Abstract:
A method and apparatus for providing impact, abrasion and sharp implement resistance to a body. The apparatus including an impact layer having a plurality of plates adhered to a layer of penetration resistant fabric and an energy absorptive layer including an energy absorptive material coupled to the impact layer. The apparatus may further include a layer of woven fabric and a layer of multiple plies of a penetration resistant fabric.

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    This application claims priority from U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/100,629, filed on Sep. 26, 2008, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. 
     
    
     FIELD 
       [0002]    Protective wear. More specifically, a flexible body covering designed to resist high impact energy, abrasion and sharp implement penetration. 
       BACKGROUND 
       [0003]    In recent years garments with thick foams, rubber and plastic reinforcements, have gone into common use in the field of sports for high energy impact protection. Such sports include: Football, Hockey, Mountain climbing, Rodeo and Bull fighting, La Crosse, Water skiing, Soccer, BMX and other racing sports, Motorcycle riding, Martial Arts, Rugby, Snow boarding, Skate boarding, Paint Ball and other X-Game style sports. Unfortunately, soft body armor, even with these advanced materials, has proven insufficient to appropriately thwart the high energy impacts from, for example, contact impacts and accidents that regularly occur during these sports, sharp thrusting instruments and circular penetrators such as the spikes in winter sports tires, pointed implements like the handle bars of a motorcycle or the horn of a bull. Additionally, armor systems and garments designed to resist penetration, for example, garments for corrections and/or law enforcement personnel and safety garments for various industrial safety applications, provide inadequate protection against sharp objects, cutting tools and circular penetrators. 
         [0004]    To address these problems, various garment style materials such as leather and other aramid and polyethylene type materials have been developed. For example, materials used in a jerseys, jackets, vests or other garments designed to shield soft targets or areas of the body from high energy impacts for sports such as football, hockey and bull riding include thick foams and plastics. Such garments, however, are thick and difficult to move around in thereby impeding performance. Coupling rigid plastic plates with these thick foams or plastics has further not alleviated such problems because the materials are thick resulting in a stiff garment which is less flexible and restricts movement of the wearer. 
         [0005]    The same problems are encountered in the context of garments for protection against sharp pointed objects and circular penetrators in the correctional/law enforcement setting and/or industrial applications encountering among other things glass, metals, wood knives, saws and other implements and tools that cut or pierce through a whole array of textiles and plastic materials. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0006]    The invention is illustrated by way of example and not by way of limitation in the figures of the accompanying drawings in which like references indicate similar elements. It should be noted that references to “an” or “one” embodiment in this disclosure are not necessarily to the same embodiment, and such references mean at least one. 
           [0007]      FIG. 1A  is a cut away view of one embodiment of the drawing of the protective body covering. 
           [0008]      FIG. 1B  is a cut away view of another embodiment of the drawing of the protective body covering. 
           [0009]      FIG. 2  is a side cut away cross sectional view of one embodiment of the protective body covering. 
           [0010]      FIG. 3  is a side cut away cross sectional view of one embodiment of the protective body covering. 
           [0011]      FIG. 4  is a side cut away cross sectional view of one embodiment of the protective body covering. 
           [0012]      FIG. 5  is a side cut away cross sectional view of one embodiment of the protective body covering. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0013]      FIG. 1A  is a cut away view of one embodiment of the drawing of the protective body covering. In one embodiment, the protective body covering may be in the form of piece  99  designed to preclude injury due to the high energy impacts, cuts, abrasions and piercings such as those previously discussed. Protection piece  99  contains or acts as a carrier for structures  200 ,  300 ,  400  and  500  depicted in  FIGS. 2-5 . Piece  99 , in this example, is a jacket or vest that covers the vital organ area of the torso. Although piece  99  is in the shape of a vest in  FIG. 1A , piece  99  may have any size and shape suitable for wearing over a desired area of protection. For example, where piece  99  is to be worn over a body limb or joint, piece  99  may have a rectangular shape. 
