Attachment mechanism for armour elements

Abstract

 An attachment mechanism adapted for attachment of an armor element (A) to a body (B) to be protected by the armor element (A). The attachment mechanism comprises a first unit (100) and a second unit (200) which are adapted to engage with each other to provide the attachment. The first unit (100) comprises a first static member (110) and the second unit (200) comprising a second static member (210) and a working member (220). One of the static members (110,210) is adapted for fixed attachment to the armor element (A), and the other (210,110) is adapted for fixed attachment to the body (B) to be protected. The second unit (200) is configured for assuming a first, disengaged position, in which the working member (220) is disengaged from the first unit (100) such that the armor element (A) and the body (B) to be protected are detached from one another and a second, engaged position in which the working member (220) is engaged with the first unit (100) such that the armor element (A) and the body (B) to be protected are fixedly attached to one another. The working member (220) further comprises a locking member (240) configured for engagement with the first unit (100) to prevent disengagement of the working member (220) from the first unit (100), thereby retaining the first unit (100) and the second unit (200) fixedly attached to one another.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] This invention relates to armor elements, in particular, add-one armor elements.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] Armor elements are commonly used to protect a body against various threats, mostly incoming projectiles. Such armor elements are adapted to dissipate and/or absorb the kinetic energy of the incoming projectile in order to prevent it from penetrating the body.

[0003] When it is desired to protect a body, for example, a vehicle, armor elements are usually mounted onto the exterior/interior of the vehicle and are fastened to become affixed thereto.

[0004] Mounting of an armor element onto a vehicle is normally performed either by welding the armor element onto the hull of the vehicle at a location thereon in which protection is sought or by bolting, where the armor element and the hull of the vehicle are pre-formed with corresponding bores/threads for receiving therein bolts/screws to attach the armor element to the hull.

[0005] In the former case, the armor element is affixed to the hull permanently, whilst in the latter case the armor element is detachably attached to the hull and can serve as an add-on panel.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0006] According to one aspect of the subject matter of the present application there is provided an attachment mechanism adapted for attachment of an armor element to a body to be protected by said armor element, said attachment mechanism comprising a first unit and a second unit which are adapted to engage with each other to provide said attachment, said first unit comprising a first static member and said second unit comprising a second static member and a working member, one of which static members is adapted for fixed attachment to said armor element, and the other is adapted for fixed attachment to said body to be protected, said second unit being configured for assuming a first, disengaged position, in which said working member is disengaged from said first unit such that said armor element and said body to be protected are detached from one another and a second, engaged position in which said working member is engaged with said first unit such that said armor element and said body to be protected are fixedly attached to one another, and wherein said working member further comprises a locking member configured for engagement with said first unit to prevent disengagement of said working member from said first unit, thereby retaining said first unit and said second unit fixedly attached to one another.

[0007] The first unit can have an affixing portion for attachment thereof to one of the armor element and body to be protected, and a mounting portion for attachment thereto of the second unit, in said engaged position, the locking member being configured for engagement with said mounting portion.

[0008] Said locking member can be configured for assuming a first, unlocked position, in which it is disengaged from said mounting portion of the first unit, so that said working member is free to disengage from said first unit, and a second, locked position, in which said working member is prevented from disengaging from said first unit. The second unit can further comprise a biasing arrangement configured for urging said locking member into said second, locked position.

[0009] The mounting portion of the first unit can have a first engagement section configured for engagement with said working member and a first locking section configured for engagement with said locking member, and said locking member can be formed with a second locking section configured to engage the first locking section at least in said locked position.

[0010] The first unit can have a longitudinal axis and said first locking section is disposed at a distance from the affixing portion which is greater than that of the first engagement section.

[0011] The first locking section of the first unit can be in the form of a locking recess configured for receiving at least a portion of the second locking section of said locking member, at least in said second, locked position.

[0012] In the unlocked position, the locking member is configured to assume a plurality of different orientations with respect to the working member, whilst in the locked position it can assume only a single orientation which is different of any one of said plurality of orientations. The design can be such that in said locked position, said single orientation is visually distinguishable from any one of said plurality of different orientations of the unlocked position.

[0013] For example, said working member can be formed with a first indication surface and said locking member can be formed with a second indication surface, wherein in said locked position, the first indication surface and the second indication surface are aligned to create a visual indication that the locking member is in said second locked position.

