Composite shields

Abstract

A composite armor shield comprising alternating layers of steel and a polymeric material which is either a polymethyl methacrylate of the general formula ##STR1## or a polycarbonate of the general formula ##STR2##

We claim: 
     
       1. A composite shield comprising: (1) X layers of a polymeric material selected from the group consisting of (a) polymethyl methacrylates having the basic chemical structure ##STR7##  and (b) polycarbonates having the basic chemical formula ##STR8##  wherein n>1 and wherein each layer of polymeric material is at least 0.375 inches thick;     (2) X+1 layers of a steel selected from the group consisting of hardened low carbon steels and stainless steel, wherein each steel layer is at least 0.175 inches thick;   (3) means for binding the layers of polymeric material and steel together;   wherein X is an integer of 1 or more.   
     
     
       2. The composite shield of claim 1 wherein the polymeric material is a polymethyl methacrylate. 
     
     
       3. The composite shield of claim 1 wherein the polymeric material is a polycarbonate. 
     
     
       4. The composite of claim 1 wherein the steel is a stainless steel. 
     
     
       5. The composite of claim 1 wherein the steel is a hardened low carbon steel. 
     
     
       6. The composite of claim 1 wherein X is an integer of from 1 to 100. 
     
     
       7. The composite of claim 6 wherein X is an integer of from 1 to 10. 
     
     
       8. The composite of claim 7 wherein X is 2. 
     
     
       9. The composite of claim 7 wherein X is 1.