CHAIN MAIL, NOTABLY FOR PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT

Abstract

Disclosed is a chain mail constituted of a lattice of interlinked metal rings, in particular for personal protective equipment. The chain mail rings are made using a stainless steel wire whereof the mechanical tensile strength (Rm) is between 1,600 and 2,550 N/mm.sup.2, limits included.

Claims

1-12. (canceled)

13. Chain mail, i.e. constituted of a lattice of interlinked metal rings, wherein said chain mail rings are made from a stainless steel wire whereof the mechanical tensile strength (Rm) is between 1,600 and 2,550 N/mm.sup.2, limits included.

14. Chain mail according to claim 13, wherein said chain mail rings are made from a stainless steel wire whereof the mechanical tensile strength (Rm) is between 1,900 and 2,300 N/mm.sup.2, limits included.

15. Chain mail according to claim 13, wherein said chain mail rings are made from a stainless steel wire whereof the elongation at break is upper than 2%, preferably upper than 3%, more preferably between 3 and 3.5%.

16. Chain mail according to claim 13, wherein said chain mail rings are made from a stainless steel wire comprising: carbon (C) in a proportion by weight between 0.01 and 0.03%, limits included, silicon (Si) in a proportion by weight between 0.4 and 0.6%, limits included, manganese (Mn) in a proportion by weight between 0.7 and 0.9%, limits included, phosphorus (P) in a proportion by weight lower than or equal to 0.03%, sulphur (S) in a proportion by weight lower than or equal to 0.015%, chromium (Cr) in a proportion by weight between 21 and 23%, limits included, molybdenum (Mo) in a proportion by weight between 2.9 and 3.5%, limits included, nickel (Ni) in a proportion by weight between 4.5 and 5.5%, limits included, nitrogen (N) in a proportion by weight between 0.14 and 0.22%, limits included, and iron (Fe), in a proportion by remaining weight in order to obtain 100%, except for accidental impurities.

17. Chain mail according to claim 16, wherein said chain mail rings are made from a stainless steel wire comprising: carbon (C) in a proportion by weight between 0.012 and 0.021%, limits included, silicon (Si) in a proportion by weight between 0.46 and 0.59%, limits included, manganese (Mn) in a proportion by weight between 0.76 and 0.88%, limits included, phosphorus (P) in a proportion by weight between 0.021 and 0.027%, limits included, sulphur (S) in a proportion by weight between 0.0005 and 0.0009%, limits included, chromium (Cr) in a proportion by weight between 22.09 and 22.37%, limits included, molybdenum (Mo) in a proportion by weight between 3.15 and 3.27%, limits included, nickel (Ni) in a proportion by weight between 5.18 and 5.32%, limits included, nitrogen (N) in a proportion by weight between 0.162 and 0.20%, limits included, and iron (Fe), in a proportion by remaining weight in order to obtain 100%, except for accidental impurities.

18. Chain mail according to claim 13, wherein said chain mail rings are made from a stainless steel wire with a two-phased structure comprised of ferrite and of austenite.

19. Chain mail according to claim 13, wherein said chain mail rings have an outer diameter between 3.8 mm and 4.2 mm, limits included, and are made from stainless steel wire whereof the diameter is between 0.38 mm and 0.6 mm, limits included.

20. Chain mail according to claim 19, wherein said rings are made from stainless steel wire whereof the diameter is between: 0.38 mm and 0.5 mm, limits included, preferably between 0.38 mm and 0.45 mm, limits included; or 0.45 mm and 0.6 mm, limits included, preferably between 0.5 mm and 0.6 mm, limits included.

21. Chain mail according to claim 13, wherein said rings have an outer diameter between 6.5 mm and 8 mm, limits included, and are made from stainless steel wire whereof the diameter is between 0.6 mm and 1 mm, limits included.

