VANCOUVER, B.C. / August 12, 2014 / – Mission Ready Services Inc. (TSX-V:MRS.V – News) – Mission Ready Services Inc. (“Mission Ready” or “MRSI” or the “Company”) is pleased to announce that it has filed a patent application (the “Application”) with the US Patent Office as well as an international filing under the Patent Cooperation Treaty for its Integrated Body Armor Garment referred to as the Extremity Torso Protection Body Armor (the “ExToPro”).
PTF was awarded a contract to develop the next generation of enhanced torso and extremity protective equipment in the latter half of 2012 and subsequently initiated the execution of the project. Through collaboration with various partners, PTF finalized the design and began assembling prototypes for testing. In May of 2013, the product was introduced and demonstrated in an Army human factors evaluation. Feedback has been overwhelmingly positive with 100% of the Soldiers testing the prototypes expressing their desire for the ExToPro to become their issued protective system.
The ExToPro is based around the concept of biomimetics – the imitation of the models, systems, and elements of nature for the purpose of solving complex human problems. Since conception, the ExToPro has advanced through many stages of development and testing and received exceptional reviews from expert users including retired and active duty US Army personnel.
Some key features of the ExToPro include:
-Significant weight reduction due to innovative design resembling the anatomy of the wearer
-Conformal protection to neck, upper back, upper torso and deltoid regions
-All protective technology integrated into a single athletic blouse, reducing the “Christmas Tree Effect” as seen in many current systems including the Army-issue body armor vests where snaps, hooks and loops are utilized to attached protective components
-Balanced weight distribution with an integrated elastic network that aids in correct posture and facilitates the donning and doffing of body armor vests with plate carriers
-Enhanced effectiveness and reduced risk of fatal injury due to fewer individual components and seams that can limit mobility due to snagging or dragging
-Fabricated with stretchable, highly durable materials with flame and thermal protective properties as well as comfort features including moisture vapor transmission
Mission Ready’s Chief Technical Officer, Francisco Martinez states, “It is rewarding to receive the highly positive feedback we have following the years of extensive research, development and testing that has resulted in the ExToPro – A streamlined, lighter, more effective body armor that we are eager to get into the field protecting those who protect us.”
Many countries are developing next generation body armor systems to replace the body armor systems and components currently worn by the military ground forces in their country. Specific examples include the US Army’s Soldier Protection Systems (SPS), the UK’s Future Infantry Soldier Technology (FIST) program, France’s FELIN program, Germany’s Future Soldier System, Russia’s Future Soldier System, and the Israeli Advanced Soldier.
Though it was initially developed with the soldier in mind, the ExToPro has garnered enthusiastic recognition within other areas of the military and law enforcement agencies. As well, the Company has identified many other opportunities and applications for the ExToPro within the protective services and civilian markets. In the United States and European countries, there is an increasing trend to provide body armor to first responders, such as EMS/EMT personnel and firefighters. This trend has been stimulated by the need to upgrade the capabilities of personnel who have to respond to casualties in the midst of a terrorist attack, mass shooting event, or other situations where the responder may encounter gunfire. The Company will now concentrate efforts to commercialize this and related products for the global body armor and personal protection market which has an estimated value of USD $2.4 billion in 2013 and is expected to grow to USD $3.7 billion by 2023.
