WO2018185452A1

WO2018185452A1 - Protective apparel

Info

Publication number: WO2018185452A1
Application number: PCT/GB2018/000061
Authority: WO
Inventors: Mark William West
Original assignee: Xosuit Solutions Ltd.
Priority date: 2017-04-07
Filing date: 2018-04-06
Publication date: 2018-10-11
Also published as: GB2561244A; GB201705671D0

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to protective apparel suitable for use in high speed activities. According to this disclosure, a protective apparel plate, a protective apparel assembly, and a modular protective apparel assembly for personal impact protection are provided. Said protective apparel assembly and modular protective apparel assembly may comprise the one or more protective apparel plates according to this disclosure. A protective apparel plate according to this disclosure comprises a rigid plate layer having a fracture toughness of at least 9 MPa m1/2. The protective apparel plate also comprises a first lining layer having a first density lower than the rigid plate layer, the first lining layer extending across and connected to an inner surface of the rigid plate layer, and a second lining layer having a second density lower than the rigid plate layer and different to the first density, the second lining layer extending across and connected to the first lining layer on an opposite side of the first lining layer to the rigid plate layer.

Description

Protective apparel

Field of the invention The present disclosure relates to protective apparel. For example the present disclosure relates to protective apparel for providing personal impact protection when riding a motorcycle.

Background

Modern day high speed activities such as motorcycling, horse riding, skiing, snowboarding cycling and stunt activities pose a risk of injury to participants. In particular, activities such as the ones outlined above pose a particular risk of serious injury, or even death resulting from impacts occurring as a result of a collision with, for example, stationary objects.

One particular mechanism for injury is joint hyper-extension. Joint hyper-extension can occur when a person's body experiences acceleration forces such as when flying through the air at speed, or impacting with an obstacle which causes rapid deceleration. One example of joint hyper-extension is the "rag doll effect" where a person is thrown violently through the air so that the mass of the limbs and torso cause the joints in the skeleton to bend, either beyond their natural range, or in an unintended direction. This "rag doll effect" can result in extreme bending of the spine, or a large degree of twisting of the legs about the hip. It is becoming increasingly recognised that this effect alone can result in death and serious injury in addition to the injuries received from direct impact with obstacles.

One known method of reducing the risks of serious injury during an impact collision is for participants in high speed activities to wear protective clothing, such as a back protector. Known back protectors rely on a thermoplastic outer layer and foam inner layers to provide protection for a participant. Alternatively, known back protectors consist of a plurality of foam layers sandwiched together to provide protection for a participant. During an impact, known back protectors function by absorbing a proportion of the impact energy at the point of impact. Due to the relative ease with which the thermoplastic outer layer and/or foam lining layers deform, impact energy is localised at the point of impact, and there is little distribution of the impact energy across the structure. One known type of back protector provides a single, unitary piece of material which is designed to extend across a substantial portion of a wearer's back. In order to provide the wearer with freedom of movement, the back protector is constructed from a plurality of foam layers which are flexible. As such, the back protector is designed to flex and deform as the wearer moves around.

Alternatively, known back protectors may be made up from a number of thermoplastic plate sections which are joined together by flexible polymer connectors. The flexible polymer connectors allow for some relative movement of the plate sections, thereby providing a wearer with a degree of freedom of movement. The flexible polymer connectors are provided to be flexible in order to allow relative movement of the plates when worn.

Summary of the disclosure

The present disclosure relates to protective apparel for providing personal impact protection.

The present inventors have realised that known back protectors are designed using foam materials and/or thermoplastic layers which are relatively flexible. This means that none, or very little, of the energy delivered by impacts locally is transferrable to adjacent regions of the structure, as the materials easily deform at the point of the local impact. Accordingly, under a local impact it is largely left to the material itself to absorb the energy throughout its thickness at the location of the impact. Consequently, the inventors have realised that in a real-world scenario where a wearer falls awkwardly, or is impacted by an acutely shaped obstacle (e.g. kerb edges, posts, trees etc.) the protection offered by known back protectors is not sufficient to prevent rag-doll effect type injuries from occurring.

A first aspect of the disclosure relates to protective apparel plate according to claim 20.

By providing a protective apparel plate according to the first aspect, a protective apparel plate is provided which has the ability to withstand large impact forces whilst being resistant to and/or reducing the effects of permanent deformation or fracture. The rigid plate layer, in combination with the first and second lining layers of the first aspect, provides a means for absorbing large amounts of energy resulting from an impact (impact energy). For example, in use the protective apparel plate may be worn by a wearer with the rigid plate layer forming an outer protective surface. Accordingly, the first and second lining layers form inner layers between the wearer and the outer rigid plate layer. The fracture toughness of the rigid plate layer ensures that at least some impact energy is absorbed by deflection (springing) of the rigid plate layer and at least some energy may be distributed from the (outer) rigid plate layer through to the lining layers over a large surface area. In contrast, materials of a lower fracture toughness (lower than 9 MPa m^{1 2}) would be prone to deformation and/or fracture from such impact energies, thus resulting in a more localised transmission of energy into a lining layer.

The first lining layer is provided with a lower density than the rigid plate layer. As such, the first lining layer is configured to allow for deflection (springing) of the rigid plate layer without impacting the wearer. The first lining layer is also configured to absorb some of the impact energy from the rigid plate layer through the relatively easier deformation of the first lining layer (compared to the higher density rigid plate layer).

The second lining layer is also provided with a density lower than the rigid plate layer, such that the second lining layer also allows for deflection (springing) of the rigid plate layer without impacting the wearer. The second lining layer is also configured to absorb some of the impact energy from the rigid plate layer through the relatively easier deformation of the second lining layer (compared to the higher density rigid plate layer). The second lining layer is also has a density which is different to the density of the first lining layer. As such, the density of the second lining layer may greater than, or less than, the density of the first lining layer.

Preferably, the second lining layer is provided with a density higher than the density of the first lining layer. As such, the first lining layer may be configured to deform relatively easily compared to the second lining layer, and thus distribute (transfer) impact energy from the rigid plate layer through to the second lining layer. The second lining layer may be configured to provide a means for absorbing at least some of the impact energy transmitted through the rigid plate layer and the first lining layer. The combination of the rigid plate layer and the first lining layer ensures that impact energy absorbed by the rigid plate is distributed evenly across the rigid plate, and further distributed across the first lining layer as a result of the relative differences in density, such that energy may be absorbed by the second lining layer across a significant proportion of the layer (if not all of the layer). By distributing impact energy evenly over the second lining layer, the energy absorbing potential of the second lining layer is used more efficiently, thus reducing the amount of impact energy transmitted to a user wearing the protective apparel plate. Furthermore, as the resulting impact energy is distributed more evenly across the plate, the impact energy transmitted to a user is spread over a larger area, thereby further reducing the chance of injury.

Preferably, the rigid plate layer has a thickness of at least 0.1 mm. More preferably the rigid plate layer has a thickness of at least: 0.2 mm, 0.4 mm, 0.5 mm, 0.7 mm or 1 mm. By providing a minimum thickness for the rigid plate layer, the rigid plate layer has a sufficient stiffness/resistance to bending to transfer/distribute energy across the rigid plate and through to the lining layers. Preferably, the rigid plate layer has a thickness of no greater than 2.0 mm. More preferably, the rigid plate layer has a thickness of no greater than: 1.9 mm, 1.8 mm, 1.7 mm or 1.6 mm. By providing a maximum thickness for the rigid plate layer, the protective apparel plate may provide impact protection for a user whilst being lightweight and comfortable to wear.

Preferably the density of the rigid plate layer (i.e. the density of the material used for the layer) is at least 1400 kg m^"3. Preferably the density of the rigid plate layer is no greater than: 8000 kg nrf³, 7000 kg m^"3, 6000 kg m^'3, or 5000 kg m^"3.

Preferably, the rigid plate layer is a non-composite material. As such it is understood that the rigid plate layer is formed from a single (unitary) piece of material. Preferably, the rigid plate layer is formed from a sheet of metal or a sheet of metal alloy. More preferably the rigid plate layer is a titanium alloy. Accordingly, a rigid plate layer may be provided which has a fracture toughness of at least 9 MPa m^{1 2}. More preferably, the rigid plate layer has a fracture toughness of at least: 14 MPa m^1/2, 20 MPa m^1/2, 25 MPa m^1/2, 30 MPa m^{1 2}, 35 MPa m^{1 2} or 40 MPa m^{1 2}. By providing a rigid plate layer with increased fracture toughness, the rigid plate layer may absorb and/or distribute impact energy across its surface without fracturing, thereby increasing the area over which impact energy is distributed, thus reducing or preventing a concentration of impact energy in a particular location during an impact. Preferably, the fracture toughness of the rigid plate layer is no greater than 120 MPa m^1/2, and more preferably no greater than: 100 MPa m^{1 2}, 90 MPa m^{1 2}, 80 MPa m^{1 2}, 70 MPa m^1/2 or 60 MPa m^1/2. Preferably the first lining layer has a density of at least 30 kg m^"3. More preferably the first lining layer has a density of at least: 32 kg m^"3, 35 kg m^"3, or 40 kg m^"3. Preferably the first lining layer is provided as a foam layer constructed from a foam material. The lower limit for the density of the first lining layer ensures that the first lining layer does not interfere with the deflection (springing) of the rigid outer plate layer. The lower limit for the density of the first lining layer also ensures that the first lining layer is capable of absorbing a sufficient amount of the impact energy in order to reduce the effects of the impact on the user. Preferably, the density of the first lining layer is no greater than 60 kg m^"3. More preferably, the density of the first lining layer is no greater than: 55 kg m^"3, or 50 kg m^"3. The upper limit for the density of the first lining layer ensures that the first lining layer will deform relatively easily under impact and will also transfer impact energy to the second lining layer. As such, a first lining layer may be provided which efficiently transfers energy from the rigid plate layer to the second lining layer. Preferably the first lining layer has a thickness of at least 2 mm. More preferably, the first lining layer has a thickness of at least: 3 mm, 4 mm, 5 mm or 6 mm. The thickness of the first lining layer defines an amount of deformation (compression) that the first lining layer can accommodate. As such, the minimum thickness of the first lining layer defines the amount of energy the first lining layer can absorb. Preferably, the first lining layer has a thickness of no greater than 10 mm. More preferably the first lining layer has a thickness of no greater than: 9.5 mm, 9 mm, 8.5 mm or 8 mm. An upper limit (maximum) thickness for the first lining layer is preferable such that the protective apparel plate (in particular the rigid plate layer) may conform closely to a user's body. Preferably the second lining layer has a density of at least 50 kg m^"3. Preferably, the second lining layer is also a foam layer constructed from a foam material. The lower limit for the density of the second lining layer (whilst maintaining the condition that the density is greater than the first lining layer density) helps to distribute impact energy more evenly across the second lining layer. By distributing impact energy more evenly over the second lining layer, the resulting impact energy transferred to the user wearing the protective apparel plate is distributed more evenly, thus reducing the chance of injury. Preferably, the second lining layer has a density of no greater than: 300 kg m^"3, 250 kg m^"3 or 200 kg m^"3. Accordingly a second lining layer may be provided which is suitable for absorbing impact energy transmitted from the first lining layer. Preferably, the second lining layer has a thickness which is greater than the thickness of the first lining layer, and/or the second lining layer may have a thickness of at least 5 mm. More preferably the second lining layer has a thickness of at least: 6 mm, 7 mm or 8 mm. By providing the second lining layer with at least the above thickness, the second lining layer can be provided with an increased capacity for absorbing impact energy relative to the first lining layer. Such an arrangement is advantageous as the first lining layer acts to transmit and distribute impact energy through to the second lining layer. Preferably, the thickness of the second lining layer is no greater than 15 mm. More preferably, the thickness of the second lining layer is no greater than: 14.5 mm, 14 mm, 13.5 mm or 13 mm. By providing the second lining layer with a thickness no greater than specified above, the overall thickness of the protective apparel plate is reduced such that the rigid plate layer may conform closely to a user's body.

The protective apparel plate according to the first embodiment may also include a third lining layer, the third lining layer extending across and connected to the second lining layer on an opposite side to the first lining layer. By providing a third (inner) lining, an interfacing layer between the protective apparel plate and the user's body may be provided. The third lining layer may be optimised for comfort or insulation of the user's body against the protective apparel plate.

Preferably, the third lining layer is less dense than the second lining layer. Thus, the third lining layer may also conform more closely to the user's body (as opposed to the relatively dense second lining layer), thereby providing further increased impact protection for the user.

