FRAME CONFIGURABLE FOR USE AS A BALLISTIC SHIELD AND RELATED METHODS

Abstract

A ballistic shield assembly comprises a framework of interconnected linking members, the framework including at least one handle member, graspable by a user wielding the ballistic shield. At least one wearable item of personal armor is arranged about the framework, the wearable item of personal armor being supported by the framework to thereby present a ballistic shield face capable of protecting the user wielding the ballistic shield from projectiles.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates generally to the field of hand-held protective shields. More particularly, the present invention relates to personally configurable ballistic shields.

2. Related Art

Ballistic shields are commercially available hand-carried personal protective shields. Such shields are designed to deflect and/or defeat a wide range of high-velocity projectiles fired from modern weaponry such as handguns, long-guns and shotguns. Such ballistic shields provide protective cover to law enforcement and military personnel, enhancing both safety and mission capability.

While ballistic shields are commercially available, nearly all effective ballistic shields on the market today are priced too high for most law enforcement professionals. As such, many professionals find it difficult to afford this extra level of protection. It is thus the case that, in many situations where such a shield could be effectively utilized, law enforcement or similar professionals do not have access to such equipment.

In contrast to this, nearly all law enforcement and related professionals have access to, and are often required to equip, wearable items of personal armor. Such wearable items include ballistic vests, often dubbed “bullet-proof vests.” Because of the widespread use of such vests, many law enforcement and related professionals own multiple ballistic vests, often carrying extra vests in the field. While this situation results in ballistic vests often being available when needed, such vests do not always provide the type of protection needed in all situations.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In accordance with one aspect of the invention, a ballistic shield assembly is provided, including a framework of interconnected linking members. The framework can include at least one handle member, graspable by a user wielding the ballistic shield. At least one wearable item of personal armor can be arranged about the framework, the wearable item of personal armor being supported by the framework to thereby present a ballistic shield face capable of protecting the user wielding the ballistic shield from projectiles.

In accordance with another aspect of the invention, a method of utilizing a wearable item of personal armor as a ballistic shield is provided, including: obtaining a framework of interconnected linking members; and arranging about the framework at least one wearable item of personal armor to thereby create a ballistic shield, the wearable item of personal armor being supported by the framework to thereby present a ballistic shield face capable of protecting the user wielding the ballistic shield from projectiles.

In accordance with another aspect of the invention, a method of protecting a target from projectiles is provided, including: obtaining a framework of interconnected linking members; arranging about the framework at least one wearable item of personal armor to thereby create a ballistic shield, the wearable item of personal armor being supported by the framework to thereby present a ballistic shield face capable of protecting the user wielding the ballistic shield from projectiles; and positioning the ballistic shield face between the target and a source of the projectiles.

Additional features and advantages of the invention will be apparent from the detailed description which follows, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, which together illustrate, by way of example, features of the invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The following drawings illustrate exemplary embodiments for carrying out the invention. Like reference numerals refer to like parts in different views or embodiments of the present invention in the drawings.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a framework of interconnected linking members in accordance with an embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 2 is a front view of the framework of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a rear view of the framework of FIG. 1

FIG. 4 is a side view of the framework of FIG. 1;

FIG. 5 is an opposing side view of the framework of FIG. 3;

FIG. 6 is a top view of the framework of FIG. 1;

FIG. 6A is a top view of a portion “A” of FIG. 6;

FIG. 7 is a bottom view of the framework of FIG. 1;

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the framework of FIG. 1, shown in a folded configuration;

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of the framework of FIG. 1, shown with an item of wearable personal armor arranged about the framework to thereby create a ballistic shield; and

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of the framework of FIG. 9, shown in an extended configuration with an additional item of wearable personal armor arranged thereon.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Before the present invention is disclosed and described, it is to be understood that this invention is not limited to the particular structures, process steps, or materials disclosed herein, but is extended to equivalents thereof as would be recognized by those of ordinarily skilled in the relevant arts. It should also be understood that terminology employed herein is used for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting.

It must be noted that, as used in this specification and the appended claims, the singular forms “a” and “the” can include plural referents, unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Thus, for example, reference to a “vest” can include reference to one or more of such vests.

DEFINITIONS

In describing and claiming the present invention, the following terminology will be used in accordance with the definitions set forth below.

Relative directional terms, such as “distal,” “proximal,” “upper,” “lower,” “top,” bottom,” etc., are used herein to aid in describing various features of the present systems and techniques. It is to be understood that such terms are generally used in a manner consistent with the understanding one of ordinary skill in the art would have of such systems. Such terms should not, however, be construed to limit the present invention.

