Office Article Convertible to Body Armor

Abstract

Office supply articles which can be converted into body armor by the target of a workplace violence event to protect him or her in the event a workplace violence event occurs.

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION(S)

This Application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/477,042, filed Apr. 19, 2011, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

This disclosure is related to the field of body armor. Specifically, this disclosure is related to office workplace articles which are foldable or can otherwise be extended into an open position, such as portfolios, computer cases or computer sleeves, that, in addition to their traditional workplace functions, can be utilized as body armor during workplace violence scenarios.

2. Description of Related Art

In August of 1986, a part-time letter carrier, facing possible dismissal after a troubled work history, walked into the Oklahoma post office where he worked and shot fourteen (14) people to death before killing himself. Though the most deadly incident of its time, the Oklahoma postal shooting was not the first episode of its kind. In just the three years prior, four postal employees were killed by present or former coworkers in separate shootings in South Carolina, Alabama and Georgia.

The sheer death toll of the Oklahoma post office killings, coupled with the frequency of other less violent shootings in the workplace, raised the public awareness of these kinds of “workplace violence” incidents—i.e., murder or other violent acts by disturbed or aggrieved employees or ex-employees against co-workers or supervisors. Today workplace violence and school violence (after the well-publicized and tragic events at Columbine High School and Virginia Tech) are well recognized as specific categories of violent crime that call for distinct responses from employers, law enforcement and the community.

As termination and/or employee review meetings are historically a common occurrence before or after which workplace violence events occur, conducting safe employee discipline and termination proceedings is critical to fostering a safe workplace in the event a workplace violence event ever occurs. Proper planning and preventative strategy for safe discipline and termination meetings generally always involves an exit strategy in the event that the situation suddenly erodes, becomes violent, and/or a weapon is produced. Accordingly, many forward-thinking companies, schools and organizations are organizing and implementing safety escape programs which provide a plan and framework for a response to an armed individual in the workplace, campus or building who is actively involved in killing people.

No matter the setting, these safety escape programs generally have three common elements: run, hide or attack. Initially, the target of a workplace violence event is counseled to flee the area of the shooting and/or violence if possible. One problem with this approach is that the individual fleeing, in the act of flight, usually exposes his or her vital organs to the shooter or instigator of violence. When flight is not an option due to the proximity of the shooter, the target of the workplace violence event is then counseled to hide within an office (or other similar enclosed area) and attempt to lock or barricade the door. If possible, the target of the workplace violence event is instructed to position himself or herself behind some type of possible barrier to protect their organs. One of the main problems with this approach is that few items in an office or school are bullet resistant to form an adequate barrier against attack. When no other option exists, the target of a workplace violence event is then instructed to attack the shooter. A significant problem with this approach is that the target of the workplace violence event is directly pitted against an armed adversary with no means of protecting himself or herself or their vital organs.

A common problem in each of the three main elements of safety escape programs is the risk that comes from possible exposure of the vital organs of the target of a workplace violence event to the shooter when the target runs, hides or attacks. Generally, at any of these critical points in a workplace violence event, a shield or other type of personal armor would increase the target's chances of survival and escape. However, possible bullet-proof or knife-resistant protective armor is generally not readily available in most environments where workplace violence events occur. Furthermore, most of the objects available to the target of a workplace violence event which could be utilized as armor are objects that are generally either held away from the body or hidden behind. As such, these objects can be hard to maneuver with an individual's body (especially while fleeing, attacking or otherwise maneuvering) and, often, can be easily diverted by the instigator of the workplace violence event. Accordingly, there is a need in the art for an accessible piece of armor that the target of a workplace violence event would generally have with them which offers protection to the vital organs while letting them maneuver, flee and hide from the instigator of the violence more quickly and safely.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Because of these and other problems in the art, described herein, among other things, are office articles which can be converted into body armor by the target of a workplace violence event to protect himself or herself if a workplace violence event occurs.

In one embodiment, described herein is an office article convertible to body armor comprised of: an office supply article with at least one fold; a combat protective material, the combat protective material being integrated into the normal construction of said office supply article; and a strapping system comprised of two or more straps, the strapping system allowing a user to attach the office supply article to the user; wherein the integration of the combat protective material into said office supply article will not substantially alter the outward appearance of said office supply article.

In one embodiment of the office article, the combat protective material is chosen from the group consisting of: Kevlar, Lexan, Spectra Shield, carbon fiber composite materials, steel, titanium, bullet-resistant fibers, ceramics, polyethylene, woven textiles, laminates and nanomaterials.

