectively, of the wearer, from the neck and up to the ankles.

20. The garment according to any one of claims 15 to 19, further comprising a head accessory affixed with respect to said central opening, wherein the head accessory is so sized and / or shaped as to accommodate therein at least a portion of the head of the wearer when the garment is worn by the wearer, and wherein the head accessory is made from the same or different material to the material of the sheet to thereby provide predetermined ballistic protection to the wearer with respect to said at least a portion of the head of the wearer when the garment is worn by the wearer.

21. The garment according to claim 20, wherein said head accessory is a hood affixed to or integral with the sheet encompassing the central opening, wherein said hood defines a hood opening via which at least part of a face of the wearer can be viewed from outside the garment when worn by the wearer.

22. The garment according to claim 21, including one of the following:wherein the hood opening lacks a cover for covering a throat of the wearer; wherein the hood opening comprises a hood neck portion for covering a neck of the wearer;wherein the hood comprises a hood partial face portion covering a majority of the hood opening including a bottom such that only the eyes of the wearer are exposed via the hood opening;wherein the hood comprises a hood full face portion covering all of the hood opening, such that the head is fully covered by the hood;wherein the hood comprises a face flap, selectively movable from a closed position covering the hood opening such that the hood opening is completely closed, and an open position in which the respective hood opening is open exposing the face of the wearer.

23. The garment according to claim 22, wherein said head accessory is a hood reversibly attachable to the garment at or near the central opening, wherein said hood defines a hood opening via which at least part of a face of the wearer can be viewed from outside the garment when worn by the wearer, and wherein optionally the garment comprising a hood pocket for storing the hood when not attached to the garment.

24. The garment according to any one of claims 1 to 23, lacking a head accessory that is otherwise configured for covering at least a portion of the head of the wearer.

25. The garment according to any one of claims 1 to 24, wherein said predetermined ballistic protection includes providing protection to the wearer from ballistic threats, wherein said ballistic threats include bullets and / or other projectiles of predetermined caliber and momentum.

26. The garment according to any one of claims 1 to 25, wherein said predetermined ballistic protection includes providing protection to the wearer from ballistic threats,wherein said ballistic threats include one or more of the US National Institute of Justice (NIJ) threat levels I, IIA II, IIIA, III, III+, and IV.

27. The garment according to any one of claims 1 to 26, wherein said predetermined ballistic protection includes providing protection to the wearer from ballistic threats, wherein said ballistic threats include protection against non-ballistic cold weapons.

28. The garment according to any one of claims 1 to 27, wherein the first handle is affixed to or integral with the front portion in a load bearing manner.

29. The garment according to any one of claims 1 to 28, wherein the first handle defines a handle opening that is so sized to enable receiving a hand of the user and for enabling the hand to grasp the first handle in a load bearing manner to thereby manipulate the garment to don the garment on the wearer by first causing the central opening to be at least partially aligned over the head, thereby enabling the head to be inserted through the central opening, and subsequently allowing by gravity, or causing by said hand, the garment to become donned on the wearer such that the head projects through the central opening, and the front portion and the rear portions overlie the torso.

30. The garment according to any one of claims 1 to 29, wherein the first handle is U-shaped.

31. The garment according to any one of claims 1 to 30, wherein the first handle has a grasping portion that is transversely aligned with respect to the garment body.

32. The garment according to any one of claims 1 to 31, wherein the first handle is located on an outer-facing face of the front portion.

33. The garment according to any one of claims 1 to 32, wherein the first handle is offset from a center of gravity of the garment by a non-zero spacing.

34. The garment according to any one of claims 1 to 33, wherein the first handle is spaced longitudinally from the center of central opening by a non-zero longitudinal spacing along the longitudinal direction.

35. The garment according to claim 34, wherein the longitudinal spacing is such as to locate the first handle at, or proximal to, an outer edge of the respective pocket, such asto cause a majority of the garment to hang downward from the first handle when the garment is lifted by the handle.

