Patent Publication Number: US-11639622-B2

Title: Defense mobile device having a release system for shelter-in-place situations

Description:
RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application claims the benefit of priority as a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/377,397, filed on Apr. 8, 2019, which in turn claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/654,920, filed on Apr. 9, 2018, and the contents of both prior applications are incorporated in this application by reference. 
    
    
     TECHNICAL FIELD 
     The present invention relates generally to the field of access and security for doors and, more particularly, to lockdown devices used to delay or deny entry by an intruder into a room with a door. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     Recent tragedies have led to a growing demand for increased safety measures in facilities such as office buildings and especially in schools. The nation was shocked by the 2012 massacre at Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown, Conn., where a young shooter killed 26 people—including 20 six- and seven-year-old children. More recently, on Feb. 14, 2018, a shooter entered a high school in Parkland, Fla. and began firing his assault rifle. Later, on May 18, 2018, ten people—eight students and two teachers—were fatally shot and thirteen others were wounded during a school shooting at Santa Fe High School in Santa Fe, Tex. In light of the current national concern over terrorism and mass shootings in schools and other institutional settings, a relatively standardized procedure for responding to a security threat in a school building has been developed: the “lockdown,” in which teachers essentially lock themselves and their students in their rooms to deter invaders and await help. Unfortunately, the state of societal conditions now dictates that extreme security measures are not only necessary, but that it will most likely soon be mandatory for these facilities to obtain some form of security device to lock down the facility in the event of an armed intruder. 
     The heightened danger and frequency of intruders with deadly intent has created an urgent and immediate need to quickly and easily lock down any given door of a facility in a dangerous or life-threatening situation. In a real scenario, panic can rapidly overwhelm even frequently practiced responses—especially if much thought of what needs to be done is required. Therefore, it is essential that, in an emergency, the order for lockdown procedures be accomplished immediately, with as few steps as possible and the minimum amount of thought required, to eliminate potential delays or mistakes caused by panic, and thereby save lives. Existing products have addressed this issue, but most are prohibitively expensive for a facility on a budget, require modifications to the facility, can easily be subject to catastrophic failure at the critical time if not diligently maintained, or address confronting an intruder rather than locking the intruder out. 
     Many companies have tried to address the need for additional protection in schools, office buildings, and other structures. For example, LC Enterprises of Perris, Calif. (see www.lcenterprises.com), sells versatile ballistic panels and partition systems of different sizes and materials. The partitions offer interior separators that form cubicles and give office workers privacy. The company also offers trucks on which the panels fit so that the panels can be both upright and moved. 
     Hardwire, LLC of Pocomoke City, Md., offers a number of products designed to increase school safety. See www.hardwirellc.com. In addition to protective whiteboards that act as teaching aids and can double as a bullet-resistant shield in the event of a school shooting, Hardwire makes armored clip boards, tablets, and notebooks. It also makes hardened inserts, the size of a notebook, that can be placed in a student&#39;s backpack. Hardwire has a patent portfolio directed to its products. 
     U.S. Pat. Nos. 9,316,467 and 8,991,118 assigned to Hardwire, LLC disclose an armored door panel. The panel has a planar device with a layered arrangement including a protection layer comprised of a ballistic material and an outer surface layer arranged on the outer side of the protection layer. The planar device is affixed to an existing door to prevent ballistic projectiles from penetrating the door. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 9,090,116 assigned to Hardwire, LLC discloses an armored whiteboard device having a strike face with a dry erase markable surface that can be written on and wiped clean, and a protection layer of ballistic material attached to the strike face. The strike face and the ballistic protection layer can be used as a defensive shield to protect against oncoming ballistic projectiles. Handles on one side allow the device to be held in one position for writing upon the markable surface and in another position for protection against penetration by a projectile. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 8,739,675 assigned to Hardwire, LLC discloses an armor panel system with a projectile-deflecting section having an outwardly facing surface. The projectile-deflecting section is formed of a material arranged in parallel layers, the layers arranged at a non-parallel angle to the outer surface. The non-parallel angles deflect or rotate an incoming projectile. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 4,486,491 assigned to Dotmar Inc. of Montreal, Canada, discloses a self-supporting, decorative, armor panel having a central armor core consisting of layers of fiberglass bonded together with resin and an outer, decorative, non-ricocheting laminate on each side of the armor core. Each laminate has an outer, decorative cover layer and a plurality of paper layers bonded together with resin. In a process of making the panel, the laminates are bonded to the armor core simultaneously with the bonding together of all the layers. 
     Manufactured by Waco Composites of Waco, Tex. (www.armorcore.com), ArmorCore® bullet-resistant fiberglass panels provide security against bullets and blast fragments. The ArmorCore composite laminate consists of fiberglass-reinforced thermoset resin designed to defeat a projectile. All ArmorCore fiberglass panels are made of multiple layers of woven roving ballistic-grade fiberglass cloth impregnated and reinforced with a thermoset polyester resin and compressed into flat rigid sheets. Waco Composites uses a production technique and materials that provide the controlled internal delamination necessary to permit the capture of a penetrating projectile. 
     With reference to Underwriters Laboratory (UL LLC, the global safety consulting and certification company headquartered in Northbrook, Ill.) UL 752 Bullet Resistant Materials Standards, Waco Composites advertises its Level 1 panels as most commonly used for protection against hand guns of medium power, such as the 9 mm, Super 38 Automatic, and the like, with muzzle energy of 380-460 foot-pounds (515-624 J). Level 2 panels are most commonly used for protection against hand guns of high power, such as the 0.357 Magnum, and the like, with muzzle energy of 548-663 foot-pounds (743-899 J). Level 3 panels are most commonly used for protection against hand guns of super power, such as the .44 Magnum, and the like, with muzzle energy of 971-1,175 foot-pounds (1,317-1,593 J). Level 4 panels are most commonly used for protection against high-power hunting and sporting rifles, such as the 30-06, and the like, with muzzle energy of 2,580-3,120 foot-pounds (3,498-4,929 J). Level 5 panels are most commonly used for protection against military ball full metal copper jacket ammunition fired from a hunting rifle, such as the 308 Winchester or a military rifle with muzzle energy of 2,519-3,048 foot-pounds (3,416-4,133 J). Level 6 panels are most commonly used for protection against multiple shots from a submachine-gun, such as a 9 mm Uzi, and the like, with muzzle energy of 540-653 foot-pounds (732-885 J). Level 7 panels are most commonly used for protection against multiple shots from a military assault rifle, such as the M-16, and the like, with muzzle energy of 1,158-1,402 foot-pounds (1,570-1,901 J). Level 8 panels are most commonly used for protection against multiple shots from a military assault rifle, such as an M-14, and the like, with muzzle energy of 2,519-3,048 foot pounds (3,416-4,133 J). 
     Armor panels such as bulletproof glass or metal plate are known. These known panels are costly, heavy, and difficult to maneuver. Many of the known armor panels also cause bullets fired at them to ricochet. The ricocheting bullets could rebound from the panels to injure people near them. Thus, the panels do not protect as well as they should. In addition, the known panels often have an unattractive appearance, no function other than as a defensive structure, or both. 
     Secure Lockdown Solutions of Runnemede, N.J. advertises, through a video posted in 2016 and available at www.vimeo.com/153622483, a school lockdown table. The device is useful in the classroom only as a table. To act a safety device, the table top pivots or lifts up into position against a door using two hydraulic lifts or hinges. The table top is made from steel, which causes bullets that contact the table to shatter and create shrapnel. Because the table lacks wheels, several people are required to move the table into position and to engage the table to a door. The table only accommodates an outward-opening door; a structural change would have to be made to use the table in connection with an inward-opening door having a handle or door knob. 
     Several companies offer whiteboards having ballistic resistant capabilities. For example, Egan Visual Inc. of Woodbridge, Ontario, Canada offers a “Dimension Mobile” product equipped with a ballistic core. Egan advertises the product as providing multi-strike capabilities and buying precious time in an active shooter event, and asserts that the product can be specified for environments where additional “shelter-in-place” options are desired. See www.egan.com. Similarly, a subsidiary of Clifton Steel Company of Maple Heights, Ohio called Safe Place Solution markets a mobile presentation unit under the trademark WonderBoard™ that it advertises as offering frontline ballistic protection for doors and openings against active shooter threats in any environment. See www.blockbullets.com. Such products are not designed, however, to barricade a door or provide multiple layers of protection against an intruder into a room—nor do they pivot to facilitate multiple functionalities. 
     To overcome the shortcomings of known door safety mechanisms and lockdown devices, a new defense mobile device is provided. An object of the present device is to be used in case of a shelter-in-place or lockdown situation. A related object is to turn a room (classroom, office, or the like) into a safe room protected against intruders such as active shooters, by barricading a door with multiple layers of protection, and allow individuals or multiple persons to shelter-in-place. Another object is to protect the occupants of a room by securing doorways in all places of education, places of worship, shopping malls, government buildings, private businesses, and other structures. Another object is to provide a device that accommodates a wide variety of doors, whether they open inward into a room or outward, whatever their size (e.g., single or double doors), and regardless of their related features (e.g., a door closer, a window, and the like). 