Preferably, the third lining layer has a density of at least 15 kg m^'3. More preferably, the third lining layer has a density of at least: 17.5 kg m^"3, 20 kg m^"3, 25 kg m^"3, 30 kg m^"3 or 40 kg m^"3. By providing a third lining layer with such a minimum density, the third lining layer may provide a supportive (comfortable) interface between (the other layers of) the protective apparel plate and the user when in use. Preferably, the third lining layer has a density of no greater than 60 kg m^"3. More preferably, the third lining layer has a density of no greater than: 50 kg m^"3, 45 kgm^"3, 40 kg m^"3 or 35 kg m^"3. The third lining layer may have the same density as the first lining layer. The third lining layer will therefore more effectively provide insulation for the wearer from the second lining layer which has a high density and could more readily pass on excess energy to the body of the wearer if the third layer is too soft and compressible. Accordingly a lightweight protective apparel plate may be provided which is comfortable for a user to wear.

Preferably, the third lining layer has a thickness of at least 2 mm. More preferably, the third lining layer has a thickness of at least: 3 mm, 4 mm, 5 mm or 6 mm. The thickness of the third lining layer defines an amount of deformation (compression) that the third lining layer can accommodate. As such, the minimum thickness of the third lining layer defines the amount of energy the first lining layer can absorb. The thickness of the third lining layer also affects the amount the first, second and third lining layer may conform around the user's body when worn. As such, the minimum thickness of the third lining layer provides increased comfort for the user. Preferably, the third lining layer has a thickness of no greater than 10 mm. More preferably the third lining layer has a thickness of no greater than: 9.5 mm, 9 mm, 8.5 mm or 8 mm. An upper limit (maximum) thickness for the third lining layer is preferable such that the protective apparel plate so that the rigid plate layer (and the protective apparel plate as a whole) may conform closely to a user's body.

The protective apparel plate according to the first aspect may also be provided with first and second lining layers, wherein the density of the first lining layer is greater than the density of the second lining layer. In this case, it is preferable that the density of the first lining layer is at least 50 kg m^"3. Preferably, the first lining layer has a density of no greater than: 300 kg m^"3, 250 kg m^"3 or 200 kg m^"3. Preferably, the thickness of the first lining layer is at least 5 mm, or more at least: 6 mm, 7 mm or 8 mm. Preferably the thickness of the first lining layer is no greater than 15 mm, or more preferably no greater than 14.5 mm, 14 mm, 13.5 mm or 13 mm. Accordingly a first lining layer may be provided which is suitable for absorbing impact energy transmitted from the rigid plate layer.

In the case where the density of the first lining layer is greater than the second lining layer, it is preferable that the density of the second lining layer is at least 15 kg m^"3. More preferably, the second lining layer has a density of at least: 17.5 kg m^"3, 20 kg m^"3, 25 kg m^" ³, 30 kg m^"3 or 40 kg m^"3. Preferably, the second lining layer has a density of no greater than 60 kg m^"3. More preferably, the second lining layer has a density of no greater than: 50 kg m^'3, 45 kgm^"3, 40 kg m ³ or 35 kg m^"3. Preferably, the thickness of the second lining layer is at least 2 mm or more preferably at least: 3 mm, 4 mm, 5 mm or 6 mm. Preferably the thickness of the second lining layer is no greater than 10 mm, or more preferably no greater than: 9.5 mm, 9 mm, 8.5 mm or 8 mm. Accordingly, a second lining layer may be provided which allows the protective apparel plate to provide impact protection for a wearer, conforms closely to the wearer's body and is comfortable to wear.

Preferably, the rigid plate layer is shaped such that at least part of the surface of the rigid plate layer connected to the first lining layer (i.e. an inner surface of the rigid plate layer) defines a channel region. Preferably the channel region runs through a substantially central portion of the rigid plate layer. In use, the channel region is shaped to conform to relatively protruding contact points of a user's body, for example the spinal column. In the event of an impact, impact energy will be transferred from the protective apparel plate to a user's body. The channel region may be configured to prevent the transfer of impact energy from being focused on the relatively protruding contact points of a user's body. Rather, the channel region ensures that impact energy is more evenly transferred through the lining layers to the user's body across a wider area, thereby reducing the stress on individual parts of a user's body (for example the spinal column).

Preferably, only the first lining layer is provided across the surface of the rigid plate layer in the channel region. As such, the second and third lining layers do not extend across the first lining layer in the channel region. This ensures that there is separation (an air gap) between the wearer's body and the protective apparel plate in the channel region.

Alternatively, the thickness of the first, second and/or third lining layer(s) provided adjacent to the channel region of the rigid plate layer may be thinner than the thickness of the respective lining layer(s) provided away from the channel region of the rigid plate layer such that separation (an air gap) may be provided between the wearer's body and the protective apparel plate. By providing further (increased) separation between the relatively protruding parts of the user's body (when in use) and the lining layers, the protruding parts are further protected impact energy may be more effectively transferred across a wider area of the user's body in the event of an impact.

Preferably the protective apparel plate according to the first aspect is configured to provide impact protection for a human back or chest. As such, in use the protective apparel plate is worn such that the rigid plate layer (and the lining layers) extend across a region of the user's back or chest. As such, the protective apparel plate according to the first aspect may cover a surface of a user's back or chest when worn in order to provide personal impact protection over that region. According to a second aspect of the disclosure, a protective apparel system is provided consisting of a plurality of the protective apparel plates according to the first aspect. The protective apparel system may be worn by a user to provide personal protection for a chest or back region for example. Other regions of the human body may also be protected by the protective apparel plates according to the first aspect, for example, neck, shoulders, arms, hands, hips, legs and feet.

A third aspect of the disclosure relates to protective apparel plate according to claim 39. According to the third aspect there are effectively two rigid layers, the rigid plate layer and the rigid spring layer. The rigid plate layer is of a similar design to the rigid plate layer of the first and second aspects. The rigid spring layer is connected to the outer surface of the rigid plate layer via two or more rigid fasteners. In use, the rigid spring layer will be the outermost layer which is subject to a local impact. As the rigid spring layer is shaped to be spaced apart from the outer surface of the rigid plate layer away from the fasteners which connect it to the rigid plate layer, the rigid spring layer will be the outermost layer to deform under an impact, thereby absorbing impact energy before transmitting impact energy through to the rigid plate layer. By spacing the rigid spring layer apart from the rigid plate layer, additional space is provided to allow the rigid spring layer to deflect and thereby absorb energy before transmitting the remaining impact energy through the rigid fasteners to the rigid plate layer. Due to the rigid fasteners, the impact energy is transmitted through the rigid fasteners to the rigid plate layer, as well as through the surface of the rigid spring layer at the point of the local impact. As such, the rigid spring layer acts as a means to more efficiently distribute impact energy across the rigid plate layer, and thereby distribute energy more efficiently across the first lining layer, where the impact energy may be absorbed.

Preferably, the rigid spring layer is spaced apart from the rigid plate layer in a region away from the rigid fasteners by at least 1 mm in the thickness direction of the rigid plate layer and rigid spring layer. More preferably, the rigid spring layer is spaced apart by at least: 2mm, 3mm or 4mm. Preferably, the rigid spring layer is spaced apart from the rigid plate layer by no greater than 10 mm, more preferably no greater than: 9mm, 8mm or 7 mm. Preferably, in a region near each fastener, the rigid spring layer is adjacent to (in contact with) the rigid plate layer. A region near a fastener may be a region extending no more than 30 mm, more preferably 20 mm away from the rigid fastener. By providing regions of the rigid spring layer adjacent to (in contact with) the rigid plate layer, the rigid spring layer may be located relative to the rigid plate layer.

Preferably each of the rigid fasteners is located through a hole in the rigid spring layer and a slot in the rigid plate layer. Accordingly a similar joint as for the rigid fasteners of the fourth aspect (discussed below) is provided which allows for some relative movement of the rigid spring layer relative to the rigid plate layer when the rigid spring layer absorbs an impact. The length of each slot provides for the degree of relative movement allowed such that once the rigid spring layer has bottomed out (i.e. reached the extent of motion permitted by the length of the slot) energy is transferred via the rigid fasteners to the rigid plate layer. Thus the rigid plate layer subsequently absorbs a further portion of the remaining impact energy by deforming/deflecting before transmitting any remaining energy to the inner lining layer(s). Preferably, the general shape of the rigid spring layer will substantially correspond to that of the rigid plate layer, whist still providing a sufficient spacing between the rigid spring layer and the rigid plate layer so that the rigid spring layer may suitably deform.

Preferably the fracture toughness of the rigid plate layer and the rigid spring layer (i.e. the fracture toughness of the material used for the layers) is at least 9 MPa m^{1 2}. Preferably the fracture toughness of the rigid plate layer and the rigid spring layer is no greater than: 120 MPa m^1/2, 100 MPa m^1/2 or 80kg MPa m^{1 2}. The rigid plate layer and the rigid spring layer may have different fracture toughness within the specified range. Accordingly, a rigid plate layer and a rigid spring layer may be provided which co-operate to provide impact protection by co-operating to absorb impact energy through deformation.

Preferably the density of the rigid plate layer and the rigid spring layer (i.e. the density of the material used for the layers) is at least 1400 kg m^"3. Preferably the density of the rigid plate layer and the rigid spring layer is no greater than: 8000 kg m^'3, 7000 kg m^"3, 6000 kg m^"3, or 5000 kg m^"3. The rigid plate layer and the rigid spring layer may have different densities within the specified range. Accordingly, a rigid plate layer and a rigid spring layer may be provided which co-operate to provide impact protection.

Preferably the same material may be used for both the rigid plate layer and the rigid spring layer (e.g. titanium or titanium alloy). If the same material is used for both rigid layers, it is further preferable that the thickness of the rigid spring layer plate is less than that of the rigid plate layer. By providing such thicknesses, the rigid spring layer will preferentially deflect and bottom out under impact before the rigid plate layer beings to deflect. As such, the rigid spring layer may be provided to be more susceptible to bending/deflection than the rigid plate layer. Preferably the thickness of the rigid spring layer may be in the range 0.4 mm to 4 mm. The rigid spring layer may have a thickness according to the first aspect. In particular the rigid spring layer may have a thickness of at least: 0.5 mm or 0.8 mm, and a thickness of no greater than: 1.6 mm or 1.2 mm. By providing a rigid spring layer with a thickness within this range, a rigid spring layer is provided which is adapted to absorb impact energy whilst also being lightweight such that it the protective apparel plate is not overly heavy.

A fourth aspect of the disclosure relates to a protective apparel assembly according to claim 43.

As such, the first and second rigid armour plates are configured to overlap so that they form an overlapping region, whereby the plates are secured together by a rigid fastener. In use, the protective apparel assembly may be worn by a user to protect a region of their body from an impact. For example, the protective apparel assembly may be worn to cover a region of the user's back (spine) which may be prone to joint overextension during an impact. Accordingly, by providing two rigid plates which overlap and are secured by a rigid connection, the protective apparel assembly provides a load path for impact energy from one rigid plate to another via the overlapping region and the rigid pins. Accordingly, when in use, impact energy may be transferred from one rigid armour plate to another such that impact energy is more evenly distributed across the protective apparel assembly. Thus, by distributing the impact energy more evenly across the protective apparel assembly, the effects of the impact on a user are reduced.

Additionally, the combination of the overlapping rigid armour plates and a rigid fastener act to restrict the relative motion of the plates in at least one direction, for example the overlapping region may prevent bending of the plates relative to the plane of the overlapping region. Thus, in use, the potential range of motion of a user wearing the protective apparel assembly may also be restricted in certain directions. Thus, under an impact, the potential range of motion of a user's body may be restricted, such that "rag doll" impact effects are reduced/mitigated. As such, the restricted motion of the plates may prevent joint overextension of a user when in use. In contrast, relatively flexible, non-rigid armour does not provide such protection against joint hyper-extension, as the relatively flexible armour plates will deform with the user's body. Furthermore, the lack of rigid overlapping regions and rigid fasteners means that impact energy is not efficiently distributed across the relatively flexible armour plates due to the lack of a rigid load path. Rather, impact energy remains relatively localised where it is transferred and absorbed by the user.

Preferably, at least one of the first and second rigid armour plates includes a slot for the rigid fastener, the slot configured to allow movement of the first rigid armour plate relative to the second rigid armour plate. As such, the first and second rigid plates are connected by articulated joints which provide a limited amount of relative movement of the rigid armour plates. This may provide the user (wearer) of the protective apparel assembly with a degree of motion accorded by the rigid armour plates sliding relative to each other when in use. Such a limited range of motion may be desirable to allow a user to perform body motions such as bending forwards or twisting of the torso which may be desirable for a user to perform during the course of a high speed activity. However, the range of relative motion is still limited by the respective ends of the slot such that the articulated joints will still "lock out" when the plates are separated or pushed together such that the rigid fastener is restrained by one of the ends of the slot. Thus, the protective apparel assembly may provide a restricted range of motion through the interaction of the rigid components.

