Patent ID: 7601416
Filing Date: 2009-10-13
Classification: B32B,F41H,Y10S,Y10T

Abstract:
1. An impact resistant flexible composite, comprising: (a) at least one fabric layer formed from a woven, knitted or non-woven fabric, said fabric layer comprising high tenacity fibers, said fabric layer being coated with a resin forming a matrix surrounding said fibers; (b) said fabric layer having at least one major surface comprising a plurality of peaks and valleys, said fabric layer being consolidated in a specified pattern over a substantial portion of its surface area so as to form molded fabric areas of said high tenacity fibers in said resin matrix that are integral with said fabric layer and which define said valleys, said fabric layer also having portions of its surface area that are unconsolidated so as to form non-molded fabric areas of said high tenacity fibers in said resin matrix that also are integral with said fabric layer and which define said peaks, said unconsolidated fabric areas being in contact with said consolidated fabric areas, said unconsolidated fabric areas extending outwardly of said major surface, said unconsolidated fabric areas forming hinges between said consolidated fabric areas such that said consolidated fabric areas can flex about said unconsolidated fabric areas, said consolidated fabric areas being thinner than said unconsolidated fabric areas, wherein said molded areas are rigid and said non-molded areas are flexible, said composite being resistant to ballistic projectiles and sharp objects.