36. The garment according to any one of claims 1 to 35, wherein the first handle is spaced transversely from a center of the central opening by a non-zero longitudinal spacing along the transverse direction.

37. The garment according to any one of claims 1 to 36, including one of the following:wherein the head-size range and the torso size range correspond to at least one of: 5thpercentile male; 50thpercentile male; 95thpercentile male; 5thpercentile female; 50thpercentile female; 95thpercentile female;wherein the head-size range and the torso size range correspond to at least one of a body type and size of the wearer corresponding to children of ages between toddler and 18 years.

38. The garment according to any one of claims 1 to 37, further comprising a second handle affixed to the rear portion.

39. The garment according to any one of claims 1 to 38, wherein the front portion and the rear portion are mirror images of one another.

40. The garment according to any one of claims 1 to 39, wherein the garment is operable for being deployed at least from a donning-enabling configuration to a donned configuration, wherein in the donning-enabling configuration the garment is unfolded, partially or fully, and sufficiently open to enable the garment to be donned on the wearer by the user, and wherein in the donned configuration the garment is worn by the wearer such as to provide the wearer with said predetermined ballistic protection over at least the torso of the wearer.

41. The garment according to any one of claims 1 to 40, including one of the following:wherein the garment is configured for being selectively deployable from a folded configuration to a donning-enabling configuration, wherein in the folded configuration the garment is folded about a plurality of fold lines into a compact form;wherein the garment is configured for being selectively deployable from a folded configuration to a donning-enabling configuration, wherein in the folded configuration the garment is folded about a plurality of fold lines into a compact form, and, wherein in said folded configuration the garment is folded into a compact generally parallelepiped form, and such that at least a first portion of the front portion and the handle are exposed on an outside of the folded configuration, while the rear portion and a second portion of the front portion are tucked within the folded configuration;wherein the garment is configured for being selectively deployable from a folded configuration to a donning-enabling configuration, wherein in the folded configuration the garment is folded about a plurality of fold lines into a compact form, and, wherein in said folded configuration the garment is folded into a compact generally parallelepiped form, and such that a first portion of the front portion and the handle are exposed on an outside of the folded configuration, while the rear portion and a second portion of the front portion are tucked within the folded configuration, and, wherein the first portion generally corresponds to the first ballistic plate, the first ballistic plate being folded by nominally 180°; wherein the garment is configured for being selectively deployable from a folded configuration to a donning-enabling configuration, wherein in the folded configuration the garment is folded about a plurality of fold lines into a compact form, and, wherein in said folded configuration the garment is folded into a compact generally parallelepiped form, and such that a first portion of the front portion and the handle are exposed on an outside of the folded configuration, while the rear portion and a second portion of the front portion are tucked within the folded configuration, and further comprising a fastening arrangement for selectively maintaining the garment in the folded configuration, the fastening arrangement being selectively operative to release the garment from the folded configuration and allow the garment to be donned on the wearer by the user; wherein the garment is configured for being selectively deployable from a folded configuration to a donning-enabling configuration, wherein in the folded configuration the garment is folded about a plurality of fold lines into a compact form, and, wherein in said folded configuration the garment is folded into a compact generally parallelepiped form, and such that a first portion of the frontportion and the handle are exposed on an outside of the folded configuration, while the rear portion and a second portion of the front portion are tucked within the folded configuration, and further comprising a fastening arrangement for selectively maintaining the garment in the folded configuration, the fastening arrangement being selectively operative to release the garment from the folded configuration and allow the garment to be donned on the wearer by the user, and, wherein the fastening arrangement is provided in the garment at a location such that in folded configuration the fastening arrangement is in close proximity to the first handle;wherein the garment is configured for being selectively deployable from a folded configuration to a donning-enabling configuration, wherein in the folded configuration the garment is folded about a plurality of fold lines into a compact form, and, wherein in said folded configuration the garment is folded into a compact generally parallelepiped form, and such that a first portion of the front portion and the handle are exposed on an outside of the folded configuration, while the rear portion and a second portion of the front portion are tucked within the folded configuration, and further comprising a fastening arrangement for selectively maintaining the garment in the folded configuration, the fastening arrangement being selectively operative to release the garment from the folded configuration and allow the garment to be donned on the wearer by the user, and, wherein the fastening arrangement is provided in the garment at a location such that in folded configuration the fastening arrangement is in close proximity to the first handle, and, wherein the fastening arrangement is operable to release the garment from the folded configuration by said hand of the user, while concurrently the user is grasping the handle with said hand;wherein the garment is further configured for being selectively deployable from a folded configuration to the donning-enabling configuration, wherein in the folded configuration the garment is folded about a plurality of fold lines into a compact form, and, wherein in said folded configuration the garment is folded into a compact generally parallelepiped form, and such that a first portion of the front portion and the handle are exposed on an outside of the folded configuration, while the rear portion and a second portion of the front portion are tucked within the folded configuration, and further comprising a fastening arrangement forselectively maintaining the garment in the folded configuration, the fastening arrangement being selectively operative to release the garment from the folded configuration and allow the garment to be donned on the wearer by the user, and, wherein the fastening arrangement is provided in the garment at a location such that in folded configuration the fastening arrangement is in close proximity to the first handle, and, wherein the fastening arrangement is operable to release the garment from the folded configuration by said hand of the user, while concurrently the user is grasping the handle with said hand, and, wherein said fastener arrangement includes any one of a hoop and loop fastener arrangement and a buckle arrangement.

