WO2016159757A1 - Wearable protective device and method of preparation - Google Patents

Abstract

There is disclosed a wearable protective device 1 comprising an exterior housing 10 adapted to be wearable and formed from polymer based composite; an interior body 11 comprising a plurality of flexibly interconnected members formed from polycarbonate composite; wherein the exterior housing 10 is formed as a vest and comprises a plurality of receptacles adapted to receive the interconnected members of the interior body 10 and hence enclose the interior body 11; wherein the plurality of flexibly interconnected members of the interior body 11 adaptably fitting the front and back surfaces of the wearer's body when worn; thus provide protection for the front and back surfaces of the wearer's body. A method is also disclosed herein.

Description

WEARABLE PROTECTIVE DEVICE AND METHOD OF PREPARATION

FIELD OF INVENTION

[0001] The present invention generally relates to a protective device; and more particularly to a wearable device adapted to provide ballistic protective properties and against; but not limiting to; lethal effects of sharp objects. BACKGROUND OF INVENTION

[0002] The ability to protect the vital parts of a human body to prevent fatal injuries has become an essential component for industries requiring services that compromises or putting a personnel's life at risk; or purely for protection against the harmful effects of sharp objects or weapons. At present the most widely used wearable protective device being designed and realized for human protection purposes is a bulletproof vest; commonly used by police services, military, and defence forces worldwide. Generally, the vest is adapted to protect at least one part of the human body from harmful effects of bullets; by preventing the bullet or projectile having a dimension approximately that of a bullet to penetrate into the human body.

[0003] Significant amounts of work has been done in the efforts of improving and redesigning these protective devices and vests, however a great majority of these efforts are devoted to merely providing comfort in wearing the device and least in improving its strength. A further disadvantage of the current protective vests and devices is that, they are generally tailored to provide one type of protection; more particularly ballistic protection and more often devices catered for ballistic protection are lack of knife-proof properties. Another glaring drawback is associated to the fabrication of multiple types of materials thus entails high production cost.

[0004] For instance, US Patent No 8,883, 661 issued to Montagna et al discloses a composite material used as ballistic protection; whereby the material comprises several layers of coatings, laminations and overlapping elements. It is expected that the composite material formed with the method as disclosed in US'661 can produce lightweight ballistic protection. Nevertheless, the preparation requires several stages of layering and coatings thus can be arduous and entails high production cost. [0005] An eminent shortcoming of the available protective vests/devices in the state of the art is associated to its weight; whereby typically, a vest weighs within the range of 3.2 to 3.5 kg, which is considered as rather substantial considering that it is to be worn by the personnel during duty. Perceptibly, the personnel have to lug around the heavy vest to carry out his/her duties. In addition, the heavy vests are often extensively rigid due to the materials used; hence can be impractical to be worn.

[0006] An example is disclosed in US Patent No US 6,842,908 issued to Saito et al; whereby there is provided a stab proof vest comprising a plurality of elements; including stainless steel plates. Albeit effective at a certain level in preventing harmful effects of a knife or the likes; apart from being complicated to produce and thus can amount to high productivity cost, the presence of steel plates as part of the vest results to bulkiness and the entire ensemble becomes considerably heavy. The latter characteristic substantially adds weight to the vest for the wearer to bear.

[0007] Hence, considering the above-discussed glaring shortcomings of conventional protective devices and vests, it would be highly desirable to provide protective device that is flexibly and comfortably wearable, as well as durable and can be produced at a significantly low cost; apart from being lighter comparable to the devices and vests in the state of the art.

[0008] The present invention therefore provides significant improvements and is a step ahead; as it eliminates the current drawbacks encountered in the prior art devices.

SUM MARY OF INVENTION

[0009] In one aspect, there is provided a wearable protective device comprising; an exterior housing adapted to be wearable and formed from polymer based composite; an interior body being the protective body and adapted to be enclosed by the exterior housing; characterized in that: wherein the exterior housing is formed from durable polymer composite as a vest and comprises a plurality of receptacles adapted to receive the interconnected members of the interior body and hence enclose the interior body; the interior body comprising a plurality of flexibly interconnected members formed from polycarbonate composite; the plurality of flexibly interconnected members of the interior body adaptably fitting the front and back surfaces of the wearer's body when worn; thus provide protection for the front and back surfaces of the wearer's body.

[0010] In one embodiment, the wearable exterior housing comprises: at least one layer of durable polymer-based composite and at least one layer of fire and heat resistance material.

