EP3945278A1

EP3945278A1 - Bulletproof vest

Info

Publication number: EP3945278A1
Application number: EP21177839.4A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Roberto Grassi
Original assignee: Alfredo Grassi SpA
Current assignee: Alfredo Grassi SpA
Priority date: 2020-07-31
Filing date: 2021-06-04
Publication date: 2022-02-02
Anticipated expiration: 2041-06-04
Also published as: ES2938580T3; IT202000018718A1; EP3945278B1

Abstract

A bulletproof vest (7) designed to cover at least partially the front part, or chest, and the rear part, or back, of the torso of a wearer is described. The bulletproof vest (7) is made up of a single garment without anchoring systems on the shoulders and/or on the waist of the wearer and comprises at least one outer layer (12), manufactured with a first elastic knitted fabric, and at least one inner layer (14), manufactured with a second elastic knitted fabric and designed to come into contact with the wearer' skin. Between at least two portions (14A, 14B) of the second elastic knitted fabric of the inner layer (14) at least one pocket (16A, 16B) is obtained, which is provided with fastening means (26) and designed to contain at least one corresponding ballistic package (24). The outer layer (12) and the inner layer (14) are connected to each other by gluing along one or more shaped gluing surfaces (20), interposed between the outer layer (12) and the inner layer (14). Between the outer layer (12) and the inner layer (14) at least one reinforcing rib (18A, 18B) manufactured with a third fabric is further interposed. Each reinforcing rib (18A, 18B) is designed to surround at least partially and to support a respective ballistic package (24) inside the respective pocket (16A, 16B).

Description

The present invention generally relates to a bulletproof vest and, in particular, to a so-called "under clothing" or concealable bulletproof vest, that is to say designed to be worn in contact with the wearer' skin and to be therefore concealed under other clothing.
As it is known, a bulletproof vest is a garment which is designed to provide ballistic protection to a wearer, by protecting the wearer's vital organs but, at the same time, maximizing his/her freedom of action. The bulletproof vests can be of the rigid or semi rigid type and can provide different levels of ballistic protection, which are defined by sector specific regulations (for example the U.S. National Institute of Justice Standard 01.01.06 - Ballistic Resistance of Body Armour Standard ), depending on the threat levels that characterize the kind of activity to be performed by the wearer.
Concealable bulletproof vests for lower threat levels, called CBV ("Concealable Ballistic Vest') are also known and designed to be lightweight and to be worn under other clothing, such as the uniform shirt, for example, thus providing maximum comfort.
In 2008, however, a research was carried out by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) which showed that, in 2007, 39% of the officers killed in the line of duty were not wearing bulletproof vests at the time of their deaths (Federal Bureau of Investigation: "FBI Releases 2007 Statistics on Law Enforcement Officers Killed and Assaulted', 2008). Other research has shown that officers choose not to wear their ballistic vests when they are uncomfortable (Shanley L., Slaten L., Shanley P.: "Military protective clothing: Implications for clothing and textiles curriculum and research", Clothing and Textiles Research Journal, 1993). Further research has also shown that the comfort provided by a technical garment is defined not only by the protection given by the garment itself, but also by the performance of the fabrics used and the fit of the fabrics for the wearer's body (Barker J., Black C.: "Ballistic vests for police officers: using clothing comfort theory to analyse personal protective clothing", International Journal of Fashion Design, Technology and Education, 2009. - Branson D. H., Sweeney M.: "Conceptualization and measurement of clothing comfort: toward a metatheory", 1991. - Kaiser S., Damhorst M. L.: "Critical linkages in textiles and clothing: theory, method and practice", International Textile and Apparel Association, 1991. - Schutz H., Cardello A., Winterhalter C.: "Perceptions of fiber and fabric uses and the factors contributing to military clothing comfort and satisfaction", Textile Research Journal, 2005).
A problem with known type bulletproof vests arises from the fact that they are manufactured with materials which do not facilitate removal of body moisture produced by the wearer when wearing the bulletproof vest for prolonged periods of time. Mechanical resistance is often preferred, as the fabrics can also act as a support for the ballistic package but they do not guarantee the flexibility required to freely perform different movements. Bulletproof vests of this type are described in documents US 6961958 and US 5970513 , for example. For the aforementioned reasons, the use of t-shirts, or other types of underwear, in contact with the skin and under the bulletproof vest is preferred.
Another problem associated with known type bulletproof vests (such as the ones described in documents US 6233737 and US 8528112 ) lies in the fact that the systems that guarantee the fit of the bulletproof vest to the wearer's body are straps which are made of Velcro and elastic elements, or hook or zip systems. These fit and fastening systems do not enable multi-directional movements and cannot be shaped, thereby the bulletproof vest providing for a less than desirable fit to the body. Moreover, these fit and fastening systems are usually present on shoulders and on waist, making it difficult to wear and remove the bulletproof vest. Furthermore, these fit and fastening systems can make the bulletproof vest visible from the outside, leading any attacker to hit other parts of the body. Finally, document US 2019/360781 A1 describes a further known type bulletproof vest according to the preamble of claim 1.
The object of the present invention is therefore to provide a bulletproof vest which is capable to overcome the aforementioned drawbacks of the prior art in an extremely simple, economic and particularly functional way.
In detail, one object of the present invention is to provide a bulletproof vest which is capable to provide a high level of comfort to the wearer, while ensuring adequate ballistic protection at the same time.
Another object of the present invention is to provide a bulletproof vest which guarantees a wider freedom of movement to the wearer than bulletproof vests according to the prior art.
A further object of the present invention is to provide a bulletproof vest which is completely invisible under commonly used clothing.
These and other objects of the present invention will be achieved by providing a bulletproof vest according to claim 1.
Further characteristics of the invention are highlighted by the dependent claims, which are an integral part of the present description.
The characteristics and advantages of a bulletproof vest according to the present invention will be clearer from the following exemplifying and hence nonlimiting description, referring to attached schematic drawings, in which:

