Abstract:
A portable ballistic shield is disclosed. The portable ballistic shield is contoured to conform to an individual&#39;s body and may be integrated with a rucksack and frame to provide protection to the user&#39;s back and torso while still allowing the user substantially unobstructed access to all parts of the rucksack. The portable ballistic shield may also provide rigidity for the rucksack, eliminating the need for a rucksack frame. The portable ballistic shield may also comprise a shape allowing for the user to concurrently utilize an assault rifle or other firearm. During times of hostility, the user may deploy the shield from the rucksack in a minimal amount of time in order to protect the user from oncoming gunfire or shrapnel.

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
       [0001]    The present invention relates to personal shields for protection against bullets and projectile fragments. 
       BACKGROUND 
       [0002]    There are many situations where a soldier or law enforcement official may be placed in a dangerous environment. Militia groups, rioters, terrorists, and organized crime members are often well-armed. Therefore, there continues to be a need for improvements in the area of protective armor, in the interest of protecting the lives of soldiers, police, and other law enforcement officials. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0003]    Embodiments of the present invention provide a portable ballistic shield, which is contoured to conform to an individual&#39;s body. The portable ballistic shield may be integrated with a rucksack and frame to provide protection to the user&#39;s back and torso while still allowing the user substantially unobstructed access to all parts of the rucksack. The portable ballistic shield may also provide rigidity for the rucksack, eliminating the need for a rucksack frame, thereby reducing overall weight of a soldier&#39;s pack. The portable ballistic shield may also comprise a shape allowing for the user to concurrently utilize an assault rifle or other firearm. During times of hostility, the user may deploy the shield from the rucksack in a minimal amount of time in order to protect the user from oncoming gunfire or shrapnel. 
         [0004]    The portable ballistic shield has a shape that provides for ease of carrying on a user&#39;s back, either directly, or attached to a rucksack frame. The shape also provides for ambidextrous usage, and allows for supporting a firearm such as an assault rifle or a handgun in the cutaway section of the shield. The shape of the shield also facilitates layering of two ballistic shields to provide additional protection when stronger firepower is encountered. The shield is able to be quickly and easily inserted and removed from the rucksack frame. Because the shield is stored in between the rucksack and the frame, it does not occupy any space within the rucksack, leaving room for other needed supplies. In one embodiment, the shield has a length of about 21 inches, and a width of about 16 inches, to provide protection for a torso-sized area. The portable ballistic shield can be used in a variety of applications, such as road blocks, guard duties, and light armoring of a vehicle. Furthermore, unlike body armor, the use of a ballistic shield provides more body coverage when directed towards an enemy. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0005]    The structure, operation, and advantages of the present invention will become further apparent upon consideration of the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying figures (FIGs.). The figures are intended to be illustrative, not limiting. 
           [0006]    In the drawings accompanying the description that follows, in some cases both reference numerals and legends (labels, text descriptions) may be used to identify elements. If legends are provided, they are intended merely as an aid to the reader, and should not in any way be interpreted as limiting. 
           [0007]      FIG. 1  shows a front view of an embodiment of a portable ballistic shield. 
           [0008]      FIG. 2  shows a perspective view of the embodiment of  FIG. 1   
           [0009]      FIG. 3  shows a top-down view of the embodiment of  FIG. 1   
           [0010]      FIG. 4  shows a detailed view of strap fasteners on an embodiment of a portable ballistic shield. 
           [0011]      FIG. 5  shows a back view of an embodiment of a portable ballistic shield. 
           [0012]      FIGS. 6A and 6B  show a back view of an additional embodiment of a portable ballistic shield. 
           [0013]      FIG. 7  is a top view of a fastener used on an embodiment of a portable ballistic shield. 
           [0014]      FIG. 8  is a side view of a fastener used on an embodiment of a portable ballistic shield. 
           [0015]      FIG. 9  shows a detailed view of a handle used on an embodiment of a portable ballistic shield. 
           [0016]      FIG. 10  shows a detailed view of a handle used on an alternative embodiment of a portable ballistic shield. 
           [0017]      FIG. 11  shows a side view of an embodiment of a portable ballistic shield in use. 
           [0018]      FIG. 12  shows a front view of an embodiment of a portable ballistic shield in use. 
           [0019]      FIG. 13  shows a view of an embodiment of a portable ballistic shield in transport. 
           [0020]      FIG. 14A  shows an exploded view of an embodiment of a portable ballistic shield carried within a rucksack and frame. 
           [0021]      FIG. 14B  shows a side view of an embodiment of a portable ballistic shield carried within a rucksack and frame. 
           [0022]      FIG. 15  shows a side view of an embodiment of a portable ballistic shield that also serves as a rucksack frame. 
