Abstract:
A floatation member for ballistic carrier vest includes a first outer layer and an intermediate layer overlying the first outer layer. A peripheral edge of the intermediate layer is secured to a peripheral edge of the first outer layer to define a first cavity therebetween. A panel selected from a non-ballistic panel and a ballistic panel is received within the first cavity. A second outer layer overlies the intermediate layer and a peripheral edge of the second outer layer secured to the peripheral edge of the intermediate layer to define a second cavity therebetween. A valve configured to deliver an inflation gas into the second cavity. In a further aspect, a ballistic safety article for providing ballistic protection for a person is provided.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    This application claims priority based on U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/599,711 filed Feb. 16, 2012. This application is related to Provisional Application No. 61/484,394 filed May 10, 2011, and U.S. Patent Application Publication 2012/0289106 published Nov. 15, 2012. Each of the aforementioned provisional applications and published application are incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. 
     
    
     SUMMARY 
       [0002]    The present development provides for the integration of flotation into a ballistic carrier and is therefore particularly advantageous for maritime use. The inflatable panels herein are adapted for use with a ballistic carrier, such as an armor vest having a front portion, back portion, left and right shoulder portions and left and right cummerbund portions. The cummerbund portion may include fasteners securing the carrier, and may be of any known type, including without limitation, grommet pin loop type fasteners, zippers, hook and loop fasteners, snap fasteners, straps, buckles, or other fastening hardware. 
         [0003]    In certain embodiments, a panel insert comprising an inflatable bladder is provided which may be inserted behind a ballistic panel in a ballistic panel-carrying garment. In other embodiments, the inflatable panel insert herein may have integrated ballistics and may be inserted into the ballistics carrier in place of or in addition to a hard or soft ballistic panel or plate. 
         [0004]    In certain embodiments, the bladder includes one or more foam layers received within the bladder which provides the wearer with neutral buoyancy when the bladder is not inflated. In this manner, a user may enter the water with neutral buoyancy and may inflate the bladder in the event additional lift is needed. Inflation of the bladder provides additional buoyancy, e.g., in the event of an emergency. The foam layer may be a closed cell foam material or more preferably a hard cell or impact resistant foam. The foam layer may be laminated within the bladder cavity to one or both of the of the bladder panels, e.g., via radio frequency (RF) welding, thermal bonding, adhesive, or the like. In certain embodiments, the bladder insert may also have one or more hard armor plates, one or more soft armor layers, or a combination thereof, integrated within the bladder. The hard and/or soft armor layer may be in place of or in addition to the foam layer. In embodiments including hard and/or soft armor, the foam layer(s) may be laminated directly to the armor layer(s). 
         [0005]    The bladder includes a valve for introducing air or other inflation gas into the interior compartment defined by the bladder for providing additional buoyancy. In certain embodiments, the valve may be an oral inflation valve, e.g., of the type having a check valve, for oral inflation of the bladder. In certain embodiments, the oral inflation valve may include an optional pressure relief valve which prevents overinflating the bladder. 
         [0006]    In alternative embodiments, the valve may include an insert, such as a threaded insert for receiving a CO 2  cartridge. For typical applications, the CO 2  canister may range from about 8 to about 12 grams, although other sizes and configurations are contemplated. A manual inflation handle may be mechanically linked to the valve, e.g., to actuate a lever on the valve which operates a piercing pin to allow the pressurized CO 2  to enter the bladder. In still further embodiments, an auto-inflation valve may be provided. Such valve may include an electronic actuator which electrically senses the water. 
         [0007]    Alternatively, the auto actuator may be of the type which uses a compressed member such as a spring which is actuated in the presence of water (e.g., by using a soluble bobbin or pill) which drives a piercing member to pierce the cartridge and to allow the pressurized gas to enter the bladder chamber. In an especially preferred embodiment, a water resistant cover may be provided over the soluble bobbin so as to slow or delay the entry of water. In this manner, environmental moisture such as rain, sea spray, humidity, or the like will not cause inadvertent inflation of the bladder, but which will admit water to actuate the auto inflation in the event of submersion in water. The auto-actuator may be of the type commercially available from Halkey-Roberts and others. 
         [0008]    Where multiple bladders are provided, e.g., such as front and rear bladder panels, each panel may be separately inflatable. Alternatively a conduit (for example, a tube which may pass from the front to the rear, e.g., routed in or along the shoulder portion) may be provided to fluidicly couple multiple bladders, such that one inflation valve can be provided to inflate the multiple bladders. 