42. The garment according to any one of claims 1 to 40, including one of the following:wherein the garment is further configured for being selectively deployable from a folded configuration to the donning-enabling configuration, wherein in the folded configuration the garment is folded about a plurality of fold lines into a compact form;wherein the garment is further configured for being selectively deployable from a folded configuration to the donning-enabling configuration, wherein in the folded configuration the garment is folded about a plurality of fold lines into a compact form, and, wherein in said folded configuration the garment is folded into a compact generally parallelepiped form, and such that the first handle and at least part of the front portion are exposed on an outside of the folded configuration, and such that at least a part of the rear portion is exposed on an outside of the folded configuration, while the intermediate portion and optionally other parts of the front portion and / or of the rear portion are tucked within the folded configuration; wherein the garment is further configured for being selectively deployable from a folded configuration to the donning-enabling configuration, wherein in the folded configuration the garment is folded about a plurality of fold lines into a compact form, and, wherein in said folded configuration the garment is folded into a compact generally parallelepiped form, and such that the first handle and at least a first part of the front portion are exposed on an outside of the folded configuration, and such that at least a first part of the rear portion is exposed onan outside of the folded configuration, while the intermediate portion and optionally a respective second part of the front portion and / or of the rear portion are tucked within the folded configuration, and, wherein the first portion generally corresponds to the first ballistic plate;wherein the garment is further configured for being selectively deployable from a folded configuration to the donning-enabling configuration, wherein in the folded configuration the garment is folded about a plurality of fold lines into a compact form, and, wherein in said folded configuration the garment is folded into a compact generally parallelepiped form, and such that the first handle and at least a first part of the front portion are exposed on an outside of the folded configuration, and such that at least a first part of the rear portion is exposed on an outside of the folded configuration, while the intermediate portion and optionally a respective second part of the front portion and / or of the rear portion are tucked within the folded configuration, and, wherein the first portion generally corresponds to the first ballistic plate, and further comprising a fastening arrangement for selectively maintaining the garment in the folded configuration, the fastening arrangement being selectively operative to release the garment from the folded configuration and allow the garment to be donned on the wearer by the user;wherein the garment is further configured for being selectively deployable from a folded configuration to the donning-enabling configuration, wherein in the folded configuration the garment is folded about a plurality of fold lines into a compact form, and, wherein in said folded configuration the garment is folded into a compact generally parallelepiped form, and such that the first handle and at least a first part of the front portion are exposed on an outside of the folded configuration, and such that at least a first part of the rear portion is exposed on an outside of the folded configuration, while the intermediate portion and optionally a respective second part of the front portion and / or of the rear portion are tucked within the folded configuration, and, wherein the first portion generally corresponds to the first ballistic plate, and further comprising a fastening arrangement for selectively maintaining the garment in the folded configuration, the fastening arrangement being selectively operative to release the garment from the folded configuration and allow the garment to be donned on the wearer by theuser, and, wherein the fastening arrangement is provided in the garment at a location such that in folded configuration the fastening arrangement is in close proximity to the first handle;wherein the garment is further configured for being selectively deployable from a folded configuration to the donning-enabling configuration, wherein in the folded configuration the garment is folded about a plurality of fold lines into a compact form, and, wherein in said folded configuration the garment is folded into a compact generally parallelepiped form, and such that the first handle and at least a first part of the front portion are exposed on an outside of the folded configuration, and such that at least a first part of the rear portion is exposed on an outside of the folded configuration, while the intermediate portion and optionally a respective second part of the front portion and / or of the rear portion are tucked within the folded configuration, and, wherein the first portion generally corresponds to the first ballistic plate, and further comprising a fastening arrangement for selectively maintaining the garment in the folded configuration, the fastening arrangement being selectively operative to release the garment from the folded configuration and allow the garment to be donned on the wearer by the user, and, wherein the fastening arrangement is provided in the garment at a location such that in folded configuration the fastening arrangement is in close proximity to the first handle, and, wherein the fastening arrangement is operable to release the garment from the folded configuration by said hand of the user, while concurrently the user is grasping the first handle with said hand; wherein the garment is further configured for being selectively deployable from a folded configuration to the donning-enabling configuration, wherein in the folded configuration the garment is folded about a plurality of fold lines into a compact form, and, wherein in said folded configuration the garment is folded into a compact generally parallelepiped form, and such that the first handle and at least a first part of the front portion are exposed on an outside of the folded configuration, and such that at least a first part of the rear portion is exposed on an outside of the folded configuration, while the intermediate portion and optionally a respective second part of the front portion and / or of the rear portion are tucked within the folded configuration, and, wherein the first portion generally corresponds to the first ballistic plate, and further comprising a fasteningarrangement for selectively maintaining the garment in the folded configuration, the fastening arrangement being selectively operative to release the garment from the folded configuration and allow the garment to be donned on the wearer by the user, and, wherein the fastening arrangement is provided in the garment at a location such that in folded configuration the fastening arrangement is in close proximity to the first handle, and, wherein the fastening arrangement is operable to release the garment from the folded configuration by said hand of the user, while concurrently the user is grasping the first handle with said hand, and, wherein said fastener arrangement includes any one of a magnetic fastening arrangement, a hoop and loop fastener arrangement and a buckle arrangement.

