Ballistic Shield

Abstract

A ballistic shied comprising opposing front and rear sides, the rear side having one or more hand and/or arm engagement means fixedly attachable thereon. Wherein at least one hand and/or arm engagement means is locatable on the rear side such that, in use, the ballistic shield may be retained using a first hand and/or arm of a user, the first hand of said first hand and/or arm being free or engagable with the handle means, such that said first hand retains functionality permitting use thereof for other tasks.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates to a ballistic shield and in particular to a handheld ballistic shield.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Handheld ballistic shields are known for use in situations wherein users may be subjected to ballistic attack. Known shields typically comprise a ballistic proof plate or plates having a handle or strapping arrangement such that a user may hold and manipulate the shield to provide the required protection. Whilst known shields adequately preform the task of preventing travel of ballistics through the shield and into contact with the user, they can at times be cumbersome to operate where it is also requires that the user carryout other tasks or manoeuvres simultaneously such as operation of, loading, or support of weaponry or the like.

It would be desirable to provide a shield that may be utilised without limiting a user's ability to carry-out other required manoeuvres.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

According to the invention there is provided a ballistic shield comprising opposing front and rear sides, the rear side having one or more hand and/or arm engagement means fixedly attachable thereon, wherein at least one hand and/or arm engagement means is locatable on the rear side such that, in use, the ballistic shield may be retained using a first hand and/or arm of a user, the first hand of said first hand and/or arm being free or engagable with the one or more hand and/or arm engagement means such that said first hand retains functionality permitting use thereof for other tasks.

Advantageously, the user may utilise an arm to support and carry the ballistic shield, but maintain use of the hand of this same arm for operation of weaponry or carrying out any other such task. Most notably, a user can use said hand to retrieve weaponry from a holster, load weaponry, fire weaponry, and/or support a weapon whilst firing.

Preferably, the hand and/or arm engagement means is locatable proximal an edge of the rear side.

Ideally, the hand and/or arm engagement means is locatable proximal the upper edge of the rear side.

Preferably, the hand and/or arm engagement means is locatable less than 3 inches from the upper edge of the rear side.

Most preferably, the hand and/or arm engagement means is locatable approximately 1.5 inches from the upper edge of the rear side.

Ideally, the hand and/or arm engagement means comprises at least one handle or hand strap.

Preferably, the at least one handle or strap comprises a single handle or hand strap.

Ideally, the at least one handle or strap comprises two handles/hand straps.

Preferably, the at least one handle or strap is configured to extend generally parallel to the upper edge of the rear side of the ballistic shield.

Ideally, the at least one handle or strap is configured to extend across the palm of a user only during use and does not engage with the remainder of said hand.

Preferably, the ballistic shield comprises a ballistic element configured to prevent or inhibit travel of a ballistic from a first side thereof to a second side thereof, and a housing element configured to house the ballistic element.

Ideally, the housing element comprises a flexible enclosure into which the ballistic element may be removably inserted.

Preferably, the flexible enclosure is a fabric enclosure.

Ideally, the rear side of the ballistic shield is formed by the rear side of the fabric enclosure.

Preferably, the rear side comprises one or more attachment elements configured to facilitate attachment of the ballistic shield to the arm of a user.

Ideally, the one or more attachment elements comprise fabric elements attached to the rear side forming attachment loops.

Preferably, the arm straps are passable through the attachment loops and around the arm of a user to secure said arm to the ballistic shield.

Ideally, a plurality of attachment loops are provided between the top edge of the rear side and a bottom side thereof such that arm straps may be selectably attached at differing locations depending on use or the physical dimensions of the user.

Preferably, a plurality of arm straps are attachable via the plurality of loops such that attachment is provided to the arm of a user at a plurality of longitudinal locations along the forearm.

