WO2018087434A1

WO2018087434A1 - Transformable bullet-proof vest

Info

Publication number: WO2018087434A1
Application number: PCT/FR2017/000188
Authority: WO
Inventors: Jérôme HUE; Philippe Leroy; Guillaume TROESCH; Claude SIDOU
Original assignee: L'État Français Représenté Par Le Ministère De L'intérieur
Priority date: 2016-11-09
Filing date: 2017-10-09
Publication date: 2018-05-17
Also published as: FR3058511A1; FR3058511B1

Abstract

The bullet-proof vest comprises: a front portion (1) and a back portion and means for assembling the front portion and the back portion together in order to form a vest, the front portion comprising two layers of fabric (3, 4) forming walls delimiting a light ballistic compartment (5) configured to receive a light ballistic plate (6) suitable for stopping a projectile from a handgun; a third layer of fabric (9) forming a wall delimiting, with one of the walls of the light ballistic compartment, a heavy ballistic compartment accessible when the vest is worn by a user, and attachment means (15, 16) in the heavy ballistic compartment for attaching a heavy ballistic plate (17) capable of stopping a projectile from a military weapon.

Description

Convertible bullet vest

The present invention relates to a bulletproof vest. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Currently, two bulletproof vests are known: a light bulletproof vest and a heavy bulletproof vest. The lightweight bulletproof vest weighs approximately 2 kg and is capable of stopping a projectile from a handgun, in practice a projectile having a maximum dimension of 9 mm. The heavy vest is able to protect against the projectiles of a weapon of war, in particular a long range rifle. Its weight is from 15 kg to 18 kg. It is not currently possible to move quickly from one type of bulletproof vest to another type of bulletproof vest, in particular from a light bulletproof vest to a heavy bulletproof vest in the body. where it turns out that the weapons used are more powerful than those planned at the start of an intervention.

To allow a quick transition from a light bulletproof vest to a heavy bulletproof vest, it has been proposed in document FR 2 444 248 a bulletproof vest

having three tissue plies defining a first compartment for a light ballistic plate, and a second compartment for receiving a plate

heavy ballistics.

A vest of this type is an improvement of the previous vests. However, in the vest described, the heavy armor is supported by a stitched flap to form a pocket so that due to the flexibility of the fabric forming the pocket, it is necessary to support the heavy armor with one hand while locking straps are put in place. OBJECT OF THE INVENTION

An object of the invention is to provide a bulletproof vest having a structure to quickly put a heavy protection on a bulletproof vest initially designed to provide light protection.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

With a view to achieving this object, the invention proposes a bullet-proof vest comprising: a front part and a dorsal part and means for assembling the front part and the back part one with the another for forming a vest, the front portion having two webs of fabric forming walls defining a lightweight ballistic compartment configured to receive a light ballistic plate capable of stopping a projectile of a handgun; a third fabric web forming a wall defining, with one of the walls of the lightweight ballistic compartment, a heavy ballistic compartment accessible when the vest is worn by a user; and attachment means in the heavy ballistic compartment for a heavy ballistic plate able to stop a projectile of a weapon of war.

The use of the light ballistic support structure and one of the walls of the lightweight ballistic compartment to set up a heavy ballistic plate minimizes the overall size of the bulletproof vest. In addition, the accessibility to the heavy ballistic compartment, while the vest worn by a user, makes it possible to make a change, fast destination of the bulletproof vest.

According to an advantageous version of the invention, the heavy ballistic compartment is in front of the compartment light ballistics. The accessibility to the attachment means is thus improved.

According to another advantageous aspect of the invention the means of attachment of the heavy ballistic plate are carried by the front face of the rear wall of the heavy ballistic compartment on the one hand and by the rear face of the heavy ballistic plate of other go. According to yet another advantageous aspect of the invention, the attachment means of the heavy ballistic plate are self-gripping elements. This makes it possible to move very quickly from the light structure to the heavy structure.

Preferably the heavy ballistic compartment with a retractable front wall. Access to the rear wall of the heavy ballistic compartment is thus facilitated.

According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the front wall of the heavy ballistic compartment has two flaps attached laterally to the rear wall of the heavy ballistic compartment and fixed to one another centrally. This improves accessibility to the area of the rear wall of the heavy ballistic compartment intended to receive the heavy ballistic element.

According to another preferred aspect of this embodiment of the invention, the flaps are fixed to one another by a zipper. Preferably, the flaps are laterally connected to the rear wall of the heavy ballistic compartment at the top only. The vest can thus easily adapt to the body of the user.

