Assembly for the safe control of the Safety Lever of a Hand Grenade

The invention is referred for an Assembly for a safe control of any type of Hand Grenade with Safety Lever, and of the same Hand Grenade assembled on the Assembly.

Hand Grenade and Assembly, according to the invention, includes both a weapon or device of war and / or anti-personnel device, and a object suitable for the so called Soft Air Gaming, as to say, a sport-recreational activity based on Military techniques and harmless Military type weapons. In the following, we refer to a Hand Grenade to be used in war.

The Hand Grenades that fit in the palm of the hand, have obviously little range. To increase the range, the charge is fitted at one end of the stick like the well known German Hand Grenade type Stiehlandgrenade 24. In that case, before to throw the Grenade permanenty fixed on stick, need to pull a cord inserted in the stick to ignite the charge, having the explosion in a certain time, usually from 3 to 4 It is clear that the risk that the Hand Grenade may explode too close of who is throwing it, is very high, considering that the ignition/triggering of the charge must take place before the launch.

The main purpose of the invention is to improve this state of the art.

- Another purpose is to achieve the increased range of a Hand Grenade.

- Another purpose is to achieve a improved safety for the thrower.

- Another purpose is to improve the effectiveness of a Hand Grenade having also a burst in the air.

- Another purpose is to increase the destructive power of a Hand Grenade.

One or more purposes have been achieved with an Assembly for Hand Grenade having a safety (i.e.: a safety lever) for the ignition/triggering, comprising:

- a graspable stick having one end suitable to support a Hand Grenade, a stackable element on the stick, comprising - for instance - a interchangeable extension suitable to block in place (i.e: to press in place), the safety lever against the Hand Grenade body.

Another aspect of the invention relates to a Hand Grenade comprising:

-a graspable stick,

-a charge set at one end of the stick having a safety for the ignition (i.e: a lever),

-a element that is superimposed on the stick comprising, for instance, at one end, a interchangeable extension suitable to lock (i.e: to press) the safety lever against the Charge / Hand Grenade body.

Through the Assembly there is the advantage of using pre-existing standardized components, without any alteration of the Hand Grenade, and having a reliable and safe control of the Hand Grenade’s safety levers.

Moreover it can be used with the well know throwing techniques by hand.

By Hand Grenade and Assembly, we mean both a war object, as to say generally a anti-personnel explosive device, and a harmless object suitable for the so called Soft Air Gaming - war games with harmless weapons - a sport-recreational activity based on Military techniques. For instance, the Hand Grenade and Assembly for Soft Air, usually comprising dyestuffs, rubber or plastic small balls, instead of the explosive.

In the following, we refer to a Hand Grenade to be used in war.

The Assembly and the Hand Grenade lends themselves to advantagesous variants defined below and esxploitable alone or in combination.

In a preferred variant, the stick is hollow, to move away the center of gravity from the hand of the thrower, increasing the range thus achieving the lever effect -. Preferably inside to the hollow stick, is disposed of the explosive or other offensive material (i.e.: incendiary compounds etc), to increase the power of the Hand Grenade.

In a preferred variant, the superimposed or superimposable/stackable element includes a shell complementary, as shape, to the external shape of the stick, in order to match the stick for shape coupling. In a even more preferred variant, the stick has a cylindrical shape, and the stackable or superimposable includes a semi-cylindrical shell of complementary shape.

The shell can - when in use - cover any part of the external surface of the stick.

In a preferred variant, the superimposed or superimposable/stackable element, or the shell - for instance semi-cylindrical - includes two little wings, preferably parallel to each other, which extends from the opposite edges of the shell, orthogonally to a longitudinal axis of the shell, the little wings having a length to protrude from the opposite side, when the shell is superimposed on the stick. The little wings are useful for mounting a safety against the accidental detachment of the shell, for example a split pin/safety pin, passing through the two little wings thanks two holes..

In a preferred variant, the already said extension and the shell, for instance a semi- cylindrical one, and the already said extension and the stackable or superimposable element, are separated parts and permanently or not permanently combinable. In this way permitting to mount on the same shell extensions that fits the Hand Grenade, or the charge, and / or the specific safety levers.

In a preferred variant, the abovesaid separated parts, are mutually combinable by a prismatic linear couple, as to say a complementary shaping, in order to make them snap or interlock.

In a preferred variant, the extension includes two parallel grooves, in which linear segments can be inserted linearly on the shell, preferably on the end closest to the charge support, or vice-versa. The position of the two parallel grooves and of the linear segments may be exchanged.

In a preferred variant, the extension is arch shaped, or of linear segment in cantilever from one end of the superimposed or superimposable element on the stick or from one end of the shell.

In a preferred variant the extension has a Hook.or a " L " shape, in order to better follow the geometrical profile of the charge or Hand Grenade, and/or to keep in place, for instance the " fly off " safety devices of the concussion style Charges/Hand Grenades. In this case, the extension includes two segments between them placed at right angles, where one of the two segments, the shortest and the most distant from the superimposed or superimposable element (that is the segment having a free end) is radially oriented with respect to the longitudinal axis, of the already said superimposed or superimposable element on the stick.

In a preferred variant, the extension extends, cantilevered, from the superimposed or superimposable element, or from the shell, substantially parallel and staggered, from the longitudinal axis of the superimposed or superimposable on the stick, or of the shell, and extends to the other end.. In another variant, the extension develops from one end of the superimposed or superimposable element, or shell, to the stick and extending so as to protrude axially from this end, in the opposite direction, to the second end of the superimposed or superimposable element to the stick or of the shell.

