WO2012135578A1 - Personal body armor for preventing genitourinary injuries - Google Patents

Abstract

Described herein are technologies generally relating to body armor. Some embodiments relate to body armor designed to protect the entire genitourinary area (i.e. the groin) from multiple angles.

Description

PERSONAL BODY ARMOR FOR PREVENTING GENITOURINARY INJURIES

Cross Reference to Related Applications

[0001] This application claims benefit under 35 U.S.C. § 119(e) of U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/470,769 filed April 1, 2011 and U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/486,893 filed May 17, 2011, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entireties.

Field of the Invention

[0002] The invention relates generally to body armor, and more particularly to body armor designed to protect the entire genitourinary area (i.e. the groin) from multiple angles and having attributes of flexibility, comfort, and ease of use.

Background of the Invention

[0003] A number of body armor types are available to military personnel or others in need of protection from ballistic threats or other sources of injuries such as improvised explosive devices (IEDs). The risk of injury due to IEDs is increasing for U.S. military personnel. From 2009 to 2010, U.S. military personnel deaths in Afghanistan were up 60% and injuries rose 178%. This paralleled an increase in the number of IEDs planted by Afghan insurgents in 2010; 62% more than were planted in 2009. Since the beginning of U.S. military operations in Afghanistan, IEDs have proven to be the Taliban's most lethal weapon against U.S. military personnel. Wounds to the genitals and lower-urinary tract, known as genitourinary injuries, are on the rise amongst military personnel injured by IEDs. Eleven percent of IED wounds in the last 7 months of 2010 were genitourinary wounds, as compared to 4% of total wounds in the prior 17 months. Leg and genitourinary wounds are typically the consequence of stepping on IEDs, a category of wounds known as "dismounted IED injuries."

[0004] The consequences of these wounds for the military personnel are also increasing. In 2010, twice as many wounded military personnel required limb amputations than in 2008 and 2009. There was a three -fold increase in the number of military personnel requiring amputation of more than one limb and a three -fold increase in severe wounds to the genitourinary region. The figures for casualties arriving at Landstuhl Regional Medical Center (the largest U.S. military medical facility outside of the U.S.) reflect a similar pattern; from 2009 to 2010, the proportion of incoming casualties requiring at least one limb amputation rose from 7% to 11%, an increase of 60%. The fraction of casualties with a genitourinary injury increased 90%, from 4.8% to 9.1%. [0005] Injuries to the testicles also appear to be on the rise. From 2001-2008 genitourinary injuries suffered by military personnel (mostly in Iraq) involved testicular damage at a rate of 9%. In 2009, amongst casualties arriving in Landstuhl, 40% had sustained testicular injuries. Amputation was required at a rate of 50% amongst those with genitourinary injuries, with 28% of the amputees requiring double amputation.

[0006] Wounds to the genitourinary area are particularly devastating. The psychosocial distress to the casualties is severe and the impact extends to families and medical providers. Long-term urinary, hormonal, and sexual dysfunction often result, necessitating ongoing, potentially life -long medical, surgical, urological, hormonal, and mental health treatments. Life-long hormone replacement therapy can be required and many genitourinary injuries result in infertility or an inability to have sexual intercourse.

[0007] Groin protectors are known in the art, but existing technologies are characterized by particular flaws in their designs that are improved upon by the current invention. External groin protectors which are attached to other body armor components form a flap of armor in the genitourinary region. Such devices do not protect against a blast except from directly forward of the genitourinary region. Blasts from behind or below (as would be expected with dismounted IED injuries) will not be protected against. Further, the armor flap is susceptible to being forced aside by the force of the blast or the wearer's movements, leaving the genitourinary area exposed. Other groin protectors which may be designed to remain in the proper place suffer from issues relating to ease of use.

Summary of the Invention

[0008] For convenience, the meaning of certain terms and phrases used in the specification and appended claims, are provided below. If there is an apparent discrepancy between the usage of a term in other parts of this specification and its definition provided in this section, the definition in this section shall prevail.

