EARLIEST PRIORITY DATE

This Application claims priority from a Complete patent application filed in India having Patent Application No. 202221058416, filed on October 12 ^th , 2022 and titled “PROTECTIVE COLLAPSIBLE SHIELD AND METHOD FOR

OPERATING THE SAME”.

FIELD OF INVENTION

Embodiments of a present disclosure relate to a defence shield, and more particularly to a protective collapsible shield and a method for operating the same.

BACKGROUND

A shield is a piece of metal or other material that protects a human body when being attacked. The shield has been used for a long time in history. Typically, shields were used during wars in ancient times. Furthermore, the shields are used to intercept specific attacks, whether from close-ranged weaponry or projectiles such as arrows, by means of active blocks, as well as to provide passive protection by closing one or more lines of engagement during combat. The shields may be classified based on their usage during different time periods. There are various types of shields used, such as body shields, face shields, round shields, kite shields, and the like.

Currently, the shields are used by police officers in many situations, like during any public movement when the public gets out of control. The shields are also used by a user for ballistic protection purposes, face protection during chemical splashes, and the like. The police officers use shields to control the mob, and during riots, the shields are used to protect the police officers when they are being attacked. In riot situations, the controlling police force/reserved force has to deal with their own safety from the mob as well as control the mob. In such situations, there is no record of the calamities caused by the mob in terms of property damage and injuries caused to police officers and the public. It is crucial to capture such situations in order to take appropriate action against the mob.

Although the currently used shields are used for protection, there are several limitations to their use. The currently existing shields fail to capture the movements of the mob during attacks. Consequently, due to the lack of identification of the attacking people, legal action cannot be taken. Therefore, there is a need for an automated system to protect a user. The above discussion describes protective shields used in the field of riots. However, the objective of the protective shields is noticed in other fields as well, for instance, ballistic protection, protection during fire incidents, and the like.

Hence, there is a need for an improved protective shield that addresses the aforementioned issues.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION

In accordance with one embodiment of the disclosure, a protective collapsible shield is disclosed. The protective collapsible shield includes a collapsible housing, a shaft, a camera, and a processing subsystem. The collapsible housing includes a plurality of chords. The plurality of chords has a predefined shape and a predefined degree and is positioned equidistant from each other. The plurality of chords is interconnected with each other and is assembled to form the surface. The shaft is operatively coupled with the collapsible housing on an axis and positioned at the center of the collapsible housing. The shaft is configured with an aperture to allow collapsing of the plurality of chords to form a stack on the axis of the shaft. The camera is positioned at the aperture of the shaft, wherein the camera is configured to capture (video or photos) a sequence of events and movements that occur in the surrounding field. The motor unit is operatively coupled with the rotating shaft and configured to operate automatically, wherein the motor unit provides automatic operation of the collapsible housing. The processing subsystem is operatively connected to the collapsible housing. The processing subsystem is hosted on a server and configured to execute on a network to control bidirectional communications among a plurality of modules, including a recording module and a repository. The recording module is operatively coupled to the camera and configured to record the sequence of events that occur in the field. The repository is operatively coupled with the server. The repository is configured to store the recorded sequence of events.

In accordance with another embodiment, a method for the operation of a protective collapsible shield is provided. The method includes positioning a plurality of chords of a collapsible housing equidistant from each other. The plurality of chords is interconnected with each other and is assembled to form the protecting surface. Further, the method includes allowing, by a shaft, the plurality of chords to form a stack on the axis of the shaft. Furthermore, the method includes capturing, by a camera, a sequence of events and movements that occur in a surrounding field, wherein the camera is positioned at the aperture of the shaft. Moreover, the method includes automating, by a motor unit, the operation of the collapsible housing. The method includes recording, by a recording module of a processing subsystem, the sequence of events that occur in the field. The method also includes storing, in a repository of the processing subsystem, the recorded sequence of events.

