Ballistic shield support system

The invention features a support system which can be attached to a ballistic shield. The system features at least one telescoping or retractable leg which is mounted to the shield to create a standalone shield. The shield is positioned between plates which receive pins that hold the shield in position in the system. The system features a resting platform which provides an area for resting a gun or rifle, for example. A bullet proof screen extends from the bottom area of the shield towards the base of the system and provides additional security to the user when the shield is in the system.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates, in general, to an extendable and retractable support which attaches to a ballistic shield so that the shield can stand alone.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

A ballistic shield or tactical shield is a hand-held shield that is capable of defending the user from handguns, shotguns and submachine guns. They are typically used by law enforcement or military during dangerous life or death situations. The average shield weighs at least about 20 to 40 pounds and is held by a user for a minimum time of 15 to 20 minutes. It is difficult to hold the shield in an upright position without getting fatigued and without having a sore arm from supporting the weight of the shield. Being fatigued and having sore arms may cause the user to be more vulnerable in a dangerous situation. The fatigue and soreness causes the user to pass the shield to his partner exposing the user to an immediate deadly threat.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention provides a support system that can be attached to a ballistic shield or a riot shield so the user can use the system when fatigued, sore or immobile and then collapse the system when the user desires to be mobile.

An aspect of an embodiment of the invention provides plates which mount retractable legs to the ballistic shield affording the shield the ability to be raised and lowered to a desired height.

A further aspect of an embodiment of the invention features a base provided between the legs to provide additional support and stability.

A further aspect of an embodiment of the invention features a bullet proof screen extending from the bottom of the shield to the base of the support system.

A further aspect of an embodiment of the invention features an internal sleeve that receives and supports the legs.

A further aspect of an embodiment of the invention features a resting platform which affords the user the ability to rest his rifle.

A further aspect of an embodiment of the invention features a hydraulic system that raises and lowers the legs.

A further aspect of an embodiment of the invention features a spring-loaded system that raises and lowers the legs.

The headings used herein are for organizational purposes only and are not meant to be used to limit the scope of the description or the claims. As used throughout this application, the word “may” is used in a permissive sense (i.e., meaning having the potential to), rather than the mandatory sense (i.e., meaning must). Similarly, the words “include”, “including”, and “includes”mean including but not limited to. To facilitate understanding, like reference numerals have been used, where possible, to designate like elements common to the figures. Optional portions of the figures may be illustrated using dashed or dotted lines, unless the context of usage indicates otherwise. Features illustrated in the drawings are not drawn to scale unless described either explicitly or clearly in context as being drawn to scale.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

FIG. 1is a perspective view of an embodiment of the present invention showing the support system100having two legs101,102. The support system100features two mounting plates105,106positioned on the left and right side of the shield900, respectively. The shield900has a top side901, left side902, right sides903and bottom sides904. A typical ballistic shield900has four straight sides with curved or straight edges. The shield900is a hand-held shield with a strap905that is capable of defending the user from handguns, shotguns and submachine guns. The shield is shaped sheet metal or a para-aramid synthetic fiber (i.e., Kevlar™), or the like, with a relatively thin eye slot hole906of bulletproof glass for vision.

Support system100also is usable to support a riot shield (not illustrated inFIG. 10). A riot shield may have physical similar dimensions to ballistic shield900, and will be supported similarly to ballistic shield900. However, a riot shield is designed to protect a person from direct physical assault (e.g., along a protest line), or against relatively low-velocity projectiles such as thrown rocks, bottles, bodily fluids, and so forth. In contrast, a ballistic shield protects a person from ballistic threats (e.g., gunshots). Consequently, a riot shield does not need to be as strong as a ballistic shield, so the riot shield may be constructed from lighter and less strong materials, or thinner materials, in order to reduce weight of the riot shield.

In one embodiment, the plates can be mounted to the shield900using ½″ stainless steel bolts and nuts111. The plates105,106are mounted near the bottom area of the shield900.FIG. 5is a perspective view of the present invention showing the shield being positioned between a mounting plate105. Plates105and106are identical so only plate105will be described. The plates105,106comprise a plate base502and a left plate side501and right plate side503, where the right plate side503extends upward from the front of the base502and the left plate side501extends upward from the back end of the base502. The right plate side503has openings that receive pins550having a thin plate or cap551on an end. The pins550extend through the openings towards the shield900. So that the structure and integrity of the shield is not compromised, the pins are not inserted through the shield. Instead, the plate or cap551abuts the surface of the shield and holds the shield inside of the support system100, as shown inFIG. 6.FIG. 6is a perspective view of the present invention showing the shield support system attached to the shield by bolts. The left plate side501is symmetrical to the right plate side503and has aligning holes to receive pins to hold the shield's opposite side in place. The base502helps prevent the shield from shifting left or right when supported by the system. The plates are somewhat of a u-shaped structure. As shown inFIG. 1, two plates105and106are shown supporting a shield900. The left side902of the shield and the right side903of the shield aligns with the base502. The right plate side503aligns with the front side of the shield. The left plate side501aligns with the back side of the shield. Alternatively, a third plate107is shown where the bottom side904of the shield abuts with the inside base502and the left and right sides501,503receive pins through its openings to secure the shield in place.