[0014] According to one example, in said locked position, said first indication surface and said second indication surface are aligned to be flush with one another. According to another example, each of said first indication surface and said second indication surface have an imprint thereon, so that in said locked position, said first indication surface and said second indication surface are aligned so as to form a combined indicative image/pattern.

[0015] In addition, said locking member can assume said single orientation only when said working member is properly engaged with said first unit (i.e. when said second unit is in said first, engaged position).

[0016] One advantage which can arise from the above design, is that an operator mounting and attaching the armor element to said body to be protected using the attachment mechanism can easily identify if the locking member is not in said locked position, thereby alerting him to the fact that the attachment mechanism is not properly engaged and locked.

[0017] The locking member can be designed so that displacement thereof from said locked position into said unlocked position is configured for manual operation, so that it is prevented from spontaneous displacement between the two positions. In addition, the design is such that said locking member is externally accessible for an operator. According to a particular example, the locking member can be configured for being grasped by said operator and manually displaced between said locked position and said unlocked position. Furthermore, the locking member, once displaced into the unlocked position may be used as a handle facilitating revolving of the working member.

[0018] Said first unit can comprise, in addition to said static member, a dynamic member, wherein said static member is configured for fixed attachment to either of said armor element and body to be protected, and said dynamic member is configured for being dynamically displaceable with respect to said first static member.

[0019] According to a specific example, said first static member can be configured for engagement with said locking member, whilst said dynamic member can be configured for engagement with the working member of the second unit.

[0020] According to another aspect of the subject matter of the present application, there is provided an attachment mechanism adapted for attachment of an armor element to a body to be protected by said armor element, said attachment mechanism comprising a first unit and a second unit which are adapted to engage with each other to provide said attachment, said first unit comprising a first static member and a dynamic member, and said second unit comprising a second static member and a working member, one of which static members is adapted for fixed attachment to said armor element, and the other is adapted for fixed attachment to said body to be protected, said working member being configured for engagement with said dynamic member and assuming a first, disengaged position, in which it is disengaged from said dynamic member such that said armor element and said body to be protected are detached from one another and a second, engaged position in which said working member is engaged with said dynamic member such that said armor element and said body to be protected are fixedly attached to one another, and wherein said first unit further comprises a biasing arrangement urging said dynamic unit towards said first static member.

[0021] According to a particular design, the first static member can be associated with an affixing portion of the first unit, configured for attachment thereof to one of the armor element and body to be protected, and the dynamic member can be associated with a mounting portion of the first unit, configured for attachment thereto of the second unit, in said engaged position. The design can be such that in said engaged position, when the armor element is affixed to the body to be protected, the affixing portion is more axially remote from said second unit than said mounting portion.

[0022] Thus, in said engaged position, due to the biasing of the dynamic member, the latter is configured for applying a force to at least a portion of the working member of the second unit, urging it towards the affixing portion of said first unit, thereby facilitating the engagement between the first and the second unit.

[0023] In addition, the biasing arrangement is configured to provide the dynamic member with a displacement range, thereby allowing the attachment mechanism to compensate for tolerance errors occurring in the manufacturing of the first and of the second unit.

[0024] The dynamic member can be configured for assuming a first biased position which corresponds to the position of the dynamic member when the first unit is disengaged from said second unit (i.e. the second unit's disengaged position), and a second biased position which corresponds to the position of the dynamic member when the first unit is engaged with said second unit (i.e. the second unit's engaged position).

[0025] The dynamic member can be formed with at least one restriction element and said first static member can be formed with a restriction space having a first abutting end, configured for abutting the restriction element of said dynamic member when it reaches its first biased position and a second abutting end configured for abutting the restriction element of said dynamic member when it reaches its second biased position.

[0026] The dynamic member can be configured for performing an axial movement with respect to the first static member, so that in said first biased position, it is located at a first axial distance (D₁) from said affixing portion, and in said second biased position it is located at a second axial distance (D₂) from said affixing portion, greater than said first axial position, D₂ > D₁.

[0027] According to a specific example, the dynamic member can be configured for assuming an additional, intermediate position between said first axial position and said second axial position, in which the axial distance between the dynamic member and the affixing portion of the first unit (D_M) is greater than the distance D₁ and smaller than the distance D₂, i.e. D₂ >D_M>D₁.

