Patent Publication Number: US-2023135976-A1

Title: A composite material

Description:
FIELD 
     This invention relates to composite materials for garments. Particularly, puncture, cut, and abrasion resistant composite materials. 
     BACKGROUND 
     Australian patent application no. 2006340789 discloses a puncture and cut resistant material for use in wetsuits. The material therein disclosed employs a plurality of individual protective plates attached at single points to an elastic base layer. 
     There are a number of disadvantages to known puncture and cut resistant materials such as the one disclosed in AU 2006340789. Those composite materials using a point-attachment of protective plates (platelets), like AU 2006340789, provide a composite material that is elastic. However, the protective plate can twist on the axis of the attaching point. This can result in a protective plate rotating out of alignment with other like adjacent protective plates. Further, protective plates located in areas of movement in a wetsuit, such as knees and elbows, can lift if they are only attached at a single point. This is particularly severe if the single point is not at the centre of the protective plate. 
     Also, as disclosed in AU 2006340789, a single point of attachment to a single layer of connective material can be a relatively fragile connection, prone to failure, and lacking redundancy. 
     Further, composite materials using rigid flat protective plates can have difficulty conforming to curved objects underneath, such as a human body. This is pronounced in smaller diameter curves such as wrists or ankles. The lack of conformity to a 3D curved object can cause the protective plates to overlap excessively, or extend away from a curved underlying shape if said plates are flat. 
     Composite materials employing rigid protective plates that are not designed to conform to one another can yield a cross section of material that is excessively thick and cumbersome. This excessive thickness is undesirable for garments, especially in areas prone to rubbing or chafing, such as in the underarm and groin regions. Further, plates that do not conform to the shape of other plates can create significant excessive thickness when the plate is bent inward or outward. This occurs in garments at knee and elbow areas. 
     Composite materials that do not utilize overlapping arrangements of protective plates, such as using a side-by-side arrangement of protective elements, are vulnerable at the joints, requiring multiple layers of side-by-side arrangements of protective plates to overcome. This can create significant manufacturing challenges, as well as costly and heavy redundant layering. Also, multiple layers of rigid protective plates can be limited in bending and flexing, for example when covering elbows and knees. 
     Further, in a side-by-side arrangement of protective plates, the protective plate perimeter edges may bind on one another in compression. Compression may occur in any number of areas or situations, such as at the back of knees and/or the inside joint of elbows when the composite material is used for a garment. Edge binding of adjacent protective plates is extremely undesirable at joints in garments. 
     Composite materials that allow for expansion, but which do not limit the total expansion, can face issues of unprotected areas as the overlaps are exceeded and gaps are exposed between protective plates. 
     A further issue with point-attachment of the protective plates to the elastic base layer is a lack of connection to the optional cover layer. A cover layer is disclosed in AU 2006340789, however, this cover layer is prone to lifting from the base layer and the protective plates when water is draining from the wetsuit, which can be pronounced at the wrists, the torso, and/or at the ankles. 
     Protective plates, which in and of themselves are not buoyant, may create a garment that lacks buoyancy to a desired level, which decreases utility of the garment. 
     OBJECT OF THE INVENTION 
     It is an object of the present invention to at least substantially address one or more of the above disadvantages or at least provide a useful alternative to the composite materials discussed above. 
     SUMMARY OF INVENTION 
     In a first aspect the present invention provides a composite material comprising: 
     a base layer; 
     a plurality of protective plates located on the base layer; 
     an attaching means to connect the base layer to the protective plates, wherein the attaching means is positioned along a first direction on the base layer to resist pivoting of each protective plate about an axis normal to the base layer. 
     Preferably, a surface area of the attaching means is substantially less than a surface area of the protective plate. 
     Preferably, the attaching means includes a plurality of connections positioned along the first direction. 
     Preferably, the attaching means includes an elongate line along the first direction. 
     Preferably, the composite material comprises a second attaching means connecting the base layer to the protective plates, wherein the second attaching means is positioned along a second direction on the base layer, the second direction being non-parallel to the first direction. 
     Preferably, the composite material further comprises a cover layer atop the protective plates. 
     Preferably, the composite material further comprises a third attaching means connecting at least one of the protective plates to the cover layer. 
     Preferably, the third attaching means is positioned along a third direction on the cover layer to resist pivoting of the protective plate about an axis normal to the cover layer. 
     Preferably, the composite material comprises a fourth attaching means connecting at least one of the protective plates to the cover layer, wherein the fourth attaching means is positioned along a fourth direction on the cover layer, the fourth direction being non-parallel to the third direction. 
     Preferably, the first and third direction are parallel, and the second and fourth direction are parallel. 
     Preferably, the third and fourth attaching means are located between the plurality of protective plates and the cover layer. 
     Preferably, the attaching means include a thermosetting polymer. 
     Preferably, the attaching means include rivets. 
     Preferably, the base layer is formed from neoprene. 
     Preferably, the base layer is formed from an elastic cut resistant material. 
     Preferably, the base layer is discontinuous. 
     Preferably, each protective plate has a leading portion and a trailing portion, wherein the leading portion of each protective plate is shaped to conform to the trailing portion of a like protective plate and the attaching means is located at one of the leading portion and the trailing portion. 
     Preferably, each protective plate has a first and a second lateral portion, wherein the first lateral portion of each protective plate is shaped to conform to the second lateral portion of a like protective plate. 
     Preferably, the leading portion, the trailing portion, the first lateral portion and the second lateral portion are tapered such that, when the respective portions conform the composite material has a substantially constant thickness. 
     Preferably, the base layer includes a plurality of moulded recesses and each protective plate is located in a recess. 
     Preferably, the protective plates include one or more channels and/or ribs on an upper surface of the protective plates. 
     Preferably, the protective plates have a honeycomb structure on an upper surface of the protective plates. 
     Preferably, the protective plates have a frame. 
     Preferably, the protective plates have an irregular surface. 
     Preferably, the protective plates are formed in the shape of a void shape. 
     Preferably, the protective plates are arranged as a plurality of groups of concentric rings. 
     Preferably, the protective plates are infused with a bonding agent. 
     Preferably, the bonding agent cures into a flexible solid. 
     Preferably, the infusion of the bonding agent leaves one or more gaps in the protective plate. 
     Preferably, the gap acts as a living hinge. 
     Preferably, the protective plates include a top layer, a middle layer and a stiff layer. 
     Preferably, the middle layer is a bonding layer. 
     Preferably, the stiff layer is resistant to rolling and/or folding. 
     Preferably, the top layer is substantially softer than the middle layer and the stiff layer. 
     Preferably, the middle layer is softer than the stiff layer, but harder than the top layer. 
     Preferably, the middle layer includes an irregular surface substantially matching the edge surface of a threat. 
     Preferably, the protective plates are coated in an encapsulation material that is resistant to rolling and/or folding. 
     Preferably, each protective plate includes one or more perforations. 
     Preferably, the one or more perforations have a V-like shape. 
     Preferably, one or more perforations are located at least on both a leading portion and on a trailing portion of each protective plate, and the perforation on the leading portion is a different size compared to the perforation on the trailing portion, such that when the leading portion of the protective plate and the trailing portion of a like protective plate overlap, the V-like shape of each perforation aligns with the other. 
     Preferably, the one or more perforations are filled with a buoyant material. 
     Preferably, the one or more perforations are covered by a waterproof layer such that the perforations are not filled with water when the composite material is submersed. 
     Preferably, each protective plate overlaps a like adjacent protective plate, and each protective plate is adapted to resist a movement relative to the like adjacent protective plate that would result in the protective plate not overlapping the like adjacent protective plate. 
     Preferably, each protective plate is adapted to resist the movement by being linked to the like adjacent protective plate. 
     Preferably, each protective plate is adapted to resist the movement using a first catch on a leading edge of the protective plate and a second catch on a trailing edge of the like adjacent plate. 
     Preferably, each protective plate is adapted to resist the movement by being mounted on a limitedly elastic layer. 
     Preferably, each protective plate comprises: 
     a carrier layer; and 
     at least one protective element. 
     Preferably, the carrier layer is formed from a buoyant material. 
     Preferably, the carrier layer is flexible and wherein the protective element includes a plurality of rigid plates bonded to the carrier layer. 
     Preferably, the rigid plates are formed in a ring shape. 
     Preferably, the plurality of rigid plates form a two-dimensional array. 
     Preferably, each two-dimensional array is connected to a like adjacent two-dimensional array at the respective adjacent corners using an elastic link. 
     Preferably, the carrier layer includes flexible hinge portions between the rigid plates. 
     Preferably, the flexible hinge portion is a living hinge. 
     Preferably, the flexible hinge portion is a link. 
     Preferably, each protective plate comprises: 
     at least two protective platelets; and 
     at least one flexible connection from one said protective platelet to another, wherein the array of said linked platelets form a shape substantially larger than an individual platelet. 