         [0014]    Piece  99  provides flexibility as a result of the thinness of the material layers and overlapping configuration of the material layers. In addition, the materials used in construction of piece  99 , as will be discussed in more detail below, may be light weight so that an overall weight of piece  99  remains low. For example, piece  99  in the form of a vest may have a weight of from about one and three-quarters to two and a half pounds. Other carriers for structures  200 ,  300 ,  400  and  500  illustrated in  FIGS. 2-5  include chaps for the legs, gauntlet for the arms, guards for the shins and thighs as well as others. Applications of structures  200 ,  300 ,  400  and  500  include use in body protection garments for use in sports (e.g., American football, soccer, bull riding and motorcycle and snowmobile racing), industrial applications (e.g., to protection against blades and edges of power tools such as saws), and correctional facility personnel (e.g., to protect against cutting by a knife and penetration by a spike). 
         [0015]    Piece  99  includes a layer of plates  100  laid out in an imbricated pattern to cover vital areas underlying piece  99 . In one embodiment, plates  100  may be in the shape of disks as illustrated in  FIG. 1A . The imbricated pattern is formed where, starting at the interior of a row, a disk  100  overlaps its predecessor in the row and is overlapped by its successor in the row, as shown. Subsequent rows overlap the predecessor and are overlapped by their successor. In this aspect, disks  100  in a single layer overlap. Unlike the thick rigid plastic plates and/or foams previously discussed, the imbricated pattern conforms around body contours in a thin configuration and therefore is considerably more comfortable, readily concealable and does not impede movement of the body. In addition, the overlap of the imbricated placement pattern of disks  100  effectively spreads the force of the high impact energy hit to adjacent disks, thereby preventing penetration and substantially reducing backside deformation of piece  99 . Still further, because of the slight tilt of each overlapping disk in the imbricated pattern, a perpendicular hit is less likely and some of the energy of a surface strike will be absorbed into deflection of other adjacent disks. 
         [0016]    Disks  100  are formed of a light weight high hardness material as will be discussed in more detail below. Disks  100  may have a diameter of from about one inch to about two inches, for example about one and a half inches. In some embodiments, disks  100  may have a uniform thickness in the range of from about 0.020 to about 0.125 inches, for example, from 0.032 to 0.070 inches or from 0.032 to 0.060 inches. Although a representative thickness range is disclosed, it is contemplated that the thickness of disks  100  may vary depending upon the density, hardness and fracture resistance of the material of disks  100 . 
         [0017]      FIG. 1B  illustrates another embodiment of piece  99  employing a number of plates  110  having a hexagonal shape. Plates  110  are arranged in a single layer with each edge of a plate touching an edge of another plate, but not overlapping. Plates  110  allow piece  99  to flex at their intersection and to conform around body contours making piece  99  comfortable and readily concealable. Plates  110  may have a width of from about one inch to about two inches, for example about one and a half inches. In some embodiments, plates  110  may have a uniform thickness in the range of from about 0.020 to about 0.125 inches, for example, from 0.032 to 0.070 inches or from 0.032 to 0.060 inches. Although a representative thickness range is disclosed, it is contemplated that the thickness of plates  110  may vary depending upon the density, hardness and fracture resistance of the material of plates  110 . 
         [0018]    Although disks and hexagonal shaped plates having a uniform thickness are illustrated in  FIG. 1A  and  FIG. 1B , it is further contemplated that disks and/or plates having other dimensions may be used in piece  99 . For example, plates having a triangular shape (e.g. isosceles triangle) may be used and arranged in an alternating tip to base configuration. Still further plates or disks having a non-uniform thickness such as discus shaped disks may be used. 
         [0019]    Disks  100  and plates  110  may be made of a high hardness, light weight material. Various types of high hardness, light weight materials can be used. In some embodiments, suitable materials may include non metallic materials such as, but not limited to, polycarbonate, thermoplastic, thermoset, elastomer, acrylic, Delrin®, acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene (ABS), nylon, polystyrene, high pressure composites, polyamide, polyetheretherketone (PEEK), ethylene propylene dimonomer (EPDM), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), polymonochlorotrifluoroethylene (PCTFE), ultra high molecular weight (UHMW) materials, polyimide, polyurethane, glass, a carbon and mineral filled compound, elastomer coated fabric, polyethylene, or thin, lightweight ceramic materials. Suitable materials may further include light weight metal materials such as, but not limited to, aluminum, magnesium, and titanium. Although representative materials for disks  100  are disclosed herein, it is contemplated that other light weight materials having a high hardness may be used. It is further contemplated that suitable materials will be flame and chemical resistant and have a resistance to high heat and extreme cold. In addition, suitable materials for disks  100  are preferably non-hydroscopic (i.e., the material doesn&#39;t absorb water). Plates  110  may be made of the same materials described above in reference to disks  100 . 
