Releasably Engagable System Of Ballistic-Resistant Panels

Abstract

Disclosed herein are embodiments of a releasably engagable system of ballistic-resistant panels including a first ballistic-resistant panel having opposing first ballistic-resistant panel front and back surfaces and a second ballistic-resistant panel having opposing second ballistic-resistant panel front and back surfaces. Additionally, the embodiments of the releasably engagable systems of ballistic-resistant panels include at least one of fasteners, an adhesive coating, or a securement element, all of which function to releasably engage the second ballistic-resistant panel front surface with the first ballistic-resistant panel back surface in fixed adjacent relation to provide releasably engaged ballistic-resistant panels. Further, disclosed herein are embodiments of a ballistic-resistant garment configured to receive an embodiment of the releasably engaged ballistic-resistant panels.

We claim: 
     
         1 . A releasably engagable system of ballistic-resistant panels comprising:
 a first ballistic-resistant panel having opposing first ballistic-resistant panel front and back surfaces;   a second ballistic-resistant panel having opposing second ballistic-resistant panel front and back surfaces;   a first fastener coupled to said first ballistic-resistant panel; and   a second fastener coupled to said second ballistic-resistant panel, said second fastener configured to releasably engage with said first fastener to fasten said second ballistic-resistant panel front surface to said first ballistic-resistant panel back surface in fixed adjacent relation to provide releasably engaged ballistic-resistant panels.   
     
     
         2 . The releasably engagable system of ballistic-resistant panels of  claim 1 , wherein said releasably engaged ballistic-resistant panels afford greater protection against ballistic threats than said first ballistic-resistant panel or said second ballistic-resistant panel provides individually. 
     
     
         3 . The releasably engagable system of ballistic-resistant panels of  claim 1 , wherein each of said first and second ballistic-resistant panels are formed from a plurality of anti-ballistic sheets. 
     
     
         4 . The releasably engagable system of ballistic-resistant panels of  claim 3 , wherein each said anti-ballistic sheet comprises a plurality of fibers bonded by a resin. 
     
     
         5 . The releasably engagable system of ballistic-resistant panels of  claim 1 , wherein said first fastener is coupled to said first ballistic-resistant panel back surface and said second fastener is coupled to said second ballistic-resistant panel front surface. 
     
     
         6 . The releasably engagable system of ballistic-resistant panels of  claim 5 , further comprising a plurality of said first fasteners coupled to said first ballistic-resistant panel back surface and a plurality of said second fasteners coupled to said second ballistic-resistant panel front surface. 
     
     
         7 . The releasably engagable system of ballistic-resistant panels of  claim 6 , wherein said first fasteners are coupled to said first ballistic-resistant panel back surface in spaced apart relation proximate a first ballistic-resistant panel perimeter, and said second fasteners are coupled to said second ballistic-resistant panel front surface in spaced apart relation proximate a second ballistic-resistant panel perimeter. 
     
     
         8 . The releasably engagable system of ballistic-resistant panels of  claim 7 , wherein a first ballistic-resistant panel inner portion and a second ballistic-resistant panel inner portion are void of corresponding said first and second fasteners. 
     
     
         9 . The releasably engagable system of ballistic-resistant panels of  claim 8 , wherein at least one of said first fasteners is coupled proximate each of an upper right portion, an upper left portion, a lower right portion, and a lower left portion of said first ballistic-resistant panel back surface and at least one of said second fasteners is coupled proximate each of an upper right portion, an upper left portion, a lower right portion, and a lower left portion of said second ballistic-resistant panel front surface. 
     
     
         10 . The releasably engagable system of ballistic-resistant panels of  claim 1 , wherein at least a portion of at least one of said first or second fasteners outwardly extends from corresponding said first ballistic-resistant panel back surface or said second ballistic-resistant panel front surface; and
 wherein upon releasable engagement of said first and second fasteners, said first ballistic-resistant panel back surface and said second ballistic-resistant panel front surface dispose in spaced apart fixed adjacent relation.   
     
