ES2310694T3 - SHIELDED PROTECTION DEVICE. - Google Patents

Abstract

The device has armoring modules (2) arranged in two superposed layers (4,5). A connection unit (3) connects two consecutive pouches (6) containing respectively two armoring modules. The pouches are pivoted with respect to one another around an articulation line. The connection unit is articulated between the pouches for maintaining the overlap of the modules.

Description

Shielded protection device.

The present invention relates to a armored protection device intended to protect people, materials or others, projectiles or fragments generated directly or indirectly by projectiles.

Such a device is known by the EP 0611943, which forms the basis for the preamble of the independent claim 1.

The people and / or materials that have to protect themselves can be found both in vehicles of the aerial type, terrestrial or marine, as in buildings, shelters or any other place.

Also, to effectively guarantee their role and offer appropriate projectile resistance at least small or medium caliber, the protection device must Respond to several criteria. Therefore you must:

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ensure effective protection regardless of the form of the structure that should bear it;

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present a certain flexibility to adapt as well as possible to the different curves and others of the support structure,

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offer continuous protection at throughout the entire structure,

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can easily move according to from threatened areas, and

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can be installed where desired without resort to specific means to be provided for support structures

There are already several protection devices but none of them fully meets the demands previous.

For example, U.S. Patent 5,448,938 describes a shielding plate protection device, strictly adapted to seats especially for helicopters and of which each plate is appropriate for the dimensions of the elements that constitute the seat. This device includes several juxtaposed cameras, linked together and containing each one, a shield plate, and its maintenance on the seat is guarantees by specific fixing means provided at the same time on the seat and the device.

In addition to the fact that it is only adapted to a very particular seat, this known device can present protection breaks between adjacent chambers of So it doesn't offer all the necessary guarantees.

It is also known by the US patent 5 771 489 an armored bib for people, consisting of plates of armor joined together by cylindrical joints that are located at the same level as the edges of the plates. In certain places, the edges of two plates become thin and one is coated over the other with a relative slide to cover the plates in case of misalignment due to stresses exerted on the overalls. In this area of covering the plates are arranged elastic elements that allow the return to their position of the plates when tensions cease.

A protective breastplate of this type does not offer, neither, all the desired requirements. In fact, the joint presented cylindrical that joins two plates does not allow to obtain a large angular displacement between two successive plates, so that the bib cannot adapt to any contour. In addition, though there is coating between certain plates, there is relative slippage between said plates, although after a certain separation, the continuity of protection is not guaranteed.

On the other hand, devices are also known of protection made from fabric.

For example, U.S. Patent 5,395,671 describes a fabric composed of weight polymer fibers high molecular and that allow to obtain multilayer garments, that resist certain projectiles. Another US patent 6 127 291 shows a bulletproof fabric composed of layers of tissue and of rubber resin. Although these tissues are effective against protection against handgun shells, by the Otherwise, they are not adapted when it comes to heavier weapons and they do not present a sufficient firmness to the perforations. And a multi-layer stacking of these tissues to maintain the protection goals would lose all the flexibility of use to these tissues.

Another protection device is also known. composed of a plurality of plates articulated with each other and that they can occupy a folded first position for transport and a second position deployed for the protection of a person. Do not However, the protection break between the articulated plates in Unfolded position does not offer real effectiveness.

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The present invention is intended to resolve the drawbacks of the proposed solutions described above and refers to a protection device whose conception allows to meet the criteria previously stated for Get maximum protection.

For this, the shielded protection device intended for people, materials or others, of the type that includes a plurality of shielding elements joined together by means of union, it is characterized according to the invention because:

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sayings armor elements are arranged in two distinct layers superimposed alternately with respect to each other and in a way that two consecutive alternating elements of the first and the second layers overlap;

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every shielding element is housed in a reception bag; Y,

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sayings joining means associate said two respective consecutive bags containing respectively said consecutive elements that are overlap, around articulation lines around which said bags can pivot relative to each other while remaining in contact with each other.

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Said joining means between two bags consecutive alternating and overlapping of the first and the Second layer are the type with automatic grip bands.

