Bulletproof Shield

Abstract

The shielding system includes a protective shield body, a first attachment, and a second attachment. The shielding body includes a shielding panel with a border, the shielding panel having a first face defining a threat side in a threat direction and a second face defining a protection side in a protection direction opposite the threat side and the threat direction, and having opposing panel edges, the border covering at least a portion of the panel edges. The border of the shielding body includes a connector operably connected to one another. The first attachment and the second attachment are operably connectable or connected to one another via the connector for transmission of power and / or signals from the first attachment to the second attachment and / or back via the connector.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to protective shields, particularly ballistic shields, and more particularly handheld ballistic shields. In particular, the present disclosure relates to a shield system comprising a shield body, a first accessory disposed on a threat side of the shield body, and a second accessory disposed on a protection side of the shield body opposite the threat side. The first accessory and the second accessory are connected for power and / or signal transmission during use. [Background technology]

[0002] Protective shields have been known for thousands of years as useful defensive devices that provide protection to the protector (or rear side) against force and / or impact from the threat side (or front side). In modern times, shields are mostly used by law enforcement and / or (para)military forces, for example as riot control shields or ballistic shields. Ballistic shields have been developed for protection against bullets, similar projectiles, and / or shrapnel. Typically, ballistic shields can be classified into distinct protection levels.

[0003] As a result, different embodiments of ballistic shields are known. Important considerations for (the use of) ballistic shields may be conflicting and may include, among others, but not necessarily in this order, projectile impact resistance, weight, size, maneuverability, robustness (e.g., in general use other than projectile impact resistance), and the provision of subsystems and / or accessories such as lamps, cameras, power supplies, attack devices, etc.

[0004] Shields with accessories arranged on both sides of the shield body and electrically connected are known. For example, US Patent Application Publication No. 2010 / 0083820 discloses a bulletproof shield with lighting and power sources. The light source can be mounted on the front of the shield, a handle (including the power source and one or more switches) can be mounted on the back of the shield, and the light source can be driven and controlled through a conductive element formed as part of the shield (either integrally formed or added via one or more inserts (e.g., one or more screws bolts or one or more rods, etc.)).

[0005] CN2583608Y discloses a police shield with electric shock function, characterized in that the utility model comprises a shield, an electric shock net, and an electric storage device, the electric shock net device is fixedly arranged on the front surface of the shield, while the electric storage device is fixedly arranged on the inner surface of the shield, the electric storage device is electrically connected with the electric shock net arranged on the front surface of the shield, and further, the electric storage device is provided with a battery main switch and a touch switch. The electric shock net device and the electric storage device are connected by a wire passing through the shield.

[0006] These shields rely on transmitting power through holes in the shield which inherently compromises the strength of the shield which must be compensated for to achieve sufficient protection value.

[0007] Another option is to connect the accessories by a power cable simply routed around the outer edge of the shield, however such a cable can become tangled and / or caught behind other objects.

[0008] Moreover, WO2012 / 027824 discloses a system for inductive power transfer in a garment, the system for inductively transferring power from a primary coil to a secondary coil and its associated secondary circuit, and for inductively transferring data between the primary coil and the secondary coil, includes a rigid body armor plate attachable to a tactical garment, at least one primary coil is embedded in the plate at a substantially uniform first depth behind the striking surface of the plate, the primary circuit of the primary coil is adapted to be electrically connected to a central power source carried in or in cooperation with the garment, and at least one device pocket is provided for a handheld electronic device, the device pocket is attachable to an outer surface of the garment such that the secondary coil of the handheld device in the device pocket is aligned with the primary coil in the plate over and within an inductively coupled registry by being in an inductively coupled position aligned over the primary coil in the plate.

[0009] However, inductive power transfer is inherently lossy, and imperfect alignment between the primary and secondary coils causes power losses to rise dramatically as a function of the distance between the coils and depending on any material interposed between the coils. Furthermore, inductive power transfer is effectively a transmission system that inherently emits an electromagnetic signal that indicates the presence of the system, potentially reducing or even eliminating the tactical advantage. Thus, the system is deemed unsuitable for practical hand-held ballistic shields.

[0010] Thus, further improvements in shields, particularly ballistic shields, that address the above are always desirable. Summary of the Invention

[0011] In view of the above, there is provided herein at least a shield system, a shield body, and a use.

[0012] The shielding system comprises a protective shield body, a first attachment, and a second attachment. The shielding body comprises a shielding panel with a edging, the shielding panel having a first face defining a threat side in a threat direction and a second face defining a protection side in a protection direction opposite the threat side and the threat direction, and having opposing panel edges, the edging covering at least a portion of the panel edges. The shielding body comprises connectors operably connected to one another, the edging comprising at least one and preferably all of the connectors. The first attachment and the second attachment are operably connectable or connected to one another via the connectors for transmission of power and / or signals from the first attachment to the second attachment and / or back via the connectors.

[0013] The shielding panel provides a protective shielding function. The shielding panel may be flat (planar) or may be at least partially curved in one or more directions, such as being concave or biconcave. The at least partially curved shape, which may be simple or polygonal, or may be at least partially smoothly curved, can provide protection in multiple threat directions. The edges may provide the shielding panel with any suitable perimeter shape, either regular or irregular, to provide a shielding body shaped accordingly.