Each plate105,106supports a leg101,102that extends downward a length from a middle area of the shield to a base or foot plate107. The base107is positioned between the legs101,102and adds additional support to the shield900when the legs101,102are extended. The base is perpendicular to the legs and helps to support the system. The base is preferably ¼″×2″×19″ made from aluminum. However, alternate sizes and materials may be used which are durable. The legs101,102are telescoping such they are adjustable a range of heights. Sleeves110at least the height of the plates105,106are on the plates. The legs101,102pass through the sleeves. The sleeves minimize damage to the plates105,106as the legs pass through the sleeves. The sleeves110also help to guide the legs when moved in an up and down direction D. When the legs101,102moved up to its maximum height, the base plate107abuts the bottom904aof the shield and the user can use the straps905on the shield900to carry the shield900. When the legs are fully retracted, the shield can be transported to a different area.

A removable aluminum cap120is featured on the top end121of the legs101,102. The cap120can be opened to access the legs for servicing of the legs or for cleaning inside of the legs. The cap120ends extend over the edges121a,121band abuts the top end110aof the sleeve110. The sleeve110is open at the bottom end110bso that the legs101,102pass through the sleeve110easily. The legs101,102are secured to the base107so that when the bottom portion of the legs101b,102bare moved upward and pass through the sleeves110, the connected base107is moved upwards so that the top surface107aof the base contacts the bottom904of the shield900. The top portions101a,102aof the legs receive the bottom portion101b,102bof the legs so that the bottom portion is secured inside of the top portions of the legs, as shown inFIG. 9.FIG. 9is an illustration of a top and bottom portion of a leg. The top portion101aof the leg101has openings10,20,30. The bottom portion101bof the leg101features spring loaded pin31that adjusts the height of the bottom portion of the leg. The spring loaded pin31is shown protruding through opening30inFIG. 9securing the leg in an extended position. The top portion101aof the leg101features openings on a second top portion side, wherein the spring loaded pin31extends through the second opening10to keep the bottom portion of the leg inside the top portion of the leg. The first opening10is at least the length of the bottom portion101bof the leg so that entire bottom portion is concealed inside of the top portion.

The legs and base can be moved upwards so they do not interfere with the shield when the support system is not desired by the user. The base107is rubber so that it can somewhat grip the ground surface the system and connected shield are placed onto. A lower position on the legs feature additional nuts and bolts111to provide stability when the legs are extended.

FIG. 2is a perspective view of an embodiment of the present invention showing the support system100having one leg200. A mounting plate205is positioned in a middle bottom area of the sleeve210and secured to the shield using nuts and bolts111, for example. The mounting plate205is configured like plates105and106discussed above. The shield is positioned between the left and right plate sides and held in place with screws whose ends touch the outside surface of the shield, but do not penetrate the shield. The plate is preferably ⅛″×6″×12″; however, alternate dimensions may be used depending on the size of the shield900. The sleeve210is positioned in the middle of the place and supports one leg200that can be moved through the sleeve210, as described above. A pin220is positioned near the bottom of the leg. The pin220is received through an opening on the leg200and locks the leg in a closed position, shown inFIG. 2. The leg200is supported by a rubber ¼″×2″×12″ base plate207, as described above. The leg200is secured to the base plate207such that the base plate and leg are moved upward and the base plate aids in securing the leg inside of the sleeve. Alternatively, the base plate may be removable having an opening sized to receive the bottom of the leg to support it, where the leg ends would fit inside an opening on the base plate.

A bullet proof screen420, as shown inFIG. 4can be positioned onto the legs of the support system100and moved in a downward position towards the base plate. The screen is sufficiently bullet resistant such that bullets fired will cause the sheet to deform but not penetrate the sheet. A latch on the bottom of the screen421can be connected to the base to keep the screen in a downward and extended position. Then, when the legs are extended through the sleeve, the user can position the screen to secure the bottom portion of the user's body not secured and covered by the shield. The screen420can be attached to the legs by known attachment mechanisms such as a hooks, pins or screws.

