Support structure for a shield and weapons system

Abstract

A support structure for a shield has a frame adapted for connection to a wearer, the frame having an elongated first portion defining a frame axis and adapted for positioning adjacent to the spine of the wearer, the frame having an upper end, a boom connected to the upper end of the frame and having a first boom portion extending away from the frame, and a second boom portion angled with respect to the first boom portion and extending away from the frame axis, the boom having a free end, a cable reel mechanism connected to the frame, a cable having a first end connected to the cable reel mechanism and a free end extending from the free end of the boom and adapted to connect to the shield, and the cable reel mechanism including a biasing facility to exert tension on the cable to provide support for the shield.

We claim: 
     
         1 . A support structure for a protective shield comprising:
 a frame adapted for connection to a wearer;   the frame having an elongated first portion defining a frame axis and adapted for positioning adjacent to the spine of the wearer;   the frame having an upper end;   a boom connected to the upper end of the frame and having a first boom portion extending away from the frame, and a second boom portion angled with respect to the first boom portion and extending away from the frame axis;   the boom having a free end;   a cable reel mechanism connected to the frame;   a cable having a first end connected to the cable reel mechanism and a free end extending from the free end of the boom and adapted to connect to the shield; and   the cable reel mechanism including a biasing facility to exert tension on the cable, such that tension on the cable provides support for the shield.   
     
     
         2 . The support structure of  claim 1  wherein the free end of the boom includes a cable support element, and wherein the free end of the cable extends from the cable support element to the shield and remains spaced apart from the boom. 
     
     
         3 . The support structure of  claim 2  wherein the free end of the boom defines an exit aperture through which the cable passes, the exit aperture facing at least partly away from the axis, such that the cable may angle away from the frame without contacting the boom. 
     
     
         4 . The support structure of  claim 1  wherein the free end of the boom is open in a forward direction away from the axis, such that the cable may extend away from the frame at an angle. 
     
     
         5 . The support structure of  claim 4  wherein the angle is at least 30 degrees from the frame axis. 
     
     
         6 . The support structure of  claim 1  wherein the cable reel mechanism includes a pair of pneumatic springs. 
     
     
         7 . The support structure of  claim 5  including a cable take-up mechanism between the springs. 
     
     
         8 . The support structure of  claim 1  wherein the cable reel mechanism includes a plurality of pulleys supporting the cable. 
     
     
         9 . The support structure of  claim 1  wherein the cable reel mechanism includes a block and tackle mechanism of limited length providing an extended range of cable payout length relative to the limited length of the block and tackle mechanism. 
     
     
         10 . The support structure of  claim 1  wherein the frame includes a facility for connection to the back of the wearer, and wherein the free end of the cable is operable to connect to an intermediate portion of a weapons system, and to urge the shield to exert a compressive force on the chest of the wearer. 
     
     
         11 . The support structure of  claim 1  wherein the frame includes a facility for connection to the back of the wearer, and wherein the boom extends forward on a medial plane of the wearer. 
     
     
         12 . The support structure of  claim 1  wherein the shield is selected from the group consisting of riot shields, transparent shields, shields defining gun ports, shields defining viewing ports, and ballistic shields. 
     
     
         13 . A method of suspending a protective shield that presses a weapons system against a wearer comprising the steps of:
 providing a frame with a cable reel mechanism and an extending boom from which a free end of a cable extends under tension;   connecting the frame to the back of a wearer;   connecting a portion of a shield having a weapons system support to the free end of the cable;   positioning a forend of the weapons system in the weapon system support;   positioning a butt of the weapons system on the wearer's shoulder; and   extending the cable at an angle away from the user to generate a compressive force on the shoulder from the shield pressing against the weapons system.   
     
     
         14 . The method of  claim 13  wherein the angle is at least 30 degrees from the vertical when the frame is in a vertical orientation. 
     
     
         15 . The method of  claim 13  including positioning the boom directly over the wearer's head. 
     
     
         16 . The method of  claim 13  wherein the weapons system is selected from the group consisting of rifles, medium machine guns, and heavy machine guns. 
     
     
         17 . The method of  claim 13  wherein the shield is selected from the group consisting of riot shields, transparent shields, shields defining gun ports, shields defining viewing ports, and ballistic shields.