     
         11 . The releasably engagable system of ballistic-resistant panels of  claim 10 , wherein upon releasable engagement of said first and second fasteners, an air gap is created between said first ballistic-resistant panel back surface and said second ballistic-resistant panel front surface. 
     
     
         12 . The releasably engagable system of ballistic-resistant panels of  claim 1 , wherein said first and second fasteners are inset within corresponding said first and second ballistic-resistant panels such that said first and second fasteners do not outwardly extend from corresponding said first ballistic-resistant panel back surface and said second ballistic-resistant panel front surface;
 wherein upon releasable engagement of said first and second fasteners, said first ballistic-resistant panel back surface and said second ballistic-resistant panel front surface dispose in fixed adjacent relation such that said first ballistic-resistant panel back surface is in contact with said second ballistic-resistant panel front surface.   
     
     
         13 . The releasably engagable system of ballistic-resistant panels of  claim 1 , wherein said first and second fasteners comprises corresponding first and second magnets. 
     
     
         14 . The releasably engagable system of ballistic-resistant panels of  claim 13 , wherein said first and second magnets are inset within corresponding said first and second ballistic-resistant panels such that said first and second magnets do not outwardly extend from corresponding said first ballistic-resistant panel back surface and said second ballistic-resistant panel front surface;
 wherein upon releasable magnetic engagement of said first and second magnets, said first ballistic-resistant panel back surface and said second ballistic-resistant panel front surface dispose in fixed adjacent relation such that said first ballistic-resistant panel back surface is in contact with said second ballistic-resistant panel front surface.   
     
     
         15 . The releasably engagable system of ballistic-resistant panels of  claim 13 , wherein said first and second magnets comprise neodymium magnets. 
     
     
         16 . The releasably engagable system of ballistic-resistant panels of  claim 13 , wherein said first and second magnets generate an audible indicium upon releasable magnetic engagement to audibly alert a user that said first and second ballistic-resistant panels are releasably magnetically engaged to provide said releasably magnetically engaged ballistic-resistant panels. 
     
     
         17 . The releasably engagable system of ballistic-resistant panels of  claim 13 , wherein said first and second magnets are directional to allow fastening in a first configuration having a desirable orientation of said first and second ballistic-resistant panels and preclude fastening in a second configuration having an undesirable orientation of said first and second ballistic-resistant panels. 
     
     
         18 . The releasably engagable system of ballistic-resistant panels of  claim 1 , wherein each of said first and second fasteners comprises a component of a hook and loop fastening system. 
     
     
         19 . The releasably engagable system of ballistic-resistant panels of  claim 1 , wherein each of said first and second fasteners comprises a component of a post-and-socket fastening system. 
     
     
         20 . The releasably engagable system of ballistic-resistant panels of  claim 19 , further comprising:
 a post element coupled to said first ballistic-resistant panel; and   a socket element inset within said second ballistic-resistant panel;   wherein said socket element is configured to insertingly receive said post element for releasable frictional engagement to fasten said second ballistic-resistant panel front surface to said first ballistic-resistant panel back surface to provide said releasably engaged ballistic-resistant panels.   
     
     
         21 . The releasably engagable system of ballistic-resistant panels of  claim 19 , further comprising:
 a first socket element inset within said first ballistic-resistant panel;   a second socket element inset within said second ballistic-resistant panel; and   a post element separate from said first and second ballistic-resistant panels;   wherein said first and second socket elements are configured to insertingly receive an opposing end of said post element for releasable frictional engagement to fasten said second ballistic-resistant panel front surface to said first ballistic-resistant panel back surface to provide said releasably engaged ballistic-resistant panels.   
     
     
         22 . The releasably engagable system of ballistic-resistant panels of  claim 6 , wherein said plurality of said first fasteners are coupled to only said first ballistic-resistant panel back surface and said plurality of said second fasteners are coupled to only said second ballistic-resistant panel front surface. 
     
