Non-flammable blast mitigating mat

Abstract

A blast mitigation mat which protects soldiers from an explosion and from the fire and toxic fumes that result. The mat may include a surface layer that includes traction component, an energy absorptive, metallic, non-flammable layer which can include a hollow metallic structure, and a finishing layer. The non-flammable layer is comprised of materials that melt rather than burn. The finishing layer can be mounted to the vehicle or other surfaces subject to blast impulses.

1 . A mat for minimizing the effect of a blast impulse, the mat comprising
 an upper plate,   a hollow metallic core plate, and   a mounting plate,   wherein the upper plate is bonded to a first face of the hollow metallic core plate, the hollow metallic core plate thicker than the upper plate so as to deform upon a blast impulse, and the mounting plate bonded to a second face of the hollow metallic core.   
     
     
         2 . The mat of  claim 1  wherein the upper plate provides an anti-slip surface. 
     
     
         3 . The mat of  claim 2  wherein the anti-slip surface is a diamond plate. 
     
     
         4 . The mat of  claim 1  wherein the upper plate is bonded to the hollow metallic core plate by adhesives, welding or brazing. 
     
     
         5 . The mat of  claim 1  wherein the hollow metallic core plate is formed of a metallic foam. 
     
     
         6 . The mat of  claim 5  wherein the metallic foam is an open cell or closed cell foam 
     
     
         7 . The mat of  claim 1  wherein the hollow metallic core plate is formed of dimpled aluminum sheets. 
     
     
         8 . The mat of  claim 1  wherein the hollow metallic core plate is formed of an aluminum honeycomb. 
     
     
         9 . The mat of  claim 1  wherein the hollow metallic core plate is formed of a discontinuous foam so as to create pillars between the upper plate and the mounting plate. 
     
     
         10 . The mat of  claim 1  wherein the mounting plate is connected to the hollow core metallic plate by adhesives, welding or brazing. 
     
     
         11 . The mat of  claim 1  wherein the mounting plate is attached to a vehicle. 
     
     
         12 . A non-flammable blast mitigating vehicle mat for minimizing the effect of a blast impulse, the mat comprising
 an upper plate,   a core plate, and   a mounting plate,   wherein the core plate includes internal spaces formed by a honeycomb structure, the honeycomb structure absorbing force upon impact such that the mounting plate never experiences a force greater than the core plate crush strength.   
     
     
         13 . The mat of  claim 12  wherein the core plate is a Nomex honeycomb. 
     
     
         14 . The mat of  claim 12  wherein the core plate is an aluminum honeycomb. 
     
     
         15 . The mat of  claim 12  wherein the honeycomb structure is comprised of a non-flammable material. 
     
     
         16 . The mat of  claim 12  wherein the mounting plate is attached to a floor of a vehicle. 
     
     
         17 . The mat of  claim 12  further including an adhesive layer between the upper plate and the core plate. 
     
     
         18 . The mat of  claim 12  wherein the core plate deforms upon impact.