     It is still another object of the present device to be “user” friendly relative to other tactical protective devices, carts, panels, or products which only law enforcement officers, military personnel, or persons with proper tactical training and capabilities can implement. 
     Yet another object of the present device is to provide an improved, self-supporting device having a ballistic panel which is relatively inexpensive and which can be easily maneuvered so that the panel can be used in many different structural applications. It is a further object of the present device to provide an improved ballistic panel which minimizes, or eliminates, the danger of ricochets thereby providing enhanced protection. It is a still further object of the present device to provide an improved ballistic panel which is attractive in appearance and can be used for functions other than its primary defense function. A related object is to use the device in a classroom on a daily basis as a whiteboard or video monitor. 
     SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE 
     To achieve these and other objects, and in view of its purposes, provided is a defense mobile device for securing a door located in a door frame and having a door knob. The device includes a base configured to support the storage of items. A plurality of wheels are affixed to and support the base, allowing the device to be maneuvered by a user. When activated, one or more stops hold the device in a stationary position. A frame is attached to the base. At least one grip is attached to the frame and adapted to be grasped by a user to move and manipulate the device. A mechanical pivot is attached to the base. A panel has a rear face, an intermediate ballistic core, a front face, and an opening through the panel from the front face to the rear face. A cover is positioned over the opening on the rear face of the panel and configured to overlay and enclose the door knob when the door knob protrudes through the opening in the panel. The panel is connected to the base via the mechanical pivot and configured to pivot between a plurality of angled positions and an upright position flat against the door. A locking rod is rotatably connected at one of its ends to the base via a first hinge bolt and at its opposite end to the panel via a second hinge bolt, the locking rod pushing and pulling the panel between its angled positions and its upright position. One of a lever-locking mechanism or a twist-lock mechanism is configured to secure the device in place against or within the door frame and against the door. A portal defined by a ballistic door viewer or viewport is located in the panel and permits viewing or observing through the panel. A release system is configured to deactivate the stop and enable the device to move. 
     It is to be understood that both the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are exemplary, but are not restrictive, of the invention. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING 
       The invention is best understood from the following detailed description when read in connection with the accompanying drawing. It is emphasized that, according to common practice, the various features of the drawing are not to scale. On the contrary, the dimensions of the various features are arbitrarily expanded or reduced for clarity. Included in the drawing are the following figures: 
         FIG.  1    is a rear, perspective view of a defense mobile device according to one embodiment; 
         FIG.  2    is a front, perspective view of the defense mobile device shown in  FIG.  1   ; 
         FIG.  3    is a side view of the defense mobile device shown in  FIGS.  1  and  2    as the device is placed into position to engage a door; 
         FIG.  4    is a side view of the defense mobile device shown in  FIGS.  1  and  2    with the device engaging a door; 
         FIG.  5    is a rear view of the defense mobile device shown in  FIGS.  1  and  2    with the device engaging a door; 
         FIG.  6    is a rear view of the defense mobile device illustrating alternative embodiments of the lever-locking mechanism and of the stop; 
         FIG.  7    is a side view, in partial cross section, of an alternative embodiment of the cover of the defense mobile device; 
         FIG.  8    is a side view, in partial cross section, of a further alternative embodiment of the cover of the defense mobile device; 
         FIG.  9    is a side view, in partial cross section, of a still further alternative embodiment of the cover of the defense mobile device; 
         FIG.  10    is a rear, perspective view of another embodiment of the defense mobile device; 
         FIG.  10 A  is a rear, perspective view of an embodiment of the defense mobile device including three embodiments of a ballistic viewport; 
         FIG.  10 B  is a front, perspective view of the embodiment of the defense mobile device shown in  FIG.  10 A ; 
         FIG.  11    is a rear, perspective view of still another embodiment of the defense mobile device including magnets and two hydraulic lifts; 
         FIG.  12    is a rear, perspective view of yet another embodiment of the defense mobile device including accessories, stored items, printed information, and grips and a handle having alternative shapes; 
         FIG.  13    is a side view of a further embodiment of the defense mobile device illustrating a separate whiteboard; 
         FIG.  14 A  is a front, perspective view of an additional embodiment of the defense mobile device including a display, transceiver, and controller; 
         FIG.  14 B  is a rear, perspective view of the defense mobile device shown in  FIG.  14 A  illustrating a power pack, an audio sound board, and associated wires at least one of which engages the display; 
         FIG.  15    is a front, perspective view of a first alternative embodiment of the ballistic core of the panel of the defense mobile device including a steel plate with a plurality of ballistic control rubber blocks attached to and covering the steel plate; 
         FIG.  16    is a rear, perspective view of a second alternative embodiment of the ballistic core of the panel of the defense mobile device including a single steel sheet; 
         FIG.  17    is a rear, perspective view of the defense mobile device as modified to accommodate a double door; 
         FIG.  18    is a front, perspective view of a different embodiment of the defense mobile device including a protective casing; 
         FIG.  19    is a front, perspective view of one more embodiment of the defense mobile device including a wrap; 
         FIG.  20    is a top view of the defense mobile device engaging a door with the device modified to accommodate a door closer; 
         FIG.  21 A  is a rear perspective view of the twist-lock mechanism included with some embodiments of the defense mobile device; 
         FIG.  21 B  is a front perspective view of the twist-lock mechanism shown in  FIG.  21 A ; 
         FIG.  22    is a front, perspective view of the stop illustrated in  FIGS.  6  and  10   ; 
         FIG.  23    is a rear, perspective view of another embodiment of the defense mobile device illustrating several components of a release system; 
         FIG.  24    is a side view, in partial cross section, of the defense mobile device shown in  FIG.  23    illustrating additional components of the release system; 
         FIG.  25    is a front, perspective view of the defense mobile device shown in  FIGS.  23  and  24   ; and 
         FIG.  26    illustrates a key that can be used as one component of the release system. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DISCLOSURE 
     The features and benefits of the disclosed structures, components, and devices are illustrated and described by reference to exemplary embodiments. The disclosure also includes the drawing, in which like reference numbers refer to like elements throughout the various figures that comprise the drawing. This description of exemplary embodiments is intended to be read in connection with the accompanying drawing, which is to be considered part of the entire written description. Accordingly, the disclosure expressly should not be limited to such exemplary embodiments illustrating some possible non-limiting combinations of features that may exist alone or in other combinations of features. 
     In the description of embodiments, any reference to direction or orientation is merely intended for convenience of description and is not intended in any way to limit the scope of the present invention. Relative terms such as “lower,” “upper,” “horizontal,” “vertical,” “above,” “below,” “up,” “down,” “top,” and “bottom” as well as derivatives of those terms (e.g., “horizontally,” “downwardly,” “upwardly,” etc.) should be construed to refer to the orientation as then described or as shown in the figure under discussion. These relative terms are for convenience of description only and do not require that the apparatus be construed or operated in a particular orientation. Terms such as “attached,” “affixed,” “connected,” “coupled,” “interconnected,” and similar terms refer to a relationship in which structures are secured or attached to one another either directly or indirectly through intervening structures, as well as both moveable or rigid attachments or relationships, unless expressly described otherwise. 
     Referring now to the drawing,  FIGS.  1  and  2    show a defense mobile device  10  according to one embodiment the present invention. The device  10  has a solid, substantially flat pedestal or base  2 . The base  2  is typically made of metal, with steel suitable, and has sufficient strength to support the storage of other items. As illustrated in  FIG.  1   , the base  2  is a square-shaped, single, solid piece. Alternatively, as illustrated in  FIG.  10   , which is a rear, perspective view of another embodiment of the defense mobile device  10 , the base  2  can be formed of four metal bars (e.g., square bars) joined together to form the shape (e.g., square) of the base  2  while leaving a center opening in the base  2 . Although the base  2  can have a wide variety of shapes and sizes depending upon the application, in one example the base  2  is a rectangle with sides of 108 inches (275 cm) and 68 inches (173 cm). The base  2  extends horizontally in the X-Y plane (with a thickness in the Z-direction) of the Cartesian coordinate system illustrated in  FIG.  3   . 
     A Cartesian coordinate system (X, Y, Z) is a coordinate system that specifies each point uniquely in three-dimensional space by three Cartesian numerical coordinates, which are the signed distances to the point from three, fixed, mutually perpendicular directed lines, measured in the same unit of length. Each reference line is called a coordinate axis or just an axis of the system, and the point where they meet is its origin, usually at ordered triplet (0, 0, 0). The coordinates can also be defined as the positions of the perpendicular projections of the point onto the three axes, expressed as signed distances from the origin. 
     A plurality of wheels  4  are affixed to the bottom surface of the base  2 . Although four wheels  4  are illustrated in  FIGS.  1 - 5   , other numbers of wheels  4  could be used. The wheels  4  support the base  2  and allow the device  10  to be maneuvered easily (specifically, rolled) by a user. The size and type of the wheels  4  can be predetermined to accommodate both a particular application (i.e., structural setting) in which the device  10  will be used and the size and weight of the base  2  and other components supported on the base  2  (i.e., wider and heavier components might require more wheels  4 ). By “predetermined” is meant determined beforehand, so that the predetermined characteristic (e.g., the size and type of the wheels  4 ) must be determined, i.e., chosen or at least known, in advance of some event (such as the manufacture of the particular embodiment of the device  10 ). 
