GB2488249A - Shield - Google Patents

Abstract

A shield, suitable to be used as a personnel protective shield, is adapted to interlock with one or more additional corresponding shields. The shield comprises a panel 1 having side interlocking means, in the form of channels 2, 3 which are adapted to interlock with channels on adjacent shields.

Description

Shield and System The present invention relates to a shield which has improved resistance to splitting and/or which is adapted to interlock with additional corresponding shield. Particularly, but not exclusively, the invention relates to improvements in personnel protective shields. The invention also relates to a shield system comprising two or more interconnected shields for use in riot situations.

Personnel protective equipment is used by most police services and prison institutions, the world over, for personnel protection in hostile conditions. The type of personnel protective equipment used varies depending on the perceived risk of the situation in hand, e.g. bullet proof vests may be employed in situations were fire arms are present, ballistic shields may be employed where a risk of explosives or heavy gun fire exists, and personnel protective shields are typically employed in riot situations where risk of gun fire is low.

Various designs of personnel protective shield have been developed for use in differing situations, and different countries throughout the world have also developed slightly differing styles, e.g. shields may have a substantially flat, concave or convex shield profile depending on use and preferred style. However, in general, it is desirable that personnel protective shields may be linked together, when in use, in a form which allows users to form defensive lines against rioters etc. Interconnecting or co-operating personnel protective shields are known in the art. Such shields are described in European Patent application 0 255 761. In this document riot shields are disclosed having channel sections, which cooperate with corresponding channel sections on a further riot shield, providing a linking means for two or more shields. The channel sections are also provided with a locking means to allow secure retention of one channel section in the corresponding channel section on the further cooperating riot shield.

One problem with currently available shields is that they are susceptible to splitting down the face of the shield, particularly when struck along the top section of the shield with an object. Similarly, the interconnecting portions of interIm king shields are susceptible to damage when struck by objects and projectiles.

Another problem with currently available shields is that when interlinked to form a shield system they are relatively easily un-linked thus breaking the system apart. This is a significant danger for users of the shield, and also makes it very tiring for the user to try and prevent the shield system from breaking apart.

There is, therefore, a need for improved personnel protective shields and improved interconnecting personnel protective shield systems, with increased protection from striking with objects and projectiles to avoid the risk of a shield splitting along the face of the shield, or alternatively, splitting at the interconnecting portion of two or more shields.

Additionally, there is a need to provide greater overhead protection from projectiles in riot situations. This is especially relevant in situations where rioters are present on platforms or in/on buildings above the head height of police or prison wardens attempting to diffuse riot situations, as may be the case in prison and urban environments.

Furthermore, due to the need to store shields in small riot vans, or storage rooms with limited space, it is desirable that the shield take up as little space as possible. Foldable shields for this purpose have been suggested. One such foldable shield is described in Japanese Patent application JP 2004-1 64 264. However, folding shields have inherent weak points in their folds or joins, and complex geometries may hinder speedy assembly of the shield in an emergency situation; these factors are undesirable.

According to the present invention there is provided a shield comprising a shield panel having a back face and a front face, the shield comprising one or more handles mounted on the shield, wherein the shield comprises split resistant means to resist splitting of the shield panel and/or the shield comprises interlocking means to allow the shield to interlock with an interlocking means on a corresponding shield.

Typically the shield is a personnel protective shield of the type used for riot situations where risk of firearm use and/or ballistics is low. However, it may be another type of shield, such as a ballistics shield.

The shield panel has a front face and a back face, wherein the back face is the face behind which the user will be positioned during normal use of the shield, and the front face is the face which will be exposed to the rioters during normal use.

For easy visualisation, the shield panel can be considered to have three sections; 1) a top section, which when in use would typically coincide with a users upper body, e.g. shoulders and head area, 2) a middle section, which when in use would typically coincide with a users mid body section e.g. from the thigh extending up to and including the torso area, and 3) a bottom section, which when in use would coincide with a users lower body area, i.e. legs, and possibly extending to the floor/ground when the shield is in use.

