WO2022054070A1

WO2022054070A1 - Protective ceramic-based ballistic helmet-shaped semi-spherical shell

Info

Publication number: WO2022054070A1
Application number: PCT/IN2020/051021
Authority: WO
Inventors: Ashish Kansal
Original assignee: Ashish Kansal
Priority date: 2020-09-10
Filing date: 2020-12-11
Publication date: 2022-03-17

Abstract

The present invention provides a protective helmet comprising a helmet shell, semi-spherical ceramic helmet-shaped shell (100) and at least two ear protectors (112) extending out from the ceramic helmet shell. The semi-spherical ceramic helmet-shaped shell (100) is retrofitted on the helmet shell, wherein the semi-spherical ceramic helmet-shaped shell includes a front portion (108), two side portions (104,106) and one top portion (102) and one back portion (110) as a single structure for circumferentially and vertically covering the helmet shell. The semi-spherical ceramic helmet-shaped shell does not contain any joints in the structure and is a unibody or a monolith.

Description

TITLE: PROTECTIVE CERAMIC-BASED BALLISTIC HELMET-SHAPED

SEMI-SPHERICAL SHELL PREAMBLE OF THE DESCRIPTION: The following complete specification particularly describes the invention and the manner in which it is performed. FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[001] The present invention relates to ballistic helmets. More particularly, the invention relates to a bulletproof helmet-shaped ceramic-based shell.

BACKGROUND

[002] Bullet proof helmets have always been of high importance for safety of users. The quality of helmets has been a matter of concern when it comes to safety of the users. Depending on the requirement and expected bullet characteristics, the helmets require modification from manufacturing and design perspective. Some of the existing helmets can sustain an impact of bullet of 9X19mm specification.

[003] To improve on the quality of the helmets, the configuration and material properties of the helmet requires modification. The existing helmets are either extremely heavy due to multiple layer of metal being used during manufacturing or compromise on the quality of material to structure light weight helmets.

[004] Further, different types of helmet structures may be required for different environment considering the climate and other conditions during combat. In case of modification to the type of helmet, the technology required for providing protection against high impact bullet also needs modification. Such modifications require repeated testing and research depending on the changes in technology from time to time.

[005] IN201911015588 and IN201911015589 discloses circular band assembly and a helmet integrated with a circular band assembly. The disclosures, therefore, provide for ballistic helmets that make use of a circular ceramic -based bulletproof band that can be detachably attached to a helmet or be integrated with a helmet to impart bulletproof properties to the helmet. However, the ceramic band of IN201911015588 and IN201911015589 only covers the front and the sides of the head and leaves top of the head exposed.

[006] In view of the above problems associated with the prior art, there is a need of helmets that overcomes the problems associated with the prior arts.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[007] Accordingly, the present invention provides a protective helmet comprising a helmet shell, a semi-spherical ceramic helmet-shaped shell and at least two ear protectors. The semi-spherical ceramic helmet-shaped shell is retrofitted on the helmet shell, wherein the semi-spherical ceramic helmet-shaped shell includes a front portion, two side portions, one back portion and a top portion as a single structure for circumferentially and vertically covering the helmet shell. The at least two ear protectors are laterally interconnected by a portion of the semi-spherical ceramic helmet-shaped shell.

[008] In an advantageous aspect, the helmet of the present invention provides advanced ballistic, fragmentation and impact head protection with unsurpassed comfort for long-term safe use. It also improves the field of vision and hearing as there are no additional flanges required for strengthening the helmet surface thereby leading to better situational awareness. [009] In another advantageous aspect, the helmet of the invention has a low- profile structure to reduce risk of interference in target acquisition. It offers improved stability due to the circular structure. Also, the semi-spherical ceramic helmet-shaped shell is compatible with NVD’s. NVG’s, CBRN Gas Masks and communication devices. It provides protection from highly penetrative AK-47 and SS109 ammunition.

The preceding is a simplified summary to provide an understanding of some aspects of embodiments of the present invention. This summary is neither an extensive nor exhaustive overview of the present invention and its various embodiments. The summary presents selected concepts of the embodiments of the present invention in a simplified form as an introduction to the more detailed description presented below. As will be appreciated, other embodiments of the present invention are possible utilizing, alone or in combination, one or more of the features set forth above or described in detail below. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0010] The above and still further features and advantages of embodiments of the present invention will become apparent upon consideration of the following detailed description of embodiments thereof, especially when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, and wherein: [0011] Fig. 1 illustrates a top view, a right side view, a front view, a left side view, a section A-A view, a bottom view and an isometric view of a semi- spherical ceramic helmet-shaped shell (100), according to an embodiment herein; and

[0012] Fig. 2 illustrates a number of layers of the semi-spherical ceramic helmetshaped shell (100), according to an embodiment herein.