43. The garment according to any one of claims 1 to 40, including one of the following:wherein the garment is configured for being selectively deployable from a folded configuration to a donning-enabling configuration, wherein in the folded configuration the garment is folded about a plurality of fold lines into a compact form, and further comprising a fastening arrangement for selectively maintaining the garment in the folded configuration, the fastening arrangement being selectively operative to release the garment from the folded configuration and allow the garment to be donned on the wearer by the user;wherein the garment is configured for being selectively deployable from a folded configuration to a donning-enabling configuration, wherein in the folded configuration the garment is folded about a plurality of fold lines into a compact form, and further comprising a fastening arrangement for selectively maintaining the garment in the folded configuration, the fastening arrangement being selectively operative to release the garment from the folded configuration and allow the garment to be donned on the wearer by the user, and, wherein the fastening arrangement is provided in the garment at a location such that in folded configuration the fastening arrangement is in close proximity to the first handle; wherein the garment is configured for being selectively deployable from a folded configuration to a donning-enabling configuration, wherein in the folded configuration the garment is folded about a plurality of fold lines into a compact form, and further comprising a fastening arrangement for selectively maintainingthe garment in the folded configuration, wherein the fastening arrangement is provided in the garment at a location such that in folded configuration the fastening arrangement is in close proximity to the first handle;wherein the garment is configured for being selectively deployable from a folded configuration to a donning-enabling configuration, wherein in the folded configuration the garment is folded about a plurality of fold lines into a compact form, and further comprising a fastening arrangement for selectively maintaining the garment in the folded configuration, and, wherein a free first longitudinal edge of the front portion and a free second longitudinal edge of the back portion are superposed with respect to one another in the folded configuration; wherein the garment is configured for being selectively deployable from a folded configuration to a donning-enabling configuration, wherein in the folded configuration the garment is folded about a plurality of fold lines into a compact form, and further comprising a fastening arrangement for selectively maintaining the garment in the folded configuration, and, wherein a free first longitudinal edge of the front portion and a free second longitudinal edge of the back portion are superposed with respect to one another in the folded configuration, the fastening arrangement being selectively operative to release the garment from the folded configuration and allow the garment to be donned on the wearer by the user; wherein the garment is configured for being selectively deployable from a folded configuration to a donning-enabling configuration, wherein in the folded configuration the garment is folded about a plurality of fold lines into a compact form, and further comprising a fastening arrangement for selectively maintaining the garment in the folded configuration, and, wherein a free first longitudinal edge of the front portion and a free second longitudinal edge of the back portion are superposed with respect to one another in the folded configuration, the fastening arrangement being selectively operative to release the garment from the folded configuration and allow the garment to be donned on the wearer by the user, and, wherein the fastening arrangement is provided in the garment at a location such that in folded configuration the fastening arrangement is in close proximity to the first handle;wherein the garment is configured for being selectively deployable from a folded configuration to a donning-enabling configuration, wherein in the foldedconfiguration the garment is folded about a plurality of fold lines into a compact form, and further comprising a fastening arrangement for selectively maintaining the garment in the folded configuration, and, wherein