Personal protection shield

A personal protection shield for use with a weapon, such as a firearm, may be used to protect the operator of the weapon. The shield may include one or more ballistic plates and one or more mounting assemblies to mount a ballistic plate to the weapon.

BACKGROUND

The present disclosure relates generally to the field of defensive equipment. The present disclosure relates more specifically to a shield system providing ballistic protection to a user.

Modern warfare has given rise to various attempts to better protect a user from projectiles and other hazards. For example, soldiers, police officers, and other personnel in a combat area may wear body armor. Such body armor may incorporate high strength materials such as Kevlar, steel, or ceramics to absorb the impact of bullets and shrapnel that may wound or even kill the wearer. The level of protection provided by body armor generally depends on the amount of protective material used. For example, the U.S. National Institute of Justice rates body armor based on its ability to stop different types of ammunition. Under this rating system, ratings vary from Type IIA body armor, which is capable of protecting against low-power calibers such as 9 mm Luger rounds, up to Type IV body armor, which is capable of protecting against armor piercing rifle calibers, such as .30-06 Springfield armor piercing rounds.

As the level of protection provided by body armor increases so does the weight of the body armor, since more high strength material is used. In addition, the high strength material used in modern body armor has very little flexibility. As a result, greater protection of a user of body armor comes at the expense of the user's mobility. Thus, a tradeoff is often made in the design of body armor to protect only vital areas of the wearer. For example, the body armor may protect the wearer's torso or groin area, while the wearer's head and limbs are left unprotected to afford greater mobility to the wearer.

Body armor that protects a wearer's torso is only effective when the wearer's torso is exposed to hostile projectiles. For example, a soldier facing enemy fire may have a certain amount of protection while in a standing or kneeling position around his torso. However, his face and limbs may still remain unprotected. In addition, body armor may have minimal to no effect when the wearer is in other body positions, such as when laying in the prone position. The wearer may get into such a position to initiate or return fire (e.g., a sniper may shoot at an enemy target from the prone position). The inventors have discovered that there may be a need for a system that better protects a user when not in an upright position, such as when firing a weapon from the prone position, while still affording the user greater mobility.

SUMMARY

One embodiment of the disclosure relates to a personal protection shield for use with a firearm having a barrel. The personal protection shield includes a ballistic plate and a mount. The mount includes a first portion configured to be attached to the firearm substantially parallel to the barrel and a second portion configured to rotate between a retracted position and an extended position about an axis that is substantially perpendicular to the barrel. A side of the second portion is substantially parallel to the barrel in the retracted position. The ballistic plate is configured to be releasably coupled to the second portion.

Another embodiment relates to a personal protection shield for a firearm having a barrel. The shield is releasably attached to a barrel rail assembly, which includes an aperture configured to receive the barrel of the firearm, wherein the barrel rail assembly further includes opposing first and second barrel rails. The shield further includes a first ballistic plate and a first mount configured to releasably attach to the first barrel rail and configured to releasably couple with the first ballistic plate. The shield further includes a second ballistic plate and a second mount configured to attach to the second barrel rail and configured to releasably couple with the second ballistic plate.

Another embodiment relates to a mount for a personal protection shield for a firearm having a barrel. The mount includes a first portion configured to engage a barrel rail substantially parallel to the barrel of the firearm and configured to attach to the barrel rail by applying compressive force to opposing ends of the barrel rail. The mount includes a second portion configured to rotate between a retracted position and an extended position about an axis that is substantially perpendicular to the barrel, wherein a side of the second portion is substantially parallel to the barrel when in the retracted position, and wherein the second portion includes a plate rail configured to engage a panel rail retainer of a ballistic plate.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

According to various embodiments described herein, a personal protection shield may include one or more ballistic panels, such as those used in body armor, that may be mounted to a weapon or other object to afford protection to the user while in positions such as the prone position. The shield may include two major components, a quick attach and quick detach (QA/QD) weapon mount and one or more QA/QD ballistic panels. The weapon (e.g., a firearm or other object) mount may be attached to or detached from the weapon with or without the ballistic plate or panel at any time, and the ballistic plate can also be attached to or detached from the weapon mount at any time. The ballistic plate may also serve a multi-purpose role as a stand-alone plate insert for a body-worn armor, such as a vest. This allows the weapon to be utilized without the shield when desired (e.g., when the user is upright). This also allows the ballistic plate to serve as both an attachment to the shield system or as a stand-alone insert plate for body armor, allowing the user to prioritize the way the plate is used. For example, when the user is not engaged in a firefight or is upright, the plate may be worn on the body, reducing the amount of weight the user's arms have to support by carrying the weapon. If combat is initiated suddenly, the user may remove the plate from the vest and attach it to the weapon mount to have additional “effective” ballistic protection when engaging an enemy from a prone position. When engagement is over, the panel may be removed and reinserted into the vest, affording the user protection again while upright. Since the plate has multiple uses, it minimizes the amount of additional weight the user has to carry, affording the user greater mobility in the field. If any component of the shield is damaged, it can be quickly replaced in the field due to the QA/QD nature of the components.