Typically personnel protective shields are approximately rectangular in shape, though other shapes may be suitable in certain circumstances.

Rectangular shield provide advantages in that they are well shaped to cooperate with other identical or similar shields in forming a shield system.

Typically the personnel protective shield will be taller than it is wide, very roughly matching the size of a typical user, such that the user can shelter effectively behind the shield, but such that there is not significant excess shield panel area, which would be unwieldy. The personnel protective shield will typically have two longitudinal edges, being the sides of the shield panel, and a top edge and a bottom edge.

It is preferable that the shield is formed predominantly from a relatively rigid material, such as light sheet metal or a plastics based material.

Preferably the shield is formed of a plastics material such as Perspex, polycarbonate or glass reinforced polyester. In particular polycarbonate has suitable properties for use in the shield body, as it is clear, lightweight and has good shock absorbing properties.

The shield panel is preferably formed from a substantially flat protective sheet. However, it will be appreciated that the sheet may be concave or convex in form, or of any other alternative shape depending on the purpose the shield is to be used for. For example, a concave panel is useful in a shield which is to be used for trapping a person against a wall or in a confined space.

The shield panel will be of suitable dimensions to provide a protective wall behind which the user can take cover during hostile situations. Preferably the shield panel is generally rectangular in shape and is between 100 cm and 220 cm in height, and 50 cm and 100 cm in width.

Preferably, the split resistant means is provided on at least one, preferably both, of the two longitudinal edges, and/or the top section of the shield panel. The top section of the shield is the area most likely to be struck with objects during a riot situation. Also, this top section offers protection to the users vulnerable head area. A high level of protection in this area is desirable for user confidence in a shield.

In one embodiment the split resistant means comprises a region of increased thickness of the shield panel material. This region of increased shield thickness may be provided during the manufacture of the shield panel, e.g. by moulding the panel with an area of the shield panel having an increased thickness of shield material in the top section of the shield.

Alternatively, an additional piece of shield material may be provided onto the shield, e.g. using adhesive or by a plastic welding technique.

In another embodiment the split resistant means comprises a portion of a shock absorbing material, which is a different material from the material of the shield panel, provided on the shield panel at a desired location. The shock absorbing material may be provided by co-moulding or by affixing the shock absorbing material by adhesive or plastic welding techniques.

Hence, in this embodiment the portion of shock absorbing material can be considered as equivalent to the region of increased shield thickness described above.

In an alternative embodiment the split resistant means comprises a deformation of the shield panel providing a projection on one side of the shield panel and a recess on the other side. The recess provided by the deformation may optionally be partially or substantially filled with an infill material thus providing a region of increased thickness. The deformation may suitably be formed during the manufacture of the shield panel by, e.g. moulding, pressing or thermoforming techniques known in the art.

Suitably, the deformation projects from the front face of the shield, and provide a corresponding recess in the back face of the shield. The infill material can be of the same material as the shield panel, or alternatively the infill material may be a strong or highly shock absorbent material. The infill material may be provided, for example, by co-moulding or by affixing the infill material by adhesive or plastic welding techniques.

It should be clear that a shield may comprise a combination of a number of different types of split resistant means.

The shield interlocking means preferably comprises side interlocking means provided on each side of the shield. As mentioned above, the sides of the shield are typically substantially straight longitudinal edges.

Desirably the interlocking means are provided on the shield panel, and preferably are formed as part of the shield panel. Preferably the interlocking elements run along the two longitudinal edges, either continuously or discontinuously. More preferably the interlocking means run continuously along substantially the entire length of each of the longitudinal edges.

In a preferred embodiment the side interlocking means comprise a channel provided on each of the two longitudinal edges of the shieldS As mentioned above, the channel can run continuously or discontinuously down the edge of the shield. Suitably the channel has a generally semi-circular profile, though other profiles such as triangular, rectangular or semi-elliptical may be suitable. Generally it is preferred that the channel does not have any sharp edges as these would form stress points potentially weakening the channel. It is preferred that the channel is orientated such that the convex face formed by the channel faces forwards, and the concave face formed by the channel is rearmost, ie. the channel projects forwards.

