Patent Publication Number: US-2010107861-A1

Title: Ballistic Seat Cover

Description:
FIELD OF INVENTION 
     The present technology relates to anti-ballistic systems, and more particularly to a seat-back anti-ballistic cover that is of a relatively lightweight construction that provides supplemental ballistic protection, and with a segment utilized for placement, securing, transport, and attachment of items, equipment, and ballistic materials such as those used by military and law enforcement personnel. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     The modern battlefield is more dangerous and violent than ever before. The nature of asymmetric warfare has moved a portion of the battlefield into an urban, indigenous setting frequently occurring in transportation sector actions. The opponent&#39;s unconventional weapon of choice (I.E.D. or Improvised Explosive Device), and small arms fire whether in solitary action or vehicle borne, causes wounds to body areas with inadequate ballistic protection and frequently renders vehicles inoperable. The utilization of vehicles in mounted patrols and transportation of personnel, material, supplies, and equipment provides a tempting target for these asymmetric warfare actions. The vehicle-borne soldiers and policemen frequently have inadequate space or means of arraying for rapid use the items, equipment, and devices employed in their duties. Often the vehicles utilized have inadequate ballistic protection and confined spaces making defensive or offensive actions difficult for the occupants. 
     Ballistic protection systems are widely used throughout the world in military, police, personnel protection, and security applications. Much attention has been given to the individual soldier or policeman. For example, there is a wide range of heavy-duty anti-ballistic protection devices that are commonly employed on and around military vehicles. These devices may cause the addition of weight in excess of the load bearing capacity of the vehicle and cause the “center of gravity” to shift, which can decrease the performance of the vehicle. However, no feasible option for personnel protection and organization of personal equipment has yet been provided or fielded, which clearly demonstrates an unfulfilled need. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     Therefore, there has been and continues to be a need for a versatile anti-ballistic vehicle borne-protection device such an anti-ballistic vehicle seat-back cover. Additionally, there is a need for a supplemental feature of this device that enables the vehicle occupants to organize and arrange the items and equipment necessary for effective operations and successful completion of a mission while in the confined space of the vehicle. 
     The present technology relates to a vehicle seat-back cover containing a segment of pliable protective ballistic materials constructed from modern high-performance fibers and a pliable outer panel or technology segment provided with a series of webbing strips positioned to allow the integration and attachment of readily available personal MOLLE items and ALICE clips for transport or efficient utilization of the panel by vehicle occupants. The panel outer perimeter contains a plurality of straps and fasteners for positioning and securing additional devices externally attached to the panel. This allows the attachment of items inside vehicles, structures, and to be “free-hanging” (e.g., embodiments of the technology have attachment points to the vehicle, but is not afixed internal component of the vehicle in various locations. Other objects and advantages of the present technology will become apparent from a study of the following description and the accompanying drawings, which are merely illustrative of such technology. 
     DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     The present technology is configured as a vehicle seat-back cover (a fitted cover that slides over the existing metal seat back or replaces a cushion back) providing rear supplemental ballistic protection for the seat occupant and efficient placement and arrangement of occupant items and equipment for a rear-seated occupant. In some embodiments, the technology is applied by slipping over the existing vehicle seat-back to cover the entire seat-back, reaching the portion of the sitting area of the seat and is secured to the seat with a variety of user selected attachment mechanisms and materials, e.g., to capitalize on otherwise unused vertical space for the purpose of personalized equipment placement. 
     In some embodiments, the portion of the technology that functions as a seat back may contain a forward-placed contoured cushion, e.g., foam piece for occupant comfort, and a ballistic protection panel constructed of a rigid or semi-rigid ballistic material. The ballistic material is contained within the outer cover, or in an inner pocket constructed of a pliable, abrasion, moisture, and flame resistant quick drying material, e.g. material that is e.g., ventilated, mildew and POL resistant. 
     The portion of the technology that functions as the vehicle rear occupant utility side for item and equipment organization and arrangement panel contains a plurality of webbing or other such materials placed for attachment of standard military issued or compliant MOLLE-compatible pouches and items. In some embodiments, the webbing is placed in a vertical or in a horizontal array, or in combination of directions. The outer perimeter of the panel incorporates a plurality of grommets, e.g., for user attachment of D-Rings and attachment devices. The configuration and placement of these attachment devices will accommodate and allow the utilization of a wide variety of user supplied attachment mechanisms and devices. In some embodiments, this utility side of the device is attached on three sides to the seat back portion, e.g., to accommodate the device to the vehicle frame. 
     Embodiments of he technology slip over the top of a vehicle seat-back, cover the seat-back to the seat portion and provide a vertical surface for placement and attachment of MOLLE and compatible items, and ready access and utilization of these items, e.g., by a rear seat occupant. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  is an oblique perspective view of the right rear side of some embodiments of the present technology. 
         FIG. 2  is a perspective view of the front side of some embodiments of the present technology. 
         FIG. 3  is a perspective view of the rear side of some embodiments of the present technology. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     With further reference to the drawings, the ballistic seat-back cover is shown herein. Generally, some embodiments of the seat cover include: an outer shell, housing, or carrier that holds or contains a foam or padding material for occupant comfort, a pliable ballistic material with material carrier, a rear panel is comprised of a pliable material containing a plurality of straps and webbing and a plurality of grommets, fasteners, and attachment devices at or near the panel outer perimeter. 
     The technology is comprised of these material items: 
     Outer cover or carrier:
           1 A Outer cover     1 B Padding     1 C Ballistic Material     1 D Utility Panel     2 A Webbing material     2 B Grommet