[0028] The dynamic member can be configured for assuming said intermediate axial position at least at one point during displacement of the working member between said engaged position and said disengaged position.

[0029] According to a particular example, one of said dynamic member and said working member can be formed with guide paths, and the other can be formed with guide projections configured for being received within said guide paths in order to define a trajectory along which said working member is configured to progress during its displacement between said disengaged position and said engaged position.

[0030] In addition, said guide paths biased can be formed with a first segment configured for coming in contact with the guide projections during displacement of the working member between the disengaged position into the engaged position, and a second segment configured for coming in contact with the guide projections when the working member is in said engaged position.

[0031] According to a particular example, the dynamic member can be formed with said guide projections and said working member can be formed with said guide paths. In addition, the dynamic member comprise a pin element having a guide portion configured for constituting at least one of said guide projections, and a restriction portion configured for constituting said at least one guide element.

[0032] The arrangement can be such that due to the biasing arrangement, the movement of the dynamic member is biased such that the guide projections are constantly urged towards the armor/body to which the first unit is affixed, to thereby, during engagement with the working member, apply a force on the working member so as to urge it, and consequently the entire second unit, towards said first second unit.

[0033] In mounting, bringing said working member from said disengaged position into said engaged position can be performed by displacement of the working member along said trajectory by a single movement.

[0034] According to a first example, the biasing arrangement can have a first end configured for engaging said dynamic member at a first location, and a second end configured for engaging said first static member at a second location which is more remote from the affixing portion than said first location. Alternatively, according to a second example, said first location may be more remote from the affixing portion than said second location.

[0035] With reference to the above, in the first example the biasing arrangement can be a compression spring while in the second example the biasing arrangement can be a tension spring.

[0036] Both the first unit and the second unit the attachment mechanism can be manufactured from materials having ballistic resistance properties, so that when said armor element is mounted onto said body to be protected, the area in which the first unit and second unit are located maintains ballistic properties similar to those of the armor element.

[0037] According to a particular example, either or both of said first unit and second unit are configured for fixed attached to the armor element and body to be protected by insertion of the formers into respective holes/cavities of the armor element and body to be protected. Thus, due to the ballistic nature of the materials from which the attachment mechanism is manufactured, the above holes/cavities to no deteriorate the ballistic resistance of the armor element and body to be protected.

[0038] The attachment mechanism can be manufactured out of a hard material which hardness ranges between 30 to 80 Rockwell C, more particularly between 40 to 70 Rockwell C, and even more particularly between 50 to 60 Rockwell C. One example of such a material can be tempered 4130 steel.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0039] In order to understand the invention and to see how it may be carried out in practice, embodiments will now be described, by way of non-limiting example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

Figs. 1A to 1D are schematic isometric, front, rear and side views of an attachment mechanism of the present application;

Fig. 2 is a schematic isometric exploded view of the attachment mechanism shown in Figs. 1A to 1D;

Fig. 3A is a schematic isometric view of a first unit comprised in the attachment mechanism shown in Figs. 1A to 1D;

Fig. 3B is a schematic isometric view of the first unit shown in Fig. 3A with the housing thereof being removed;

Figs. 3C and 3D are schematic section views of the first unit shown in Fig. 3A, at different positions of a dynamic member of the first unit;

Figs. 4A and 4B are schematic isometric views of a second unit comprised in the attachment mechanism shown in Figs. 1A to 1D, at respective closed and open positions;

Figs. 5A and 5B are schematic isometric, first side and second side views of the attachment mechanism shown in Figs. 1A to 1D, with the housing of the second unit being removed;

Figs. 6A and 6B are schematic isometric and front section view taken along a plane A-A shown in Fig. 1B;

Fig. 7A is a schematic isometric view of an attachment mechanism according to another example of the present application;

Fig. 7B is a schematic enlarged view of detail A shown in Fig. 7A;

Fig. 8A is a schematic isometric cross-sectional view of the attachment mechanism shown in Fig. 7A; and

Fig. 8B is a schematic enlarged view of detail B shown in Fig. 8A.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

[0040] With reference to Figs. 1A to 2, there is shown an attachment mechanism generally designated 1, configured for attachment of an armor element A (shown Fig. 1C) to a body to be protected B (shown Fig. 1C). The attachment mechanism 1 comprises a first unit 100 and a second unit 200 configured for mutual engagement with one another. The first unit 100 is configured for fixed attachment to the body B while the second unit 200 is configured for fixed attachment to the armor element A.

