201211496 六、發明說明： 【發明所屬之技術領域】 本發明係關於一種具有剛性胸甲及鄰接該胸甲之彈性織 物之輕重量高性能身體蓋甲背心。該胸甲及該織物均包含 諸如聚乙烯纖維之單向定向高韌度高拉伸模數纖維之纖維 層。 【先前技術】 包含具有極佳之抗可變形發射體性質之高強度纖維之防 彈物品為已知。包括防彈背心、頭盎及軍隊設備之結構組 件之該等物品一般係由具有高強度纖維之層之織物製造。 节用纖維包括聚乙烯纖維、對芳族聚醯胺纖維（例如，聚 (苯一胺對苯二甲醯胺））、石墨纖維、尼龍纖維、玻璃纖維 等。對於諸如背^或背心、之部件之許多應用，_纖維可 以編織或針織織物形式使用。對於其他應用，該等纖維係 包埋或嵌於基質材料中以形成剛性或彈性織物。 括貪c 頭益及面板之特定防彈物品述於例如us 4,403,012 ； US 4,457,985 ； US 4,613,535 ； US 4,623；574 ； US 4,650,710 ; Us 4,737,402 ； US 4,748,064 ； US 5,552,208 ； US 5,587,230 ； US 6,642,159 ； US 6,841,492 ； 及US 6,846,758中。特定言之，該等專利案描述包括諸如 鏈延伸之超高分子量聚乙烯纖維之高強度纖維之防彈複合 物。該等複合物顯示不同程度之防發射體（諸如子彈）高速 衝擊穿透性。1^ 4,403,012及1；8 4,457,985揭示具有高分子 S聚乙婦或聚丙烯纖維網絡之防彈複合物以及烯烴聚合物 157706.doc 201211496 及共聚物、不飽和聚自g、環氧樹脂及其他可於低於纖維炫 點模製之聚合物之基質。 US 4,623,574及US 4,748,064揭示包含嵌於彈性體基質 中之高強度纖維之複合物。US 4,737,402及US 4,613,535揭 示具有良好抗衝擊性且包含揭示於US 4,413，110中之諸如 超咼分子量聚乙稀及聚丙稀纖維之高強度纖維之網絡之剛 性複合物。該等纖維係嵌於彈性體基質材料中及至少一層 額外剛性層係位於該基質中該等纖維之主表面上。us 4,650,710揭示一種具有複數層包含高強度鏈延伸聚烯烴 (ECP)纖維之彈性層之彈性物品。該等纖維係經由低模數 彈性體材料塗覆。 US 5,552,208及US 5,587,230揭示包括高強度纖維之至 少一種網絡及包含乙烯酯及鄰苯二甲酸二烯丙酯之基質組 合物之物品。US 6,642,159揭示一種具有複數層纖維層之 耐衝擊性剛性複合物。該等層具有位於基質中之纖絲之網 絡，及彈性體層係介於該等纖維層之間。該複合物係結合 至硬質曱（hard plate)以增加針對盔甲衝孔發射體之保護。 118 6,841，492揭示雙向及多軸織物、織物複合物、其防彈 總成及製造彼等之方法。該等織物包括覆於平行板中之強 固 '實質平行單向紗之套組，其彼此相疊^ US 6,846,758 揭示具有優異之彈道發射體穿透耐抗性之編織織物層壓 物。該等層壓物包括藉由高強度高模數紗編織之織物，其 係結合至其被覆彈性體之表面之低模數彈性體及塑膠膜之 表面塗層。 157706.doc 201211496 亦心知針對碎片（諸如彈片）穿透具有高耐抗性之物品係 ^ 3由諸如兩分子量聚乙稀、芳族聚醯胺及聚苯并口坐之材 料裝^之阿強度纖維。該等物品述於例如US ό，534,426及 6,475,936j，x ^ ^ £ j duP〇nt De Nem〇urs international S.A 出版於 1984年之 rLlghtweight 〇〇叫〇心 Hd Arm〇rN〇n201211496 VI. Description of the Invention: [Technical Field of the Invention] The present invention relates to a lightweight, high performance body cap vest having a rigid breastplate and an elastic fabric adjacent to the breastplate. The breastplate and the fabric each comprise a fibrous layer of unidirectionally oriented high tenacity and high tensile modulus fibers such as polyethylene fibers. [Prior Art] An anti-ballistic article comprising a high-strength fiber having excellent properties against a deformable emitter is known. Such articles, including ballistic vests, head ensembles, and structural components of military equipment, are typically manufactured from fabrics having layers of high strength fibers. The knot fibers include polyethylene fibers, p-aramid fibers (e.g., poly(phenylamine terephthalamide)), graphite fibers, nylon fibers, glass fibers, and the like. For many applications such as backs or vests, the fibers can be used in the form of woven or knitted fabrics. For other applications, the fibers are embedded or embedded in a matrix material to form a rigid or elastic fabric. Specific ballistic resistant articles are described in, for example, us 4,403,012; US 4,457,985; US 4,613,535; US 4,623;574; US 4,650,710; Us 4,737,402; US 4,748,064; US 5,552,208; US 5,587,230; US 6,642,159; US 6,841,492; US 6,846,758. In particular, the patents describe ballistic resistant composites comprising high strength fibers such as chain extended ultra high molecular weight polyethylene fibers. These composites exhibit high-speed impact penetration of various levels of anti-emitters (such as bullets). 1^ 4,403,012 and 1;8 4,457,985 discloses an anti-ballistic composite having a polymer S-polyethylene or polypropylene fiber network and an olefin polymer 157706.doc 201211496 and a copolymer, an unsaturated poly-g, an epoxy resin and others A matrix that is lower than the polymer molded by the fiber. A composite comprising high strength fibers embedded in an elastomeric matrix is disclosed in U.S. Patent 4,623,574 and U.S. Patent 4,748,064. No. 4,613,535 discloses a rigid composite having good impact resistance and comprising a network of high strength fibers such as ultra-molecular weight polyethylene and polypropylene fibers disclosed in U.S. Patent 4,413,110. The fibers are embedded in the elastomeric matrix material and at least one additional rigid layer is disposed on the major surfaces of the fibers in the matrix. Us 4,650,710 discloses an elastic article having a plurality of layers comprising an elastic layer of high strength chain extended polyolefin (ECP) fibers. The fibers are coated via a low modulus elastomeric material. US 5,552,208 and US 5,587,230 disclose articles comprising at least one network of high strength fibers and a matrix composition comprising vinyl ester and diallyl phthalate. US 6,642,159 discloses an impact resistant rigid composite having a plurality of layers of fibrous layers. The layers have a network of filaments in the matrix, and an elastomeric layer is interposed between the layers. The composite is bonded to a hard plate to increase protection against the armor punching emitter. 118 6,841,492 discloses two-way and multi-axial fabrics, fabric composites, ballistic assemblies thereof, and methods of making same. The fabrics comprise a set of strong 'substantially parallel unidirectional yarns overlying parallel plates, which are stacked one on another. US 6,846,758 discloses a woven fabric laminate having excellent ballistic emitter penetration resistance. The laminates comprise a fabric woven by high strength, high modulus yarns bonded to a low modulus elastomer of the surface of the coated elastomer and a surface coating of the plastic film. 157706.doc 201211496 It is also known that articles with high resistance to fragments (such as shrapnel) are made of materials such as two-molecular-weight polyethylene, aromatic polyamines, and polybenzophenes. fiber. Such items are described, for example, in US ό, 534, 426 and 6, 475, 936j, x ^ ^ £ j duP〇nt De Nem〇urs international S.A published in 1984 rLlghtweight 〇〇叫〇心 Hd Arm〇rN〇n
Apparel Systems with T-963 3300 dtex DuPont Kevlar 29 Fibre」中。该等物品中之纖維可為織布或不織布。不織布 纖維可進行針織、單轴排列及交又疊層或魅化。根據其建 構之性質及所採用之材料，該等物品可為彈性或剛性。 以上所弓1用之各建構表示朝彼等所指定目標進展之過 程。然而，與諸如背心之習知防彈物品相關之面臨的問題 為實現足夠程度之防穿透性所需之高材料重量。就此而 言，諸如背心之剛性身體盔甲衣物提供相對高的防彈性， 仁彼等亦相辑剛硬且體積龐大。結果 一般不如彈性身體Μ衣物舒適1此，技術上== 於軍隊及執法人員提供有效保護性之防彈衣物及其他物 品’其等係穿戴舒適的’且不會因重量及/或體積過大而 相當程度上妨礙活動性。 【發明内容】 本發明係有關於發現就防子彈穿透性而言提供高性能之 輕重量身豸4甲背心及其他物5。作為代表性物品之:心 有益地利用用於胸甲之硬或剛性盔曱或鄰接該胸甲之_ 之軟或彈性盔甲之極輕材料。背心之特徵就其重量及性能 兩者而言提供軍隊及執法應用相關之許多優點。根據有關 157706.doc 201211496 於背心之本發明之實施例，胸甲及織物兩者均包括複數層 單向定向纖維層。該等層之纖維（例如聚乙烯纖維）具有至 少約7 g/丹尼爾之韌度及至少約15〇§/丹尼爾之初始拉伸模 數。該等高性能纖維可利用樹脂基質，較佳使用相對低樹 脂基質含量之低模數樹碑固定於其各別層組態中以提供特 別的彈道性能及彈性。就胸f而言，纖維層可經模製獲得 剛性結構，然而，就織物而言，纖維層可經固結獲得彈性 結構。因此’具不同性質之彈道組件係經組合達成商業上 所需之背心或其他物品之總性能及重量特徵。 有利地，背心之重量或胸甲與織物之組合重量大體上可 小於約3 kg(6.6磅），一般小於約2.5 kg(5 5磅），及通常小 於約2 kg(4.4磅）。較佳地，該等背心至少於胸甲區域係耐 抗具有一般至少約1000 J(740英尺-磅）及通常至少約15〇〇 j (1110英尺-時）（例如，約1600 J(1180英尺-碎）至約4〇〇〇 j (2950英尺-磅）範圍内）之能量之子彈。 從以下詳細描述中可明瞭本發明之該等及其他實施例及 態樣及其相關之優點。 【實施方式】 本發明係有關於就彈道性能及總重量而言具有上述優點 之身體盘曱背心及其他物品。根據特定實施例，一代表性 身體蓋甲背心包括剛性胸甲及鄰接該胸甲之彈性織物兩 者。於其他實施例中，於不存有增加重量或以其他方式本 質上改變其基本及新穎特徵之其他結構（例如，附著於胸 甲表面之額外聚合物薄膜）下，該背心可甚至係由（或基本 157706.doc 201211496 上係由）曱及織物組成。於任何之該等實施例中，背心或 其他衣服形式之彈性織物係於利用或不利用物理附著下鄰 接於胸甲。本文中’㈣「胸甲」及「甲」係用以指特別 就其中f通常係佔據或覆蓋使用者胸區域之^、概衫或 夾克或其他衣服而言之胸甲。另外’該等術語意欲包括併 入其他不-定覆蓋胸區域之衣服及非衣物巾之剛性結構。 因此，胸甲（或甲）一般特徵為剛性盎甲，亦稱為」硬」 盎甲’其定義於文獻中例如’ us 5,690,526中，表示為對 於⑴在受到大量應力時維持結構剛性及（ii)不會塌陷而可 自站立之足夠機械強度之組件。與胸曱相反，織物之特徵 為不具有硬蓋甲之該等屬性之彈性或「軟」盘甲。該等剛 性蓋曱及彈性蓋甲組件具有受控於文中所述背心及其他物 品中之個別防彈’重量特徵’提供高程度之保護，尤其是 對於最關鍵區域，具有軍隊及執法人員所期望之總重量低 及舒適’彈性特徵。