     Relatively large (e.g., 1 inch (2.5 cm) diameter and 1 inch (2.5 cm) wide) caster wheels will roll over almost anything in an office or classroom, including rugs and carpets, without skidding. Caster wheels have ball bearing swivels for 360° rotation, enhancing the maneuverability of the device  10 . Therefore, relatively large caster wheels are suitable for the wheels  4  of the device  10 . The specific set of wheels  4  affixed to the bottom surface of the base  2  may include different wheels: two fixed wheels  4  may be affixed to the front of the base  2 , for example, while two caster (swivel) wheels  4  are affixed to the rear of the base  2 . 
     Suitable materials for construction of the wheels  4  are plastic; rubber; steel, aluminum, or other metals; tire tread; and combinations of such materials. A preferred material for the wheels  4  is polyurethane, which is a polymer composed of organic units joined by carbamate (urethane) links. Polyurethane is a true elastomer capable of tremendous impact resistance even at very high durometers. More important, polyurethane retains it elasticity and strength over the complete range of hardness. 
     One or more pedal stops  6 , stops  46 , or both pedal stops  6  and stops  46  are provided on the device  10  to hold the device  10  in a stationary position, and prevent moving or maneuvering the device  10 , when desired. The pedal stop  6  is activated when a user presses downward on the pedal stop  6 , typically using a foot, and released when the user again presses downward on the pedal stop  6  to toggle the pedal stop  6  into its released position. As shown in  FIG.  1   , the pedal stops  6  are affixed directly to the wheels  4  such that, when activated, the pedal stops  6  directly contact the wheels  4  and prevent the wheels  4  from rotating. Alternatively or in addition, as shown in both  FIG.  4    and  FIG.  6   , one or more stops  46  (akin to door stops) may be affixed to the base  2  at a location or locations removed from the wheels  4  such that, when activated, the one or more stops  46  contact the floor  100  or other structure on which the wheels  4  otherwise roll and prevent the wheels  4  from rolling. 
     The base  2  supports a vertical frame  8 . The frame  8  may be attached to the base  2 , for example, by welding the frame  8  to the base  2 . Alternatively, the frame  8  may be integral with the base  2 . By “integral” is meant a single piece or a single unitary part that is complete by itself without additional pieces, i.e., the part is of one monolithic piece formed as a unit with another part. In the embodiment shown in  FIG.  1   , the frame  8  includes two, identical A-shaped struts in the shape of an isosceles trapezoid extending upward from the base  2  in the “Z” direction. The frame  8  is typically, although not necessarily, formed of a strong metal such as steel. A heavy-duty 1 inch by 1 inch (2.5 cm by 2.5 cm) rectangular steel tubing about 0.063 inches (0.16 cm) thick is suitable for the frame  8 . 
     In another embodiment, shown in  FIG.  10   , the frame  8  includes two, mirror-image sides extending upward from the base  2  in the “Z” direction. Each side includes a first angled strut  8   a  extending upward from the rear of the base  2 , a horizontal connector  8   b , a second angled strut  8   c , a horizontal head  8   d , and a third angled strut  8   e  extending upward from the front of the base  2 . The horizontal head  8   d  may extend (as illustrated in  FIG.  10   , although such extension is not required) beyond the juncture between the horizontal head  8   d  and the third angled strut  8   e . A bearing plate  8   f  is attached to the end of the horizontal head  8   d . The horizontal connector  8   b , the second angled strut  8   c , and the horizontal head  8   d  combine to form a “Z”-shaped cutout in the frame  8  which accommodates interaction between the frame  8  and other components (as described below). 
     Other embodiments of the frame  8  are also envisioned. For example, the frame  8  might include one side formed of the A-shaped strut shown in  FIG.  1    and other side formed of the angled side shown in  FIG.  10   . The sides of the frame  8  also might have other shapes, such as rectangular or square. 
     A steel plate or upright  80  (see  FIG.  10   ) can be affixed (e.g., welded or fastened) to the frame  8  on one or both sides of the frame  8 . The upright  80  can have any suitable thickness, such as about 3/16 inches (0.5 cm) thick, and can be made of any suitable material (although steel is preferred). The upright  80  follows the shape of the frame  8  and functions to enclose the area between the two sides that form the frame  8 . That area can then offer enhanced protection for items  82  to be stored in the area between the frame  8  and on top of the base  2 . Stored items  82  can include, for example and as illustrated in  FIG.  12   , recommended lifesaving and defensive items such as a trauma kit, a gun safe, mace, a tactical flashlight, and a fire extinguisher. ( FIG.  12    is a rear, perspective view of yet another embodiment of the defense mobile device  10 .) The stored items  82  can be affixed directly to the frame  8 , such as via Velcro® fasteners or straps, or can be stored in pouches or containers that are affixed to the frame  8 . 
     Velcro® is the brand name of the first commercially marketed fabric hook-and-loop fastener sold by Velcro USA, Inc. of Manchester, N.H. The fastener was invented by George de Mestral. See U.S. Pat. No. 3,009,235. Hook-and-loop fasteners consist of two components: typically, two lineal fabric strips or tapes (alternately round dots or squares) which are attached (e.g., sewn, adhered, etc.) to the opposing surfaces to be fastened. The first component features tiny hooks (e.g., the hook tape); the second features even smaller and “hairier” loops (e.g., the loop tape). When the two surfaces are pressed together, the hooks catch in the loops—and the two pieces fasten or bind temporarily. When separated, by pulling or peeling the two surfaces apart, the Velcro® strips make a distinctive “ripping” sound. 
     The upright  80  also provides the opportunity to include printed information  84  on the frame  8 . As shown in  FIG.  12   , the printed information  84  can present a variety of concepts such as a school name or mascot, a slogan or logo, instructions, a message, a design, colors, and the like. The printed information  84  may be affixed to the upright  80 , via a magnet for example, or printed directly in or on the upright  80 . 
     One or a pair of grips  12  are provided on one or both sides of the frame  8 . The grips  12  are adapted to be grasped by a user and enable the user to maneuver, control, drive, steer, push, operate, and manipulate easily the device  10 . The grips  12  are typically affixed to the frame  8 , for example, by welding. 
     A locking rod  14  is rotatably connected at one of its ends to the base  2  of the device  10  via a first hinge bolt  16 . The first hinge bolt  16  is typically affixed to the base  2 , for example, by welding. A handle  18  of the locking rod  14  may be located at an elbow  38  ( FIG.  1   ) or elsewhere ( FIG.  10   ) of the locking rod  14 . A user can manually operate the handle  18  to manipulate the locking rod  14 . Alternatively, the handle  18  can be designed to engage automatically and to be released by remote signal. 
     Although ergonomic designs for the grips  12  and the handle  18  are preferred, the grips  12  and the handle  18  may have a variety of configurations. The figures illustrate just some of the possible configurations.  FIG.  1    illustrates U-shaped grips  12  and a palm-shaped handle  18 .  FIG.  10    illustrates both the grips  12  and the handle  18  having a L-shaped configuration.  FIG.  12    illustrates both the grips  12  and the handle  18  having a C-shaped configuration. 
     Typically, although not necessarily, one or more of the grips  12  and the handle  18  have handholds  12   a  and  18   a , respectively, to facilitate engagement by the user. The handholds  12   a  and  18   a  are made of a material comfortable to grasping by users, such as rubber, plastic, or foam or a combination of such materials. The handholds  12   a  and  18   a  may be, for example, from 1 inch (2.5 cm) in length to 20 inches (50 cm) in length. 
     A tray  86  can be affixed to the frame  8  to store a wide variety of accessories  88 . The tray  86  can be affixed to any suitable location on the frame  8 , including inside the frame  8  (see  FIG.  10   ) or outside the frame  8  (see  FIG.  11   ). The tray  86  may be made of any suitable material, including plastic, aluminum, and the like. The accessories  88  may include writing implements such as pens, pencils, and dry-erase markers; a remote control or computer mouse; and other conventional items. Dry-erase markers offer high quality writing performance and, as their name implies, can be dry-erased using an eraser or cloth (which constitute additional accessories  88 ). Such accessories  88  as the markers, eraser, and cloth are commercially available from a plethora of sources including, for example, Egan Visual, Inc. of Canada (www.egan.com). 
     The device  10  also has a ballistic panel  20  with a rear face  22 , a side edge  23 , and a front face  24 . The end of the locking rod  14  opposite the base  2  is rotatably connected to the panel  20  via a second hinge bolt  36 . In some embodiments, for example the embodiment illustrated in  FIG.  10   , the bearing plate  8   f  of the horizontal head  8   d  may contact and thereby support the panel  20  when the panel  20  leans backward. The second hinge bolt  36  is either affixed to or integral with the panel  20 . The panel  20  is connected to the base  2  of the device  10  at one or more mechanical pivots  30 . When the handle  18  is operated to manipulate the locking rod  14 , the panel  20  can assume a large number of different positions with respect to the base  2  and the frame  8 : angled as shown in  FIGS.  1 ,  2 , and  3   , or vertical (perpendicular to the X-Y plane and in the Z direction) as shown in  FIGS.  4  and  5   . Thus, the panel  20  can move back and forth in the direction of arrow “A” shown in  FIG.  3   . Once the panel  20  is in a desired position, the panel  20  can be locked in that position by operating the handle  18 . 
