Abstract:
According to one or more embodiments, an attachment mechanism adapted for attachment of an armor element to a body to be protected by the armor element is disclosed.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    This application claims priority to Israel Patent Application No. 209253 filed on 11 Nov. 2010, the contents of which are incorporated herein, in their entirety, by this reference. 
       TECHNICAL FIELD 
       [0002]    Embodiments of the invention relate to armor elements, in particular, add-on armor elements. 
       BACKGROUND 
       [0003]    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. 
         [0004]    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. 
         [0005]    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. 
         [0006]    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. respect to the attachment mechanism  1 , thereby providing them with greater structural strength. 
         [0007]    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. 
       SUMMARY 
       [0008]    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 the armor element, the attachment mechanism comprising a first unit and a second unit which are adapted to engage with each other to provide the attachment, the first unit comprising a first static member and the second unit comprising a second static member and a working member, one of which static members is adapted for fixed attachment to the armor element, and the other is adapted for fixed attachment to the body to be protected, the second unit being configured for assuming a first, disengaged position, in which the working member is disengaged from the first unit such that the armor element and the body to be protected are detached from one another and a second, engaged position in which the working member is engaged with the first unit such that the armor element and the body to be protected are fixedly attached to one another, and wherein the working member further comprises a locking member configured for engagement with the first unit to prevent disengagement of the working member from the first unit, thereby retaining the first unit and the second unit fixedly attached to one another. 
         [0009]    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 the engaged position, the locking member being configured for engagement with the mounting portion. 
         [0010]    The locking member can be configured for assuming a first, unlocked position, in which it is disengaged from the mounting portion of the first unit, so that the working member is free to disengage from the first unit, and a second, locked position, in which the working member is prevented from disengaging from the first unit. The second unit can further comprise a biasing arrangement configured for urging the locking member into the second, locked position. 
         [0011]    The mounting portion of the first unit can have a first engagement section configured for engagement with the working member and a first locking section configured for engagement with the locking member, and the locking member can be formed with a second locking section configured to engage the first locking section at least in the locked position. 
         [0012]    The first unit can have a longitudinal axis and the first locking section is disposed at a distance from the affixing portion which is greater than that of the first engagement section. 
         [0013]    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 the locking member, at least in the second, locked position. 
         [0014]    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 the plurality of orientations. The design can be such that in the locked position, the single orientation is visually distinguishable from any one of the plurality of different orientations of the unlocked position. 
         [0015]    For example, the working member can be formed with a first indication surface and the locking member can be formed with a second indication surface, wherein in the locked position, the first indication surface and the second indication surface are aligned to create a visual indication that the locking member is in the second locked position. 
         [0016]    According to one example, in the locked position, the first indication surface and the second indication surface are aligned to be flush with one another. According to another example, each of the first indication surface and the second indication surface have an imprint thereon, so that in the locked position, the first indication surface and the second indication surface are aligned so as to form a combined indicative image/pattern. 
         [0017]    In addition, the locking member can assume the single orientation only when the working member is properly engaged with the first unit (i.e. when the second unit is in the first, engaged position). 
         [0018]    One advantage which can arise from the above design, is that an operator mounting and attaching the armor element to the body to be protected using the attachment mechanism can easily identify if the locking member is not in the locked position, thereby alerting him to the fact that the attachment mechanism is not properly engaged and locked. 
         [0019]    The locking member can be designed so that displacement thereof from the locked position into the 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 the locking member is externally accessible for an operator. According to a particular example, the locking member can be configured for being grasped by the operator and manually displaced between the locked position and the unlocked position. Furthermore, the locking member, once displaced into the unlocked position may be used as a handle facilitating revolving of the working member. 
         [0020]    The first unit can comprise, in addition to the static member, a dynamic member, wherein the static member is configured for fixed attachment to either of the armor element and body to be protected, and the dynamic member is configured for being dynamically displaceable with respect to the first static member. 
         [0021]    According to a specific example, the first static member can be configured for engagement with the locking member, whilst the dynamic member can be configured for engagement with the working member of the second unit. 