Accordingly, under an impact a user (wearer) of the protective apparel may be protected from the effects of joint overextension. Preferably, the slot is at least 2 mm in length. More preferably the slot is at least: 5 mm, 10 mm, 15 mm or 20 mm in length. Accordingly, the slot length provides for an amount of relative movement between the first and second armour plates. By increasing the slot length a greater degree of movement may be provided for a user wearing the protective apparel apparatus. Preferably, the slot is no greater than 100 mm in length. More preferably the slot is no greater than: 90 mm, 80 mm, or 70 mm in length. By providing such a slot length to this degree, the amount of allowable relative movement between the armour plates of the protective apparel apparatus is limited, thereby restricting the amount of joint extension that may occur during an impact. Preferably, the first and second rigid armour plates are connected together such that the overlap of the plates is configured to restrict the range of relative movement of the rigid armour plates. As such, the surfaces of the plates may be shaped to define channel regions which define a range of allowable relative movement with respect to each other as a result of the overlap in the channel regions. By defining the range of allowable movement by shaping the surface of the rigid armour plate to define a channel region or otherwise, the protective apparel assembly may be provided with increased stiffness to prevent joint overextension in particular directions. Preferably, the inner surface of the first rigid armour plate overlaps the outer surface of the second rigid armour plate, the slot for the rigid fastener being provided in the second rigid armour plate. As such, the outer surfaces of the first and second armour plates are understood to be the surfaces which form at least part of the outer surface of the protective apparel assembly when being worn by a user. As such, the inner surfaces of the first and second armour plates are facing towards a user's body when worn. Accordingly, by ¹ providing the slot in the relatively inner of the two armour plates (when in use), the outer surface of the first plate may cover the slot. Thus, when in use, the likelihood of the slot becoming jammed or filled with debris in the event of an impact and thereby reducing the functioning of the protective apparel assembly is reduced or prevented entirely.

Preferably, the rigid fastener comprises a rigid screw and a top-hat sleeve. The rigid screw and top-hat sleeve may be used to attach the first rigid armour plate to the second rigid armour plate through holes through the thicknesses of the first and second rigid armour plates. The top-hat sleeve comprises an internal hole with an internal thread configured to receive the screw, such that a rigid fastener may be provided. The hole in the second rigid armour plate may be in the form of a slot to allow the relative movement (sliding) of the first and second rigid armour plates when they are connected by the rigid screw and top-hat sleeve. By providing the rigid fastener as a rigid screw and top-hat sleeve the rigid armour plates may be easily connected and disconnected from each other. Alternatively, the rigid fastener may be a bolt and nut.

Preferably the rigid armour plates comprise a rigid titanium alloy layer. As each rigid armour plate includes a rigid titanium layer, each armour plate has high stiffness and resistance to bending. The rigid titanium alloy layer also has relatively high fracture toughness (at least 30 MPa m^{1 2}) such that the rigid titanium alloy layer is suitable for absorbing impact energy without fracturing. Thus the rigid armour plate assembly may distribute (transmit) impact energy from one rigid armour plate to another through the overlapping region of the rigid armour plates without buckling or fracture due to the properties provided by the rigid titanium layer. Accordingly the rigid armour pates including rigid titanium alloy layers may provide improved protection to a user from joint

overextension.

Preferably, the first and second rigid armour plates are each a protective apparel plate according to the first aspect of the invention. By providing the first and second rigid armour plates with a rigid plate and first and second lining layers a user may be provided with improved impact protection as a result of impact energy being distributed across the plurality of rigid armour plates and being absorbed in the lining layers. The user may also be provided with improved protection from joint overextension through the overlapping region of the rigid armour plates which prevent relative movement of the armour plates in certain directions. Other features and benefits as explained for the first aspect of the invention may also apply to the third aspect of the invention.

Preferably, a protective apparel assembly includes a plurality of the rigid armour plates which are connected together by rigid fasteners in a similar manner as described for the first and second rigid armour plates. Preferably, at least: 3, 5, 7 or 9 armour plates are connected together. By connecting a number of rigid armour plates together, the range of allowable movement may be optimised for a user performing a high speed activity whilst also provided suitable protection from joint overextension. The overall area/proportion of a user's body covered by the armour plates may also be increased by increasing the number of rigid armour plates in the assembly, thereby providing a greater degree of protection for the user. Preferably, the plurality of rigid armour plates each includes a rigid titanium alloy layer to provide the desired mechanical stiffness. Accordingly the protective apparel assembly may be provided with a number of rigid armour plates whilst still being relatively light and comfortable for a user to wear.

Preferably, at least two rigid fasteners are provided to connect a first rigid armour plate to a second rigid armour plate. As such, in a protective apparel assembly, each articulated joint between two rigid armour plates preferably includes at least two rigid fasteners. By providing at least two rigid fasteners, the amount of relative rotation allowed and the amount of relative translation movement between the two rigid armour plates forming the articulated joint may be restricted. By restricting the amount of relative movement in this manner, the variation in the area of the overlapping region of the two armour plates as a result of the joint articulation may be restricted. Thus, the protective apparel assembly may ensure that a load path formed between the first and second rigid armour plate has more limited variation as a result of the restricted amount of relative movement, thereby increasing the effectiveness of the protective apparel plate under a range of different impacts.

A fifth aspect of the disclosure relates to a modular protective apparel assembly according to claim 53.

Two different protective apparel modules, for example protective apparel assemblies according to the third aspect of the disclosure, may be worn by a user during a high speed activity to provide protection for different parts of the body. For example, a first protective apparel module may be worn to provide protection for a user's back and a second protective apparel module may be worn to provide chest protection. By connecting the first and second protective apparel modules together using a rigid connective member, a load path may be formed between the first and second protective apparel modules as a result of the interaction of the rigid layers of the protective apparel modules and the rigid connecting member. Thus, the modular protective apparel assembly may distribute impact energy absorbed in one protective apparel module through to another protective apparel module as a result of the rigid (relatively stiff) interconnection formed between the modules. Thus, impact energy may be distributed across a wider area of the modular protective apparel assembly, thereby reducing the impact energy absorbed by a user wearing the modular protective apparel assembly.

Preferably, the rigid connecting member is connectable to the at least one of the first and second protective apparel modules by a rigid releasable fastener. The rigid connecting member may be (permanently) fixed to the other protective apparel module at the other end, or another rigid releasable fastener may be provided. By providing at least one releasable fastener, the protective apparel modules of the modular protective apparel assembly may be easily donned by a user and the modules may also be easily removed by a user. The rigid nature of the releasable fastener helps ensure that the rigid connecting member can transfer impact energy from one protective apparel module to another. Preferably, the rigid connecting member is connectable to the first or second protective apparel modules by a rigid fastener through a slot in the rigid layer of the protective apparel module or rigid connecting member, the slot configured to allow movement of protective apparel module relative to the rigid connecting member. The rigid fastener may be a releasable fastener as discussed above. By providing a slot in which the rigid fastener may move, the connecting member forms an articulated joint with the protective apparel module. Accordingly, the articulated joint allows for a limited range of relative movement of the connecting member relative to the protective apparel module. Thus, a user wearing the assembled modular protective apparel assembly may be provided with a range of movement suitable for carrying out a high speed activity. However, under impact the connecting member will still "lock out" via the rigid fastener and the end of the slot to transmit impact energy from one protective apparel module to another, thereby providing impact protection for the user. Preferably, the modular protective apparel assembly includes a back protective module according to the third aspect of the invention and a chest protective module according to the first aspect (or third aspect) of the invention. By connecting a back protective module to a chest protective module via a rigid connecting member, a rigid, stiff, cage- like structure may be formed around a user's torso. Accordingly a modular protective apparel assembly may provide increased resistance to inward crushing forces experienced during impact, thereby providing greater protection for a user's torso. Preferably, at least two rigid connecting members for connecting the back protective module to the chest protective module are provided to provide a plurality of load paths for distributing energy from one protective module to another.

The modular protective apparel assembly may also be connected to additional protective apparel modules using rigid connecting members. For example, additional protective apparel modules may be provided which are configured to provide protection for a shoulder, arm (upper arm and/or lower arm), elbow, wrist, abdomen, leg (upper leg and/or lower leg) and ankle, feet and hands. The additional protective apparel module connected to the modular protective apparel assembly by at least one further rigid connecting member in a similar manner to the connections described above for the first and second protective apparel modules. Accordingly, a modular protective apparel assembly may be provided which provides at least partial or more preferably full body protection for a user from impact during high speed activities. A sixth aspect of the disclosure relates to a protective apparel plate for providing personal impact protection is provided in accordance with claim 1. The protective apparel plate comprises a rigid plate layer, the rigid plate layer having a fracture toughness of at least 9 MPa m^{1 2}, and an inflatable cell layer extending across and connected to an inner surface of the rigid plate layer. The inflatable cell layer comprises a plurality of inflatable cells, each cell configured to retain a fluid for providing impact protection.

By providing a protective apparel plate according to the sixth aspect, a protective apparel plate is provided which has the ability to withstand large impact forces whilst being resistant to and/or reducing the effects of permanent deformation or fracture. The rigid plate layer, in combination with the inflatable cell layer, provides a means for absorbing large amounts of energy resulting from an impact (impact energy). For example, in use the protective apparel plate may be worn by a wearer with the rigid plate layer forming an outer protective surface. Accordingly, the inflatable cell layer forms an inner layer between the wearer and the outer rigid plate layer. The fracture toughness of the rigid plate layer ensures that at least some impact energy is absorbed by deflection (springing) of the rigid plate layer and at least some energy may be distributed from the (outer) rigid plate layer through to the inflatable cell layer over a large surface area. In contrast, materials of a lower fracture toughness (lower than 9 MPa m^{1 2}) would be prone to deformation and/or fracture from such impact energies, thus resulting in a more localised transmission of energy into a lining layer.

The inflatable cell layer may be provided with a lower density than the rigid plate layer. As such, the inflatable cell layer is configured to allow for deflection (springing) of the rigid plate layer without impacting the wearer. The inflatable cell layer is also configured to absorb some of the impact energy from the rigid plate layer through the relatively easier deformation of the inflatable cell layer (compared to the higher density rigid plate layer). As such, it will be appreciated that the protective apparel plate according to the sixth aspect may function in similar manner to the protective apparel plate of the first aspect. Indeed, many of the optional features and their associated advantages may be incorporated into the sixth aspect. Preferably, the rigid plate layer consists of a non-composite material.

Preferably, the protective apparel plate further comprises an air circulation layer extending across and connected to the inflatable cell layer on an opposite side to the rigid plate layer.

Preferably, a density of the air circulation layer is at least 15 kg m^'3 and no greater than 125 kg m^"3. Preferably, the air circulation layer has a thickness of at least 3 mm and no greater than 10 mm. The protective apparel plate may further comprise a piercing resistant layer extending across and connected to an inner surface of the rigid plate layer. The piercing resistant layer may be provided between the rigid plate layer and the inflatable cell layer. The piercing resistant layer is configured to reduce and/or prevent puncture of the inflatable cell layer.

Preferably, the piercing resistant layer has a thickness of at least 0.5 mm and 2.5 mm.

Preferably, the plurality of inflatable cells cover a surface area which is at least 50 % of a surface area of the inner surface of the rigid plate layer. Preferably, a surface area of each of the inflatable cells is no greater than 40,000 mm².

Preferably, the inflatable cell layer further defines ventilation holes through a thickness of the inflatable cell layer. Preferably, the plurality of inflatable cells is inflated to a pressure of at least 110 kPa, or at least 120 kPa, or at least 140 kPa, or at least 160 kPa, or at least 200 kPa, or at least 300 kPa. Preferably, the plurality of inflatable cells is inflated to a pressure of not more than 400 kPa. As such, the inflatable cells provide effective absorption of energy upon impact. Preferably, the rigid plate layer has a density of at least 1400 kg m^"3 and no greater than 8000 kg m^"3. Preferably, the rigid plate layer has a thickness of at least 0.1 mm and no greater than 2.0 mm, and more preferably at least 0.5 mm and no greater than 1.6 mm. Preferably, the rigid plate layer has a fracture toughness of at least 30 MPa m^1/2 and no greater than 120 MPa m¹'². As such, the rigid plate layer may be substantially the same as the rigid plate layer of the first aspect, thus having the same associated advantages. Preferably, the surface of the rigid plate layer connected to the inflatable cell layer is shaped to define a channel running through a substantially central section of the plate. Further, the thickness of the piercing resistant, inflatable cell and/or air circulation layer(s) provided adjacent to the channel of the rigid plate layer is thinner than the thickness of the respective layer(s) provided away from the channel of the rigid plate layer. As such, the protective apparel plate may be provided with a channel region in a similar manner to the first aspect of the disclosure. Preferably, the protective apparel plate further comprises a rigid spring layer having a fracture toughness of at least 9 MPa m^{1 2}. The rigid spring layer extends across and is connected to the rigid plate layer on an opposite side of the rigid spring layer to the inflatable cell layer. The rigid spring layer connected to the rigid plate layer by a plurality of rigid fasteners, wherein the rigid spring layer is shaped to be spaced apart from the rigid plate layer away from the rigid fasteners. As such, the protective apparel of the sixth aspect may incorporate the spring layer of the third aspect of the disclosure.