           [0023]      FIG. 16  shows an exploded view of an embodiment of two portable ballistic shields carried within a rucksack and frame. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0024]      FIG. 1  shows a front view of an embodiment of a portable ballistic shield  100  in accordance with the present invention. Shield  100  has an inner side that faces a user, and an outer side that faces away from a user.  FIG. 1  shows the outer side of the shield  100 . Shield  100  comprises ballistic panel  101 , which is comprised of a ballistic material that is capable of providing protection against bullets and projectile fragments. The portable ballistic shield  100  may comprise any suitable ballistic material. In one embodiment, the ballistic shield  100  is comprised of DYNEEMA UD, produced by DSM DYNEEMA of the Netherlands. 
         [0025]    Ballistic panel  101  is of a generally rectangular shape with two opposed upper cutaways,  102  and  104 . The cutaways ( 102 ,  104 ) are used to allow a user to peer out from behind the shield, and may also be used to steady a weapon. In one embodiment, cutaways  102  and  104  have a curved profile. 
         [0026]    Ballistic panel  101  may also comprise two opposed lower cutaways  106  and  108 , which serve to increase the portability of the ballistic shield  100 . The ballistic panel  101  is comprised of a single piece of ballistic material that is formed to have a plurality of faces ( 101 A- 101 F) on the front. The faces join each other at angles, and serve to provide additional deflection capabilities. 
         [0027]    For maintaining integrity, it is desirable to avoid making any holes in the ballistic panel  101 . Therefore, in order to attach straps to the ballistic shield  100 , fasteners  700  are affixed to ballistic panel  101 , and serve to secure carry straps to the ballistic panel  101 . A plurality of cutouts ( 110 ,  112 ,  118 , and  120 ) are formed in the ballistic panel  101 , to accommodate straps used for carrying and maneuvering the ballistic shield  100 . Cutouts  114  and  116  are used to receive straps from a rucksack, which secure the ballistic shield  100  to a rucksack during transport. 
         [0028]      FIG. 2  shows a perspective view of the ballistic shield  100 . Faces  101 A,  101 B,  101 D, and  101 F are visible in this view. The upper portion of the ballistic shield (faces  101 C,  101 A, and  101 D) meets the lower portion of the ballistic shield (faces  101 D,  101 B, and  101 F) at an angle A. In one embodiment, angle A ranges from about 150 degrees to about 175 degrees. 
         [0029]      FIG. 3  shows a top-down view of the ballistic shield  100 , where the arrow F is pointing to the front of the ballistic shield  100 . In this view, the slight curve of the ballistic shield  100  is visible. The curved shape aids in deflecting projectiles. 
         [0030]      FIG. 4  shows a detailed view of strap fasteners on an embodiment of a portable ballistic shield. In this detailed view of ballistic panel  101 , cutouts  114  and  118  are visible. Cutout  118  is used to guide the position of a carry strap. Strap brace  402  is affixed at an intermediate position in the cutout  114 , thereby creating an opening  412  adapted to receive a strap of a rucksack. During transport, a user places the straps of a rucksack through these openings to secure the ballistic shield to the rucksack. A similar strap brace is used within cutout  116  (see  FIG. 1 ) on the other side of ballistic shield  100 . These openings provide a means for securing ballistic panel  101  with straps of a rucksack. In one embodiment, the strap brace  402  is comprised of a lightweight metal such as titanium or aluminum, and held in place via a strong adhesive, such as a quick-setting epoxy. A lightweight composite material may also be used for strap brace  402 . 
         [0031]      FIG. 5  shows a back view of an embodiment of portable ballistic shield  100 .  FIG. 5  shows the inner side of the shield  100 . In this view, X-shaped cushion  502  is visible. The portable ballistic shield  100  also comprises handles  504  and  506 , and arm straps  510  and  512 . Handle  504  is mounted in the upper left region of the ballistic shield. Handle  506  is mounted in the upper right region of the ballistic shield. Arm strap  510  is mounted in the lower left region of the ballistic shield. Arm strap  512  is mounted in the lower right region of the ballistic shield. The arm straps are preferably mounted at an angle H with respect to vertical. In one embodiment, angle H ranges from about 20 degrees to about 50 degrees. Handles  504  and  506  may be mounted in a substantially vertical orientation. Alternatively, the handles ( 504 ,  506 ) and arm straps ( 510 ,  512 ) may be mounted to ballistic panel  101  via swivel fasteners to allow a range of angular motion during use. Arm straps ( 510 ,  512 ) and handles ( 504 ,  506 ) may be adjusted via buckle  508  (for clarity, only one buckle is labeled in  FIG. 5 ). This arrangement provides for ambidextrous usage. In the case of a user who shoots a weapon right-handed, the user would preferably place his left arm through arm strap  510 , and grip handle  506  with his left hand. The user then can tighten handle  504  to a desired snugness. In the case of a user who shoots a weapon left-handed, the user would preferably place his right arm through arm strap  512 , and grip handle  504  with his right hand. In one embodiment, cushion  502  is shaped in a “X” pattern to accommodate both left-hand and right-hand usage, and serves to help absorb shock from a projectile striking the front of ballistic shield  100 . It is also possible to have a cushion that covers a larger area, which may be generally square or rectangular, instead of, or in addition to, the X-shaped cushion. 
