Abstract:
A multi-purpose armored vehicle is configured for a wide range of purposes by military and police units and in both defensive and offensive postures. A protective canopy covers an entrance to a cockpit capable of accommodating at least one person. The vehicle is sufficiently narrow to enable it to pass through conventional gates and also doorways to, and within buildings. A pair of armor-plated shields are pivotally engaged, and selectively positionable, with the sides of the vehicle, allowing shelter to personnel traveling alongside the vehicle. An extensible boom may be fitted with a wide range of hardware including weapons and communications equipment for dealing with situations involving criminals, terrorists, etc. The shields, boom movement and extension, and hardware are all controllable from the cockpit.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     Not applicable. 
     STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT 
     Not applicable. 
     THE NAMES OF THE PARTIES TO A JOINT RESEARCH AGREEMENT 
     Not applicable. 
     INCORPORATION-BY-REFERENCE OF MATERIAL SUBMITTED ON A COMPACT DISC 
     Not applicable. 
     REFERENCE TO A “MICROFICHE APPENDIX” 
     Not applicable. 
     SEQUENCE LISTING 
     Not applicable. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     1. Field of the Present Disclosure 
     This disclosure relates generally to armored vehicles and, more particularly, to a small, compact, highly maneuverable, multi-purpose armored vehicle configured to be used for security purposes such as patrols, alarm responses, protection of police personnel in critical transactions in hostage situations, and support bomb threat situations. 
     2. Description of Related Art Including Information Disclosed Under 37 CFR 1.97 and 1.98 
     Cunningham, US 2005/0230163, discloses a motorized vehicle that includes a vehicle body having a rigid frame in a shape of a tractor; and a plurality of audio and visual devices disposed on the vehicle body, including a camera. The vehicle can be remote-controlled, and the vehicle body may be armored and may include a weapon system. The camera may be one of a motion, thermal, digital, and near infrared camera, and may be retractable into a housing. In another embodiment, the motorized vehicle, which may be remote-controlled, includes a vehicle body having a rigid frame in a rectangular shape with sloped sides; at least one storage unit accessed by doors, disposed within the vehicle body; and a camera disposed on the vehicle body. 
     Bruner et al., US 2006/0237239, discloses a powered personal utility vehicle having a quick-change body configuration with a mating tray assembling and a universal chassis is disclosed. The upper level of the mating tray houses electronics while the lower level engages with the universal chassis to form the personal utility vehicle. Reconfigurations are simplified with plug and play design electronics. Vehicle traction is increased through a specialized track and drive wheel design that improves contact between the surfaces allowing operation in multiple environments. The two-piece wheel design allows assembly of the inflatable drive molded balloon tire. Adjustment of inflation levels of the balloon tires controls track tension. Control is either manually programmed into the on-board central processing unit, or via carrier signals. Semi and fully autonomous operation is disclosed. Advanced operator interaction functions using two-way real time video and audio are disclosed along with LED and GPS systems. The invention as disclosed is configurable for a range of uses, load capacities and sizes. 
     Knox, U.S. Pat. No. 1,696,439, discloses a tank including a body, front and rear supporting wheels, endless tracks encircling the wheels, a motor within the body and positioned at its approximate longitudinal center, a planetary transmission directly in front of the motor for communicating power to the front wheels, a seat for the operator directly in rear of the motor and on the floor of the body, a plurality of foot controls on both sides of the motor, a cover hinged to the rear wall of the body, said cover and body formed to provide a streamline gun compartment, and an element of a gun-mount carried by the body and cover. 
     Delisle et al., U.S. D222,859, discloses a design for a tank-like vehicle body. 
     Wait, U.S. Pat. No. 4,192,216, discloses a small, low cost, very maneuverable, self-propelled, one-man armored vehicle makes use of a commercially available chassis and is especially adapted to be used for security purposes. The vehicle is provided with non-steerable wheels, all of which are driven, and controllably so on opposite sides for steering purposes. 
     Monte et al., U.S. Pat. No. 4,226,292, discloses a track-laying, remotely controlled, miniature target vehicle is shown, bearing an expendable shell which resembles a military tank. 