     In a second aspect, the present invention provides a composite material comprising: 
     a base layer; 
     a plurality of protective void shapes which do not directly engage one another; 
     an attaching means to connect the base layer to the protective plates, wherein the surface area of the attaching means is substantially less than a surface area of the protective plate. 
     Preferably, the void shapes overlap one another. 
     In a third aspect, the present invention provides a protective platelet comprising: 
     at least two protective plates; 
     a flexible means to connect said plates; wherein 
     the surface area of the connected said plates forms a shape with an area substantially larger than the individual said plates. 
     Preferably, the flexible means to connect plates is in the form of a flexible material under the plates, with each plate connected to the said base material such that flexibility remains at the adjacency of said plates. 
     Preferably, the plates are flexibly connected directly to adjacent plates. 
     Preferably, the protective platelets are formed from bonding a flexible base material with a binding agent at least partially discontinuously, forming bonded area shapes and leaving voids between adjacent bonded area shapes to create living hinges. 
     In a fourth aspect, the present invention provides a protective platelet comprising: 
     a protective plate; 
     an outward facing surface of the plate which engages an imposed threat object; wherein said threat object is impeded when traversing across the surface of said plate. 
     Preferably, the outward surface of the plate utilizes voids with a “V” shape when viewed in section. 
     Preferably, the outward surface of the plate utilizes linear slots which overlap one another such that an imposed threat object will encounter a slot when traversing in a line across the surface of the plate. 
     Preferably, the outward surface of the plate has a roughened surface to impede a threat object from traversing across it&#39;s outward surface. 
     Preferably, the roughened outward surface of the plate is covered by a sacrificial material which creates a smooth outer surface on top of the roughened surface. 
     Preferably, the outward surface of the plate is a softer layer of material covering a harder layer underneath. 
     Preferably, the platelet assembly is buoyant. 
     Preferably, the shape ratio is similar to a body part it covers, about 1:2 of circumference: length. 
     In a fourth aspect, the present invention provides a garment at least partially constructed from the composite material of the first, second, or third aspect. 
     Preferably, the protective plates in two or more locations on the garment have dissimilar sizes. 
     Preferably, the protective plates in two or more locations on the garment have dissimilar shapes. 
     Preferably, the protective plates in two or more locations on the garment have attachment means in a dissimilar first direction. 
     Preferably, the shape of each protective plate is adapted to conform, in use, to the shape of a user of the garment and each protective plate has an aspect ratio of a circumference of the shape and a length of the shape of about 1:2. 
     Preferably, the protective plates are comprised of a flexible high strength material, combined (infused, encapsulated, bonded to, etc.) with a bonding agent. 
     Preferably, the flexible high strength material infused with the bonding agent leaves one or more gaps in the bonding agent to allow more flexible areas in the protective plate. 
     Preferably, the protective plates include a top layer, a middle layer and a less flexible (or stiffer) layer. 
     Preferably, the less flexible (or stiffer) layer is resistant to rolling and/or folding. 
     Preferably, each protective plate overlaps a like adjacent protective plate, and each protective plate is adapted to resist a gapping movement relative to the like adjacent protective plate that would result in the protective plate not overlapping the like adjacent protective plate. 
     Preferably, each protective plate is adapted to resist the gapping movement by being linked to the like adjacent protective plate. 
     Preferably, each protective plate is adapted to resist the gapping movement using a first catch on a leading edge of the protective plate and a second catch on a trailing edge of the like adjacent plate. 
     Preferably, the protective platelet features a turned up perimeter on at least one side which conforms to adjacent platelets. 
     Preferably, the protective platelet features a turned up perimeter on at least one side which prevents a point from slipping off the edge 
     Preferably, the platelets are attached in a side by side arrangement, with intermittent elastic attachment elements 
     Preferably, the platelets are attached via a substantial corner to corner attachment, such that the flexible platelet is substantially outstretched 
     Preferably, the base layer or the cover layer is a net or web material. 
     Preferably, the base material conforms to the shape of the platelets 
     Preferably, the irregular surface on the protective platelet is achieved by warping or pending the material to create raised and lowered edges. 
     Preferably, the irregular surface is comprised of slotted areas which may be discontinuous. 
     Preferably, the protective platelet is comprised of perimeter shape elements in smaller and smaller dimensions, in a nested configuration each individually connected to a base layer. 
     Preferably, the high strength material is kept substantially elongated by longitudinal elements along one or more axis (similar to poles on a kite). 
     Preferably, the high strength material is kept substantially elongated by a perimeter outstretching element. 
     Preferably, the cover layer or base layer is created by discontinuous elements, attached to two or more platelets to connect them into an array. 
     Preferably, the platelets overlap will be at substantially the vertical center axis line and substantially the horizontal axis line. 
     Preferably, attachment to the cover layer will be at a substantially opposing side from the attachment to the base layer. 
     Preferably, the axis of attachment to a cover layer will be perpendicular to the attachment to the base layer where covering a substantially flat area. 
     Preferably, the axis of attachment to a cover layer will be parallel to the attachment to the base layer where covering an elongated area (such as an arm). 
     Preferably, the platelet shape has a longer dimension oriented along a flatter plane, and a shorter dimension oriented along a curved plane, such as along a forearm. 
     Preferably, a platelet has a curve along substantially one axis. 
     Preferably, a platelet has a curve along substantially two axis. 
     Preferably, a platelet has custom shaped perforations to best fit the overall shape and also maintain edge thickness of material along the perimeter edge. 
     Preferably, a platelet has perforations, irregularities, slots, or deformations arranged such that a point traveling along the platelets surface in a straight line will encounter one said perforation, irregularity, slot, or deformation. 
     Preferably, platelets are infused with a bonding agent that when cured resists rolling or folding. 
     Preferably, platelets are bonded to a flexible material that resists rolling or folding. 
     Preferably, a platelets high strength material can be intermittently infused with a bonding material, such that there are gaps between the bonding material to allow greater flexibility in the gaps similar to a living hinge. 
     Preferably, a platelet can be comprised of a high strength flexible material with a plurality of high strength less flexible elements bonded to the high strength material in an arrangement to leave gaps between the less flexible elements, to allow greater flexibility in the gaps similar to a living hinge. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS 
       Preferred embodiments of the present invention will now be described, by way of examples only, with reference to the accompanying drawings: 
         FIG.  1    is a perspective view of a first embodiment of the composite material according to the invention. 
         FIG.  2    is a perspective view of the composite material of  FIG.  1    conforming to a concave object. 
         FIG.  3   a    is a perspective view of a second embodiment of the composite material conforming to a cylindrical object. 
         FIG.  3   b    is a perspective view of the composite material of  FIG.  3   a    conforming to a spherical object. 
         FIG.  4    is a side section view of the second embodiment of the composite material according to the invention. 
         FIG.  5   a    is a side section view of the composite material of  FIG.  1    with regular attachment of the platelets to a cover layer. 
         FIG.  5   b    is a side section view of the composite material of  FIG.  1    with an intermittently attached cover layer. 
         FIG.  6    is a side section view of a third embodiment of the composite material according to the invention. 
         FIG.  7   a    is a schematic side section view of a twenty second embodiment of a protective platelet as a carrier array according to the invention, engaging a threat. 
         FIG.  7   b    is a schematic side section view of twentieth embodiment of a protective platelet as a carrier array, within the first embodiment of the composite material utilizing a cover layer. 
         FIG.  7   c    is a schematic side section view of a plurality of three protective platelets as carrier arras, within the first embodiment of the composite material with an intermittently attached cover layer. 
         FIG.  8   a    is a top plan view of a fifth embodiment of the composite material according to the invention. 
         FIG.  8   b    depicts a plan view of four the twentieth embodiment of protective platelets as carrier arrays over a base layer. 
         FIG.  9   a    is a schematic side section view of a twenty first embodiment of a protective platelet as a linked array in the second embodiment of the composite material with a base layer and no cover layer. 
         FIG.  9   b    is a top plan view of the composite material of  FIG.  9   a    using four protective platelets as linked arrays each with nine protective plates on a base layer. 
         FIG.  9   c    is a schematic side section view of two protective platelets as linked arrays of  FIG.  9   a   , within the first embodiment of the composite material including a cover layer and utilizing an opposing attachment configuration. 
         FIG.  10    is a top plan view of a fourth embodiment of the composite material utilizing nine protective platelets as carrier arrays, which are connected by elastic elements at substantial respective corners. 
         FIG.  11   a    is a top plan view of the fifth embodiment of the composite material according to the invention, similar to  FIG.  8   a   , utilizing four protective platelets as carrier arrays, each carrier array utilizing a plurality of ring elements. 
         FIG.  11   b    is a top plan view of the second embodiment of the composite material utilizing four protective platelets as carrier arrays in an overlapping arrangement, each attached to a base layer. 
         FIG.  11   c    is a schematic side section view of the composite material of  FIG.  11     b.    
         FIG.  12    is a schematic front view of a garment constructed at least partially from a variety of different shaped platelet embodiments to cover different areas of the body. 