         [0009]    In the depicted preferred embodiments, the inflatable panels include one or more breakable connections or seams which are configured to allow the panel to hold a certain volume of gas when the panel is inflated up to a certain threshold pressure. When the threshold pressure is exceeded, the breakable connections separate and allow the panel to expand to hold a larger volume of gas, thereby increasing buoyancy and lift. For example, an oral inflation tube may include an over pressure valve which prevents the user from exceeding the threshold pressure when the bladder is in normal everyday use. In the event that the CO 2  canister fires, the over pressure valve will release pressure prior to blowing the outer, peripheral seam of the bladder, but will potentially allow the breakable pleats of the bladder to blow out to allow the bladder to be over inflated for maximum lift capabilities. In certain embodiments, the pressure required to separate the breakable pleats may be selected to allow the user to selectively over inflate the bladder by selection of a specific size of CO 2  cartridge. For example, the user may selectively attach a CO 2  cartridge having a lesser quantity of CO 2  sufficient to inflate the cartridge without breaking the pleats or one with a greater quantity of CO 2  sufficient to blow out the separable pleats and over inflate the bladder for additional lift capability. In preferred embodiments, the pleats may be configured not to blow out when, for example, an 8 gram CO 2  canister is employed, and to blow out when a larger CO 2  canister is employed, such as an 11 gram or larger CO 2  canister. It will be recognized, however, that other configurations adapted for other sizes of gas canisters are also contemplated. 
         [0010]    The panels depicted herein are for use in the front and rear compartments of the carrier. It will be recognized, however, that the inflatable bladders may also be adapted for use in the cummerbund, e.g., to provide side armor protection. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0011]      FIG. 1  is a front view of an exemplary ballistic carrier vest operable to embody the present invention. 
           [0012]      FIG. 2  is a perspective view of an exemplary ballistic carrier herein in an operable position about the torso of a user. 
           [0013]      FIG. 3  is a perspective view of the exemplary ballistic carrier herein appearing in  FIG. 2 , with the optional side floatation bladders deployed. 
           [0014]      FIG. 4  is a rear view of the exemplary carrier herein with the optional side floatation bladders deployed. 
           [0015]      FIG. 5A  is a plan view of an exemplary right-sided bladder which is adapted for use in a size large or extra-large MBAV cut carrier vest. 
           [0016]      FIG. 5B  is an exploded view of the embodiment appearing in  FIG. 5A , illustrating the laminated construction. 
           [0017]      FIG. 5C  is a cross-sectional view taken along the lines  5 C- 5 C appearing in  FIG. 5A . 
           [0018]      FIG. 6A  is a plan view of an exemplary left-sided bladder which is adapted for use in a size large or extra-large MBAV cut carrier vest. 
           [0019]      FIG. 6B  is an exploded view of the embodiment appearing in  FIG. 6A . 
           [0020]      FIG. 7A  is a plan view of an exemplary right-sided bladder which is adapted for use in a size small or medium MBAV cut carrier vest. 
           [0021]      FIG. 7B  is an exploded view of the embodiment appearing in  FIG. 7A . 
           [0022]      FIG. 8A  is a plan view of an exemplary left-sided bladder which is adapted for use in a size small or medium MBAV cut carrier vest. 
           [0023]      FIG. 8B  is an exploded view of the embodiment appearing in  FIG. 8A . 
           [0024]      FIG. 9A  is a plan view of an exemplary right-sided bladder which is adapted for use in a size large or extra-large swimmers cut carrier vest. 
           [0025]      FIG. 9B  is an exploded view of the embodiment appearing in  FIG. 9A . 
           [0026]      FIG. 10A  is a plan view of an exemplary left-sided bladder which is adapted for use in a size large or extra-large swimmers cut carrier vest. 
           [0027]      FIG. 10B  is an exploded view of the embodiment appearing in  FIG. 10A . 
           [0028]      FIG. 11A  is a plan view of an exemplary right-sided bladder which is adapted for use in a size small or medium swimmers cut carrier vest. 
           [0029]      FIG. 11B  is an exploded view of the embodiment appearing in  FIG. 11A . 
           [0030]      FIG. 12A  is a plan view of an exemplary left-sided bladder which is adapted for use in a size small or medium large swimmers cut carrier vest. 
           [0031]      FIG. 12B  is an exploded view of the embodiment appearing in  FIG. 12A . 
           [0032]      FIG. 13  is an exemplary bladder panel having a shape for use with a Modular Body Armor Vest (MBAV) with an oral inflation valve. 
