TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] The present invention relates to a foldable shield that can be brought from an extended
use position to a folded transport position and vice versa. The shield is intended
for use by people with work tasks where they need to protect themselves against various
weapons, blows and thrown objects.
BACKGROUND
[0002] Police officers and members of similar professions often have assignments where they
may need a protective shield to protect them against various weapons, blows and thrown
objects, for example in connection with riots and the like, or when violent offenders
are to be monitored or arrested.
[0003] A shield for use by e.g. police officers is previously known from
FR 462049. The described shield comprises three shield plates of elongated shape. The plates
are made of suitable metal having suitable thickness and properties, and is preferably
covered with textile or similar material. The middle plate is in its central part
provided with a handle, on which a small rocker arm is pivotally mounted. The rocker
passes through an opening in the center plate and is normally held uplifted by a leaf
spring to function as a release mechanism for the unfolding of the shield. The plates
of the shield are joined by spring hinges, which are arranged on the opposite side
of the handle. The springs of the hinges striving to hold the plates unfolded to form
a strong, flat surface. If the unfolded shield is to be folded, the first side plate
is folded down against the center plate and then the other side plate is folded down
against the already folded in first side plate. If a person carrying the folded shield
wants to use it, it is sufficient if he/she presses the proximal end of the rocker
arm, causing the side plates to fold out immediately under the influence of the springs
in the hinges. As described in
FR 462049 the folded shield occupies no more space than the surface of the center plate.
[0004] US 4412495 discloses a foldable full-body shield. In one embodiment, the disclosed shield has
a rectangular upper panel part and a lower panel part which are both made of bullet-proof,
flexible material. Each of the panel parts are framed by rigid frames, which are pivotally
joined to each other by a hinge between them. The foldable shield has three handles
mounted directly on the top panel portion that the user can use to hold the shield
when it is unfolded and additionally a separate carrying handle to make it possible
to use the shield when it is folded.
[0005] There are high demands on a shield of the current type, because it should be able
to protect the user against several different types of possible attacks, such as blows
with or without weapons, knife wounds, bullets from handguns and/or thrown objects.
The shield plates of the shield should be close together and able to provide the user
with both impact and puncture protection, and preferably also a ballistic protection.
Even though such shield plates are made of very strong materials the risk that a shield
plate is damaged by e.g. a blow or a shot during use is quite large and the shield
plates should therefore be easily replaceable to prevent the undamaged parts of the
shield form being replaced unnecessarily. If the shield is needed in an emergency,
it must be folded out immediately and reliably when the user activates a trigger device,
which should be located within reach of the user when wearing the shield. The unfolding
of the shield should not be able to happen accidentally, as this can lead to problems
and in the worst case to accidents or injuries if the shield is, for example, accidentally
unfolded in a confined space such as inside a police car. It should also be possible
to fold the shield should into a folded transport position as quickly as possible,
to not expend unnecessary time when the task requires the user to move to another
location, either on foot or in a vehicle. It is important that the shield takes up
as little space as possible in the folded transport position, both to make the folded
shield more manageable to carry around for the user when traveling and to enable that
a greater number of shields can be stored in a storage space and/or transported in
a police car or other vehicle. It is also important that the folded shield shows no
protruding edges or similar that can get caught in another shield during storage or
transportation, or in other objects when the user is carrying the shield in the folded
transport position. It is also important that the shield is smooth and light and not
perceived as provocative by other people when carried by the user in the transport
position, i.e. that the shield can be carried in such a way and has such an appearance
in the folded transport position that it is not too conspicuous or perceived as a
weapon, which could provoke aggression or anger unnecessarily. The previously known
shields do not appear to meet these requirements and therefore there is a clear need
for an improved foldable shield.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0006] A first object of the present invention is therefore to provide a foldable shield
with a shape that ensures that the shield can be made smooth and easy to carry for
the user and is made to occupy a small space in the folded transport position, and
that makes the folded shield non-provocative to others and additionally handy to bring
during travel and transport.
[0007] This first object is achieved by a foldable shield according to claim 1, which can
be brought from an extended use position to a folded transport position and vice versa,
and comprising a first, a second and a third shield plate, each of which has an elongated
shape and an inside, an outer surface, a first long side, a second side edge, a first
short side and second short side, wherein the shield further comprises a first spring
loaded hinge arrangement interconnecting the first shield plate's second long side
with the second shield plate's first long side, a second spring loaded hinge mechanism
which connects the second shield plate's second long side with the third shield plate's
first long side, wherein said hinge assemblies are arranged so that the shield can
be brought from the use position to the folded transport position by folding the first
shield plate with its outside surface against the outside surface of the second shield
plate and by subsequently folding the third shield plate with its outside surface
against the inside surface of the already folded first shield plate, retaining devices
which are arranged on the inside of the second shield plate for holding the shield
by a user's forearm during use, a release device placed within reach of the user from
said holding means and adapted, when actuated by the user, to release first and second
cooperating locking means of the shield that are adapted to keep the shield plates
folded against each other in the transport position, against spring force from said
hinge assemblies, wherein said spring force upon release of the locking means brings
the shield plates from the transport position to the unfolded use position, wherein
the first shield plate is designed with a maximum width between its long sides that
is smaller than the corresponding width of the second and of the third shield plate,
respectively, so that a sufficient clearance for folding the third shield plate against
the first shield plate is provided so as to allow the shield plates to be brought
to rest on top of each other in the form of a substantially flat package in the transport
position, further wherein the spring-loaded hinge assemblies each comprise a respective
hinge joint, wherein the hinge joint of the first spring-loaded hinge assembly has
an outer diameter that is smaller than the corresponding outer diameter of the hinge
joint of the second spring-loaded hinge assembly, further wherein the shield, when
in the unfolded use position, exhibits joint gaps formed between adjacent long sides
of the two shield plates connected by the first and the second hinge assembly, respectively,
wherein the two spring-loaded hinge assemblies completely cover the openings of the
two joint gaps on the outside surface of the shield, and further wherein the foldable
shield comprises a protective plate, mounted on the inside surface of the shield,
which covers the openings of the two joint gaps on the inside surface of the shield.
[0008] Thanks to the first shield plate of the shield according to the invention being designed
with a maximum width between its long sides that is less than the corresponding width
of the second and of the third shield plate so that a sufficient clearance for the
folding of the third shield plate to the first shield plate is provided to allow the
shield plates to lie on top of each other in the form of a substantially flat package
in the transport position, the folded shield becomes smaller and also more manageable
to carry for the user during transportation, and a larger number of shields may be
carried in the luggage space of e.g. a police car than what would be the case with
shields according to the prior art, where shield plates tend to lie on top of each
other in non-parallel planes after folding. By having the shield plates of the shield
being able to be made to form a substantially flat package with a small size in the
transport position the folded shield becomes smooth and easy to carry discreetly along
the forearm of the user, which means that other people will experience the shield
as a natural, non-provocative part of the user's forearm, work clothes or normal working
equipment.
[0009] A second object of the present invention is to provide a foldable shield with a dimensioning
of the shield plates which ensures that the shield plates can be brought into a very
compact and flat "packet form" in the folded transport position, in which the three
folded shield plates are located in substantially parallel planes on top of each other
and where no edge of any of the shield plates protrude beyond the outer contours of
the flat pack form.
[0010] This second object is achieved by a foldable shield according to claim 2, wherein
the first shield plate has a maximum width between its long sides which is at most
90% of the corresponding width of the second and of the third shield plate. By dimensioning
the first shield plate in such a way in relation to the other two shield plates it
is ensured that the shield can be made as compact as possible in the folded transport
position and the risk of the protruding edges of any of the folded shield plates getting
caught on other items when the shield is transported in a vehicle or carried by the
user in the folded transport position is eliminated.
[0011] A third object of the present invention is to provide a foldable shield where the
shield plates are easily replaceable if they happen to be damaged during use.
[0012] This third object is achieved by a foldable shield according to claim 3, further
comprising frame members in which the respective shield plates can be inserted and
fixed, said spring loaded hinge assemblies connect the shield plates through said
frame member. Thanks to such a design it is possible to easily replace one or more
damaged shield plates and avoid that the undamaged parts of the shield must be replaced
unnecessarily.
[0013] Other objects and advantages of the invention, as well as the features which allow
it to achieve these aims and advantages, will become apparent in the following description
with reference to the accompanying drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0014] The invention will now be described in a number of different embodiments with reference
to the accompanying drawings, wherein
Fig. 1A is a perspective view of the inside of a foldable shield according to a first
embodiment of the invention, wherein the shield is shown in an extended use position,
Fig. 1B is a view seen in the direction of the bottom of the shield according to Fig.
1A,
Fig. 1C is a side view of the shield according to Fig. 1A,
Fig. 1D is a plan view of the inside of the shield according to Fig. 1A,
Fig. 2A is a perspective view of the inside of a foldable shield according to a second
embodiment of the invention, wherein the shield is shown in an extended use position,
Fig. 2B is a view seen in the direction of the bottom of the shield according to Fig.