The shield can be modified by resting platforms300on the shield, as shown inFIG. 3andFIG. 4.FIG. 3is a perspective of the present invention showing the support system100having one leg200and a resting platform300.FIG. 4is a perspective of the present invention showing the support system100having two legs101,102and resting platforms300. The resting platform300is positioned underneath the window906on the shield. The platform300is secured to the shield on one end by a hinge so that the platform can move in a closed position towards the shield or in an open position in a diagonal direction shown by500. In an open position, the platform will move to extend over the left of right sides of the shield. When opened as shown inFIGS. 3 and 4, the user can rest his weapon on the platform. The platform is a ledge sized to receive and support the weapon.

The user can release the legs and the platform when fatigued, sore or immobile and then collapse the system when the user desires to be mobile. The shield may be raised about 4 to 5 feet and lowered to a desired height.

FIG. 8is a perspective view of the present invention showing a hydraulic system which raises and lowers the legs of the support system. As shown inFIG. 8, in another embodiment, a double acting hydraulic cylinder700extends through sleeve110and contacts the legs701enabling active movement of the so that the leg is extended downward or moved upward to lower or raise the shield and to support the shield attached to the support system at a desired height. Pressurized hydraulic fluid, which is typically oil or air, powers the cylinder700. The hydraulic cylinder consists of a cylinder barrel, in which a piston connected to a piston rod moves up and down. Double acting hydraulic cylinders have two opposite facing piston surfaces that control the operation of the force of the hydraulic liquid. The barrel is closed on one end by the cylinder bottom and the other end by the cylinder head where the piston rod comes out of the cylinder. The piston has sliding rings and seals. The piston divides the inside of the cylinder into two chambers, the bottom chamber and the piston rod side chamber. The piston rod also has mounting attachments to connect the cylinder to the leg701it is moving in an upwards and downwards direction. When pressurized hydraulic fluid enters the system, the leg is moved downward towards the ground surface G. When pressurized fluid is discontinued, the leg retracts upwards.

FIG. 7is a perspective view of the present invention showing a pulley system which raises and lowers the legs of the support system. Actuating lever (A) retracts blunt-nose spring plungers (B) via wire reel (C), wire rope (D), pulleys (E) and adjustable devises (F) permitting main spring (G) to retract upper section. Retracting upper section axially co-locates blunt nose spring plungers (B) with ball-nose spring plungers (H). Releasing lever (A) with upper section retracted causes blunt-nose spring plungers (B) to depress ball-nose plungers (H) permitting lower spring (I) to retract lower section.

FIG. 10illustrates a supported ballistic shield system1000in an extended configuration, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. System1000is illustrated from a point of view behind the shield, as would be seen by a user of system1000when using shield900. Clamp1001removably clamps around bottom side904, and supports the weight of shield900. Clamp1001may be rigidly coupled to sleeve1003, e.g., by use of fasteners or welding. Sleeve1003is a rigid, elongated structure that is vertically situated near a central vertical axis of shield900. Sleeve1003is rigidly coupled to shield900in at least two locations, e.g., as illustrated inFIG. 10. One point of attachment of sleeve1003to shield900is at a point in the upper half of shield900, e.g., at point1007. Preferably, point1007is below window906so as not to obscure a user's view through window906. A second point of attachment of sleeve1003to shield900is through the rigid coupling of sleeve1003to clamp1001. Fasteners1015(e.g., screws, bolts, or the like) may be used to rigidly couple sleeve1003to clamp1001, e.g., by use of screw holes milled fully through clamp1001, and partially or fully through sleeve1003, and fastener length selected in order to not extend significantly into the interior of sleeve1003, so that the intended movement of leg1009within sleeve1003is not significantly impeded.

Ballistic shield system1000further includes an extendable leg1009, illustrated inFIG. 10in an extended position. Leg1009extends vertically below and collinear with sleeve1003. Leg1009may be collapsibly coupled to sleeve1003, such as by concentric telescoping tubes, or telescoping channels of substantially rectangular cross-section, or ball bearing brackets, and so forth. An upper end of leg1009may be partially disposed within sleeve1003even when leg1009is extended. For example, an upper approximately 6 inches of leg1009may remain within sleeve1003in the extended configuration, in order to provide a substantially stiff coupling of leg1009to sleeve1003. Leg1009may include a base1011swivably coupled to a lower end of leg1009, e.g., by a ball-in-socket joint. Base1011may be rotated a full 360 degrees in a plane perpendicular to leg1009. Base1011also may be tilted at a non-perpendicular angle from a major axis of leg1009. Base1011helps to provide stability and to distribute the weight of system1000on a support surface. Leg1009may be reversibly locked in place in the extended position by use of one or more spring-loaded ball bearings that engage with cooperating openings in sleeve1003and/or clamp1001. A reversibly locked position is a position that cannot be dislodged easily by a force encountered in routine usage except when the usage is specifically directed to undoing or unlocking the locked position.