           [0033]      FIG. 14  is an exemplary bladder panel similar to the embodiment appearing in  FIG. 13 , further including a source of compressed gas for self-inflation of the bladder. 
           [0034]      FIG. 15  depicts the embodiment of  FIG. 14  which further includes a water resistant cover to slow the entry of water to the auto-inflation actuator. 
           [0035]      FIGS. 16A and 16B  are bottom and side perspective views, respectively, of an exemplary water-resistant cover. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
       [0036]    Referring now to the drawings,  FIGS. 1-4  show an exemplary embodiment ballistic plate or insert carrier  100 , which includes a front panel section  110 , a rear panel  112  opposite and facing the front panel  110 , and a cummerbund  114  defining left and right side panels  116 . The plate carrier  100  may be sewn and constructed generally of nylon fabrics or other natural or synthetic fabric. The carrier  100  includes one or more internal compartments or pockets for receiving one or more ballistic inserts which may be rigid ballistic plates, soft body armor inserts, and so forth, including a front carrier pocket  111  in the front panel  110  and a rear carrier pocket  113  in the rear panel  112 . The ballistics vest herein may also include various fasteners, including hook and loop fasteners, snaps, buckles, buttons, ties, and so forth, for securing or connecting various flaps, components, compartments and closures of the carrier  100 , as well as for affixing external equipment to the plate carrier. The carrier  100  may include webbing or straps for affixing pouches or other equipment as is known in the art. 
         [0037]    A pair of padded shoulder straps  118  extend between the front and rear panels. Optionally, each strap  118  may include a buckle, such as a quick connect/disconnect buckle or other fastener thereon for providing a detachable connection between the front and rear panel. 
         [0038]    The cummerbund  114  wraps around wearer and secures the rear panel  112  to the front panel  110 . The side panels  116  of the cummerbund  114  each include an internal compartment receiving an inflatable bladder  120 . The inflatable bladders  120  may be as described in the above-incorporated Publication No. 2012/0289106. The cummerbund  114  may pass through a sleeve (not shown) in rear panel section  112 . The ends  122  of the cummerbund  114  may be secured to the front panel member  110  by ties  124 . When secured, the ends  122  of the cummerbund  114  may be covered by a lower flap  126  on the outer surface of the front carrier portion  110 . 
         [0039]    The side panels  116  include activation handles  128  to actuate an inflation mechanism associated with each bladder  120 . The actuation mechanism includes a source of pressurized gas, such as one or more CO 2  cartridges and a valve which pierces the CO 2  cartridge to allow the pressurized gas to flow into the bladder  120 , and may be as described in the above-incorporated Publication No. 2012/0289106. 
         [0040]    When the pull handle  128  is tugged, the inflation bladder  120  is released through an opening  130  in the side panel and inflates. If the inflation bladder  120  fails to inflate, the user may manually inflate the inflation bladder  120  using an oral inflation valve  132  located on the bladder  120 . The bladder  120  may have a generally lobed shape wherein the user&#39;s arm may pass between front and rear lobes  121 ,  123 . The oral inflation valve  132  is preferably located on the user-facing surface of the front lobe  121  so as to be positioned near the user&#39;s mouth. Actuation mechanism may also include a switch, such as an electric or other automatic actuation means for automatically inflating the bladders when the user is submersed as described in the above-incorporated Publication No. 2012/0289106. Likewise, the auto inflate mechanism may also include a water resistant cover to slow or delay entry of water to prevent or reduce the chance of inadvertent inflation due to water spray or other environmental moisture as described in the above-incorporated Publication No. 2012/0289106. Although the invention is depicted in reference to a particular ballistic carrier, it will be recognized that the inflatable bladders herein may be used with all manner of other ballistic carriers. 
         [0041]    In addition to or as an alternative to the flotation bladders  120  received within the side panels  116 , one or more flotation members  200  may be received within the ballistic panel pockets in the front panel  110 , rear panel  112 , or both. 
         [0042]    The floatation members may be adapted for removable or detachable insertion into the ballistic panel/plate carrier pockets in the vest  100 , and may include an integral foam panel, a rigid body armor plate, a soft body armor plate, or any combination thereof. In certain embodiments, the flotation member may include a foam panel (e.g., a closed cell foam panel, impact resistance foam panel, etc.) which is received within the pocket together with a separate hard or soft ballistic insert. In such embodiments, the floatation member should advantageously be positioned behind (relative to a fired projectile) the ballistic insert to reduce back face deformation of the ballistic insert or otherwise reduce the impact force of a non-penetrating projectile. Similarly, in embodiments wherein a hard or soft ballistic layer is integrated into the floatation member, the inflatable bladder portion should be positioned toward the user&#39;s body, opposite the strike face of the ballistic layer to reduce back face deformation of the ballistic floatation member or otherwise reduce the impact force of a non-penetrating projectile. 