         [0032]      FIGS. 6A and 6B  show a back view of an additional embodiment of a portable ballistic shield  600 . Ballistic shield  600  is similar to ballistic shield  100 , with the addition of upper carry straps  602  and  605 , which are fastened together by buckle  604 , and the addition of lower carry straps  606  and  609 , which are fastened together by buckle  608 . In  FIG. 6A , these straps are shown in a storage position. However, as shown in  FIG. 6B , the buckles  604  and  608  are mated such that the carry straps may be configured in a “cross-strap” configuration, where upper carry strap  602  is fastened to lower carry strap  609 , and upper carry strap  605  is fastened to lower carry strap  606 . The cross-strap configuration is useful for transporting the ballistic shield  600  on the back of a user. Note that in  FIG. 6B , the cushion and handles are not illustrated for the sake of clarity. 
         [0033]      FIGS. 7 and 8  are views of a swivel fastener  700  used on an embodiment of a portable ballistic shield. Fastener  700  comprises a base  701 , and a peg  702 , which is located generally in the midpoint of base  701 .  FIG. 7  shows a top view of fastener  700 , and  FIG. 8  shows a side view of fastener  700 . Straps mounted with swivel fastener  700  are able to pivot to provide a range of angular motion. 
         [0034]      FIG. 9  shows a detailed view of handle  504 . Fastener  700  is affixed to ballistic panel  101 . In one embodiment, fastener  700  is affixed to ballistic panel  101  with epoxy, or other suitable adhesive. A portion of cushion  502  is shown, which is attached to peg  702  of fastener  700 . Peg  702  traverses handle  504  to secure it in place, while also allowing some movement of handle  504  for comfort. An adjustment mechanism, such as buckle (or other suitable adjustment means)  508  is used to adjust the handle for the appropriate size to accommodate the hand of the user. In one embodiment, the user pulls tab  507  to tighten the handles and arm straps to the desired snugness. Arm straps (see  510  and  512  of  FIG. 5 ) are secured to ballistic panel  101  in a similar manner. 
         [0035]      FIG. 10  shows a detailed view of a handle used on an alternative embodiment of a portable ballistic shield. This embodiment is similar to that described in  FIG. 9 , with the exception of ballistic panel  1001 , which is comprised of guide ridges  1002  and  1004 , which serve to properly position fastener  700 . Guide ridges  1002  and  1004  may be formed during the manufacture of the ballistic panel  1001  by pressing. 
         [0036]      FIG. 11  shows a side view of an embodiment of a portable ballistic shield  100  in use. A user  1102 , which may typically be a soldier or law enforcement agent, holds his firearm  1104  with his shooting hand (in this illustration, his right hand). The left hand is used to position the ballistic shield as to protect the body of the user  1102  from incoming projectiles. The left arm of user  1102  goes through arm strap  510  ( FIG. 5 ) and the left hand holds handle  506 . This technique provides the user with a stable firing position, while still maintaining protection from the ballistic shield  100 . 
         [0037]      FIG. 12  shows a front view of an embodiment of a portable ballistic shield  100  in use. The firearm  1104  is supported by the ballistic shield, resting on cutaway  102 . A curved profile of cutaway  102  is well-suited to receive the round barrel of firearm  1104 . The shape of ballistic shield  100  allows for a small gap between the bottom of helmet  1103 , and the top of the ballistic shield  100 . The small gap is useful for providing protection for the user, while still allowing the user to identify an enemy target, and operate the firearm  1104 . 