[0014] The ballistic shielding panels may be ballistic resistant to small caliber ammunition, such as from handguns and / or rifles. The panels may be of a type classified as or equivalent to one of five types (IIA, II, IIIA, III, or IV, respectively) according to the level of ballistic performance under the U.S. National Department of Justice Laboratory Standard 0108.01, "Ballistic Resistant Protective Materials" (September 1985).

[0015] The panel may have any suitable configuration. For example, the panel may comprise one or more layers of metal, glass, ceramic material, polymeric material such as polyacrylic, polyethylene, aramid, etc., any of which are optionally secured together by one or more suitable adhesives and / or bonding agents. The first and / or second faces may be at least partially covered by a surface layer, such as a paint and / or fabric layer, for one or more of signaling, appearance, cleaning, weather resistance, and abrasion resistance purposes.

[0016] The edging covers at least a portion of the edge. The edging provides protection against damage to the shield panel edge. Such damage may comprise one or more of dents, chips, peeling, and liquid damage, particularly from water and / or oil. In particular, the edging may be at least partially elastic. The edging may comprise or consist essentially of one or more of natural rubber, synthetic rubber, polyurethane material, silicone material, and combinations thereof.

[0017] Also, interconnecting the first and second accessories to one another via a connector allows for a direct, robust, and operable connection between the accessories. The connector may provide a fixed location on the shield body, which may simplify connection and / or positioning the accessory on the shield body and / or prevent loose cable sections.

[0018] The edging includes at least one of the connectors that facilitates attachment of the connector to the shield body without affecting the ballistic properties of the shield panel.

[0019] The connector and the first and second accessories may be configured for the transmission of power from the first accessory to and / or back through the connector. Similarly or alternatively, the connector and the first and second accessories may be configured for the transmission of electrical and / or optical signals from the first accessory to and / or back through the connector, which transmission may comprise the transmission of data and / or control signals.

[0020] The first and second accessories may be located on the same side of the shield body. However, the first accessory may be located on the threat side and the second accessory may be located on the protection side. The connectors then facilitate connection of the first and second accessories, making it unnecessary to guide the cable around the trim to connect the accessories. In particular, at least one of the connectors may be located on or toward the threat side and at least one of the connectors may be located on or toward the protection side, which may facilitate establishing a connection and / or allow for a reduction in the size of the accessories and / or any associated cables.

[0021] Having a first and second accessory on either side of the shield body allows for the safe transmission of power and / or signals between the accessories, for example allowing a first accessory on the threat side to be controlled from and / or by (a second accessory on) the protector side, and / or allowing one accessory to present a signal to one side that is indicative of another signal transmitted by the other accessory from the other side.

[0022] The first and second accessories may comprise at least one of a light source, a loudspeaker, a visible indicator such as, for example, a sign, a light banner, a display, etc., a sensor such as a camera (e.g., visible light and / or infrared sensitive), a microphone, a substance detector such as a gas detector, a recorder for one or more sensor signals and / or written information, and possibly a power source such as a rechargeable battery.

[0023] The connectors may be at least partially housed in the edging. This provides protection to a user of at least a portion of one or more of the connectors, the shield panel, the edging, accessories connected to one or more of the connectors, and the shield body. For example, the housing may at least partially reduce or prevent protrusion of the connectors from the shield body. Also or alternatively, the edging aids in securing the connectors to the shield panel.

[0024] Likewise, similarly or alternatively, power and / or signal conductors operatively connected to the connector may be at least partially housed in the trim.

[0025] The connectors may preferably provide, at least at the location of each connector, a connection direction for connection with a mating counter connector that is substantially perpendicular to the first and / or second faces of the shield panel. This facilitates connection of the connector with the appropriate counter connector. Similarly or alternatively, the connectors may preferably not extend beyond the border and / or beyond the outer periphery of the shield body defined by the border. This may reduce or prevent the connector (and any object connected to it, such as a cable) from getting caught behind a further object. In particular, the connectors may be recessed into the border and the mating counter connectors may be formed such that, when connected, both the connector and the mating counter connector do not extend beyond the border and / or beyond the outer periphery of the shield body defined by the border.

[0026] In a shield body, multiple connectors, preferably all connectors, may be substantially identical, which may facilitate one or more of design and manufacture of the shield body and inventory control and freedom of installation of accessories and / or counter connectors.

[0027] The multiple connectors may be arranged in groups of connectors separated by a relatively small distance, and the groups of connectors may be separated by a relatively large distance, which may facilitate providing specific placement of the accessory. Additionally, accessories may be connected to multiple connectors or groups of connectors to increase robustness.

[0028] The connectors may be attached to each other as objects attached to the panel and the trim, e.g., integrated into such objects. In particular, the connectors may be formed as or connected by a strip or rail along at least a portion of the trim. For example, at least a portion of at least some of the connectors may be formed as and / or formed along and / or included in a rail. This may allow for greater flexibility in the installation of the accessories.

[0029] At least some of the connectors may be secured to the panel prior to providing the edging. This may facilitate manufacturing of the shield body and / or increase robustness of the shield body. The securing may comprise fastening to the panel. Also or alternatively, gluing and / or welding or the like may be used.

[0030] At least some of the connectors may be removably mounted to the panel, which may facilitate replacement and / or repair, especially if the trim is removably mounted to the panel.

[0031] The connectors on and / or toward the threat side and the connectors on and / or toward the protection side may be in alignment with one another in a direction perpendicular to the first and / or second faces of the panel, which may facilitate connecting aligned accessories and / or providing balance to the shield.

