Shield load carriage system

Abstract

The present disclosure is directed to a shield carry system may comprise a belt, a first shield support arm, a second shield support arm and a tether. The belt may comprise a first attachment point and a second attachment point. The belt may be attached to the hips of a user allowing a first rotational degree of freedom about a vertical axis defined through the user. The first shield support arm may define a first end and a second end. The first shield attachment arm may be moveably coupled to the first attachment point. The second shield support arm may define a third end and a fourth end. The second shield attachment arm may be moveably coupled to the second attachment point. The tether system may comprise an elastomeric member and a buckle.

Description

TITLE: SHIELD LOAD CARRIAGE SYSTEMINVENTOR: JASON BECKDOCKET NO.: 2200-05916CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

[0001] The present application is a patent cooperation treaty application which claims the benefit of priority to United States Provisional Application No. 63 / 510,336, entitled Shield Assembly, filed on June 26, 2023, which is specifically incorporated by reference in its entirety for all purposes.TECHNICAL FIELD

[0002] Aspects of the present disclosure relate to systems and methods for load carriage and more particularly to a shield load carriage system for distributing a weight of a load, such as a shield or other tactical equipment, for carrying by an individual, while accommodating the movement and ergonomics of the individual and the shield.BACKGROUND

[0003] Conventional shield systems used by military and law enforcement personnel can be heavy and uncomfortable to carry. They generally include a handle that is supported by one or both arms of the user. As the user becomes fatigued, the user may lower the shield or move the shield into a less defensive position, decreasing the ballistic protection provided by the shield. As such, there is a need for a shield load carriage system that aids the user with load carriage. It is with these observations in mind, among others, that various aspects of the present disclosure were conceived and developed.SUMMARY

[0004] Implementations described and claimed herein address the foregoing problems by providing systems and methods for shield load carriage. In various embodiments, a shield carry system may comprise a belt, a first shield support arm, a second shield support arm and a shield. The belt may comprise a first attachment point and a second attachment point. The belt may be attached to the hips of a user allowing a first rotational degree of freedom about a vertical axis defined through the user. The first shield support arm may define a first end and a second end. The first shield attachment arm may be moveably coupled to the first attachment point. The second shield support arm may define a third end and a fourth end. The second shield attachment arm may be moveably coupled to the second attachment point. The shield may comprise a first shield attachment tab and a second shield attachment tab. The first shield attachment tab may be configured to engage the second end of the first shield support arm. The second shield attachment tab may be configured to engage the fourth end of the second shield support arm. The shield may have a second rotational degree of freedom about a lateral axis defined along the first shield attachment tab and the second shield attachment tab.

[0005] In various embodiments, a shield carry system may comprise a belt, a first shield support arm, a second shield support arm and a tether. The belt may comprise a first attachment point and a second attachment point. The belt may be attached to the hips of a user allowing a first rotational degree of freedom about a vertical axis defined through the user. The first shield support arm may define a first end and a second end. The first shield attachment arm may be moveably coupled to the first attachment point. The second shield support arm may define a third end and a fourth end. The second shield attachment arm may be moveably coupled to the second attachment point. The tether system may comprise an elastomeric member and a buckle.

[0006] Other implementations are also described and recited herein. Further, while multiple implementations are disclosed, still other implementations of the presently disclosed technology will become apparent to those skilled in the art from the following detailed description, which shows and describes illustrative implementations of the presently disclosed technology. As will be realized, the presently disclosed technology is capable of modifications in various aspects, all without departing from the spirit and scope of the presently disclosed technology. Accordingly, the drawings and detailed description are to be regarded as illustrative in nature and not limiting. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0007] The subject matter of the present disclosure is particularly pointed out and distinctly claimed in the concluding portion of the specification. A more complete understanding of the present disclosure, however, may best be obtained by referring to the detailed description and claims when considered in connection with the drawing figures, wherein like numerals denote like elements.

[0008] Fig. 1 is a back view of a first portion of a shield load carriage system, in accordance with various embodiments.