     Four grooved pulleys on each side carry two V-belts as tracks, one wheel being electric motor-driven. The two reversible electric motors, one for each side, run and are controlled independently of each other by means of speed control units receiving signals from an on-board radio receiver. A transmitter remote from the simulated battlefield is under the control of a tank commander who puts the tank through realistic maneuvers. More remote visual control is provided by an auxiliary control device electrically connected to the transmitter and which is co-operable with an optical instrument, being attached for example to the two telescopes of optical binoculars by quick-releasable straps. 
     Iwamoto et al., U.S. Pat. No. 4,483,407, discloses a vehicle having a pair of endless tracks each extending around a series of wheels arranged in a plane adjacent to one side of the vehicle body. One of the series of wheels on each side of the vehicle body is movable relative to the vehicle body to a selected position to vary the configuration of the endless track in side view so that the vehicle is given a superior running performance and is freely movable along paths having various obstacles. 
     Merritt, U.S. Pat. No. 5,431,240, discloses a small, maneuverable, self-propelled tracked vehicle equipped with a boom having a tool attached to an extendable section of the boom. The vehicle is small and light enough to enter and be used in places, such as residential yards, in which traditional vehicles with buckets and digging tools, because of their size and weight, cannot be used. A three-stage gear pump powers the tracks and the boom on the bucket or digger. The vehicle has four outriggers to stabilize the vehicle during use, the outriggers arranged substantially perpendicular to each other and at angles of approximately forty-five degrees from the longitudinal axis of the vehicle. 
     Morris, U.S. D492,621, discloses a design for an armored assault vehicle. 
     Overlach et al., U.S. Pat. No. 6,899,189, discloses a protective firefighting vehicle comprising a chassis conceived for heavy loads, a driving gear for rough terrain and a tank mounted on the chassis for receiving liquids such as water or fire-extinguishing agents or the like. The tank is divided in at least two chambers via at least one bulkhead-like partition. Provision is made in this connection that at least one of the chambers of the tank can be sealed off in a liquid-tight manner against at least one other chamber of the tank in order to permit the transport of persons in the at least one sealable chamber. 
     The related art described above discloses compact armored vehicles providing such utilities as armored plating, a plurality of audio and visual devices, a telescopic boom, retractable stabilization legs, remote-control capabilities, and the ability to climb relatively steep inclines. However, the prior art fails to disclose such a vehicle that also provides a plurality of connectors configured for allowing multiple devices to be connected and controlled within the cockpit of the vehicle. In addition, the prior art fails to disclose such a vehicle providing additional connectors at the end of the telescopic boom for connecting devices such as, for example, a video camera, microphone, and speaker in order to simulate face-to-face communications between the driver of the vehicle and a person in proximity to the end of the telescopic boom. In addition, the prior art fails to disclose such a vehicle that that provides at least one horizontally pivotable armored shield positioned and configured for protecting individuals walking alongside the vehicle. The present disclosure distinguishes over the prior art providing heretofore unknown advantages as described in the following summary. 
     BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     This disclosure teaches certain benefits in construction and use which give rise to the objectives described below. 
     Police, and similar enforcement officials, have limited options when in a standoff with criminals. Often hostages are involved so that police are reluctant to rush the criminals or use measures that might harm the hostages. The police also do not wish to be harmed. The present invention provides a solution to this by providing a multi-purpose armored vehicle configured to be used for security purposes such as patrols, alarm responses, protection of critical transactions, hostage situations, and bomb threat support. The vehicle is armor-plated and provides a bullet- and explosion-proof glass canopy which covers an entrance to an air-tight operator&#39;s compartment capable of accommodating one or two people. In addition, the vehicle is sufficiently compact so as to enable clearance and passage through standard gates, doorways, and living areas. Thus, a police officer can approach a suspect or criminal in the vehicle and initiate a safe face-to-face discussion using a microphone and speaker built into the vehicle. This is psychologically superior to simply speaking to the suspect by phone. 
