Storage bin with platform for aircraft

Abstract

According to the invention, there is provided a storage box comprising at least one door, the door being movable between a first position in which the door is closed and a second position in which the door is open; a platform capable of supporting an aircraft; and a mechanical connection device connected between the platform and the at least one door, wherein the mechanical connection device is configured such that the platform is simultaneously raised when the door is moved from its first position to its second position; the platform is simultaneously lowered when the door is moved from its second position to its first position; and a controller configured to control the mechanical connection device. There is further provided a corresponding method of deploying an aircraft; a corresponding method of storing an aircraft; an assembly comprising a storage box and an aircraft; and a vehicle comprising a storage box.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present invention relates to a storage case with a platform for an aerial vehicle; in particular a storage case in which the platform (serving as a landing platform and launch platform for the aerial vehicle) is raised as the case is opened (and lowered as the case is closed). A corresponding method of deploying an aerial vehicle; a corresponding method of storing an aerial vehicle; an assembly comprising a storage case; and a vehicle or structure comprising a storage case are further provided. BACKGROUND

[0002] Unmanned aerial vehicles are typically stored in a storage case for protection; in use, the user needs to manually remove the aerial vehicle from the storage case and manually carry the aerial vehicle to an open area away from the storage case so that the aerial vehicle has sufficient launch space. Likewise, upon landing, the user typically lands the aerial vehicle in an open area away from the case and then manually carries the aerial vehicle into the storage case for storage.

[0003] Furthermore, in some applications, the storage case for the aerial vehicle is located in a fixed position that is not easily accessible to the user (for example, the storage case can be mounted on the roof of a vehicle such as a fire truck or SUV); this makes it more difficult for the user to manually remove the aerial vehicle from the storage case for deployment and to manually place the aerial vehicle back into the storage case for storage after landing.

[0004] With existing solutions, it is not possible to safely launch the aerial vehicle directly from the storage case. Likewise, with existing solutions, it is not possible to safely land the aerial vehicle directly into its storage case. This is because the gap between the aerial vehicle and the storage case is insufficient for safe landing and deployment.

[0005] On the other hand, increasing the size of the case to allow for a larger gap between the aerial vehicle and the storage case is not an ideal solution because increasing the size of the storage case has the undesirable effect of increasing the footprint of the storage case; a storage case with a larger footprint cannot be used in areas where space is limited.

[0006] It is an object of the present invention to alleviate at least some of the drawbacks associated with existing solutions in the art. SUMMARY

[0007] The object of the present invention is achieved at least by means of a storage case for an aerial vehicle according to the present invention.

[0008] In the present invention, the platform of the storage box serves as both a landing platform and a launching platform for the aerial vehicle. Advantageously, since the storage box platform is raised as the door of the storage box is opened, this provides an increase in the clearance between the aerial vehicle and the storage box; the increase in clearance is sufficient to enable the aerial vehicle to be launched directly from the platform of the storage box, and also enables the aerial vehicle to be landed directly onto the storage box platform, without the user having to manually remove the aerial vehicle from the box to launch or manually move the aerial vehicle onto the platform to store. Importantly, in the present invention, the increase in clearance is achieved without having to increase the footprint of the storage box.

[0009] The present invention further provides a corresponding method of deploying an aerial vehicle; a corresponding method of storing an aerial vehicle; an assembly comprising a storage box and an aerial vehicle; and a vehicle comprising a storage box. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0010] Embodiments of the present invention will be described by way of example only with reference to the following drawings, in which:

[0011] Figure 1a A perspective view of a storage box when the door of the storage box is open is provided in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

[0012] Figure 1b A side view of the storage box of Figure 1a is provided;

[0013] Figure 2 A perspective view of a storage box when the door of the storage box is closed is provided in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

[0014] Figure 3 A perspective view of a storage box in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, with an aerial vehicle parked on the platform of the storage box Figure 3 is a perspective view of an assembly in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

[0015] Figure 4a A cross-sectional view of the storage box 1 is provided, showing a side view of the partial mechanical connection means, with only the features of one of the actuation modules being shown in detail (for clarity);

[0016] Figure 5 An exploded view of the storage box of Figure 3 is provided. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0017] Figure 1a and Figure 1bA storage box 1 according to the application is shown. The storage box 1 comprises at least one door 2a, 2b, which is movable between a first position, in which the door is closed, and a second position, in which the door is open; in this embodiment, the storage box 1 comprises a first door 2a which opens outwards in a first direction and a second door 2b which opens outwards in a second direction, wherein the second direction is opposite to the first direction. Figure 1a A perspective view of the storage box 1 is shown when the doors 2a, 2b are in their second position, i.e. when the doors 2a and 2b are open; Figure 2 A perspective view of the storage box 1 is shown when the doors 2a, 2b are in their first position, i.e. when the doors 2a and 2b are closed.

