Patent Application
20130276623
A potentially dangerous situation for law enforcement officers is when they approach a vehicle in the process of interrogating a driver suspected of a routine traffic violation. There are a number of cases where the occupant of the vehicle shoots a firearm at the officer, striking him or her in the face or chest. Shields exist that an officer may use to help protect against such an attack. However, these shields are often not practical for an officer to use because they are too heavy and do not provide the protection required by law enforcement personnel.
The present application discloses a lightweight ballistic shield device comprising a composite material that meets or exceeds National Institute of Justice (NIJ) III-A ballistic protection standards and provides ballistic protection at point blank range. In certain embodiments, the ballistic shield device comprises a composite material having multiple layers of a fabric material laminated together with an adhesive disposed between each layer of the fabric material. A first thermoplastic film is laminated to a top surface of the composite material and a second thermoplastic film is laminated to a bottom surface of the composite material.
The ballistic shield device of the present application may be formed in a variety of ways. For example, the ballistic shield device may be formed as a ballistic clipboard. In certain embodiments, the ballistic clipboard comprises a composite material, an edge trim attached to the periphery of the composite material, and a clip attached to a top surface of the composite material. The composite material comprises multiple layers of a fabric material laminated together with an adhesive disposed between each layer of the fabric material. A first thermoplastic film is laminated to the top surface of the composite material and a second thermoplastic film is laminated to the bottom surface of the composite material. The edge trim extends between the top and bottom surfaces of the composite material.
These and additional embodiments will become apparent in the course of the following detailed description. The descriptions of the embodiments below are not intended to and do not limit the scope of the words of the claims in any way. The words of the claims have all of their full, ordinary meanings.
The present application discloses a lightweight shield device configured to protect a user from a pistol shot or shot from another firearm. The shield device is made of a composite material that provides ballistic protection to the user from a wide range of threats and situations. As discussed below, the shield device meets or exceeds National Institute of Justice (NIJ) III-A ballistic protection standards and provides ballistic protection at point blank range.
The fabric material 102 may be a variety of woven or non-woven fabrics, such as, for example, woven or non-woven aramid, fiberglass, innegra, or polystrand fabrics. In certain embodiments, the fabric material 102 is a woven aramid fabric. One example of a fabric material that may be used is Kevlar 29 style 745 fabric having a denier of 3000, plain weave, and 17×17 thread count. In one embodiment, this fabric is about 24 mils (0.61 mm) thick and has a breaking strength of about 1600 lbf/in (length direction) and about 1800 lbf/in (width direction). Further, the fabric material 102 may be selected based on the specific strength and stiffness characteristics of the material.
The adhesive 108 of the composite material 100 bonds the layers of the fabric material 102 together and also bonds the fibers of the fabric material together. The adhesive 108 may be a variety of thermoplastic and/or thermoset adhesive agents, such as, for example, polyethylene, polypropylene, or polyurethane based adhesives. In certain embodiments, the adhesive 108 is a thermoplastic film that is polyurethane based. One example of an adhesive that may be used is Nolax (Collano Adhesives) S22.2031 having a density of about 100 grams/m2.
The composite material 100 may be configured or arranged in a variety of ways such that the shield device meets a specific threat, compliance, or aesthetic. For example, the fibers of the fabric material 102 may be orientated at different angles within a particular layer and/or as between different layers of the composite material 100. In certain embodiments, two or more fibers of the fabric material 102 may be orientated at different angles relative to a longitudinal axis of the fabric material, e.g., at 0, 45, 90, or 135 degrees. Further, the composite material 100 may comprise alternating layers of a first fabric material and a second fabric material. The type, fiber orientation, weave, weight, denier, thread count, breaking strength, density and/or other property of the first fabric material may differ from the second fabric material.
For example, in certain embodiments, the fibers of the first fabric material may be orientated at either a first angle or a second angle relative to a longitudinal axis of the first fabric material and the fibers of the second fabric material may be orientated at either a third angle or a fourth angle relative to a longitudinal axis of the second fabric material. The first and second angles may be different than the third and fourth angles. For example, the first and second angles may be about 0 degrees and about 90 degrees, respectively, and the third and fourth angles may be about 45 degrees and about 135 degrees, respectively. Alternating the first and second fabric materials throughout the composite material 100 provides a desired flexibility and rigidity to the shield device in a given direction. For example, alternating the first and second fabric materials may increase the stiffness of a rectangular shaped shield device at or near the corners of the shield device, especially for larger shield devices.
Further, the composition and/or properties of the layers of fabric material 102 may be tuned such that the shield device meets specific threat or compliance requirements. For example, the type of fabric material and/or the fiber orientation, weave, weight, denier, thread count, breaking strength, density and/or other property of the fabric material may be selected such that the shield device meets specific threat or compliance requirements. Further, the composition and/or properties of the fabric material 102 may change throughout the composite material 100, such as, by alternating layers of fabric material having different compositions or properties, placing a block of multiple layers of fabric material having a first composition on top of a block of multiple layers of fabric material having a second composition that is different than the first composition, etc.