[0013] To facilitate understanding, like reference numerals have been used, where possible, to designate like elements common to the figures.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0014] The various embodiments including the example embodiments will now be described more fully with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which the various embodiments of the invention are shown. The invention may, however, be embodied in different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein. Rather, these embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete, and will fully convey the scope of the invention to those skilled in the art. In the drawings, the sizes of components may be exaggerated for clarity.

[0015] It will be understood that when an element or layer is referred to as being “on,” “connected to,” or “coupled to” another element or layer, it can be directly on, connected to, or coupled to the other element or layer or intervening elements or layers that may be present. As used herein, the term “and/or” includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items. [0016] Spatially relative terms, such as “layer,” “material,” and the like, may be used herein for ease of description to describe one element or feature's relationship to another element(s) or feature(s) as illustrated in the figures. It will be understood that the spatially relative terms are intended to encompass different orientations of the structure in use or operation in addition to the orientation depicted in the figures.

[0017] Embodiments described herein will refer to plan views and/or cross- sectional views by way of ideal schematic views. Accordingly, the views may be modified depending on simplistic assembling or manufacturing technologies and/or tolerances. Therefore, example embodiments are not limited to those shown in the views but include modifications in configurations formed on basis of assembling process. Therefore, regions exemplified in the figures have schematic properties and shapes of regions shown in the figures exemplify specific shapes or regions of elements, and do not limit the various embodiments including the example embodiments.

[0018] The subject matter of example embodiments, as disclosed herein, is described with specificity to meet statutory requirements. However, the description itself is not intended to limit the scope of this patent. Rather, the inventors have contemplated that the claimed subject matter might also be embodied in other ways, to include different features or combinations of features similar to the ones described in this document, in conjunction with other technologies. Generally, the various embodiments including the example embodiments relate to a protective helmet.

[0019] A protective ballistic helmet includes a helmet shell, the semi-spherical ceramic helmet- shaped shell (100) and at least two ear protectors (112) that jut out or project from the ceramic helmet-shaped shell (100). In an embodiment, the ceramic helmet-shaped shell (100) is jointless or a monolith. Referring to Fig.l a top view, a right side view, a front view, a left side view, a section A-A view, a bottom view and an isometric view of the semi-spherical ceramic helmet-shaped shell (100), according to an embodiment herein is provided.

[0020] The semi-spherical ceramic helmet-shaped shell (100) may be seen in different views as shown in Figure 1. In an embodiment, the semi-spherical ceramic helmet-shaped shell (100) is unibody and jointless i.e. the semi-spherical ceramic helmet-shaped shell (100) is a single structure. The unibody jointless helmet shell (100) includes a top portion (102) (shown in top view), two side portions (104,106) (shown in the two side views), a front portion (108) (shown in isometric view) and back portion (110) (shown in isometric view) as a single structure. The semi-spherical ceramic helmet-shaped shell (100) vertically and circumferentially covers the helmet shell. In a preferred embodiment, the semi- spherical ceramic helmet-shaped shell (100) covers the entire helmet shell, thereby helps in providing protection to the wearer from all the sides including from the top side of the helmet. The two side portions (104,106) are configured to adjust circumference of the semi-spherical ceramic helmet-shaped shell (100) thereby adjusting to different sized helmet shell.

[0021] The semi-spherical ceramic helmet-shaped shell (100) may be retrofitted onto an existing helmet or be integrated during manufacturing of ballistic helmet. The semi-spherical ceramic helmet-shaped shell (100) may be placed underneath or above the helmet shell.

[0022] In an embodiment, the semi-spherical ceramic helmet-shaped shell (100) includes a velcro or adhesive to fix to the helmet shell. In an embodiment, the semi-spherical ceramic helmet-shaped shell (100) is integrated on the helmet shell though a high performance resin/adhesive films/systems with or without the use of heat/vacuum/pressure.

