Articulating protective system for resisting mechanical loads

摘要

Articulating protective systems for resisting mechanical loads and related methods are generally described. The protective structures described herein can incorporate one or more features that enhance the ability of the structure to resist an applied force while remaining sufficiently flexible to allow for movement of the object or person the structure is designed to protect.

主权项

1. A non-naturally occurring protective article for resisting a mechanical load, comprising:
a plurality of load-resistant units arranged to form a plurality of rows, wherein:
at least one row contains a first unit comprising a peg which, when viewed from an exposed side of the protective article, extends from an edge of the first unit, the peg housed within a socket in an edge of a first adjacent unit within the row to form a peg and socket connection, wherein the peg is tapered from a base of the peg to a tip of the peg such that the base of the peg is thicker than the tip of the peg, and wherein the peg and socket connection allows for the first unit to move relative to the first adjacent unit, andthe at least one row at least partially overlaps an adjacent row.