         [0043]    A first exemplary inflatable floatation member  200   a  appears in  FIGS. 5A-5C . The floatation member  200   a  illustrated is adapted for use with a size large or extra-large MBAV carrier vest, although it will be recognized that the floatation member could be adapted for use with all manner of carrier vest standards or configurations. The insert  200   a  includes a front panel  210  defining a first outer layer or shell of the insert  200   a  and an intermediate panel  212 . The front panel  210  and the intermediate panel  212  define a first compartment  214  receiving a plate member  216 . A bladder panel  218  is disposed over the intermediate layer  214  and secured to the layer about the periphery to define an inflatable chamber  220 . The front, intermediate, and bladder panels  210 ,  212 , and  218 , respectively, may be formed of a polymer sheet material, air- and water-tight fabric material, plastic coated fabric, such as nylon, and so forth. 
         [0044]    The front, intermediate, and bladder panels  210 ,  212 , and  218 , are sealed about the peripheral edges, preferably via RF welding, although other method for bonding, welding, or sealing the plastic layers are also contemplated. The front and intermediate panels  210 ,  212  are preferably bonded, e.g., RF welded, to the opposite surfaces of the plate member  216 . The plate member  216  preferably has a polymer outer layer of skin to further prevent the entry of water into the foam or ballistic material forming the plate member. 
         [0045]    The plate  216  may be a foam member to provide some initial degree of buoyancy compensation when the bladder chamber  220  is uninflated, e.g., to allow the user to achieve neutral buoyancy when the user is submersed, and a greater degree of buoyancy compensation, e.g., positive buoyancy, when the bladder is inflated. Alternatively, the plate member could be a ballistic plate, including a rigid armor plate or a soft ballistic panel. In still further embodiments, the plate member could comprise multiple elements including any combination of foam, hard ballistic plate, and soft ballistic plate. 
         [0046]    The bladder panel layer  218  is pleated to provide an interior volume for air or other inflation gas. The bladder panel is preferably attached, e.g., via RF welding, to the intermediate panel  212  at a plurality of locations  222  to provide shape or structure to the inflated bladder. In the illustrated embodiment, the attachment locations  222  are generally oriented along generally vertical parallel lines or seams to define a plurality of inflation chambers  224  which serve to allow the bladder to conform to the user&#39;s body. The pleated configuration also defines a plurality of channels  230  extending along the bladder thereby providing channels allowing air flow between the bladder surface and the user to increase the comfort of the user. 
         [0047]    The attachment seams  222  are segmented to provide a fluidic interconnection between the multiple adjacent chambers  224 . An oral inflation valve  226 , such as a one-way check valve, is provided at an opening  228  in the bladder panel  218 . An auto-inflation mechanism and or pressure release valve may also be provided as described herein. In an especially preferred embodiment, the attachment points  222  are configured to rupture at a pressure which is less than the pressure required to rupture the bladder material  218  of the weld of bond formed at the peripheral edge of the bladder panel  218 . 
         [0048]    Referring now to  FIGS. 6A and 6B , there is shown a floatation member  200   b,  which is a mirror image of the floatation member  200   a  appearing in  FIGS. 5A-5C , such that the opening  228  and inflation tube  226  are on the opposite side of the unit. The floatation member  200   b  of  FIGS. 6A and 6B  is otherwise as described above by way of reference to  FIGS. 5A-5C . 
         [0049]      FIGS. 7A and 7B  illustrate a further exemplary floatation member  200   c,  which is adapted for use with a size small or medium MBAV carrier vest. The floatation member  200   c  of  FIGS. 7A and 7B  is otherwise as described above by way of reference to  FIGS. 5A-5C . 
         [0050]    Referring now to  FIGS. 8A and 8B , there is shown a floatation member  200   d,  which is a mirror image of the floatation member  200   c  appearing in  FIGS. 7A and 7B , such that the opening  228  and inflation tube  226  are on the opposite side of the unit. The floatation member  200   d  of  FIGS. 8A and 8B  is otherwise as described for  FIGS. 7A and 7B . 