[0009] As used herein, the term "separable" means that two parts are detachable and reattachable to each other without causing permanent damage or impairing the function of either part.

[0010] As used herein, the term "high-strength material" means a material comprising a fiber having at least the strength of KEVLAR® 29 or KEVLAR® 49 as measured by breaking strength, breaking tenacity, tensile modulus, elongation at break, or tensile strength. "A high-strength material" can also be a material being bullet-resistant; cut-resistant, laceration-resistant, abrasion-resistant, impact-resistant, puncture-resistant; and/or shrapnel-resistant as defined herein. Preferably a "high-strength material" has a breaking strength of 250 N or more (ASTM D885-85, tested at 1.1 twist multiplier). Preferably a "high- strength material" has a high strength to weight ratio. Preferably, this is a breaking strength of 250 N for a fiber of 1.44 g/cm³ density or greater. Preferably, a "high-strength material" has sufficient flexibility to conform to the user' s body as described herein. [0011] As used herein, the terms "laceration-resistant," "puncture -resistant" and "shrapnel-resistant" refer to an ability to prevent a sharp-edged or pointed object (e.g. a knife blade or a piece of shrapnel from an IED) from penetrating through the entire thickness of the material. "Puncture -resistant" can refer to the ability to defeat spikes as defined by the National Institute of Justice STD 0115.00. "Laceration- resistant" can refer to the ability to defeat edged blades as defined by the National Institute of Justice STD 0115.00. "Shrapnel-resistant" can refer to an ability to defeat both spikes and edged blades as defined by the National Institute of Justice STD 0115.00. "Laceration-resistant", "puncture -resistant" and "shrapnel- resistant" can include materials capable of defeating level 1 , level 2 or level 3 threats as defined by National Institute of Justice STD 0115.00. "Laceration-resistant", "puncture-resistant" and "shrapnel- resistant" can also include materials capable of meeting the minimum performance ratings established by the U.K. Home Office Scientific Development Branch publication 39/07/C and those materials meeting the standards of the California State Correctional System's "Ice Pick Test" in which an ice pick with 110J of force must not penetrate further than 6 mm into the material. "Puncture-resistant" can also refer to materials meeting the criteria for at least Level 1 puncture resistance per the EN 388 standard or at least Level 1 puncture resistance per the ANSI/ISEA 1-5-2000 standard.

[0012] As used herein, the term "bullet-resistant" refers to materials which can prevent the passage of a bullet projectile fired from a firearm, gun or projectile device through the entire thickness of the material. "Bullet-resistant" can include those materials capable of meeting the standards for Class I, Class II, Class IIIA, Class III or Class IV body armor as established by the U.S. National Institute of Justice in Ballistic Resistance of Body Armor NIJ Standard-0101.06. "High-strength materials" can also include those which meet the standards for body armor set forth by the U.K. Home Office Scientific Development Branch Publication 39/07/B, the German Police TR-Technische Richtlinie's "Ballistische Schutzwesten", Draft ISO prEN ISO 14876, or the Underwriters Laboratories UL Standard 752.

[0013] As used herein, "cut-resistant" refers to a material meeting at least Level 1 for cut resistance per the ANSI/ISEA 1-5-2000 standard or at least Level 1 for cut resistance per the EN 388 standard.

[0014] As used herein, "abrasion-resistant" refers to a material meeting at least Level 1 for abrasion resistance per the ANSI/ISEA 1-5-2000 standard or at least Level 1 for abrasion resistance per the EN 388 standard.

[0015] As used herein, "impact-resistant" refers to a material meeting any of the following criteria; impact resistance as set forth in EN 1621-1 : 1997 or EN 1621-2:2003, shock attenuation in ASTM F1937.98, or the criteria set forth by the ASTM F2681 standard.

[0016] As used herein, "flame -resistant" means a material meeting any of the following specifications; no more than 6" of char length as measured by ASTM D6413 Standard Test Method for Flame Resistance of Textiles (Vertical Test), ASTM F1506, ASTM F1930-11, ASTM F2302-08, ASTM F2700-08, ASTM F2703-08. ASTM F1939-08, or National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) Standard 2112.