In another embodiment, the combat protective material is woven into the office supply article. In still another embodiment, the combat protective material is placed inside the construction of the office supply article via a plate methodology.

In some embodiments it is also contemplated that the strapping system of the office article is chosen from the group consisting of: straps, belts, buckles, drawstrings and fasteners. Specifically, in one embodiment the strapping system is a retractable hook and fastener system and in another the strapping system is a webbing system. Further, in some embodiments the strapping system may be covered or hidden while the office supply article is in normal use. Further, in another embodiment it is contemplated that strapping system, when engaged, wraps around the user's neck and torso.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1a-c provide a perspective view of a diagram of an embodiment of the office article convertible to body armor in its closed, open and worn positions.

FIGS. 2a-b provide perspective views of an embodiment of the office article convertible to body armor in both its closed and open configuration in an embodiment in which the office article is a portfolio.

FIG. 3 provides perspective views of an embodiment of the office article convertible to body armor in its closed configuration in an embodiment in which the office article is a computer case.

FIGS. 4a-h provide multiple perspective views of an embodiment of the office article convertible to body armor with a hook and fastener strapping system.

FIG. 5 provides a perspective views of an embodiment of the office article convertible to body armor with a webbing strapping system.

FIGS. 6a-b provide a front and rear view of an embodiment of the office article convertible to body armor attached to the torso of a user.

FIG. 7 provides a perspective view of an embodiment of the office article convertible to body armor in which, in the open position, the front and back panels are generally flat.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT(S)

Generally the office articles convertible to body armor described herein are commonly used supplies in the workplace or school environment with at least one single fold or which can otherwise be extended into an open position (such as a computer case or a computer sleeve with an exterior opening which can be unfastened so the two opposing sides of the case or sleeve can be laid generally flat, thereby expanding the dimensions of the case or sleeve), generally comprised of the material(s) of which they are traditionally constructed. In this application, these articles shall be referred to as “office supply” articles and shall include, but not be limited to, portfolios, computer cases, computer sleeves, binders, calendars and folders. These common business and school supplies contain generally two (2) additions in the office article convertible to body armor (101) described herein: a bullet proof material as part of their construction and, in some embodiments, a strapping system. Both of these additions convert an ordinary and typical office supply into a piece of body armor which can be worn by the target of a workplace violence event in order to protect his or her vital organs and body if a workplace violence event occurs.

FIGS. 1a-c provide a prospective view of an embodiment of the office article convertible to body armor (101). It should be noted that, although FIGS. 1a-c show an office article convertible to body armor (101) with only one fold, this application contemplates any configuration with one or more folds. FIG. 1a provides a diagram of the office article convertible to body armor in its closed configuration. In embodiments where the article is a portfolio, this closed configuration would be when the portfolio is closed, i.e., the legal pad is covered by the cover of the portfolio. In embodiments where the article is a computer case, this closed configuration would be when the computer case is closed around the laptop or tablet computer. FIG. 1b provides a diagram of the office article convertible to body armor (101) in its open configuration. In embodiments where the article is a portfolio, this open configuration would be when the portfolio is opened, i.e., the legal pad is exposed. In embodiments where the article is a computer case, this open configuration would be when the computer case is open exposing the laptop or tablet computer; i.e., the exterior opening of the bag or sleeve is unfastened so the two opposing sides of the case or sleeve can be laid generally flat, expanding the dimensions of the case or sleeve. FIG. 1c provides a diagram of the office article convertible to body armor (101) in its open configuration with the body armor straps exposed and extended (e.g., with the head and waist straps exposed and extended).

The office article convertible to body armor (101) disclosed herein contains a generally combat protective material integrated into the normal construction of the office article. Contemplated materials include any stab-resistant, bullet-resistant or anti-ballistic materials known to those of skill in the art including, but not limited to, Kevlar®, Lexan®, Spectra Shield®, carbon fiber composite materials, steel, titanium, bullet-resistant fibers (e.g., M5 fiber), ceramics, polyethylene, woven textiles, laminates and nanomaterials. As that term is used in this application, a “combat protective material” utilized in the office article convertible to body armor (101) will include any material known to those of ordinary skill in the art which is able to provide protection to at least Level II of the US National Institute of Justice ballistic armor performance standards and in some embodiments can provide protection to Level IIIA and Level III standards. Generally, armor that has been tested at a Level IIIA standard, provides protection against 0.357 SIG FMJ Flat Nose (FN) bullets with a specified mass of 8.1 g (125 gr) and a velocity of 448 m/s±9.1 m/s (1470 ft/s±30 ft/s) and 0.44 Magnum Semi Jacketed Hollow Point (SJHP) bullets with a specified mass of 15.6 g (240 gr) and a velocity of 436 m/s±9.1 m/s (1430 ft/s±30 ft/s). This armor also provides protection against threats protected against in Level IIA and II armor. Dependent upon the combat protective material utilized, the material can be woven into the material which comprises the office article, placed inside the construction of the office article via a plate methodology, or incorporated into the office article via any other method known to those of skill in the art. In one embodiment, it is contemplated that additional protection can be added to the office article by the addition of exterior compartments or pockets in which additional combat protective material may be added, e.g., the insertion of additional titanium plates.

