Abstract:
Devices, systems and methods for shielding a person&#39;s neck and head are disclosed. The exemplary device may have an exterior portion running lengthwise approximately the length of a forearm and at least two angled surfaces widthwise for deflecting a projectile. The system may also have an interior portion adapted to fit against a forearm. The person may shield the neck and head by positioning a palm against the forehead and aligning the forearm lengthwise in front of the person&#39;s face. The exemplary system may also have a coupling portion for coupling the shield to a rifle.

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
   The shield  100  may also have an interior portion  108 . The interior portion  108  may be the underside of the plate according to the above exemplary embodiment. The interior portion  108  may rest against the sides of the user&#39;s forearm  112 . When a projectile  101  hits the exterior portion  102 , the energy is transferred to the user&#39;s forearm  112  over the surface area of the interior portion. The interior portion  108  may have additional padding  214  to assist in the transfer and absorption of energy. The padding  214  may also provide additional comfort to the forearm when the user is wearing the shield  100 . The shield  100  may be strapped to the user&#39;s arm using one or more straps  216 . The shield may also be secured to the user&#39;s forearm using a pocket within a sleeve of a jacket or shirt worn by the user. The pocket may allow the user to conceal the shield  100  so that it is not visible to others. 
   BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
   Policemen enter a room and are confronted by a person. The policemen assume the person may have some type of weapon. The police bold their guns in front of themselves and aim at the person. They yell “freeze” and the person reaches into his belt or under his jacket. If the policemen hesitate, a gun could be pulled out and discharged, possibly hitting someone in the head and most likely killing him. If the policemen fire a second too soon and the person was not reaching for a weapon but rather identification or possibly a badge, an innocent life may be taken. 
   The bullet-proof vest has saved countless lives, but the bullet-proof vest has limitations. The bullet-proof vest does not protect against specially designed bullets such as Teflon® coated, armor piercing bullets. The bullet-proof vest does not provide protection to a user&#39;s neck, face, or head. While armor has been designed for a person since the Middle Ages to withstand the impact of swords or other lower impacts, this armor may not withstand the impact of a modern projectile. 
   Accordingly, an efficient and effective device, method and system is needed to deflect modern projectiles. In addition, the device, method and system may need to be inexpensive, concealable, and maneuverable. 
   SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
   It is, therefore, an objective of the present invention to provide devices, systems, and methods for shielding a person&#39;s neck and head. According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the exemplary device and system may have an exterior portion running lengthwise approximately the length of a forearm and having at least two angled surfaces widthwise for deflecting a projectile. The system may also have an interior portion adapted to fit against a forearm. The person may shield the neck and head by positioning a palm against the forehead and aligning the forearm lengthwise in front of the person&#39;s face. The exemplary system may also have a coupling portion for coupling the shield to a rifle. 
   Exemplary embodiments may incorporate one or more of the following embodiments. The width of the exterior portion may be approximately the width of a person&#39;s head. In another embodiment, the device may have one or more straps for securing the device to the person&#39;s arm. In another embodiment, an aperture in the exterior portion may provide sight by the person when shielding the neck and head. In yet another embodiment, the interior portion may have padding for absorbing and dissipating energy to the forearm. 

   
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
     The above and other objectives and advantages of the present invention will be apparent upon consideration of the following detailed description, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which like reference numbers refer to like parts throughout, and in which: 
       FIG. 1A  is a perspective view of the armor according to a first arm-supported shield exemplary embodiment of the present invention. 
       FIG. 1B  is a top view of the armor according to the first arm-supported shield exemplary embodiment of the present invention. 
       FIG. 1C  is a front view of the armor according to the first arm-supported shield exemplary embodiment of the present invention. 
       FIG. 2A  is a perspective view of the armor according to a second arm-supported shield exemplary embodiment of the present invention. 
       FIG. 2B  is a top view of the armor according to the second arm-supported shield exemplary embodiment of the present invention. 
       FIG. 2C  is a front view of the armor according to the second arm-supported shield exemplary embodiment of the present invention. 
       FIG. 3A  is a perspective view of the armor according to a first rifle-supported shield exemplary embodiment of the present invention. 
       FIG. 3B  is a front view of the armor according to the first rifle-supported shield exemplary embodiment of the present invention. 