The system may provide ballistic protection and enhance user survivability from projectiles, such as bullets and shrapnel. The system may be capable of defeating or protecting against, for example, a Level III U.S. Military designated projectile such as an “M80” or a Level IV U.S. Military designated projectile such as an “M2AP.” The system may be useful in areas where natural or manmade cover is minimal and exposure to incoming projectiles is imminent. In some embodiments, the system may have multi-hit capacity and may allow the user to direct effective fire downrange while being fired upon.

Referring generally to the Figures, a quick-attachable (QA) and quick-detachable (QD) shield is described that may be implemented in a system including the shield and a weapon (e.g., a firearm). The shield as described may be a weapon mounted ballistic shield or plate. In the figures, the shield is shown as a pair of ballistic plates or panels configured to be mounted on either side of the firearm. The mount or shield assembly generally includes the ballistic plate and a weapon mount for mounting the plates to the weapon, the weapon mount including a panel attachment swing-arm body, a flexor arm assembly, slide guides, and position-retention latches to lock the swing-arm body and flexor arm in the expanded position. The mount or shield assembly may also include clamps (top, middle, bottom) and a thumb-turn screw for efficient assembly attachment to a rail assembly. The mount or shield assembly may also include a position retention latch to lock the swing-arm body and flexor arm in the closed position.

Referring now toFIG. 1, a perspective view image of a personal protection shield10being used by a prone user11is shown, according to an exemplary embodiment. As shown, user11may operate a weapon12(e.g., a firearm, a grenade launcher, etc.) to engage an enemy target from a prone position. Attached to weapon12is a personal protection shield10that provides protection to the user11. The shield10may include one or more plates14that provide protection to user11by deflecting projectiles away from user11and are configured to provide cover for user11of the weapon12. The plates14provide cover for the upper torso, neck, and head area of user11from projectiles, which would otherwise be exposed while user11is in the prone position. In various embodiments, the plates14may provide cover to user11while in the prone position as depicted inFIG. 1, or may be configured to provide cover when the user11is in any other position. For example, the user11may rest weapon12on a wall or embankment while the user11is in an upright position. In such a case, the shield10may still protect the head, arms, and shoulders of user11. The plates14may also be mounted in various ways on the weapon12based on the position of the user11and the direction in which the weapon12and shield10is directed. Thus, the plates14may be mounted to provide cover to any part of the body.

The shield10may be mounted on the weapon12such that it does not interfere with operation of the weapon12or obstruct the effective line of sight down-range of user11. Furthermore, the shield10may be snag-resistant due to its shape and smooth edges so the user11does not have issues with the shield10getting caught on something in the field. The shield also may be rapidly expandable and collapsible; when it is not required, it can be in the collapsed position, streamlining the components. The shield10may be configured to be fast and easy to expand.

Referring toFIG. 2, a side view image of the shield10and the weapon12illustrated inFIG. 1is shown, according to an exemplary embodiment. As shown, the shield10assembly may be mounted to a barrel rail assembly13of weapon12. In general, barrel rail assembly13may be fitted to the weapon12to encompass or at least partially surround the barrel of the weapon12. Barrel rail assembly13may be in contact with the barrel of weapon12or may be a “free-floating” rail that only contacts weapon12where the barrel and receiver of weapon12meet. According to various embodiments, the barrel rail assembly13may have one, two, three, four, or any other number of barrel rails that run parallel to the barrel of weapon12. For example, barrel rail assembly13may have four rails that may be used to mount a scope on the top rail, two shield assemblies on the side rails, and a flashlight or bipod on the bottom rail. According to some embodiments, barrel rail assembly13may have opposing barrel rails each for mounting one of plates14on opposing sides of the weapon12. In some embodiments, a shield mount assembly20may engage a barrel rail of barrel rail assembly13and retain one of plates14. In various alternatives, one plate and mount assembly may be used, two plates and two mount assemblies may be used, or three or more plates and mount assemblies may be used as part of the personal protection shield10. For example, a third panel may extend upward from a top surface of the barrel rail assembly13. In other alternatives, plates14may extend at other angles from the rail from the perspective of the user, for example at about forty-five degrees.