[0023] In an embodiment, the at least two ear protectors (112) project out from the semi-spherical ceramic helmet-shaped shell (100). The at least two ear protectors (112) extends out from the ceramic shell and therefore does not contain any joints.

[0024] The specific curved front portion (108) enables the user to have clear field visibility without any disruption unlike existing helmets with additional flanges.

[0025] Figure 2 illustrates layers of the semi-spherical ceramic helmet-shaped shell (100). The semi-spherical ceramic helmet-shaped shell (100) includes an inner layer, an outer layer and a middle layer of manufacturing material with property providing high strength to the semi-spherical ceramic helmet-shaped shell (100). The inner layer is made of High-performance Polyethylene (HPPE)/ (Ultra- High molecular weight Polyethylene) UHMWPE fabric/aramid fabric/ high performance materials like nylon with high tensile strength. The outer layer is made of fibre glass wrap and the semi-spherical shell shaped middle layer made of armor ceramic material. The entire semi-spherical ceramic helmet-shaped shell is made of bullet proof material to form a ballistic protective helmet.

[0026] The inner layer, the middle layer and the outer layer does not have any joints and is a monolithic or monolith. Therefore, the semi-spherical ceramic helmet-shaped shell (100) does not contain any gap between the inner layer, the middle layer and the outer layer.

[0027] In an exemplary embodiment, the inner layer, outer layer and middle layer of the semi-spherical ceramic helmet-shaped shell (100) are of optimum thickness to form a matrix of material bonds imparting appropriate tensile strength for sustaining impact of a bullet and at the same time it is light weight thereby not increasing additional weight of the helmet.

[0028] In an embodiment, the semi-spherical ceramic helmet-shaped shell (100) is removably/detachably attached to the helmet shell. Since, the type of helmets may vary due to changing conditions of combat, a standard removable semi-spherical ceramic helmet-shaped shell (100) that can be fixed on any type of helmet is extremely desirable.

[0029] In another alternate embodiment, the semi-spherical ceramic helmet-shaped shell (100) is an integrated shell built with the helmet shell at the time of manufacture. [0030] In an embodiment, the present invention provides a protective helmet configured to protect soldiers against Rifle round i.e. AK 47 Hard Steel Core etc. ammunition with minimal back face deformation which should be less than 13 mm.

[0031] In an embodiment, the helmet is a level II/IIIA ballistic helmet capable of stopping 9mm bullet /or 9mm and .44 magnum bullets.

[0032] In an embodiment, the semi-spherical ceramic helmet-shaped shell (100) of the present invention is made of ceramics. The semi-spherical ceramic helmetshaped shell (100) includes a monolithic single piece ceramic, or it is made with plurality of ceramic pieces.

[0033] In another aspect, a plurality of balls is placed adjacent to each other without any gap to provide ballistic properties to the helmet shell. In an embodiment, the plurality of balls is spherical in shape. In another embodiment, the plurality of balls is semi-spherical in shape. The plurality of balls is enclosed in a net or a mesh like cloth and is placed over a helmet shell to form a ballistic helmet shell (100). In an embodiment, the plurality of balls is integrated with the helmet shell at the time of manufacture. The plurality of balls enclosed in a net or a mesh like cloth is used to circumferentially and vertically covering the helmet shell. The plurality of balls thereby provides ballistic properties to the helmet shell. [0034] The plurality of spherical balls includes an inner layer, an outer layer and a middle layer of manufacturing material with property providing high strength to the ballistic helmet. The inner layer is made of High-performance Polyethylene (HPPE)/ (Ultra High Molecular weight Polyethylene) UHMWPE fabnc/aramid fabric/ high performance materials like nylon with high tensile strength. The outer layer is made of fibre glass wrap and the middle layer is made of armor ceramic material.

[0035] In an embodiment, the semi-spherical ceramic helmet-shaped shell (100) is configured to withstand an impact from bullets of 7.62x39mm HSC (hard steel core) fired from ammunition such as AK47 or bullets such as 7.62x51 mm NATO ball, 5.56 SS109/INSAS, 7.62x39mm, MSC (Mild Steel Core) from an AK47 from a distance of 10 meters or more. In an embodiment, the impact of the bullet with the semi-spherical ceramic helmet-shaped shell (100) reduces transfer of energy by dissipating/consuming energy in breaking the ceramic shell (100) and by heat dissipation.