In a preferred variant, the extension includes at the free and open end, opposite to the shell or superimposed or superimposable element, a interchangeable sliding distance pad of various sizes and thickness in order to fill the space/gap between the extension and the safety lever.

In a preferred variant, the extension and the interchangeable distance pad, are coupled together by interlocking or snap on, as complementary parts.

In a preferred variant, the Assembly, or the Hand Grenade as it is in its entirity, includes a elastic element - usually a spring but not necessarily just a spring - compressed against the stick and the interchangeable extension located on the superimposed or superimposable element, in order to exert a force applied for the detachment, from the stick, the shell or the superimposed or superimposable element.

In a preferred variant, the shell, or the superimposed or the superimposable element, includes a small tooth that can be inserted into a seat in the stick, so the shell, or the superimposed or superimposable element, can rise up from the stick and rotate respect to it, thanks to the hinging of the small tooth in the seat, facilitating the assembly without a particolar position. The seats, i.e.: four, may be for instance disposed at 90° around to one end of the stick.

In a preferred variant, the shell, or the superimposed or superimposable element is a injection molded object, produced in Plastic Materials, i.e.: ABS + Polycarbonate, Polycarbonate or Polypropilene glass fibers - mineral fibers filled or unfilled, or compounds, i.e.:Carbon fibers/Glass fibers/Mineral fibers.

In a preferred variant, the stick includes a continuous smooth side surface, which extends for at least half of the total lateral surface. Particularly the stick includes a cylindrical continuous side smooth surface that extends at least half of the total of the lateral cylindrical surface. The continuous smooth side surface and the shell - or the superimposed or superimposable element - have a complementary shape, such that when they are superimposed, the overall cross section of the Assembly is circular.

In a preferred variant, the stick is a injection molded object, produced in Plastic Materials, i.e.: ABS + Polycarbonate, Polycarbonate or Polypropilene glass fibers - mineral fibers filled or unfilled, or compounds, i.e. Carbon fibers/Glass fibers/Mineral fibers.

In a preferred variant, the stick includes, at one end, a embossed gasket - Ό’ ring - in order to improve the air tightness, for the variants and models that can be shot out from a air gun-launcher. In a preferred variant, the Assembly or the Hand Grenade as it is in its entirity, includes a cage to support the charge or the Hand Grenade, the cage being applied/applicable at one end of the stick and structured to contain or support the charge or the Hand Grenade.

In a preferred variant the cage comprises:

- a base of support for the charge or Hand Grenade, from one side of the base of support extends a tang, preferably with fast connection/bayonet coupling or with a thread for the connection with the stick, and on the opposite side a plurality of tapered or stretched appendages arranged radially around a central common axis, orthogonally at the base, to form like a enclosure around the charge or Hand Grenade. Preferably the appendages are arranged around to the said common orthogonal with polar symmetry and/or with equal distance from the central axis.

In a preferred variant, the cage is a monoblock that is one piece only.

In a more preferred variant, the cage, is a composite object, deriving from modular modules. Particularly the modular modules, can be connected to each other on the orthogonal plane at the cage base and/or at the longitudinal axis of the tang, or along a plane passing through an axis orthogonal to the base or an axis of polar symmetry of the base. In this way, each module includes a portion of the base and of the tang.

Preferably the modular modules are two.

Every modular module, preferably comprises at least a portion of the base and of the tang, which through the composition of the modular modules are then full assembled.

Every modular module, includes moreover, but not necessarily, one or more tapered appendages which extends from the respective base.

In the variant of the composite cage, preferably the side surface of the tang of one or of each modular module includes a protruding little pin useful, for instance, in cooperation with a external groove to form a bayonet coupling with which fix the cage. Or preferably the side surface of the tang or of each modular module, includes a male thread, useful for a connection with a female thread (i.e. on a stick end) to fix in place the cage. Or preferably the side surface of the portion of tang, of one or of each modular module, includes a thread, useful, for instance, to connect it to another - female - thread to fix the cage.

In the variant of the monob!oek cage / one piece cage, preferably the side surface of the tang, includes a protruding little pin useful, for instance, in cooperation with a external groove to form a bayonet coupling with which fix the cage. Or, preferably, the side surface of the tang, includes a thread, useful, for instance, for a connection with a female thread to fix in place the cage.

Preferabily the tapered or stretched appendages are superficially corrugated to be or remain more elastic.

in a preferred variant, the tapered appendages have the free end curved or hooked, or like a buttonhole or shaped eyelet

The curved or hooked free end or like a buttonhole or shaped eyelet may be: - Turned towards the Hand Grenade, that is inwards facing the cage, in order to be like a hook to block in place the hand Grenade, and/or

- Turned far from the Hand Grenade, that is towards outside of the cage, so that the appendages can be tied together with a strip or little cord.

In a preferred variant, the stick includes a thread at one end or both ends to connect accessories by screwing, for insfance the tang of a cage, particularly of a cage as per the variants described below (monob!ock cages or modular pieces).

In a more preferred variant, which eliminates the laboriousness of screwing the tang onto the thread, the Assembly and the Hand Grenade includes a bayonet connection/coupling to connect the stick to the tang of cage.

