Patent Publication Number: US-7594515-B2

Title: Surveillance shield and method

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS, IF ANY 
   None. 
   BACKGROUND 
   1. Technical Field 
   This invention relates to shields for surveilling and more specifically to light-weight portable reflective shields for surveillance of people, game and/or targets. 
   2. Description of the Related Art 
   The ability to secretly approach a target without detection or to otherwise operate surveillance of prey without being noticed has long been a desire of hunters, soldiers, spies, and law enforcement authorities for ages. It is not uncommon to use shields as protective devices in combat or for sneaking up on prey. Typical hunting or combat shields, however, are generally readily visible to the combatant or prey. With a typical shield it is often difficult to sneak up on a target since the shield is visible and draws attention. Other common camouflage attempts for use in surveillance or stalking include use of specially colored clothing, face paints, or props to simulate the surrounding or background environment to lessen the chances of detection. The particulars of the environment, however, change from place to place and therefore typical camouflage clothing and props lack the flexibility desired for ease of use from place to place. 
   There are some examples of the use of mirror technology in hunting applications, such as in creating stationary hunting blinds for placement in the woods. Examples of such hunting blinds include those as shown in U.S. Pat. No. 5,592,960, and U.S. Pat. No. 5,373,863. With such blinds, the hunter positions himself behind a mirror or wall of mirrors so the game does not readily distinguish the hunter, instead viewing the reflection of the terrain immediately adjacent the mirror. Motions before the mirror, such as those caused by wind blowing leaves or branches, blend into the overall view pattern such that game are not spooked by the natural looking environment. Hunters may then experience the benefit of oncoming game for improved hunting success. Such stationary devices, however, have limitations that make their use limited, unworkable or undesirable. Such stationary devices are often too large or bulky to use to secretly approach a target or for general surveillance techniques. They are also awkward to pack, store, operate, and transport from place to place, and lack important features that assist or provide the user with a wide range of tactics and flexible options for efficiently adapting to the environment and overall surveillance. 
   Accordingly, there is a need and desire to overcome these and other limitations of the mirror technology. There is a further desire to present a lightweight portable mirrored surveillance shield that can be carried by a single user while secretly walking upon a target and simultaneously peering through the shield. 
   There is a further desire to present a surveillance shield having at least two mirrored panels detachably connected in a vertical relationship, and where the shield includes a handle for assisting in angling the shield to better reflect images. Satisfaction of these needs and other items is made possible by the present invention which will become apparent in light of the present specification. 
   SUMMARY 
   The present invention is directed to surveillance shields, surveillance methods, methods for using surveillance shields, and methods of manufacturing surveillance shields. According to one aspect of the invention there is provided a surveillance shield having a substantially flat, substantially inflexible mirrored plastic panel, and at least one aperture defined by the panel, the aperture positioned in the panel such that a user may peer through the aperture while carrying the shield. The aperture may be positioned such that a user is substantially concealed by the shield while the user carries the shield and simultaneously peers through the shield. 
   According to another aspect of the invention there is provided a surveillance shield having a first substantially flat, substantially inflexible light-weight mirrored plastic panel component, a second substantially flat, substantially inflexible mirrored plastic panel component, at least one of the first and the second panel components defining at least one aperture, the first and the second panel components detachably connected in a vertical attitude. 
   According to a further aspect of the invention there is provided a surveillance shield having a first substantially flat, substantially inflexible mirrored plastic panel component, and a second substantially flat, substantially inflexible mirrored plastic panel component, the first component detachably connected to the second component, at least one of the first and the second components defining at least one aperture, the aperture positioned such that a user is substantially concealed by the shield while the user carries the shield and simultaneously peers through the aperture. 
   According to a further aspect of the invention there is provided a method of surveillance comprising, providing a substantially flat, substantially inflexible mirrored plastic shield having at least one aperture defined by the shield, and transporting the shield while peering through the aperture. 
   According to a further aspect of the invention there is provided a method of manufacturing a surveillance shield comprising, providing a substantially flat, substantially inflexible reflective or mirrored plastic panel, dividing the panel into first and second panel components, at least one of the panel components defining at least one aperture, and detachably engaging the first and second panel components in a vertical attitude. Each of the first and second panel components may have a grain running in a first general direction, and the panel components may be engaged while matching together their respective grains. 