[0017] As described herein, "combat boot" includes, for example, combat boots as specified in the U.S. Marine Corps Uniform Regulations or U.S. Army Regulation 670-1.

[0018] Described herein is a body armor assembly protecting the genitourinary area that is securely emplaced around the genitourinary area, may be worn on top of or under other garments, and can be donned or removed without requiring the removal of outerwear (i.e. pants) or footwear. The device is alternatively referred to herein by the equivalent term "groin protector."

[0019] In certain embodiments the body armor assembly is comprised of two primary parts; (1) a belt part and (2) the genitourinary covering part. In certain embodiments the belt part comprises a belt that attaches to both ends of the genitourinary covering part and a fastener that secures the belt around the torso of the user. In certain embodiments the genitourinary covering part is comprised of a material having bullet-resistant, cut-resistant, laceration-resistant, abrasion-resistant, impact-resistant, puncture- resistant, and/or shrapnel-resistant properties. The material is flexible enough to conform to the body of the user and the genitourinary covering part can be provided with a thinner middle portion and wider end portions (e.g. having an hourglass shape).

[0020] Other features and aspects of the assembly described herein will become apparent from the following detailed description, taken in conjunction with the accompanying figures, which illustrate, by way of example, the features in accordance with embodiments of the invention. The summary is not intended to limit the scope of the invention, which is defined solely by the claims attached hereto.

Description of the Drawings

[0021] The body armor assembly provided herein, in accordance with one or more various embodiments, is described in detail with reference to the following figures. The figures are provided for purposes of illustration only and merely depict typical or example embodiments of the invention. These figures are provided to facilitate the readers' understanding of the invention and shall not be considered limiting of the breadth, scope, or applicability of the invention. The figures are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise form disclosed. It should be understood that the invention can be practiced with modification and alteration, and that the invention be limited only by the claims and the equivalents thereof.

[0022] Figures 1 and 2 show the front view of a groin protector device as described herein.

[0023] Figure 3 shows a side view of a groin protector device as described herein.

[0024] Figure 4 shows a rear view of a groin protector device as described herein.

[0025] Figure 5 shows a groin protector device as described herein when not in use.

[0026] Figures 6-8 shows a femoral protective flap as described herein when not in use. [0027] Figure 9 shows both a femoral protective flap and a groin protector device, as described herein, when not in use.

[0028] Figure 10 shows the front view of a groin protector device and a femoral protective flap as described herein.

[0029] Figure 11 shows a rear view of a groin protector device and a femoral protective flap as described herein.

[0030] Figure 12 shows a side view of a groin protector device and a femoral protective flap as described herein.

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0031] The present invention is directed to body armor providing protection to the genitourinary region which remains securely in place, is easily donned and removed, is compatible with equipment, body armor, garments, and uniforms in current use, and may be worn above or beneath other garments. In certain embodiments, the body armor assembly described herein provides protection not only to the genitals, but also the perineum, anus, urological systems and peritoneal cavity in the abdomen, which houses the intestines, bladder and kidneys.

[0032] In certain embodiments the genitourinary body armor is comprised of 2 parts. These parts may be integrally connected or may be separable. These two parts are (1) a belt part that secures the genitourinary body armor to the wearer and (2) the genitourinary covering part.

[0033] The belt part of the protective device can be made of the body armor material specified below or out of non-armored materials. The belt part includes a fastener to secure the belt about the waist of the user. The belt part also includes fasteners for attaching to the front portion and rear portions of the genitourinary covering part. Fasteners include, but are not limited to, hook and loop fasteners (e.g. VELCRO™), snaps, buttons, clasps, buckles, drawstrings, laces, loops, slit, slots, tabs, zippers, male -to- female fasteners, clips, webbing fasteners, ties, or other fasteners known in the art.

[0034] Belt parts can be provided in a multiplicity of lengths to ensure a secure fit over or beneath clothing on users of various dimensions. In certain embodiments wherein the one or more of the fasteners of the belt part are hook and loop fasteners, the entire length of the belt part can comprise hook and loop fastener material.