     A pair of armor-plated shields are pivotally engaged, and selectively positionable, with the sides of the vehicle, allowing a plurality of individuals to travel alongside the vehicle behind the shields while approaching a potentially dangerous situation, thereby substantially increasing the safety of the individuals on approach. 
     An extensible boom is engaged with the vehicle. A terminal end of the boom provides a plurality of connectors adapted for removably engaging electric and hydraulic devices. The boom, as well as the devices engaged with the connectors, are configured for being controlled from within the safety of the operator&#39;s compartment. A pair of audio-visual devices, including a video monitor, camera, microphone, and speaker, may be engaged with connectors within the operator&#39;s compartment and on the boom respectively. This allows for simulated face-to-face communications between the operator within the operator&#39;s compartment and a suspect in proximity to the terminal end of the boom, while the vehicle is positioned out of harm&#39;s way, which is also psychologically superior to simply speaking to the suspect by phone. 
     A wide range of electric and hydraulic devices may be removably engaged with the connectors of the vehicle. Hydraulic arms may be engaged with the boom, allowing an operator of the vehicle to approach and disarm bombs or handle radioactive materials. Water jets, pepper spray, loud speakers, munitions, and other lethal and non-lethal weapons may also be engaged with the boom, allowing an operator of the vehicle to subdue a suspect or suppress a large crowd of rioters. These are merely examples of the various devices that may be engaged with the present invention in order to accomplish an array of tasks while simultaneously decreasing the risk of death or bodily harm for all parties involved. 
     A primary objective inherent in the above described apparatus and method of use is to provide advantages not taught by the prior art. 
     Another objective is to provide a multi-purpose armored vehicle apparatus that is sufficiently compact so as to enable clearance and passage through standard gates, doorways, and living areas. 
     A further objective is to provide such an apparatus that is capable of traversing over relatively steep inclines. 
     A still further objective is to provide such an apparatus that provides an air-tight cockpit to protect the vehicle&#39;s occupants from contaminated air outside the vehicle. 
     A still further objective is to provide such an apparatus that provides a plurality of connectors within the operator&#39;s compartment that are configured to enable multiple devices to be connected and controlled from within the cockpit. 
     A still further objective is to provide such an apparatus that has a telescoping boom which provides additional connectors at the end of the boom for connecting devices. 
     A still further objective is to provide such an apparatus that provides at least one selectively pivotable armored shield positioned and configured for protecting individuals walking alongside the vehicle. 
     A still further objective is to provide such an apparatus that is capable of being remotely controlled. 
     A still further objective is to provide such an apparatus that is constructed in such a way and with such materials as to provide for less than a 3-pound-per-square-inch weight burden on the supporting structure upon which the vehicle may traverse. 
     Other features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following more detailed description, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, which illustrate, by way of example, the principles of the presently described apparatus and method of its use. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWING(S) 
       Illustrated in the accompanying drawing(s) is at least one of the best mode embodiments of the present invention In such drawing(s): 
         FIGS. 1 and 2  are respectively side elevational view and top plan view of the presently described invention; and 
         FIG. 3  is a schematic diagram showing the interrelationship of the major components of the invention. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     The above described drawing figures illustrate the described apparatus and its method of use in at least one of its preferred, best mode embodiment, which is further defined in detail in the following description. Those having ordinary skill in the art may be able to make alterations and modifications to what is described herein without departing from its spirit and scope. Therefore, it must be understood that what is illustrated is set forth only for the purposes of example and that it should not be taken as a limitation in the scope of the present apparatus and method of use. 
     Described now in detail is a multi-purpose vehicle apparatus. As shown in  FIGS. 1 and 2 , the apparatus comprises a vehicle  2  having a body  4  which defines a front aspect  10 , opposing medial side aspects  12 , a distal rear aspect  16 , and a top aspect  14 . In addition, the body encloses an operator&#39;s compartment  4 A, having an entrance proximal to the top aspect  14 . The body  4  is armor plated and, preferably, meets Level IV ballistic armor requirements. This is achieved, in one embodiment, by use of heat treated  4130  carbon steel. However, other armor plating materials may be substituted. In addition, as shown best in  FIG. 1 , the front aspect  10  of the body  4  and the canopy  6  are configured to present rearwardly angled surfaces to moving objects projected toward the vehicle  2 . 
