GB2542128A

GB2542128A - Vehicle mounted shield

Info

Publication number: GB2542128A
Application number: GB1515879.3A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Mcnulty Sean; Burns Martin; McAlerney Robert; Doyle Brian
Original assignee: King Security
Current assignee: King Security
Priority date: 2015-09-08
Filing date: 2015-09-08
Publication date: 2017-03-15
Also published as: GB201515879D0

Abstract

A vehicle 5 has at least one shield 1 pivotably mountable upon at least one side of the vehicle 5. The shield 1 is pivotable between a deployed and an undeployed position. At least one securing arrangement is configured to secure said shield 1 in the deployed and/or undeployed position.

Description

VEHICLE MOUNTED SHIELD

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates to a vehicle having a shield mounted thereon and in particular to a vehicle mounted shield for use in situations of social disorder.

BACKGROUND TO THE INVENTION

Recent economic events have resulted in an increased occurrence of social disorder involving substantial numbers of people engaging in conflict with national security forces. These events have occurred in the UK as well as Germany, USA and Ukraine but to name a few. Typically in such an event, police officers utilise riot shields to create a makeshift human wall to restrain agitated crowds however this creates a significant risk for the police officers in question as during such an event they are frequently subject to a violent melee. Such melee may include close quarter assaults as well as wide array of projectiles being launched against officers including such things as stones, bricks, makeshift incendiary devices and on some occasions, even ballistic devices. As a result it is a common occurrence for police officers in these situations to incur injuries. These injuries reduce the morale of the officers and contribute to increased sick leave within the security forces whilst also reducing the operational strength of the security force in question. Therefore there exists a need to provide an apparatus which can be retrofit to the majority of vehicles so that security forces can continue to make use of their existing fleet. A further problem with the use of police officers as makeshift human walls is the threat posed by explosive devices as handheld shields offer little to no protection against these devices. It would be desirable to obviate or mitigate at least some of the problems described above.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Accordingly, the present invention provides a vehicle comprising at least one shield pivotably mountable upon at least one side of said vehicle wherein said shield is pivotable between a deployed and an undeployed position, at least one securing arrangement, wherein said securing arrangement is configured to secure said shield in said deployed and/or undeployed position.

Ideally, at least one actuator is mounted between said shield and said vehicle.

Preferably, the actuator incorporates a resilient biasing means to urge said shield towards its deployed position.

Ideally, the actuator comprises a hydraulic or pneumatic ram, or, a ram comprising a piston assembly incorporating a resilient biasing means such as a spring, wherein the piston head is configured to abut said resilient biasing means therein in-use.

Preferably, the actuator comprises a dual acting ram.

Ideally, the shield is pivotably detachably mountable upon said vehicle via at least one hinge.

Preferably, the securing arrangement comprises corresponding male and female portions.

Ideally, the male and female portions comprise a hooked rod and eye respectively.

Preferably, the shield comprises a panel having a substantially square or rectangular shape.

Ideally, the shield in said deployed position extends substantially perpendicular to said at least one side of the vehicle.

Preferably, the shield in said undeployed position extends substantially parallel to one side of the vehicle.

Optionally, the shield includes at least one window.

Ideally, the window comprises a plastic material such as polycarbonate.

Optionally the shield incorporates a plurality of ports.

Ideally, the ports comprise a plurality of apertures having respective covers which are configurable between an open and closed position.

Preferably, the shield incorporates an auxiliary shield therein, wherein said auxiliary shield is slidably deployed from an outward facing edge of the shield.

Ideally, the shield comprises at least one of, or, a combination of, metal, plastic, composite material. Preferably, the shield comprises ballistic rated steel.

Ideally, the shield has a skirting mounted upon at least one edge thereof.

Preferably, the skirting is mounted upon the length of a lower edge of the shield thereof.

Ideally, the skirting comprises a flexible material such as plastic or rubber or any combination thereof.

Preferably, the skirting comprises neoprene.

Preferred embodiments of the invention obviate or mitigate problems typically associated with public disorder events by providing a shield mounted upon a vehicle which provides substantial physical protection to officers, is resistant to ballistic and incendiary devices, allows for safe observation of crowds and also allows police forces to partition streets and secure specific areas by obstructing the crowd flow.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Embodiments of the invention are now described by way of example and with reference to the accompanying drawings in which like numerals are used to denote like parts and in which:

Figure 1 is a rear perspective view of the vehicle mounted shield in a deployed position;

Figure 2 is a sectional view of the resilient actuator;

Figure 3 is a rear view of the shield in the deployed position;

Figure 4 is a rear perspective view of a plurality of shields coupled to a plurality of vehicles in the deployed position;

Figure 5 is a front perspective view of the plurality of shields coupled to the plurality of vehicles in the deployed position;