雖然胸甲及織物均可包括(例如)於樹脂 基質中高韌度高拉伸模數纖維之纖維層，但是，盡可能採 用不同方法（例如，形成剛性胸甲之模製及形成彈性織物 之固結）以自該等材料形成剛性及彈性組件。代表性模製 及固結技術更詳細地述於以下。 高韌度纖維及纖維層 如上所述’背心之剛性胸甲及彈性織物兩者均包括複數 層單向定向纖維層。_維思々土 ^ ^ 曰纖維層各者均包含具有高韌度及高拉 伸模數之纖維。為達本發明之目的，纖維為其長度尺寸遠 大於寬度及厚度橫向尺寸之縱長體。因此，術語」纖維」 157706.doc 201211496 包括單絲、複絲、帶、條、短纖及其他形式之短切或不連 續纖維及具有規則或不規則橫截面之類似物。術語」纖 維」包括任何前述或其組合中之複數者。紗為由許多纖維 或纖絲組成之連續線。」層」為可以三維進行剛性或彈性 彎曲之本體，但若以平面進行平鋪，則具有遠大於厚度尺 寸之長度及寬度尺寸。 文中所用術語」高韌度纖維」意指具有等於或大於約7 g/丹尼爾之韌度之纖維》較佳地，該等纖維具有如astm D2256所測之至少約150 §/丹尼爾之初始拉伸模數及至少 約8 J/g之斷裂能。文中所用術語」初始拉伸模數」、」拉 伸模數」及」模數」意指如ASTM 2256針對紗或纖維所測 得及如ASTM D638針對彈性體或基質材料所測得之彈性模 數。較佳地，該高韌度纖維具有等於或大於約丨〇以丹尼 爾，更佳等於或大於約15 g/丹尼爾，甚至更佳等於或大於 約20 g/丹尼爾’及最佳等於或大於約3〇 g/丹尼爾之韌度。 對於高韌度聚乙烯纖維，較佳之韌度範圍為約2〇至約兄g/ 丹尼_。較佳地，胸甲（或其他剛性組件）及織物（或其他彈 f生、’且件）兩者之複數層纖維層中纖維之至少約5 〇重量％及更 佳至少約75重量。/。為高韌度纖維。最佳地，兩種組件之複 數層纖維層中所有或實質上所有纖維為高動度纖維。 適用於本發明之纖維之橫截面可廣泛變化。彼等可為圓 形、平面或長橢圓形之橫截面。彼等亦可為具有自纖絲之 線性軸或縱軸凸出之—或多個規則或不規則部之不規則或 規則夕凸出橫截面。尤佳地的是纖維具有實質上圓形、 157706.doc 201211496 平面或長橢圓形之橫截面，最佳好纖維具有實質上圓形之 橫截面。諸如文中所用高韌度纖維之纖維之紗可為諸如 (例如）約50至約5000丹尼爾，更佳約2〇〇至約50〇〇丹尼爾， 又更佳約650至約3000丹尼爾，及最佳約8〇〇至約15〇〇丹尼 爾之任何適宜之丹尼爾。 諸如聚烯烴纖維或芳族聚醯胺纖維之高韌度纖維為用於 諸如背心之胸甲及織物組件之剛性及彈性組件之纖維層中 之彼等之代表例。聚烯烴纖維較佳為高韌度聚乙烯纖維及/ 或高韌度聚丙烯纖維。最佳地，該等聚烯烴纖維為高韌度 聚乙烯纖維，亦稱為鏈延伸聚乙烯纖維或高度定向之高分 子量聚乙烯纖維。適用於本文中之聚烯烴及芳族聚醯胺纖 維為已知且具有極佳的防彈性質。 US 4,457,985實質上論述高分子量聚乙烯纖維及聚丙烯 纖維。就聚乙烯纖維而言，適宜之纖維為重量平均分子量 至少約150,000，較佳至少約〗，〇〇〇,〇〇〇及更佳介於約 2,000,000至約5,0〇〇,〇〇〇之間之彼等。該等高分子量聚乙烯 纖維可於溶液中經紡絲，例如述於us 4，137,394及us 4,356，138中之。或者該等纖維可包括紡自溶液之纖絲而形Apparel Systems with T-963 3300 dtex DuPont Kevlar 29 Fibre". The fibers in the articles may be woven or non-woven. Non-woven fabrics can be knitted, uniaxially aligned, and laminated or glazed. These items may be elastic or rigid depending on the nature of the construction and the materials used. The constructions used in the above section 1 indicate the progress towards the goals specified by them. However, the problem associated with conventional bulletproof articles such as vests is the high material weight required to achieve a sufficient degree of penetration resistance. In this regard, rigid body armor garments such as vests provide relatively high ballistic resistance, and Ren and others are also rigid and bulky. The result is generally not as comfortable as the elastic body. It is technically == The bulletproof clothing and other items that provide effective protection for the military and law enforcement personnel 'they are comfortable to wear' and are not subject to weight and/or bulk. To a certain extent, it hinders activity. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to the discovery of a lightweight, lightweight body vest and other articles 5 that provide high performance in terms of bullet penetration resistance. As a representative item: the heart beneficially utilizes the extremely lightweight material of the hard or rigid helmet of the breastplate or the soft or elastic armor of the breastplate. The vest features many of the advantages associated with military and law enforcement applications in terms of both weight and performance. According to an embodiment of the invention of the vest of 157706.doc 201211496, both the breastplate and the fabric comprise a plurality of layers of unidirectionally oriented fibers. The fibers of the layers (e.g., polyethylene fibers) have a tenacity of at least about 7 g/denier and an initial tensile modulus of at least about 15 〇/denier. These high performance fibers can be secured to their respective layer configurations using a resin matrix, preferably using a low modulus tree of relatively low resin matrix content to provide exceptional ballistic performance and flexibility. In the case of the chest f, the fibrous layer can be molded to obtain a rigid structure, however, in the case of a fabric, the fibrous layer can be consolidated to obtain an elastic structure. Thus, ballistic components of different nature are combined to achieve the overall performance and weight characteristics of a commercially available vest or other article. Advantageously, the weight of the vest or the combined weight of the breastplate and fabric can be substantially less than about 3 kg (6.6 pounds), typically less than about 2.5 kg (55 pounds), and typically less than about 2 kg (4.4 pounds). Preferably, the vests have a resistance of at least about 1000 J (740 ft-lb) and typically at least about 15 J (1110 ft-h), at least in the breastplate region (eg, about 1600 J (1180 ft). - Broken) to a bullet of energy of approximately 4〇〇〇j (2950ft-lb). These and other embodiments and aspects of the present invention and its related advantages are apparent from the following detailed description. [Embodiment] The present invention relates to a body vest and other articles having the above advantages in terms of ballistic performance and total weight. According to a particular embodiment, a representative body flap vest includes both a rigid breastplate and an elastic fabric adjacent the breastplate. In other embodiments, the vest may even be subjected to (without additional polymeric film attached to the surface of the breastplate) without additional weight or otherwise altering its basic and novel features. Or basic 157706.doc 201211496 is composed of 曱 and fabric. In any of these embodiments, the elastic fabric in the form of a vest or other garment is attached to the breastplate with or without physical attachment. In this document, '(4) "breast armor" and "A" are used to refer to a breastplate in particular, where the f is usually used to cover or cover the chest area of the user, or a jacket or other garment. In addition, the terms are intended to include the rigid structures of other garments and non-clothing towels that do not cover the chest area. Thus, the breastplate (or armor) is generally characterized by a rigid angular arm, also known as a "hard" anthracene, which is defined in the literature, for example, in 'us 5,690,526, which is expressed as (1) maintaining structural rigidity when subjected to a large amount of stress and (ii) A component of sufficient mechanical strength that does not collapse and can stand on its own. In contrast to the chest, the fabric is characterized by an elastic or "soft" panel that does not have the properties of a hard cover. The rigid cover and resilient cover arm assemblies provide a high degree of protection from the individual ballistic 'weight characteristics' of the vests and other items described herein, particularly for the most critical areas, with military and law enforcement personnel's expectations. The total weight is low and the comfort 'elastic characteristics. Although the breastplate and the fabric may include, for example, a fibrous layer of high tenacity and high tensile modulus fibers in the resin matrix, different methods are used as much as possible (for example, molding of a rigid breastplate and solidification of an elastic fabric) The formation of rigid and elastic components from such materials. Representative molding and consolidation techniques are described in more detail below. High tenacity fibers and fiber layers As described above, both the rigid breastplate and the elastic fabric of the vest include a plurality of layers of unidirectionally oriented fiber layers. _Wei Silt ^ ^ Each of the 曰 