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  Body armorUSPTO Application #: 20060143771Title: Body armor Abstract: A body armor accessory adds protection to unguarded areas of conventional body armor. The removable accessory comprises an axillary panel having a coverage area and is made of material that impedes the penetration of a foreign object. The accessory can be worn on either the left or right side of the wearer. The coverage area to the deltoid and flank areas of the wearer provided by the axillary panel is greater than that provided by the vest without the panel. A deltoid panel provides added protection to the deltoid area of the wearer. (end of abstract) Agent: Womble Carlyle Sandridge & Rice, PLLC - Atlanta, GA, US Inventors: Christopher Sean Van Winkle, David Alan Cox USPTO Applicaton #: 20060143771 - Class: 002069000 (USPTO) Related Patent Categories: Apparel, Body Garments The Patent Description & Claims data below is from USPTO Patent Application 20060143771. Brief Patent Description - Full Patent Description - Patent Application Claims
GOVERNMENT LICENSE RIGHTS [0001] The U.S. Government may have a paid-up license in this invention. FIELD OF THE INVENTION [0002] This invention relates to body armor, and more specifically to improvements to protection for the axillary and other vulnerable regions of the body. BACKGROUND [0003] Body armor has been used for centuries to protect areas of the body vulnerable to combative blows and projectiles. While the armor is intended to minimize injuries and fatalities that would otherwise result from such harmful events, the armor must also not interfere with the wearer's ability to carry out his duties with sufficient mobility and dexterity as may be required. [0004] Traditionally body armor has been designed to assist in surviving attacks of known direction and source. For example, the Interceptor Multi-Threat Body Armor System went into production in 1999 and is made by Point Blank Body Armor of Oakland Park, Fla. The Interceptor, among other things, seeks to protect the major body organs from projectiles originating from sources in front or behind the wearer. [0005] Threats to individual soldiers are developing from non-traditional sources. Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) often are called "homemade" devices that are designed to cause death or injury primarily by use of explosives. IEDs can be produced in varying sizes, functioning methods, containers, and delivery methods. IEDs can utilize homemade explosives, or military ordnance and ordnance components. In the current conflict in Iraq, IEDs are accounting for a significant percentage of trauma cases and resulting causalities to coalition forces. The methods to counteract IEDs include eliminating the insurgents or terrorists that create the IEDs, improving the means for detecting and eliminating IEDs prior to detonation, altering the environment where IEDS may be located by, for example, increasing the armor protection of vehicles that may encounter IEDs, and improving the body armor that exposed individuals may wear. [0006] Improvements to the body armor would minimize the effects of IEDs that may detonate, in spite of efforts to eliminate their creation. Injuries from IEDs can occur to the axillary, flank and deltoid body regions. Current body armor designs do not protect these exposed areas sufficiently to minimize the harm caused by IEDs and other threats. There is a need therefore for improved body armor that will protect exposed and vulnerable areas of the body from IEDs and other injury-causing projectiles, while retaining the requisite degree of mobility and dexterity that may be required. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION [0007] In accordance with a preferred embodiment of this invention, a removable body armor accessory adds protection to areas that conventional body armor leaves substantially unprotected. The accessory comprises an axillary panel having a coverage area and is made of material that impedes the penetration of a foreign object. The coverage area to the deltoid and flank areas of the wearer provided by the axillary panel is greater than that provided by the vest without the panel. A deltoid panel provides added protection to the deltoid area of the wearer. Both panels can be worn on either the left or right side of the wearer. [0008] These and other aspects of the present invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art after a reading of the following description of the preferred embodiments, when considered in conjunction with the drawings. It should be understood that both the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory only and are not restrictive of the invention as claimed. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS [0009] FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of a body armor. [0010] FIG. 2 shows a rear view of a body armor, with the wearer's arms in the outward, horizontal position. [0011] FIG. 3 shows a side view of a body armor. [0012] FIG. 4 is a deltoid panel. [0013] FIG. 5 is an axillary panel. [0014] FIGS. 6A and 6B show a body armor vest in an open position, with accessory panels attached thereto. [0015] FIG. 7 shows an embodiment of a deltoid panel attached to an axillary panel. DETAILED DESCRIPTION [0016] The body armor of this invention is shown and described in preferred embodiments in the description below. [0017] As shown in FIGS. 1, 3, 2, 6A and 6B, traditional body armor can comprise a Kevlar.RTM.-lined or other appropriated outfitted vest 10. One such vest, known as the Interceptor Multi-Threat Body Armor System, is made up of two main modular components: the outer tactical vest 10 and the small-arms protective inserts (not shown). The inserts provide for additional protection, and fit within pockets (not shown) affixed to the vest 10. The vest has arm holes 20 and a neck opening 30. A plurality of loops and fasteners, such as shoulder loops 14 and interior loops 24, can be provided for the attachment of various gear and equipment. A modular load bearing webbing system 12 can be included, as well as an emergency extraction strap 16. Optional throat/neck and groin protectors (not shown) also are available. The Interceptor and other traditional body armor provide protection to anterior and posterior directed projectiles, and are credited with saving countless lives. [0018] In embodiments of this invention, deltoid and axillary protector (DAP.TM.) devices are provided that augment the traditional body armor by providing protection to previously under-protected areas of the body. The embodiment can consist of two modular panels or components; namely, a deltoid panel 100 and an axillary panel 200. These panels provide protection but still allow the wearer free use of their arms and torso. Both panels preferably are made of soft, pliable materials capable of conforming to the natural shape of a wearer's shoulder and axillary regions. The panels also can be adaptable for wearing on the left or right side of the wearer. Continue reading... Full patent description for Body armor Brief Patent Description - Full Patent Description - Patent Application Claims Click on the above for other options relating to this Body armor patent application. ###  How KEYWORD MONITOR works... a FREE service from FreshPatents1. Sign up (takes 30 seconds). 2. Fill in the keywords to be monitored. 3. Each week you receive an email with patent applications related to your keywords. Start now! - Receive info on patent apps like Body armor or other areas of interest. ### Previous Patent Application: Wearable towel Next Patent Application: Method of distressing a garment Industry Class: Apparel ### FreshPatents.com Support Thank you for viewing the Body armor patent info. IP-related news and info Results in 0.59662 seconds Other interesting Feshpatents.com categories: Novartis , Pfizer , Philips , Polaroid , Procter & Gamble , |
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