[0032] The operable connection between the connectors may be provided by at least one cable, which may extend along the edge of the panel for transmitting power and / or signals, such as sensor and / or control signals. The cable may be at least partially housed in one of the edgings and / or connectors. This may reduce or prevent the cable from catching behind another object, which may cause damage and / or even danger to a user of the shield comprising the shield body. It is noted that such a cable may also be provided as (part of) an accessory in a shielding system comprising the shield body described herein. Such an accessory cable may then be suitably connected to at least a portion of the aforementioned cable included in the shield body via one or more of the connectors. Such a cable may comprise one or more electrical and / or optical signal conductors for operable connection to an associated electrical and / or optical connector.

[0033] At least a portion of the edging may be overmolded onto at least a portion of the connector and onto at least a portion of the conductors connecting the connector, which may be applied. The connector may be at least partially housed and secured by the overmolded portion of the edging, and / or the cable and / or wire, if present, may each be at least partially housed and secured by the overmolded portion of the edging. Overmolding may provide intimate contact of the overmolding material to the shielding panel and the connector and possibly at least a portion of the conductors (which may be included in the cable as described elsewhere herein), providing a fixation of these parts to each other and providing robustness. The adhesion to at least a portion of the shielding panel and the connector may be mechanical and / or chemical in nature.

[0034] One or more cables may be provided to connect the first and / or second accessories to the associated connectors, the first and / or second accessories may comprise connectors that mate with the connectors of the shield body. In particular, the first and / or second accessories may comprise such connectors fixed to the accessories, e.g. fixed and integrated into the housing of the accessories, thereby eliminating the need for intervening cables and reducing the number of parts and potentially the number of connections.

[0035] The connection between the first accessory and the second accessory via the connector may be configured for transmission of optical signals, transmission of electrical signals, and / or transmission of power between the two accessories.

[0036] At least some of the connectors and at least some of the conductors operatively connecting at least some of the connectors may be configured for both power and data transmission. For example, the connectors may include multiple terminals connected to multiple conductors, and the power-transmitting terminals and conductors may be made more robust than the signal terminals and conductors. The signal terminals and / or conductors may be configured to transmit signals according to different (tele)communication standards.

[0037] Transmission over conductors improves reliability compared to wireless transmission. Transmission over conductors reduces or prevents external interception of signals, reduces delays in data transmission, improves signal quality and reliability, and therefore improves performance. Electromagnetic signatures can be reduced, especially in the case of transmission of power and / or electrical signals.

[0038] An embodiment may comprise electromagnetic shielding of at least a portion of the connector and one or more conductors operatively connecting the connector. The electromagnetic shielding may reduce or prevent emission and / or reception of signals that may introduce noise to other electromagnetic signals and / or devices, potentially (further) reducing the electromagnetic signature and / or improving covert use of the shielded system. Similarly or alternatively, signals transmitted between the first and second accessories may be protected from signal pick-up from different parts of the shielded body and / or outside the shielded system.

[0039] In the shield body, the shield panel may comprise one or more signal and / or power conductors, in particular one or more electrical signal and / or power conductors, operably connected with the connectors. For example, at least one power and / or electrical signal conductor may be formed as an at least partial conductive layer operably connected with at least some of the electrical connectors.

[0040] The conductors may be at least partially integrated into the panel, which may provide flexibility and robustness, especially when each conductor is positioned toward the protective side.

[0041] In such an embodiment, one or more power and / or signal conductors of the shielding panel may be formed as at least a partial conductive layer operatively connected with at least some connectors that are electrical connectors for transmission of power and / or electrical signals through the conductive layer. This may prevent irregular surface structures on / of the shielding panel and thus on / of the shielding body, which may facilitate mounting accessories to the shielding panel. And the shielding panel may comprise a composite panel comprising a stack of compressed stacked layers comprising at least a partial conductive layer. Thus, the at least a partial conductive layer becomes an integral whole of the shielding panel.

[0042] The shielding panel may comprise a composite panel comprising a compressed and stacked laminate of layers, at least one of which comprises one or more power and / or signal conductors, e.g., an at least partially conductive layer, such that a robust connection can be formed.

[0043] In one embodiment, the shield body comprises one or more mounts for mounting at least one of the first accessory and the second accessory to the shield body. The mount may provide for movable mounting and / or fixation of the accessory. The mounting may be removable and comprise, for example, one or more of bolting, bayonet fastening, snap latching, etc.

[0044] At least a portion of the mount may be housed in the edging, possibly by overmolding. This may reduce the volume of the shield body, and possibly also of accessories attached to the shield body and mount. For example, the housing may at least partially reduce or prevent protrusion of the mount from the shield body. Also or alternatively, the edging may help secure the mount to the shield panel.

[0045] One or more of the connectors and one or more of the mounts may be integrated to mount and connect at least one of the first and second accessories to the shield body. This may simplify mounting and connecting the accessories to the shield body. In particular, at least a portion of the connectors and at least a portion of the mounts may be electrically conductive.

[0046] In the shielding system, the shielding body may include, as an accessory, one or more extension brackets that may function to support one or more other accessories. Such extension brackets may be attached to one or more mounts of the shielding body. Such extension brackets may include additional connectors and one or more additional power and / or signal conductors that are operably connected or connectable with one or more connectors of the shielding body.