         [0020]    As will be discussed in more detail in reference to  FIGS. 2-5 , the disk layout is then attached to a substrate such as an aramid fabric or other cut resistant textile (e.g., layer  103  in  FIG. 2 ). A second layer of aramid fabric (e.g., layer  104  in  FIG. 2 ) may be used to envelop the layer formed by disks  100 . This enveloped panel forms an impact layer which can be attached to impact gels or other impact energy absorbing and dissipating materials. For added protection from penetration, the enveloped panel may further be attached to a soft body armor textile. The resulting structure may then be incorporated into the carrier illustrated by piece  99 . 
         [0021]    Piece  99  provides flexibility which does not impede movement of the wearer through its thinness and overlapping material layer configuration. Representatively, an overall thickness of piece  99  (including structure  200 ,  300 ,  400  or  500  therein) may be from about 5/16 inch to about ⅝ inch. For example, in embodiments where piece  99  is designed for sports applications, piece  99  may have an overall thickness of from about 5/16 inch to about 9/16 inch. In embodiments, where piece  99  is designed for industrial applications, piece  99  may have an overall thickness of from about ⅜ inch to about ⅝ inch. In addition, the imbricated disk pattern and material layers of piece  99  provide for overall energy dispersion over a larger surface area. In particular, rather than just one very pointed and/or narrow impact location with a deepened impact zone, piece  99  dissipates the energy to a larger area being not as deep as the impact zone. As a result, the rearward or back face signature of the impact region into the body is reduced. This further helps to reduce bruising, and damage to organs, bones and tissue. 
         [0022]      FIG. 2  illustrates another embodiment of a side cut away cross sectional view of one embodiment of a material structure of the body protection piece. Structure  200  may be incorporated into a carrier such as piece  99  as previously discussed in reference to  FIG. 1B . In this embodiment, from strike face toward the wearer side, structure  200  includes first layer  103  constructed of a high tensile strength fiber material. The high tensile strength fiber material may be a material that is cut resistant. Representatively, first layer  103  may be made of an aramid textile material. Aramid textile materials are 10 times stronger than steel by weight, are cut resistant, are not flammable and handle high heat and low cold exposure. In some embodiments, the aramid textile material may be a Twaron® 930 DTEX textile with a plain weave. Twaron® 930 DTEX weighs approximately 6 ounces per square yard and is 14 mils in nominal thickness. Twaron® is commercially available from Akzo Nobel Twaron, Inc. of Arnhem of the Netherlands. The weave count of Twaron® 930 DTEX provides sufficient flexibility to piece  99  due to the low pick count while still maintaining the 900 and 950 breaking strength in the warp and fill directions. 
         [0023]    In other embodiments, the aramid textile material of first layer  103  may be made of Kevlar® Correctional. Kevlar® Correctional is available from E.I. du Pont de Nemours and Company of Wilmington, Del. Kevlar® 159, for example, is a 200 denier textile with a plain weave consisting of a 70×70 warp and fill pick count, and an areal density of 3.9 ounces per square yard. It has a thickness of 7 mils and a breaking strength of 385 and 530 respectively relating to the warp and fill layup. 
