DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a method for realising a personal protection device having an anti-perforation metal sheet and to a relative personal protection device having an anti-perforation metal sheet.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PRIOR ART

For individual protection from an impact, such as one generated by firearm bullets, for example, personal protection devices are known that are made of materials that are such as to resist firearm projectile penetration of various calibres, due to the ability of the protection devices to absorb and disperse a part of the kinetic energy of the impact deriving from the impact of the projectile, halting its path.

These personal protection devices are classified in different types according to the ballistic resistance parameters established by the U.S. Justice Department.

Personal protection devices having an anti-perforation metal sheet, in general terms, provide a high level of protection from firearm bullets as well as from high- velocity munitions.

A method is known for realising a personal protection device having an antiperforation metal sheet comprising steps of: having a die which forms a plate; having a support internally of the die; positioning a metal sheet on the support internally of the die; pressure-injecting fused polymeric material into the die, at a temperature value comprised between 220°C-270°C, in such a way as to fill the die and incorporate the metal sheet; wait for the solidification time of the polymeric material internally of the die; open the die to take out the plate that is obtained.

Further, the method comprises a step of gluing a layer of polymeric foam on a lateral surface of the plate in such a way as to be exposed towards the outside and which is positioned so as to absorb a part of the kinetic energy of an impact to which the metal sheet is subjected, during use.

There is a consequential need to have recourse to following steps, to a specialised operator, with the aim of correctly positioning the support in the die and the metal sheet on the support, as well as correctly positioning and gluing the layer of polymeric foam on the lateral surface of the plate.

Further, in carrying out the above-described steps, the metal sheet will be superheated by the fused polymeric material, injected at a temperature value comprised between 220-270°C and, in a case in which the injection operation required more time than was predicted, there might be a possible variation in the shape or of the physical parameters of the metal sheet such as to compromise the effectiveness of the obtained device.

Further, the steps of the method described in the foregoing involve waiting times, in relation to the filling time of the die and the time for solidification of the polymeric material, such as to increase the manufacturing times of the device.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In the light of the above, the aim of the present invention consists in obviating the above-mentioned drawbacks.

The above aims are attained by a method for realising a personal protection device having an anti-perforation metal sheet according to claim 1 and a personal protection device having an anti-perforation metal sheet according to claim 6.

By positioning the metal sheet and the layer of polymeric foam in the recess, so that they are advantageously at least partially overlap internally of the recess, the correct positioning thereof will be guaranteed which, as they are laterally clad by the first plate and the second plate, they will be completely contained internally by the first plate and the second plate when coupled to one another.

Further, the method that is the object of the present invention includes heating the first end portion and the second end portion, which will then be coupled to one another, so that the metal sheet is not struck by a source of heat such as to at least partially fuse the polymeric material of the first plate and second plate.

In other words, during the carrying out of the steps of the method of the present invention, the metal sheet will not be subject to any variation of the shape or physical parameters as it will not be struck by any source of heat.

Consequently, the method that is the object of the present invention will enably accelerating and simplifying the realisation of the personal protection device having an anti-perforation metal sheet and carrying out the relative steps of manufacture without having recourse to specialised operatives, as occurs in the prior art.

With particular reference to the personal protection device having an antiperforation metal sheet, also object of the present invention, as the metal sheet and the layer of polymeric foam are arranged overlapped on one another, at least partially internally of the recess, once the first end portion and the second end portion are coupled to one another and, and therefore, the first plate and the second plate are coupled to one another, when a projectile, for example, strikes the device, it will end its path at the metal sheet and any eventual projectile splinters will be retained internally of the recess.

In this way, the dispersion of splinters of the projectile is limited which splinters might damage the exposed parts of the user, during use of the device.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Specific embodiments of the invention will be described in the following part of the present description, according to what is set down in the claims and with the aid of the accompanying tables of drawings, in which:

- figures 1-3 are views illustrating of some of the steps of the method of the present invention;

- figure 4 is an exploded view of the personal protection device, obtained with the method that is the object of the present invention;

- figures 5 and 6 are perspective views, according to two different prospects, of the personal protection device having an anti-perforation metal sheet, also object of the present invention;

- figure 7 is a schematic view of a garment comprising the personal protection device of figures 5 and 6;

- figure 8 is a schematic view of the first plate;

- figure 8A is a transversal section view, taken along section VIII-VIII of figure 8;

- figures 9-11 are views in transversal section of the personal protection device of figures 5 and 6, which illustrate some of the steps of the method;

- figure 12 is a transversal section view of the personal protection device of figures 5 and 6, in which some components have been removed better to observe others;

- figure 13 is a view of detail K of figure 12.

DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

With reference to the appended tables of drawings, the generic reference numeral (1 ) indicates a personal protection device having an anti-perforation metal sheet. The following describes a method for realising a personal protection device (1 ) having an anti-perforation metal sheet (8), object of the present invention, comprising steps of: arranging a first plate (2) made of a polymeric material which comprises a recess (3) and a first end portion (4) which laterally delimits the recess (3) and which forms a honeycomb structure (5); arranging a second plate

(6) made of a polymeric material which comprises a second end portion (7); positioning a metal sheet (8) in the recess (3) of the first plate (2); positioning a layer of polymeric foam (9) in the recess (3) of the first plate (2) in such a way that the layer of polymeric foam (9) absorbs a part of the kinetic energy of an impact to which the metal sheet (8) is subjected, during use of the personal protection device (1 ); the metal sheet (8) and the layer of polymeric foam (9) being at least partially overlapped on one another internally of the recess (3); heating the first end portion (4) and the second end portion (7) to a temperature value such as to fuse, at least partially, a part of the first end portion (4) and a part of the second end portion (7); coupling the first end portion (4) and the second end portion (7), following the step of heating the first end portion (4) and the second end portion

(7), so as to weld the first end portion (4) and the second end portion (7) to one another (see figures 1 -3 and 9-11 ).

In detail: figure 1 illustrates the first plate (2); figure 2 illustrates the step in which the metal sheet (8) is positioned in the recess (3); figure 3 illustrates the step in which the layer of polymeric foam (9) the is positioned in the recess (3); while, figure 4 is an exploded view of the personal protection device (1 ) obtained by the above-described method.

The personal protection device (1 ) having an anti-perforation metal sheet (8) can be a ballistic insert. By impact is meant the blow of a firearm projectile, for example.

The first plate (2) and the second plate (6) can be made by injection moulding.

With particular reference to figures 1-4, the first plate (2) and the second plate (6) are made in separate bodies.

The first plate (2) and the second plate (6) can be made of a polymeric material of an elastomeric type.

The first plate (2) and the second plate (6) can be made of a polymeric material having a hardness value comprised between 75-95 shore.

The first plate (2) and the second plate (6) can assume a parallelepiped shape (see figures 1-4).

Likewise, the metal sheet (8) and the layer of polymeric foam (9) can assume a parallelepiped shape (see figures 1-4).

Further, the metal sheet (8) and the layer of polymeric foam (9) can have a planar extension (see figures 1-4).

The first end portion (4) can comprise the perimeter edge (2a) of the first plate (2) (see figure 12).

The second end portion (7) can comprise the perimeter edge (6a) of the second plate (6) (see figure 12).

The method can comprise a step of positioning the first plate (2) on a support, before the step of positioning the metal sheet (8) in the recess (3) of the first plate (2).

The step of positioning the metal sheet (8) in the recess (3) can be carried out by an operator or by automatic movement means.

The step of positioning the layer of polymeric foam (9) in the recess (3) can be carried out by an operator or by automatic movement means. The metal sheet (8) can be a steel sheet.

The layer of polymeric foam (9) can be made of neoprene.

The step of heating the first end portion (4) and the second end portion (7) and the step of coupling the first end portion (4) and the second end portion (7) to one another can include using the known technology of hot-plate welding or the known technique of infrared welding.

The step of coupling the first end portion (4) and the second end portion (7) to one another can include coupling them so that they match (see figure 12).

The step of coupling the first end portion (4) and the second end portion (7) to one another can include coupling them so that the first end portion (4) and the second end portion (7) laterally contain the metal sheet (8) and the layer of polymeric foam (9) when the metal sheet (8) and the layer of polymeric foam (9) are arranged in the recess (3).

According to a preferred embodiment, the step of heating the first end portion (4) and the second end portion (7) is carried out at a temperature value comprised between 160°C-220°C.

Further, the method comprises the step of pressing the first plate (2) and the second plate (6) one against the other, following the step of coupling the first end portion (4) and the second end portion (7) to one another, so as to determine a welding seam between the first end portion (4) and the second end portion (7).

The step of pressing the first plate (2) and the second plate (6) one against the other can be carried out by depression suction means, for example depression suction cups.