[0047] For example, in one embodiment, the shield body includes one or more such extension brackets, and one or more accessories can be attached to at least one of the extension brackets provided on the shield body, at least a portion of the extension bracket being electrically conductive, and the extension bracket includes an electrical connector that is operably electrically connectable or connected to at least one of the electrical connectors of the shield body and at least one of the first and second accessories. As a result, the first and second accessories are operably electrically connectable or connected via the electrical connectors of the shield body and the extension bracket. This facilitates connecting the accessories to the shield body. Similarly or alternatively, the extension bracket can include an optical conductor, and one or more accessories can be operably connected to one or more optical connectors of the shield body via the extension bracket.

[0048] In view of the above, and of providing at least some of the advantages discussed above with respect to the shielding system, in one aspect there is provided the use of a shielding body for operably connecting a first accessory and a second accessory for transmitting signals (e.g., data) and / or power between the first accessory and the second accessory.

[0049] and the shield body comprises a shield panel with a border, the shield panel having a first face defining a threat side in a threat direction and a second face defining a protection side in a protection direction opposite the threat side and the threat direction, and having opposing panel edges, the border covering at least a portion of the panel edges. The border of the shield body comprises one or more connectors for transmission of power and / or signals from the first accessory to the second accessory and / or back via the connectors transmitting signals and / or power, e.g., electrical connectors and / or optical connectors for transmitting data and / or power between the first accessory and the second accessory, and the use comprises operatively connecting the first accessory and the second accessory and transmitting signals from the first accessory to the second accessory and / or back via the connectors.

[0050] The first attachment is disposed on the threat side of the shield body and the second attachment is disposed on the protection side.

[0051] In view of the above and of providing at least some of the advantages discussed above with respect to shielding systems and uses, in another aspect, a shielding body is provided for a shielding system as disclosed herein and / or for a use as disclosed herein, the shielding body comprising a shielding panel with a edging, the shielding panel having a first surface defining a threat side in a threat direction and a second surface defining a protection side in a protection direction opposite the threat side and the threat direction, and having opposing panel edges, the edging covering at least a portion of the panel edges. The edging of the shielding body comprises one or more connectors for power and / or signal transmission. The shielding panel further comprises one or more power and / or signal conductors operably connected with the connectors for power and / or signal transmission via the connectors. And the one or more power and / or signal conductors may be formed as at least a partial conductive layer operably connected with at least some of the connectors being electrical connectors.

[0052] For example, the panel may include at least a partial conductive layer operatively connected to at least some of the electrical connectors for transmission of data and / or power between the connectors through the at least a partial conductive layer.

[0053] The shielding panel may comprise a composite panel comprising a compressed, stacked laminate of layers, at least one of which comprises one or more power and / or signal conductors, e.g., an at least partial conductive layer. Thus, the shielding panel may comprise a composite panel comprising a compressed, stacked laminate of layers, the laminate comprising said at least partial conductive layer in operative connection with at least some of the connectors being electrical connectors.

[0054] The above-mentioned aspects will be further explained hereinafter with further details and advantages, with reference to the drawings, which show, by way of example, several embodiments. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0055] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 shows a known shielding system. [Diagram 2] FIG. 1 illustrates an improved shielding system. [Diagram 3] FIG. 13 shows (a part of) a shield body according to a further embodiment. [Figure 4] 13A and 13B are plan and partially exploded views of a shield body of a further embodiment. [Diagram 5] 13A and 13B are plan and partially exploded views of a shield body of a further embodiment. [Figure 6] 13A-13C show parts of a shield body in a further embodiment. [Figure 7] 13A and 13B show a further embodiment of a shield body and its details. [Figure 8] FIG. 1 illustrates one embodiment of a shield system. [Figure 9] 13A-13C show parts of a shield body of another further embodiment. [Figure 10] FIG. 1 illustrates a further embodiment of a shield system. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0056] It should be noted that the drawings are schematic and not necessarily to scale, and details that are not necessary for understanding the invention have been omitted. Terms such as "upper", "lower", "lower than" and "above" refer to the embodiment as oriented in the drawings, unless otherwise specified. Furthermore, elements that are at least substantially identical or perform at least substantially the same functions are described with the same reference numerals, with alphabetical suffixes to aid in individualization.

[0057] Further, unless otherwise specified, terms such as "detachable" and "removably connected" are intended to mean that the respective parts may be separated essentially without damage or destruction of any of the parts, e.g., excluding structures where the parts are integral (e.g., welded or molded as one piece), but including structures where the parts are attached by or as interlocking connectors, fasteners, releasable self-fastening mechanisms, etc. The verb "facilitate" is intended to mean "to make easier and / or less complicated" rather than "enable."

[0058] FIG. 1 shows a known shielding system 100. The shielding system 100 comprises a shielding body 101. The protective shielding body 101 has a first face F1 (facing the viewer) defining a threat side in a threat direction (towards the viewer in FIG. 1) and a second face F2 (not visible) defining a protection side in a protection direction opposite the threat side and the threat direction, and has opposing panel edges 107. The shielding body 101 comprises a first accessory 109, such as a lamp, on the threat side and a second accessory 111, such as a battery, on the protection side. The first accessory 109 and the second accessory 111 are operatively electrically connected via a cable 113 that is routed around the edge 107 of the shielding body 101. The cable 113 comprises at least two conductors that provide a closeable current circuit for transmitting power from the battery to the lamp so that the lamp 109 can operate.