figure 1 is a front view of a preferred embodiment of the bulletproof vest according to the present invention;
figure 2 is a rear view of the bulletproof vest of figure 1 ;
figure 3 is another front view of the bulletproof vest of figure 1, wherein this front vest is shown upside-down;
figure 4 is a detailed view of an internal portion of the bulletproof vest of figure 1;
figure 5 is a schematic view showing a step of the process for manufacturing the bulletproof vest of figure 1;
figure 6 is a schematic view showing a further step of the process for manufacturing the bulletproof vest of figure 1;
figure 7 is a schematic view showing a cross section of the bulletproof vest of figure 1.

With reference to the figures, a preferred embodiment of the bulletproof vest according to the present invention is shown, indicated as a whole with reference number 7. The bulletproof vest 7 is preferably shaped as an undershirt or a completely closed, thus sleeveless vest, and is designed to cover at least partially the front part, or chest, and the rear part, or back, of the torso of a wearer. In other words, the bulletproof vest 7 is shaped as an undergarment, but suitable for protecting the wearer's chest and back, and allows ordinance dresses, such as a uniform for example, to be easily worn over it resulting completely invisible.
The bulletproof vest 7, therefore, consists of a single garment without anchoring systems on the shoulders and/or on the waist of the wearer and comprises at least one outer layer 12, manufactured with a first elastic knitted fabric, and at least one inner layer 14, manufactured with a second elastic knitted fabric and designed to come into contact with the wearer' skin. Between at least two portions 14A, 14B (figure 7) of the second elastic knitted fabric of the inner layer 14 at least one pocket 16A, 16B is obtained, which is provided with fastening means 26 and designed to contain at least one corresponding protective ballistic package 24 (which is of the type known in the state of the art and is schematically shown in cross-section in figure 7). The fastening means 26 of the pocket 16A, 16B are also of the type known in the state of the art and can consist, merely by way of example, of Velcro strips (figure 7).
Between the outer layer 12 and the inner layer 14 at least one reinforcing rib 18A, 18B manufactured with a third fabric is further interposed. Each reinforcing rib 18A, 18B is designed to surround at least partially and to support a respective ballistic package 24 inside the respective pocket 16A, 16B. Preferably, the third fabric each reinforcing rib 18A, 18B is manufactured with can be made of the first elastic knitted fabric the outer layer 12 is manufactured with.
The bulletproof vest 7 according to the present invention thus consists of an undergarment with ballistic protection, made with seamless fabrics. The bulletproof vest 7 can be easily worn like an undershirt and has no lateral and/or upper hooking systems (that is to say at the shoulders) between the front part and the rear part thereof. In addition to making the bulletproof vest 7 easy to use and remove, this implementation enables it to be completely invisible.
Both the inner fabric 14 and the outer fabric 12 are knitted fabrics and provide the wearer with high thermo-physiological and sensory comfort, excellent sweat and moisture management. These knitted fabrics are very elastic and have high mechanical performance. In fact, the ballistic package 24 is not supported by any support and/or hooking mechanism on the shoulders, rather it is supported by the respective inner pocket 16A, 16B which, together with the respective reinforcing rib 18A, 18B, supports the entire weight of the protection. Thanks to the characteristics described above, the inner 14 and outer 12 fabrics allow them to be used directly in contact with the skin, without further layers that can reduce comfort in particular climatic conditions and duration of use.