   With these and other aspects in mind which will more readily appear as the nature of the invention is better understood, the invention comprises the novel combination and arrangement of features and steps hereinafter more fully described, illustrated and claimed with reference being made to the claims and drawings. 

   
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       FIG. 1  is a perspective view of a surveillance shield according to one aspect of the invention. 
       FIG. 2  is a perspective view of a further aspect of the present invention. 
       FIG. 3  is a perspective view of a component of the invention. 
       FIG. 4  is an exploded back view of a further aspect of the present invention. 
       FIG. 5  is a perspective view of a further aspect of the present invention. 
       FIG. 6  is an exploded back view of a component of the present invention. 
       FIG. 7  is a perspective view of a handle aspect of the present invention. 
   

   DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
   Referring now to the Figures, a surveillance shield  20  includes a substantially flat, substantially rigid, reflectively mirrored plastic panel  22 . Panel  22  is preferably of a variety having an outward or front side plastic material  24  treated with a back side layer  26  of an outwardly reflecting (i.e., through the front side plastic material  24 ) material. Front side material  24  is generally transparent and may include plastics such as acrylic (such as a plexiglass or Plexiglas® sheet) or other suitable material. Panel  22  may be vacuum metallized with aluminum or other suitable mirror producing material on its back surface  26 . Other suitable methods for making mirrored plastic panel may be utilized. Back surface  26  preferably includes a tough opaque back-coat which protects the metallized surface. Panel  22  is advantageous in comparison with glass mirror and other reflecting materials in flexibility of design, installation and assembly. It is light weight, breakage resistant and can be used and fabricated more easily and safely than glass mirrors. Plastic panel  22  can be cut with conventional saws and routers, and can be drilled and machined to fit a desired shape. 
   Preferably panel  22  is a substantially flat, mirrored reflective and substantially optically correct outwardly facing panel adapted to reflect accurately the surrounding environment. Such optically correct panel  22  will allow for concealing the panel within the surrounding environment. Panel  22  is light weight and is of a size such that it may be carried by a single person while still concealing the person. 
   Panel  22  includes an aperture  28  such that a person carrying shield  20  may peer through the aperture  28  while carrying the shield  20 . Preferably shield  20  has a generally rectangular configuration with a height dimension “h” greater than a width dimension “w”. One suitable configuration includes shield  20  having a height h of about 5 to 6½ feet, and preferably about 6 feet, and a width w of about 2 to 3½ feet, and preferably about 2½ feet. Preferably aperture  28  is positioned toward an upper portion  30  of the shield  20  to allow a user  32  to peer through the aperture  28  while standing or carrying the shield  20  in an upright manner as shown in  FIG. 2  and  FIG. 5 . 
   Aperture  28  is preferable vertically oriented such that user  32  may vertically scan the upcoming terrain so as to walk without tripping or otherwise tactically maneuver the shield  20 . Aperture  28  may include apertures of different configurations, which are not limited to those as shown in the drawings. Aperture  28  may include a physical hole or opening of desired configuration. Aperture  28  may also include an area in panel  22  which is void or generally lacking of metallized aluminum or other mirror producing material or layer. In such case the back surface  26  would lack an opaque back-coat over the area such that aperture  28  includes the transparent acrylic area to allow a user to peer through panel  22  despite not having a physical, as opposed to visual, opening. Preferably a second aperture  28   b  is provided vertically adjacent aperture  28   a  so that user  32  may opt to peer through either aperture  28   a  or  28   b  as desired. The lower aperture, designated as  28   b  as shown in  FIG. 2  is preferably horizontally oriented to allow for horizontal scanning of the environment and more preferably, such as in a case where aperture is a physical opening in panel  22 , for placement of a camera or firearm to thereby follow motion of a target. Aperture  28   b  may have an elongated shape or other configuration depending upon preference or depending upon the particular surveillance operation. In combination, apertures  28   a  and  28   b  provide user  32  with convenient sighting ability together with convenient camera/firearm positioning while effectively concealed from view behind shield  20 . It may be appreciated that the smaller the size of apertures  28   a ,  28   b , the greater the mirrored area of panel  22 . Too large an aperture  28   a ,  28   b  would increase the opportunity for user  32  being detected. Use of vertically aligned aperture  28  such as shown in  FIG. 1  provides a smaller profile yet effective arrangement for mobilization. 
