TECHNICAL FIELD

The invention relates to a carrying apparatus which enables users in civil and military fields to carry the load they carry in a more balanced way and for a longer time.

The invention particularly relates to a carrying apparatus which comprises a shield connection kit which enables the shield to be connected and to move in the vertical direction, and the system to become kinematically suitable to the sitting position when the user is bent; a movement mechanism which enables the shield to rotate to the right and left; a vest connection and angle adjustment mechanism which enables the shield to be connected to a carrier vest and enables the angle of the shield to be adjusted in the vertical direction; and the carrier vest with the ballistic protective property which enables the system to be connected to the user.

STATE OF THE ART

In the military field, there are solutions developed to enable users to carry their longbarrelled weapons or shields more comfortably. These solutions have advantages and disadvantages over each other. In the field of cinema, there are multiple solutions offered to users as camera carrying equipment. In the cinema industry, the primary aim is to reduce vibrations caused by the movement of the camera operator, to extend the operator's camera carrying time and to provide a more ergonomic use. The aim of the solutions developed for carrying weapons or shields in the military field is to reduce the load on the arms of the military personnel, to enable them to free their hands, to extend their load-carrying time, and to provide an ergonomic use. The primary aim of these systems, which are mostly used as camera-carrying equipment in the cinema sector, is to carry the equipment in a balanced way so that it is not affected by vibrations.

In the state of the art, when the load is rotated to the full right or full left, it causes the load to open too far forward and creates a feeling of discomfort considering the point where the load is attached to the body in the systems used as camera carrying equipment and comprising parallel carrier arms and springs.

The apparatus used in the state of the art prevents the user from bending down.

In the state of the art, when the user does not support the shield with their hands, their body is an open target. The shield is angled forward.

The apparatus used in the state of the art cannot be quickly disassembled and assembled.

In the state of the art, solutions that extend forward over the user's head make it difficult for the user to pass through doors or similar areas with low heights. In addition, the user cannot fully cover themselves in these systems. There is a possibility of damage to the system in case of a possible shot by the user. Since the system carrying the load in these systems is positioned on the back of the user, it creates an obstacle to the loads that the personnel carry on their backs, such as backpacks.

In the state of the art, the invention US5435515A relates to a system for the carrying of various equipment. For the footage taken in the cinema industry to be clear and high quality, the camera must be as stable (not affected by vibrations) as possible. This system, which makes it easy for camera operators to keep the camera stable while shooting, comprises springs with adjustable tension, rollers, and supporting parallel carrying arms. Thanks to the system attached to the body, users carry the camera with their bodies instead of their hands. They only use their hands to direct the camera up and down, right and left. The difference between the invention and similar equipment is that the system can provide the adjusted lifting force stably throughout its mobility; in short, it has an iso-elastic structure. Due to this property, the transmission of user- induced vibrations and oscillations to the camera is minimised.

In the state of the art, there is also an application 2018/14978 for carrying equipment without iso-elastic properties. This system only comprised a spring and parallel arms and was developed to carry the camera stably and ergonomically. Depending on the weight of the equipment to be carried, the tension of the spring and the lifting force it will create can be adjusted between certain limits. Essentially, this system comprises parallel carrying arms and a spring.

In the state of the art, the patent with the registration number 2018/14978 states that "The invention relates to a tactical shield carrying apparatus that is attached to the steel vest or human body, which facilitates the carrying of the tactical shield used by the security forces during the combat in the open field". Considering the position and mobility of the carrying arms mentioned in the patent, it is seen that they are far from ergonomic comfort. Since the system is not connected to the centre point of the body, the shield cannot move even when it is attempted to rotate to the right or left; and this situation creates ergonomic problems when the path to be followed when the shield is rotated to the right or left is taken into consideration. Another disadvantage of the system is that considering the centre of gravity of the shield used and the point where the mechanism is connected to it, the shield tilts forward when not supported by hand. The forward tilt of the shield causes the centre of gravity to move away from the body, thus increasing the moment value acting on the body and increasing the feeling of discomfort in the user. Another disadvantage of the system is that it does not have a quick-release system when the type of mounting of the shield to the mechanism is evaluated. The user must lift the shield by hand in order to detach the mechanism from the shield. Since the main priority in parallel carrying arms and spring-supported systems preferred as camera carrying equipment is using the camera stably and due to the disadvantages mentioned above, it is not a suitable system for carrying shields.