Thus, thanks to the invention, for the overlap alternating armor elements arranged in two layers, one continuous and total protection is not obtained only when it is done adopt a substantially rectilinear configuration to the device, but also when it is made to adopt a curved configuration and / or folded thanks to the items receiving bags avoiding the sliding of the latter and the means of attachment articulated between the bags that maintain the overlapping of the elements and prevent their departure from one another. This device can therefore be compared with articulated coverage with overlapping of the elements that constitute it, being able to both follow the entire surface to be protected without discontinuity.

In a preferred embodiment, said armor elements have a noticeably shaped parallelepipedic with two parallel and opposite edges, overlapping said edges of a shielding element of one of the layers with the corresponding edges of the two shielding elements adjacent to the other layer. Therefore, the simplicity of realization of the elements.

Advantageously, said bags containing said shielding elements are made of fabric. Each bag it can be done broadly with respect to the element that contains or the tissue of each of them can be at least partially elastic, to allow, on the one hand, the free angular displacement between the bags and therefore follow the maximum surface profile to be protected while maintaining an overlapping contact of the shielding elements and, on the other part, insertion and removal of the elements of the bags

Each bag on the other hand comprises a quick closing device.

In this case, each bag of one of the layers it is then provided with two opposing automatic grip bands that extend the parallel edges of the bag around lines of articulation, and each bag of the other layer present, on a large face of the bag, two parallel automatic grip bands articulated, with which the grip bands act together corresponding automatic two adjacent layer bags opposite.

In another embodiment, said means of union between two consecutive alternating and overlapping bags of the first and second layers can comprise a band elastic whose longitudinal edges are fixed on one face large bag of one layer and its central part is fixed on the lateral edge in correspondence with the bag of the other layer.

According to another feature of the device protection, auxiliary elements can be provided in the spaces left between said shielding elements of each layer. Preferably they have a parallelepipedic shape with a thickness substantially identical to that of the armor elements, which guarantees the continuity of the device.

For example, said auxiliary elements may be flexible elements and / or also armor elements. By therefore, the device could comprise auxiliary elements flexible or shielded on the two layers or on one of the layers only, according to the desired requirements.

Analogously to armor elements preceding, the auxiliary elements are housed in bags of reception. These bags containing said auxiliary elements are added in a fixed way, detachably, on the bags in correspondence containing said shielding elements.

According to yet another feature of the device, said bags containing the elements of the two layers are housed in a reception cover, ensuring cohesion complete the set of elements and especially facilitating its transport and its placement.

Advantageously, said bags are kept in position in said sheath by means of grip bands automatic.

Preferably, said cover comprises two overlapping compartments of which one contains the two layers of elements (turned towards the zone of aggression) and of which the another surrounds a protective cushion (turned towards the area to be protect yourself (people, materials)).

Furthermore, said cover comprises flaps for close said compartments and is provided with means of grip for transport

The figures in the attached drawing will make you understand absolutely how the invention can be realized. In these figures, Identical reference numbers designate similar elements.

Figure 1 schematically shows a protective device with shielding elements whose arrangement  It is according to the present invention.

Figure 2 is a perspective view schematic showing a shield element and its bag of reception.

Figures 3 and 4 represent, in perspective schematic, an exemplary embodiment of the joining means between the bags, by automatic grip bands.

Figure 5 represents, in cross section, a preferred protection device, in rectilinear configuration of the shielding elements.

Figures 6 and 7 represent the device of Figure 5 respectively with a convex curved and a curved concave of said bags with shielding elements.

Figure 8 shows, in cross section, a preferred embodiment with two device compartments  of protection according to the invention, with shielding elements and auxiliary elements

Figure 9 is a partial perspective of said device of figure 8.

Figure 10 is a cross section of the Different layers of the second compartment.

Figure 11 schematically represents another embodiment of said joining means.

Figures 12 and 13 represent another embodiment of the shielding elements, with two different configurations.

Figure 14 shows in perspective an element of preferred shielding with joint means common to all the bags

Figure 15 schematically represents a particular application of said protection device according to the invention.

