US20250072586A1

US20250072586A1 - Shield harness with shield hook

Info

Publication number: US20250072586A1
Application number: US18/827,478
Authority: US
Inventors: James D. Taylor
Original assignee: Blue Ridge Armor LLC
Current assignee: Blue Ridge Armor LLC
Priority date: 2023-09-06
Filing date: 2024-09-06
Publication date: 2025-03-06
Also published as: WO2025054523A1

Abstract

An article includes a central chest portion; a harness portion, where the harness portion includes: a left shoulder strap, a right shoulder strap, a left chest strap, a right chest strap, a back portion, and a chest ring; where each of the left shoulder strap, the right shoulder strap, the left chest strap and the right chest strap are connected to the chest ring; a removable connector attached to the chest ring; and a hook attached to the removable connector; where the hook is configured to hold a shield therein.

Description

FIELD

This disclosure relates generally to a shield harness. More particularly, this disclosure relates to a shield harness for supporting a shield, such as a tactical shield, that can be easily donned and doffed by a user.

BACKGROUND

Law enforcement, military, and/or other security forces employ shields to protect themselves during dangerous situations that may include armed conflict or physical altercations. For example, ballistic shields may be employed to defeat active shooters, serve high-risk warrants, perform riot control, or the like. Ballistic shields may prevent death or injury that may result from being hit with projectiles such as bullets, rocks, bricks, bats, sticks, arrows, or the like.

SUMMARY

In some embodiments, an article includes a central chest portion, a harness portion, where the harness portion includes a left shoulder strap, a right shoulder strap, a left chest strap, a right chest strap, a back portion, and a chest ring; where each of the left shoulder strap, the right shoulder strap, the left chest strap, and the right chest strap are connected to the chest ring; a removable connector attached to the chest ring; and a hook attached to the removable connector, where the hook is configured to hold a shield therein.
In some embodiments, at least one of the left chest strap or the right chest strap includes an adjustable connector.
In some embodiments, the adjustable connector includes a first portion and a second portion, wherein the second portion is removably attached to the first portion.
In some embodiments, the removable connector is a carabiner.
In some embodiments, at least one of the left shoulder strap, the right shoulder strap, the left chest strap, or the right chest strap is adjustable in length.
In some embodiments, a rear portion of the right shoulder strap, a rear portion of the left shoulder strap, a rear portion of the right chest strap, and a rear portion of the left chest strap are attached to the back portion.
In some embodiments, a front portion of the right shoulder strap and a front portion of the left shoulder strap is formed of a continuous length of material.
In some embodiments, the back portion includes a placard holding device.
In some embodiments, the hook includes a U-shape profile or a J-shape profile for positioning the shield therein.
In some embodiments, the article is configured to be modularly attached to a tactical vest.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

References are made to the accompanying drawings that form a part of this disclosure and that illustrate embodiments in which the systems and methods described in this Specification can be practiced.