[0009] Fig. 2 is a perspective view of a first portion of a shield load carriage system worn by a user, in accordance with various embodiments.

[0010] Fig. 3 is a side view of a second portion of a shield load carriage system, in accordance with various embodiments.

[0011] Fig. 4 is a side view of a shield load carriage system, in accordance with various embodiments.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0012] The detailed description of exemplary embodiments herein refers to the accompanying drawings, which show exemplary embodiments by way of illustration. While these exemplary embodiments are described in sufficient detail to enable those skilled in the art to practice the inventions, other embodiments may be realized and that logical, chemical, and mechanical changes may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the inventions. Thus, the detailed description herein is presented for purposes of illustration only and not of limitation. For example, the steps recited in any of the method or process descriptions may be executed in any order and are not necessarily limited to the order presented. Furthermore, any reference to singular includes plural embodiments, and any reference to more than one component or step may include a singular embodiment or step. Also, any reference to attached, fixed, connected, or the like may include permanent, removable, temporary, partial, full and / or any other possible attachment option. Additionally, any reference to without contact (or similar phrases) may also include reduced contact or minimal contact.

[0013] In various embodiments and with references to Fig. 1 and Fig. 2, a shield load carriage system 100 may comprise a belt system including an inner belt 110 and a load carriage belt 120. Inner belt 110 may installed in and through load carriage belt 120. Load carriage belt 120 may comprise a first attachment point 122 and / or a second attachment point 124.

[0014] First attachment point 122 may be defined as a pocket in load carriage belt 120. First attachment point 122 may protrude from the bottom of load carriage belt 120. Moreover, first attachment point 122 may have round or partially circular profile to facilitate movement in first attachment point 122.

[0015] Similarly, second attachment point 124 may be defined as a pocket in load carriage belt 120. Second attachment point 124 may protrude from the bottom of load carriage belt 120.Moreover, second attachment point 124 may have round or partially circular profile to facilitate movement in second attachment point 124.

[0016] System 100 may also comprise one or more shield support arms 130-1 and 130-2. First shield support arm 130-1 may be operatively coupled to first attachment point 122 of load camage belt 120. First shield support arm 130-1 may have a curved profile to position a shield at a useable distance away from a user. First shield support arm 130-1 may be made of aluminum. First shield support arm 130-1 may also be made of any sufficiently rigid material including a metal material, a composite material and / or the like.

[0017] Similarly, second shield support arm 130-2 may be operatively coupled to second attachment point 124 of load carriage belt 120. Second shield support arm 130-2 may have a curved profile to position a shield at a useable distance away from a user. Second shield support arm 130-2 may be made of aluminum. Second shield support arm 130-2 may also be made of any sufficiently rigid material including a metal material, a composite material and / or the like.

[0018] First shield support arm 130- 1 and second shield support arm 130-2 may be rotatably retained in first attachment point 122 and second attachment point 124. First attachment point 122 may comprise a rigid plate including a standoff. First shield support arm 130-1 may include a hole that receives the standoff. In this regard, first shield support arm 130-1 may be retained on the rigid plate with a cotter pin or other similar structure. Second attachment point 124 may also comprise a rigid plate including a standoff. Second shield support arm 130-2 may include a hole that receives the standoff. In this regard, second shield support arm 130-2 may be retained on the rigid plate with a cotter pin or other similar structure.

[0019] In various embodiments, system 100 may comprise a harness systeml40. Hamess system 140 may include a first side harness strap 142 and a second side harness strap 144. A firstend of the first side harness strap 142 and a first end of second side harness strap 144 may be operatively coupled a ring 145. A second end of the first side harness strap 142 and a second end of second side harness strap 144 may be operatively coupled a load carriage belt 122.