[0035] In certain embodiments where the belt part and the genitourinary covering part are not integrally connected, the belt part and the end portions of the genitourinary covering part are provided with a fastener such as a hook and loop closure system or other fasteners for securely attaching the genitourinary covering part to the belt. In a further embodiment, the fasteners are buttons. [0036] Hook and loop closures are provided in sizes sufficient to support the weight of the particular embodiment of the genitourinary covering part. The size sufficient to support the weight of the particular embodiment of the genitourinary covering part can be determined by one skilled in the art.

[0037] The genitourinary covering part is provided in a shape and material allowing the part to pass between the user's legs and fold up to cover the genitourinary area and attach to the belt part. In certain embodiments, the shape is an hour-glass shape, having a thinner middle portion and wider end portions. Such an embodiment provides protection to the genitourinary area from the front, rear, and beneath. Further embodiments can provide variations in the shape to enable particular ranges of motion, accommodate particular positions, or better integrate with other pieces of body armor or equipment (i.e. embodiments for vehicle operators can feature a rear portion being significantly wider than the front portion to provide more coverage for blasts originating under the vehicle). In certain embodiments, the body armor assembly described herein is shaped such that it provides protection not only to the genitals, but also the perineum, anus, urological systems and peritoneal cavity in the abdomen, which houses the intestines, bladder and kidneys. In certain embodiments, no fly is provided in the genitourinary covering part.

[0038] In embodiments where the belt part and the genitourinary covering part are not integrally connected, the ends of the genitourinary covering part include fasteners as described herein for attaching to the belt part. In one embodiment, the fasteners are comprised of hook and loop closures.

[0039] In certain embodiments the belt part can be secured around the waist of the user and/or the belt part and genitourinary part can be detachably secured to each other using hook and loop fasteners, snaps, buttons, clasps, buckles, drawstrings, laces, loops, slit, slots, tabs, zippers, male -to-female fasteners, clips, webbing fasteners, ties, or other fasteners known in the art.

[0040] The material of the genitourinary covering part has bullet-resistant, cut-resistant, laceration- resistant, abrasion-resistant, impact-resistant, puncture -resistant, and/or shrapnel-resistant properties. In certain embodiments, the genitourinary covering part is comprised of two primary layers. Each primary layer can be comprised of a multiplicity of sheets of a material or multiple materials (See U.S. Pat. No. 6,892,392, incorporated herein by reference in its entirety). In certain embodiments, the outer layer is comprised of a ballistic protective layer. In certain embodiments the ballistic protective layer comprises KEVLAR®. In certain embodiments, the inner layer is a flame -resistant layer. In certain embodiments, the inner layer is a knit Nomex® material.

[0041] In certain embodiments, the genitourinary body armor comprises an optional third part wherein the third part is a flap that covers the femoral artery of a user. This third part is referred to herein as the "femoral protective flap." The femoral protective flap can be detachably connected to either the belt part or the genitourinary covering part as described herein. In certain embodiments, the femoral protective flap can be permanently attached to either the belt part or the genitourinary covering part. In certain embodiments, the femoral protective flap is provided with additional belt parts, as described herein, which secure the femoral protective flap to the user' s leg and hold the femoral protective part in position.

[0042] In certain embodiments, the femoral protective flap is provided in a shape and material which allows each end to wrap around one of the user's legs. The two end portions are connected by a thinner middle portion which passes between the user' s groin/perineum region and the middle portion of the groin protector (Figures 6-9).

[0043] In certain embodiments, the femoral protective flap and the groin protector do not fully cover the upper thigh (Figure 10), which can allow for greater mobility and comfort. In certain embodiments, the femoral protective flap and/or the groin protector are shaped such that the entire upper thigh is covered.

[0044] The femoral protective flap can be comprised of any of the materials described herein as embodiments of the genitourinary body armor.

[0045] In certain embodiments, the body armor assembly described herein is intended to protect against IED blasts or other explosive or flammable threats. In such embodiments, the bindings on the edges of the materials, the thread, and the fasteners can be flame resistant. In certain embodiments, the bindings, thread, and hook and loop fasteners are flame resistant or treated with a flame retardant. In a further embodiment, the fasteners are flame-resistant buttons. In a further embodiment, the bindings and hook and loop fasteners comprise Nomex®.