Such interlocking means allow one shield to be interlocked with another shield bearing a corresponding interlocking means. One channel can be placed into the channel on the corresponding shield. To achieve this it is obviously preferable that the convex and concave faces defined by the channel are matching in profile, and accordingly this is a preferred feature of the invention. It should be noted that in the context of the present invention the term interlocking means that the shields are capable of locating together via the inter-relationship of structural features of the shield, but not that the interlocked shield should be a self supporting structure in themselves. The purpose of the interlocking means is to provide users of the shield with means to allow reversible assembly of a number of shields into a shield system, such that the effort required to maintain the structural integrity of the shield system is reduced compared to a plain shield with no interlocking means.

When the shield is provided with interlocking means, these interlocking means are typically susceptible to splitting when struck with blunt objects and projectiles; this is particularly so when the interlocking means is provided by a channel as described above, as the apex of the channel extends beyond the front face of the shield panel. To protect the vulnerable interlocking means it is preferable to provide the interlocking means with split resistance means as described above. It is particularly preferable to provide an interlocking means channel with split resistance means running along the foremost portion forwards facing face of the channel.

Additionally, the interlocking means may further comprise a retention means. The retention means is so designed to aid in the correct positioning and retention of a second shield having corresponding interlocking means, when in use to form a shield system. The retention means also preferably acts to limit relative movement of two interlocked shields. Preferably the retention means is provided by a protrusion and a corresponding recess, the protrusion and recess being located such that they interact when two or more shields are interlocked. Typically the protrusion and corresponding recess are provided on the interlocking means. Where the protrusion extends from the front face of the interlocking means, the corresponding recess will be in the back face of the interlocking means, or vice versa. Suitably the retention means is provided along the length of a longitudinal interlocking means, either continuously, discontinuously, or at discrete points. In a preferred embodiment the retention means comprises a corresponding elongate protrusion/recess. Preferably, where the interlocking means is in the form of a channel running along the longitudinal edge of the shield panel, the retention means is also provided running continuously along the channel.

In a preferred embodiment the retention means comprises a longitudinal recess running along the bottom of the convex face of the interlocking channel and a corresponding longitudinal protrusion running long the top of the convex face of the channel, or vice versa. The longitudinal protrusion and corresponding recess can be provided by deforming the shield material during the manufacturing process.

Optionally the retention means may also provide split resistant means.

For example, the protrusion of the retention means may also provide an area of increased shield thickness or shock absorbent material.

The shield may also comprise a securing means to assist in interlocking corresponding shields together. The securing means is intended to provide a "back stop" to restrict relative movement of an adjacent interlocked shield. The securing means preferably limits the backwards movement and rotational movement of one shield, relative to its neighbour when in an interlocked relationship. Preferably the securing means is provided at one of the, or both of the, two longitudinal edges of the shield.

Preferable securing means are provided at both longitudinal edges. The securing means may be present either continuously, discontinuously or at discrete points along the longitudinal edge.

The securing means may preferably be provided by a lip which extends at least partially across the concave portion of the channel of the interlocking means. Such a lip defines a gap between the lip and the face of the channel. Preferably the lip is formed in a corresponding shape to the channel. For example, the lip may be an arc, the curve of which substantially matches the shape of the channel; though other shapes of lips and channels may equally be provided.

The gap between the lip and the face of the channel should be shaped and sized to accommodate the edge of the interlocking means (e.g. channel) of a second shield which is brought into an interlocking relationship with the first shield. The closeness of the fit and the length of the lip will determine to an extent the degree of security of the interconnection. For example, a lip which simply extends a short distance over the channel, but which does not closely follow the profile of the channel will limit rotation of the interlocking channel of the first shield within the interlocking channel of the second, and will prevent fore/aft relative movement of the two shields, but will allow the shields to disengage relatively easily if pulled apart laterally. However, a lip which closely follows the curve of the channel for some distance (e.g. an arc of degrees in a semi-circular channel) and which leaves a gap only wide enough to accommodate the interlocking means of a second semi-circular interlocking means will provide a tight hold, strictly limiting rotational and fore/aft and lateral movement of the one shield relative to another. Thus it will be apparent that the securing means can be adapted to provide the required amount of security, balancing e.g. ease of assembly/disassembly against security of the interlocking relationship.

