WO2018235047A1

WO2018235047A1 - A convertible protection shield

Info

Publication number: WO2018235047A1
Application number: PCT/IB2018/054622
Authority: WO
Inventors: Jeetendra Kochar
Original assignee: Jeetendra Kochar
Priority date: 2017-06-22
Filing date: 2018-06-22
Publication date: 2018-12-27
Also published as: ZA202000303B

Abstract

The present invention relates to a convertible protection shield that includes a top shield structure, bottom shield structure, side shield structure, straps with Velcro, straps with buckles, mole webbing straps and a optional view port wherein the front shield structure and back shield is reversibly attached on the same axis to create an integrated vertical structure that is adjustable to provide variable cover, by altering the height of attachment, thereby altering the length of the shield.

Description

"A CONVERTIBLE PROTECTION SHIELD"

FIELD OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates generally to a convertible protection shield. More particularly, the invention provides an armour system convertible in to an adjustable protection shield, for customizable cover, especially useful in reducing the armour weight, while enhancing utility in tactical situations.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Tactical protective equipment used by law enforcement professionals and military operators is designed to allow an individual to perform at the maximum potential and get maximum protection against injury and fatigue.

The tactical protective equipment therefore always had prominence since ancient times, since advent of war. Initially metal body armours and shields were used for protection from arrows attack, swords, axes, spears, and other traditional weapons.

In modern times the danger is not only external but also internal that require various security agencies such as police, military, home guards etc. to place themselves in eminent danger including situations like riots, terrorism, military engagement or other violent situation or conflict. In such situations, these security agencies use a wide variety of protective gear to defend themselves. Such protective gear may include helmets, batons, portable hand-held shields, impact resistant or bullet proof vests, protective eye goggles, gas masks, and other devices configured to subdue an attacker or shield against a physical assault. The foremost requirement of these tactical protective equipments is the toughness, adaptability to the body and light weight. Therefore, tactical protective equipments such as shields available today are reasonably light weight, and provide adequate toughness/resistance to ward off any projectile penetration.

Conventional protective shields were manufactured from metal sheets including but not limited to titanium, stainless steel, carbon steel, and super alloys. More modern ballistic shields are manufactured form ballistic resistant fabrics like aramid fibres and ceramic tiles.

In recent years, the availability of armour piercing rounds has significantly elevated which demands further improvement in the protective shields. It is required that the further development towards the products must assist the individual with gears and/or weapon carriage and option to use the same protection shield in different operation. A significant improvement has been required in terms of load bearing of protection shield so that it can be hanged, extended and can be used as a hand free equipment. The end goal is to provide equipment that provides the user with enhanced functionality while reducing weight and maximum coverage for protection.

As a result, protective shields have become standard equipment utilized by law enforcement and military personnel in high risk situations. Such shields may be typically carried and employed by one person, although the shield may be placed to shelter additional persons behind it. While there are many different standards for ballistics protection levels, the two most commonly recognized standards for body armour come from the US National Institute of Justice (NIJ) and the UK Centre for Applied Science and Technology (CAST, formerly HOSDB). These are widely held to be the world leaders in standardizing body armour. Testing methods are often shared between the two, so armour that meets the standards of one will meet the requirements of the equivalent.

In US20120084906A1, provides a soldier's garment includes a hard plate carrier, a concealable carrier that can carry soft armour panels, and separate soft armour panels. The plate carrier can be worn alone, the concealable carrier can be worn alone, the plate carrier can be worn with the concealable carrier, or the plate carrier can be worn with the soft armour panels. The plate carrier has an actuatable quick release system for enabling release of the plate carrier. Each one of the concealable carrier and the soft armour panels is released from the soldier with the plate carrier when the quick release system is actuated; Further, application relates to a soldier's garment, and in particular to a garment including a vest or torso portion that can be expanded or "scaled" to include other garment portions. Such a garment is useful for military personnel who can, depending on the perceived threat level and the mission, wear less or more protection (armor, soft or hard) and fewer or more accessories.