         [0022]    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 the armor element, the attachment mechanism comprising a first unit and a second unit which are adapted to engage with each other to provide the attachment, the first unit comprising a first static member and a dynamic member, and the second unit comprising a second static member and a working member, one of which static members is adapted for fixed attachment to the armor element, and the other is adapted for fixed attachment to the body to be protected, the working member being configured for engagement with the dynamic member and assuming a first, disengaged position, in which it is disengaged from the dynamic member such that the armor element and the body to be protected are detached from one another and a second, engaged position in which the working member is engaged with the dynamic member such that the armor element and the body to be protected are fixedly attached to one another, and wherein the first unit further comprises a biasing arrangement urging the dynamic unit towards the first static member. 
         [0023]    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 the engaged position. The design can be such that in the engaged position, when the armor element is affixed to the body to be protected, the affixing portion is more axially remote from the second unit than the mounting portion. 
         [0024]    Thus, in the 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 the first unit, thereby facilitating the engagement between the first and the second unit. 
         [0025]    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. 
         [0026]    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 the second unit (i.e. the second unit&#39;s disengaged position), and a second biased position which corresponds to the position of the dynamic member when the first unit is engaged with the second unit (i.e. the second unit&#39;s engaged position). 
         [0027]    The dynamic member can be formed with at least one restriction element and the first static member can be formed with a restriction space having a first abutting end, configured for abutting the restriction element of the dynamic member when it reaches its first biased position and a second abutting end configured for abutting the restriction element of the dynamic member when it reaches its second biased position. 
         [0028]    The dynamic member can be configured for performing an axial movement with respect to the first static member, so that in the first biased position, it is located at a first axial distance (D 1 ) from the affixing portion, and in the second biased position it is located at a second axial distance (D 2 ) from the affixing portion, greater than the first axial position, D 2 &gt;D 1 . 
         [0029]    According to a specific example, the dynamic member can be configured for assuming an additional, intermediate position between the first axial position and the 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 D 1  and smaller than the distance D 2 , i.e. D 2 &gt;D m &gt;D 1 . 
         [0030]    The dynamic member can be configured for assuming the intermediate axial position at least at one point during displacement of the working member between the engaged position and the disengaged position. 
         [0031]    According to a particular example, one of the dynamic member and the working member can be formed with guide paths, and the other can be formed with guide projections configured for being received within the guide paths in order to define a trajectory along which the working member is configured to progress during its displacement between the disengaged position and the engaged position. 
         [0032]    In addition, the 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 the engaged position. 
         [0033]    According to a particular example, the dynamic member can be formed with the guide projections and the working member can be formed with the guide paths. In addition, the dynamic member comprise a pin element having a guide portion configured for constituting at least one of the guide projections, and a restriction portion configured for constituting the at least one guide element. 
         [0034]    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 the first second unit. 
         [0035]    In mounting, bringing the working member from the disengaged position into the engaged position can be performed by displacement of the working member along the trajectory by a single movement. 
         [0036]    According to a first example, the biasing arrangement can have a first end configured for engaging the dynamic member at a first location, and a second end configured for engaging the first static member at a second location which is more remote from the affixing portion than the first location. Alternatively, according to a second example, the first location may be more remote from the affixing portion than the second location. 
         [0037]    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. 
         [0038]    Both the first unit and the second unit the attachment mechanism can be manufactured from materials having ballistic resistance properties, so that when the armor element is mounted onto the 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. 
         [0039]    According to a particular example, either or both of the 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 do not deteriorate the ballistic resistance of the armor element and body to be protected. 
