FRAGMENT RESISTENT STRUCTURE
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present invention relates generally to protective devices. Particularly,
the present invention relates to fragment resistant structures.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] Protective devices such as bulletproof vests, shields, combat helmets,
bombsuits, bomb suppression blankets, mine protection garments and the like are used by law enforcement agencies which implies police, para-military forces, defense forces and the like for protection. These protective devices may also be used by other persons for their protection. These protective devices need to be continuously upgraded in view of the improvements or advancements in the weaponries. Accordingly, there exists need of improvement in the fragment resistant structures.
[0003] The prior art systems and methods tries to improve the fragment resistant
structures, however these prior art systems and methods have various limitations. For example, the prior art fragment resistant structures include increased number of layers of the fragment resistant materials. However, increasing number of layers results in increasing the overall weight of the fragment resistant structures. More specifically, every extra ounce may hamper the mobility and the combat performance of the users or wearers. Further, increasing number of layers result in increasing the overall areal density of the fragment resistant structures. Accordingly, the prior art fragment resistant structures have comparatively increased areal

density. Additionally, the prior art fragment resistant structures are unable to provide additional protection level required in view of the improvements in the modern weapons.
[0004] Accordingly, there exists a need of a fragment resistant structure that
provides additional protection level required in view of the improvements or advancements in the modern weapons. Further, there is need of a fragment resistant structure that has comparatively less mass. Still further, there is need of a fragment resistant structure that has comparatively reduced areal density. Moreover, there is a need of a fragment resistant structure that facilitates increased mobility and combat performance to the law enforcement agencies.
OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION
[0005] An object of the present invention is to provide a fragment resistant
structure that provides additional protection level required in view of the improvements in the modern weapons.
[0006] Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a fragment
resistant structure that has comparatively less mass.
[0007] Still another object of the present invention is to provide a fragment
resistant structure that has comparatively reduced areal density.
[0008] Further, an object of the present invention is to provide a fragment
resistant structure that facilitates increased mobility and combat performance to the law enforcement agencies.

[0009] Furthermore, an object of the present invention is to provide a fragment
resistant structure that is flexible.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0010] In one aspect the present invention provides a fragment resistant structure
including a plurality of fragment resistant woven fabric layers and a plurality of fragment resistant non-woven fabric layers. Each of the plurality of fragment resistant woven fabric layers is disposed parallel to one of the plurality of fragment resistant non-woven fabric layers.
[0011] Typically, the plurality of fragment resistant woven fabric layers and the
plurality of fragment resistant non-woven fabric layers are composed of aramid fabrics.
[0012] Alternatively, the plurality of fragment resistant woven fabric layers and
the plurality of fragment resistant non-woven fabric layers are composed of polyethylene.
[0013] In one embodiment of the present invention, the plurality of fragment
resistant woven fabric layers has areal density in the range of 100-460 gsm (g/Sq.m).
[0014] Similarly, in one embodiment of the present invention, the plurality of
fragment resistant non-woven fabric layers have areal density in the range of 200-500 gsm (g/Sq.m).
[0015] The plurality of fragment resistant woven fabric layers and the plurality of
fragment resistant non-woven fabric layers are stacked together by means of stitching.
[0016] Further, the plurality of fragment resistant woven fabric layers and the
plurality of fragment resistant non-woven fabric layers are covered with water resistant and UV protected fabric.

[0017] Furthermore, the fabric cover is adapted to be sealed over the plurality of
fragment resistant woven fabric layers and the plurality of fragment resistant non-woven fabric layers by means of thermal setting process.
[0018] In accordance with another aspect the present invention provides a
fragment resistant structure including a plurality of fragment resistant woven fabric layers and a plurality of fragment resistant non-woven fabric layers. The plurality of fragment resistant non-woven fabric layers is disposed parallel to the plurality of fragment resistant woven fabric layers.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0019] The advantages and features of the present invention will become better
understood with reference to the following detailed description and claims taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein like elements are identified with like symbols, and in which:
[0020] FIG. 1 illustrates an exploded view of a fragment resistant structure,
according to an embodiment of the present invention; and
[0021] FIG. 2 illustrates an exploded view of a fragment resistant structure,
according to another embodiment of the present invention.
[0022] Like reference numerals refer to like parts throughout the description of
several views of the drawings.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0023] The exemplary embodiments described herein detail for illustrative
purposes are subject to many variations in structure and design. It should be emphasized, however, that the present invention is not limited to a particular Fragment Resistant Structure, as shown and described. It is understood that various omissions and substitutions of equivalents are contemplated as circumstances may suggest or render expedient, but these are intended to cover the application or implementation without departing from the spirit or scope of the present invention.
[0024] The terms "first," "second," and the like, herein do not denote any order,
quantity, or importance, but rather are used to distinguish one element from another, and the terms "a" and "an" herein do not denote a limitation of quantity, but rather denote the presence of at least one of the referenced item.
[0025] The present invention provides a fragment resistant structure such as but
not limited to a fragment resistant vest, a shield, a combat helmet, a bomb suppression blanket, a mine protection garment and the like, for providing protection from shrapnel and the like. The fragment resistant structure of the present invention provides additional level of protection to law enforcement agencies such as police, military, and the like during various combat operations. Additionally, the fragment resistant structure of the present invention provides increased mobility and combat performance to the law enforcement agencies due to its reduced mass and comparatively more flexibility. Moreover, the fragment resistant structure of the present invention has comparatively reduced areal density.
[0026] Referring to FIG.l, a fragment resistant structure 100 is depicted, in
accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. The fragment resistant structure 100 includes a plurality of fragment resistant woven fabric layers 102 and a plurality of fragment resistant non-woven fabric layers 104. Each of the plurality of fragment resistant woven fabric