         [0024]    Another suitable aramid textile material for first layer  103  may be Turtleskin®. Turtleskin® is a woven aramid textile woven by Warwick Mills of P.O. box 409, 301 Turnpike Road, New Ipswich, N.H. 03071, and sold under variants called TurtleSkin® Sport™, TurtleSkin® Flex™ TurtleSkin® Diamond Coat™, and TurtleSkin® Palm Master™. These are all a Kevlar® 29 products manufactured by Dupont®. Each of these materials have a 110×68 warp and fill pick count, or as referred to by Warwick mills (pick &amp; sley). The TurtleSkin® Sport™ has an areal density of 7.2 ounces per square yard. A thickness of 0.015 mm and a tensile of 212 and 566 respectively relating to the warp and fill layup. The TurtleSkin® Flex™ has an areal density of 6.9 ounces per square yard. A thickness of 0.012 mm and a tensile of 239 and 918 respectively relating to the warp and fill layup. The TurtleSkin® Diamond Coat™ has an areal density of 13 ounces per square yard. A thickness of 0.019 mm; and unpublished tensile data. The TurtleSkin® Palm Master™ has an areal density of 9.9 ounces per square yard. A thickness of 0.017 mm; and unpublished tensile data. 
         [0025]    It is further contemplated that first layer  103  may be made of a lower denier count aramid fabric than those previously disclosed which is impregnated with a shear thickening fluid or silicone dilatants. As a result of the impregnation, the lower denier fabric may have greater deformation power than a non-impregnated high denier fabric. It is further contemplated that due to the greater deformation resistance of the impregnated aramid fabric, fewer plies of material in structure  200  may be needed to achieve the desired protective results. 
         [0026]    Underlying first layer  103  is second layer  102 A, which in combination with fourth layer  102 B envelopes a third layer formed by disks  100 . Second layer  102 A and fourth layer  102 B are made of an adhesive material used to adhere disks  100  in the imbricated pattern to first layer  103 . In one embodiment, the adhesive material of second layer  102 A and fourth layer  102 B is a highly aggressive adhesive such as a petroleum or acrylic based low modulus adhesives commercially available from Bondtex Inc., Los Angeles, Calif. Third layer  100  is the imbricated disk layout configuration as depicted in  FIG. 1A . Alternatively, layer  100  may be the tile configuration described in reference to  FIG. 1B . 
         [0027]    Fifth layer  104  is positioned along a side of fourth layer  1028  opposite the layer of disks  100 . The addition of fifth layer  104  can provide structure  200  with added protection from penetration for pointed objects and cutting. In this aspect, fifth layer  104  may be constructed of a high tensile strength fiber material which is cut resistant. Representatively, fifth layer  104  may be an aramaid textile material such as those described in reference to first layer  103 . In this aspect, the imbricated layer of disks  100  is sandwiched between first layer  103  of aramid fabric and layer  104  of aramid fabric by the adhesive second layer  102   a  and fourth layer  102   b.    
         [0028]    Sixth layer  105  is positioned along a side of fifth layer  104  opposite fourth layer  102 B. Sixth layer  105  may be made of a woven textile material. Representative woven textile materials for sixth layer  105  may include, but are not limited to, a 210 or 400 denier nylon, poly/cotton or Cordura textile in a 500, 750 or 1000 denier plain weave configuration. 
         [0029]    Seventh layer  106  is positioned along a side of sixth layer  105  opposite fifth layer  104 . Seventh layer  106  may be made of an energy absorbing material. A thickness of the energy absorbing material used for seventh layer  106  may vary. For example, in embodiments where structure  200  is incorporated into a vest to be worn across a chest, it may be desirable to have more protection along the collar bone than the lower chest regions, such as the bottom of the ribs. In this aspect, a thickness of the energy absorbing material within the portion of seventh layer  106  overlying the collar bone may be greater than the thickness of the portion of seventh layer  106  near the bottom of the ribs. For example, the material along the collar bone may be about ⅜ inch to about ½ inch thick while the thickness near the bottom of the ribs may be about ⅛ inch to about ¼ inch. Although representative thicknesses for different portions of seventh layer  106  are disclosed, it is contemplated that the thickness may vary depending upon the desired protection level. 
