GB2448288A

GB2448288A - Protection device

Info

Publication number: GB2448288A
Application number: GB0624751A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Steven Beaumont
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2006-12-12
Filing date: 2006-12-12
Publication date: 2008-10-15
Also published as: GB0624751D0; WO2008071953A1

Abstract

A portable protection device comprises a deformable portion, the deformable portion being moveable between a stored configuration, in which the device is adapted to be stored on a user's body, and a deployed configuration, in which the device can be used as a shield. In one embodiment, the device is adapted to be mounted to a user's arm.

Description

1 2448288

IMPROVED PROTECTION DEVICE

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to an improved portable protection device and particularly to an improved portable shield of the kind used by security forces during incidents of public disorder.

BACKGROUND TO THE INVENTION

Portable riot shields are well known and are used by members of the security forces such as the police or army, during incidents of public disorder. Conventional shields are typically made from lightweight resilient material and comprise a substantially flat portion and a handle portion. The flat portion is dimensioned and configured to protect the user from missiles or blows directed at him. Conventional shields are intended for single-handed use pennining a user to use the shield to protect ***.

themselves whilst leaving one arm free.

* * One of the main drawbacks with conventional shields is the deployment of *1* * members of the security forces with the riot shields can be construed as being aggressive and has been known to escalate a potential incident of public disorder into *** a riot. However, because of the size and shape of conventional shields it is not possible or safe for the security forces to wait until the situation has become a public order incident requiring riot shields before bringing them into public view.

In addition, it is not practical for members of the security forces to carry conventional shields in all potential situations in which public disorder might occur like, for example, a major sporting event or rock concert.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

According to a first aspect of the present invention there is provided a portable protection device comprising: a deformable portion, the deformable portion being moveable between a stored configuration, in which the device is adapted to be stored on a user's body, and a deployed configuration, in which the device can be used as a shield.

In one embodiment, such an arrangement permits a user to enter a potentially dangerous situation with the protection device on their person but not deployed. In this situation the user does not appear overtly aggressive. However, should the situation escalate into a public order incident, the user can deploy the device and use the device as a shield.

Preferably, the deforrnab!e portion is deformable between the stored and deployed configurations * .* Preferably, the device is adapted to engage a user's body.

Most preferably, the device is adapted to mounted to a user's body.

Preferably, the device is adapted to be mounted to a user's arm. Particular'y, ** the device is adapted to be mounted to a user's forearm. Having the device mountable * I. to a user's forearm means the device is can be deployed and used quickly, as it is *** already located on the user's arm, whilst leaving both the user's hands free.

Preferably, the device further comprises at least one user engagement portion.

Preferably, the at least one user engagement portion is at least one strap. The straps may include buckles or Velcro fasteners or the like.

Alternatively or additionally, the at least one user engagement portion is at least one grip.

The grip maybe in the form of a glove. Particularly the glove may be a fingerless glove.

Alternatively or additionally, the at least one user engagement portion comprises a guard member.

In one embodiment, the device comprises a guard member which is adapted to be strapped to a user's forearm. In a further embodiment, the guard extends to cover the back of the user's hand and includes an additional elasticated strap for passing across a user's palm.

In alternative embodiment the user engagement portion includes a sleeve of material to which the guard member is attached. The sleeve of material may be open ended or may have a glove at one end.

Preferably, the device comprises at least one support member. One or more support members are provided to support the deformable portion in the deployed 4..

configuration. *aS.

* 15 Preferably, the device comprises at least a first and second support member.

* I:i Preferably, as the deformable portion moves between the stored configuration I..

and the deployed configuration, the second support member moves with respect to the * II first support member. **S

Preferably, in use, as the deformable portion moves between the stored configuration and the deployed configuration, the first support member remains substantially fixed with respect to part of a user's body.

Preferably, as the deformable portion moves between the stored configuration and the deployed configuration, the first support member remains substantially fixed with respect to the at least one user engagement portion.

Preferably, the second support member is pivotally mounted with respect to the first support member.

Alternatively, as the deformable portion moves between the stored configuration and the deployed configuration, the first and second support members move with respect to each other.