Preferably, the protective apparel plate is configured to provide impact protection for a human back or chest.

According to a seventh aspect of the disclosure, a protective apparel assembly for personal impact protection is provided. The protective apparel assembly comprises a first protective apparel plate according to the sixth aspect of the disclosure, and a second protective apparel plate according to the first aspect or the sixth aspect. The first protective apparel plate overlaps with the second protective apparel plate forming an overlapping region, and the first and second protective apparel plates are connected by at least one rigid fastener through both the first and the second protective apparel plates in the overlapping region. As such, the seventh aspect of the disclosure may incorporate all the advantages and optional features of the fourth aspect of the disclosure.

According to an eight aspect of the disclosure, a modular protective apparel assembly for impact protection is provided. The modular protective apparel assembly comprises a first protective apparel assembly according to the seventh aspect and a second protective apparel assembly according to the fourth aspect or the seventh aspect. The first and second protective apparel assembly are connectable by a rigid connecting member for transferring impact energy from the first protective apparel assembly to the second protective apparel assembly. As such, the eight aspect of the disclosure may incorporate all the advantages and optional features of the fifth aspect of the disclosure. Description of the figures

The disclosure may be put into practice in a number of ways and a specific embodiment will now be described by way of example only and with reference to the Figures in which: Figure 1 is a side sectional view of a schematic arrangement of a protective apparel plate according to a first embodiment of the disclosure;

Figure 2 is a side sectional view of a protective apparel plate on a wearer's body according to an embodiment of the disclosure;

Figure 3 is a side sectional view of a protective apparel plate on a wearer's body according to an embodiment of the disclosure;

Figures 4a, 4b and 4c are schematic diagrams of a protective apparel assembly according to an embodiment of the disclosure;

Figures 5a, 5b and 5c are side sectional views of a rigid fastener connection of the fourth exemplary embodiment of the disclosure; Figure 6 is a side sectional view of rigid fastener according to this disclosure;

Figure 7 is a schematic diagram of a rigid connecting member connected to a protective apparel module according to this disclosure; Figure 8 is a schematic diagram of a connecting member connected to a protective apparel module by a releasable fastener according to this disclosure;

Figure 9 is a schematic diagram of one end of an alternative rigid connecting member connected to a protective apparel module according to this disclosure; Figure 10 is a photograph of an exemplary back protector according to this disclosure;

Figure 11 is a schematic diagram of a side view of a modular protective apparel assembly as worn by a wearer;

Figure 12 is a schematic diagram of a front view of a modular protective apparel assembly as worn by a wearer;

Figure 13 is a side sectional view of a schematic arrangement of a protective apparel plate according to a further embodiment of the disclosure;

Figure 14 is a side sectional view of an inflated cell layer according to this disclosure;

Figure 15 is top view of an inflated cell layer according to this disclosure;

Figure 16 is a side sectional view of a further inflated cell layer according to this disclosure;

Figure 17 is a side sectional view of a protective apparel plate on a wearer's body according to a further embodiment of the disclosure; and

Figure 18 is a side sectional view of a protective apparel plate on a wearer's body according to a further embodiment of the disclosure.

Detailed description

A first exemplary embodiment of the disclosure will now be described with reference to Fig. 1.

Fig. 1 discloses a protective apparel plate 10 including a rigid plate layer 12, a first lining layer 14, a second lining layer 16 and a third lining layer 18. The three lining layers 14, 16, 18 and the rigid plate layer 12 are connected together to form a laminated structure as shown in Fig. 1

According to the first exemplary embodiment, rigid plate layer 12 is a titanium plate 12 which has a fracture toughness of at least 9 MPa m^1/2. The titanium plate 12 has a thickness measured between the major surfaces of the titanium plate of 1.6 mm. The titanium plate has a density of 1500 kg m^"3. The skilled person will understand that titanium alloys may also be used as a material for the rigid plate layer 12. For example a Grade 5 Ti alloy such as Ti 6-4 may be used.

The first lining layer 14 is constructed from a foam material with a density of 45 kg m^"3 and a thickness measured between the major surfaces of 6 mm. For example, the foam material of the first lining layer 14 may be an ethylene propylene diene monomer (EPDM) rubber foam. The skilled person will appreciate that other materials may be used to provide a first lining layer 14 with the required thickness and density. The first lining layer 14 extends substantially across one of the major surfaces of the rigid plate layer 12. For example, the first lining layer 14 may extend across at least: 80 %, 90 %, 95 % or 97.5 % of the surface area of the major surface of the rigid plate layer 12. The first lining layer 14 is connected to the rigid plate layer by an adhesive. For example, a contact adhesive may be used to bond the EPDM foam to a titanium surface, although the skilled person will appreciate that many other adhesives will be suitable for this.

The second lining layer 16 is constructed from a foam material with a density of 150 kg m^"3 and a thickness measured between the major surfaces of 10 mm. The foam material of the second lining layer 16 is a polymer foam, for example a EPDM foam. The skilled person will appreciate that other materials may be used to provide a second lining layer 14 with the required thickness and density. The second lining layer 16 extends substantially across the surface of the first lining layer 14 on an opposite surface to the rigid plate layer 12. For example, the second lining layer 16 may extend across at least: 80 %, 90 %, 95 % or 97.5 % of the surface area of the major surface of the first lining layer 14. The second lining layer 16 is connected to the first lining layer 14 by an adhesive, for example a contact adhesive.

The third lining layer 18 is constructed from a foam material which is the same foam material as the first lining layer 16 (EPDM rubber foam). The third lining layer 18 extends substantially across the surface of the second lining layer on an opposite surface to the first lining layer 14. For example, the third lining layer 18 may extend across at least: 80 %, 90 %, 95 % or 97.5 % of the surface area of the major surface of the first lining layer 16. The third lining layer 18 is connected to the second lining layer using an adhesive in a similar manner to the connection between the first and second lining layer 14, 16. A second exemplary embodiment of the disclosure will now be described with reference to Fig. 2. Fig. 2 is a sectional view of a protective apparel plate 20 worn on an outer surface of a wearer's body 22. The protective apparel plate includes a rigid plate layer 12 and a first lining layer 14 of a similar construction to the first exemplary embodiment. In contrast to the first exemplary embodiment, in a portion of the second exemplary embodiment, the second lining layer and third lining layer is cut away to define an air gap, or void between the wearer's body 22 and the first lining layer 14. By separating the first lining layer from the user's body by the airgap/void, additional protection for a protruding part of a user's body 24 (e.g. spine) is provided.

To further increase the separation between the wearer's body and the protective apparel plate in the channel region, the rigid plate layer 12 is shaped/moulded/deformed such that rigid plate layer forms a channel/depression in the major surface of the rigid plate layer 12. The first lining layer 14 which is adhered to the rigid plate layer 12 conforms to the shape of the channel/depression in the rigid plate layer 12 such that the increased separation between the rigid plate layer and the wearer's body in the channel region is provided when the protective apparel plate is worn.

The shape of the ridge in the rigid plate layer 12 may be configured to transfer energy efficiently to the rest of the plate. Preferably the channel region of the rigid plate layer is formed from with substantially flat sections of plate joined at a ridge (spine). Accordingly, impact energy absorbed at the ridge is transferred through the substantially flat sections of the channel region to the rest of the protective apparel plate, where the lining layers are present. In this way, impact energy may be distributed away from a protruding part of a wearer's body (e.g. spine) and instead absorbed over a larger and/or less vulnerable area. The ridge in the rigid plate layer may be formed by press forming of the rigid plate layer, or other means of mechanical deformation as are known in the art.

Fig. 3 discloses a third exemplary embodiment of the disclosure. Fig. 3 discloses a protective apparel plate 30 including a spring layer 32. The protective apparel plate 30 includes a rigid layer 12, first lining layer 14, a second lining layer 16, 16, and a third lining layer 18, 18 in an arrangement substantially the same as the second embodiment. The spring layer 32 is connected to the outer surface of the rigid plate layer 12 on an opposite side of the rigid plate layer to the first lining layer 12. The spring layer 32 is connected to the rigid plate layer via two rigid pin fasteners 34. As shown in Fig. 3, the general shape of the spring layer 32 matches that of the rigid plate 12. As such, the spring layer 32 also includes a spring layer channel region 36, which is similar to the channel region 25 of the rigid plate layer 12. Preferably, the curvature of the outer surface of the spring layer 32 is increased relative to the rigid plate layer 12 so that under impact it can deflect initially relative to the rigid plate layer 12 and thereby absorb some impact energy before the impact energy is transferred through to the rigid plate layer 12. The increased curvature of the rigid spring layer may provide the spacing between the spring layer 32 and the rigid plate layer 12. Alternatively, the spring layer 32 may be shaped, for example by bending of the spring layer in region around the connections to the rigid plate layer 12, to provide the spacing.

The rigid pin fasteners 34 are provided to connect the spring layer 32 to the rigid plate layer 12 through holes in the rigid plate layer 12 and the spring layer 32. The hole in the spring layer may be provided as a slot (not shown) to allow some movement of the spring layer 32 relative to the rigid pin fastener 34. The slots may be provided to allow the spring layer to flatten out under impact. For example the length of the slot may be aligned across a width of the plate layer 12. The lengths of the slots determine the amount of relative movement. For example, the slots for each rigid pin fastener 34 may be at least: 5 mm, 10 mm or 20 mm, to allow for some amount of deformation, thereby absorbing impact energy. The length of each slot may be no greater than: 40 mm, 35 mm or 30 mm in order to limit the amount of sliding of the spring layer relative to the rigid plate layer 12. Once the outer plate has "bottomed out" (i.e. reached the end of the slot) the inner plate then comes into action, absorbing a further portion of the remaining energy by springing before transmitting any remaining energy to the inner foam layers. Preferably, the same material is used to construct the spring layer 32 as the rigid plate layer 12 (e.g. titanium). The spring layer 32 may be formed by press forming in a similar manner to the rigid plate layer 12. Additionally, it is preferable that the thickness of the spring layer is less than that of the rigid plate layer 12 in order to provide a spring layer 32 which will deflect and bottom out under impact before the rigid plate layer 12 begins to substantially deform. Preferably, the thickness of the spring layer 32 is at least: 0.4 mm, 0.5 or 0.6 mm and no greater than: 1.5 mm, 1.4 mm, 1.3 mm, or 1.2 mm. Preferably when a spring layer is provided, the thickness of the rigid plate layer 12 is in the range 0.8 to 1.6 mm. However, the skilled person will understand that materials other than titanium may be used for the rigid plate layer and/or spring layer, for example steel, carbon steel, or carbon- fibre reinforced plastic (CFRP). In alternative embodiments of the disclosure where CFRP or steel is used for the rigid plate layer and titanium for the spring layer 32 than the thicknesses of the materials may vary from the preferable values described here as will be understood by the skilled person. For example, in an alternative embodiment where a rigid plate layer and/or rigid spring layer is provided using a steel or CFRP material, the thickness of the rigid plate layer/rigid spring layer may be in the range 0.4 mm to 4 mm.

Fig. 4a discloses a rigid plate assembly 40 according to a fourth exemplary embodiment of the disclosure. The rigid plate assembly 40 comprises a first rigid armour plate 42, a second rigid armour plate 44 and two rigid fasteners 46.

According to the fourth exemplary embodiment, the rigid armour plates 42, 44 are protective apparel plates as set out in any of the first or second embodiments of the disclosure, although the skilled person will appreciate that other types of rigid armour plates may be suitable for realising the advantages of this disclosure.

The first and second rigid armour plates 42, 44 are connected by two rigid fasteners 46 through a hole in the first armour plate and a slot 48 in the second armour plate. The first and second armour plates are connected such that the first and second armour plates overlap in an overlapping region 50. This overlapping region of the rigid amour plates is provided to restrict relative movement (bending) of the rigid armour plates 42, 44 in this region. This movement restricting function is discussed in more detail with below in the discussion of Figs. 5a to 5c.

As shown in Figs. 4b and 4c, the slots 48 provided in the second rigid armour plate 44 allow relative movement (sliding) of the first rigid armour plate 42 over the second rigid armour plate 44. This feature allows the wearer of the protective apparel assembly limited freedom of movement whilst performing a high speed activity, whilst still providing protection from rag doll effects should an impact occur. Figs. 5a, 5b and 5c show a side view of one of the rigid fastener connections of the fourth exemplary embodiment.

