IL121206A - Motor vehicles provided with a pouched armored panel assembly and pouched armored panel assemblies for motor vehicles - Google Patents

Abstract

A motor vehicle provided with a removable protective armored panel assembly, said assembly comprising a textile panel having a plurality of integral pouches (39, 41, 48) for receiving and retaining replaceable, interchangeable rigid armored plates (26) therein in a protective array, wherein said armored plates are retained in said pouches in a partially- overlapping array, said textile panel being provided with means for removably affixing said panel to a structural element of a motor vehicle without degrading the integrity of said structural element. 3487 כ" ו בכסלו התשס" ג - December 1, 2002

Description

121 ,206/4 MOTOR VEHICLES PROVIDED WITH A POUCHED ARMORED PANEL ASSEMBLY AND POUCHED ARMORED PANEL ASSEMBLIES FOR MOTOR VEHICLES 1 121 ,206/2 The present invention relates to motor vehicles provided with removable vehicle armor. More particularly, the invention provides an armored panel assembly for motor vehicles, comprising a textile panel having pouches for retaining armored plates in a protective array. The panel is provided with means for removably attaching the panel to a structural element of a motor vehicle.

Many military vehicles are armored, as are some civilian vehicles. The provided armor is a permanent part of the vehicle, is designed to protect against a specified threat level, and is suited to the type, power, speed and weight of the vehicle to be protected. Obviously the type of armor found on tanks and battleships cannot be carried by light road vehicles or small boats; conversely light vehicles cannot be expected to survive being hit by an anti-tank missile. The selected weight of armor for vehicles is always a compromise between a higher level of protection causing reduced vehicle mobility, range and speed, and a lower level of protection together with mobility close to that of an unarmored vehicle.

The weight of armor is detrimental to the speed, maneuverability, maintenance costs, fuel consumption and range of motorized vehicles, aside from often restricting the field of view of the driver. The problem of weight has been somewhat alleviated, but not solved, by the development of ceramic armor, of specialized plastics and of armor using strong synthetic fibers. Some weight can be saved by making the armor an integral, load-carrying part of the vehicle structure, as opposed to add-on armor. In vehicles where weight must be kept to an absolute minimum, such as in aircraft, armor protection is typically limited to the space occupied by the pilot, or in some vehicles to also protect the fuel tank. 2 121 ,206/3 Examples of armor systems intended to provide adequate protection without excessive weight are found in U.S. patents nos. 4,529,640, 4,836,084 and 4,868,040.

Commanders or managers of vehicles who must contend with high-risk missions such as transporting heads of state, moving bullion, and traveling through guerrilla-infested territory, may at other times require the same vehicle for executing a long journey which is assessed as being almost risk free. The vehicle to be used for the two purposes is required to be armored, so that when at some other time it is required for a journey entailing negligible risk, this will be accomplished at high cost in fuel, engine and tire wear, and time, due to the weight of the armor.

It is therefore one of the objects of the present invention to obviate the disadvantages of prior art light vehicle armor and to provide an armor panel which can be attached to the vehicle when needed, but can also be removed therefrom when not needed.

It is a further object of the present invention to arrange for attachment of said armor without cutting apertures or drilling any part of the vehicle, so as not to compromise vehicle structural integrity.

The present invention achieves the above objects by providing a motor vehicle provided with a removable protective armored panel assembly, said assembly comprising a textile panel having a plurality of integral pouches for receiving and retaining replaceable, interchangeable rigid armored plates therein in a protective array, wherein said armored plates are retained in said pouches in a partially-overlapping array, said textile panel being provided with means for 2a 121 ,206/2 removably affixing said panel to a structural element of a motor vehicle without degrading the integrity of said structural element.

In preferred embodiments of the present invention there is provided a removable protective armored panel assembly for use in the above combination said assembly comprising a textile panel having a plurality of integral pouches for receiving and retaining replaceable, interchangeable rigid armored plates therein in a protective array, wherein said armored plates are retained in said pouches in a partially-overlapping array, said panel being provided with means for removably affixing said panel to a structural element of a motor vehicle without degrading the integrity of said structural element.