The protection device 1 illustrated schematically and partially in figure 1 is constituted by a plurality of shielding elements 2 associated with each other by means 3 of union and destined to guarantee an adequate protection of people and / or materials against projectiles and fragments. The nature of the materials that constitute such elements of shielding can be of any known type and will not be described in This document.

According to the invention, the shielding elements 2 are arranged in two layers 4 and 5 superimposed alternately some with respect to others and so that two consecutive elements alternating between the first layer 4 and the second layer 5 overlap. Therefore, the protection conferred by device 1 is continuous and extends over its entire surface since there is coating of the shielding elements 2 in the manner of roof tiles that they overlap.

The shielding elements 2, also designated modules hereafter, they can have any shape and thickness according to the surfaces to be protected and present in this example a parallelepipedic form such as that represented in the Figure 2, that is with two large opposite sides 2A, two small opposite 2B side faces and two transverse 2C faces opposite. Therefore, the two lateral parallel 2D edges of the modules of the first layer 4 cover the parallel 2D edges side of the modules of the second layer 5.

To guarantee the articulation of the modules 2, these are housed in reception bags 6 that carry the connection means 3. It is seen, in figure 2, that the bag 6 of reception has a configuration substantially similar to that of the modules 2 although dimensionally larger for insertion and module removal. Each bag 6 has two large faces 6A lateral, two small lateral faces 6B of which one constitutes  a 6C flap articulated around a 6D bending line longitudinal and intended to enclose module 2 in the bag, and two 6E transverse faces.

A device for closing the bag and is defined, in this exemplary embodiment, by a band 7A of automatic grip fixed to flap 6C and acting together with a corresponding automatic grip band 7B, provided on the open longitudinal edge 6F of the large face 6A of the bag. Any other means of closure could also be provided. In As for the material that constitutes the bag, a fabric is preferred since it offers good resistance to use and, especially, a Good tensile strength to resist stress induced by deformations during the placement of the device 1.

A particular embodiment of the joining means 3 will be explained below with respect to the figures
3 and 4.

In this embodiment, the means 3 of union are of the type with bands 8, 9 of automatic grip due to the simplicity of implementing such a union. To do this, the bags 6 containing for example the modules of the first layer 4 they have two opposite and identical side bands 8, added of fixed way, by sewing or others, on the edges or angles 6G parallel to a main 6A face with its 6B side faces small, edges that define lines 8A of articulation of the bands. These can also be added on flaps provided on the bag. A bag 6 of this type may be designated as a bag male.

Regarding the 6 bags that contain the modules of the second layer 5, also comprise two bands 9 Automatic grip that are added, not at the edge level lateral, but directly on the large face 6A of the bag, parallel to the lateral 6G edges. Each band 9 bends in the sense of its length, so that a semi-band 9A is fixed at the face of the bag and the other half band 9B prolongs the previous one around line 9C band bending. A bag 6 of this type is then designated female bag.

The union between two consecutive exchanges alternating (male - female) of the first and second layers 4, 5 is done simply, without difficulty, by inserting one of the 8 side bands of automatic grip of the male bag between the two half-bands 9A, 9B automatic grip of the female bag, then folding the free 9B semi-band against the 9A semi-band fixed on the large face 6A of the bag, which has the effect of wrapping said band 8 and solidly hooking the bands between yes. Obviously, the arrangement of the bands 9 folded over the bags 6 of a layer is such that, when the bands 8 of the bags of the other layer are inserted into the folded bands, the 2D side edges of the modules contained in the bags are They cover. Such a union between three consecutive bags alternating (two male bags of the first layer 4 and a bag female of the second layer 5) of a protection device 1 is schematically illustrated in figure 5. The thickness of the bands It has been exaggerated for reasons of clarity.

The device part 1 represented in the Figure 5 applies especially to the protection of equipment or another symbolically illustrated by a flat and located surface S in the ZP zone to be protected (opposite to the ZA zone of aggression from which the projectiles come), so that bags 6 of modules 2 are substantially rectilinear and are overlap two to two.