According to still other advantageous aspects of the invention: in an area adjacent to the lower end of the vest it comprises means for fast attachment of the front part and the back part, preferably the quick fastening means comprise hook-and-loop plates carried by the rear face of the front wall of the heavy ballistic compartment and the corresponding hook-and-spoke plates carried by the rear face of the dorsal part; the assembly means of the front part and the dorsal portion comprise straps which are carried by one of the parts and which comprise hook-and-loop fastening plates on two opposite faces, cooperating with additional self-gripping plates of the other part, arranged to take the sandwich straps; the dorsal portion comprises a lightweight ballistic compartment having a rear wall having means for rapid attachment of a heavy ballistic plate; the dorsal portion comprises straps having an end fixed on one side of the dorsal portion, and an opposite end equipped with quick attachment means to an opposite side of the dorsal portion; the vest has a pull strap mounted telescopically in the back portion; when the vest comprises a back portion having a lightweight ballistic compartment, in retracted position the pull strap is entirely contained in the lightweight ballistic compartment with the exception of a grip handle.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Other features and advantages of the invention will become apparent on reading the following description of a preferred non-limiting embodiment of the invention with reference to the accompanying figures among. which:

FIG 1 is a schematic perspective view of the front portion of the vest seen from the front, partially in section, with a flap in the use position and a flap in the mounting or dismounting position,

FIG. 1 is a schematic perspective view of the front part of a variant of the vest seen from the front, partially in section, with a flap in the use position and a flap in the mounting or dismounting position, in which the global fastening system 37 is replaced by four lateral elastic bands on which is sewn a hook-and-loop fastener at each end, FIG. 2 is a diagrammatic perspective view of the front part of the vest as viewed from the rear with a cut-out through the central part,

- Figure 2 is a schematic perspective view of the front part of a variant of the vest seen from the rear with a skinned through in the central portion, wherein the overall attachment system 37 is replaced by four elastic bands side with a hook-and-loop fastener at each end

FIG. 3 is a sectional view along the line III - III of FIG.

FIG. 4 is a schematic perspective view of the dorsal portion of the vest seen from the front,

FIG. 4 is a diagrammatic perspective view of the dorsal part of a variant of the vest seen from the front, where the two ventrals 33 are replaced by a single band;

FIG. 5 is a schematic perspective view of the dorsal portion of the vest seen from the rear, with two skinned,

FIG. 5 is a diagrammatic perspective view of the dorsal part of a variant of the vest seen from the rear, with two flayed ones, where the two ventrals 33 are replaced by a single strip.

FIG. 6 is a schematic perspective view of the pull strap,

FIG. 6 is a diagrammatic perspective view of a variant of the pull strap, FIG. 7 is a schematic perspective view of an elastic band for closing the vest.

Note that to facilitate understanding of the structure, the thicknesses of the elements shown in sectional view or skinned are increased relative to the other dimensions of the same elements. The terms "before" and "Back" are used by reference to the position of the vest when worn by a user.

Referring to the figures, the bulletproof vest has a front portion 1 and a back portion 2. The front portion 1 comprises a rear fabric ply 3 and an intermediate fabric ply 4 which form walls delimiting a configured lightweight ballistic compartment 5 to receive a light ballistic plate 6 able to stop a projectile of a handgun. For this purpose the rear ply 3 and the intermediate ply 4 are stitched together along their neck in a seam 41. To allow the introduction and removal of the plate

6, the rear wall 3 comprises at its base, a slot 7 equipped with a zipper 8.

A third fabric ply 9 is composed of two flaps 10 attached laterally to the plies 3 and 4 in the upper part of the vest by seams 11, about two-thirds of the height of the vest. The edges 12 of the flaps opposite the seams 11 are joined by a zipper 13. The intermediate ply 4 and the third ply 9 delimit a heavy ballistic compartment 14. It should be noted in this connection that the intermediate ply 4 constitutes the front wall of the compartment light ballistic 5 and the rear wall of the heavy ballistic compartment 14. On its front face, the sheet 4 comprises quick fastening elements, here loops 15 which cooperate with hooks 16 carried by a heavy ballistic plate 17, to fix the plate heavy ballistics in the heavy ballistic compartment 14. To simplify the representation, the zones of loops of a quick fix are symbolized by a letter β whereas the zones of hooks are symbolized by a letter Ύ, or in the zone if there has enough room, either next to the reference if the area is too small (sectional views for example).

On its front face, the front part of the vest comprises, in a manner known per se, MOLLE strips 18 which serve to fix different equipment, including a case 19 which can receive a gun 20.

The dorsal portion 2 comprises a front ply 21 whose edges are sewn with the edge of a back ply 22, in a seam 42 to form a lightweight ballistic compartment 23 for receiving a light ballistic plate.