The incorporation of the combat protective material into the construction of the office article will not generally greatly alter the outward appearance or functionality of the basic office article. For example, in the embodiment of the office article convertible to body armor (101) where the office article is a portfolio, the office article generally still resembles a portfolio on an aesthetic level and still functions as a portfolio. Accordingly, the portfolio can have all of the functional components of the traditional office article including but not limited to a pad of paper, folders, business card slots, etc. Stated differently, the protective function of the office article is camouflaged within the office article, i.e., it is not readily ascertainable by a third party. This retention of the look and functionality of the office article in both its closed and open orientations is depicted in FIGS. 2a-b, in the embodiment where the office article is a portfolio, and in FIGS. 3a-b, in the embodiment where the office article is a computer case.

As demonstrated in FIGS. 2a-b and 3, in its open and closed position, the aesthetic look and feel of the office article is generally similar to that of the appearance and functionality of a basic office article without any added combat protection. However, as depicted in FIGS. 4a-b, the office article convertible to body armor (101) has a strapping system (102) located in its construction which allow for a user to attach the office article convertible to body armor (101) to their body to utilize the office article convertible to body armor (101) for protection of their vital organs during a workplace violence event.

Contemplated strapping systems (102) for the office article convertible to body armor (101) include, but are not limited to, any strap, belt, buckle, drawstring, fastener or similar technology known to those of skill in the art for securing or fastening items to each other. Further, the strapping system (102) may be comprised of plastic, steel, paper, fabric or any other material known to those of skill in the art for creating a strapping system.

FIGS. 4a-f show an embodiment of a strapping system (102) of the office article convertible to body armor (101) wherein the strapping system (102) is a retractable hook and fastener system. This embodiment of the strapping system (102) is generally comprised of one or more retractable fasteners and hooks, as depicted in FIG. 4a. Embodiments of the retractable fasteners of this embodiment are shown in FIGS. 4b-c in their retracted position and in FIGS. 4d-e in their extended position. FIGS. 4f-g show an embodiment of the catch or hook of the retractable hook and fastener system. Finally, FIG. 4h shows the engagement of the hook and fastener strapping system, creating a strap which can be utilized to attach the office article convertible to body armor (101) to a user to create a piece of wearable body armor which can protect them in the event of a workplace violence event.

FIG. 5 shows another embodiment of a strapping system (102) of the office article convertible to body armor (101) wherein the strapping system (102) is a fabric or webbing attachment system. In this particular embodiment, the strapping system is covered or hidden while the office article is in “normal” use (i.e., when it is not in use as protectable body armor). The strapping system can be covered or hidden internal to the office article, covered by a Velcroed piece of the office article, inserted into a compartment to the office article, retracted into the office article or covered or hidden by any other methodology know to those of skill in the art. In this embodiment, to expose the strapping system (102) and convert the office article into body armor, the strapping system (102) is first exposed. Next, the strapping system is extended. The neck strap is extended outward. Further, both ends of the waist strap are extended. Once extended, the separate ends of the waist strap are attached to each other to create a strap that functions to attach the office article convertible to body armor (101) to a user so that it can be utilized as body armor that moves with the user and protects his or her vital organs during a workplace violence event.

The strapping system (102) of the office article convertible to body armor (101) can be either exposed (as in the embodiment depicted in FIGS. 4a-h) or hidden (as in the embodiment depicted in FIGS. 5a-b) during the “normal” use of the office article. Further, the strapping system (102) of the office article convertible to body armor (101) can include one strap or one or more straps. The placement of the one or more straps of the strapping system (102) on the office article is not determinative. This disclosure contemplates any number or placement of straps which allows for a user to easily engage the strapping system (102) and utilize the straps to attach the office article convertible to body armor (101) to their person so that the office article convertible to body armor (101) will offer protection for their major organs in the place of a workplace violence event.

