Description:FORM 2

THE PATENTS ACT, 1970
(39 of 1970)
&
THE PATENT RULES, 2003

COMPLETE SPECIFICATION
(See Section 10 and Rule 13)

Title of invention:
A WEAPON MOUNTING SYSTEM

Applicants:
GOA SHIPYARD LIMITED
(A Govt. of India Undertaking-Ministry of Defence)
Having address as:
GOA SHIPYARD LIMITED
Vasco-Da-Gama, Goa - 403802, India
&
Alcraft Marine Pvt ltd
A company incorporated in India having address as:
Plot no B 50A-B50B, Kundaim Industrial Estate, Goa 403115, India

The following specification particularly describes the invention and the manner in which it is to be performed.
TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[001] The present invention relates to a weapon mounting system. More particularly, present invention relates to weapon mounting system for light and medium machine guns.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[002] Machine guns are dangerous weapons which can inflict significant damage to the target. Machine guns are generally classified as light and medium machine guns based on the calibre of the ammunition being used. The Indian Small Arms System (INSAS) rifle uses a standard 5.56x45mm calibre cartridge and is called a Light Machine Gun (LMG). Similarly, the Ordinance Factory Board’s (OFB) Medium Machine Gun (MMG) uses a 7.62x51mm cartridge. Each of these weapons is designed for an intended purpose, and must be held securely while using it to function at optimal capacity. Weapon mounts are typically designed to protect, to support, and to stabilize the weapons. Each weapon has a unique mounting mechanism and hence requires a unique mounting system.
[003] Presently, a LMG mounts (12) are exclusive and generally use locking bolts (11) going through the front tripod mounting arrangement of the LMG (10) as shown in Figures 1A and 1B. A MMG mounts (20) on the other hand use a securing arrangement going through the body of the weapon, usually a locking rod (21), as shown in Figures 2A and 2B. Therefore, these two arrangements are not compatible with each other. Hence, LMG cannot be fitted on an MMG mount and vice versa. This inability to interchange weapon mounts limits the options for the user who must then make separate arrangements for each weapon type. This also puts the user at a serious disadvantage in situations where multiple provisions for mounting systems are not possible, for example on a small boat or a vehicle with a confined opening. Therefore, presently available weapon mounts are exclusively meant for a particular type of weapon and doesn’t provide interchangeability.
[004] Therefore, there is a need to develop a common mounting system for both LMG and MMG with a mount and quick release mechanism for easy removal and installation.
OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION
[005] The object of the invention is to provide a common weapon mounting system for Light Machine Gun (LMG) and Medium Machine Gun (MMG).
[006] Another object of the invention is to provide a versatile weapon mounting system to provide the user with the flexibility of fixing different types of weapons without loss of any functionality of any weapon.
[007] Yet another object of the invention is to provide a weapon mounting system having provisions for attaching an ammunition-can holder, an empty cartridge collection system and an anti-ballistic shield.
[008] Yet another object of the invention is to provide a weapon mounting system with an elevation and depression locking mechanisms for the weapon.
[009] Yet another object of the invention is to provide a weapon mounting system with a spring-loaded quick release mechanism for reliable locking and releasing the pintle from the pintle holder.
[0010] Yet another object of the invention is to provide a weapon mounting system to provide the user with the benefits of choice, safety, versatility and reliability.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0011] Before the present system is described, it is to be understood that this application is not limited to the particular machine or an apparatus, and methodologies described, as there can be multiple possible embodiments that are not expressly illustrated in the present disclosure. It is also to be understood that the terminologies used in the description is for the purpose of describing the particular version or embodiment only and is not intended to limit the scope of the present application. This summary is provided to introduce aspects related to a weapon mounting system, and the aspects are further elaborated below in the detailed application description. This summary is not intended to identify essential features of the proposed subject matter nor is it intended for use in determining or limiting the scope of the proposed subject matter.
[0012] A weapon mounting system is provided in the present invention. The system comprises of a weapon mount assembly rotatably mounted on a pintle holder. The weapon mount assembly further comprises of a cradle pivotally mounted on a swing arm such that the cradle can be elevated of depressed with respect to the swing arm. The cradle comprises of plurality of holes and/or slots for securing the weapon and also additional accessories. The cradle is capable of securing both LMG and MMG with the help of slots and/or holes and locking pins. Further, a locking mechanism is provided to lock the cradle in a desired elevated or depressed position with respect to the swing arm. Moreover, a stoper mechanism is provided to limit the depression of the cradle. The weapon mount assembly comprises of a pintle fixed at a bottom plate. The conical portion of the pintle is inserted in tapered hole of the pintle holder. The pintle holder is provided with a quick release mechanism for quickly installing and removing the weapon mount assembly by locking and unlocking the pintle in the pintle holder.