Referring generally toFIGS. 3-4, perspective views of the shield10illustrated inFIG. 2used with a debris panel are shown, according to various embodiments. In the examples shown, barrel rail assembly13is mounted to a testing rod that simulates barrel rail assembly13being mounted to weapon12. One of the plates14is attached to the barrel rail assembly13via a shield mount assembly20. The plate14of the shield10is held in place by a mount assembly20including a first portion30configured to releasably attach mount assembly20to a rail of rail assembly13, a second portion32configured to releasably attach plate14to mount assembly20, and a flexor arm assembly26connected to both the first portion30and the second portion32of mount assembly20. The flexor arm assembly26may also incorporate a spring-loaded shock absorption system configured to deflect and absorb energy during impact of the projectiles on the plate14.

In the direction parallel to the barrel rail assembly is also shown a plywood debris panel19inFIGS. 3-4.FIG. 3shows a perspective view of the plywood debris panel19from the top of barrel rail assembly13, whileFIG. 4shows a perspective view from the bottom of the barrel rail assembly13. Debris and damage is shown on the plywood debris panel19off to the side of the armor plate14from actual testing of the deflection capabilities of the shield10. According to an exemplary embodiment, the shield10is configured to drastically reduce trauma sustained by a user during ballistic impact scenarios. When a user is in a prone position, for example, areas that may otherwise be inadequately protected by body armor could be dangerously exposed to incoming projectiles. The disclosed shield10is designed to protect these areas by blocking and/or redirecting projectiles away from the user.

Referring generally toFIGS. 5A-5BandFIG. 6, a portion of the shield10is shown in the extended position, according to exemplary embodiments. In some embodiments, shield10includes left and right mounting assemblies20attached to opposing rails of barrel rail assembly13to protect the left and right side of the user, respectively. As described herein, the left plate is labeled14a, the left mount assembly is labeled20a, the right plate is labeled14b, and the right mount assembly is labeled20b. According to various embodiments, plates14a-14bor mount assemblies20a-20bmay be configured specifically for mounting on the left or right rails of barrel rail assembly13. In such cases, plates14a-14bor mount assemblies20a-20bmay be mirror images of one another. For example, mount assemblies20a-20bmay be mirror images of one another, allowing their respective controls to be positioned upward when in use. Each of plates14a-14bor mount assemblies20a-20bmay also be labeled to allow a user to quickly identify where to place plates14and mount assemblies20with respect to weapon12. For example, mount assembly20amay be labeled “L” to denote that mount assembly20ais to be mounted on the left rail of barrel rail assembly13. In further embodiments, plates14and mount assemblies20may be uniform, allowing them to be mounted on either side of barrel rail assembly13. For example, a mount assembly20may have duplicate controls on opposing sides, allowing a user to always operate the controls from above, regardless of where the mount assembly is mounted on barrel rail assembly13.

InFIGS. 5A-5BandFIG. 6, the back of the left plate14aand portions of the left mount assembly20ais shown, according to an exemplary embodiment. The plates14are shown installed at an angle not perpendicular to the barrel of weapon12. According to an exemplary embodiment, when two plates are deployed on either side of the firearm, the plates provide the user with an effective downrange horizontal ballistic protection cone. In one embodiment, the range of protection may be thirty degrees. As a result, incoming fire originating within the cone can be deflected by the shield system. For example, at a distance of fifty feet, the protection cone is approximately thirty feet wide, and at a distance of one hundred and fifty feet, the protection cone is approximately eighty feet across.

The angle to which any of the plates14flexes out from the weapon may be, for example, about seventy degrees. Incoming fire coming from directly downrange may then impact the plates14at twenty degrees obliquity. Projectiles incoming from the far ends of the protection cone may impact at five degree obliquity with respect to the plates14. This may ensure that the projectiles impacting the shield system do not impact dead-on. This may allow the projectile to deflect off the plates to various degrees, resulting in less energy transfer from the projectile to the shield10. Referring briefly again toFIGS. 3-4, debris and damage is shown as deflected away from the weapon and user as a result of the angled plates14.FIGS. 3-4illustrate a post-impact projectile disintegration pattern, shown in the plywood debris panel19in the background. In one embodiment, the plates14are contoured and shaped to enhance deflection angles for incoming projectiles in addition to the angled offset of the plates14itself with respect to the weapon12.

The combined effect of the aforementioned impact force reduction design features may reduce the force transferred into the user. Further, the plates14and other materials utilized in the shield10can reduce overall weight because there is less force to be dealt with; hence, less material is required for effective load transfer. For example, the mount assemblies20may be formed using aluminum, titanium, a scandium-titanium alloy, or another lightweight material capable of withstanding the transferred force from one of the ballistic plates14. In general, a lightweight mount assembly may allow the mount assemblies20to remain affixed to the barrel rails of the firearm during transport, when the ballistic plates are removed. According to various embodiments, the combined weight of the two mount assemblies on either side of the weapon12may be less than seven pounds, less than five pounds, less than four pounds, less than three pounds, or less than two pounds.