Particularly the bayonet connection/coupling includes an element having:

- a first portion couplable to the stick,

- a second portion having a cavity; the same cavity being conformed to receive the tang of the cage, and equipped with a‘ L‘ shaped shallow groove for the insertion and retention of a pin protruding from the surface of the tang,

The said first portion couplable to the stick may be , for instance, threaded, or smooth for a pressure insertion

In a preferred variant, in the said cavity of the first portion it is present a elastic element, in compression, to push the tang out of the cavity.

In a preferred variant, the stick includes at one or both ends some passing openings, in wich is insertabie the already said litle tooth of the shell or the superimposed or superi posable element , so that the tooth in the passing opening act like a hinge, allows the shell to rise from the stick by rotating and having the litle tooth as a fulcrum of rotation

In a preferred variant, the Assembly, or the resulting Hand Grenade, may includes a second extension connectable to the first one to extend it , in order to reach the Safety Levers of the Hand Grenades, differently disposed and/or more distant from the stick.

To strenghten the explosive effect, in a preferred variant, the Assembly for the various Hand Grenades, or the resulting Hand Grenade, includes a support connectable or connected at one end of the stick, the support including a plurality of seats, for instance bushings, in which to mount a group of Hand Grenades in that case the extension act on one or more Hand Grenades, and it is advantageous the variant with a second extension to reach all or some safety levers (see below).

Preferably the Hand Grenades are mounted on a support by any of the cages here defined; in a most preferred variant, the plurality of seats of the support, and the tang of ea, cage mounted in it, are connectable by a bayonet connection,, Particularly in the already said seat of the support, and on the tang of ea. cage, are present bayonet couplings. For instance, the side surface of the portion of tang, of one or ea, cage, includes a protruding little pin, useful for the cooperation with a groove formed in a wail of such said seat of the support, or vice versa, in another most preferred variant , which favors the production rate, the support and one or any cage to it associated, are built in a one piece only, for instance, injection molded together, at the same, time in a mold.

The said support, is preferably a plane element, or substantially plane, in which the seats are disposed and accessibile from a major surface. So a bunch of Hand Grenades (with the cages), can be connected to one surface of the support grouped and side by side along a plane. A variant of the support further enhanced provides that the support is a plane element or substantially plane, with seats arranged and accessibile from two of major surfaces, opposite from the plane element. So it is possible to connect two group of cages, a group for ea. opposite surface of the support. Advantageously the seats of the two types of support may be made by choosing from the described variants, i.e: threaded or with bayonet connection.

Preferably the said support for ea. variant, includes at its corresponding centre, a connection to be connected to the stick. That connection, can be, for istance, a bush with a female thread or a bayonet female couplig. The centra! located connection allows to a uniform distribution of the weight of the Hand Grenades around the stick.

Preferably, on said support, for ea, variant, the said seats are distributed around of its centre, or to the central connection, with polar simmetry, allowing a uniform weight distribution, around the stick.

In a preferred variant, the second extension is connectable with the first one by a linear guide.

In a preferred variant, from the second extension and the first one, it’s located a elastic element to exert a force to promote the detachment of the second extension from the first one and/or in order to remove the second extension from he stick. The purpose is to automate or facilitate the mutual detachment during or after the launch. In a preferred variant, from the second extension and the first one, it is arranged a split pin, to counteract the force of the elastic element, blocking in position the first and second extension.

In a preferred variant, the second extension includes:

a base connectable to the first extension

a portion having a C or U form, at the centre connected with the base, to engage with the free end of the C or the U one of two safety levers of one or two Hand Grenades arranged on said support.

Advantageously in the bayonet couplings here defined, the position of the protruding pin and of the shallow grooves - bayonet female connection- may be exchanged.

The advantages of the invention will be crearer from the following description of a preferred form of suspension and traction by reference to the enclosed drawing, where:

Fig. 1 shows a tri-dimensional view of the Assembly of a assembled unit for a Hand Grenade

Fig. 2 shows the Assembly in a vertical section of the Fig. 1

Fig. 3 shows the components of the Assembly of the Fig. 1

Fig. 4 shows a component of the Asssembly of the Fig. 1 Fig. 5 shows alone one of the components of the Fig. 3

Fig. 6 shows a tri-dimensional view a variant of Assembly assembled for a Hand Grenade

Fig. 7 shows a vertical section of the Assembly of the Fig. 6

Fig. 8 shows a exploded view of the Assembly of the Fig. 6

Fig. 9 shows a tri-dimensional view a variant for a component of one of any kind of the described Assemblies

Fig.10 shows in a tri-dimensional the Assembly already assembled for a Hand Grenade

Fig.11 shows a vertical section of the Assembly of the Fig. 10

Fig.12 shows as exploded view the Assembly of the Fig. 1 , without Hand Grenade

Fig.13 shows in a vertical section the components of the Fig. 12 when assembled

Figs.14 -21 shows variants for a cage for Hand Grenade

Fig.22 shows in a tri-dimensional view of the cage of figs. 14-21 when associated, for instance, to a standard spherical Hand Grenade

Fig.23 shows in a tri-dimensional view, a cage variant

Fig.24 shows as esploded view a variant of Fig. 12;

Fig. 25 shows a tridimensional view of a variant of fig. 1

Fig. 26 shows in vertical section the Assembly of the Fig, 25

Figs. 27-29 shows a variant for a Assembly for a Hand Grenade

Figs. 30-31 shows a variant for the Assembly of the Fig. 27

Fig. 32 shows a axonometric view of a variant for the Assembly of the Figs. 27 or 30

Fig. 33 shows a cross-sectional view of the Fig. 32

Fig. 34 shows a partial view in a cross-sectional view of the Fig. 29

In the Figures, same numbers indicate the same or similar elements, and equal elements or similar elements are not all numbered to avoid to overcrowd the drawings...