     A set of instructions  26  are affixed (e.g., adhered) to the rear face  22 , advising the user about correct operation of the device  10 . The front face  24  of the panel  20  forms a writing surface such as an acrylic surface, a chalkboard, a whiteboard, or the like on which a user can write a message  28 . A whiteboard (also known by the terms marker board, dry-erase board, wipe board, dry-wipe board, pen-board, and grease board) is a flat surface having a high smoothness or glossiness that can be written upon or otherwise marked using a non-permanent marker and then wiped clean. Whiteboards are commonly made of six types of materials: (1) melamine is a resin-infused paper that is typically used over a substrate that can range from particle board to medium density fiberboard; (2) painted steel or aluminum; (3) hard-coat laminate; (4) porcelain or enamel-on-steel; (5) tempered glass; and (6) polypropylene film. Whiteboards have become ubiquitous in classrooms, offices, and other institutions and, therefore, are preferred as the front face  24  of the panel  20 . 
     The whiteboard may be integral with the front face  24  of the panel  20 . Alternatively, the whiteboard may be a separate component that is placed over the front face  24 . (Alternatively, other components such as cork boards, tack boards, and the like could be placed over the front face  24  if desired for a particular application.) A separate whiteboard  78  is illustrated in  FIG.  13   , which is a side view of a further embodiment of the defense mobile device  10 . The whiteboard  78  can cover all, or only a desired portion, of the front face  24  of the panel  20 . The whiteboard  78  can be affixed to the front face  24  using a variety of fasteners such as screws, nails, tacks, rivets, and the like, as would be appreciated by an artisan. The front face  24  of the panel  20  may have a plurality of anchoring plugs (typically plastic or metal) to receive the fasteners and act as fastener inserts. A corresponding number of fasteners would be used to affix the whiteboard  78  to the front face  24 . Nine fasteners and plugs are suitable, but more or fewer fastener-and-plug combinations are possible. 
     The configuration illustrated in  FIG.  13    of a separate whiteboard  78  allows the whiteboard  78  to be replaced easily if the whiteboard  78  becomes damaged or obsolete. To render replacement of the whiteboard  78  even easier, the fasteners can be replaced by an “L”-shaped bracket (not shown) affixed to the front face  24  and used to support the whiteboard  78 . The bracket allows the whiteboard  78  to slide into position over the panel  20  and against the front face  24 . The user can simply slide a damaged or obsolete whiteboard  78  out of its position against the front face  24  and slide a new whiteboard  78  into position when needed. Rather than fasteners, a relatively permanent adhesive, such as glue, could be used to affix the whiteboard  78  to the front face  24  especially if replacement of the whiteboard  78  is not anticipated. 
     Other components useful for the normal operation of a classroom or workplace can also be combined with the device  10 . Some of those components are illustrated in  FIGS.  14 A and  14 B , which are front and rear perspective views, respectively, of another embodiment of the device  10 . As shown in  FIG.  14 A , which is a front, perspective view of an additional embodiment of the defense mobile device  10 , a LED/LCD or television screen, monitor, computer monitor, touch pad device, touch screen-stylist pen smart board technology (available from Microsoft Corporation of Redmond, Wash.), or the like (each a display  62 ) is provided on the front face  24  of the panel  20 . A user can interact with the display  62  in many ways, including viewing the display  62 , moving the location of the device  10  and thereby the display  62 , and changing the information that appears on the display  62 . Such information might be, for example, learning videos, PowerPoint presentations, and other audio and visual information. 
     A controller is a hardware device or a software program that manages or directs the flow of data (i.e., facilitates communication  64 , perhaps through a transceiver  68 ) between two components. The device  10  can include a controller  66 . The controller  66  provides the ability to obtain data from, for example, the display  62 , the grips  12 , the handle  18 , the locking rod  14 , the lever-locking mechanism, the wheels  4 , the pedal stop  6 , and the panel  20 , and to use that data to control the other components of the device  10 . The controller  66  has programmed in it, in a manner well-known to those skilled in the art, a preset control program or routine to assure efficiently the operation of the various components of the device  10 . More specifically, the controller  66  can, for example, define the information that appears on the display  62 , identify when the grips  12  of the handle  18  are touched, cause the wheels  4  to move, activate the pedal stop  6 , and position the panel  20 . A hand-held joystick (not shown) could interact through the controller  66  to fully control and steer the device  10  to a doorway and into place against a door or doorway for sheltering-in-place without human physical interaction. This concept would keep an occupant of the room in which the device  10  is located away from the largest threat in the room, which is the doorway and its related door. The controller  66  helps to assure a robust and reproducible automated operation of the device  10 . The controller  66  and transceiver  68  can be positioned on any suitable surface, such as a table  70 . 
     As shown in  FIG.  14 B , which is a rear, perspective view of the defense mobile device  10  shown in  FIG.  14 A , the device  10  can accommodate still additional components peripheral to its main functions of defense and safety. Provided on the rear face  22  of the panel  20  are a power pack or battery  72 , an audio sound board  74 , and associated wires  73 . At least one of the wires  73  may engage the display  62  on the front face  24  of the panel  20  through a hole  76  in the panel  20 . Thus, the device  10  can be provided with electric power. The electric power can be used to operate the components of the device  10  already discussed and illustrated, as well as additional components not illustrated (such as, for example, a powered “panic button”). 
     As discussed above, the device  10  provides the practical features of an angled whiteboard, the storage of items, and interactive communications in addition to its main functions of defense and safety. The device  10  can be used daily as a whiteboard with erasable markers. When not used for its main purpose of securing a doorway, the device  10  provides a front face  24  that rests back on an angle to function as a typical whiteboard for use in classrooms and offices. This function advantageously avoids both a “fortress” look that risks making some individuals uncomfortable and occupation of limited space in the classroom or office with a defense and safety device that, hopefully, would never be needed. 
     The main structure of the panel  20 , however, is a ballistic core. A suitable core for the panel  20  is available from Waco Composites of Waco, Tex. See www.armorcore.com. Another suitable core for the panel  20  is available from ArmorCo of Ashtabula, Ohio. See www.armorco.com. ArmorCo is one of the leading suppliers of Kevlar bullet-resistant fabrics and fiberglass bullet-resistant panels in the United States. (Kevlar is a registered trademark of E.I. duPont de Nemours &amp; Co., Inc. of Wilmington, Del. used in connection with a synthetic fiber.) A suitable ArmorCo core for the panel  20  is made utilizing multiple layers of specially woven fiberglass with a proprietary resin system. The core may be considered fiberglass opaque armor. The core for the panel  20  stops bullets by capturing the ballistic projectiles in an innovative process called ply-delamination, and also defeats the projectiles without the danger of ricocheting or spalling. Bullets and other projectiles are not deflected by the panel  20 . Thus, the panel  20  catches the bullet or projectile and prevents a threat to other individuals or innocent bystanders. The panel  20  preferably has a UL 752 rating of Level 7 or higher. The panel  20  may have a different UL 752 rating, however, such as Level 5, Level 8, or other Levels, depending upon the application. 
     Ballistic resistance tests were performed on the panel  20  having the ArmorCo core by H.P. White Laboratory, Inc. of Maryland. All testing was conducted on an indoor range at ambient conditions, in accordance with modified provisions of UL-752. Testing was conducted using caliber 5.56×45 mm, 55 gr.; 12 ga, SLUG; and 9 mm, 124 gr., full metal jacket (FMJ) ammunition. The test samples were positioned 15 feet (4.5 m) from the muzzle of the barrel to produce zero degree obliquity impacts. Photoelectric infrared screens were located at 5 feet (1.5 m) and 10 feet (3 m) which, in conjunction with electronic chronographs, were used to compute bullet velocities at 7.5 feet (2.3 m) forward of the muzzle. Penetrations were determined by visual examination of the ⅛ inch (0.32 cm) thick corrugated cardboard witness plate, placed 15 inches (38 cm) behind and parallel to the test samples. 
     Tests were conducted both with a classroom door closed and the panel  20  in position behind the door and with the door open (so that bullets hit the panel  20  directly). Bullets were directed at various components of the device  10 , including the cover  50  (see below) and the locking rod  14 . In all cases where the door was closed, the bullets penetrated through the door. In none of the tests, whether the door was open or closed and regardless of where the bullets were directed, did the bullets penetrate through the panel  20 . Tests were also done using a battering ram to try to disengage the panel  20  from its position against the door or door frame; in none of those tests was the panel  20  breached. 