         FIG.  13    is a schematic front view of a garment constructed at least partially from a variety of different sized platelet embodiments to cover different areas of the body. 
         FIG.  14   a    is a schematic front view of a protective plate used in the composite material according to the invention conforming to a curved surface. 
         FIG.  14   b    is a schematic front view of a protective plate used in the composite material according to the invention, congruent to the protective plate shown in  FIG.  14   a    but having a smaller curve radius and smaller overall dimensions, conforming to a curved surface. 
         FIG.  15    is a schematic side section view of a seventh embodiment of the composite material according to the invention using a maximum elongation limiting element. 
         FIG.  16    is a schematic side section view of the composite material of  FIG.  15    in an alternative arrangement. 
         FIG.  17   a    is a schematic top plan view of the composite material of any embodiment in a relaxed state. 
         FIG.  17   b    is a schematic top plan view of the composite material of  FIG.  17   a    in an expanded state. 
         FIG.  18   a    is a top plan view of a first embodiment of a protective plate used in any embodiment of the composite material, and used with any embodiment of attachment, according to the invention. 
         FIG.  18   b    is a front view of the protective plate of  FIG.  18     a.    
         FIG.  18   c    is a front section view of the protective plate of  FIG.  18     a.    
         FIG.  19   a    is a perspective top view of the protective plate of  FIG.  18     a.    
         FIG.  19   b    is a perspective bottom view of the protective plate of  FIG.  18     a.    
         FIG.  20   a    is a side elevation view of the protective plate of  FIG.  18     a.    
         FIG.  20   b    is a side section view of the protective plate of  FIG.  18     a.    
         FIG.  21   a    is a top plan view of three protective plates according to  FIG.  18     a.    
         FIG.  21   b    is a front view of the protective plates of  FIG.  21     a.    
         FIG.  21   c    is a front section view of the protective plates of  FIG.  21     a.    
         FIG.  22   a    is a top perspective view of the protective plates of  FIG.  21     a.    
         FIG.  22   b    is a side elevation view of the protective plates of  FIG.  21     a.    
         FIG.  22   c    is a side elevation section view of the protective plates of  FIG.  21     a.    
         FIG.  23   a    is a side elevation view of the protective plate of  FIG.  18   a    conforming to a curved surface. 
         FIG.  23   b    is a front view of the protective plate of  FIG.  18   a    conforming to a curved surface. 
         FIG.  23   c    is a front section view of the protective plate of  FIG.  18   a    conforming to a curved surface. 
         FIG.  23   d    is a front section view of a flat, rigid protective plate on a curved surface. 
         FIG.  24   a    is a schematic front view of five flat rigid protective plates on a curved surface for illustration, and not part of this invention. 
         FIG.  24   b    is a schematic front view of five curved protective plates on a curved surface. 
         FIG.  25   a    is a top plan view of a second embodiment of a protective plate used in any embodiment of the composite material according to the invention. 
         FIG.  25   b    is a front view of the protective plate of  FIG.  25     a.    
         FIG.  25   c    is a front section view of the protective plate of  FIG.  25     a.    
         FIG.  25   d    is a side section view of the protective plate of  FIG.  25     a.    
         FIG.  26   a    is a top perspective view of the protective plate of  FIG.  25     a.    
         FIG.  26   b    is a bottom perspective view of the protective plate of  FIG.  25     a.    
         FIG.  26   c    is a side elevation view of the protective plate of  FIG.  25     a.    
         FIG.  27   a    is a top perspective view of three protective plates according to  FIG.  25     a.    
         FIG.  27   b    is a side elevation view of the protective plates of  FIG.  27     a.    
         FIG.  28   a    is a top plan view of a third embodiment of a protective plate used in any embodiment of the composite material and with any embodiment of attachment according to the invention. 
         FIG.  28   b    is a front section view of the protective plate of  FIG.  28     a.    
         FIG.  29   a    is a top plan view of a fourth embodiment of a protective plate used in any embodiment of the composite materials and with any embodiment of attachment according to the invention. 
         FIG.  29   b    is a front section view of the protective plate of  FIG.  29     a.    
         FIG.  30    is a side section view of a fifth embodiment of a protective plate used in any embodiment of the composite material and with any attachment embodiment according to the invention. 
         FIG.  31   a    is a top plan view of a sixth embodiment of a protective plate used in any embodiment of the composite material and with any attachment embodiment according to the invention. 
         FIG.  31   b    is a side elevation view of the protective plate of  FIG.  31     a.    
         FIG.  31   c    is a front view of the protective plate of  FIG.  31     a.    
         FIG.  31   d    is a top plan view of a seventh embodiment of a protective plate used in any embodiment of the composite material and with any attachment embodiment according to the invention. 
         FIG.  31   e    is a side section view of the protective plate of  FIG.  31     d.    
         FIG.  31   f    is a front section view of the protective plate of  FIG.  31     d.    
         FIG.  32   a    is a top plan view of an eighth embodiment of a protective plate used in any embodiment of the composite material and with any attachment embodiment according to the invention. 
         FIG.  32   b    is a front section view of the protective plate of  FIG.  32     a.    
         FIG.  33   a    is a schematic top plan view of a ninth embodiment of twelve protective plates used in any embodiment of the composite material and with any attachment embodiment according to the invention. 
         FIG.  33   b    is a schematic bottom plan view of the protective plate of a ring embodiment of  FIG.  33   a   , showing points of attachment. 
         FIG.  34   a    is a schematic side section view of a protective plate of any embodiment used in the composite material and with any attachment embodiment according to the invention, having partially tapered perforations. 
         FIG.  34   b    is a schematic side section view of a protective plate of any embodiment used in the composite material and with any attachment embodiment according to the invention, having fully tapered perforations. 
         FIG.  35    is a schematic side section view of three overlapping protective plates of any embodiment used in the composite material and with any attachment embodiment according to the invention, having varied sized perforations. 
         FIG.  36   a    is a top plan view of a tenth embodiment of a protective plate with nested ring elements, used in any embodiment of the composite material and with any attachment embodiment according to the invention. 
         FIG.  36   b    is a schematic side view section of the protective plate of  FIG.  36     a.    
         FIG.  36   c    is a schematic side view section of the protective plate of  FIG.  36   a    engaging a pointed cutting edge. 
         FIG.  37   a    is a schematic side section view of a protective plate used in any embodiment of the composite material according to the invention, submersed in water. 
         FIG.  37   b    is a schematic side section view of the protective plate of  FIG.  37   a   , the perforations being filled with a buoyant material, submersed in water. 
         FIG.  37   c    is a schematic side section view of the protective plate of  FIG.  37   a   , the perforations being encapsulated, submersed in water. 
         FIG.  38   a    is a side section view the base material of a twelfth embodiment of a protective plate used in any embodiment of the composite material and any embodiment of attachment according to the invention. 
         FIG.  38   b    is a side section view of the twelfth embodiment of a protective plate of  FIG.  38   a    being infused with a flexible bonding agent. 
         FIG.  38   c    is a side section view of the protective plate of  FIG.  38   b    being bent under force. 
         FIG.  38   d    is a side section view of a thirteenth embodiment of a protective plate used in any embodiment of the composite material and any embodiment of attachment according to the invention. 
         FIG.  38   e    is a side section view of the protective plate according to  FIG.  38   d   , reacting to a downward force. 
         FIG.  38   f    is a side section view of the protective plate according to  FIG.  38   c   , used in an embodiment of the composite material and any embodiment of attachment according to the invention. 
         FIG.  39   a    is a side section view of the base of a fourteenth embodiment of a protective plate used in any embodiment of the composite material and any embodiment of attachment according to the invention. 
         FIG.  39   b    is a side section view of the fourteenth embodiment of the protective plate of  FIG.  39   a    being encapsulated with a flexible bonding agent. 
         FIG.  39   c    is a side section view of the protective plate of  FIG.  39   b    being bent under force. 
         FIG.  40   a    is an expanded side section view of a fifteenth embodiment of a protective plate used in any embodiment of the composite material and any embodiment of attachment according to the invention. 
         FIG.  40   b    is a side section view of the protective plate of  FIG.  40   a    in a non-expanded state. 
         FIG.  40   c    is a side section view of the protective plate of  FIG.  40    bent under a force. 
         FIG.  40   d    is a side section view of the protective plate of  FIG.  40    used in the first embodiment of the composite material and any embodiment of attachment according to the invention. 
         FIG.  41   a    is a bottom plan view of a sixteenth embodiment of a protective plate used in any embodiment of the composite material and any embodiment of attachment according to the invention. 
         FIG.  41   b    is a side section view of the protective plate of  FIG.  41     a.    
         FIG.  42   a    is a top plan view of a seventeenth embodiment of a protective plate used in any embodiment of the composite material and any embodiment of attachment according to the invention. 
         FIG.  42   b    is a front section view of the protective plate of  FIG.  42     a.    