fiber layers contains fibers with high toughness and high tensile modulus. For the purposes of the present invention, a fiber is a lengthwise body having a length dimension that is much greater than the transverse dimension of the width and thickness. Thus, the term "fiber" 157706.doc 201211496 includes monofilaments, multifilaments, tapes, strips, staple fibers and other forms of chopped or discontinuous fibers and analogs having regular or irregular cross-sections. The term "fiber" includes any of the foregoing or combinations thereof. Yarn is a continuous line of many fibers or filaments. A "layer" is a body that can be rigidly or elastically curved in three dimensions, but if it is flattened in a plane, it has a length and a width dimension that are much larger than the thickness dimension. As used herein, the term "high tenacity fiber" means a fiber having a tenacity equal to or greater than about 7 g/denier. Preferably, the fibers have an initial stretch of at least about 150 §/denier as measured by astm D2256. Modulus and breaking energy of at least about 8 J/g. As used herein, the terms "initial tensile modulus", "tensile modulus" and "modulus" mean the modulus of elasticity as measured by ASTM 2256 for yarns or fibers and as measured by ASTM D638 for elastomers or matrix materials. number. Preferably, the high tenacity fibers have a denier of equal to or greater than about ,, more preferably equal to or greater than about 15 g/denier, even more preferably equal to or greater than about 20 g/denier, and preferably equal to or greater than about 3.韧g/ Daniel's toughness. For high tenacity polyethylene fibers, a preferred tenacity range is from about 2 Torr to about brother g/Danny _. Preferably, at least about 5% by weight and more preferably at least about 75 weight percent of the fibers in the plurality of fibrous layers of the breastplate (or other rigid component) and the fabric (or other elastomeric component). /. For high toughness fibers. Most preferably, all or substantially all of the fibers in the plurality of fibrous layers of the two components are high mobility fibers. The cross-section of the fibers suitable for use in the present invention can vary widely. They may be circular, flat or oblong in cross section. They may also be irregular or regular embossed cross-sections having protrusions from the linear or longitudinal axis of the filaments or a plurality of regular or irregularities. More preferably, the fibers have a substantially circular cross-section of 157706.doc 201211496 plane or oblong shape, and the best fibers have a substantially circular cross section. Yarns such as fibers of high tenacity fibers used herein may be, for example, from about 50 to about 5000 denier, more preferably from about 2 to about 50 denier, still more preferably from about 650 to about 3000 denier, and most preferably. Any suitable Daniel from about 8 〇〇 to about 15 〇〇 Daniel. High tenacity fibers such as polyolefin fibers or aramid fibers are representative of those used in the fibrous layers of rigid and elastic components such as breastplates of vests and fabric components. The polyolefin fibers are preferably high tenacity polyethylene fibers and/or high tenacity polypropylene fibers. Most preferably, the polyolefin fibers are high tenacity polyethylene fibers, also known as chain extended polyethylene fibers or highly oriented high molecular weight polyethylene fibers. Polyolefin and aromatic polyamide fibers suitable for use herein are known and have excellent ballistic properties. US 4,457,985 essentially discusses high molecular weight polyethylene fibers and polypropylene fibers. In the case of polyethylene fibers, suitable fibers have a weight average molecular weight of at least about 150,000, preferably at least about 〇〇〇, 〇〇〇, 〇〇〇 and more preferably from about 2,000,000 to about 5,0 Torr. They are the same. The high molecular weight polyethylene fibers can be spun in solution, as described, for example, in us 4,137,394 and us 4,356,138. Or the fibers may comprise a filament that is spun from the solution.
成例如述於US 4,413,110、German官方編號3,004,699及GB 專利案第2051667號中之凝膠結構。於一替代性實施例 中，聚乙烯纖維可藉由例如述於us 5,7〇2,657中之壓製及 拉絲製程製得。如文中所用，術語」聚乙烯」意指主要為 線性之聚乙烯材料，其可包含少量的支鏈或每1〇〇個主鏈 碳原子不超過約5個改質單元之共聚單體，且亦可包含至 157706.doc 201211496 夕約5 0重量/〇之或多種聚合添加劑（諸如烧烯_丨_聚合物 尤其係低密度聚乙烯、聚丙烯或聚丁烯、包含單烯烴作為 主要單體之共聚物、經氧化之聚烯烴、接枝聚烯烴共聚物 及聚曱醛，或低分子量添加劑諸如通常所併入之抗氧化 劑、潤滑劑、紫外線遮蔽劑、著色劑及類似物。 南韌度聚乙烯纖維可於商業獲得且以商標 維由 Honeywell International Inc (M〇rrist〇wn，】奶^， U.S.A)銷售。亦可使用其他來源之聚乙烯纖維。 根據成型技術、拉伸比及溫度及其他條件，可賦予該等 纖維多種性質。聚乙烯纖維之韌度尤其為至少約7 g/丹尼 爾，較佳為至少約15 g/丹尼爾，更佳為至少約3〇 g/丹尼 爾，又更佳為至少約35 g/丹尼爾及最佳為至少約45 g/丹尼 爾。類似地，如Instron拉伸測試機所測，聚乙烯纖维之初 始拉伸模數較佳為至少約300 g/丹尼爾，更佳為至少約5〇〇 g/丹尼爾，又更佳為至少約1000 g/丹尼爾及最佳為至少約 1，800 g/丹尼爾。韌度及初始拉伸模數之該等最高值一般 僅可藉由利用溶液生長或凝膠紡絲製程得到。許多該等纖 絲具有高於形成其等之聚合物之熔點的熔點。因此，例 如，約150,〇〇〇、約^⑽…⑽及約2〇〇〇〇〇〇分子量之高分 子量聚乙烯一般具有138t(280〇F)之塊狀熔點。由該等材 料製知之尚度定向聚乙稀纖絲具有高出约7。匸（13。？）至約 13 C (23°F)之熔點。因此，熔點之略微增加反映結晶完 整’及該等纖絲相較於塊狀聚合物之較高結晶定向度。 類似地’可使用重量平均分子量至少約2〇〇,〇〇〇，較佳 I57706.doc 10· 201211496 ^少約U000，咖及更佳至少約2，咖，_之高度定向高分子 直聚丙烯纖維。該鏈延伸聚丙稀可藉由以上所提及不同參 考文獻中指定之技術’且特別是由仍4,413，UG之技術成 型為經適妓向之纖絲。由於聚丙烯為結晶度遠小於聚已 烯之材料且包含側鏈曱I，因此可藉聚丙烯獲得之韌度值 -般係實質上低於聚乙烯之對應值。因此，聚乙浠纖維之 適宜韌度較佳為至少約8 g/丹尼爾及更佳為至少約U g/丹 尼爾。聚丙烯之初始拉伸模數較佳為至少約I6〇 g/丹尼爾 及更佳為至少約200 g/丹尼爾。聚丙烯之熔點一般會經定 向製程升高幾度，使得聚丙烯纖絲較佳具有至少 168°C (334〇F)及更佳至少17(rc⑽…之主炼點。利用具有 至少約200,000之重量平均分子量結合上述參數（模數及韌 度）之較佳範圍之纖維可對最終物品提供經有利改良之性 能。 對於芳族聚醯胺纖維，由芳族聚醯胺形成之適宜纖維述 於。8 3,671，542中，該案係以引用其芳族聚醯胺纖維教示 的方式併入本文中。較佳之芳族聚醯胺纖維具有至少約2〇 g/丹尼爾之韌度 '至少約4〇〇 g/丹尼爾之初始拉伸模數及 至少約8 J/g之斷裂能，及尤佳之芳族聚醯胺纖維具有至少 約20 g/丹尼爾之韌度及至少約2〇 J/g2斷裂能。最佳之芳 族聚醯胺纖維具有至少約28 g/丹尼爾之韌度、至少約1〇〇〇 g/丹尼爾之模數及至少約3〇 j/g之斷裂能。例如，具有適 度高模數及韌度值之聚（對苯二甲醯對苯二胺）纖絲係特別 適用於形成防彈複合物。實例為Dupont之KEVLAR®29、 157706.doc 201211496 KEVLAR®129及ΚΜ2(可以400、640及840丹尼爾獲得）及 Teijin之TWARON®纖維型號1000及2000(具有1000丹尼 爾）、獲自 Kolon Industries, Inc.之 HERACRON®纖維及商業 上由 Kamensk Volokno JSC及 JSC Chim Volokno(Russia)製 造之許多纖維（諸如具有初始拉伸模數及韌度值分別為約 1250 g/丹尼爾及 32 g/丹尼爾之 RUSARTM、ARTEC™、 ARMOS™及SVMTM)。其他實例為獲自du Pont之 KEVLAR®129及 KM2及獲自 Teijin之 TWARON® T2000。本 發明中亦可使用獲自其他製造商之芳族聚醯胺纖維。聚 (對苯二甲醯對笨二胺）之共聚物（例如，共聚（對苯二曱醯 對苯二胺、對苯二甲醯3,4'氧基聯苯胺））亦可適用。亦有 用者為由DuPont以商品名NOMEX®銷售之聚（間笨二甲醯 間苯二胺）纖維《亦可使用獲自不同供應商之芳族聚醯胺 纖維d 單向定向纖維層 不管所用高韌度纖維（包括任何上述聚烯烴及/或芳族聚 醯胺纖維）之類型，文中所述背心之剛性胸曱及彈性織物 兩者之纖維層係併入不織布織物中（諸如併入單向定纖維 之層中）。於該實例中，單向定向纖維之層或板較佳係用 於其中一纖維層延伸於一方向上及第二纖維層延伸於與該 等第一纖維呈90°之方向上之交叉疊層配置中。於個別層 為單向定向纖維之情況下，該等連續層較佳係相對彼此例 如以 0。/90。、0。/90/0。/90 或 0。/45。/90。/45。/0。之角度或以其 他角度旋轉。於一較佳實施例中，胸曱及織物兩者之複數 157706.doc 12 201211496 層纖維層係呈單向定向 内義、准之父又疊層配置形式，且纖維 之、接層於相對彼此90。之方向上延伸。 根據所期性能及所期重量，適用於背心或其他物品之剛 性組件（例如胸曱）或彈降 厂飞弹性組件（例如織物）中之纖維層之數 量可廣泛變化。例如，層 增之数里—般可為約2至約1〇〇層， 及通常為約2至約1 〇屉。