[0018] The storage box 1 comprises a platform 3, which can support an aircraft. Figure 3 The storage box 1 is shown, wherein an aircraft 30 is supported on the platform 3.

[0019] The storage box 1 further comprises a mechanical connection device 10, which is connected between the platform 3 and the first door 2a and the second door 2b. The mechanical connection device 10 is configured so that the platform 3 moves simultaneously with the doors 2a, 2b; in particular, the mechanical connection device 10 is configured so that the platform 3 is raised simultaneously when the first and second doors 2a, 2b are moved from their respective first positions to their respective second positions; and is configured so that the platform 3 is lowered simultaneously when the first door 2a and the second door 2b are moved from their respective second positions to their respective first positions.

[0020] The storage box 1 further comprises a controller 5, which is configured to control the mechanical connection device 10; by controlling the mechanical connection device 10, the controller thereby controls the movement of the doors 2a, 2b and the platform 3.

[0021] Figure 4a - c is a cross-sectional view of the storage box 1, which shows a side view of a portion of the mechanical connection device 10 used in the storage box 1; however, it will be appreciated that the mechanical connection device 10 can take any suitable form. In particular, in this embodiment, the mechanical connection device 10 comprises a motor 11, a belt 12 and a plurality of actuation modules 100. The belt 12 cooperates with the motor 11, so that the motor is able to move the belt 12 when in operation; the belt 12 also cooperates with each actuation module 100.

[0022] The number of actuation modules 100 provided in the storage box is preferably equal to or greater than the number of doors in the storage box; in other words, if the storage box 1 has two doors, the storage box 1 should preferably comprise at least two actuation modules 100. In this embodiment, the storage box 1 comprises two doors 2a, 2b and comprises four actuation modules 100. Each actuation module 100 is located at a respective corner 3a of the platform 3 (see Figure 1bnearby. It should be noted, however, that for the sake of clarity, Figure 4a - only one actuation module 100 is shown in detail.

[0023] Reference is made to Figure 4a - features of a single actuation module 100 will now be described; it will be appreciated that each of the four actuation modules 100 provided in the storage cabinet 1 has the same features.

[0024] Figure 4a - the actuation module shown comprises a pulley 13 comprising a wheel 13a rotatable about an axis 13b. The belt 12 cooperates with each actuation module 100 by abutting the wheel 13a of the pulley 13 of each actuation module 100. For each actuation module 100, movement of the belt 12 in a first direction (e.g. clockwise) will cause the wheel 13a of the pulley 13 to rotate about the respective axis 13b of the wheel 13a in the first direction, and movement of the belt 12 in a second direction (e.g. anticlockwise) by the motor 11 will cause the wheel 13a of the pulley 13 to rotate about the respective axis 13b of the wheel 13a in the second direction, opposite to the first direction.

[0025] The pulley 13 is attached to the respective lead screw 15 in such a way that rotation of the wheel 13a of the pulley 13 will affect rotation of the respective lead screw 15 attached to the pulley 13. The lead screw 15 in turn cooperates with a slider 16 attached to the platform 3. When the lead screw 15 rotates in a first direction (e.g. clockwise), the slider 16 cooperating with the lead screw 15 moves up the lead screw 15 towards the pulley 13; when the lead screw 15 rotates in a second direction (e.g. anticlockwise) opposite to the first direction, the slider 16 cooperating with the lead screw 15 moves down the lead screw 15 away from the pulley 13.