         FIG.  43   a    is a schematic front section view of an eighteenth embodiment of a protective plate used in any embodiment of the composite material and any embodiment of attachment according to the invention. 
         FIG.  43   b    is a schematic front section view of the protective plate of  FIG.  43   a   , engaging a pointed cutting edge. 
         FIG.  44   a    is a schematic side section view of a nineteenth embodiment of a protective plate used in any embodiment of the composite material and any embodiment of attachment according to the invention. 
         FIG.  44   b    is a schematic side section view of the protective plate of  FIG.  44   a    engaging a pointed cutting edge. 
         FIG.  44   c    is a schematic side section view of the protective plate of  FIG.  44   a    covered by a soft outer layer. 
         FIG.  45   a    is a bottom plan view of the protective plate of  FIG.  18   a   , showing a first attachment embodiment of a platelet to a layer with an elongate curve in substantially one axis or direction. 
         FIG.  45   b    is a bottom plan view of the protective plate of  FIG.  31   a   , showing a second embodiment of attachment as an elongate line in substantially one axis or direction. 
         FIG.  45   c    is a bottom plan view of the protective plate of  FIG.  31   a   , showing a third embodiment of attachment as multiple attachment points along substantially one axis or direction. 
         FIG.  45   d    is a bottom plan view of the protective plate used in the composite material of  FIG.  33   a   , showing the first embodiment of attachment as a elongate curve on a ring platelet. 
         FIG.  46   a    is a bottom plan view of the protective plate of  FIG.  18   a   , showing a fourth embodiment of attachment as an elongate curve along substantially two axis or directions. 
         FIG.  46   b   , is a bottom perspective of the protective plate of  FIG.  18   a   , showing a fifth embodiment of attachment as elongate lines on substantially two axis or directions. 
         FIG.  46   c    is a bottom plan view of the protective plate according to  FIG.  31   a   , showing the fifth embodiment of attachment as elongate lines discontinuous on substantially two axis or directions. 
         FIG.  46   d    is a bottom plan view of the protective plate of  FIG.  31   a   , showing a sixth embodiment of attachment as multiple attachment points along substantially two axis or directions. 
         FIG.  47   a    is a top plan view of the eighth embodiment of the composite material, with three protective plates according to  FIG.  18   a   , attached to a net base layer. 
         FIG.  47   b    is a bottom plan view of the composite material of  FIG.  47   a   , depicting the protective plates attached to a web. 
         FIG.  48   a    is a bottom plan view of the sixth embodiment of the composite material, with protective plates according to  FIG.  18   a   , showing attachment of adjacent protective plates using a number of discontinuous strands. 
         FIG.  48   b    is an alternate embodiment of the sixth embodiment of the composite material, showing the bottom plan view of three protective plates according to  FIG.  18   a   , with attachment of adjacent protective plates using a number of discontinuous material portions. 
         FIG.  49    is a bottom plan view of seven protective plates according to  FIG.  18   a    showing the fourth embodiment of attachment as elongate curves along substantially two axis or directions, along seven platelets leading edges, where the trailing edges are not visible in the overlap. 
     
    
    
     DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS 
     To assist with the understanding of this disclosure, an explanation of some of the terms used in this specification is provided below. 
     “Layer” (such as base and cover, carrier layers etc.) includes materials, fabrics, weaves, knits, laths, screens, threads, webs, nets, elongate elements, sheets, or the like that serve to connect a number of plates, or plate assemblies, and substantially maintain their relative position to one another. Materials may be continuous, or discontinuous, and may be in large planes, or arrays of smaller pieces, or any combination thereof. 
     “Perforation” includes any opening or void in a protective plate, which may be consistently shaped, custom shaped, tapered, partially indented, or the like. 
     “Irregular surface” includes recesses, protrusions, channels, slots, indentations, grooves, roughening, corrugations, wrinkles, impressions, soft material, felt, wool, or other means to interrupt a smooth plane, such that objects sliding horizontally across the surface of a protective plate will be interrupted and/or have a higher coefficient of friction to the surface. 
     “Protective elements” include individual or multiple plates, assemblies or combinations of linked plates, or larger elements of material with voids or living hinge type elements within, in which the larger protective element is flexible and potentially elastic. This includes but is not limited to carrier arrays, linked arrays, and infused arrays. These protective elements can function as individual plates in conjunction with different embodiments of composite materials, and different embodiments of attachment means. 
     “Protective plate”, or “plate,” includes cut and/or puncture resistant material, including rigid materials, soft materials, thermosetting plastics, resins, glues, adhesives, rings of all shapes/sizes, frames, fabrics, weaves, knits, chain mail, combinations of fabrics, chain mails, nets, and bonding agents, or combinations of layers, or encapsulation agents, or the like, to create a protective shape. 
     “Attachment” includes glue, tape, raised protrusions, adhesives, bonding agents, heat fusing, partial embedment to connective materials, mechanical attachments such as rivets, sewing, fasteners, hook/loop, raised protrusions from other materials, links, rings, or the like. 
     “Frame” or “void shape” materials include rings, hollow shapes, frames, frames with internal partition elements, wires, cables, ropes, extruded materials, punched materials, or the like. 
     “High strength flexible material” includes clothes, weaves, knits, mesh, mail, felts, wool, braids, nets, webs, or the like. 
     “Elongate” includes an extended plane in a line, curve, shape, or the like. 
     “Infuse” includes saturating with liquid, melting, softening, sonic welding, forcing with heat or pressure or both, sprayed in, dipped in, poured in, or the like. 
     “Encapsulate” includes partial or complete covering of the surface, partial infusing in the surface, spraying, dipping, pouring, or otherwise covering the some or all of the surface area. 
     “Infused Array” or “Cast Array” includes any types of high strength flexible materials, combined with discontinuous or partially discontinuous combinations with high strength bonding agents, which may cure on, in, or partially in the material. The bonding agents can be hard or soft, and voids can be created by any number of means, in lines, discontinuous lines, pluralities of dots or connections or shapes, etc. Casting may mean spraying, screening, printing, or other means of combining the bonding agent to the high strength material. It may also include further steps to create voids, such as punching, etching, washing, un-curing, stripping, etc. to remove unwanted areas of bonding material. 
     “Carrier array” includes at least one base layer, and at least two protective elements or plates bonded to, or cast/infused into, the base layer, such that the assembly creates more flexible areas between the protective elements, including but not limited to living hinges, such that the carrier array may optionally be of a larger size, and carry a plurality of protective plates, and be incorporated into any of the composite material embodiments similar to an individual platelet, and be attached by any of the attachment embodiments similar to an individual platelet. The individual plates can be of any size, shape, contour, etc, and may be completely or partially bonded to the base layer. The base layer can be any flexible or elastic material or portions of materials, preferably high strength and preferably flexible over elastic. Preferably, the base layer is formed from neoprene. Alternatively, the base layer is formed from an elastic cut resistant material. 
     “Linked array” includes at least two protective platelets (of any size, shape, etc.) or protective elements, linked together in a substantially flexible fashion so that the plurality of protective plates or elements will be substantially flexible, and can be incorporated into any of the composite material embodiments similar to an individual platelet, and be attached by any of the attachment embodiments similar to an individual platelet. 
     “Link” includes hinges, rings, thread, loops, living hinges, flexible material, strands, material portions, etc. to connect two or more plates or platelets together such that the connection remains flexible. 
     There is herein disclosed, in a first embodiment, a composite material  10  as shown in  FIG.  1   . The composite material  10  includes a base layer  48 , a plurality of protective plates  41  and a cover layer  49 . In a second embodiment, shown in  FIGS.  3   a ,  3   b   , and  4 , the composite material  10  may be constructed without the cover layer  49 . 
     As shown in  FIG.  5   a   , the protective plates  41  are attached to the base layer  48  by at least one base layer attachment  43  which can be any attachment embodiment. The protective plates  41  are attached to the cover layer  49  by at least one cover layer attachment  50 , which can also be any attachment embodiment. The base layer attachment  43  of a first protective plate  41  is substantially opposite the cover layer attachment  50  of an adjacent protective plate  41 . In the first embodiment, each protective plate  41  is connected to the base layer  48  and the cover layer  49 . Optionally and instead, none, or some of the protective plates  41  may be connected to the cover layer  49  as seen in  FIG.  5     b.    
     As best seen in  FIGS.  18   a  to  44   c   , the protective plates  41  may take a number of different, forms, shapes or a plurality of shapes, preferably having a shape ratio of about 1:2 of a circumference of the shape to a length of the shape. 
     In a first platelet embodiment, as seen in  FIG.  18   a   , the protective plate  41  may have a generally diamond-like shape. The protective plate has perforations custom perforations  42 , and standard perforations  44  that are shaped to maximize toughness of the protective plate  41  while decreasing its weight. The perforations  42  are custom shaped to conform to the edge portion of the protective plate  41 . The protective plate  41  has a leading edge  102  and a trailing edge  103 . As shown in  FIG.  18   b   , the protective plate  41  has a generally rounded upper surface to avoid presenting sharp edges at an exterior of the material. 