[0011] In a further embodiment, the fire resistant layer of the exterior housing may be formed from chemically treated cotton and nylon composite; for instance; a composition of 88% cotton and 12% nylon.

[0012] In yet a further embodiment, the interior body comprises a front panel back panel and side panels wherein the front panel comprises a plurality of flat members being flexibly interconnected to each other such that they form two separate L- shaped profiles.

[0013] In a further embodiment, there is a middle front panel adapted to be in contact with both of the L-shaped profiles thus when assembled.

[0014] In yet another embodiment, at least one L-shape profile forms a front left protective panel, and the other L-shaped profile forms the front right protective panel; and when both L-profiles are connected they provide complete protection for the front surface of the wearer's body.

[0015] In a further embodiment, each L-shape profile is formed by four (4) removably and flexibly interconnected members; wherein each member comprises at least one curved edge and at least one side adapted for flexible attachment to each other. [0016] In yet another embodiment, the back protective panel comprises a main back section and two top extensions being flexibly hinged or interconnected to the main back section.

[0017] In yet a further embodiment, main back section is generally a flat member that resembles a trapezoid or a five-sided member, accordingly sized to fit and provide surface coverage for the upper back surface of the wearer's body; wherein the main back section further comprises two slanting edges on which the two top extensions are flexibly or pivotally mounted.

[0018] In another embodiment, the top extensions are positioned side by side and are flexibly interconnected to the main back section; thus allowing the upper member 15 to be adjustable in order to fit the contour of the upper surface of the wearer's body.

[0019] In a further embodiment, the side panels adapted to provide protection for the shoulder regions of the wearer's body; wherein the side panels include four (4) flexibly interconnected members; each member comprising at least one curved edge.

[0020] In yet a further embodiment, comprises 4 flat members being flexibly interconnected to each other; having at least one section as the central member; whereby when connected; the side panels rests on the shoulder area of the wearer.

[0021] In another embodiment, the central member is adapted to be positioned on the clavicle (upper collar bone) surface of the shoulder and the flexibly interconnecting remaining three members are positioned in a manner such that they protect the collarbone areas of the shoulder.

[0022] In yet another embodiment, the wearable protective device weighs less than 3 kilograms. [0023] In yet a further embodiment, the device exhibits lightweight, high impact resistance and provides stab proof and bulletproof properties.

[0024] In another embodiment, the device is able to withstand a standard knife stabbing within the range of 20 J to 35 J of continuous stab energy to any point of the protected surfaces under 200N static pressure for 1 minute.

[0025] In yet another embodiment, the protective device is able to absorb 75% hit and protection of stab energy. [0026] In another aspect of the present invention, there is disclosed a method for preparing a wearable protective device comprising the steps of: providing a housing constructed from polymer based and fire resistant materials; providing an interior body constructed from polycarbonate composite; wherein the interior body is formed by a plurality of flexibly interconnecting members; and enclosing the interior body with the housing. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0027] The invention will be more understood by reference to the description below taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings herein: [0028] FIG. 1 shows the wearable protective device upon assembled in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

[0029] FIG. 2 shows the exterior housing of the wearable protective device in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

[0030] FIG. 3 shows a segmentized view of the interior body of the wearable protective device in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

[0031] FIG. 4 shows the ballistic protection result of the protective device in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

[0032] FIG. 5 shows the anti-stab test result of the protective device in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; [0033] FIG. 6 shows the impact resistance test of the protective device in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0034] In line with the above summary, the following description of a number of specific and alternative embodiments is provided to understand the inventive features of the present invention. It shall be apparent to one skilled in the art, however that this invention may be practiced without such specific details. Some of the details may not be described at length so as not to obscure the invention. For ease of reference, common reference numerals will be used throughout the figures when referring to the same or similar features common to the figures.

[0035] The present invention provides a protective device and method of preparing thereof. For the purpose of clear description and avoidance of doubt, the term "firearm" in this specification is used to mean or define any form of portable weapon that operates to release at least one bullet or a projectile having a dimension generally similar to a bullet or the likes typically by explosive force. In addition, the term "sharp object" generally defines any sharp object that can cause harmful effects when applied with force onto a person or another object.

[0036] In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, the protective device is adapted to be wearable and is constructed from polycarbonate-based composite. Polycarbonate is selected in the construction of the wearable device of the present invention for its properties of being highly durable and high impact-resistance. The interior members of the protective device including the front surface are formed based on polycarbonate composite formed into suitable sections to be elucidated herein. The exterior structure of the polycarbonate composite is insulated with highly durable industrial polymer material and fire resistance fabric. The method of preparing the protective device of the present invention will be further elucidated herein.