Sleeve1003and/or leg1009may be constructed from a stiff, durable and shatter-resistant material such as machined aluminum, a polyurethane, a phenolic, or the like.

FIG. 10illustrates sleeve1003coupled to a rear major surface of ballistic shield900. One benefit of such a configuration is that ballistic shield900also protects sleeve1003. However, in some embodiments (not illustrated), clamp1001may be turned 180 degrees with respect to shield900such that sleeve1003is coupled to an exposed front major surface of ballistic shield900. This latter configuration may provide more room to a user behind ballistic shield900.

An advantage of a single-leg design such as system1000is that, compared to a multiple-leg design, the single-leg design is lighter and may be easier to extend and to retract. In contrast, a two-leg design may be unstable if one of the legs fails to properly extend or lock in place.

In some embodiments, sleeve1003extends below clamp1001, and may include a collar1013that may interact with a mechanical stop in order to prevent excessive travel of leg1009when leg1009is extended or retracted.

FIG. 11Aillustrates ballistic shield system1100in an extended configuration, without attached shield900, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.FIG. 11Ais illustrated from a similar point of view as the perspective used inFIG. 10.

FIG. 11Billustrates ballistic shield system1100in a retracted configuration, without attached shield900, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.FIG. 11Bis illustrated from an opposite point of view as the perspective used inFIG. 11A, i.e., from a side that faces a dangerous situation. In the retracted configuration, leg1009may be nested within sleeve1003. Leg1009typically would be in a retracted position when shield system1100is not being used actively for protection, e.g., during storage, during transportation, etc.

Leg1009may be maintained in a retracted position by coupling of a spring-loaded ball bearing to a corresponding aperture in sleeve1003, as further described in connection withFIG. 11C, below.

FIG. 11Cillustrates a right-side view of ballistic shield system1100in an extended configuration, without attached shield900, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. In the illustrated perspective and when equipped with a shield, typically a user will be on the left side of system1100, and a dangerous situation will be to the right of system1100. Items marked with a reference number used in an earlier figure have already been described.FIG. 11Cillustrates sleeve1003as including aperture1160and aperture1162. With system1100in an extended configuration, leg1009is held in place by the force of one or more spring-loaded ball bearings, situated within leg1009, which engage with one or more apertures1162, respectively. The diameter of aperture1162is less than the diameter of the ball bearing, so that the ball bearing is pushed only partially into aperture1162. In some embodiments, multiple sets (e.g., three sets) of spring-loaded ball bearings and corresponding apertures1162may be provided in order to support a greater weight of shield900. In some embodiments, multiple apertures1162may be disposed upon more than one side surface of sleeve1003.

Conversely, leg1009may be held in a retracted position by the force of one or more of the spring-loaded ball bearings, situated within leg1009, coupling with aperture1160. Aperture1160also has a diameter less than the diameter of a ball bearing. A different number of ball bearings may be used to hold leg1009in a retracted position compared to holding leg1009in an extended position, at least because a different amount of force is needed. When extended, the spring-loaded ball bearings and corresponding apertures1162need to support the weight of shield900plus sleeve1003and clamp1001. When retracted, the spring-loaded ball bearings and corresponding apertures1160need to retain the weight of leg1009and base1011. The weight of leg1009is much less than the weight of shield900plus sleeve1003plus clamp1001.

In order to reconfigure system1100from the retracted configuration ofFIG. 11Bto the extended configuration ofFIG. 11C, a user may rest base1011on a solid surface (e.g., ground, pavement, etc.), with system1100being oriented generally upright. The user would secure base1011(e.g., by stepping onto base1011with one or both feet) to hold it down, then yanking up on shield900so ball bearings within leg1009disengage with aperture1160, and continue lifting shield900until the ball bearings reversibly lock in place with the one or more apertures1162.