     At least two other alternatives are envisioned for the ballistic core of the panel  20 . The first alternative is illustrated in  FIG.  15    The ballistic core in this first alternative includes a rectangular steel plate  102  with one or more ballistic control rubber blocks  104  attached to and covering the steel plate  102 . One rubber block  104  may cover the entire surface of the steel plate  102 . Any suitable number of rubber blocks  104  may be provided, however, and twelve such rubber blocks  104  are illustrated in  FIG.  15   . Regardless of their number, the rubber blocks  104  can be attached to the steel plate  102  in any suitable manner such as with pins, screws, spikes, or other fasteners  106  or with an adhesive. A suitable thickness for the rubber blocks  104  is 2 inches (5 cm). 
     Ballistic rubber is often used to prevent escapes and ricochets of bullets and bullet fragments in gun-training ranges. Although ballistic rubber can stop some rounds, depending on the thickness of the ballistic rubber, bullets can usually penetrate the ballistic rubber. The ballistic rubber typically allows the bullets to pass through it and then strike a hard surface such as the steel plate  102 . Upon contact with the steel plate  102 , the bullets lose both energy and their original shape and safely either come to rest between the ballistic rubber and the steel plate  102  or become embedded in the ballistic rubber. Thus, the rubber blocks  104  contain bullets and fragments and prevent shrapnel from ricocheting. Several companies manufacture and sell products suitable as the ballistic rubber blocks  104 . Range Systems, Inc. of New Hope, Minn. offers ballistic rubber products under the trademarks Dura-Bloc™ and DuraPanel™. See U.S. Pat. No. 5,316,708, incorporated in this application by reference. Cumberland Rubber Supply of Nashville, Tenn., and Black Iron Rubber Company of Babbitt, Minn., also offer suitable ballistic control rubber products. 
     The second alternative is illustrated in  FIG.  16   . The ballistic core in this second alternative for the panel  20  includes a single steel sheet  110 . The steel sheet  110  is preferably abrasion-resistant (“AR”) steel. AR500 is a hardened, tempered, high-carbon alloy steel that is commonly used for targets and armored applications; AR500 is ideal for high-wear applications. With a high Brinell hardness number (BHN), AR500 steel is perfect for targets because of its functionality and safety. By providing impact resistance, bullets are more likely to hit a flat surface on the target and follow usual ricochet patterns. When softer steels are used and deformations occur, there is a much higher possibility for an unusual bounce back that could cause injury. This second alternative does not stop ricochets, however, or contain bullets. 
     AR500 steel sheet having a thickness of ⅜ inches (0.95 cm) weighs approximately 15.3 pounds per square foot. To accommodate the weight of the steel sheet  110 , several components can be added to the device  10 . A counterweight  112 , typically also made of steel, can be added to (placed on) the rear face  22  of the panel  20  to achieve proper weight distribution. The weight of counterweight  112  will depend, of course, on the application but a weight of 90 pounds (40.8 kg) has been found suitable in some applications. One or more (two are illustrated) arms  114  can be added to connect and support the steel sheet  110 . The arms  114  can be made of flat steel attached to the base  2  using pin hinges  116  and to the rear face  22  using brackets  118 . A band  120  can be added at or near the bottom of the rear face  22  for increased support of the steel sheet  110 . The band  120  can be a flat piece attached only to the rear face  22  or the band  120  can be an “L”-shaped piece attached to both the rear face  22  and the bottom of the panel  20 . 
     Regardless of the alternative used to form the ballistic core of the panel  20 , the whiteboard  78  may be attached to it. Also regardless of the alternative used to form the ballistic core of the panel  20 , a standard size for the panel  20  is 4 feet (122 cm) in width, 8 feet (244 cm) in height, and 1 inch (2.5 cm) in thickness. Other sizes of panel  20  can be made if needed, however, to accommodate the doors of existing buildings. The device  10  is designed (e.g., sized) so that once it is assembled inside of a classroom or office, the device  10  cannot be wheeled outside of the classroom or office through a standard-size doorway; therefore, such a design helps to prevent theft of the device  10  and removal of the device  10  from the room for nefarious purposes. 
     Some doorways have a glass light window adjacent the door. To accommodate such doorways, the panel  20  could be made wider than just the size of the door to encompass the glass light window. For example, the panel  20  might be 5 feet (152 cm) wide. In addition, some doors have a window in them. As shown in  FIG.  10   , the panel  20  may have a peephole or ballistic door viewer  192  in the panel  20  at a location to align with the window in or adjacent the door. A simple peephole could be formed in (typically, although not necessarily, drilled through) the panel  20 . Although it might be small in diameter so as to reduce the risk, a peephole creates a risk that people sheltered by the device  10  would be vulnerable to gun shot through the peephole. To reduce and perhaps eliminate that risk, the ballistic door viewer  192  is inserted through the peephole in the panel  20 . A suitable ballistic door viewer  192  is constructed from high grade stainless steel and is available from Blast &amp; Ballistics Ltd. of the United Kingdom. The peephole or ballistic door viewer  192  functions to allow people inside of a room during a lock down to see others outside of the room and decide whether to grant those others access to the room. (In other words, the ballistic door viewer  192  permits viewing or observing through the panel  20 .) The people outside the room might be offering help (e.g., first responders, police, security) or they might be an innocent person stranded outside the room who needs to get inside the room for sheltering in place. 
     Rather than the ballistic door viewer  192 , the device  10  can have a ballistic viewport  194  as illustrated in  FIGS.  10 A  (rear, perspective view) and  10 B (front, perspective view). Suitable ballistic viewports are commercially available, for example, from JNI Armor of Anaheim, Calif. (jniarmor.com/solutions-applications/ballistic-shield-viewports/). The ballistic viewport  194  provides an expanded (relative to the ballistic door viewer  192 ) portal or window and, therefore, improves the function of allowing people inside of a room during a lock down to see others outside of the room and decide whether to grant those others access to the room. The ballistic viewport  194  also allows people outside the room to see inside the room and, for example, assess the safety of the people inside the room. The ballistic viewport  194  includes a border  196  which surrounds and supports a transparent, ballistic (i.e., bullet-resistant) glass or fiberglass insert  198 . 
     With reference to the UL 752 Bullet Resistant Materials Standards outlined above, the ballistic level for the ballistic glass or fiberglass insert  198  is rated from Level 1 through Level 8. The ballistic level of the ballistic glass or fiberglass insert  198  will be predetermined for a particular application. The ballistic level should be adequate, however, to stop all handgun rounds, shotgun rounds, and rifle rounds, to include AR-15 style rifles, 0.223/5.56 caliber, and AK-47 caliber bullets of 7.62. 
     The border  196  is typically made of metal, preferably steel. The various embodiments of the ballistic viewport  194  can be attached to the panel  20 , over or in an opening through the panel  20  from the front face  24  to the rear face  22 , using fasteners, adhesives, or other attachment mechanisms. The border  196  extends beyond the area defined by the internal opening in the panel  20 , which is covered by the glass or fiberglass insert  198 , and is preferably disposed flat against the panel  20  when the ballistic viewport  194  is in position against the panel  20 . If they are used, fasteners can extend through the panel  20  and through holes in the border  196 . Suitable fasteners have an acorn cap or nut. The ends of the fasteners opposite the cap or nut are flush or slightly recessed, of course, with the front face  24  of the panel  20  so as not to interfere with the function of the writing surface. 
       FIGS.  10 A and  10 B  illustrate three different embodiments for the size and placement of the ballistic viewport  194 . Typically, the panel  20  will include only one of the embodiments, although the panel  20  might include two or, as shown, all three of the embodiments. The ballistic viewport  194  can range in any customizable size. For instance, the ballistic viewport  194  can have a rectangular shape that goes all the way horizontally across the panel  20  of the device  10  (as illustrated near the top of the panel  20 ) or horizontally part-way (about half-way is illustrated) across the panel  20  of the device  10 . The rectangular ballistic viewport  194  can also be installed vertically in the device  10  (as illustrated proximate the center of the panel  20 ). Of course, other shapes for the ballistic viewport  194  are possible, including square, round, and more, as would be known to an artisan. 
     This addition of the ballistic viewport  194  makes the device  10  more versatile in its use. The ballistic viewport  194  advantageously permits people who are sheltering in place within a room protected by the device  10  to see directly through the device  10  while constantly being behind cover and protection. With the addition of the ballistic viewport  194 , the device  10  is even more suitable for use in such applications as security entrances to any facility for protection (lobbies, office reception areas, etc.) and security checkpoints for law enforcement or security forces such as the military. 
     The device  10  can also be modified to accommodate doors of different sizes.  FIG.  17    illustrates the device  10  having a panel  20  sized (i.e., enlarged) to accommodate a double door. Thus, another size for the panel  20  is 1 1/16 inches (2.7 cm) thick by 10 feet (305 cm) wide and 12 feet (365 cm) high. Certain modifications to the enlarged device  10  can be made to facilitate use of the device  10  in connection with an enlarged or double door. Examples of those modifications include an additional wheel  4  (five are shown, rather than four, in  FIG.  17   ) and an additional pedal stop  6  (two are shown, rather than one, in  FIG.  17   ). 