To further clarify the advantages and features of the present disclosure, a more particular description of the disclosure will follow by reference to specific embodiments thereof, which are illustrated in the appended figures. It is to be appreciated that these figures depict only typical embodiments of the disclosure and are therefore not to be considered limiting in scope. The disclosure will be described and explained with additional specificity and detail with the appended figures.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The disclosure will be described and explained with additional specificity and detail with the accompanying figures in which: FIG. 1 is a block diagram representing a protective collapsible shield in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 2 is a top view of the protective collapsible shield in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 3 a is a front view of a single chord of FIG. 1 in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 3b is a sectional view of a single chord of FIG. 1 in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 3c is a cross-sectional view of the protective collapsible shield of FIG. 1 in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 3d is a front view of a single chord in a stacked view of FIG. 1 in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 4a is a top view of a single chord of the protective collapsible shield of FIG. 1 in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 4b is a top view of a single chord without protective cover of the protective collapsible shield of FIG. 1 in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 4c is a top view of a single chord with a protective cover of the protective shield of FIG. 1 in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 5a is a schematic representation of an arc length of the chord of the protective shield of FIG. 1 in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 5b is a schematic representation of the cutting length of the chord of the protective collapsible shield of FIG. 1 in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure; FIG. 6a is a cross-sectional view of the single chord of the protective collapsible shield of FIG. 1 in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 6b is a schematic representation of a side of the single chord in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 7 is a top view is a block diagram of a computer or a server for the protective collapsible shield in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure; and

FIG. 8 is a flow chart representing steps involved in a method for the operation of the protective collapsible shield in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Further, those skilled in the art will appreciate that elements in the figures are illustrated for simplicity and may not have necessarily been drawn to scale. Furthermore, in terms of the construction of the device, one or more components of the device may have been represented in the figures by conventional symbols, and the figures may show only those specific details that are pertinent to understanding the embodiments of the present disclosure so as not to obscure the figures with details that will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art having the benefit of the description herein.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

For the purpose of promoting an understanding of the principles of the disclosure, reference will now be made to the embodiment illustrated in the figures and specific language will be used to describe them. It will nevertheless be understood that no limitation of the scope of the disclosure is thereby intended. Such alterations and further modifications in the illustrated system, and such further applications of the principles of the disclosure as would normally occur to those skilled in the art are to be construed as being within the scope of the present disclosure. The terms "comprises", "comprising", or any other variations thereof, are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process or method that comprises a list of steps does not include only those steps but may include other steps not expressly listed or inherent to such a process or method. Similarly, one or more devices or subsystems or elements or structures or components preceded by "comprises... a" does not, without more constraints, preclude the existence of other devices, sub-systems, elements, structures, components, additional devices, additional sub-systems, additional elements, additional structures, or additional components. Appearances of the phrase "in an embodiment", "in another embodiment" and similar language throughout this specification may, but not necessarily do, all refer to the same embodiment.

Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by those skilled in the art to which this disclosure belongs. The system, methods, and examples provided herein are only illustrative and not intended to be limiting.

In the following specification and the claims, reference will be made to a number of terms, which shall be defined to have the following meanings. The singular forms “a”, “an”, and “the” include plural references unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.

Embodiments of the present disclosure relate to a protective collapsible shield and a method for operating the same. As used herein, the term “protective collapsible shield” denotes a large piece or assembly of many small pieces of metal or any other material that is used to be carried to protect bodies. Further, the shield described hereafter in FIG. 1 is a protective collapsible shield and a method for operating the same.

FIG. 1 is a block diagram representing a protective collapsible shield (100) in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. The protective collapsible shield (100) includes a collapsible housing (102), a shaft (110), a camera (112), and a processing subsystem (114). The collapsible housing (102) includes a plurality of chords (104) and a plurality of rubber biding (108). The plurality of chords (104) is adapted with a predefined shape, and predefined degree, and is positioned equidistant from each other. The plurality of chords (104) is interconnected with each other and is assembled to form a surface (106). The plurality of rubber biding (108) is embedded along at least two sides of each of the plurality of chords (104). The plurality of rubber biding (108) provides reinforcement to the plurality of chords (104).