     
         23 . The releasably engagable system of ballistic-resistant panels of  claim 6 , wherein a portion of said plurality of said first fasteners are coupled to said first ballistic-resistant panel front surface, a portion of said plurality of said first fasteners are coupled to said first ballistic-resistant panel back surface, a portion of said plurality of said second fasteners are coupled to said second ballistic-resistant panel front surface, and a portion of said plurality of said second fasteners are coupled to said second ballistic-resistant panel back surface. 
     
     
         24 . The releasably engagable system of ballistic-resistant panels of  claim 23 , further comprising at least one additional ballistic-resistant panel capable of releasable engagement with said first ballistic-resistant panel or said second ballistic-resistant panel to provide said releasably engaged ballistic-resistant panels. 
     
     
         25 . A releasably engagable system of ballistic-resistant panels comprising:
 a first ballistic-resistant panel having opposing first ballistic-resistant panel front and back surfaces;   a second ballistic-resistant panel having opposing second ballistic-resistant panel front and back surfaces; and   an adhesive coating coupled to at least one of said first ballistic-resistant panel back surface or said second ballistic-resistant panel front surface;   wherein said adhesive coating functions to releasably engage said second ballistic-resistant panel front surface with said first ballistic-resistant panel back surface in fixed adjacent relation to provide releasably engaged ballistic-resistant panels.   
     
     
         26 . The releasably engagable system of ballistic-resistant panels of  claim 25 , further comprising at least one additional ballistic-resistant panel capable of releasable engagement with said first ballistic-resistant panel or said second ballistic-resistant panel to provide said releasably engaged ballistic-resistant panels. 
     
     
         27 . A releasably engagable system of ballistic-resistant panels comprising:
 a first ballistic-resistant panel having opposing first ballistic-resistant panel front and back surfaces;   a second ballistic-resistant panel having opposing second ballistic-resistant panel front and back surfaces; and   a securement element discrete from said first and second ballistic-resistant panels;   wherein said securement element is configured to releasably secure said second ballistic-resistant panel front surface to said first ballistic-resistant panel back surface in fixed adjacent relation to provide releasably engaged ballistic-resistant panels.   
     
     
         28 . The releasably engagable system of ballistic-resistant panels of  claim 27 , wherein said securement element comprises a channel or clamp. 
     
     
         29 . The releasably engagable system of ballistic-resistant panels of  claim 27 , wherein said securement element comprises a resiliently stretchable member. 
     
     
         30 . The releasably engagable system of ballistic-resistant panels of  claim 27 , further comprising at least one additional ballistic-resistant panel capable of releasable engagement with said first ballistic-resistant panel or said second ballistic-resistant panel to provide said releasably engaged ballistic-resistant panels. 
     
     
         31 . A ballistic-resistant garment comprising:
 a releasably engagable system of ballistic-resistant panels comprising:
 a first ballistic-resistant panel having opposing first ballistic-resistant panel front and back surfaces; 
 a second ballistic-resistant panel having opposing second ballistic-resistant panel front and back surfaces; 
 a first fastener coupled to said first ballistic-resistant panel; and 
 a second fastener coupled to said second ballistic-resistant panel, said second fastener configured to releasably engage with said first fastener to fasten said second ballistic-resistant panel front surface to said first ballistic-resistant panel back surface in fixed adjacent relation to provide releasably engaged ballistic-resistant panels; and 
   a garment having a pocket disposed therein, said pocket configured to receive said releasably engaged ballistic-resistant panels to provide said ballistic-resistant garment.   
     
     
         32 . The ballistic-resistant garment of  claim 31 , wherein said first and second ballistic-resistant panels are contoured. 
     