Alternatively or additionally, in use, as the deformable portion moves between the stored configuration and the deployed configuration, the first and second support members move with respect to part of a user's body.

Alternatively or additionally, as the deformable portion moves between the stored configuration and the deployed configuration, the first and second support members move with respect to the at least one user engagement portion.

Preferably, in the deployed configuration, the second support member is engaged with the first support member. * *5

Preferably, in the deployed configuration, the first and second support S...

15 members are adapted to be relatively fixed. Relatively fixing the first and second support members maintains the deployed deformable portion in the deployed configuration.

Preferably, in the deployed configuration, the second support member is *..

engaged with the first support member.

Most preferably, in the deployed configuration, the second support member is fixed to the first support member.

Preferably, the device comprises further support members.

Preferably, the further support members are located intermediate the first and second support members.

Preferably, the further support members are pivotally mounted with respect to the first support member.

Alternatively or additionally, the further support members are pivotally mounted with respect to an at least one user engagement portion.

Preferably, where there is a first support member, a second support member and further support members at least one of the support members is fixed relative to an at least one user engagement portion.

Preferably, one end of the second support member and/or the further support members is pivotally mounted to an end of the first support member.

Preferably, where there are a plurality of support members, at least one of the support members is pivotaliy mounted to the at least one user engagement portion.

Preferably, the deforrnable portion is adapted to be fixed in the deployed * ::* configuration. ***

* *** Most preferably, the deformable portion is adapted to be releasably fixed in * : * the deployed configuration.

* Preferably, in the deployed configuration, the deforrnable portion defines a : *. circle. **.*

* Preferably, the first and second support members are mounted to first and second edges of the deformable portion.

Preferably, the deformable portion is highly impact resistant.

Preferably, the deformable portion is lightweight.

Preferably, the deformable portion is flexible.

Most preferably, the deformable portion is Keviar .

In one embodiment, the deformable portion is bullet-proof and/or stab proof.

Preferably, the device further comprises a resilient portion.

Preferably, the resilient portion is in the form of a shield.

Preferably, the resilient portion is releasabjy attachable to the deformable portion.

Preferably, the resilient portion is releasably lockable to the deformable portion. In certain situations, it may be desirable to be able to attach a further layer of protection to the device in the form, for example, of a resilient shield. In use, the deformable portion can be used to protect the user until a resilient shield can be provided which, in one embodiment, the user can clip on to the deformable portion.

The resilient portion may extend the full height of a user.

Alternatively or additionally the resilient portion may be bullet-proof.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

*:*::* An embodiment of the present invention will now be described with reference S.. S to the accompanying drawings in which: * 1 Figure 1, comprising Figures Ia and 1 b, is a front view of a portable protection device mounted on a user's arm and shown in a stored configuration (Figure la) and ::5:. in a deployed configuration (Figure ib) according to a first embodiment of the present *5S * Invention; Figure 2 is an enlarged front view of the portable protection device of Figure 1 shown on a stored configuration; Figure 3 is an enlarged back view of the portable protection device of Figure 1 shown mounted to a user's arm; Figure 4 is an enlarged view of the portable protection device of Figure I shown in a partially deployed configuration; Figure 5 is an enlarged front view of the portable protection device of Figure 1 shown in a fully deployed configuration.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Referring firstly to Figure 1, comprising Figures la and Ib, there is shown a portable protection device, generally indicated by reference numeral 10, according to a first embodiment of the present invention. The device 10 is shown attached to the forearm 12 of a user 14 in a stored configuration (Figure Ia) and a deployed configuration (Figure 1 b).

The portable protection device 10 comprises a deformable portion 16, the deformable portion 16 being moveable between a stored configuration in which the device 10 is adapted to be stored on the body of a user 14 and a deployed *:*::* configuration in which the device 10 can be used as a shield 18 (Figure Ib).

The user 14 can approach a potentially dangerous situation with the device 10 in the stored configuration shown in Figure Ia. If the situation escalates to a * dangerous situation, the user 14 can then deploy the device 10, as shown in Figure lb. : With the device 10 in the stored configuration the user 14 looks less threatening than with the device 10 in the deployed configuration, reducing the risk that the presence of the user 14 will cause the situation to escalate.