[0046] Other appropriate materials for construction of embodiments described herein include, but are not limited to, Style 706 DuPont KEVLAR®, KEVLAR Correctional®, KEVLAR® K-29, KEVLAR® K49, KEVLAR® K100, KEVLAR® K119, KEVLAR® K129, KEVLAR® AP, KEVLAR® XP, KEVLAR® KM2, KEVLAR® MTP, Dyneema, Honeywell Spectra®, Teijin Twaron® T-2000, carbon fibers, Kuraray Vectran®, woven chain mail, polyphenylenebenzimidazol (PBI), polybenzoxazole (PBO), Toyobo Zylon®, Innegrity Innegra S®, and Teijin Technora®.

[0047] In some embodiments, the body armor assembly described herein is comprised of a high-strength material. In some embodiments, the high-strength material comprises an aramid synthetic fiber. In some embodiments, the high-strength material is selected from the group consisting of: a substituted aramid; a orthosubstituted aramid; a metasubstituted aramid; a parasubstituted aramid; an aryl aramide; a substituted aryl amide; a orthosubstituted aryl aramid; a metasubstituted aryl aramid; a parasubstituted aryl aramid; an aromatic polyamide; and a poly paraphenylene terephthal amide.

[0048] For military uses, the body armor assembly can meet, for example, U.S. military specifications, such as A-A-55216 Type II Class 1 hook and loop fastener tape, MIL-W-17337 11/2 inch webbing, or MIL-F-10884 snap fasteners. [0049] The outermost layers of the body armor assembly described herein can comprise fabrics having physical properties, coverings, treatments, and/or visual characteristics of particular value. By way of example only, for military use certain embodiments can have the most exterior layer of fabric provided in a camouflage pattern in use by a particular military establishment. In certain embodiments, the most exterior layer can be provided in a water-repellent or water-resistant version. Similarly, the most interior layer of fabric can be a mesh material to provide better airflow and ventilation.

[0050] The body armor assembly described herein provides several advantages over existing types of body armor. Firstly, the body armor assembly provides protection to the genitourinary region and the perineum from threats originating in front, behind, or beneath the user. Further, in embodiments wherein no fly is provided in the genitourinary covering part, superior protection to the genitourinary region is provided. Secondly, the body armor assembly is held securely in place and is resistant to being displaced from its protective position by the position of the user, movement of the user, or blast forces.

Additionally, the body armor assembly is readily adapted to a wide variety of user sizes. The body armor assembly is readily compatible with a range of equipment, armor, garments, and uniforms. No special fitting is required and a minimum of sizes of body armor are required in order to offer protection to a range of users. No adaptation of existing armor, equipment, garments, or uniforms is required. The body armor assembly herein is a stand alone assembly that does not require attachment to other pieces of equipment. Furthermore, the present invention features ease of use. Existing types of body armor require removal of clothing in order to don the body armor. The body armor assembly described herein may be worn under other garments or uniforms, but it can also be readily donned and removed by wearing it outside the pants. In this mode of use, the user is not required to remove boots or pants; something troops in the field are reluctant to do and which can cause low compliance rates with other forms of body armor. Finally, the body armor assembly is made of a flexible material capable of conforming to the user's body, enhancing comfort, mobility, and compliance.

[0051] Some embodiments of the present invention can be defined as any of the following numbered paragraphs.

1. A genitourinary body armor assembly comprising:

a belt part with a fastener to secure the assembly around the waist of the user

a genitourinary covering part attached to the belt in both the front and rear of the user.

2. The assembly of paragraph 1 wherein the belt part and genitourinary covering part are separable.

3. The assembly of paragraph 1 wherein the assembly also covers part of all of one or more of the areas chosen from the group consisting of: the perineum, the anus, the urological systems; the peritoneal cavity; the intestines; the bladder; and the kidneys.