[0041] However, it is appreciated that an opposite arrangement may be used (i.e. first unit 100 attached to the armor element A and the second unit 200 to the body B), so long as the units 100, 200 are configured for mutually engagement with one another.

[0042] In Figs. 1A to 1D, the attachment mechanism 1 is shown with the first unit 100 being engaged with the second unit 200, such that the armor element A is fixedly attached to the body to be protected, B.

[0043] With reference being drawn to Fig. 2, the attachment mechanism has a central axis X, and each of the first unit 100 and second unit 200 has a central axis, so that when the first unit 100 is engaged with the second unit 200, the central axes of the units 100, 200 are aligned with one another and constitute the central axis X of the attachment mechanism 1.

[0044] The first unit 100 comprises a first static member 110 configured for static attachment to the body to be protected (i.e. without moving with respect thereto) by a nut 101 and washer 102. The first unit 100 further comprises a dynamic member 120 configured for displacement with respect to the first static member 110, and for engagement with the second unit 200.

[0045] The second unit 200 comprises a second static member 210 configured for static attachment to the body to be protected (i.e. without moving with respect thereto) by a nut 201. The second unit 200 further comprises a working member 220 configured for displacement with respect to the second static member 210, and for engagement with the first unit 100.

[0046] The working member 220 also comprises a locking arrangement 240 configured for preventing disengagement between the first unit 100 and the second unit 200, when the two units 100, 200 are engaged with one another.

[0047] The arrangement is such that when the first unit 100 and the second unit 200 are mutually engaged, the working member 220 of the second unit 200 is configured for engagement with the dynamic member 120 of the first unit 100, and the locking arrangement 240 is configured for engagement with the first static member 110 of the first unit.

[0048] Turning now to Figs. 3A to 3D, the first unit 100 will now be described (shown in these figures without the nut 101 and washer 102). The first unit 100 is constituted by an affixing portion AP configured for fixed attachment of the first unit 100 to the body B, and a mounting portion MP configured for engagement with the second unit 200.

[0049] The affixing portion AP is in the form of a stud 111 having thereon a thread configured for threading thereon the nut 101. The stud 111 has a length L (shown Fig. 3D) which is designed to be greater than the thickness of the body B, so that when the stud 111 is passed through a designated through-going hole of the hull of the body, it is long enough to project from the other side of the hull, allowing threading thereon the nut 101.

[0050] Observing the mounting portion MP, the first static member 110 comprises a housing 112 having an inner cavity 113 (shown Figs. 3C and 3D), accommodating therein the dynamic member 220. The housing 112 has a first end 112a adjacent the affixing portion AP and a second end 112b more remote from the affixing portion AP.

[0051] The housing 112 is formed with two side openings 115 radially opposite from one another, configured for allowing a portion of the dynamic member 120 to project therefrom. The side openings 115 are axially prolonged so as to have a first abutting end 115a and a second abutting end 115b, so that the second end 115b is axially closer to the affixing portion AP than the first end 115a.

[0052] In addition, the housing is formed, at the second end 112b with a tubular projection 114 configured for engagement with the locking arrangement 240 of the second unit 200. Specifically, the projection 114 is formed with two extensions 116, radially spaced apart from one another to define a central recess 118 configured to receive a portion of the locking arrangement 240.

[0053] With particular attention being drawn to Fig. 3B, the dynamic member 120 comprises a main hub 122 having a tubular shape and being formed therein with a central channel 123 oriented transversely to the central axis X, and receiving therein a securing pin 124. The length of the securing pin is such that it radially protrudes from the main hub 122. The securing pin 124 is also formed with a central slit 126 providing it with required flexibility in order to insert it into the channel 123 of the main hub 122.

[0054] In addition, the dynamic member 120 comprises a biasing arrangement 128 configured for constantly biasing the main hub (and consequently the securing pin 124) towards the affixing portion AP of the first unit 100. The biasing arrangement 128 is held in place by a cover plate 127 and retained within the housing 112 by a pressure ring 129 abutting the second end 112b of the housing 112.