As used herein, the term “substantially” refers to the complete, or nearly complete, extent or degree of an action, characteristic, property, state, structure, item, or result. As an arbitrary example, an object that is “substantially” enclosed would mean that the object is either completely enclosed or nearly completely enclosed. The exact allowable degree of deviation from absolute completeness may in some cases depend on the specific context. However, generally speaking the nearness of completion will be so as to have the same overall result as if absolute and total completion were obtained.

The use of “substantially” is equally applicable when used in a negative connotation to refer to the complete or near complete lack of an action, characteristic, property, state, structure, item, or result. As another arbitrary example, a composition that is “substantially free of” particles would either completely lack particles, or so nearly completely lack particles that the effect would be the same as if it completely lacked particles. In other words, a composition that is “substantially free of” an ingredient or element may still actually contain such item as long as there is no measurable effect thereof.

As used herein, the term “about” is used to provide flexibility to a numerical range endpoint by providing that a given value may be “a little above” or “a little below” the endpoint.

Distances, forces, weights, amounts, and other numerical data may be expressed or presented herein in a range format. It is to be understood that such a range format is used merely for convenience and brevity and thus should be interpreted flexibly to include not only the numerical values explicitly recited as the limits of the range, but also to include all the individual numerical values or sub-ranges encompassed within that range as if each numerical value and sub-range is explicitly recited.

As an illustration, a numerical range of “about 1 inch to about 5 inches” should be interpreted to include not only the explicitly recited values of about 1 inch to about 5 inches, but also include individual values and sub-ranges within the indicated range. Thus, included in this numerical range are individual values such as 2, 3, and 4 and sub-ranges such as from 1-3, from 2-4, and from 3-5, etc.

This same principle applies to ranges reciting only one numerical value and should apply regardless of the breadth of the range or the characteristics being described.

Invention

The present invention relates generally to systems and methods that allow wearable items of personal armor, such as ballistic vests, to be utilized to create an effective ballistic shield. The system can be assembled by law enforcement personnel (and related professionals such a military personnel, private security providers, etc.) with relative ease to provide a ballistic shield when a conventional ballistic shield is not available. As discussed in greater detail below, the system generally includes a framework of various interconnected linking members. One or more wearable items of personal armor (e.g., ballistic vests and the like) can be arranged about the framework. The wearable items of personal armor can thus present a ballistic shield face that protects a user from projectiles. In this manner, a ballistic shield can be created from readily available components when conventional ballistic shields are not readily available.

The figures generally illustrate various exemplary embodiments of the technology. One such exemplary assembly 10 is illustrated in various views in FIGS. 1 through 7. Generally, the technology includes a framework 12 that includes a series of interconnected linking members. The linking members can include, without limitation, vertical risers 14b, 14b′, horizontal members 14c, 14d, 14e, buttress member 18 (discussed in more detail below), upper cross members 14a, 14a′, etc. The linking members can be formed from a variety of materials, including without limitation sufficiently durable and rigid polymers, metallic components (e.g., aluminum or steel tubing, etc.), and the like. The linking members can be permanently fixed to one another, or, where desired, can be removably or adjustably coupled to one another to provide collapsibility to the framework for ease of storage and transport. The framework is generally sized to provide a secure and appropriate frame to support a typical item of wearable armor, as discussed in more detail below.

One or more handles 16a, 16b can be provided to allow the user to comfortably carry the framework. A buttress member 18 can also be provided to allow the user to rest upon, or support the framework with, a portion of his or her body (e.g., the user's hip or leg). The handles and buttress member allow a user to securely maintain the shield in position for extended periods of time. The handles can take a variety of forms. In the example shown, handle 16b can be easily grasped by a user in his or her fist, while handle 16a more passively engages the user's forearm.

In addition, as shown in FIG. 1, a tether or strap 20 can be coupled to the framework to allow the user to fully or partially suspend the framework from his or her shoulders. The tether or strap can be used for support when the framework is actively being worn (in combination with the handle members and buttress member), or can be used to suspend the framework from the user's body when moving. For example, the tether or strap can be used to maintain the framework across the user's back to provide cover when moving away from an active shooter, or while shielding another target with the user's body.

The framework is specifically designed to accommodate commonly available items of wearable personal armor. Amor such as ballistic vests can be easily secured about the framework in essentially the same manner that the vest is secured to a person when he or she is wearing the vest. FIG. 9 illustrates an armored vest 22a installed about the framework 12. As will be appreciated, the vest is secured in position, and presents a shield face (illustrated generally at 24 in FIGS. 2 and 10) that can be positioned between the user wielding the shield and the source of projectiles (e.g., one or more shooters). While it is generally suggested that the wielder of the shield also wear body armor, when properly positioned, the shield will provide ample protection from most projectiles in most scenarios, even in the case the user is not wearing personal armor.