       FIG. 4A  is a perspective view of the armor according to a second rifle-supported shield exemplary embodiment of the present invention. 
       FIG. 4B  is a front view of the armor according to the second rifle-supported shield exemplary embodiment of the present invention. 
       FIG. 5A  is a perspective view of the armor according to a third rifle-supported shield exemplary embodiment of the present invention. 
       FIG. 5B  is a front view of the armor according to the third rifle-supported shield exemplary embodiment of the present invention. 
   

   DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
   The invention provides a shield that allows a user to protect the head and neck region of the user. The shape of the shield absorbs the initial shock of the projectile, channels some of the energy and deflects the projectile away from the user&#39;s body. The shape of the shield does not obstruct the user&#39;s vision and may be used to deflect an attack with a sword, machete, pipe or knife. The shape of the shield dissipates the energy and shock waves away from the skin, thus minimizing pain and discomfort of the user. The deflected projectile may be a variety of objects, for example, but not limited to a bullet, armor piercing bullet, shrapnel, or other fragments. 
   Referring to  FIGS. 1A ,  1 B, and  1 C; the first arm-supported shield exemplary embodiment of the present invention provides a shield  100  for the user&#39;s forearm and neck and face region. The shield  100  has an exterior portion  102 . The exterior portion  102  deflects the projectile away from the neck and face region of the user. The exterior portion  102  has two angled faces  104 ,  106 . The angled surfaces allow the shield to deflect a projectile away from the user without the need to dissipate all of the projectile&#39;s momentum energy. Although only two angled faces are described according to the exemplary embodiment, the exterior portion  102  may be constructed with more than two angled surfaces. 
   The shield  100  may be constructed of a plate of material bent or molded along a center lengthwise axis  110  to provide the angled surfaces  106 ,  108 . The plate may provide a “V-shaped” plate. The angle of the “V-shape” may be selected based on the intended projectile to be deflected. The plate of material may be made of a titanium plate. The titanium plate allows the shield  100  to be relatively light weight and provide protection from small arms projectiles. Although the exemplary embodiment discloses constructing the shield with a titanium plate, the shield may also be constructed using a variety of materials, for example, other metals, ceramics, or composites. The shield may also be constructed using a combination of materials. For example, the side plates  104  and  106  may be constructed of titanium plates that couple together using a composite material like Kevlar®. The Kevlar may be, for example, a sleeve portion of a vest that protects the underside of the forearm while the titanium plates protect the forearm and provide a shield for the user. 
   The thickness of the plate may be designed based on the intended projectile and the material used to construct the shield  100 . For example, the shield  100  may be thicker for military applications, in which higher powered weapons producing projectiles with greater velocity may be confronted. In another example, the shield  100  may be designed with a thinner, lightweight material for law enforcement applications, in which the user is expected to conceal the shield  100  and wear the shield  100  for extended periods of time. 
   According to the exemplary embodiment, the length of the shield  100  may be approximately the length of the forearm of the user. The length may also be designed to be longer or shorter based on the intended use. For example, a longer shield may provide additional protection or a shorter shield may provide better concealment and reduced weight. The width of the shield  100  may be designed to be the width of the forearm or wider to protect the user&#39;s head and neck. The width of the shield  100  may also be short to provide better concealment. Both the width and length may be designed based on the intended use and desired attributes of the shield  100 . 
   The shield  100  may also have an interior portion  108 . The interior portion  108  may be the underside of the plate according to the above exemplary embodiment. The interior portion  108  may rest against the sides of the user&#39;s forearm. When a projectile hits the exterior portion  102 , the energy is transferred to the user&#39;s forearm over the surface area of the interior portion. The interior portion  108  may have additional padding (not shown) to assist in the transfer and absorption of energy. The padding may also provide additional comfort to the forearm when the user is wearing the shield  100 . The shield  100  may be strapped to the user&#39;s arm using one or more straps (not shown). The shield may also be secured to the user&#39;s forearm using a pocket within a sleeve of a jacket or shirt worn by the user. The pocket may allow the user to conceal the shield  100  so that it is not visible to others. 