22. Chain mail according to claim 13, wherein said chain mail rings are made from a stainless steel wire whereof the mechanical tensile strength (Rm) is between 1,900 and 2,300 N/mm.sup.2, limits included, wherein said chain mail rings are made from a stainless steel wire whereof the elongation at break is upper than 2%, preferably upper than 3%, more preferably between 3 and 3.5%, wherein said chain mail rings are made from a stainless steel wire comprising: carbon (C) in a proportion by weight between 0.01 and 0.03%, limits included, silicon (Si) in a proportion by weight between 0.4 and 0.6%, limits included, manganese (Mn) in a proportion by weight between 0.7 and 0.9%, limits included, phosphorus (P) in a proportion by weight lower than or equal to 0.03%, sulphur (S) in a proportion by weight lower than or equal to 0.015%, chromium (Cr) in a proportion by weight between 21 and 23%, limits included, molybdenum (Mo) in a proportion by weight between 2.9 and 3.5%, limits included, nickel (Ni) in a proportion by weight between 4.5 and 5.5%, limits included, nitrogen (N) in a proportion by weight between 0.14 and 0.22%, limits included, and iron (Fe), in a proportion by remaining weight in order to obtain 100%, except for accidental impurities.

23. Chain mail according to claim 22, wherein said chain mail rings are made from a stainless steel wire comprising: carbon (C) in a proportion by weight between 0.012 and 0.021%, limits included, silicon (Si) in a proportion by weight between 0.46 and 0.59%, limits included, manganese (Mn) in a proportion by weight between 0.76 and 0.88%, limits included, phosphorus (P) in a proportion by weight between 0.021 and 0.027%, limits included, sulphur (S) in a proportion by weight between 0.0005 and 0.0009%, limits included, chromium (Cr) in a proportion by weight between 22.09 and 22.37%, limits included, molybdenum (Mo) in a proportion by weight between 3.15 and 3.27%, limits included, nickel (Ni) in a proportion by weight between 5.18 and 5.32%, limits included, nitrogen (N) in a proportion by weight between 0.162 and 0.20%, limits included, and iron (Fe), in a proportion by remaining weight in order to obtain 100%, except for accidental impurities.

24. Chain mail according to claim 23, wherein said chain mail rings are made from a stainless steel wire with a two-phased structure comprised of ferrite and of austenite.

25. Chain mail according to claim 24, wherein said chain mail rings have an outer diameter between 3.8 mm and 4.2 mm, limits included, and are made from stainless steel wire whereof the diameter is between 0.38 mm and 0.6 mm, limits included.

26. Personal protective equipment comprising at least one portion made of chain mail according to claim 13.

27. Set for the meat industry, comprising: personal protective equipment according to claim 26, and a cutlery article comprising a blade made from a steel whereof the mechanical tensile strength (Rm) is lower than 2,200 N/mm.sup.2, and whereof the elongation at break is lower than 2%.

28. Personal protective equipment comprising at least one portion made of chain mail according to claim 14.

29. Personal protective equipment comprising at least one portion made of chain mail according to claim 15.

30. Personal protective equipment comprising at least one portion made of chain mail according to claim 16.

31. Personal protective equipment comprising at least one portion made of chain mail according to claim 17.

32. Personal protective equipment comprising at least one portion made of chain mail according to claim 18.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0066] This invention as such relates to a chain mail which is in particular suited for personal protective equipment which is intended in particular:

[0067] for the meat industry, in order to provide protection of the hand of a person who uses cutting or sharp tools, or

[0068] for protection against aggressions by projectiles (bullets, shrapnel, etc.) or weapons.

[0069] Such personal protective equipment is for example described in document FR-2 898 249.

[0070] For example, a glove comprises a hand portion extended by a portion in the form of a cylindrical sleeve intended cover the wrist of the user. This portion can be extended by an extension that forms a protective sleeve of the forearm or of the arm.

[0071] This glove can furthermore be equipped with a tightening system on the wrist in order to provide an effective hold on the hand.