[0059] 2A and 2B show an improved shielding system 200 comprising a protective shielding body 201. The shielding body 201 comprises a shielding panel 203 with an edging 205 (only shown in FIG. 2B). The shielding panel 203 has a first face F1 (facing the viewer) defining a threat side TS in a threat direction (towards the viewer) and a second face F2 (not visible) defining a protective side PS in a protective direction opposite the threat side and the threat direction, and has opposing panel edges 207. The edging 205 covers the panel edges 207.

[0060] Best seen in FIG. 2B, the border 205 of the shield body 201 includes an electrical connector 215. In FIG. 2A, which shows the shield body with the border 205 removed, the electrical connectors 215 are seen to be operatively electrically connected to one another by electrical conductors 217. Although other conductors such as cables can be provided, in this embodiment the electrical connector 215 and electrical conductors 217 are provided as integral conductive elements 219, 219, e.g., of aluminum and / or steel character, that extend along the edge 207 of the shield panel 203. The connector 215 (and possibly at least a portion of the conductor 217) is optionally formed as a U-shaped portion that fits securely into the edge 207 of the panel 203 and extends to and is accessible on both sides (threat side, protection side) of the shield body 201.

[0061] The shield body 201 includes a lamp 209 as an exemplary first accessory on the threat side TS and a battery 211 as an exemplary second accessory on the protection side PS. The lamp 209 is operably electrically connected to a connector 215L1 on the threat side TS and one side L of the shield body 201 via a conductor 221L, and is operably electrically connected to a connector 215R1 on the threat side TS and the other side R of the shield body 201 via a conductor 221L. The lamps 209 are operably electrically connected to each other via a further conductor 221M. One electrode of the battery 211 is connected to a connector 215L2 on the protection side and one side L of the shield body 201 via a conductor 222L. The other electrode of the battery 211 is connected to a connector 215R2 on the protection side and the other side R of the shield body 201 via a conductor 222R. Thus, a closed current circuit is provided between the battery 211 and the lamp 209 via the connectors 215L2, 215L1, 217R1, and 217R2 and the associated conductors 222L, 217L, 221L, 221M, 221R, 217R, 222R. The lamp is located on the threat side TS and the battery is located on the protected side PS, without the need for cables routed around the edges of the shield body 201. An optional switch for controlled opening and closing of the current circuit may be provided, but is not shown.

[0062] FIG. 2B shows that conductive element 219 (shown in FIG. 2A discussed previously) is housed in edging 205, which provides structural protection and electrical insulation for conductive elements 219L, 219R and thus for conductor 217 and (part of) connector 215.

[0063] The lamp 209 and battery 211 may be attached to the shield body 201 in any suitable manner, for example, using glue, welding, hook-and-loop type fabric fasteners such as Velcro(C), clamping, or the like.

[0064] In the embodiment of Fig. 2A, Fig. 2B, the connector 215 is a basic conductive metal structure, and the electrical connection may be established by bolting a conductive structure, such as a cable, possibly with a cable shoe, to the connector 215. However, the connector 215 in this embodiment may also be used as a mount for mounting one or more of the respective accessories 209, 211 to the shield body. In this case, the one or more conductors 221L, 221M, 221R; 222L, 222R may be formed as structural elements for mounting and supporting the respective accessories 209, 211, e.g. metal pieces providing both mechanical support and electrical conductivity. However, the mechanical and electrical aspects may be separated, e.g. by providing electrical conductivity via one or more (possibly insulated) cables and mounting the accessories via other structures that may not be conductively connected to other structures.

[0065] It should be noted that shield body 201 optionally has optional further structures 215T and 215B of the same configuration as connectors 215L, 215R and housed in edging 205, which may function as mechanical mounts for mounting one or more accessories and / or as electrical connectors for transmitting power and / or signals between the threat side and the protector side when not electrically connected to one or more other electrical connectors.

[0066] Providing the trim 205 by overmolding it onto the shield panel 203 and the conductive elements 219 provides or assists in securing the elements 219, 215T, 215B to the panel 203. Also or alternatively, the trim 205 may provide a volume around at least a portion of the connectors 215 that may provide mechanical support and / or protection for structures connected with the respective electrical connectors 215 and / or for structures attached to the connectors when the respective connectors 215 function as a mechanical mount instead of or in addition to functioning as an electrical connection.

[0067] It should be noted that in any of the embodiments herein, multiple connectors may be connected to a conductor, particularly an electrical connector. This may facilitate electrically connecting multiple accessories in parallel and / or series. For example, in the embodiment of Figures 2A-2B, a lamp and / or a battery, as well as any additional accessories (not shown), may (also) be operatively connected to another connector 215. Also or alternatively, this may facilitate interconnecting multiple accessories, such as a network, for transmission of signals between different ones of the multiple accessories.

[0068] An electromagnetic shielding arrangement, such as a conductive mesh and / or an at least partially closed cover, may be provided and then at least partially received in the edging, possibly fixed in place by provision for the edging by overmolding.