Conversely, in order to move system1100from the extended configuration ofFIG. 11Cto the retracted configuration ofFIG. 11B, a user may provide a jolting force along an axis formed by sleeve1003and leg1009. For example, a user may lift up system1100slightly (e.g., a few inches), then in a generally upright orientation, drop shield1100so that base1011bears the force of system1100impacting the solid surface. The force will be enough to force the spring-loaded ball bearings back into leg1009, thus disengaging the ball bearings from aperture1162, and allowing leg1009to retract into sleeve1003until at least one of the ball bearings engages with aperture1160. If leg1009were to continue retracting past a point at which one of the ball bearings engages with aperture1160, then mechanical stop1010engages with a stopping mechanism such as collar1013in order to stop leg1009from retracting any further. Collar1013may be coupled securely to sleeve1003by usage of fasteners, welding, or the like.

FIG. 12illustrates an embodiment of a clamp1201, and leg1209in a retracted position from a bottom, front and left oblique point of view, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. Clamp1201includes an indentation1202used to receive shield900. Clamp1201differs from clamp1001in that clamp1201includes one or more apertures1203in a side of clamp1201adjacent to sleeve1205. Some embodiments of clamp1201may include a plurality of apertures1203, situated along one or more sides of clamp1201. In an assembled system, aperture1203may be disposed adjacent to a corresponding aperture in sleeve1205. Aperture1203and a corresponding aperture (if provided) in sleeve1205act to receive partially a spring-loaded ball bearing disposed within leg1209.

FIG. 12further illustrates an optional height adjustment screw1211threadedly coupled to a lower end of leg1209. A lower end1213of height adjustment screw1211is coupled to a base such as base1011illustrated inFIG. 11C. Height adjustment screw1211may include a feature (e.g., T-bar1215) to make height adjustment screw1211easily manipulable by hand. Height adjustment screw1211may be used to set a preferred height of shield900when shield900is supported by leg1209in an extended configuration. The preferred height will be set infrequently (e.g., when shield900is first issued to a user), and locking nut1217may be used to keep height adjustment screw1211at the preferred height.

FIG. 12illustrates clamp1201as including multiple sections held together by fasteners such as screws1219,1221. However, other embodiments of clamp1201may be fabricated as a single machined metal part or injection molded part, or of a stiff and shatter-resistant (e.g., non-brittle) plastic such as a polyurethane or a phenolic.

Clamp1201further includes an adjustment mechanism such as adjustment screw1223. One end of adjustment screw1223is relatively user-accessible and may include a feature (e.g., T-bar1225) to make adjustment screw1223easily manipulable by hand. Another, opposite end of adjustment screw1223(not illustrated inFIG. 12) is relatively inaccessible to a user, and may be tightened against shield900(when shield900is installed in indentation1202) by turning T-bar1225. For example, as adjustment screw1223is advanced toward sleeve1205, a portion of adjustment screw1223(e.g., tip1340illustrated inFIGS. 13D-13E) may press against one major surface of shield900(e.g., a front surface) and tending to push an opposite major surface of shield900(e.g., a rear surface) against a surface of clamp1201(e.g., surface1342illustrated inFIGS. 13D-13E). Adjustment screw1223may be tightened until clamp1201is sufficiently tightly coupled to shield900in order to be able to frictionally hold clamp1201and the rest of system1100to shield900when shield900is in use, including when standing, being picked up to move a short distance, being swiveled to face a different direction, and so forth. In some embodiments, the opposite end of adjustment screw1223may be coupled to a swivel head or the like to improve the mechanical robustness of the frictional coupling of adjustment screw1223to shield900. Clamp1201may be affixed to sleeve1205, e.g., by friction, by welding, by use of fasteners such as screws, and so forth.

FIG. 13Aillustrates an embodiment of clamp1201from a top, front and left oblique point of view, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.FIG. 13Aillustrates another view of aperture1203in sidewall1301of clamp1201, and additional apertures1203in sidewall1303of clamp1201.

FIG. 13Billustrates an embodiment of clamp1201from a front point of view, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.FIG. 13Cillustrates an embodiment of clamp1201from a rear point of view, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 13Dillustrates an embodiment of clamp1201from a left point of view, andFIG. 13Eillustrates the embodiment from a right point of view, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.FIGS. 13D-13Eillustrate a tip1340of adjustment screw1223, which when adjustment screw1223is adjusted, would press against shield900(not illustrated inFIGS. 13D-13E) in order to press shield900against surface1342of clamp1201. Some embodiments of clamp1201may include optional clamp apertures1341A-C. Clamp apertures1341A-C, if included, would match with corresponding apertures in sleeve1003in order to keep leg1009in an extended position.