Fig. 1 shows the assembled Assembly 10 of a Assembly for a Hand Grenade 12 equippd with a safety lever 14 for the ignition. The Hand Grenade 12, is usually a weapon separately usable, whose potential is increased by incorporating into the Assembly.

The Assembly includes a cylindical stick 20 having a longitudinal W axis, a cage 50 mounted at one end of the stick 20 to bribg the Hand Grenade 12. and a shell 30 - for instance semi cylindrical - superimposable to the stick 20. The shell 30 has a longitudinal X axis.

The shell 30 includes, at the end where is mounted the cage, a extension 40, shaped as finger or arch, that extends from the shell 30, towards the Hand Grenade 12, substantially parallel to the X axis and staying next to the cage 50. The extension 40 is suitable to press the Safety lever 14 against the Hand Grenade 12, when the shell 30 is applied to the stick 20, how will be better explained below. The shell 30 includes two (optional) little wings 38, parallel to each other, that extend from the opposite edge of the shell, parallel to an axis orthogonal to the X axis. The little wings 38 have a length that protrudes from the opposite end of the stick, when the shell 30 is superimposed. On the little wings 38, that for the purpose have two holes, is fitted a split pin 99, against the accidental detachment of the shell 30. The split pin 99, for instance, as long as is not removed, cross the two little wings, and closes the stick inside these little wings, opposite of the shell 30.

Preferably, the end of the shell 30 opposite to the extension 40, includes inside to the concave surface, a (optional) little tooth 34, insertable in a (optional) seat or hole or through opening 22, present on the external surface of the stick 20. The little tooth 34, and the seat, or hole, or through opening 22, mate to form a temporary hinge, that the shell 30 can rise from the stick 12, hinging in the seat or hole 22.

The size of the shell 30, may vary and are not essential, enough that extension 40 extends to overlap the safety lever, to keep it low and against the Hand Grenade body. However is preferred that the size of the shell 30, be such as to overlap completely or near completely, the stick 20 to increse the grip surface.

To get the certainty of detachment, there is preferably a spring 92, mounted in compression between the shell 30 and the stick 12, to exert a pushing force able to detach from the stick 12 the shell 30 when the Assembly is thrown.

The extension 40 is preferably connectable to the shell 30 in a interchangeable way (see figs. 3 & 5). For the purpose the extension 40 includes, for instance, a sled equipped of insertable grooves 44, between the linear guides 36 present in relief on one end of the shell 30. Other type of connection are still possible, i.e. Velcro®, and/or a bayounet coupling.

The Cage 50 includes (fig.4) a support base 52 for the Hand Grenade 12. A tang 56 extends from the support base 52, threaded for instead, a plurality of tapered appendages 54 are estende, around a common central Y axis orthogonal to the support base 52, to form a fence for the Hand Grenade 12. Further details of the cage 50 are provided in the description relating to the figs. 14-21.

The stick 20 is preferably hollow, and preferably it has inner located additional explosive EE (Fig.2) to add explosive power to the Hand Grenade 12.

The Assembly and the Hand Grenade 12, constitute, de facto, a improved launchable Hand Grenade.

GENERAL OPERATION

The hand Grenade 12, is mounted on the Assembly by placing it inside the cage 50, as to say resting on the support base 52, and trapped between the appendages 54. The support base 52 is prefarably concave to facilitate the reception of the Hand Grenade body 12, and for instance is of complementary or similar shape of the Hand Grenade 12 to be hosted. The appendages 54, are preferably built in flexible material, having the possibility to open wide them to facilitate the Hand Grenade joint in the support base.

In then same time, the cage 50, is fixed on the stick 20, applying the tang 56 to the stick 20, for instance, screwing the thread of the tang, inside the stick, or through the bayonet coupling. Now the Y axis is coaxial to the W axis. The fixing of the cage 50 to the stick 20, can take place in different ways, further described.

Note that advantageosusly, a kit of various cages can be made (compare, for instance, fig. 4 with fig. 8), all with the same compatible tang with the stick 20, to create, in that way, a group of interchangeable supports for different Hand Grenades. As to say that the Assembly is suitable to many Hand Grenade models. In other words, many different Hand Grenade models are upgradeable thanks to the Assembly.

It is noteworthy that the cage 50 solves the problem of how to quckly apply a Hand Grenade to a stick to be able to throw it farther, indipendently of the presence of the shell 30.

Continuing with the assembly, the shell 30 is applied above the stick 20 (as shown in fig.1 or 3). so that the two fit together and that the tooth 34 is inserted in the seat 22. Now the X axis and the W axis are parallel.