According to a second aspect of the invention there is provided a method of manufacturing a ballistic shield comprising the steps of: forming an enclosure comprising opposing front and rear sides; attaching one or more hand and/or arm engagement means on the rear side of said enclosure at a position such that, in use, the ballistic shield may be retained using a first hand and/or arm of a user, the first hand of said first hand and/or arm being free or engagable with the one or more hand and/or arm engagement means such that said first hand retains functionality permitting use thereof for other tasks; and inserting into the enclosure a ballistic element.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

An embodiment of the invention is now described by way of example and with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

FIG. 1 is a rear perspective view of a ballistic shield;

FIG. 2 is a front perspective view of the ballistic shield of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a rear view of the ballistic shield of FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is a front view of the ballistic shield of FIG. 1;

FIG. 5a is a rear view of the ballistic shield of FIG. 1;

FIG. 5b is a side view of FIG. 5a;

FIG. 5c is a front view of FIG. 5a;

FIG. 6 is perspective view of a rear side of a ballistic shield having a single hand-engaging strap; and

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a rear side of an alternative embodiment ballistic shield having a single hand-engaging strap;

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The present teaching will now be described with reference to an exemplary ballistic shield. It will be understood that the exemplary ballistic shield is provided to assist in an understanding of the present teaching and are not to be construed as limiting in any fashion. Furthermore, elements or components that are described with reference to any one Figure may be interchanged with those of other Figures or other equivalent elements without departing from the spirit of the present teaching.

Referring now to FIGS. 1 and 2 there is illustrated a ballistic shield 10 comprising opposing front and rear sides 11, 12, the rear side 12 having one or more hand and/or arm engagement elements 13, 13a fixedly attachable thereon. In a preferred embodiment, the hand and/or arm engaging elements comprise one or more hand straps 13, 13a locatable on the rear side 12 such that, in use, the ballistic shield may be retained thereby using a first hand and/or arm of a user. It should be understood that, in the exemplary embodiment the straps are flexible hand straps 13, 13a, however may take a rigid form in some embodiments. When a user retains the ballistic shield using the one or more hand straps 13, the first hand of said first hand and/or arm of the user is engagable with the one or more hand straps 13, 13a such that said first hand retains functionality permitting use thereof for other tasks. Advantageously, the user may utilise a first arm and/or hand to support and carry the ballistic shield, but maintain use of the hand of this same arm for operation of weaponry or carrying out any other such task. Most notably, a user can use said hand to retrieve weaponry from a holster, load weaponry, fire weaponry, and/or support a weapon whilst firing.

The one or more hand straps 13, 13a are locatable proximal the upper edge 14 of the rear side 12. The top edge 14 refers top the tope edge 14 of the ballistic shield 10 when in use. Resultantly, a hand can be inserted through the one or more hand straps 13 such that the one or more hand straps 13, 13a rest across the palm of said hand. The fingers and thumb of said hand therefore retain the majority of their functionality/dexterity. The hand straps 13, 13a are sized such that they do not extend beyond the palm of a user. Given that the inserted hand is located proximal the upper edge 14 of the rear side, said hand may be positioned by the user to extend above the ballistic shield 10 and be utilised to support weaponry or the like in a position permitting the said weaponry to be aimed over the top of the ballistic shield 10 for firing. During such support of weaponry, the hand is also at least partially retaining/manipulating the ballistic shield 10 as required by the user. In addition, the fingers and thumb of the inserted hand are free to carry out operations such as reloading of weaponry or retrieving weaponry or ammunition from a holster or the like. In a preferred embodiment, the one or more hand straps 13, 13a are locatable less than 3 inches from the upper edge 14 of the rear side 12. In a most preferred embodiment, the one or more hand straps 13, 13a are locatable approximately 1.5 inches from the upper edge 14 of the rear side 12. As shown in FIG. 3, the one or more hand straps 13, 13a of the embodiment of FIG. 1 comprises two hand straps 13, 13a which each extend between two attachment points 15, 15a, 16, 16a proximal the top edge 14. In a preferred embodiment, the attachment points 15, 15a, 16, 16a are locatable less than 3 inches from the upper edge 14 of the rear side 12. In a most preferred embodiment, the attachment points 15, 15a, 16, 16a are locatable approximately 1.5 inches from the upper edge 14 of the rear side 12. However, it should be understood that the positioning of the one or more hand straps 13, 13a is a key aspect and the straps may take any reasonable form that allow the hand to be insertable therethrough, and positioned across the wearers palm, whilst maintaining sufficient functionality of the hand as previously discussed. For example, as can be seen in FIG. 6, the one or more strap may comprise a single strap 35 similar to strap 13 of FIGS. 1 to 5, or as shown in FIG. 7 may comprise a single strap 36 similar to strap 13a of FIGS. 1 to 5. The one or more hand straps 13, 13a, 35, 36 are preferably elasticated hand straps. The one or more hand straps 13, 13a, 35, 36 engage with the palm of a user but are not intended to be grabbed by the user. In this way the hand of a user is free to carry out other operations as discussed above. Attachment points 15, 15a, 16, 16a of the hand straps 13, 13a may be provided with eyelets 37 for additional strength/reinforcement.