[0037] Referring now to FIG. 1 , the wearable protective device 1 in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention comprises an exterior housing 10, and a protective interior body 11 being enclosed by the exterior housing 10. The protective interior body 11 comprises a front protective panel 20,21 and a back protective panel 11 B; each of which, will be elucidated in the following paragraphs.

Exterior Housing [0038] With reference to FIG. 2, the exterior housing 10 in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention is generally the carrier frame to be worn by a user; the housing 10 includes at least one layer of polymer-based material; thus can be any form of rubber compound or group of materials, which is highly resilient and elastically deformable; into a vest-like configuration. In one embodiment of the present invention, the exterior housing 10 is formed from industrial rubber compound; similarly used in producing quarry conveyor belts. The exterior housing 10 therefore is adapted to provide heavy abrasion resistance and fire resistance properties. The exterior housing 10 thereby comprises at least one layer of fire resistant material, and one layer of elastically deformable material for providing high impact resistance for the protective device 1. In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, the fire resistant layer may be formed from chemically treated cotton and nylon composite; for instance; a composition of 88% cotton and 12% nylon. The weight of the exterior housing 10 is within the range of 800 to 900 grams, ideally 900 grams.

[0039] Generally having a vest or jacket like design; the exterior housing 10 comprises at least one opening 10A defined to be fitted over the wearer's head; and two openings 10B,10C at opposite ends of the exterior housing 10 defined to fit through the wearer's arms. The front and middle portion of the exterior housing 10 is formed with an opening, which can be in the form of an end-to-end vertical zipper 10D whereby in one embodiment can be concealed by an oversleeve 10E formed with Velcro strip 10F. As mentioned in the preceding paragraph; the exterior housing 10 is defined to fit the interior protective body 11 and thus acts as a carrier frame for the protective body 11.

[0040] The exterior housing 10 is further provided with concealed receptacles positioned accordingly and defined to receive the interior protective body 11 members. In one embodiment, there can be six (6) receptacles sized to receive the members of the back panel 11 B, and eight (8) receptacles sized to receive the members of the front panel 20,21. The exterior housing 10 further includes receptacles sized to fit the side panels 11C on each shoulder area.

Interior Protective Body

[0041] The protective interior body 11 in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention is constructed from polycarbonate composite or material. Polycarbonate is a type of thermoplastic polymer, and typically used for industrial purposes owing to its easily molded and durable properties. It is further anticipated that the interior protective body 11 can be constructed composites from the group of thermoplastic polymers. [0042] Referring to FIG. 3, the protective interior body 11 comprises a front panel 20,21 , a back panel 11 B and side panels 11C. The interior body 11 comprises a plurality of flexibly interconnecting members. Such flexible connection permits the members to be adjustably fitted to the front portion of an average human body, hence reducing rigidity and increases comfort for the wearer. In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, the members may be formed curved inwardly; preferably towards the body of the wearer; thus providing a more comfortable fit for the wearer. The gist of the overall configuration for the the front and back panels of the interior protective body 11 upon inserted in the exterior housing 10, is generally identical; however the front panel is formed with a left and right sections; to be further elucidated herein.

Front Protective Panel

[0043] Still referring to FIG. 3, the front panel 20,21 in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention is adapted to provide protection for the anterior surface of the human body. The front panel 20,21 comprises a plurality of flat members being flexibly interconnected to each other such that they form two separate L-shaped profiles 20,21. Accordingly, one L-shape profile forms a front left protective panel 20, and the other L-shaped profile forms the front right protective panel 21. [0044] The front panel 20,21 is formed in a manner such that it provides comfort and flexibility for the wearer particularly when in contact with the posterior surface of the body of the wearer. These L-shaped profiles are positioned in a manner such that they are bilaterally provided in relation to the middle area of the human body; forming left and right front panels as discussed in the earlier paragraph. In one embodiment, each of the L-shaped profiles is formed by four unevenly shaped flat members being flexibly interconnected to each other; more particularly two members 20A, 20B, 21 A, 21 B to provide protection coverage for the chest area; and two members for providing protection for abdominal area 20C, 20D, 21C,21 D. The L-shaped profiles 20,21 when attached together and inserted into the receptacles of the exterior housing 10 will generally form the configuration identical to the back panel 11 B; separated by middle opening 10D of the exterior housing 10.