layers 102 is disposed parallel to one of the plurality of fragment resistant non-woven fabric layers 104.
[0027] In one embodiment of the present invention, the plurality of fragment
resistant woven fabric layers 102 and the plurality of fragment resistant non-woven fabric layers 104 are composed of aramid fabrics. The aramid fabric may be unidirectional aramid fabric. Alternatively, in another embodiment of the present invention, the plurality of fragment resistant woven fabric layers 102 and the plurality of fragment resistant non-woven fabric layers 104 may be composed of polyethylene. The polyethylene may be unidirectional high performance polyethylene. However, the fragment resistant structure 100 is not limited to any particular material used for manufacturing the plurality of fragment resistant woven fabric layers 102 and the plurality of fragment resistant non-woven fabric layers 104. Accordingly, use of the fragment resistant material ensures the required protection level and layering of these fabrics in different sequences ensures the low areal density.
[0028] Further, in one embodiment of the present invention, the areal density of
the plurality of fragment resistant woven fabric layers are in a range of 100-460 gsm (g/Sq.m). Furthermore, the areal density of the plurality of fragment resistant non-woven aramid fabric layers is in the range of 200-500 gsm (g/Sq.m). In the present embodiment of the present invention, the woven fabric layers 102 and the non-woven fabric layers 104 are alternately positioned to each other. More specifically, a first outermost layer of the woven fabric layer 102 is followed by a non-woven fabric layer 104. Further, the non-woven fabric layer 104 is followed by a woven aramid fabric layer 102. However, the present invention is not limited to any particular sequence of the woven 102 and non-woven 104 fabric layer. Alternatively, in another embodiment of the present invention, the first outermost layer may be of non-woven fabric 104 that may be followed by a woven fabric layer 102 and the like.
[0029] In the present embodiment of the present invention, the number of layers
of the fragment resistant structure 100 is six. Alternatively, in another embodiment of the present

invention, the number of layers may be varied from 2-10 depending on various factors such as mass, the protection level required, mobility required and the like. However, the present invention is not limited to any particular number of layers used for constructing the fragment resistant structure 100. Further, each of these layers is adapted to provide ballistic protection property. Further, all these layers are stacked together. In one embodiment of the present invention, these layers may be stacked by means of stitching to prevent displacement and hold the layers together properly. However, the present invention is not limited to any particular method used for stacking the plurality of layers of the woven 102 and non-woven 104 fabric layers.
[0030] Further, these stacked layers of the woven 102 and non-woven 104 fabric
may be covered with specially coated water resistant and UV protected fabric. The cover fabric is sealed with ultrasonic IR or heat sealing machine by thermal setting process. However, the present invention is not limited to any particular method used for covering these stacked layers of the woven 102 and non-woven 104 aramid fabrics.
[0031] The fabric layers may be cut into desired dimension as per the
requirement. In one embodiment of the present invention, the fragment resistant structure 100 of the present invention has areal density in the range of 1.2-2.6 kg/m2. However, the present invention is not limited to any particular value of the areal density of the fragment resistant structure 100.
[0032] Further referring to FIG. 2, a fragment resistant structure 200 is depicted,
in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention. The fragment resistant structure 200 includes a plurality of fragment resistant woven fabric 202 and a plurality of fragment resistant non-woven fabric layers 204. The plurality of fragment resistant non-woven