     Typically, the entire structure of the device  10  (except in some applications, of course, the whiteboard  78  or other components on the front face  24  of the panel  20 ) will be powder coated. Of course, selective components of the device  10  can be powder coated rather than the entire device  10 . Powder coating is a type of coating that is applied as a free-flowing, dry powder. The main difference between a conventional liquid paint and a powder coating is that the powder coating does not require a solvent to keep the binder and filler parts in a liquid suspension form. The coating is typically applied electrostatically and is then cured under heat to allow it to flow and form a “skin.” The powder may be a thermoplastic or a thermoset polymer. The powder coating creates a hard finish that is tougher than conventional paint. The powder coating process was invented around 1945 by Daniel Gustin, who was awarded U.S. Pat. No. 2,538,562. The powder coating can give the device  10  any color desired. The powder coating also provides functional advantages, such as toughness and rust resistance. 
     The panel  20 , with or without the whiteboard  78 , can be encased in a protective casing  130 . The casing  130  is depicted in  FIG.  18    around the panel  20  without the whiteboard  78 . The casing  130  can be formed of plastic, rubber, or a similar material. A thin (about 1/16 inches or 0.16 cm thick) aluminum or steel material can also be suitable for the casing  130  in some applications. The casing  130  can be placed over the rear face  22  and the side edges  23  of the panel  20 , much as a case is placed over a smartphone. Like smartphone cases, the casing  130  serves many purposes—aesthetics and protection among them. The casing  130  allows the user to personalize the device  10 , adding style, color, graphics, and the like. The casing  130  also protects the panel  20  (and whiteboard  78 ) from various damage risks such as chipping and cracking. Still further, the casing  130  protects other objects (walls, desks, etc.) that might be inadvertently bumped by the device  10 . The casing  130  also may provide a support to which other components (such as the “L”-shaped band  120 ) can be attached. 
     One or more of the components of the device  10  can be encased in a wrap  140 , typically made of plastic such as vinyl. An embodiment of the device  10  illustrating the wrap  140  as applied to the panel  20  is shown in  FIG.  19   . Products like the wrap  140  are often used to encase automobiles. The main goals of the wrap  140  are to change the appearance of the device  10  (i.e., improve its aesthetics), help preserve the device  10 , and provide a medium of expression for the user. Thus, the wrap  140  can change or provide a color to the device  10  without painting or repainting the device  10 . The wrap  140  can enhance the appearance of the device  10  for a lower cost than a paint job. The wrap  140  can also give the user the option of adding to the device  10  a school name, logo, and/or mascot; the name of a place of worship and/or logo; the name of a government entity and/or logo; the name of a military branch and/or logo; the name of a business and/or logo, advertising a product or service, or even presenting a message such as a political point of view. In short, the user can customize the color of, and communicate a message through, the wrap  140  of the device  10 . The wrap  140  must have a solid surface to adhere to; otherwise it will not stick. The user can leave the wrap  140  in place on the device  10  for as long as desired, replace the original wrap  140  with a new wrap  140 , or remove the wrap  140  and return the device  10  to its previous color. The wrap  140  is easy to clean. 
     Typically, the first level of protection against an intruder having access to a room is a locked door  90 . As shown in  FIG.  4   , the door  90  has a knob  92  and a latch  94 . The knob  92  may be a conventional round knob, a handle, a rotating lever, or similar mechanism used to open the conventional door  90 . The user grasps, rotates, pushes, and pulls the knob  92  to open and close the door  90 . The latch  94  engages a corresponding latch plate in the door frame  98  to lock the door  90  into position within the door frame  98 . (Note that the door jambs, also called the door “legs,” are the interior sides of the door frame  98  and, specifically, the parts of the door frame  98  that hold the mounting hinges on one side and the strike or latch plate for the latch on the other.) The device  10  enhances the first level of protection by adding three more levels of protection. The ballistic panel  20  provides a second level of protection (in addition to acting as a whiteboard as described above). 
     The design and intent of the ballistic panel  20  is to be placed against the existing, already-locked door  90 . The panel  20  is positioned, as shown in  FIG.  4   , perpendicularly (i.e., at a 90-degree angle) to the floor  100  and flat against the door  90 . In this position, the panel  20  provides ballistic protection against bullets being fired into the existing door  90 . The bullets may travel through the door  90  and then into the ballistic panel  20  itself, which absorbs or captures the bullets and provides a second layer of security. 
     The panel  20  pivots mechanically so that it can transition from its secondary function as a whiteboard, typically although not necessarily angled as shown in  FIG.  3   , to being engaged at a 90-degree angle against a door and its door frame  98  for its primary, safety function, as shown in  FIGS.  4  and  5   . Two mechanical features of the device  10  enable the panel  20  to transition. First, the pivots  30  (which may be a bolt-and-hinge combination) are located near the bottom of the ballistic panel  20  so that the ballistic panel  20  can be engaged into a 90-degree position. Second, for the ballistic panel  20  to be engaged into the 90-degree position, the user-friendly locking rod  14  pushes the panel  20  into its upright 90-degree position. The first and second hinge bolts  16  and  36  fix opposite ends of the locking rod  14  to the base  2  and to the panel  20 , respectively. Noteworthy is that a single locking rod  14  pivots the panel  20  through its various angled positions and into its upright 90-degree position, and back again; multiple pivot mechanisms are unnecessary. 
     Optionally provided is one stay  32  or a pair of stays  32 , each stay  32  having one end connected to the frame  8  and its opposite end connected to the panel  20 . See  FIG.  1   . The stays  32  assist the locking rod  14  in positioning the panel  20  relative to the frame  8  and to the door  90 . The stays  32  also help the frame  8  to support the panel  20 . 
     Also optionally provided are one or more hydraulic lifts  150  to assist in moving the panel  20  from its normal resting position to a 90-degree position fully engaged against a door  90  or door frame  98 . Two hydraulic lifts  150  are shown for purposes of example only in  FIG.  11   , which is a rear, perspective view of another embodiment of the defense mobile device  10 . (The lifts  150  might also be called gas spring struts, struts, gas props, or lift supports and are available commercially from, for example, SiraWeb.com of Willoughby, Ohio (www.siraweb.com).) An hydraulic lift is a type of machine that uses an hydraulic apparatus to lift or move heavy objects (such as the panel  20 ) using the force created when pressure is exerted on liquid in a piston. The force produces the useful “lift.” One of the physics equations that applies to hydraulic lift technology is “pressure×area=force.” This equation helps to determine the pressure exertion required on a liquid in a piston to produce enough force to provide lift and move an object. Each lift  150  has one end connected to the frame  8  and its opposite end connected to the panel  20 . Alternative or in addition to the lifts  150  connected to the frame  8 , a lift can be added to the locking rod  14  to assist in putting the locking rod  14  into place. The lifts  150  give the user more control over movement of the panel  20  and help with a smoother transition when placing the panel into a 90-degree position against a door  90 . 
     The device  10  adds a third layer of protection against an intruder by providing a lever-locking mechanism to secure the device  10  in place against or within the existing door frame  98 . The lever locking mechanism includes, for example, one or more bolts  40  (preferably steel) slidably located on the panel  20  of the device  10  and a corresponding one or more receivers (or sleeves)  42  (also preferably steel) located on the existing door frame  98 . Two bolts  40  and receivers  42  are illustrated in  FIG.  5   . As illustrated in  FIG.  5   , one pair of bolts  40  and receivers  42  is located on either side of the existing door frame  98 . Each bolt  40  has a handle  44  to facilitate manipulation of the bolt  40  by a user.  FIG.  6    illustrates an alternative embodiment of the lever-locking mechanism, with a single handle  44  allowing the user to manipulate both of the bolts  40  simultaneously. 
     After the user positions the panel  20  upright against the door  90 , the one or more bolts  40  can be slid along the panel  20  into engagement with the corresponding one or more receivers  42 . One pair of a bolt  40  and a receiver  42  suffices; two or more pairs of bolts  40  and receivers  42  provide enhanced security. Regardless of the number of pairs of bolts  40  and receivers  42 , the lever-locking mechanism provides a third layer of protection in case the existing door  90  is breached by an intruder: the intruder faces the panel  20  locked into position against or within the existing door frame  98  even with the door  90  damaged, opened, or removed. 
     A problem with many lockdown procedures is that fire safety codes typically mandate the use of outward-opening doors  90 , and the use of locks that are key-locked from outside the room and released by simply turning the door knob  92  from inside the room. These fire safety measures interfere with the speed and security of the lockdown procedure. The teacher must open the classroom door, step outside, and key the lock, exposing the teacher and the classroom to danger. Further, a panicked student can easily unlock the door  90  from inside the classroom. Still further, if the door  90  has the typical glass window, an intruder can break the glass, reach inside, and unlock the door  90  by turning the inside door knob  92 . 
     The device  10  is designed to engage door frames  98  whether the corresponding door  90  opens into the room or outward away from the room. The lever-locking mechanism (one or more bolts  40  and receivers  42 ) can be shaped to engage both protruding and recessed door frames  98 . In either case, the receivers  42  are affixed to the door frame  98 . The corresponding bolts  40  will be substantially straight to accommodate outward-opening doors  90  (in a recessed door frame  98 ) and will have a substantially “Z” or “S” shape to accommodate inward-opening doors  90  (in a protruding door frame  98 ). 