In the state of the art, the utility model application numbered 2020/20568 and named "MULTI-PURPOSE CARRYING APPARATUS" was developed for use in the military field to carry shields or weapons. In the relevant document, it is stated that it is a product that enables the weight of the load that the user wears on his body and wants to carry to be spread over the body by attaching the load on, and the attached load to be carried together with the body support. The system comprises a carrying rope, horn, back, and a carrying vest that enables the user to wear it on the upper torso. Considering the geometry and the centre of gravity of the shield that can be carried in the relevant system, and the points where the shield is connected to the system, it is not possible to provide effective cover to the user without supporting the shield. It does not enable the weight of the shield, which is desired to be carried in the field of combat, can leave the hands free by spreading over the torso area of the body. Even if the user does not have to carry the shield with their hand, they have to support the shield with their hand. Depending on the threat levels encountered, the weights of ballistic shields increase. For shields weighing 14 kg or more, it is not possible to use this system. The horn extending forward from the top of the user's head makes it difficult for the user to carry the shield in places with low heights. Since the equipment used in the system to help carry the shield, such as pistons and bearing rollers, is placed on the back, it creates an obstacle to the loads that the user needs to carry on the back, such as a backpack. In the present invention, the above-mentioned disadvantages are eliminated.

As a result, for the solution of the above-mentioned problems of the state of the art, the need for a new economical, convenient, and practical carrying apparatus and the inadequacy of the existing solutions have made it necessary to make a development in the relevant technical field. THE AIM OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a carrying apparatus for carrying shields with ballistic protective properties, which are used to provide ballistic protection for personnel under military operations and conditions of combat, and which are developed to eliminate the above-mentioned disadvantages and to bring new advantages to the relevant technical field.

The most important aim of the invention is that the user has the opportunity to be freed from the shield and the mechanism separately.

Another important aim of the invention is that it does not block the user from accessing equipment such as radios, flashlights, and magazines on the ballistic vest, which can be used during the operation.

Another important aim of the invention is that, since no parts of the invention are integrated into their back area, the user can carry the loads that they need to carry on their back, such as a backpack.

Another important aim of the invention is that the user can move the shield symmetrically to the right and left without discomfort.

Another important aim of the invention is to enable the user to perform bending and lifting movements comfortably with the load carried.

Another important aim of the invention is to enable the user to increase or decrease the angle of the load (shield) to the body by using the angle adjustment interface.

Another important aim of the invention is that the shield carrier kit can be attached to the shield without using bolts. Another important aim of the invention is to enable the user to continue the operation with the vest with ballistic protective properties, even if the user is freed from the shield and the shield movement mechanism.

The structural and characteristic properties and all advantages of the invention will be more clearly understood with the figures given below and the detailed description written with reference to these figures and therefore, the assessment should also be made by taking these figures and the detailed description into account.

FIGURES TO ASSIST UNDERSTANDING THE INVENTION

FIGURE 1 is the drawing showing the carrying apparatus that is the subject of the invention.

FIGURE 2 is the drawing showing the carrying apparatus that is the subject of the invention from above.

FIGURE 3 is the drawing showing the main elements of the carrying apparatus that is the subject of the invention.

FIGURE 4 is the drawing showing the main elements of the carrying apparatus that is the subject of the invention from above.

FIGURE 5 is the drawing showing the main elements of the carrying apparatus that is the subject of the invention.

FIGURE 6 is the drawing showing the movement mechanism of the carrying apparatus that is the subject of the invention.

FIGURE 7 is the drawing showing the limiter of the carrying apparatus that is the subject of the invention. FIGURE 8 is the drawing showing the shield connection kit of the carrying apparatus that is the subject of the invention from above.

