Abstract:
A method and apparatus for use in facilitating force-on-force (FOF) training. Specifically, an impact marking vest (IMV) for use in registering a ballistic impact event upon a three-dimensional target surface.

Description:
FIELD OF INVENTION 
     This invention relates to an apparatus for indicating the point of impact of a projectile fired from a non-lethal firearm. In particular, this invention relates to an addition to a traditional ballistics vest that will aid in true impact and directional assessment allowing for improved instruction during simulated force-on-force ballistics training. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     Over the past decade, force-on-force (FOF), or reality based lethal force simulation training, has become established within the Law Enforcement and Military communities as an essential training method. Generally, FOF training involves role playing participants that are armed with non-lethal marking or replica type firearms that fire 6 mm or 8 mm plastic projectiles. During the course of training, participants&#39; reactions and tactics are analyzed and reviewed in order to better train the participants to function in a heightened adrenaline state and survive a potentially lethal confrontation. 
     Typically FOF training simulations require equipment consisting of two basic types: firearms modified to fire paint filled marking cartridges; or, replicas shooting plastic spheres (BBs) commonly referred to as “Airsoft” guns. 
     BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     Several embodiments of the present invention answer the above and other needs by providing an Impact Marking Vest (IMV) system for use in indicating the position and angle of an impact on a ballistic vest. 
     In one embodiment, the invention may be characterized as an impact marking vest comprising: a backing layer comprising a flexible material for forming a three-dimensional (3D) target surface; a substrate layer bonded to the backing layer such that the substrate layer covers at least a portion of an exterior surface of the backing layer, wherein the substrate layer comprises a first color; a coating layer disposed on the substrate layer and covering substantially an entire exterior surface of the substrate layer, wherein the coating layer is a second color different from the first color of the substrate layer; and an attachment device connected to the backing layer and configured for attachment to a ballistic vest. 
     In another embodiment, the invention may be characterized as a method of forming a ballistic impact marking vest comprising the steps of: forming a backing layer comprising a flexible material into a three-dimensional (3D) target surface; bonding a substrate layer to the backing layer such that the substrate layer covers at least a portion of an exterior surface of the backing layer, wherein the substrate layer comprises a first color; disposing a coating layer on the substrate layer such that the coating layer substantially covers an exterior surface area of the substrate layer, wherein the coating layer is a second color, different from the first color of the substrate layer; and fixing an attachment device to the backing layer, wherein the attachment device is configured for attachment to a ballistic vest. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  is a perspective view of an impact marking vest cooperated together with a ballistic vest according to one embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 2  is a perspective view of the impact marking vest of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 3  is a schematic view of a back panel used in forming the impact marking vest comprised of a backing layer, a substrate layer and a target surface formed from the substrate layer; 
         FIG. 4  depicts the back panel of  FIG. 3 , together with the backing layer, the substrate layer, a target surface, an adhesive coating and a coating layer; 
         FIG. 5  depicts a schematic view of side panels used in forming the impact marking vest comprising a backing layer, a substrate layer and a target surface formed from the substrate layer; 
         FIG. 6  depicts a schematic view of the side panels of  FIG. 5 , together with the backing layer, the substrate layer, the target surface formed from the substrate layer and a coating layer; 
         FIG. 7  depicts a two-dimensional schematic view of the complete panel used in forming the impact marking vest; 
         FIG. 8  depicts a cross-sectional view of the layers composing the impact marking vest, including the coating layer, substrate layer and backing layer; and 
         FIG. 9  depicts a coating layer patch comprising an adhesive patch coating and a coating patch layer. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     The following description is not to be taken in a limiting sense, but is made merely for the purpose of describing the general principles of exemplary embodiments. The scope of the invention should be determined with reference to the claims. 
     Widely acknowledged drawbacks to marking cartridge systems include the high per-round unit cost of marking cartridge ammunition as well as the increased need for enhanced safety protocols. For example, modified firearms pose the risk that some participants may convert live firearms to function with marking cartridge ammunition, increasing the probability that live ammunition and fully functioning firearms will be introduced into the training environment. Although, the use of Airsoft guns and plastic BBs serves to mitigate the cost of simulation training, plastic BBs fail to provide the marking indications necessary for the verification of impact or impact angles on a role player. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 1 , which depicts a ballistic vest  110  together with the impact marking vest (IMV)  120  comprising attachment device  130 , coating layer  140  and a target surface formed from a substrate layer  150 . 