     One or more magnets  160  can be affixed to each side edge  23  of the panel  20 , as shown in  FIG.  11   , especially when the device  10  is used on doors  90  that open inwardly. The magnets  160  can have any suitable shape, including round, square, rectangular, etc. When the panel  20  and, if applicable, the whiteboard  78  are fully engaged at 90 degrees against the door  90  or door frame  98 , the magnets  160  will attach to the door frame  98  (i.e., the existing metal door frame). Such magnetic attachment provides additional strength to the barricade created by the panel  20  and renders it more difficult for forced entry from the side of the door  90  opposite the device  10 . Thus, the magnets  160  help to strengthen the barricaded door  90  or door frame  98 . 
     As discussed above, modifications to the device  10  may be made to accommodate certain applications. Another such modification is to add to the device  10 , and specifically to the panel  20 , a top step  48  preferably made of steel. The top step  48  is illustrated in many of the figures including, for example,  FIG.  10   . The purpose of the top step  48  is to accommodate a door  90 , typically an outward-opening door  90 , that has a door closer  95 . As illustrated in  FIG.  20   , the door closer  95  may have a piston  95   a  that projects into the room. Regardless, the door closer  95  may prevent the panel  20  from extending upward the full height of the doorway (i.e., the door closer  95 , or at least the piston  95   a , blocks the panel  20  from extending to and contacting the top of the doorway). Rather than leave an opening at the top of the doorway, the device  10  includes the top step  48  to close that opening. The top step  48  is affixed to the rear face  22  of the panel  20  and is either flat or “L”-shaped, depending upon how much clearance the top step  48  must provide to accommodate the door closer  95  and its piston  95   a . A flat top step  48  will provide a clearance equal to the thickness of the panel  20  (typically about 1 inch or 2.5 cm). An “L”-shaped top step  48  will provide a greater clearance: if the horizontal leg of the “L” is two inches or about 5 cm, for example, then a clearance equal to about 3 inches or 7.5 cm can be provided. 
     The device  10  effectively barricades even outward-opening, doorknob-operated doors  90  from inside a room without having to open or lock the door  90 . Externally locked, internally unlocked door knobs  92  do not compromise the security of the device  10 , even if the door knob  92  is left unlocked during the lockdown procedure. 
     The lever-locking mechanism (bolts  40  and receivers  42 ) of the device  10  can be manually operated by the user or can be designed to engage automatically and to be released by remote signal from the controller  66 . A manually operated embodiment of the lever-locking mechanism is illustrated in  FIG.  5   . 
     In order to further prevent the possibility of the door  90  being unlocked from inside the room, or by someone reaching through a broken window and unlocking the door  90 , and to increase the speed of the deployment of the lever-locking mechanism, an alternate, automatically engaged lever-locking mechanism forms an alternative embodiment. The automatic lever-locking mechanism includes a bolt  40  mounted to move in a bore under the action of a spring. The bolt  40  is retracted into the bore and out of engagement with the receiver  42  against the force of the spring by a retention element. When it is desired that the spring push the bolt  40  out of the bore and into engagement with the receiver  42  located on the door frame  98 , the retention element is released. Such release automatically pushes the bolt into engagement with the receiver  42 . 
     The bolt  40  and its corresponding spring are part of a remote-controlled, solenoid-retracted lever-locking mechanism. The automatic lever-locking mechanism is similar, for example, to the mechanism used in remote-controlled automobile door lock mechanisms. Transmitting one signal to the lever-locking mechanism causes the solenoid to retract the bolt  40  out of engagement with the receiver  42 , against the force of the spring, allowing the panel  20  and the device  10  to be removed from the door  90  and door frame  98 . A wireless unlatching signal can come from a handheld remote control in the possession of a teacher, or from security personnel clearing the building, or can be a building-wide signal transmitted from a central office. The signal can be part of the communications  64  from the transceiver  68  prompted by user interface with the controller  66 . 
     Another alternative is to include a twist-lock mechanism  170  as part of the device  10 .  FIG.  21 A  is a rear perspective view and  FIG.  21 B  is a front perspective view of the twist-lock mechanism  170 . As illustrated in many of the figures including, for example,  FIG.  10   , the twist-lock mechanism  170  is attached to the rear face  22  of the panel  20  at about the middle of the height of the panel  20 . 
     The twist-lock mechanism  170  has an enclosure  172  with a top flange  174 , a bottom flange  176 , and side flanges  178 . Each of the side flanges  178  has a slot  180 . At the approximate center of the rear of the enclosure  172  a disc  182  is located having a twist-lock handle  184 . Through an axel, bushings, and hole (not shown) in the enclosure  172 , the disc  182  engages a twist-lock plate  186  located inside the enclosure  172 . The twist-lock plate  186  has pivotably connected to it a pair of twist-lock arms  188  that each extend, respectively, through one of the slots  180  when the twist-lock mechanism  170  is actuated and that retract completely inside the enclosure  172  when the twist-lock mechanism  170  is not actuated. The top flange  174  and the bottom flange  176  can attach the twist-lock mechanism  170  to the rear face  22  of the panel  20  using a variety of fasteners  190  such as screws, bolts, tacks, rivets, and the like, as would be appreciated by an artisan. 
     The ends of the twist-lock arms  188  opposite the twist-lock plate  186  are configured to engage corresponding notches on the door frame  98  when the twist-lock mechanism  170  is actuated. Such engagement further enhances the barricade created by the device  10 . Actuation is achieved when the twist-lock handle  184  is rotated in a first direction, which causes the disc  182  and in turn the twist-lock plate  186  to rotate in that same first direction. Such rotation causes the twist-lock arms  188  to move outward, through the slots  180 , and into engagement with the notches. Actuation can be accomplished manually or automatically. When the user wants to remove the device  10  from its position in the door frame  98 , the twist-lock handle  184  is rotated in a second direction opposite to the first direction, which causes the disc  182  and in turn the twist-lock plate  186  to rotate in that second direction. Such rotation causes the twist-lock arms  188  to move inward, through the slots  180 , and into the interior of the enclosure  172  as shown in  FIG.  21 B . 
     The device  10  adds a fourth layer of protection against an intruder by providing a cover  50  on the panel  20 . (As illustrated in  FIG.  10   , the frame  8  has a “Z”-shaped cutout to accommodate interaction between the frame  8  and the cover  50 .) As illustrated in  FIG.  3   , the cover  50  is affixed to the panel  20  over an opening  52  that is cut in the panel  20 . The opening  52  is sized and shaped to permit the door knob  92  to protrude through the panel  20  when the panel  20  is placed against the door  90 . This allows the panel  20  to be placed flat against the door  90  regardless of the size of the hardware used on the door  90 . The cover  50  is designed to overlay and enclose the door knob  92 , when the door knob  92  protrudes through the panel  20 , regardless of the type (e.g., round knob, rotating lever, handle, or other) and shape of the door knob  92 . 
     In one embodiment, the cover  50  is formed in the shape of a metal (preferably steel) box. The opening  52  in the panel  20  may be round, square, rectangular, U-shaped, or may have any other shape suitable to accommodate a door knob  92 . The cover  50  may have a shape corresponding to the shape of the opening  52 . An example cover  50  is a rectangular box formed of half-inch (1.25 cm) thick steel which is about 5 inches (12.5 cm) deep, 10 inches (25 cm) tall, and 8 inches (20 cm) wide. Other dimensions are suitable, however, for the cover  50  (e.g., ⅜ inch or 1 cm thick). When in position enclosing the door knob  92 , the cover  50  prevents inadvertent unlocking or opening of the door  90  and protects against an intruder who might shoot out the door knob  92 . 
       FIGS.  7 ,  8 , and  9    are side views, in partial cross section, of alternative embodiments of the cover  50 . In  FIG.  7   , the cover  50  is angled so that projectiles such as bullets penetrating the door  90  and passing through the opening  52  are deflected downward toward the floor  100 . In  FIG.  8   , the cover  50  appears outwardly like the box embodiment illustrated in  FIGS.  1 - 5   , but has an internal angled deflector  54 . The deflector  54  is preferably made of metal (e.g., steel) and functions to deflect projectiles. In  FIG.  9   , the cover  50  appears outwardly like the box embodiment illustrated in  FIGS.  1 - 5   , but has an internal insert  56 . The insert  56  is preferably made of the same material as the panel  20 , so that the insert  56  catches any projectile penetrating the door  90  and passing through the opening  52 . 
     As shown in  FIGS.  7 ,  8 , and  9   , the various embodiments of the cover  50  can be attached to the panel  20  using fasteners  60 . The cover  50  has one or more flanges  58  that extend beyond the area defined by the internal opening of the cover  50 , and are preferably disposed flat against the panel  20  when the cover  50  is in position against the panel  20  and over the knob  92  of the door  90 . The fasteners  60  extend through the panel  20  and through holes in the flanges  58 . Suitable fasteners  60  have an acorn cap or nut. The end of the fasteners  60  opposite the cap or nut are flush or slightly recessed, of course, with the front face  24  of the panel  20  so as not to interfere with the function of the writing surface. 
