US20190154405A1

US20190154405A1 - Interchangeable bullet proof panels

Info

Publication number: US20190154405A1
Application number: US16/194,757
Authority: US
Inventors: Lana Griffin Burnau; Joan Goetz
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2017-11-17
Filing date: 2018-11-19
Publication date: 2019-05-23

Abstract

A bullet proof accessory including a case. The case includes at least a first section and a second section. The first section has a first pouch and a first case connector. The second section is coupled to the first section by a fabric so that an inner surface of the first section folds along the fabric onto an inner surface of the second section in a folded configuration. The second section includes a second pouch and a second case connector. A first case panel made of a bullet resistant material is disposed within the first pouch. A second case panel made of the bullet resistant material is disposed within the second pouch. The first case connector releasably secures to the second case connector to retain the case in the folded configuration.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims the benefit of priority of U.S. provisional application No. 62/587,804, filed Nov. 17, 2017, the contents of which are herein incorporated by reference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to bullet proof panels and, more particularly, to interchangeable ballistic panels that are carried in everyday bags.
A bulletproof vest, ballistic vest or bullet-resistant vest is an item of personal armor that helps absorb the impact from firearm-fired projectiles and shrapnel from explosions and is worn on the torso. Soft vests are made from many layers of woven or laminated fibers and can be capable of protecting the wearer from small caliber handgun and shotgun projectiles, and small fragments from explosives such as hand grenades. Metal or ceramic plates can be used with a soft vest, providing additional protection from rifle rounds, and metallic components or tightly woven fiber layers can give soft armor resistance to stab and slash attacks from knives and similar close-quarter weapons.
A mass shooting is an incident involving multiple participants of firearms-related violence. Mass shootings typically happen in areas where people are defenseless and do not have access to protective armor.
As can be seen, there is a need for interchangeable ballistic panels that are carried in everyday bags.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In one aspect of the present invention, a bullet proof accessory comprises: a bag comprising an outer surface, an inner surface defining an internal cavity, a shoulder strap, a bag connector, and at least one pocket; a first bag panel made of a bullet resistant material disposed within the at least one pocket; a case comprising at least a first section, a first pouch defined on the first section, and a first case connector; and a first case panel made of the bullet resistant material and disposed within the first pouch, wherein the case fits within the internal cavity of the bag in a stowed position, and the first case connector releasably secures to the bag connector in a deployed position so that the case is attached to and hanging below the bag.
In another aspect of the present invention, a bullet proof accessory comprises: a case comprising: a first section comprising a first pouch and a first case connector; and a second section coupled to the first section by a fabric so that an inner surface of the first section folds along the fabric onto an inner surface of the second section in a folded configuration, wherein the second section comprises a second pouch and a second case connector; a first case panel made of a bullet resistant material, the first case panel being disposed within the first pouch; and a second case panel made of the bullet resistant material, the second case panel being disposed within the second pouch, wherein the first case connector releasably secures to the second case connector to retain the case in the folded configuration.
These and other features, aspects and advantages of the present invention will become better understood with reference to the following drawings, description and claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a front and rear view of an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is an exploded view of an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 3 is a top view of an embodiment of the present invention in an opened configuration;

FIG. 4 is a front view of an embodiment of the present invention attached to a tote bag;

FIG. 5 is a front view of an embodiment of the present invention attached to a tote bag and illustrated being worn on a front side of a user; and