[0055] Reverting now to Figs. 3A, 3C and 3D, the arrangement is such that when the dynamic member 120 is accommodated within the housing 112, the securing pin 124 projects from the side openings 115 of the housing 112.

[0056] In addition, the diameter of the securing pin 124 is smaller than the axial extension of the side openings 115, providing the securing pin 124 with a certain degree of freedom defined by the displacement range delimited by the abutting ends 115a, 115b of the side openings 115.

[0057] Under the operation of the biasing arrangement 128 (e.g. a compression spring), the securing pin 124 is constantly urged towards the affixing portion AP, so that, when the first unit 100 is disengaged from the second unit 200, the securing pin 124 abuts the second end 115b of the opening 115 (see Fig. 3C).

[0058] In operation, when the dynamic member 120 of the first unit 100 is engaged with the working member 220 of the second unit 200, the securing pin 124 can axially displace towards the first abutting end 115a, as shown in Fig. 3D. The securing pin 124 may thus assume a first position in which it is at a distance D1 from the most axially remote point of the AP and a second position in which it is at a distance D2 from the most axially remote point of the AP, D₂ > D₁. This displacement range allows the first unit 100 of the attachment mechanism 1 to compensate for any tolerance error occurring in the first unit 100 and second unit 200.

[0059] In addition, when the dynamic member 120 is engaged with the working member 220, urging of the securing pin 124 towards the affixing portion AP by the biasing arrangement facilitates a stronger engagement between the working member 220 and the dynamic member 120, as will be explained in detail with respect to Figs. 5A and 5B.

[0060] It is understood that since the dynamic member 120 has a certain degree of freedom, it may assume different axial positions with respect to the housing 112, and consequently, the securing pin 124 may assume different positions with respect to the abutting ends 115a, 115b of the side openings 115 of the housing.

[0061] Turning now to Figs. 4A to 5B, the second unit 200 will now be described in detail. The second unit 200 comprises a second static member 210, configured for fixed attachment of the second unit 100 to the armor element A, and a working member 220 configured for engagement with the first unit 100.

[0062] The second static member 210 is in the form of a tubular ring 212 having a central cavity 214 configured for receiving therein the working member 220. The outer surface of the ring 112 is threaded, allowing threading thereon the nut 201. Similar to the first unit 100, the axial length of the nut is designed to be greater than the thickness of the armor element A to which the second unit 200 is attached, so that when the ring 212 is passed through a designated through-going hole of the armor element A, it is long enough to project from the other side of the armor element, allowing threading thereon the nut 201.

[0063] The working member 220 is received within the central cavity 214 of the second static member 210, and comprises a locking arrangement 240 articulated thereto, which will be discussed in detail with reference to Figs. 4A, 4B, 6A and 6B.

[0064] The working member 220 has a central axis and a flange F axially separating the working member 220 into an internal portion IP configured for engagement with the first unit 100, and an external portion EP configured to be accessible by an operator.

[0065] In addition, the working member 220 is also prevented from disconnecting from the static member 210 via the flange F being received within a recess 218 formed in an inner surface of the static member 210, and delimited by a pressure ring 229. Furthermore, when the second unit 200 is not in engagement with the first unit 100, the working member 220 is configured for freely revolving within the static member 210.

[0066] Observing the internal portion IP, the working member is formed with a tubular portion 222 having a central cavity C configured for receiving therein at last a portion of said first unit 100. The tubular portion 222 is further formed with two channels 224 extending along the perimeter of the tubular body 222. The channels 224 are through-going with respect to the wall of a tubular body 222, so as to allow an element received within the central cavity C (in the present example the securing pin 124 of the dynamic member 120 of the first unit 100) to protrude through the channels 224 towards the outside of the tubular body 222.

[0067] Each channel 224 has a first end 224a located at an end of the tubular body 222 axially remote from the external portion EP and a second end 224b located at an end of the tubular body 222 closer to the external portion EP. The first end 224a is formed with an opening, allowing an element (in the present example the securing pin 124 of the dynamic member 120 of the first unit 100) to be receive within the channel 224 during axial displacement of the working member 220.

[0068] In addition, each of the channels 224 is formed, at said second end 224b with a recess 226 having an axial extension towards the end of the tubular body 222 remote from the external portion, configured for receiving therein a portion of the securing pin 124 of the dynamic member 120 of the first unit 100.