In order to ensure elasticity (that is to accommodate different body anatomies), support (that is support of the ballistic package 24 without residual deformations after prolonged use) and maximum breathability, at the same time, the outer layer 12 and the inner layer 14 of the bulletproof vest 7 are connected to each other by gluing along one or more shaped gluing surfaces 20, interposed between the outer layer 12 and the inner layer 14. Preferably, the shaped gluing surfaces 20 consist of at least one layer of polyurethane glue and at least one polyurethane tape. Even more preferably, the shaped gluing surfaces 20 consist of three overlapping layers, wherein the two outer layers consist of polyurethane glue and the intermediate layer consists of a polyurethane tape, which guarantees elasticity and structural resistance at the same time. Still preferably, each layer is approximately 50 microns thick. The polyurethane glue therefore heat-fixes all the layers of elastic fabric the bulletproof vest 7 is made of along the respective shaped gluing surfaces 20, thus covering the shortest possible surface.
By choosing the suitable knitted fabric, the bulletproof vest 7 can be provided or not with lateral seams and is characterized by a raw cut finish on the neck, armhole and lower part, which is particularly long to fit the different anatomies of the wearers, so as to improve comfort. Advantageously, in fact, as shown for example in figure 3, the outer layer 12 extends downwards more significantly than the inner layer 14 or, in other words, the outer layer 12 is longer than the inner layer 14. This feature allows the outer layer 12 to be cut off, if necessary, and therefore shortened, in its lower portion, thereby adapting to the wearer's wearability needs without affecting the resistance characteristics provided by the ballistic packages.
The bulletproof vest 7 can also be provided with one or more electronic sensors 22 with algorithms adapted to detect specific physiological and biometric parameters of the wearer, useful for reducing rescue time in case of attack. These electronic sensors 22 are preferably contained in respective casings in flexible plastic material made integral with the inner layer 14 and/or the outer layer 12, to better fit the body of the wearer and his/her anatomy.
Preferably, as will be better specified hereinafter with reference to manufacturing process of the bulletproof vest 7, the outer layer 12 and the inner layer 14 are connected to each other by hot gluing or thermo-fixing.
Based on the preferred embodiment of the bulletproof vest 7, shown in the attached figures, both a front pocket 16A, designed to contain a corresponding front ballistic package for protecting the wearer's chest, and a rear pocket 16B, designed to contain a corresponding rear ballistic package for protecting the wearer's back, are provided. Therefore, the front pocket 16A is surrounded and supported by a corresponding front reinforcing rib 18A, while the rear pocket 16B is surrounded and supported by a corresponding rear reinforcing rib 18B.
Advantageously, the first elastic knitted fabric of the outer layer 12 is a bi-elastic fabric, that is to say elastic in both the direction of width, and in the direction perpendicular to the direction of width. The bi-elasticity feature is particularly significant because it guarantees the maximum fit of the outer layer 12 to the wearer's body, providing maximum comfort and invisibility.
Advantageously, the first bi-elastic fabric of the outer layer 12 is a run-proof fabric of the "extra comfort' type, that is to say made with a high percentage of elastic fiber to ensure freedom of movement, perfect wearability and minimum formation of pleats due to use and/or washing. This bi-elastic fabric of the outer layer 12 provides high resistance to abrasion and rubbing, without any formation of "pilling", which would lead to deterioration of the appearance and the mechanical properties of the bulletproof vest 7. The particular structure of the weaving of this first elastic knitted fabric facilitates the passage of water vapor molecules through the fabric itself, ensuring high breathability and providing a "fresh" feeling. Furthermore, also thanks to its structure and chemical composition, this first elastic knitted fabric has:

a much faster drying time than similar items;
greater resilience, that is to say a high resistance to wrinkling during washing or drying, allowing the bulletproof vest 7 to be washed and used without the need to be ironed (easy care).