24. Self-gripping elements in the form of loops 26 are fixed on the rear face of the rear ply 22 and cooperate with corresponding self-gripping elements

25, here hooks, carried by a heavy ballistic plate 27.

At its upper part, the dorsal part 2 comprises straps 28 in one piece with the walls 21 and 22. At their free end, the straps 28 comprise on each of their faces a plate of loops 29. Moreover, the front part the vest comprises at its upper part self-gripping plates in the form of hooks 30 complementary to the loops 29. Self-gripping hook plates 30 are fixed on either side of the seam 11 to the flaps 10 on the one hand and to the sheet 4 on the other hand so as to take the end of the shoulder straps 28 sandwiched so that the front portion and the dorsal portion are assembled to form a vest.

To allow insertion and removal of the light ballistic plate 24, the front wall 21 of the dorsal portion 2 has a slot 31 closed by a slide fastener 32.

In its lower part, the dorsal part 2 comprises ventral straps 33 having one end fixed on the side of the dorsal part by seams 34 and an opposite end having loops plates 35 arranged to assemble with hooks 36 carried by the back side of the dorsal part.

In a preferred manner, the two elastic bands (FIG. 4) have been replaced by an elastic band, preferably 11 cm wide, sewn on the left and right portions of the vest 34, which is closed by at least one self-gripping element at the belly of the wearer.

In an area adjacent to the lower end of the vest, that is to say about one third of its height, it comprises means for rapid attachment of the front portion and the back portion. For this purpose, at the base of the vest, the flaps 10 extend laterally beyond the edges of the rear wall of the front part, and the rear face of the flaps 10 comprises hooks 37 forming, with loops 38 carried in a corresponding zone by the rear face of the dorsal part, means for hooking the front part with the dorsal part in the belt area of a wearer of the bulletproof vest.

According to another preferred aspect of the invention, the vest comprises a loop-shaped telescopic pull strap 39 mounted for sliding in openings 40 in the top of the light ballistic compartment of the dorsal portion. The pull strap preferably has a height equal to the height of the lightweight ballistic compartment. This strap has the function of allowing to draw a wounded carrying the bulletproof vest without the rescuer being embarrassed by too close proximity to the injured. Preferably, in the retracted position, the pull strap 39 is entirely contained in the lightweight ballistic compartment, with the exception of a grip handle.

To mount the bulletproof vest according to the invention, the front portion is disposed on a work plane with the front face in contact with the work plane. The zipper 8 is operated to open the lightweight ballistic compartment 5, the lightweight ballistic plate 6 is inserted into the lightweight ballistic compartment 5 and the zipper 7 is operated to close the lightweight ballistic compartment. Similarly, the dorsal portion 2 is disposed on the work plane with the rear ply 22 in contact with the work plane, the straps 28 being turned upwards of the front part. The closure at slide 32 is operated to clear the slot 31 and allow the introduction of the light ballistic plate 24, then the zipper 32 is operated in the direction of closing.

The loop plates 29 are engaged between the hook plates 30 so that the end of the straps 28 is sandwiched between the ply 4 and the flaps 10.

The bulletproof device is then in the form of a vest that is put in place on a user. Once positioned, it is held in place by folding the straps 33 and fixing the plates of loops 35 on the hooks 36, then the vest is. locked by applying the hook plates 37 carried by the front portion on the loop plates 38 carried by the rear face of the back portion.

If it turns out that the circumstances necessitate the use of heavy ballistic plate, the zipper 13 is operated to release the edges 12 of the flaps 10 which are then folded as shown in the right part of Figure 1. The Heavy ballistic plate 17 is fixed on the front face of the sheet 4 and the flaps 10 are closed. Note that in this maneuver, the flaps 10 are applied to the heavy ballistic plate 17 and thus ensure a maintenance of the engagement of the loops 15 with the hooks 16. The heavy ballistic plate 27 is placed on the rear face of the dorsal part 2.

If during the intervention the wearer of the bulletproof vest is injured and it is necessary to remove his bulletproof vest, it is sufficient to release the hooks 37 of the loops 38 on the one hand, and to release the hooks 30 loops 29 on the other hand to be able to remove the front portion of the bulletproof vest.

Naturally, the invention is not limited to the embodiment described and it is possible to provide variants thereof. realization without departing from the scope of the invention as defined by the claims.

In particular, although the invention has been described in connection with means for fixing the heavy ballistic plate in the form of self-gripping elements, the heavy ballistic plate can be put in place by other means. For example, for planned missions, it is possible to insert the heavy plate through the slot 31. In this case, a separation is preferably provided to separate and protect the lightweight ballistic pack.