As shown in Fig. 5a the rigid pin fastener connects the first rigid armour plate 42 to the second rigid armour plate 44. The first and second rigid armour plate 42, 44 each have a lining layer 52 disposed on corresponding inner surfaces (when worn) of the rigid armour plates. For example, the lining layers 52 may be formed from the combination of the first to third lining layers as described in the first exemplary embodiment of the invention. As shown in Figs. 5b and 5c, the slot 48 provided in the second rigid armour plate 44 allows for movement (sliding) of the first rigid armour plate 42 relative to the second armour plate. As shown in Fig. 5b, the rigid pin fastener 46 is moveable (slideable) in the slot 48 to allow a limited amount of lateral movement of the rigid armour plates. The combination of the overlapping region and the rigid pin fastener also allows for a limited amount of rotation of the first rigid armour plate 42 relative to the second rigid armour plate 44. The amount of rotation allowable is defined by the combination of the length of the overlapping region and the length of the rigid pin fastener. Preferably, the rigid pin fasteners are 10-12 mm long, in order to provide to allow sufficient articulation of the armour plates, whilst also providing a sufficient limitation of rotation of the rigid plates.

As shown in Figs. 5a to 5c, the lining layer 52 may be partially removed around the slot 48 in the second rigid plate layer in order to accommodate the rigid pin fastener 46. As shown in Figs. 5a to 5c, a hole 54 is made through the lining layer of the second rigid armour plate 44 in order to provide access for installing the rigid pin fastener 46 in the slot 48. As shown in Figs. 5a to 5c, the hole 54 through the thickness of the lining layer is the same size as the slot 48, although the hole through the thickness of the lining layer may also be or an area greater than the size of the hole.

As shown in Figs. 5a to 5c, the cross sectional area of the hole 54 through the lining layer 52 may be expanded towards the interface 56 between the lining layer 52 and the first rigid amour plate 42 in order to accommodate the movement of the rigid fastener in the slot. As such, the lining layer 52 may be partially removed in the area 56 around circumference of the slot. The partial removal of the lining layer 52 around the circumference of the slot may correspond to removal of only the first lining layer 14 according to the lining layer of the first embodiment, or it may correspond to removal of both the first and second, or all three lining layers. By partially removing the lining layer 52 in this manner around the circumference of the slot 48, the rigid pin fastener 46 may be able to move more freely in the slot, thereby improving the relative movement of the first and second rigid armour plates 42, 44. Fig. 6 shows a sectional drawing of a rigid pin fastener 34, 46 according to the third and fourth embodiments of the disclosure. As such, the rigid pin fasteners as shown in Fig. 6 may be used to connect the protective apparel plates together, or to connect the spring layer to the rigid plate layer. The rigid pin fastener of Fig. 6 includes a top hat sleeve 60, a mushroom head screw 62 and a grub strew 64. The top hat sleeve 60 includes a tubular sleeve section 66 with an internal threaded hole for receiving the mushroom head screw 62 and the grub screw 64. At one end of the tubular sleeve section 66, the top hat sleeve 60 has a flanged section 68 which is provided to retain the rigid pin fastener in a slot of a protective apparel plate. The mushroom head screw 62 has a threaded section 70 and a head section 72. By screwing the threaded section 70 into the tubular sleeve section 66 of the top hat sleeve 60 at the opposite end to the flanged section 66, the rigid pin fastener can be used to connect to protective apparel plates together. For example, the head section 72 may have a diameter of 16 mm and the threaded section 70 has a length of 8 mm with an M5 thread.

The length of the rigid pin fastener 34, 46 may be adjusted by adjusting the depth the mushroom head screw 62 is screwed into the top hat sleeve 60. When the depth of the mushroom head screw 62 is set at the required depth (i.e. the required length of the rigid pin fastener), it is then locked into place by screwing a grub screw 64 into the top hat sleeve at the end with the flanged section 66. For example, the total length of the rigid pin fastener may be in the range 10-12 mm. As shown in Fig. 6, the grub screw 64 locks the mushroom head screw 62 in place by contacting the end of the mushroom head screw 62 in the top hat sleeve 60 such that it cannot be screwed in any further. This design allows for easy assembly and disassembly or the protective apparel assembly as well as adjustment of the length of the rigid pin fasteners for fine tuning of clearance between plates in order to provide a suitable amount of articulation. In an alternative embodiment, the grub screw 64 may not be provided, and the top hat sleeve 60 is provided with a blind internal hole which is threaded to receive the mushroom head screw 62. In an alternative embodiment, a rigid fastener may be provided as a rivet with a head section and a tail section. The rivet may have an elongate tail of a similar length to the rigid pin fasteners 34, 46 described above. The end of the rivet tail may be deformable, in order to permanently connect two rigid armour plates together.

According to a fifth exemplary embodiment of the disclosure, a modular protective apparel assembly 100 is provided. The modular protective apparel assembly comprises a first protective apparel module 102, a second protective apparel module and a rigid connecting member 106.

The first protective apparel module 102 and second protective apparel module may be protective apparel assemblies according to the fourth embodiment and/or protective apparel plates according to any one of the first to third embodiments, thereby incorporating all of the advantages of the first to fourth embodiments described above.

The rigid connecting member 106 may be constructed from a rigid plate material. For example, the connecting member 106 may constructed from the same material used for the rigid plate layers of any of the first through fourth exemplary embodiments of this disclosure.

The rigid connecting member 106 may also include a lining layer extending substantially across one of its major surfaces, secured to the rigid connecting member by adhesive in a similar manner to the construction of the protective apparel plates as described in any of the first through fourth embodiments of this disclosure. As such, the lining layer of the rigid connecting member 106 may include a plurality of lining layers. Alternatively, the lining layer of the rigid connecting member 106 may be provided such that it is the same thickness as the total thickness of the lining layer(s) of the protective apparel modules 102, but constructed from only a single lining layer. In this alternative construction, a lining layer with a density in the range of at least 30 kg m^"3 and no greater than 60 kg m^"3 may be used. In this case, a lining layer of higher density may not be suitable, as the effectiveness of the interconnected modules reduces the amount of energy transmitted to the lining layer. As such, it is possible to provide sufficient protection for the wearer without including a higher density lining layer. Fig. 7 discloses a schematic diagram of one end of a rigid connecting member 106 connected to a first protective apparel module 102. In the embodiment shown, the rigid connecting member 106 is connected to the first protective apparel module 102 via a spacing plate 107, although the rigid connecting member 106 may alternatively be connected directly to the first protective apparel module 102. The spacing plate 107 is fixed to the protective apparel module 102. As such, the spacing plate may be considered part of the protective apparel module 102

The rigid connecting member 106 is connected to the first protective apparel module 102 by a rigid pin fastener 108 provided through a slot 110 in the rigid connecting member and holes in the first protective apparel module (not shown) and the spacing plate 107. The rigid connecting member 106 is also connected to the first protective apparel module via a rigid fastener 112 through a substantially circular hole (not shown) in the connecting member and the spacing plate 107. By connecting the rigid connecting member 106 to the first protective apparel module 102 in this manner, some movement of the rigid connecting member 106 relative to the first protective apparel module 102 is permitted. As such, the connecting member 106 may pivot about the rigid fastener 112 such that the slot 110 of the rigid connecting member 106 moves relative to the rigid pin fastener 108. Thus, the length of the slot 110 may limit the amount of relative movement permitted by the connection between the first protective apparel module 102 and the rigid connecting member 106.

Providing a limited amount of relative motion between a protective apparel module 102 and a rigid connecting member 106 of a protective apparel assembly may be desirable to allow a user to perform body motions such as bending forwards or twisting of the torso when wearing the modular protective apparel assembly. However, the range of relative motion is still limited by the respective ends of the slot such that connection between the protective apparel module 102 and the connecting member 106 will still "lock out" when the protective apparel module 102 and rigid connecting member 06 are separated or pushed together such that the rigid pin fastener 108 is restrained by one of the ends of the slot 110. Thus, the modular apparel assembly may provide a restricted range of motion through the interaction of the rigid components. Accordingly, under an impact a user (wearer) of the modular apparel assembly may be protected from the effects of joint overextension Fig. 8 discloses a schematic diagram of a quick-release coupling 130 (releasable fastener) according to this disclosure. The quick-release coupling 130 may be provided to connect a protective apparel module 102 to a rigid connecting member 106. The quick-release coupling 130 comprises a body portion 132 and a flange portion 134.

In Fig. 8, the body portion 132 of the quick-release coupling is attached to the protective apparel module 106 through a hole (not shown) in the protective apparel module, and secured with a fastener (not shown). The body portion 132 is attached to the protective apparel module such that it can rotate about an axis extending from the protective apparel module. The flange portion 132 is hinged to the body portion 130. In Fig. 8, the flange portion is hingedly connected to the body portion 130 by a pin 136 through the body portion 132 and the flange portion 136. As shown in Fig. 8, the rigid connecting member 106 is provided with an aperture 138 which is configured to co-operate with the quick-release coupling 130 to releasably fasten the rigid connecting member 106 to the protective apparel module 102.

The hinged flange portion 132 and the rotatable body portion may be positioned in a first position (not shown) in which the rigid connecting member 106 may be connected to the protective apparel plate by inserting the quick release coupling 130 through the aperture 138. In a second position, as shown in Fig. 8, the body portion 130 is rotated, and the hinged flange portion 132 is positioned such that the rigid connecting member 106 is secured between the flange portion 132, and the protective apparel module 102, and further restrained by the co-operation of the body portion 106 and the aperture 138.

The quick-release coupling 130 is constructed from a rigid material. Preferably, the quick- release coupling 130 is constructed from the same material as the rigid material of the connecting member (e.g. steel or titanium).

Fig. 9 discloses a schematic diagram of one end of an alternative rigid connecting member 150 connected to a protective apparel module 102 according to this disclosure. In Fig. 9, the rigid connecting member 150 is connected to the protective apparel module 102 via a spacer 102. The spacer is connected to the protective apparel module 102 by two rigid fasteners 154. The rigid fasteners 154 may be rigid pin fasteners as described elsewhere in this disclosure.

The spacer 152 is provided as a substantially flat plate. The spacer 152 is constructed from a rigid material in order to provide a rigid connection point to connect the protective apparel module to the rigid connecting member. Preferably, the spacer is constructed form the same material as the material used for the rigid plate material of the rigid connecting member (e.g. steel, titanium, or titanium alloy). The skilled person will appreciate that in other alternative embodiments, the rigid connecting member may be connected directly to the protective apparel module 102 without including a spacer.

As shown in Fig. 9, the rigid connecting member 150 is connected to the spacer 152 by a rigid pin fastener 156 through holes in the rigid connecting member 150 and the spacer 152. The rigid pin fastener 152 may be provided to allow the rigid connecting member 150 to rotate about the rigid pin fastener 156. Accordingly, the rigid connecting member may provide for a limited amount of relative movement between protective apparel modules by way of such a rotatable connection.

As shown in Fig. 9, the rigid connecting member 150 may also be provided with a hinged joint 160 at a point along the rigid connecting member 150. Such a hinged joint may be provided to allow relative movement of the rigid connecting member relative to the protective apparel module 102. The hinged joint may be configured to allow a limited range of movement such that rigid connecting member will still "lock-out" to prevent joint hyper- extension in the event of an impact.

Primarily, the hinged joint 160 is provided to assist a wearer with donning and removal of the modular protective apparel assembly 100, and does not weaken the cage-like structure formed around a wearer's body when the protective apparel assembly is worn. As such, the axis of rotation of the hinged joint 160 may be provided substantially aligned with the major surface of the connecting member 106. As a result, the hinged motion of the connecting member is restrained and/or prevented by the connections to the first and second protective apparel modules 102, formed at each end of the rigid connecting member 106 when the protective apparel assembly 100 is assembled. To further assist with donning and removal of the modular protective apparel assembly, the hinged joint 160 may be positioned on a rigid connecting member 106 towards one end of the rigid connecting member 106, such that the rigid connecting member may be swung out of the way.

The protective apparel plates according to any of the first to third exemplary embodiments, the protective apparel assembly according to the fourth embodiment, and the modular protective apparel assembly may be attached to a wearer's body using straps and fastening means. For example, elasticated straps may be attached to an outer surface of the rigid armour plates according to any of the exemplary embodiments which can then be wrapped around the wearer's body and secured with a fastener, for example a buckle or hook and loop fasteners. The straps may be attached to the rigid plates by holes through the rigid plate layer (not shown).