FIG. 14Aillustrates a rear plan view of sleeve1401in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. Sleeve1401is a hollow channel of a generally rectangular cross-sectional shape, however other cross-sectional shapes are usable such as a cylindrical channel or D-shaped channel. Sleeve1401includes a hole (i.e., aperture)1405in a front surface1408(visible inFIG. 14B) of sleeve1401, and a hole1403in a rear surface1406of sleeve1401. Hole1405may be used, together with a screw or bolt or the like, to attach sleeve1401to shield900, e.g., at point1007illustrated inFIG. 10. Hole1403may be used to provide tool access to hole1405as sleeve1401is being attached to shield900. Hole1403may have a different diameter (e.g., a larger diameter) than hole1405.

Sleeve1401may be coupled to a stopper mechanism1440. Stopper mechanism1440may be, for example, an indexing plunger as known in the art. Stopper mechanism1440may include a retractable portion that is controllable by a user, e.g., by hand. Stopper mechanism1440may cooperatively engage with an aperture in leg1501as discussed below in connection withFIGS. 15A-15D. The cooperative engagement may be used to reversibly set, limit, or lock leg1501in a desired position with respect to sleeve1401, and/or to provide a hard stop to movement of leg1501with respect to sleeve1401. For example, the hard stop may be provided in order to prevent leg1501from being overly extended such that leg1501would be completely removed from sleeve1401. Stopper mechanism1440may be coupled to sleeve1401by use of, e.g., a sleeve, a clamp, a fastener, etc.

FIG. 14Billustrates a rear, top and left oblique view of sleeve1401in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.FIG. 14Billustrates left side surface1410, into which is formed an upper aperture1407and a lower aperture1409. Upper aperture1407is formed toward an upper end of sleeve1401, and cooperatively engages with a spring-loaded ball bearing in leg1009in order to keep leg1009in a retracted position. Lower aperture1409is formed toward a lower end of sleeve1401, and cooperatively engages with a spring-loaded ball bearing in leg1009in order to keep leg1009in an extended position. In some embodiments, lower aperture1409is aligned with clamp aperture1341A in clamp1201shown inFIG. 13Dwhen sleeve1401and clamp1201are coupled together.

FIG. 14Cillustrates a rear, top and right oblique view of sleeve1401in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.FIG. 14Cillustrates right side surface1412, into which is formed a pair of lower apertures1411. Lower apertures1411are formed toward a lower end of sleeve1401, and each cooperatively engages with a respective spring-loaded ball bearing in leg1009in order to help keep leg1009in an extended position. In some embodiments, lower apertures1411are aligned with clamp apertures1341B,1341C respectively in clamp1201shown inFIG. 13Ewhen sleeve1401and clamp1201are coupled together. In some embodiments, sleeve1401does not include a pair of apertures1411toward an upper end of surface1412, so that less force is needed to move leg1009from a retracted position, compared to moving leg1009from an extended position.

Other embodiments of a leg, a sleeve and a clamp may include a different number of apertures and spring-loaded ball bearings, or may arrange the apertures on different sides or surfaces of the leg, the sleeve or the clamp, compared to the embodiments illustrated in the figures.

FIG. 15Aillustrates a rear, top and right oblique view of leg1501in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. The cross-sectional shape of leg1501may be matched to fit within sleeve1401illustrated inFIG. 14B.FIG. 15Aillustrates right side surface1510, into which is formed upper apertures1503,1505. Upper apertures1503,1505are formed toward an upper end of leg1501, and within each is disposed a respective spring-loaded ball bearing (not illustrated inFIG. 15A).FIG. 15Afurther illustrates mechanical stop1010protruding from surface1510.

Leg1501further may include an optional aperture1504in a major surface1514of leg1501.FIG. 15Aillustrates major surface1514as a rear surface of leg1501. Aperture1504may extend at least partially into the body of leg1501. In some embodiments, aperture1504may extend completely through leg1501. Aperture1504may be sized, shaped and positioned to engage cooperatively with stopper mechanism1440when leg1501is in a predefined physical position with respect to sleeve1401. In some embodiments, leg1501may include more than one aperture1504in order to engage with stopper mechanism1440at more than one position of leg1501with respect to sleeve1401. For example, leg1501may include one or more apertures1504located near a top end of leg1501, and/or one or more apertures1504located near a bottom end of leg1501. At least some of apertures1504near a top end of leg1501may be used to adjust a height of shield900when leg1501is in an extended position. At least some of apertures1504near a bottom end of leg1501may be used to adjust a height of shield900when leg1501is in a retracted position.