STATEMENT OF INVENTION
[0013] The present subject matter discloses a weapon mounting system comprising a weapon mount assembly provided with a cradle configured to be mounted on a swing arm and a pintle holder configured for mounting said weapon mount assembly is configured for mounting Light Machine Gun and Medium Machine Gun is configured to be pivotally mounted on the swing arm and the weapon mount assembly is configured to be rotatably mounted on the pintle holder and the swing arm are configured to have plurality of holes and/or slots for accommodating fixtures. The plurality of holes provided on the cradle and the swing arm are configured for attaching wire ropes or chains, for alignment and for mounting various accessories on the weapon mounting system is configured from two parallel side plates connected to each other by a front base plate and a rear base plate are configured to be of identical or different lengths and shapes. The LMG is configured to be secured on the cradle by locking a locking plate of the LMG on a slot of the front base plate and by inserting a locking pin across the cradle through the upper holes of the side plates by inserting a locking pin across the cradle body through holes provided on rear portions of the side plates and through the weapon, and by inserting another locking pin through slots provided on front portions of the side plates are configured with cradle mounting holes along with bushings for pivotally mounting the cradle on the swing arm with the help of fasteners are configured with locking holes to lock the cradle with the swing arm at a desired angular position of the cradle with respect to the swing arm are provided with a stopper bracket mounted at the bottom of at least one of the side plates for gripping the cradle and for limiting the depression of the cradle is configured from a base plate connected between two parallel plates and supported by brackets is configured with holes at free end for pivotally mounting the cradle is configured with locking holes for locking the rotation of the cradle with respect to the swing arm is configured with a hole for securely mounting one end of a pintle is configured for mounting in the pintle holder is configured with at least one circular groove for rotatably securing the pintle in the pintle holder is configured to be locked by inserting a pin through a hole in the base plate of the swing arm and into a hole in pintle holder is configured with a housing with a tapered hole corresponding to the conical portion of the pintle and a quick release mechanism for easy locking and unlocking the pintle for locking the pintle in the tapered hole is configured to be securely mounted on at least one of the supporting brackets and an adjustable stopper bolt threadedly engaged with the stopper block provided for restricting the angular movement of a stopper bracket provided on the cradle to limit depression of the cradle is configured to be mounted to the swing arm of the weapon mount assembly or the cradle is configured with a container for collection of empty cartridges. The weapon mounting system is configured from steel or aluminium alloys.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
[0014] The foregoing summary, as well as the following detailed description of embodiment, is better understood when read in conjunction with the appended drawings. For the purpose of illustrating of the present subject matter, an example of construction of the present subject matter is provided as figures; however, the disclosure is not limited to the specific method and apparatus disclosed in the document and the drawings.
[0015] The detailed description is described with reference to the accompanying figures. The same numbers are used throughout the drawing to refer like features and components.