a free first longitudinal edge of the front portion and a free second longitudinal edge of the back portion are superposed with respect to one another in the folded configuration, wherein the fastening arrangement is provided in the garment at a location such that in folded configuration the fastening arrangement is in close proximity to the first handle; wherein the garment is configured for being selectively deployable from a folded configuration to a donning-enabling configuration, wherein in the folded configuration the garment is folded about a plurality of fold lines into a compact form, and further comprising a fastening arrangement for selectively maintaining the garment in the folded configuration, wherein the fastening arrangement comprises a plurality of magnetic elements affixed to outer facing faces of the front portion and of the rear portion;wherein the garment is configured for being selectively deployable from a folded configuration to a donning-enabling configuration, wherein in the folded configuration the garment is folded about a plurality of fold lines into a compact form, and further comprising a fastening arrangement for selectively maintaining the garment in the folded configuration, wherein the fastening arrangement comprises a plurality of magnetic elements affixed to outer facing faces of the front portion and of the rear portion, and, wherein a free first longitudinal edge of the front portion and a free second longitudinal edge of the back portion are superposed with respect to one another in the folded configuration; wherein the garment is configured for being selectively deployable from a folded configuration to a donning-enabling configuration, wherein in the folded configuration the garment is folded about a plurality of fold lines into a compact form, and further comprising a fastening arrangement for selectively maintaining the garment in the folded configuration, wherein the fastening arrangement comprises a plurality of magnetic elements affixed to outer facing faces of the front portion and of the rear portion, wherein a free first longitudinal edge of the front portion and a free second longitudinal edge of the back portion are superposed with respect to one another in the folded configuration, the fasteningarrangement being selectively operative to release the garment from the folded configuration and allow the garment to be donned on the wearer by the user; wherein the garment is configured for being selectively deployable from a folded configuration to a donning-enabling configuration, wherein in the folded configuration the garment is folded about a plurality of fold lines into a compact form, and further comprising a fastening arrangement for selectively maintaining the garment in the folded configuration, wherein the fastening arrangement comprises a plurality of magnetic elements affixed to outer facing faces of the front portion and of the rear portion, and, wherein a free first longitudinal edge of the front portion and a free second longitudinal edge of the back portion are superposed with respect to one another in the folded configuration, the fastening arrangement being selectively operative to release the garment from the folded configuration and allow the garment to be donned on the wearer by the user, and, wherein the fastening arrangement is provided in the garment at a location such that in folded configuration the fastening arrangement is in close proximity to the first handle;wherein the garment is configured for being selectively deployable from a folded configuration to a donning-enabling configuration, wherein in the folded configuration the garment is folded about a plurality of fold lines into a compact form, and further comprising a fastening arrangement for selectively maintaining the garment in the folded configuration, wherein the fastening arrangement comprises a plurality of magnetic elements affixed to outer facing faces of the front portion and of the rear portion, and, wherein a free first longitudinal edge of the front portion and a free second longitudinal edge of the back portion are superposed with respect to one another in the folded configuration, wherein the fastening arrangement is provided in the garment at a location such that in folded configuration the fastening arrangement is in close proximity to the first handle.

