Patent ID: 7790252

Claim:
A multi-layer device having a plurality of primary layers for protecting an object, comprising: a first primary layer formed from a first ceramic material, said first primary layer being positioned closest to said object of said plurality of primary layers, said first primary layer having a first thickness; a second primary layer positioned over said first primary layer, said second primary layer being formed from a first plastic material and configured to undergo deformation to absorb energy, said second primary layer having a second thickness in a range of 0.020 inches to 0.060 inches; a third primary layer positioned over said second primary layer, said third primary layer being formed from metal, said third primary layer having a third thickness; a fourth primary layer positioned over said third primary layer, said fourth primary layer being formed from a second plastic material and configured to undergo deformation to absorb energy, said fourth primary layer having a fourth thickness in a range of 0.020 inches to 0.060 inches; a fifth primary layer positioned over said fourth layer, said fifth primary layer being formed from a second ceramic material, said fifth primary layer having a fifth thickness; and a sixth primary layer positioned over said fifth primary layer, said sixth primary layer serving as an outer layer of said plurality of primary layers, said sixth primary layer including a plurality of sub-layers, with each sub-layer being formed as a plurality of secondary layers, and with each secondary layer being a composite polymer-fabric, said sixth primary layer formed from said plurality of sub-layers of said plurality of secondary layers of said composite polymer-fabric having a sixth thickness in a range of 0.420 inches to 1.26 inches, wherein an outermost secondary layer of said sixth primary layer will receive an initial impact by an armor piercing projectile and with a portion of said plurality of sub-layers of said sixth primary layer contributing sacrificially to substantially absorb stress exerted by said armor piercing projectile at said sixth primary layer prior to said projectile reaching said fifth primary layer of said second ceramic material, said plurality of primary layers being located sequentially in the order of said first primary layer, said second primary layer, said third primary layer, said fourth primary layer, said fifth primary layer, and said sixth primary layer.