[0026] The slider 16 is pivotally attached to the main arm member 20 via a link 25. The link 25 is pivotally attached at one end to the slider 16 via a first pivotal connection 25a, and at the other end to the main arm member 20 via a second pivotal connection 25b. In this embodiment, the second pivotal connection 25b is proximal to the first end 20a of the main arm member 20. The main arm member 20 in turn is pivotally attached to the door 2a, 2b at the second, opposite end 20b of the main arm member; in this particular single actuation module 100 to be described, the main arm member 20 is attached to the first door 2a. In this embodiment, the main arm members 20 of two of the four actuation modules 100 are pivotally attached to the first door 2a, and the main arm members 20 of the other two of the four actuation modules 100 are pivotally attached to the second door 2b. Optionally, the main arm member 20 is further pivotally attached to a fixed member 23; in this embodiment, the first end 20a of the main arm member 20 is further pivotally attached to the fixed member 23. In this embodiment, the fixed member 23 is attached to the first door 2a; in this embodiment, the fixed member 23 is attached to the second door 2b. Figure 4aIn the embodiment shown by the letter "c", the primary arm member 20 is generally "c" shaped; however, it will be appreciated that the primary arm member 20 can have any suitable shape.

[0027] The actuation module 100 further comprises a secondary arm member 22 which is pivotally attached at one end thereof to the door 2a, 2b and at the other end thereof to a fixed member 23. In this particular single actuation module 100 which will be described, the secondary arm member 22 is attached to the first door 2a. In this embodiment, the primary arm members 20 of two of the four actuation modules 100 are pivotally attached at one end thereof to the first door 2a and the secondary arm members 22 of the other two of the four actuation modules 100 are pivotally attached at one end thereof to the second door 2b. In this embodiment, the fixed members 23 of the four actuation modules 100 are pivotally attached at one end thereof to the first door 2a and the fixed members 23 of the other two of the four actuation modules 100 are pivotally attached at one end thereof to the second door 2b. In this embodiment, the other end of each of the fixed members 23 is pivotally attached to a fixed point on the base 4. Figure 4a In the embodiment shown by the letter "c", the primary arm member 20 is generally "c" shaped; however, it will be appreciated that the primary arm member 20 can have any suitable shape.

[0028] During use, the controller 5 is configured to control the motor 11 ; this in turn allows the controller to control the movement of the first and second doors 2a, 2b and the platform 3. For example, if the doors 2a, 2b of the storage box 1 are closed and an aircraft 30 is stored on the platform 3 within the storage box, in order to launch the aircraft 30, the doors 2b, 2b of the storage box 1 must first be opened. To do this, the controller 5 will first operate the motor 11 so that the motor 11 moves the belt 12 in a first direction; the movement of the belt 12 in the first direction by the motor 11 will in turn affect the rotation of the wheel 13a of each pulley 13 in the first direction in each respective actuation module 100; the rotation of the wheel 13a of the pulley 13 in each respective actuation module 100 in turn causes the lead screw 15 attached to the wheel 13a of that pulley 13 to rotate in the first direction; as the lead screw 15 rotates in the first direction, the slide 16 cooperating with that lead screw 15 moves up the lead screw 15 towards the pulley 13 of that actuation module 100. As the slide 16 of each actuation module 100 is attached to the platform 3, as the slide 16 of each actuation module 100 moves up towards the pulley 13 of that respective actuation module 100, the platform 3 is raised; in other words, as the slide 16 in each actuation module 100 moves up towards the pulley 13 in that actuation module, the slide 16 takes the platform 3 to a higher position.

[0029] Furthermore, since the slider 16 of each actuation module 100 is pivotally attached to the respective main arm member 20 via the respective link 25; and since the main arm members 20 of two of the four actuation modules 100 are pivotally attached to the first door 2a, and the main arm members 20 of the other two of the four actuation modules 100 are pivotally attached to the second door 2b; when the sliders 16 are moved upwards towards the pulley 13, the first door 2a and the second door 2b will move from a first position in which the doors 2a, 2b are closed, to a second position in which the doors 2a, 2b are open. Preferably, when the doors 2a, 2b move from their first position to their second position, the doors 2a and 2b move upwards and simultaneously move sideways; in other words, the first door 2a moves upwards and to the right simultaneously when moving from its first position to its second position; and the second door 2b moves upwards and to the left simultaneously when moving from its first position to its second position. This movement of the doors 2a, 2b when the doors 2a, 2b are open, allows the footprint of the storage box to be minimised when the doors 2b, 2b are being opened.