The depression suction means can be arranged and configured to act on the second plate (6) in such a way as to maintain the second plate (6) in a neared position to the first plate (2) and press it against the first plate (2), once the first end portion (4) and the second end portion (7) have been coupled to one another.

When the first plate (2) and the second plate (6) are pressed one against the other, a part of the layer of polymeric foam (9), which projects from the thickness of the recess (3), will be compressed internally of the recess (3), so that no step forms at the join surface between the first end portion (4) and the second end portion (7).

The method preferably comprises the step of heating only the first end portion (4) and the second end portion (7).

Advantageously, only the part of the first plate (2) and the second plate (6), is struck by a source of heat, i.e. the first end portion (4) and the second end portion (7), which will have to undergo at least a partial fusion with the purpose of guaranteeing the relative fixing by welding.

With reference to figures 5 and 6, the surface of the first plate (2), which is facing towards the outside, forms a first convex surface (20).

Likewise, the surface of the second plate (6), which is facing towards the layer of polymeric foam (9), forms a second convex surface (60) (see figures 5 and 6).

The personal protection device (1 ) obtained advantageously adapts to the conformation of the chest or back of a user wearing it, for example.

The first end portion (4) preferably comprises a first projection (10) and a first pair of recesses (11 ) which are arranged laterally to the first projection (10) (see figure 13); the step of heating the first end portion (4) includes at least partially fusing part of the first projection (10) so that, when the first end portion (4) and the second end portion (7) are coupled to one another, the at least partially fused part of the first projection (10) is distributed internally of the first pair of recesses (11 ) so as to increase the join surface between the first end portion (4) and the second end portion (7) (see figures 11-13, 8 and 8A).

The join surface is advantageously increased between the first end portion (4) and the second end portion (7) and, at the same time, the fixture between them is also improved.

The first projection (10) and the first pair of recesses (11 ) can be made along the perimeter edge (2a) of the first plate (2) (see figures 11-13, 8 and 8A).

With particular reference to figures 8 and 8A, the first projection (10) and the first pair of recesses (11 ) extend along all the perimeter edge (2a) of the first plate (2).

In other words, the first projection (10) and the first pair of recesses (11 ) can extend in an annular manner.

Further, when the method comprises the step of pressing the first plate (2) and the second plate (6) one against the other, following the step of coupling the first end portion (4) and the second end portion (7) to one another, the distribution of the at least partially fused part of the first projection (10) is facilitated internally of the first pair of recesses (11 ).

The second end portion (7) preferably comprises a second projection (12) and a second pair of recesses (13) which are arranged laterally of the second projection (12) (see figure 13); the step of heating the second end portion (7) includes at least partially fusing part of the second projection (12) so that, when the first end portion (4) and the second end portion (7) are coupled to one another, the at least partially fused part of the second projection (12) and the at least partially fused part of the first projection (10) will be distributed internally of the first pair of recesses (11 ) and of the second pair of recesses (13) so as to increase the join surface between the first end portion (4) and the second end portion (7) (see figures 11 and 12).

The join surface between the first end portion (4) and the second end portion (7) is advantageously increased and, at the same time, the fixture between them is also improved.

The second projection (12) and the second pair of recesses (13) can be made along the perimeter edge (6a) of the second plate (6).

In the same way as with the first projection (10) and a first pair of recesses (11 ), the second projection (12) and the second pair of recesses (13) can be made along the perimeter edge (6a) of the second plate (6).

In other words, the second projection (12) and the second pair of recesses (13) can extend in an annular manner.

Further, when the method comprises the step of pressing the first plate (2) and the second plate (6) one against the other, following the step of coupling the first end portion (4) and the second end portion (7) to one another, the distribution of the at least partially fused part of the first projection (10) and the second projection (12) internally of the first pair of recesses (11 ) and the second pair of recesses (13) is facilitated.

In other words, by heating the first end portion (4) and the second end portion (7) so as to at least partially fuse a part of the first projection (10) and of the second projection (12) the result will be that, when the first end portion (4) and the second end portion (7) are coupled to one another, the at least partially fused part of the first projection (10) and the at least partially fused part of the second projection (12) will join to one another, creating an amalgam, which will be distributed in the first pair of recesses (11 ) and the second pair of recesses (13).

Figure 13 is a view of detail K of figure 12 in order to illustrate the first projection (10) and the first pair of recesses (11 ) and the second projection (12) and the second pair of recesses (13).

