Puncture and Cut Resistant Material

Abstract

A composite material having a plurality of protective elements held such that they comprise substantially all of a fabric material that retains an elastic property that allows the material to freely expand and contract without substantial restriction and such that the material can be used to make a water garment for wearing over a torso of a person in a body of water. The protective elements can be inelastic with a diameter of approximately ¾ of an inch or more.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 : A composite material, comprising:
 a first layer of elastic material;   a second layer of material; and   a plurality of protective elements that cover substantially all of the first layer of elastic material;   wherein the second layer of material is connected to the first layer of elastic material with a plurality of connections in such a manner as to restrain each of the plurality of protective elements within a pocket; and   wherein the first layer of elastic material and the second layer of material are not attached directly to the plurality of protective elements.   
     
     
         2 : The composite material of  claim 1  wherein the first layer of elastic material can freely expand and contract without substantial restriction caused by the plurality of protective elements. 
     
     
         3 : The composite material of  claim 2  wherein the second layer of material is comprised of a second layer of elastic material. 
     
     
         4 : The composite material of  claim 3  wherein each of the plurality of protective elements is inelastic. 
     
     
         5 : The composite material of  claim 4  wherein each of said plurality of protective elements has a diameter of approximately ¾ of an inch or more. 
     
     
         6 : A composite material, comprising:
 a layer of elastic threads; and   a plurality of protective elements that are connected to and cover substantially all of the layer of elastic threads;   wherein the plurality of protective elements are not connected to each other; and   wherein the layer of elastic threads can freely expand and contract without substantial restriction caused by the plurality of protective elements.   
     
     
         7 : The composite material of  claim 6  wherein each of the plurality of protective elements is inelastic. 
     
     
         8 : The composite material of  claim 6  wherein each of said plurality of protective elements has a diameter of approximately ¾ of an inch or more. 
     
     
         9 : A composite material, comprising:
 a layer of a plurality of protective elements connected together by a plurality of elastic connections at a plurality of perimeter points wherein the layer of the plurality of protective elements can freely expand and contract without substantial restriction due to a plurality of gaps formed between the plurality of protective elements.   
     
     
         10 : The composite material of  claim 9  wherein each of the plurality of protective elements is inelastic. 
     
     
         11 : The composite material of  claim 9  wherein each of said plurality of protective elements has a diameter of approximately ¾ of an inch or more. 
     
     
         12 : The composite material of  claim 9  further comprising a covering material attached to the plurality of protective elements by a second plurality of elastic connections.