AIRCRAFT RETRIEVAL DEVICE

• US 20150076285A1
• Filed: 09/16/2013
• Published: 03/19/2015
• Est. Priority Date: 09/16/2013
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Jr., Jose Cruz Chavez
• Original Assignee: Jr., Jose Cruz Chavez
• Inventors: Chavez, Jose Cruz Jr.
• Granted Patent: US 9,862,503 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 244/116
• CPC Class Codes: B64F 1/027 using net or mesh
• CPC Class Codes: B64F 1/029 using a cable or tether
• CPC Class Codes: B64F 1/0299 characterized by the use of multiple devices
• CPC Class Codes: B64U 10/25 Fixed-wing aircraft VTOL aircraft B64U10/20
• CPC Class Codes: B64U 70/30 for capturing UAVs in flight by ground or sea-based arresting gear, e.g. by a cable or a net

Abstract

A retrieval device for an unmanned aircraft. The retrieval device may include a frame that supports a flexible material. The flexible material may form a receptacle portion shaped to receive the unmanned aircraft. The flexible material may absorb at least a portion of the energy exerted by the aircraft landing within the receptacle portion. Wheels may be connected to the frame to further control and absorb energy from the landing.

Claims

1. An unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) retrieval device comprising:

a frame comprising a base portion and an upper portion;

a flexible material disposed on the base portion and the upper portion of the frame forming a receptacle portion shaped to receive at least a portion of a UAV; and

a plurality of wheels attached to the base.

2. The retrieval device of claim 1, wherein the frame is made of a plurality of frame members joined together by brackets.

3. The retrieval device of claim 2, wherein the base portion comprises a front side and a rear side, wherein a shortened frame member is protruding from the front side, and the upper portion is protruding from the rear side.

4. The retrieval device of claim 3, wherein the upper portion comprises a first segment and a second segment, wherein the first segment is connected to the rear side of the base portion and the second segment is protruding from the first segment towards the front side of the base portion.

5. The retrieval device of claim 4, wherein the flexible material comprises netting and a plurality of bungee cords.

6. The retrieval device of claim 5, wherein the netting is attached to the shortened frame members of the base portion and to the first segment of the upper portion.

7. The retrieval device of claim 5, wherein the bungee cords are attached to the rear side of the base portion and the second segment of the upper portion.

8. The retrieval device of claim 7, wherein the bungee cord and the netting from the receptacle portion, and wherein the bungee cord and the netting are at an acute angle relative to one another.

9. The retrieval device of claim 1, further comprising a towing hitch protruding from the rear side of the base.

10. The retrieval device of claim 1, further comprising motors operatively attached to the wheels.