     Preferably the vehicle  2  has a width of approximately 31 inches, enabling the present invention to clear and pass through standard gates, doorways, and living areas. In addition, the vehicle  2  is preferably constructed in such a way and with such materials as to provide for less than a three-pound-per-square-inch weight burden on the supporting structure or terrain upon which the vehicle  2  may traverse. This is accomplished by using high strength, light weight composites known to persons of ordinary skill in the art. Being both compact and relatively lightweight allows the present invention to enter many types of structures with ease and without damaging the structures in any way. The vehicle is capable of climbing standard staircases and of operating in upper floors of conventional building structures. 
     As shown in  FIGS. 1 and 2 , a canopy  6  is engaged with the body  4  and positioned for covering the entrance to the operator&#39;s compartment  4 A. In the preferred embodiment, the canopy  6  is pivotally engaged with the front aspect  10  of the body  4 . However, other means of engaging the canopy  6  with the body  4  may be substituted. Preferably, the canopy  6  is made of transparent, bullet-proof and explosion-proof glass; such is well known in the present field of the invention. In addition, the canopy  6  preferably forms an air-tight seal with the body  4 , thus creating a safe environment within the operator&#39;s compartment  4 A and preventing the possibility of contaminated air reaching an operator of the vehicle  2 . Preferably, the present invention has an air-scrubbing system as well as a reserve air supply (not shown) to provide the operator&#39;s compartment  4 A with clean air and positive air pressure in the event of a seal breach between the canopy  6  and the body  4 . Such air-scrubbing systems are well known in the art. 
     As shown in  FIGS. 1 and 2 , a drive system, including a pair of endless tracks  8 , is positioned proximal to the side aspects  12  and engaged with the body  4  for support and movement of the vehicle  2 . Each one of the tracks  8  extend around a series of wheels (not shown) arranged in a plane adjacent to the corresponding side aspect  12 . This enables the vehicle  2  to rotate within its own length and traverse across inclined surfaces. Each series of wheels is adapted to be driven by a motor (not shown), such as a combustion engine, electric motor, or any other means suitable for driving the wheels known to persons of ordinary skill. 
     As shown in  FIG. 2 , a pair of shields  18  are exteriorly engaged with the opposing side aspects  12  of the body  4 . Each one of the shields  18  is pivotally engaged with, and selectively positionable with respect to, the body  4 . In other words, each one of the shields  18  is capable of pivoting between a first position adjacent to the side aspect  12  of the body  4  and a second position distal from the side aspect  12 , thereby forming an included angle A between the shield  18  and the corresponding side aspect  12 . The angle A may be selectively set anywhere between 0 degrees and 180 degrees. In one embodiment, positioning of the shields  18  is accomplished by hydraulic cylinders  22  engaged between each one of the shields  18  and the corresponding side  12  of the body  4 . In another embodiment, the shields  18  are manually positionable. It should be noted that other means for selectively positioning the shields  18  may be substituted. Preferably each one of the shields  18  is armor plated, similar to the body  4  as discussed above. This allows a plurality of individuals to travel alongside the vehicle  2  behind the shields  18  while approaching a potentially dangerous situation, thereby substantially increasing the safety of the individuals on approach. 
     As shown in  FIGS. 1 and 2 , the operator&#39;s compartment  4 A preferably provides: an operator&#39;s seat  24 A, a set of vehicle controls  26 , and a plurality of first connectors  48 A ( FIG. 3 ) for removably engaging a plurality of devices  28 . In one embodiment, shown in  FIG. 1 , the operator&#39;s compartment  4 A is configured to accommodate a single person. In an alternate embodiment, shown in  FIG. 2 , the operator&#39;s compartment  4 A is configured to accommodate two persons, wherein a passenger&#39;s seat  24 B is positioned within the operator&#39;s compartment  4 A directly behind the operator&#39;s seat  24 A; thus, this two-person embodiment is the same width as the single-person embodiment. The vehicle controls  26  enable the operator to accelerate, decelerate, and steer the vehicle  2 . It should be noted that, in an alternate embodiment, the present invention is capable of being controlled remotely using means known to persons of ordinary skill in the art. In addition, the vehicle controls  26  enable the operator to control various accessory components, such as the canopy  6 , the shields  18 , a boom  30  (discussed below), a pair of stabilization legs  40  (discussed below), as well any other devices  28  that may be engaged with the plurality of first connectors  48 A. The first connectors  48 A are adapted for removably engaging electric and hydraulic devices  28  such as a computer, various tools, and other equipment capable of being driven by electric or hydraulic power. 