The metal sheet (8) preferably comprises a first surface (14) and a second surface (15), which is opposite and parallel to the first surface (14), and the method comprises steps of: positioning the metal sheet (8) in the recess (3) in such a way that the first surface (14) is at least partially in contact with the first plate (2); applying a layer of adhesive substance (16) on the second surface (15) of the metal sheet (8); positioning the layer of polymeric foam (9) on the layer of adhesive substance (16) (see figures 9-11 and 2-4).

When the metal sheet (8) receives an impact it will advantageously tend to flatten towards the second plate (6). This movement will exert a compression of the layer of polymeric foam (9) such as to determine a lateral expansion of the layer of polymeric foam (9), so as to occupy the lateral volume which is interposed between the metal sheet (8) and the first end portion (4), limiting the possible movement of the metal sheet (8) internally of the recess (3).

With reference to figures 2, 9 and 3, 10 these illustrate, respectively, the step in which the metal sheet (8) is positioned in the recess (3) in such a way that the first surface (14) is at least partially in contact with the first plate (2) and the step in which a layer of adhesive substance (16) is applied on the second surface (15) of the metal sheet (8).

With particular reference to figures 8A, 9-11 , the personal protection device (1 ) is illustrated in transversal section with respect to some of the steps of the method described in the foregoing.

In detail: in figure 9 the metal sheet (8) is positioned in the recess (3) of the first plate (2); in figure 10, the layer of polymeric foam (9) is positioned in the recess (3) of the first plate (2) so as to overlap the metal sheet (8); in figure 11 , the first end portion (4) and the second end portion (7) are coupled to one another and the first plate (2) and second plate (6) pressed against one another.

The following describes a personal protection device (1 ) having an anti-perforation metal sheet (8) comprising: a first plate (2) made of a polymeric material which comprises a recess (3) and a first end portion (4) which laterally delimits the recess (3) and which forms a honeycomb structure (5); a second plate (6) made of a polymeric material which comprises a second end portion (7); a metal sheet (8) which is arranged in the recess (3) of the first plate (2); a layer of polymeric foam (9) which is arranged in the recess (3) of the first plate (2) in such a way that the layer of polymeric foam (9) absorbs a part of the kinetic energy of an impact to which the metal sheet (8) is subjected, during use of the personal protection device (1 ); the metal sheet (8) and the layer of polymeric foam (9) being at least partially overlapped on one another internally of the recess (3); the first end portion (4) and the second end portion (7) being welded to one another (see figures 4-6).

The personal protection device (1 ) having an anti-perforation metal sheet (8) can be obtained from the steps of the method described in the foregoing.

The same considerations made in the foregoing for the personal protection device obtained by the above-described method are also valid for the present personal protection device (1 ).

By way of example, the personal protection device (1 ) object of the present invention can have a value of thickness comprised between 17 mm-19 mm.

Further, the personal protection device (1 ), object of the present invention, can have a weight value comprised between 2 kg-3 kg.

The recess (3) is preferably made in the thickness of the first plate (2) so as to have a depth value that is equal to the thickness of the internal edge of the first end portion (4).

The fact that the recess (3) is made in the thickness of the first plate (2) advantageously allows the device (1 ) to have a modest thickness, as the metal sheet (8) and the layer of polymeric foam (9) are arranged in the recess (3) and maintained at least partially internally therein.

Following the coupling between the first end portion (4) of the first plate (3) and the second end portion (7) of the second plate (6) the metal sheet (8) and the layer of polymeric foam (9) are contained completely internally of the recess (3).

The first end portion (4) of the first plate (2) can delineate the edge of the recess (3).

The honeycomb structure (5) preferably comprises a plurality of cells (50) which extends along the edge of the recess (3).

The cells (50) which extend along the edge of the recess (3) advantageously enable defining a containing structure for the metal sheet (8) and the layer of polymeric foam (9) ensuring the positioning thereof internally of the recess (3).

In other words, the cells (50) of the honeycomb structure (5) surround the metal sheet (8) and the layer of polymeric foam (9) when arranged in the recess (3).

The cells (50) of the honeycomb structure (5) are preferably empty.

The honeycomb structure (5) advantageously ensures a distribution, internally of the relative empty cells (50), of the air present internally of the personal protection device (1 ), when the metal sheet (8), following an impact, will tend to flatten pushing laterally the air interposed between the metal sheet (8), the layer of polymeric foam (9) and the second plate (6).

