Abstract:
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 comprises a second static member and a working member. One of the 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 mechanism further comprises a screw-free locking arrangement between the two static members, defined by a locking gap associated with a locking body portion in the first static member, and a locking tongue portion of the working member in the second unit. The locking tongue portion is displaceable relative to the second static member so as to move into the locking gap to assume a locked position in which at least in one cross-sectional plane of the mechanism, the locking body portion of the first static member separates between the locking tongue portion of the working member and a portion of the second static member.

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
       [0001]    This invention relates to armor elements, such as, for example, armor panels, and to mechanisms for their mounting on a vehicle to be protected. 
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    Armor panels are commonly used to protect a body against various threats, mostly incoming projectiles. Such armor panels 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 panels are usually mounted onto the exterior/interior of the vehicle and are fastened to become affixed thereto. 
         [0004]    Mounting of an armor panel onto a vehicle is normally performed either by welding the armor panel onto the hull of the vehicle at a location thereon in which protection is sought or by bolting, where the armor panel and the hull of the vehicle are pre-formed with corresponding bores/threads for receiving therein bolts/screws to attach the armor panel to the hull. 
         [0005]    In the former case, the armor panel is affixed to the hull permanently, whilst in the latter case the armor panel is detachably attached to the hull and may serve as an add-on panel. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0006]    According to one aspect of the present invention 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 mechanism further comprising a screw-free locking arrangement between the two static members, defined by a locking gap associated with a locking body portion in said first static member, and a locking tongue portion of said working member in said second unit, said locking tongue portion being displaceable relative to the second static member so as to move into said gap to assume a locked position in which at least in one cross-sectional plane of the mechanism said locking body portion of the first static member separates between said locking tongue portion of the working member and a portion of the second static member, whereby the locking engagement between the first and second static members of the respective first and second units is achieved. 
         [0007]    The locking tongue portion may be adapted for moving into the locking gap along a locking tongue portion trajectory that lies in a gap-entering plane different from and, possibly, perpendicular to said cross-sectional plane, without performing any additional movement with respect to said second static member during its entering said gap, the trajectory of which is other than lying in said gap-entering plane. The mechanism may be designed so that the movement of the locking tongue portion along said trajectory may be the only movement performed by the locking tongue portion during its entering the gap. 
         [0008]    The locking tongue portion of the working member may constitute its integral part, and the trajectory of the displacement of the working member causing the entry of the locking tongue portion into the locking gap, may also lie in the gap entering plane. 
         [0009]    According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided an armor element with said first static member mounted thereon, and/or a body to be protected with said second unit mounted thereon. 
         [0010]    Said first unit and the second unit may be attached to said armor element and said body to be protected, respectively, by bolts, welding etc. 
         [0011]    According to another aspect of the present invention there is provided a kit for producing an armored portion of a body to be protected, said kit comprising: 
         [0012]    an armor element; and 
         [0013]    an attachment mechanism as described above, possibly, with the static member of said first unit being permanently mounted to said armor element. 
         [0014]    According to a further aspect of the present invention there is provided an armored vehicle comprising a hull having said second unit attached thereto at its area to be protected. 
         [0015]    The locking arrangement between the two static members may be any appropriate arrangement allowing the self-sufficient locking engagement between the two static members, the term ‘self sufficient’ with respect to the engagement meaning herein as allowing bringing the locking tongue into its locked position by moving the working member solely by hand, e.g. without any additional tools or mechanisms. 
         [0016]    The following are some examples of such an engagement: 
         [0017]    a snap engagement—in which the locking tongue portion is elastically bendable, allowing the locking tongue portion to take on an initial position and a bent position. In this case, in order to bring the locking tongue portion into its locked position, pressure is first applied to the working member by an operator to bring it into the bent position in which the locking tongue portion may be urged into the locking gap, during the entering movement, and thereafter the locking tongue is allowed to assume its initial position within the locking gap to provide the above engagement. 
         [0018]    an interlocking engagement—in which the locking tongue portion and the locking gap are of corresponding interlocking shape. In this case, in order to bring the locking tongue portion into its locked position, the working member is either displaced or rotated by an operator until the locking tongue portion and the locking gap are engaged with one another. 