Fig. 10 shows a photograph of an exemplary back protector 200 according to this disclosure. The back protector 200 includes 7 protective apparel plates 202, 204, 206, 208, 210, 212, 214 in accordance with the first and second exemplary embodiments of the disclosure. The protective apparel plates 202, 204, 206, 208, 210, 212, 214 are connected together by rigid pin fasteners 216 in a similar manner to the fourth exemplary embodiment. The protective apparel plates 202, 204, 206, 208, 210, 212, 214 are connected together to form a chain. As such protective apparel plates 202 and 214 form respective ends of the chain. Protective apparel plate 204 is connected to protective apparel end plate 202 at one end, and connected to the next protective apparel plate 204 in the chain at the opposing end. Protective apparel plate 204 is then connected to the next protective apparel plate 206 in the chain at the opposing end of protective apparel pate 204 to the connection to protective apparel plate 202, and so on for each protective apparel plate in the chain.

In accordance with the fourth exemplary embodiment, the rigid pin fasteners 216 are connected to the protective apparel plates 202, 204, 206, 208, 210, 212, 214 through slots 218 disposed in the lower of the two protective apparel plates forming the connection. As such, the back protector 200 is a protective apparel module according to the fifth embodiment of the disclosure.

Each of the protective apparel plates 202, 204, 206, 208, 210, 212, 214 has a channel region. The channel regions of each of the protective apparel plates are shaped to form part of the overlapping regions of the back protector 200. As such, a channel formed by the co-operation of the protective apparel plates runs along a length of the back protector which provides separation of the protective apparel plates 202, 204, 206, 208, 210, 212, 214 from a wearer's spine when the back protector is worn.

The back protector 200 may be worn by a wearer by wrapping the straps 220 around the wearer's torso and securing them together with hook and loop fasteners (not shown).

Figs. 1 1 and 12 disclose schematic diagrams (side and front view respectively) of a modular protective apparel assembly 300 as worn by a wearer. The modular protective apparel assembly as shown in Figs. 11 and 12 includes a number of protective apparel modules, each module configured to conform to a different part of the wearer's body. The modular protective apparel assembly 300 includes a back protective module 310, a shoulder protective module 320, an arm protective module 330, a hip protective module 340, an abdomen protective module 350, a chest protective module 360 and a neck/throat protective module 370. Each of the protective modules 310, 320, 330, 340, 350, 360, 370 may be constructed from the protective apparel plates of any of the first through third embodiments of the disclosure and may be assembled according to the protective apparel assembly of the fourth embodiment of the disclosure. The protective apparel modules may be connected to each other by rigid connecting members 312, 322, 332, 342, 352 as shown in Figs. 11 and 12. The rigid connecting members include a rib-positioned connecting member 312, an arm-positioned connecting member 322, a waist-positioned connecting member 332, a hip-positioned connecting member 342 and a shoulder positioned connecting member 352.

The rigid connecting members 312, 322, 332, 342, 352 are provided to connect the protective apparel modules together. The rigid connecting members 312, 322, 332, 342, 352 may be connected to the protective apparel modules 310, 320, 330, 340, 350, 360, 370 by any combination of the connection as disclosed in the examples of Figs. 7, 8 and 9 of this disclosure. The rigid connecting members 312, 322, 332, 342, 352 may also include hinged joints 160 at one or both ends of the rigid connecting members in order to assist with donning and removal.

As shown in Figs. 11 and 12, a plurality of connecting members 352, 312 are provided to connect the back protective module 310 to the chest protective module 260. Two shoulder- positioned connecting members 352 are provided to connect an end plate 202 of the back protective module 310, 200 to the chest protective module 360. The shoulder-positioned connecting members 352 are configured to extend over a wearer's shoulder. Two rib- positioned connecting members 312 are provided to connect a second plate 204 of the back protective module to the chest protective module 360. The rib-positioned connecting members 312 extend around a wearer's torso below the arms to connect the back protective module 310 to the chest protective module 360.

The shoulder-positioned connecting members 352 are connected to the back protective module 310 by a rigid pin fastener and a spacer in a similar manner as disclosed in Fig. 7 and the corresponding text of this disclosure. The provision of a connection including a rigid pin fastener and a slot in the rigid connecting member (shoulder-positioned connecting member 352) allow for some relative movement of the end plate 202 of the back protective module 310 and the shoulder-connecting member 352.

The shoulder-positioned connecting members 352 are connected to the chest protective module 352 at the opposing end of the shoulder-positioned connecting members 352. As shown in Fig. 12, a releasable fastener 130 is provided to connect the shoulder-positioned connecting member 352 to the chest protective module 360. The releasable fastener is provided attached to the chest protective module 360, while an aperture is provided in the shoulder-positioned connecting member 352 in a similar manner as described in Fig. 8 of this disclosure and the corresponding text.

The shoulder-positioned connecting members 352 also includes a hinged joint 160 disposed towards the connection to the chest protective module 160. As such, the hinged joint 160 is provided to assist a wearer in attaching the shoulder-positioned connecting member 352 to the chest protective module 360 by allowing hinged motion of the aperture in the end of the shoulder-positioned connecting member such that it may be easily inserted over the releasable fastener 130.

The shoulder-positioned connecting members 352 may also include a further intermediate connection to the shoulder protective module 320 at an intermediate point along the length of the shoulder-positioned connecting member 352. The connection may be provided by a releasable fastener, a rigid pin faster or any other type of connection as described between a connecting member and a protective apparel modules according to this disclosure. The connections between the back protective module 310, the rib-positioned connecting members 312 and the chest protective module 260 are shown in Figs. 11 and 12. The rib- positioned connecting members 312 are connected at one end to the second plate 204 of the back protective module 310 by a connection as described in Fig. 9 and the

corresponding text of this disclosure. The rib-positioned connecting members 312 are connected at the opposite end to the chest protective module 360 by a releasable fastener in a similar manner to the releasable fastener described in Fig. 8 of this disclosure and the corresponding text.

As shown in Fig. 11 , a rigid connecting member 342 is provided to connect the back protector module 310 to the hip protector module 340. The end of the rigid connecting member 342 connected to the hip protector module is connected using a quick-release coupling as shown in Fig. 8. The rigid connecting member 342 also includes a hinged joint 343 in the connecting member towards the end of the rigid connecting member 342 connected to the hip protector module 340 in order to provide the wearer with suitable freedom of movement whilst still providing protection from joint hyper-extension in the event of an impact. The other end of the rigid connecting member 342 is connected to the back protector 310 using a rigid pin fastener 344 as described elsewhere in this disclosure. The rigid pin fastener 344 is located in a slot 346 in the back protector module 310 in a similar manner to the arrangement of the protective apparel assembly according to the fourth embodiment. The rigid connecting member 342 also includes a hinged joint 348 towards the end of the rigid connecting member 342 connected to the back protector module 310.

By connecting the protective modules 310, 320, 330, 340, 350, 360, 370 together with the rigid connecting members 312, 322, 332, 342, 352 as shown in Figs. 1 and 12 a rigid, stiff, cage-like structure may be formed around a wearer's upper body. Accordingly, the modular protective apparel assembly 300 may provide increased resistance to inward crushing forces that may be experienced during an impact, thereby providing greater protection for a wearer's upper body. Furthermore, the plurality of rigid connecting members provides a plurality of load paths for transmitting impact energy from one protective apparel module to another, thereby increasing the area over which the impact energy is distributed. According to a sixth exemplary embodiment of the disclosure, a protective apparel plate 400 is provided. Fig. 13 discloses a protective apparel plate 400 including a rigid plate layer 402, a piercing resistant layer 404, an inflatable cell layer 406 and an air circulation layer 408. The three layers 404, 406 and 408 may be seen as lining layers, similar to the lining layers in the other embodiments of this disclosure. As explained below, the piercing resistant layer 404, inflatable cell layer 406 and air circulation layer 408 have further functionality which may be additional to and/or different to the functionality of the lining layers described in other embodiments. The three layers 404, 406, 408 and the rigid plate layer 402 are connected together to form a laminated structure as shown in Fig. 13.

According to the sixth exemplary embodiment, rigid plate layer 402 is a titanium plate 402 which has a fracture toughness of at least 9 MPa m^{1 2}. The titanium plate may be constructed in a similar manner to the rigid plate layers of the other embodiments of this disclosure. For example, the titanium plate 402 may have a thickness (as measured between the major surfaces of the titanium plate) of 1.6 mm. The titanium plate 402 has a density of 1500 kg m^"3. The skilled person will understand that titanium alloys may also be used as a material for the rigid plate layer 402. For example a Grade 5 Ti alloy such as Ti 6-4 may be used.

In the sixth exemplary embodiment, the second lining layer 406 comprises an inflated cell layer 406. The inflated cell layer 406 is a layer comprising a plurality of cells which are inflated with a fluid in order to provide impact protection and/or shock absorption.

Preferably the fluid is a gas (at room temperature). For example, the gas may be an inert gas, such as nitrogen, argon etc. Most preferably, the gas is air.

Fig. 14 shows a side sectional view of an exemplary inflated cell layer 406 according to an embodiment of the disclosure. A top view of the exemplary inflated cell layer 406 is shown in Figure 15. The inflated cell layer 406 comprises a cell defining layer 410 and a backing layer 412. In the exemplary embodiment, each cell of the cell defining layer is inflated with air. The cell defining layer 410 may be a moulded sheet which is configured to define a plurality of cells 414a, 414b, 414c, 414d. The backing layer 412 is provided to seal the cell defining layer 410. As such, the backing layer 412 is provided to seal one or more of the cells 414a, 414b, 414c, 414d such that air is retained within the cell(s). Accordingly, the inflated cell layer 406 when inflated with air may provide impact protection, as each inflated cell 414a, 414b, 414c, 414d will resist impact by compressing the air retained within the cell.

As shown in Fig. 15, the cells 414a, 414b, 414c, 414d may be distributed across the inflated cell layer 406. For example, as shown in Fig. 15 the cells may be spaced apart from each other in a two dimensional matrix.

The cell defining layer 410 comprises a plurality of cell defining portions 416 and a plurality of sealing portions 418. The cell defining portions 416 are configured to provide the inflatable portion of the cell defining layer 406. For example, cell defining portions 416 may be provided as recesses in the cell defining layer. The recesses may be provided as moulded portions of the cell defining layer 410. The recesses form a concave portion in the cell defining layer which may be inflated to form the cell. The shape (perimeter) of each recess may be circular, square, rectangular, or indeed any shape The sealing portions 418 of the cell defining layer 410 are provided to seal the cell defining layer 410 to the backing layer, such that air is retained within the cells. The sealing portions extend substantially around the perimeter of each cell defining portion 416 such that each cell 414a, 414b, 414c, 414d is substantially enclosed by the cell defining portion 416 and the backing layer 406. The sealing portions 418 may be sealed to the backing layer by joining. For example, a heat seal may be formed, or an adhesive may be used to join the two layers together.

In the embodiment of Figs. 14 and 15, the backing layer 412 is provided as a substantially smooth (flat, planar) layer. The joining portions 418 of the cell defining layer 410 are sealed to the backing layer 412 in order to define the inflatable cells. Of course, in other embodiments, it will be appreciated that the backing layer may also include moulded portions (i.e. cell defining portions) to further define the (inflated) shape of the cell defining layer 406. As shown in Fig. 15, the cell defining layer may also include one or more connecting portions 420. The connecting portions 420 are provided to fluidly connect one or more of the cells 414a, 414b, 414c, 414d together such that a plurality of the cells may be inflated at the same time. For example, in Fig. 15, all of the cells 414a, 414b, 414c, 414d are fluidly connected by connecting portions 420 such that all of the cells of the inflatable cell layer may be fully inflated by a single inflation point 422.

The inflation point 422 is a portion of the inflatable cell layer 406 which is configured to allow the cells 414a, 414b, 414c, 414d to be inflated. The inflation point may be formed in either the backing layer 412 or the cell defining layer 410, or between the two layers. In the embodiment shown in Fig. 15, the inflation point 422 is formed in the cell defining layer 410. The inflation point 422 is provided a no-return valve which is configured to allow the cell defining layer 406 to be inflated with air, but not allow air to escape the cell defining layer 406. The no return valve may be joined to the cell defining layer through an aperture in the layer, which the valve in turn seals. By providing the inflation point 422 of the inflatable cell layer 406 as a valve, the inflation of the cell defining layer 406 may be topped up over time should any air escape through the walls of the cell. By fluidly connecting each of the cells 414a, 414b, 414c, 414d, together, a uniform pressure may be provided in each of the cells when the inflatable cell layer 406 is inflated. Thus, the inflatable cell layer 406 may provide consistent impact protection across the whole layer.