[0036] In an embodiment, an impact of the bullet with the semi-spherical ceramic helmet-shaped shell (100) generates transfer of energy wherein at least one trauma pads accommodated inside the semi-spherical ceramic helmet-shaped shell (100) are configured to absorb the balance energy and to keep the energy transfer to a minimum thereby controlling the trauma.

[0037] The helmet of the present invention provides advanced ballistic, fragmentation and impact head protection with unsurpassed comfort for long-term safe use. The helmet also improves the field of vision and hearing as there are no additional flanges required for strengthening the helmet surface thereby leading to better situational awareness. [0038] It is to be understood that the phraseology or terminology employed herein is for the purpose of description and not of limitation. Therefore, while the embodiments herein have been described in terms of preferred embodiments, those skilled in the art will recognize that the embodiments herein can be practiced with modification within the spirit and scope of the claims.

Claims

We Claim:

1. A protective ballistic helmet comprising: a helmet shell; a semi-spherical ceramic helmet- shaped shell (100) includes a front portion (108), a back portion (110), at least two side portions (104,106) and a top portion (102) as a semi-spherical single body for circumferentially and vertically covering the helmet shell characterized in that the semi-spherical ceramic helmet-shaped shell (100) is a jointless/unibody shell that includes an inner layer of HPPE/UHMWPE fabric/aramid fabric/ high performance materials like nylon, an outer layer of fibre glass wrap and a jointless unibody semi-spherical shell shaped middle layer of armor ceramic.

2. The helmet as claimed in claim 1 wherein the semi-spherical ceramic helmetshaped shell (100) is integrated to the helmet shell by using high performance resin/adhesive films/systems with or without use of heat/vacuum/pressure.

3. The helmet as claimed in claim 1 wherein the semi-spherical ceramic helmetshaped shell (100) is removably configured to be fixed on any type of helmet that may change due to conditions of combat. The helmet as claimed in claim 1 wherein the inner layer, the outer layer and the middle layer of the semi-spherical ceramic helmet-shaped shell (100) are of optimum thickness to form a matrix of material bonds imparting appropriate tensile strength for sustaining impact of a bullet and at the same time it is light weight thereby not increasing additional weight of the helmet. The helmet as claimed in claim 1 wherein the semi-spherical ceramic helmetshaped shell (100) is configured to withstand an impact from bullets of 7.62x39mm HSC (hard steel core) fired from ammunition such as AK47 or bullets such as 7.62x51 mm NATO ball, 5.56 SS109/INSAS, 7.62x39mm, MSC (Mild Steel Core) from an AK47 from a distance of 10 meters or more. The helmet as claimed in claim 1 wherein an impact of the bullet with the semi-spherical ceramic helmet-shaped shell (100) reduces transfer of energy by dissipating/consuming energy in breaking the ceramic shell (100) and heat dissipation wherein at least one trauma pads accommodated inside the semi- spherical ceramic helmet- shaped shell (100) are configured to absorb the balance energy and to keep the energy transfer to a minimum thereby controlling the trauma. A protective helmet comprises: a helmet shell; an integrated semi-spherical ceramic helmet- shaped shell (100) includes a front portion (108), a back portion (110), at least two side portions (104,106) and a top portion (102) as a semi-spherical single body for circumferentially and vertically covering the helmet shell characterized in that the semi-spherical ceramic helmet-shaped shell (100) is a jointless/unibody shell that includes an inner layer of HPPE/UHMWPE fabric/aramid fabric/ high performance materials like nylon, an outer layer of fibre glass wrap and a jointless unibody semi-spherical shell shaped middle layer of armor ceramic. The helmet as claimed in claim 7 wherein the inner layer, the outer layer and the middle layer of the semi-spherical ceramic helmet-shaped shell (100) are of optimum thickness to form a matrix of material bonds imparting appropriate tensile strength for sustaining impact of a bullet and at the same time it is light weight thereby not increasing additional weight of the helmet. The helmet as claimed in claim 7 wherein the helmet is a level II/IIIA ballistic helmet capable of stopping 9mm bullet /or 9mm and .44 magnum bullets.

15 A protective helmet comprises: a helmet shell; a plurality of balls enclosed in a net/mesh like cloth to form a ballistic shell (100) for circumferentially and vertically covering the helmet shell characterized in that the plurality of balls includes an inner layer of HPPE/UHMWPE fabric/aramid fabric/ high performance materials like nylon, an outer layer of fibre glass wrap and a middle layer of armor ceramic.