초록 ▼

An article of protective clothing includes a hardened armor section such as impact shields and an underlying layer incorporating one or more inflate fluid cavities or cushions. The fluid cavities are in communication with a reservoir of fluid under pressure. The reservoir canbe used in conjunction w

An article of protective clothing includes a hardened armor section such as impact shields and an underlying layer incorporating one or more inflate fluid cavities or cushions. The fluid cavities are in communication with a reservoir of fluid under pressure. The reservoir canbe used in conjunction with an impact sensor that directs the fluid to the cushions upon projectile impact or can be directed to supply fluid to the cushions upon user demand. In either case, inflation of the cushions is only accomplished when needed, thereby enhancing the comfort of a user.

대표청구항 ▼

[ What is claimed is:] [1.] A protective garment comprising:a projectile penetrant inhibitor section including an armor plate;an inflatable shock-absorbing cushion disposed to fall between at least a portion of said armor plate and the body of a user of said protective garment, said inflatable shock

[ What is claimed is:] [1.] A protective garment comprising:a projectile penetrant inhibitor section including an armor plate;an inflatable shock-absorbing cushion disposed to fall between at least a portion of said armor plate and the body of a user of said protective garment, said inflatable shock-absorbing cushion being operable between a deflated, low-impact absorbing state and an inflated, high-impact absorbing state;a cushion pressurization system including a source of pressurized fluid in fluid communication with said inflatable shock-absorbing cushion and a valve for regulating the flow of said fluid to said inflatable shock-absorbing cushion; andan impact sensor forming an integral part of said garment, said impact sensor being disposed in contact with at least a portion of said armor plate and being operably coupled to said valve so that when said impact sensor senses the impact of a projectile thereon said impact sensor generates a signal to said valve to release said pressurized fluid to inflate said inflatable shock-absorbing cushion.