     
         33 . A ballistic-resistant garment comprising:
 a releasably engagable system of ballistic-resistant panels comprising:
 a first ballistic-resistant panel having opposing first ballistic-resistant panel front and back surfaces; 
 a second ballistic-resistant panel having opposing second ballistic-resistant panel front and back surfaces; and 
 an adhesive coating coupled to at least one of said first ballistic-resistant panel back surface or said second ballistic-resistant panel front surface; 
 wherein said adhesive coating functions to releasably engage said second ballistic-resistant panel front surface with said first ballistic-resistant panel back surface in fixed adjacent relation to provide releasably engaged ballistic-resistant panels; and 
   a garment having a pocket disposed therein, said pocket configured to receive said releasably engaged ballistic-resistant panels to provide said ballistic-resistant garment.   
     
     
         34 . The ballistic-resistant garment of  claim 33 , wherein said first and second ballistic-resistant panels are contoured. 
     
     
         35 . A ballistic-resistant garment comprising:
 a releasably engagable system of ballistic-resistant panels comprising:
 a first ballistic-resistant panel having opposing first ballistic-resistant panel front and back surfaces; 
 a second ballistic-resistant panel having opposing second ballistic-resistant panel front and back surfaces; and 
 a securement element discrete from said first and second ballistic-resistant panels; 
 wherein said securement element is configured to releasably secure said second ballistic-resistant panel front surface to said first ballistic-resistant panel back surface in fixed adjacent relation to provide releasably engaged ballistic-resistant panels; and 
   a garment having a pocket disposed therein, said pocket configured to receive said releasably engaged ballistic-resistant panels to provide said ballistic-resistant garment.   
     
     
         36 . The ballistic-resistant garment of  claim 35 , wherein said first and second ballistic-resistant panels are contoured. 
     
     
         37 . A method of making a releasably engagable system of ballistic-resistant panels, comprising:
 providing a first ballistic-resistant panel having opposing first ballistic-resistant panel front and back surfaces;   providing a second ballistic-resistant panel having opposing second ballistic-resistant panel front and back surfaces;   coupling a first fastener to said first ballistic-resistant panel; and   coupling a second fastener to said second ballistic-resistant panel, said second fastener configured to releasably engage with said first fastener to fasten said second ballistic-resistant panel front surface to said first ballistic-resistant panel back surface in fixed adjacent relation to provide releasably engaged ballistic-resistant panels.   
     
     
         38 . The method of  claim 37 , wherein said releasably engaged ballistic-resistant panels afford greater protection against ballistic threats than said first ballistic-resistant panel or said second ballistic-resistant panel provides individually. 
     
     
         39 . The method of  claim 37 , further comprising providing said first and second ballistic-resistant panels which are each formed from a plurality of anti-ballistic sheets. 
     
     
         40 . The method of  claim 39 , wherein each said anti-ballistic sheet comprises a plurality of fibers bonded by a resin. 
     
     
         41 . The method of  claim 37 , further comprising coupling said first fastener to said first ballistic-resistant panel back surface and coupling said second fastener to said second ballistic-resistant panel front surface. 
     
     
         42 . The method of  claim 41 , further comprising coupling a plurality of said first fasteners to said first ballistic-resistant panel back surface and coupling a plurality of said second fasteners to said second ballistic-resistant panel front surface. 
     
     
         43 . The method of  claim 42 , further comprising coupling said first fasteners to said first ballistic-resistant panel back surface in spaced apart relation proximate a first ballistic-resistant panel perimeter and coupling said second fasteners to said second ballistic-resistant panel front surface in spaced apart relation proximate a second ballistic-resistant panel perimeter. 
     
     
         44 . The method of  claim 43 , wherein a first ballistic-resistant panel inner portion and a second ballistic-resistant panel inner portion are void of corresponding said first and second fasteners. 
     
     
         45 . The method of  claim 44 , further comprising coupling at least one of said first fasteners proximate each of an upper right portion, an upper left portion, a lower right portion, and a lower left portion of said first ballistic-resistant panel back surface and coupling at least one of said second fasteners proximate each of an upper right portion, an upper left portion, a lower right portion, and a lower left portion of said second ballistic-resistant panel front surface. 
     