[0016] Figures 1A and 1B illustrate a conventional mounting arrangement for Light Machine Gun (LMG);
[0017] Figures 2A and 2B illustrate a conventional mounting arrangement for a Medium Machine Gun (MMG);
[0018] Figure 3A illustrates an isometric view of the weapon mounting system, in accordance to the present disclosure;
[0019] Figure 3B illustrates a dimetric view of the weapon mounting system, in accordance to the present disclosure;
[0020] Figures 4A and 4B illustrate an isometric view and a top view of the cradle, respectively, in accordance to the present disclosure;
[0021] Figure 4C illustrates a front isometric view of the cradle, respectively, in accordance to the present disclosure;
[0022] Figure 4D illustrates a front isometric view of the cradle with side and rear plates removed, in accordance to the present disclosure;
[0023] Figure 4E illustrates an isometric view of the cradle with the ammunition-can holder, in accordance to the present disclosure;
[0024] Figure 5 illustrates an isometric view of the swing arm, in accordance to the present disclosure;
[0025] Figure 6 illustrates an isometric view of the weapon mount, in accordance to the present disclosure;
[0026] Figure 7A illustrates a rear isometric view of the weapon mounting system, in accordance to the present disclosure;
[0027] Figures 7B and 7C illustrate a front and rear isometric view of the weapon mounting system in cradle depressed state, in accordance to the present disclosure;
[0028] Figure 8A illustrates an isometric view of the pintle holder with one of the side brackets removed, in accordance to the present disclosure;
[0029] Figure 8B illustrates a top view of the pintle holder, in accordance to the present disclosure;
[0030] Figure 8C illustrates a top and a cross sectional views of the pintle holder when the knob is released, in accordance to the present disclosure;
[0031] Figure 8D illustrates a top and a cross sectional views of the pintle holder when the knob is pulled outwards, in accordance to the present disclosure;
[0032] Figure 9 illustrates a front isometric view of the weapon mounting system, in accordance to the present disclosure;
[0033] Figures 10A, 10B and 10C illustrate an isometric view, a side view and a top view of the LMG mounted on the cradle, respectively, in accordance to the present disclosure;
[0034] Figure x11A illustrates an isometric view of the weapon mount assembly with the locking pin retracted for mounting the MMG;
[0035] Figure 11B illustrates an isometric view of the weapon mount assembly with the locking pin inserted through the body of the cradle for locking the MMG; and
[0036] Figure 12 illustrates the weapon mounting system with an anti-ballistic shield.
[0037] Figures depict various embodiments of the present disclosure for purpose of illustration only. Only skilled in the art will readily recognize from the following discussion that alternative embodiments of the structures and methods illustrated herein may be employed without departing from the principles of the disclosure described herein.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0038] Some embodiments of this disclosure, illustrating all its features, will now be discussed in detail. The words “comprising”, “having”, and “including,” and other forms thereof, are intended to be equivalent in meaning and be open ended in that an item or items following any one of these words is not meant to be an exhaustive listing of such item or items, or meant to be limited to only the listed item or items. Although any systems similar or equivalent to those described herein can be used in the practice or testing of embodiments of the present disclosure, the exemplary, a weapon mounting system are now described. The disclosed embodiments are merely exemplary of the disclosure, which may be embodied in various forms.
[0039] Various modification to the embodiment will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art and the generic principles herein may be applied to another embodiment. However, one of ordinary skill in the art will readily recognize that the present disclosure is not intended to be limited to the embodiments illustrated but is to be accorded the widest scope consistent with the principles and features described herein.
[0040] Figures 3A and 3B illustrate a weapon mounting system (30) as per present invention. The weapon mounting system (30) consists of a weapon mount assembly (32) and a pintle holder (34). The weapon mount assembly (32) further comprises of a cradle (36) and a swing arm (38). The cradle (36) is pivotally mounted on the swing arm (38).
[0041] Figures 4A-4D illustrate different views of the cradle (36) which is also the body of the weapon mount assembly (32). The cradle (36) is a frame consisting of two parallel side plates (42, 44), a front base plate (46) and a rear base plate (48). The parallel plates (42, 44) may be of identical or different lengths and shapes and have holes and/or slots (50a, 50b, 50d, 50f) for accommodating fixtures. The location and number of holes and/or slots depends on the type of weapon to be fixed. A slotted hole (50c) provided in the front base plate (46) can be transverse or parallel to the side plates (42, 44) and used for securing weapons. Moreover, the rear base plate (48) may also have slotted holes (50e), either transverse or parallel to the side plates (42, 44). These holes (50e) are provided for ease of fabrication by easily aligning and fitting the pre-cut components in a desired way.
[0042] As shown in Figure 4C, the holes (50a) provided in the side plates (42, 44) can be used for securing weapon by locking pins (52) having a locking end and a fixing end. The locking end is inserted across the cradle body (36) through the weapon and a ball-locking or a clevis pin can be used for preventing the locking pin (52) from sliding out. Another end of the locking pin (52) can be connected to a securing means which could, for example, be a steel wire rope or chain. One embodiment of the locking pin (52) inserted in the holes (50a) of side plates (42, 44) across the body of the cradle (36), is shown in Figures 4C-4D. Similarly, the locking pin (52) may be inserted in the slots (50b) provided at front side of the side plates (42, 44).
[0043] Cradle mounting holes (56) along with bushings (54) are provided in the side plates (42, 44) for pivotally mounting the cradle (36) on the swing arm (38) with the help of fasteners (58), as shown in Figure 4C. Moreover, holes (59a) are provided below the mounting holes (56) to lock the cradle (36) with the swing arm (38) at a desired angular position of the cradle (36) with respect to the swing arm (38) about pivot joints (at 56).