Referring again toFIGS. 5A-5BandFIG. 6, mount assembly20ais shown in the extended position. The first portion30may be releasably attached to a rail of barrel rail assembly13via any number of different release means such that first portion30is substantially parallel to the barrel when attached to barrel rail assembly13. As shown, first portion30may include three components: top and bottom barrel rail retainers33and a primary body99in between barrel rail retainers33. When locked into position on barrel rail assembly13, barrel rail retainers33may apply compressive force to opposing ends of the barrel rail. In some embodiments, the barrel rail retainers33may slidably engage the barrel rail assembly13. According to other embodiments, the barrel rail retainers33may utilize a QA/QD mechanism, allowing the barrel rail retainers33to be attached to a rail of the barrel rail assembly13without sliding mount assembly20aonto the rail. For example, the top portion, bottom portion, or both portions of the barrel rail retainers33may be spring-loaded, allowing the barrel rail retainer33to be directly clamped onto a rail of the barrel rail assembly13. In some embodiments, the barrel rail retainers33may include one or more controls (e.g., knobs, screws, etc.) that can be used to lock or unlock the barrel rail retainers33onto the barrel rail assembly13after being clamped to the barrel rail assembly13. In various embodiments, first portion30may include one or more thumb screws74to regulate the amount of compressive force applied to the rail of barrel rail assembly13. In other embodiments, barrel rail retainers33may be spring loaded such that force applied to the distal end of the barrel rail retainers33away from barrel rail assembly13causes barrel rail retainers33to disengage the rail.

Mount assembly20amay include a second portion32configured to rotate between a retracted position and an extended position about an axis that is substantially perpendicular to the barrel of the weapon to which it is attached. When the second portion32is in a retracted position (e.g., the assembly is in a collapsed position), the side of the second portion32is substantially parallel to the barrel. The ballistic armor plate14amay be configured to be releasably coupled to the second portion32using any of a number of different releasable engaging mechanisms. For example, the releasable engaging mechanism may be configured to allow attachment and detachment of the plate14ato the mount without requiring a tool, without requiring a separate fastener, with the use only of the user's hands, and/or with other configurations or characteristics. In some embodiments, ballistic plate14amay include a locking mechanism as part of the armor plate retainer38that locks the ballistic plate14ainto place on the second portion32of the shield mount. Thus, a user of shield10may remove plate14afrom mount assembly20aand use plate14aas part of the user's body armor (e.g., as a ballistic plate within a protective vest).

While mount assembly20ais being extended, the flexor arm assembly26may slide within the second portion32away from the barrel rail assembly13and be retained by one or more locking mechanisms (e.g., a clip, a bolt, a pin, a latch, a detent mechanism, etc) upon reaching the extended position. For example, the flexor arm assembly26may include one or more clips54configured to releasably engage the second portion32when mount assembly20ais in the extended position. In one embodiment, the clips54may include a “tooth”55(or other end) that mates with grooves59in the second portion32. The clip54and tooth55, when engaged with the corresponding groove59, may lock the flexor arm assembly26assembly in place (e.g., by locking slide guide71in place) when the mount is in an expanded position and the shield10is in use. When the clips54are disengaged, this allows the mount assembly20ato be returned to a collapsed position by sliding slide guide71and flexor arm assembly26. As shown in more detail inFIG. 6, the flexor arm assembly26may also include a shock absorber28. When mount assembly20ais locked in the extended position, the shock absorber28of the flexor arm assembly26absorbs part of the force transferred during impact to the ballistic plate14a.

Referring generally toFIGS. 7-9, perspective views of the mount assembly20bin its collapsed position are shown in greater detail, according to exemplary embodiments. As shown, mount assembly20bin its collapsed mode may be held in position with a spring loaded locking/release arm, according to an exemplary embodiment. Such an apparatus is shown in greater detail in, for example,FIGS. 10A and 28. The mount assembly20bis shown to include a release button40(e.g., a latch) for opening the mount assembly20bfrom its collapsed mode into its extended mode. The release button40may be a quick open or quick close latch that upon operation, opens or closes the mount assembly20b. The hole42may be a quick open or quick close latch engagement hole that upon operation, opens or closes the mount assembly20bor releases the release button40. The release button40is shown on the first portion30of the mount assembly20band the hole42is shown on the second portion32of the mount assembly20; in various other embodiments, the release button40and hole42may be located elsewhere. The mount assembly20bmay generally include a first portion30that is parallel to a barrel rail assembly13when coupled to another object and a second portion32that is coupled to a plate14of the shield10system.

Referring generally toFIG. 10A, the locking mechanism of mount assembly20bis shown in greater detail. The mount assembly20bis shown as expanded after operation of one or both of the release buttons40and the hole42(or another action for expanding the mount assembly20b). As shown, release button40may include, or may be coupled to, latch41configured to engage hole42of the second portion32. Release button40may be spring-actuated such that depressing release button40disengages latch41from hole42, thereby releasing the second portion32from its closed position.