     As shown in  FIG.  20   a   , the protective plate  41  has a leading portion  99  and a trailing portion  100 . The leading portion  99  has a flat surface area at the perimeter edge suitable for attachment to the base layer  48  using any base layer attachments  43 . As shown in  FIG.  20   b   , the trailing portion  100  is substantially raised to allow nesting of the leading portion  99  of a like protective plate  41 . This arrangement is illustrated in  FIGS.  21   a  to  22   c   , using the example of three protective plates  41 . The protective plates  41  overlap one another by an area of overlap  101  as seen in  FIG.  22   a   . In  FIG.  22   b   , the protective plates  41  have a substantially constant cross-section in the area of overlap  101 . In  FIG.  22   c    the section cutaway reveals the platelet conforming to the one behind. 
     As seen in  FIG.  23   b   , the protective plate  41  has a first lateral portion  104  and a second lateral portion  105 . As shown in  FIGS.  23   a  to  23   c   , the protective plate  41  may be curved in a direction from the leading edge  102  to the trailing edge  103 , as well as, or instead, in a direction from the first lateral portion  104  to the second lateral portion  105  to conform to a curved surface beneath. 
       FIGS.  25   a  to  26   c    show a second embodiment of a protective plate  241 . The protective plate  241  has a generally diamond-like shape having a leading edge  202  and a trailing edge  203 , similar to the first embodiment of the protective plate  41  according to  FIG.  18   a   . However, in this embodiment the trailing edge  203  is turned up, while the leading edge  202  is not. In  FIGS.  26   a  and  26   b    the axis lines  118  are shown to clarify the shape of the protective plate  241 , only. 
     Similarly to the first embodiment, the leading portion  299  of the protective plate  241  is substantially flat along the leading perimeter edge to allow for attachment to the base layer  48 , as shown in  FIG.  26   c   . The trailing portion  300  is substantially raised to allow nesting of a like protective plate  241 . The turned up trailing edge  203  overlaps the leading edges  202  of adjacent like protective plates  241 , as best seen in  FIG.  27   a   .  FIG.  27   a    also shows an area of lateral overlap  204  between the first protective plate  241  and adjacent like protective plates  241 . 
     Further alternative embodiments of the protective plate  41  are shown in  FIGS.  28   a  to  33   b    and  FIGS.  36   a    to  44   c.    
       FIGS.  28   a  and  28   b    show a third embodiment of a protective plate  341  having a frame  332  that creates a number of voids  333 . 
       FIGS.  29   a  and  29   b    show a fourth embodiment of a protective plate  441  having a plurality of raised portion  434  and a plurality of lowered portions  435  creating an irregular surface  436 . In any plane across the surface of the platelet  2010  a pointed threat will encounter these raised portions, which form void shapes, or concentric rings, as shown in  FIG.  29   a   , and which are seen in section in  FIG.  29     b.    
       FIG.  30    shows a fifth embodiment of a protective plate  541 .  FIG.  30    shows three protective plates  541  attached to the base layer  48  using base layer attachments  43 . The leading portion  599  and trailing portion  600  may be of a smaller thickness than the remainder of the protective plate  541 . In this manner, the leading portion  599  of one protective plate  541  may underlie the trailing portion  600  of another protective plate  541  while the composite material  10  maintains a substantially constant thickness. 
       FIGS.  31   a  to  31   c    show a sixth embodiment of a protective plate  641 . The protective plate  641  has a substantially hexagon-like shape and a number of perforations  44  arranged in an expanding hexagonal grid. The protective plate  641  is curved in a first direction from a first lateral portion  604  to a second lateral portion  605 . The protective plate has a material thickness  681 . However, due to the curvature,  FIG.  31   c    also shows an overall protective plate thickness  682 . 
     As best seen in  FIGS.  31   d  to  31   f   , the protective plate  741  may further be curved in a second direction from a leading portion  702  to a trailing portion  703 . This is a seventh embodiment of a protective plate  741 . 
       FIGS.  32   a  and  32   b    show an eighth embodiment of a protective plate  841 . The protective plate  841  has a substantially diamond-like shape with discontinuous slots  844  that substantially follow the perimeter of the protective plate  841  at various distance from the center of the protective plate  841 , creating an irregular surface. As shown in  FIG.  32   b   , the protective plate  841  is also curved in two directions. The slots  844  are arranged so that any straight plane across the platelet  2010  will encounter a slot, thus serving to trap the point of a threat which is sliding across the face of the platelet  841 . 
       FIGS.  33   a  and  33   b    show a ninth embodiment of a protective plate  941 . The protective plate  941  is in the shape of a void shape, or a ring, attached to the base layer  48  using the base layer attachments  43 . In contrast to known chain mail, the protective plates  941  are not interconnected, however the protective plates  941  may be connected to one another using a connection means (not shown) such as nets, webs, strands or the like that are continuous or discontinuous. Throughout the description the terms void shape and ring are used interchangeably. 
       FIGS.  36   a  to  36   c    show a tenth embodiment of a protective plate  1041 . The protective plate  1041  includes a first, second and third ring  1029 ,  1038 ,  1039 . The first ring  1029  is larger than the second and third ring  1038 ,  1039 . The second ring  1038  is smaller than the first ring  2019  but larger than the third ring  1039 . The third ring  1039  is smaller than both the first and second ring  1029 ,  1038 . The rings  1029 ,  1038 ,  1039  are arranged concentrically on the base layer  48 , and essentially nest inside one another. 
       FIGS.  37   a  to  37   c    show an eleventh embodiment of a protective plate  1141  submerged in water  84 . In this embodiment the perforations  1144  are filled with a buoyant material  1186 . Alternatively, the protective plate  1141  has a waterproof encapsulation or surface  1187  that seals the perforations  1144 , thus “filling” the perforations with buoyant air and preventing water  84  from filling those voids. 
       FIGS.  38   a  to  38   c    show a twelfth embodiment of a protective plate  1241 . The protective plate  1241  is preferably formed of a high strength flexible material  2050  as a base shown in  FIG.  38   a   . The protective plate base  2050  is then infused with a bonding agent  1242 , previously held in a container  1244 , by means of infusion  1283 , such that the resulting protective plate  1241  is a hybrid of both the high strength material and the bonding agent. Selecting the viscosity of the bonding agent  1242  allows control of the level of intrusion of the bonding agent  1242  into the protective plate  1241 . It is preferable that the bonding agent cures to a flexible state, which allows the platelet  1241  to deform under force as shown in  FIG.  38   c   . The bonding agent also serves to prevent the hybrid platelet  1241  from folding or rolling at the edges. 
       FIGS.  38   d  to  38   f    show a thirteenth embodiment of a protective plate  1341 . The protective plate  1341  is infused with a bonding agent  1342 . However, the protective plate  1341  is infused with bonding agent  1342  such that voids  1377  are created. The voids  1377  act as living hinges, therefore the bonding agent  1342  does not require flexibility.  FIG.  38   f    shows the protective plates  1341  used in a composite material  10 . 
       FIGS.  39   a  to  39   c    show a fourteenth embodiment of a protective plate  1441 . The protective plate base material base  2050  is coated in an encapsulation material  1447  using encapsulation means  1446  making it resistant to folding and/or rolling at the edges. The encapsulation may also serve to make the platelet more buoyant by trapping air in the cross section of the platelet when submerged under water. 
       FIGS.  40   a  to  40   d    show a fifteenth embodiment of a protective plate  1541 . The protective plate  1541  includes a portion of high strength flexible material  1549 , a portion of bonding agent  1550 , and a portion of less flexible (stiffer) material  1551 . The less flexible (stiffer) material  1551  is less flexible than the high strength flexible material  1549 . The less flexible material  1551  may also be buoyant. The protective plate  1541  is resistant to folding and/or rolling due to the less flexible (stiffer) material  1551 .  FIG.  40   d    shows the protective plate  1541  in use in the composite material  10 . 
       FIGS.  41   a  and  41   b    show a sixteenth embodiment of a protective plate  1641 . The protective plate  1641  includes a first elongation element  1654  and a second elongation element  1655 . The first and second elongation elements  1654 ,  1655  are oriented along major axes of the protective plate  1641  to keep the material expanded and outstretched, preventing rolling or folding of the material. 
       FIGS.  42   a  and  42   b    show a seventeenth embodiment of a protective plate  1741 . The protective plate  1741  has a perimeter elongation element  1756  keeping the protective plate  1741  expanded and outstretched. 
       FIGS.  43   a  and  43   b    show an eighteenth embodiment of a protective plate  1841 . The protective plate  1841  includes an outer, middle and inner layer  1859 ,  1858 ,  1857 . The outer layer  1859  is softer than the middle layer  1858  and the inner layer  1857 . The middle layer  1858  is softer than the inner layer  1857 .  FIG.  43   b    shows the protective plate  1841  deforming to a threat  78  under a downward force. 