The ballistic shield comprises a ballistic element 17 configured to prevent or inhibit travel of a ballistic projectile from a first side thereof to a second side thereof, and a housing element 18 configured to house the ballistic element. In preferred embodiments, the ballistic element 17 is a plate comprised of Ultra High Molecular Weight Polyethylene (UHMWPE) material such as Dyneema® from DuPont™. However, the plate 17 may be manufactured from any material suitable for ballistic armour. The UHMWPE material is fibre spun and bonded together into sheets, the sheets are then in turn pressed and cut into a plate 17. The resulting plate 17 is strong, light weight, floats, doesn't absorb liquids and is non-toxic. It is as strong as high tensile steel and comparatively flexible. The housing element 18 comprises a flexible enclosure into which the ballistic element may be removably inserted. In preferred embodiments, the flexible enclosure is a fabric enclosure 18. The fabric enclosure is manufactured from a material having sufficient durability and strength. Most preferably, the fabric enclosure 18 is a Modular Lightweight Load-carrying Equipment (MOLLE) enclosure 18 constructed form CORDURA® fabric. The fabric enclosure 18 may also comprise a trauma pad on the rear side 12, the rear side 12 being the side facing a user during use. As shown in FIG. 5b, The trauma pad 19 provides protection for the user of the shield 10 to limit injury caused by ballistic impact when wearing the shield 10. The trauma pad 19 is contained entirely within the fabric enclosure 18. The trauma pad 19 is installed within the fabric enclosure 18 during the manufacturing process and is rectangular in shape having dimensions which generally match the dimensions of the enclosure 18. The fabric enclosure 18 defines an interior cavity which has a complementary shape to the ballistic element 17 such that the ballistic element 17 is easily inserted into the fabric enclosure 18 and the fabric enclosure 18 conforms to the shape of the inserted ballistic element 17. The fabric enclosure further comprises an opening 20 about an end 21 thereof, the opening extending along said end 21 to permit insertion of the ballistic element 17 into the fabric enclosure 18. The opening 20 may be provided with a closure element 22 which may be opened to expose the opening for insertion of the ballistic element 17, and closed to retain the ballistic element 17 within the fabric enclosure 18 once inserted. In the embodiment of the drawings, the closure element is a flap 22 formed integrally with the fabric enclosure 18 at a first end and which is securable to the front side 12 of the fabric enclosure at a second end using a hook and loop type fastening or any other such suitable fastening. However, the skilled person would understand that any suitable closure element could be utilised. In the embodiment of the drawings, the opening 20 is located at the bottom end 21 of the fabric enclosure 18. However, the skilled person would understand that the opening 20 and associated closure element 22 could be formed along any side of the fabric enclosure 18 in alternative embodiments.