FIGURE 9 is the drawing showing the carrier vest of the carrying apparatus that is the subject of the invention.

FIGURE 10 is the drawing showing the carrier vest of the carrying apparatus that is the subject of the invention.

FIGURE 11 is the drawing showing the detail of the carrier vest of the carrying apparatus that is the subject of the invention.

FIGURE 12 is the drawing showing the angle adjustment bolt and pin of the carrying apparatus that is the subject of the invention.

REFERENCE NUMBERS

100. Shield Connection Kit

110. Connection Kit Cover

120. Bearing

130. Compression Spring

140. Cover

150. Vertical Movement Piece

160. Bearing Shaft

170. Connection Piece

171. Limiter 180. Housing

200. Movement Mechanism

210. Vest Connection Piece

211. Slot 220. Movement Arms

230. Mechanism Bearing Shaft

240. Bearing Bush

250. Mechanism Connection Piece

251. Contact Surface 260. Release Shaft

300. Vest Connection and Angle Adjustment Mechanism

310. Connection Interface

320. Angle Adjustment Interface

330. Conical Bearing Piece 340. Bolt

350. Pin

360. Connection Pin

400. Carrier Vest

410. Back Piece 420. Shoulder Connection

430. Waist Connection

440. Front Piece

450. Support Piece

460. Height Adjustment Piece

470. Waist Support Piece

480. Connection Holes

490. Height Adjustment Holes

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The carrying apparatus that is the subject of the invention comprises a shield connection kit (100), movement mechanism (200), vest connection and angle adjustment mechanism (300), and carrier vest (400).

Figures 1 - 12 show the carrying apparatus that is the subject of the invention and its details. In the invention, the shield connection kit (100) is used to connect to the shield at one end and to the movement mechanism (200) at the other end, to form a connection interface between the shield and the movement mechanism (200), to enable the shield to move in the vertical direction and to ensure that the system becomes kinematically suitable for a sitting position when the user bends. Thanks to the compression springs (130) inside, the shield connection kit (100) is used to minimise the reaction forces to be transmitted to the user due to the acceleration of the shield, which will be in free oscillation in the movements of the user such as walking and running. The shield connection kit (100) is connected to the movement mechanism (200) with the connection piece (170) and to the shield with the housing (180). At the same time, the housing (180) holds together the bearing (120), the compression spring (130), the cover (140), the vertical movement piece (150), the bearing shaft (160), and the connection piece (170); and these elements are covered by the connection kit cover (110). The vertical movement piece (150) moves up and down on the bearing shafts (160), which are connected to the housing (180) by forming a bearing with bearings (120) preferably at the upper and lower parts. Wherein, thanks to the vertical movement piece (150), the shield moves vertically. The covers (140), preferably located at the top and bottom of the vertical movement piece (150), protect the bearing elements in the vertical movement piece (150) and prevent them from being displaced. These covers (140) are preferably made from metal. The compression spring (130) on the bearing shafts (160) provides comfortable usage by absorbing the oscillations of the shield during user movement. The vertical movement piece (150) moving on the bearing shafts (160) can be used with ball-bearing elements or bushes with a self-lubricating design. Depending on the weight of the product to be carried and its centre of gravity position, the length of the bearing shafts (160) and their distance from each other can be varied to facilitate smooth movement of the vertical movement piece.

The movement mechanism (200) enables the shield to be moved forwards and backwards left and right by connecting at one end to the shield connection kit (100) and at the other end to the vest connection and angle interface (300). The connection piece (170) and the mechanism connection piece (250) can rotate around each other by means of the release shaft (260). In this way, if the user pulls the shield to themselves, they can rest their head on the head resting sponge on the shield thanks to the rotation movement around the release shaft (260). When the shield is released, the limiter (171) on the connection piece (170) limits the rotational movement of the shield around the release shaft (260) and prevents it from tilting forwards, by touching the surface (251) on the mechanism connection piece (250). This also allows the user to quickly free themselves from the shield by pulling the release shaft (260). When the system is free, the angle of the shield in the vertical direction varies for users with different body sizes. With the movement arms (220), the movement mechanism can be easily moved in the desired direction, and the shield can be pulled to the desired position (right-left). The bearing shafts (230), which serve as support by bearing the movement arms (220) and allowing them to rotate freely around them, also connect the movement arms (220) to the vest attachment piece (210) and the mechanism connection piece (250). The bearing bush (240) used here enables the movement arms (220) to rotate freely on each other under load. Depending on the desired movement sensitivity, the bearing process can be performed with ball bearings that can carry axial and radial loads in the system.

