Landing Pad For Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Delivery

• US 20150183528A1
• Filed: 12/31/2014
• Published: 07/02/2015
• Est. Priority Date: 01/02/2014
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Valqari Holdings LLC
• Original Assignee: Blacknight Holdings LLC
• Inventors: Walsh, Ryan, Falesch, Alex J.
• Granted Patent: US 10,124,912 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 1/1
• CPC Class Codes: A01M 29/16 using sound waves
• CPC Class Codes: A47G 2029/146 the receptacle comprising identification means, e.g. a bar code
• CPC Class Codes: A47G 2029/147 the receptacle comprising heating or cooling means
• CPC Class Codes: A47G 29/14 Deposit receptacles for food, e.g. breakfast, milk , or large parcels; Similar receptacles for food or large parcels with appliances for preventing unauthorised removal of the deposited articles , i.e. food or large parcels
• CPC Class Codes: A47G 29/141 comprising electronically controlled locking means
• CPC Class Codes: B64C 39/024 of the remote controlled vehicle type, i.e. RPV
• CPC Class Codes: B64F 1/04 for launching aircraft
• CPC Class Codes: B64F 1/32 for handling freight
• CPC Class Codes: B64U 10/13 Flying platforms
• CPC Class Codes: B64U 10/14 with four distinct rotor axes, e.g. quadcopters
• CPC Class Codes: B64U 2101/60 for transporting passengers; for transporting goods other than weapons
• CPC Class Codes: B64U 2201/104 using satellite radio beacon positioning systems, e.g. GPS
• CPC Class Codes: B64U 70/90 Launching from or landing on platforms
• CPC Class Codes: B64U 80/70 in containers B64U80/60 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: G05D 1/0202 specially adapted to aircraft
• CPC Class Codes: Y02T 10/70 Energy storage systems for electromobility, e.g. batteries
• CPC Class Codes: Y02T 10/7072 Electromobility specific charging systems or methods for batteries, ultracapacitors, supercapacitors or double-layer capacitors

Abstract

A landing pad receives and stores packages delivered from an aerial vehicle are awaiting pickup from an aerial vehicle. The landing pad can be placed outside of a window and can contain a transmitter for sending out an identification signal via radio frequency to aid aerial vehicles in finding the landing pad. The landing pad contains a landing platform with a trapdoor that leads to a storage compartment. The trapdoor can be configured to only open when it receives a signal from an authorized aerial vehicle. The storage compartment can be accessed via a storage compartment door which can contain a locking mechanism. The storage compartment can be climate controlled. The landing pad can also have a transmitter that emits sounds to discourage animals from nesting on or near the landing pad. The landing pad can also include a solar power generator as a source of electrical energy.

Claims

1. A landing pad comprising:

(a) a landing platform; and

(b) a storage compartment,

wherein said landing platform comprises a trapdoor in a normally closed position which when open exposes the interior of said storage compartment.

2. The landing pad of claim 1, wherein said landing pad is configured to be placed in a window of a residence.

3. The landing pad of claim 1, further comprising a storage compartment door, wherein said storage compartment door is attached to said storage compartment.

4. The landing pad of claim 3, further comprising a storage door lock, wherein said storage door lock is configured to bias said storage door in a closed position.

5. The landing pad of claim 4, wherein said storage door lock is an electronic lock.

6. The landing pad of claim 4, wherein said storage door lock is a mechanical lock.

7. The landing pad of claim 1, further comprising a transmitter capable of emitting a signal recognizable by a receiver associated with said landing pad.

8. The landing pad of claim 2, wherein said identifying transmitter is disposed in an electronics housing.

9. The landing pad of claim 3, wherein said electronics housing is located under said landing platform.

10. The landing pad of claim 9, further comprising a power cord connectable to an electrical outlet.

11. The landing pad of claim 9, further comprising a battery.

12. The landing pad of claim 9, further comprising a solar power generator.

13. The landing pad of claim 9, further comprising a sound emitter.

14. The landing pad of claim 13, wherein emissions from said sound emitter are capable of deterring feral animals.

15. The landing pad of claim 14, wherein said feral animals are birds.

16. The landing pad of claim 3 wherein said storage compartment is climate controlled.

17. The landing pad of claim 3 wherein said landing pad is made substantially of a rust resistant material.

18. The landing pad of claim 3 wherein said storage compartment has a conveyer belt.

19. A method of delivering a package via an aerial vehicle capable of transmitting a signal recognizable by a receiver associated with a landing pad, the method comprising:

(a) loading said aerial vehicle with said package;

(b) employing a global positioning system device to navigate said aerial vehicle to a landing pad comprising said receiver;

(c) opening a normally closed trapdoor associated with said landing pad upon receipt of said signal by said receiver, said trapdoor when open exposing the interior of a storage compartment;

(d) actuating a mechanism operatively associated with said aerial vehicle to transfer said package into said storage compartment.