fabric layers 204 is disposed parallel to the plurality of fragment resistant woven fabric layers 202.
[0033] In one embodiment of the present invention, the plurality of fragment
resistant woven fabric layers 202 and the plurality of fragment resistant non-woven fabric layers 204 are composed of aramid fabrics. The aramid fabric may be unidirectional aramid fabric. Alternatively, in another embodiment of the present invention, the plurality of fragment resistant woven fabric layers 202 and the plurality of fragment resistant non-woven fabric layers 204 may be composed of polyethylene. The polyethylene may be unidirectional high performance polyethylene. However, the fragment resistant structure 200 is not limited to any particular material used for manufacturing the plurality of fragment resistant woven fabric layers 202 and the plurality of fragment resistant non-woven fabric layers 204. Accordingly, use of the fragment resistant material ensures the required protection level and layering of these fabrics in different sequences ensures the low areal density.
[0034] In the present embodiment of the present invention, three fragment
resistant woven fabric layers 202 are followed by three fragment resistant non-woven fabric layers 204. Alternatively, in another embodiment of the present invention, the fragment resistant structure 200 includes three fragment resistant non-woven fabric layers 204 are followed by three fragment resistant woven fabric layers 202. In one embodiment of the present invention, the first three fragment resistant woven fabric layers 202 have areal density in range of 100-460 gsm (g/Sq.m) and the next three fragment resistant non-woven fabric layers 204 have areal density in the range of 200-500gsm (g/Sq. m). However, the present invention is not limited to any particular areal density of the fragment resistant woven fabric layers 202 and the fragment resistant non-woven fabric layers 204. Further, in one embodiment of the present invention, the fragment resistant non-woven fabric layers 204 are composed of needle punch aramid felt. Further, in one embodiment of the present invention, the fragment resistant non-woven fabric layers 204 are composed of other non-woven felt. Accordingly, use of the fragment resistant fabric for layering in different sequence ensures the required protection level and layering of

these fabrics in different sequences ensures the low areal density. The fragment resistant fabrics may be cut into desired dimension as per the requirement.
[0035] In the present embodiment of the present invention, the combined number
of layers of the fragment resistant structure 200 is six. However, the present invention is not limited to any particular number of layers used for constructing the fragment resistant structure 200. In another embodiment of the present invention, the number of layers may be varied from 2-10 depending on various factors such as mass, the protection level required, mobility required and the like. However, the present invention is not limited to any particular number of the combined number of layers of the fragment resistant structure. Further, all these layers are stacked together. In one embodiment of the present invention, these layers may be stacked by means of stitching to prevent displacement and hold the layers together properly. However, the present invention is not limited to any particular method used for stacking the plurality of layers of the woven and non-woven fabric.
[0036] Further, these stacked layers of the woven and non-woven fragment
resistant fabric may be covered with specially coated water resistant and UV protected fabric. The cover fabric is sealed by thermal setting process. The thermal setting process may be performed by means of ultrasonic IR or heat sealing machine. However, the present invention is not limited to any particular method used for covering these stacked layers of the woven and non-woven fragment resistant fabric. In one embodiment of the present invention, the fragment resistant structure 200 of the present invention has areal density of in range of 1.2-1.6kg/m . However, the present invention is not limited to any particular value of the areal density of the fragment resistant structure 200.
[0037] Further, the fragment resistant structures 100 and 200 of the present
invention may also be composed of various other ballistic protection materials, such as high performance nylon fiber, high molecular weight polyethylene and the like, known in the art. Further, the fragment resistant structures 100 and 200 of the present invention provide V-50 more than 400m/s according to STANAG 2920 with 17 grain fragment simulating projectile

(FSP) and MIL 662F std. Although, Figures 1 and 2 of the present invention describes the multilayer fragment resistant structures 100 and 200 with particular sequencing, the fragment resisting structure of the present invention is not limited to the particular sequence described in conjunction with Figures 1 and 2.
[0038] Alternatively, in other embodiments of the present invention, a fragment
resistant structure, such as the fragment resistant structure 100 and 200, of the present invention may be constructed by various permutations and combinations of woven and non-woven fragment resistant fabric layers. More specifically, the fragment resistant structures of the present invention may be constructed from woven and non-woven ballistic fabrics arranged in different sequences to provide the desired flexible ballistic soft armors without compromising the protection level. For example, in one embodiment of the present invention, a fragment resistant structure may be constructed by combination of two woven fragment resistant fabric layers of followed by two layers of non-woven fragment resistant fabric that are again followed by two woven fragment resistant fabric layers. Alternatively, in another embodiment of the present invention, the fragment resistant structure may be constructed by combination of two layers of non-woven fragment resistant fabrics followed by two woven layers of fragment resistant fabrics that are again followed by two non-woven layers of fragment resistant fabrics.
[0039] Various embodiments of the present invention offer following advantages.
The fragment resistant structure, as described herein, provides additional protection level required in view of the improvements in the modern weapons. Further, the fragment resistant structure has comparatively less mass. Furthermore, the fragment resistant structure has comparatively reduced areal density. Still further, the fragment resistant structure of the present invention facilitates increased mobility and combat performance to the law enforcement agencies. Moreover, the fragment resistant structure of the present invention is cost effective. Additionally, the fragment resistant structure of the present invention is simple in construction and easy to manufacture. Also, the fragment resistant structure of the present invention is flexible.