         [0040]    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 
         [0041]    In order to understand the embodiments of 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: 
           [0042]      FIGS. 1A to 1D  are schematic isometric, front, rear and side views of an attachment mechanism of the present application; 
           [0043]      FIG. 2  is a schematic isometric exploded view of the attachment mechanism shown in  FIGS. 1A to 1D ; 
           [0044]      FIG. 3A  is a schematic isometric view of a first unit comprised in the attachment mechanism shown in  FIGS. 1A to 1D ; 
           [0045]      FIG. 3B  is a schematic isometric view of the first unit shown in  FIG. 3A  with the housing thereof being removed; 
           [0046]      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; 
           [0047]      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; 
           [0048]      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; 
           [0049]      FIGS. 6A and 6B  are schematic isometric and front section view taken along a plane A-A shown in  FIG. 1B ; 
           [0050]      FIG. 7A  is a schematic isometric view of an attachment mechanism according to another example of the present application; 
           [0051]      FIG. 7B  is a schematic enlarged view of detail A shown in  FIG. 7A ; 
           [0052]      FIG. 8A  is a schematic isometric cross-sectional view of the attachment mechanism shown in  FIG. 7A ; and 
           [0053]      FIG. 8B  is a schematic enlarged view of detail B shown in  FIG. 8A . 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS 
       [0054]    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. 
         [0055]    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. 
         [0056]    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. 
         [0057]    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 . 
         [0058]    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 . 
         [0059]    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 . 
         [0060]    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. 
         [0061]    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. 
         [0062]    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 . 
         [0063]    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 . 
         [0064]    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  112   a  adjacent the affixing portion AP and a second end  112   b  more remote from the affixing portion AP. 
         [0065]    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  115 a and a second abutting end  115   b,  so that the second end  115   b  is axially closer to the affixing portion AP than the first end  115   a.    
         [0066]    In addition, the housing is formed, at the second end  112   b  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 . 
         [0067]    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 . 
         [0068]    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  112   b  of the housing  112 . 
         [0069]    Reverting now to  FIGS. 3A ,  3 C and  3 D, 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 . 
         [0070]    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  115   a,    115   b  of the side openings  115 . 
         [0071]    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  115   b  of the opening  115  (see  FIG. 3C ). 
         [0072]    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  115   a,  as shown in  FIG. 3D . The securing pin  124  may thus assume a first position in which it is at a distance D 1  from the most axially remote point of the AP and a second position in which it is at a distance D 2  from the most axially remote point of the AP, D 2 &gt;D 1 . 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 . 
         [0073]    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 . 
         [0074]    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  115   a,    115   b  of the side openings  115  of the housing. 
         [0075]    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 . 
         [0076]    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 . 
         [0077]    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 ,  4 B,  6 A and  6 B. 
         [0078]    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. 
         [0079]    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 . 
         [0080]    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 the 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 . 
         [0081]    Each channel  224  has a first end  224   a  located at an end of the tubular body  222  axially remote from the external portion EP and a second end  224   b  located at an end of the tubular body  222  closer to the external portion EP. The first end  224   a  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 . 
         [0082]    In addition, each of the channels  224  is formed, at the second end  224   b  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 . 
         [0083]    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. 
         [0084]    In assembly, the working member  220  of the second unit  200  is aligned so that the openings formed at the first ends  224   a  of the channels  224  are angularly aligned with the portions of the securing pin  124  projecting from the housing  112  of the first unit. 
         [0085]    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 . 
         [0086]    Revolution of the working member  220  continues until securing pin  124  abuts the second end  224   b  of the channels  224  of the working member  220 . Once the projecting portions of the securing pin  124  have reached the second end  224   b,  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 . 
         [0087]    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 . 
         [0088]    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 . 
         [0089]    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 . 
         [0090]    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 . 
         [0091]    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. 
         [0092]    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 . 
         [0093]    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. 
         [0094]    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. 
         [0095]    It is also noted that in the locked position, an external surface S 1  of the locking latch  242  is nearly flush with an external surface S 2  of the extensions  227  of the working member  200 . This orientation of the surfaces S 1  and S 2  is only possible at the locked position of the locking latch  242 . 
         [0096]    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 S 1  and S 2  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 . 
         [0097]    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). 
         [0098]    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 . 
         [0099]    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. 
         [0100]    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 . 
         [0101]    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. 
         [0102]    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. 
         [0103]    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 ′. 
         [0104]    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  244   a ′ and a second, wide extension  244   b′.    
         [0105]    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