     In one embodiment, the ballistic vest  110  is a protective vest system that may function as a ballistic vest, overlying the body of a user. In a preferred embodiment, the ballistic vest  110  is configured to overlay the upper body or torso region of a user and will contain holes for the user&#39;s arms, neck and torso. However, in alternative embodiments, the ballistic vest  110  may be shaped or configured to cover essentially any portion of a user&#39;s body. To facilitate cooperation with a user&#39;s body, the ballistic vest  110  may include one or more fastening devices. By way of example, the ballistic vest  110  may include fastening means such as, but not limited to: straps, elastic straps, fasteners, zippers, buttons, magnetic means, adhesive means or a hook and loop type fastening device, such as VELCRO or a functional equivalent, etc. The ballistic vest  110  may also be constructed of one or more layers; however, in preferred embodiments, the ballistic vest  110  will be comprised of a flexible and impact resistant material. By way of example, the ballistic vest  110  may be comprised of free-floating layers of plastic or Kevlar, nylon or cotton fabric. 
     In one preferred embodiment, the impact marking vest (IMV)  120  is mechanically cooperated with ballistic vest  110  via attachment device  130  such that the IMV  120  substantially covers the entire outside surface of the ballistic vest  110 . In this configuration, the torso of a user wearing the ballistic vest  110  together with the IMV  120  will be covered by the IMV  120  over substantially the same areas as if the ballistic vest  110  were to be worn alone. In one preferred embodiment, the attachment device  130  used to fasten the IMV  120  to the ballistic vest  110  comprises a hook and loop type fastening device, such as VELCRO or a functional equivalent. However, cooperation between the IMV  120  and ballistic vest  110  can be accomplished using virtually any suitable fastening means, including but not limited to: straps, elastic straps, fasteners, zippers, buttons, magnetic means, adhesive means or a hook and loop type fastening device, such as VELCRO or a functional equivalent, etc. 
     In an alternative embodiment, the IMV  120  may be mechanically cooperated with the ballistic vest  110  via a carrying device (not shown) such as a wire frame or a ballistic nylon holder. In this embodiment, the IMV  120  may cooperate with the carrying device such that at least a portion of the IMV  120  is exposed on the outer surface. Regardless of whether the IMV  120  is worn together with the ballistic vest  110  or worn alone, the outer surface of the IMV  120  effectively forms a three-dimensional (3D) target face. 
     In yet another embodiment, the IMV  120  may be worn without the use of the ballistic vest  110  altogether. For example, the IMV  120  may be worn alone or may be worn over the user&#39;s clothing. In some embodiments, the attachment device  130  may be configured to cooperate with, or adhere to an article of the user&#39;s clothing. In other embodiments, the attachment device  130  may be configured to cooperate with a portion of the user&#39;s body such that mechanical cooperation with clothing or the ballistic vest  110  is unnecessary for effective use of the IMV  120 . 
     As will be described in further detail below, the IMV  120  is comprised of a coating layer  140  disposed on top of an underlying substrate layer  150  such that a target design is formed by the regions of the substrate layer  150  not obscured by coating layer  140  (by exposed regions of the substrate layer  150 ). In one embodiment, the substrate layer  150  may be comprised of a paper or plastic material. In alternative embodiments the substrate layer may be comprised of a plastic film; however, the substrate layer may be comprised of essentially any material suitable for indicating a contrast between the substrate layer  150  and the coating layer  140 . 
     In some embodiments, the coating layer  140  may completely cover the substrate layer  150  such that the underlying substrate layer  150  is not immediately visible and no target pattern is discernable. Alternatively, the target design may be in or on the coating layer  140 , or in or on the substrate layer  150  (and either obscured by the coating layer  140  or aligned with regions of the substrate layer  150  not obscured by the coating layer  140 ). The target pattern may include a concentric circle pattern (i.e., a target design) or may indicate more highly valuable target locations, such as regions where a target may be more exposed, and not protected by his/her ballistic vest, such as at the armpits. 
     In operation, a user wearing the cooperated ballistic vest  110  and IMV  120  combination will be effectively covered by the IMV  120  outer surface. Accordingly, when used in conjunction with simulated training firearms, the coating layer  140  disposed on the outer surface of IMV  120  will flake away upon ballistic impact, exposing the underlying substrate layer  150 . In a preferred embodiment, the coating layer  140  will be of a dark color or pigment in order to contrast with a brightly colored substrate layer  150  such that the direction and point of impact on the IMV  120  will be easily ascertainable by an observer. In some embodiments, the coating layer  140  may be of a black, matte-black, matte-olive drab or earth tone color and substrate layer  150  may be a bright orange, yellow or green color. However, the coloration of coating layer  140  and substrate layer  150  may be of any combination that provides a visible contrast between the substrate layer  150  and coating layer  140 . Alternatively, this contrast may be invisible in the visible spectrum, but detectable in, e.g., the infrared spectrum, or under a source of irradiation selected to cause, e.g., fluorescence, e.g., of the exposed substrate layer  150 , and not of the coating layer  140 . 