Figure 6 is a top perspective view of the plurality of shields coupled to the plurality of vehicles in the deployed position.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Referring now to Figure 1 of the drawings there is shown, generally indicated as 1, a vehicle mounted shield. The vehicle mounted shield comprises at least one shield 3 mounted upon at least one side of a vehicle 5. The shield 3 typically comprises a panel, having a substantially rectangular or square shape; however it may also comprise any other suitable shape. The shield is typically made from a bulletproof and/or fire retardant material such as metal and/or plastic and/or a composite material. In a preferred embodiment the shield 3 is made from a durable ballistic rated steel and/or composite material. The shield 3 typically further comprises a skirting 4 (as shown in figure 3) upon at least one edge. The skirting 4 is typically mounted upon a lower edge of the shield 3 and may extend substantially along the length of the lower edge thereof. Advantageously, the skirting 4 prevents any missiles/projectiles being thrown under the shield 3 whilst also allowing the shield 3 to be displaced over obstacles. The skirting 4 typically comprises a substantially flexible material such as plastic or rubber, or any combination thereof, however it may also comprise any other suitable material. In a preferred embodiment the skirting 4 is made from neoprene. The shield 3 may also comprise at least one window 6. Typically the window 6 is made from a substantially transparent material. Typically the window 6 will be of a ballistic rated material. Advantageously, the window 6 allows users positioned behind the shield to view any potential hazards from a safe position. The window 6 typically comprises a plastic material such as polycarbonate however it may also comprise any other suitable material. The vehicle 5 may comprise a van or car or lorry or any other suitable vehicle.

The shield 3 may also comprise a plurality of ports 14 which extend through the shield 3. The ports 14 are typically located beneath the window 6. Advantageously, the ports 14 may comprise a plurality of apertures which allow users to position, fire ballistic devices such as energy impact rounds or firearms from a safe position behind the shield 3. Typically, the ports 14 comprise a plurality of apertures which have respective covers (not shown). Typically the covers are configurable between an open and closed position. Typically the cover is contained within the shield 3. Typically the cover is made from the same material as the shield 3, such as at least one of, or a combination of plastic, metal, composite material or any other suitable material. At least one face of the shield 3 may be lined with a flexible material 16 such as to prevent spalling in the event of a ballistic attack. Typically the flexible material 16 may comprise at least one of, or a combination of, fabric or plastic or any other suitable material. In a preferred embodiment the rear face 2 of the shield 3 is lined with the fabric.

The shield 3 is pivotably mounted upon at least one side of the vehicle 5. Typically, the shield is pivotably mounted via a plurality of hinges 8, however it may also be mounted via any other suitable pivoting arrangement. Typically, the pivotable mounting is detachable such as to allow for the easy removal of the shields 3 from the vehicle 5. Typically the hinges 8 comprise high tensile steel hinges however they may also comprise any other suitable hinge. Typically the hinges 8 are through bolt mounting hinges. Advantageously, the hinges 8 allow the shield 3 to be easily installed and/or removed from the vehicle 5 as per operational requirements such as maintenance. The pivotable mounting allows the shield 3 to vary between, a deployed position as shown in Figures 1,3 to 6 and an undeployed position (not shown). Advantageously, the pivotable mounting allows the shield 3 to be varied between the deployed and undeployed positions manually. In the undeployed position the shield 3 will typically extend substantially parallel to the body, side of the vehicle 5. Advantageously, in the undeployed position the shield 3 will provide additional protection to the side(s) of the vehicle, particularly from ballistic, explosive, incendiary threats and it will also provide additional protection to any personnel which may be contained therein. In the deployed position, the shield 3 typically extends substantially perpendicular to a side of the vehicle 5. Advantageously, in the deployed position the shield 3 provides a safe position for security personnel when positioned behind, reducing the risk of injury caused by ballistics, incendiary devices etc. and also allow the personnel to create makeshift walls to block off access to streets. Further advantageously, the shield 3 in its deployed position as shown in figure 3 allows personnel access to and from the vehicle 5 via rear doors (not shown), whilst still protected by the shield 3. Furthermore also in Figure 3 it is shown how officers would be secure behind the shield 3 whilst observing and controlling the crowd.

At least one actuator which is generally indicated by the reference numeral 7, is mounted between the shield 3 and vehicle 5. The actuator 7 is configured to urge the shield 3 in a substantially deployed position. Typically the actuator 7 comprises a hydraulic or pneumatic ram however it may also comprise any other suitable actuator. In a preferred embodiment the actuator 7 may comprise a piston assembly 10 incorporating a resilient biasing means such as a spring, or gas or fluid wherein a piston head 15 of a piston 9 is configured to abut said resilient biasing means therein in-use as shown in Figure 2. The actuator 7 typically comprises a dual acting ram such as a dual spring loaded ram. The actuator 7 is typically mounted between the shield 3, vehicle 5 via the attachments (not shown) located at the outermost ends of the piston 9 and a fixed rod 11. Typically the attachments may comprise a screw arrangement or any other suitable attachment arrangement.