     
         46 . The method of  claim 37 , further comprising coupling said first and second fasteners to corresponding said first and second ballistic-resistant panels such that at least a portion of at least one of said first or second fasteners outwardly extends from corresponding said first ballistic-resistant panel back surface or said second ballistic-resistant panel front surface; and
 wherein upon releasable engagement of said first and second fasteners, said first ballistic-resistant panel back surface and said second ballistic-resistant panel front surface dispose in spaced apart fixed adjacent relation.   
     
     
         47 . The method of  claim 46 , wherein upon releasable engagement of said first and second fasteners, an air gap is created between said first ballistic-resistant panel back surface and said second ballistic-resistant panel front surface. 
     
     
         48 . The method of  claim 37 , further comprising insetting said first and second fasteners within corresponding said first and second ballistic-resistant panels such that said first and second fasteners do not outwardly extend from corresponding said first ballistic-resistant panel back surface and said second ballistic-resistant panel front surface;
 wherein upon releasable engagement of said first and second fasteners, said first ballistic-resistant panel back surface and said second ballistic-resistant panel front surface dispose in fixed adjacent relation such that said first ballistic-resistant panel back surface is in contact with said second ballistic-resistant panel front surface.   
     
     
         49 . The method of  claim 37 , further comprising configuring said first and second fasteners to comprise corresponding first and second magnets. 
     
     
         50 . The method of  claim 49 , further comprising insetting said first and second magnets within corresponding said first and second ballistic-resistant panels such that said first and second magnets do not outwardly extend from corresponding said first ballistic-resistant panel back surface and said second ballistic-resistant panel front surface;
 wherein upon releasable magnetic engagement of said first and second magnets, said first ballistic-resistant panel back surface and said second ballistic-resistant panel front surface dispose in fixed adjacent relation such that said first ballistic-resistant panel back surface is in contact with said second ballistic-resistant panel front surface.   
     
     
         51 . The method of  claim 49 , further comprising configuring said first and second magnets to comprise neodymium magnets. 
     
     
         52 . The method of  claim 49 , further comprising configuring said first and second magnets to generate an audible indicium upon releasable magnetic engagement to audibly alert a user that said first and second ballistic-resistant panels are releasably magnetically engaged to provide said releasably magnetically engaged ballistic-resistant panels. 
     
     
         53 . The method of  claim 49 , further comprising configuring said first and second magnets as directional to allow fastening in a first configuration having a desirable orientation of said first and second ballistic-resistant panels and preclude fastening in a second configuration having an undesirable orientation of said first and second ballistic-resistant panels. 
     
     
         54 . The method of  claim 37 , further comprising configuring each of said first and second fasteners to comprise a component of a hook and loop fastening system. 
     
     
         55 . The method of  claim 37 , further comprising configuring each of said first and second fasteners to comprise a component of a post-and-socket fastening system. 
     
     
         56 . The method of  claim 55 , further comprising:
 coupling a post element to said first ballistic-resistant panel; and   insetting a socket element within said second ballistic-resistant panel;   wherein said socket element is configured to insertingly receive said post element for releasable frictional engagement to fasten said second ballistic-resistant panel front surface to said first ballistic-resistant panel back surface to provide said releasably engaged ballistic-resistant panels.   
     
     
         57 . The method of  claim 55 , further comprising:
 insetting a first socket element within said first ballistic-resistant panel;   insetting a second socket element within said second ballistic-resistant panel; and   providing a post element separate from said first and second ballistic-resistant panels;   wherein said first and second socket elements are configured to insertingly receive an opposing end of said post element for releasable frictional engagement to fasten said second ballistic-resistant panel front surface to said first ballistic-resistant panel back surface to provide said releasably engaged ballistic-resistant panels.   
     
     
         58 . The method of  claim 42 , further comprising coupling said plurality of said first fasteners to only said first ballistic-resistant panel back surface and coupling said plurality of said second fasteners to only said second ballistic-resistant panel front surface. 
     
