DESCRIPTION

Technical Field of the Invention

[0001] The present invention relates to a simulated training hand grenade which can be used by soldiers to perfect the timing and lobbing technique of the grenade. More particularly, the present invention relates to a multi-mode hand grenade simulator.

Background of the Invention

[0002] Generally, military personnel are required to be trained in the proper use and lobbing of hand grenades and other forms of ordnance. The training is quite dangerous and multiple personnel cannot lob grenades simultaneously. Further the actual hand grenades are not reusable and could be fatal if the required steps are not followed to the letter.

[0003] Typically, the diversionary devices operated by reproducing an audio or electronic imitation of an explosion for training and for providing realistic resemblance to actual hand grenade lacked the multi-mode operability, were unsafe and expensive.

[0004] Hitherto, various types of training grenades have been known but none of them has been satisfactory in terms of their usability in multi-mode. One type of training hand grenade heretofore commonly used in two-sided combat exercises was made by filling cloth with padding. Such training grenades didn't possess realistic resemblance to actual hand grenade containing live ammunitions as a consequence the users trained with such grenades were trained inadequately and carelessly.

[0005] Furthermore, training hand grenades having a sheet metal shell and a wooden handle with the body of cast iron are well known. Such training grenades are limited in their use to maneuvers directed against dummies and other inanimate because such training grenades were likely to endanger personnel if they were employed in two-sided practice maneuvers.

[0006] In light of the aforementioned discussion on hand grenades, there clearly exists a need for a multi-mode hand grenade simulator for an enhanced training value to hand grenade users.

Brief Summary of the Invention

[0007] In accordance with the teachings of the present disclosure, a multi-mode hand grenade simulator for enhancing the training value of a hand grenade user is disclosed.

[0008] In accordance with the further teachings, the present invention contemplates the multi-mode hand grenade simulator which simulates an actual hand grenade in terms of size, shape, mass and functionality.

[0009] According to the further teachings of the present invention, the multi-mode hand grenade simulator further contemplates a delayed-action grenade providing a realistic resemblance to the actual hand grenade in terms of sound and smoke generated to create an effect of explosion.

[0010] The principal object of the present invention is to provide the multi-mode hand grenade simulator which could be used by the users engaged in training to experience the realistic effects without sustaining grievous injury.

[0011] Accordingly, another objective of the present invention is to allow the users to engage in offensive and defensive training on hand grenade.

[0012] Yet further objective of the present invention is to provide the hand grenade users with the multi-mode hand grenade simulator which is less expensive, reusable and less damaging to the environment.

[0013] Yet another objective of the present invention is to facilitate group training.

[0014] Yet another objective of the present invention is to provide the multi-mode hand grenade simulator the fear factor associated with the original grenade though to a lesser degree through the multiple blast effects of sound, fire and smoke.

[0015] According to a first aspect of the present invention, a multi-mode simulated hand grenade includes an inner shell segment, and an outer shell segment configurable into proper relation to form outer covering of the simulated hand grenade.

[0016] According to the first aspect, the multi-mode simulated hand grenade includes a set of bushes enclosing a pyrotech cartridge disposed inside the inner shell segment.

[0017] According to the first aspect, the multi-mode simulated hand grenade includes a trigger unit assembly comprising a trigger unit body, and a trigger unit cap, the trigger unit assembly housing a first compression spring, and a striker pin.

[0018] According to the first aspect, the multi-mode simulated hand grenade includes a set of fastening means for securing a locking plate to the trigger unit assembly.

[0019] According to the first aspect, the multi-mode simulated hand grenade includes a removable retainer means for holding a lever mounted on the locking plate against the biasing force of the first compression spring and the second compression spring.

[0020] According to a second aspect of the present invention, a method for simulating a multi-mode hand grenade includes a step of initiating a triggering action in the hand grenade wherein the step of initiation further comprising sub steps of releasing a removable retainer means, the sub step of releasing unholds a lever mounted on the locking plate, and expansion of a first compression spring, the sub step of expansion driving a striker pin against a pyrotech cartridge .

[0021] According to the second aspect, the method for simulating a multi-mode hand grenade includes a step of detonation of a predetermined quantity of explosive powder contained in a pyrotech cartridge .