         [0030]    The energy absorbing material of seventh layer  106  may be light weight and resiliently compressible. Various types of light weight resiliently compressible energy absorbing materials can be utilized. Representative materials include, but are not limited to, elastomer foams, latex rubbers, synthetic polymers, polyurethane foams, ethyl vinyl acetate (EVA) foams, (polyethylene) PE foams, neoprene, thermoplastic elastomers and thermoplastic polyesters, EP rubber, silicone rubbers, EPDM rubbers, and closed cell foams. Suitable materials for seventh layer  106  may have a Shore 00 hardness from approximately 12 to 50, utilizing the ASTM D2240 test method. Suitable materials for seventh layer  106  may further have an overall density per cubic foot of approximately 25 to 65, utilizing the ASTM D792-00 test method, and a resilience percentage of approximately 10 to 13, utilizing the ASTM D2632 test method. Such materials can be used independently or in a dual-density configuration. 
         [0031]    Another exemplary type of energy absorbing light weight material is a material composed of a shear thickening silicone dilatant, fluid or putty added to a textile component or manufactured into a self supporting elastomeric matrix with or without particulate reinforcement additives such as fibrous fillers, plasticisers, extenders, lubricants, and whisker or tubular fillers. Such materials will exhibit a resistive load under deformation or high or elevated strain rates which will increase with the rate of deformation due to the impact. These types of shear thickening materials actually have viscously low flow rates of strain deformation until an elevated strain rate increases the viscosity where they become substantially stiff or rigid to and inelastic under to attenuate the energy. Such materials are typically in two forms, namely, either a putty like dilatant in an unsuspended or non self-supporting nature or a solid closed cell foam matrix. Putty like dilatants are contained within an envelope due to their non-supporting nature. This is usually in the form of a plastic or polymer containment bag, designed with multiple seamed cells or “baglets” to preclude flowing into one region of a continuous single sectioned bag. The solid closed cell foam matrix is resiliently compressible. 
         [0032]    Any composite materials utilized as the energy absorbent material of seventh layer  106  should be resistant to a permanent set condition under various types of loading such as compression, tension, shear or a combination of any of these. In addition, suitable energy absorbing light weight materials should have a quick recovery time from compression, e.g., within a few seconds. 
         [0033]    The configurations of the above light weight resiliently compressible energy absorbing and attenuating materials can be in a full unit of material such as a fully dimensioned (for the specific area to be protected) pad. Alternatively, the material can be laid out into hexagonal or round side-by-side points or “rounds/nodes.” Still further, the material can be in the form of multiple seamed cells or “baglets” depending upon the material that is not directly connected such as in a honeycomb configuration or grid. Cells can take the shape of hexagonal, round, square, triangular or other dimensioned shapes as necessary to provide for protection while still maintaining the flexibility of piece  99 . 
         [0034]    Eighth layer  107  is positioned along a side of seventh layer  106  opposite sixth layer  105 . Similar to sixth layer  105 , eighth layer  107  may be made of a woven textile material. Representative woven textile materials may include, but are not limited to, a 210 or 400 denier nylon, poly/cotton or Cordura textile in a 500, 750 or 1000 denier plain weave configuration. Sixth layer  105  and eighth layer  107  allow for the energy absorbing material of seventh layer  106  to be sewn into the entire configuration as shown in  FIG. 2 . Layers  103 ,  104 ,  105 ,  106  and  107  may be sewn together using, for example, Kevlar® aramid stitching  108 . 
         [0035]      FIG. 3  illustrates another embodiment of a side cut away cross sectional view of one embodiment of a material structure of the body protection piece. Structure  300  may be incorporated into a carrier such as piece  99  as previously discussed in reference to  FIG. 1B . Structure  300  includes layers  100 ,  102 A,  102 B,  103  and  104  which are substantially similar to those previously disclosed in reference to  FIG. 2 . Similarly, stitching  108  is Kevlar® aramid stitching as disclosed in reference to  FIG. 2 . 
         [0036]    Structure  300  includes sixth layer  305  positioned along a side of fifth layer  104  opposite fourth layer  102 B. Sixth layer  305  may be an adhesive layer designed to adhere fifth layer  104  and seventh layer  306  together. The adhesive material of sixth layer  305  may be a highly aggressive adhesive such as a petroleum or acrylic based low modulus adhesives commercially available from Bondtex Inc., Los Angeles, Calif. 