As it is a run-proof fabric, this first elastic knitted fabric does not fray and this allows for fewer seams and hems on the bulletproof vest 7.
Advantageously, the second elastic knitted fabric of the outer layer 14 is a mono-elastic fabric in the direction of width, that is to say along a direction which is substantially perpendicular to the wearer's spine. This feature allows the bulletproof vest 7 to support the weight of the ballistic package 24 adequately and without sagging and, at the same time, it ensures the horizontal elasticity required to guarantee high level of wearability and perfect adherence to the wearer's body.
Preferably, this second mono-elastic knitted fabric is a fabric manufactured at least partially with polyester. Even more preferably, this second mono-elastic knitted fabric is entirely manufactured with polyester, so as to provide considerable sweat management capacity and extremely pleasant sensory comfort to the touch. Since this second elastic knitted fabric is intended for contact with the wearer's skin, polyester has been chosen as it is not hydrophilic and therefore it tends to facilitate transpiration.
In addition, an antibacterial treatment can be carried out on this second knitted fabric which, it being the fabric in contact with the wearer's body, prevents the formation of unpleasant odors. Its morphological structure also allows for excellent breathability thanks to the opening of the mesh weave.
Again preferably, a superficial washing resistant treatment can be carried out on this second knitted material, which treatment being made with a material having conductive characteristics and/or having the capacity to interact with IR rays emitted by the wearer's body. This treatment allows the heat accumulated in some warmer areas of the body to be transferred to the peripheral, colder areas, thus making the comfort uniform throughout the body. This treatment, therefore, enhances the breathability and freshness characteristics already intrinsically possessed by the second elastic knitted fabric. Due to the chemical nature of the applied treatment, an improvement in the antibacterial properties of the fabric and the antistatic properties of the bulletproof vest 7 is also achieved. As it is a non-rigid surface treatment, it does not jeopardize the wearability/elasticity of the fabric it is applied on. The treatment is completely safe, compatible with the skin, nontoxic and non-cytotoxic.
The process for manufacturing the bulletproof vest 7 according to the present invention complies with the sustainability criteria, as it is carried out without using solvents or other chemical products. This particularity makes the bulletproof vest 7 different from similar products present on the market.
Thus, with reference to figures 5 and 6, the process for manufacturing the bulletproof vest 7 according to the present invention comprises a series of steps for positioning the layers of fabric, which are positioned thanks to the use of a jig 100, and three-dimensional gluing of these layers of fabric. A jig 100 is designed for each size of the bulletproof vest 7.
More precisely, the process for manufacturing the bulletproof vest 7 comprises a first step of positioning the outer layer 12 on the jig 100. The reinforcing rib 18A, 18B is then positioned on the outer layer 12, which reinforcing rib surrounds, supports and compresses the ballistic package 24 while wearing the bulletproof vest 7, making the protection invisible from the outside. The reinforcing rib 18A, 18B is then glued by thermo-fixing on the outer layer 12 (figure 5).
At this stage, a step of positioning at least one layer of glue along the shaped gluing surfaces 20 is provided, which is followed by a step of effective gluing, by thermo-fixing, of a first portion of the inner layer 14, so as to form the outer part of the pocket 16A, 16B containing and supporting the ballistic package (figure 6).
On the assembly thus formed, at least another layer of glue is distributed along the shaped gluing surfaces 20, which is followed by another step of effective gluing, by thermo-fixing, of a second portion of the inner layer 14, so as to form the inner part of the pocket 16A, 16B which contains and supports the ballistic package 24. At least one of the portions 14B of the second elastic knitted fabric of the inner layer 14, which is the fabric that comes into contact with the wearer's skin (see figure 7), could be subjected to a graphene treatment to improve the thermal comfort of the bulletproof vest 7. The characteristics of this graphene treatment are as follows:

thermal conductivity: > 1 W/mK;
resistivity < 10^-8 (Ωm).

Alternatively, or in addition, a bio-ceramic based treatment can also be carried out on the second elastic knitted fabric of the inner layer 14, which treatment has the property of receiving the so-called FIR (Far Infrared Rays) emitted by the body and reflecting them towards the body itself. This property reduces muscle fatigue, to the benefit of the comfort of the wearer of the bulletproof vest 7.
A mobile press is used to perform gluing by thermo-fixing and the process is divided into three steps:

preheating;
reaching the effective temperature on the glue (convection);
applying a predefined pressure (about 3 bar) at a high temperature (conduction).