   The user may use the shield to deflect projectiles and protect the forearm. The user may position the forearm to shield against projectiles. The user may also protect the neck and face region by placing the palm of the hand against the user&#39;s forehead and aligning the forearm in front of and parallel to the user&#39;s neck and face. When a projectile hits the exterior portion  102  of the shield  100 , the projectile is deflected away from the user&#39;s body and some of the energy is transferred to the user&#39;s forearm via the interior portion  108 . The energy is then transferred from the user&#39;s forearm to the user&#39;s body via the upper arm and forehead. The above is one example of how a user may brace the user&#39;s forearm to absorb the shock of a projectile. Other positions may be used with the shield  100  to safely transfer the shock of the projectile. The positions may be designed based on the intended projectile or the user&#39;s objectives. 
   Referring to  FIGS. 2A ,  2 B, and  2 C; the second arm-supported shield exemplary embodiment of the present invention provides a shield  200  for the user&#39;s forearm and neck and face region. The shield  200  has an exterior portion  202  and an interior portion  208 . The exterior portion  202  deflects the projectile away from the neck and face region of the user. The shield  200  may also have an interior portion  208 . The interior portion  208  may rest against the sides of the user&#39;s forearm and transfer some of the energy from the impact of a projectile through the user&#39;s forearm. Both the exterior portion  102  and interior portion  208  may have similar functions and designs as previously disclosed in the shield  100  of the first arm-supported shield exemplary embodiment. 
   In addition to aspects of the first arm-supported shield exemplary embodiment, the shield  200  may also have one or more apertures  212  that provides the user a frontal view. The apertures  212  may be designed based on the intended bracing position of the user. According to the exemplary embodiment shown in  FIGS. 2A ,  2 B, and  2 C, the apertures  212  are positioned on the edges at a location relative to the lower forearm of the user. This position allows the user to view around the user&#39;s lower forearm and provide visibility of objects located in front of the user when the user is in a bracing position. Each eye may view through the respective aperture  212  of the shield  200 . 
   The apertures  212  are not limited to the locations disclosed in the above embodiment. The apertures  212  may be specially designed openings to prevent or reduce the likelihood of a projectile passing through the apertures  212 . The apertures  212  may also be located based on the preferred bracing position of the user. The apertures  212  may also be a shock resistant, transparent material that provides the user greater visibility without increasing the risk of a projectile passing through the apertures  212 . 
   Referring to  FIGS. 3A and 3B , the first rifle-supported shield exemplary embodiment provides a shield  300  coupled to the user&#39;s rifle  301  for protecting the user&#39;s neck and face region. The shield  300  has an exterior portion  302 . The exterior portion  302  deflects the projectile away from the neck and face region of the user. The exterior portion  302  has two angled faces  304 ,  306 . The angled surfaces allow the shield  300  to deflect a projectile away from the user without the need to dissipate all of the projectile&#39;s momentum energy. Although only two angled faces are described according to the exemplary embodiment, the exterior portion  302  may be constructed with more than two angled surfaces. 
   The shield  300  extends at an angle from an axis parallel to the barrel of the rifle  301 . The angle of the exemplary embodiment is approximately 60 degrees; however, the angle may range from 0 to 90 degrees from the angle of the rifle. The angle may also be adjustable to the user. The shield  300  is coupled to the rifle using a coupling portion  314 . The coupling portion  314  according to the first rifle-supported shield exemplary embodiment utilizes two shock absorbers  316  and  318 . The first shock absorber  316  couples the front of the interior portion  308  of the shield  300  to the rifle  301 . The second shock absorber  318  couples the rear of the interior portion  308  of the shield  300  to the rifle  301 . 
   When a projectile hits the exterior portion  302  of the shield  300 , the projectile is deflected away from the user&#39;s body and some of the energy is transferred to the user&#39;s rifle and body via the coupling portion  314 . Some of the energy is then absorbed and transferred by the first shock absorber  316  and the second shock absorber  318 . The above is one example of how the shield  300  is coupled to the rifle  301 . Other exemplary coupling devices may be implemented as disclosed in additional exemplary embodiments as well as other possible designs known to an individual skilled in the art. 