於 知从 U層於一較特定實施例中，甲及織物The gel structure is described, for example, in U.S. Patent No. 4,413,110, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference. In an alternative embodiment, the polyethylene fibers can be made by a compression and drawing process as described, for example, in U.S. Patent 5,7,2,657. As used herein, the term "polyethylene" means a predominantly linear polyethylene material which may contain minor amounts of branched or comonomers per one thousand backbone carbon atoms of no more than about 5 modified units, and It may also contain about 50 weight/twist or a plurality of polymeric additives to 157706.doc 201211496 (such as burned alkene_polymers, especially low density polyethylene, polypropylene or polybutene, containing monoolefins as main monomers) Copolymers, oxidized polyolefins, grafted polyolefin copolymers and polyacetals, or low molecular weight additives such as commonly incorporated antioxidants, lubricants, UV screening agents, colorants and the like. Polyethylene fibers are commercially available and marketed by Honeywell International Inc (M〇rrist〇wn, Milk, USA). Polyethylene fibers from other sources can also be used. Depending on the molding technique, draw ratio and temperature, Other conditions may impart a plurality of properties to the fibers. The polyethylene fibers have a tenacity of at least about 7 g/denier, preferably at least about 15 g/denier, more preferably at least about 3 g/denier. More preferably, it is at least about 35 g/denier and most preferably at least about 45 g/denier. Similarly, the initial tensile modulus of the polyethylene fibers is preferably at least about 300 g/as measured by an Instron tensile tester. More preferably, Daniel is at least about 5 g/denier, more preferably at least about 1000 g/denier and most preferably at least about 1,800 g/denier. The highest value of tenacity and initial tensile modulus. Generally, it can be obtained by using a solution growth or gel spinning process. Many of these filaments have a melting point higher than the melting point of the polymer forming them, and thus, for example, about 150, 〇〇〇, about ^(10)... (10) and about 2 〇〇〇〇〇〇 molecular weight high molecular weight polyethylene generally have a bulk melting point of 138 t (280 〇 F). The directional polytetrafluorofilaments known from these materials have a height of about 7. (13.?) to a melting point of about 13 C (23 °F). Therefore, a slight increase in melting point reflects the crystallization integrity 'and the higher degree of crystal orientation of the filaments compared to the bulk polymer. Similarly' Use a weight average molecular weight of at least about 2 〇〇, 〇〇〇, preferably I57706.doc 10· 201211496 ^ less U000, coffee and more preferably at least about 2, coffee, _ highly oriented polymer straight polypropylene fibers. The chain extended polypropylene can be by the techniques specified in the different references mentioned above and in particular by still 4,413, The technology of UG is formed into a suitable filament. Since polypropylene has a crystallinity much smaller than that of polyhexene and contains a side chain 曱I, the toughness value which can be obtained by polypropylene is generally lower than that. Corresponding values for polyethylene. Accordingly, the suitable tenacity of the polyethylene fibers is preferably at least about 8 g/denier and more preferably at least about U g/denier. The initial tensile modulus of the polypropylene is preferably at least about I6. 〇g/daniel and more preferably at least about 200 g/denier. The melting point of the polypropylene is generally increased by a few degrees through the orientation process, such that the polypropylene filaments preferably have a primary refining point of at least 168 ° C (334 ° F) and more preferably at least 17 (rc (10) .... utilizing a weight of at least about 200,000 Fibers having an average molecular weight combined with a preferred range of the above parameters (modulus and tenacity) provide advantageous improved properties to the final article. For aromatic polyamide fibers, suitable fibers formed from aromatic polyamides are described. In U.S. Patent No. 3,671,542, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety in its entirety the disclosure the disclosure the disclosure the the the the the the the the the the the the the the the the The initial tensile modulus of 〇g/denier and the fracture energy of at least about 8 J/g, and particularly preferred aromatic polyamide fibers having a tenacity of at least about 20 g/denier and a fracture of at least about 2 〇J/g2 The preferred aromatic polyamide fibers have a tenacity of at least about 28 g/denier, a modulus of at least about 1 〇〇〇g/denier, and a fracture energy of at least about 3 〇j/g. For example, moderate High modulus and toughness value of poly(p-xylylene terephthalamide) fibril Suitable for the formation of ballistic resistant composites. Examples are KEVLAR® 29, 157706.doc 201211496 KEVLAR® 129 and ΚΜ 2 (available in 400, 640 and 840 denier) from Dupont and TWARON® fiber models 1000 and 2000 (with 1000 denier) from Teijin, HERACRON® fibers from Kolon Industries, Inc. and many fibers commercially produced by Kamensk Volokno JSC and JSC Chim Volokno (Russia) (such as having an initial tensile modulus and toughness values of about 1250 g/denier and 32, respectively) g/Danier's RUSARTM, ARTECTM, ARMOSTM and SVMTM. Other examples are KEVLAR® 129 and KM2 from du Pont and TWARON® T2000 from Teijin. In the present invention, it is also available from other manufacturers. Polyamide fiber. Copolymer of poly(p-xylylenediamine to strepedamine) (for example, copolymerization (p-benzoquinone-p-phenylenediamine, p-xylylenediamine, 3,4'-oxybenzidine) It is also applicable. It is also a poly(meta-dimethyl phenylene diphenylene diamine) fiber sold by DuPont under the trade name NOMEX®. It can also be used in one way from a variety of aromatic polyamide fibers d from different suppliers. Oriented fiber layer regardless of use A type of toughness fiber (including any of the above-described polyolefin and/or aromatic polyamide fibers) in which the fibrous layers of both the rigid chest and the elastic fabric of the vest are incorporated into the nonwoven fabric (such as incorporation into one direction) In this example, the layer or sheet of unidirectionally oriented fibers is preferably used in which one of the fibrous layers extends in one direction and the second fibrous layer extends at 90° to the first fibers. In the cross-stack configuration in the direction. Where the individual layers are unidirectionally oriented fibers, the continuous layers are preferably, for example, at 0 relative to each other. /90. , 0. /90/0. /90 or 0. /45. /90. /45. /0. The angle or rotation at other angles. In a preferred embodiment, the plurality of breasts and fabrics are 157706.doc 12 201211496. The layer of fibrous layers is in a unidirectionally oriented inner, quasi-father and laminated configuration, and the fibers and layers are in relative to each other. 90. Extend in the direction. Depending on the desired performance and the desired weight, the number of fibrous layers in a rigid component (such as a chest) or a bouncing elastic component (such as a fabric) suitable for a vest or other article can vary widely. For example, the number of layers may generally range from about 2 to about 1 inch, and typically from about 2 to about 1 inch. In the U layer in a more specific embodiment, a fabric
