Woven multi-layer fabrics for use with non-ballistic threats

Abstract

A multi-layer woven fabric, including an upper woven layer having upper warp yarns and upper weft yarns that are interwoven together to form the upper woven layer. The cover factor of at least one of the layers is selected so as to inhibit penetration by non-ballistic threats

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A multi-layer woven fabric, comprising:
 a) an upper woven layer having upper warp yarns and upper weft yarns that are interwoven together to form the upper woven layer;   b) a lower woven layer having lower warp yarns and lower weft yarns that are interwoven together to form the lower woven layer; and   c) a plurality of securing yarns, each securing yarn interwoven with at least some of the upper yarns and some of the lower yarns so as to secure the upper and lower woven layers together;   d) wherein the multi-layer ballistic woven fabric is formed by interweaving the securing yarns with the warp yarns and weft yarns as the upper woven layer and lower woven layer are made; and   e) wherein the cover factor of at least one of the layers is selected so as to inhibit penetration by non-ballistic threats.   
     
     
         2 . The fabric of  claim 1 , wherein at least one of the layers has a cover factor of between 70% and 130%. 
     
     
         3 . The fabric of  claim 1 , wherein both of the layers have a cover factor of between 70% and 130%. 
     
     
         4 . The fabric of  claim 1 , wherein at least one of the layers has a cover factor of between 80% and 120%. 
     
     
         5 . The fabric of  claim 1 , wherein both of the layers have a cover factor of between 80% and 120%. 
     
     
         6 . The fabric of  claim 1 , wherein at least one of the layers has a cover factor of between 90% and 110%. 
     
     
         7 . The fabric of  claim 1 , wherein both of the layers have a cover factor of between 90% and 110%. 
     
     
         8 . The fabric of  claim 1 , wherein at least one of the layers has a cover factor of around 100%. 
     
     
         9 . The fabric of  claim 1 , wherein both of the layers have a cover factor of around 100%. 
     
     
         10 . The fabric of  claim 1  wherein at least some of the securing yarns are made of non-ballistic yarns. 
     
     
         11 . The fabric of  claim 1  wherein at least some of the securing yarns are made of ballistic yarns. 
     
     
         12 . The fabric of  claim 1  wherein at least some of the warp yarns and weft yarns are made of ballistic yarns. 
     
     
         13 . The fabric of  claim 1  wherein at least some of the warp yarns and weft yarns are made of non-ballistic yarns. 
     
     
         14 . The fabric of  claim 1 , wherein the spacing and arrangement of weaving patterns of the fabric are selected to provide for at least some protection against non-ballistic threats. 
     
     
         15 . The fabric of  claim 1 , wherein after the fabric has been woven, the fabric is subjected to a treatment process that shrinks the securing yarns, drawing the warp yarns and weft yarns towards each other. 
     
     
         16 . The fabric of  claim 15 , wherein the securing yarns are encouraged to shrink by up to 1%. 
     
     
         17 . The fabric of  claim 15 , wherein the securing yarns are encouraged to shrink by up to 3%. 
     
     
         18 . The fabric of  claim 15 , wherein the securing yarns are encouraged to shrink by up more than 3%. 
     
     
         19 . The fabric of  claim 15 , wherein the securing yarns are encouraged to shrink by up to 10%. 
     
     
         20 . The fabric of  claim 1 , wherein at least some of the upper weft yarns and lower weft yarns are offset from each other so as to overlap by between 30% and 70%.