2A,
Fig. 2C is a side view of the shield according to Fig. 2A,
Fig. 2D is a plan view of the inside of the shield according to Fig. 2A,
Fig. 2E is a plan view of the outside of the shield according to Fig. 2A,
Fig. 2F is a perspective view showing the shield according to the second embodiment
in a partially folded position,
Fig. 3A is a perspective view of the inside of a foldable shield with frame members
according to a third embodiment of the invention, wherein the shield is shown in an
extended position before any shield plates have been incorporated in the frame members,
Fig. 3B is a bottom side view of the shield without the shield plates according to
Fig. 3A,
Fig. 3C is a side view of the shield without the shield plates according to Fig. 3A,
Fig. 3D is a plan view of the inside of the shield without the shield plates according
to Fig. 3A,
Fig. 4A is a perspective view of the inside of a foldable shield with frame members
according to a fourth embodiment of the invention, wherein the shield is shown in
an extended position before any shield plates are incorporated in the frame members,
Fig. 4B is a view seen in the direction of the bottom of the shield without the shield
plates according to Fig. 4A,
Fig. 4C is a side view of the shield without the shield plates according to Fig. 4A,
Fig. 4D is a plan view of the inside of the shield without the shield plates according
to Fig. 4A,
Fig. 4E is a plan view of the exterior of the shield with shield plates according
to Fig. 4A,
Fig. 4F is a plan view of the outside of the shield according to the fourth embodiment
after three shield plates have been inserted into and fixed to the respective frame
members,
Fig. 4G is a perspective view showing the shield of the fourth embodiment, but in
a partially extended position,
Fig. 5A is a plan view of the inside of a foldable shield according to a particularly
advantageous embodiment of the invention, wherein the shield is shown in an extended
use position,
Fig. 5B is a view seen in the direction of the bottom of the shield according to Fig.
5A,
Fig. 5C is a side view of the shield according to Fig. 5A,
Fig. 5D is a plan view of the outside of the shield according to Fig. 5A,
Fig. 5E is a plan view of a first coupling part belonging to a rotary plate of the
shield Fig. 5A,
Fig. 5F is a plan view of a second coupling part, intended to cooperate with the first
coupling part of Fig. 5E using the rotary plate of the shield according to Fig. 5A,
Fig. 5G is a side view illustrating how the coupling members of Fig. 5E and 5F interact
when the turntable is mounted between a second shield plate and a bottom plate for
the holding means of the shield according to Fig. 5A,
Fig. 6A is a perspective view of a foldable shield according to the invention in an
embodiment where the hinge assemblies have been provided with a particularly advantageous
embodiment, wherein the shield is shown in an extended use position,
FIG. 6B is a view seen in the direction of the bottom of the extended shield of Fig.
6A illustrating that each joint gap formed between adjacent long sides of the two
shield plates, which are connected by a respective hinge assembly extends perpendicularly
between the outside and the inside of the shield in this embodiment,
Fig. 7 is a view corresponding to Fig. 6B, but of an alternative embodiment of the
shield where each joint gap extends obliquely inwardly from its hinge joint on the
outside of the shell to the inside of the shield instead,
Fig. 8 is a view corresponding to Fig. 7, but of an alternative embodiment of the
shield where each joint gap extends obliquely outwards from its hinge joint on the
outside of the shell to the inside of the shield instead,
Fig. 9 is a view corresponding to Fig. 8, but of an alternative embodiment of the
shield where each joint gap extends inwards in a step-like manner from its hinge joint
on the outside of the shield to the inside of the shield instead,
Fig. 10 is a view corresponding to Fig. 9, but of an alternative embodiment of the
shield where each joint gap extends outwards in a step-like manner from its hinge
joint on the outside of the shield to the inside of the shield instead,
Fig. 11A is a perspective view of a folded shield according to an alternative embodiment
where both hinge assemblies comprise first and second hinges which are integrated
parts of adjacent long sides of the shield plates which the hinge assemblies hold
attached to each other,
Fig. 11B is a cropped detail view of the second shield plate showing two first hinges
protruding from a long side edge provided with a chamfer, and
FIG. 11C is a cropped detail of the second the shield plate showing two other hinges
protruding from another long side edge provided with a chamfer.
DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION
[0015] In the following a number of embodiments of the invention will be described in more
detail with reference to Figures 1A to 11C of the accompanying drawings.
[0016] Figure 1A shows a perspective view of the inside of a foldable shield 100 according
to a first embodiment of the invention, wherein the shield is shown in an extended
use position. The shield 100 can be brought from an unfolded use position, as shown
in Figs. 1A-1D, to a folded transport position (not shown) and vice versa.
[0017] The shield according to the invention includes a first 101, a second 102 and a third
103 shield plate, each of which has an elongated shape and an inner surface, an outer
surface, a first long side, a second side edge, a first short side and second short
side.
[0018] The shield 100 according to the invention further comprises a first spring loaded
hinge mechanism 104 that connects the first shield plate's second long side 101
LS2 with the second shield plate's first long side 102
LS1, and a second spring loaded hinge mechanism 105 that connects the second shield plate's
second long side 102
LS2 with the third shield plate's first long side 103
LS1.
[0019] Various types of spring loaded hinge means, so called spring hinges, are previously
known and available on the market. The spring loaded hinge devices 104, 105 of the
shield 100 according to the invention may hence be composed of pivotally interconnected
metal profiles with coil springs providing a spring force that is large enough to
unfold the shield plates and hold them in the extended position during use, but not
greater than that a single person can fold up the shield again. It is particularly
advantageous that each of the spring loaded hinge devices 104, 105 have at least two
cooperating springs to achieve a sufficiently rapid unfolding of the shield. By using
at least two suitably arranged spring means in each hinge device it is also possible
to provide a function of the shield where the shield plates can be folded out to an
only partially extended position, but where the shield plates still provide a resilient
resistance to impact and shock from the shield's outside, which can be an advantage
if the shield is used by a person in a lying position.
[0020] The shield 100 according to the invention further includes restraint devices 106,
106', 106" which are provided on the second shield plate's inside 102
IN for holding of the shield on one forearm of a user during use.
[0021] The shield 100 according to the invention also comprises a triggering device 107
positioned within reach of the user from said holding devices 106, 106', 106" and
arranged to upon activation by the user release the first 108 and second 109 cooperating
locking means of the shield, which are arranged to, against the spring force of the
hinge devices 104, 105, hold the shield plates folded against each other in the transport
position. After release of the locking means 108, 109 the spring force of the spring
hinges brings the shield plates from the transport position to the extended use position.
[0022] In the foldable shield 100 according to the invention, the hinge devices 104, 105
are arranged so that the shield can be moved from the use position to the folded transport
position by folding A (see Fig. 1A) of the first shield plate 101 with its outside
101
UT against the outside 102
UT of the second shield plate 102 and by subsequent folding B (see Fig. 1A) of the third
shield plate 103 with its outer surface 103
UT towards the inside 101
IN of the already folded first shield plate 101, whereby the first shield plate is formed
with a maximum width 101
MAXBR (see Fig.1A) between its long sides that is less than the corresponding width of
the second 102
MAXBR (see Fig.1A) and of the third 103
MAXBR (see Fig.1A) shield plate so that a sufficient clearance for the inset B of the third
shield plate 103 to the first shield plate 101 is provided to allow the shield plates
101, 102, 103 to lie on top of each other in the form of a substantially flat package
in the transport position. Thanks to the first shield plate 101 being formed with
a maximum width between its long sides that is less than the corresponding width of
the second 102 and of the third 103 shield plate, the first folded (A) first shield
plate 101 constitutes no obstacle for the subsequent folding (B) of the third shield
plate 103, so that the third shield plate 103 can be brought into lying substantially
flat against the already folded first shield plate 101. Such dimensioning of the width
of the first shield plate 101 relative to the width of the other two shield plates
102, 103, allows the shield plates to lie on top of each other in the form of a substantially
flat package in the folded transport position, making the folded shield more manageable
to carry around for the user during transportation, and a larger number of shields
than what would otherwise be the case can be transported in a luggage compartment
of e.g. a police car.
[0023] The first shield plate 101 of the shield 100 according to the invention preferably
has a maximum width 101
MAXBR between its long sides which is at most 90% of the width of the second 102
MAXBR and of the third 103
MAXBR shield plate. The first shield plate may for example have a maximum width 101
MAXBR between its long sides that is approximately 85% of the corresponding width of the
second 102
MAXBR and of the third 103
MAXBR shield plate. Such dimensioning of the shield plates 101, 102, 103 ensures that the
shield plates can be folded into a very compact and flat "packaged form" where the
shield plates are located in substantially parallel planes on top of each other and
no edge of any of the shield plates protrude beyond the outer contours of the flat
pack form when the shield is in the folded transport position.
[0024] In several advantageous embodiments of the invention, particularly illustrated in
Figures 3A-3D and 4A-4F, the shield 300, 400 also comprises frame elements 310, 311,
312, 410, 411, 412, in which the respective shield plates 401, 402, 403 can be inserted
and fixed, wherein the spring loaded hinge devices 304, 305, 404, 405 connect the
shield plates through the frame elements. The frame elements in the embodiments shown
in Figures 3A-3D and 4A-4F are profile elements of steel, with predrilled holes for
fixing the shield plates with screws. In the context of the invention, it is also
possible to use profile elements of other materials and with different configuration
than what is shown in the Figures. Thanks to the provision of such frame elements,
it becomes possible to easily replace one or more damaged shield plates and avoid
that undamaged parts of the shield must be replaced unnecessarily.
[0025] In other advantageous embodiments of the foldable shield 100, 300 according to the
invention, the first shield plate 101 (see Figs. 1A-1D) and/or the first shield plate's
frame member 310 (see Figs. 3A-3D) comprises at least one through hole 113, 313 or
a recess to allow the implementation of a projecting end portion 109, 309 of one of
said locking means provided on the second or third shield plate 103 or on the second
or third shield plate frame member 312.
[0026] In other advantageous embodiments of the foldable shield 200, 400 according to the
invention (see Figs. 2A-2F, 4A-4G, and 5A-5G), the third shield plate 203, 403, 503
and/or the third shield plate's frame element comprises at least one through hole
214, 414, 514 or a recess to allow physical and/or magnetic contact between said cooperating
locking means 208, 209, 408, 409, 508, 509 of the shield.