       FIGS.  44   a  to  44   c    show a nineteenth embodiment of a protective plate  1941 . The protective plate  1941  has a high strength material layer  1962  and an external surface  1963  bonded thereto. The external surface  1963  substantially matches the surface geometry of the serrated threat  78   b .  FIG.  44   c    shows the protective plate  1941  having a sacrificial layer  1970 . The sacrificial layer  1970  is soft to prevent unwanted abrasion to other adjacent layers (not shown here), but is also soft enough to allow the serrated threat  78   b  to penetrate the sacrificial layer  1970  and engage the external surface  1963 . 
     In a preferred embodiment the base layer attachment  43  and cover layer attachment  50  is a thermosetting plastic. As best seen in  FIG.  45   a    to  FIG.  46   d   , the base layer attachment  43  and the cover layer attachment  50  may take any number of forms, shapes, or plurality of shapes. 
     For example,  FIG.  45   a    and  FIG.  45   d    show the base layer attachment  43  formed as an elongate shallow arc.  FIG.  45   b    shows the base layer attachment  43  formed as a straight elongate line,  FIG.  45   c    shows the base layer attachment  43  formed as a series of point attachments in a straight elongate line. The base layer attachment  43  may also preferably be formed in substantially two directions. For example,  FIG.  46   a    shows the base layer attachment  43  formed as an elongate deep arc.  FIG.  46   b    and  FIG.  46   c    show the base layer attachment  43  formed as two straight elongate lines.  FIG.  46   d    shows the base layer attachment  43  formed as a plurality of point attachments in two straight elongate lines. 
     The perforations  44  of the various embodiments of the protective plates  41  may be round or have a custom shape. The perforations  44  may have a chamfer, taper or generally V-like shape  79 , as seen in  FIGS.  34   a  and  34   b   . The taper  79  may either be partial, as shown in  FIG.  34   a   , or complete, as shown in  FIG.  34   b   . The taper  79  has a taper angle  137  that is designed to substantially match the angle of the threat  78 . A complete taper  79  is more effective at engaging a more acute threat  78   a . The perforations  44  may also have different sizes from one another as shown in  FIG.  35   , such that, when a protective plate  41  overlies a like protective plate  41 , the perforations  44  form a generally V-like shape  83 . The perforations may be any size, but are preferred in a range from 5 mm to 14 mm in diameter. 
     As shown in  FIG.  13   , the protective plates may have different dimensions  2003 ,  641 ,  2002 , whilst retaining substantially the same shape. The size of the protective plates  41  may be any size, but are preferred in a range in length in section from 30 mm to 80 mm. As shown in  FIG.  12   , the protective plates may have different shapes  41 ,  2002 ,  741  to better fit different areas of the body when used in a garment. As shown in  FIGS.  14   a  and  14   b   , the radius of curvature of the protective plates  41  may be any radius, but are preferred in a range from 70 mm to 140 mm. 
     The composite material  10  may be constructed in a number of methods from the various embodiments of protective plates  41  and embodiments or methods of attachment. 
     In addition to the first and second embodiments of the composite layer  10  already discussed, there are herein disclosed a number of further embodiments. 
       FIG.  6    shows a third embodiment of the composite material  10 , wherein the base layer is a material  71  that is shaped or moulded to conform to the underside of the protective plates  41 . A portion of each protective plate  41  is attached to the material  71 , while a substantial surface area of each protective plate  41  remains unattached to allow extension of the material  71 . 
       FIG.  7   a    shows a second embodiment of a protective platelet as a carrier array, shown here in a second embodiment of the composite material  10  without a cover layer, wherein the carrier array protective plate assembly is comprised of smaller protective plates  41 , mounted on a carrier layer  90 , by a continuous or semi continuous attachment  121 . A protective plate  2015  may also be infused partially or fully into or cured onto the carrier layer  90 . The areas of the carrier layer  90  between the protective plates  41  act as a living hinge  43  to allow flexibility of the composite material  10 . The carrier layer  90  is attached to the base layer  48  using the base layer attachment  43  which would be similar to mounting other embodiments of plates to a base layer. 
     As shown in  FIG.  7   b   , the carrier array platelet assembly  2060 , comprised of a base layer  90 , and a plurality of protective platelets  41 , is an assembly which can be bonded  43  to a base layer  48 , and bonded  50  to a cover layer  49 . Preferably, the cover layer attachment  50  is located opposite the base layer attachment  43  of an adjacent carrier layer  90 .  FIG.  7   c    shows the first embodiment of the composite material  10  having intermittent attachment  50  from the cover layer  49  to the three carrier arrays  2060 , and regular attachment  43  from the carrier arrays  2060  to the base layer  48 . 
       FIG.  8   a    shows a fifth embodiment of the composite material  10 . This includes four carrier array protective platelet assemblies  2060 , each comprised of a base layer  90 , and nine protective platelets  41  in a two-dimensional array. Four carrier array platelets  2060  are arranged in a two dimensional array and connected to each other in a side by side arrangement using flexible and preferably elastic carrier layer link  124  attached between substantial edges of the carrier arrays  2060 . 
       FIG.  8   b    shows the second embodiment of the composite material  10  with a base layer  48 , four carrier array protective platelet assemblies  2060 . Each of the four carrier array protective platelet assemblies  2060 , is comprised of a base layer  90 , and nine protective platelets  41  in a two-dimensional array. Four carrier array platelets  2060  are arranged in a two dimensional array and connected to the base material  48  with any of the attachment embodiments or methods. This allows the base material  48  to expand and contract with limited bonding to the carrier array platelets  2060 . 
     As seen in  FIG.  9   a   , a linked array platelet assembly  2020  can be attached  43  to a base layer  48  similar to other platelet embodiments, in the second embodiment of the composite material  10 . This linked array protective platelet is comprised of a plurality of individual protective plates  41 , linked to other protective plates  41  using a hinge  89 , instead of being mounted on a carrier layer  90  (not shown here).  FIG.  9   b    shows four linked array platelet assemblies  2020 , each comprised of nine platelets  41 , and twelve flexible links between platelets. These four linked arrays are each mounted to the base layer  48  via limited and various attachment embodiments and methods.  FIGS.  9   a  and  9   b    show the second embodiment of the composite material. As shown in  FIG.  9   c   , the first embodiment of the composite material is shown including a base layer  48 , linked array protective platelets  2020 , and a cover layer  49 . Cover layer attachments  50  connect the linked array protective assemblies  2020  to the cover layer  49 . Preferably, the cover layer attachments  50  are situated substantially opposite the base layer attachments  43  of an adjacent two-dimensional array of protective plates  41 . 
       FIG.  10    shows a fourth embodiment of the composite material, connecting substantial corners of protective platelets to one another.  FIG.  10    shows nine carrier array protective platelet assemblies  2060 , each comprised of a carrier layer  90 , and nine protective platelets  41 . Each carrier array protective platelet  2060  is connected to other carrier array protective platelets  2060  by a flexible and preferred elastic connection  127  at the substantial corners or outward poles to maintain each carrier array  2060  in an outstretched, expanded position. 
       FIG.  11   a    shows the fifth embodiment of the composite material utilizing four carrier array protective platelet assemblies  2030 , each comprised of a carrier base layer  90 , and nine protective rings  129  in a two-dimensional array. Four carrier array platelets  2030  are arranged in a two dimensional array and connected to each other in a side by side arrangement using flexible and preferably elastic carrier layer link  124  attached between substantial edges of the carrier arrays  2030 . 
       FIG.  11   b    shows the second embodiment of the composite material  10  with a base layer  48 , four carrier array protective platelet assemblies  2030 . Each of the four carrier array protective platelet assemblies  2030 , is comprised of a base layer  90 , and nine protective rings  129  in a two-dimensional array. Four carrier array platelets  2030  are arranged in a two dimensional array and connected to the base material  48  with any of the attachment embodiments or methods. This allows the base material  48  to expand and contract with limited bonding to the carrier array platelets  2030 . Note in  FIGS.  11   b  and  11   c    the carrier array protective platelets are overlapped.  FIG.  11   c    shows the composite material of  FIG.  11   b    in section. 
       FIGS.  15  to  17     b  show a seventh embodiment of the composite material  10 , wherein the protective plates  41  are permanently or conditionally linked. As seen in  FIG.  15   , a protective plate  41  may be linked to a like protective plate  41  using a slotted link  94 , which allows expansion and contraction to maximum limits. As seen in  FIG.  16   , the protective plates may also, or instead, include a protrusion  98  on the trailing edge  102  that is adapted to engage a like protrusion  98  on the leading edge  103  of a like protective plate  41 . 