[0069] Referring now also to Figs. 6A and 6B, during engagement of the first unit 100 and the second unit 200, the former is fixedly received within the body B so that the mounting portion MP thereof protrudes from the body B, and the latter is fixedly attached to the armor element A.

[0070] In assembly, the working member 220 of the second unit 200 is aligned so that the openings formed at the first ends 224a of the channels 224 are angularly aligned with the portions of the securing pin 124 projecting from the housing 112 of the first unit.

[0071] Once aligned, the armor element A may be axially displaced with respect to the body B, so that the projections of the securing pin 124 are received within the channels 224 of the working member 220. Thereafter, the working member 220 is revolved about the central axis X of the second unit 200 (which is also the central axis X of the attachment mechanism and of the first unit 100 since they are all aligned when engaged), in this case in a CW direction, so that the portions 223 of the tubular body 222 of the working member 220 slide in under the projections of the securing pin 124.

[0072] Revolution of the working member 220 continues until securing pin 124 abuts the second end 224b of the channels 224 of the working member 220. Once the projecting portions of the securing pin 124 have reached the second end 224b, and due to the biasing arrangement 128 urging the securing pin 124 towards the affixing portion AP, the projecting portions of the securing pin 124 slip into the recess 226 of the channels 224.

[0073] It is understood that since the surface of the recess 226 is more axially remote from the external portion EP that the surface of the portions 223, the portions In of the securing pin 124 received within the recess 226 are prevented from sliding through the channels 224, and so the working member 220 is prevented from disengagement from the dynamic member 120.

[0074] In addition, since the securing pin is biased by the biasing arrangement 128, it constantly applies a force T on the portions 223 of the working member 220, thereby further securing the engagement between the first unit 100 and the second unit 200.

[0075] With additional reference being made back to Figs. 4A and 4B, the external portion EP of the working member 220 is formed with a tubular projection 225 having two extensions 227 radially opposite one another defining a central recess 228 configured for receiving therein the locking arrangement 240.

[0076] The locking arrangement 240 is located at the external portion EP of the working member 220 and is pivotally articulated to the extensions 228 of the working member 220 via a hinge 245.

[0077] The locking arrangement 240 comprises a locking latch 242 configured for displacing between an unlocked position shown in Fig. 4B and a locked position shown in Fig. 4A. The locking arrangement 240 also comprises a biasing spring 248 configured for maintaining the locking latch 242 in its locked position.

[0078] Reverting to Figs. 6A and 6B, when the working member 220 of the second unit 200 is fully engaged with the dynamic member 120 of the first unit 100 as described above, the locking latch 242 is configured to assume its locked position in which it is received within the recess 228 of the working member 220, and more importantly, within the recess 118 of the static member 110 of the first unit 100.

[0079] In the locked position shown in Fig. 4B, since the locking latch 242 is received within the recess 118, which is in turn, formed in the static member 110 which is prevented from revolving (being fixedly attached to the body B), the working member 220 is prevented from revolving about its axis. Thus, as long as the locking latch 242 is in its locked position, the working member 220 is prevented from disengaging from the dynamic member 120 of the first unit 100, thereby keeping the armor element A fixedly attached to the body B.

[0080] It is noted that the locking latch 242 cannot assume its locked position, i.e. it cannot be received within the recess 118 of the static member 110 unless the working member 220 has completed its revolution about the axis and is properly engaged with the securing pin 124 of the dynamic member 120. In other words, so long as the recess 118 of the static member is not aligned with the recess 228 of the working member 220, the locking latch 242 will not be able to assume it position.

[0081] It is also noted that in the locked position, an external surface S₁ of the locking latch 242 is nearly flush with an external surface S₂ of the extensions 227 of the working member 200. This orientation of the surfaces S₁ and S₂ is only possible at the locked position of the locking latch 242.

[0082] Thus, when mounting the armor element A onto the body to be protected B, an operator performing the mounting can have a clear and visual indication whether the armor element A is properly attached to the body B or not. In other words, if, after mounting, the locking latch 242 is not in a position in which the surface S₁ and S₂ are nearly flush with one another, this should indicate that the working member 220 of the second unit 200 is not properly engaged with the dynamic member 120 of the first unit 100.