L-Shaped Profile Members [0045] In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, the top member 20A, 20B of each of the L-shaped profiles is formed having a width of 12 cm and length of 1 1.5 cm as shown in FIG. 3. The top member is formed with at least one edge slightly curved outwardly and one edge curved inwardly, as suitably shown in FIG. 4. At least one edge of the top member is flexibly connected to the second member 20B,21 B of the L-shaped profile. The second member 20B,21 B generally resembles a trapezoidal member having two edges being interconnected to the top member and the third member 20C,21C of the L-shaped profiles. In one embodiment, the third member 20C,21C comprises at least one side with a length of 15.5 cm and another side with a length of 7.5 cm. The fourth member 20D, 21 D of the L-shaped profiles also resembles a trapezoidal member having two edges interconnected to their adjacent members. In essence; when both L-profiles are connected they provide complete protection for the front surface of the wearer's body.

[0046] In one embodiment, there may be included a middle front panel 11 D adapted to be in contact with both of the L-shaped profiles 20,21 thus when assembled. The middle panel 23 can be in the form of a flat rectangular shaped member.

Back Protective Panel - Upper Surface

[0047] Still referring to FIG. 3, the back protective panel 11 B is adapted to provide protection for the posterior (back) surface of the human body. For providing surface coverage of the upper back surface of the wearer's body; there is provided a main back section 15A and two top extensions 15B, 15C being flexibly hinged or interconnected to the main back section 15A. The main back section 15A is generally a flat member that resembles a trapezoid or a five-sided member, accordingly sized to fit and provide surface coverage for the upper back surface of the wearer's body. The main back section 15A therefore comprises two slanting edges on which the two top extensions 15B, 15C are flexibly or pivotally mounted. The top extensions 15B,15C are positioned side by side and are flexibly interconnected to the main back section 15A; thus allowing the upper member 15 to be adjustable in order to fit the contour of the upper surface of a human body. In one embodiment, the size of each top extension 15B,15C is smaller than that of the main back section 15A. The top extensions 15B, 15C in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention provide surface coverage adjacent to the neck area of the wearer. Back Protective Panel -Lower Surface [0048] With reference to FIG.3, for the lower back surface of the wearer's body; comprises at least one lower back section 16A and two lateral sections 16B,16C being flexibly interconnected to the lower back section 16A. The lower back section 16A is generally a flat triangular member with one end flexibly interconnected to the main back section 15A. The lower back section 16A is interconnected and positioned in a manner such that it forms an inverted triangle; preferably corresponding to the contour of the lower surface of the human body; so as to ensure comfort for the wearer. Perceptibly the lower back section 16A comprises at least two slanting edges; on which the lateral sections 16B,16C are flexibly mounted. The lateral sections 16B,16C provides protective coverage for the waist area of the human body, and comprises at least one side being inwardly curved and another side being curved outwardly. The lateral sections 16B,16C being flexibly interconnected to the lower back section 16A permits tractability in the sense that the lower member 16 can be adjustable to suit the contour of the lower surface of the wearer's body. Fittingly, the level of comfort in wearing the protective device 1 in accordance with the embodiments of the present invention is increased tremendously. The interior protective body 11 weighs within the range of 2.4 to 2.6 kilograms, more ideally 2.6 kilograms.

[0049] In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, the main back section 15A can have a length of 20.5 cm and height of 13 cm; while the lower back section 16A can have at least one side with the length of 22 cm, and two sides with the length of 28 cm, preferably the latter sides are adapted to be connected to the lateral sections 16B,16C.

[0050] Still referring to FIG. 3, it is contemplated that the lateral sections 16B, 16C may be provided with cushioning material; removably attached adjacent to the bottom area of the lateral sections 16B,16C; whereby the cushioning material may be provided in a strip form; corresponding to the length of the lateral sections 16B, 16C.

[0051] The interior protective body 11 is fitted within the exterior housing 10 thus forming a complete wearable protective device 1. In total, the protective device weighs within the range of 3.3 to 3.5 kilograms. The exterior housing 10 therefore provides a form of adjustable support frame for the interior protective body 11 to be worn by the user.

Side Protective Panels

[0052] With reference to FIG. 3, there at two sets of the side panels 11 C; each of which is adapted to provide protection for the shoulder surface and its adjacent area of the human body. In one embodiment, the side panels 11C comprises 4 flat members being flexibly interconnected to each other; having at least one section as the central member 50; whereby when connected; the side panels 11 C rests on the shoulder area of the wearer. The central member 50 is adapted to be positioned on the clavicle (upper collar bone) surface of the shoulder and the flexibly interconnecting remaining three members 51 ,52,53 are positioned in a manner such that they protect the collar bone areas of the shoulder. In one embodiment, all members 51,52 and 53 of the side panels have curved edges; and sized to fit their respective receptacle provided on the exterior housing 10.