The framework can be provided with adjustability in height, width and depth. This can allow the framework to provide the most effective support for any particular wearable armor to be attached to the framework, and for any particular application/user. For example, as shown in FIG. 10, an upper segment 12a of the frame 12 can be adjusted upwardly relative to a lower segment 12b. In this manner, the shield can be made taller (e.g., extend upwardly), to accommodate a second vest 22b stacked above, and possibly overlapping, a vest 22a installed on the lower segment.

In addition to adjusting the height of the frame, the width and/or depth can also be made adjustable, as any particular application may require. The linking members can be made adjustable in a variety of manners. They can be, for example, telescopically fitted one within another to allow telescopic adjustment. Threaded fittings can also be used, along with a variety of suitable other systems. In some embodiments, spring-loaded push-pins can be used to lock the various interconnecting members in position, yet allow adjustment along discrete distances. Such push-pins are known in other technological areas, and generally include a series of openings formed in one member, with the push-pin fitting into the opening to restrict movement of the two components relative to one another.

The various interconnecting members 14a, 14b, etc., can be fastened to one another in a variety of manners. In one aspect of the invention, the framework 12 can be formed as an integral unit, with all of the interconnecting members fixed during manufacture. In other embodiments, the members can be removably coupled one to another, to allow full or partial disassembly for storage, transport, etc. Also, adjustability of the various members relative to one another can be provided, as discussed above.

As best appreciated from FIGS. 6 and 7, in one aspect of the technology the framework 12 can be self-standing. In this example, a pair of legs 26a, 26b extend from the framework and allow the framework to be rested upon a surface (e.g., a ground surface, vehicle surface, etc.) to allow the ballistic shield to be used without being carried by a user.

FIG. 6A illustrates in more detail one manner in which various auxiliary items can be carried by the framework 12, and/or by which the various interconnecting members can be adjustably coupled to one another. In this example, vertical riser 14b′ is formed with a slot 44 running along at least a portion of the riser. The slot can accept a corresponding tang or tab from an auxiliary anchor piece. One such configuration is shown in FIG. 7. In this example, an auxiliary anchor piece 52 is mounted within the slot 44 (or within an analogous slot in another interconnecting member). The auxiliary anchor piece can hold an auxiliary device 50, in this case a flashlight or other lighting device, to allow the flashlight to be carried by the frame. In other embodiments, the auxiliary device can include a video camera, audio recorder, audible or visual hailing device, or other commonly used audio/video devices.

Analogously, as shown in FIG. 6A, the various components can include slots or openings in which various threaded fasteners can be carried. For example, a threaded fastener (e.g., knob) 40 can be carried by the riser 14b′ to allow telescoping member 42 to be selectively fixed in position relative to the riser. This configuration can advantageously allow the pieces to be telescopically adjusted to allow the device to be heightened or shortened. For example, the configuration shown in FIG. 9 can be described as the nominal configuration, one that can hold one ballistic vest 22a. To enlarge or heighten the device, the knob 40 can be loosened, and member 42 can be extended into the position shown in FIG. 10. Once positioned, the knob can again be tightened to secure the components relative to one another.

FIG. 8 illustrates a further aspect of the technology in which the frame assembly can be foldable. As will be appreciated by one of ordinary skill in the art having possession of this disclosure, selectively lockable joints 54 can be provided that allow the leg members 26a, 26b to be folded into an orientation that is parallel with, or nearly parallel with, the remainder of the members. In this manner, the assembly can be more easily stored in some applications, and can be, for example, used as litter in other applications. This aspect can be advantageous when it is desirable to quickly remove wounded persons from an active environment.

The present technology thus provides an effective ballistic shield that can utilize readily available wearable items of personal armor. The unit is lightweight, yet sufficiently durable and rugged to be deployed in a variety of situations. It can easily be stored within a trunk of a vehicle, along with one or more extraneous pieces of wearable armor so that it can be quickly and easily deployed when needed. Where desirable, several frames can be placed next to each other in an overlapping pattern to create a large barricade to be used by multiple people, or, for example, to protect an injured person. A user can wield the shield with one hand, leaving his or her other hand free to operate a firearm.

Due to the balance that the support brace and strap provide, the user can temporarily release the shield to re-load a firearm (a process that generally requires both hands). A gun rest built into the frame can aid in supporting the firearm and is located in the center of the frame (see, for example, 30 in FIG. 1). The handles can be adjustable, to accommodate differently sized arms and to accommodate right-hand and left-hand users. The system can also be used to support a variety of ballistic plates in a carrier. The frame can be formed so as to be foldable into a litter, to transport injured or unconscious individuals. Wheels can be added to the frame, to provide additional maneuverability.

