In one embodiment of the disclosed invention, a connecting device is provided. The connecting device comprises a connector that includes at least two openings. A shield is provided adjacent to a surface of the connector and is positioned to block a projectile directed at the surface of the connector from entering a portion of the connector between the two openings. The shield may be made of a ballistic-resistant material to thereby impart ballistic resistance to the connecting device.
WHAT IS CLAIMED IS: 1. A connecting device for connecting two members, comprising: a connector including at least one securing section, the securing section for securing one of the two members to the connecting device; and a shield provided adjacent to a surface of the connector, wherein the shield is positioned to block a projectile directed at the surface of the connector from entering a portion of the connector between the two members. 2. A connecting device according to claim 1, wherein the shield is positioned between the surface of the connector and the portion of the connector between the two members. 3. A connecting device according to claim 1, wherein the shield is ballistic-resistant. 4. A connecting device according to claim 1, wherein the shield is made from a ceramic material. 5. A connecting device according to claim 1, wherein the connector comprises a pultruded polymeric material, with the shield encapsulated in the pultruded polymeric material. 6. A connecting device according to claim 1, wherein the shield is attached to the surface of the connector. 7. A connecting device according to claim 1, wherein the shield is provided within a lip extending from a surface of the connector. 8. A connecting device according to claim 1, further comprising: an adaptor configured to be received in the at least one securing section. 9. A connecting device according to claim 8, wherein one of the connector and the adaptor is provided with at least one doll head projection, and the other of the connector and the adaptor is provided with a recess for receiving the doll head projection in a snap-fit connection. 10. A connecting device according to claim 8, wherein the adaptor is made from a ballistic- resistant material. 11. A connecting device according to claim 1, wherein the shield is made from a ballistic- resistant material and the connector is made from a non-ballistic -resistant material. 12. A connecting device according to claim 1, wherein the securing section comprises an opening in the connector for receiving one of the members. 13. A connecting device for connecting two members, comprising a first surface; a second surface on an opposite side of the connecting device from the first surface; at least one securing section for securing one of the two members to the connecting device; a joint area between the two members; a ballistic -resistant shield between the first surface and the joint area. 14. A connecting device according to claim 13, wherein the openings are set at angle from 0 to 180° relative to each other. 15. A connecting device according to claim 13, wherein the connecting device is made from pultruded polymeric material, with the ballistic-resistant shield material encapsulated in the pultruded polymeric material. 16. A connecting device according to claim 13, wherein the at least one securing section comprises an opening in the connecting device. 17. A multi-part connected structure, comprising: a first ballistic -resistant element including a first surface and a second surface parallel to the first surface; a second element; a hinge pivotally joining the first element to the second element; wherein the hinge is arranged so that when the first and second elements are in substantially parallel planes, the first element is positioned to block a projectile directed at the first surface from contacting the hinge. 18. A structure according to claim 17, wherein the hinge is made from a non-ballistic- resistant material. 19. A structure according to claim 17, wherein the second element can pivot 180° about the hinge. 20. A method of providing a ballistic-resistant connection between first and second panels, comprising: securing the first and second panels to a non-ballistic -resistant connecting element; and arranging a ballistic -resistant material adjacent to a connection area of the connecting element between the two panels. 21. A method according to claim 20, wherein the ballistic -resistant material comprises a shield provided in the connection element. 22. A method according to claim 20, wherein the ballistic resistant material comprises part of one of the first and second panels. 23. A method according to claim 20, wherein the connection element is a hinge. 24. A method according to claim 20, wherein the connection element is a polymeric structure with openings that receive the first and second panels. 25. An apparatus comprising: a first panel; a second panel; a connecting device connecting the first panel to the second panel; and a shield material positioned to block a projectile directed at a joint area of the connecting device. 26. An apparatus according to claim 25, wherein the shield material is provided in one of the first and second panels. 27. An apparatus according to claim 26, wherein the connecting device comprises a hinge. 28. An apparatus according to claim 25, wherein the connecting device comprises openings for receiving the first and second panels. 29. An apparatus according to claim 25, wherein the connecting device is made from pultruded polymeric material, with the shield material encapsulated in the pultruded polymeric material. 30. An apparatus according to claim 25, wherein the shield material comprises at least one of either the first panel or second panel.