[0027] By, like in the embodiments described above, providing at least one through hole
or a recess in one of the shield plates or in one of the shield plates' frame members,
only two cooperating locking means for retaining the shield in the folded transport
position are needed in most cases, since a first locking member which is arranged
on a shield plate or a frame member can pass through the hole or recess of an adjacent
shield plate or an adjacent frame member to engage on the other side with a second
locking means arranged on/in/at another shield plate or another frame member.
[0028] The cooperating locking means of the foldable shield according to the invention most
preferably contain a female member 108, 208, 308, 408, 508 in or on one of the shield
plates 102, 203, 403, 503 or in or on one of the frame elements 311, which female
member is provided for receiving and releasable locking of a male member 109, 209,
309, 409, 509 on another one of the shield plates 103, 201, 501 or at another one
of the frame members 312, 410.
[0029] In a particularly preferred embodiment of the invention, the cooperating locking
means comprise magnet means 108, 109, 208, 209, 308, 309, 408, 409, 508, 509. By providing
magnetically acting locking means it will become easier to find the right position
for the locking means when the shield is to be locked in the folded position. Any
for the purpose suitable type of known magnetic means may be used in the shield of
the invention.
[0030] In a first alternative embodiment of the invention, the shield's 100, 300 trigger
device comprises a release button 107, 307, which is arranged to during the operation
of the user release the first and second locking means 108, 109, 308, 309 from each
other to bring the shield plates to the extended use position. In the embodiment shown
in the figures of this embodiment, the user can, with the thumb of the hand holding
the handle 106, 306, press the release button 107, 307 to the side when the shield
is folded, thus releasing a male member on the third shield plate 103 or on the third
frame member 312 in the form of a magnet screw whose head end 109, 309 is locked in
a female member in the form of a hole 108, 308 in the second shield plate 102 or in
the second frame member 311 adjacent to the release button 107, 307 so that head end
of the magnet screw 109, 309 is released from the retention hole 108, 308 next to
the release button 107, 307 and the spring force of the spring hinges 104, 105, 304,
305 may bring the shield plates 101, 103 or the frame members 310, 312 with inserted
shield plates to the extended use position. It should be understood that within the
scope of the invention it is also possible with other designs and constructions where
the trip device of the shield includes a release button different from that described
above and shown in the Figures.
[0031] In a second alternative embodiment of the invention, the shield's 200, 400, 500 trigger
device comprises a release strap 207, 407, 507, which is arranged to during the operation
of the user release said first and second locking means 208, 209, 408, 409, 508, 509
from each other to bring the shield plates to the extended use position. In the embodiment
shown in the figures of this embodiment, the user may have an end eye of the releasing
belt 207, 407, 507 around the thumb of the hand holding the handle 206, 406, 506 and
pull the release strap 207, 407, 507 down with the thumb to open a female member in
the form of a spring loaded clamp 208, 408, 509 which is integrated in the trigger
belt 207, 407, 507 adjacent to the third shield plate 203, 403, 503 to thereby release
a male member on the first shield plate 201, 501 or the first frame member 410 in
the form of a magnetic angle iron whose protruding end 209, 409, 509 is locked in
the spring loaded clamp 208, 408, 508, so that the spring force of the spring hinges
204, 205, 404, 405, 504, 505 may bring the shield plates 201, 203, 501, 503 or frame
elements 410, 412 with inserted shield plates for the extended use position. It should
be understood that within the scope of the invention it is also possible with other
designs and constructions where the trigger device of the shield includes a different
release strap than described above and shown in the Figures.
[0032] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the foldable shield 300, 400 according
to the invention also comprises at least one locking device 315, 416, which is arranged
to prevent release of said cooperating locking means 308, 309, 408, 409, and unfolding
of the shield plates until the user disables the interlock device. By providing such
a locking device of the shield according to the invention, the risk of accidental
unfolding of the shield and thus the potential for problems, accidents or damage that
could be caused by an inadvertent unfolding is minimized.
[0033] In an advantageous embodiment of the shield of the invention the ratchet comprises
one or more screws 315 (see Figs. 3B-3C) arranged to be disabled by the user by unscrewing.
In the embodiment shown in Figures 3B-3C, the ratchet 315 is integrated in the locking
screw 309. When the shield 300 is in the folded position (not shown in the figures)
the locking screw head 309 will protrude slightly from the through hole 308 of the
second frame member 311 and partially overlie the release button 307. If the user
in this position tightens the locking screw bolts 309 the release button 307 will
be fixed in its locking position by the clamping force from the underside of the screw
head so that the release button 307 cannot be moved aside unintentionally during movement
or transportation. When the user intends to use the shield the ratchet 315 is disabled
by unscrewing the locking screw 309 sufficiently for the release button 307 to again
be able to move freely and enable rapid precipitation of the shield 300 when necessary.
[0034] In another advantageous embodiment of the shield 400 of the invention the ratchet
comprises one or more snap locks 416 arranged to be disabled by the user by unsnapping.
In the embodiment shown in Figures 4A-4G, each indicated snap lock consists of first
pressure switch means 416, which are fixed on suitable positions on the release strap
407 and arranged to cooperate with second push button means (not shown), fixed in
appropriate places on the shield's shield plates or frame elements. The first 416
and second button means are placed so that they come in pairs opposite each other
when the shield is in the folded transport position and hence can be pressed or snapped
together with each other to lock the trigger belt at suitable locations on the outside
of the folded shield and thereby prevent that an accidental pulling of the release
strap 407 leads to an unwanted release of the male member 409 of the first frame member
410 from its locking in the female member 408 which is integrated in the release strap
407, thereby causing an accidental unfolding of the frame elements 410, 412 and the
shield plates of the shield. When the user intends to use the shield the interlock
device is deactivated 416 by the user snapping up the required snap locks 416 so that
the release strap 407 will again be free to move in its longitudinal direction. After
the user has deactivated the ratchet 416 in this way it is sufficient with a relatively
light pulling of the end loop 407 of the release strap to release the female member's
408 locking of the male member 409 and make the spring force of the spring hinges
404, 405 to immediately bring the frame members 410, 412 with the shield plates 401,
403 to the extended use position.
[0035] In a preferred embodiment of the shield according to the invention, the restraints
for securing the shield to the user's forearm are fixed to the inside 102
IN, 202
IN of the second shield plate or to the inside of the second shield plate's frame member
311
IN, 411
IN, wherein the restraint system includes a handle 106, 206, 306, 406, which is arranged
to be gripped by one hand of the user and at least one strap means 106', 106", 206',
206", 306', 306", 406', 406" which is arranged to enclose the user's forearm when
the user carries the shield. In the embodiments shown in the drawings , the handle
and the two strap means are attached to a common base plate 118, 218, 318, 418, which
in turn is attached to the inside of the second shield plate 102, 202 or the second
frame member 311, 411. A great advantage of this embodiment is that the user thanks
to the strap means 106', 106", 206', 206", 306', 306", 406', 406" can carry the folded
shield strapped to one forearm and ready for use, and if necessary, let the grip of
the hand on the handle 106, 206, 306, 406 go to get both hands free for other tasks.
The strap means or members can consist of strips of any for the purpose suitable flexible
and elastic material, but consists most preferably of a durable and flexible textile
material, a nonwoven material, or a material such as neoprene or the like.
[0036] In a particularly preferred embodiment of the shield 200 according to the invention
(see Figs. 2A-2F and 5A-5C) the above mentioned handle 206, 506 and strap means 206',
206", 506', 506" are fixed to the second shield plate's inside 202
IN, 502
IN, or the inside of the second shield plate frame elements via intermediate spacers
217, 517 that are designed to provide a gap of at least 1 centimeter between the second
shield plate's inside 202
IN, 502
IN and the user's hand and forearm when the user wears the shield. In the embodiments
shown in Figures 2A-2F the spacers consist of six rubber bushings 217 whose one end
is glued to the underside of the retaining bodies common base plate 218 at positions
under the handle 206 and the two strap means 206', 206", and whose second end is glued
to the other shield plate's inside 202
IN. In the context of the invention, it is possible to use any kinds of suitable spacers
as long as they can provide the desired spacing of at least 1 centimeter between the
second shield plate's inside 202
IN and the user's hand and forearm when the user wears the shield. Such a spacing has
been found to be very beneficial to better protect the user's hand and forearm from
shock impact from e.g. bullets and other projectiles, since the force of a bullet
that hits the outside 200
UT of the shield cannot cause any local and immediate shock action against the user's
hand or forearm, but will first in part be absorbed by the shield plate 202 and the
rubber bushings 217 and then distributed over a larger area through the bottom plate
218 before the remaining, now greatly reduced power is finally transferred simultaneously
to both hand and forearm of the user through the handle 206 and the two strap means
206', 206".
[0037] In another particularly preferred embodiment of the shield according to the invention,
illustrated in Figures 5A-5G, the handles 506 and the strap means 506', 506" are fixed
to the second shield plate's inside 502
IN, or the inside of the second shield plate's frame members via at least one intermediate
rotary device 519 which is arranged so that said handle and strap means 506, 506',
506" may be rotated together around an axis substantially perpendicular to the second
shield plate inside 502
IN, to a user-desired rotational position. Thanks to such a design of the shield 500,
it becomes possible for the user to turn the protective shield plates 501, 502, 503
of the unfolded shield to different rotational positions relative to the handle and
the strap means 506, 506', 506". This can be a great advantage if the user carrying
the unfolded shield on one forearm needs to use a rifle, a machine gun or another
weapon that requires a large space and the use of both hands for two-handed control
of the weapon, as the user of the shield in such a case can turn the shield plates
to an optimal position relative to the strap means (and the handle) to create sufficient
free space for the handling of the two-handed weapon, without having to take off his
shield and lose all the protective effect of the unfolded shield plates. Such pivotal
mounting of the handle and the strap means relative to the shield plates may also
be advantageous when the user is lying down, or is near a wall, car or another protective
object, since the user carrying the shield on the arm in such a case can turn the
shield plates in an optimal position to get a better view or more room to fire a shot
while retaining as much as possible of the protective effect of the unfolded shield
plates.