FIG. 15Billustrates a left plan view of leg1501in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.FIG. 15Billustrates left side surface1512, and toward an upper end of which is formed upper aperture1507. Within aperture1507is disposed a spring-loaded ball bearing (not illustrated inFIG. 15B).

Each of the spring-loaded ball bearings in apertures1503,1505,1507cooperatively engages with a respective aperture in sleeve1401in order to keep leg1501in an extended position. For example, the spring-loaded ball bearing in aperture1507cooperatively engages with aperture1409in sleeve1401in order to help keep leg1501in an extended position.

Furthermore, at least one of the spring-loaded ball bearings in apertures1503,1505,1507cooperatively engages with an aperture in sleeve1401in order to keep leg1501in a retracted position. For example, the spring-loaded ball bearing in aperture1507may cooperatively engage with aperture1407in sleeve1401in order keep leg1501in a retracted position.

FIG. 15Cillustrates a close-up oblique view of a lower end of leg1501.

FIG. 15Dillustrates an exploded, cross-sectional view of a portion of leg1501. The contents of each of apertures1503,1505,1507are illustrated as being exploded along respective axes1525. The contents of each of apertures1503,1505,1507includes a respective coil spring1521and a respective ball bearing1523. The diameters of springs1521and ball bearings1523are slightly smaller than the diameters of their respective apertures1503,1505or1507, in order to allow springs1521and ball bearings1523to travel within respective apertures1503,1505or1507. When apertures1503,1505or1507are not aligned with respective apertures in sleeve1401, the respective spring1521will be compressed such that an outward-facing surface of respective ball bearing1523will be substantially flush with surface1510or surface1512.

Each of apertures1503,1505,1507includes an open end toward which respective ball bearing1523faces, and a respective end that is at least partially enclosed and is opposite from the respective open end. Each at least partially enclosed end provides a surface against which respective spring1521may push, in order to push respective ball bearing1523toward the open end of respective apertures1503,1505,1507. The at least partially enclosed end may be, for example, completely enclosed as illustrated inFIG. 15D, or may include an opening smaller than the diameter of respective spring1521, or may be partially enclosed by a bar or other blocking member to prevent respective spring1521from falling out the respective at least partially enclosed end.

FIG. 16illustrates a cross-sectional view of base1011, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. Base1011includes an upper major surface1609, and a ball-in-socket joint comprising a spherical ball1601situated at least partially within spherical socket1603. A portion of an upper surface of ball1601may extend above surface1609in order to increase a range of motion of the ball-in-socket joint. A stem1605may be coupled to ball1601, and stem1605may be coupled to height adjustment screw1211by use of nut1607or the like. In other embodiments, stem1605may be hollow and internally threaded in order to be threaded onto the lower end of height adjustment screw1211. The ball-in-socket joint allows a wide range of motion of base1011, e.g., a 360 degree range of horizontal rotation by base1011, and a predetermined solid angle by height adjustment screw1211around vertical (i.e., around a direction perpendicular to surface1609). In some embodiments, the predetermined solid angle may be at least at least 15 degrees, or at least 30 degrees, or at least 45 degrees.

FIG. 17Aillustrates an optional side rest1700in a substantially unfolded configuration, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. Side rest1700may be used to provide a support for an arm or a weapon (e.g., a rifle or other firearm), along a side of shield900, when shield900is being supported as illustrated inFIG. 10. Side rest1700includes a clamp1701that clamps to a side of shield900, at a location selected by the user. Clamp1701typically will be clamped to shield900at about the user's shoulder-height when shield900is being supported as illustrated inFIG. 10. Side rest1700typically would be clamped to shield900at least on a side corresponding to the user's dominant side, i.e., on the right of shield900for a right-handed user and on the left of shield900for a left-handed user. In some embodiments, separate side rests1700may coupled simultaneously to both the left and right sides of shield900, respectively.

Side rest1700further includes a pivotable arm1703, which pivots around pivot1705. Some embodiments of side rest1700may include a notch-like trough1709, which may be shaped or contoured to match and receive a weapon (e.g., a rifle or other firearm), so that the weapon will be less likely to accidentally slide off the end of pivotable arm1703.

Pivotable arm1703may pivot in order to allow side rest1700to be compacted when it is not needed, e.g., during storage or transportation. To facilitate the pivoting, pivotable arm1703may include a notch1707that facilitates a degree of rotation that might otherwise be obstructed by a portion of clamp1701.