[0044] In another embodiment, reinforcements commonly called doubler plates (60) can be provided at appropriate locations on the cradle (36) to increase strength of the cradle body.
[0045] In another embodiment, a stopper bracket (62) is fixed at the bottom of one or both the side plates (42, 44) as shown in Figure 4D. The stopper bracket (62) can serve dual purpose, as a grip for rotation of the weapon mount assembly (32) and as a piece for limiting the depression of the cradle (36). The stopper bracket (62) may have holes drilled for adding functionality.
[0046] As shown in Figure 4E, the holes (50d) provided in the side plate (44) are used to mount accessory like an ammunition-can holder (40). When in use, the weapon rests on the front base plate (46) and a rear base plate (48). The ammunition-can holder (40) is placed in a way to facilitate supply of the ammunition to the weapon. The ammunition-can holder (40) is a removable attachment, fixed to the cradle using fasteners (through holes 50d) or mounting brackets. If required, the ammunition-can holder (40) may also be kept fixed with the cradle body (36).
[0047] In another embodiment, plurality of other holes and slots can be provided on the cradle (36) for attaching wire ropes or chains, for alignment and for incorporating additional features in the weapon mounting system (30).
[0048] Figure 5 illustrates the features of the swing arm (38). The swing arm (38) is the rotating base of the weapon mount assembly (32) which houses the cradle (36). The swing arm (38) is a frame made of two parallel plates (64, 66) and a base plate (68) connected between the parallel plates (64, 66) and supported by brackets (70, 72). Each parallel plate (64, 66) comprises of holes (57) near free end for pivotally mounting the cradle (36). Further, locking holes (59b) are provided for locking the rotation of the cradle (36) with respect to the swing arm (38).
[0049] In another embodiment, a stopper block (80) is mounted on one or both the supporting brackets (70, 72) and a sufficiently long stopper bolt (78) is threadedly engaged with the stopper block (80). The effective length of the stopper bolt (78) above the stopper block (80) can be varied by rotating the bolt (78) with respect to the stopper block (80). The stopper bracket (62) attached to the cradle (36) collides with the stopper bolt’s head (78) and limits the rotation of the cradle (36).
[0050] The base plate (68) of the swing arm (38) has a hole for the attachment of a pintle (74). The pintle (74) has a threaded portion at one end which can be inserted in the hole of the base plate (68) and secured by a nut (75), as shown in Figure 6. The other end of the pintle (74) is conical and needs to be inserted in the pintle holder (34). The taper portion of the pintle (74) further comprises of at least one circular groove (82) for locking the pintle (74) in the pintle holder (34). The pintle (74) is rotatably mounted in the pintle holder (34) to allow 360-degree rotation of the weapon mount assembly (32). The rotation can be locked using a locking pin going through a hole (76) in the base plate (68) of the swing arm (38) and into a hole in pintle holder. In an alternate embodiment, any other suitable locking arrangement may be used for connecting the pintle (74) to the base plate (68) of the swing arm (38).
[0051] Figure 6 illustrates an isometric view of the weapon mount assembly (32). The cradle (36) is pivotally mounted on the swing arm (38). Cradle mounting holes (56, 57) of the cradle (36) and swing arm (38) are aligned and pivoting joint is created by inserting the fasteners (58) and bushings (54). The cradle (36) can be rotated about the swing arm (38) in upward or downward direction about the fasteners (58). The upward movement is called elevation and the downward movement is called depression. The elevation and depression depend on the weapon being used, the platform on which the system is installed, and on the items fitted on the weapon mount.
[0052] The user may require a fixed elevation in order to keep the weapon in the required position. For instance, the weapon may be kept parallel to the floor or at a 30-degree elevation during stowage. This is achieved by inserting a locking pin through the locking holes (59b) of the swing arm (38) and into the locking holes (59a) of the cradle body (36). Multiple locking holes (59a, 59b) can be provided on swing arm (38) and cradle (36) to achieve desired steps of angular elevation and depression.
