Protective apparatus for vehicles

Abstract

The invention provides a protective apparatus for a vehicle, the apparatus comprising a structure of generally convex shape adapted to be fitted to or to form part of a vehicle, wherein: (a) the protective apparatus is capable of resisting a force applied to the structure; and (b) the apex of the apparatus is disposed generally in a direction that is opposed to the direction of travel or movement of the force applied to the apparatus.

1 . A protective apparatus for a vehicle, the apparatus comprising a structure of generally convex shape adapted to be fitted to or to form part of the vehicle, wherein; 
 (a) the protective apparatus is capable of resisting a force applied to the structure; and    (b) the apex of the apparatus is disposed generally in the direction that is opposed to a direction of travel or movement of the force applied to the apparatus.    
     
     
         2 . A protective apparatus as claimed in  claim 1 , in which the protective apparatus is formed integrally with the vehicle.  
     
     
         3 . A protective apparatus as claimed in  claim 1 , in which the protective apparatus is an accessory structure to the vehicle.  
     
     
         4 . A protective apparatus as claimed in  claim 3 , in which the protective apparatus is an accessory structure which is capable of being fitted to the vehicle, either permanently or removably.  
     
     
         5 . A protective apparatus as claimed in  claim 1 , in which the generally convex shape of the apparatus is a generally arcuate shape when viewed in cross section or from a side elevation.  
     
     
         6 . A protective apparatus as claimed in  claim 4 , wherein the apparatus has a generally triangular or quasi-triangular shape when viewed in cross section or from a side elevation.  
     
     
         7 . A protective apparatus as claimed in  claim 4 , wherein the apparatus has a generally trapezoidal or frusto-trapezoidal shape, when viewed in cross section or from a side elevation.  
     
     
         8 . A protective apparatus as claimed in  claim 1 , wherein the vehicle is formed so as to be capable of transporting one or more persons when the vehicle is in motion.  
     
     
         9 . A protective apparatus as claimed in  claim 1 , wherein the protective apparatus takes the form of a cabin capable of housing one or more persons when the vehicle is in motion.  
     
     
         10 . A protective apparatus as claimed in  claim 9 , wherein the cabin comprises one or more door means, through which in use, a person may enter or leave the cabin.  
     
     
         11 . A protective apparatus as claimed in  claim 10 , wherein the cabin is made from; or comprises structures made from high tensile steel.  
     
     
         12 . A protective apparatus as claimed in  claim 9 , wherein the cabin comprises one or more window means.  
     
     
         13 . A protective apparatus as claimed in  claim 12 , wherein each of the one or more window means is made from or comprises materials that are capable of resisting the impact of: 
 (a) an explosion;    (b) a detonated device;    (c) a bullet; or    (d) a ballistic missile.    
     
     
         14 . A protective apparatus as claimed in  claim 12 , wherein the portion or those portions of the protective apparatus that do not comprise window means are made from one or more materials that are capable of resisting the impact of: 
 (a) all explosion;    (b) a detonated device;    (c) a bullet; or    (d) t ballistic missile.    
     
     
         15 . A protective structure, as claimed in  claim 1 , in which the protective structure takes the form of a structure which is fitted to an underneath side of the vehicle.  
     
     
         16 . (canceled)  
     
     
         17 . A vehicle comprising a protective structure as claimed in  claim 1 .  
     
     
         18 . A protective apparatus as claimed in  claim 5  wherein the apparatus has a generally trapezoidal or frusto-trapezoide shape when viewed in cross section or from a side elevation.  
     
     
         19 . (canceled)  
     
     
         20 . A vehicle comprising a protective structure as claimed in  claim 7 .  
     
     
         21 . A vehicle comprising a protective structure as claimed in  claim 14.