In one embodiment, the office article convertible to body armor (101) will have a strapping system (102) with two straps which, when engaged, will wrap around a user's neck and torso to attach the office article convertible to body armor (101) to the torso of a user. This attachment of the office article convertible to body armor (101) to a user is depicted in FIG. 6a (via a front view) and FIG. 6b (via a rear view). Strapping the office article convertible to body armor (101) to a user in this way creates a zone of protection for a user similar to a traditional bullet-proof vest known to those of ordinary skill in the art. It is contemplated in this embodiment that the office article convertible to body armor (101) will be able to be manipulated or swung around its straps so that the office article convertible to body armor (101) can be moved around a user's torso by the user (e.g., it can be moved to cover the user's front, back and sides).

In an alternative embodiment of the office article convertible to body armor (101), an opening on the exterior of the office article (101) will be opened via a method known to those of ordinary skill in the art (e.g., by a zipper). Accordingly, in the open position of this embodiment, the front and back panels of the case are opened into a generally flat orientation relative to each other, as demonstrated in FIG. 7. As demonstrated in FIG. 7, in the open position of this embodiment, the strapping system is exposed. The strapping system can then be manipulated to create shoulder and waist straps such that the front and back panels can be placed over a user's front and back torso, creating a safety device that simultaneously protects both a user's font and back torso region.

Generally, if the target of a workplace violence event were to wear the office article convertible to body armor (101), the office article (101) offers expanded protection of the vital organ area to the user along with full visibility and full use of both hands for escape and/or combat. As demonstrated in the FIGS. 6a-b, when worn, the office article convertible to body armor (101) generally protects from the neck to the groin region of a user; i.e., the trunk or torso region of an individual where most of their critical organs are housed. In embodiments of the office article convertible to body armor (101) wherein there is more than one fold, it is contemplated that the office article convertible to body armor (101) can protect both the front and back torso regions of a user simultaneously. The fold in the middle of the office article functions to provide flexibility to the office article convertible to body armor (101), better allowing a user to maneuver their body (e.g., running, mounting stairs, crouching and hiding) during a workplace violence event while still having the protection of the office article convertible to body armor (101) attached to their torso. Furthermore, the office article convertible to body armor (101), in certain embodiments, is adjustable by the user while it is attached to their torso to adjust the position of the armor (101) to the location of the threat. For example, when the threat is in front of the user, the office article convertible to body armor (101) can be placed in the front torso region of the user as depicted in FIGS. 6a-b. However, in the event the user runs from the threat or the threat moves to a user's side or rear, the office article convertible to body armor (101) can be manipulated or swung around its straps, moving the office article convertible to body armor (101) to a position of protection on the user's back torso or side torso region.

The office article convertible to body armor (101) described herein provides a user with a number of advantages and protection options should a user ever encounter a workplace violence event. In sum, the office article convertible to body armor (101) provides a user with a bullet-resistant shield for their vital organs that is flexible enough not to impede the user's ability to hide, run or attack and is easily accessible if a workplace violence event should ever occur.

While the invention has been disclosed in conjunction with a description of certain embodiments, including those that are currently believed to be the preferred embodiments, the detailed description is intended to be illustrative and should not be understood to limit the scope of the present disclosure. As would be understood by one of ordinary skill in the art, embodiments other than those described in detail herein are encompassed by the present invention. Modifications and variations of the described embodiments may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.

Claims

1. An office article convertible to body armor comprised of:

an office supply article with at least one fold;

a combat protective material, the combat protective material being integrated into the normal construction of said office supply article; and

a strapping system comprised of two or more straps, the strapping system allowing a user to attach the office supply article to cover a torso of the user;

wherein the integration of the combat protective material into said office supply article will not substantially alter the outward appearance of said office supply article.

2. The office article of claim 1 wherein the combat protective material is chosen from the group consisting of: Kevlar, Lexan, Spectra Shield, carbon fiber composite materials, steel, titanium, bullet-resistant fibers, ceramics, polyethylene, woven textiles, laminates and nanomaterials.

3. The office article of claim 1 wherein the combat protective material is woven into the office supply article.

4. The office article of claim 1 wherein the combat protective material is placed inside the construction of the office supply article via a plate methodology.

5. The office article of claim 1 wherein the strapping system is chosen from the group consisting of: straps, belts, buckles, drawstrings and fasteners.

6. The office article of claim 1 wherein the strapping system is a retractable hook and fastener system.

7. The office article of claim 1 wherein the strapping system is a webbing system.

8. The office article of claim 8 wherein the strapping system is covered or hidden while the office supply article is in normal use.

9. The office article of claim 1 wherein strapping system, when engaged, wraps around the user's neck and torso.