Where the shield is provided with both a retention means and a securing means, these two elements work cooperatively to limit and restrict the relative movement of an interconnected shield. This arrangement provides a very stable interconnection which may be maintained when the shield has a force applied to its front face in a riot situation. As such, it is preferable that the shield comprise an interlocking means comprising a retention means in conjunction with a securing means.

Desirably the shield may comprise a secondary shield panel, having a corresponding profile to the shield panel and affixed to the back face of the shield panel. The secondary shield panel is typically smaller in size than the shield panel. The secondary shield panel provides added protection to the shield user in the event that the shield panel is damaged. The secondary shield panel may also provide a suitable surface for the mounting of additional shield elements e.g. the one or more handles The provision of an alternative mounting surface mitigates any weakening of the shield panel which may occur due to the fixings of the e.g. handles.

Typically the secondary shield panel is affixed in a position suitable for the attachment of the one or more handles, typically covering the middle section of the shield. More preferably, the secondary shield panel provides the retention means as described above, by providing the lip extending over the shield panel interlocking means.

The shield may further comprise top and/or bottom locating means positioned at or near the top and/or bottom section of the shield. The top/bottom locating means provides a rest on which another shield can abut when two shield are positioned one above the other. Typically this top/bottom locating means is provided by a projecting member. The projecting member may preferably be in the form of a lip, flange, bump or other suitable projection.

A preferred top section locating means is provided at the top section of the shield panel, preferably in the form of lip running across the top of the shield panel, and angled relative to the shield panel. The lip aids in the correct orientation of a shield during use. Preferably the lip is angled between 90 degrees and 180 degrees from the back face of the shield panel.

The bottom locating means is preferable a flange projecting from the shield. Preferably the flange projects outward at an angle of 90 degrees or less, such that it defines a right angle with the shield panel or an acute angle with the shield panel below the flange. Thus the flange of the bottom location means defines a channel into which a second shield can locate when two shield are interconnected one above the other. The bottom locating means may suitably be provided on the secondary shield panel by a fold on the bottom end of the secondary shield panel.

Where a locating means is provided on both the top and bottom sections of the shield, it is desirable that both locating means are of a corresponding shape, such that they co-operate well with each other, although this is not essential.

Additionally or alternatively, the shield may comprise an auxiliary shield.

The auxiliary shield is designed to provide overhead protection from projectiles when the shield is in use in a hostile situation. As such the auxiliary shield is generally provided at the top section of a shield panel, the auxiliary shield may be affixed to the shield panel, or alternatively may be formed as an integral part of the shield panel during the manufacture of the shield panel. Suitably the auxiliary shield may comprise one or more handles; this may be useful in situations where a user may want to brace against the auxiliary shield. The auxiliary shield may be formed with a profile correlating to that of the shield panel and as such may comprise similar side interlocking means, e.g. channels.

The shield comprises one or more handles which are preferably formed from rubber, plastic, metal materials such as steel or aluminium, or a combination of the above. Suitable handles are well known in the art.

Alternatively, the one or more handles may preferably be provided by folding handles, such that the handles can be folded substantially parallel to the shield panel when the shield is in storage or transit, but can subsequently be folded into a position suitable for use e.g. at 900 to the plane of the shield. The folding handles may be mounted to the shield via a hinge, such that they are free to be moved rotationally about the hinge thorough 180° from the plane of the shield back face. However, it is preferable that the handles comprise a resilient member to urge the handle into either an in use, or in storage position, more preferably the resilient member is a spring, and more preferably the resilient member is provided by a coil spring. In an alternative embodiment of the folding handle the resilient member is provided by the nature of the handle material.