The rear side 12 of the fabric enclosure 18 comprises one or more attachment elements 23 configured to facilitate attachment of the ballistic shield 10 to the arm of a user. As is best viewed in FIG. 1 the one or more attachment elements 23 comprise fabric elements 23 attached to the rear side which may be self joined to form loops 23. The fabric attachment elements 23 are joined to the fabric enclosure 18 via MOLLE loops/pouches 24. MOLLE or the similar Pouch Attachment Ladder System (PALS) comprise a system of attachment loops formed by a matrix of reinforced strips of material attached to an item (in the present invention the fabric enclosure 18) at various positions along their length, the spaces between these attachment points forming loops or pouches into which items may be places or via which items may be attached. MOLLE and PALS would be well known to the person skilled in the art in relation to ballistic shields and the like. As is best seen in FIG. 1, the MOLLE loops/pouches 24 form a matrix 25 on the rear side of the fabric enclosure 18. Arm straps 26 are passable through the attachment elements 23 and around the arm of a user to secure said arm to the ballistic shield 10. In the preferred embodiment, each arm strap 26 is attached to the fabric enclosure 18 via two attachment elements 23. The matrix 25 of the MOLLE loops/pouches permits the arm straps 26 to be selectably attached at differing locations depending on use or the physical dimensions of the user. In some embodiments, only one arm strap 26, or no arm straps 26, are attached. In the embodiment of the drawings two arm straps 26 are provided such that attachment is to the arm of a user at a plurality of longitudinal locations along the forearm is facilitated. Where a plurality of arm straps 26 are provided, they may be of differing dimensions, for example as can be seen in FIG. 3, the lower arm strap may be wider then the upper arm strap. The arm straps 26 are secured to the fabric enclosure 28 and/or the attachment elements 23 by fastening elements 27. The fastening elements 27 are preferably snap/push button fasteners 27 or the like, but can be of any suitable type. The Matrix 25 of MOLLE loops/pouches may also be utilised to attach other elements such as ammunition, items of weaponry etc as required. As shown in FIGS. 2 and 4, the arm straps 26 are provided with adjustable securing elements 28 such as a buckle 28 or the like which are configurable to secure a first side 29 of the arm strap 26 to a second side 30 thereof at a desired location in order to size the arm strap 26 to the users arms. The adjustable securing elements may also be adjusted such that the arm straps 26 are slightly larger than a user's arm and retained in this configuration. Resultantly, the user may leave the arm straps 26 in a configuration which permits rapid deployment onto their arm and removal therefrom. Once the shield 10 has been deployed it should be secured to a support arm of the user, allowing the arm to be fully functional and unrestricted, with a full range of movement. The hand of the support arm will also be unrestricted with a full range of movement, able to grab, carry and open objects. The shield should be secure but comfortable on the arm and not move or swing as the user moves. The arm straps 26 and fabric elements 23 may be constructed form CORDURA® fabric or a similarly durable and strong fabric, types of which would be well known to the skilled person.

Mirrors 31 may also be attached to the rear side of the fabric enclosure 18 which may be used to permit a user to see behind them, or into rooms/around obstacles. The mirrors 31 are preferably attached proximal the upper edge 14 of the fabric enclosure 18 on each side of the one or more strap 13. The mirrors 31 are preferably round mirrors and may be convex in shape to further increase their effectiveness.

Whilst the above generally describes an operational embodiment of the ballistic shield 10, a training embodiment is also envisioned. The training embodiment is essentially as described above, with the ballistic element 17 being replaced with a board which does not necessarily comprise any ballistic protection properties, such as a wooden board. In the preferred training embodiment, the ballistic element 17 is replaced with a Medium Density Fibreboard (MDF) plate. Resultantly, a cost effective training version of the ballistic shield may be utilised for training purposes where actual ballistic protection properties are not required.

In the preferred embodiment of the ballistic shield, the ballistic element 17 has a longitudinal length between the top and bottom ends of approximately 48 cm, a width of 30 cm, and a thickness/depth of 1.5 cm. The ballistic element weighs approximately 1.3 Kg. In the preferred embodiment of the ballistic shield, when combined, the fabric enclosure 18 and the ballistic element 17 have a longitudinal length between the top and bottom ends of approximately 49 cm, a width of 31 cm, and a thickness/depth of 2.5 cm. The ballistic element weighs approximately 2.2 Kg.

It should also be noted that the ballistic shield may be configured such that the at least one strap 13 and arm straps 26 are positioned to engage the supporting arm of a user such that said supporting arm extends in an oblique fashion across the rear side 12 of the ballistic shield. In such an embodiment, for a user using their left arm as a supporting arm, the at least one hand strap 13 may for example be located proximal the top right corner 32 of the rear side 12 of the ballistic shield and along the top edge 14 or right hand edge 33 proximal said corner 32. The arm straps 26 in such an embodiment are located such that the supporting arm of a user, when inserted therein, extends obliquely from proximal said top right corner 32 generally towards the left edge 34 of the rear side 12 of the ballistic shield. The arm straps 26 may be adjusted and positioned as discussed above such that the oblique nature of the supporting arm relative to the ballistic shield 10 may be set to provide maximal comfort and functionality for the user.