[0083] In order to disengage the first unit 100 from the second unit 200 and detach the armor element A from the body B, it is first required to manually displace the locking latch 242 into its unlocked position (shown in Fig. 4B), and thereafter revolve the working member 220 about its axis in a direction opposite to that used during engaging (in this case CCW).

[0084] Manual displacement of the locking latch 242 can be performed by an operator manually grasping and lifting the locking latch 242 until it reaches a position in which no portion of it is received within the recess 118 of the static member 110. In this position, the locking latch 242 may also be used as a handle facilitating the revolving of the working member 220.

[0085] It should be noted that since the projecting portions of the securing pin 124 are received within the recess 226 and held there via the biasing arrangement 128 of the dynamic member 120, it may be required to apply a certain amount of force in order to cause the projections to pop-out of the recess and to cause the working member 220 to revolve about the axis.

[0086] In addition, during mounting of the armor element A onto the body B using the attachment mechanism 1, the locking latch 242 may be required to be displaced into its unlocked position in order to allow revolution of the working member 220 with respect to the second static member 200 and the first unit 100.

[0087] At least the majority of the components of the attachment mechanism 1, including the first static member 110, second static member 210, dynamic member 120, working member 220 and locking arrangement 240 can be made of materials having a high ballistic resistance. The ballistic resistance of the materials can be chosen such that it does not fall short of the ballistic resistance of the armor element A attached to the body B.

[0088] Such materials can have a hardness which ranges between 30 to 80 Rockwell C, more particularly between 40 to 70 Rockwell C, and even more particularly between 50 to 60 Rockwell C. One example of such a material can be tempered 4130 steel.

[0089] Turning now to Figs. 7A to 8B, another example of the attachment mechanism is shown, generally designated as 1', and differing from the attachment mechanism 1 in the construction of the locking latch 242' and in the securing pins 124' and 245'.

[0090] In particular, the locking latch 242' is slightly more robust than the latch 242 previously described, and is now formed with a shaped recess 246' which is sized and shaped to receive only the tip of the coil 248'. In particular, instead of two similar extensions 244, the present example has a first, narrow extension 244a' and a second, wide extension 244b'.

[0091] The pins 124' and 245' of the attachment mechanism 1' of the present example are spirally rolled pins as opposed to C-shaped pins 124, previously described with respect to the attachment mechanism 1, thereby providing them with greater structural strength.

[0092] Those skilled in the art to which this invention pertains will readily appreciate that numerous changes, variations, and modification can be made without departing from the scope of the invention, mutatis mutandis.

Claims

1. An attachment mechanism adapted for attachment of an armor element to a body to be protected by said armor element, said attachment mechanism comprising a first unit and a second unit which are adapted to engage with each other to provide said attachment, said first unit comprising a first static member and said second unit comprising a second static member and a working member, one of which static members is adapted for fixed attachment to said armor element, and the other is adapted for fixed attachment to said body to be protected, said second unit being configured for assuming a first, disengaged position, in which said working member is disengaged from said first unit such that said armor element and said body to be protected are detached from one another and a second, engaged position in which said working member is engaged with said first unit such that said armor element and said body to be protected are fixedly attached to one another, and wherein said working member further comprises a locking member configured for engagement with said first unit to prevent disengagement of said working member from said first unit, thereby retaining said first unit and said second unit fixedly attached to one another at said second, engaged position.

2. An attachment mechanism according to Claim 1, wherein the first unit has an affixing portion for attachment thereof to one of the armor element and body to be protected, and a mounting portion for attachment thereto of the second unit, in said engaged position, the locking member being configured for engagement with said mounting portion.

3. An attachment mechanism according to Claim 1 or 2, wherein said locking member is configured for assuming a first, unlocked position, in which it is disengaged from said mounting portion of the first unit, so that said working member is free to disengage from said first unit, and a second, locked position, in which said working member is prevented from disengaging from said first unit, wherein the second unit comprises a biasing arrangement configured for urging said locking member into said second, locked position.

4. An attachment mechanism according to Claim 1, 2 or 3, wherein the mounting portion of the first unit has a first engagement section configured for engagement with said working member and a first locking section configured for engagement with said locking member, and said locking member is formed with a second locking section configured to engage the first locking section at least in said locked position.

5. An attachment mechanism according to Claim 2, wherein the first unit has a longitudinal axis and said first locking section is disposed at a distance from the affixing portion which is greater than that of the first engagement section.