In US Patents 5,460,305 and 5,009,458 there are described and claimed pouches adapted for mounting to a vehicle door, however, these pouches are not intended to provide armor protection and said patents do not teach or suggest the use of a textile panel having a plurality of integral pouches for receiving and retaining replaceable, interchangeable rigid armored plates therein in a protective array, wherein said armored plates are retained in said pouches in a partially-overlapping array to provide ballistic protection to the occupants of the vehicle.

Similarly, in US Patent 5,157,792; 5,072,453; and 5,068,921 there are described flack-jackets for personal use, however, said patents also do not teach or suggest the use of a textile panel having a plurality of integral pouches for receiving and retaining replaceable, interchangeable rigid armored plates therein in a protective array, wherein said armored plates are retained in said pouches in a partially-overlapping array, said panel being provided with means for removably affixing said panel to a structural element of a motor vehicle without degrading the integrity of said structural element. 2b 121 ,206/1 Furthermore, while US Patent 5,421 ,238; 5,009,458; and 5,460,305 also describe vehicles with pouches or pouches for vehicles, none of said patents teach or suggest a textile panel having a plurality of integral pouches for receiving and retaining replaceable, interchangeable rigid armored plates therein in a protective array, wherein said armored plates are retained in said pouches in a partially-overlapping array, said panel being provided with means for removably affixing said panel to a 3 structural element of a motor vehicle without degrading the integrity of said structural element.

In preferred embodiments of the present invention said affixing means include a downwardly facing open pocket integrally formed at the top of said panel and sized to override the upper frame of a door of a vehicle and/or the head rest of a vehicle seat.

In further preferred embodiments of the present invention said affixing means include strap means.

In a most preferred embodiment of the present invention there is provided an armored panel assembly wherein said textile panel is made of a synthetic high-strength multi-ply material, forms part of the armor system and reduces the required thickness of the armored plates.

Yet further embodiments of the invention will be described hereinafter.

It will thus be realized that the novel armor system of the present invention serves to allow attachment of armor without hole drilling. It is to be noted that hole drilling may adversely effect the vehicle's structural integrity and usually invalidates the manufacturers guarantee.

More specifically, the assembly of the present invention is in fact self-attaching in that it does not require any hooks, brackets, latches, or holes to be provided on the vehicle to which it is to be attached, thus enabling rapid attached on any vehicle without the use of any tools.

The armor system of the present invention also offers the vehicle operator the option of using the armor panels for less or more time than the vehicle itself. For example, should a new improved type of armor plate become available before the vehicle has reached the end of its life, the option is open of using such plate in the existing textile holder. Should however the vehicle be scrapped while the armor is yet serviceable, the armor can be transferred for use on a replacement vehicle.

A major advantage of the present assembly is that said pouches are provided with openings for inserting and removing said plates thereby enabling said textile panel to be folded and stored upon the removal of said armored plates therefrom so that the vehicle can readily serve as a normal civilian vehicle without any added weight when not traveling in dangerous areas or situations.

Furthermore, the pouches enable the interchangeable use of appropriate armor for different contexts and different expected threat levels wherein, e. g., materials such as Aramid (kevlar)/Steel/and ultrahigh molecular weight polyethylene can be used for 44 Magnum, 9 MM FMJ and 7.62 TUKAREV projectiles while appropriate panels of composite ceramic/PE/Composite steel can be used for higher threat 5.56 x 45; 7.6 x 39; 7.62 x 51 ; 30.06; and, 12.7 bullets and armor piercing bullets.

In a series of U. S. patents to Madden, Jr., including U. S. Patent No. 5,370,035; No. 5,413,026; No. 5,438,908; and, No. 5,271 ,311 there are described removable bullet-proof barriers for attachment to a vehicle door or to the back of a vehicle seat. The barrier includes a transparent panel and a flexible curtain situated therebeneath. While the panel and curtain are bullet resistant none of said patents teaches or suggests the use of a textile panel having a plurality of integral pouches for receiving and retaining replaceable, interchangeable rigid armored plates therein in a protective array. Furthermore, in each of said patents said apparatus is installed by means of hooks, brackets and flanges, as opposed to the present invention in which the present panel is provided with means for removably affixing said panel to a structural element of a motor vehicle without degrading the integrity of said structural element.