         [0051]      FIGS. 9A and 9B  illustrate a further exemplary floatation member  200   e,  which is adapted for use with a size large or extra-large swimmers cut carrier vest. The floatation member  200   e  of  FIGS. 9A and 9B  is otherwise as described above by way of reference to  FIGS. 5A-5C . 
         [0052]    Referring now to  FIGS. 10A and 10B , there is shown a floatation member  200   f,  which is a mirror image of the floatation member  200   e  appearing in  FIGS. 9A and 9B , such that the opening  228  and inflation tube  226  are on the opposite side of the unit. The floatation member  200   f  of  FIGS. 10A and 10B  is otherwise as described for  FIGS. 9A and 9B . 
         [0053]      FIGS. 11A and 11B  illustrate a further exemplary floatation member  200   g,  which is adapted for use with a size small or medium swimmers cut carrier vest. The floatation member  200   g  of  FIGS. 11A and 11B  is otherwise as described above by way of reference to  FIGS. 9A and 9B . 
         [0054]    Referring now to  FIGS. 12A and 12B , there is shown a floatation member  200   h,  which is a mirror image of the floatation member  200   g  appearing in  FIGS. 11A and 11B , such that the opening  228  and inflation tube  226  are on the opposite side of the unit. The floatation member  200   h  of  FIGS. 12A and 12B  is otherwise as described for  FIGS. 11A and 11B . 
         [0055]    Although the embodiments appearing in  FIGS. 5-12  illustrate exemplary embodiments adapted for use in connection with any other carrier vests/ballistic profiles, including Small Arms Protective Insert (SAPI) cut, Enhanced Small Arms Protective Inserts (ESAPI) cut, shooters cut/advanced shooters cut, BALCS/SPEAR cut, and others. 
         [0056]      FIG. 13  illustrates a further exemplary floatation panel  200   i,  having a shape for use with a Modular Body Armor Vest (MBAV). The floatation member  200   i  is substantially described above with an oral inflation valve  226 . 
         [0057]      FIG. 14  is an exemplary bladder panel  200   j,  which is similar to the embodiment appearing in  FIG. 13 , but wherein the oral inflation tube is disposed on the opposite side of the panel, and which further including a source of compressed gas for self-inflation of the bladder. The oral inflation tube  226   a  additionally includes a pressure relief valve  232  on the inflation tube to prevent over-inflation of the bladder. 
         [0058]    In the embodiment of  FIG. 14 , an auto-inflation valve  310  includes an insert  312 , such as a threaded insert, for receiving a CO 2  cartridge  314 . For typical applications, the CO 2  canister may range from about 8 to about 12 grams, although other sizes and configurations are contemplated. A manual inflation handle (not shown) may also be mechanically linked to the valve  310 . For example, the handle may be attached via a lanyard (not shown) to a lever  316  on the valve. The lever  316  operates a piercing pin which punctures the CO 2  cartridge  314  and allows the pressurized CO 2  to enter the bladder. 
         [0059]    In the illustrated embodiment of  FIG. 14 , the automatic inflation valve  310  is of the type which uses a captured, compressed spring  318  within a cover  320  which is separated from a piercing pin by a water soluble bobbin or pill, which drives a piercing member to pierce the cartridge and to allow the pressurized gas to enter the bladder chamber. In an especially preferred embodiment, shown in  FIG. 15 , a water resistant cover  322  may be provided over the valve  310  so as to slow or delay the entry of water. In this manner, inadvertent inflation of bladder due to environmental moisture such as rain, humidity, water spray can be reduced. As best seen in  FIGS. 16A and 16B , the cover includes a first opening  324  for receiving the cap portion of the valve  310  containing the spring and bobbin and a small opening  326  providing a somewhat restricted passageway for the entry of water to the auto-actuator. The auto-actuator may be of the type commercially available from Halkey-Roberts Corporation and others, and may advantageously be a Halkey-Roberts ALPHA INFLATOR®. In alternative embodiments, the auto-inflation valve may be on an electronic type which opens the valve when it electrically senses the presence water, for example by sensing a short circuit condition between normally open circuit conductors on the valve when water is present. 
         [0060]    The description above should not be construed as limiting the scope of the invention, but as merely providing illustrations to some of the presently preferred embodiments of this invention. In light of the above description and examples, various other modifications and variations will now become apparent to those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention as defined by the appended claims. Accordingly, the scope of the invention should be determined solely by the appended claims and their legal equivalents