[0030] Therefore, Figure 4a - the mechanical connection device 10 shown by -c allows the doors 2a, 2b to be opened and simultaneously raises the platform 3. Moving the platform 3 to the raised position allows the clearance between the aircraft 30 to be launched from the platform 3 and the other parts of the storage box, especially the doors 2a, 2b, to be increased; and the increase in clearance is achieved without increasing the footprint of the storage box.

[0031] After the aircraft 30 has landed on the platform 3 and is to be stored in the storage box 1, the controller 5 will operate the motor 11 so that the motor 11 moves the belt 12 in a second direction (opposite to the first direction); the movement of the belt 12 in the second direction by the motor 11 will in turn affect the rotation of the wheel 13a of the pulley 13 in the second direction in each actuation module 100. In each actuation module 100, the rotation of the wheel 13a in the second direction in turn causes the lead screw 15 attached to the wheel 13a to rotate in the second direction; when the lead screw 15 rotates in the second direction, the slider 16 cooperating with the lead screw 15 moves downwards along its respective lead screw 15 away from the pulley 13 of that actuation module 100. Since the slider 16 of each actuation module 100 is attached to the platform 3, when the slider 16 of each actuation module 100 moves downwards away from the pulley 13, the platform 3 is lowered (from its previous raised position); in other words, when the slider 16 in each actuation module 100 moves downwards away from the pulley 13 in that actuation module, the slider 16 brings the platform to a lower position.

[0032] Since the slider 16 of each actuation module 100 is pivotally attached to the respective main arm member 20 via the respective link 25; and since the main arm members 20 of two of the four actuation modules 100 are pivotally attached to the first door 2a and the main arm members 20 of the other two of the four actuation modules 100 are pivotally attached to the second door 2b; when the sliders 16 are moved downwardly away from the pulley 13, the first door 2a and the second door 2b move from their second position in which the doors 2a, 2b are open to their first position in which the doors are closed. Preferably, as the doors 2a, 2b move from their second position to their first position, the doors 2a and 2b move downwardly and simultaneously move sideways; in other words, the first door 2a moves downwardly and to the left simultaneously as it moves from its second position to its first position; and the second door 2b moves downwardly and to the right simultaneously as it moves from its second position to its first position. This movement of the doors 2a, 2b as the doors 2a, 2b are closing minimizes the size of the footprint of the storage bin when the doors 2b, 2b are being closed.

[0033] In one embodiment, the doors 2a, 2b are configured to abut the aircraft when the doors 2a and 2b are in their first position, such that the doors 2a, 2b prevent the aircraft 30 from being displaced from its parked position on the platform 3.

[0034] In one embodiment, the storage bin 1 further comprises at least two limit switches, each limit switch being operably connected to the controller 5. Each limit switch can be a physical switch or other type of detector, such as a Hall sensor magnet arrangement. In a preferred embodiment, a first limit switch is located in a first position in the storage bin 1; the first position being such that the platform 3 contacts the first limit switch only when the platform 3 is in its raised position and the doors 2a, 2b are in their second position (i.e. the doors 2a and 2b are open). When the platform 3 contacts the first limit switch, the controller receives a first signal from the first limit switch, which indicates to the controller 5 that the doors 2a, 2b have reached their second position and that the platform 3 has moved to its raised position. In response to receiving the first signal from the first limit switch, the controller 5 will stop the motor 11 for a period of time so that when the aircraft 30 is launched directly from the platform 3, the platform 3 remains in its raised position and the doors 2a, 2b remain in their open position.

[0035] A second limit switch is located in a second position in the storage box 1 ; the second position is such that the platform 3 contacts the second limit switch only when the platform 3 is in its lowest position and the doors 2a, 2b are in their first position, i.e. the doors 2a and 2b are closed. When the platform 3 contacts the second limit switch, the controller 5 receives a second signal from the second limit switch, which indicates to the controller 5 that the doors 2a, 2b have reached their first position and that the platform 3 has moved to its lowest position. In response to receiving the second signal from the second limit switch, the controller 5 can stop the motor 11 so that the platform 3 remains in its lowered position and the doors 2a, 2b remain closed.