         [0037]    Seventh layer  306  may be a light weight resiliently compressible energy absorbing material such as those previously discussed in reference to  FIG. 2 . In this embodiment, the energy absorbing material may be placed within cells or “bladders” of plastic, polyethylene, or urethane coated textile components. Such a configuration provides uniformity in thickness and width thereby allowing for increased or decreased energy absorbing capabilities throughout a single light weight resiliently compressible energy absorbing pad, garment or area of protection. The materials used for the encapsulation of the light weight resiliently compressible energy absorbing material is sealed such as with an ultrasonic sealer to preclude leakage of the material from one cell and into another cell location. 
         [0038]      FIG. 4  illustrates another embodiment of a side cut away cross sectional view of one embodiment of a material structure of the body protection piece. Structure  400  may be incorporated into a carrier such as piece  99  as previously discussed in reference to  FIG. 1B . Structure  400  includes layers  100 ,  102 A,  102 B,  103  and  104  which are substantially similar to those previously disclosed in reference to  FIG. 2 . Similarly, stitching  108  is Kevlar® aramid stitching as disclosed in reference to  FIG. 2 . 
         [0039]    Structure  400  includes sixth layer  405  positioned along a side of fifth layer  104  opposite fourth layer  102 B. In this embodiment, sixth layer  405  may include multiple plies of fabric. Representatively, sixth layer  405  may be an aramid constructed layer comprised of multiple plies of aramid material. The plies of aramid material may be quilted with one inch diamond quilting and with a perimeter stitch surrounding the aramid textile component. 
         [0040]    Seventh layer  406  may be positioned along a side of sixth layer  405  opposite fifth layer  104 . Similar to sixth layer  405 , seventh layer  406  may include multiple plies of fabric. Representatively, sixth layer  405  may be an aramid constructed layer comprised of multiple plies of aramid material that is quilted with one inch diamond quilting and with a perimeter stitch surrounding the aramid textile component. Sixth layer  405  and seventh layer  406  may be made of the same or different materials. 
         [0041]    In some embodiments, sixth layer  405  may have fifteen plies of Kevlar® Correctional aramid textile and seventh layer  406  may have seven plies of Kevlar® Correctional aramid textile. Kevlar® Correctional aramid textile is a Kevlar® 159, 200 denier textile with a plain weave consisting of a 70×70 warp and fill pick count. Although layers including seven and fifteen plies of the material are disclosed, the exact amount of plies in each of layers  405  and  406  can be adjusted to match the penetration resistance requirement of the cutting or penetrating implement. In this aspect, sixth layer  405  and seventh layer  406  may have the same number or a different number of plies. Sixth layer  405  and seventh layer  406  are independently quilted and perimeter stitched. Sixth layer  405  and seventh layer  406  are held into place with the remaining layers  100 ,  102 A,  102 B,  103  and  104  by a perimeter stitch around the perimeter area of each layer (e.g., stitching  108 ). 
         [0042]      FIG. 5  illustrates another embodiment of a side cut away cross sectional view of one embodiment of a material structure of the body protection piece. Structure  500  may be incorporated into a carrier such as piece  99  as previously discussed in reference to  FIG. 1B . Structure  500  includes layers  100 ,  102 A,  102 B,  103  and  104  which are substantially similar to those previously disclosed in reference to  FIG. 2  and layers  405  and  406  which are substantially similar to those disclosed in reference to  FIG. 4 . Similarly, stitching  108  is Kevlar® aramid stitching as disclosed in reference to  FIG. 2 . 
         [0043]    Structure  500  includes eighth layer  505  positioned along a side of seventh layer  406  opposite sixth layer  405 . Eighth layer  505  may be made of a woven textile material such as a 210 or 400 denier nylon, poly/cotton or Cordura textile in a 500, 750 or 1000 denier plain weave configuration. 
         [0044]    Ninth layer  506  is positioned along a side of eighth layer  505  opposite seventh layer  406 . Ninth layer  506  may be made of a light weight resiliently compressible energy absorbing materials such as those previously described. 