     As shown in  FIG. 3 , each one of the first connectors  48 A is interconnected via energy lines  42  (i.e., electrical wiring and hydraulic lines) with an appropriate one of an electrical energy machine, and a hydraulic energy machine for providing appropriate power to the first connectors. Each of the energy machines are mounted within the body  4  of the vehicle  2 . Preferably, the electrical energy machine is a rechargeable battery  44 , such as are well known in the art. The hydraulic energy machine is preferably a hydraulic accumulator and a pump system  46  of a conventional type. However, other types of equipment may be substituted. 
     As shown in  FIGS. 1 and 2 , an extensible boom  30  is engaged with the vehicle  2  and is positionable between a vertical orientation and a horizontal orientation. The boom  30  comprises a boom mount  32 , a first boom segment  34 , a second boom segment  36 , and a third boom segment  38 . Preferably, the boom mount  32  is rotatably engaged with the body  4  of the vehicle  2  proximal to the rear aspect  16  of the body  4 , allowing the boom  30  to selectively rotate over a full circle about a vertical axis of the boom mount  32 . In alternate embodiments, the boom mount  32  may be engaged with other portions of the body  4 . The first boom segment  34  is proximally pivotally engaged with the boom mount  32 , as shown in  FIG. 2 . A hydraulic cylinder  22  is engaged between the boom mount  32  and the first boom segment  34  enabling the first boom segment  34  to be selectively raised and lowered with respect to the boom mount  32 . The second boom segment  36  is pivotally engaged with a distal end of the first boom segment  34  and configured to pivot vertically, thereby forming an included angle B between the first and second boom segments  34  and  36 . Preferably, the angle B may be selectively set anywhere between 0 degrees and 180 degrees. In alternate embodiments, the angle B may be greater than 180 degrees. The third boom segment  38  is telescopingly engaged with the second boom segment  36 . Hydraulic cylinders enable the third boom segment  38  to selectively extend or retract. Thus, the boom  30  is selectively adjustable between a fully retracted state and a fully extended state, the fully extended state providing a reach exceeding the length of the vehicle  2 . As shown in  FIG. 1 , the first boom segment  34  is configured to enable the second and third boom segments  36  and  38  to be positioned within the first boom segment  34  when the boom  30  is not being used. 
     A terminal end  38 A of the third boom segment  38  provides a plurality of second connectors. The second connectors  48 B are adapted for removably engaging electric and hydraulic devices  28 , and are interconnected via energy lines  42  with the appropriate energy machine  44  and  46 , similar to the first connectors  48 A discussed above. In addition, an at least one communicator, such as a signal line  50 , is interconnected between the second connectors  48 B and the vehicle controls  26  within the operator&#39;s compartment  4 A, thereby enabling the operator to control, from within the operator&#39;s compartment  4 A, devices  28  engaged with the second connectors  48 B. To accommodate for the selective pivotability of the first and second boom segments  34  and  36 , couplings (not shown) are engaged with each one of the energy lines  42  and signal lines  50  at the pivot points between the boom segments  34  and  36 , thereby enabling the energy lines  42  and signal lines  50  to conform to the selective positioning of the first and second boom segments  34  and  36 . In addition, to accommodate for the selective extensibility of the third boom segments  38 , a line reel  52  is engaged at the pivot point between the first and second boom segments  34  and  36 . The line reel  52  is configured for storing a length of each one of the energy lines  42  and signal lines  50  into a mechanical reel capable of automatically unrolling and rolling the necessary length of each one of the lines  42  and  50  as the third boom segment  38  extends and retracts respectively. As discussed above, the boom  30  is controllable via the vehicle controls  26  within the operator&#39;s compartment  4 A. 