In KR101364372 Bl A body armour in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention is embedded on the front ballistic layer inside, and the rear member and the front member is provided with a joint, the rear bulletproof layer embedded inside the lower end on both sides, of the front member and the rear member controlled to connect the upper end and the opening hole wearer's head to pass therethrough is provided in the connection member, said back member formed to be disposed, the lower end of the back member disposed adjacent to or spaced apart from the front member in accordance with the wearer's body to protect the lower end of the wearer's body and the wearer's body in accordance with the unit length and a said front member and said back member being removable complementary member removably to at least one of the installation; and

In US20170258147Al ,the present invention relates to the body protection vest including, the right front panel; the left front panel; the right side panel; the left side panel; the right shoulder strap; the left shoulder strap; at least one back panel; at least one fastener; and the plurality of means for connecting external attachments. The plurality of individual fastening members is spaced across the substantial portion of the attachment fabric in operative relation therewith for selective placement and attachment of the detachable elements to the outer side of the body protection vest. However, the modern shields described herein are not adaptable to alter the shape, size and covering area, is usually one piece that increases its effectiveness by being sturdy but obviates adaptability. Hence, to compensate on adaptability, additional panels for convertible shields with specific functions are carried, that is very cumbersome, and decreases the overall movement and response time.

Further, if there is a provision in case of an emergency or quick response that a shield can be adapted, it may save lives of so many law enforcement professionals and military personals. For example, in an offensive manoeuvre a shield slows down the progress of a team and restricts capability of an individual to become more combat effective, therefore in such situations it may be shortened and expanded when a defensive manoeuvre has to be executed.

Based on the forgoing, there is a need for tactical protective shield that is multipurpose, adaptable to various kinds of danger thereby acting as different kinds of shield including impact resistance shield, IED protection shield and ballistic shield thereby keeping the security agencies agile and effective.

OBJECT OF THE INVENTION

The main object of present invention is to provide a convertible protection shield for better protection by providing adaptable features that allows a one piece shield to alter shield's covering area, by allowing additional inserts into the shield and means of attachment to the body, thereby providing protection and adaptability, according to an offensive or defensive manoeuvre.

Yet another object of present of the present invention is to provide a convertible protection shield which can be used as ballistic shield, riot control shield, bullet resistant vest, bomb shield, splinter protection blanket, IED diffusion apron. Yet another object of present of the present invention is to provide a convertible protection shield with suitable attachments which allow it extend and/or de- assembled to improve its utility.

Yet another object of present of the present invention is to provide a convertible and light weight shield so that it can be carried easily in vehicle, helicopter, and used body armour.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to a convertible protection shield for self protection. More particularly to a portable and wearable shield that is light enough to be worn and/or carried by a person in any emergency situation.

In one embodiment of present invention, a convertible protection shield includes a top shield, bottom shield , side shield structure, straps with Velcro, straps with buckles, mole webbing straps and an optional view port wherein the front shield structure and back shield is reversibly attached by at least one strapping means on the sides and at least one strapping means on the top. Further, such means may be removed to use front shield structure as half shield or attach it with back shield to create a full shield. The half shield or the full shield may be further suspended on the front or back of a person via strapping means. Further, there are provisions such as, but not limited to a railing system and a pull tab, etc. to attach the front shield structure to back shield structure on the same axis to create an integrated vertical structure as well as provide means of adjustment in vertical direction through sliding provided by the railing system.

In an embodiment of present invention, a convertible armour system 10 comprising; a top shield 12 having a front face and a back face and at least one female buckle strap, said front shield acting as top/front armour; a bottom shield 14 having a front face and a back face and at least one female buckle strap, said back shield acting as a back armour; and at least two side shields 16 having male buckle straps connecting the female buckle strap to each of said top shield 12 and the bottom shield 14 from each side; wherein, the top shield 12 has a railing system comprising at least two parallel vertical rails 40 and at least one slidable and lockable horizontal strap structure 42 connecting the vertical rails 40, said horizontal strap structure having plurality of female buckle straps; the bottom shield 14 having at least one fixed horizontal strap structure 44 on the back face having plurality of male buckle straps; the armour is convertible into a body shield by attaching said fixed strap structure 44 of the bottom shield with slidable and lockable horizontal strap structure 42 of the front shield 14 and adjusting the length of the body shield by sliding the horizontal strap structure 42 in vertical direction through sliding on the rails 40 and locking it.