[0022] A more complete appreciation of the present invention and the scope thereof can be obtained from the accompanying drawings which are briefly summarized below and the following detailed description of the presently-preferred embodiments.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0023] Other objects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art upon reading the following detailed description of the preferred embodiments, in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein like reference numerals have been used to designate like elements, and wherein:

[0024] FIG.l is a diagram depicting an exploded view of a multi-mode hand grenade simulator while used in a defensive mode.

[0025] FIG.2 is a diagram depicting an assembly of a multi-mode hand grenade simulator while used in an offensive mode.

[0026] FIG.3a is a diagram depicting a isometric view of a multi-mode hand grenade simulator, according to an exemplary embodiment of present invention.

[0027] FIG. 3b is a diagram depicting a sectional view of a multi-mode hand grenade simulator of FIG. 3a.

[0028] FIG. 4 depicts a flowchart illustrating a method of implementing multi-mode hand grenade of the present invention, according to an exemplary embodiment

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0029] It is to be understood that the present disclosure is not limited in its application to the details of construction and the arrangement of components set forth in the following description or illustrated in the drawings. The present disclosure is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced or of being carried out in various ways. Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology used herein is for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting.

[0030] The use of "including", "comprising" or "having" and variations thereof herein is meant to encompass the items listed thereafter and equivalents thereof as well as additional items. The terms "a" and "an" herein do not denote a limitation of quantity, but rather denote the presence of at least one of the referenced item.

[0031] For a better understanding, components of the described embodiment are labelled with three digit component numbers. In general, the same first digit is used throughout the entire component numbers numbered and labelled within a figure. Like components are designated by like reference numerals throughout the various figures.

[0032] According to a first aspect of the present invention, a multi-mode simulated hand grenade includes an inner shell segment, and an outer shell segment configurable into proper relation to form outer covering of the simulated hand grenade. The inner shell segment including threaded provisions along the inner boundary for securely fastening to the trigger unit assembly including threaded provisions provided along an outer boundary. The outer shell segment includes threaded provisions along the inner boundary for securely fastening to the inner shell segment including threaded provisions provided along an outer boundary.

[0033] According to the first aspect, the multi-mode simulated hand grenade includes a set of bushes enclosing a pyrotech cartridge disposed inside the inner shell segment. The
pyrotech cartridge includes a predetermined quantity of explosive powder. The explosive powder has an ability to generate a plurality of blast effects. The plurality of blast effects occurring at a predefined customizable time delay.

[0034] According to the first aspect, the multi-mode simulated hand grenade includes a trigger unit assembly comprising a trigger unit body, and a trigger unit cap, the trigger unit assembly housing a first compression spring, and a striker pin.

[0035] According to the first aspect, the multi-mode simulated hand grenade includes a set of fastening means for securing a locking plate to the trigger unit assembly. The set of fastening means includes a second compression spring, a set of bushes, and a chuck nut.

[0036] According to the first aspect, the multi-mode simulated hand grenade includes a removable retainer means for holding a lever mounted on the locking plate against the biasing force of the first compression spring and the second compression spring. The removable retainer means comprising a safety pin with a ring at one end.

[0037] According to a second aspect of the present invention, a method for simulating a multi-mode hand grenade includes a step of initiating a triggering action in the hand grenade wherein the step of initiation further comprising sub steps of releasing a removable retainer means, the sub step of releasing unholds a lever mounted on the locking plate, and expansion of a first compression spring, the sub step of expansion driving a striker pin against a pyrotech cartridge . The step of detonation generates a plurality of blast effects. The removable retainer means comprising a safety pin with a ring at one end.

[0038] According to the second aspect, the method for simulating a multi-mode hand grenade includes a step of detonation of a predetermined quantity of explosive powder contained in a pyrotech cartridge. The step of detonation occurs at a predefined customizable time delay.

[0039] Referring to FIG. 1 is a diagram 100 depicting an exploded view of a multi-mode
hand grenade simulator while used in a defensive mode.

[0040] According to a non limiting exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the multi-mode hand grenade simulator used in the defensive mode includes an inner shell segment 102, and an outer shell segment 136. The inner shell segment 102 and the outer shell segment 136 are held in proper assembled relation by means of threaded provisions provided along the outer boundary of the inner shell segment 102 and threaded provisions provided along the inner boundary of the outer shell segment 136. These threaded provisions provided along the inner boundary of the outer shell segment 136 and outer boundary of the inner shell segment 102 assist in securely fastening the inner shell segment 102 with the outer shell segment 136.