         [0019]    a pressure engagement—in which the locking tongue portion is received within the locking gap under pressure, e.g. a wedge mechanism. In this case, in order to bring the locking tongue portion into the locking gap, an operator must apply pressure to the locking tongue portion during the entering movement thereof into the locking gap. In particular, the working member may be formed as a lever in order to allow the operator to apply said pressure. 
         [0020]    The working member of the second unit may be formed with a securing portion adapted to engage a corresponding securing portion formed in the first unit, when the locking tongue is in its locked position. 
         [0021]    The attachment mechanism may also comprise a securing arrangement adapted to prevent the working member from spontaneous displacement which may cause movement of the locking tongue portion from its locked position into an open position, which may cause disengagement between the armor element and body to be protected. 
         [0022]    The attachment mechanism may also comprise an alignment arrangement providing that the first unit and the second unit are properly aligned when the armor element is mounted onto the body to be protected. 
         [0023]    According to one example, the working member and the static member of the second unit are pivotally connected to one another such that displacement of the locking tongue into its locked position is provided by pivotal movement of the working member with respect to the static member. 
         [0024]    According to another example, the working member may be adapted for linear displacement with respect to the static member to bring the locking tongue portion into its locked position. In particular, the working member may be constantly spring biased into the latter position, thereby being prevented, inter alfa, from spontaneous displacement from the locked position to the open position of the working member. In this case, displacement of the working member may be provided by applying a force against the biasing force of the spring. 
         [0025]    According to one particular design, the working member may be provided with a shifting member adapted to allow an operator to apply pressure against the biasing spring. For example, such a shifting member may be a gripping ring, a handle, a lever and the like, attached to or integrally formed with the working member. Alternatively, the shifting member may be a separate member adapted to constantly engage the working member in order to displace its locking tongue portion from one position to another. For example, the shifting member may be in the form of an eccentric lever mounted onto the second static member and adapted to be displaced between a first position in which it biases the working member against the biasing force of the spring, and a second position in which is allows the biasing spring to displace the working member into its locked position. 
         [0026]    According to all of the above examples and designs, the securing portion of the working member may be in the form of a latch or a projection, and the securing portion of the static member may be in the form of a securing bar spaced from the body to be protected and extending generally parallel thereto, such that when the locking tongue is in the locked position, the latch or projection are adapted to be received within the space between the body to be protected and the securing bar, thus preventing disengagement of the armor element from the body to be protected. 
         [0027]    According to yet another example, the working member may be adapted for revolving within the static member. For example, it may be in the form of a circular plate fitted within a circular sleeve. In this case, the securing portion of the working member may be in the form of a part of a circular channel and the securing portion of the second unit may be in the form of a securing pin projecting generally perpendicular to the body to be protected, and adapted for being received within the circular channel. In particular, the securing pin may be formed with a head portion having a diameter larger than the diameter of the securing pin, and the channel may have a dimension corresponding to the diameter of the pin, wherein, at a particular point along the channel the dimension of the channel has a widened portion which is slightly larger in dimension, in order to receive therein the head portion of the securing pin. 
         [0028]    Thus, in assembly, when the armor element is mounted onto a body to be protected, the head portion of the securing pin is first aligned and then received within the widened portion of the working member until it projects from the other side thereof, and thereafter the working member is revolved within the static member such that securing rod slides within the circular channel until the widened portion thereof is no longer aligned with the head portion of the securing pin, thereby preventing disengagement of the first unit from the second unit. 
         [0029]    All the above examples may allow at least one of the following:
       quick and easy attachment/detachment of the armor element from the body to be protected;   attachment/detachment of the armor element on a site different from the armor and/or vehicle manufacturing site;   quick and easy replacement of the armor element in case of damaged caused thereto;   space-efficient transportation of a plurality of armor elements and/or the body to be protected to a remote location;   efficient weight distribution—allowing the body to be protected to be transported separately from the armor elements thereof;   reducing weight in a specific terrain—for example, when passing through a terrain where the vehicle may sink, the armor elements may be detached to reduce weight (and be left behind); and   between two bases. For example, when driving the vehicle between two bases, each base may have in stock the armor elements and corresponding attachment mechanism, whereby the armor elements may be removed at one base, the vehicle driven to the other base and the armor elements of the other base being mounted on the vehicle.       