[0053] Moreover, the depression of the cradle (36) is limited due to the stopper bracket (62) of the cradle (36) making contact with the stopper bolt (78) of the swing arm (38). Figures 7A-7C illustrates the working of stopper in actual use. As shown in Figure 7A, when the cradle is in horizontal position, the stopper bracket (62) is not in contact with the stopper bolt (78). As shown in Figures 7B and 7C, when the cradle (36) is depressed till the point when the stopper bracket (62) collides with the head of the stopper bolt (78), further depression of the cradle (36) is restricted. Therefore, maximum allowable depression of the cradle (36) can be adjusted by varying the effective length of the stopper bolt (78) above the stopper block (80). The effective length of the stopper bolt (78) can be increased and decreased by rotating the stopper bolt (78) about the stopper block (80). Hence, the stopper bolt (78) along with the stopper bracket (62) is used to limit the range of rotation of the cradle (36) about the swing arm (38).
[0054] Figures 8A-8D illustrate different views of the pintle holder (34). The pintle holder (34) consists of a housing (84) having a tapered hole (86) cut across the height of the housing (84). The housing (84) is fitted between two side plates (88). The side plates (88) may be additionally supported by brackets (90). The pintle holder (34) further consists of a locking plate (92), a spring housing block (94) having a compression spring (96) and a knob (98). The locking plate (92) has a circular profile cut at one end and another end is connected to the knob (98) via a rod passing through the spring housing block (94). The compression spring (96) provided in the housing block (94) pushes the locking plate (92) towards the centre of the tapered hole (86).
[0055] Figure 8C shows the locked state of the pintle holder (34) when the knob (98) is in released state. Therefore, due to the force of the compression spring (96), the locking plate (92) is extending in the tapered hole (86). Figure 8D shows the unlocked state of the pintle holder (34) when the knob (98) is pulled outwards, the locking plate (92) moves away from the axis of the tapered hole (86) and the spring (96) gets compressed. Therefore, upon releasing the knob (98), the locking plate (92) attains the position as shown in Figure 8C.
[0056] While mounting the weapon mount assembly (32) on the pintle holder (34), the conical portion of the pintle (74) is inserted in the tapered hole (86) of the holder such that the circular profile of the locking plate (92) engages in the groove (82) on the pintle (74) due to the spring mechanism to lock the pintle (74) in the pintle holder (34). For removal, the locking plate (92) is pulled back by pulling the knob (98) outwards and the pintle (74) is removed. This quick release mechanism is useful for easy insertion/mounting and removal/unmounting of the weapon mount assembly (32) on the pintle holder (34). The pintle holder side plates are set on a suitable base.
[0057] Once the pintle (74) is inserted and locked in the pintle holder (34), the user does not have to worry about any accidental removal of the pintle (74). The spring-loaded mechanism inside the spring housing block (94) keeps the locking plate (92) pushed to the cut groove (82) on the pintle (74) and only when the knob (98) is pulled outwards, the user can remove the pintle (74).
[0058] Figure 9 shows complete assembly of the weapon mounting system (30). As shown in Figure 9, the pintle holder (34) may be fixed on any required platform (100). The platform (100) could be independent, or fitted on a ship, boat, aircraft, vehicle, helicopter, or any suitable base where it is needed.
[0059] The weapon mounting system (30) is capable of mounting two or more types of weapons.
[0060] Figures 10A-10C illustrate mounting of the Light Machine Gun (LMG) (10) on the weapon mounting system (30) as per present invention. The LMG (10) has a locking plate (13) with a drilled hole. While mounting, the locking plate (13) of the LMG (10) goes through the slot (50c) on the front base plate (46) of the cradle (36). Once inside, a nut-bolt or similar arrangement (11) may be placed to lock it in place. The LMG (10) is further secured by inserting the locking pin (52) through the cradle, in the upper holes (50a) of the side plates (42, 44). The LMG (10) has a magazine which is inserted at its base. Empty cartridges collide with the locking pin (52) and are collected in an empty collection system. The weapon mount assembly (32) is designed such that other functions of the weapon such as loading, caulking, sighting and firing are unhindered.
[0061] Figures 11A-11B illustrate mounting of the Medium Machine Gun (MMG) on the weapon mounting system (30) as per present invention. The MMG is mounted using the locking pin (52) inserted at the rear of the cradle (36) through the mount hole in the body of the weapon. The locking pin (52) is inserted in the lower holes (50f) of the side plates (42, 44) as shown in figure 11B. Once it is secured, additional securing is possible by inserting suitable locking pin through the slots (50b) provided on front portions of the side plates (42, 44). The empty cartridges are ejected from the base of the MMG into the empty cartridge collection bag (not shown). The weapon mount assembly (32) is designed such that other functions of the MMG weapon such as loading, caulking, sighting and firing are unhindered.
