Vehicle security shields and related methods

Abstract

Removable vehicle window security shield assemblies and related methods of use and/or installation. In some embodiments, an insert-shield assembly may comprise an insert-shield with or without a separate inner shield, one or both of which may comprise a ballistic-rated, transparent material. The assembly may be mounted in and/or to and/or adjacent to one or more existing windows or other openings of a vehicle. In some embodiments, an inner shield of the shield assembly may be removeable from the assembly. In some embodiments, the entire assembly or a portion thereof may be removed to allow an officer or other user to use the removed portion as a portable shield. The removed portion may be returned to the vehicle following use to enhance the protection of the vehicle. In some embodiments, a personal shield may be inserted into and held by a holster that is positioned within the window frame of a vehicle.

1 . A vehicle door and personal ballistic protection system comprising:
 A removable insert-shield assembly and a retaining assembly;   Said insert-shield assembly comprising one or more sheets of an optically clear, ballistic-resistant material comprising a main body, a holding mechanism, and a side flange wherein
 the main body is configured to be positioned between the two components of the retaining assembly adjacent to the inside door panel and window of the vehicle and have a thickness or thicknesses that protect the vehicle occupant against a specified level of ballistic threat, 
 the side flange is comprised of one or more segments that are configured to be a thickness, length, and width and positioned such that the side flange fits within at least a portion of the flange retainer, and 
 the holding mechanism enables a user to quickly grasp, remove, and manipulate said removable insert-shield; 
   
       and
 Said retaining assembly comprising at least one edge retainer and at least one quick-release fastener wherein
 the at least one edge retainer is coupled to the inside door panel and configured to capture and contain the side flange of the insert-shield assembly or an edge of the insert-shield assembly and 
 the at least one quick-release fastener is configured to be coupled to the inside door panel opposite the flange retainer at a distance approximately the horizontal dimension of the insert-shield. 
 
 
     
     
         2 . The system of  claim 1  wherein the insert-shield comprises ballistic-resistant material providing a level of ballistic protection of at least UL Level 1 as defined by Underwriters Laboratory at the date of the filing of this application. 
     
     
         3 . The system of  claim 1  wherein the insert-shield comprises ballistic-resistant material comprised of an acrylic, glass, ceramic, or polycarbonate material, laminates, or combinations thereof. 
     
     
         4 . The insert-shield assembly of  claim 1  wherein the holding mechanism is comprised of a material that may be deformable or rigid depending upon the preferences of an end-user. 
     
     
         5 . The system of  claim 1  wherein the window of the vehicle remains substantially operable. 
     
     
         6 . The system of  claim 1  wherein the at least one edge retainer and the at least one quick-release fastener are coupled to a mounting plate at a distance approximately the horizontal dimension of the insert-shield and said mounting plate is configured to be coupled to the inside door panel. 
     
     
         7 . A method of installing an insert-shield assembly to its corresponding retaining assembly comprising the following steps:
 providing the insert-shield assembly of  claim 1  relative to the inside of the door;   positioning the lower flange of the insert-shield assembly into the window retraction slot;   tilting the upper edge of the insert-shield assembly toward the retaining assembly until the upper edge meets the retaining guide; and   extending the one or more quick-release fasteners into a position that retains the insert-shield assembly.   
     
     
         8 . The method of  claim 7  wherein, after completion of all steps, the system does not interfere with the operation of the window of the vehicle door. 
     
     
         9 . A method of removing an insert-shield of  claim 1  from its corresponding retaining assembly comprising the following steps:
 removing the arm of the one or more quick-release fasteners from the path of the upper edge of the insert-shield; 
 tilting the upper edge of the insert-shield assembly away from the retaining assembly; and 
 lifting the insert-shield assembly via the holding mechanism thereby disengaging the lower flange from the window retraction slot. 
 
     
     
         10 . A vehicle door and personal ballistic protection system comprising:
 A removable insert-shield assembly and a retaining assembly;   Said insert-shield assembly comprising one or more sheets of an optically clear, ballistic-resistant material comprising a main body, and a holding mechanism wherein
 the main body is configured to be positioned adjacent to the inside door panel and window of the vehicle and have a thickness or thicknesses that protect the vehicle occupant against a specified level of ballistic threat, and 
 the holding mechanism enables a user to quickly grasp, remove, and manipulate said removable insert-shield; 
   
       and
 Said retaining assembly comprising at least two corresponding side retainers and at least one retention strap wherein
 one or more corresponding side retainers are affixed to the inside door panel; and 
 a retention strap is permanently or temporarily configured to be secured by the side retainers forming a tight strap that pulls the shield against the inside of the door panel 
 
 
     
     
         11 . The system of  claim 10  wherein the at least two side retainers are coupled to a mounting plate at a distance approximately the horizontal dimension of the insert-shield and said mounting plate is configured to be coupled to the inside door panel. 
     
     
         12 . The system of  claim 10  wherein at least one bottom retainers are positioned to capture the bottom portion of the insert-shield assembly. 
     
     
         13 . The system of  claim 10  wherein the inert-shield has a top width that may exceed the width of the bottom; the bottom of which is configured to pass between the side retainers. 
     
     
         14 . A vehicle door and personal ballistic protection system comprising:
 A removable insert-shield assembly and a retaining assembly;   Said insert-shield assembly comprising one or more sheets of an optically clear, ballistic-resistant material comprising a main body, and a holding mechanism wherein
 the main body is configured to be positioned adjacent to the inside door panel and window of the vehicle and have a thickness or thicknesses that protect the vehicle occupant against a specified level of ballistic threat, and 
 the holding mechanism enables a user to quickly grasp, remove, and manipulate said removable insert-shield; 
   
       and
 Said retaining assembly comprising one or more capture brackets permanently affixed to the side of the insert-shield opposite the holding mechanism and configured to have an arm that enters into and engages the portion of the inside door panel that forms the vehicle window retraction slot, said brackets positioned at a height on the insert-shield such that when engaged, the bottom edge of the insert-shield rests upon or is less than two inches away from the arm rest.