[0020] In various embodiments, harness system 140 may also include a first back harness strap 146 and a second back harness strap 148. A first end of the first back harness strap 146 and a first end of second back harness strap 148 may be operatively coupled a ring 145. A second end of the first back harness strap 146 and a second end of second back harness strap 148 may be operatively coupled a load camage beltl22. The length of each of first side harness strap 142, second side harness strap 144, a first back harness strap 146, and a second back harness strap 148 are separately adjustable to vary the length of a respective strap to facilitate proper fitment, load carriage, and shield positioning.

[0021] In various embodiments, harness system 140 may be installable in or usable with a tactical vest 10. Hamess system 140 may be operatively coupled to or may engage a lanyard or tether system 150. Tether system 150 may comprise an elastomeric member 152. Tether system 150 may also comprise a strap 154 and a buckle 156. Strap 154 may be a length adjustable strap may adjust the length of strap 154 in slider 158. Strap 154 may operatively couple to elastomeric member 152 and buckle 156.

[0022] In various embodiments and with reference to Figs. 1 - 4, system 100 may be configured to engage and support a shield 15. Shield 15 may comprise a handle 160. Handle 160 may have a first end and a second end and a length between the first end and second end that is disposed laterally across shield 15. Handle 160 may comprise a first clamp 162 (e.g., a cobra buckle) on the first end and a second clamp 164 (e.g., a cobra buckle) on the second end. First clamp 162 and second clamp 164 may each to rotatably coupled to handle 160. In this regard,shield 15 may rotate in a first direction about a centerline between first clamp 162 and second clamp 164.

[0023] In various embodiments, first clamp 162 may be configured to receive and retain a second end of first shield support arm 130-1. Second clamp 164 may be configured to receive and retain a second end of second shield support arm 130-2.

[0024] In various embodiments, shield 15 may also comprise a shield attachment point 151 that may be a ring, a fabric loop, or any other suitable structure. Buckle 156 may be operatively coupled shield attachment point 151.

[0025] In various embodiments, first attachment point 122 and second attachment point 124 may be spaced apart from one another. In this regard, first attachment point 122 and second attachment point 124 may be aligned with each side of a user’s hips. This arrangement allows the user to adjust the position of shield 15 about an axis that is associated with or defined by the centerline of the user. In this regard, the user may position the strike face of shield 15 by rotating the user’s hips.

[0026] In various embodiments, the ability to rotate the shield with the user’s hips provides a first rotational degree of freedom for shield 15. The ability to rotate the shield with relative to the centerline of handle 160 provides a second rotational degree of freedom for shield 15. Moreover, tether system 150 may be adjusted to allow or limit the second rotational degree of freedom.

[0027] While the present disclosure has been described with reference to various implementations, it will be understood that these implementations are illustrative and that the scope of the disclosure is not limited to them. Many variations, modifications, additions, and improvements are possible. More generally, implementations in accordance with the present disclosure have been described in the context of examples. Functionality may beseparated or combined in blocks differently in various implementations of the disclosure or described with different terminology. These and other variations, modifications, additions, and improvements may fall within the scope of the disclosure as defined in the claims that follow.

[0028] After reading the present disclosure, one of ordinary skill will appreciate that the various features described herein may be combined in various ways without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

[0029] Benefits, other advantages, and solutions to problems have been described herein with regard to specific embodiments. Furthermore, the connecting lines shown in the various figures contained herein are intended to represent exemplary functional relationships and / or physical couplings between the various elements. It should be noted that many alternative or additional functional relationships or physical connections may be present in a practical system. However, the benefits, advantages, solutions to problems, and any elements that may cause any benefit, advantage, or solution to occur or become more pronounced are not to be construed as critical, required, or essential features or elements of the disclosure. The scope of the disclosure is accordingly to be limited by nothing other than the appended claims, in which reference to an element in the singular is not intended to mean “one and only one” unless explicitly so stated, but rather “one or more.” Moreover, where a phrase similar to “at least one of A, B, or C” is used in the claims, it is intended that the phrase be interpreted to mean that A alone may be present in an embodiment, B alone may be present in an embodiment, C alone may be present in an embodiment, or that any combination of the elements A, B, and C may be present in a single embodiment; for example, A and B, A and C, B and C, or A and B and C.

