Body armor plate
View Patent ↗A body armor plate having an integral Molle compatible front covering that allows pouches and other Molle compatible accessories to be directly affixed to the plate. The armor plate includes a ballistic core, an integral front covering of durable fabric having a plurality of horizontal slits arranged in a Molle compatible array and a rear covering of hook or loop pile fabric material. The array of slits in the integral front cover of the armor plate allows Molle compatible pouches to be directly attached to the plate, thereby eliminating the need for a separate plate carrier or vest and greatly reduces the overall weight and bulk of the personal armor system. The hook and/or loop pile material of the integral back covering of the armor plate itself allows support straps to be connected directly to the plate without additional support or carrier apparatus needed to hold the plates to a wearer.
1. A body armor plate comprising:
a ballistic plate core having a peripheral edge, a front face and a rear face, the front face of the plate core has a continuous recessed area formed therein, the continuous recessed area constituting a majority of the front face;
an integral front covering bonded to the plate core and overlying the front face of the plate core and wrapping around the peripheral edge of the plate core, the front covering having a plurality of horizontal slits formed therein and arranged in an array of vertical columns and horizontal rows such that the array of slits is configured for interconnection with Molle compatible pouches and accessories, the front cover is spaced over the recessed area of the front face of the plate core to receive the interconnection with the Molle compatible pouches and accessories between the front cover and the front face of the plate core; and
an integral back covering bonded to the plate core and overlying the rear face of the plate core, the back covering being of hook and loop fastener material integrally bonded to the rear face of the plate core.