On the contrary, on figure 6, the part of device 1 can effectively protect a surface S convex thanks to the overlap of the modules and the joints 3 flexible advantageously provided on the receiving bags 6. In fact, the end modules 2 of the first layer can pivot around the lateral 6G edges of said female bag of the Second layer. In figure 7, the represented part of the device 1 protects a concave surface S. In this case, the pivoting of the modules of the male bags are made at the level of lines 8A of articulation of the female bags containing the modules, which "get up" spinning around those lines. In addition, as the reception bags 6 have a certain amplitude with with respect to shielding modules 2, as exaggeratedly shown in figure 6, the fabric deforms slightly but maintains a overlap between the different shield modules.

It is therefore understood that, thanks to the particular arrangement of the unions 3 between the bags 6 of reception of the shielding modules 2, it is possible to adapt a protection device 1 on a support structure of Any way to be protected. E, regardless of the configuration adopted by the device, the protection is continues thanks to the overlapping of the parallel edges of the modules

On the other hand, in spaces or intervals 10 alternated, left between two consecutive bags 6 of a layer and arranged in alternation with those of the other layer as shown in Figures 1 and 5, the device 1 may comprise elements 11 auxiliaries that guarantee the continuity of the device and that they have, for this, a parallelepipedic form substantially with the same thickness as the initial 2 elements. This elements or auxiliary modules 11 can be flexible elements, which do not they remain, which absorb impacts and protect against deformations behind the armor elements, or even armor elements or others. In this case too, each one is housed in a reception bag 12 of identical design to the anterior (tissue and closure device).

The device 1 obtained with the modules 2 of shielding and auxiliary modules 11 are shown in figure 8, leaving a space between the auxiliary modules and the modules of armor to preserve its angular freedom around the media 3 of union, and therefore allow device 1 to follow the maximum the surfaces to be protected.

The fixing of these auxiliary modules 11 of one of the layers on the opposite shielding modules 2 of the another layer and reciprocally is done, in this case too, by means of automatic grip bands provided transversely on the large internal face 6A of the bags 6 and on the face 12A corresponding large internal of the bags 12, like the two cross bands 14 shown in figure 3. Thanks to the detachable character of this type of connection, modules 11 auxiliaries can be easily removed or replaced, if it is necessary, being conveniently fixed.

The protection device 1 can also comprise a cover 15 that wraps the two layers of modules 4 and 5 to ensure complete cohesion to this set of elements or of modules. To do this, as shown in figures 8 and 9, the cover 15 contains, in a first compartment 16, the set of two layers 4, 5 of modules 2, 11 that are arranged transversely with respect to its length, that is in the sense of its width, and, in a second compartment 17 superimposed on the first, a cushion 18 for protection against trauma.

This protection device 1 is arranged obviously in a way that presents its first compartment 16 turned towards zone ZA of aggression and its second compartment 17 turned towards the zone ZP to be protected (person, material, ...), as shown in Figure 8.

More particularly, modules 2 and 11 of the two 4, 5 superimposed layers remain in place in the first compartment 16 for the joint performance of grip bands 19 provided automatically on the inside of the 15A walls of the case compartment and over the large faces 6A, 12A corresponding external bags, as shown in Figure 9. As for the cover 15, each compartment 16 and 17 are surrounded by flaps 15B that act together from those obtained the closure with the help of a hitch system of the band type automatic grip, not shown, which facilitates the operations of subsequent conservation and maintenance.

It is observed, on the other hand, in Figure 8, that a shock absorbing sheet 20 known per se can be provided, in the first compartment 16, being located between the cover and the First layer modules. This sheet 20 can be added over the flaps of the second compartment.

As regards the 18 anti-trauma cushion, This guarantees both protection against deformations behind armor modules 2 due to the impacts of bullets or others coming from the ZA zone of aggression, and the comfort of seat or support as will be seen in figure 15. This double function it is therefore optimized by association of layers 18A of damping, known in themselves and that have thicknesses, densities and hardnesses different and complementary as shown in figure 10.

According to the device's applications protection, different provisions may be provided not represented in the figures. For example, holding handles of the device can be fixed to the case with a planned passage through Of the same. Straps equipped with a length adjustment system for hitching and securing the device assembly can also set with a step through the case, which allows fix and adapt the device to any means of hitch not initially provided for it.