各包含約2至約8層纖維層，月捅a γ A 及通吊可包含約2至約4層纖維 層。该等纖維層可具任何適宜之厚度，且複數層纖維層之 各層之厚度可相同或可不同。同樣地，該甲及/或該織物 之複數層纖維層之各 ^ 合層之面積岔度可廣泛變化，但其等通 常係經選擇而使得昔心&甘 或八他物ασ之總重量介於令穿戴著 或使用者既受料X舒適之可接受範_。根據其他實施 例：如文中所述之身體盘甲背心可具有要求滿足特定國家 司法研九所（NIJ)威脅標準（例如而威脅標準之若干層 板/層0 樹脂基質 >剛性胸甲及彈性鄰接織物之纖維層（或纖維板）之高款度 高拉=模數纖維（例如高勃度高拉伸模數聚乙稀纖維或高 韌度高拉伸模數芳族聚醯胺纖維)可於樹脂基質中。無論 於甲中還是織物之層中，適用㈣等纖維之樹脂基質可藉 由多種彈性體及具有所期特徵之其他樹脂形成。諸如彈性 體之低模數樹脂係用於該樹脂基質中，例如具有如astm D63 8所利至夕約4i，4 MPa(6,0〇〇 pSi)之初始拉伸模數（彈性 模數）。於其他實施例中，樹脂具有至多約165 Mpa(2，彻 I57706.doc •13· 201211496 psi) ’ 至多約 8.23 MPa(l，200 pSi)或至多約 3.45 MPa(500 psi)之初始拉伸模數。樹脂之玻璃轉變溫度（Tg)較佳為至 多約0°C (32°F)及更佳為至多約-4〇°c (_40oF)且最佳為至多 約-50°C (-58°F)。樹脂亦具有較佳至少約5〇%，更佳至少約 1 00% ’及最佳至少約300%之斷裂延伸率。可選擇樹脂以 於固化時具有諸如以ASTM D638所測之至少約106 psi (6895 MPa)之高拉伸模數。該等樹脂之實例述於例如us 6,642,159中。樹脂一般為熱塑性性質但熱固性材料亦適 用。 根據纖維及樹脂基質之特定選擇，曱或織物之纖維層任 一者中之樹脂基質材料對纖維之比例可廣泛變化。該樹脂 基質較佳占约0重量％(即不含樹脂）至約98重量％，及更佳 約5重量％至約95重量％。根據較佳之實施例，特別是於包 括一或多種具有低模數之樹脂或由其組成時，該樹脂基質 可以相對較低之比例使用’例如使得該甲及該織物兩者之 纖維層分別係存於以該曱（即該甲之纖維及樹脂基質之總 重量）及該織物（即該織物之纖維及樹脂基質之總重量）之約 10重量％至約40重量％及通常約15重量％至約25重量％含量 存在之樹脂基質中。使用較少量之低模數樹脂有益於同時 改良背心或其他物品之彈性及性能。 夕種樹月曰可用於樹脂基質中’包括熱塑性樹脂、熱固性 樹脂、摻合樹脂及混合樹脂。低模數樹脂之代表性實例包 括聚丁二烯、聚異戊二烯、天然橡膠、乙烯_丙烯共聚 物、乙烯-丙烯-二烯三元共聚物、聚硫醚聚合物、熱塑性 157706.doc •14· 201211496 聚胺基曱酸酯、聚胺基甲酸酯彈性體、氣磺化聚乙烯、聚 氯丁一婦、使用鄰笨二曱酸二辛酯或其他已知可塑劑之塑 化聚氣乙烯、丁二烯丙烯腈彈性體、聚（異丁烯-共聚異戊 二烯）、聚丙烯酸酯、聚酯、聚醚、氟彈性體、聚矽氧彈 性體、熱塑性彈性體及乙稀之共聚物。熱固性樹脂之實例 包括可洛於諸如曱基乙基嗣、丙酮、乙醇、甲醇、異丙 醇、環己烷、乙基丙酮及其組合之碳_碳飽和溶劑中之彼 ·#。6亥4熱固性樹脂包括乙烯醋、苯乙稀-丁二浠截段共 聚物、鄰苯二甲酸二烯丙酯、酚系樹脂（諸如苯酚曱醛）、 聚乙烯縮丁醛、環氧樹脂、聚酯樹脂、聚胺基曱酸酯樹脂 及其混合物及類似物。包括揭示於上述us 6,642，159中之 彼等樹脂。較佳之熱固性樹脂包括環氧樹脂、酚系樹脂、 乙烯酯樹脂、胺基曱酸酯樹脂及聚酯樹脂及其混合物。對 於聚乙烯纖維織物’較佳之熱固性樹脂包括至少一種乙稀 酯、鄰苯二曱酸二烯丙酯及視需要之用於固化乙烯酯樹脂 之觸媒。 樹脂之一較佳群組為熱塑性聚胺基甲酸酯樹脂。用於樹 月曰基負之彈性材料之一較佳群組包括共輛二稀之截段共聚 物及乙烯基芳族共聚物。丁二烯及異戊二烯為較佳之共軛 二烯彈性體。苯乙烯、乙烯基甲苯及第三丁基苯乙烯為較 佳之共扼芳族單體。併有聚異戊二烯之嵌段共聚物可經氫 化得到具有飽和烴彈性體片段之熱塑性彈性體。該等聚合 物可為型R-(BA)x(x=3-150)之單純三嵌段共聚物；其中a為 源自聚乙埽基芳族單體之嵌段且B為源自共辆二稀彈性體 157706.doc •15· 201211496 之嵌段。一較佳之樹脂基質為異戊二烯_苯乙烯_異戊二烯 嵌段共聚物’諸如獲自Krat〇n p〇lymer LLC之Kraton® Dll 07異戊二烯-苯乙烯-異戊二烯嵌段共聚物。適用於本 文中之另一樹脂基質為熱塑性聚胺基曱酸酯，諸如聚胺基 甲酸醋於水中之共聚物混合物。 可位於曱及/或織物之纖維層上之樹脂基質之類型包括 對於水及有機溶劑之溶解、滲透及/或流逸具咐抗性之腈 橡膠聚合物°該等腈橡膠聚合物述於例如US 2009/0163105中，該案係以引用該等聚合物之其教示的方 式併入本文中。因此，根據特定實施例，本文中所述之複 合物包括位於胸曱及/或織物之纖維層之高韌度纖維上之 腈橡膠聚合物。於一較佳實施例中’該腈橡膠聚合物係以 该樹脂基質及該等纖維之组合重量之約2%至約5()%含量存 於該等組件中之任何一者中。 樹脂基質之塗覆/浸潰 根據代表性實施例，於模製之前，胸甲之單向定向纖維 之複數層纖維層之各者係、經樹脂基質塗覆或浸潰。同樣 地如以上所述，於固結之前，織物之纖維可類似地由樹 脂基質塗覆或浸潰。因&，胸曱或織物之纖維層可由先建 構纖維網絡及然後由基質組合物塗覆該網絡而形成。如文 中所用，術語」塗覆」廣義上係用以指其中該等個別纖維 具有圍繞該等纖維之某曾&人& > Α 丞處組合物之連續層或者具有位於該 等纖維之表面上之基質組合物之不連續層之纖維網絡。於 先前實例中，可以說該等纖維係完全嵌於該基質組合物 I57706.doc -16- 201211496 中。該等術語」塗覆」及」浸潰」可互換使用。 樹脂基質組合物可以任何適宜方式（諸如溶液、懸浮液 或礼液）¼用至該胸甲或該織物中任一者之纖維或纖維層 上。於所有實例中，通常，接著將所得經基質塗覆之纖维 網絡乾燥。樹脂基質之溶液、懸浮液或乳液可喷塗至織絲 上。或者，該等纖維可利用水溶液、懸浮液或乳液藉由产 潰或藉由輥塗器或類似物之方式進行塗覆。於塗覆之後； 然後可將所得經塗覆之纖維網絡輸送通過其中該等經塗覆 之纖維係經充分加熱以蒸發樹脂基質組合物中之水或其他 液體之乾燥用爐。然後，可將乾燥經塗覆之纖維網絡置於 可為紙或薄膜基材之載體網上。此外，於經由樹脂基質塗 覆之前，可先將該等纖維置於載體網上。於任一實例中， 包含一或多層纖維層之該基材及該經塗覆之纖維網絡接著 可利用已知方法捲繞呈連續輕之形式。 此外，於利用基質材料塗覆單向定向_網絡之前，可 供給高動度高拉伸模數纖維絲之紗束且導向通過 多個伸展桿進入準直梳。該準直梳係使該等 纖4貫/上早向及實質上於同一平面對準。 模製/固結 模I或固結適用於背心^並仙私。 组件之# ^ 他物0 口之剛性甲或彈性織物 :件之纖維層，其4係視需要經由 成如上所述之經塗覆之纖维網絡 I覆/以形 有經塗覆及/❹層之，將視需要具 維層組合形成模製或固結 材」之纖 甲及織物組件。可經由乾 157706.doc 17 201211496 燥、冷卻、加熱、壓力或其組合進行固結。代表性固結法 包括使用加熱夾壓輥以提供進行該固結之溫度及歷力兩 者。 儘管模製及固結技術係類似的，然而，各方法於數方面 上並不相同。尤其，模製為分批製程而固結為連續製程。 此外，模製通常包括使用模具，諸如配模模具（形成相對 平坦之組件之情況下）或者成型模具。然而，模製不一定 得到一般藉由固結製造之平面產品。通常，固結係利用平 板層壓機、壓鉗套組或以濕層壓方式實現以製得彈性或軟 盔甲（諸如用於文中所述背心中之織物）。模製一般係備用 於剛性或硬盔甲（諸如用於該等背心之胸曱）之製造。例 如，形成剛性物品之模製技術述於us 4,623,574 ; 4,650,710 ； US 4,748,064 ； US 5,552,208 ； US 5,587,230 ； US 6,642，159 ; US 6,841，492 ;及 US 6,846,758 中。 因此，可藉由將曱或織物之個別纖維層，或者該等層之 經塗覆或經浸潰之預浸材堆疊（一者位於另一者頂部），接 著，於加熱及加壓條件下將彼等結合在一起以熱固定整體 結構，引起基質材料流動並佔據任何留存空隙空間而達成 模製或固結。如上所述，甲及織物兩者之個別纖維層較佳 係經乂又疊層得到極佳的防彈性以致某一層之纖維配向方 ^係以相對另一層之纖維配向方向以一角度旋轉（即，該 等層為非平行）。例如，一較佳之結構具有配置在一起以 使某一層之縱向纖維方向與另一層之縱向纖維方向垂直 (延伸於相對另一層之縱向纖維方向90。之方向上）之兩層纖 157706.doc 201211496 維層。 模製或固結纖維層之適當結合可於約93°C (200°F)至約 177°C (350°F)，更佳約 93°C (200°F)至約 149。(：（300°F)之溫 度下，及最佳於約93°C(200°F)至約121°C(250〇F)之溫度下 且於約172 kPa(25 psi)至約3.45 MPa(500 psi)之壓力下達 成，但可採用更高之壓力。該模製或固結可於高壓鍋中進 行。於一典型的真空袋模製操作中，纖維層與樹脂基質之 積層係轉移至可密封袋並對袋内容物施加真空，由此使高 壓鍋環境與袋環境間之壓差達一額外大氣壓。於真空中之 袋一般係於高壓鋼（例如，於約93〇C (2〇〇〇F)至約177它 (350°F)之代表性溫度下，於約（345 kpa)5〇 psi至約2」 MPa(300 psi)之高壓鍋壓力下）中進行加熱，接著冷卻至室 溫。 加熱時，可能引起樹脂基質變黏或流動而無法完全熔 化；、、;而 瓜，若使樹脂基質炼化，則需要相對小的壓 力以形成複合物，而若樹脂基質僅加熱達黏位點，則一般 需要更大的壓力。維持模製及固結溫度及壓力之時間週期 一般為約10秒至約24小時，典型為約5分鐘至約3小時，及 通㊉為約1 0分鐘至2小時。然而，該等模製及固結溫度、 £力及時間-般係取決於樹脂基質之内容物及類型，以及 纖維之内容物及類型。 因此’曱及織物之經模製或經固結之層化複合物具有所 用高勃度纖維層之每層纖維層約25 μπι(().98密耳）至約500 μΠ1(20密耳）之較佳厚度，且更好每層纖維層約75 μιη(3.〇密 157706.doc •19- 201211496 耳）至約385 μπι(15密耳）之厚度且最佳每層纖維層約i25 μπι(4·9密耳）至約255 μπι(ΐ〇密耳）之厚度。雖然該等厚度為 較佳’然應明瞭可得到其他層厚度以滿足特殊需要且仍在 本發明範圍内。 各層之面積密度可較佳為約〇·〇34 kg/m2(0.0070磅/英尺2) 至約 3.1 kg/m2(〇.63 磅/英尺 2) ’ 更佳為約〇 i7 kg/m2(〇 碎/英尺2)至約2.2 kg/m2(0.45碎/英尺2)，及最佳為約〇 17 kg/m2(0.〇35碎/英尺2)至約〇 85 kg/m2(〇 17石旁/英尺2)。胸甲 及織物之各該等纖維層之厚度及面積密冑可相同或可不 同。 身體盔甲背心及其他物品之形成 抓用模製或固結形成甲及織物之層化複合物之後，彼等 可藉由鄰接該等組件形成背心或其他物品。術語「鄰接」 包括物理勒著以及不包括物理黏著之聯結或並置。例如， 甲與織物間之物理黏著可利用黏著劑⑽。，聚硫醚、環 氧樹脂、酚醛樹脂、彈性體等)，利用機械扣件(例如，縫 合器、釘、鉚釘、螺栓、螺絲等)或利用其等之組合實 現。於不存在物理黏著下，例如，可採用獨立式聯結或並 置藉由以可移除方式將胸甲插人織物之經策略配置之袋内 使織物鄰接於甲。此可使得背心於無胸〒下用於僅需中度 ㈣m “ ’亦可使胸^與具有經類似組態之^ 之其他衣服或非布物品之用途。使用例如由胸甲提供之剛 性盎f僅於背心區域之—些部分，獲得對接受極高彈道保 護之背心位置及該背心之總重量兩者進行控制。於採用非 157706.doc •20- 201211496 物理黏著鄰接胸甲及織物之另—代表性實施例中，該織物 之部分可捲繞於該胸甲周圍(例如，以張力使該胸甲 持疋位）&外’物理及非物理黏著兩者可例如藉由將 織物之捲繞部分縫合至胸甲予以採用。 不管曱與織物係以物理方式還是以非物理方式鄰接，該 織物較佳係上覆或覆蓋該甲之至少—個面，以致其於背心 或其他物品穿戴時看起來被隱藏。甲之該等面係指例如相 對於具有遠遠較低表面積之4個表面具有高表面積之或多 或少平面結構之表面（例如，前表面或後表面）。因此，當 穿戴背心或其他衣服時，該等相對面係指向並遠離使用 者。於許多例巾，例如，當胸甲係如上所述完全插入織物 之袋内之情況下，該織物可覆蓋該胸甲之兩個面。於此例 中，除了位於胸甲與使用者之間之外，本身提供相當重要 的彈道保護之織物係位於面臨之發射體（例如子彈或彈片） 與胸曱之間’由此於胸甲之前及之後均提供保護。 身體盔甲背心及其他物品之性質 雖然，本發明整個說明中身體盔曱背心係例示為衣服， 但是，應明瞭文中所述之胸曱及織物組件可廣義應用於分 別可類似地利用f與織物之剛性及彈性結構之其他物品 (例如，保護屏、保護毯及保護面板等）及特定言之諸如衣 服（諸如襯衫、夾克、褲子及帽子）。 包含文中所述之甲及織物組件之背心及其他物品（例 如，衣服）具有良好的彈性及舒適性以及極佳的彈道保護 性及防碎片性。極小的瞄準發射體可穿透盔甲，因纖維側 157706.doc 201211496 向移位而不會致使彼等斷裂。於此例中，防穿透性係取決 於可推開、·戴維之谷易程度，及因此係取決於纖維網絡之性 質。包含纖維層之物品之防彈性或防碎片性相關之重要因 素為交又疊層狀纖維層之交換週期、纖維丹尼爾 '纖維_ 對'纖維摩擦、樹脂基質特徵、層間結合強度及其他。就 性能而言，背心及其他物品具有許多適用於軍隊、執法及 其中要求對使用者高度保護之其他應用之期望性質。該等 性質包括如上所述之至少於胸甲區域之防穿透價值及總重 量。 即使於甲區域，背心或其他物品之總厚度宜小於約12 mm(0.47英寸）（例如，於約4咖（〇 16英寸）至約12麵（〇 w 英寸）範圍内），及通常係小於約1〇 mm(〇39英寸）（例如， 於約4 mm(〇_i6英寸）至約1〇 mm(〇39英寸）範圍内）。經組 合之織物及曱兩者之總面積密度(例如背心胸甲區域之面 積密度）宜小於約39.2 kg/m2(8磅/英尺2)(例如，於約2私 kg/m2(0.5磅/英尺2)至約29·3英尺2))範圍内）， 一般係小於約29.3 kg/m2(6磅/英尺2)(例如，於約489 kg/m2⑽/英尺2)至約29.3 kg/m2(6^/英尺2))範圍内），及 通常係小於約24.4 kg/m2(5磅/英尺2)(例如，於約9 77 kg/m2(2碎/英尺2)至約24·4 kg/m2(5^/英尺2))範圍内卜 根據-較佳實施例，具有上述高防穿透性及總重量特徵 之一代表性背心包括（a)包括複數層包含具有至少約7 丹 尼爾：勒度及至少約150 g/丹尼爾之拉伸模數之聚乙稀纖 維之單向定向纖維層之剛性盔曱胸曱，其中該胸曱之該等 157706.doc -22- 201211496 纖維層係於具有$ & & μ , w 夕、、勺27_6 MPa(4,〇〇〇 pSi)之拉伸模數之 樹脂基質中，該胸甲之鄰接纖維㈣延伸於相對彼此％。 之方向上’及該胸甲之該等複數層纖維層係經模製；及亦 包括（b)包含該胸甲（例如’於織物之袋内）並包含複數層包 3 /、有至夕約7 g/丹尼爾之韌度及至少約150 g/丹尼爾之拉 _模數之聚乙稀纖維之單向定向纖維層之彈性織物，其中 該織物之該等纖維層係於具有至多約27 6 Mpa(4，_㈣ t &伸Μ & t Μ脂基質中’該織物之鄰接纖維層係延伸於 相對彼此90之方向上，及該織物之該等複數層纖維層係 經固結。 因此，於該代表性實施例中，該等胸甲及織物組件均包 含複數層高韌度纖維層，其係呈單向定向纖維之交叉疊層 配置开y式，且纖維之鄰接層係延伸於相對彼此列。之方向 上。因此，根據較佳實施例之該等組件可包括如上所述之 具有2至4層單向定向SPECTRA®纖維之層之SPECTRa SHIELD®，且鄰接層係以相對彼此9〇。交又疊層。 本發明之所有態樣係有關於輕重量高性能背心及包括剛 性及彈性組件（例如，剛性胸甲及彈性織物）兩者之其他物 σσ °利用獲自本發明之知識’具有相關技術者可明瞭在不 脫離本發明之範圍下，可於該等背心及其他物品及其製法 t作出多種變化。因此，文中所述之主旨係代表本發明及 其相關之優點而不應視為限制附屬申請專利範圍中所述之 本發明之範圍。 