Frame configurable for use as a ballistic shield and related methods

Abstract

A ballistic shield assembly comprises a framework of interconnected linking members, the framework including at least one handle member, graspable by a user wielding the ballistic shield. At least one wearable item of personal armor is arranged about the framework, the wearable item of personal armor being supported by the framework to thereby present a ballistic shield face capable of protecting the user wielding the ballistic shield from projectiles.

We claim: 
     
         1 . A ballistic shield assembly, comprising:
 a framework of interconnected linking members;   the framework including at least one handle member, graspable by a user wielding the ballistic shield; and   at least one wearable item of personal armor, removably arranged about the framework, the wearable item of personal armor being supported by the framework to thereby present a ballistic shield face capable of protecting the user wielding the ballistic shield from projectiles.   
     
     
         2 . The assembly of  claim 1 , wherein at least some of the interconnected linking members are adjustably connected one to another to allow the linking members to be reconfigured to adjust a size or a shape of the framework. 
     
     
         3 . The assembly of  claim 1 , further comprising at least one buttress member coupled to the framework, the buttress member capable of engaging a portion of the user's body to provide additional support to the ballistic shield. 
     
     
         4 . The assembly of  claim 1 , further comprising at least one tether coupled to the framework, the tether operable to at least partially suspend the ballistic shield from the user's body. 
     
     
         5 . The assembly of  claim 1 , further comprising a plurality of wearable items of personal armor, arranged about the framework to collectively present the ballistic shield face. 
     
     
         6 . The assembly of  claim 1 , wherein the framework includes a notch formed therein, the notch providing an opening in the framework within which a firearm can be positioned. 
     
     
         7 . The assembly of  claim 1 , wherein the framework includes freestanding support structure, coupled to the framework, the freestanding support structure allowing the framework to be positioned in an erect configuration on a surface to thereby provide ballistic protection to a user positioned behind the framework without requiring that the user carry the ballistic shield. 
     
     
         8 . The assembly of  claim 7 , wherein the freestanding support structure is foldably coupled to the framework to allow the framework to be arranged into a foldable configuration. 
     
     
         9 . The assembly of  claim 1 , further comprising one or more utility mounts carried by the framework, the utility mount operable to receive or carry an auxiliary device. 
     
     
         10 . The assembly of  claim 9 , wherein the auxiliary device comprises a portable lighting device. 
     
     
         11 . A method of utilizing a wearable item of personal armor as a ballistic shield, comprising:
 obtaining a framework of interconnected linking members; and   arranging on the framework at least one wearable item of personal armor to thereby create a ballistic shield, the wearable item of personal armor being supported by the framework to thereby present a ballistic shield face capable of protecting the user wielding the ballistic shield from projectiles.   
     
     
         12 . The method of  claim 11 , wherein the framework includes at least one handle member connected thereto, the handle member being graspable by a user wielding the ballistic shield. 
     
     
         13 . The method of  claim 11 , wherein arranging the wearable item of personal armor about the framework comprises attaching the wearable item to the framework in substantially the same manner as the wearable item of personal armor is configured to be donned by a wearer of the personal armor. 
     
     
         14 . The method of  claim 11 , further comprising arranging a plurality of wearable items of personal armor about the framework. 
     
     
         15 . The method of  claim 11 , wherein at least some of the interconnected linking members are adjustable relative to one another. 
     
     
         16 . A method of protecting a target from projectiles, comprising:
 obtaining a framework of interconnected linking members;   arranging on the framework at least one wearable item of personal armor to thereby create a ballistic shield, the wearable item of personal armor being supported by the framework to thereby present a ballistic shield face capable of protecting the user wielding the ballistic shield from projectiles; and   positioning the ballistic shield face between the target and a source of the projectiles.   
     
     
         17 . The method of  claim 16 , wherein positioning the ballistic shield face comprises the target grasping the framework in one or both hands. 
     
     
         18 . The method of  claim 17 , wherein the target grasping the framework comprises the target engaging one or more handles carried by the framework. 
     
     
         19 . The method of  claim 16 , wherein positioning the ballistic shield face comprises stabilizing the framework on a surface adjacent the target. 
     
     
         20 . The method of  claim 16 , wherein the target comprises a human target.