Obviously, to increase the surface protected, several devices 1 can be arranged next to others. Also, to increase the effectiveness of protection, several Devices 1 may overlap partially or totally.

Although joining means 3 have been described by flexible articulation with bands 8, 9 of automatic grip between modules receiving bags, other means can be provided without leaving the scope of the invention, such as closures sliding, for seams, for flexible or rigid joints, by riveting or stapling.

A variant embodiment of the means 3 of union will be described below with respect to figure 11. In first, it will be remembered that the angular movement between the bags 6 of modules 2, as in the case of figure 7, must be to the connecting means 3 by bands and to the amplitude of the bag that guarantee the overlapping of the bags with the modules. Also, the amplitude of each bag could be obtained directly by the same nature of the bag that could be made at least partially, that is to say in its entirety, in an elastic fabric. In the embodiment variant illustrated in this figure 11, a 21 band of elastic fabric or similar material between the bags 6 with modules whose lateral 2D edges overlap. Band 21 elastic is arranged parallel to the side edges of the 6 bags (and therefore of the modules) and is fixed, by seams 22 or others, at its longitudinal ends 21A, at face 6A of a bag, next to its edge, and, in its half 21 B, to the corresponding 6G edge of the other bag 6 whose edge covers the from the previous bag.

A variant embodiment of the elements or shielding modules 2 is also shown in figure 12. In this variant, two identical and parallel 2E chamfers are arranged in the longitudinal corners of the same large face 2A of a module. This arrangement facilitates angular movement between the 6 consecutive bags that wrap the modules and overlap alternatively, around the symbolized joining means 3 by a black circle in the figure. The presence of these chamfers 2E allows to avoid tensions in the fabric of the bags 6 especially when device 1 protects a convex surface as in figure 7, since the first layer modules can pivot freely around the articulation lines 8A  for the creation of the chamfers. However, in this figure, as the modules are arranged in the same direction with the chamfers turned up, it is necessary to have two types of bags (female male) with joining means 3.

On the contrary, Figure 13 presents a configuration in which modules 2 contained in bags 6 are arranged in an inverted manner and the articulation line of the joining means 3 (symbolized by a black circle) is located on edges 2F between chamfer 2E and face 2A corresponding of the modules faced. The advantage of this configuration is that a unique model of bag 6 e is necessary regardless of the type of the connection means 3 between the armor module bags. In fact, even in the case of bands 8, 9 of automatic grip, the arrangement of these on the bags becomes unique, as shown in figure 14. One of the 2F edges that define line 8A carries the grip band 8 automatic, while the other edge 2F carries the band 9 bent

This last embodiment is particularly advantageous to the extent that it allows standardizing the bags of reception, modules and joining means and simplify the mounting.

It could also provide certain shielding modules in transparent materials and use it to install them in front of an opening (window) for observation, that guarantee observer protection. Obviously, the areas of the sheath, in which the modules are located, are They would make an appropriate transparent sheet.

A particular application of device 1 of protection according to the invention is shown in figure 15. In this application, the protection device 1 covers, in the manner of an articulated cover, a seat or a bench 25, for example helicopter, so that the occupant (s) are isolated to the maximum (ZP zone) of projectiles pulled from the ground (ZA zone). Though has not been represented, the case covers the set of the two layers, with the first compartment containing the bags 6 with modules 2 in contact with seat 25 and the second compartment with anti-trauma cushion that supports the occupant. It looks especially that overlapping modules 2 protects without discontinuity to the occupant, being able to adapt to forms of the seat thanks to the means 3 of union that allow its pivoted The clamp in its position of the device 1 of protection on seat 25 can be guaranteed with or without addition of fastening straps.

In short, protection against projectiles are continuously guaranteed by coating the modules to the right of the unions. The size and number of the modules are based on threats and applications that should be considered.

The placement of the protection device is performs without prior adaptation of the place of use by means of a quick adjustment and fixing webbing system. On the other hand, the modules are easily interchangeable or replaceable thanks to the rapid detachability of joint joints and to the Quick opening of the bags. The device can be arranged on floors, floors, sidewalks, walls or any other surface and even suspended and adopts concave configurations and / or convex at various points of inflection.