FIG. 6 is a front view of an embodiment of the present invention attached to a tote bag and illustrated being worn on a rear side of a user.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The following detailed description is of the best currently contemplated modes of carrying out exemplary embodiments of the invention. The description is not to be taken in a limiting sense, but is made merely for the purpose of illustrating the general principles of the invention, since the scope of the invention is best defined by the appended claims.
Referring to FIGS. 1 through 6, the present invention includes a bullet proof accessory 10. The bullet proof accessory 10 includes a case 12. The case 12 includes at least a first section 12 a. In some embodiments, the case 12 further includes a second section 12 b. The first section 12 a has a first pouch 18 a and a first case connector 14. The second section 12 b is coupled to the first section 12 a by a fabric so that an inner surface of the first section 12 a folds along the fabric onto an inner surface of the second section 12 b in a folded configuration. The second section 12 b includes a second pouch 18 b and a second case connector 14. A first case panel 20 made of a bullet resistant material is disposed within the first pouch 18 a. A second case panel 20 made of the bullet resistant material is disposed within the second pouch. The first case connector 14 releasably secures to the second case connector 14 to retain the case in the folded configuration.
The present invention may include a bag 24, such as a tote bag, a purse, or a backpack. The bag 24 includes an outer surface 26, an inner surface defining an internal cavity, a shoulder strap 28, a bag connector 14, and at least one pocket. A bag panel 20 made of a bullet resistant material is disposed within the at least one pocket. The first case connector 14 releasably secures to the bag connector 14 in a deployed position so that the case 10 is attached to and hanging below the bag 24, as illustrated in FIGS. 4 through 6.
The bullet resistant material of the present invention may be tightly woven fabric, a metal or ceramic plate, or a combination thereof. In certain embodiments, the outer surface of the case 10 or the bag 24 may be made of a tightly woven fabric and a bullet resistant plate may be secured within the pouches and pocket.
In certain embodiments, the bag connector 14 is a bag snap button coupled to a bag strap extending from a closure of the bag 24. The first case connector 14 is a first case snap button coupled to an outer surface of the first section 12 a. The second case connector 14 is a second case snap button coupled to a case strap extending from the outer surface of the second section 12 b. The connectors 14 are not limited to snap buttons, and may include, but are not limited to, buckles, ties, hook and loop fasteners, magnets, clips, clamps, and the like.
The case 12 may be used as a folder and may store either devices, notebooks, or other items. For example, the case 12 may include a retaining flap 15 coupled to the inner surface of the second section 12 b. A user 30 may store personal items in the retaining flap 15, close the case 12, and connect the first and second case connectors 14 together. The user 30 may then store the case 10 in their bag 24.
The case 12 of the present invention may further include straps for additional grasping and positioning. For example, a looped strap 16 may be coupled to an outer surface of the second section allowing a user 30 to grab the case 12 and use it as a shield. Additionally, a pair of looped side straps 32 extend from opposing sides of the second section 12 b. The pair of looped side straps 32 allows the user to support the case 12 in an elevate position.
The case 12 of the present invention may be carried around in the bag 24 when in a stowed position and not in use. If there happens to be a shooting, the user 30 may remove the case 12 and use the case 12 as a shield. The user 30 may also unfold that case 12 and connect the connector 14 of the case 12 to the connector 14 of the bag 24 and let the case 12 hang down in a deployed position. The user may then place the shoulder strap 28 around their neck and position the panels 20 on either the front of the body or the rear of the body and have full body protection. The user 30 may also be on the run. In such situations, the user 30 may grasp the side straps 32 and hang the present invention on their back.
It should be understood, of course, that the foregoing relates to exemplary embodiments of the invention and that modifications may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as set forth in the following claims.

Claims

What is claimed is:

1. A bullet proof accessory comprising:

a bag comprising an outer surface, an inner surface defining an internal cavity, a shoulder strap, a bag connector, and at least one pocket;

a first bag panel made of a bullet resistant material disposed within the at least one pocket;

a case comprising at least a first section, a first pouch defined on the first section, and a first case connector; and

a first case panel made of the bullet resistant material and disposed within the first pouch, wherein

the case fits within the internal cavity of the bag in a stowed position, and

the first case connector releasably secures to the bag connector in a deployed position so that the case is attached to and hanging below the bag.

2. The bullet proof accessory of claim 1, wherein the case comprises the first section and a second section coupled together by a fabric so that an inner surface of the first section folds onto an inner surface of the second section in a folded configuration, wherein the second section comprises a second pouch and a second case panel made of the bullet resistant material is disposed within the second pouch.

3. The bullet proof accessory of claim 2, wherein the first section comprises the first case connector and the second section comprises a second case connector capable of releasably securing to the first case connector to retain the case in the folded configuration.

4. The bullet proof accessory of claim 3, further comprising a looped strap coupled to an outer surface of the second section.

5. The bullet proof accessory of claim 3, wherein the bag connector is a bag snap button coupled to a bag strap extending from a closure of the bag, the first case connector is a first case snap button coupled to an outer surface of the first section, and the second case connector is a second case snap button coupled to a case strap extending from the outer surface of the second section.

6. The bullet proof accessory of claim 2, further comprising a retaining flap coupled to the inner surface of the second section.

7. The bullet proof accessory of claim 2, further comprising a pair of looped side straps extending from opposing sides of the second section.

8. A bullet proof accessory comprising:

a case comprising:

a first section comprising a first pouch and a first case connector; and

a second section coupled to the first section by a fabric so that an inner surface of the first section folds along the fabric onto an inner surface of the second section in a folded configuration, wherein the second section comprises a second pouch and a second case connector;

a first case panel made of a bullet resistant material, the first case panel being disposed within the first pouch; and

a second case panel made of the bullet resistant material, the second case panel being disposed within the second pouch, wherein

the first case connector releasably secures to the second case connector to retain the case in the folded configuration.

9. The bullet proof accessory of claim 8, further comprising a looped strap coupled to an outer surface of the second section.

10. The bullet proof accessory of claim 8, wherein the first case connector is a first snap button coupled to an outer surface of the first section and the second case connector is a second snap button coupled to a case strap extending from the outer surface of the second section.

11. The bullet proof accessory of claim 8, further comprising a retaining flap coupled to the inner surface of the second section.

12. The bullet proof accessory of claim 8, further comprising a pair of looped side straps extending from opposing sides of the second section.