     Similarly to the methods shown in  FIGS.  15  and  16   , the composite material  10  may use a base layer  48  which has an inherent maximum expansion threshold. This is achieved by the maximum elongation of fibers, threads weaving patterns, knitting patterns, etc. within the base  148 , which can be fabric, net, material, rubber sheet, or any number of elastic materials with maximum elongation properties. In this composite material the base layer  48  is a limitedly elastic base layer  148 .  FIG.  17   a    shows the composite material  10  in a relaxed, or contracted, state.  FIG.  17   b    shows the composite material  10  in a stretched, or expanded, state in the direction of expansion  96 . The limitedly elastic base layer  148  prevents expansion of the composite material  10  beyond the point where the protective plates  41  are touching or minimally overlapping at their respective first lateral portions  104  and second lateral portions  105 . The limitedly elastic base layer  148  may be an additional layer to the base layer  48 , i.e. both the base layer  48  and the limitedly elastic base layer  148  may be present in the composite material  10 . 
       FIGS.  47   a  to  47   b    show an eighth embodiment of the composite material  10 , wherein the protective plates  41  are attached to a web  167 . The web  167  may be a net or another form of material that is flexible and, preferably, elastic. However, high strength non-elastic materials such as aramid thread or steel cable may also be used. 
       FIG.  48   a    shows a sixth embodiment of the composite material, wherein the protective plates  41  may be connected using strands  168  of flexible or preferably elastic material. The strands  168  could also be embodied, as shown in  FIG.  48   b   , as strips of flexible material  169 . This discontinuous strands or material portions can be of any shape, size, pattern or layout. 
       FIG.  49    shows the underside of a plurality of platelets  41 , depicting the overlap of leading edges  102  and trailing edges  103 , and noting the attachment  43  to a base layer (not shown here). 
     Use of the improved puncture and cut resistant material will now be described. 
     The composite material  10  according to the preceding embodiments (and combinations thereof) may be used in the construction of a garment  61 , as seen in  FIGS.  12  and  13   . In the construction of the garment  61 , a variety of the protective plates  41 ,  641 ,  741 ,  2002 ,  2003  disclosed herein may be used at different locations of the garment  61  to best respond to the demands of the individual locations. 
     For example, as shown in  FIG.  14   a   , protective plates  41  having a curvature may be used in locations having a curvature. Further, as seen in  FIGS.  2 ,  3     a  and  3   b , protective plates  41  having a curvature in a first and a second direction may be used in locations having a curvature in two directions. Yet further, as seen in  FIG.  14   b   , smaller sized protective plates  41  may be used in locations with a small expected radius of curvature of a shape  65  to be covered by the garment  61 . 
     In an exemplary embodiment shown in  FIG.  13   , the torso area of the garment  61  uses large specimen of the protective plate  2002  having a size of about 80 mm in section, the upper leg area of the garment  61  uses specimen of the protective plate  641  having a size of about 50 mm in section, and the forearm area of the garment  61  uses smaller specimen of the protective plates  2003  having a size of about 30 mm in section. In  FIG.  12   , different shaped platelets are utilized. The upper leg utilizes a diamond shaped platelet  41 , which longer axis aligns in parallel to the leg plane  2001 . The torso utilizes a hexagon shaped platelet  2002  that is curved in one axis, and the shoulder utilizes a hexagon shaped plate  741  curved in two axis (also shown in  FIGS.  31   d ,  31   e   , and  310 . 
     The perforations  44  of the protective plates  41  may be tapered or layered, as shown in  FIGS.  34   a  and  34   b   , to conform to a sharp-edged pointed threat  78 . The layering of the protective plates  51  having differently sized perforations  44  similarly conforms to the sharp-edged pointed threat  78 , as shown in  FIG.  35   . Another strategy to introduce more protective surface area to a tapered threat is depicted in  FIGS.  36   a  to  36   c   , by way of nested rings on an elastic base. The smallest ring  1039 , the medium sized ring  1038 , and the larger ring  1029 , all next within one another, and when impacted by the downward force of a tapered threat  78  as shown in  FIG.  37   c   , all three nested rings can come in contact with the threat simultaneously. 
     The buoyant material  1186  in the perforations  1144 , as shown in  FIG.  37   b   , of the protective plates  1141  acts to increase the buoyancy of the composite material  10 , and garments  61  constructed therewith. Similarly, the waterproof layer  1187  prevents water  84  from entering the perforations  1144 , which creates an air pocket in each perforation  44 , increasing the buoyancy of the composite material  10 . 
     In the embodiments shown in  FIGS.  7   a  to  11   c   , depicts various embodiments of protective platelets in the form of carrier array assemblies  2030 ,  2060 , and linked arrays  2020 . These allow a plurality of protective plates to be combined into assemblies which remain flexible and pliable. A form of a carrier array is also shown in  FIGS.  38   d  and  38   e   , whereby a high strength material base is combined with a bonding agent, in an arrangement that creates gaps  1341  that serve to make living hinges or more flexible areas without the bonding agent. Each carrier array assembly, or linked array assembly, or partially infused carrier array, acts like a single protective platelet, within any of the composite material embodiments. Also, they may each be connected to each other, or to base and cover layers by any of the attachment embodiments or methods, or combinations thereof. 
     The composite material  10  is further strengthened by the attachment of at least one protective plate  41  of each set of protective plates  41  to a cover layer  49 . 
     The expansion prevention means, that is the slotted link  94 , the protrusions  98  and the limitedly elastic base layer  148 , of  FIGS.  15  to  17     b  each act to prevent the elastic base layer  48  from expanding such that the protective plates  41  no longer overlap. The slotted link  94  slides along a slot (not shown) in the protective plate  41 , until it reaches a limiting position (not shown). At the limiting position the slotted link  94  is in tension between the protective plates  41  and prevents further movement of the protective plates  41  relative to each other and thereby prevents further expansion of the composite material  10 . 
     Similarly, the protrusions  98  engage one another when the protective plates  41  are moved to a limiting position where there is a danger of a lack of overlap. At the limiting position, the protrusions  98  are in tension between the protective plates  41  and prevent further movement of the protective plates  41 . 
     Finally, the limitedly elastic base layer  148  is configured such that it reaches its maximum elongation at a point where there is a danger of a lack of overlap between adjacent protective plates  41 . Thus, further movement of the protective plates  41  is resisted by the limitedly elastic base layer  148  preventing further expansion of the composite material  10 . 
     Advantages of the composite material  10  will now be discussed. 
     The attachment of protective plates  41  to the base layer  48  allows the composite material  10  to conform to a variety of shapes by expanding or contracting, decreasing and increasing the overlap of the protective plates  41 , respectively. 
     The various attaching means  43  shown in different embodiments in  FIGS.  45   a  to  48   b    resist pivoting of the protective plate  41  relative to the base layer  48 . This prevents the protective plates  41  rotating out of alignment and providing edges for equipment to snag on the protective plates  41 . The prevention of out-of-alignment rotation also prevents the exposure of the base layer  48  to a threat  78 . 
     The attaching means  43  as shown in  FIGS.  46   a  to  46   d    resist lifting of the protective plates  41  at the perimeter, particularly when the attaching means  43  is located at an edge of the protective plate  41  and traverses down a portion of the perimeter edge as an elongated attachment. This further reduces the risk of snagging equipment on a lifted protective plate  41  in use, or exposing the base layer  48  to a threat  78 . 
     Utilizing an attachment along substantially two axis such as depicted in  FIGS.  46   a  to  46   d    further reduce pivoting and lifting of plates, compared to elongated attachments of  FIGS.  45   a  to  45   b   . By attaching in substantially one elongated axis, the plates can lift in a perpendicular axis in a “flapping” effect. By attaching in substantially two axis, the plates are held in relative position in two perpendicular axis. 
     The attachment of the protective plates  41  to the cover layer  49  further reduces the risk of lifting and pivoting of the protective plates  41 . It also increases the structural strength of the composite material  10 , for example by impinging tears in the cover layer  49  and by providing a load path through the cover layer  49  in tension, making the composite material  10  more resilient. It also prevents water  84  that may have collected in the interstitial spaces between the base layer  48  and the cover layer  49  from causing expansion of the cover layer  49  when a user exits a body of water, for example. 
     The orientation and position of the attaching means  43  may be selected such that the composite material  10  is most elastic in a desired direction, and least elastic in another desired direction. Generally, the attaching means  43  is placed perpendicularly to directions of most desired elasticity. This is shown in  FIG.  12   , where the longer plane of the platelet shape, allows the plane of elongation of attachment essentially parallel to the longer plane of the object covered, in this case the plane of the leg  2001 . Further, shapes of protective platelets can be oriented such that the longer cross section of the plate (including plate assemblies such as carrier arrays, linked arrays, infused arrays, etc), aligns with longer section of the covered object. For example, the longer section of a diamond shaped platelet can align parallel to the length of a leg, which allows the flatter cross section of the plate to align with the flatter plane of the leg, and the greater curve radius of the plate to align with the greater curve of the radius of the leg, which is shown in  FIG.  12   . 