FIG. 1 is a front view of an article according to embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 2 is a back view of the article according to embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 3 is a front view of an article when worn by a wearer according to embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 4 is a back view of the article when worn by a wearer according to embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 5 is a front view of the article with a shield positioned thereon according to embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 6 is a front view of an article when worn by a wearer according to embodiments of the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Law enforcement, military, and/or other security forces typically use shields, such as ballistic shields, to protect themselves during dangerous situations. According to embodiments of the present disclosure, a shield harness system enables a wearer to carry a heavy object without the use of the hands. In some embodiments, the shield harness system allows a wearer to carry heavy objects while allowing the person to handle other objects. In some embodiments, the shield harness system allows the wearer to perform fast movements by transitioning the carried weight into the load bearing muscle groups of the chest, shoulders and back.
In some embodiments, the present disclosure relates to a shield harness system that is effective to support front loads, such as ballistic shields, and that is easily adjusted for a variety of different-size wearers. In some embodiments, the shield harness system disperses weight equally across both shoulders and the central back of a user. In some embodiments, the shield hook is attached to carabiner then attach to the front center metal ring. In some embodiments, an operator will don the shield harness system overhead like a plate carrier. In some embodiments, once adjusted equally over shoulders and centered on back, the user may clip into right and left release mechanisms. In some embodiments, the user may adjust up or down as needed with shoulder slide locks and may adjust girth with side release connector webbing. In some embodiments, the user may pull the shield hook to front centerline of the body and then mount the shield into the hook. In some embodiments, the shield is a ballistic shield. In some embodiments, the user may make additional adjustments until the user is able to see clearly through a viewport of the shield without physically having to raise or lower the shield. Thus, in some embodiments, the harness supports the weight of the shield.
In some embodiments, deployment of the shield harness allows the user to deploy the shield while maintaining a light grip on the handle of the shield. In some embodiments, deployment of the shield harness allows repeatable vertical shield deployment and reduces operator fatigue.
FIGS. 1 and 2 show an exemplary embodiment of an article 100. In some embodiments, the article 100 includes a central chest portion 200 and a harness portion 300. In some embodiments, the article 100 is configured such that, when worn by a wearer as described herein, the central chest portion 200 is positioned over a chest of the wearer, as depicted in FIG. 3 .
In some embodiments, such as shown in FIGS. 1 and 3 , the central chest portion 200 includes a chest ring 202. In some embodiments, the chest ring 202 is configured to attach to various straps of the harness portion 300, as will be described in further detail below. In some embodiments, the chest ring 202 is also configured to attach to a shield hook 204 via a hook connector 206, as will be described in further detail below. In some embodiments, the chest ring 202 is an O-ring. In some embodiments, the chest ring 202 may be other shapes such as, for example, a D-ring, a rectangular ring, a square ring, etc.
Continuing to refer to FIGS. 1 and 3 , as discussed above, in some embodiments, the article 100 includes a harness portion 300. In some embodiments, the harness portion 300 includes a left shoulder strap 310 and a right shoulder strap 320 that are configured to extend over the respective left and right shoulders of the wearer when the article 100 is worn by the wearer. In some embodiments, the harness portion 300 includes a left chest strap 330 and a right chest strap 340 that are configured to extend around the respective left and right sides of the wearer's chest when the article 100 is worn by the wearer. In some embodiments, at least one of the left shoulder strap 310, the right shoulder strap 320, the left chest strap 330, or the right chest strap 340 has an adjustable length. This disclosure uses the term “strap” to refer to the left shoulder strap 310, the right shoulder strap 320, the left chest strap 330, and the right chest strap 340. In some embodiments, the left shoulder strap 310, the right shoulder strap 320, the left chest strap 330, and the right chest strap 340 include (e.g., are made from) webbing, but the term “strap” should not be understood to be limited to straps made from webbing and the like; rather, this term should be understood to encompass any structure that connects the various elements of the article 100 in the manner described herein (for example, including, but not limited to, an article in the form of a vest in which the “straps” include panels of cloth, an article in which the “straps” are formed from a cord material, etc.).
In some embodiments, the left shoulder strap 310 and the right shoulder strap 320 are connected to the chest ring 202. In some embodiments, a front portion of the left shoulder strap 310 and a front portion of the right shoulder strap 320 are formed from one continuous length of webbing (or other material) 322 that extends through the chest ring 202. Thus, in some embodiments, the left shoulder strap 310 and the right shoulder strap 320 are attached to the chest ring 202 by virtue of the continuous webbing 322 extending through the chest ring 202. In some embodiments, the left chest strap 330 and the right chest strap 340 are each directly attached to the chest ring 202.
In some embodiments, each of the left shoulder strap 310 and the right shoulder strap 320 are adjustable in length. In some embodiments, each of the left shoulder strap 310 and the right shoulder strap 320 include an adjustment mechanism 326. In some embodiments, the adjustment mechanism 326 is a strap slide adjuster. In some embodiments, the adjustment mechanism 326 is a strap slide lock. In other embodiments, the adjustment mechanism 326 is any type of mechanism that allows the wearer to adjust the length of each of the left shoulder strap 310 and the right shoulder strap 320.
Referring to FIGS. 2 and 4 , in some embodiments, the harness portion 300 includes a back portion 370. In some embodiments, the back portion 370 includes a back panel 371. In some embodiments, the back panel 371 includes a left side 372, a right side 374 opposite the left side 372, a top end 376, and a bottom end 378 (see FIG. 4 ) opposite the top end 376. In some embodiments, a rear portion of the left shoulder strap 310 joins the back panel 371 proximate to the left side 372 and the top end 376. In some embodiments, a rear portion the right shoulder strap 320 joins the back panel 371 proximate to the right side 374 and the top end 376. In some embodiments, a rear portion of the left chest strap 330 joins the back panel 371 proximate to the left side 372 and the bottom end 378. In some embodiments, a rear portion of the right chest strap 340 joins the back panel 371 proximate to the right side 374 and the bottom end 378. In some embodiments, the rear portions of the left shoulder strap 310, the right shoulder strap 320, the left chest strap 330, and the right chest strap 340 are integrally formed with the back portion 370. In other embodiments, the rear portions of the left shoulder strap 310, the right shoulder strap 320, the left chest strap 330, and the right chest strap 340 are each attached to the back portion 370 via respective rings 381, as depicted in FIGS. 2 and 4 . In other embodiments, the back portion 370 does not include a separate back panel 371, and the back portion 370 is defined by an intersection between the left shoulder strap 310, the right shoulder strap 320, the left chest strap 330, and the right chest strap 340 (e.g., by joining directly to one another) at a location over a back of a wearer when the article 100 is worn by the wearer as described herein.