In one embodiment of present invention, a convertible protection shield includes a front shield structure, convertible as top panel, which has a provision of optional view port through which user can see the incoming threats. Further, it has a provision for replacing the protection material inside the shield structure as per situation demand. In addition it has mole webbing straps and straps for connection with other parts of embodiments and have soft handles for holding and carrying the front shield structure as separate unit.

In one embodiment of present invention, the convertible protection shield includes a back shield, convertible as a bottom panel, which has a provision for replacing the protection material inside the shield as per situation demand. Further, it has mole webbing straps and straps for connection with other parts of embodiments and have soft handles for holding and carrying the front shield structure as separate unit. In one embodiment of present invention, the convertible protection shield is to provide a single product that can be used for protection against multiple threats which includes bullet fired from gun, stabbing or pelting of objects like arrows, injections, nails, splinters, bricks and stones in riot. In one embodiment of present invention, the convertible protection shield can be used as ballistic shield, riot control shield, bullet resistant vest, bomb shield, splinter protection blanket, IED diffusion apron.

In one embodiment of present invention, the convertible protection shield can be used as a protection vest for protection against multiple threats which includes bullet fired from gun, stabbing or pelting of objects like arrows, injections, nails, splinters, bricks and stones in riot.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

The present invention will be described with reference to the following drawings. The drawings and the associated descriptions are provided to illustrate embodiments of the invention and not to limit the scope of the invention:

Fig. 1 A and IB is a view of a convertible protection shield in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

Fig. 2 is an isometric view of a convertible protection shield in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

Fig. 3 is a front isometric view of top shield in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

Fig. 4 is a back isometric view of top shield in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

Fig. 5 is a front isometric view of bottom shield in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

Fig. 6 is an isometric view of side shield structure in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; and Fig. 7 is a back view of a convertible protection shield in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The present invention now will be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings. While the following description details the preferred embodiments of the present invention is not limited in its application to the details of construction and arrangement of the parts illustrated in the accompanying drawings.

With reference to the figures, numerical designation has been given for each element to facilitate the reader's understanding of the present invention, and particularly with reference to the embodiments of the present invention illustrated in the figures. The enclosed description and drawings are merely illustrative of preferred embodiments. Although specific components, materials, configurations and uses of the present invention are illustrated and set forth in this disclosure, it should be understood that a number of variations to the components and to the configuration of those components described herein and in the accompanying figures can be made without changing the scope and function of the invention set forth herein.

In one embodiment of present invention provides a convertible protection shield includes a top shield, bottom shield, straps with buckles, mole webbing straps, optional side shield structure, optional straps with Velcro, and an optional view port.

Now referring to Fig. 1A and IB is a view of a convertible protection shield in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. A convertible protection shield 10 including, a top shield 12 which is generally flat or convex in shape and is provided with different attachments as well as an optional view port 18 for securing user from front impacts, a bottom shield 14 which is generally flat in shape and provided with different attachments for securing a user from rear and lower impacts. The top shield 12 has a railing system comprising at least two vertical parallel rails 40 and at least one slidable and lockable horizontal strap structure 42 running through and connecting parallel rails 40, said strap structure having plurality of female buckle straps attached across the length of the parallel rails 40. The bottom shield 14 has a fixed horizontal strap structure 44 on the same axis having plurality of male buckle straps. The convertible shield is created by attaching fixed strap structure 44 with slidable and lockable horizontal strap structure 42 of the bottom shield 14 by way of locking male-female buckles and adjusting the length of the shield by moving the moveable horizontal strap structure 42 in vertical direction through sliding on the rails 40 and locking it at a position by pull tabs 46 and 38. Soft handles 36 and 48 are provided on bottom and top shields.