Referring now to Figure 2, an enlarged front view of the device 10 of Figure 1, it can be seen the device 10 further comprises a user engagement portion 20 comprising a high impact resistant, polymeric forearm guard 22, first and second forearm straps 24,26 and a palm strap 30. The forearm straps 24,26 are for passing around a user's forearm, each strap 24,26 including a plug and socket type buckle 28 for securing the straps ends together.

The arrangement of the forearm straps 24,26 and the palm strap 30 is best seen in Figure 3, an enlarged back view of the portable protection device 10 of Figure 1 shown attached to a user's forearm 12. As can be seen from Figure 3, the buckles 28 of the straps 24,26 have been engaged to secure the forearm guard 22 and, in turn, the device 10 to the forearm 12. Additionally, the user's hand 32 has passed between the palm strap 30 and the forearm guard 22 securing the device 10 to the user's hand 32.

As can be seen the forearm guard 22 protects the forearm 12 and the back of the user's hand 32.

Referring back to Figure 2, the protection device 10 further comprises a first support member 34, which is fixed relative to the forearm guard 22, and a second support member 36, which is pivotally mounted to the forearm guard 22 by means of a pivot Connection 38. The second support member 36 also includes an elongate *:::* locking tab 40, the purpose of which will be described in due course.

To actuate the device 10 to the deployed configuration shown in Figure Ib, the *:*. 15 second support member 36 is pivoted about the pivot connection 38. Referring to Figure 4, an enlarged plan view of the device 10 of Figure 1 shown in a partially :.:. deployed configuration, the second support member 36 is pivoted in the direction of

S S..

arrow "A" about the pivot connection 38.

As can be seen from Figure 4, the first and second support members 34,36 are attached to first and second edges 42,44 of the deformable portion 16, and as the second support member 36 pivots the first support member 34 remains fixed with respect to the forearm guard 22 and the user's forearm 12.

As can also be seen from Figure 4, there are a series of intermediate support members 46, of which two 46a,46b are indicated and which provide additional support to the deformable portion 16 when the device 10 is in the fully deployed configuration.

The deformable portion 16 is made from two layers of Keviar and the intermediate support members 46 are slid into pockets 48 defined by layers of the deformabje portion 16. The first, second and intermediate support members 34,36,46 are made from aluminium rod.

Referring now to Figure 5, an enlarged front view of the portable protection device 10 of Figure 1 shown in the fully deployed configuration, it can be seen in this configuration the first and second support members 34,36 have engaged. The second support member elongate locking tab 40 has passed through an elongate aperture (not visible) in the first support member 34. The locking tab 40 is then rotated 90 with respect to the first and second support members 34,36 locking the first *:*::* and second support members 34,36 together and locking the device 10 in the deployed configuration. As can be seen from Figure 5, in the deployed configuration, the device 10 is in the form of a circular shield 18 and the support members 34,36,46 maintain the shape of the device 10, like the spokes of a wheel.

It will be understood various modifications or improvements may be made to the described embodiment without departing from the scope of the present invention.

For example, the device 10 may further comprise a detachable full user height shield which can, if required, be clipped to the pivot connection 38 or to any other part of the device 10. In an alternative embodiment, the palm strap 30 and/or the forearm straps 24,26 may be replaced by a glove or glove and sleeve.

Claims

Claims I. A portable protection device comprising: a deformable

portion, the deforniabje portion being moveable between a stored configuration, in which the device is adapted to be stored on a user's body, and a deployed configuration, in which the device can be used as a shield.
2. The portable protection device of claim 1. wherein the deformable portion is deforrnable between the stored and deployed configurations
3. The portable protection device of either of claims I or 2, wherein the device is adapted to engage a user's body.

*:::*
4. The portable protection device of any of claims Ito 3, wherein the device is *S..

adapted to mounted to a user's body.

S
5. The portable protection device of claim 4, wherein the device is adapted to be ::::. mounted to a user's arm.

S S..