     However, the overall area of attachment means  43  is still substantially smaller than the total surface area of the various protective plates or protective elements. Therefore, the composite material remains substantially elastic as well as flexible in any direction. 
     The curvature of the protective plate  41  as shown in  FIGS.  23   a  to  23   c    allows the protective plate  41  to conform to a curved object  53  covered by the composite material  10 . As shown in  FIGS.  24   a  and  24   b   , this reduces exposure of the base layer  48  to a threat  78  and reduces the risk of snagging equipment on an edge of the protective plates  41 . The curvature of the protective plates  41  in two directions allows the protective plates  41  to conform to a multi-directionally curved object  65 , as shown in  FIGS.  2  and  3     b , while also conforming to one another in a relatively flat plane, as shown in  FIG.  22   b   . Flat, rigid protective plates would not conform to one another, as well as a curved object  65 , as seen in  FIGS.  23   d    and  24   a.    
     The conformity of the protective plates  41  is can also be improved by varying the thickness of each protective plate  41 , as shown in  FIG.  30   . This creates a composite material  10  of substantially constant thickness, improving the aesthetic appearance and hydrodynamic performance of the garment  61 . 
     The selection of appropriately sized protective plates  41  for the garment  61  shown in  FIGS.  12  and  13    allows the various protective plates in sizes and shapes, to conform appropriately, in use, to the shape of a user wearing the garment  61 , reducing the exposure of the base layer  48  and the user. Further, embedding the protective plates  41  in the material  71  of the base layer  48 , as shown in  FIG.  6   , can reduce the overall thickness of the composite material  10 . 
     The perforations  44  in the protective plates  41  make the composite material  10  lighter, increasing the utility of the garment  61 . The perforations  44  also increase the permeability of the composite material  10  to air and moisture further increasing the utility of the garment  61 . It also serves to make the composite material significantly more breathable, which can improve the garments overall comfort and wearability in applications out of the water. The perforations  44  are also adapted to prevent the sharp-edged pointed threat  78  from moving across the protective plate  41 , attempting to find an interstitial space between adjacent protective plates  41 . Other irregular surfaces, such as disclosed in  FIGS.  34   a  to  36   c    and  FIGS.  28   a  to  32   b    also present an irregular surface to the threat  78 , which prevents the threat  78  from moving across the surface of the protective plate  41 , and thereby finding a gap between adjacent protective plates  41 . Ideal arrangements of perforations or irregularities prevents a straight line  2010  from traversing the surface plane of the platelets without encountering said perforation or irregularity, as shown in  FIGS.  29   a  and  32   a   . This significantly increases the safety of the garment  61  as the composite material  10  is able to conform to the threat  78  and distribute the load across a number of protective plates  41 . Further, custom perforations  42  allow for various pleasing shapes of perforations  44  to be made in a given protective plate  41 , which preserve a critical minimum edge distance to the perimeter edge of a protective plate  41  to maintain structural integrity of the protective plate  41 . 
     Further, as disclosed in  FIGS.  34   a  to  36   c   , V-like shapes developed through the taper  79  and/or overlapping of various sized perforations  44 , or nesting of various ring shaped protective platelets  1029 ,  1038 ,  1039 , assist in both impinging the threat  78 , and more closely conforming to the threat  78 , to distribute the load more evenly from a larger surface area of the protective plates  41  engaged with the threat  78 , thus increasing the performance of the composite material  10  when engaged by the threat  78 . Similarly the protective plate  1041  shown in  FIGS.  36   a  to  36   c    engages the threat  78  by allowing the base material  48  to deform as it is engaged by the threat  78 , while each of the rings  1029 ,  1038 ,  1039  engage a portion of the threat  78  to distribute the load across the composite material  10  and prevent the threat  78  from moving across the garment  61  and finding a weakness in the composite material  10 . 
     The increased buoyancy provided by the buoyant material  86 , and/or the air-filled perforations  44 , or in entrapped air or buoyant material through the protective plate  41 , or in additive buoyant layers  1551  increases the utility of the garment  61  in water sport or lifesaving applications. 
     The expansion prevention means, that are the slotted link  94 , the protrusion  98  and the limitedly elastic base layer  148 , each act to prevent the base layer  48  from expanding such that the protective plates  41  no longer overlap. By limiting the maximum state of expansion of the composite material  10 , the expansion prevention means ensure that the protection plates  41  do not exceed the designed overlap and prevent the opening of gaps between protective plates  41 , that could expose the base layer  48 , or the user wearing the garment  61 . 
     The various stiffening means disclosed in  FIGS.  38   a  to  42   b    assist in keeping the protective plates  41 , and thereby the composite material  10 , outstretched and expanded, to minimise presentation of any gaps between the protective plates  41 , and also preventing rolling or folding of edges of high strength materials which reduces their outstretched surface area. This means includes various infusing or encapsulation agents, bonding relatively stiffer layers  1551 , the elongation elements  1655 ,  1654 , and the perimeter elongation element  1741 . 
     The increasing hardness of layers  1859 ,  1858 ,  1857  allows the threat  78  to more greatly deform the outer layer  1859 , and the intermediate layer  1858 , which enables the composite material  10  to present more surface area to the threat  78 , distributing the load. This deformation also effectively traps the point of the threat  78  if it moves side to side, which is common in some threat scenarios. Similarly, the irregular surface  1963  shown in  FIG.  44   a    allows the more effective locking of the threat  78  to the composite material  10  to prevent side to side movement of the threat. The sacrificial layer  1970  may be used to protect a user wearing a garment  61  constructed form the composite material  10  using the protective plate  1941  from the irregular surface  1963 . It can also prevent unwanted abrasion to a cover layer on the outward side. It also improves the hydrodynamic performance of the garment  61 . However, as the sacrificial layer  1970  is sufficiently soft, the threat  78  may penetrate the layer and engage with the irregular surface  1963  as intended. 
     The platelet assembly embodiments shown in  FIGS.  7   a  to  11   c    use a carrier layer  90  or links between smaller protective plates  41  to create an individual assembly larger than the individual platelets within. This assists in the ease of manufacture of the garment  61 . The embodiment shown in  FIGS.  9   a  to  9   c    uses a two-dimensional array of protective plates  41  to create a larger two dimensional array of protective plates  41  to be used in the manufacture of the garment  61 . Instead of applying each protective plate  41  individually to a base layer  48 , a number of the protective plates  41  may be combined, which then allows the attachment of the number of protective plates  41  to the base layer  48  using a single base layer attachment  43 . This substantially reduced the required manufacturing steps to construct the garment  61 . The attachment to the cover layer  49 , if desired, is similarly simplified by using a single cover layer attachment  50 . The infused or partially infused carrier array depicted in  FIGS.  38   d  and  38   e   , shows a high strength material with a bonding agent that can be semi flexible or rigid, but allowing gaps  1377  in the bonding agent which gaps essentially create a hinge or living hinge. In this carrier array, numerous platelet shapes can be cast into the high strength material, with a plurality of gaps between, so that the carrier array can feature hard or semi rigid plates and yet the overall carrier array is flexible and pliable, as shown in  FIG.  38     e.    
     By utilizing opposing attachment arrangements, such as depicted in  FIGS.  5   a ,  5   b ,  7   b ,  7   c   , etc, larger flexible plates can be held substantially outstretched by way of the opposing attachments. This can also be achieved by elastic connections from substantial poles or corners of individual platelets (including carrier arrays) as shown in  FIG.  10   . This serves to keep larger flexible platelets outstretched, helping to prevent rolling or folding of edges. 
     Although the invention has been described with reference to specific examples, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the invention may be embodied in many other forms. There are various embodiments of; the composite material (layers, side by side arrangements, etc.), protective plates (different shapes, sizes, radiuses, irregular surfaces, etc.) and protective elements (two-dimensional arrays, linked arrays, cast arrays, layered assemblies, etc.) attachment means (elongated lines, curves, shapes, multiple shapes, in one or more axis) which may be combined in various combinations to create composite materials that are flexible and, preferably, elastic. 
     Attachments to leading edges and not trailing edges, serves to essentially hide all attachments from external view, which can be seen in  FIGS.  46   b    and  49  (attachments visible from underside), and from  FIGS.  1  and  2    where attachments are not visible. This can enhance the visual appeal of the material, and serves to shield the attachments from damage. 
     Utilizing various embodiments of flexible platelets, as depicted in  FIGS.  38   a  to  42   b   , can allows larger and or more pliable platelets to be utilized where the flexible platelets can individually flex to conform to the shape below. Utilizing carrier array, linked array, or infused array platelet assemblies shown in  FIGS.  7   a  to  11   c   , and also in  FIGS.  38   d  and  38   e   , also allows larger and or more pliable platelet assemblies to be used, which can enhance manufacture of materials and garments by reducing the total number of attachments to base and cover layers. These arrangements can use bonded rigid or semi ridged pluralities of platelets flexibly linked together, or bonded to a flexible base leaving living hinges, or intermittently bonded or infused