Claims (18)

1. Armored protection device intended to people, materials or others, of the kind that includes a plurality of shielding elements (2) joined together by means (3) union, in which:

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sayings armor elements (2) are arranged in two layers (4, 5) different overlays alternately with respect to each other and so that two consecutive elements alternated from the first layer (4) and the second layer (5) overlap;

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every shielding element (2) is housed in a receiving bag (6); Y

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sayings joining means (3) associate two consecutive bags (6) that respectively contain said two consecutive elements (2) alternating between the first layer (4) and the second layer (5) that are overlap, around articulation lines around which said bags (6) can pivot with respect to each other staying in contact with each other, keeping these means of articulated joint between the bags overlapping the elements (2) and preventing its removal, having said elements (2) of shielding a substantially parallelepipedic shape with two edges (2D) parallel and opposite, said edges of an element overlapping shielding of one of the layers with the edges (2D) corresponding of the two adjacent armor elements of the another layer,

characterized in that said connecting means (3) between two consecutive alternating bags and in overlapping of the first and second layers are bands (8, 9) of automatic grip. 2. Device according to claim 1, characterized in that said edges (2D), parallel and opposite, are provided with a chamfer (2E). Device according to any one of claims 1 or 2, characterized in that said bags (6) containing said shielding elements (2) are made of fabric. Device according to claim 3, characterized in that each bag (6) is made broadly with respect to the shielding element it contains. Device according to claim 3, characterized in that the fabric of each of the bags (6) is at least partially elastic. Device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that each bag (6) comprises a quick closing device (7A, 7B). Device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that each bag (6) of one (4) of the layers is provided with two opposing automatic grip bands (8) that extend the parallel edges of the bag around articulation lines (8A), and each bag of the other layer (5) present, on a large face (6A) of the bag, two articulated parallel automatic grip bands (9), with which the grip bands act together corresponding automatic two adjacent bags of the opposite layer (4). Device according to claim 2, characterized in that the chamfers (2E) of the shielding elements (2) of each of said layers (4,5) are directed towards the shielding elements (2) of the other layer (5) , 4), because the bags (6) of the shielding elements (2) of the two layers (4,5) are identical and because each bag (6) has an automatic grip band (8) and a band (9) ) of articulated automatic grip, respectively to the right of the edges (2F) of the chamfers (2E). Device according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that said joining means (3) between two consecutive alternating and overlapping bags of the first and second layers comprise an elastic band (21) whose longitudinal edges (21A ) are fixed on a large face (6A) of the bag of one layer and its central part (21B) is fixed to the lateral edge (6G) corresponding to the bag of the other layer. Device according to any one of the preceding claims 1 to 9, characterized in that auxiliary elements (11) are provided in the spaces (10) left between said shielding elements (2) of each layer (4, 5). Device according to claim 10, characterized in that said auxiliary elements (11) have a parallelepipedic shape with a thickness substantially identical to that of the shielding elements (2). 12. Device according to one of claims 10 or 11, characterized in that said auxiliary elements (11) are flexible elements or shielding elements. 13. Device according to any one of claims 10 to 12, characterized in that said auxiliary elements (11) are housed in receiving bags (12). 14. Device according to any one of claims 10 to 13, characterized in that said bags (12) containing said auxiliary elements (11) are fixedly added, detachably, to the corresponding bags (6) containing said elements (2) armor. 15. Device according to any one of claims 1 to 14, characterized in that said bags containing the elements of the two layers (4, 5) are housed in a receiving sleeve (15). 16. Device according to claim 15, characterized in that said bags are held in position in said sheath (15) by means of automatic grip bands (19). 17. Device according to one of claims 15 or 16, characterized in that said cover (15) comprises two superimposed compartments of which one (16) contains the two layers of elements and of which the other (17) surrounds a cushion (18 ) of protection. 18. Device according to any one of claims 15 to 17, characterized in that said cover (15) comprises flaps for closing said compartments and is provided with fastening means for transport.