[0062] In another embodiment, the parallel side plates (42, 44) of the cradle (36) are made of different lengths to attach the ammunition can holder (40) on the left side plate (44).
[0063] In another embodiment, an anti-ballistic shield (102) can be attached to the swing arm (38) of the weapon mount assembly (32), as shown in Figure 12. The shield (102) protects the weapon and the user and is removable in nature. The shield (102) can be connected to the parallel plates (64, 66) of the swing arm (38) using fasteners through holes. The design of the shield (102) can vary as per user requirement.
[0064] In another embodiment, an empty cartridge system is provided which consists of a container for collecting the empty cartridges. It can be a removable bag or a box, attached to the swing arm (38) or the cradle (36).
[0065] In another embodiment, the weapon mounting system (30) can be made of steel, aluminium or a combination of raw materials. The design uses slotted plates for alignment and no special tools are required for assembly. The pre-cut components mate with each other in the provided slots and may be welded together. This fabrication technique is illustrated in Figures 4B, 5 and 8A as 50e, 50f and 50g. Figures 4B, 4C and 4D illustrate this slotted fabrication technique. Figure 4D is a view of Figure 4C with the side plate (44) and rear base plate (48) removed. The two plates fit into other components in the slots provided, and this eliminates any possible fitment and alignment errors.
[0066] Fasteners are used for putting together the assemblies. The cradle (36) is attached to the swing arm (38) using two or more fasteners (58). The pintle (74) is attached to the base plate (68) of the swing arm (38) by using the threads at one of its ends. The other components such as the anti-ballistic shield (102), the ammunition-can holder (40), the empty cartridge collection system, are all made removable to provide the user with maximum flexibility of choice.
[0067] Accordingly, present invention discloses a weapon mounting system (30) comprising a weapon mount assembly (32) provided with a cradle (36) configured to be mounted on a swing arm (38) and a pintle holder (34) configured for mounting said weapon mount assembly (32). The weapon mount assembly (32) is configured for mounting Light Machine Gun (LMG) and Medium Machine Gun (MMG). The cradle (36) is configured to be pivotally mounted on the swing arm (38) and the weapon mount assembly (32) is configured to be rotatably mounted on the pintle holder (34). The cradle (36) and the swing arm (38) are configured to have plurality of holes and/or slots (50a, 50b, 50c, 50d, 50e, 50f) for accommodating fixtures. The plurality of holes provided on the cradle (36) and the swing arm (38) are configured for attaching wire ropes or chains, for alignment and for mounting various accessories on the weapon mounting system (30). The cradle (36) is configured from two parallel side plates (42, 44) connected to each other by a front base plate (46) and a rear base plate (48). The parallel side plates (42, 44) are configured to be of identical or different lengths and shapes. The LMG (10) is configured to be secured on the cradle (36) by locking a locking plate (13) of the LMG (10) on a slot (50c) of the front base plate (46) and by inserting a locking pin (52) across the cradle (36) through the upper holes (50a) of the side plates (42, 44). The MMG is configured to be secured on the cradle (36) by inserting a locking pin (52) across the cradle body (36) through holes (50f) provided on rear portions of the side plates (42, 44) and through the weapon, and by inserting another locking pin through slots (50b) provided on front portions of the side plates (42, 44). The side plates (42, 44) are configured with cradle mounting holes (56) along with bushings (54) for pivotally mounting the cradle (36) on the swing arm (38) with the help of fasteners (58). The side plates (42, 44) are configured with locking holes (59a) to lock the cradle (36) with the swing arm (38) at a desired angular position of the cradle (36) with respect to the swing arm (38). Said side plates (42, 44) are provided with a stopper bracket (62) mounted at the bottom of at least one of the side plates (42, 44) for gripping the cradle (36) and for limiting the depression of the cradle (36). The swing arm (38) is configured from a base plate (68) connected between two parallel plates (64, 66) and supported by brackets (70, 72). Each of the parallel plate (64, 66) is configured with holes (57) at free end for pivotally mounting the cradle (36). Each of the parallel plate (64, 66) is configured with locking holes (59b) for locking the rotation of the cradle (36) with respect to the swing arm (38). The base