Tethering system and method for remote device

• US 9,272,782 B1
• Filed: 12/10/2014
• Issued: 03/01/2016
• Est. Priority Date: 03/14/2013
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: State Farm Mutual Automobile Insurance Company (State Farm)
• Original Assignee: State Farm Mutual Automobile Insurance Company (State Farm)
• Inventors: Freeman, James M., Schmidgall, Roger D., Harvey, Brian N., Tofte, Nathan L.
• Primary Examiner(s): Sandy, Robert J
• Assistant Examiner(s): Mercado, Louis
• Application Number:
  US14/565,770
• Time in Patent Office: 447 Days
• US Class Current: 1/1
• CPC Class Codes: A63H 27/04 Captive toy aircraft
• CPC Class Codes: A63H 30/02 Electrical arrangements transformers H01F; converters H02M
• CPC Class Codes: B64U 10/60 Tethered aircraft
• CPC Class Codes: B64U 2101/20 for use as communications relays, e.g. high-altitude platforms
• CPC Class Codes: B64U 2201/104 using satellite radio beacon positioning systems, e.g. GPS
• CPC Class Codes: B64U 2201/202 using tethers for connecting to ground station
• CPC Class Codes: B64U 70/97 Means for guiding the UAV to a specific location on the platform, e.g. platform structures preventing landing off-centre
• CPC Class Codes: F16G 11/12 Connections or attachments, e.g. turnbuckles, adapted for straining of cables, ropes, or wire straining wire in general B21F9/00
• CPC Class Codes: G05D 1/0033 by having the operator tracking the vehicle either by direct line of sight or via one or more cameras located remotely from the vehicle
• CPC Class Codes: G05D 1/0866 specially adapted to captive aircraft
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 24/10 Miscellaneous
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 24/31 Plural fasteners having intermediate flaccid connector
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 29/49826 Assembling or joining

Abstract

A tethering system for a remote-controlled device includes a tether line having a first end adapted to be connected to a ground support and a second end adapted to be connected to the remote-controlled device. The system further includes an anchor-point disposed between the first and second ends of the tether line, the anchor point having an eyelet for securing the tether line and allowing the tether line to slide through the eyelet during use. The anchor-point and eyelet enable the tether line to flex or bend and the remote-controlled device to maneuver one or more of over or around the target area without interfering with any nearby obstructions.

Claims

1. A method of tethering a remote-controlled device to a target area, the method comprising:

positioning a tripod on a surface and away from obstacles blocking a view of the target area, the tripod having a stand with a top portion, a bottom portion for supporting the stand, and an eyelet disposed on the top portion;

attaching a first end of a tether line to a ground support;

attaching a second end of the tether line to the remote-controlled device;

forming an anchor-point via the eyelet of the tripod between the first and second ends of the tether line, thereby enabling the tether line to flex or bend and the remote-controlled device to maneuver one or more of over or around the target area without interfering with any nearby objects; and

attaching a sleeved boom or sheath to the second end of the tether line for extending the tether line in a semi-rigid manner away from one or more of any extensions, rotors or appurtenances, including, on the target area.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein forming an anchor-point via the eyelet of the tripod further comprises inserting the second end of the tether line through the eyelet of the tripod for securing the tether line to the tripod and allowing the tether line to slide through the eyelet.

3. The method of claim 2, further comprising inserting the second end of the tether line through the eyelet of the tripod before attaching the second end of the tether line to the remote-controlled device.

4. The method of claim 1, further comprising positioning a docking station adjacent to the ground support.

5. A method of tethering a remote-controlled device to a target area, the method comprising:

positioning a tripod on a surface and away from obstacles blocking a view of the target area, the tripod having a stand with a top portion, a bottom portion for supporting the stand, and an eyelet disposed on the top portion;

attaching a first end of a tether line to a ground support;

attaching a second end of the tether line to the remote-controlled device;

forming an anchor-point via the eyelet of the tripod between the first and second ends of the tether line, thereby enabling the tether line to flex or bend and the remote-controlled device to maneuver one or more of over or around the target area without interfering with any nearby objects; and

positioning a docking station adjacent to the ground support.