Composite segmented flexible armor

Abstract: A composite ballistic material has one or more layers of flexible ballistic fabric and a plurality of scales disposed in an overlapping configuration. Scale configurations may vary depending on an intended use. However, the scales may have a substantially uniform thickness and may also have a mounting portion and an overlapping portion. The mounting portions may be aligned in a single layer. The overlapping portions may extend wider than the mounting portions. The overlapping portions may also be substantially non-planar. The overlapping portions may be arranged so that the overlapping portion of individual scales lies under or over the overlapping portion of adjacent scales. Scales may be initially joined with a binder in rows and subsequently joined to a flexible fabric to create the overlap in a direction substantially perpendicular to the rows. (end of abstract)