6. An attachment mechanism according to Claim 3, wherein in the unlocked position, the locking member is configured for assuming a plurality of different orientations with respect to the working member, whilst in the locked position it can assume only a single orientation which is different of any one of said plurality of orientations, and wherein said single orientation is visually distinguishable from any one of said plurality of different orientations of the unlocked position.

7. An attachment mechanism according to Claim 6, wherein said working member is formed with a first indication surface and said locking member is formed with a second indication surface, so that in said locked position, the first indication surface and the second indication surface are aligned to create a visual indication that the locking member is in said second locked position.

8. An attachment mechanism according to Claim 3, wherein said locking member is externally accessible to an operator, allowing him to grasp and manually displace the locking member between said locked position and said unlocked position.

9. An attachment mechanism according to any one of Claims 1 to 8, wherein said first unit further comprises a dynamic member configured for being dynamically displaceable with respect to said first static member, and wherein said first static member is configured for engagement with said locking member, whilst said dynamic member is configured for engagement with the working member of the second unit.

10. An attachment mechanism adapted for attachment of an armor element to a body to be protected by said armor element, said attachment mechanism comprising a first unit and a second unit which are adapted to engage with each other to provide said attachment, said first unit comprising a first static member and a dynamic member, and said second unit comprising a second static member and a working member, one of which static members is adapted for fixed attachment to said armor element, and the other is adapted for fixed attachment to said body to be protected, said working member being configured for engagement with said dynamic member and assuming a first, disengaged position, in which it is disengaged from said dynamic member such that said armor element and said body to be protected are detached from one another and a second, engaged position in which said working member is engaged with said dynamic member such that said armor element and said body to be protected are fixedly attached to one another, and wherein said first unit further comprises a biasing arrangement urging said dynamic unit towards said first static member.

11. An attachment mechanism according to Claim 10, wherein the first static member is associated with an affixing portion of the first unit, configured for attachment thereof to one of the armor element and body to be protected, and the dynamic member can be associated with a mounting portion of the first unit, configured for attachment thereto of the second unit, in said engaged position, the arrangement being such that in said engaged position, the dynamic member is configured for applying a force to at least a portion of the working member of the second unit, urging it towards the affixing portion of said first unit.

12. An attachment mechanism according to Claim 11, wherein the dynamic member is configured for assuming a first biased position which corresponds to the position of the dynamic member in the second unit's disengaged position, and a second biased position which corresponds to the position of the dynamic member in the second unit's engaged position, and wherein the dynamic member is formed with at least one restriction element and said first static member is formed with a restriction space having a first abutting end, configured for abutting the restriction element of said dynamic member when it reaches its first biased position and a second abutting end configured for abutting the restriction element of said dynamic member when it reaches its second biased position.

13. An attachment mechanism according to Claim 12, wherein one of said dynamic member and said working member is formed with guide paths, and the other is formed with guide projections configured for being received within said guide paths in order to define a trajectory along which said working member is configured to progress during its displacement between said disengaged position and said engaged position.

14. An attachment mechanism according to Claim 12, wherein owing to the biasing arrangement, the movement of the dynamic member is biased such that the guide projections are constantly urged towards the armor/body to which the first unit is affixed, to thereby, during engagement with the working member, apply a force on the working member so as to urge it, and consequently the entire second unit, towards said first second unit.

15. An attachment mechanism according to Claim 14, wherein bringing said working member from said disengaged position into said engaged position is performable by displacement of the working member along a trajectory of the guide paths in a single movement.

16. An attachment mechanism according to any one of the preceding Claims, wherein both the first unit and the second unit of the attachment mechanism are manufactured from materials having ballistic resistance properties, and wherein either or both of said first unit and second unit are configured for fixed attached to the armor element and body to be protected by insertion thereof into respective holes/cavities of the armor element and body to be protected, the nature of the materials from which the attachment mechanism is manufactured, the above holes/cavities do no deteriorate the ballistic resistance of the armor element and body to be protected.

17. An attachment mechanism according to Claim 16, wherein the attachment mechanism is manufactured out of a hard material which hardness ranges between 30 to 80 Rockwell C, more particularly between 40 to 70 Rockwell C, and even more particularly between 50 to 60 Rockwell C. One example of such a material can be tempered 4130 steel.

Drawing