 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0037]    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: 
           [0038]      FIG. 1A  is a schematic isometric view an attachment mechanism according to one embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0039]      FIG. 1B  is a schematic exploded view of the attachment mechanism shown in  FIG. 1A ; 
           [0040]      FIG. 2A  is a schematic isometric view of an attachment mechanism according to another embodiment of the present invention, in an open position thereof; 
           [0041]      FIG. 2B  is a schematic isometric view of the attachment mechanism shown in  FIG. 2A , in a closed position thereof; 
           [0042]      FIG. 2C  is a schematic exploded view of the mechanism shown in  FIG. 2A ; 
           [0043]      FIG. 2D  is a schematic top view of the attachment mechanism shown in  FIG. 2B ; 
           [0044]      FIG. 2E  is a schematic enlarged partial longitudinal cross-sectional view taken along the plane GE shown in  FIG. 2A , and denoted by line A-A shown in  FIG. 2D ; 
           [0045]      FIG. 2F  is a schematic enlarged partial longitudinal cross-sectional view taken along the plane CS shown in  FIG. 2A , and denoted by line B-B shown in  FIG. 2D ; 
           [0046]      FIG. 3  is a schematic exploded view of an attachment mechanism according to a further embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0047]      FIG. 4A  is a schematic isometric view of an attachment mechanism according to still another embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0048]      FIG. 4B  is a schematic exploded view of the attachment mechanism shown in  FIG. 4A ; 
           [0049]      FIG. 4C  is a schematic isometric view of a static member used in the attachment mechanism shown in  FIGS. 4A and 4B ; and 
           [0050]      FIG. 4D  is a schematic isometric view of a working member used in the attachment mechanism shown in  FIGS. 4A and 4B . 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS 
       [0051]    With reference to  FIGS. 1A and 1B , an attachment mechanism generally designated as  1 , is shown comprising a first unit  20  fixedly mounted on an armor panel A (shown in phantom lines), and a second unit  10  fixedly mounted on a body to be protected B (also shown in phantom lines), which for example, may be a side wall of a hull of a vehicle. The first unit  20  and the second unit  10  are so designed as to be adapted for detachable attachment to one another in a self sufficient manner, i.e. solely by hand, without the use of any instruments or additional attachment elements, such as e.g. bolts or the like. 
         [0052]    With reference to  FIG. 1B , the second unit  10  has a base portion  12  with a base surface  11 , which is rectangular shaped, and is substantially flat, two side walls  14   a,    14   b  extending substantially perpendicular to the base surface  11  and spaced from each other to form and a locking gap  15  therebetween. Each of the side walls  14   a,    14   b  is formed with a convexly curved contact surface  16   a,    16   b  respectively. 
         [0053]    The second unit  10  further comprises a locking body portion  18  in the form of a catch extending between the two side walls  14   a,    14   b  along an axis X C . The locking body portion  18  is located such that it binds the locking gap  15  at its end opposite the base portion  12 , while leaving a space between the locking body portion  18  and the base portion  12 . 
         [0054]    The first unit  20  is formed as an assembly comprising a static member  30  adapted for fixed mounting to a flange portion FP of the armor panel A (see  FIG. 1A ), a working member  40  hingedly articulated to the static member  30  allowing it to assume various positions with respect thereto, and a safety mechanism  50  adapted for securing said working member  40  to the static member  30  at a pre-defined position. 
         [0055]    The static member  30  is in the form of an elongated body extending along a longitudinal axis X B , and having two side walls  32   a,    32   b  spaced apart from one another to form a gap  33  therebetween. The side walls  32   a  and  32   b  are formed with respective pivot ports  34   a  and  34   b,  aligned along an axis X P  which is perpendicular to the longitudinal axis X B , for receiving therein a hinge  38 , for pivotally articulating thereto the working member  40 . In addition, the side walls  32   a  and  32   b  are formed with respective aligned attachment holes  36   a  and  36   b,  extending perpendicular to the longitudinal direction X B , for attachment of the static member  30  to the flange portion FP of the armor panel A, as shown in  FIG. 1A . The static member  30  is further formed with receiving nooks  35   a,    35   b  adapted for engagement with the second unit  10 . 