In use, a user inserts a hand of a supporting arm through the one or more strap 13 such that the one or more strap 13 rests across the palm of said hand. The user then secures the ballistic shield 10 to the forearm of the supporting arm using the arm straps 26. Once attached to the supporting arm via the arm straps 26, the one or more hand straps 13 should not be grabbed by the user but rather be allowed to simply extend across the palm. The ballistic shield 10 may then be manipulated with the supporting arm whilst the hand of the supporting arm is free to carry out other tasks as required.

The invention is not limited to the embodiment(s) described herein but can be amended or modified without departing from the scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A ballistic shield comprising:

opposing front and rear sides, the rear side having one or more hand and/or arm engagement means fixedly attachable thereon;

wherein at least one hand and/or arm engagement means is locatable on the rear side such that, in use, the ballistic shield may be retained using a first hand and/or arm of a user, the first hand of said first hand and/or arm being engagable with the at least one hand and/or arm engagement means such that said first hand at least partially retains functionality permitting use thereof for other tasks.

2. The ballistic shield of claim 1, wherein the hand and/or arm engagement means is locatable proximal an edge of the rear side.

3. The ballistic shield of claim 2, wherein the hand and/or arm engagement means is locatable proximal the upper edge of the rear side.

4. The ballistic shield of claim 3, wherein the hand and/or arm engagement means is locatable less than 3 inches from the upper edge of the rear side, and most preferably approximately 1.5 inches from the upper edge of the rear side.

5. The ballistic shield of claim 1, wherein the hand and/or arm engagement means comprises at least one handle or strap.

6. The ballistic shield of claim 5, wherein the at least one handle or strap is configured to extend generally parallel to the upper edge of the rear side of the ballistic shield.

7. The ballistic shield of claim 6, wherein the at least one handle or hand strap is configured to extend across the palm of a user only during use and does not engage with the remainder of said hand.

8. The ballistic shield of claim 1, wherein the at least one handle or hand strap comprises a single handle or strap.

9. The ballistic shield of claim 1, wherein the at least one handle or hand strap comprises two handles/hand straps.

10. The ballistic shield of claim 1, comprising a ballistic element configured to prevent or inhibit travel of a ballistic from a first side thereof to a second side thereof, and a housing element configured to house the ballistic element.

11. The ballistic shield of claim 10, wherein the housing element comprises a flexible enclosure into which the ballistic element may be removably inserted.

12. The ballistic shield of claim 11, wherein the rear side of the ballistic shield is formed by the rear side of the flexible enclosure.

13. The ballistic shield of claim 12, wherein the rear side comprises one or more attachment elements configured to facilitate attachment of the ballistic shield to the arm of a user.

14. The ballistic shield of claim 13, wherein the one or more attachment elements comprise fabric elements attached to the rear side, the fabric elements being configured to form attachment loops.

15. The ballistic shield of claim 14, wherein arm straps are passable through the attachment loops, around the arm of a user, and self attached to secure said arm to the ballistic shield.

16. The ballistic shield of claim 15, where a plurality of attachment loops are provided between the top edge of the rear side and a bottom side thereof such that arm straps may be selectably attached at differing locations depending on use or the physical dimensions of the user.

17. The ballistic shield of claim 16, wherein a plurality of arm straps are attachable via the plurality of loops such that attachment is provided to the arm of a user at a plurality of longitudinal locations along the forearm.

18. A method of manufacturing a ballistic shield comprising the steps of:

forming an enclosure comprising opposing front and rear sides;

attaching one or more hand and/or arm engagement means on the rear side of said enclosure at a position such that, in use, the ballistic shield may be retained using a first hand and/or arm of a user, the first hand of said first hand and/or arm being free or engagable with the one or more hand and/or arm engagement means such that said first hand retains functionality permitting use thereof for other tasks;

and inserting into the enclosure a ballistic element.