plate (68) is configured with a hole for securely mounting one end of a pintle (74), and a conical portion at another end of said pintle (74) is configured for mounting in the pintle holder (34), wherein the conical portion of the pintle (74) is configured with at least one circular groove (82) for rotatably securing the pintle (74) in the pintle holder (34). The rotation of the weapon mount assembly (32) is configured to be locked by inserting a pin through a hole (76) in the base plate (68) of the swing arm (38) and into a hole in pintle holder (34). The pintle holder (34) is configured with a housing (84) with a tapered hole (86) corresponding to the conical portion of the pintle (74) and a quick release mechanism for easy locking and unlocking the pintle (74). Said pintle assembly is provided with a quick release mechanism provided with a spring actuated locking plate (92) for locking the pintle (74) in the tapered hole (86). A stopper block (80) is configured to be securely mounted on at least one of the supporting brackets (70, 72) and an adjustable stopper bolt (78) threadedly engaged with the stopper block (80) provided for restricting the angular movement of a stopper bracket (62) provided on the cradle (36) to limit depression of the cradle (36). An anti-ballistic shield (102) is configured to be mounted to the swing arm (38) of the weapon mount assembly (32). The swing arm (38) or the cradle (36) is configured with a container for collection of empty cartridges. The weapon mounting system (30) is configured from steel or aluminium alloys.
[0068] Exemplary embodiments discussed above may provide certain advantages. Though not required to practice aspects of the disclosure, these advantages may include the following:
[0069] Some embodiments of the present subject matter provide a common weapon mounting system for Light Machine Gun (LMG) and Medium Machine Gun (MMG).
[0070] Some embodiments of the present subject matter provide a versatile weapon mounting system to provide the user with the flexibility of fixing different types of weapons without loss of any functionality of any weapon.
[0071] Some embodiments of the present subject matter provide a weapon mounting system having provisions for attaching an ammunition-can holder, an empty cartridge collection system and an anti-ballistic shield.
[0072] Some embodiments of the present subject matter provide a weapon mounting system with an elevation and depression locking mechanisms for the weapon.
[0073] Some embodiments of the present subject matter provide a weapon mounting system with a spring-loaded quick release mechanism for reliable locking and releasing the pintle from the pintle holder.
[0074] Some embodiments of the present subject matter provide a weapon mounting system to provide the user with the benefits of choice, safety, versatility and reliability.
[0075] Although implementations for a weapon mounting system, have been described in language specific to structural features and/or system, it is to be understood that the appended claims are not necessarily limited to the specific features described. Rather, the specific features are disclosed as examples of implementations.
[0076] Below is a list of elements with reference numerals which may be used for implementation of the present subject matter.
Reference Numerals Element name
10 Light Machine Gun (LMG)
11 Locking bolts
12 Conventional LMG mount
13 Locking plate
20 Conventional MMG mount
21 Locking rod
30 Weapon mounting system
32 Weapon mount assembly
34 Pintle holder
36 Cradle
38 Swing arm
40 Ammunition-can holder
42, 44 Parallel side plates
46 Front base plate
48 Rear base plate
50a, 50b, 50c, 50d, 50e, 50f Holes/ Slots
52 Locking pins
54 Bushing
56, 57 Cradle mounting holes
58 Fasteners
59a, 59b Locking holes
60 Reinforcements
62 Stopper bracket
64, 66 Parallel plates
68 Base plate
70, 72 Supporting brackets
74 Pintle
75 Nut
76 Locking hole
78 Stopper bolt
80 Stopper block
82 Grooves
84 Housing
86 Tapered hole
88 Side plates
90 Additional support
92 Locking plate
94 Spring housing block
96 Compression spring
98 Knob
100 Platform
102 Anti-ballistic shield

, Claims:
1. A weapon mounting system (30) comprising:
a weapon mount assembly (32) provided with a cradle (36) configured to be mounted on a swing arm (38); and
a pintle holder (34) configured for mounting said weapon mount assembly (32);
wherein the weapon mount assembly (32) is configured for mounting Light Machine Gun (LMG) and Medium Machine Gun (MMG).
2. The weapon mounting system (30) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the cradle (36) is configured to be pivotally mounted on the swing arm (38) and the weapon mount assembly (32) is configured to be rotatably mounted on the pintle holder (34).