It will be appreciated that the inflatable cells of the inflatable cell layer 406 are inflatable. That is to say, that the inflatable cell layer 406 may be supplied pre-inflated, or in a deflated form, with the cells 414a, 414b, 414c, 414d to be inflated prior to use (by a wearer for example). The inflatable cells 414a, 414b, 414c, 414d are to be inflated to a pressure in order to provide impact protection. Preferably, each of the inflatable cells is to be inflated to a pressure of at least 1.1 bar (110 kPa).

More preferably, each of the inflatable cells is intended to be inflated to a pressure of at least 1.2 bar (120 kPa), 1 .4 bar (140 kPa), 1.6 bar (160 kPa), 2.0 bar (200 kPa) or 3.0 bar (300 kPa).

Further, the inflatable cell layer may be configured to withstand a maximum pressure of no greater than 4 bar (400 kPa). As shown in Fig. 15, the inflatable cell layer 406 may also include one or more ventilation holes 424. The ventilation holes 424 are provided through the thickness of the cell defining layer 410 and the backing layer 412. The ventilation holes are provided to allow air movement through the inflatable cell layer 406. It will be appreciated, that due to the inflatable nature of the inflatable cell layer 406, the material(s) used in its constructions are not breathable. Thus, to increase comfort for a wearer of the protective apparel plate 400, ventilation holes 424 are provided to allow for air circulation through the inflatable cell layer 406 between the wearer's body and the external environment. The ventilation holes 424 are provided in regions of the cell defining layer where the joining portions 418 seal the cell defining layer 416 to the backing layer 418. As such, the ventilation holes 424 may be provided between the cells 414a, 414b, 414c, 414d of the cell defining layer 406. In the exemplary embodiment, the ventilation holes 424 are provided as circular holes, but it will be appreciated that any shape of hole may be provided.

For example, each of the cells 414a, 414b, 414c, 414d may be provided as circular cells having a diameter of at least 4.0 mm. The cells may have a diameter of up to 45.0 mm. The cells 414a, 414b, 414c, 414d may each extend from the backing layer 418 by a distance (H) of about 3 mm to 45 mm (measured as the distance in a direction normal from the sealing portion when inflated, as per the view in Fig. 14). The cells may be spaced apart (measured circumference to circumference shown in Fig. 15) by a distance (S) of about 5 mm to 25 mm. Other diameters or shapes of cell may equally be used and the present disclosure is not limited to the above dimensions. As shown in Figs. 15 and 17, the inflatable cells of the exemplary inflatable cell layers 406, 430 are distributed across the inflatable layer in a two dimensional matrix arrangement. It is preferable that the cells 414a, 414b, 414c, 414d form a major (majority) portion of the surface area of the inflatable cell layer 406. As such, in the exemplary embodiments, the cell defining portions 416 form a majority of the surface area of the cell defining layer 410, as opposed to the joining portions 418. Preferably, the cell defining portions (i.e. the plurality of inflatable cells) cover at least 50%, 60%, 70%, 75%, 80% or 90% of the surface area of the inflatable cell layer 406 (as viewed in plan view i.e. normal to the backing layer 412, as per Fig. 15 and 17 for example). As such, said inflatable cells cover at least 50%, 60%, 70%, 75%, 80% or 90% of the surface area of the inner surface of the rigid plate layer 402 to which they are connected. As indicated in Figs. 15 and 17, each of the individual inflatable cells covers an individual surface area (when viewed in plan view). Preferably, each of the individual inflatable cells defines a surface area of less than 40,000 mm². More preferably, each of the individual inflatable cells defines a surface area of less than 30,000, 15,000, 5,000, 1 ,000, 500, 100, or 50 mm². By limiting the surface area of each of the individual cells, an impact may be distributed across a greater number of cells which may improve shock absorption. For example, when a number of cells absorb impact, the failure of any one cell is less likely to impact on the overall performance of the protective apparel plate 400.

Figs. 16 and 17 show a further example of an inflatable cell layer 430. Similar to the inflatable cell layer 406, the inflatable cell layer 430 comprises a cell defining layer 410 and a backing layer 412 (like reference numerals indicating like components). In this example, each of the cells 414a, 414b, 414c, 414d is completely sealed about the circumferences of the cell defining portions 416 by the sealing portions 418 of the cell defining layer 410. As such, each cell is inflated individually, and so no connecting portions 420 are provided. In this example, the cells are inflated as part of the manufacturing process, and are intended to maintain their inflation throughout the product lifetime. As each cell is individually inflated, the failure of a single cell (e.g. a puncture) does not impact on the performance of the other cells in the cell defining layer 430.

The backing layer 418 and the cell defining layer 416 may each be formed from a polymer or a synthetic rubber material. For example, the cell defining layer may comprise a neoprene coated or a silicon coated fabric such nylon 6,6, 500 Denier nylon Cordura and Ripstop nylon.

Preferably, the first lining layer 404 in the sixth exemplary embodiment is a piercing resistant layer 404. The piercing resistant layer 404 is configured to reduce/resist puncture of the second lining layer 406. For example, during an impact, the rigid plate layer 402 may be deformed. The piercing resistant layer 404 is provided to reduce and/or eliminate the risk of any deformation to the rigid plate layer 402 impacting the effectiveness of the inflatable cell layer 406. The piercing resistant layer 404 may also provide protection for the inflatable cell layer 406 when the protective apparel plate 400 is provided as part of a protective apparel assembly or protective apparel module according to this disclosure. The foam material of the piercing resistant layer 404 may be a flexible material configured to resist piercing and also configured to have good abrasion resistance. Preferably, the piercing resistant layer 404 is between about 0.5 mm and 2.5 mm thick. For example, the piercing resistant layer 404 may comprise a polymer layer, a Kevlar layer and/or an aramid fibre composite material. The skilled person will appreciate that other materials may be used to provide a piercing resistant layer 404 with a suitable thickness and density.

Abrasion resistance may be related to tear resistance. Tear resistance of the piercing resistant layer 404 may be between 65 N and 140 N according to DIN 53356. For example, the piercing resistant layer 404 may be of 1000 Denier Cordura or equivalent.

It may be that the piercing resistant layer 404 is a constituent of the inflatable cell layer 406 rather than being a separate layer. Indeed, it may be that the inflatable cell layer 406 comprises the piercing resistant layer 404. The piercing resistant layer 404 extends substantially across one of the major surfaces of the rigid plate layer 402. For example, the piercing resistant layer 404 may extend across at least: 80 %, 90 %, 95 % or 97.5 % of the surface area of the major surface of the rigid plate layer 402. The piercing resistant layer 404 is connected to the rigid plate layer by an adhesive. For example, a contact adhesive (bonding agent) may be used to bond the piercing resistant layer 404 to a titanium surface, although the skilled person will appreciate that many other adhesives will be suitable for this.

The inflatable cell layer 406 extends substantially across the surface of the piercing resistant layer 404 on an opposite surface to the rigid plate layer 402. For example, the inflatable cell layer 406 may extend across at least: 80 %, 90 %, 95 % or 97.5 % of the surface area of the major surface of the piercing resistant layer 404. The inflatable cell layer 406 is connected to the piercing resistant layer 404 by an adhesive, for example a contact adhesive. It is particularly preferable for the backing layer 412 of the inflatable cell layer 406 to be directly connected to the piercing resistant layer 404, as the backing layer 412 may provide a uniform surface for attachment to the piercing resistant layer.

In some alternative embodiments, the protective apparel plate 400 may be provided without the piercing resistant layer 404. In some embodiments, the advantages of the piercing resistant layer 404 may be incorporated into the backing layer 412 of the inflatable cell layer 406. For example, the thickness of the backing layer 412 may be increased in order to increase the puncture resistance of the inflatable cell layer 406 in embodiments in which a piercing resistant layer 404 is not provided. Alternatively, a different material may be used for backing layer 412 (as opposed to cell defining layer 410) in order to further increase the puncture resistance.

As shown in Fig. 13, the rigid plate apparel 400 is preferably provided with an air circulation layer 408. The air circulation layer 408 extends substantially across the surface of the inflatable cell layer 406 on an opposite surface to the piercing resistant layer 404. The air circulation layer 408 is configured to increase air circulation to the wearer's body. The air circulation layer may be configured to allow air circulation (flow, movement) through its thickness. As such, by separating the inflatable cell layer 406 from the wearer's body, the air circulation layer 408 may increase the air circulation to and from the wearer's body when wearing the protective apparel plate 400. In particular, air circulation through ventilation holes 424 of the inflatable cell layer 406 may be increased when the air circulation layer 408 is present.

Further, by providing the protective apparel plate 400 with an air circulation layer 408, the protective apparel plate 400 may be more comfortable for the wearer. For example, the air circulation layer 408 provides a substantially continuous surface which contacts the wearer's body, rather than the cellular surface of the inflatable cell layer 406. Increasing the breathability (i.e. air circulation) of the layer which contacts the wearer's body may also increase comfort, for example by allowing for better regulation of body temperature.

For example, the air circulation layer 408 may be constructed from a foam material. The foam material may be the same foam material used in the lining layers of other

embodiments of the disclosure (EPDM rubber foam). For example, the air circulation layer 408 may extend across at least: 80 %, 90 %, 95 % or 97.5 % of the surface area of the major surface of the inflatable cell layer 406. The air circulation layer 408 is connected to the second lining layer using an adhesive in a similar manner to the connection between the piercing resistant layer 404 and the inflatable cell layer 406.

For example, the air circulation layer 408 may increase air circulation by providing the air circulation layer 408 as a material with a relatively low density, for example a foam layer. It is particularly preferable that the density of air circulation layer 408 is at least 35 kg m^"3 and no greater than about 125 kg m^"3. Such a density may provide an optimum level of comfort and breathability for a wearer. Preferably, the air circulation layer 408 is provided with a thickness of at least about 3.0 mm up to about 10.0mm. Such a preferable thickness range provides a suitable separation of the inflatable cell layer 406 from the wearer's body to allow for increased air circulation.

Figure 16 is a sectional view of a protective apparel plate 440 worn on an outer surface of a wearer's body 22. The protective apparel plate 440 includes a rigid plate layer 402 and a first lining layer 404 (like reference numerals indicating like components) of a similar construction to the protective apparel plate according to the sixth exemplary embodiment. In a similar manner to the embodiment shown in Fig. 2, a portion of the inflatable cell layer 406 and third lining layer 408 is not present in order to define an air gap, or void between the wearer's body 22 and the first lining layer 404. By separating the first lining layer 404 from the user's body by the airgap/void, additional protection for a protruding part of a user's body 24 (e.g. spine) is provided.

Fig. 17 discloses a protective apparel plate 450 including a spring layer 32. The protective apparel plate 450 includes a rigid plate layer 402, first lining layer 404, a second lining layer (inflatable cell layer) 406, and an air circulation layer 408, in an arrangement substantially the same as the embodiment shown in Fig. 16. The spring layer 32 is connected to the outer surface of the rigid plate layer 402 on an opposite side of the rigid plate layer 402 to the first lining layer 404. The spring layer 32 is connected to the rigid plate layer via two rigid pin fasteners 34. As such, the spring layer 32 is substantially the same as the spring layer 32 as described in the third exemplary embodiment of this disclosure. Accordingly, it will be appreciated that the inflatable lining layer 406 may be incorporated into any of the above described embodiments of this disclosure. The inflatable lining layer 406 may form the second lining layer in any of the above described embodiments. Further, the protective apparel plate 400, 440, 450 may be used in place of any of the other protective apparel plates according to embodiments of this disclosure.

The protective apparel plate, protective apparel assembly and modular protective apparel assembly of this disclosure may be applicable in a variety of applications.

One application may be for use as protective apparel for a motorcyclist. The motorcyclist may wear the protective apparel plate, protective apparel assembly and/or modular protective apparel assembly whilst riding a motorcycle, such that in the event of an impact, the protective apparel plate, protective apparel assembly and/or modular protective apparel assembly provides impact protection for the motorcyclist. In this description, the protective apparel of this disclosure has been described by way of the exemplary embodiments. However, the present disclosure and the claims are not limited to these exemplary embodiments, and features described above in the exemplary embodiments may be combined to provide other types of provide protective apparel for high-speed activities or other activities, as will be appreciated by the skilled person.

Claims

CLAIMS:

A protective apparel plate for providing personal impact protection, comprising

a rigid plate layer, the rigid plate layer having a fracture toughness of at least 9 MPa m^{1 2};

an inflatable cell layer extending across and connected to an inner surface of the rigid plate layer;

the inflatable cell layer comprising a plurality of inflatable cells, each cell configured to retain a fluid for providing impact protection.

A protective apparel plate according to claim 1 wherein:

the rigid plate layer consists of a non-composite material

A protective apparel plate according to claim 1 or claim 2, further comprising:

an air circulation layer extending across and connected to the inflatable cell layer on an opposite side to the rigid plate layer.