[0030] Systems, methods, and apparatus are provided herein. In the detailed description herein, references to “one embodiment”, “an embodiment”, “various embodiments”, etc., indicate that the embodiment described may include a particular feature, structure, or characteristic, but every embodiment may not necessarily include the particular feature, structure, or characteristic. Moreover, such phrases are not necessarily referring to the same embodiment. Further, when a particular feature, structure, or characteristic is described in connection with an embodiment, it is submitted that it is within the knowledge of one skilled in the art to affect such feature, structure, or characteristic in connection with other embodiments whether or not explicitly described. After reading the description, it will be apparent to one skilled in the relevant art(s) how to implement the disclosure in alternative embodiments.

[0031] Furthermore, no element, component, or method step in the present disclosure is intended to be dedicated to the public regardless of whether the element, component, or method step is explicitly recited in the claims. No claim element herein is to be construed under the provisions of 35 U.S.C. 112(f), unless the element is expressly recited using the phrase “means for.” As used herein, the terms “comprises,” “comprising,” or any other variation thereof, are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process, method, article, or apparatus that comprises a list of elements does not include only those elements but may include other elements not expressly listed or inherent to such process, method, article, or apparatus.

Claims

CLAIMSWHAT IS CLAIMED IS:1 . A shield carry system, comprising: a belt comprising a first attachment point and a second attachment point, wherein the belt is attached to the hips of a user allowing a first rotational degree of freedom about a vertical axis defined through the user; a first shield support arm defining a first end and a second end, the first shield attachment arm moveably coupled to the first attachment point; a second shield support arm defining a third end and a fourth end, the second shield attachment arm moveably coupled to the second attachment point; a shield comprising a first shield attachment tab and a second shield attachment tab, the first shield attachment tab configured to engage the second end of the first shield support arm, the second shield attachment tab configured to engage the fourth end of the second shield support arm, wherein the shield has a second rotational degree of freedom about a lateral axis defined along the first shield attachment tab and the second shield attachment tab.

2. The shield carry system of claim 1, further comprising a pair of side straps operatively coupled to the front of the belt and the back of the belt and configured to pass over the shoulders of a user when in use.

3. The shield carry system of claim 2, further comprising a tether configured to engage the pair of side straps at a fist point at the chest of the user or a second pair of points adjacent each shoulder of the user.

4. The shield carry system of claim 3, wherein the tether includes an elastic or flexible component.

5. The shield carry system of claim 1 , further comprising a handle disposed on a back portion of the shield.

6. The shield carry system of claim of claim 5, wherein the handle allows a user to rotate the shield about the lateral axis.

7. The carry system of claim 1, wherein each shield support arm is configured to be installed in a buckle or bracket disposed on the shield handle.

8. A shield carry system, comprising: a belt comprising a first attachment point and a second attachment point, wherein the belt is attached to the hips of a user allowing a first rotational degree of freedom about a vertical axis defined through the user; a first shield support arm defining a first end and a second end, the first shield attachment arm moveably coupled to the first attachment point; a second shield support arm defining a third end and a fourth end, the second shield attachment arm moveably coupled to the second attachment point; and a tether system comprising an elastomeric member and a buckle.

9. The shield carry system of claim 8, further comprising a pair of side straps operatively coupled to the belt and a ring and configured to pass over the shoulders of a user when in use.

10. The shield carry system of claim 9, wherein the tether configured to engage at least one of the pair of side straps and the ring.11 . The shield carry system of claim 10, wherein the tether is configured to engage a shield.

12. The shield carry system of claim 1, further comprising a handle disposed on a back portion of the shield.

13. The shield carry system of claim 12, wherein the handle allows a user to rotate the shield about the lateral axis.

14. The shield carry system of claim 12, wherein the handle comprises a first clamp and a second clamp.

15. The shield carry system of claim 14, wherein the first shield support arm is configured to engage the first clamp and wherein the second shield support arm is configured to engage the second clamp.

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