Articles, manufactures, and assemblies utilizing configured and sized plates comprised of penetration-proof laminated constructs formed of asymmetric composite materials

Abstract

The present invention is directed to structures, constructions and assemblies able and functional to protect living subjects from a range and variety of moving objects differing in size, volume, and overall shape; from projectiles traveling at many different rates of speed, and from the effects of exploding and/or advancing solid fragments moving at high velocity. More specifically, the present invention relates to protecting living human and animal subjects through the use of three-dimensional designed structures and assemblies which employ configured and dimensioned penetration-resistant plates prepared from laminated constructs comprising multiple individual layers composed of asymmetric composite materials. These penetration-resistant plates will protect living subjects from high velocity projectiles and fragments in both civilian and combat situations. More specifically, the invention relates to protecting subjects through the use of penetration-resistant prepared plates for use in a wide range and variety of erections, constructions and assemblies. As typical examples, the penetration-resistant plates can be used to great advantage as in the making of shatter-proof windows, doors, curtain wails, face masks, vests, flooring, helmets, tires, computer screens, television screens, housing, aircraft shelters/bunkers, boats, security vehicles, buildings, automotive, sport arenas, guard shields.

1 . A prepared kit for the substitution and replacement of penetrable glass objects with impervious light-transmitting articles, said kit comprising:
 at least one penetration-resistant and light-transmitting plate prepared as a laminated construct comprising not less than 3 individual layers of asymmetric composite materials joined together in series as at least one discrete stack, said plate having a determinable configuration and fixed dimensions and presenting demonstrable penetration-resistance properties against, a moving object having a determinable size, mass, and velocity.   
     
     
         2 . A prepared kit for the protection of penetrable glass objects with an impervious light-transmitting overlay assembly, said kit comprising:
 at least one framework of pre-chosen shape and size able to support and align at least one penetration-resistant plate in position over a penetrable glass object as a protective safety barrier overlay;   fastening means for holding said framework plate at a chosen location over and adjacent to a sheet of shatterable sheet glass; and   at least one penetration-resistant and light-transmitting plate prepared as a laminated construct comprising not less than 3 individual layers of asymmetric composite materials joined together in series as at least one discrete stack, said penetration-resistant plate having a determinable configuration and fixed dimensions, and presenting demonstrable penetration-resistance properties against a moving object having a determinable size, mass, and velocity.   
     
     
         3 . The prepared kit as recited in  claim 1  or  2  wherein said laminated construct of said penetration-resistant plate further comprises a plurality of asymmetric stacks joined together in sequential series. 
     
     
         4 . The prepared kit as recited in  claim 1  or  2  wherein said individual layers formed of asymmetric composite materials consist of at least one member of the group selected from plastics, glass, substantially pure aluminum silicates, ionomer resins, metals, rubbers, rigid aramid fiber materials, or any combination of these. 
     
     
         5 . The prepared kit as recited in  claim 1  or  2  wherein said individual layers formed of asymmetric composite materials consist of at least one member of the group selected from polybenzoxazole, polybenzothiazole polymers or related copolymers, thermoplastic polymers, thermosetting polymers, and elastomers. 
     
     
         6 . The prepared kit as recited in  claim 1  or  2  wherein said individual layers formed of asymmetric composite materials consist of at least one member of the group selected from polycarbonates, steel, ceramics, Kevlar, and S Glass steel mesh. 
     
     
         7 . The prepared kit as recited in  claim 1  or  2  wherein said moving object is a high velocity projectile. 
     
     
         8 . The prepared kit as recited in  claim 1  or  2  wherein said moving object is an explosion fragment. 
     
     
         9 . The prepared kit as recited in  claim 1  or  2  wherein said penetration-resistant plate is substantially transparent. 
     
     
         10 . The prepared kit as recited in  claim 1  or  2  wherein said penetration-resistant plate is substantially translucent. 
     
     
         11 . The prepared kit as recited in  claim 1  or  2  wherein said penetration-resistant plate is substantially opaque. 
     