In some embodiments, the back portion 370 includes a placard holding device 377. In some embodiments, the placard holding device 377 may be a pocket which includes a transparent front side for viewing a placard 379. In some embodiments, the placard holding device 377 may be a frame with an open window area for viewing the placard. In other embodiments, the placard holding device 377 may be any other type of device for attaching a placard 379 to the back portion 370 in a viewable manner.
In some embodiments, the back portion 370 is breathable. For example, in some embodiments, the back portion 370 includes a back panel 371 that includes vents for breathability. The vents can comprise, for example, cutouts in the back panel 371 where no material is present, or portions of the back panel 371 that are made from a material having a relatively higher breathability compared to the surrounding material.
In some embodiments, the back portion 370 includes an attachment mechanism 375 attached to the bottom end 378. In some embodiments, the attachment mechanism 375 allows semi-permanent attachment of the article 100 to a body armor vest and/or tactical belt or additional accessory attachment. In some embodiments, the attachment mechanism 375 is a D-ring. In some embodiments, the attachment mechanism 375 is an O-ring. In some embodiments, the attachment mechanism 375 is any other type of attachment mechanism such as, for example, other ring types, a buckle, a hook and loop fastener system, a button, a magnet, a zipper, or combinations thereof.
Referring to FIGS. 1, 2 and 3 , in some embodiments, the article 100 includes a first adjustable connector 400 and a second connector 450. In some embodiments, the second connector is a second adjustable connector 450 that is similar to the first adjustable connector 400. In some embodiments, the first adjustable connector 400 and the second adjustable connector 450 are each releasable plastic snap clips, as depicted in FIGS. 1, 2 and 4 . In other embodiments, the second adjustable connector includes another releasable connector known in the art, such as a hook and loop fastener system, a button, a magnet, a zipper, a buckle, or combinations thereof. The elements and operation of the first adjustable connector 400 and the second adjustable connector 450 will be described herein specifically with reference to the first adjustable connector 400; the second adjustable connector 450 includes substantially the same elements and operates in a substantially the same manner. FIGS. 1, 2 and 4 show the first adjustable connector 400. In some embodiments, the first adjustable connector 400 includes a first portion 410 and a second portion 430. In some embodiments, the first portion 410 is configured to slidably and removably receive the second portion 430. In some embodiments, the first portion 410 of the first adjustable connector 400 is attached to a first chest webbing 412 of the left chest strap 330 that is attached to the chest ring 202 of the central chest portion 200 (see FIG. 2 ). In some embodiments, the second portion 430 of the first adjustable connector 400 is attached to a second chest webbing 414 of the left chest strap 330 that extends to the back portion 370 (see FIG. 2 ). Similarly, first and second webbings are joined to the corresponding portion of the second adjustable connector 450.
In some embodiments, the left chest strap 330 and the right chest strap 340 are each separately adjustable via the second chest webbing 414 and the respective adjustable connector 400, 450. Thus, the wearer is able to adjust the central chest portion of the article 100 to fit to the individual wearer's chest.
In some embodiments, to disengage the second portion 430 from the first portion 410, a user presses the side tabs toward a longitudinal axis of the respective adjustable connector 400 (i.e., in a direction that is transverse to the insertion direction of the second portion 430). In some embodiments, this causes a portion of the each side tab to deflect, and causes each side tab to disengage from the second portion 430. In some embodiments, when the protrusion 440 is disengaged from the second portion 430, the second portion 430 is able to slide freely with respect to the first portion 410 and can be removed from the first portion 410 by moving the second portion 430 in a direction opposite the engagement direction.
In some embodiments, the first adjustable connector 400 and the second adjustable connector 450 can be described as one-hand connectors, e.g., connectors that are adapted to be operated (that is, connected and disconnected) by a wearer using only one hand. For example, in some embodiments such as described herein, when the first portion 410 and the second portion 430 are integrated into the article 100 as described herein and the article 100 is worn by a wearer, the wearer may apply a force to the side tabs as described above, with no counterforce being required because the remainder of the first sliding connector 400 is held in place due to the positioning of the article 100 on the wearer, and the wearer may then slide the second portion 430 with the same hand to disengage the second portion 430 from the first portion 410, while the wearer's other hand remains free.
In some embodiments, the article 100 includes a shield hook connector 206 extending distally from the chest ring 202. In some embodiments, the shield hook connector 206 is configured to attach the shield hook 204 to the chest ring 202 allowing for quick and secure attachment and detachment of the shield hook 204. In some embodiments, the shield hook connector 206 is configured to be removably connected to the chest ring 202. In some embodiments, the shield hook connector 206 is a carabiner. In some embodiments, the hook connector 206 includes a spring-loaded gate used to quickly and reversibly connect components. In some embodiments, shield hook connector 206 is configured to be easily opened with one hand, while the spring-loaded gate ensures that it automatically closes and locks when released, providing a secure connection. In some embodiments, the shield hook connector 206 may be any shape such as, for example, D-shaped, oval, or pear-shaped. In some embodiments, the shield hook connector 206 includes a locking mechanism. In some embodiments, the locking mechanism may a screw-lock, a twist-lock, an auto-lock, or any other type of lock. In some embodiments, the shield hook connector 206 is formed of aluminum, steel, or any other suitable material.
In some embodiments, the shield hook 204 extends distally from the shield hook connector 206. In some embodiments, the shield hook 204 is configured to securely hold a shield 500 (depicted in FIG. 5 ), such as a ballistic shield, in place while allowing for quick attachment and detachment. In some embodiments, the shield hook 204 is made from a durable material such as steel or high-strength aluminum to ensure it can support the weight of the shield 500 and withstand the rigors of tactical operations.
