Grenade simulation apparatus

Abstract

A grenade simulation apparatus is provided that allows users to simulate the detonation of a standard grenade, flashbang grenade, and impact grenade, without using explosive charges, fire, or pressurized material. The apparatus may provide both visual and auditory feedback in a safe and re-usable manner. The apparatus may provide a method for triggering a simulated detonation externally using a switch. A simulated detonation may include visual and/or auditory feedback, such as through the use of a siren and LEDs.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A grenade simulation apparatus, comprising:
 a housing;   a controller mounted within the housing that provides two or more modes of operation for the grenade simulation apparatus;   a sensory feedback component coupled with the controller and mounted at least partially within the housing to provide a visual stimulus external to the housing, an audible stimulus external to the housing, or any combination thereof; and   a user interface coupled with the housing and coupled with the controller,   wherein the controller is configured to receive input from the user interface and initiate one of the two or more modes of operation based at least in part on the input from the user interface.   
     
     
         2 . The grenade simulation apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the housing has a size and shape to replicate a grenade. 
     
     
         3 . The grenade simulation apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the sensory feedback component comprises one or more light sources and one or more sound sources. 
     
     
         4 . The grenade simulation apparatus of  claim 3 , wherein the one or more light sources comprise one or more light emitting diodes (LEDs) that extend at least partially through the housing. 
     
     
         5 . The grenade simulation apparatus of  claim 3 , wherein the one or more sound sources comprises a siren. 
     
     
         6 . The grenade simulation apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the two or more modes of operation include two or more of:
 a flashbang mode of operation;   a standard grenade mode of operation; or   an impact grenade mode of operation.   
     
     
         7 . The grenade simulation apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the input from the user interface initiates a timer, and wherein the controller activates one or more of the light unit or acoustic unit to simulate a detonation upon expiration of the timer. 
     
     
         8 . The grenade simulation apparatus of  claim 7 , wherein the controller, when configured to do so through the user interface, initiates a repetitive detonation until a halt input is received from the user interface. 
     
     
         9 . The grenade simulation apparatus of  claim 1 , further comprising
 a power source coupled with the controller, light unit, and acoustic unit.   
     
     
         10 . The grenade simulation apparatus of  claim 9 , wherein the power source is a rechargeable power source or a replaceable power source. 
     
     
         11 . The grenade simulation apparatus of  claim 1 , further comprising:
 an external trigger interface coupled with the controller and configured to receive a trigger signal from an external trigger located away from the grenade simulation apparatus.   
     
     
         12 . The grenade simulation apparatus of  claim 11 , wherein the external trigger interface is coupled with the external trigger through a wired or wireless interface. 
     
     
         13 . The grenade simulation apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the controller is further configured to provide multiple time delays for a selected mode of operation based at least in part on an input from the user interface. 
     
     
         14 . The grenade simulation apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the controller is further configured to provide different visual stimulus or different audible stimulus for a selected mode of operation based at least in part on an input from the user interface. 
     
     
         15 . The grenade simulation apparatus of  claim 1 , further comprising:
 a vibration feedback unit coupled with the controller and mounted at least partially within the housing to provide vibratory stimulus to the housing.   
     
     
         16 . The grenade simulation apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the housing comprises a cylindrical housing having impact absorbing mounts for mounting one or more of the controller, the light unit, or the acoustic unit. 
     
     
         17 . The grenade simulation apparatus of  claim 1 , further comprising:
 an accelerometer mounted at least partially within the housing and coupled with the controller, and wherein the controller is further configured to simulate a detonation of the grenade simulation apparatus based at least in part on detecting impact at the accelerometer.