   Shield  20  preferably includes a frame  34 . Frame  34  is preferably positioned opposite the reflective side  24  of panel  22 . Frame  34  includes at least one frame member  36 , and preferably frame members  36   a ,  36   b ,  36   c , and  36   d  which generally bound the perimeter of panel  22 . Preferably frame member  36  is secured to an edge portion  40  of panel  22 , where edge portion  40  is located within the perimeter of the panel  22 , and at least a portion of frame member  36  is preferably off-set from panel edge  42 . The off-set  44  is preferably about ¼″ from edge  42 . Such off-set position lessens the possibility that the frame member  36  will be visible from the front side  24  or from a side angle position. Frame member  36  is preferably made of aluminum and is secured to panel  22  by suitable fasteners  38 , including but not limited to rivets, bolts or screws. Frame members  36  are preferably made from hollow section aluminum tubing (square or round or otherwise) and may be configured to align the edge portion of most any type of shaped panel  20 . 
   While shield  20  may preferably include a single panel  22  as shown in  FIG. 1 , it may be appreciated that shield  20  may be made of two or more panels  22 , preferably two panels  22   a  and  22   b  as shown in  FIG. 4 . Panels  22   a  and  22   b  are preferably made from the same sheet of mirrored plastic so as to maintain equivalent or nearly identical reflective properties. Preferably panels  22   a  and  22   b  are detachably connected in a vertical arrangement or attitude, with panel  22   a  positioned above panel  22   b . Panels  22   a  and  22   b  may be connected with any number of connectors, including but not limited to having plugs  46  which extend from frame member  36  of panel  22   b  into frame member  36  of panel  22   a . As shown in  FIG. 4 , frame member  36   e  and frame member  36   f  are not off-set from an edge of panel  22  to allow for a more secure mating and to lessen optical distortion between the two panels  22  along their common connection. While distortion may occur with multiple-panel arrangements, the distortion is unlikely or less likely to be problematic for use in surveillance of wild game and the like. A lower cost may therefore be realized with multiple panels as opposed to a single panel arrangement which is preferably provided in the case of law enforcement surveillance where even minor distortions may be unacceptable. It may be appreciated that different or additional clamps or clips may be used to engage panels  22 . Preferably panel  22   a  contains aperture  28 , while panel  22   b  is a surface without apertures. It may be appreciated that aperture  28  may be positioned in a variety of locations, but preferably is positioned such that a user is substantially concealed by the shield  20  while the user transports, holds, or carries the shield  20  and simultaneously peers though the aperture  28 . In addition to the foregoing, aperture  28  may be positioned near or at an edge portion of panel  22  or even situated between adjacent panels  22   a  and  22   b.    
   Shield  20  is preferably made of a single panel  22  having any number of selected dimensions of height “h” and width “w”, with common dimension of 6 feet, 5 feet or 4 feet tall by 32 inches wide. Separate panels  22  may be connected together to create a desired size. A single panel is preferred over multiple panels in order to reduce distortion or reflected images which otherwise tends to occur at the region where panels are joined. An optional skirt (not show) may be attached to the lower portion of shield  20  to better conceal the feet or legs of a user who uses a shorter sized shield. The skirt may hang downward from the shield  20  while the user walks behind the shield  20 . 
   In the manufacture of a multiple panel shield  20 , preferably each panel  22  is cut from the same stock having a grain running in a general first direction. After the panels are divided from the stock, they are preferably affixed with fame members  36  and pieced back together and into their original relationship, all preferably having grain running in the first direction so as to lessen distortion of a reflected image. 
   Having multiple panels  22  allows for ease in storage and transport. A single user may place panels  22  in a case or protected pouch having a shoulder strap and transport the same in the trunk or storage area of a vehicle. The pouch may be easily removed and carried, and the panels  22  may be assembled once the user is closer to the intended target area. Multiple panels  22  can be provided so a user may assemble as many panels  22  as needed for any particular operation, or so that multiple users may simultaneously use shield  20 . 
   While panel  22  may also include an additional aperture  28  to use as a hand hole for carrying the shield  20 , shield  20  preferably includes at least one handle  48 , and preferably two handles, preferably attached to frame member  36 . Handle  48  may also attach to a holder  50  which receives handle  48  and allows for desired adjustment, rotation, or removal. Adjustable fasteners, including but not limited to wing nut  58 , may be used to adjust handles  48 . Handle  48  and holder  50  may include a variety of holes for selective adjustment of the positioning of handle  48  to accommodate the comfort and effectiveness of using shield  20 . 