         [0045]    Tenth layer  507  is positioned along a side of ninth layer  506  opposite eighth layer  505 . Similar to eighth layer  505 , tenth layer  507  may be made of a woven textile material such as a 210 or 400 denier nylon, poly/cotton or Cordura textile in a 500, 750 or 1000 denier plain weave configuration. 
         [0046]    Eighth layer  505  and tenth layer  507  are attached to ninth layer  506 . Eighth layer  505  and tenth layer  507  allow for energy absorbing materials to be sewn into the configuration as shown in  FIG. 5  by stitching  108  (e.g. Kevlar® aramid stitching). 
         [0047]    The structures of  FIG. 2  and  FIG. 3  may be suitable for sports or other applications that require a light weight protection piece, while the structures in  FIG. 4  and  FIG. 5  may be more suited for industrial and correctional uses that subject the wearer to cutting and penetration risks. 
         [0048]    Returning to piece  99  referenced with respect to  FIG. 1A  and  FIG. 1B , although exemplary materials and layer configurations for structures  200 ,  300 ,  400  and  500  incorporated into piece  99  are disclosed herein, it is contemplated that other suitable materials and layer configurations may be used depending upon the desired protection characteristics of piece  99 . In particular, the tensile strength of a woven aramid textile fabric is a leading indicator of the fabric&#39;s ability to grab onto and defeat penetration by a sharp implement. In particular, a higher tensile strength gives the fabric a better ability to grab the sharp implement before yield than a lower tensile strength fabric. The fabric&#39;s grabbing of the sharp implement before yielding is what forces a “fiber crimp” around the implement and prevents it from penetrating. A “fiber crimp” is created when woven aramid materials (e.g. Twaron® 930 DTEX) are plied together and then quilted to preclude them from moving and shifting or sliding past each other. This configuration also eliminates “bunching-up” at a bottom layer which occurs when materials are too pliable and further keeps the material sufficiently stiff to keep the sharp implement in a vertical position parallel to the body. The cross-over points of the weaves of the materials never align and therefore you have loose intersections between the crossover locations. The crossover locations provide for increased resistance to penetration, and if some slight penetration occurs, then the offsets of each layer add to the overall resistance to the shank or shaft of, for example the sharp implement, as it attempts to go though the material by making it tighter to get through. The tensile strength of a thread of aramid textile material can be increased by increasing the denier of the thread. Thus a 900 denier material will have a higher tensile strength than a 200 denier material of an identical fiber. 
         [0049]    The behavior of high tensile strength aramid penetration resistant materials is the result of the materials tensile strength, elongation to failure, weave style and pick count. When struck by a penetrating implement, a high tensile strength aramid material with a high pick count and a high elongation to failure will tend to grab at the implement and turn it to induce bending or preclude penetration all together. 
         [0050]    Based on the foregoing, it is contemplated that where piece  99  is to be worn during a sporting event which does not utilize sharp implements (e.g. Snow Boarding), the structure within piece  99 , for example structure  200  in  FIG. 2 , requires fewer woven aramid material layers (e.g. Twaron® 930 DTEX) to achieve the desired level of protection. 
         [0051]    It is further noted that similar aramid textile materials with differing pick count and deniers are different fabrics which provide different results when subjected to forces from a sharp implement. In addition, materials with similar deniers and similar pick counts do not necessarily have identical defeating capabilities. In particular, a varying elongation to failure could make these materials completely dissimilar. Accordingly, knowledge of a pick count and/or denier of a material, without more, would not lead to the construction of a protective covering having the defeating capabilities disclosed herein. 
         [0052]    It should be appreciated that reference throughout this specification to “one embodiment” or “an embodiment” means that a particular feature, structure or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the present invention. Therefore, it is emphasized and should be appreciated that two or more references to “an embodiment” or “one embodiment” or “an alternative embodiment” in various portions of this specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment. Furthermore, the particular features, structures or characteristics may be combined as suitable in one or more embodiments of the invention. 
         [0053]    In the foregoing specification, the invention has been described with reference to specific embodiments thereof. It will, however, be evident that various modifications and changes can be made thereto without departing from the broader spirit and scope of the invention as set forth in the appended claims. The specification and drawings are, accordingly, to be regarded in an illustrative rather than a restrictive sense.