     
         12 . A standard vehicle production cab assembly for inclusion in a newly manufactured vehicle, said cab assembly comprising:
 an overview support structure comprising a pre-designed three-dimensional cab framework having distinct sections and viewing zones which serves as an observation dome and viewing compartment for a newly manufactured vehicle;   mounting provisions for integrally joining said overview support structure to the body of a newly manufactured vehicle; and   a plurality of differently configured and dimensioned penetration-resistant plates prepared as laminated constructs comprising not less than 3 individual layers of asymmetric composite materials joined together in series as at least one discrete stack, each of said plates having a determinable configuration and fixed dimensions and presenting demonstrable penetration resistance properties against a moving object having a determinable size, mass and velocity.   
     
     
         13 . The standard vehicle production cab assembly as recited in  claim 12  wherein said overview support structure further comprises a discrete observation roof, a viewing front windshield, transparent viewing sidewalls and rear wall, and transparent viewing windows and doors. 
     
     
         14 . The standard vehicle production cab assembly as recited in  claim 12  wherein said overview support structure further comprises a floor pan. 
     
     
         15 . A prepared kit for assembling a standard vehicle production cab in a newly manufactured vehicle, said kit comprising:
 an overview support structure comprising a pre-designed three-dimensional cab framework having distinct sections and viewing zones which serves as an observation dome and viewing compartment for a newly manufactured vehicle;   mounting provisions for integrally joining said overview support structure to the lower body of a newly manufactured vehicle; and   a plurality of differently configured and dimensioned penetration-resistant plates prepared as laminated constructs comprising not less than 3 individual layers of asymmetric composite materials joined together in series as at least one discrete stack, each of said plates having a determinable configuration and fixed dimensions and presenting demonstrable penetration resistance properties against a moving object having a determinable size, mass and velocity.   
     
     
         16 . An attachable and detachable on-demand armor array comprising:
 an organized arrangement of discrete armor plates which can be attached on-demand to a pre-existing vehicular cab assembly as a planned disposition of armor plating and be subsequently removed at will, repeatedly, wherein each armor plate of said organized arrangement is   (i) a prepared plate of predetermined shape, size, and mass which presents enhanced penetration-resistance properties against a moving object having a determinable size, mass and velocity; and   (ii) a laminated construct comprising not less than 3 individual layers composed of asymmetric composite materials joined together in series as at least one discrete stack.   
     
     
         17 . The attachable and detachable on-demand armor array recited in  claim 16  wherein said organized arrangement, of discrete armor plates includes at least one member selected from the group consisting of transparent, translucent, and opaque armor panels, panes, and slabs. 
     
     
         18 . The attachable and detachable on-demand armor array recited in  claim 16  wherein said organized arrangement of discrete armor plates are NVD compatible, scratch resistant, capable of being defrosted, UV protective, and creates little or no visual distortion of images. 
     
     
         19 . The attachable and detachable on-demand armor array recited in  claim 16  wherein said organized arrangement of discrete armor plates includes at least one roof armor plate, at least one windshield armor panel, a plurality of side armor panes, at least one door armor slab, and a plurality of belly armor overlays. 
     
     
         20 . The attachable and detachable on-demand armor array recited in  claim 16  further comprising prepared fasteners to hold and support said organized arrangement of discrete armor plates in proper position upon the pre-existing vehicular cab assembly. 
     
     
         21 . A prepared kit for deploying an attachable and detachable on-demand armor array, said kit comprising:
 a plurality of discrete armor plates which can be attached on-demand to a pre-existing vehicular cab assembly as an organized arrangement and planned disposition of armor plating and be subsequently removed at will repeatedly, wherein each armor plate of said organized arrangement is   (i) a prepared plate of predetermined shape, size, and mass which presents enhanced penetration resistance properties against a moving object having a determinable size, mass and velocity;   (ii) a laminated construct comprising not less than 3 individual layers of asymmetric composite materials joined together in series as at least one discrete stack; and   multiple fasteners able to hold and support said organized arrangement of discrete armor plates in a proper and aligned position upon a pre-existing vehicular cab assembly.