The release button40and one or more clips54may provide the mount assemblies20with quick-open/quick-close capability. For example, the mount assemblies20may include a spring ball plunger on the first portion30that assists the flexor arm assembly26to push the second portion32towards the extended position, when the release button is depressed (e.g., the assembly snaps open). In some embodiments, the second portion32may be automatically brought to the full extended position, e.g., without further force from the user. In other embodiments, the second portion32may arrive at an angle that is less than that of the extended position. In such a case, the user may manually engage the extended position retainer (e.g., one or more clips54connected to the flexor arm assembly26) to the second portion32, to bring the assembly to the fully extended position. The clip54may then lock the assembly in the expanded position.

Referring more specifically toFIG. 9andFIG. 10B, a mount rail29is shown on the side of the first portion30of the mount assembly20b. The mount rail29may be configured to attach to a barrel rail of barrel rail assembly13. The mount rail29is shown with several rail shear blocks27, according to one embodiment. The rail shear blocks27may be configured to fit with the notches and protrusions on the barrel rail of barrel rail assembly13such that the mount rail29is more securely fastened to the barrel rail and in a way that allows for easy attachment or detachment of the mount assembly20bfrom the rail. The rail shear blocks27on the mount rail29may further allow for proper alignment of the mount assembly20band the shield10when in use. Further, the mount rail29may be configured to absorb impact from a ballistic impact on the ballistic plate14battached to mount assembly20b.

Referring further toFIG. 10B, the movement of flexor arm assembly26is described in greater detail. As the mount assembly20bmoves from a collapsed position to an expanded position by moving an end of the first portion30and the second portion32apart, the flexor arm assembly26extends to secure the position of the two portions30,32. In the embodiment shown in the figures, one end of the flexor arm assembly26may slide within the second portion32. The flexor arm assembly26may include slide guides71that may be configured to slide inside of openings within the second portion32. An outside clip54may be connected to the slide guide71with a pin72(hidden). Clip54(described in subsequent figures) may lock the flexor arm assembly26in position when the mount assembly20bis expanded.

Referring generally toFIGS. 11A-17, the extended and closed configurations of the mount assemblies20of shield10are shown in greater detail. The shield10is shown to include two weapon mount assemblies20, although other numbers of weapon mount assemblies20and plates14may be used, such as one, three, four, etc.FIGS. 11A,13,15, and16generally show different perspective views of the shield10with both of mount assemblies20in their extended positions.FIGS. 11B,12,14, and17generally show different perspective views of the shield10with both of mount assemblies20in their closed positions. Greater detail regarding how ballistic plates14are mounted to mount assemblies20and how flexor arms26operate is provided from the views shown inFIGS. 11A-17.

As shown in greater detail inFIG. 15, the second portion32includes a panel rail35, and the ballistic plate14aincludes a plate retainer38. The plate retainer38is configured to slidably engage the panel rail35, allowing a user to slide the ballistic plate14aon or off the shield for assembly or disassembly. When the second portion32is in the retracted position, the ballistic plate14amay be slid onto the panel rail35, creating the configuration as shown inFIGS. 11B,12,14, and17. The second portion32may be extended to a specific angle that is less than approximately (e.g., within two degrees, within five degrees, etc.) perpendicular with the first portion30. For example, the second portion32may form an angle of approximately less than 70 degrees with the first portion30when the second portion32is extended.

The ballistic plate14amay be held in place by a spring loaded locking arm (e.g., armor catch spring36), according to one embodiment. In another embodiment, the ballistic plate14amay include ridges as part of the plate retainer38and held in place by a ratcheting spring loaded locking arm that engages the ridges. The user may slide in the ballistic plate14aonto the panel rails35of mount assembly20a, and the armor catch spring36automatically locks in the plate14a, according to one embodiment. The user may squeeze, press, or otherwise operate the armor catch spring36in order to release the plate14aand slide out the plate14afrom second portion32, according to one embodiment. In some embodiments, the locking mechanism may extend beyond the plate retainer38.

A ballistic plate14may be releasably coupled to a shield mount, according to various embodiments. In some embodiments, the second portion32of a mount may include a panel rail35for mounting the ballistic plate14. The ballistic plate14may also include a plate retainer38that slidably engages the plate rail35. For example, a ballistic plate14may be attached to the mount by sliding the ballistic plate14generally towards the buttstock of the firearm and detached from the mount by sliding the ballistic plate14generally towards the muzzle of the firearm. In this way, a ballistic plate14may be removed from the firearm when not in use and stored as a separate panel or as a plate insert for a body-worn vest. The ballistic plate14further includes an armor backer plate37and armor catch spring36. The backer plate37supports the armor plate retainer38and armor catch spring36. The second portion32includes a catch spring stop block34configured to prevent hyperextension of the armor catch spring36. The backer plate37and its components may also be configured to absorb a ballistic impact.