[0069] 3A and 3B show (part of) a shield body 301 as a further developed embodiment. The shield body 301 comprises a shield panel 303 and a trim 305. Here, as shown diagrammatically, two conductors 317A, 317B are housed in the trim 317, each connected to a terminal of a respective connector 315 (shown as + and -, respectively, but any embodiment herein may accommodate alternating current (AC) and / or direct current (DC) as appropriate). The shield 303 facilitates the establishment of a closed current loop between adjacent connectors 315 of the shield body 301. Instead of having conductors 317A, 317B connecting all connectors 315, only some of the connectors may be connected and / or instead of forming a closed loop, one or more of the conductors 317A, 317B may be interrupted in one or more positions. Also or alternatively, the electrodes may be arranged differently, such as with the shield body 301 defining a particular orientation and the electrodes being identically positioned relative to that orientation (e.g., all + electrodes are positioned above - electrodes).

[0070] In any embodiment, the connector may be clamped to a mating connector that may be clamped to establish an electrical connection. However, to facilitate easy and reliable connection, the use of a mating connector-counter connector combination is preferred. For example, the shield body may include a receptacle connector and its accessories, and / or the cable may include a mating plug connector or vice versa, or asexual connectors may be used. Any of the connectors herein may be proprietary or comply with appropriate standards.

[0071] 4A, 4B show schematic plan and partially exploded views of a shield body 401 comprising a shield panel 403 with conductive layers 423A, 423B operatively connected to at least some of the electrical connectors 415. The conductive layers 423A, 423B are insulated from each other and from external structures by insulating layers 425, 427. The conductive layers 423A, 423B may be bonded to a ballistic panel, which is typically electrically insulating. The panel may comprise or be a composite panel comprising a compressed and stacked laminate of layers such as aluminium.

[0072] The conductive layers 423A, 423B may be bonded to a ballistic panel providing the shielding panel 403 to which the edging 405 is applied, or the conductive layers 423A, 423B may be bonded to a partially finished shielding body including the shielding panel 403 and the edging 405 providing the desired shielding body 401. The conductive layers 423A, 423B may be at least partially covered by the edging 405. The conductive layers 423A, 423B include portions 425A, 425B for connecting at least some of the connectors 415 of the shielding body 401. The connections may be soldered, welded, clamped, and / or otherwise appropriately connected to the connectors 415.

[0073] It should be noted that, also or alternatively, one or more conductive layers, and preferably one or more insulating layers that insulate such conductive layers, may be integrated into panel 403 as part of the compressed and stacked laminate.

[0074] 5A-5B show a shield body 501 comprising a shield panel 503 with a conductive layer 523 operatively connected with at least some of the electrical connectors 515 as in FIGS. 4A-4B. The layer 523 comprises a plurality of conductors 517A, 517B preferably formed as conductive traces 517 for respectively connecting the terminals of at least some of the electrical connectors 515, although one or more of the conductors of the layer may be provided as one or more wires bonded to the layer 523 and / or embedded in the layer 523, such as woven into a fabric layer. In this way, a particular desired electrical circuit may be provided to connect predetermined ones of the connectors 515 to one another (in FIGS. 5A-5B all of the connectors 515 are connected).

[0075] It should be noted that the shield body may include one or more optical connectors and one or more optical conductors, such as optical fibers, operably connected to the optical connectors. The optical conductors may be housed in the edging by overmolding, and an opaque portion of the edging may provide optical insulation.

[0076] 6A and 6B show a schematic representation of a shield body 601 in accordance with the present concepts, respectively illustrating different embodiments of the shield panel 603 and the connectors 615A, 615B, 615C components of the shield body 601. The shield body 601 further includes an extension bracket 640 (shown diagrammatically), see below.

[0077] The connector 615A includes terminals 631A provided as conductive receptacle terminals for connection with plug terminals (not shown) of a mating connector. In some embodiments, the receptacle terminals and / or plug terminals may include threaded portions and / or other mechanical attachment structures. A connector 615A for multiple conductors, e.g., + and - electrodes or power and ground electrodes, may be provided by appropriately connecting the conductors to terminals 631A and securing terminals 631A (and possibly at least a portion of the conductors) within trim 605. Terminals 631A may be connected by suitable mating connectors from the threat side TS and protection side PS for operatively and electrically connecting accessories on either side of the shield body 601.

[0078] Connector 615B comprises conductive terminals 631B supported on insulating supports 632B. At least some terminals 631B on either side of insulating supports 632B are electrically connected, e.g., are a single body (see terminal 631A). Similarly or alternatively, some terminals may be insulated from each other. The illustrated supports 632 may comprise additional terminals that are not illustrated. It is noted herein generally that different terminals of one or more connectors may have different shapes and / or configurations, e.g., according to different requirements for power and / or signal transmission.

[0079] The connector 615C includes a conductive terminal 631C supported on an insulating support 632C that is arranged to rest the terminal overlying the shielding panel 603. Such a connector may be particularly suitable for use with shielding panels that include one or more at least partially conductive layers, with the terminal 631C connecting with an appropriate conductive portion of such conductive layer (see Figures 4A-5B).

[0080] Containing the connector (terminals) in the trim leaves the connector (terminals) somewhat exposed.

[0081] The extension bracket 640 may include one or more connectors 641A, 641B and one or more conductors 643A, 643B for electrical connection to respective ones of the connectors of the shield body 601, e.g., terminals that mate with terminals of the respective connectors 615A / 615B / 615C.

[0082] The extension bracket 640 may be mounted on the shield body 601. An accessory (not shown) may then be mounted on the extension bracket 640 and electrically connected with the connector of the shield body 601 and / or the conductor of the extension bracket 640. In that case, the extension bracket may include a (further) electrical connector (not shown).