     In a preferred embodiment, the IMV  120  will be used in conjunction with a non-lethal marking firearm or replica firearm (e.g., an “Airsoft” gun) that fires 6 mm or 8 mm plastic BBs. However, the IMV  120  may conceivably be used with any firearm/firearm replica or projectile suitable to cause the removal of the coating layer  140  on the outer surface of the IMV  120 . 
     Referring now to  FIG. 2 , which depicts a more detailed perspective view of the IMV  120  comprising attachment device  130 , a coating layer  140 , a backing layer  210  and a target surface  220  formed from the substrate layer  150 . 
     In one preferred embodiment, the backing layer  210  is configured in a three-dimensional vest shape and forms the inner surface of IMV  120 . For example, the backing layer  210  may be comprised of thin-film high density foam for conforming to the curvature of a user&#39;s body. In alternative embodiments the backing layer may comprise substantially any suitably flexible and/or rigid material. However, in preferred embodiments, the backing layer  210  will be constructed of a semi-penetrable material that will facilitate the flaking away of the coating layer  140 , as will be further discussed below. 
     In operation, the substrate layer  150  is disposed on the backing layer  210 , using an adhesive coating (as will be described in further detail below), such that the substrate layer  150  covers either all or a portion of the outer surface of the backing layer  210 . The outer surface of the substrate layer  150  is then covered with the coating layer  140  such that a target surface  220  is defined by the visible (or, as noted above, otherwise distinguishable) portion of the substrate layer  150  that is revealed by the absence of the coating layer  140 . In alternative embodiments, the coating layer  140  may cover the entire outer surface of substrate layer  150  or may cover any fractional portion thereof to form substantially any desired pattern or design. The attachment device  130  is then fixed to the backing layer  210  and configured for attachment to a ballistic vest  110  such as that shown in  FIG. 1 , above. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 3 , which depicts a 2D schematic view of a back panel  310  of the IMV  120  together with the substrate layer  150  forming the target surface  220 . In one preferred embodiment, the substrate layer  150  is configured such that the resulting target surface  220  only covers a portion of the back panel  310 . However, in alternative embodiments, the substrate layer  150  may be sized such that the resulting target surface  220  covers substantially any desired portion of the surface area of back panel  310 . 
     Referring now to  FIG. 4 , which depicts a 2D cut-away view of the back panel  310  of the IMV  120 . The back panel  310  comprising the backing layer  210 , the substrate layer  150 , the adhesive coating  410  and coating layer  140 . In a preferred embodiment the adhesive coating  410  is comprised of a pressure-sensitive adhesive. In some embodiments, the adhesive coating  410  is disposed on the surface of the substrate layer opposite the coating layer  140  such that the substrate layer  150  can be removably attached to the backing layer  210 . In an alternative embodiment, the adhesive coating  410  can be disposed on the outer surface of the backing layer  210  to achieve the similar purpose of removably attaching the substrate layer  150 . 
     In practice, the adhesive coating  410  enables the convenient replacement of portions of the substrate layer  150  attached to the backing layer  210 . This feature allows a user to readily change/replace the outer surface of the IMV  120  such that used or worn portions of the substrate layer  150  may be easily exchanged with the new substrate layer  150  portions containing the newer coating layer  140 . 
     Referring now to  FIG. 5 , which depicts a schematic view of the side panels  510  together with a target surface  520  defined by the substrate layer  150 . The side panels  510  form the side and front segments of the IMV  120 . 
     In one preferred embodiment, when the IMV  120  is cooperated with the ballistic vest  110  the target surface  520  depicted in  FIG. 5  will be configured to wrap around the user&#39;s torso covering the underarm and chest portions of the ballistic vest  110 . This particular positioning of target surface  520  may facilitate in instructing a FOF participant to avoid exposure of the underarm and chest regions when engaged in a real or simulated firefight. In alternative embodiments, the substrate layer  150  may be configured to create a target surface  520  in essentially any desired position or arrangement with respect to the outer surface of the IMV  120 . 