The thermo-fixing process is carried out by using two cylinders, one of which is made of metal and the other one of silicone, so as to form a contact surface between these two cylinders which is determined by the deformation of the silicone on the metal. The application of the layers of glue along the shaped gluing surfaces 20, rather than on the entire surface of the fabric layers, ensures the best compromise between the support of the ballistic package 24 (mechanical resistance) and comfort (breathability, not to block the heat flow upwards).
Several tests have been carried out on both the elastic knitted fabrics of the outer layer 12 and the inner layer 14, respectively, of the bulletproof vest 7 which have proved their full validity. In particular, these tests are:

tensile test in the two fabric manufacturing directions (breaking force, strain at break);
stretch test (average deformation on 5 loading-unloading cycles up to 15N, permanent deformation 1 and 30 minutes after removal of the load);
burst test (multidirectional mechanical stress imposed by a membrane, load and breaking stroke);
breathability on RET scale (evaporative resistance, comfort index).

A summary of the results of these tests is shown in the table below.

	first elastic knitted fabric (bi-elastic)	second elastic knitted fabric (mono-elastic)
COMPOSITION	28% EA	100% PES
COMPOSITION	72% PA	100% PES
WEIGHT	164 g/m²	120 g/m²
LOAD BREAK (file traction)	390 N	430 N
STRAIN AT BREAK (file traction)	215%	117%
LOAD BREAK (ranks traction)	320 N	260 N
STRAIN AT BREAK (ranks traction)	384%	202%
Deformation (stretch 15N file)	89,4%	33%
Residual deformation (stretch file)	(1 minute) 0,4%	(1 minute) 0,4%
Residual deformation (stretch file)	(30 minutes) 0,4%	(30 minutes) 0,2%
Deformation (stretch 15N ranks)	145%	91%
Residual deformation (stretch ranks)	(1 minute) 9,6%	(1 minute) 8,8%
Residual deformation (stretch ranks)	(30 minutes) 8,4%	(30 minutes) 7%
Stress-rupture (burst)	-	252 kPa
Stroke to rupture (burst)	-	41 mm
Breathability RET	2,5 m²Pa/W	2,5 m²Pa/W
Pilling (7000 rpm)	4/5	-
Abrasion	> 20.000 cycles	-

It has thus been shown that the bulletproof vest according to the present invention achieves the purposes highlighted above, obtaining the following advantages:

no anchoring systems on the shoulders and/or on the waist, with a noticeable improvement of the wearer's comfort;
coverage of the ballistic package consisting of a single garment acting as an undergarment (undershirt);
exclusive use of elastic knitted fabrics, which provide comfort and mechanical support, at the same time, to support the ballistic package and ensure it does not move during use;
the layers of the fabric are not sewn but glued together.

In particular, the bulletproof vest according to the present invention is invisible from the outside, as it has no hooking systems that would create reliefs visible from the outside. As the bulletproof vest is in one piece, it is easy to use as it is worn and removed as if it were a simple undergarment, thus not providing for the step to fit the body in several stages and following specific procedures.
The bulletproof vest according to the present invention has been developed for all wearers who need ballistic protection for the entire working activity (even longer than 8 hours), but this protection having to be concealed under civilian clothing (for example for undercover agents) or official uniforms. As it is a garment intended to be in contact with the skin, fabrics have been chosen which can provide, thanks to the material and their structure, a high degree of elasticity and resistance at the same time. The protection given is ballistic and anti-blade, therefore able to protect the wearer during daily surveillance activities.
The bulletproof vest according to the present invention does not create impediments to the movements of the wearer's torso, enabling to rotate to the right and to the left, leaving the limbs free to move, enabling the use of specific equipment in upright position, kneeling position, on the ground and seated, and ensuring easy mobility to the wearer. The protections consist of anti-blade/antishock ballistic packages, a front one and a rear one, inserted in respective internal sealed containment linings, front and rear, that have the function of protecting the materials from the atmospheric agents, humidity and UV rays, preserving the ballistic materials contained.
The bulletproof vest thus conceived is susceptible of numerous modifications and variations in any case, all falling within the scope of the same inventive concept; furthermore, all details can be replaced by technically equivalent elements. In practice, the materials used, as well as the shape and dimensions, may be any according to the technical requirements.
The scope of protection of the invention is therefore defined by the appended claims.