157706.doc •23·Each of the fibers comprises from about 2 to about 8 layers of fibers, and the 捅a γ A and the sling may comprise from about 2 to about 4 layers of fibers. The fibrous layers may have any suitable thickness and the thickness of each of the plurality of fibrous layers may be the same or different. Similarly, the area of each of the layers of the fibrous layer of the nail and/or the fabric may vary widely, but the weight of the layer is generally selected such that the total weight of the heart & Between the wearable or the user accepting the X comfort. According to other embodiments: a body plate vest as described herein may have a requirement to meet a National Institute of Justice (NIJ) threat criteria (eg, several layers/layer 0 resin matrix of threat criteria) > rigid breastplate and elasticity The high-strength high-yield fiber of the fiber layer (or fiberboard) adjacent to the fabric (for example, high-boost high-tensile modulus polyethylene fiber or high-toughness high-tensile modulus aromatic polyamide fiber) In the resin matrix, the resin matrix suitable for fibers such as (4) can be formed by various elastomers and other resins having the desired characteristics, whether in a layer or a layer of fabric. A low modulus resin such as an elastomer is used for the resin matrix. The resin matrix has, for example, an initial tensile modulus (elastic modulus) of about 4i, 4 MPa (6,0 〇〇 pSi) as astm D63 8 . In other embodiments, the resin has a maximum of about 165. Mpa (2, I57706.doc •13·201211496 psi) 'The initial tensile modulus of up to about 8.23 MPa (1,200 pSi) or up to about 3.45 MPa (500 psi). The glass transition temperature (Tg) of the resin is higher. Preferably at most 0 ° C (32 ° F) and more preferably at most -4 ° ° c (_40oF) and most preferably at most about -50 ° C (-58 ° F). The resin also preferably has a fracture elongation of at least about 5%, more preferably at least about 00% ' and optimally at least about 300%. The resin may be selected to have a high tensile modulus such as at least about 106 psi (6895 MPa) as measured by ASTM D638. Examples of such resins are described, for example, in us 6,642, 159. Resins are generally thermoplastic in nature but Thermosetting materials are also suitable. Depending on the particular choice of fiber and resin matrix, the ratio of resin matrix material to fiber in any of the fiber layers of the crucible or fabric can vary widely. The resin matrix preferably comprises about 0% by weight (ie, does not contain Resin) to about 98% by weight, and more preferably from about 5% by weight to about 95% by weight. According to a preferred embodiment, particularly when comprising or consisting of one or more resins having a low modulus, the resin matrix can The relatively low ratio is used, for example, such that the fibrous layers of both the nail and the fabric are respectively present in the crucible (ie, the total weight of the fibers and the resin matrix) and the fabric (ie, the fibers and resin of the fabric) About 10 weight of the total weight of the substrate % to about 40% by weight and typically from about 15% to about 25% by weight of the resin matrix present. The use of a lower amount of low modulus resin is beneficial for simultaneously improving the elasticity and properties of the vest or other article.曰 can be used in a resin matrix 'including thermoplastic resins, thermosetting resins, blended resins, and mixed resins. Representative examples of low modulus resins include polybutadiene, polyisoprene, natural rubber, ethylene-propylene copolymer, Ethylene-propylene-diene terpolymer, polythioether polymer, thermoplastic 157706.doc •14· 201211496 Polyaminophthalate, polyurethane elastomer, gas sulfonated polyethylene, polychloroprene A plasticized polystyrene, butadiene acrylonitrile elastomer, poly(isobutylene-co-isoprene), polyacrylate, polyester, using dioctyl phthalate or other known plasticizers , a copolymer of a polyether, a fluoroelastomer, a polyoxyxene elastomer, a thermoplastic elastomer, and ethylene. Examples of the thermosetting resin include those which are available in a carbon-carbon saturated solvent such as mercaptoethyl hydrazine, acetone, ethanol, methanol, isopropanol, cyclohexane, ethyl acetonone or a combination thereof. 6 Hai 4 thermosetting resin includes ethylene vinegar, styrene-butadiene segment copolymer, diallyl phthalate, phenolic resin (such as phenol furfural), polyvinyl butyral, epoxy resin, Polyester resins, polyamino phthalate resins, and mixtures and the like. These resins are disclosed in the above-mentioned us 6,642,159. Preferred thermosetting resins include epoxy resins, phenolic resins, vinyl ester resins, amine phthalate resins, and polyester resins, and mixtures thereof. The preferred thermosetting resin for polyethylene fabrics comprises at least one of ethylene ester, diallyl phthalate, and optionally a catalyst for curing the vinyl ester resin. One of the preferred groups of resins is a thermoplastic polyurethane resin. A preferred group of elastomeric materials for the ruthenium base of the tree comprises a total of two dilute segmented copolymers and a vinyl aromatic copolymer. Butadiene and isoprene are preferred conjugated diene elastomers. Styrene, vinyl toluene and t-butyl styrene are preferred conjugated aromatic monomers. The block copolymer of polyisoprene can be hydrogenated to obtain a thermoplastic elastomer having a saturated hydrocarbon elastomer segment. The polymers may be simple triblock copolymers of the formula R-(BA)x (x = 3-150); wherein a is a block derived from a polyethylidene aromatic monomer and B is derived from a total of A block of dilute elastomer 157706.doc •15·201211496. A preferred resin matrix is an isoprene-styrene-isoprene block copolymer such as Kraton® Dll 07 isoprene-styrene-isoprene embedded from Krat〇np〇lymer LLC Segment copolymer. Another resin matrix suitable for use herein is a thermoplastic polyamino phthalate such as a copolymer mixture of polyurethane carboxylic acid in water. The types of resin matrices which may be located on the fibrous layer of the crucible and/or fabric include nitrile rubber polymers which are soluble, permeable and/or flow resistant to water and organic solvents. Such nitrile rubber polymers are described, for example. In US 2009/0163105, the case is incorporated herein by reference to the teachings of the same. Thus, according to a particular embodiment, the compositions described herein comprise a nitrile rubber polymer on the high tenacity fibers of the fibrous layer of the chest and/or fabric. In a preferred embodiment, the nitrile rubber polymer is present in any of the components in an amount of from about 2% to about 5% by weight of the resin matrix and the combined weight of the fibers. Coating/Immersion of Resin Matrix According to a representative embodiment, each of the plurality of layers of unidirectionally oriented fibers of the breastplate is coated or impregnated with a resin matrix prior to molding. Also as described above, the fibers of the fabric can be similarly coated or impregnated with the resin matrix prior to consolidation. Because &, the fibrous layer of the breast or fabric can be formed by first constructing a network of fibers and then coating the network with a matrix composition. As used herein, the term "coating" is used broadly to mean that the individual fibers have a continuous layer of a composition of the former &&> Α 围绕 surrounding the fibers or have A fiber network of discontinuous layers of the matrix composition on the surface. In the previous examples, it can be said that the fiber systems are