When the shell 30 is placed on the stick, the extension 40 leans on the safety lever 14 and keep it pressed against the Hand Grenade body, preventing the ignition/triggering (fig. 1 ). Inserting the split pin 99 in the little wings 38, the accidental detachment between the shell 30 and the stick 20 is permanently avoided

To use the Hand Grenade 12, grab the stick 20 covered by the shell 30, firstly pull out the safety split pin of the lever 14 of the Hand Grenade, in order to get free such lever 14 at the time of the launch, that until that moment remains blocked, in absolute safe position; it is now necessary only to pull out the split pin 99, and throw it all together. It is noteworthy that, until the Assembly 10 is in the hand of the thrower, the Hand Grenade 12 absolutely cannot explode, because the extension 40, set on the shell 30, blocked from the hand of the thrower, and keep the safety lever 14 in safety position (as if it were squeeze directly by the hand of the thrower even if it is not).

When the Hand Grenade and the Assembly have been thrown away and are in flight, thanks to the spring 92 expansion combined with the pushing action of the safety lever 14, the shell 30 separates from the stick 20, by rotating on the little tooth 22 (arrow F on fig.2). At this point the lever 14 is free, and the Hand Grenade 12 will esplode according to the fuze timing, igniting even the additional EE explosive in the stick 20.

It is noteworthy that a first advantage of the Assembly 10 is that, thanks to the presence of the stick 20 the Hand Grenade 12 it is throwable at a greater distance/range, thanks to the lever effect.

Another advantage is the superior safety of use for the Hand Grenade 12, that cannot esplode near the thrower.

Another advantage is that the the Hand Grenade performances, are improved without any alteration, then with the Assembly may be up-dated an existing arsenal of old Hand Grenades.

The Fig. 3 shows even a variant for the extension 40 about various safety Levers 14. It is present a interchangeable distance pad 86 to fill the gap between the end of extenson 40 and the safety lever 14. The advantage is to able to adapt the extension 40 to varios levers 14. For instance a interchangeable distance pad 86 may be coupled by a sled to be smoothly inserted on the extension 40. Other connection types are anyway possible, i.e.: Velcro® and/or a bayonet coupling and/or snap on interlocking connection. For instance, the interchangeable 86 may includes or consist of a piece of flexible and/or yelding material (i.e.: soft material), better adapting on the lever 14.

The Figs. 6-7, shows a variant 70 of the Assembly for a different type of Hand Grenade- The differences are in the different shape of the extension that is integral to the shell and the cage.

Here an extension 72 is " L " shaped, and includes two segment 72a, 72b with a geometrical disposition of 90° (to forn a substantially 90° angle). The extension 72 comes in total in touch with the top of the Hand Grenade, on the side furthest from the stick, in order to hold the removable cap CF, that act as second safety.

The Fig. 8 shows an esploded view of the Assembly 70. To note the complementary form of the shell 30 compared to the side surface of the stick 20. The cage of that variant, indicated with 80, has again a support base 52 for the Hand Grenade and, from the base 52, here has a nearly flat form, except for a little depression to accomodate a central protuberance of the Hand Grenade - extends a tang 56 to be fixed to the stick 20. The tang 56, may be threaded or may be bayonet coupling, both to be connectable to the stick 20.

On the opposite side of the base 52, extends a plurality of appendages 82 as well as 54. Here the appendages 82 includes a hook 84 facing the Hand Grenade to be supported, to anchor it.

A groove 84 in the appendages 82 facing the Hand Grenade, it is a characteristic optional that can be implemented also in the cages 50 or 450 or, in general for any kind of cage, according to the invention.

A hook facing away from the Hand Grenade to be supported, it’s a characteristic optional that can be generally implemented for every cage according to the invention. In that case the hook could serve as seat for a strip or little cord, to tie together the tapered appendages, to block permanetly in place the Hand Grenade.

The Fig. 9, shows a variant for the Assembly, which allows the same to be thrown by a air compressed gun or little mortar or something like it, even with mechanical and/or elastic thrust. A stick 100, can substitute on each variant the stick 20, particularly in the variant of the fig.1 , or figs 6-8, or fig 12-13 or figs. 25-26.

The stick 100, that for similarity to the stick 20, we indicate having a longitudinal W axis, comprises a continuous and smooth side surface 102 for at least half of the total side surface. In particular the stick 100 includes a continuous smooth cyindrical lateral side, for at least half of the cylindrical total surface. As seen in section the stick 100 has a smaller radius/cross section compared to the surface 102, so that the shell 30 rests on the surface 102, in section the stick 100 will have a constant diameter. The smaller radius, compensates the thickness of the shell 30 then settled on the surface 102. So by the superimposing of the shell 30 to the stick 100, it can form, in cross section (orthogonal plane of the W axis) a regular circle, for that allowing to the shell 30 superimposed on the stick 100, to enter into the gun/launching tube .

The stick 100 is used, for example, in the variant 200 of figs 10-1 1 , that shows compared to the figs. 1 - 2, a variant of the Assembly for a Hand Grenade like the 12. The use of the stick 100 requires a shell 230 with a different shape of the 30. The shell 230 is fitted on the stick 100 and, for this, that variant is suitable to a launch by a little gun, having the function of portable waterproof light mortar.

The shell 230 has no longer the little wings, that would prevent insertion into the launch tube. The base 220 of the extension 40 is, for instance, perforared so that is crossed by a split pin 299, that diametrally cross also the stick 20. In that way, the split pin 299 lock in place the shell 230 on the stick 20, as long as not removed.