[0041] According to a non limiting exemplary embodiment, the multi-mode hand grenade simulator further includes a set of bushes 122, 128 enclosing a pyrotech cartridge 134 disposed inside the inner shell segment 102. The bush 128 partially seals the bottom end of the grenade. The bush 122 placed above pyrotech cartridge 134 guides sharp end of a striker pin 108 into the pyrotech cartridge 134. The pyrotech cartridge 134 includes a predetermined quantity of explosive powder. The explosive powder has the ability to generate multiple blast effects at a predefined customizable time delay. The multiple blast effects preferably includes but not limited to a sound and a smoke produced upon lobbing the hand grenade simulator. The predefined customizable time delay preferably includes but not by the way of any limitation 4 seconds or 7 seconds.

[0042] According to a non limiting exemplary embodiment, the multi-mode hand grenade simulator further includes a trigger unit assembly comprising a trigger unit body 104, a trigger unit cap 106 and chuck nut (120). The trigger unit assembly houses a compression spring 124 and a striker pin 108. Trigger unit assembly is designed to keep the compression spring 124, the striker pin 108 and lever 116 in an appropriate position. The trigger unit assembly includes threaded provisions provided along an outer boundary for
securely fastening with threaded provisions provided along an inner boundary of the inner shell (102) segment.

[0043] According to a non limiting exemplary embodiment, the multi-mode hand grenade simulator's trigger unit assembly further includes a set of fastening means for securing a locking plate 114 to the trigger unit body (104). The set of fastening means 110, 112, 118, 126 includes a compression spring 126, a set of bushes 118, and a threaded bush 112.

[0044] According to a non limiting exemplary embodiment, the multi-mode hand grenade simulator's trigger unit assembly further includes a removable retainer means 130 for holding the lever 116 guided on the locking plate 114 against the biasing force of the compression spring 126. The retainer means 130 further includes a safety pin 130 with a ring 132 at one end.

[0045] FIG. 2 is a diagram 200 depicting an assembly of a multi-mode hand grenade simulator used in an offensive mode. As was seen in multi-mode hand grenade simulator used in a defensive mode in conjunction with FIG. 1, the multi-mode hand grenade simulator used in the offensive mode doesn't include an outer shell segment (136) as a part of grenade simulator. Other components an inner shell segment 202, a set of bushes 222, 228 enclosing a pyrotech cartridge 234, a trigger unit assembly having a trigger unit body 204, a chuck nut 220, a trigger unit cap 206, a compression spring 224, a striker pin 208, a lever 216, a set of fastening means having a compression spring 226, a pin 210, a set of bushes 218, a locking plate 214, and a threaded bush 212, a removable retainer means 230 with a ring 232 are similar to, and provide similar functionality as, the corresponding components depicted in FIG. 1.

[0046] FIG.3a - FIG. 3b are diagrams 300 depicting an isometric view and a sectional view of a multi-mode hand grenade simulator, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. As shown FIG. 3a shows complete assembled view of the multi-mode hand grenade assembled out of multiple reusable and replaceable components. The
major replaceable component is a pyrotech cartridge 334 containing a predetermined quantity of explosive powder. The detonation of pyrotech cartridge 334 generally occurs at a predetermined time delay. By the way of an example, the detonation may occur after a delay of 4 or 7 seconds once the safety pin (330) with a ring 332 is pulled out.

[0047] Further as discussed in FIG. 1 and FIG.2, the grenade includes an inner shell segment 302 and an outer shell segment 336 while the grenade is configured for defensive use and only the inner shell segment 302 while the grenade is configured for offensive use.

[0048] Additionally the FIG. 3a - FIG. 3b includes a trigger unit assembly. The trigger unit assembly comprises a trigger unit body 304, a trigger unit cap 306 and chuck nut (320). The trigger unit assembly houses a compression spring 324 and a striker pin 308. Trigger unit assembly is designed to keep the compression spring 324, the striker pin 308 and lever 316 in an appropriate position. The trigger unit assembly includes threaded provisions provided along an outer boundary for securely fastening with threaded provisions provided along an inner boundary of the inner shell (302) segment.