[0038] In a particularly advantageous embodiment, the handle 506 and the strap means 506',
506" are mounted on a top side of a single base plate 518 and the intermediate turning
device comprises a turntable 519, which is attached between an underside of the bottom
plate 518 and the second shield plate's inside 502
IN. In the illustrated embodiment, the pivot plate 519 is secured between the bottom
plate 518 and second shield plate's inside 502
IN using a screw and nut joints 525, but the attachment of the turning plate 519 can
also be achieved with any other type of suitable connection.
[0039] In another advantageous embodiment, the turntable 519 comprises a first coupling
part 520 which is rotatably coupled to a second coupling part 521, the coupling parts
520, 521 are arranged to slide relative to each other, for example by means of suitable
low friction material, upon rotation of said handle and strap means 506, 506', 506"
and the coupling parts 520, 521 further comprising mutually cooperating locking means
522, 523 which are arranged to permit the coupling parts 520, 521 to be locked to
each other at the desired rotational position so that said handle and strap means
506, 506', 506" are retained in the user-desired rotational position during use of
the shield 500.
[0040] In a particularly advantageous embodiment, the first coupling part 520 comprises
at least one locking means in the form of a spring loaded, preferably rotatable ball
522, while the second coupling part 521 is provided with a plurality of, along a ring
shape disposed, notches 523 or holes which predefine a plurality of possible torsional
and locking positions for the rotary plate 519. The spring loaded ball or balls 522
is/are arranged to be pressed by the spring force in part in one or more of said recesses
523 or holes when the turntable 519 is rotated to any one of said predefined possible
twisting and locking positions so that the turntable 519 is locked against unintentional
rotation and handle and the strap means 506, 506', 506" are held in the user-desired
pivot position during the use of the shield 500. Thanks to the provision of locking
means as described above, or other locking bodies with a similar function, the user
can rotate the handle and the strap means to different incremental rotary and locking
positions or "notches" in relation to the second shield plate, making the shield easy
to use.
[0041] In another advantageous embodiment, the first coupling part 520 is coupled with the
second coupling part 521 with a screw/nut joint 525, which after tightening has a
small clearance in the screw length direction (not shown the figures), a spring means
(not shown in the figures) is arranged in the screw/nut joint 525 to take up said
clearance when the coupling parts 520, 521 are locked relative to each other and to
allow the user to release the locking of the turning plate 519 by pressing said spring
members of the screw/nut joint 525, so that the gap between the coupling parts 520,
521 becomes larger and the locking means 522, 523 are released from each other so
that the turntable 519 and said handle and strap means 506, 506', 506" can be brought
into another desired rotational position of the user. By providing the locking members
522, 523 as described above, or other devices with similar function, the user can
thus turn the handle and the strap means to different incremental rotary and locking
positions or "notches" in relation to the other shield plate. The provision of a screw/nut
joint with a small clearance and a suitably matched spring means can, together with
the shield plates' intrinsic weight/inertia, provide a function of the pivot plate
519 that enables the user to, by pulling the handle 506 and/or the strap means 506',
506" towards themselves and quickly changing the angle of the forearm in relation
to the shield plates, cause the locking means 522, 523 to both be released from one
another and slide to a new rotational position and lock automatically in this new
position by the spring action of the spring loaded ball or balls. In such an embodiment,
the user can by repeating such twitches and changes of the angle of the forearm gradually
bring the handle and the strap means to the angular position that is optimal for the
current situation. It should be understood that the shield according to the invention
in other embodiments may include other suitable devices and arrangements which provide
similar features and advantages as the above described turntable.
[0042] According to the invention (see Figs. 2A-2E), each of the spring loaded hinge assemblies
204, 205 are arranged such that it, seen from the outside 200
UT of the shield 200 in the extended use position, substantially fully and completely
covers the gap between the long sides of the shield plates 201, 202 and 202, 203 or
the frame elements with inserted shield plates that the hinge device (204 and 205)
interconnects. The hinge assemblies 204, 205 in such an embodiment are advantageously,
but not necessarily made of steel and preferably have a thickness of at least 2 mm
in the area where they cover the gap between the shield plates. Such a design of the
hinge devices 204, 205 reduces the risk of bullets and other projectiles penetrating
into some of the interstices between the shield plates.
[0043] The shield plates may consist of different materials depending on the intended use
of the shield according to the invention. During certain missions, for example in
connection with sporting events and the like, it is a minimum requirement that the
shield has good impact and stick resistance and at the same time a relatively low
weight, since the user may need to carry the shield ready for use for a long time,
up to several hours. The shield plates of a shield for such use may consist of an
impact resistant transparent plastics material such as polycarbonate, preferably with
a thickness of about 4 mm, but the thickness may vary depending on the type of mission.
[0044] During other types of missions it is very likely that the user of the shield according
to the invention also needs protection against bullets and other projectiles. An example
of such missions is when members of a task force are going to capture and incapacitate
a suspect armed criminal. The shield plates of a shield for such use must therefore
also be bulletproof, i.e. be reinforced with a suitable ballistic material.
[0045] In an advantageous embodiment of the invention the shield plates of the foldable
shield consists of at least one punch and stick protective material reinforced with
at least one ballistic material. The impact and stick protective material can advantageously
be polycarbonate sheets with a thickness selected with regard to the protection requirements
and the maximum weight of the shield that is acceptable for the intended type of mission.
The ballistic material can be a shot constricting fabric, e.g. consisting of any of
the materials with the brands Kevlar, Dyneema or Spectra, which has been glued or
laminated together with the punch and stick protective material to form the shield
plates. Within the scope of the invention, it is however possible to use any known
materials and material combinations for the shield plates to achieve the protective
effect required for the intended use of the shield. The shield plates of the shield
according to the invention would thus also be able to include shield plates that are
not composed of polycarbonate, or include bulletproof material that does not contain
material with the brands Kevlar, Dyneema or Spectra, or include sheet metal or plastics
reinforced with wire, fiber, thread, particles or engineered textiles, multilayer
materials, laminate materials, pre-preg based materials of suitable composition or
sandwich panels, or various combinations or composites made from such materials.
[0046] The various embodiments described above have advantageously a maximum thickness of
the plates/frame elements of no more than about 18-20 mm, so that the shield may be
folded to a flat package. Where a shield with a larger thickness is desired, it is
advantageous to on the third shield plate/shield plate's frame member's first long
side build up the shield plate/shield plate's frame member under the hinge mechanism
so that under the hinge device, a shape of the spacing of the order of a few millimeters,
typically 2 -8 mm is created. The distance means that when the third shield plate
is to be folded over the first shield plate a space is created between the first shield
plate's inside and the outside of the third shield plate which allows the shield to
be folded into a flat pack despite the thicker plates. The distance may be a separate
part arranged under the hinge mechanism, alternatively the distance can form an integral
part of the shield plate/shield plate's frame elements.
[0047] The present invention has in the above been described by means of a number of different
embodiments and with reference to the accompanying drawings. It must however be understood
that the invention is not limited to the described embodiments and to what is shown
in the drawings, but that one can also imagine other embodiments within the scope
of the invention as defined by the appended claims. An alternative way to achieve
a substantially flat package in the folded transport position is to provide the respective
hinge devices with a suitable dimensioning. This is to be understood as that the hinge
devices of the shield can be fixed and dimensioned in different ways in different
embodiments of the invention. In embodiments where the shield plates are relatively
thin and flexible, the first and second hinge means can be substantially identical
and in the folded state have equal "thickness" or "height" in the folded shield plates'
total thickness direction, since the shield plates' thinness and flexibility still
allow them to be bent and caused to lie on top of each other in the form of a substantially
flat package and be locked in this form in the folded transport position. In embodiments
where the shield plates have a high thickness and/or stiffness or are attached via
rigid frame members or the like, it will be realized that the width of the first shield
plate can be adjusted in relation to the thickness of the frame member so that the
width is reduced if the thickness of the frame member, i.e., the width of the first
shield plate may need to be less than the above width of 85% in the example above.
For example, the width of the first shield plate may be at most 80% or down to at
most 50%. Also, the respective hinge devices may preferably be sized differently,
so that the first hinge means between the first and second shield plate in folded
condition have a smaller "thickness" or "height" in the folded shield plates' total
thickness direction than the corresponding "thickness" or "height" of the folded second
hinge device between the second and the third shield plate, so that the relatively
thick, rigid and/or in the rigid frame member attached shield plates still can be
brought to lie on top of each other in the form of a substantially flat package and
be locked in this form in the folded transport position. For example, the edges, in
particular on the first shield plate or the first shield plate's frame member could
be chamfered to create more space for the third shield plate to be folded on to form
a flat package. Workers will recognize that through a combination of the above mentioned
alternative embodiments, adjustments of the shield can be made within the scope of
the invention.
[0048] According to the invention the foldable shield 600, 700, 800, 900, 1000, as illustrated
in Figs. 6A-10, comprises spring-loaded hinge assemblies that include a respective
hinge joint, wherein the hinge joint of the first spring-loaded hinge assembly 604,
704, 804, 904, 1004 has an outer diameter which is smaller than the corresponding
outer diameter of the hinge joint of the second spring-loaded hinge assembly 605,
705, 805, 905, 1005. Such a design also enables the relatively thick, stiff and/or
rigid shield plates, with any frame members, can be brought to lie on top of each
other in the form of a substantially flat package and locked in this form in the folded
transport position.