[0053] Clearly, the ideal measurements for any members of the protective device 1 may vary but do not go beyond of the scope of invention as contemplated. It is further noted that all members of the protective device 1 are removably and flexibly attached to each other to form the complete protective device 1. In an embodiment of the present invention, the members of the protective device 1 are flexibly interconnected by means of suitable couplings or fastening means.

Protection Capacity I. Anti-Stab and Anti-Spike Resistance [0054] It is anticipated that the protective device 1 of the present invention is able to protect the human body from bullets or projectiles having a dimension of the likes; and sharp objects. In one embodiment; the device 1 is able to protect human body from bullets; or projectiles that are launched with explosive force at 10, 20 and 30 meters from the wearer of the protective device 1. As for sharp objects, the protective device 1 is able to withstand a standard knife stabbing within the range of 20 J to 35 J of continuous stab energy to any point of the protected surfaces under 200N static pressure for 1 minute. In addition, the protective device 1 is able to absorb 75% hit and protection of stab energy.

II. Anti-Impact Resistance

[0055] In one embodiment, the protective device 1 is able to withstand continuous direct hit of 5.8 kg of steel ball to the chest surface from a distance of 220 cm thus hit energy of 120 J.

Test Results

I. Ballistic Protection/Ballistic Test Limit - Ball Bearing [0056] A test was conducted to gauge the ballistic protection of the device in accordance with the present invention. Ball bearings with four different sizes were launched at an average velocity; at varying distances; i.e. 10 meters, 15 meters and 20 meters. From the test results it is found that the device experienced minimal impact thus shown minor dents on the hit surface. The test results are as shown in FIG. 4.

II. Anti-Stab Test

[0057] A stabbing test was conducted to gauge the anti-puncture or anti-stab function of the protective device 1 in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. A sharp object - in particular a knife having a blade of 40cm in length and 4mm thickness was used in this test. Using a human force to deliver a continuous impact energy simulating as a human attacker on several points and areas of the protective device 1 ; results have shown that the protective device 1 suffers minor slash marks; as seen in FIG. 5.

II. Impact Resistance Test

[0058] An impact resistance test was conducted with a standard hammer; using human force to deliver continuous blows on several areas and points of the protective device 1. Results have shown that the protective device 1 suffers minor impact as seen in FIG. 6.

III. Acid/Hazardous Liquids Impact Test

[0059] In this test the protective device 1 was exposed to acidic liquid; whereby an amount of acidic liquid was applied on the exterior housing 10. The exterior housing 10; which is constructed from a fire-resistance and polymer based material in accordance with the present invention did not experience any form of deformity or any physical deformation. The exterior housing 10 therefore protects the interior body 11 from such hazardous liquids. The test result is shown in FIG. 7. IV. Fire Resistance and Flammability Test

[0060] In this test, an area on the exterior housing 10 of the protective device 1 was set on fire for a duration of at least 20 seconds. Results have shown that the exterior housing 10 protects the interior body 11 effectively as no physical deformity was found on the exterior housing 10. Further, there minimal flame spread thus the material did not promote fire growth. The test result is shown in FIG. 8.

Method of Preparation [0061] In one embodiment, the protective device 1 can be prepared by the following steps: a) constructing a housing from polymeric material or polymer based material into a vest-like structure; b) constructing an interior body from polycarbonate composite; wherein the interior body is formed by a plurality of flexibly interconnecting members; and c) enclosing the interior body with the housing.

[0062] The wearable protective device 1 of the present invention provides excellent durability properties; and can be produced at significantly low cost compared to that of the prior art devices. Accordingly, the total cost of production can be reduced at least 60% from the original or standard production cost for each protective vest available in the market. In addition, the substantially light weight of polycarbonate being the essential material of the protective device 1 as opposed to metal or material of the likes has resulted to the lightweight characteristic of the protective device 1 of the present invention.

[0063] As would be apparent to a person having ordinary skilled in the art, the afore- described methods and components may be provided in many variations, modifications or alternatives to existing protective devices. The principles and concepts disclosed herein may also be implemented in various manner which may not have been specifically described herein but which are to be understood as encompassed within the scope and letter of the following claims.