         [0038]      FIG. 13  shows a view of an embodiment of a portable ballistic shield  600  in transport. In this case, the user  1102  is wearing the ballistic shield  600  in a “cross-strap” configuration (see  FIG. 6B ). In this case, upper carry strap  602  is fastened to lower carry strap  608 , and upper carry strap  605  is fastened to lower carry strap  606 . The carry straps are fastened in the front (chest area) of user  1102 , and the ballistic shield  600  is held in place on the user&#39;s back. This configuration is useful for a light patrol, where the user is not carrying a rucksack. The user  1102  can quickly remove the ballistic shield  600  from his back (by unhooking buckles  604  and  608  (see  FIG. 6 )) and get in a ready position, such as that shown in  FIG. 12 . While not in use, the ballistic shield  600  continues to provide protection on the user&#39;s back from enemy fire coming from behind. This configuration is also well suited to a “fast rope” operation, where a soldier is quickly scaling down a rope suspended from a helicopter, with the ballistic shield  600  worn in a cross-strap configuration, to keep the hands free for scaling down the rope. 
         [0039]      FIG. 14A  shows an exploded view of a kit using an embodiment of a portable ballistic shield  100  carried between a rucksack  1406  and frame  1404 . A back pad  1402  mounts to frame  1404  to provide comfort and support for the wearer. The rucksack  1406  has lower straps  1408  and  1410  that may be used to secure ballistic shield  100  to frame  1404 . The rucksack straps ( 1408 ,  1410 ) may traverse the openings (see  412  of  FIG. 4 ) formed by cutouts  114  and  116  (see  FIG. 1 ) and be secured to the frame, thereby holding the ballistic shield  100  securely in place between the frame  104  and rucksack  1406 . The rucksack  1406  may have a top flap  1407  having an opening  1412  which the top of ballistic shield  100  may traverse, serving to secure the ballistic shield  100  at the top of rucksack  1406 , while the straps  1408  and  1410  secure the ballistic shield  100  at the bottom of the rucksack. Shoulder straps  1414  are attached to rucksack  1406  to facilitate convenient carrying on a user&#39;s back. 
         [0040]      FIG. 14B  shows a side view of the embodiment of  FIG. 14A  with each element shown closer together, as is the case during transport. The portable ballistic shield  100  is carried between a rucksack  1406  and frame  1404 . The back pad  1402  mounts to frame  1404  to provide comfort and support for the wearer. For the purpose of clearly showing other elements, the shoulder straps  1414  are not shown in this figure. This configuration is convenient for transporting a portable ballistic shield by a user on foot, such as a soldier. 
         [0041]      FIG. 15  shows a side view of an embodiment in which the ballistic shield  100  serves as the rucksack frame. Since ballistic shield  100  is rigid, it can serve as a rucksack frame, thereby eliminating the need for a separate rucksack frame (compare with  1404  of  FIG. 14B ). 
         [0042]    Rucksack  1506  is similar to rucksack  1406  of  FIG. 14B , except that the straps ( 1508 ) of rucksack  1506  are configured to secure back pad  1502 , to provide comfort to the wearer. In this way, the bulkiness and weight of the frame ( 1404  of  FIG. 14B ) is eliminated, provided for a lighter pack, which enables a soldier to travel faster and or longer. For the purpose of clearly showing other elements, the shoulder straps  1414  are not shown in this figure. 
         [0043]      FIG. 16  shows an exploded view of an embodiment of a kit with a second portable ballistic shield  600 A disposed between the first portable ballistic  600 B shield and the rucksack frame  1404 . This figure is similar to  FIG. 14A , except that two ballistic shields ( 600 A and  600 B) are used, as compared with the single ballistic shield shown in  FIG. 14A . These shields are similar to that of shield  600  shown in  FIG. 6A . 
         [0044]    The unique shape of the portable ballistic shield allows for layering two ballistic shields to provide additional protection, while only minimally increasing the amount of space required. In this configuration, additional protection is provided by having two ballistic shields instead of one. When using the two shields in a defensive position such as that shown in  FIG. 12 , the two shields may be secured together via the carry straps ( 602 ,  605 ,  606 , and  609  of  FIG. 6 ), in which case, the carry straps of the outer shield are secured around the inner shield (the shield that is closer to the user). This configuration provides additional ballistic protection by the layering of two ballistic shields. 
         [0045]    Embodiments of the present invention provide a portable ballistic shield has improved portability and maneuvering capabilities. It allows a user to fire a firearm while still getting the protection benefit of the shield. The portable ballistic shield can provide protection to soldiers or law enforcement officials at risk of enemy gunfire. 
         [0046]    Although the description above contains many specific details, these should not be construed as limiting the scope of the invention, but merely as providing illustrations of some of the presently preferred embodiments of the present invention. The present invention may have various other embodiments. Furthermore, while the form of the invention herein shown and described constitutes a preferred embodiment of the invention, it is not intended to illustrate all possible forms thereof. It will also be understood that the words used are words of description rather than limitation, and that various changes may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention disclosed. Thus, the scope of the invention should be determined by the appended claims and their legal equivalents, rather than solely by the examples given.