         [0056]    The working member  40  is formed of a body  42  extending along a longitudinal axis X O  and having a pivot section at one end thereof, and a securing section at another end thereof. The pivot section is formed with a pivot portion  44  having a pivot hole  43 , and a locking tongue portion  41  in the form of a latch. The securing portion is formed with a fork-like design, having a first portion  46 , and a second portion  48  with a gap G therebetween. The first portion and second portion are formed with respective securing apertures  45   a,    45   b  adapted for engaging a securing mechanism  50 . 
         [0057]    The securing mechanism  50  comprises a base plate  52  formed with a port adapted to fixedly receive a pulling member  54  projecting perpendicular thereto. The base plate  52  has a first end formed with a spring projection  56  adapted for mounting thereon of a biasing spring  58 , and a second end formed with a securing portion  57 , adapted to be receive within a securing groove R of the static member  30 . The entire securing mechanism  50  is adapted to be received within the working member  40 , in particular, the base plate  52  is received within the gap G between the portions  46  and  48 , and the pulling member  54  is received within the aperture  45   a,  thereby preventing the base plate  52  from disengaging from the working member  40 . The working member  40  is also fitted with a pulling ring  49  adapted for more convenient application of force against the biasing spring  58 . 
         [0058]    In assembly, the second unit  10  is welded via surface  11  thereof to the body to be protected B, at a predetermined location, corresponding to the desired future location of the armor element A. The first unit  20  is bolted to the side A S  of the armor element A, using bolts passing through the attachment holes  36   a  and  36   b.    
         [0059]    When mounting the armor element A onto the body to be protected B, the working member  40  is transverse to the static member  30 . The armor element A is then positioned so on the body to be protected B, that the contact surfaces  16   a,    16   b  are received within the respective nooks  35   a,    35   b,  so as to align the armor element A with the body to be protected B. 
         [0060]    Once positioned, the working member  40  is pivoted about the pivot point  43  such that the locking tongue portion  41  performs a rotational entering movement the trajectory of which lies in the gap-entering plane GE. Thus, the locking tongue portion is received under the locking body portion  18 . The working member  40  is further pivoted until the surface  42  thereof becomes almost flush with the surfaces  31 T of the static member  30 . It should be noted that during the entering movement, the locking tongue portion does not perform any additional movement the trajectory of which lies outside the gap-entering plane GE. 
         [0061]    In the closed position described above, due to the biasing spring  58 , the securing portion  57  of the securing mechanism  50  projects outwards to be received within one of the grooves R of the static member  30 , preventing further pivoting of the working member  40 . In this position, the armor element A is firmly secured to the body to be protected B by virtue of the engagement between the first unit  20  and the second unit  10 . 
         [0062]    In order to disengage the armor element A from the body to be protected B, it is required to disengage the first unit  20  from the second unit  10 . This is performed by pulling on the ring  49 , entailing retraction of the base plate  52  using the pin  54 , allowing the working member  40  to pivot about the hinge  38  until the locking tongue portion  41  thereof no longer engages the locking body portion  18 , whereby the armor element A may be removed from the body to be protected B. 
         [0063]    Turning now to  FIGS. 2A to 2E , another design of the attachment mechanism is shown generally designate as  2 , and comprising a second unit  110  adapted for fixed attachment to a body to be protected B, and a first unit  120  adapted for fixed attachment to an armor element A. 
         [0064]    The second unit  110  is formed with two side walls  114   a,    114   b  extending substantially perpendicular to the static portion  112 , such that a locking gap  115  extends therebetween. The locking gap  115  is delimited from above by a locking body portion  118 . Each of the side walls  114   a,    114   b  is of a generally rectangular shape and is formed with a contact surface  116   a,    116   b  respectively. The locking body portion  118  is formed on a top surface thereof with a rectangular alignment projection  117  adapted for alignment of the second unit  110  with respect to the first unit  120 . 
         [0065]    The first unit  120  is formed as an assembly comprising a static member  130  adapted for fixed attachment to the armor element, an working member  140  received within the static member  130  allowing it to assume various positions with respect thereof, and a safety mechanism  150  adapted for securing the working member  140  to the static member  130  at a pre-defined position. 
