GB2487041A

GB2487041A - Pedestal mounting assembly

Info

Publication number: GB2487041A
Application number: GB1019041.1A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Robert Tyler; Terrence Carpenter
Original assignee: ENHANCED PROT SYSTEMS UK Ltd
Current assignee: ENHANCED PROT SYSTEMS UK Ltd
Priority date: 2010-11-11
Filing date: 2010-11-11
Publication date: 2012-07-11
Also published as: GB201019041D0

Abstract

A pedestal mounting assembly, e.g. for a support weapon or observational device, comprises a height adjustable pedestal C having hinge brackets D with rearward facing support legs F which when deployed lay flat on a ground, thereby providing stability and assisting with keeping the pedestal C abutted against a Sanger wall H. On an opposite end to the legs F is a forward mounting arm A which is held in position by locking pins that locate in recesses in the pedestal C. The arm A has a tapered cone recess B that provides a union for the support weapon and/or a protective shield. The pedestal mounting assembly may be part of a Modular Observation and Protected Firing Position MOPFP and is designed to fold flat for easy carriage, transport and storage.

Description

PEDESTAL MOUNTING ASSEMBLY (PMA) -PATENT APPLICATION

INTRODUCTION AND BACKGROUND

1.1 Whilst conducting active service operations in many theatres of operation worldwide, military forces have to protect key areas against enemy attack from small arms fire, explosive blast and fragmentation. in order to provide protection against effects from these threats, defensive structures are built. These structures are made from ballistic panels or thick sturdy walls built from brick, concrete or earth filled pens / cages (often augmented by hessian bags filled with sand [sandbags]). At key points these defensive structures have additional strong points built into the structures for observation and access control, these structures are known as Sangers.

1.2 Many Sangers provide very good protection only to chest height (to the personnel manning them), therefore, when using observation devices (such as binoculars) or manning support weapons (such as 5OCAL or GPMG) the top portion of the body and head are exposed to ballistic threats (i.e. the user / operator has to lean onto the top of the Sanger parapet wall).

1.3 The lack of an equipment system to protect the user / operator i.e. counter ballistic threats by providing a protective shield, and to effectively mount support weapons is clearly a capability gap (within Sanger locations). [PS lead a development team who have the aim to fill this capability gap with the conception, design and development of the Modular Observation and Protected Firing Position (MOPFP).

1.4 The MOPFP incorporates several equipment components that are standard military items, however, the design team believe that part of the system: the Pedestal Mounting Assembly (PMA) is unique and has potential of being protected by a patent.

2 THE KEY PROBLEM THAT THE PMA SOLVES 2.1 There are many weapon and equipment mounting pedestals on the market that are specifically designed for military applications; however, they are predominately designed for the mounting of weapons in open field conditions. The current tripod mounts utilise folding tripod legs that distribute the weight and load and form a firm mounting base for support weapons, these systems are excellent at this operation.

However, they cannot be correctly and safely employed up against a defensive wall structure / Sanger wall and position the support weapon system in the correct position.

They also are not designed to facilitate a safe and effective mounting base for protective shields. The PMA has been designed and developed specifically for this role.

3 PMA DESCRIPTION (in outline)

3.1 The PMA is an assembly that is designed to fold flat for easy carriage, transport and storage, and can easily be assembled and located into position i.e. abutted against a Sanger wall and made ready to receive a support weapons system and a protective shield assembly. The PMA comprises of 3 key components: the rearward facing support legs, the height-adjustable pedestal (upright section) and the forward mounting arm (for protecting the shield and support weapons).

3.1.1 The rearward facing support legs: are attached to the pedestal by hinge brackets.

When the support legs are extended they lay flat along the ground providing stability against rearward movement of the pedestal upright (practically key when considering the re-coil forces from the support weapons). The supporting legs also assist with keeping the flat face of the pedestal upright firmly abutted against the vertical wall structure (the Sanger wall) (Drawing key F).

3.1.2 The height-adjustable pedestal (upright section): incorporates a base plate and vertical upright (that is height adjustable in order to integrate to the height of the Sanger wall). The base plate locates the hinge brackets that are attached to the supporting legs. At the top of the pedestal is located a hinged mounting bracket for the forward mounting arm (Drawing key C).

3.1.3 The forward mounting arm: hinges from the pedestal upright section and protrudes forward over the Sanger wall. Forming the ideal location point for the support weapon and protective shield. The mounting arm is held into position by locking pins that locate into recesses within the pedestal upright. Within the forward edge of the mounting arm is incorporated a tapered cone recess that provides the union for the support weapons and protective shield (Drawing key A).

DRAWINGS PEDESTAL MOUNTING ASSEMBLY

1.1 Key to PMA drawings, Is as follows: A Forward mounting arm.

B Tapered cone recess that provides the union for the support weapons and shield.

C Height-adjustable pedestal (upright section).

D Hinge brackets that are attached to the supporting legs.

E Base plate.

F Rearward facing support legs.

G Locking pins that locate into recesses within the pedestal upright.

H Sanger defensive wall structure that the pedestal upright Is abutted to. 4, 1 * * * * * *4 * * * * 4 * * * * * * * *