To be noted, in particolar in the fig.1 1 the adherence of the shell 230 to the stick 100 to form a perfect circle to be inserted in a launching barrel. Preferably there is a sealing gasket - Ό ring’- 285 mounted on the external surface of the stick 100, to improve the pneumatic seal in the launching barrel.

Preferably also the shell 230 comprises a little tooth like the little tooth 34.

The Assembly is suitable for further variations.

The stick 20, 100 has been shown with a circular section (cross section), but the cross section may be also different, as square, or hexagonal. Preferably may vary consequently also the shell shape, in order to stay complementary or couplable to the stick external surface.

The number and/or the disposition of the (optional) pass thru openings 22, for instance of square, circular or rectangular form, may vary.

The stick 20, 100 preferably comprises a female thread to one or both ends, to insert, for instance, other accessories; and/or includes a inner wall, transversal to the W axis, to lock in place other additional explosive material, to avoid a accidentaly escape from the internal seat.

The extension 40, 72 may be integral with the shell 30, 320 in a one piece only.

As already said, there are many variants for the type of connections between cage and stick, and for the structure of the cage as well.

The preferred connection between cage and stick, it is a bayonet coupling (like for instance in the variants of the figs. 1 -2, 6-7, 10-13 and 25-26). The advantage is the assembling semplicity,

The critical requirement for a soldier acting under pressure and in a unfavorable enviromental conditions during a firefight. To be noted, that in general, the said bayonet coupling it is exploitable indipendently from the presence of the shell 30 to fix the problem of how to connect, rapidly, a cage like the 50, 80 to a stick.

The variant of the bayonet coupling is described now, with a simplified example reference, to a cage 50. See the figs. 13-14.

The bayonet coupling comprises a threaded bush 240 comprising a threaded tang 242 to be screwed into a corresponding female thread 21 present at the end of the stick 20. Or the tang 242 isn’t threaded and neither the end of the stick 20, it is enough a reciprocal pressure insertion. The threaded bush 240, includes a axial central cylindrical cavity 244 and equipped with one or more small "L" shaped shallow grooves/lines, that have a axial initial line 248, that starts from the inside edge of the cavity 244, and a shorter line 250 orthogonal to the first line.

The tang 56 of the cage 50 has the diameter roughly the same to that of the cavity 244, and includes at least a little pin 53 radially protruding and that is insertable in size, in a groove 246.

To assemble the cage 50 on the stick 20: have to be connected the threaded bush 240 to the stick 20, and then insert the tang 52 in the cavity aligning ea. little pin with the respective groove 246.

When the little pin 53 has reached the bottom of the groove, the cage 50 is rotated around the Y axis to insert the little pin 53 inside the line 250, obtaining the locking between cage 50 and stick 20.

The cavity 244, preferably accomodates a elastic element or spring 260 in compression, to move away from each other the tang 52 and the threaded bush 240. The purpose of the exerted force from the spring 260 is to increase the compression between the little pin 53 and the orthogonal line 250 that has a little cavity at the end of the line that block in place the pin. As to say the standard bayonet coupling shape.

It is understood that such is bayonet coupling is implementable on every type of cage herehin described, monoblock/one piece only (as in the figg.6-7 or fig. 23), or with composite structure -modular- (for instance: as per the figs.14-21).

The shape of the threaded bush 240, of the little pin 53 and the number or position of the little pin 53, may vary from what has been illustraded.

A variant of the connection between the cage 50 and stick 20 provides a thread screwing.

The variant with thread screwing is described now with a example reference to the cage 50. In this case the cage 50 includes the base support 52 for the Hand Grenade 12. From the base 52 extends the tang 56 now threaded to be screwed in a corresponding female thread of the stick 20, on the opposite side of the base 52 compared to the tang 56.

Also the cage indicated with 80, may have a threaded tang 56 to be screwed to the corresponding thread of the stick 20.

Another general variant of the invention is referred to the cage structure (figs. 14-21), that preferably isn’t a monobloc/one piece only, but a composite piece, deriving from the composition of modular modules.

The Figs.14-17 shows two modular modules 400, 420 that are joinable between them along a plane passing thru the Y axis of the composite base (compare the fig. 4).

Each of the modular modules 400, 420 comprises a portion 402, 422 of the base and one portion 404, 424 of the tang, can be connected by means of male-female joints/interlockings 450 present along the edge of the base 402, 422 and at the centre of the portion 404, 424.

As in the example the modular modules are two, the portion 402, 422 of the base and the portions 404, 424 of the tang constitute respectively, half base and half tang. Each modular module 400, 420, includes one or more appendages 460 (in the example, two) that extends from the respective portion 402, 422 of base. The appendages 460 can advantageously share the variants described for the appendages 54.

As shown in the fig. 17, when the modules 400,420 are connected between them to form a whole cage, the portions 402, 422 of base, form a support base that may accomodate a Hand Grenade, and the portions 404, 424 form a tang that may be inserted in a stick 20 and/or in a threaded bush 240.

At the same time, the appendages 460, form a fence for the Hand Grenade.

Preferably one or each of the portions 404, 424 enlcoses a small pin, as the the little pin 53 to connect the composite modular cage to a threaded bush 240 acting also like a plug.

In another variant, one or each of the portions 404, 424 includes a thread to screw in a corresponding thread on the stick 20 or 100.

The number of portions that form a cage may be also greater than two.

Figs. 18-21 shows other two modular modules 500, 520, that are connectable to each other along a plane passing thru of the Y axis of the base (compare to the fig.4).