Where the shield is provided with folding handles, it is preferable that the shield also be provided with a locking arrangement to lock and hold the folding handle securely in an appropriate position for use and/or storage.

The locking arrangement can be provided by any suitable lock and catch arrangement, e.g. via push pins or clips provided on the handle which are locked into suitable apertures on a catch body mounted on the shield panel. More preferably the locking arrangement comprises a bolt member, which is suitable to be introduced in to an aperture running through the folding handle, and a catch body provided on the shield panel having a corresponding aperture to the folding handle aperture. When the folding handle is in its correct orientation for use (or storage), the apertures of the handle and catch member can be aligned and the bolt member inserted into the aperture to retain the handle in the desired orientation. More preferably the bolt member may be spring loaded push pin, where the spring urges the pin to engage in the provided aperture, and requires positive force to remove it from one position to another for re-orientation of the folding handle. This spring loaded push pin arrangement avoids the risk of the bolt member being removed from the folding handle accidentally during use.

In addition, the one or more handles which are optionally provided on the auxiliary shield may suitably be folding handles.

The shield may comprise a Tactical Illumination Disorientation Device (TIDD). It is preferable that the shield be specifically designed to include, or accommodate the TIDD, preferably the shield panel is formed with a depression of corresponding shape to the TIDD such that the TIDD can be securely mounted therein. More preferably the TIDD is mounted to the back face of the shield, such that the TIDD is isolated from the riot situation and offered protection from projectiles by (at least) the shield panel. Additionally, where a secondary shield panel is present the TIDD will may be protected by both the shield panel and the secondary shield panel. Preferably the TIDD is mounted at the middle or top of the shield.

The TIDD allows the shield greater utility in potentially dangerous prison riot or hostage situations where it is desirable that the antagonists/rioters be disorientated by the device.

Preferably the TIDD is provided by a portable light source, e.g. a bright white light may be suitable depending on the nature of the situation.

Preferably a strobe light is utilised as the 11DD. More desirably the portable light source is suitable to provide a strobe and/or continuous light function.

In addition the present invention provides a shield system comprising two or more shields as set out above interlocked via the interlocking means.

Preferably the two or more shields interlock horizontally via the side interlocking means provided on the shields two longitudinal edges.

Horizontal co-operation between two or more shields allow the formation of defensive walls. Where the two or more shields comprise a retention means in conjunction with a securing means, as described above, the interaction between the two or more shields interconnecting means is very stable, and maintained when pressure is applied to the front face of one or more of the shields in the system.

Additionally or alternatively, preferably the two or more shields interlock vertically via the top and/or bottom locating means. A shield system comprising vertically interlocked shields advantageously provides overhead protection from projectiles. Shields in a vertically interlinked shield system preferably comprise a top locating means in the form of an angled lip to aid in correct orientation of vertically interlocked shields.

Desirably the overhead protection is angled to direct projectiles away from the back face of the shield panel.

Preferably the shield system comprises a plurality of shields interlocked vertically and horizontally, to suitably provide a Testudo (also known as Tortoise) formation.

In an alternative shield system, the two or more shield are provided with auxiliary shields, as set out above, and interlock horizontally via the side interlocking means. In this alternative system over head protection is offered by the auxiliary shield.

Embodiments of the present invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings provided, in which; -Figure 1 illustrates a view of the back face of a shield according to one embodiment of the present invention -Figure 2 illustrates a perspective view of an auxiliary shield -Figure 3 illustrates a schematic view of two interconnected retention means as in use to form a shield system -Figure 4 illustrates a side view detail of a split resistance means.

Throughout the following description, and in the accompanying drawings, similar components have been designated with identical numbers.

The shield 20 comprises a shield panel I and a secondary shield panel 8.

Both the shield panel I and the secondary shield panel 8 are thermoformed from polycarbonate material. Polycarbonate is lightweight, clear and strong with good shock absorbency properties. The shield panel 1 is substantially flat, rectangular and of a suitable size to provide protective cover to personnel using the shield. The secondary shield panel 8 will be of a corresponding smaller profile. Desirably the secondary shield panel 8, is present in the shield top and middle sections.