     Optionally provided on the rear face  22  of the panel  20  is a belt  34 . The belt  34  is preferably metal and still more preferably steel. The belt  34  reinforces the panel  20  and facilitates engagement between the panel  20  and one or more of the hinge bolt  36  (and, therefore, the locking rod  14 ), the stays  32  (if present), and the cover  50 . Such engagement is illustrated, for example, in  FIG.  1   . The hinge bolt  36 , the stays  32 , and the cover  50  can be welded to the belt  34 . 
     The device  10  can be modified to permit certain people (i.e., authorized entrants) located outside a room to gain access to the room without assistance from occupants in the room. Such authorized entrants might be offering help (e.g., first responders, police, security, firefighters, or emergency personnel) or might be stranded outside the room and need to get inside the room for sheltering in place. Access to the room can be gained by moving the device  10  away from the door after releasing the mechanism that otherwise prevents the device  10  from moving. As described above, that mechanism can be one or both of pedal stops  6  and stops  46 . The pedal stops  6  and stops  46  are provided on the device  10  to hold the device  10  in a stationary position and prevent moving the device  10 . Release or deactivation of the pedal stops  6 , the stops  46 , or both can be achieved using a release system  200 . Thus, although the release system  200  will be described and is illustrated in  FIGS.  22 - 26    in connection with the stop  46 , the same principles would apply in connection with the pedal stop  6 . 
     In one embodiment, as illustrated in  FIG.  22   , the stop  46  includes a pedestal  46   a , a body  46   b , and a plate  46   c . The pedestal  46   a  is configured to engage the floor  100  or other surface on which the device  10  rests. The plate  46   c  engages the base  2  of the device  10 , attaching or affixing the stop  46  to the base  2 . As stated above, the stop  46  may be affixed to the base  2  at a location removed from the wheels  4  such that, when activated, the stop  46  contacts the floor  100  or other surface on which the wheels  4  would otherwise roll and prevents the wheels  4  from rolling. The body  46   b  structurally connects the pedestal  46   a  and the plate  46   c . When the stop  46  is deactivated, the pedestal  46   a  pivots upwardly and disengages from the floor  100 , allowing the wheels  4  to roll and the device  10  to move. Relevant to the release system  200 , the stop  46  also includes a pin or bolt  46   d . Tension applied to the bolt  46   d  deactivates the stop  46 . 
     As illustrated in  FIGS.  23 - 26   , the release system  200  includes a cord or cable  202 . Preferably made of steel, and more preferably 3/16 inches (0.5 cm) thick, vinyl-coated, galvanized, steel wire, the cable  202  is attached on one of its two ends to the stop  46 . In the embodiment shown, the end of the cable  202  that is attached to the stop  46  forms a first loop  204 . The first loop  204  encircles the bolt  46   d  of the stop  46 . Therefore, a pulling force applied to the first loop  204  also applies tension to the bolt  46   d , deactivating the stop  46 . The end of the cable  202  that is opposite to the stop  46  forms a second loop  206 . 
     The release system  200  further includes a hollow tube  210  and a hollow box  220 . Both the tube  210  and the box  220  are preferably made of metal and, even more preferably, of steel. The tube  210  can have any suitable shape in cross section, such as square, rectangular, or round. The tube  210  can have a smooth interior surface or a threaded interior surface. One end of the tube  210  is attached (e.g., welded) to the base  2  of the device  10  proximate to the stop  46 . The opposite end of the tube  210  is attached (e.g., welded) to the box  220 . The tube  210  can be disposed substantially parallel to the floor  100  (i.e., flat) between the stop  46  and the box  220  if the box  220  is located near the bottom of the panel  20 . Alternatively, as illustrated in  FIG.  24   , the tube  210  can be angled upward from proximate the stop  46  to the box  220 , allowing the box  220  to be located at almost any position and height on the panel  20  (see the dashed positions of the tubes  210   a  and  210   b  illustrated in  FIG.  24   , which is a side view in partial cross section taken along the line  24 - 24  of  FIG.  23   ). 
     The cable  202  is threaded, runs through, or otherwise traverses inside of the tube  210  from the stop  46  to the inside of the box  220 . The cable  202  can enter the inside of the tube  210  through an orifice  211  in the tube  210 . The first loop  204  of the cable  202  engages the stop  46 , as described above, and the second loop  206  of the cable  202  resides inside the box  220  proximate the rear face  22  of the panel  20 . 
     As illustrated in  FIGS.  24  and  25   , the box  220  is affixed to the panel  20  on the rear face  22  of the panel  20  and over an opening that is cut in the panel  20 . The opening is sized and shaped to permit an authorized entrant to access the second loop  206  of the cable  202  that resides in the box  220 . The box  220  has a door or hatch  222  that closes the box  220  and lies flush with the front face  24  of the panel  20 . This allows the panel  20  to be placed flat against the door  90 . The hatch  222  has a key hole  224  configured to receive a key  230 . The hatch  222  locks the box  220 , preventing access to the cable  202  residing in the box  220 , until and unless the hatch  222  is opened using the key  230 . The key  230  must only be accessible to (e.g., stored safely in a school resource office, at a local police or fire department, or in a facilities management office) or carried by authorized entrants. 
     The shape of the box  220  may be round, square, rectangular, U-shaped, or may have any other shape suitable to accommodate the second loop  206  of the cable  202 . Of course, the opening in the panel  20  covered by the box  220  will have a corresponding shape. An example box  220  is a rectangular box formed of half-inch (1.25 cm) thick steel which is about 5 inches (12.5 cm) deep, 10 inches (25 cm) tall, and 8 inches (20 cm) wide. Other dimensions are suitable, however, for the box  220  (e.g., ⅜ inch or 1 cm thick). When in position enclosing the second loop  206  of the cable  202 , with its hatch  222  locked closed, the box  220  prevents undesired access to the cable  202  and, therefore, deactivation of the stop  46 . Thus, the box  220  protects against an intruder who might access the cable  202 . 
     An embodiment of the key  230  is illustrated in  FIG.  26   . The key  230  is preferably T-shaped, with a horizontal head  232  and a vertical leg  234 . An unlocking tip  236  is located at the end of the vertical leg  234  opposite the head  232 . A hook  238  is located along the leg  234  between the unlocking tip  236  and the head  232 . The unlocking tip  236  is configured to enter the key hole  224  and unlock the hatch  222  of the box  220 , permitting access by an authorized entrant who possesses the key  230  to the cable  202  residing in the box  220 . The authorized entrant can then grasp the head  232  of the key  230  and use the hook  238  to grab the second loop  206  of the cable  202  and pull on the cable  202 , which will deactivate the stop  46  and permit the authorized entrant to move the device  10  away from the door  90  and gain access to the room. 
     In an alternative embodiment, the key  230  may be a conventional key having the unlocking tip  236  only. This embodiment of the key  230  need not be T-shaped, nor need it have the hook  238 . The function of this embodiment of the key  230  is simply to open the hatch  222 . Once the authorized entrant opens the hatch  222  and has access to the second loop  206  of the cable  202 , the authorized entrant can grab the second loop  206  directly using one or more fingers. Also possible is that a separate T-shaped hook  238  either is permanently attached to the second loop  206  or resides in the box  220  (along with the cable  202 ). In either case, after the authorized entrant has opened the hatch  222  using the key  230 , the authorized entrant can use the separate T-shaped hook  238  to pull the cable  202 . 
     Upon implementation, the device  10  secures, protects, and defends when a shelter-in-place or lockdown situation occurs. The device  10  turns a room (classroom, office, and the like) into a room safe from intruders, especially active shooters, and allows individuals or multiple persons to shelter-in-place. The device  10  adds three layers of security to the first layer of security of an already-existing closed and (perhaps) locked door  90 . Thus, the device  10  provides four levels of protection: a locked door  90 , a ballistic panel  20 , a “secondary” door created by the lever-locking mechanism or the twist-lock mechanism  170  securing the panel  20  against or within the door frame  98 , and a cover  50  over the door knob  92  to secure the door  90  and corresponding doorway. 
     The device  10  is designed to be user friendly. The wheels  4  render the device  10  mobile and allow the user to place the device anywhere in a room, quickly and easily, especially when the device  10  must be placed against a door  90  to perform its safety function. The grips  12  allow the user to easily maneuver the device  10 . Once the device  10  is placed in position at a doorway, the user follows the instructions  26  adhered to the device  10  to assure correct use of the device  10 . Of course, it would be preferable for the user to have already read the instructions  26  and practiced use of the device  10  before an emergency situation arises. The device  10  provides an uncomplicated, high-quality, physics-based lockdown solution at an affordable price, even for facilities on a limited budget. The device  10  is designed for use in schools, offices, places of worship, and other public facilities where multiple types of doorways are used and overall cost is a major factor. 
     Although illustrated and described above with reference to certain specific embodiments, the present invention is nevertheless not intended to be limited to the details shown. Rather, various modifications may be made in the details within the scope and range of equivalents of the claims and without departing from the spirit of the invention.