In one embodiment, the plurality of chords (104) operates with a rotating and collapsing mechanism on the axis of the shaft (110). When the system (100) is in inoperative condition, the rotating and collapsing mechanism is applied for closing the system (100). In the rotating and collapsing mechanism a force is applied on one of the chords by the motor unit (126) automatically thereby pushing the one of the chords to a downward direction into a subsequent chord to establish an interlocking arrangement. In the closed condition, the plurality of chords (104) is positioned one on top of the other thereby creating a stack on the axis of the shaft (110). The rotating and collapsing mechanism also includes an opened and operative condition wherein a force is applied on one of the chords positioned on the top of the stack thereby opening the subsequent chords in succession. In one embodiment, the plurality of rubber biding (108) the plurality of rubber biding (108) is configured to facilitate the floating of the protective collapsible shield in water during an occurrence of an emergency. The plurality of rubber biding (108) fills the gap between the plurality of chords (104).

The shaft (110) is operatively coupled with the collapsible housing (102) on an axis and positioned at the center of the collapsible housing (102). The shaft is configured with an aperture to allow collapsing of the plurality of chords (104) to form a stack on the axis of the shaft (110). The aperture provides obstruction-free movement of the plurality of chords (104) at the time of collapsing. Each chord is interlocked to another chord thereby creating an interlocking mechanism. The camera (112) is positioned at the aperture of the shaft (110). The camera (112) is configured to capture a sequence of events and movements that occur in a surrounding field. In one embodiment, the camera (112) has wide-angle lenses that can capture long-distance images and videos of the event occurring at the field. In one embodiment, the camera (112) captures the position of the unknown attacks. In one embodiment, the camera (112) is protected by a bullet proof glass. In another embodiment, the camera (112) may also be configured with night vision and infrared technologies.

The motor unit (126) operatively coupled with the shaft (110) and configured to operate automatically, wherein the motor unit (126) provides automatic operation of the collapsible housing (102). In one embodiment, the protective collapsible shield (100) operates automatically, due to the automated motor unit (126).

The processing subsystem (114) is operatively connected to the collapsible housing (102). The processing subsystem (114) is hosted on a server (116) and configured to execute on a network to control bidirectional communications among a plurality of modules. The plurality of modules includes a recording module (118) and a repository (120). The recording module (118) is operatively coupled to the camera (112) and configured to record the sequence of events that occur in the field. The recording module (118) records the events and sends to a user device or an external device for storage. The repository (120) is operatively coupled with the server (116). The repository (120) is configured to store the recorded sequence of events. The repository (120) receives the recorded events and stores the events in the local or external devices and transmits the recording to the server (116).

In one embodiment, the recorded sequence of events is recorded in and stored in external devices. The external device may be the display device. In another embodiment, the external device may be a storage unit. In one embodiment, the recording module (118) is communicated with the repository (120). The communication may occur by one or more terrestrial and/or satellite networks interconnected to communicatively connect the external device. In one example, the communication may be conducted over a private or public local area network (LAN) or Wide Area Network (WAN), such as the Internet. In another embodiment, the communication may be conducted over include both wired and wireless communications according to one or more standards and/or via one or more transport mediums. In one example, the communication may be carried by wireless communications or Bluetooth specification sets, or another standard or proprietary wireless communication protocol.

FIG. 2 is a top view of the protective collapsible shield in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. In one embodiment the plurality of chords (104) collectively forms a circular shape. In one embodiment, the diameter of the circular protective collapsible shield (100) ranges between 600 mm to 900 mm. However, the present disclosure is not limited to the said measurements of the diameter of the protective collapsible shield. In one embodiment, the inner diameter of the protective collapsible shield (100) is 32 mm. The camera (112) is positioned at the inner diameter of the protective collapsible shield (100).

The protective collapsible shield operates in two conditions as mentioned below:

1. Closed and inoperative condition: A force is applied on one of the chords by the motor unit (126) automatically. As a result, the chord is pushed downwards into a subsequent chord to establish an interlocking arrangement. The closed condition position of the plurality of chords (104) creates a stack on the axis of the shaft (110).