   The shield  300  may be constructed of a plate of material bent or molded along a center lengthwise axis  310  to provide the angled surfaces  306 ,  308 . The plate of material may be made of titanium. The titanium plate allows the shield  300  to be relatively light weight and provide protection from small arms projectiles. Although the exemplary embodiment discloses constructing the shield with a titanium plate, the shield may also be constructed using a variety of materials, for example, other metals, ceramics, or composites. The shield may also be constructed using a combination of materials. The thickness of the plate may be designed based on the intended use, projectile, and the material used to construct the shield  300 . 
   The shield  300  may also have one or more apertures  312  that allow the user to aim the rifle while protecting the user&#39;s neck and face. The apertures  312  may be designed based on the intended shooting position of the user. According to the exemplary embodiment shown in  FIGS. 3A and 3B , the apertures  312  are slits positioned at regular intervals along the length of the shield  300 . These positions allow the user to view through the shield  300  and aim the rifle using the barrel&#39;s sights  303 . Each eye may view through the respective aperture  312  of the shield  300 . The apertures  312  allow the user to aim and fire the rifle while maintaining the position of the shield  300 . 
   The apertures  312  are not limited to the locations disclosed in the above embodiment. The apertures  312  may be specially designed openings to prevent or reduce the likelihood of a projectile passing through the apertures  312 . The apertures  312  may also be located based on the preferred bracing position of the user. The apertures  312  may also be a shock resistant, transparent material that provides the user greater visibility without increasing the risk of a projectile passing through the apertures  312 . 
   Referring to  FIGS. 4A and 4B , the second rifle-supported shield exemplary embodiment provides a shield  400  coupled to the user&#39;s rifle  401  for protecting the user&#39;s neck and face region. The shield  400  has an exterior portion  402  and other shield components similar to those disclosed in the first rifle-supported shield exemplary embodiment. The shield  400  is coupled to the rifle using a coupling portion  414 . 
   The coupling portion  414  according to the second rifle-supported shield exemplary embodiment utilizes three shock absorbers  416 ,  418 , and  420 . The first shock absorber  416  couples the front of the interior portion  408  of the shield  400  to the rifle  401 . The second shock absorber  418  and third shock absorber  420  couple the rear of the interior portion  408  of the shield  400  to the rifle  401 . The second shock absorber  418  and third shock absorber  420  provide additional lateral support. When a projectile hits the exterior portion  402  of the shield  400  at a side angle to the barrel of the rifle  401  barrel, the second shock absorber  418  and third shock absorber  420  provide additional absorption and transfer to the user&#39;s rifle and body. 
   Referring to  FIGS. 5A and 5B , the third rifle-supported shield exemplary embodiment provides a shield  500  coupled to the user&#39;s rifle  501  for protecting the user&#39;s neck and face region. The shield  500  has an exterior portion  502  and other shield components similar to those disclosed in the first rifle-supported shield exemplary embodiment. The shield  500  is coupled to the rifle using a coupling portion  514 . 
   The coupling portion according to the third rifle-supported shield exemplary embodiment utilizes a shield support  516 . The shield support  516  couples the front and back of the interior portion  508  of the shield  500  to a rifle  501 . The shield support  516  may be designed to allow a scope  503  of the rifle  501  to be positioned between the rifle  501  and the vertex of the “V-shaped” shield  500 . This may allow the user to aim the rifle  501  using the scope  503  while still being protected by the shield  500 . 
   The shield support  516  according to the third embodiment may be a rigid or semi-rigid coupling device. The shield support  516  may be permanently coupled or removably coupled to the rifle  501 . The shield support  516  may be coupled to the rifle  501  using a variety of fasteners and may be designed to fit a variety of rifles. This interchangeable design may allow the user to couple the shield  500  to other rifles, thus reducing the need for multiple shields. The shield support  516  may also have a combination of rigid supports and shock absorbing supports. 
   It will be understood that the foregoing is only illustrative of the principles of the invention and that various modifications can be made by those skilled in the art without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention. Accordingly, such embodiments will be recognized as within the scope of the present invention. Various aspects disclosed in the exemplary embodiments may be incorporated with aspects disclosed in other exemplary embodiments without departing from the scope of the invention. 
   Persons skilled in the art will also appreciate that the present invention can be practiced by other than the described embodiments, which are presented for purposes of illustration rather than of limitation and that the present invention is limited only by the claims that follow.