[0049] In another advantageous embodiment of the shield 600 of the invention, illustrated
in Figs. 6A and 6B, each of the spring loaded hinge assemblies 604, 605 includes a
pair of first and second fastening plates pivotably held together by a respective
hinge joint. The first fastening plate of the second hinge assembly 605 is fixed to
the second shield plate 602 while its second fastening plate is fixed to the third
shield plate 603, wherein the first fastening plate of the second hinge assembly 605
has a recess adapted to the outer contour of the first shield plate 601 to allow the
fitting of at least a portion of the outer contour of the first shield plate 601 in
the recess in the first fastening plate of the second hinge assembly 605 when folding
of the first shield plate 601 with its outside 601
UT against the outside of the second the shield plate 602. Also the second fastening
plate of the second hinge assembly 605 has a recess adapted to the outer contour of
the first shield plate 601 to allow the fitting of at least a portion of the outer
contour of the first shield plate 601 in the recess in the second fastening plate
of the hinge assembly 605 at subsequent folding of the third shield plate 603 with
its outside against the inside 601
IN of the already folded first shield plate 601. Thanks to such a design one can avoid
that surface mounted fastening plates of the hinge assemblies contributes to the total
thickness of the shield in the folded transport position, so that the folded shield
can be as thin as possible in the transport position.
[0050] In yet another advantageous embodiment, illustrated in Figs. 6A-10, that the shield,
when in the unfolded use position, exhibits joint gaps formed between adjacent long
sides of the two shield plates connected by the first 604, 704, 804, 904, 1004 and
the second hinge assembly 605, 705, 805, 905, 1005, respectively, wherein the two
spring-loaded hinge assemblies 604, 605, 704, 705, 804, 805, 904, 905, 1004, 1005
cover the openings of the two joint gaps 626, 627, 726, 727, 826, 827, 926, 927, 1026,
1027 on the outside surface 601
UT, 701
UT, 801
UT, 901
UT, 1001
UT of the shield. By such a design of the hinge assemblies a protection against penetration
by projectiles or sharp objects in the hinge gaps is obtained when the shield is used.
To protect the user even better, the shield also, as is shown particularly clearly
in Figs. 6A-10, comprises a protective plate 618, 718, 818, 918, 1018, mounted on
the inside surface of the shield, which covers the openings of the two joint gaps
626, 627, 726, 727, 826, 827, 926, 927, 1026, 1027 on the inside surface 601
IN, 701
IN, 801
IN, 901
IN, 1001
IN of the shield. Such a protective plate of suitable material may minimize the risk
that a projectile or a sharp object, which nevertheless penetrates through a joint
gap, reaches and damages the user when using the shield.
[0051] In an advantageous alternative embodiment of the foldable shield 700, 800, 900, 1000,
illustrated in Figs. 7-10, the spring-loaded hinge assemblies includes a respective
hinge joint, wherein the shield, when in the unfolded use position, exhibits joint
gaps formed between adjacent long sides of the two shield plates connected by the
first 704, 804, 904, 1004 and the second hinge assembly 705, 805, 905, 1005, respectively,
wherein the adjacent long sides have a geometric shape such that each joint gap 726,
727, 826, 827, 926, 927, 1026, 1027 extends from an opening directly under its respective
hinge joint on the outside surface 701
UT, 801
UT, 901
UT, 1001
UT of the shield to a second opening, displaced laterally relative to the hinge joint,
on the inside surface 701
IN, 801
IN, 901
IN, 1001
IN of the shield. Thanks to such a design, the extended shield may provide better protection
against such particularly dangerous projectiles or sharp objects that hit the outside
of the shield perpendicularly or essentially perpendicularly against the plane of
the shield than what would be the case if the joint gaps run perpendicularly against
the plane of the shield.
[0052] Such an advantageous displacement of the openings of the joint gaps on the outside
and the outside of the shield respectively can be obtained in various ways, for example
as illustrated in Fig. 7 and 8, wherein the adjacent long sides have a geometric shape
such that at least one of the joint gaps 726, 727, 826, 827 extends obliquely inwards
or outwards from its hinge joint on the outside surface 701
UT, 801
UT of the shield to the inside surface 701
IN, 801
IN of the shield.
[0053] In another particularly advantageous embodiment, illustrated in Fig. 9 and 10, the
spring-loaded hinge assemblies each comprise a respective hinge joint, wherein the
shield, when in the unfolded use position, exhibits joint gaps formed between adjacent
long sides of the two shield plates connected by the first 904, 1004 and the second
hinge assembly 905, 1005, respectively, wherein the adjacent long sides have a geometric
shape such that at least one of the joint gaps 926, 927, 1026, 1027 extends in a step-like
manner from its hinge joint on the outside surface 901
UT, 1001
UT of the shield to the inside surface 901
IN, 1001
IN of the shield. Such step-like manner minimize the risk that a projectile or a sharp
object penetrates a joint gap independent of at what angle the projectile or object
hits the outside of the shield.
[0054] In another advantageous embodiment of the invention, illustrated in Figs. 11A-11C,
each of the spring-loaded hinge assemblies 1104: 1105 comprises a plurality of first
1128', 1128", 1130' and a plurality of second 1129', 1129", 1131', 1131" pivot members
pivotally connected together by a respective hinge joint, wherein the first 1128',
1128", 1130' and second 1129', 1129", 1131', 1131" pivot members are integrated parts
of the adjacent long sides of the two shield plates 1101, 1102, 1102, 1103 connected
together by the respective hinge joint. In such an embodiment it is advantageous that
at least some of the first 1128', 1128", 1130' and second pivot members 1129', 1129",
1131', 1131", respectively, are arranged alternately along and at least partially
surrounding the circumference of a pivot pin being part of the respective hinge joint.
The pivot pin may, in such an embodiment, consist of any suitable material, for example
metal or plastics.
[0055] In an embodiment illustrated in Figs. 11A-C each of the first and the second pivot
members, respectively, projects from an edge of a long side of its respective shield
plate, wherein said edge preferably is provided with a chamfer 1132, 1133 (see Figs.
11B and 11C) so as to provide sufficient clearance for pivoting the pivot members
1128', 1128", 1130' of one shield plate 1101, 1103 relative to the pivot members 1129',
1129", 1131', 1131" of another shield plate 1102 when folding and unfolding the shield
1100.
[0056] The pivot members 1128', 1128", 1129', 1129", 1131', 1131", 1130' are particularly
advantageously cast or moulded in one piece with their respective shield plate 1101,
1102, 1103 in one and the same casting or moulding process, so that the pivot members
and the shield plate consist of one and the same material. The material in the shield
plate and its pivot members can be any of the previously mentioned materials which
are suitable for hinges and shield plates, provided that the material is suitable
for simultaneous casting or forming of a shield plate and its associated pivot members,
but embodiments are conceivable where the material in the shield plate and its associated
pivot members comprise other materials, for example embodiments where the material
in the shield plate and its associated pivot members consists of an alloy, thermoplastics,
thermosetting plastics or composite materials, or consist of a material comprising
graphene.
[0057] By integration of the pivotal members comprised in the hinge assemblies in the shield
plates as described above and shown in Figs. 11A-C the number of components in the
shield can be reduced so the manufacture and assembly of the shield becomes easier
and consequently cheaper. Such a design will additionally give good basis for further
reduction of the weight.
1. A foldable shield (100,200,300,400,500,600, 700, 800, 900, 1000, 1100), which can
be brought from an unfolded use position to a folded transport position and vice versa,
and
which comprises
a first (101), a second (102) and a third (103) shield plate, each of which has an
elongated shape and an inside surface, an outside surface, a first long side, a second
long side, a first short side and a second short side, wherein the shield further
comprises
a first spring-loaded hinge assembly (104) connecting the second long side (101LS2) of the first shield plate to the first long side (102LS1) of the second shield plate,
a second spring-loaded hinge assembly (105) connecting the second long side (102LS2) of the second shield plate to the first long side (103LS1) of the third shield plate, wherein said hinge assemblies (104, 105) are arranged
so that the shield can be brought from the use position to the folded transport position
by folding (A) the first shield plate (101) with its outside surface (101UT) against the outside surface (102UT) of the second shield plate (102) and by subsequently folding (B) the third shield
plate (103) with its outside surface (103UT) against the inside surface (101IN) of the already folded first shield plate (101),
holding means (106, 106', 106") disposed on the inside surface (102IN) of the second shield plate for securing the shield to a forearm of a user when in
use,
a release device (107) placed within reach of the user from said holding means (106,106',106")
and adapted, when actuated by the user, to release first (108) and second (109) cooperating
locking means of the shield that are adapted to keep the shield plates folded against
each other in the transport position, against spring force from said hinge assemblies
(104, 105), wherein said spring force upon release of the locking means (108, 109)
brings the shield plates from the transport position to the unfolded use position,
characterized in that the first shield plate is designed with a maximum width (101MAXBR) between its long sides that is smaller than the corresponding width of the second
(102MAXBR) and of the third (103MAXBR) shield plate, respectively, so that a sufficient clearance for folding (B) the third
shield plate (103) against the first shield plate (101) is provided so as to allow
the shield plates (101, 102, 103) to be brought to rest on top of each other in the
form of a substantially flat package in the transport position, further the spring-loaded
hinge assemblies each comprise a respective hinge joint, wherein the hinge joint of
the first spring-loaded hinge assembly (604, 704, 804, 904, 1004) has an outer diameter
that is smaller than the corresponding outer diameter of the hinge joint of the second
spring-loaded hinge assembly (605, 705, 805, 905, 1005)
further the shield, when in the unfolded use position, exhibits joint gaps formed
between adjacent long sides of the two shield plates connected by the first (604,
704, 804, 904, 1004) and the second hinge assembly (605, 705, 805, 905, 1005), respectively,
wherein the two spring-loaded hinge assemblies (604, 605, 704, 705, 804, 805, 904,
905, 1004, 1005) completely cover the openings of the two joint gaps (626, 627, 726,
727, 826, 827, 926, 927, 1026, 1027) on the outside surface (601UT, 701UT, 801UT, 901UT, 1001UT) of the shield, and further the foldable shield comprises a protective plate (618,
718, 818, 918, 1018), mounted on the inside surface of the shield, which covers the
openings of the two joint gaps (626, 627, 726, 727, 826, 827, 926, 927, 1026, 1027)
on the inside surface (601IN, 701IN, 801IN, 901IN, 1001IN) of the shield.