completely embedded in the matrix composition I57706.doc -16-201211496. The terms "coating" and "impregnation" are used interchangeably. The resin matrix composition can be applied to the breast or the fiber or fibrous layer of any of the fabrics in any suitable manner, such as a solution, suspension or ritual. In all instances, typically, the resulting matrix coated fiber web is then dried. A solution, suspension or emulsion of the resin matrix can be sprayed onto the filaments. Alternatively, the fibers may be applied by means of an aqueous solution, suspension or emulsion by means of a solution or by means of a roll coater or the like. After coating; the resulting coated fiber network can then be conveyed through a drying oven in which the coated fibers are sufficiently heated to evaporate water or other liquid in the resin matrix composition. The dried coated fiber network can then be placed on a carrier web which can be a paper or film substrate. In addition, the fibers may be placed on the carrier web prior to coating through the resin matrix. In either case, the substrate comprising the one or more layers of fibers and the coated fiber network can then be wound in a continuous light form by known methods. In addition, prior to application of the unidirectional orientation network by the matrix material, a bundle of high mobility, high tensile modulus filaments can be supplied and directed through a plurality of stretching rods into the collimating comb. The collimating comb aligns the filaments 4 up/upward and substantially in the same plane. Molding/Consolidation Mold I or consolidation is suitable for vests and fairy. Component #^ The rigid armor or elastic fabric of the material 0: the fibrous layer of the part, which is coated with the coated fiber network I as described above, as needed, and coated and/or In the layer, the fiber and fabric components of the molded or consolidated material will be combined as needed. Consolidation can be carried out via dry 157706.doc 17 201211496 drying, cooling, heating, pressure or a combination thereof. A representative consolidation method involves the use of a heated nip roll to provide both the temperature and the history of the consolidation. Although the molding and consolidation techniques are similar, the methods are not identical in several respects. In particular, molding is a batch process and is consolidated into a continuous process. In addition, molding typically involves the use of a mold, such as a mold mold (in the case of a relatively flat assembly) or a mold. However, molding does not necessarily result in a planar product that is typically manufactured by consolidation. Typically, the consolidation is accomplished using a flat laminator, a pliers set or in a wet lamination to produce an elastic or soft armor (such as for use in a vest as described herein). Molding is generally done in the manufacture of rigid or hard armor, such as the chest for such vests. For example, the molding techniques for forming a rigid article are described in U.S. Patent No. 4,623,574, 4,650, 710, 4, 748, 064, 5, 552, 208, 5,587,230, US 6,642, 159, US 6,841, 492, and US 6,846,758. Thus, by stacking the individual fibrous layers of the crucible or fabric, or the coated or impregnated prepregs of the layers (one on top of the other), then under heat and pressure conditions They are bonded together to thermally fix the overall structure, causing the matrix material to flow and occupy any void space to achieve molding or consolidation. As described above, the individual fiber layers of both the nail and the fabric are preferably laminated and laminated to obtain excellent ballistic resistance such that the fiber alignment of one layer is rotated at an angle relative to the fiber alignment direction of the other layer (ie, , the layers are non-parallel). For example, a preferred construction has two layers of fibers 157706.doc 201211496 arranged together such that the longitudinal fiber direction of one layer is perpendicular to the longitudinal fiber direction of the other layer (extending in the direction of the longitudinal fiber direction 90 relative to the other layer). Dimensional layer. Suitable combinations of molded or consolidated fibrous layers can range from about 93 ° C (200 ° F) to about 177 ° C (350 ° F), more preferably from about 93 ° C (200 ° F) to about 149. (at (300 °F) temperature, and preferably at a temperature of from about 93 ° C (200 ° F) to about 121 ° C (250 ° F) and from about 172 kPa (25 psi) to about 3.45 MPa (500 psi) is achieved, but higher pressures can be used. The molding or consolidation can be carried out in an autoclave. In a typical vacuum bag molding operation, the layer of fiber and resin matrix is transferred to The bag can be sealed and a vacuum applied to the contents of the bag, thereby causing a pressure differential between the pressure cooker environment and the bag environment to an additional atmospheric pressure. The bag in vacuum is typically tied to high pressure steel (eg, at about 93 〇C (2〇〇) 〇F) to a temperature of about 177 at (350 °F), heating at about (345 kpa) 5 psi to about 2 MPa (300 psi) pressure cooker pressure, followed by cooling to room temperature When heated, it may cause the resin matrix to become sticky or flow and not melt completely; and; and if the resin matrix is refining, relatively small pressure is required to form the composite, and if the resin matrix is only heated to the sticky position Point, generally requires more pressure. The time period for maintaining molding and consolidation temperature and pressure is generally about 10 seconds to 24 hours, typically from about 5 minutes to about 3 hours, and from ten to about 10 minutes to 2 hours. However, the molding and consolidation temperatures, the force and the time are generally dependent on the contents of the resin matrix. And type, as well as the content and type of fiber. Therefore, the molded or consolidated layered composite of '曱 and fabric has about 25 μm (().98 mils per layer of fiber layer of the high-bore fiber layer used. Ear) to a preferred thickness of about 500 μΠ1 (20 mils), and more preferably about 75 μm each of the fibrous layers (3. 157 157706.doc • 19-201211496 ears) to about 385 μπι (15 mils) Thickness and optimum thickness of each layer of fiber layer from about i25 μπι (4·9 mil) to about 255 μπι (ΐ〇密). Although these thicknesses are better, it should be clear that other layer thicknesses can be obtained to meet the special thickness. It is required and still within the scope of the invention. The area density of each layer may preferably be about kg·〇34 kg/m2 (0.0070 lb/ft2) to about 3.1 kg/m2 (〇.63 lb/ft2). It is about 77 kg/m2 (mashed/feet 2) to about 2.2 kg/m2 (0.45 cc/ft2), and most preferably about kg17 kg/m2 (0. 