     As shown in  FIGS. 1 and 2 , a pair of retractable stabilization legs  40  are engaged with the vehicle  2 . Preferably, the stabilization legs  40  are mounted proximal to the rear aspect  16  of the body  4  in opposing lateral positions. In an extended position, the stabilization legs  40  provide stability and rigidity to the vehicle  2  when the vehicle  2  is stationary, allowing the boom  30  to be maneuvered without the possibility of tipping the vehicle  2 . When the boom  30  is not in use, the stabilization legs  40  may be moved to a retracted position, thereby allowing the vehicle  2  to travel. Preferably, hydraulic cylinders enable the stabilization legs  40  to alternate between the extended and retracted positions. As discussed above, the stabilization legs  40  are controllable via the vehicle controls  26  within the operator&#39;s compartment  4 A. It should be noted that other means for extending and retracting the stabilization legs  40 , including manually, may be substituted. 
     In one embodiment, as shown in  FIG. 3 , a first audio-visual device  54  is mounted within the operator&#39;s compartment  4 A. In addition, a second audio-visual device  56  is engaged with the second connectors  48 B on the boom  30 . Each of the audio-visual devices  54  and  56  preferably provides a video monitor, a video camera, a microphone, and a speaker. The first and second audio-visual devices  54  and  56  are interconnected, either by the signal lines  50  or wireless signals, in order to simulate face-to-face communications between the operator within the operator&#39;s compartment  4 A and a person proximal to the terminal end  38 A of the boom  30 . 
     In another embodiment, lethal and/or non-lethal weapons  58  are engaged with the second connectors  48 B. In another embodiment, various hydraulic tools  28  are engaged with the second connectors  48 B, such as a cutter, a spreader, or a battering ram. In yet another embodiment, various electric devices are engaged with the second connectors  48 B, such as a flood light  60 , or a loud speaker  62 . In yet another embodiment, a water tank and/or foam generator (not shown) is engaged with the second connectors  48 B in order to facilitate fire suppression and to be rapidly pumped into the area of a barricaded suspect to provide cover and remove the sense of orientation for the suspect. Similar to the other devices  28  discussed above, these devices  28  are controllable via the vehicle controls  26  within the operator&#39;s compartment  4 A. These alternate embodiments are merely examples of the wide range of devices  28  that may be engaged with the present invention in order to accomplish an array of tasks while simultaneously decreasing the risk of death or bodily harm for all parties involved. 
     The enablements described in detail above are considered novel over the prior art of record and are considered critical to the operation of at least one aspect of the apparatus and its method of use and to the achievement of the above described objectives. The words used in this specification to describe the instant embodiments are to be understood not only in the sense of their commonly defined meanings, but to include by special definition in this specification: structure, material or acts beyond the scope of the commonly defined meanings. Thus if an element can be understood in the context of this specification as including more than one meaning, then its use must be understood as being generic to all possible meanings supported by the specification and by the word or words describing the element. 
     The definitions of the words or drawing elements described herein are meant to include not only the combination of elements which are literally set forth, but all equivalent structure, material or acts for performing substantially the same function in substantially the same way to obtain substantially the same result. In this sense it is therefore contemplated that an equivalent substitution of two or more elements may be made for any one of the elements described and its various embodiments or that a single element may be substituted for two or more elements in a claim. 
     Changes from the claimed subject matter as viewed by a person with ordinary skill in the art, now known or later devised, are expressly contemplated as being equivalents within the scope intended and its various embodiments. Therefore, obvious substitutions now or later known to one with ordinary skill in the art are defined to be within the scope of the defined elements. This disclosure is thus meant to be understood to include what is specifically illustrated and described above, what is conceptually equivalent, what can be obviously substituted, and also what incorporates the essential ideas. 
     The scope of this description is to be interpreted only in conjunction with the appended claims and it is made clear, here, that each named inventor believes that the claimed subject matter is what is intended to be patented.