Each of the modular modules 500, 520 includes a portion 502, 522 of the base and a portion 504, 524 of the tang, connected to each other by means of male/female joints/interlockings 550 present along to one edge of the base 502, 522 at the centre of the portion 504, 524.

Unlike the previous, only a modular module comprises tapered appendages 560. As shown in the fig. 21, when the modular modules 500, 520 are connected to each other to form a whole cage, the portion 502, 522 to form a base that may accomodate a Hand Grenade, and the portions 504, 524 to form a tang that can be inserted in a stick 20 and/or in a threaded bush 240 acting also as plug. The appendages 560, however, the portions form only a partial fence for the Hand Grenade.

Preferably one or each of the portions 504, 524 comprises a little pin like the 53, to connect the composite cage to a threaded bush 240 acting also as plug.

In another variant, one or each of the portions 504, 524, comprises a thread to screw in a corresponding thread of the stick 20 or 100.

The number of the portions that form the cage may be greater than two

The one piece only cage or with two or more pieces interlocked to each other is suitable, for instance, for a spherical Hand Grenade B (see the fig. 22). The fact that the cage is shared in two parts, favors the part ejection from mould (if produced by Inj. Moulding), but mainly allows for a more easy insertion of the Hand Grenade, whatever is the shape, in the cage. Another advantage is that a decomposable cage allows to unify, in the case of spherical Hand Grenades, the cage on the diametrs from 63 to 65mm, and allows to achieve the widest accomodation capacity for all kind of Hand Grenades, also special ones (i.e.: Flash bang/Smoke etc), including the ones used in the Soft Air Gaming sector.

Preferably the tapered appendages comprises a corrugated surface to stay elastic. The composite structure as per the figs. 14-21 , is implementable also for the cage 80.

In another variant for the structure of the cage (fig.23), the cage - indicated with 450 - is now monobloc/one piece only, structure usable, for insatnce, also for the cages 50, 70 previously described.

The cage 450 includes a one piece only base 452, which extends appendages 454, with disposition like the appendages 54 (corrugated or not). The base 452, preferably is concave to facilitate the accomodation of the Hand Grenade and, for instance, is of complementary form or similar to the one of the Hand Grenate to be accomodated

The appendages 454 preferably are made in flexible material to be open wide and to facilitate the Hand Grenade insertion and locking, From the base 452 extends a threaded tang 456 to screw in the corresponding thread of the stick 20.

For the connection to a stick 20 or 100, the tang 456 can includes a thread, or one or more little pins to form a bayonet coupling, in combination, for instance, with the threaded busch acting 240.

To note that the cage 590, with its variants 80 and 450 and of the figs 14-21 , alone is able to solve the problem how to rapidly apply a Hand Grenade to a stick, in order to be able to throw it farther, indipendently of the presence of the shell 30.

The fig. 24 shows the association of a cage 50 with a stick 100, by a bayonet coupling made with threaded bush 240 (compare figs. 10-11). The same Assembly, including the Hand Grenade 12, and shell is shown in the figs. 25-26, where now is equipped with a male and female thread between the tang - herein indicated with 600 - of the cage and the stick 20. Here shown a composite cage as in figs 14-21 and fig. 4, with a difference that there are not the little pins, replaced by a thread around the tang 56.

With the reference to the figures 27-29, a new variant is described, that illustrates how to apply the inventive concept to throw more Hand Grenades at the same time.

The Fig. 27 show the Assembly 600 of a whole Assembly of three Hand Grenades 12, equipped with safety lever 14.

The Assembly 600 includes a cylindrical stick 620, connected at one end to a support 680 that has three cages 650. Each cage 650 includes a support base for the Hand Grenade 12, and from the base extends a threaded tang, wich fits into one of three through holes or seats on the support 680.

The cage has a structure like of that the cage 450.

The support 680 is substantially a plate having:

Peripherally three holes or threaded seats, with a polar disposition, to connect the tang 456 and, in the centre, a protruding tang to be connected to the end of the stick 620 (made, for instance, like the one between the stick 20 and the cage 450 or the cage 50).

The Assembly 600 includes also a shell (or cap) 630, made substantially like the shell 30. In particular the shell 630 has X axis and includes again, at the end of the where is mounted the support 680, a extension 640. Preferably, the end of the shell 630 opposite to the extension 640, includes again a (optional) little tooth 634, to insert in a (optional) seat or hole or through opening 622 present on the surface of the stick 620.

The purpose of the little tooth 634 and of the seat or hole or through opening 622 it’s the same of the little tooth 34 and of the seat or hole, or through opening 22.

Preferably the extension 640 is connectable to the shell 630 in a interchangeable way, thanks to two linear guides 636 present in relief on a end of the shell 630 same of the linear guides 36. Other connection types are possible, i.e.: Velcro® and/or a bayonet coupling.

The extension 640 (see also the fig. 30), like the extension, for instance 40, is a element that extends parallel and staggered compared to the longitudinal X axis of the shell 630, the extension 640, differently from the extension, i.e.: 40, is facing towards the end of the shell 630 opposite to the one where is placed the extension 640. Thanks to this, the extension 640 act as support for a second extension 670 (observable alone in the fig. 28).

The second extension 670 includes a base 672, and two dimensionally equal wings, extending towards to the support 680.