Claims

A bulletproof vest (7) designed to cover at least partially the front part, or chest, and the rear part, or back, of the torso of a wearer, the bulletproof vest (7) being made up of a single garment without anchoring systems on the shoulders and/or on the waist of the wearer and comprising:
- at least one outer layer (12), manufactured with a first elastic knitted fabric; and

- at least one inner layer (14), manufactured with a second elastic knitted fabric and designed to come into contact with the wearer' skin,
wherein between at least two portions (14A, 14B) of said second elastic knitted fabric of said inner layer (14) at least one pocket (16A, 16B) is obtained which is provided with fastening means (26) and designed to contain at least one corresponding ballistic package (24), wherein said outer layer (12) and said inner layer (14) are mutually connected by gluing along one or more shaped gluing surfaces (20), interposed between said outer layer (12) and said inner layer (14), the bulletproof vest (7) being characterized in that between said outer layer (12) and said inner layer (14) at least one reinforcing rib (18A, 18B) manufactured with a third fabric is further interposed, said reinforcing rib (18A, 18B) being designed to surround at least partially and to support said ballistic package (24) inside the respective pocket (16A, 16B).
The bulletproof vest (7) according to claim 1, characterized in that said one or more shaped gluing surfaces (20) consist of at least one layer of polyurethane glue and at least one polyurethane tape.
The bulletproof vest (7) according to claim 2, characterized in that said one or more shaped gluing surfaces (20) consist of three overlapping layers, wherein the two outer layers consist of polyurethane glue and the intermediate layer consists of a polyurethane tape.
The bulletproof vest (7) according to any claims 1 to 3, characterized in that said outer layer (12) and said inner layer (14) are connected to each other by hot gluing or thermo-fixing.
The bulletproof vest (7) according to any claims 1 to 4, characterized in that it comprises:
- a front pocket (16A), designed to contain a corresponding front ballistic package for protecting the wearer's chest, said front pocket (16A) being surrounded and supported by a corresponding front reinforcing rib (18A); and

- a rear pocket (16B), designed to contain a corresponding rear ballistic package for protecting the wearer's back, said rear pocket (16B) being surrounded and supported by a corresponding rear reinforcing rib (18B).
The bulletproof vest (7) according to any claims 1 to 5, characterized in that said first elastic knitted fabric is a run-proof bi-elastic fabric.
The bulletproof vest (7) according to any claims 1 to 6, characterized in that said second elastic knitted fabric is a mono-elastic fabric in the direction of width, that is to say along a direction which is substantially perpendicular to the wearer's spine.
The bulletproof vest (7) according to any claims 1 to 7, characterized in that said second elastic knitted fabric is a fabric manufactured at least partially with polyester.
The bulletproof vest (7) according to any claims 1 to 8, characterized in that said second elastic knitted fabric is a fabric treated superficially with a material having conductive characteristics and/or having the capacity to interact with IR rays emitted by the wearer's body.
The bulletproof vest (7) according to any claims 1 to 9, characterized in that it comprises one or more electronic sensors (22) with algorithms adapted to detect specific physiological and biometric parameters of the wearer, said electronic sensors (22) being contained in respective casings in flexible plastic material made integral with said outer layer (12) and/or with said inner layer (14).
A process for manufacturing a fabric of a bulletproof vest (7) according to any of the preceding claims, the process being designed to assemble a plurality of fabric layers by means of three-dimensional gluing, the process comprising the steps of:
- positioning said at least one outer layer (12) on a jig (100);

- positioning said at least one reinforcing rib (18A, 18B) on said outer layer (12);

- gluing said reinforcing rib (18A, 18B) by thermo-fixing on said outer layer (12);

- positioning at least one layer of glue along said one or more shaped gluing surfaces (20);

- gluing by thermo-fixing a first portion of said at least one inner layer (14), so as to form the outer part of the pocket (16A, 16B) containing and supporting the ballistic package;

- positioning at least another layer of glue along said shaped gluing surfaces (20);

- gluing a second portion of said inner layer (14) by thermo-fixing, so as to form the inner part of the pocket (16A, 16B) which contains and supports the ballistic package.