2. Opened and operative condition: A force is applied on one of the chords positioned on the top of the stack thereby opening the subsequent chords in succession.

In one embodiment, the protective collapsible shield (100) is composed of a predefined opaque material, wherein the predefined material comprises a metal that is adapted to protect the user from unknown attacks. In another embodiment, the protective collapsible shield when in closed and inoperative condition fits into a protective cover (122). In such an embodiment, the protective collapsible shield (100) is wearable on at least one of on arms of the user and in wearables like vests and jackets. Further, in one embodiment, the protective collapsible shield includes a motor (124) positioned behind the camera (112), wherein the motor provides automatic operation of the protective collapsible shield (100). In one embodiment, the protective collapsible shield (100) is used in ballistic situations. The ballistics purpose served by the protective collapsible shield (100) worn by the user, is to stop or deflect the attack of weapons at the user. The ballistic purpose of the shield (100) is served by constructing the shield using a ballistic-resistant material and protecting users against small arms fire, fragmentation threats, and the like.

Referring to FIG. 3a, FIG. 3b, FIG. 3c and FIG. 3d different views of the plurality of chords (104) are illustrated. In FIG. 3a and FIG. 3b the sectional view and front view of the single chord are depicted respectively. In these views, the camera (112) is positioned at the centre of the front view of the chord. In FIG. 3c and FIG. 3d the sectional and front views of the plurality of the chords (104) are illustrated respectively. FIG. 3d illustrates the front view of the plurality chords (104) in an inoperative position and stacked together.

Referring to FIG. 4a, FIG. 4b, and FIG. 4c top views of the single chord are illustrated. In one embodiment, the chord is in a shape such that the chord is configured with an outer diameter of 318.16 mm and an inner diameter of 20.8 mm. FIG 4c illustrates the top view of the plurality of chords (104) with a protective cover (122). The protective cover (122) is adapted to enclose the protective collapsible shield (100) during the closed and inoperative condition.

Referring to FIG. 5a and FIG. 5b the length of arc and the cutting length of the arc is depicted in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. The chord is cut by taking an extra outer diameter to accommodate the bending of the chord. In one embodiment, the extra outer diameter is 332.56 mm, and the inner diameter is 20.8 mm. Referring to FIG. 6a and FIG. 6b, consecutive chords are connected to each other. In other words, one chord is attached to another chord. When one side of a chord moves in a downward direction then another side of the chord moves in an upward direction simultaneously. The curved portion of one chord interlocks with the second curved portion thereby establishing the interlocking mechanism

FIG. 7 is a block diagram of a computer or a server (300) for the device (100) for monitoring and prognosis of health in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. The server includes a processor(s) (302), and memory (306) operatively coupled to the bus (304).

The processor(s) (302), as used herein, means any type of computational circuit, such as, but not limited to, a microprocessor, a microcontroller, a complex instruction set computing microprocessor, a reduced instruction set computing microprocessor, a very long instruction word microprocessor, an explicitly parallel instruction computing microprocessor, a digital signal processor, or any other type of processing circuit, or a combination thereof.

The memory (306) includes a plurality of subsystems and a plurality of modules stored in the form of an executable program which instructs the processor 302 to perform the method steps illustrated in FIG. 1. The memory (306) is substantially similar to the device (100) of FIG.l. The memory (306) has the following submodules: a recording module (118), and a repository (120).

The recording module (118) is operatively coupled to the camera (112) and configured to record the sequence of events that occur in the field. The recorded events are stored and saved in the user device. In situations of a calamity to public and public property, the recorded events are used as a reference for the investigation. The repository (120) is operatively coupled with the server (116). The repository (120) is configured to store the recorded sequence of events. The repository (120) may be located in the internal memory of the external device or located on the server (116). Computer memory elements may include any suitable memory device(s) for storing data and executable program, such as read only memory, random access memory, erasable programmable read only memory, electrically erasable programmable read only memory, hard drive, removable media drive for handling memory cards and the like. Embodiments of the present subject matter may be implemented in conjunction with program modules, including functions, procedures, data structures, and application programs, for performing tasks, or defining abstract data types or low-level hardware contexts. Executable program stored on any of the above-mentioned storage media may be executable by the processor(s) 302.