[0036] The storage box 1 can further comprise a torque sensor configured to measure the torque applied to the doors 2a, 2b; the torque sensor is operatively connected to the controller 5. The controller 5 can be configured to receive a torque measurement from the torque sensor and compare the received torque measurement to a predefined threshold torque value. The controller 5 is further configured to stop the motor 11 if the torque measurement is greater than or equal to the predefined threshold torque value. This serves as a safety function, for example, in the event that a user’s body part is located between the doors 2a and 2b when the doors 2a, 2b are closed, i.e. when the doors 2b, 2b are moved from their second position to their first position; in this case, the motor 11 would drive the belt 12 and thus the actuation module 100 would move the doors 2a, 2b towards their first position, however, the user’s body part would prevent the doors 2a and 2b from moving to their first position; when the user’s body part is trapped between the closed doors 2a, 2b, the torque sensor would measure an increase in the torque applied to the doors 2a and 2b; the torque would eventually increase to a level equal to or greater than the predefined threshold torque and the controller 5 would stop the motor 11, thus preventing injury to the user’s body.

[0037] Referring to Figure 1a In the present embodiment, it is shown that the storage box 1 further comprises a spool and a tether 101 (the tether 101 can be wound on the spool); the spool is located below the platform 3 and is therefore not visible in the figures. The platform 3 has an opening 102 defined therein through which the tether can pass; one end 101a of the tether 101 protrudes from the opening 102; this end 101a of the tether 101 can be selectively attached to the aerial vehicle 30 (see Figure 3 ) When the aerial vehicle 30 attached to said end 101a of the tether 101 flies in a direction away from the storage box 1, the tether 101 unwinds from the spool and when the aerial vehicle 30 attached to said end 101a of the tether 101 flies in a direction towards the storage box 1, the tether 101 winds onto the spool. In the most preferred embodiment, the controller 5 is further configured to control the winding and unwinding of the tether from the spool based on a tension measurement in the tether 101.

[0038] The controller 5 is preferably configured to move the first and second doors 2a, 2b to a third position between the first and second positions after the first and second doors 2a, 2b have been moved to their respective second positions and the aircraft 30 (see Figure 3 ) has been launched from the platform 3. Moving the first and second doors 2a, 2b to a third position between the first and second positions ensures that the doors 2a, 2b provide some protection to the interior of the storage pod 1 against adverse environmental conditions (such as rain or snow environments) while allowing sufficient opening of the doors 2a, 2b to facilitate the tether 101 (i.e. leaving sufficient space between the first and second doors 2a, 2b so as not to constrain the movement of the tether 101 and hence the flight of the aircraft 30 attached to the end 101a of the tether 101).

[0039] It will be appreciated that the reel, tether 101 and opening 102 are optional features of the storage pod 1. In a variant of the embodiment, the storage pod 1 is devoid of a reel, tether or opening; this variant of the embodiment is preferred when the storage pod is to be used with an aircraft designed to be mechanically independent while in flight (i.e. an aircraft designed to be untethered). In this variant, the controller can be configured to move the first and second doors to their respective first positions (i.e. close the doors 2a, 2b) after the aircraft has been launched from the platform 3; unlike the embodiment, Figure 1a In this variant of the embodiment, the doors 2a, 2b can be fully closed after the aircraft has been launched as there is no need to leave the doors partially open to facilitate the tether.

[0040] Referring to Figure 1b , Figure 1b A side view of the storage pod 1 is shown, it can be seen that the storage pod further comprises an attachment means 50 configured to enable the storage pod to be attached to a vehicle (such as an SUV or fire truck). In the most preferred embodiment, the attachment means 50 is configured to allow the storage pod 1 to be attached to a vehicle; and most preferably, the attachment means 50 is configured to allow the storage pod 1 to be attached to the roof of a vehicle. According to a further aspect of the application, there is provided a vehicle having a storage pod 1 attached thereto. It will be appreciated that in the present application, the term “vehicle” can be any movable object (and preferably any movable object that can transport people or cargo or any other object); and includes but is not limited to a car, a sport utility vehicle (SUV), a truck (such as a fire truck), a trailer, a boat, a train, a horse-drawn carriage, a movable robot, etc. In another embodiment, the storage pod 1 can be attached to a structure having a fixed position (i.e. not movable), such as for example a building or other fixed structure (such as for example an oil rig).