         [0066]    The static member  130  is formed with a body  132  extending along a longitudinal axis X B , having a back wall  138 B, and a front wall  138 F opposite thereto, with two side walls  132   a,    132   b  extending therebetween, being spaced apart from one another to form a gap  133  therbetween. Each side wall  132   a,    132   b  is formed with a nook  135   a,    135   b  adapted for engagement with the second unit  110 . Each side wall  132   a,    132   b  is further formed with a securing portion R comprising a plurality of teeth  137  adapted for engagement with the securing mechanism  150 . 
         [0067]    The static member  130  further comprises a bridge portion  136  adjacent the front wall  138 F, the front wall  138 F having formed therein an opening  136   a.  The bridge portion  136  is formed with a rectangular recess  139  adapted, in the assembled position, to receive therein a rectangular projection  117  of the body unit  110 . 
         [0068]    The working member  140  is formed of a body  142  extending along a longitudinal axis X O  and having a locking tongue portion  141  in the form of a wedge at one end thereof, and a securing section  144  at another end thereof. The securing portion  144  is formed with a pivot hole  147 , and a recess  146 , both being adapted for engagement with the securing mechanism  150 . 
         [0069]    The securing mechanism  150  comprises a restriction element  152  and a biasing spring  158 . The restriction element  152  is formed with a restriction bar  155  adapted for engagement with the teeth  137  of the static member  130 , two projections  153   a,    153   b  extending perpendicularly therefrom, and a gripping portion  155  adapted for articulation of a gripping ring  149  thereto. Each of the projections  153   a,    153   b  is formed with an attachment hole  154   a,    154   b,  adapted for articulation to the pivot hole  147  of the working member  140  via a hinge  148 . 
         [0070]    The arrangement is such that the working member  140  is located within the gap  133  of the static member  130 , and the biasing spring  158  is positioned between the back wall  138  and the base element  152 , so as to bias the latter, and consequently the working member away from the back wall  138 . Thus, in its initial position, the locking tongue portion  141  extends through the opening  136   a  and under the bridge portion  136 . 
         [0071]    In assembly, the second unit  110  is welded via surfaces  111   a,    111   b  thereof to the body to be protected B, at a predetermined location, corresponding to the desired future location of the armor element A. The first unit  120  is fixedly attached to the side A S  of the armor element A, either using welding, or bolts passing through specifically designed holes (not shown) formed in the side walls  132   a,    132   b.    
         [0072]    When mounting the armor element A onto the body to be protected B, the position of the locking tongue portion  141  prevents the engagement between the second unit  110  and the first unit  120 . Thus, the locking tongue portion  141  should first be retracted. However, due to the securing mechanism  150  and the engagement of the bar  152  with the teeth  137 , simple lateral movement of the locking tongue portion  141  is prevented. Therefore, it is required to pull on the gripping ring  149  so as to pivot the base element  152  about the working member  140 , in order to release the engagement between the teeth  137  and the base element  152 . Thereafter, the working member  140  may be displaced towards the back wall  138 B against the biasing force of the spring  158  until the locking tongue portion  141  no longer projects from the opening  136 . 
         [0073]    In this position, it is possible to position the first unit  120  properly, such that the second unit  110  is received within the nooks  135  under the bridge  136 , and the projection  117  is received within the rectangular recess  139 . 
         [0074]    Once positioned, the gripping ring  149  may be released so as to allow the working member  140  to re-deploy, such that the locking tongue portion  141  thereof performs an axial movement along a trajectory lying in the gap-entering plane GE, towards the second unit  110 . In this position, the locking tongue portion  141  projects from the opening  136   a.  However, in this position, the locking tongue portion  141  also extends within the locking gap  115 , preventing disengagement between the first unit  120  and the second unit  110 . 
         [0075]    Particular attention is drawn to  FIGS. 2E and 2F , in which a cross-section of the area of the second unit  110  is shown, in which it may be observed that, in this particular example, along both the cross-sectional plane CS and the gap-entering plane GE, the locking body portion  118  is disposed between the locking tongue portion  141  of the working member  140  and a portion of the static member  130 . 
         [0076]    When disengaging the first unit  120  from the second unit  110 , a similar operation is performed to that required for engaging the units  110 ,  120  one with the other, i.e. the locking tongue portion  141  is retracted, allowing the two units  110 ,  120  to separate from one another. 
         [0077]    Turning now to  FIG. 3 , yet another example of an attachment mechanism is shown, generally designated as  3 , and comprising a second unit  210  and a first unit  120 . The first unit  220  comprises a static member  230 , a working member  240  and a securing member  250 . 