The mount assemblies20may include flexor arms26coupled to the first portion30and second portion32. The flexor arm assembly26extends when the second portion32is moved to an extended position and retracts when the second portion32is moved towards the first portion30. According to one embodiment, the flexor arm assembly26includes a shock absorber28. Referring back toFIG. 6, the flexor arm assembly26is shown to include a shock absorber28in the form of a spring. The spring absorbs energy when the ballistic plate14is impacted.

The flexor arm assembly26is configured to rotate about an axis substantially perpendicular to the barrel at the coupling of the flexor arm assembly26and first portion30. For example, flexor arm assembly26may be connected to first portion30via a pivot108, shown in greater detail inFIG. 10A. The flexor arm assembly26is further configured to be substantially parallel to the first portion30when the second portion32is in the retracted position (shown, for example, inFIG. 17). In some embodiments, the flexor arm assembly26may slidably engage the second portion32and include an extended position retainer54that attaches to the second portion32. For example, the second portion32may include one or more grooves configured to be engaged by the extended position retainer54. Such grooves are shown in second portion32ofFIG. 22, according to one embodiment. Similarly, the second portion32may include one or more spring plungers (e.g., within one or more of the apertures of second portion32) to facilitate securement of the extended position retainer54to the second member.

The frontal part of a mount assembly20serves as the axis of rotation of the plate attachment second portion32. This allows the second portion32to be collapsed when the shield10is not in use (as shown inFIGS. 7-9) and also allows the shield10to flex outwards about the axis of rotation for deployment.

The aft portion of the weapon mount assembly20serves as the axis of rotation for the shock absorption assembly (e.g., including the flexor arm assembly26). The shock assembly is expandable and collapsible and may be a spring loaded system that has an internal arm (flexor arm66) and internal spring (shock absorber28). The flexor arm assembly26is connected to the axis of rotation. An external sleeve68operates over the internal components (as shown inFIG. 15). The combination of the internal flexor arm66and external sleeve68provide lateral rigidity to the arm when the shield is expanded. The external sleeve68is connected to two guide blocks71that slide inside of openings in the second portion32.

The guide blocks71in the second portion32run lengthwise along the direction of the track that the ballistic plates are held in place with. This design allows the swing arm to rotate while still being connected to the shock assembly. When the shield10is collapsed, the shock assembly is compressed and the guide blocks71shift to the end of the swing arm closest to the swing arm's axis of rotation.

As the shield10is expanded, the second portion32and shock assembly rotate about their respective axes in opposite directions. For example, if the system is installed on the right side of a rail assembly and is being observed from the top point of view, the swing arm would rotate counter-clockwise and the shock assembly would rotate clockwise.

Hence, when completely expanded, the guide blocks71will be at the end of the guide openings furthest away from the axis of rotation of the swing arm and the shock assembly (e.g., internal flexor arm66, external sleeve68, and shock absorber28) will be fully extended. During ballistic impact, the shock assembly will compress and the swing arm and ballistic panel will rotate clockwise about the swing arm's axis of rotation. Shortly after the energy transfer has been completed, the ballistic plate will return to the fully expanded position.

The ability of the guide blocks to slide laterally allows the end user to close the system with minimal force. The user can release the locking arm54and push the guide blocks towards the axis of rotation for the swing arm. The user can push the impact surface of the ballistic plate14inwards; as the guide blocks move closer to the swing arm's axis of rotation, the leverage of pushing on the plate increases and makes collapsing the system easy.

FIG. 15illustrates the second portion32extended from the first portion30. While extended, the second portion32may be rotated about an axis substantially perpendicular to that of the barrel (e.g., via a hinge or similar mechanism). The flexor arm assembly26may utilize a similar mechanism and rotate in the opposite direction as that of the second portion32. For example, the second portion32may be rotated in a clockwise direction, which the flexor arm assembly26is rotated in a counter clockwise direction, or vice-versa for the opposite mount assembly. The flexor arm assembly26may also slide within the second portion32and may be held to a side of the second portion32while the mount is in the extended position. For example, one or more clips (or locking arm)54may be used to maintain the flexor arm assembly26in the extended position. InFIG. 15, the flexor arm assembly26is shown to generally include the internal flexor arm66, external sleeve68, and shock absorber28.

The mount may also include a barrel rail retainer33configured to engage a barrel rail assembly13, as described previously. The mount assembly20may incorporate rail shear blocks27to engage the barrel rail assembly13, as described inFIGS. 9 and 10B. Other forms of mounting mechanisms are also contemplated (e.g., clips, pins, bolts, welding, etc.) to affix a shield mount to the barrel rail. In some embodiments, the barrel rail assembly13and one or more shield mounts may be formed as a single assembly.