[0083] 7A and detailed FIG. 7B are plan and perspective views, respectively, illustrating that the shield body 701 may include connectors 715 for connecting multiple conductors (not shown) for transmitting power (designated + and -) and data (designated 1 and 2). For example, some of the connectors may be configured according to USB standards and / or other standards for connector configurations and / or data transfer protocols. Note that other configurations calling for more or fewer conductors may be provided, and in some cases data may be conveyed by superimposing the data signal on the power connection such that only two conductors are sufficient.

[0084] 8A-8B show a shield system 800 comprising a shield body 801 with multiple accessories, where a lamp 809 and a camera 845 are located on a threat side TS of the shield 801, and a battery 811 and a display and control unit 847 associated with the camera 845 are located on a protection side PS of the shield 801. On the protection side, the shield body 801 comprises a transport support G which is mounted to a mechanical stand of the shield body 801.

[0085] The shield body 801 includes an electrical connector 815 that includes terminals 831 that are integrated with mechanical mounts 837, such as threaded holes for bolting. The shield body 801 includes a number of conductors (not shown) embedded in the trim 805 that operatively and electrically connect associated electrical terminals 831 of the connector 815.

[0086] In this embodiment, lamp 809 is optionally configured as a complementary structure to the shield body, particularly edging 805, has an electrical connector (not shown) that mates with electrical connector 815, and is mechanically mountable, for example using bolt 853, to a base 837 that secures the lamp to the shield body 801.

[0087] The battery 811 is mounted on the extension bracket 840 and includes conductors (not shown). The lamp 809 may be operatively powered via the conductors of the extension bracket 840 and the shield body 810 and respective electrical connectors 815.

[0088] Camera 845 and display and control unit 847, like lamp 809, are optionally formed complementarily to portions of shield body 801 to facilitate mechanical attachment thereto. Camera 845 and display and control unit 847 each include electrical mating connectors that mate with electrical connectors included in shield body 801, here located on opposite sides of the shield body (in alignment). Thus, signals may be transmitted between camera 845 and display and control unit 847 for safely operating camera 845 and / or displaying images recorded by camera 845.

[0089] It should be noted that proper placement of the accessories on the shield body, with or without the extension bracket, may allow the shield to be balanced. Selecting the proper placement of the accessories may be facilitated by providing multiple connectors that are operatively interconnected. For example, in Figures 2A-2B and 8A-8B, the battery may be positioned as a counterweight for the lamp and / or additional accessories.

[0090] 9A-9B show that a shield body 901 with shield panel 903 and trim 905 (shown only in FIG. 9B), as in FIG. 6A-6B, may include different connector types 915A, 915B, 915C, 915D, and one or more of the connectors may be oriented on different sides of the shield, including lateral sides (not shown) (915A1, 915A2). Similarly or alternatively, one or more of the connectors may be interconnected to change connector type, such as from one type and / or arrangement of terminals to another type and / or arrangement of terminals, e.g., from male / female pin / receptacle terminals in one arrangement to surface mount terminals in another arrangement. Similarly or alternatively, one or more of the connectors may be configured and / or interconnected to change signal type, such as from optical to electrical signals and / or electrical to optical signals (915C, 915D). Additionally, a plurality of pairs of screw threaded holes are provided as pedestals 937 in the trim 905 between the various connectors 915A, 915B, 915C, 915D.

[0091] In another embodiment where there may be no connectors and / or conductors for power and / or signal transmission, the shield body may also or alternatively include one or more mounts for mounting accessories oriented toward the lateral sides of the shield body. The accessories may be L-shaped or U-shaped to position at least a portion of the accessory in front of the threat and / or protection surfaces of the shield body, thereby reducing the protrusion of the accessory laterally from the shield body.

[0092] As an example of such an embodiment, Figure 10 shows a shield 1000 having a shield body 1001 with a platform 1037 for lateral fastening housed in a edging 1005 of the shield body 1001. The shield 1000 includes an extension bracket 1040 that is generally U-shaped for gripping at least partially around the shield body 1001 and for laterally mounting to the platform 1037 using, for example, one or more fasteners 1053 and associated mounting portions 1038, here at U-shaped feet 1048 (e.g., bolts 1053 and through holes 1038). Similarly, one or more connectors 1015 on the shield body 1001 and mating counter connectors (not shown) on the extension bracket provide for operative connection of lamps 1009, a display 1055 for displaying (possibly changing and / or moving) text and / or images on the threat side, and further optional accessories on the extension bracket such as a loudspeaker 1057, from one or more control accessories (not shown) on the protection side.

[0093] The present disclosure is not limited to the embodiments described above but can be varied in several ways within the scope of the claims.

[0094] For example, the shield body may have another shape, such as round, oval, square, and may have a relatively wide lower portion and a relatively narrow upper portion. Additionally, fewer and / or differently positioned connectors may be provided. Additionally, fewer and / or differently positioned accessories may be provided. The carrying support may be shaped and / or sized differently, such as according to one or more of size, weight, conditions of use, control options, user preferences, and the like. For example, for one-handed carrying, two-handed carrying, backpack support, and / or user preferences, and the like. The shield may be sized for full body protection of a standing person, or for torso protection. In some embodiments, the one or more shields may define a rectangular shape with a long side to short side ratio of 2:1, and sized like standard DIN paper sizes A0, A1, A2, A3, or A4. Such ratios may simplify scaling of protective surface area by combining shields of different sizes. Conformity to DIN A sizes may facilitate carrying the shield in a briefcase. The extension bracket may only connect to a single electrical connector.