2. The foldable shield (100) according to claim 1, characterized in that the first shield plate (101) has a maximum width (101MAXBR) between its long sides that is no more than 90 % of the corresponding width of the
second (102MAXBR) and of the third (103MAXBR) shield plate, respectively.
3. The foldable shield (300,400) according to anyone of the preceding claims, characterized in that the shield further comprises frame members (310, 311, 312, 410, 411, 412), into which
the respective shield plates (401, 402, 403) can be inserted and fixed in place, wherein
said spring-loaded hinge assemblies (304, 305, 404, 405) connect the shield plates
via said frame members.
4. The foldable shield (700, 800,900, 1000) according to anyone of the claims 1-3, characterized in that the spring-loaded hinge assemblies each comprise a respective hinge joint, wherein
the shield, when in the unfolded use position, exhibits joint gaps formed between
adjacent long sides of the two shield plates connected by the first (704, 804, 904,
1004) and the second hinge assembly (705, 805, 905, 1005), respectively, wherein the
adjacent long sides have a geometric shape such that each joint gap (726, 727, 826,
827, 926, 927, 1026, 1027) extends from an opening directly under its respective hinge
joint on the outside surface (701UT, 801UT, 901UT, 1001UT) of the shield to a second opening, displaced laterally relative to the hinge joint,
on the inside surface (701IN, 801IN, 901IN, 1001IN) of the shield.
5. The foldable shield (700, 800) according to anyone of the claims 1-3, characterized in that the spring-loaded hinge assemblies each comprise a respective hinge joint, wherein
the shield, when in the unfolded use position, exhibits joint gaps formed between
adjacent long sides of the two shield plates connected by the first (704, 804) and
the second hinge assembly (705, 805), respectively, wherein the adjacent long sides
have a geometric shape such that at least one of the joint gaps (726, 727, 826, 827)
extends obliquely inwards or outwards from its hinge joint on the outside surface
(701UT, 801UT) of the shield to the inside surface (701IN, 801IN) of the shield.
6. The foldable shield (900, 1000) according to anyone of the claims 1-3, characterized in that the spring-loaded hinge assemblies each comprise a respective hinge joint, wherein
the shield, when in the unfolded use position, exhibits joint gaps formed between
adjacent long sides of the two shield plates connected by the first (904, 1004) and
the second hinge assembly (905, 1005), respectively, wherein the adjacent long sides
have a geometric shape such that at least one of the joint gaps (926, 927, 1026, 1027)
extends in a step-like manner from its hinge joint on the outside surface (901UT, 1001UT) of the shield to the inside surface (901IN, 1001IN) of the shield.
7. The foldable shield (600) according to anyone of the claims 1-3, characterized in that each of the spring-loaded hinge assemblies (604, 605) comprises a pair of first and
second fixing plates articulately connected together by a respective hinge joint,
wherein the first fixing plate of the second hinge assembly (605) is fixed to the
second shield plate (602), whereas its second fixing plate is fixed to the third shield
plate (603), wherein the first fixing plate of the second hinge assembly (605) exhibits
a cutout adapted to the outline of the first shield plate (601) so as to allow accommodation
of at least a portion of the outline of the first shield plate (601) into the cutout
in the first fixing plate of the second hinge assembly (605) when folding the first
shield plate (601) with its outside surface (601UT) against the outside surface of the second shield plate (602), and wherein the second
fixing plate of the second hinge assembly (605) also exhibits a cutout adapted to
the outline of the first shield plate (601) so as to allow accommodation of at least
a portion of the outline of the first shield plate (601) into the cutout in the second
fixing plate of the second hinge assembly (605) when subsequently folding the third
shield plate (603) with its outside surface against the inside surface (601IN) of the already folded first shield plate (601).
8. The foldable shield (1100) according to anyone of the claims 1-2, characterized in that each of the spring-loaded hinge assemblies (1104, 1105) comprises a plurality of
first (1128', 1128", 1130') and a plurality of second (1129', 1129", 1131', 1131")
pivot members pivotally connected together by a respective hinge joint, wherein the
first (1128', 1128", 1130') and second (1129', 1129", 1131', 1131") pivot members
are integrated parts of the adjacent long sides of the two shield plates (1101, 1102,
1102, 1103) connected together by the respective hinge joint.
9. The foldable shield (1100) according to claim 8, characterized in that at least some of the first (1128',1128", 1130') and second pivot members (1129',
1129", 1131', 1131"), respectively, are arranged alternately along and at least partially
surrounding the circumference of a pivot pin being part of the respective hinge joint.
10. The foldable shield (1100) according to claim 8 or 9, characterized in that each of the first and the second pivot members, respectively, projects from an edge
of a long side of its respective shield plate, wherein said edge is provided with
a chamfer (1132, 1133) so as to provide sufficient clearance for pivoting the pivot
members (1128', 1128", 1130') of one shield plate (1101, 1103) relative to the pivot
members (1129', 1129", 1131', 1131 ") of another shield plate (1102) when folding
and unfolding the shield (1100).
11. The foldable shield (1100) according to anyone of the claims 8 to 10, characterized in that said pivot members (1128', 1128", 1129', 1129", 1131', 1131", 1130') are cast or
moulded in one piece with their respective shield plate (1101, 1102, 1103) in one
and the same casting or moulding process, so that the pivot members and the shield
plate consist of one and the same material.
1. Faltbarer Schild (100, 200, 300, 400, 500, 600, 700, 800, 900, 1000, 1100), der von
einer ausgefalteten Verwendungsposition in eine gefaltete Transportposition und umgekehrt
gebracht werden kann, und der umfasst:
eine erste (101), eine zweite (102) und eine dritte (103) Schildplatte, von denen
jede eine längliche Form und eine innere Oberfläche, eine äußere Oberfläche, eine
erste lange Seite, eine zweite lange Seite, eine erste kurze Seite und eine zweite
kurze Seite aufweist, wobei der Schild weiter umfasst:
eine erste federgespannte Scharnierbaugruppe (104), die die zweite lange Seite (101LS2) der ersten Schildplatte mit der ersten langen Seite (102LS1) der zweiten Schildplatte verbindet,
eine zweite federgespannte Scharnierbaugruppe (105), die die zweite lange Seite (102LS2) der zweiten Schildplatte mit der ersten langen Seite (103LS1) der dritten Schildplatte verbindet, wobei die Scharnierbaugruppen (104, 105) derart
angeordnet sind, dass der Schild von der Verwendungsposition in die gefaltete Transportposition
gebracht werden, indem die erste Schildplatte (101) mit ihrer äußeren Oberfläche (101UT) gegen die äußere Oberfläche (102UT) der zweiten Schildplatte (102) gefaltet (A) wird, und indem anschließend die dritte
Schildplatte (103) mit ihrer äußeren Oberfläche (103UT) gegen die innere Oberfläche (101IN) der bereits gefalteten ersten Schildplatte (101) gefaltet (B) wird,
Haltemittel (106, 106', 106"), die auf der inneren Oberfläche (102IN) der zweiten Schildplatte angeordnet sind, um den Schild bei Verwendung an einem
Unterarm eines Benutzers zu sichern,
eine Freigabevorrichtung (107), die von den Haltemitteln (106, 106', 106") in Reichweite
des Benutzers angeordnet und angepasst ist, um bei Betätigung durch den Benutzer erste
(108) und zweite (109) zusammenwirkende Verriegelungsmittel des Schildes freizugeben,
die angepasst sind, um die Schildplatten in der Transportposition entgegen der Federkraft
von den Scharnierbaugruppen (104, 105) gegeneinander gefaltet zu halten, wobei die
Federkraft auf die Freigabe der Verriegelungsmittel (108, 109) hin die Schildplatten
von der Transportposition in die ausgefaltete Verwendungsposition bringt,
dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass die erste Schildplatte mit einer maximalen Breite (101MAXBR) zwischen seinen langen Seiten ausgelegt ist, die jeweils kleiner ist als die entsprechende
Breite der zweiten (102MAXBR) und der dritten (103MAXBR) Schildplatte, so dass ein ausreichender Abstand zum Falten (B) der dritten Schildplatte
(103) gegen die erste Schildplatte (101) derart bereitgestellt ist, dass ermöglicht
wird, dass die Schildplatten (101, 102, 103) in der Transportposition in der Gestalt
eines im Wesentlichen flachen Stapels über einander zu liegen gebracht werden, wobei
weiter
die federgespannten Scharnierbaugruppen jeweils ein entsprechendes Scharniergelenk
umfassen, wobei das Scharniergelenk der ersten federgespannten Scharnierbaugruppe
(604, 704, 804, 904, 1004) einen äußeren Durchmesser aufweist, der kleiner ist als
der entsprechende äußere Durchmesser des Scharniergelenks der zweiten federgespannten
Scharnierbaugruppe (605, 705, 805, 905, 1005),
wobei weiter der Schild, wenn er sich der ausgefalteten Verwendungsposition befindet,
Gelenkspalte vorweist, die zwischen benachbarten langen Seiten der zwei Schildplatten
gebildet sind, die jeweils durch die erste (604, 704, 804, 904, 1004) und die zweite
federgespannte Scharnierbaugruppe (605, 705, 805, 905, 1005) verbunden sind, wobei
die zwei federgespannten Scharnierbaugruppen (604, 605, 704, 705, 804, 805, 904, 905,
1004, 1005) die Öffnungen der zwei Gelenkspalte (626, 627, 726, 727, 826, 827, 926,
927, 1026, 1027) auf der äußeren Oberfläche (601UT, 701UT, 801UT, 901UT, 1001UT) des Schilds vollständig abdecken, und wobei weiter der faltbare Schild eine Schutzplatte
(618, 718, 818, 918, 1018) umfasst, die auf der inneren Oberfläche des Schilds montiert
ist, welche die Öffnungen der zwei Gelenkspalte (626, 627, 726, 727, 826, 827, 926,
927, 1026, 1027) auf der inneren Oberfläche (601IN, 701IN, 801IN, 901IN, 1001IN) des Schilds abdeckt.