In a preferred embodiment the vehicle mounted shield 1 typically has at least one securing arrangement 12 mounted thereon. Typically the securing arrangement 12 comprises engageable male and female portions; however it may also comprise any other suitable securing arrangement. In a preferred embodiment the male and female portions may comprise a hooked rod and eye respectively; or a bolt and eyelet; however they may also comprise any other suitable male and female portions. Typically at least one portion of the securing arrangement 12 may be mounted upon the vehicle 5 and the other on the shield 3 or vice-versa. Typically when engaged, the securing arrangement 12 prevents movement of the shield 3 relative to the vehicle 5. Advantageously, when the shield 3 is in the deployed position the securing arrangement 12 can be engaged such as to prevent movement of the shield 3 relative to the vehicle 5. Further advantageously, the securing arrangement 12 is configured to engage the shield 3 when it is also in its undeployed position to secure the shield 3 against the side of the vehicle 5, advantageously this allows the shield to be held secure against the side of the vehicle 5 when in transit. Typically the male portion is mounted upon the shield 3; the female portion is mounted upon the vehicle 5 or vice-versa.

Advantageously, the incorporation of at least one actuator 7 allows for a margin of displacement of the shield 3 in a substantially lateral direction when the shield 3 is in its deployed position, such displacement allows multiple vehicles 5 having the vehicle mounted shield 1 to abut a plurality of shields 3 together such as to form a makeshift wall as shown in figures 4 to 6 without causing damage to the vehicles 5, as the bracket 7 allows for a degree of cushioned movement. In this arrangement the plurality of shields 3 can be overlapped in order to prevent any missiles or individuals gaining access to a secured area, whilst increasing the area of protection. Advantageously, whilst the actuator 7 allows for a margin of displacement of the shield 3, a significant amount of force is required to achieve this and therefore whilst the shield 3 will allow for a margin of displacement when abutting with another shield in-use it will still provide a level of protection that will stop a crowd from overcoming or closing the shields 3. Advantageously, it also removes the need for personnel having to stand with handheld riot shields between vehicles and this reduces the risk of personnel being exposed to a dangerous situation such as a violent crowd.

In an alternative embodiment the shield 3 may house at least one auxiliary shield (not shown) therein. The auxiliary shield is typically recessed within the confines of the shield 3 and is slidable from an outward facing edge of the shield 3 into a deployed position. Advantageously, the auxiliary shield provides increased protection to any personnel making use of the vehicle mounted shield 1. Typically the auxiliary shield is made from the same material as the shield 3 such as at least one or, or a combination of: metal; plastic; composite material or any other suitable material.

The invention is not limited to the embodiment(s) described herein but can be amended or modified without departing from the scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A vehicle comprising: At least one shield pivotably mountable upon at least one side of said vehicle, Wherein said shield is pivotable between a deployed and an undeployed position, At least one securing arrangement, Wherein said securing arrangement is configured to secure said shield in said deployed and/or undeployed position.

2. The vehicle as claimed in claim 1, wherein at least one actuator is mounted between said shield and said vehicle.

3. The vehicle as claimed in claim 2, wherein said actuator incorporates a resilient biasing means configured to urge said shield towards its substantially deployed position in-use.

4. The vehicle as claimed in any preceding claim, where said actuator comprises a hydraulic or pneumatic ram, or, a ram comprising a piston assembly incorporating a resilient biasing means such as a spring, wherein the piston head is configured to abut said resilient biasing means therein in-use.

5. The vehicle as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein said actuator comprises a dual acting ram.

6. The vehicle as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein said shield is pivotably detachably mountable upon said vehicle via at least one hinge.

7. The vehicle as claimed in claim 1, wherein said securing arrangement comprises corresponding male and female portions.

8. The vehicle as claimed in claim 7, wherein said male and female portions comprise a hooked rod and eye respectively.

9. The vehicle as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein said shield comprises a panel having a substantially square or rectangular shape.

10. The vehicle as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein said shield in said deployed position extends substantially perpendicular to said at least one side of the vehicle.

11. The vehicle as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein said shield in said undeployed position extends substantially parallel to one side of the vehicle.

12. The vehicle as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein said shield includes at least one window.

13. The vehicle as claimed in claim 12, wherein said window comprises a plastic material such as polycarbonate.

14. The vehicle as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein said shield incorporates a plurality of ports.

15. The vehicle as claimed in claim 14, wherein said ports comprise a plurality of apertures having respective covers which are configurable between an open and closed position.

16. The vehicle as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein said shield incorporates an auxiliary shield therein, wherein said auxiliary shield is slidably deployed from an outward facing edge of the shield.

17. The vehicle as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein said shield comprises at least one of, or, a combination of, metal, plastic, composite material.

18. The vehicle as clamed in 17, wherein said shield comprises ballistic rated steel.

19. The vehicle as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein said shield has a skirting mounted upon at least one edge thereof.

20. The vehicle as claimed in claim 19, wherein said skirting is mounted upon the length of a lower edge of the shield thereof.

21. The vehicle as claimed in claims 19 or 20, wherein said skirting comprises a flexible material such as plastic or rubber or any combination thereof.

22. The vehicle as claimed in any of claims 19 to 21, wherein said skirting comprises neoprene.

23. The vehicle substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to the accompanying drawings.