FIG. 17Billustrates optional side rest1700in a substantially folded configuration, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.FIG. 17Cillustrates an embodiment of a side rest1750, in which the axis of pivot1720may be offset toward the rear of side rest1750. An advantage of side rest1750ofFIG. 17Cis that no notch1707may be necessary.

FIG. 18Aillustrates an optional cross-arm1801in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. Optional cross-arm1801may be integrated with ballistic shield system1000. Cross-arm1801provides a structure to help support and to help stabilize shield900when shield900is in use. Cross-arm1801is a horizontally-elongated structure that extends from left side902to right side903of shield900. Cross-arm1801may be substantially contoured to a rear major surface of shield900. For example, if the rear major surface of shield900includes a forward bowing from the perspective of a user behind shield900, then cross-arm1801may include a corresponding forward bowing in a horizontal plane.

A central portion of cross-arm1801may be securely coupled to sleeve1809, e.g., by fastener or by welding. A right lateral end of cross-arm1801may be securely coupled to right side903of shield900by use of a right clamp1803. A left lateral end of cross-arm1801may be securely coupled to left side902of shield900by use of a left clamp1805. Right clamp1803may include a pivotable arm1807, similar to pivotable arm1703. Left clamp1805may also include a similar pivotable arm (not illustrated inFIG. 18A). Usage of left clamp1805, right clamp1803, and the coupling of cross-arm1801to sleeve1809allows for sleeve1809and cross-arm1801to be securely coupled to shield900along an upper end of sleeve1809, without a need to detach and reattach a fastener to shield900, unlike the attachment at point1007as illustrated inFIG. 10.

FIG. 18Billustrates an expanded view of right clamp1803in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. Pivotable arm1807is omitted for clarity. Right clamp1803is clamped to right side903of shield900by enclosing a portion of right side903in channel1824, and tightening removable part1820to main body1821, e.g., by tightening one or more screws1822.

FIG. 18Cillustrates an expanded view of left clamp1805in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. Left clamp1805is clamped to left side902of shield900by enclosing a portion of left side902in channel1844, and tightening removable part1840to main body1841, e.g., by tightening one or more screws1842. In another embodiment (not illustrated), left clamp1805may be a mirror image of right clamp1803.

FIG. 18Dillustrates an expanded view of a junction of cross-arm1801with sleeve1809, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. Sleeve1809includes a front major surface1860, within which an aperture1862is formed near a top vertical portion of surface1860. Aperture1862allows access to a fastening apparatus1864, which attaches cross-arm1801with sleeve1809.FIG. 18Dillustrates fastening apparatus1864as a screw and nut, but other kinds of fastening apparatus1864may be used, such as a welded joint. Fastening apparatus1864does not necessarily attach directly to shield900or to any screws of shield900.

FIG. 19illustrates a plan view of a top clamp assembly1900in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. Assembly1900includes a pair of top clamps1907that are rigidly but removably coupled to top side901of shield900. Top clamps1907each may be similar to clamp1201or1805. Top clamps1907in turn are coupled rigidly to upright arms1905. Upright arms1905may be coupled rigidly to respective lateral ends a horizontal cross-arm1903that runs below window906. Horizontal cross-arm1903may take on a curved shape to conform to a curvature in shield900, similar to cross-arm1801ofFIG. 18A. Horizontal cross-arm1903may couple rigidly to vertical sleeve1901, which is similar to sleeve1003. Assembly1900may include a bottom clamp1911, similar to clamp1001, which couples sleeve1901to shield900. Sleeve1901may be coupled to collar1913, similar to collar1013. Collar1913couples sleeve1901to leg1915. Components of assembly1900further coupled to leg1915are omitted for sake of clarity.

In some embodiments, assembly1900further may include one or more fasteners1909(e.g., bolts or the like) to rigidly couple horizontal cross-arm1903to upright arms1905and/or sleeve1901. In other embodiments, horizontal cross-arm1903, upright arms1905and/or sleeve1901may be coupled by other means, such as by welding or by fabricating the parts from a single piece of material, or some combination of such methods, and so forth.

In operation, assembly1900(and in particular bottom clamp1911) supports the weight of shield900, similarly to the embodiment shown inFIG. 10. Top clamps1907, by gripping top side901, together provide stability when assembly1900is coupled to shield900, such that shield is prevented from falling off assembly1900. In some embodiments, assembly1900is rigidly coupled to shield900only via top clamps1907and bottom clamp1911. In other embodiments, assembly1900may be coupled to shield900at further points, such as via one or more of fasteners1909.