Multiple layer hull

Abstract

An improved multiple layer hull system may be used in vehicle applications. An upper hull may be monolithic or may have a plurality of seams. A sacrificial lower hull may be entirely U-shaped or partially flat-bottomed, or may have a U-shaped or partially flat-bottomed base with outwardly extending wings complementing a lower surface of the upper hull. A blast deflector may be beneath the lower hull or base either as a separate part or as an integral part.

1 . A multiple layer vehicle hull, comprising:
 an upper hull portion;   a lower U-shaped or partially flat bottom shaped hull portion semi-decoupled to the upper hull portion by blast energy absorbing sacrificial connection mechanisms; and   a blast deflector below and detachably connected to the lower hull portion.   
     
     
         2 . The vehicle hull of  claim 1 , wherein the upper hull portion is monolithic. 
     
     
         3 . The vehicle hull of  claim 1 , wherein the lower hull portion is monolithic. 
     
     
         4 . The vehicle hull of  claim 1 , wherein the lower hull portion is sacrificial. 
     
     
         5 . The vehicle hull of  claim 1 , wherein the blast deflector is V-shaped. 
     
     
         6 . The vehicle hull of  claim 1 , wherein the blast deflector is attachable to the lower hull portion. 
     
     
         7 . The vehicle hull of  claim 1 , wherein the blast deflector is integral with the lower hull portion. 
     
     
         8 . A multiple layer vehicle hull, comprising:
 an upper hull portion;   a lower hull portion below the upper hull portion, the lower hull portion comprising a base with outward facing side wings atop the base;   a blast deflector in mechanical communication with the base.   
     
     
         9 . The vehicle hull of  claim 8 , wherein the upper hull is monolithic. 
     
     
         10 . The vehicle hull of  claim 8 , wherein the lower hull portion is monolithic. 
     
     
         11 . The vehicle hull of  claim 8 , wherein the lower hull portion wings each have a length and an angle to support an angled portion of a bottom surface of the upper hull. 
     
     
         12 . The vehicle hull of  claim 8 , wherein the lower hull portion is sacrificial. 
     
     
         13 . The vehicle hull of  claim 8 , wherein the blast deflector is attached to the lower hull portion with at least one of mechanical attachment devices and adhesive material. 
     
     
         14 . The vehicle hull of  claim 8 , wherein the blast deflector is integral with the lower hull portion. 
     
     
         15 . A military vehicle comprising the vehicle hull of  claim 8 . 
     
     
         16 . A multiple layer vehicle hull, comprising:
 an upper hull portion having at least one butt weld; and   a sacrificial lower hull portion below and semi-decoupled with the upper hull portion, the lower hull portion comprising a U-shaped base or a base having a bottom that is at least partially flat, and a sacrificial deflector beneath the lower hull portion.   
     
     
         17 . The vehicle hull of  claim 16  further comprising a V-shaped blast deflector under the lower hull portion, the blast deflector having concave or convex walls. 
     
     
         18 . The vehicle hull of  claim 16 , wherein the upper hull portion has two butt welds, one creating a top seam running longitudinally relative to a length of a vehicle in a top central region, and one creating a bottom seam running longitudinally relative to the length of the vehicle in a bottom central region. 
     
     
         19 . The vehicle hull of  claim 16 , wherein the upper hull portion has three butt welds, creating three seams running substantially longitudinally relative to a length of a vehicle. 
     
     
         20 . (canceled)