     
         59 . The method of  claim 42 , further comprising coupling a portion of said plurality of said first fasteners to said first ballistic-resistant panel front surface, coupling a portion of said plurality of said first fasteners to said first ballistic-resistant panel back surface, coupling a portion of said plurality of said second fasteners to said second ballistic-resistant panel front surface, and coupling a portion of said plurality of said second fasteners to said second ballistic-resistant panel back surface. 
     
     
         60 . The method of  claim 59 , further comprising providing at least one additional ballistic-resistant panel capable of releasable engagement with said first ballistic-resistant panel or said second ballistic-resistant panel to provide said releasably engaged ballistic-resistant panels. 
     
     
         61 . A method of making a releasably engagable system of ballistic-resistant panels, comprising:
 providing a first ballistic-resistant panel having opposing first ballistic-resistant panel front and back surfaces;   providing a second ballistic-resistant panel having opposing second ballistic-resistant panel front and back surfaces; and   coupling an adhesive coating to at least one of said first ballistic-resistant panel back surface or said second ballistic-resistant panel front surface;   wherein said adhesive coating functions to releasably engage said second ballistic-resistant panel front surface with said first ballistic-resistant panel back surface in fixed adjacent relation to provide releasably engaged ballistic-resistant panels.   
     
     
         62 . The method of  claim 61 , further comprising providing at least one additional ballistic-resistant panel capable of releasable engagement with said first ballistic-resistant panel or said second ballistic-resistant panel to provide said releasably engaged ballistic-resistant panels. 
     
     
         63 . A method of making a releasably engagable system of ballistic-resistant panels, comprising:
 providing a first ballistic-resistant panel having opposing first ballistic-resistant panel front and back surfaces;   providing a second ballistic-resistant panel having opposing second ballistic-resistant panel front and back surfaces; and   providing a securement element discrete from said first and second ballistic-resistant panels;   wherein said securement element is configured to releasably secure said second ballistic-resistant panel front surface to said first ballistic-resistant panel back surface in fixed adjacent relation to provide releasably engaged ballistic-resistant panels.   
     
     
         64 . The method of  claim 63 , further comprising configuring said securement element to comprise a channel or clamp. 
     
     
         65 . The method of  claim 63 , further comprising configuring said securement element to comprise a resiliently stretchable member. 
     
     
         66 . The method of  claim 63 , further comprising providing at least one additional ballistic-resistant panel capable of releasable engagement with said first ballistic-resistant panel or said second ballistic-resistant panel to provide said releasably engaged ballistic-resistant panels. 
     
     
         67 . A method of making a ballistic-resistant garment, comprising:
 providing a releasably engagable system of ballistic-resistant panels comprising:
 a first ballistic-resistant panel having opposing first ballistic-resistant panel front and back surfaces; 
 a second ballistic-resistant panel having opposing second ballistic-resistant panel front and back surfaces; 
 a first fastener coupled to said first ballistic-resistant panel; and 
 a second fastener coupled to said second ballistic-resistant panel, said second fastener configured to releasably engage with said first fastener to fasten said second ballistic-resistant panel front surface to said first ballistic-resistant panel back surface in fixed adjacent relation to provide releasably engaged ballistic-resistant panels; and 
   providing a garment having a pocket disposed therein, said pocket configured to receive said releasably engaged ballistic-resistant panels to provide said ballistic-resistant garment.   
     
     
         68 . The method of  claim 67 , wherein said first and second ballistic-resistant panels are contoured. 
     
     
         69 . A method of making a ballistic-resistant garment, comprising:
 providing a releasably engagable system of ballistic-resistant panels comprising:
 a first ballistic-resistant panel having opposing first ballistic-resistant panel front and back surfaces; 
 a second ballistic-resistant panel having opposing second ballistic-resistant panel front and back surfaces; and 
 an adhesive coating coupled to at least one of said first ballistic-resistant panel back surface or said second ballistic-resistant panel front surface; 
 wherein said adhesive coating functions to releasably engage said second ballistic-resistant panel front surface with said first ballistic-resistant panel back surface in fixed adjacent relation to provide releasably engaged ballistic-resistant panels; and 
   providing a garment having a pocket disposed therein, said pocket configured to receive said releasably engaged ballistic-resistant panels to provide said ballistic-resistant garment.   
     