   As shown in  FIG. 5 , handle  48  preferably includes forearm support  52  to accommodate ease of use. Preferably handle  48  is configured such that a user may conveniently adjust the pitch of shield  20  so as to visually blend into the immediate environment. Holding or carrying shield  20  at an angle to downwardly reflect images of the surrounding environment is preferred over holding at an angle to reflect the sky or other image that does not blend into the environment. Therefore, handle  48  is preferably configured with a natural bend to accommodate a preferred or proper pitch. A proper pitch is at an angle represented generally by the arrow A, and is an angle between about 90 to 45 degrees, and preferably between about 85 to 70 degrees. By holding shield  20  in a forward-leaning attitude, an onlooker looking or scanning in the general direction of shield  20  would view the reflection of the surrounding ground  54  or environment. User  32  may therefore stand or walk behind shield  20  while holding or carrying shield  20  at an angle to thereby conceal himself and approach a target while being undetected. It may be appreciated that user  32  may also crouch down or crawl while aligning shield  20  in a generally horizontal position. With shield  20  aligned in a generally horizontal position (not shown) a user may lie on the ground and peer through aperture  28 , and aperture  28  may also be formed of a shape to fit the desired use. 
   As shown in  FIG. 7 , handle  48  may include forearm support  52  to ease the holding of shield  20 . Handle  48  may be angled as shown generally by the arrows represented at arrow B and/or at arrow C. Preferably angles B and/or C are at right angles or less than right angles to accommodate a desired pitch for handle insert member  60 . It may be appreciated that handle  48  may include adjustment points (not shown) to accommodate most any variety of configuration. Cup  62  may cradle a user&#39;s forearm and may pivot if desired. Handle insert member  60  may insert into holder  50  and rotate and contain adjustment points (not shown) to accommodate comfort. Other configurations of handle  48  may be used with equal or improved results and handle is not meant to be confined to include only those features as shown or described. 
   Shield  20  may further include a foot stand  56  detachably connected to frame  36 . Preferably stand  56  rotates from a storage or walking position as shown in  FIG. 2  or  FIG. 5  to a standing position as shown in  FIG. 1  and  FIG. 3 . User  32  may use his foot or hand to retract foot stand  56  while maintaining shield in an angle position. Once stand  56  is retracted, user  32  will then enjoy free use of his hands to use a camera or firearm as desired, or to simply enjoy the surroundings while being concealed. User  32  may stand on foot stand  56 . Foot stand  56  may be inserted into holder  50  and equipped with fasteners to securely lock stand  56  into a set position so that shield  20  may self-stand. Foot stand  56  may also be extended when shield  20  is placed on ground  54  in a generally horizontal position to support shield so that user  20  may lay on the ground  54  while undertaking surveillance.  FIG. 6  shows an exploded back view of one aspect of the present invention where holders  50  may include adjustments such as wing nuts or other mechanisms to accommodate for desired use. A user may conveniently attach and/or separate panel  22   a  from panel  22   b  for convenient storage or transport. 
   Frame members  36  may further include snaps (not shown) or other fasteners to accommodate the securing of a cloth for positioning over-head user  32  for further concealment. Other accessories may include use of magnets or metal strips glued adjacent apertures  28  to receive a mirrored cover to conceal the aperture. 
   In operation a user may undertake surveillance by providing the shield  20  and transporting the shield  20  while peering through the aperture  28 . Transporting the shield  20  in such surveillance method includes, but is not limited to, preferably carrying the shield  20 . Preferably the surveillance includes providing shield  20  having a substantially optically correct mirrored surface to reflect the surrounding environment, and to also provide shield  20  of a size to substantially conceal the user while the user transports and peers through the shield  20 . Different sized shields  20  may be configured depending on the desired surveillance undertakings. Applicant believes a surprising benefit of the invention is that law enforcement officials will be able to conveniently use the shield  20  to approach suspected improper activities, such as is common in areas of methamphetamine manufacture at labs in remote areas, or for other homeland security operations. 
   This written description uses illustrative embodiments to disclose the invention, including the best mode, and also to enable a person of ordinary skill in the art to make and use the invention. Other embodiments are within the scope of the claims if they have elements that do not differ from the literal language of the claims, or have equivalent elements.