3. The weapon mounting system (30) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the cradle (36) and the swing arm (38) are configured to have plurality of holes and/or slots (50a, 50b, 50c, 50d, 50e, 50f) for accommodating fixtures.
4. The weapon mounting system (30) as claimed in claim 3, wherein the plurality of holes provided on the cradle (36) and the swing arm (38) are configured for attaching wire ropes or chains, for alignment and for mounting various accessories on the weapon mounting system (30).
5. The weapon mounting system (30) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the cradle (36) is configured from two parallel side plates (42, 44) connected to each other by a front base plate (46) and a rear base plate (48).
6. The weapon mounting system (30) as claimed in claim 5, wherein the parallel side plates (42, 44) are configured to be of identical or different lengths and shapes.
7. The weapon mounting system (30) as claimed in claim 5, wherein the LMG (10) is configured to be secured on the cradle (36) by locking a locking plate (13) of the LMG (10) on a slot (50c) of the front base plate (46) and by inserting a locking pin (52) across the cradle (36) through the upper holes (50a) of the side plates (42, 44).
8. The weapon mounting system (30) as claimed in claim 5, wherein the MMG is configured to be secured on the cradle (36) by inserting a locking pin (52) across the cradle body (36) through holes (50f) provided on rear portions of the side plates (42, 44) and through the weapon, and by inserting another locking pin through slots (50b) provided on front portions of the side plates (42, 44).
9. The weapon mounting system (30) as claimed in claim 5, wherein the side plates (42, 44) are configured with cradle mounting holes (56) along with bushings (54) for pivotally mounting the cradle (36) on the swing arm (38) with the help of fasteners (58).
10. The weapon mounting system (30) as claimed in claim 9, wherein the side plates (42, 44) are configured with locking holes (59a) to lock the cradle (36) with the swing arm (38) at a desired angular position of the cradle (36) with respect to the swing arm (38).
11. The weapon mounting system (30) as claimed in claim 5, wherein said side plates (42, 44) are provided with a stopper bracket (62) mounted at the bottom of at least one of the side plates (42, 44) for gripping the cradle (36) and for limiting the depression of the cradle (36).
12. The weapon mounting system (30) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the swing arm (38) is configured from a base plate (68) connected between two parallel plates (64, 66) and supported by brackets (70, 72).
13. The weapon mounting system (30) as claimed in claim 12, wherein each of the parallel plate (64, 66) is configured with holes (57) at free end for pivotally mounting the cradle (36).
14. The weapon mounting system (30) as claimed in claim 12, wherein each of the parallel plate (64, 66) is configured with locking holes (59b) for locking the rotation of the cradle (36) with respect to the swing arm (38).
15. The weapon mounting system (30) as claimed in claim 12, wherein the base plate (68) is configured with a hole for securely mounting one end of a pintle (74), and a conical portion at another end of said pintle (74) is configured for mounting in the pintle holder (34), wherein the conical portion of the pintle (74) is configured with at least one circular groove (82) for rotatably securing the pintle (74) in the pintle holder (34).
16. The weapon mounting system (30) as claimed in claim 15, wherein the rotation of the weapon mount assembly (32) is configured to be locked by inserting a pin through a hole (76) in the base plate (68) of the swing arm (38) and into a hole in pintle holder (34).
17. The weapon mounting system (30) as claimed in claim 15, wherein the pintle holder (34) is configured with a housing (84) with a tapered hole (86) corresponding to the conical portion of the pintle (74) and a quick release mechanism for easy locking and unlocking the pintle (74).
18. The weapon mounting system (30) as claimed in claim 17, wherein said pintle assembly is provided with a quick release mechanism provided with a spring actuated locking plate (92) for locking the pintle (74) in the tapered hole (86).
19. The weapon mounting system (30) as claimed in claim 12, wherein a stopper block (80) is configured to be securely mounted on at least one of the supporting brackets (70, 72) and an adjustable stopper bolt (78) threadedly engaged with the stopper block (80) provided for restricting the angular movement of a stopper bracket (62) provided on the cradle (36) to limit depression of the cradle (36).
20. The weapon mounting system (30) as claimed in claim 1, wherein an anti-ballistic shield (102) is configured to be mounted to the swing arm (38) of the weapon mount assembly (32).
21. The weapon mounting system (30) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the swing arm (38) or the cradle (36) is configured with a container for collection of empty cartridges.
22. The weapon mounting system (30) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the weapon mounting system (30) is configured from steel or aluminium alloys.