The shield panel 1 and the secondary shield panel 8 are securely fixed together. The two panels are securely fixed together with bolts, alternative securing methods maybe used e.g. screws, adhesive or plastic welding.

Where bolts are used the shield panel 1 and secondary shield panel 8 may be provided with pre-formed holes for the introduction on the bolts to ensure that the component parts of the shields are correctly aligned.

The shield panel 1 is provided with side interlocking means, in the form of channels 2, 3 located at the longitudinal edges of the shield 20. The channels 2, 3 are formed from the same material as the shield panel I and ideally may be formed as an integral part of a polycarbonate material shield panel during the thermo-forming process. The channels 2, 3 run continuously along the longitudinal edges of the shield panel 1, and have a semi-circular profile, such that the channel projects from the front face of the shield panel I. A protrusion and corresponding recess 4, 5, is provided running continuously along the length of the two channels 2, 3. These central protrusions 4, 5 provide a dual function, providing firstly a split resistant means for increased protection from striking and projectiles along the apex of the vulnerable channels 2, 3, and also providing a retention means to aid quick and easy assembly and disassembly of a shield system. This will be described further below.

The shield 20 is also provided with a top section location means in the form of a lip 6. The lip 6 is angled at more than 900 from the plane of the shield panel 1 back face. The angle of the lip 6 aids in correct orientation of vertically interconnected shields when the shield is in use to form a shield system.

The secondary shield panel 8 is provided with a bottom locating means, in the form of a lip 9. This lip 9 is suitably designed to abut and rest against the shield panel I top locating means lip 6 of an interconnected shield to form a shield system when in use. The lip 6 is formed by a hold in the bottom section of the secondary shield panel 8. This hold can be achieved during manufacture of the secondary shield panel 8.

The secondary shield panel 8 provides a continuous securing means lip 10, 11 which extends across apportion of the channels 2, 3 and is of a corresponding shape. The securing means 10, 11 are in a spaced relation to the shield panel 1 channels 2, 3 and thus define a gap.

When in use to form a shield system a corresponding right hand side interlocking means channel 2 of one shield can be introduced into the left hand gap defined between channel 3, and securing means 11 of a second cooperating shield. This effectively locks the two shields together to form a shield system when in use. The securing means lip 10, 11 act to limit the movement of interconnected shields in a shield system.

The interconnection of two or more shields when in use as a shield system is best shown in FIG.3, where the left hand side interlocking means channel 3, is shown engaging with the adjacent shields right hand side interlocking means channel 2. The left hand side securing means lip 11 acts to limit the backwards movement of the right hand side channel 2.

Furthermore, the left hand side retention means 5, provides a recess into which the right hand side retention means 4 protrusion is accommodated.

The side to side movement of the two interlocking means is restricted by this arrangement of a retention means in conjunction with a securing means such an arrangement allows for ease of assembly and disassembly when in use, and stable interconnection.

The shield 20, further comprises split resistant means provided on the shield panel 1, in the form of a deformation 7, this deformation is provided with an infill 19. The infill 19 is suitably formed of polycarbonate material and securely fixed into the deformation 7, by an adhesive. The infill 19 may be provided by any suitable shock absorbent material, and securely positioned and retained in the deformation 7, by any suitable affixing method i.e. Co-moulding or plastic welding.

The shield 20 is provided with folding handles 12, 13 which are shown in FIG 1, in an in use' position i.e. at a 90 degree angle to the plane of the shield 20 back face the handle resilient member is provided by a coil spring, urging the handles into a in storage position (not shown). The handles 12, 13 are mounted to the secondary sheet panel 8, and are two differing handle portion styles, an over arm rest handle 13 and a through hand grip handle 12, this handle arrangement is a common combination utilised in known riot shields. The folding handles 12, 13 are also provided with a locking arrangement in the form of a spring loaded push pin (not shown).