4. The assembly of paragraph 1 wherein the assembly additionally comprises:

a femoral protective flap.

5. The assembly of paragraph 1 wherein the assembly permits donning and removal while wearing outerwear and footwear.

6. The assembly of paragraph 5 wherein the footwear includes boots, shoes, and combat boots.

7. The assembly of paragraph 1 wherein genitourinary covering part comprises a material(s) having one or more of the properties chosen from the group consisting of:

bullet-resistant; cut-resistant; laceration-resistant; abrasion-resistant; impact-resistant; puncture- resistant; and shrapnel-resistant.

8. The assembly of paragraph 1 wherein the genitourinary covering part is comprised of two layers, the outer layer comprising a material(s) having one or more of the properties chosen from the group consisting of:

bullet-resistant; cut-resistant; laceration-resistant; abrasion-resistant; impact-resistant; puncture- resistant; and shrapnel-resistant.

9. The assembly of paragraph 8 wherein the outer layer is comprised of a high-strength material and the inner layer is comprised of a flame resistant material.

10. The assembly of paragraph 9 wherein the high-strength material comprises an aramid synthetic fiber.

11. The assembly of paragraph 9 wherein the high-strength material comprises a synthetic fiber chosen from the group consisting of:

a substituted aramid; a orthosubstituted aramid; a metasubstituted aramid; a parasubstituted aramid; an aryl aramide; a substituted aryl amide; a orthosubstituted aryl aramid; a

metasubstituted aryl aramid; a parasubstituted aryl aramid; an aromatic poly amide; and a poly paraphenylene terephthal amide.

12. A method of protecting the genitourinary region of an individual from injury due to an explosion, the method comprising the individual donning a body armor device as described in paragraphs 1-11.

13. The method of paragraph 12, wherein the explosion occurs beneath the individual.

Claims

CLAIMS What is claimed herein is:

1. A genitourinary body armor assembly comprising: a belt part with a fastener to secure the assembly around the waist of the user a genitourinary covering part attached to the belt in both the front and rear of the user.

2. The assembly of claim 1 wherein the belt part and genitourinary covering part are separable.

3. The assembly of claim 1 wherein the assembly also covers part of all of one or more of the areas chosen from the group consisting of: the perineum, the anus, the urological systems; the peritoneal cavity; the intestines; the bladder; and the kidneys.

4. The assembly of claim 1 wherein the assembly additionally comprises: a femoral protective flap.

5. The assembly of claim 1 wherein the assembly permits donning and removal while wearing outerwear and footwear.

6. The assembly of claim 5 wherein the footwear includes boots, shoes, and combat boots.

7. The assembly of claim 1 wherein genitourinary covering part comprises a material(s) having one or more of the properties chosen from the group consisting of: bullet-resistant; cut-resistant; laceration-resistant; abrasion-resistant; impact-resistant; puncture- resistant; and shrapnel-resistant.

8. The assembly of claim 1 wherein the genitourinary covering part is comprised of two layers, the outer layer comprising a material(s) having one or more of the properties chosen from the group consisting of: bullet-resistant; cut-resistant; laceration-resistant; abrasion-resistant; impact-resistant; puncture- resistant; and shrapnel-resistant.

9. The assembly of claim 8 wherein the outer layer is comprised of a high-strength material and the inner layer is comprised of a flame resistant material.

10. The assembly of claim 9 wherein the high-strength material comprises an aramid synthetic fiber.

11. The assembly of claim 9 wherein the high-strength material comprises a synthetic fiber chosen from the group consisting of: a substituted aramid; a orthosubstituted aramid; a metasubstituted aramid; a parasubstituted aramid; an aryl aramide; a substituted aryl amide; a orthosubstituted aryl aramid; a

metasubstituted aryl aramid; a parasubstituted aryl aramid; an aromatic poly amide; and a poly paraphenylene terephthal amide.

12. A method of protecting the genitourinary region of an individual from injury due to an explosion, the method comprising the individual donning a body armor device as described in Claims 1-11.

13. The method of Claim 12, wherein the explosion occurs beneath the individual.