The vest connection and angle adjustment mechanism (300) is connected to the movement mechanism (200) at one end and to the carrier vest (400) at the other end. The vest connection and angle adjustment mechanism (300) enables the user to use the shield at the desired angle in the vertical direction and to quickly disassemble and assemble the movement mechanism (200). Wherein, the connection interface (310) enables the connection of the movement mechanism (200) to the carrier vest (400) and forms a bearing the angle adjustment interface (320) and the conical bearing piece (330). The angle adjustment interface (320) between the connection interface (310) and the conical bearing piece (330) enables the movement mechanism (200) to be used at the angle desired by the user. Wherein, along with pulling the movement mechanism (200) upwards after the shield has been disassembled from the invention, the conical bearing piece (330) comes out of the slot (211), thus enabling the movement mechanism (200) to be easily disassembled from the ballistic vest and also assembled to the ballistic vest. When the shield is inserted into the slot (211), there are no problems such as dislocation or falling out, thanks to the inclined surface of the conical bearing piece (330). In the vest connection and angle adjustment mechanism (300), the bolt (340) connected to the angle adjustment interface (320) is adjusted to allow the movement mechanism (200) and, thus, the shield to be used at the desired angle. Besides, the angle can be adjusted with the pin (350) connected to the connection interface (310). Wherein, the connection interface (310) enables angle adjustment by rotating around the connection pin (360) which connects it to the angle adjustment interface (320).

The carrier vest (400), which comprises the necessary parts to distribute the load evenly over the body, is used for easy to put on and take off thanks to its touch and close fasteners. The front piece (440) and the back piece (410) of the carrier vest (400) cover the body of the user by means of the shoulder connection (420) and the waist connection (430), preferably of touch and close design, provided on the carrier vest (400). Soft and plates with ballistic protective properties are positioned on the front piece (440) and the back piece (410) of the carrier vest (400). The carrier vest (400) provides a comfortable carrying experience by distributing the weight of the load to be carried to the body. The deformations that may occur on the vest due to the effect of the weight of the load, shrinkage and tears on the fabric are prevented thanks to the support piece (450), height adjustment piece (460), and waist support piece (470). The bends on these elements contribute to a more robust structure by providing extra strength to the pieces. In the carrier vest (400), the support piece (450), the height adjustment piece (460), and the waist support piece (470) are fixed by sewing to the fabric of the carrier vest (400). The height adjustment piece (460) is adjusted according to the size (Medium, Large, X-Large) of the vest to be produced. Thanks to the height adjustment holes (490), the support piece (450) and the height adjustment piece (460) can be fixed to each other by means of bolted and riveted connections. Wherein, the support piece (450), preferably made of metal, distributes the carried load to the user's body. The height adjustment piece (460), to which the connection holes (480) and the connection interface (310) are connected, enables the height of the shield to be adjusted according to the user's body and ensures that the load is distributed over the body. The height adjustment piece (460) and the waist support piece (470) can be fixed to each other using bolts or rivets through the mounting holes on them. The back piece (410) and the front piece (440) are connected to each other by means of a shoulder connection (420) and a waist connection (430), preferably of touch and close design. The areas where the waist support piece (470) on the front piece (440) touches the body are supported with sponges, providing a more comfortable use.

The scope of protection of this application has been determined in the claims section and cannot be limited to what is explained above definitely for exemplary purposes. It is clear that a person skilled in the art can demonstrate the innovation set forth in the invention by using similar embodiments and/or can apply this embodiment to other similar purposes used in the related art. Therefore, it is obvious that such constructions will lack the criteria of innovation and especially go beyond the state of the art.