The base 672, is slippery sliding on the extension 640, in order to scroll parallel to the X axis, pushed by a compressed spring 690 set between the base 672 and the extension 640. Preferabily the spring 690 is of spiral / helical type and has a engaged end around of a sphere 693 protruding from the extension 640. (see the fig. 34).

A split pin 699 is set on the base 672 to keep the base 672 locked to the extension 640. The split pin 699 act against the pushing force of the spring 690. The split pin is optional, and it is advantageous because helps the fast mounting of the Assembly, and it is useful to lock in place the extension 670, avoiding accidental slippages, with nefarious consequences for those who handle the Assembly 600.

Also the spring 690 is a optional, being able to use other means to get free the base 672 from the extension 640.

The two wings 674 extends in opposite direction to the extension 640 and over the safety levers 14 of two Hand Grenades 12. The wings 674 are needed - as before the extension 40 - to push the safety lever 14 against the Hand Grenade body 12, when the shell 630 is set to the stick 620 (same way of the shell applied to the stick 20).

The sizes of the shell 630 and/or of the wings 672 and/or of the base 672 and/or of the extension 640 may vary and aren’t essentials, enough that the wings 674 extends up to overlap the safety levers 14 to keep them adherent on the Hand Grenade bodies 12.

The shell 630 and tghe stick 620 have a corresponding through hole 696 to insert the split pin 698 to lock in place the shell 630 on the stick 620 before the launch.

To get the certainity of the detachment , there is preferably a spring 691 (see the detail in action of the fig. 34) set in compression between the shell 630 and the stick 620, to exert a force able to detach from the stick 620 the shell 630 when thrown the assembly 600. Particuraly the spring 691 is preferably set inside a corresponding seat obtained in the base 672 or of the extension.

In the assembly 600 the Hand grenades 12 are primerable also by one Hand Grenade only.

During the throwing phase, it is possible to remove the split pin 699, slip off the base 672 from the extension to get free the safety levers 14 from the pressure of the wings 274 and throw it. Or it is possible to remove 698 to get detachtable the shell 30 from the stick 620, and throw it. One of the split pins 699, 698 can be omitted with the relating cooperating means, if decided to throw in one of the two ways, for instance the extensions 640, 670 may be a one piece only and inseparabile.

Through the second extension 670, can be controlled one or two safety levers 14 of a group of ‘ n ' hand grenades 12,‘n’ -> 2, in fact the support 680 may bring also up to 8-9 hand grenades, in a compact and stable way, sufficing to add other seats or holes in addition of the illustrated three.

The length of the stick may vary, to fill inside additional explosive. For instance the stick 620 may be long 10” / 254mm or 7.5 190.5mm.

A variant 700 of the Assembly 600 is shown in the fig. 30.

The variant 700 shares most of the features of the Assembly 600, so we’ll describe only the differences. As before, the structural identities, are illustrated with equal numbers.

The Assembly 700 is still used to throw three Hand Grenades 12 equipped with safety levers 14. The difference compared to the Assembly 600 consists in the support 780, connected to one end of the cylindrical stick 620 and in the cages 750 for the hand grenades 12.

The cages 750 this time are structured like the cages 50, or each 750 includes a support base for the hand grenade 12, and from the base extends a tang 756 equipped with a little pin 53.

For the support 780 (fig. 31 ) same applies for the support 680, with the dfference that the seats of the support 780 aren’t threaded, buth have internally a structure similar to the threaded bush 240, to whose complete description we refer. We will say that each seat includes a central axial cylindrical cavity 744 equipeed with one or more shallow grooves, having a initial axial line 748, starting towards the inside of the edge of cavity 744, and a line 750 orthognal to the first line 748.

Note that fig. 31 well illustrates a passing thru cavity 782 of the support 780, intended for the insertion of a bolt 781 b then screwed at one end of the stick 620. This detail is present also in the support 680 or 880.

As for the threaded bush 240 and the tang 56, a hand grenade 12 in the Assembly 700 may be connected to the support 780 with a simply and fast bayonet coupling.

A variant 800 of the Assembly 700, is shown in the figs. 32 and 33. The variant 800 shares most of the characteristics of the Assembly 700, so we will describe only the differences. As before, the structural identities, are illustrated also by equal numbers The Assembly 800 includes a particolar support 880 for the Hand Grenades 12 equipped with safety levers 14; the support 880 as before, is connected with one end of the cylindrical stick 620 and supports cages 750 for the hand grenades 12.

Pis see in particolar the cross section of fig.32

In that variant, the support 880 has the bushings 884 -female connection of the bayonet coupling - integrated with the support 880, including seats 882 , arranges on both sides of its major surface, therefore the tangs 756 of the cages 750, made like the tangs 56, may be connected on both sides of the support 880, doubling the explosive capacity of the Assembly 800. Preferably the axis of the seats 882 are each other parallel, and parallel of the stick axis.

The seats 882 may be threaded or having internally -as the illustrated example - a structure similar to the threaded bush as per the Assembly 700.

The support 880 preferabily includes a pass thru cavity like the cavity 781 of the support 780, having the esame function.

A variant compared to the figs. 27+24 foresee that the support 680 and the cages 650 are built in a one piece one, for instance by inj. Moulding. The same applies for the support and for the cages of the variant 700 and of the variant 800. Generally, each cage between those described, may be built in a one piece only with the relating support.

It is understood tht every variant herein described is compatible with one or more of other described variants.