The composition and/or properties of the adhesive 108 may also be tuned such that the shield device meets specific threat or compliance requirements. For example, the type of adhesive and/or the weight, density, film thickness, and/or amount of adhesive may be selected such that the shield device meets specific threat or compliance requirements. Further, the composition and/or properties of the adhesive 108 may change throughout the composite material 100, such as, for example, by alternating layers of adhesive having different compositions and/or properties between the layers of fabric material 102. Altering the composition and/or properties of the adhesive 108 generally changes the bond strength of the adhesive, which in turns affects the rigidity of the composite material 100 and inter laminar bond strength between the layers of the fabric material 102, both of which are related to the stopping ability and deformation characteristics of the shield device. Further, the composition and/or properties of the adhesive 108 may be matched with the fiber construction of the fabric material 102. By selecting the appropriate combination of fibers and adhesives, such as, for example, by selecting the number of layers and/or the type of fiber or adhesive material, the ballistic properties of the shield device may be tuned to meet specific requirements.
The one or more layers of thermoplastic film 104 may be laminated to one or more surfaces of the composite material 100, such as, for example, to the top surface, bottom surface and/or sides of the composite material. The thermoplastic film 104 may comprise a variety of thermoplastic materials, such as, for example, polypropylene, polyurethane, or polyethylene. In certain embodiments, the thermoplastic film 104 comprises a layer of polypropylene on the top and bottom surfaces of the composite material 100. The polypropylene film may be less than 0.02 inch thick or even less than 0.01 inch thick. One example of a thermoplastic film that may be used is an 8 mil polypropylene film made by Crown Films.
The thermoplastic film 104 seals the core of the composite material 100 and may be selected to provide an aesthetic, ergonomic, and/or wear-resistant surface of the shield device. For example, the thermoplastic film 104 may provide an appealing and substantially smooth surface that may be used as a writing surface. Further, the thermoplastic film 104 may provide an exterior coating that protects the composite material 100 from UV light, water, moisture, etc. The thermoplastic film 104 also melts or softens when impacted by a high speed projectile such as a bullet, which permits the composite material 100 to “grab” projectiles that impact the material and prohibits the projectile from deflecting off the shield device due to the material's “stickiness” caused by the impact.
During lamination of the composite material 100, uniform heat and pressure are used to simultaneously bond the thermoplastic film 104 and layers of fabric material 102 together in a single consolidation step. As such, this process permits the incorporation of different fabric materials, weaves, and thermoplastics in various combinations such that the ballistic properties of the shield device may be tuned to meet specific requirements, such as a specific threat, compliance, or aesthetic. Further, this process permits the shield device to be formed in a variety of shapes and sizes. For example, the shield device may be configured in various shield forms, as a protective insert, concealed protection, or the like.
As illustrated in
As illustrated in
The composite material of the present application may also comprise an optional edge trim to provide desired tactile features to the shield device. For example, as illustrated in
The clipboard 300 comprises a clip 308. The clip 308 may be a variety of clips configured to hold a notepad or ticket pad. As shown, the clip 308 is a low-profile clip for retaining papers and documents. The clipboard 300 may also include an integrated clip for securing an identification card or other information. Further, the clipboard 300 comprises edge trim 306 attached to the periphery of the composite material 200. The edge trim 306 extends between the top and bottom surfaces of the composite material 200.
The clipboard 300 may also include a handle. As illustrated in
It should be understood that the composite material of the present application may be used to form variety of different shield devices, both user-carried and permanently fixed. For example, the composite material may be formed as a small tactical shield, large shield for critical engagements, vehicle armor including doors, and structures both permanent and temporary. In each of these embodiments, the same basic architecture of the composite material may be used while the plan form is scaled accordingly.
The shield device of the present application may also be formed and/or concealed in such a manner that the ballistic performance is unobtrusive to others. As such, the shield device is more readily accessible to the user thereby increasing its usefulness. For example, as described above, the shield device may be formed as a clipboard, integrated ticket pad, and/or notepad with the writing surface providing the ballistic protection. As such, the clipboard is not readily distinguishable as a protection aid and thus does not draw undue attention or speculation.
The shield device of the present application may include one or more handles that permit the user to carry and/or wield the device. The configuration of the handle, such as its size and shape, will vary depending on the specific use of the shield device. For example, smaller shield devices may have no handles and may be entirely convex. Larger shield devices may be formed with an integrated handle cutout and may include edge trim around the cutout. Larger shield devices may also include a handle attached to the shield device to permit proper leverage when the user is wielding the larger device.
The shield device of the present application may include a variety of devices that may be used by an officer. For example, as illustrated in
The shield device of the present application is also constructed such that it will not shatter or fracture when subjected to blunt force, such as, for example, when struck by someone's hand or with an object such as a rock, bat, bottle, etc. In this regard, the device may be used in crowd control or as a riot shield, restraint, or even as an offensive weapon should the situation arise. Further, because the device does not shatter or fracture when subjected to a blunt force, the user of the device is protected from cuts and abrasions.