[0072] This personal protective equipment comprises at least one portion made of chain mail.

[0073] The chain mail is constituted by a lattice of interlinked metal rings, also referred to as chain mail fabric.

[0074] The metal rings are advantageously interlinked conventionally, preferably chain mail of the English type.

[0075] According to the invention, the chain mail rings are made from a stainless steel wire whereof the mechanical tensile strength (Rm) is between 1,600 and 2,550 N/mm.sup.2, limits included, preferably between 1,750 and 2,550 N/mm.sup.2, limits included, and more preferably between 1,900 and 2,300 N/mm.sup.2, limits included, and even more preferably between 2,000 and 2,200 N/mm.sup.2, limits included.

[0076] This stainless steel wire also advantageously has an elongation at break that is upper than 2%, preferably upper than 3%, more preferably between 3 and 3.5%.

[0077] Such a pair of values for the wire (mechanical tensile strength (Rm)/elongation at break) constitutes a particularly interesting compromise between the hardness and the deformability, for the protection with regards in particular to the phenomena of perforation and for the manufacture of the chain mail.

[0078] Stainless steel means in particular the family of steels (iron and carbon alloys) to which is substantially added chromium which provokes the forming of a protective layer of chromium oxide which provides these steels with their inoxydability.

[0079] Other elements can be added, in particular:

[0080] nickel which improves the mechanical properties in general and ductility in particular,

[0081] molybdenum or titanium which improve the stability of the alloy for temperatures other than the ambient temperature, as well as

[0082] elements with a high melting point such as vanadium and tungsten.

[0083] The inventors have identified a particular stainless steel, whereof the specific chemical composition generates the aforementioned mechanical resistance and allows for the production of a wire that is particularly suited for the production of chain mail rings.

[0084] In this respect, chain mail rings are advantageously made from a stainless steel wire comprising (even consisting of):

[0085] carbon (C) in a proportion by weight between 0.01 and 0.03%, limits included,

[0086] silicon (Si) in a proportion by weight between 0.4 and 0.6%, limits included,

[0087] manganese (Mn) in a proportion by weight between 0.7 and 0.9%, limits included,

[0088] phosphorus (P) in a proportion by weight lower than or equal to 0.03%

[0089] sulphur (S) in a proportion by weight lower than or equal to 0.015%

[0090] chromium (Cr) in a proportion by weight between 21 and 23%, limits included,

[0091] molybdenum (Mo) in a proportion by weight between 2.9 and 3.5%, limits included,

[0092] nickel (Ni) in a proportion by weight between 4.5 and 5.5%, limits included,

[0093] nitrogen (N) in a proportion by weight between 0.14 and 0.22%, limits included, and

[0094] iron (Fe), in a proportion by remaining weight in order to obtain 100%, except for accidental impurities.

[0095] More preferably, the meshes are made with a stainless steel wire comprising (even consisting of):

[0096] carbon (C) in a proportion by weight between 0.012 and 0.021%, limits included,

[0097] silicon (Si) in a proportion by weight between 0.46 and 0.59%, limits included,

[0098] manganese (Mn) in a proportion by weight between 0.76 and 0.88%, limits included,

[0099] phosphorus (P) in a proportion by weight between 0.021 and 0.027%, limits included,

[0100] sulphur (S) in a proportion by weight between 0.0005 and 0.0009%, limits included,

[0101] chromium (Cr) in a proportion by weight between 22.09 and 22.37%, limits included,

[0102] molybdenum (Mo) in a proportion by weight between 3.15 and 3.27%, limits included,

[0103] nickel (Ni) in a proportion by weight between 5.18 and 5.32%, limits included,

[0104] nitrogen (N) in a proportion by weight between 0.162 and 0.20%, limits included, and

[0105] iron (Fe), in a proportion by remaining weight in order to obtain 100%, except for accidental impurities.