U. S. Patent No. 1,203,962 discloses removable armor plating for a vehicle; U. S. Patent No. 5,533,778 discloses a vehicle window shield including a transparent protective-resistant panel covering the window opening and an optional panel extending below the window opening; U. S. Patent No. 3,855,898 discloses a transparent bullet-resistant panel for a vehicle door; U. S. Patent No. 5,340,189 discloses a vehicle door armor comprising a folding multi-panel assembly including a second portion of resistant sheets that is inter-connected to a first portion and is openable between a folded and an extended position; U. S. Patent No. 5,180,880 discloses soft armor which may be attached to a vehicle seat back; and, U. S. Patent No. 5,499,568 discloses modular vehicle armor including an outer cover with removable panels arranged to be placed in spaced apart parallel sequential array.

None of said patents however, teach or suggest the removable protective armored panel assembly as defined and claimed herein.

The invention will now be described in connection with certain preferred embodiments with reference to the following illustrative figures so that it may be more fully understood. 6 With specific reference now to the figures in detail, it is stressed that the particulars shown are by way of example and for purposes of illustrative discussion of the preferred embodiments of the present invention only and are presented in the cause of providing what is believed to be the most useful and readily understood description of the principles and conceptual aspects of the invention. In this regard, no attempt is made to show structural details of the invention in more detail than is necessary for a fundamental understanding of the invention, the description taken with the drawings making apparent to those skilled in the art how the several forms of the invention may be embodied in practice.

In the drawings: Figure 1 is a perspective, partially fragmented view of a preferred embodiment of the armored panel assembly according to the invention; Figure 2 is a perspective fragmented view of a panel assembly including overlapping armored plates; Figure 3 is a perspective view of a panel assembly adapted to protect a vehicle door; Figure 4 is a perspective view of a panel assembly wherein the armored plates are carried in pouches having openings Figure 5 is a perspective view of a panel assembly attached to the rear of a vehicle seat; Figure 6 is a detail perspective of an armored panel assembly wherein the textile holder of the armored plate functions as part of the armor system; and, Figure 7 is a perspective view of an automobile armored using the panel assembly described with reference to Figure 3. 7 There is seen in Figure 1 a removable protective armored panel assembly 10 for a motor vehicle 12.

A textile panel 14 has two integral pouches 16 for receiving and retaining replaceable, interchangeable armored plates 18 therein in a protective array.

The textile panel 14 is suitably made of either a natural fiber such as cotton, treated for increased environmental resistance, or of a synthetic fiber such as rayon.

Armored plates 18 are made of hard alloy steel or of a ceramic.

In the present embodiment the textile panel 14 is provided with a downwardly-facing open pocket 22 integrally formed at the top 20 of the panel assembly 0. The panel is sized to override the upper frame of a vehicle door. No drilling of the vehicle is needed, thus avoiding degradation of the integrity of any structural element of the vehicle, which would be caused if drilling were necessary.

With reference to the rest of the figures, similar reference numerals have been used to identify some similar parts.

Referring now to Figure 2, there is seen a further embodiment of an armored panel assembly 24. Armored plates 26 are retained in pouches 28 in a partially-overlapping array. Projectiles cannot therefore penetrate a gap between armored plates 26. 8 In the figure affixing means include strap means. Upper straps 30 are routed over the vehicle roof and lower straps 32 are used to hold the assembly 24 to the vehicle chassis.

Figure 3 illustrates an armored panel assembly 34 for attachment to a door (not shown) of a vehicle.

The textile panel 38 includes an open segment 40 for the insertion therein of a transparent armored panel 42. Panel 42 acts as a window and can suitably be made of polycarbonate.

Openable pocket 39 allows for access to the door handle while weighted pouch 41 is sized for insertion into the integral storage pocket normally provided on the inside of vehicle doors and stabilizes the positioning of the panel relative to the door.

A downwardly facing open pocket 43 is integrally formed at the top of said panel and sized to override the upper frame of the door 36 of the vehicle. Straps 44 are provided for also attaching the assembly 34 to door 36.

