Ballistic Groin Protector

Abstract

The ballistic groin protector of the present invention is preferably a compound curved sheet comprised of a stack of multiple layers of ballistic material, for example material of Kevlar® fibers, or Spectra® fiber material. The stack may be stitched around the periphery. To obtain more stiffness a more or less thick plastic stiffening shape may be formed together with the layers of ballistic material. The ballistic protective element is preferably somewhat compliant and not so stiff as to excessively interfere with movement of the wearer. The ballistic element may be enclosed within a fabric bag and suspended from a belt, and have a rearwardly opening cup shape to serve to protect the groin of a wearer.

1 . A ballistic protective groin protector, comprising a plurality of layers of ballistic material formed under heat and pressure to define a compound curved shape, the shape having an upper margin for attachment to a garment, and a rearwardly opening cup-shaped segment extending downwardly therefrom, the cup-shaped segment tapering as it extends downwardly, and curves upwardly and rearwardly at its lowermost. 
   
   
       2 . The ballistic protective groin protector of  claim 1  further comprising a plastic stiffening element formed with the ballistic protective element. 
   
   
       3 . A ballistic protective assembly for attachment to a belt to extend downwardly therefrom to protect the groin of a wearer, the groin protector comprising:
 a plurality of layers of ballistic material formed together to define a compound curved shape, the shape having an upper margin which attaches to the belt, and a rearwardly opening cup-shaped segment extending downwardly from the belt, the cup-shaped segment tapering as it extends downwardly, and curving rearwardly at its lowermost.   
   
   
       4 . The ballistic protective assembly of  claim 3  further comprising a plastic stiffening element formed connected to the plurality of layers of ballistic material.