44. The garment according to any one of claims 41 to 43, wherein the fastening arrangement comprises a release mechanism operative to selectively disengage the front portion from the back portion via the fastening arrangement.

45. The garment according to any one of claims 1 to 44, including at least one of the following:wherein the garment is deployable from the folded configuration to the donning- enabling configuration by holding the first handle uppermost, allowing a remainder of the garment to unfold and to fall in a direction away from the first handle by gravity;wherein in the donning-enabling configuration, the garment is held nominally vertically via the first handle, and the garment being situated with respect to the wearer such that an inner-facing face of the garment is facing a posterior side of the wearer, and such that the first handle is about level with the head of the wearer; wherein the garment is operable to be deployable from the donning-enabling configuration to the donned configuration, via the user grasping the garment by the first handle, applying a pulling force on the first handle such as to cause the garment to assume a position above the wearer until the central opening is generally overlying the head of the wearer, and causing or allowing the garment to be draped onto the wearer by the garment being lowered onto the wearer such that the head of the wearer becomes inserted through the central opening, and causing or allowing the front portion to drape over an anterior part of the wearer, while the rear portion drapes over the posterior part of the wearer, and wherein optionally in order to achieve the donned configuration, the hood is further donned on the head of the wearer, concurrently while the head of the wearer is inserted through the central opening or after the head of the wearer is inserted through the central opening, or after the front portion is draped over the anterior part of the wearer.

46. The garment according to any one of claims 44 to 45, further comprising a plurality of magnets affixed to outer facing faces of the front portion and of the rear portion at locations such that in the folded configuration a first group of said magnets having respective exposed faces of one magnetic polarity are aligned with and magnetically affixed to a second group of said magnets having respective exposed faces of an opposite magnetic polarity.

47. The garment according to any one of claims 44 to 45, further comprising a plurality of magnets and a corresponding plurality of ferrous metallic plates affixed toouter facing faces of the front portion and of the rear portion, at locations such that in the folded configuration said magnets are aligned with and magnetically affixed to corresponding said metal plates.

48. A method for enabling a user to don a protective garment onto a wearer to provide a predetermined level of ballistic protection to the wearer, the protective garment being as defined in any one of claims 1 to 47, the method comprising:(a) the user grasping the garment with one hand at the first handle;(b) the user operating the garment such as to cause the central opening to be at least partially aligned over the head of the wearer;(c) the user causing or allowing the head of the wearer to be inserted through the central opening, and causing or allowing a remainder of the garment to be donned on the wearer.

49. The method according to claim 48, wherein prior to step (a) the garment is in a folded configuration, and comprising the step of unfolding the garment to an unfolded configuration.

50. A kit comprising at least one protective garment and donning instructions, wherein the garment is as defined in any one of claims 1 to 47, and wherein the donning instructions correspond to the method as defined in any one of claims 48 to 49.

Images