In some embodiments, the shield hook 204 is configured to attach to the central chest ring 202 via the shield hook connector 206. In some embodiments, this configuration allows the shield hook 204 to be easily and securely connected to the article 100 such that the weight of the shield is distributed throughout the article 100. In some embodiments, the shield hook 204 is configured to accommodate a base 502 or a designated attachment point on the shield 500, ensuring that the shield 500 remains stable and properly oriented during use.
In some embodiments, the shield hook 204 includes a curved or angled design, which helps to cradle the base 502 or designated attachment point of the shield 500. In some embodiments, this curvature holds the shield 500 in position during use, providing a stable and reliable connection. In some embodiments, the shield hook 204 may have a U-shaped or J-shaped profile for positioning the shield 500 therein. In some embodiments, the shield hook includes a first portion 224, a second portion 226 extending perpendicular to the first portion 224, and a third portion 228 extending perpendicular to the second portion 226 and parallel to the first portion 224. This design allows the shield 500 to be easily positioned onto the second portion 226 of the shield hook 204, between the first portion 224 and the third portion 228. The first portion 224 and the third portion 228 provide support for a front and a back of the shield 500 and the second portion 226 provides a surface to rest the base of the shield 500, thus supporting the weight of the shield 500. In some embodiments, an inner surface of the shield hook 204 may be smooth or textured to provide additional grip and prevent slippage.
In some embodiments, the dimensions of the shield hook 204 may be optimized to accommodate various sizes and types of shields. In some embodiments, the width and depth of the hook are sufficient to hold the base 502 of the shield 500 or attachment point securely, while the length of the shield hook 204 ensures that the shield is properly balanced and oriented during use.
In some embodiments, as depicted in FIG. 6 , the shield hook 204 is attached to the shield hook connector 206 via a hole 208 at its top end. In some embodiments, the hole 208 is precisely sized to accommodate the shield hook connector 206 therethrough, allowing the shield hook connector 206 to pass through the hole 208 easily while ensuring a snug fit. In some embodiments, the hole 208 is typically positioned near the apex of the hook's curved or angled design, providing an optimal point for attachment that balances the weight of the shield effectively.
In some embodiments, the shield hook connector 206, which includes a spring-loaded gate, is passed through the hole 208. Once the shield hook connector 206 is in place, the gate automatically closes, locking the shield hook connector 206 securely to the shield hook 204. This connection ensures that the shield hook 204 is firmly attached to the shield hook connector 206, preventing any unintended disconnection during use.
In some embodiments, the shield hook connector 206 is then attached to the central chest ring 202 of the article 100. This dual attachment mechanism—where the shield hook connector 206 connects both to the shield hook 204 and the chest ring 202—provides a robust and flexible connection. The ability of the shield hook connector 206 to swivel and pivot within the hole of the shield hook allows for a degree of movement, accommodating the dynamic motions of the wearer while maintaining a hold on the shield 500.
In some embodiments, as depicted in FIG. 3 , the shield hook connector 206 is attached to the shield hook 204 via an extension material 212, such as a strap or webbing. In some embodiments, the extension material 212 includes a proximal connection end 214 configured to be attached to the shield hook connector 206 and a distal connection end 216 configured to be attached to the shield hook 204. In some embodiments, the proximal connection end 214 includes ring 218, such as a D-ring, configured to be attached to the shield hook connector 206. In some embodiments, the distal connection end 216 includes a loop that extends through the hole 208 of the shield hook 204. Thus, the distance between the shield hook and the chest ring 202 may be adjusted according to the size and shape of the shield being used.
Donning and doffing of the article 100 may be understood with reference to the following description. The donning and doffing process will be described herein with reference to donning with the right arm first and the left arm second, but this is merely illustrative; substantially the same steps may be performed to don with the left arm first and the right arm second. Before donning the article 100, the first adjustable connector 400 and the second adjustable connector 450 are in an open configuration. To don the article 100, a wearer begins by placing the wearer's head between the left shoulder strap 310 and the right shoulder strap 320. The wearer then brings the second chest webbing 441 of the right chest strap 340 around the wearer's right side to fasten the second portion 430 of second adjustable connector 450 with the first portion 410. The wearer may then bring the second chest webbing 441 of the left chest strap 330 around the wearer's left side to fasten the second portion 430 of the first adjustable connector 400 with the first portion 410. The wearer may complete donning by adjusting the left shoulder strap 310, the right shoulder strap 320, the left chest strap 330 and the right chest strap 340 to fit to the wearer. In some embodiments, each of the straps 310, 320, 330, 340 may be adjusted such that the wearer can see clearly through a viewport 510 of the shield 500 without physically having to raise or lower the shield 500. The article 100 can be then doffed by disconnecting either the first adjustable connector 400 or the second adjustable sliding connector 450 and performing the sequence described above in reverse order.
In some embodiments, the harness can be donned with body armor. In some embodiments, when donning over body armor, the operator may adjust the article 100 so that the harness does not interfere with other armor related accessories or duty gear. In some embodiments, the left shoulder strap 310 and the right shoulder strap 320 may be positioned within shoulder wraps of a tactical vest or other armor gear to form a semi-permanent modular attachment with the tactical vest. In some embodiments, the rear harness has low center D-Ring allowing semi-permanent attachment to a body armor vest and/or tactical belt or additional accessory attachment.
The terminology used herein is intended to describe embodiments and is not intended to be limiting. The terms “a,” “an,” and “the” include the plural forms as well, unless clearly indicated otherwise. The terms “comprises” and/or “comprising,” when used in this Specification, specify the presence of the stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements, and/or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, and/or components.
It is to be understood that changes may be made in detail, especially in matters of the construction materials employed and the shape, size, and arrangement of parts without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. This Specification and the embodiments described are examples, with the true scope and spirit of the disclosure being indicated by the claims that follow.

