Abstract: A shield for a person has a shaft, a handle and a release trigger in the shaft. A plurality of ribs are pivotally attached to the shaft at the other end from the handle. A support is provided for the ribs and is movable between an open configuration in which the ribs extend mainly radially outwards and a closed configuration in which the ribs are adjacent the shaft. The release trigger holds the support in the closed configuration. A spring is provided for urging the support from the closed to the open configuration. A flexible cover is attached to the ribs, and the shield is dimensioned to withstand the impact from a large object, such as a dog, or a missile thrown at the shield.