         [0078]    The present example operates in a similar manner to previous example in the sense that the working member  240  is biased by a biasing spring  258  and comprises a locking tongue portion  241  adapted to extend under a locking body portion  218  of the second unit  210  so as to fix it to the static member  230 . However, in the present example, the locking mechanism  250  comprises an accentor  252  pivotally articulated to the static member  230  using a hinge  256 , and adapted to depress the working member  240  against a force of the biasing spring  258 . 
         [0079]    In particular, the accentor  252  has an elliptic shape having a first end  252   a  and a second end  252   b,  and is formed with a pivot hole  254  located adjacent one of the focal points of the ellipse. In addition, a lever portion  255  extends from the ellipse, adapted for changing the position of the accentor  252 . 
         [0080]    In assembly, the second unit  210  is welded via surface  211   a,    211   b  thereof to the body to be protected B, at a predetermined location, corresponding to the desired future location of the armor element A. The first unit  220  is attached to the side A S  of the armor element A, either by welding, or using bolts passing through the specifically designed attachment holes (not shown). 
         [0081]    In mounting, the first unit  220  is brought to a position in which the first end  252   a  of the accentor  252  engages a pressure portion  246  of the working member  240 , and the lever member  255  faces away from the working member  240 . Thus, the biasing spring  258  is depressed and the locking tongue portion  241  is retracted, so as to allow the second unit  210  to be received within the nooks  235   a,    235   b.    
         [0082]    Thereafter, the accentor  252  is pivoted about the pivot point  245  thereof, until the pressure portion  246  of the working member  240  engages the second end  252   b  of the accentor  252 . In this position, since the second end  252   b  is considerably closer to the pivot point  254  than the first end  252   a,  the working member  240  is free to displace by virtue of the biasing spring  258  away from the back wall  238   b,  such that the locking tongue portion  241  extends under the locking body portion  218 , thereby lockingly engaging the second unit  210 . 
         [0083]    In disengagement between the first unit  220  and the second unit  210 , a reverse operation is performed, i.e. the accentor  252  is pivoted in the opposite direction, thereby pushing the working member  240  backwards, until the locking tongue portion  241  no longer extends under the locking body portion  218 , whereby the units  210 ,  220  are free to disengage. 
         [0084]    In general, in the above described embodiment of  FIG. 3 , the accentor  252  performs the same function as the biasing spring  158  of the attachment mechanism shown in  FIGS. 2A to 2F . 
         [0085]    Turning now to  FIGS. 4A to 4D , a still further example of an attachment mechanism is shown, generally designated as  4 , and comprising a second unit  310  and a first unit  320 . The first unit  320  comprises a static member  330  and an operating mechanism  340  comprising an intermediate member  342  and a working member  352 . The elements  310 ,  320 ,  330  and  340  are all of circular shape, each having a central axis X. 
         [0086]    The second unit  310  comprises a first circular member  312  and a second circular member  314  adapted for engagement therebetween along a mutual axis thereof to grasp therebetween the armor element A. Each of the first and second circular member  312 ,  314  is formed with a respective retention disc  313 ,  315 , the arrangement being such that when the members  312 ,  314  are engaged, a gap  316  of width d extends between the retention discs  313 ,  315 . The width d corresponds to the width of the armor element A. 
         [0087]    In addition, the second circular member  314  is formed with an additional retention disc  317  spaced from the retention disc  315  by a locking body portion rod  318  such that there extends a locking gap of width t therebetween. 
         [0088]    The static member  330  is adapted, contrary to the previous examples in which the static member is attached to the armor element from the side, for being embedded within the body to be protected B. In particular, it is embedded such that there is provided access to the first unit  320  both from outside the body to be protected B and from inside the body to be protected B. The static member  330  is in the form of a circular sleeve  332  having an inner surface  332   1  and an outer surface  332   O , and is adapted for fixed attachment to the body to be protected, more specifically, for fixed attachment of the outer surface  332   O  to the inner surface of a prefabricated attachment port P of the body to be protected. 