In an alternative embodiment the shield 20 may comprise an auxiliary shield 21. The auxiliary shield will be adapted to be affixed to the top section of the shield. The auxiliary shield 21 may be removeably attached to the shield panel I via bolts or screws, and holes suitable to receive the attaching bolts or screws may be pre-formed in both the shield panel 1 and the auxiliary shield 21. The auxiliary shield 21 will suitably be formed of the same material as the shield body e.g. polycarbonate is particularly

suitable.

Claims (33)

1. Claims 1. A shield defining a back face, front face, two longitudinal edges, and a top, middle and bottom section, comprising a shield panel, one or more handles mounted on the shield, and wherein the shield comprises interlocking means to allow the shield to interlock with an interlocking means on a corresponding shield panel.
2. 2. The shield of claim 1 wherein the interlocking means is provided by side interlocking means along the two longitudinal edges of the shield.
3. 3. The shield of claim 2 wherein the side interlocking means run along the two longitudinal edges either continuously, or discontinuously.
4. 4. The shield of claim 2 or 3 wherein the side interlocking means comprises a channel.
5. 5. The shield of claims 2 to 4, wherein the interlocking means comprises a retention means.
6. 6. The shield of claim 5 wherein the retention means is provided by a protrusion and corresponding recess.
7. 7. The shield of claim 5 or 6, wherein the retention means is provided along the interlocking means either continuously, discontinuously, or at discrete points.
8. 8. The shield of claim 4 and 7, wherein the retention means is provided running continuously along the channel.
9. 9. The shield of any preceding claim wherein the shield comprises a securing means.
10. 10. The shield of claim 9 wherein the securing means is provided by a lip.
11. 11. The shield of claim 9 or 10 wherein the securing means is provided along the two longitudinal edges either continuously, discontinuously or at discrete points.
12. 12.The shield of any preceding claim wherein the shield comprises split resistant means to resist splitting of the shield panel.
13. 13.The shield of claim 12 wherein the split resistant means is provided on the two longitudinal edges and/or the top section of said shield.
14. 14.The shield of claim 12 or 13 wherein the split resistant means comprises a region of increased thickness.
15. 15.The shield of claim 14 wherein the region of increased thickness comprises a deformation in filled with infill material.
16. 16.The shield of claim 15 wherein the infill material is the same material as the shield panel or is of a highly shock absorbent material.
17. 17.The shield of claim 15 or 16 wherein the region of increased thickness is affixed to the shield panel by co-moulding, thermosetting or adhesive.
18. 18.The shield of claim 4, wherein said channel comprises the split resistant means provided on the two longitudinal edges.
19. 19.The shield of any preceding claim wherein said shield comprises a secondary shield panel.
20. 20.The shield of claim 19 wherein the secondary shield provides the securing means according to claim 9, 10 or 11.
21. 21.The shield of any preceding claim wherein the top and/or bottom section comprises a locating means.
22. 22.The shield of claim 21 wherein the locating means is provided by a catch member.
23. 23.The shield of claim 21 or 22 wherein the locating means present on the bottom section of the shield is provided on the secondary shield panel.
24. 24.The shield of any preceding claim comprising an auxiliary shield.
25. 25.The shield of claim 24 wherein the auxiliary shield comprises one or more handles.
26. 26.The shield of claim 24 or 25 where in the auxiliary shield comprises interlocking means.
27. 27.The shield of any preceding claim wherein said handles are provided by folding handles.
28. 28.The shield of claim 27 wherein said folding handles comprise a resilient member.
29. 29.The shield of claim 28 wherein said resilient member is provided by a spring.
30. 30.The shield of claim 28 wherein said resilient member is provided by the nature of the handle material.
31. 31.The shield of claims 27 to 30 wherein the shield comprises a bolt arrangement to retain the folding handles in a desired position.
32. 32.The shield of claim 31 wherein said bolt arrangement comprises a spring loaded push pin.
33. 33.A system comprising two or more interconnected shields according to any of claims I to 32.