FIGS. 18A-18Eare schematic diagrams of plate14aof the shield system as described in the present disclosure. Plate14aincludes plate retainer38configured to retain panel rails35which are locked into position by catch spring36, as shown in greater detail inFIG. 17. In various embodiments, plate14aand plate retainer38may be forged as a single body. In other embodiments, plate14amay be forged as a separate body from plate retainer38, as shown inFIG. 18D. In such cases, plate retainer38may be affixed to plate14avia welding, adhesion, bolts, or the like. For example, an existing ballistic plate, such as the plate shown inFIG. 18D, may be upgraded for use with shield10by affixing plate retainer38onto the plate. Plate14amay also include varying amounts of contouring, as shown inFIGS. 18C and 18E. For example, plate14amay have a substantially flat structure, or plate14amay have contouring along its ends, as shown inFIG. 18D, according to various embodiments.

FIG. 19is a top schematic diagram of the primary body99of mounting assembly20bshown inFIGS. 10A-10B, according to an exemplary embodiment. As shown, primary body99may include one or more shear blocks27configured to engage a rail of a barrel rail assembly. Primary body99may also include an aperture101configured to receive release button40and latch41. Primary body99may further include an aperture103configured to receive a pivot108connected to flexor arm assembly26and an aperture104configured to receive a pivot107coupled to the second portion32. Pivots107,108may be pins or other assemblies configured to pivot about an axis, according to various embodiments.

FIGS.20and21A-21B are schematic diagrams of the top and bottom barrel rail retainers33of a mount assembly, according to exemplary embodiments. The primary body99shown inFIG. 19may be located between the barrel rail retainers33, thereby forming a mount assembly20, according to one embodiment. As shown inFIG. 20, a top barrel rail retainer33ais configured to engage the top of a weapon mounting rail of a barrel rail assembly. Similarly,FIG. 21Ashows a top schematic diagram of bottom barrel rail retainer33bandFIG. 21Bshows a side schematic diagram of bottom barrel rail retainer33b. Barrel rail retainers33a,33binclude apertures105,106, configured to receive thumb screw74respectively. When thumb screw74is installed through apertures105,106of barrel rail retainers33and through aperture102of primary body99, compressive force may be applied by barrel rail retainers33to a barrel rail when thumb screw74is tightened.

FIG. 22is a top schematic diagram of a second portion32of a mount assembly20, according to an exemplary embodiment. As shown, second portion32may include a panel rail35configured to engage a plate retainer38of a ballistic plate14. Second portion32may also include a channel110through which slide guide71may slide (e.g., when the mount assembly20transitions between a closed position and an extended position). Second portion32may include an aperture109which aligns with aperture104of primary body99of the first portion30to receive pivot107. Second portion32may further include hole42with which latch41may engage to hold second portion32together with first portion30while the mount assembly20is in the closed position.

FIGS.23and24A-24B depict components of the flexor arm assembly26, shown in greater detail inFIG. 15.FIG. 23is a top schematic diagram of the internal flexor arm66of flexor arm assembly26.FIG. 24Ais a top schematic diagram of the external flexor arm68of the flexor arm assembly26andFIG. 24Bis a schematic diagram of a spring guide rod67used in the flexor arm assembly26. External flexor arm68includes an aperture116configured to receive portion115of internal flexor arm66. External flexor arm68also includes an aperture117in which spring guide rod67may be affixed. For example, spring guide rod67may be adhered, welded, or screwed into aperture117. A spring (not shown) may be positioned around spring guide rod67such that the spring extends into aperture114of internal flexor arm66. Thus, internal and external flexor arms66,68may receive opposing forces from the spring. This force may offset the force that results from a ballistic impact. The force may also help to actuate the flexor arm assembly26from the closed position (e.g., the position in which portion115of internal flexor arm66is fully inserted into aperture116of external flexor arm68) to the extended position. Internal flexor arm66includes a first aperture112configured to align with aperture103of primary body99and configured to receive pivot108. Similarly, external flexor arm68includes an aperture118configured to receive pivot120of slide guide71, thereby allowing slide guide71to slide within channel110of the second portion32.

FIG. 25is a side schematic diagram of the second portion32shown inFIG. 22. As shown, second portion32includes panel rails35configured to engage plate retainer38of ballistic plate14. In other words, plate retainer38may slide over panel rails35, thereby connecting the ballistic plate14to the second portion32.

