Patent Application
20190112044
The present invention relates to the protection of drones. Specifically, it relates to devices and methods of coupling and protecting a drone during transportation and storage.
Drones and other unmanned vehicles are now produced in a variety of shapes and sizes. Advances in technology have enabled decreases in the size of drones with high tech capabilities. Sensors, cameras, retractable wings and other electrical components are integrated into drones. The “quadcopter,” a popular drone design, includes four equally spaced, stationary wings. The wings and propellers do not retract and are exposed to damage during transportation and storage. The body and wings of retractable wing drones are also susceptible to damage.
Transportation devices designed specifically for drones exist. Backpacks and carrying cases allow a user to enclose the drone during, transportation and protect against damage. These methods have drawbacks. Carrying cases are cumbersome and can be dropped, resulting in damage or loss. Backpacks can be overly bulky and difficult to access. Opening zippers, latches, or other binding mechanisms is time consuming, prohibiting quick access. The space provided by backpacks and cases often exceeds what is needed to effectively store a drone. Drones can be damaged due to movement when cases and backpacks are not specifically configured for secure storage.
Drones are increasingly used in photography and videography. As a recording tool, quick access is necessary to catch transitory scenes. Photographers and videographers often search on foot for the right setting before launching a drone. The drone must be accessed and quickly launched. Traditional storage methods can delay this process.
Damage can also occur when drones are manually handled or stored. Falling or other contact can damage the wings, camera or other components. The drone can be placed in a case or other protective enclosure, but again, this takes up excess space and requires the additional step of removal when accessing the drone.
The present invention allows easy access while protecting the drone during transportation and storage. The propellers and top of the drone are covered and the body of the drone is securely coupled. Snap-hooking or other quick release method is used to removably couple the drone. This method allows quick installation and removal. Drones can be easily accessed and ready for operation quicker than by current storage methods.
The drone can be attached to a pack, garment, or other object during transportation. Storage takes less space because the device is configured to contour to the drone. Versatility allows the attachment to the object most appropriate for the drone size and shape. Drones can be transported hands-free when there is no room for storage in a case or backpack. Space is freed up for storage of other items. The device can be used to provide additional protection when the drone is stored in a case or pack, or as the sole means of storage.
The drone remains partially exposed. In some embodiments exposure can permit calibration of drone and camera settings, and manipulation of the drone while it is still coupled.
The ability to couple the device allows use of both hands to manipulate the drone. The drone does not have to be placed on the ground or other surface. The holster protects the wings and body of the drone while other areas or components of the drone, such as a camera, are manipulated.
Disclosed are devices and methods of protectively storing and transporting drones. An exemplary embodiment is discussed. A hood is attached to a drone carriage. The hood is made of a resilient material permitting protection of the top of the drone body and stationary drone wings. Resilient material is polycarbonate, glass-filled nylon or other glass-filled polymer, plastic, or other rigid material with similar ductility. The hood has four arms configured to cover and protect the propellers of a stationary wing quadcopter drone. The propellers and rotors are often the most fragile aspects of the drone, making their protection paramount.
Rings on two of the hood arms permit attachment of a carabiner or other supplementary coupling device. Multiple rings allow attachment of the exemplary device in the most advantageous position,
A drone carriage is conjoined with the drone hood in two places. The two sides of the drone carriage extend down from the hood. The drone carriage is comprised of a stationary top scaffold and a bottom drone harness. The base of the drone harness joins both sides of the carriage and is configured to receive the bottom of the drone body. One side of the carriage has a hinge attaching the harness to the scaffold. The hinge enables the harness to pivot relative to the scaffold. The opposing side of the carriage is coupled by a snap-hook. The male aspect of the snap-hook is on the scaffold and the female aspect is aligned in the harness. When the snap-hook is locked the carriage is arranged to conform to, and securely couple the drone. The carriage forms a contiguous, U-shaped surface when locked.
Polyurethane padding may line the bottom of the drone hood and surfaces of the carriage that abut the drone. The padding prevents scratching and decreases the likelihood of other damage to the drone. The padding is thin to allow embedding into the wing and provides force absorption.
The drone body is placed in the open drone carriage. The hinge allows a harness aspect of the carriage to pivot. The harness contains a snap-hook aspect. The harness side of the harness opposing the hinge may be attached with the scaffold by the snap-hook for quick-release coupling of the drone. When the snap-hook is locked the drone is securely coupled. A carabiner or other supplementary coupling device is attached to one of the rings. The supplementary coupling device is used to attach the invention to the means of transportation. When the drone is needed for operation the snap-hook is undone and the drone is removed from the carriage.
The holster protects the drone. When the drone is placed in a backpack, transported by hand, or stored, the drone can be placed in the holster for additional protection. The hood extends beyond the extremities of the wings and body, absorbing the force of any object or surface before it contacts the drone. The drone remains partially exposed, allowing easy access to the camera and other components.
The holster can be configured for all sizes of drones. Alternative embodiments of the carriage may have a different form, dependent on the dimensions of the drone body.
Many drones have retractable wings. Alternative embodiments may include hoods configured to cover the wings in their retracted position. Some drone designs have a different number of wings or alternative wing configurations. Alternative embodiments may have hoods configured to cover a different number of wings or different wing configurations.
The carriage configuration needs to provide the balance and support necessary for secure coupling of the drone. Alternative embodiments may include additional support platforms extending from the carriage to provide optimal balance and coupling of the drone body.
Alternative embodiments may include a permanently attached supplemental coupling device. The device may include a retractable reel, extension cord, lanyard, toggle, or other extendable implement to allow greater range of handheld manipulation of the drone while the device is attached. For smaller drones, the supplemental coupling device may be configured to attach to a keychain, or have a keychain permanently attached.
Alternative embodiments may include other means of coupling the drone in the carriage. Clamping, flexion plates, or other methods that allow removable attachment are viable alternatives to snap-hooking discussed above.
The hood (11) extends no greater than 20 mm above an immediately adjacent point (80) on a drone body top (72). The immediately adjacent point is the point at which a line extending perpendicularly from the hood (11) outer surface intersects with the drone body top.
The carriage 21 also contours to the drone body 50. The carriage 21 extends no greater than 15 s mm from the immediately adjacent point (80) on a coupled drone body surface. Extension is measured from the outer surface of the carriage 21. The “drone body surface” does not include recesses or indentations created to house a drone camera or gimbal. The extension limitation does not apply to the hinge 29 or snap-hook 13 aspects of the carriage 21. The hinge 29 and snap-hook 31 may extend obliquely from the drone and thereby create distortions in the extension measurement.
The foregoing discussion discloses and describes merely exemplary methods and embodiments. As will be understood by those familiar with the art, the disclosed subject matter may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from the essence or characteristics thereof. Accordingly, the foregoing disclosure is intended to be illustrative, but not limiting, of the scope of the invention, which is set forth in the following claims.