[0041] Referring to Figure 5 , Figure 5 is shownFigure 3 From the exploded view of the storage case 1 shown, it can be seen that, in the preferred embodiment, the storage case 1 is modular, comprising a frame member 61 and a body member 60, wherein the frame member 61 can be detachably attached to the body member 60; the platform 3 in turn can be detachably attached to the frame member 61. The frame member 61 comprises at least the motor 11, the belt 12, the controller 5, the actuation module 100, preferably comprises a support skeleton 63 for mechanical support; the support skeleton 63 is preferably composed of a solid material such as, for example, metal. The frame member 61 is contained within a volume defined by the body member 60. The body member 60 can be modular, composed of multiple body parts that are assembled together to define the body member 60. The body member 60 is preferably composed of plastic or any other suitable material. In the most preferred embodiment, the body member 60 is fixed to the vehicle; in order to service or repair the storage case 1, the body member 60 can remain fixed to the vehicle and the frame member 61 can simply be detached from the body member 60 to allow easier access to the components of the storage case (such as, in particular, the motor 11, the belt 12, the controller 5, the actuation module 100); after servicing or repair is completed, the frame member 61 is simply reattached to the body member 60.

[0042] With reference to Figure 2 It can be seen that the storage case 1 further comprises one or more visual indicators 52; the visual indicators comprise light sources 52 in the form of LEDs 52 (it being understood, however, that the visual indicators can take any suitable form, provided that they are configured to provide a signal visible to the user). In the preferred embodiment, the controller 5 is configured to operate the LEDs to provide a visual indication. For example, the controller can be configured to operate the LEDs to emit a first color light when the doors 2a, 2b are open; and a second color light when the doors 2a, 2b are closed, thereby providing a visual indication to the user of whether the doors 2a and 2b are open or closed; and / or the controller 5 can be configured to operate the LEDs to emit a flashing light as a warning signal when the aircraft has been deployed from the storage case 1, thereby alerting people in the vicinity that an aircraft is in operation; such visual indicators improve safety and are particularly useful when the storage case 1 is to be used for certain applications, such as emergency applications (for example, on a fire truck).

[0043] In one embodiment, the storage box 1 can further comprise one or more heating elements. The controller 5 can be configured to control the heating elements. For example, the storage box 1 can comprise a temperature sensor configured to measure temperature; the controller 5 can be configured to receive a temperature measurement from the temperature sensor and compare the received temperature measurement to a predefined threshold temperature; the controller 5 is configured to switch on the heating elements if the received temperature measurement is equal to or less than the predefined threshold temperature. In a preferred embodiment, the visual indicators 52 also define the heating elements; in other words, the visual indicators 52 are dual purpose, operable to provide a visual indication and / or operable to heat. For example, the one or more LEDs 52 can also define one or more heating elements; in use, when the LEDs are switched on, they emit heat; the emitted heat can be used to increase the temperature inside the storage box (and / or increase the temperature of the environment surrounding the storage box 1). It will be appreciated that the visual indicators 52 can be selectively operable to provide a visual indication and heat simultaneously; or the visual indicators can be operable to provide heat only (i.e. the visual indicators 52 are switched on for the purpose of generating heat only, without providing any visual indication); in one example, the visual indicators 52 are operated to emit light having predefined characteristics (e.g. predefined colour), which provides a visual indication that the visual indicators 52 are switched on for the purpose of generating heat. The heating elements are useful, in particular, when the storage box 1 is to be used in a cold environment, in which there is a risk that the doors 2a, 2b of the storage box 1 can freeze shut; in such a case, the controller 5 will operate the heating elements to emit heat, which will defrost the doors 2a, 2b so that they can be opened. Having dual purpose visual indicators 52, which are operable to provide a visual indication and / or provide heat, allows the number of components in the storage box 1 to be minimised without compromising functionality.