S
6. The portable protection device of any preceding claim, wherein the device further comprises at least one user engagement portion.
7. The portable protection device of claim 6, wherein the at least one user engagement portion comprises at least one strap.
8. The portable protection device of either of claims 6 or 7, wherein the at least one user engagement portion comprises at least one grip.
9. The portable protection device of any of claims 6 to 8, wherein the at least one user engagement portion comprises a guard member.
10. The portable protection device of any preceding claim, wherein the device comprises at least one support member.
11. The portable protection device of claim 10, wherein the device comprises at least a first and second support member.

*
12. The portable protection device of claim 11, wherein as the deformable portion *.** moves between the stored configuration and the deployed configuration, the second * : . 15 support member moves with respect to the first support member. * S..

S
13. The portable protection device of either of claims 11 or 12, wherein, in use, as * the deformable portion moves between the stored configuration and the deployed configuration, the first support member remains substantially fixed with respect to part of a user's body.
14. The portable protection device of any of claims 11 to 13, wherein as the deformable portion moves between the stored configuration and the deployed configuration, the first support member remains substantially fixed with respect to an at least one user engagement portion.
15. The portable protection device of any of claims 11 to 14, wherein the second support member is pivotally mounted with respect to the first support member.
16. The portable protection device of any of claims 11 to 15, wherein in the deployed configuration, the second support member is engaged with the first support member.
17. The portable protection device of any of claims II to 16, wherein in the deployed configuration, the first and second support members are adapted to be relatively fixed.

*:*::*
18. The portable protection device of any of claims 11 to 17, wherein in the deployed configuration, the second support member is engaged with the first support member. "S

S
19. The portable protection device of any of claims 11 to 18, wherein in the 5.

deployed configuration, the second support member is fixed to the first support member.
20. The portable protection device of any of claims 11 to 15, wherein the device comprises at least one further support member.
21. The portable protection device of claim 20, wherein the at least one further support member is located intermediate the first and second support members.
22. The portable protection device of either of claims 20 or 21, wherein the at least one further support member is pivotally mounted with respect to the first support member.
23. The portable protection device of any of claims 20 to 22, wherein the at least one further support member is pivotally mounted with respect to an at least one user engagement portion.
24. The portable protection device of any of claims 20 to 24, wherein, where there is a first support member, a second support member and at least one further support member, at least one of the support members is fixed relative to an at least one user engagement portion. *.S. * * **.*

*:*. 15
25. The portable protection device of any of claims 11 to 24, wherein one end of

S S..

* the second support member and/or the further support member(s) is pivotally mounted to an end of the first support member. S..

S
26. The portable protection device of any of claims 11 to 25, wherein, where there are a plurality of support members, at least one of the support members is pivotally mounted to an at least one user engagement portion.
27. The portable protection device of any preceding claim, wherein the deforniable portion is adapted to be fixed in the deployed configuration.
28. The portable protection device of any preceding claim, wherein the deformable portion is adapted to be releasably fixed in the deployed configuration.
29. The portable protection device of any preceding claim, wherein in the deployed configuration, the deformable portion defines a circle.
30. The portable protection device of any of claims 11 to 29 when dependent on claim 11, wherein the first and second support members are mounted to first and second edges of the deformable portion.
31. The portable protection device of any preceding claim, wherein the deformable portion is highly impact resistant. * 0* * * * * **
32. The portable protection device of any preceding claim, wherein the deformable portion is Kevlar . *

S
33. The portable protection device of any preceding claim, wherein the *** deformable portion is bullet-proof.
34. The portable protection device of any preceding claim, wherein the device further comprises a resilient portion.
35. The portable protection device of any preceding claim, wherein the resilient portion is in the form of a shield. -15
36. The portable protection device of any preceding claim, wherein the resilient portion is releasably attachable to the deformable portion.
37. The portable protection device of any preceding claim, wherein the resilient portion is releasably lockable to the deformable portion.
38. The portable protection device of any preceding claim, wherein the resilient portion extends the full height of a user.
39. The portable protection device of any preceding claim, wherein the resilient portion may be bullet-proof anlor stab proof. * S. * S * * S. *.S. * . S... S. * * S. * S.

S

S * S. * S * *SS.

S

S