The technology provides a number of advantages, including without limitation, the following:

Generally, the various components of the assembly can be assembled, disassembled, or adjusted relative to one other without requiring the use of tools. The position of the handles can be adjusted to fit comfortably for right-hand or left-hand users. The buttress member can be adjusted to particular hip/leg sizes and shapes for proper fit. The shoulder support strap can be adjusted for proper fit. The wearable armor can be easily attached to the frame by sliding the vest over the frame with the front of the vest facing forward (creating the shield face). The neck portion of the vest is typically centered on the frame so as not to interfere with the gun rest notch. Adjustments of the strap and buttress member can be easily checked by releasing the handles and verifying that it is possible to maintain the frame in position during re-loading procedures, when both hands are temporarily needed. The assembled frame can be placed (free-standing) where it is can be accessed easily and where it is not subject to damage. When using multiple vests (wearable items of armor), the vests can be overlapped slightly to prevent any gaps between the vests.

In addition to the structural system outlined above, the present technology provides various methods of assembling a ballistic shield from a frame and one or more wearable items of personal armor and of protecting users and third parties with the ballistic shield.

It is to be understood that the above-referenced arrangements are illustrative of the application for the principles of the present invention. Numerous modifications and alternative arrangements can be devised without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention while the present invention has been shown in the drawings and described above in connection with the exemplary embodiments(s) of the invention. It will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art that numerous modifications can be made without departing from the principles and concepts of the invention as set forth in the examples.

Claims

1. A ballistic shield assembly, comprising: a framework of interconnected linking members;the framework including at least one handle member, graspable by a user wielding the ballistic shield; andat least one wearable item of personal armor, removably arranged about the framework, the wearable item of personal armor being supported by the framework to thereby present a ballistic shield face capable of protecting the user wielding the ballistic shield from projectiles.

2. The assembly of claim 1, wherein at least some of the interconnected linking members are adjustably connected one to another to allow the linking members to be reconfigured to adjust a size or a shape of the framework.

3. The assembly of claim 1, further comprising at least one buttress member coupled to the framework, the buttress member capable of engaging a portion of the user's body to provide additional support to the ballistic shield.

4. The assembly of claim 1, further comprising at least one tether coupled to the framework, the tether operable to at least partially suspend the ballistic shield from the user's body.

5. The assembly of claim 1, further comprising a plurality of wearable items of personal armor, arranged about the framework to collectively present the ballistic shield face.

6. The assembly of claim 1, wherein the framework includes a notch formed therein, the notch providing an opening in the framework within which a firearm can be positioned.

7. The assembly of claim 1, wherein the framework includes freestanding support structure, coupled to the framework, the freestanding support structure allowing the framework to be positioned in an erect configuration on a surface to thereby provide ballistic protection to a user positioned behind the framework without requiring that the user carry the ballistic shield.

8. The assembly of claim 7, wherein the freestanding support structure is foldably coupled to the framework to allow the framework to be arranged into a foldable configuration.

9. The assembly of claim 1, further comprising one or more utility mounts carried by the framework, the utility mount operable to receive or carry an auxiliary device.

10. The assembly of claim 9, wherein the auxiliary device comprises a portable lighting device.

11. A method of utilizing a wearable item of personal armor as a ballistic shield, comprising: obtaining a framework of interconnected linking members; andarranging on the framework at least one wearable item of personal armor to thereby create a ballistic shield, the wearable item of personal armor being supported by the framework to thereby present a ballistic shield face capable of protecting the user wielding the ballistic shield from projectiles.

12. The method of claim 11, wherein the framework includes at least one handle member connected thereto, the handle member being graspable by a user wielding the ballistic shield.

13. The method of claim 11, wherein arranging the wearable item of personal armor about the framework comprises attaching the wearable item to the framework in substantially the same manner as the wearable item of personal armor is configured to be donned by a wearer of the personal armor.

14. The method of claim 11, further comprising arranging a plurality of wearable items of personal armor about the framework.

15. The method of claim 11, wherein at least some of the interconnected linking members are adjustable relative to one another.

16. A method of protecting a target from projectiles, comprising: obtaining a framework of interconnected linking members;arranging on the framework at least one wearable item of personal armor to thereby create a ballistic shield, the wearable item of personal armor being supported by the framework to thereby present a ballistic shield face capable of protecting the user wielding the ballistic shield from projectiles; andpositioning the ballistic shield face between the target and a source of the projectiles.

17. The method of claim 16, wherein positioning the ballistic shield face comprises the target grasping the framework in one or both hands.

18. The method of claim 17, wherein the target grasping the framework comprises the target engaging one or more handles carried by the framework.

19. The method of claim 16, wherein positioning the ballistic shield face comprises stabilizing the framework on a surface adjacent the target.

20. The method of claim 16, wherein the target comprises a human target.