[0106] Such a stainless steel advantageously includes a two-phased structure comprised of ferrite and of austenite, also referred to as duplex steel.

[0107] Such a stainless steel is also designated as belonging to the family of austeno-ferritic steels.

[0108] Various fabrics made from chain mail can as such be manufactured using this stainless steel for the production of personal protective equipment.

[0109] According to a first embodiment, the chain mail rings have an outer diameter between 3.8 mm and 4.2 mm, limits included, and are made from stainless steel wire whereof the diameter is between 0.38 mm and 0.6 mm, limits included.

[0110] In this case, preferably, the rings are made from stainless steel wire whereof the diameter is between:

[0111] 0.38 mm and 0.5 mm, limits included, preferably between 0.38 mm and 0.45 mm, limits included; or

[0112] 0.45 mm and 0.6 mm, limits included, preferably between 0.5 mm and 0.6 mm, limits included.

[0113] Without being limiting, the rings comprise a tensile strength that is upper than 300 N, with preferably:

[0114] a tensile strength between 300 and 400 N, carried out with a wire of a diameter of 0.4 mm and

[0115] a tensile strength between 500 and 600 N, carried out with a wire of a diameter of 0.5 mm.

[0116] In this framework, for the carrying out of a glove or of an apron for example, the chain mail rings have an outer diameter of 4 mm, and are made from stainless steel wire whereof the diameter is 0.4 mm.

[0117] The wire then has a mechanical tensile strength (Rm) of about 2100 N/mm.sup.2; and the rings have a tensile strength of about 350 N.

[0118] Such personal protective equipment then meets a performance level I (tested for perforation at 2.45 Joules according to the standard NF EN ISO 13998).

[0119] According to another example, for the carrying out of an apron, the chain mail rings have an outer diameter of 4 mm, and are made from stainless steel wire whereof the diameter is 0.5 mm.

[0120] The wire then also has a mechanical tensile strength (Rm) of 2100 N/mm.sup.2; and the rings have a tensile strength of about 600 N.

[0121] Such personal protective equipment then meets a performance level II (tested for perforation at 4.9 Joules according to NF EN ISO 13998).

[0122] According to a second embodiment, the rings have an outer diameter between 6.5 mm and 8 mm, limits included, and are made from stainless steel wire whereof the diameter is between 0.6 mm and 1 mm, limits included.

[0123] Such a chain mail is in particular interesting in ballistic uses, in particular in the form of a weapon pack added to a ballistic solution.

[0124] In this case, this chain mail is used in combination with a multilayer complex of technical fabric (aramid fibres, high-tenacity polyester, etc.).

[0125] The rings of this chain mail can also be carried out with a wire with a reduced diameter, while still retaining suitable performance qualities. The rings then advantageously comprise a usual outer diameter but an increased inner diameter.

[0126] Such a chain mail then comprises a weight that is substantially reduced due to the synergy between:

[0127] the reduction in the weight of each ring, but also

[0128] the decrease in the density of the rings per surface unit.

[0129] Generally, the invention also relates to a set for the meat industry, comprising:

[0130] aforementioned personal protective equipment, and

[0131] a cutlery article (in particular a knife) comprising a blade made from a steel whereof the mechanical tensile strength (Rm) is lower than 2,200 N/mm.sup.2, and whereof the elongation at break is lower than 2%.

[0132] With such a pair, the inventors observed optimal protection of the individual.

[0133] Generally, the various fields according to the invention have limits included.

[0134] Advantageously, this stainless steel can indeed be worked through the implementation of a conventional method of manufacturing chain mail, that uses conventional machines.

[0135] Preferably, the manufacture of a chain mail according to the invention comprises the following steps:

[0136] the supplying of a stainless steel wire such as described hereinabove (also referred to a wire rod), and

[0137] the cutting of sections in said wire, the forming and the assembling of said sections in order to obtain said chain mail.