[0049] Furthermore a set of fastening means for securing a locking plate 314 to the trigger unit body (304). The set of fastening means 310, 312, 318, 326 includes a compression spring 326, a set of bushes 318, and a threaded bush 312. The trigger unit assembly further includes a removable retainer means 330 for holding the lever 316 guided on the locking plate 314 against the biasing force of the compression spring 326. The retainer means further includes a safety pin 330 with a ring 332 at one end.

[0050] FIG. 4 depicts a flowchart 400 illustrating a method for implementing multi-mode hand grenade simulator of the present invention, according to an exemplary embodiment. The depicted method begins at step 402 with initiation of a triggering action in the hand grenade. The initiation of the triggering action begins with releasing a removable retainer means (330 and 332). The release of the retainer means unhold a lever (316) guided on a locking plate (314). The retainer means includes a safety pin (330) with a ring (332) at
one end. The loosening of lever (316) results in expansion of a compression spring (314) which unlocks the striker pin (308) from the threaded bush and pin (310, 312)

[0051] Furthermore initiation of triggering action also results in expansion of a compression spring (324) housed in a trigger unit assembly. The expansion of compression spring (324) drives a striker pin (308) against a pyrotech cartridge (334) containing a predetermined quantity of explosive powder.

[0052] Next step 404 depicts detonation of the predetermined quantity of explosive powder contained in the pyrotech cartridge (334). The drive of the striker pin (308) into the pyrotech cartridge (334) as depicted in step 402 results in detonation of the explosive powder. In some embodiments, the detonation occurs at a predefined customizable time delay. By the way of an example, the detonation may occur at a time delay of 4 seconds or 7 seconds. The detonation generates multiple blast effects. The multiple blast effects includes but not limited to a sound and a smoke produced upon releasing the lever (316) of the hand grenade simulator.

[0053] While the present invention has been described with reference to one or more preferred embodiments, which embodiments have been set forth in considerable detail for the purposes of making a disclosure of the invention, such embodiments are merely exemplary and are not intended to be limiting or represent an exhaustive enumeration of all aspects of the invention.

5. CLAIMS

What is claimed is:

1. A multi-mode simulated hand grenade, comprising:

an inner shell segment; and an outer shell segment configurable into proper relation to form outer covering of the simulated hand grenade; a set of bushes enclosing a pyrotech cartridge disposed inside the inner
shell segment;

a trigger unit assembly comprising a trigger unit body, and a trigger unit cap, the trigger unit assembly housing a first compression spring, and a striker pin;

a set of fastening means for securing a locking plate to the trigger unit assembly; and

a removable retainer means for holding a lever mounted on the locking plate against the biasing force of the first compression spring and a
second compression spring.

2. The hand grenade of claim 1, wherein pyrotech cartridge comprising a predetermined quantity of explosive powder.

3. The hand grenade of claim 2, wherein the predetermined quantity of explosive powder having an ability to generate a plurality of blast effects.

4. The hand grenade of claim 3, wherein the plurality of blast effects occurring at a predefined customizable time delay.

5. The hand grenade of claim 1, wherein the set of fastening means comprising the second compression spring, a set of bushes, and a check nut.

6. The hand grenade of claim 1, wherein the removable retainer means comprising a safety pin with a ring at one end.

7. The hand grenade of claim 1, wherein the inner shell segment including threaded provisions along the inner boundary for securely fastening to the trigger unit assembly including threaded provisions provided along an outer boundary.

8. The hand grenade of claim 1, wherein the outer shell segment including threaded provisions along the inner boundary for securely fastening to the inner shell segment including threaded provisions provided along an outer boundary.

9. A method for simulating a multi-mode hand grenade, comprising:
a step of initiating a triggering action in the hand grenade, wherein the step
of initiation further comprising sub steps of
releasing a removable retainer means, the sub step of releasing unholds a lever mounted on a locking plate; and expansion of a compression spring, the sub step of expansion driving a striker pin against a pyrotech catridge;
a step of detonation of a predetermined quantity of explosive powder contained in a pyrotech catridge;

10. The method of claim 9, wherein the step of detonation generates a plurality of blast effects.

11. The method of claim 9, wherein the step of detonation occurring at a predefined customizable time delay.

12. The method of claim 9, wherein the removable retainer means comprising a safety pin with a ring at one end.