Advantageously, should the first plate (2) be struck by a firearm projectile at any point of the personal protection device (1 ) the displacement of air interposed between the metal sheet (8), the layer of polymeric foam (9) and the second plate (6) is guaranteed so as to cushion the blow.

In other words, the air interposed between the metal sheet (8), the layer of polymeric foam (9) and the second plate (6) is thrust into the cells (50) belonging to the honeycomb structure (5) located in proximity of the point at which the first plate (2) is struck.

The second plate (6) preferably comprises a main body (70) and the second end portion (7) surrounds the main body (70).

The first plate (2) and the second plate (6) can advantageously be coupled to one another in such a way that the main body (70) of the second plate (6) is overlapped on the metal sheet (8) and the layer of polymeric foam (9) and the second end portion (7) of the second plate (6) on the first end portion (4) of the first plate (2).

The main body (70), therefore, following the coupling between the first plate (2) and the second plate (6) keeps the metal sheet (8) pressed and the layer of polymeric foam (9) internally of the recess (3).

The main body (70) and the second end portion (7) are in a single body.

The main body (70) can be dimensioned to overlie the recess (3) when the first plate (2) and the second plate (6) are coupled.

The main body (70) can be dimensioned to overlie the recess (3) and a part of the first end portion (4) when the first plate (2) and the second plate (6) are coupled.

The main body (70) preferably comprises a housing (70a) laterally delimited by the second end portion (7).

The housing (70a) can be obtained in the thickness of the second plate (6) so as to have a depth value that is equal to the thickness of the internal edge of the second end portion (7).

The layer of polymeric foam (9), when placed above the metal sheet (8), can be received in part in the recess (3) of the first plate (2) and in part in the housing (70a) of the second plate (6).

The fact of including the housing (70a) in the second plate (6) advantageously enables increasing the thickness of the layer of polymeric foam (9) in such a way that given a same thickness of the personal protection device (1 ) the layer of polymeric foam (9) more greatly absorbs a part of the kinetic energy of an impact to which the metal sheet (8) is subjected during use of the device (1 ).

Following the coupling between the first plate (2) and the second plate (6) a passage (71 ) is identified in proximity of the first end portion (4) and of the second end portion (7), between the housing (70a) of the second plate (6) and the honeycomb structure (5) of the first plate (2) (see figure 11 ).

The passage (71 ) allows the air interposed between the metal sheet (8), the layer of polymeric foam (9) and the second plate (6) to flow laterally into the cells (50) of the honeycomb structure (5).

During use, the personal protection device (1 ), object of the present invention, can be arranged at the chest or back of a user wearing it so that the first plate (2) faces towards the outside, while the second plate (6) faces towards the user.

In other words, during use, the personal protection device (1 ) is arranged in such a way that, should it be struck by a firearm projectile, it will strike the first plate (2) and will be halted in its path by the metal sheet (8). The kinetic energy of the impact of the projectile will consequently be absorbed by the layer of polymeric foam (9). When the personal protection device (1 ) is arranged at the chest or back of a user the second plate (6) prevents the layer of polymeric foam (9) from entering into contact with the body of the user.

The layer of polymeric foam (9) is advantageously protected from wear.

The first end portion (4) preferably comprises a first projection (10) and a first pair of recesses (11 ) which are arranged laterally to the first projection (10) (see figures 12 and 13).

Likewise, the second end portion (7) comprises a second projection (12) and a second pair of recesses (13) which are arranged laterally of the second projection (12) (see figures 12 and 13).

As mentioned in the foregoing, the join surface between the first end portion (4) and the second end portion (7) is advantageously increased and, at the same time, the fixture between them is also improved.

A personal protection garment (17) is described in the following, comprising a personal protection device (1 ) having an anti-perforation metal sheet (8), according to any one of the embodiments described in the foregoing, wherein the personal protection garment (17), during use, is worn by a user so that the personal protection device (1 ) is positioned so as to at least partially cover the chest or the back of the user.

By personal protection garment (17) can be taken as meaning a jacket or a gilet.

Figure 7 illustrates an anti-projectile gilet and the personal protection device (1 ), object of the present invention, represented in a broken line.

By way of example, the personal protection garment (17) can be an anti-projectile jacket. During use, the personal protection garment (17) is worn by the user so that the personal protection device (1 ) is arranged with the first plate (2) facing towards the outside so as, for example, to receive a projectile strike.