The U.S. Army has patented a new design for a harness that better protects the groin and femoral arteries from blast debris, the service announced Thursday.

The harness, designed at the Natick Soldier Research, Development and Engineering Center, is worn outside the pants and also helps prevent debris from embedding in and around the groin, the Army said in a statement.

"Such injuries can be so severe that repeated surgeries are often needed to remove the debris, leading to extreme discomfort as well as health and hygiene issues," the Army said. "The harness has also been adapted to provide fragmentation protection."

Design began after a joint urgent operational needs statement was issued for blast debris protection.

The design uses multiple layers of Kevlar that alternate as they overlap to provide protection.

It has resulted in a design that hugs the body without hindering movement.

The design is expected to one day be licensed for use by first responders as well.