2. Faltbarer Schild (100) nach Anspruch 1, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass die erste Schildplatte (101) eine maximale Breite (101MAXBR) zwischen ihren langen Seiten aufweist, die nicht mehr als 90 % der jeweils entsprechenden
Breite jeweils der zweiten (102MAXBR) und der dritten (103MAXBR) Schildplatte beträgt.
3. Faltbarer Schild (300, 400) nach einem der vorstehenden Ansprüche,
dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass der Schild weiter Gestellglieder (310, 311, 312, 410, 411, 412) umfasst, in welche
die jeweiligen Schildplatten (401, 402, 403) eingesetzt und an ihrer Stelle fixiert
werden können, wobei die federgespannten Scharnierbaugruppen (304, 305, 404, 405)
die Schildplatten mittels der Gestellglieder verbinden.
4. Faltbarer Schild (700, 800, 900, 1000) nach einem der Ansprüche 1-3,
dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass die federgespannten Scharnierbaugruppen jeweils ein entsprechendes Scharniergelenk
umfassen, wobei der Schild, wenn er sich der ausgefalteten Verwendungsposition befindet,
Gelenkspalte vorweist, die zwischen benachbarten langen Seiten der zwei Schildplatten
gebildet sind, die jeweils durch die erste (704, 804, 904, 1004) und die zweite federgespannte
Scharnierbaugruppe (705, 805, 905, 1005) verbunden sind,
wobei die benachbarten langen Seiten eine derartige geometrische Form aufweisen, dass
jeder Gelenkspalt (726, 727, 826, 827, 926, 927, 1026, 1027) sich von einer Öffnung
direkt unter seinem jeweiligen Scharniergelenk auf der äußeren Oberfläche (701UT, 801UT, 901UT, 1001UT) des Schilds zu einer zweiten Öffnung, die relativ zu dem Scharniergelenk seitlich
angeordnet ist, auf der inneren Oberfläche (701IN, 801IN, 901IN, 1001IN) des Schilds erstreckt.
5. Faltbarer Schild (700, 800) nach einem der Ansprüche 1-3, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass die federgespannten Scharnierbaugruppen jeweils ein entsprechendes Scharniergelenk
umfassen, wobei der Schild, wenn er sich der ausgefalteten Verwendungsposition befindet,
Gelenkspalte vorweist, die zwischen benachbarten langen Seiten der zwei Schildplatten
gebildet sind, die jeweils durch die erste (704, 804) und die zweite federgespannte
Scharnierbaugruppe (705, 805) verbunden sind, wobei die benachbarten langen Seiten
eine derartige geometrische Form aufweisen, dass wenigstens einer der Gelenkspalte
(726, 727, 826, 827) sich von seinem Scharniergelenk auf der äußeren Oberfläche (701UT, 801UT) des Schilds zu der inneren Oberfläche (701IN, 801IN) des Schilds schräg nach innen oder nach außen erstreckt.
6. Faltbarer Schild (900, 1000) nach einem der Ansprüche 1-3, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass die federgespannten Scharnierbaugruppen jeweils ein entsprechendes Scharniergelenk
umfassen, wobei der Schild, wenn er sich der ausgefalteten Verwendungsposition befindet,
Gelenkspalte vorweist, die zwischen benachbarten langen Seiten der zwei Schildplatten
gebildet sind, die jeweils durch die erste (904, 1004) und die zweite federgespannte
Scharnierbaugruppe (905, 1005) verbunden sind, wobei die benachbarten langen Seiten
eine derartige geometrische Form aufweisen, dass wenigstens einer der Gelenkspalte
(926, 927, 1026, 1027) sich von seinem Scharniergelenk auf der äußeren Oberfläche
(901UT, 1001UT) des Schilds zu der inneren Oberfläche (901IN, 1001IN) des Schilds auf eine stufenähnliche Weise erstreckt.
7. Faltbarer Schild (600) nach einem der Ansprüche 1-3, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass jede der federgespannten Scharnierbaugruppen (604, 605) ein Paar von ersten und zweiten
Fixierplatten umfasst, die durch ein entsprechendes Scharniergelenk gelenkig mit einander
verbunden sind, wobei die erste Fixierplatte der zweiten Scharnierbaugruppe (605)
an der zweiten Schildplatte (602) fixiert ist, wohingegen ihre zweite Fixierplatte
an der dritten Schildplatte (603) fixiert ist, wobei die erste Fixierplatte der zweiten
Scharnierbaugruppe (605) eine Aussparung vorweist, die derart an den Umriss der ersten
Schildplatte (601) angepasst ist, dass ein Unterbringen wenigstens eines Bereichs
des Umrisses der ersten Schildplatte (601) in der Aussparung in der ersten Fixierplatte
der zweiten Scharnierbaugruppe (605) ermöglicht wird, wenn die erste Schildplatte
(601) mit ihrer äußeren Oberfläche (601UT) gegen die äußere Oberfläche der zweiten Schildplatte (602) gefaltet wird, und wobei
die zweite Fixierplatte der zweiten Scharnierbaugruppe (605) ebenfalls eine Aussparung
vorweist, die derart an den Umriss der ersten Schildplatte (601) angepasst ist, dass
ein Unterbringen wenigstens eines Bereichs des Umrisses der ersten Schildplatte (601)
in der Aussparung in der zweiten Fixierplatte der zweiten Scharnierbaugruppe (605)
ermöglicht wird, wenn die dritte Schildplatte (603) anschließend mit ihrer äußeren
Oberfläche gegen die innere Oberfläche (601IN) der bereits gefalteten ersten Schildplatte (601) gefaltet wird.
8. Faltbarer Schild (1100) nach einem der Ansprüche 1-2, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass jede der federgespannten Scharnierbaugruppen (1104, 1105) eine Vielzahl von ersten
(1128', 1128", 1130') und eine Vielzahl von zweiten (1129', 1129", 1131', 1131") Schwenkgliedern
umfasst, die durch ein jeweiliges Scharniergelenk schwenkbar mit einander verbunden
sind, wobei die ersten (1128', 1128", 1130') und zweiten (1129', 1129", 1131', 1131")
Schwenkglieder integrierte Teile der benachbarten langen Seiten der zwei Schildplatten
(1101, 1102, 1102, 1103) sind, die durch das entsprechende Scharniergelenk mit einander
verbunden sind.
9. Faltbarer Schild (1100) nach Anspruch 8, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass wenigstens einige der ersten (1128', 1128", 1130') und zweiten Schwenkglieder (1129',
1129", 1131', 1131") jeweils abwechselnd entlang des Umfangs eines Schwenkstifts,
der Teil des jeweiligen Scharniergelenks ist, und diesen wenigstens teilweise umgebend
angeordnet sind.
10. Faltbarer Schild (1100) nach Anspruch 8 oder 9, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass jedes der ersten und zweiten Schwenkglieder jeweils von einer Kante einer langen
Seite seiner entsprechenden Schildplatte hervorsteht, wobei die Kante mit einer Fase
(1132, 1133) versehen ist, um ausreichenden Abstand zum Schwenken der Schwenkglieder
(1128', 1128", 1130') einer Schildplatte (1101, 1103) relativ zu den Schwenkgliedern
(1129', 1129", 1131', 1131") einer anderen Schildplatte (1102) bereitzustellen, wenn
der Schild (1100) gefaltet und ausgefaltet wird.
11. Faltbarer Schild (1100) nach einem der Ansprüche 8 bis 10, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass die Schwenkglieder (1128', 1128", 1129', 1129", 1131', 1131", 1130') in einem Stück
mit ihrer entsprechenden Schildplatte (1101, 1102, 1103) in ein und demselben Gieß-
oder Formprozess gegossen oder geformt sind, so dass die Schwenkglieder und die Schildplatte
aus ein und demselben Material bestehen.