     Referring now to  FIG. 6 , which depicts the side panels of  FIG. 5  together with coating layer  140 , backing layer  210  and substrate layer  150  for forming target surface  520 . In a preferred embodiment, the coating layer  140  covers only a portion of the substrate layer  150  such that a strip of the underlying substrate layer  150  is revealed by the region wherein the coating layer  140  is absent. This revealed portion of the substrate layer  150  defines the border of the target surface  520  that can be visibly identified on the outer surface of IMV  120 . However, although the border of the target surface  520  may be visually identifiable, the majority of the target surface  520  remains obscured by the coating layer  140 . In alternative embodiments, the coating layer  140  may cover substantially the entire surface of the substrate layer  150  such that the underlying target surface  520  is wholly obscured. 
     In practice, the side panels  510  are configured to form the side portions of IMV  120 . In such a configuration, the target surface  520  will form a three-dimensional (3D) surface spanning a region from beneath the participant&#39;s arms to the center chest portion of the IMV  120 . In alternative embodiments, the target surface may be located on substantially any portion of the IMV  120  and may cover the entire outer surface area of the IMV  120 , or any portion thereof. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 7 , which depicts a schematic (2D) view of a complete panel  710  comprising the backing layer  210 . In practice, the backing layer  210  of the complete panel  710  is molded into a three-dimensional vest shape for use in forming the IMV  120 , as described above with respect to  FIGS. 1 and 2 . However, in alternative embodiments the backing layer  210  may be configured to form essentially any shape to produce a 2D or 3D target surface for use in registering an impact event. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 8 , which depicts a cross-sectional view of the IMV  120  comprising the coating layer  140 , the substrate layer  150 , the adhesive coating  410  and the backing layer  210 . In one embodiment, the structure of the IMV  120  is formed by the bonded coating layer  140 , the substrate layer  150  and the backing layer  210  as shown in  FIG. 8 . In one preferred embodiment, the adhesive coating  410  is permanently fixed to the backing layer  210  such that an adhesive surface is formed on the outer surface of the backing layer  210 . In this configuration, the substrate layer  150  can be removably bonded with the backing layer  210  via the adhesive surface of the adhesive coating  410 . In an alternative embodiment, the adhesive coating  410  can be permanently disposed on the underside of the substrate layer  150 , opposite the coating layer  140 . 
     In practice, the coating layer  140  is configured to flake away upon ballistic impact, exposing the underlying substrate layer  150 . In one preferred embodiment, the substrate layer  150  is composed of a bright color (e.g. a bright orange or yellow color) that can be easily contrasted with a darker color of the coating layer (e.g. a black, matte-black, matte-olive drab or earth tone color). However, the coating layer  140  and the substrate layer  150  may be comprised of virtually any materials that are distinguishable from one another (visibly or otherwise). With this contrasting color scheme, a user may visually identify a point or angle of ballistic impact by identifying the location on the IMV  120  surface where the coating layer  140  has flaked away to expose the underlying substrate layer  150 . 
     After a ballistic impact has been incurred by the IMV  120 , it may be desirable to renew the coating layer  140  on the outer surface of the IMV  120 . In a preferred embodiment, the new coating layer  140  may be added to the IMV  120  by simply replacing the underlying substrate layer  150  with a new substrate layer containing the new coating layer  140 . In one embodiment, the substrate layer  150  comprises the adhesive coating  410  disposed on the side opposite of the coating layer  140 . In this configuration, the substrate layer  150  may be removably attached to the backing layer  210  such that a user may peel away the used substrate layer  150  and the adhesive coating  410  for easy replacement. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 9 , which depicts a cut-away view of a coating layer patch  910  comprising coating patch layer  930  and adhesive patch coating  920 . The coating patch layer  930  of the coating layer patch  910  is similar to the coating layer  140  discussed above with respect to the IMV  120 . The coating layer patch  910  comprises the coating patch layer  930  on one surface and an adhesive patch coating  920  on the opposite surface. In a preferred embodiment, the coating layer patch will be of a circular shape measuring approximately one-inch in diameter; however, in alternative embodiments the coating layer patch may be of substantially any shape or size. 
     In practice, the coating layer patch  910  may be used to touch-up the coating layer  140  of the IMV  120 . For example, the coating layer patch  910  may be used to cover portions of the coating layer  140  on the IMV  120  that have flaked away due to ballistic impact. As such, the coating layer patch  910  offers a quick and inexpensive way to repair the outer surface of the IMV  120  without the need for replacing the entire the substrate layer  150 . 
     While the above is a complete description of the preferred embodiment of the present invention, it is possible to use various alternatives, modifications and equivalents. Therefore, the scope of the present invention should be determined not with reference to the above description but should, instead be determined with reference to the appended claims, along with their full scope of equivalents. Any feature described herein, whether preferred or not, may be combined with any other feature described herein, whether preferred or not.