     
         70 . The ballistic-resistant garment of  claim 69 , wherein said first and second ballistic-resistant panels are contoured. 
     
     
         71 . A method of making a ballistic-resistant garment, comprising:
 providing a releasably engagable system of ballistic-resistant panels comprising:
 a first ballistic-resistant panel having opposing first ballistic-resistant panel front and back surfaces; 
 a second ballistic-resistant panel having opposing second ballistic-resistant panel front and back surfaces; and 
 a securement element discrete from said first and second ballistic-resistant panels; 
 wherein said securement element is configured to releasably secure said second ballistic-resistant panel front surface to said first ballistic-resistant panel back surface in fixed adjacent relation to provide releasably engaged ballistic-resistant panels; and 
   providing a garment having a pocket disposed therein, said pocket configured to receive said releasably engaged ballistic-resistant panels to provide said ballistic-resistant garment.   
     
     
         72 . The ballistic-resistant garment of  claim 71 , wherein said first and second ballistic-resistant panels are contoured. 
     
     
         73 . A method of using a releasably engagable system of ballistic-resistant panels, comprising:
 obtaining said releasably engagable system of ballistic-resistant panels comprising:
 a first ballistic-resistant panel having opposing first ballistic-resistant panel front and back surfaces; 
 a second ballistic-resistant panel having opposing second ballistic-resistant panel front and back surfaces; 
 a first fastener coupled to said first ballistic-resistant panel; and 
 a second fastener coupled to said second ballistic-resistant panel; and 
   releasably engaging said second fastener with said first fastener to fasten said second ballistic-resistant panel front surface to said first ballistic-resistant panel back surface in fixed adjacent relation to provide releasably engaged ballistic-resistant panels.   
     
     
         74 . The method of  claim 73 , further comprising impeding travel of a ballistic threat with said releasably engaged ballistic-resistant panels. 
     
     
         75 . The method of  claim 74 , further comprising disengaging said first and second fasteners to unfasten said first and second ballistic-resistant panels. 
     
     
         76 . A method of using a releasably engagable system of ballistic-resistant panels, comprising:
 obtaining said releasably engagable system of ballistic-resistant panels comprising:
 a first ballistic-resistant panel having opposing first ballistic-resistant panel front and back surfaces; 
 a second ballistic-resistant panel having opposing second ballistic-resistant panel front and back surfaces; and 
   an adhesive coating coupled to at least one of said first ballistic-resistant panel back surface or said second ballistic-resistant panel front surface; and   releasably adhering said first and second ballistic-resistant panels together via said adhesive coating to fasten said second ballistic-resistant panel front surface to said first ballistic-resistant panel back surface in fixed adjacent relation to provide releasably engaged ballistic-resistant panels.   
     
     
         77 . The method of  claim 76 , further comprising impeding travel of a ballistic threat with said releasably engaged ballistic-resistant panels. 
     
     
         78 . The method of  claim 77 , further comprising disengaging said first and second ballistic-resistant panels. 
     
     
         79 . A method of using a releasably engagable system of ballistic-resistant panels, comprising:
 obtaining said releasably engagable system of ballistic-resistant panels comprising:
 a first ballistic-resistant panel having opposing first ballistic-resistant panel front and back surfaces; 
 a second ballistic-resistant panel having opposing second ballistic-resistant panel front and back surfaces; and 
 a securement element discrete from said first and second ballistic-resistant panels; and 
   releasably securing said first and second ballistic-resistant panels together via said securement element to fasten said second ballistic-resistant panel front surface to said first ballistic-resistant panel back surface in fixed adjacent relation to provide releasably engaged ballistic-resistant panels.   
     