[0095] Elements and aspects described on or with respect to a particular embodiment may be combined with elements and aspects of other embodiments as appropriate, unless expressly stated otherwise.

Claims

1. 1. A shield system comprising a protective shield body, a first attachment, and a second attachment, the shield body includes a shield panel with a edging, the shield panel having a first surface defining a threat side in a threat direction and a second surface defining a protection side in a protection direction opposite the threat side and the threat direction, and having opposing panel edges, the edging covering at least a portion of the panel edges; the shield body includes connectors operably connected to one another; the edging comprises at least one of the connectors; A shielding system wherein the first accessory and the second accessory are operably connectable or connected to each other via the connector for transmission of power and / or signals from the first accessory to the second accessory and / or vice versa via the connector.

2. 2. The shielding system of claim 1, wherein the first accessory is located on the threat side and the second accessory is located on the protection side, and in particular, at least one of the connectors is located on or towards the threat side and at least one of the connectors is located on or towards the protection side.

3. 3. A shielding system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein at least one of the connectors is at least partially housed in the edging, and preferably all of the connectors are at least partially housed in the edging.

4. 3. The shielding system of claim 1, wherein power and / or signal conductors operatively connected to the connector are at least partially housed within the trim.

5. 3. The shielding system of claim 1, wherein at least a portion of the edging is overmolded onto at least a portion of the connector and, if present, onto at least a portion of the conductors connecting the connector.

6. The shield system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the first attachment and / or the second attachment comprises a connector that mates with a connector of the shield body.

7. 3. The shielding system of claim 1, wherein at least some of the connectors and at least some conductors operably connecting the at least some of the connectors are configured for the transmission of power and data.

8. 3. The shielding system of claim 1 or 2, wherein the connector is an electrical connector, and the first accessory and the second accessory are operably electrically connectable or connected to each other via the connector for the transmission of power and / or signals from the first accessory to the second accessory and / or vice versa via the connector.

9. 3. The shielding system of claim 1 or 2, comprising electromagnetic shielding of at least a portion of the connector and / or one or more conductors operatively connecting the electrical connectors.

10. The shielding system of claim 1 or 2, wherein the shielding panel comprises one or more power and / or signal conductors operatively connected to the connector.

11. The shielding system of claim 10 , wherein the one or more power and / or signal conductors are formed as at least a partial conductive layer operatively connected to at least some of the electrical connectors.

12. 11. The shielding system of claim 10, wherein the shielding panel comprises a composite panel comprising a laminate of compressed and stacked layers, at least one of the layers comprising the one or more power and / or signal conductors, e.g., the at least partial conductive layer.

13. The shield system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the shield body comprises one or more mounts for mounting at least one of the first accessory and the second accessory to the shield body.

14. 14. The shield system of claim 13, wherein one or more of the connectors and one or more of the mounts are integrated to mount and electrically connect at least one of the first accessory and the second accessory to the shield body.

15. 3. The shield system according to claim 1, wherein at least one of the first attachment and the second attachment is formed as an extension bracket for supporting one or more further attachments.

16. 16. The shielding system of claim 15, wherein the extension bracket comprises an additional connector and one or more additional power and / or signal conductors operably connected or connectable to one or more connectors of the shield body.

17. 1. Use of a shield body for operatively electrically connecting a first accessory and a second accessory for transmitting signals and / or power between said first accessory and said second accessory, comprising: the shield body comprises a shield panel with a edging, the shield panel having a first surface defining a threat side in a threat direction and a second surface defining a protection side in a protection direction opposite the threat side and the threat direction, and having opposing panel edges, the edging covering at least a portion of the panel edges; the shield body comprises one or more connectors for transmission of power and / or signals from the first accessory to the second accessory and / or back via the connectors transmitting signals and / or power; the edging comprises at least one of the connectors; said using comprising operatively connecting said first accessory and said second accessory and transmitting said signal from said first accessory to said second accessory and / or vice versa via said connector. Use of the shield body.

18. 18. Use of a shield body according to claim 17, wherein the first accessory is located on the threat side of the shield body and the second accessory is located on the protection side.

19. A shield body for a shield system according to claim 1 or 2 and / or for use according to claim 17 or 18, the shield body comprising a shield panel with a edging, the shield panel having a first surface defining a threat side in a threat direction and a second surface defining a protection side in a protection direction opposite the threat side and the threat direction, and having opposing panel edges, the edging covering at least a portion of the panel edges, the shield body comprises one or more connectors for transmission of power and / or signals from the first accessory to the second accessory and / or back via the connectors transmitting signals and / or power; the edging comprises at least one of the connectors; the shield panel comprising one or more power and / or signal conductors operatively connected to the connector for transmission of power and / or signals through the connector. Shield body.

20. 20. The shield body of claim 19, wherein the one or more power and / or signal conductors are formed as at least a partial conductive layer operatively connected to at least some of the electrical connectors.

21. the shielding panel comprises a composite panel comprising a stack of compressed and stacked layers; 20. The shield body of claim 19, wherein at least one of the layers comprises the one or more power and / or signal conductors, e.g., the at least partially conductive layer.

Images