FIG. 8 is a flow chart representing steps involved in a method (200) of operation of a protective collapsible shield (100) in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. The method (200) positioning, a plurality of chords of a collapsible housing, equidistant from each other, wherein the plurality of chords is interconnected with each other and is assembled to form the surface in (202). The method also includes forming, by the plurality of chords, a circular shape. The method also includes rotating and collapsing by the plurality of chords of collapsible housing. The method also includes rotating, in a closed and inoperative condition wherein a force is applied on one of the chords by the motor unit (126) automatically thereby pushing the one of the chords downwards direction into a subsequent chord to establish an interlocking arrangement, wherein the closed condition positions the plurality of chords one on top of the other thereby creating a stack on the axis of the shaft. The method also includes collapsing, in an opened and operative condition wherein a force is applied on one of the chords positioned on the top of the stack thereby opening the subsequent chords in succession.

In one embodiment, the closing and opening of the protective collapsible shield may be performed manually by the user.

Further, the method (200) includes allowing, by a shaft, the plurality of chords to form a stack on the axis of the shaft in step (204). Furthermore, the method (200) includes capturing, by a camera, a sequence of events and movements that occur in a surrounding field, wherein the camera is positioned at the aperture of the shaft in step (206). The method also includes automating, by a motor position behind the camera.

The method (200) also includes automating, by a motor unit, the operation of the collapsible housing in step (208).

Furthermore, the method (200) includes recording, by a recording module of a processing subsystem, the sequence of events that occur in the field in step (210).

Furthermore, the method (200) includes storing, by a repository of the processing subsystem, the recorded sequence of events in step (212).

Various embodiments of the present disclosure enable protecting security forces such as soldiers, police officers, national defence, and the like. The protective collapsible shield disclosed in the present disclosure is easy to carry because the protective collapsible shield is collapsible. The protective collapsible shield provides a recording of events happening on the field and stores the recording. The stored recording is used for further official use and legal action in case of any damage to people or public property. The protective collapsible shield in the present disclosure operates automatically.

It must be noted that although the aforementioned discussion describes the protective collapsible shield used in a riot situation, the implementation of the protective collapsible shield is not limited to the said riot situation and may be applicable to several other situations, for instance, but not limited to a fire situation or a ballistic situation. The ballistics purpose served by the shield (100) worn by the user, is to stop or deflect the attack of weapons at the user. The ballistic purpose of the shield is served by constructing the shield using a ballistic -resistant material and protecting users against small arms fire, fragmentation threats, and the like. The shield (100) may be used by law enforcement personnel during tactical operations where officers have little or no cover. In a scenario of the ballistic situation, the protective collapsible shield comprises a lightweight material, for instance, titanium. The light weight of the shield helps the user to use it as a mobility operator, who serves passengers, local authorities, and the like. The protective shield disclosed in the disclosure also acts as a Kevlar shield, which is a lightweight, portable, and compact shield. But unlike the Kevlar shield, the protective shield is a wearable shield and easy to use.

Further, it must be noted that although the aforementioned discussion describes the protective collapsible shield as a circular shape, it must not limit the scope of the present disclosure. The protective collapsible shield may be constructed in any suitable shape, for example but not limited to, a square shape and a triangular shape.

While specific language has been used to describe the disclosure, any limitations arising on account of the same are not intended. As would be apparent to a person skilled in the art, various working modifications may be made to the method in order to implement the inventive concept as taught herein.

The figures and the foregoing description give examples of embodiments. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that one or more of the described elements may well be combined into a single functional element. Alternatively, certain elements may be split into multiple functional elements. Elements from one embodiment may be added to another embodiment. For example, the order of processes described herein may be changed and are not limited to the manner described herein. Moreover, the actions of any flow diagram need not be implemented in the order shown; nor do all of the acts need to be necessarily performed. Also, those acts that are not dependent on other acts may be performed in parallel with the other acts. The scope of embodiments is by no means limited by these specific examples.