〇35 ft/ft 2) to about 〇85 kg/m2 (〇17石旁/ft2). The thickness and area of each of these fibrous layers of breastplate and fabric may be the same or different. The formation of body armor vests and other items shall be molded or consolidated to form a nail and After the stratified composite of the fabric, they may form a vest or other article by abutting the components. The term "adjacent" includes physical lacing and does not include physical bonding or juxtaposition. For example, the physical adhesion between the nail and the fabric can utilize an adhesive (10). , polythioethers, epoxy resins, phenolic resins, elastomers, etc.), using mechanical fasteners (for example, stitchers, nails, rivets, bolts, screws, etc.) or a combination thereof. In the absence of physical adhesion, for example, a freestanding joint or juxtaposition can be employed to adjoin the fabric by a strategically disposed pocket in which the breastplate is removably inserted into the fabric. This allows the vest to be used under the chestless for only moderate (four) m "' can also be used for other clothing or non-cloth items with a similar configuration. Use for example the rigidity provided by the breastplate f Only in the parts of the vest area, to obtain control of both the position of the vest receiving extremely high ballistic protection and the total weight of the vest. The use of non-157706.doc • 20- 201211496 physical adhesion adjacent breastplate and fabric - In a representative embodiment, a portion of the fabric can be wrapped around the breastplate (eg, by tension to hold the breastplate) & externally, both physical and non-physical bonding can be achieved, for example, by fabricating The winding portion is stitched to the breastplate for use. Regardless of whether the fabric is physically or non-physically adjacent, the fabric preferably covers or covers at least one side of the nail so that it is worn in a vest or other article. It appears to be hidden. The faces of a nail refer to, for example, a surface having a more or less planar structure with a high surface area relative to four surfaces having a much lower surface area (for example, a front surface or a back surface). When wearing a vest or other garment, the opposing faces are directed toward and away from the user. In many cases, for example, when the breastplate is fully inserted into the bag of fabric as described above, the fabric can cover the breastplate. In this case, in addition to being located between the breastplate and the user, the fabric itself that provides significant ballistic protection is located between the facing emitter (such as a bullet or shrapnel) and the chest. This provides protection both before and after the breastplate. Properties of body armor vests and other items Although the body helmet vest is exemplified as clothing throughout the description of the invention, it should be understood that the chest and fabric components described herein can be broadly defined. It is applied to other articles (such as protective screens, protective blankets, protective panels, etc.) that can similarly utilize the rigid and elastic structure of f and fabric, respectively, and specifically such as clothes (such as shirts, jackets, pants, and hats). The vest and other articles (eg, clothes) of the armor and fabric components have good elasticity and comfort as well as excellent ballistic protection and protection. Fragmentation. Very small aiming emitters can penetrate the armor and will not break due to the displacement of the fiber side 157706.doc 201211496. In this case, the penetration resistance depends on the pushable, David. The degree of susceptibility, and therefore the nature of the fiber network. The important factors related to the anti-ballistic or anti-fragmentation of the article containing the fiber layer are the exchange period of the laminated and laminated fiber layer, the fiber denier 'fiber _ pair' Fiber friction, resin matrix characteristics, interlayer bonding strength, and others. In terms of performance, vests and other items have many desirable properties for military, law enforcement, and other applications where high protection is required for the user. Said to be at least the penetration resistance value and total weight of the breastplate area. Even in the area A, the total thickness of the vest or other items should be less than about 12 mm (0.47 inches) (for example, at about 4 coffee (〇 16 inches) to Approximately 12 (〇w inches), and typically less than about 1 mm (〇 39 inches) (eg, from about 4 mm (〇_i6 inches) to about 1 mm (〇 39 inches) ). The total area density of the combined fabric and crepe (e.g., the area density of the vest breastplate region) is preferably less than about 39.2 kg/m2 (8 lbs/ft2) (e.g., at about 2 cc/m2 (0.5 lbs/ft). Feet 2) to approximately 29·3 feet 2)), typically less than approximately 29.3 kg/m2 (6 lbs/ft2) (eg, from approximately 489 kg/m2 (10)/ft2) to approximately 29.3 kg/m2 (6^/ft 2)), and usually less than about 24.4 kg/m2 (5 lbs/ft2) (for example, at about 9 77 kg/m2 (2 cc/ft2) to about 24.4 In the range of kg/m2 (5^/ft 2 )), a representative vest having one of the above-described high penetration resistance and total weight characteristics comprises, according to a preferred embodiment, (a) comprising a plurality of layers comprising at least about 7 denier : rigid Helmets with a unidirectionally oriented fiber layer of a polyethylene and a tensile modulus of at least about 150 g/denier, of which the 157706.doc -22- 201211496 fiber layer In a resin matrix having a tensile modulus of $ &&& μ, w, and a spoon of 27_6 MPa (4, 〇〇〇pSi), the adjacent fibers (4) of the breastplate extend relative to each other by %. The plurality of layers of fibers in the direction of the breastplate are molded; and (b) includes the breastplate (eg, 'in the bag of the fabric') and includes a plurality of layers 3 / An elastic fabric of unidirectionally oriented fibrous layers of a polyethylene fiber having a tenacity of about 7 g/denier and a tensile modulus of at least about 150 g/denier, wherein the fibrous layers of the fabric are at most about 27 6 Mpa (4, _(tetra) t && t < t in a resin matrix, the adjoining fiber layers of the fabric extend in a direction relative to each other 90, and the plurality of fibrous layers of the fabric are consolidated. In the representative embodiment, the breastplate and fabric components each comprise a plurality of layers of high tenacity fibers in a cross-laminate configuration of unidirectionally oriented fibers, and the adjacent layers of fibers extend over The components according to the preferred embodiment may comprise SPECTRa SHIELD® having a layer of 2 to 4 layers of unidirectionally oriented SPECTRA® fibers as described above, and adjacent layers are in opposite directions to each other. 9〇. Cross and stack. All aspects of the invention relate to light and heavy A high performance vest and other materials including both rigid and elastic components (e.g., rigid breastplates and elastic fabrics) utilizing the knowledge of the present invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art without departing from the scope of the invention. Various changes may be made in the vests and other articles and methods of manufacture thereof. Accordingly, the subject matter described herein is representative of the present invention and its related advantages and should not be construed as limiting the scope of the invention described in the scope of the appended claims. 157706.doc •23·