The performance of the composite material 200 described above was tested and met or exceeded the NIJ III-A ballistic protection standards. The clipboard 300 comprising the composite material 200 was tested on a range configured to NIJ 0106.01 standards. 9 mm and 0.44 mag handguns were fired multiple times at the clipboard 300 from a standardized 15 foot distance. The testing was completed at 0 degrees F., 70 degrees F., and 140 degrees F. The 9 mm cartridge was a 115 grain FMJ and the velocity of the bullet was about 1350 fps. The 0.44 mag cartridge was a 240 grain SWC and the velocity of the bullet was about 1400 fps. In all cases, the bullets impacted the clipboard 300, were slowed and “grabbed” by the composite material 200, and were not allowed to pass through or deflect.
In addition to the requirements set forth by NIJ III-A, the composite material 200 described above was tested using .40 caliber and 0.357 mag handguns, as well as shotgun slugs. The guns were fired at the clipboard 300 comprising the composite material 200 at distances from 6 inches to 30 feet. The .40 caliber cartridge was a 180 grain S&W FMJ and the velocity of the bullet was about 1155 fps. The 0.357 Magnum cartridge was a 158 grain Jacketed Soft Point and the velocity of the bullet was about 1400 fps. In all cases, the bullets or slugs impacted the clipboard 300, were slowed and “grabbed” by the composite material 200, and were not allowed to pass through or deflect.
Further, the composite material 200 described above was tested at point blank range using the above referenced 9 mm, 0.44 mag, .40 caliber, and 0.357 mag handguns. The guns were fired at the clipboard 300 comprising the composite material 200 at a distance of 20 inches. The clipboard 300 was fixed in three different ways. First, the clipboard 300 was fixed to uprights on two sides such that it was held rigid as specified by NIJ III-A standards. Second, the handle 302 of the clipboard 300 was clamped to a fixed surface and the main body was unsupported such that the clipboard was cantilevered. Third, the clipboard 300 was suspended by a wire such that it was permitted to swing and rotate freely. In all cases, the bullets impacted the clipboard 300, were slowed and “grabbed” by the composite material 200, and were not allowed to pass through or deflect.
As described herein, when one or more components are described as being connected, joined, affixed, coupled, attached, or otherwise interconnected, such interconnection may be direct as between the components or may be in direct such as through the use of one or more intermediary components. Also as described herein, reference to a “member,” “component,” or “portion” shall not be limited to a single structural member, component, or element but can include an assembly of components, members or elements.
While the present invention has been illustrated by the description of embodiments thereof, and while the embodiments have been described in considerable detail, it is not the intention of the applicants to restrict or in any way limit the scope of the invention to such details. Additional advantages and modifications will readily appear to those skilled in the art. For example, where components are releasably or removably connected or attached together, any type of releasable connection may be suitable including for example, locking connections, fastened connections, tongue and groove connections, etc. Still further, component geometries, shapes, and dimensions can be modified without changing the overall role or function of the components. Therefore, the inventive concept, in its broader aspects, is not limited to the specific details, the representative apparatus, and illustrative examples shown and described. Accordingly, departures may be made from such details without departing from the spirit or scope of the applicant's general inventive concept.
While various inventive aspects, concepts and features of the inventions may be described and illustrated herein as embodied in combination in the exemplary embodiments, these various aspects, concepts and features may be used in many alternative embodiments, either individually or in various combinations and sub-combinations thereof. Unless expressly excluded herein all such combinations and sub-combinations are intended to be within the scope of the present inventions. Still further, while various alternative embodiments as to the various aspects, concepts and features of the inventions—such as alternative materials, structures, configurations, methods, devices and components, alternatives as to form, fit and function, and so on—may be described herein, such descriptions are not intended to be a complete or exhaustive list of available alternative embodiments, whether presently known or later developed. Those skilled in the art may readily adopt one or more of the inventive aspects, concepts or features into additional embodiments and uses within the scope of the present inventions even if such embodiments are not expressly disclosed herein. Additionally, even though some features, concepts or aspects of the inventions may be described herein as being a preferred arrangement or method, such description is not intended to suggest that such feature is required or necessary unless expressly so stated. Still further, exemplary or representative values and ranges may be included to assist in understanding the present disclosure, however, such values and ranges are not to be construed in a limiting sense and are intended to be critical values or ranges only if so expressly stated. Moreover, while various aspects, features and concepts may be expressly identified herein as being inventive or forming part of an invention, such identification is not intended to be exclusive, but rather there may be inventive aspects, concepts and features that are fully described herein without being expressly identified as such or as part of a specific invention, the inventions instead being set forth in the appended claims. Descriptions of exemplary methods or processes are not limited to inclusion of all steps as being required in all cases, nor is the order that the steps are presented to be construed as required or necessary unless expressly so stated.
This application is a U.S. Non-Provisional patent application which claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/562,759, filed on Nov. 22, 2011 and titled “Ballistic Shield Device,” which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 61562759 | Nov 2011 | US |