FIG. 26A-26Eare schematic diagrams of ballistic plate14b, shown, for example, inFIG. 12. As shown, ballistic plate14bmay be the mirror image of ballistic plate14ashown inFIGS. 18A-18E. In some embodiments, ballistic plates14aand14bmay have symmetric shapes and contouring. In such a case, ballistic plates14aand14bmay be interchangeable. In other embodiments, the shape and contouring of ballistic plates14aand14bmay not be symmetric. For example, one side of plate14amay be more contoured than another (e.g., to cause a projectile to deflect at a greater angle upward than downward). In such a case, ballistic plates14aand14bmay limited for use on only one side of the barrel rail assembly13. For example, the contouring of panel14amay be such that it is configured only for use to protect the left side of the user11, while panel14bmay be contoured such that it is configured only for use to protect the right side of the user11.

FIGS. 27-32Bare various views of a mounting assembly20bin the extended position, according to various embodiments. In general,FIGS. 27-32Bdepict the mirror image of mounting assembly20ashown inFIGS. 5-6. InFIG. 27, the retracted position retention latch41(e.g., attached to the release button40as described above) is shown to the left of the thumb screw74that is used to clamp the mounting assembly20bto the quad-rail (e.g., barrel rail assembly13). InFIG. 28, a small nipple76is also shown to the right of the thumb screws, according to one embodiment. The nipple76may be spring-loaded to put pressure on the system when it is closed, so that when the retracted position latch41is released, the system will pop open with assistance from the shock assembly. As shown inFIG. 29, the ballistic plate14bmay include a locking mechanism as an extension of the plate retainer38. For example, as shown to the right of the second portion32of the mount, the ballistic panel14bmay include a spring-loaded locking mechanism36that locks the ballistic plate14binto place on the mount assembly20b. The locking mechanism36may be depressed, allowing the ballistic plate14to slidably decouple from the mount assembly20b. InFIGS. 30-31, the slide guide71can be seen between the top of the shock sleeve68and underneath the open-position retention clip54.FIGS. 32A-32Bshow a right side of the mount assembly20bin the “impacted” position (e.g., an intermediary position between the fully extended position and the retracted position). This may provide a limit to how far back the system will collapse when a bullet impacts the system while in the extended position.

FIG. 33is an image of flexor arm clips54being disengaged from a second portion32of a mount assembly20b, according to an exemplary embodiment. As described previously, flexor arm assembly26may include a pivot120allowing slide guides71to slide between two locations in a channel of second portion32. During extension of the mount assembly20b, teeth55of clips54may engage grooves59on second portion32, thereby locking mount assembly20binto its extended position. To return the mount assembly20bto its closed position, clips54may be depressed, thereby releasing the flexor arm assembly26from the second portion32.

Referring now toFIGS. 34-35, image depicting the parts of flexor arm assembly26are shown, according to exemplary embodiments. The flexor arm assembly26includes the shock absorber28, external flexor arm68and internal flexor arm66as described previously in the present disclosure. Slide guides71may be placed on either end of the external flexor arm68and held in place by pivot120, according to various embodiments. The two clips54may then be attached to the slide guides71with pins72and retained in the closed position by a spring122that is inserted through pivot120and attached to clips54, as show inFIG. 35. When flexor arm assembly26is assembled, spring122provides force on clips54, thereby causing clips54to clamp together. Depression of clamps54(e.g., as shown inFIG. 33) overcomes the force of spring122, thereby disengaging the clamps54from the second portion32.

Referring now toFIGS. 36-38, images are shown of the components of shield10being carried on the person of user11, according to various embodiments. The modular nature of shield10allows the ballistic plates14and mount assemblies20of shield10to be quickly attached and detached from a weapon. When not in use, user11may wear the components of shield10on his person through the use of pouches or similar mechanisms to transport shield10such that the effect on the mobility of user11is minimized. As shown inFIG. 36, user11may wear a pouch140configured to receive and store one or more of ballistic plates14, when shield10is not in use. Pouch140may provide some level of protection to user11when the one or more ballistic plates14are being stored. InFIG. 37, a pouch142may also be worn by user11to store one or more of mount assemblies20. In one embodiment, pouches140,142may store all of the components of shield10when not in use. InFIG. 38, user11is shown with shield10deployed, thereby protecting portions of user11while aiming weapon12. When user11is done using shield10, he may choose to remove ballistic plates14a,14bfrom their respective mount assemblies20(not shown) and store ballistic plates14in pouch140. Similarly, user11may choose to remove the mount assemblies20from weapon12and store them in pouch142.

According to one exemplary embodiment, the shield of the present disclosure may be fitted to a military standard MIL-DTL-1913 rail system, for example. One panel may be installed on either side of the rail, or on both sides. Other weapon mounts may be utilized for weapons without rails.

The shield and its components may be made of various materials. In some exemplary embodiments, the first portion and the second portion of the mount may be made of aluminum and the ballistic shield may be steel, ceramic, or any other high-strength material.

The shield described in the present disclosure may be configured to have multi-hit capacity. In other words, the shield maintains full functionality, meaning the energy absorbing characteristics of the shield are not diminished with each additional projectile impacting the shield.