Fig. 2 provides an isometric view of a convertible protection shield in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. In the present embodiment, the convertible protection shield is adapted as a body protection vest, comprising the top shield acting as a front shield 12 having a front face and a back face acting as a chest armour, attached to the bottom shield that acts as a back shield 14 having a front and a back face acting as a back armour; and at least two side shields 16 each attached on either side of abdomen integrating the front shield 12 and the back shield 14 from the sides. The front shield 12 is generally flat or convex in shape and include an optional view port 18. Further front shield 12 is provided with mole webbing straps 20 for attaching different utility tools and to hang equipments like water bottle, binocular, etc. In addition, front shield 12 is provided with Velcro loop strap 22 to attach it with its counterpart and strap with buckles 24 to attach another body to it. Also, front shield 12 includes an operable pocket 26 which is used to replace and enhance the protective shield material as per user requirement.

Referring to Fig. 3, in one embodiment, the present invention provides a top shield 12 either flat or convex in shape and including an optional view port 18 with mole webbing straps 20 for attaching different utility tools and to hang equipments like water bottle, binocular, etc.

Referring to Fig. 4, in one embodiment, the present invention provides a top shield 12 is generally or convex in shape and said top shield 12 provided with provisions such as, parallel rails 40 and a pull tab 38. The parallel rails 40 attach the top shield structure 12 to bottom shield on the same axis to create an integrated vertical structure as well as provide means of adjustment in vertical direction through sliding provided by railing system 40. The top shield is provided with slidable and lockable horizontal strap structure 42 which is free to move up and down through parallel rails 40, and having means of attachment such as buckle etc. to attach its counterparts. Also, top shield 12 also includes a soft handle 36 for holding and carrying the shield structure 12 as separate unit. A pull tab 38 is provided for quick conversion which can be connected to the pull tab of a bottom shield. Referring to Fig. 5, in one embodiment, the present invention provides a bottom shield 14 with a front and a back face, generally flat in shape and provided with Velcro hook strap 28 to attach it with its counterpart, the top shield 12, and strap with buckles 30 to attach another body to it. The bottom shield 14 has at least one fixed horizontal strap structure 44 on the back face having plurality of male buckle straps. A pull tab 46 is provided for quick conversion which can be connected to the pull tab of front shield structure. Also, bottom shield 14 includes a soft handle 48 for holding and carrying the bottom shield 14 as separate unit.

Referring to Fig. 6, in one embodiment, the present invention provides a side shield structure 16 that has a strap with complementary male or female buckles 34 to attach top shield 12 when acting as front shield and/or the bottom shield 14 when acting as a back shield.

Referring to Fig. 7, in one embodiment, the present invention provides a front prospective view of the convertible protection shield 10 including, a top shield 12 which is flat or convex in shape for securing user from front impacts, a bottom shield 14 which is flat or convex in shape for securing user from bottom impacts. Further, top shield 12 provides an optional viewing port 18 and also provides mole webbing straps 20 for attaching or hanging different utility tools such as water bottle, binocular, etc. Further, bottom shield 14 is provided with mole webbing straps 20 for attaching different utility tools.

According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the armour is convertible into a body shield by attaching said fixed strap structure 44 of the bottom shield with slidable and lockable horizontal strap structure 42 of the top shield 12 and adjusting the length of the body shield by sliding the horizontal strap structure 42 in vertical direction through sliding on the rails 40 and locking it. The armour is convertible into a body armour by attaching the top shield 12 and bottom shield 14 with side shields 16 through male-female buckles thus utilizing said top shield as front armour, said bottom shield as back armour and side shields as side armours.

In an embodiment, the shield is made of material that includes but not limited to commercially available latest para aramid fiber like Kevlar, or Ultra High Molecular Weight Polyethylene, carbon fiber, composite materials which provide protection from splinters, bullet as well as stabbing and pointed object. For trauma protection a layer of titanium plate with impact / shock resistance material like D30 or high viscous material is used at backside of para aramid fiber or Ultra High Molecular Weight Polyethylene. For Add on protection, material that are composite of commercial available ceramic like boron carbide with Ultra High Molecular Weight Polyethylene like Dyneema or Spectra are be used, on front side as add on protection as may be needed. The material may housed as an insert in a housing of cloth, of high strength textile or waterproof housing.