Claims

What is claimed is:

1. An article comprising:

a central chest portion;

a harness portion, wherein the harness portion comprises:

a left shoulder strap,

a right shoulder strap,

a left chest strap,

a right chest strap,

a back portion, and

a chest ring;

wherein each of the left shoulder strap, the right shoulder strap, the left chest strap and the right chest strap are connected to the chest ring;

a removable connector attached to the chest ring; and

a hook attached to the removable connector;

wherein the hook is configured to hold a shield therein.

2. The article of claim 1, wherein at least one of the left chest strap or the right chest strap comprises an adjustable connector.

3. The article of claim 2, wherein the adjustable connector comprises a first portion and a second portion, wherein the second portion is removably attached to the first portion.

4. The article of claim 1, wherein the removable connector is a carabiner.

5. The article of claim 1, wherein at least one of the left shoulder strap, the right shoulder strap, the left chest strap or the right chest strap is adjustable in length.

6. The article of claim 1, wherein a rear portion of the right shoulder strap, a rear portion of the left shoulder strap, a rear portion of the right chest strap, and a rear portion of the left chest strap are attached to the back portion.

7. The article of claim 1, wherein a front portion of the right shoulder strap and a front portion of the left shoulder strap is formed of a continuous length of material.

8. The article of claim 1, wherein the back portion comprises a placard holding device.

9. The article of claim 1, wherein the hook comprises a U-shape profile or a J-shape profile for positioning the shield therein.

10. The article of claim 1, wherein the article is configured to be modularly attached to a tactical vest.