Claims

WHAT IS CLAIMED IS:

1. A wearable protective device 1 comprising; an exterior housing 10 adapted to be wearable and formed from polymer based composite; an interior body 11 being the protective body and adapted to be enclosed by the exterior housing 10; characterized in that: wherein the exterior housing 10 is formed from durable polymer composite as a vest and comprises a plurality of receptacles adapted to receive the interconnected members of the interior body 10 and hence enclose the interior body 11 ; the interior body 11 comprising a plurality of flexibly interconnected members formed from polycarbonate composite; the plurality of flexibly interconnected members of the interior body 11 adaptably fitting the front and back surfaces of the wearer's body when worn; thus provide protection for the front and back surfaces of the wearer's body.

2. The wearable protective device 1 according to Claim 1 , wherein the exterior housing 10 comprises: at least one layer of polymer-based material and at least one layer of fire and heat resistance material.

3. The wearable protective device 1 according to Claim 2, wherein the fire resistant layer of the exterior housing 10 may be formed from chemically treated cotton and nylon composite; for instance; a composition of 88% cotton and 12% nylon.

4. The wearable protective device 1 according to Claim 1 , wherein the interior body 11 comprises a front panel 20,21 , back panel 11 B , side panels 11 C and a middle panel 11 D; wherein the front panel 20,21 comprises a plurality of flat members being flexibly interconnected to each other such that they form two separate L-shaped profiles 20,21 and the middle front panel 11 D adapted to be in contact with both of the L-shaped profiles 20,21 thus when assembled.

5. The wearable protective device 1 according to Claim 4, wherein at least one L-shape profile forms a front left protective panel 20, and the other L-shaped profile forms the front right protective panel 21 ; and when both L-profiles are connected they provide complete protection for the front surface of the wearer's body.

6. The wearable protective device 1 according to Claim 4, wherein each L- shape profile is formed by four (4) removably and flexibly interconnected members; wherein each member comprises at least one curved edge and at least one side adapted for flexible attachment to each other.

7. The wearable protective device 1 according to Claim 4, wherein the back protective panel 11 B comprises a main back section 15A and two top extensions 15B, 15C being flexibly hinged or interconnected to the main back section 15A.

8. The wearable protective device 1 according to Claim 7, wherein the main back section 15A is generally a flat member that resembles a trapezoid or a five- sided member, accordingly sized to fit and provide surface coverage for the upper back surface of the wearer's body; wherein the main back section 15A further comprises two slanting edges on which the two top extensions 15B, 15C are flexibly or pivotally mounted.

9. The wearable protective device 1 according to Claim 8, wherein the top extensions 15B,15C are positioned side by side and are flexibly interconnected to the main back section 15A; thus allowing the upper member 15 to be adjustable in order to fit the contour of the upper surface of the wearer's body.

10. The wearable protective device 1 according to Claim 4 further comprising side panels 11C adapted to provide protection for the shoulder regions of the wearer's body; wherein the side panels 11C include four (4) flexibly interconnected members; each member comprising at least one curved edge.

1 1 . The wearable protective device 1 according to Claim 10 wherein the side panels 11 C comprises 4 flat members being flexibly interconnected to each other; having at least one section as the central member 50; whereby when connected; the side panels 11 C rests on the shoulder area of the wearer.

12. The wearable protective device 1 according to Claim 1 1 , wherein the central member 50 is adapted to be positioned on the clavicle (upper collar bone) surface of the shoulder and the flexibly interconnecting remaining three members 51 ,52,53 are positioned in a manner such that they protect the collar bone areas of the shoulder.

13. The wearable protective device 1 according to Claim 1 , wherein in overall, the device 1 weighs less than 3 kilograms.

14. The wearable protective device 1 according to Claim 1 wherein the device exhibits lightweight, high impact resistance and provides stab proof and bulletproof properties.

15. The wearable protective device 1 according to Claim 1 wherein the device 1 is able to withstand a standard knife stabbing within the range of 20 J to 35 J of continuous stab energy to any point of the protected surfaces under 200N static pressure for 1 minute.

16. The wearable protective device 1 according to Claim 1 , wherein the protective device 1 is able to absorb 75% hit and protection of stab energy.

17. A method for preparing a wearable protective device comprising the steps of: providing a housing constructed from polymer based and fire resistant materials;

providing an interior body constructed from polycarbonate composite; wherein the interior body is formed by a plurality of flexibly interconnecting members; and enclosing the interior body with the housing.