         [0089]    The circular sleeve  332  is further formed on the outer surface  332   O  thereof with an aligning projection  334 , adapted to prevent rotation of the circular sleeve  332  within the attachment port P. In addition, the circular sleeve  332  is formed on the inner surface  332   1  thereof with two recesses adapted for locking the position of the operating mechanism  340  as will be discussed later with respect to the structure of the operating mechanism  340 . 
         [0090]    The operating mechanism  340  comprises an intermediate member  342  in the form of a circular disc, having an external surface  342   O . The intermediate member  342  is formed with a cavity  343  across which extends a gripping portion  344  along the diameter of the cavity  343 , allowing an operator to grip the gripping portion  344  from both sides (his fingers being positioned within the cavity  343 ). The circular disc is further formed with a central channel  345  extending within the gripping portion  344 , and adapted for accommodation therein of two securing pins  360   a,    360   b,  one on each side thereof. 
         [0091]    The operating mechanism also comprises a working member  352  formed with a cavity  353  adapted for accommodating the intermediate member  342  therein, and having an outer surface  352   O  and an inner surface  352   1 . The working member  352  further comprises a front face  351  perpendicular to the central axis X thereof, the front face  351  being formed with an attachment opening  354  having a first, circle-shaped portion  355  adapted for insertion of the additional retention disc  317  of the second unit  310  therein, and a locking tongue portion  354 T in the form of a prolonged narrow portion adapted for sliding of the locking body portion  318  therein. The thickness t of the locking tongue portion  354 T corresponds to the width t of the locking gap between the retentions discs  315  and  317 . 
         [0092]    The working member  352  is also formed with an opening  358  adapted for protrusion of a securing pin  360   a  therethrough. The securing pins  360   a,    360   b  are each formed with a respective pin portion  362   a,    362   b,  and a respective ball shaped end  364   a,    364   b,  adapted for securing the position of the operating mechanism  340  as will hereinafter be discussed. 
         [0093]    The arrangement is such that the intermediate member  342  is fixedly articulated within the working member  352  using one of the securing pins  360   b,  the outer surface  342   O  thereof being flush with the inner surface  352   1  of the working member  352 . Thus, turning the intermediate member  342  using the gripping portion  344  entails rotation of the working member  352 , and indeed of the entire operating mechanism  340  about the central axis X. The second securing pin  360   a  is adapted to protrude from the opening  346  of the intermediate member  342 , and through the opening  358  of the working member  352 , such that the ball end  364   a  thereof is directed towards the inner surface  332   1  of the circular sleeve  332 . 
         [0094]    The entire operating mechanism  340  is received within the circular sleeve  330  such that the outer surface of the working member  352   O  is flush against the inner surface  332   1  of the circular sleeve  332 . The ball end  364   a  of the securing pin  360   a  is received within the one of the recesses  336  of the circular sleeve  332 , thereby preventing spontaneous rotation of the operating mechanism  340  with respect to the static member  330 . 
         [0095]    In assembly, the two members  312  and  314  of the second unit  310  are clamped onto a panel of width d of the body to be protected B from both sides such that the panel is fixedly retained between the two members  312 ,  314 . The first unit  320  is attached to body to be protected, more particularly, the outer surface  332   O  of the circular sleeve  332  is welded to the inner surface of the attachment port P of the body to be protected. 
         [0096]    In mounting, the armor element A along with the second unit  310  is brought such that the retention disc  317  is inserted through the circle-shaped opening  355 . Once inserted, the operating mechanism  340  may be rotated about the central axis X using the gripping portion  344 , whereby the locking tongue portion  354 T slides about the locking body portion  318  of the second unit  310  such that the locking tongue portion  354 T of the working member  352  is received within the locking gap of width t between the retention discs  315 ,  317 , effectively trapping the retention disc  317  within the working member  352 . 
         [0097]    Also in this position, the securing pin  360   a  is also displaced with respect to the circular sleeve  332 , such that the ball end  364   a  thereof is now received within the other recess  336 , preventing spontaneous rotation of the entire operating mechanism  340  to and open position in which that units  310 ,  320  may be disengaged from one another. 
         [0098]    In disengagement between the first unit  320  and the second unit  310 , a reverse operation is performed, i.e. the entire operating mechanism  340  is rotated within the static member  330  in the opposite direction, thereby bringing the retention disc  317  to face the circle-shaped portion  355 , whereby the units  310 ,  320  are free to disengage. 
         [0099]    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.