Without limiting the scope of this disclosure in one embodiment, the top shield 12, the bottom shield 14 overlap each other at juncture. The feature provides additional strength at the juncture from any incoming impact or threat. Without limiting the scope of this disclosure in one embodiment, the top shield 12, the bottom shield 14 and the side shield structure 16 are assembled into a compact design that looks like a shield which can be used as but not limited to body armour, riot control shield, bullet resistant vest, bomb shield, splinter protection blanket, IED diffusion apron.

Further, without limiting the scope of this disclosure in one embodiment, the top shield 12, the bottom shield 14 and the side shield structutrel6 are assembled into a compact design that looks like a shield which can be used for but not limited to protection against multiple threat which includes bullet, stabbing, sharp object like arrow, injections or pointed nails, splinters from explosion and other objects like bricks and stones in situation of riots.

Further, without limiting the scope of this disclosure in an embodiment, the top shield 12 and the bottom shield 14 are attached individually to the railings of the balcony or vehicle so that operator can take position behind them to secure himself.

The foregoing description of embodiments of the invention has been presented for purposes of illustration and description. It is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise form disclosed, and modifications and variations are possible in light of the above teachings or may be acquired from practice of the invention. The embodiments were chosen and described in order to explain the principals of the invention and its practical application to enable one skilled in the art to utilize the invention in various embodiments and with various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated.

Claims

CLAIMS I claim:

1. A convertible armour system 10 comprising; a top shield 12 having a front face and a back face and at least one female buckle strap, said front shield acting as a top or a front armour; a bottom shield 14 having a front face and a back face and at least one female buckle strap, said bottom shield acting as a bottom or a back armour; and at least two optional side shields 16 having male buckle straps to connect with the female buckle strap to each of said top shield 12 and the bottom shield 14 from each side; wherein, the top shield 12 has a railing system comprising at least two parallel vertical rails 40 and at least one slidable and lockable horizontal strap structure 42 connecting the vertical rails 40, said horizontal strap structure having plurality of female buckle straps; the bottom shield 14 having at least one fixed horizontal strap structure 44 on the back face having plurality of male buckle straps; the armour is convertible into a body shield by attaching said fixed strap structure 44 of the bottom shield with slidable and lockable horizontal strap structure 42 of the top shield 12 and adjusting the length of the body shield by sliding the horizontal strap structure 42 in vertical direction through sliding on the rails 40 and locking it; and the armour is convertible into a body armour by attaching the top shield 12 and bottom shield 14 with side shields 16 through male- female buckles thus utilizing said top shield as front armour, said bottom shield as back armour and side shield as side armours.

2. The armour 10 as claimed in claim 1, wherein the top shield 12 comprises at least one Velcro hook 22 for reversibly attaching bottom shield 14 over the human shoulder, at least one male buckle strap 24 for reversibly attaching a side shield, a pocket 26 for storage, and at least one mole webbing strap 20 for hanging utilities at the front face.

3. The armour 10 as claimed in claim 1, wherein the back face of top shield 12 comprises at least one soft handle 36.

4. The armour 10 as claimed in claim 1, wherein the bottom shield 14 comprises plurality of Velcro loop 28 reversibly attaching the front shield over the human shoulder and sides, at least one male buckle strap 30 for reversibly attaching the optional side shield 16, an operable pocket 32, at least one mole webbing straps 20 at the front face.

5. The armour 10 as claimed in claim 1, wherein said back face of the bottom shield 14 comprises at least one handle 48.

6. The armour 10 as claimed in claim 1, wherein the top shield 12 has an optional view port 18 through which a user can see.

7. The armour 10 as claimed in claim 1 , wherein the bottom shield 14 has a pull tab 46 to connect to a pull tab 38 of the top shield structure 12 for ready conversion.

8. The armour 10 as claimed in claim 1, wherein the top shield 12 and bottom shield 14 can be used separately as a full shield and/or a half shield.

9. The armour 10 as claimed in claim 1, wherein the top shield 12 can also be used as a bottom panel and bottom shied 14 can also be used as a top panel.

10. The armour 10 as claimed in claim 1, wherein the top shield 12, the bottom shield 14 overlap each other at juncture to provide additional strength at the juncture from any incoming impact or threat.