A protective apparel plate according to claim 3 wherein:

a density of the air circulation layer is at least 15 kg m^"3 and no greater than 125 kg m^"3; and/or

the air circulation layer has a thickness of at least 3 mm and no greater than 10 mm.

A protective apparel plate according to any preceding claim, further comprising: a piercing resistant layer extending across and connected to an inner surface of the rigid plate layer, the piercing resistant layer provided between the rigid plate layer and the inflatable cell layer;

the piercing resistant layer configured to reduce and/or prevent puncture of the inflatable cell layer.

A protective apparel plate according to claim 5, wherein

the piercing resistant layer has a thickness of at least 0.5 mm and no greater than

A protective apparel plate according to any preceding claim, wherein the plurality of inflatable cells cover a surface area which is at least 50 % of a surface area of the inner surface of the rigid plate layer; and/or

a surface area of each of the inflatable cells is no greater than 40,000 mm².

A protective apparel plate according to any preceding claim, wherein

the inflatable cell layer further defines ventilation holes through a thickness of the inflatable cell layer.

A protective apparel plate according to any preceding claim, wherein

the plurality of inflatable cells is inflated to a pressure of at least 110 kPa, or at least 120 kPa, or at least 140 kPa, or at least 160 kPa, or at least 200 kPa, or at least 300 kPa; and/or

the plurality of inflatable cells is inflated to a pressure of not more than

400 kPa.

A protective apparel plate according to any preceding claim wherein:

the rigid plate layer has a density of at least 1400 kg m^"3 and no greater than

8000 kg m^"3; and/or

the rigid plate layer has a thickness of at least 0.1 mm and no greater than

2.0 mm, and more preferably at least 0.5 mm and no greater than 1.6 mm.

A protective apparel plate according to any one of the preceding claims wherein: the surface of the rigid plate layer connected to the inflatable cell layer is shaped to define a channel running through a substantially central section of the plate.

A protective apparel plate according to claim 11 wherein:

the thickness of the piercing resistant, inflatable cell and/or air circulation layer(s) provided adjacent to the channel of the rigid plate layer is thinner than the thickness of the respective layer(s) provided away from the channel of the rigid plate layer.

A protective apparel plate according to any one of the preceding claims wherein: the rigid plate layer has a fracture toughness of at least 30 MPa m^1/2 and no greater than 120 MPa m^{1 2}. A protective apparel plate according to any one of the preceding claims wherein: the rigid plate layer is metallic.

A protective apparel plate according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising:

a rigid spring layer having a fracture toughness of at least 9 MPa m^{1 2}, the rigid spring layer extending across and connected to the rigid plate layer on an opposite side of the rigid spring layer to the inflatable cell layer,

the rigid spring layer connected to the rigid plate layer by a plurality of rigid fasteners, wherein

the rigid spring layer is shaped to be spaced apart from the rigid plate layer away from the rigid fasteners.

A protective apparel plate according to any one of the preceding claims wherein: the rigid plate layer and/or the rigid spring layer is titanium or a titanium alloy.

A protective apparel plate according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: the protective apparel plate is configured to provide impact protection for a human back or chest.

A protective apparel assembly for personal impact protection comprising:

a first protective apparel plate according to any one of claims 1 to 16; and a second protective apparel plate according to any one of claims 1 to 16; wherein

the first protective apparel plate overlaps with the second protective apparel plate forming an overlapping region, and

the first and second protective apparel plates are connected by at least one rigid fastener through both the first and the second protective apparel plates in the overlapping region.

A modular protective apparel assembly for impact protection, comprising:

a first protective apparel assembly according to claim 17;

a second protective apparel assembly according to claim 17; wherein the first and second protective apparel assembly are connectable by a rigid connecting member for transferring impact energy from the first protective apparel assembly to the second protective apparel assembly.

A protective apparel plate for providing personal impact protection, comprising: a rigid plate layer, the rigid plate layer having a fracture toughness of at least 9 MPa m^{1 2};

a first lining layer having a first density lower than the rigid plate layer, the first lining layer extending across and connected to an inner surface of the rigid plate layer;

a second lining layer having a second density lower than the rigid plate layer and different to the first density, the second lining layer extending across and connected to the first lining layer on an opposite side of the first lining layer to the rigid plate layer.

A protective apparel plate according to claim 20 wherein:

the rigid plate layer consists of a non-composite material.

A protective apparel plate according to claim 20 or claim 21 wherein:

the second density is greater than the first density.

A protective apparel plate according to any one of claims 20 to 22 wherein:

the first density is at least 30 kg m^'3 and no greater than 60 kg m^"3; and/or the first lining layer has a thickness of at least 2 mm and no greater than 10 mm.

A protective apparel plate according to any of the preceding claims wherein:

the second density is at least 50 kg m^"3 and no greater than 300 kg m^"3; and/or

the second lining layer has a thickness of at least 5 mm and no greater than

15 mm.

A protective apparel plate according to any one of the preceding claims further comprising: a third lining layer, the third lining layer extending across and connected to the second lining layer on an opposite side to the first lining layer.

A protective apparel plate according to claim 25 wherein:

the third lining layer has a third density which is less than the second density.

A protective apparel plate according to claim 25 or claim 26 wherein:

the third density is at least 15 kg m^"3 and no greater than 50 kg m^'3; and/or the third lining layer has a thickness of at least 2 mm and no greater than 6 mm.

A protective apparel plate according to claim 20 or claim 21 wherein:

the first density is greater than the second density.

A protective apparel plate according to claim 28 wherein:

the first density is at least 50 kg m^"3 and no greater than 300 kg m^"3; and/or the first lining layer has a thickness of at least 5 mm and no greater than 15 mm.

A protective apparel plate according to claim 28 or claim 29 wherein:

the second density is at least 15 kg m^"3 and no greater than 50 kg m^"3; and/or

the second lining layer has a thickness of at least 2 mm and no greater than 10 mm.

A protective apparel plate according to any one of claims 20 to 30 wherein:

8000 kg m^"3; and/or

the rigid plate layer has a thickness of at least 0.1 mm and no greater than

2.0 mm, and more preferably at least 0.5 mm and no greater than 1.6 mm.

A protective apparel plate according to any one of claims 20 to 31 wherein: the surface of the rigid plate layer connected to the first lining layer is shaped to define a channel running through a substantially central section of the plate.

A protective apparel plate according to claim 32 wherein:

the thickness of the first, second and/or third lining layer(s) provided adjacent to the channel of the rigid plate layer is thinner than the thickness of the respective lining layer(s) provided away from the channel of the rigid plate layer.

A protective apparel plate according to any one of claims 20 to 33 wherein:

the rigid plate layer has a fracture toughness of at least 30 MPa m^{1 2} and no greater than 120 MPa m^1/2.

A protective apparel plate according to any one of claims 20 to 34 wherein:

the rigid plate layer is metallic.

A protective apparel plate according to any one of claims 20 to 35 wherein:

the rigid plate layer is titanium or a titanium alloy.

A protective apparel plate according to any one of claims 20 to 36, wherein:

the protective apparel is configured to provide impact protection for a human back or chest.

A protective apparel system comprising:

a plurality of protective apparel plates according to any one of claims 20 to 37 connected together, the assembly of protective apparel plates configured to be worn by a human.

A protective apparel plate for providing personal impact protection, comprising: a rigid plate layer, the rigid plate layer having a fracture toughness of at least 9 MPa m^1/2;

a first lining layer having a first density lower than the rigid plate layer, the first lining layer extending across and connected to an inner surface of the rigid plate layer; a rigid spring layer having a fracture toughness of at least 9 MPa m , the rigid spring layer extending across and connected to the rigid plate layer on an opposite side of the rigid spring layer to the first lining layer,

A protective apparel plate according to claim 39 wherein:

the rigid spring layer has a density of at least 1400 kg m^"3 and no greater than 5000 kg m^"3; and/or

the rigid spring layer has a thickness of at least 0.1 mm and no greater than 2.0 mm.

A protective apparel plate according to claim 39 or claim 40, further comprising: a second lining layer having a second density lower than the rigid plate layer and different to the first density, the second lining layer extending across and connected to the first lining layer on an opposite side of the first lining layer to the rigid plate layer.

A protective apparel plate according to claim 41 , further comprising the additional features of any one of claims 21 to 38.

A protective apparel assembly for personal impact protection comprising:

a first rigid armour plate; and

a second rigid armour plate; wherein

the first rigid armour plate overlaps with the second rigid armour plate forming an overlapping region, and

the first and second rigid armour plates are connected by at least one rigid fastener through both the first and the second rigid armour plates in the overlapping region.

44. A protective apparel assembly according to claim 43 wherein: at least one of the first and second rigid armour plates includes a slot for the rigid fastener configured to allow movement of the first rigid armour plate relative to the second rigid armour plate.

A protective apparel assembly according to claim 44 wherein:

the slot is at least 2 mm in length and preferably at least 10 mm in length; and/or

the slot is no greater than 100 mm in length, and preferably no greater than 70 mm in length.

46. A protective apparel assembly according to any one of claims 43 to 45 wherein:

the first and second rigid armour plates are connected together such that the overlap of the plates is configured to restrict the range of relative movement of the rigid armour plates.

47. A protective apparel assembly according to claim 46 wherein:

the inner surface of the first rigid armour plate overlaps the outer surface of the second rigid armour plate, the slot for the rigid fastener being provided in the second rigid armour plate.

48. A protective apparel assembly according to any one of claims 43 to 47 wherein:

the rigid fastener comprises a screw; and

a top hat sleeve for with an internal threaded hole for receiving the screw. 49. A protective apparel assembly according to any one of claims 43 to 48 wherein:

the rigid armour plates comprise a rigid titanium alloy layer.

50. A protective apparel assembly according to any one of claims 43 to 49 wherein:

the first and second rigid armour plates are each a protective apparel plate according to any one of claims 20 to 42.

51. A protective apparel assembly comprising:

a plurality of rigid armour plates connected together by a plurality of rigid fasteners according to any one of claims 43 to 50.

52. A protective apparel assembly according to claim 51 wherein:

the plurality of rigid armour plates are configured to be worn on a human back to provide protection for the spinal column.

A modular protective apparel assembly for impact protection, comprising:

a first protective apparel module, the first protective apparel module including at least one rigid layer;

a second protective apparel module, the second protective apparel module including at least one rigid layer;

wherein the first and second protective apparel modules are connectable by a rigid connecting member for transferring impact energy from the first protective apparel module to the second protective apparel module.

A modular protective apparel assembly according to claim 53 wherein:

the rigid connecting member is connectable to the first or second protective apparel modules by a rigid releasable fastener.

A modular protective apparel assembly according to claim 53 or claim 54 wherein: the rigid connecting member is connectable to the first or second protective apparel modules by a rigid fastener through a slot in the rigid layer of the protective apparel module configured to allow movement of protective apparel module relative to the rigid connecting member.

56. A modular protective apparel assembly according to any one of claims 53 to 55 wherein:

the rigid fastener comprises a screw; and

a top hat sleeve with an internal threaded hole for receiving the screw.

A modular protective apparel assembly according to any one of claims 53 to 56 wherein:

the rigid connecting member is connectable to the first or second protective apparel module by a single rigid fastener through a hole in the rigid connecting member configured to allow rotation of the rigid connecting member relative to the first or second protective apparel module. A modular protective apparel assembly according to any one of claims 53 to 57 wherein:

the rigid connecting member includes a hinged joint, the hinged joint substantially aligned with a major surface of the rigid connecting member.

A modular protective apparel assembly according to any one of claims 53 to 58 wherein:

the first protective apparel module is a first protective apparel assembly according to any one of claims 43 to 52 and the second protective apparel module is a second protective apparel assembly according to any one of claims 43 to 52.

A modular protective apparel assembly according to any one of claims 53 to 59 wherein:

the first protective apparel module is a back protective module according to claim 52 and the second protective apparel module is a chest protective module according to claim 37.

A modular protective apparel assembly according to claim 60 comprising:

at least two rigid connecting members, preferably four rigid connecting members, for connecting the back protective module to the chest protective module.

A modular protective apparel assembly according to any one of claims 53 to 61 , further comprising:

at least one additional protective apparel module, the additional protective apparel module connected to the modular protective apparel assembly by at least one further rigid connecting member.

A modular protective apparel assembly according to claim 62, wherein:

the modular protective apparel modules include:

a back protective module configured to provide impact protection for a human back;

a chest protective module configured to provide impact protection for a human chest;

a hip protective module configured to provide impact protection for a human hip; a shoulder protective module configured to provide impact protection for a human shoulder;

an abdomen protective module configured to provide impact protection for a human abdomen;

an arm protective module configured to provide impact protection for a human arm; and

a neck/throat protective module configured to provide impact protection for a human neck/throat;

wherein each protective module is connected to at least one other protective apparel module by at least one rigid connecting member.