     
         80 . The method of  claim 79 , further comprising impeding travel of a ballistic threat with said releasably engaged ballistic-resistant panels. 
     
     
         81 . The method of  claim 80 , further comprising disengaging said first and second ballistic-resistant panels. 
     
     
         82 . A method of using a ballistic-resistant garment, comprising:
 obtaining a releasably engagable system of ballistic-resistant panels comprising:
 a first ballistic-resistant panel having opposing first ballistic-resistant panel front and back surfaces; 
 a second ballistic-resistant panel having opposing second ballistic-resistant panel front and back surfaces; 
 a first fastener coupled to said first ballistic-resistant panel; and 
 a second fastener coupled to said second ballistic-resistant panel; 
   obtaining a garment having a pocket disposed therein;   releasably engaging said second fastener with said first fastener to fasten said second ballistic-resistant panel front surface to said first ballistic-resistant panel back surface in fixed adjacent relation to provide releasably engaged ballistic-resistant panels; and   disposing said releasably engaged ballistic-resistant panels within said pocket to provide said ballistic-resistant garment.   
     
     
         83 . The method of  claim 82 , further comprising impeding travel of a ballistic threat with said releasably engaged ballistic-resistant panels. 
     
     
         84 . The method of  claim 83 , further comprising removing said releasably engaged ballistic-resistant panels from within said pocket. 
     
     
         85 . The method of  claim 84 , further comprising disengaging said first and second fasteners to unfasten said first and second ballistic-resistant panels. 
     
     
         86 . A method of using a ballistic-resistant garment, comprising:
 obtaining a releasably engagable system of ballistic-resistant panels comprising:
 a first ballistic-resistant panel having opposing first ballistic-resistant panel front and back surfaces; 
 a second ballistic-resistant panel having opposing second ballistic-resistant panel front and back surfaces; and 
   an adhesive coating coupled to at least one of said first ballistic-resistant panel back surface or said second ballistic-resistant panel front surface;   obtaining a garment having a pocket disposed therein;   releasably adhering said first and second ballistic-resistant panels together via said adhesive coating to fasten said second ballistic-resistant panel front surface to said first ballistic-resistant panel back surface in fixed adjacent relation to provide releasably engaged ballistic-resistant panels; and   disposing said releasably engaged ballistic-resistant panels within said pocket to provide said ballistic-resistant garment.   
     
     
         87 . The method of  claim 86 , further comprising impeding travel of a ballistic threat with said releasably engaged ballistic-resistant panels. 
     
     
         88 . The method of  claim 87 , further comprising removing said releasably engaged ballistic-resistant panels from within said pocket. 
     
     
         89 . The method of  claim 88 , further comprising disengaging said first and second ballistic-resistant panels. 
     
     
         90 . A method of using a ballistic-resistant garment, comprising:
 obtaining a releasably engagable system of ballistic-resistant panels comprising:
 a first ballistic-resistant panel having opposing first ballistic-resistant panel front and back surfaces; 
 a second ballistic-resistant panel having opposing second ballistic-resistant panel front and back surfaces; and 
 a securement element discrete from said first and second ballistic-resistant panels; 
   obtaining a garment having a pocket disposed therein;   releasably securing said first and second ballistic-resistant panels together via said securement element to fasten said second ballistic-resistant panel front surface to said first ballistic-resistant panel back surface in fixed adjacent relation to provide releasably engaged ballistic-resistant panels; and   disposing said releasably engaged ballistic-resistant panels within said pocket to provide said ballistic-resistant garment.   
     
     
         91 . The method of  claim 90 , further comprising impeding travel of a ballistic threat with said releasably engaged ballistic-resistant panels. 
     
     
         92 . The method of  claim 91 , further comprising removing said releasably engaged ballistic-resistant panels from within said pocket. 
     
     
         93 . The method of  claim 92 , further comprising disengaging said first and second ballistic-resistant panels.