Applique body armor system (A-BAS)

Abstract

The object of our invention is to provide the military wearer the option for placing hard plate body armor externally over his existing fragmentation vest. Our invention allows the wearer to select plate size and location, and then rapidly attach plates to connectors on the fragmentation vest carrier. Our invention's advantage is allowing the user to rapidly increase area of coverage and increased protection levels based on threats or special mission with no modifications to the solder's outer tactical ballistic vest. Our invention comprises at least one ballistic plate, a carrier pocket for the ballistic plate that surrounds the ballistic plate, attachment loops on the pocket, and a readily attachable and detachable mechanical attachment mechanism. The invention attaches to existing attaching points on the soldier's fragmentation vest.

1 . An appliqué armor system for the body of a person comprising:
 a ballistic material vest that is worn by said person;   at least one ballistic plate capable of stopping high velocity ballistic projectiles;   a carrier pocket made of durable fabric and sized to fit said ballistic plate;   a readily attachable and detachable mechanical attachment mechanism for connecting said carrier pocket to said ballistic material vest.   
   
   
       2 . The appliqué armor system of  claim 1  where said mechanical attachment mechanism includes material loops sewn onto said carrier pocket. 
   
   
       3 . The appliqué armor system of  claim 1  where the attachment mechanism includes straps sewn onto said carrier pocket. 
   
   
       4 . The appliqué armor system of  claim 1  where the attachment mechanism includes hook and loop materials. 
   
   
       5 . The appliqué armor system of  claim 1  where the attachment mechanism includes metal mechanical fasteners. 
   
   
       6 . An appliqué armor system for the body of a person comprising:
 a ballistic material vest that is worn by said person;   at least one ballistic plate capable of stopping high velocity ballistic projectiles; and,   a readily attachable and detachable mechanical attachment mechanism for connecting directly to said ballistic plate and to said ballistic material vest.   
   
   
       7 . A method for placing appliqué armor on a ballistic material vest:
 providing a ballistic material vest;   providing at least one ballistic plate;   inserting each of said ballistic plates into a carrier pocket;   selecting locations on said ballistic material vest for additional protection; and,   connecting said carrier pocket to said ballistic material vest with a readily attachable and detachable attachment mechanism.