1. Bouclier pliable (100, 200, 300, 400, 500, 600, 700, 800, 900, 1000, 1100), qui peut
être amené d'une position d'utilisation dépliée à une position de transport pliée
et inversement, et
qui comprend
une première (101), une deuxième (102) et une troisième (103) plaque de blindage,
chacune présentant une forme allongée et une surface intérieure, une surface extérieure,
un premier côté long, un second côté long, un premier côté court et un second côté
court, dans lequel le bouclier comprend en outre
un premier ensemble de charnières à ressort (104) reliant le second côté long (101LS2) de la première plaque de blindage au premier côté long (102LS1) de la deuxième plaque de blindage,
un second ensemble de charnières à ressort (105) reliant le second côté long (102LS2) de la deuxième plaque de blindage au premier côté long (103LS1) de la troisième plaque de blindage, dans lequel lesdits ensembles de charnières
(104, 105) sont disposés de sorte que le bouclier peut être amené de la position d'utilisation
à la position de transport pliée en repliant (A) la première plaque de blindage (101)
avec sa surface (101UT) contre la surface extérieure (102UT) de la deuxième plaque de blindage (102) et ensuite en repliant (B) la troisième
plaque de blindage (103) avec sa surface extérieure (103UT) contre la surface intérieure (101IN) de la première plaque de blindage (101) déjà pliée,
des moyens de maintien (106, 106', 106") disposés sur la surface intérieure (102IN) de la deuxième plaque de blindage pour fixer le bouclier à l'avant-bras d'un utilisateur
lors de son utilisation,
un dispositif de libération (107) placé à portée de l'utilisateur depuis lesdits moyens
de maintien (106, 106', 106") et adapté, lorsqu'il est actionné par l'utilisateur,
pour libérer un premier (108) et un second (109) moyens de verrouillage coopérant
du bouclier qui sont conçus pour maintenir les plaques de blindage repliées les unes
contre les autres dans la position de transport, contre la force de ressort desdits
ensembles de charnières (104, 105), dans lequel ladite force de ressort lors de la
libération des moyens de verrouillage (108, 109) amène les plaques de blindage de
la position de transport à la position d'utilisation non repliée, caractérisé en ce que la première plaque de blindage est conçue avec une largeur maximale (101MAXBR) entre ses côtés longs qui est inférieure à la largeur correspondante respectivement
de la deuxième (102MAXBR) et de la troisième (103MAXBR) plaque de blindage, de sorte qu'un jeu suffisant pour le pliage (B) de la troisième
plaque de blindage (103) contre la première plaque de blindage (101) est prévu afin
de permettre aux plaques de blindage (101, 102, 103) de venir se poser les unes sur
les autres sous la forme d'un emballage sensiblement plat en position de transport,
en outre les ensembles de charnières à ressort comprennent chacun une articulation
de charnière respective, dans lequel l'articulation de charnière du premier ensemble
de charnières à ressort (604, 704, 804, 904, 1004) présente un diamètre extérieur
qui est inférieur au diamètre extérieur correspondant de l'articulation de charnière
du second ensemble de charnières à ressort (605, 705, 805, 905, 1005)
en outre le bouclier, lorsqu'il est en position d'utilisation dépliée, présente des
espaces d'articulation formés entre les côtés longs adjacents des deux plaques de
blindage reliées respectivement par le premier (604, 704, 804, 904, 1004) et le second
(605, 705, 805, 905, 1005) ensemble de charnières, dans lequel les deux ensembles
de charnières à ressort (604, 605, 704, 705, 804, 805, 904, 905, 1004, 1005) couvrent
complètement les ouvertures des deux espaces d'articulation (626, 627, 726, 727, 826,
827, 926, 927, 1026, 1027) sur la surface extérieure (601UT, 701UT, 801UT, 901UT, 1001UT) du bouclier, et
en outre le bouclier pliable comprend une plaque de protection (618, 718, 818, 918,
1018), montée sur la surface intérieure du bouclier, qui recouvre les ouvertures des
deux espaces d'articulation (626, 627, 726, 727, 826, 827, 926, 927, 1026, 1027) sur
la surface intérieure (601IN, 701IN, 801IN, 901IN, 1001IN) du bouclier.
2. Bouclier pliable (100) selon la revendication 1, caractérisé en ce que la première plaque de blindage (101) présente une largeur maximale (101MAXBR) entre ses côtés longs qui n'est pas de plus de 90% de la largeur correspondante
respectivement de la deuxième (102MAXBR) et de la troisième (103MAXBR) plaque de blindage.
3. Bouclier pliable (300, 400) selon l'une quelconque des revendications précédentes,
caractérisé en ce que le bouclier comprend en outre des éléments de châssis (310, 311, 312, 410, 411, 412)
dans lesquels les plaques de blindage (401, 402, 403) respectives peuvent être insérées
et fixées en place, dans lequel lesdits ensembles de charnières à ressort (304, 305,
404, 405) relient les plaques de blindage par l'intermédiaire desdits éléments de
châssis.
4. Bouclier pliable (700, 800, 900, 1000) selon l'une quelconque des revendications 1
à 3, caractérisé en ce que les ensembles de charnières à ressort comprennent chacun une articulation de charnière
respective, dans lequel le bouclier, lorsqu'il est en position d'utilisation dépliée,
présente des espaces d'articulation formés entre les côtés longs adjacents des deux
plaques de blindage reliées respectivement par le premier (704, 804, 904, 1004) et
le second (705, 805, 905, 1005) ensemble de charnières, dans lequel les côtés longs
adjacents présentent une forme géométrique de sorte que chaque espace d'articulation
(726, 727, 826, 827, 926, 927, 1026, 1027) se prolonge depuis une ouverture directement
sous son articulation de charnière respective sur la surface extérieure (701UT, 801UT, 901UT, 1001UT) du bouclier jusqu'à une seconde ouverture, décalée latéralement par rapport à l'articulation
de charnière, sur la surface intérieure (701IN, 801IN, 901IN, 1001IN) du bouclier.
5. Bouclier pliable (700, 800) selon l'une quelconque des revendications 1 à 3, caractérisé en ce que les ensembles de charnières à ressort comprennent chacun une articulation de charnière
respective, dans lequel le bouclier, lorsqu'il est en position d'utilisation dépliée,
présente des espaces d'articulation formés entre les côtés longs adjacents des deux
plaques de blindage reliées respectivement par le premier (704, 804) et le second
(705, 805) ensemble de charnières, dans lequel les côtés longs adjacents ont une forme
géométrique de sorte qu'au moins un des espaces d'articulation (726, 727, 826, 827)
se prolonge obliquement vers l'intérieur ou vers l'extérieur depuis son articulation
de charnière sur la surface extérieure (701UT, 801UT) du bouclier jusqu'à la surface intérieure (701IN, 801IN) du bouclier.
6. Bouclier pliable (900, 1000) selon l'une quelconque des revendications 1 à 3, caractérisé en ce que les ensembles de charnières à ressort comprennent chacun une articulation de charnière
respective, dans lequel le bouclier, lorsqu'il est en position d'utilisation dépliée,
présente des espaces d'articulation formés entre les côtés longs adjacents des deux
plaques de blindage reliées respectivement par le premier (904, 1004) et le second
(905, 1005) ensemble de charnières, dans lequel les côtés longs adjacents ont une
forme géométrique de sorte qu'au moins un des espaces (926, 927, 1026, 1027) se prolonge
par palier depuis son articulation de charnière sur la surface extérieure (901UT, 1001UT) du bouclier jusqu'à la surface intérieure (901IN, 1001IN) du bouclier.
7. Bouclier pliable (600) selon l'une quelconque des revendications 1 à 3, caractérisé en ce que chacun des ensembles de charnières à ressort (604, 605) comprend une paire de première
et seconde plaques de fixation reliées ensemble de manière articulée par une articulation
de charnière respective, dans lequel la première plaque de fixation du second ensemble
de charnières (605) est fixée à la deuxième plaque de blindage (602), tandis que sa
seconde plaque de fixation est fixée à la troisième plaque de blindage (603), dans
lequel la première plaque de fixation du second ensemble de charnières (605) présente
une découpe adaptée au contour de la première plaque de blindage (601) de sorte à
permettre le logement d'au moins une partie du contour de la première plaque de blindage
(601) dans la découpe de la première plaque de fixation du second ensemble de charnières
(605) lors du pliage de la première plaque de blindage (601) avec sa surface extérieure
(601UT) contre la surface extérieure de la deuxième plaque de blindage (602), et dans lequel
la seconde plaque de fixation du second ensemble de charnières (605) présente également
une découpe adaptée au contour de la première plaque de blindage (601) de sorte à
permettre le logement d'au moins une partie du contour de la première plaque de blindage
(601) dans la découpe de la seconde plaque de fixation du second ensemble de charnières
(605) lors du pliage ultérieur de la troisième plaque de blindage (603) avec sa surface
extérieure contre la surface intérieure (601IN) de la première plaque de blindage (601) déjà pliée.
8. Bouclier pliable (1100) selon l'une quelconque des revendications 1 à 2, caractérisé en ce que chacun des ensembles de charnières à ressort (1104, 1105) comprend une pluralité
de premiers (1128', 1128", 1130') et une pluralité de seconds (1129', 1129", 1131',
1131") éléments pivots reliés ensemble de manière pivotante par une articulation de
charnière respective, dans lequel les premiers (1128', 1128", 1130') et seconds (1129',
1129", 1131', 1131") éléments pivots sont des parties intégrées des côtés longs adjacents
des deux plaques de blindage (1101, 1102, 1102, 1103) reliées ensemble par l'articulation
de charnière respective.
9. Bouclier pliable (1100) selon la revendication 8, caractérisé en ce que certains des premiers (1128', 1128", 1130') et seconds (1129', 1129", 1131', 1131")
éléments pivots sont respectivement disposés alternativement le long de et entourant
au moins partiellement la circonférence d'un axe de pivotement faisant partie de l'articulation
de charnière respective.
10. Bouclier pliable (1100) selon la revendication 8 ou 9, caractérisé en ce que chacun des premier et second éléments pivots, respectivement, fait saillie depuis
un bord d'un côté long de sa plaque de blindage respective, dans lequel ledit bord
est doté d'un chanfrein (1132, 1133) de sorte à fournir un espace suffisant pour faire
pivoter les éléments pivots (1128', 1128", 1130') d'une plaque de blindage (1101,
1103) par rapport aux éléments pivots (1129', 1129", 1131', 1131") d'une autre plaque
de blindage (1102) lors du pliage et du dépliage du bouclier (1100).
11. Bouclier pliable (1100) selon l'une quelconque des revendications 8 à 10, caractérisé en ce que lesdits éléments pivots (1128', 1128", 1129', 1129", 1131', 1131", 1130') sont coulés
ou moulés d'un seul tenant avec leur plaque de blindage (1101, 1102, 1103) respective
dans un seul et même procédé de coulage ou de moulage, de sorte que les éléments pivots
et la plaque de blindage se composent d'un seul et même matériau.