Although in the embodiment of FIG. 6, the pull strap 39 has been shown in the form of a loop strap, it can be made in the form of an inverted U-shaped strap whose ends of the branches are sewn to the interior of the lightweight ballistic compartment dorsal, to one of the tissue layers forming this compartment.

If the width of the vest is too small, either because of the build of the user, or because of equipment or clothing worn by it, one can provide extensions in the form of straps having one end carrying loops adapted to attach to the hooks of the zone 37, and an opposite end carrying hooks adapted to attach to the loops of the plates of loops 38.

By way of alternative embodiments, it is possible to replace the two ventrals 33 by a single band (FIG 4 ', FIG 5'); replace the overall fastening system 37 (Figure 2 ') with four lateral elastic bands (two on each side) to which a hook and eye fastener is attached at each end. The vest is then locked by fastening hook on the rear part 38, and is adjustable on the front part (FIG 5 ') on two new hook and loop fasteners.

Preferably, the global fastening system 37 (FIG 2) can be replaced by four lateral elastic bands (FIG 2 ') (two on each side), preferably 6cm wide, on which are sewn to each end a self-gripping, preferably of total length 26cm and the length of the elastic is 8.5cm. The vest can thus be locked by fastening the hook on the rear part 38 and is adjustable on the front part 4 (FIG 5 ') on two new self-grippers, preferably having a height of 21 cm and a width of 110 cm and stitched with on both sides at 2.5cm loops 15.

Preferably, it is possible to be able to remove the front part of the vest to release the two elastics (FIG 7) and to release the hooks 37.

On the dorsal side, two bands of hook and loop fasteners can be added vertically on the inside of the vest on the left and right in order to increase the adjustment range of the elastic bands.

Claims

1. Bulletproof vest comprising a front portion (1) and a back portion (2) and means for assembling the front portion and the back portion together to form a vest, the front portion having two fabric webs (3,4) forming walls defining a light ballistic compartment (5) configured to receive a light ballistic plate (6) adapted to stop a projectile from a handgun, and a third web of tissue ( 9) forming a wall delimiting with one of the walls of the light ballistic compartment, a heavy ballistic compartment (14) accessible when the vest is worn by a user, characterized in that it comprises means (15, 16) of hanging in the heavy ballistic compartment for a heavy ballistic plate (17) able to stop a projectile of a weapon of war.

2. Vest according to claim 1, characterized in that the heavy ballistic compartment (14) is in front of the lightweight ballistic compartment (5).

3. Vest according to claim 1, characterized in that the attachment means (15,16) of the heavy ballistic plate are carried (15) by the front face of the rear wall of the heavy ballistic compartment on the one hand, and

(16) by the rear face of the heavy ballistic plate on the other hand.

4. Vest according to claim 3, characterized in that the attachment means (15,16) of the heavy ballistic plate are self-gripping elements.

5. Vest according to claim 2, characterized in that the heavy ballistic compartment has a front wall (10) retractable.

6. Vest according to claim 5, characterized in that the front wall of the heavy ballistic compartment comprises two flaps (10) attached laterally (11) to the wall back of the heavy ballistic compartment, and fixed to one another centrally.

7. Vest according to claim 6, characterized in that the flaps are fixed to one another by a zipper (13).

8. Vest according to claim 6, characterized in that the flaps (10) are connected laterally to the rear wall (22) of the heavy ballistic compartment in the upper part only.

9. Vest according to claim 1, characterized in that in an area adjacent to the lower end of the vest, it comprises means for fast fixing (37,38) of the front portion and the back portion.

10. Vest according to claim 9, characterized in that the quick fastening means comprise hook-and-loop fasteners (37) carried by the rear face of the front wall of the heavy ballistic compartment, and the corresponding hook-and-spoke plates (38) carried by the face. back of the dorsal part.

11. Vest according to claim 1, characterized in that the means for assembling the front portion and the dorsal portion comprise straps (28) carried by one of the parts and having hook-and-loop fastening plates (29) on two opposed faces, cooperating with complementary hook-and-loop plates (30) of the other part, arranged to take the sandwich straps.

12. Vest according to claim 1, characterized in that the dorsal portion (2) comprises a lightweight ballistic compartment having a rear wall (22) having means for rapid attachment of a heavy ballistic plate.

13. Vest according to claim 1, characterized in that the dorsal portion comprises straps (33) having one end (34) fixed on one side of the dorsal portion, and an opposite end equipped with quick fastening means (35) to an opposite side of the dorsal part.

14. Vest according to claim 1, characterized in that it comprises a traction strap (39) mounted telescopically in the dorsal portion.

15. Vest according to claim 14 having a back portion having a lightweight ballistic compartment (23), characterized in that in retracted position la. pull strap (39) is entirely contained in the lightweight ballistic compartment, except for a grip handle.