Strips 45 of armor are provided in narrow pouches 47 to provide overlapping protection with the larger armored plates 26 retained in pouches 48.

Seen in Figure 4 is an armored panel assembly 51 wherein pouches 46 are provided with simple openings 49 for inserting and removing armored plates 50, as opposed to the flaps and zippers illustrated in Figure 3. As with the previously illustrated embodiments, the textile panel 52 may be folded and stored upon removal therefrom of armored plates 50. Damaged or obsolete plates can thus be conveniently exchanged. Furthermore, such convenient removal of plates is helpful when the textile panel 52 requires repair, and also makes easier the assembly and removal of the panel assembly 51 to and from the vehicle being protected.

Referring now to Figure 5, there is depicted an armored panel assembly 54 attached to the back of a seat 56 of a vehicle. The upper part 58 of the assembly 54 protects the headrest 60. The opening of the integral pouch containing the armored plate is seen at 61. This assembly provides added protection to drivers and front-seat passengers supplementing that afforded by assemblies attached to the vehicle doors.

Figure 6 shows a detail of a further embodiment of an armored panel assembly 62. The textile panel front 64 and back 66 is made of multiple layers 64a, 64b, 66a, 66b of a synthetic high-strength multi-ply material, for example an aromatic polyamide. Both the front 64 and back 66 form part of the armor system and act to deflect and stop projectiles. Consequently the required thickness of the armored plates 66 is reduced and considerable weight is saved.

Figure 7 depicts a four-door automobile 70 armored using the panel assembly 34 described with reference to Figure 3. Optionally, additional protection, such as the armored panel assembly 54 described with reference to Figure 5 can be added for journeys involving higher risk of attack. All panel assemblies 34 are readily removable, thus making the automobile 70 suitable for civilian or military use also on low-risk journeys. 10 It will be evident to those skilled in the art that the invention is not limited to the details of the foregoing illustrative embodiments and that the present invention may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from the spirit or essential attributes thereof. The present embodiments are therefore to be considered in all respects as illustrative and not restrictive, the scope of the invention being indicated by the appended claims rather than by the foregoing description, and all changes which come within the meaning and range of equivalency of the claims are therefore intended to be embraced therein.

Claims (9)

1 1 121 ,206/3 WHAT IS CLAIMED IS:

1. A motor vehicle provided with a removable protective armored panel assembly, said assembly comprising a textile panel having a plurality of integral pouches for receiving and retaining replaceable, interchangeable rigid armored plates therein in a protective array, wherein said armored plates are retained in said pouches in a partially-overlapping array, said textile panel being provided with means for removably affixing said panel to a structural element of a motor vehicle without degrading the integrity of said structural element.

2. A removable protective armored panel assembly for use in a motor vehicle as claimed in claim 1 said assembly comprising a textile panel having a plurality of integral pouches for receiving and retaining replaceable, interchangeable rigid armored plates therein in a protective array, wherein said armored plates are retained in said pouches in a partially-overlapping array, said textile panel being provided with means for removably affixing said panel to a structural element of a motor vehicle without degrading the integrity of said structural element.

3. An armored panel assembly according to claim 2, wherein said affixing means include strap means.

4. An armored panel assembly according to claim 2, wherein said affixing means include a downwardly facing open pocket integrally formed at the top of said panel and sized to override the upper frame of a door of a vehicle. 12 121 ,206/3

5. An armored panel assembly according to claim 2, wherein said textile panel includes an open segment for the insertion therein of a transparent armored panel.

6. An armored panel assembly according to claim 2, wherein said pouches are provided with openings for inserting and removing said plates, thus enabling said textile panel to be folded and stored upon removal therefrom of said armored plates.

7. An armored panel assembly according to claim 2, whenever attached to a door of said vehicle.

8. An armored panel assembly according to claim 2, whenever attached to the back of a seat of said vehicle.

9. An armored panel assembly according to claim 2, wherein said textile panel is made of a synthetic high-strength multi-ply material, forms part of the armor system and reduces the required thickness of said armored plates. For the Applicant WOLFF, BREGMAN AND GOLLER