[0040] The foregoing descriptions of specific embodiments of the present
invention have been presented for purposes of illustration and description. They are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the present invention to the precise forms disclosed, and obviously many modifications and variations are possible in light of the above teaching. The embodiments were chosen and described in order to best explain the principles of the present invention and its practical application, and to thereby enable others skilled in the art to besc utilize the present invention and various embodiments with various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated. It is understood that various omissions and substitutions of equivalents are contemplated as circumstances may suggest or render expedient, but such omissions and substitutions are intended to cover the application or implementation without departing from the spirit or scope of the present invention.

We claim:
1. A fragment resistant structure comprising:
a plurality of fragment resistant woven fabric layers; and
a plurality of fragment resistant non-woven fabric layers, wherein each of the plurality of fragment resistant woven fabric layers is disposed parallel to one of the plurality of fragment resistant non-woven fabric layers.
2. The fragment resistant structure as claimed in claim 1, wherein said plurality of fragment resistant woven fabric layers and said plurality of fragment resistant non-woven fabric layers are composed of aramid fabrics.
3. The fragment resistant structure as claimed in claim 1, wherein said plurality of fragment resistant woven fabric layers and said plurality of fragment resistant non-woven fabric layers are composed of polyethylene.
4. The fragment resistant structure as claimed in claim 1, wherein said plurality of
fragment resistant woven fabric layers has areal density in the range of 100-460 gsm
(g/Sq.m).
5. The fragment resistant structure as claimed in claim 1, wherein said plurality of fragment resistant non-woven fabric layers have areal density in the range of 200-500 gsm (g/Sq.m).
6. The fragment resistant structure as claimed in claim 1, wherein said plurality of fragment resistant woven fabric layers and said plurality of fragment resistant non-woven fabric layers are stacked together.
7. The fragment resistant structure as claimed in claim 1, wherein said plurality of fragment resistant woven fabric layers and said plurality of fragment resistant non-woven fabric layers are covered with water resistant and UV protected fabric.
8. The fragment resistant structure as claimed in claim 7, wherein said fabric cover is adapted to be sealed over said plurality of fragment resistant woven fabric layers and said plurality of fragment resistant non-woven fabric layers by means of thermal setting process.
9. A fragment resistant structure comprising:
a plurality of fragment resistant woven fabric layers; and
a plurality of fragment resistant non-woven fabric layers disposed parallel to said plurality of fragment resistant woven fabric layers.
10. The fragment resistant structure as claimed in claim 9, wherein said plurality of fragment resistant woven fabric layers and said plurality of fragment resistant non-woven fabric layers are composed of aramid fabrics.
11. The fragment resistant structure as claimed in claim 9, wherein said plurality of fragment resistant woven fabric layers and said plurality of fragment resistant non-woven fabric layers are composed of polyethylene.
12. The fragment resistant structure as claimed in claim 9, wherein said plurality of fragment resistant non-woven fabric layers are composed of needle punch aramid felt.
13. The fragment resistant structure as claimed in claim 9, wherein said plurality of fragment resistant woven fabric layers have areal density in the range of 100-460 gsm (g/Sq.m).
14. The fragment resistant structure as claimed in claim 9, wherein said plurality of fragment resistant non-woven fabric layers have areal density in the range of 200-500 gsm (g/Sq.m).
15. The fragment resistant structure as claimed in claim 9, wherein said plurality of fragment resistant woven fabric layers and said plurality of fragment resistant non-woven fabric layers are stacked together by means of stitching.
16. The fragment resistant structure as claimed in claim 9, wherein said plurality of
fragment resistant woven fabric layers and said plurality of fragment resistant non-woven
fabric layers are covered with water resistant and UV protected fabric.
17. The fragment resistant structure as claimed in claim 16, wherein said fabric cover is adapted to be sealed over said plurality of fragment resistant woven fabric layers and said plurality of fragment resistant non-woven fabric layers by means of thermal setting process.