[0044] With reference to Figure 3 (and / or Figure 1a ), it can be seen that the storage box 1 further comprises one or more fans 40, which can be selectively rotated to circulate air within the storage box, thereby reducing the temperature within the storage box. In Figure 1a and Figure 3In the illustrated embodiment, the storage case 1 comprises two fans 40, although it will be appreciated that any number of fans can be provided. In a preferred embodiment, the controller 5 is further configured to control the rotation of the fans 40 in order to control the temperature inside the storage case 1. Most preferably, the storage case 1 comprises a temperature sensor which provides a temperature measurement indicative of the temperature inside the storage case 1 to the controller 5 (preferably when the doors 2a, 2b of the storage case 1 are closed); the controller 5 is configured to receive the temperature measurement from the temperature sensor and compare it to a predefined temperature threshold; if the temperature measurement is greater than or equal to the predefined temperature threshold, the controller operates the fans 40 so that an air flow is generated inside the storage case 1; the generated air flow will reduce the temperature inside the storage case 1. The controller 5 is preferably configured to rotate the fans 40 at a speed proportional to the amount by which the temperature measurement exceeds the predefined temperature threshold. Most preferably, the controller 5 is configured to operate the fans 40 to generate the air flow only when the doors 2a, 2b of the storage case 1 are closed (i.e. the doors are in their respective first positions) or partially closed (e.g. the doors are in the third position, i.e. a position between the first and second positions).

[0045] In a most preferred embodiment, the controller 5 is further configured to rotate the propellers 41 of the aircraft 30 parked on the platform 3 (see Figure 3 ) when the controller 5 receives a temperature measurement from the temperature sensor which is greater than or equal to a predefined temperature threshold; in this way, the propellers 41 of the parked aircraft 30 are used to generate an air flow inside the storage case 1 which reduces the temperature inside the storage case. The controller 5 is preferably configured to rotate the propellers 41 of the parked aircraft 30 at a speed proportional to the amount by which the temperature measurement exceeds the predefined temperature threshold. The tether 101 can be used to prevent the aircraft 30 from lifting from the platform 3 or displacing from its parked position on the platform 3 when the propellers 41 are rotated to generate the air flow. Most preferably, the controller 5 is configured to operate the propellers 41 to generate the air flow only when the doors 2a, 2b of the storage case 1 are closed (i.e. the doors are in their respective first positions) or partially closed (e.g. the doors are in the third position, i.e. a position between the first and second positions). It will be appreciated that the fans 40 can be used to generate the air flow alone, or the propellers 41 can be used to generate the air flow alone, or a combination of the fans 40 and the propellers 41 can be used to generate the air flow.

[0046] As mentioned above, the controller 5 can be configured to control the operation of the storage box, in particular, the controller 5 is configured to control the mechanical connection means 10, thereby controlling the opening and closing of the doors 2a, 2b and the corresponding lifting of the platform 3; the controller 5 can further be configured to control the aircraft 30 supported on the platform 3 (and which will be deployed from the platform). In other words, the same controller 5 can be used to operate the storage box 1 and also to control the flight of the aircraft 30. In one embodiment, the storage box 1 further comprises a sensor which can provide a measurement indicative of the orientation of the storage box 1 with respect to a predefined reference; the controller 5 is configured to receive the measurement from the sensor. The controller 5 is configured to adjust the rotation of the propellers 41 of the aircraft 30 during the launch of the aircraft 30 from the platform 3, so as to compensate for any deviation of the orientation of the storage box 1 with respect to the predefined reference. For example, in one embodiment, the predefined reference is a horizontal reference; if the storage box is fixed on top of a vehicle and the vehicle is parked on a hill, the storage box will be inclined with respect to the horizontal reference (i.e. the storage box deviates from the horizontal reference); without changing the rotation of the propellers 41 of the aircraft 30, then the aircraft will take off from the platform 3 in a non-vertical direction; in other words, if all the propellers 41 rotate at the same speed during the launch, the aircraft will not be launched in a vertical direction due to the inclined orientation of the storage box 1 (and therefore of the platform 3). Therefore, in one embodiment, the controller 5 receives a measurement indicative of the orientation of the storage box 1 from the sensor and then adjusts the speed of rotation of the propellers 41 of the aircraft 30 to compensate for the inclined orientation of the storage box (and therefore of the platform 3), so that the aircraft will take off in a vertical direction.

[0047] In one embodiment, the storage box 1 further comprises a backup mechanical closing device which can be manually operated by the user to move the doors 2a, 2b between their respective first and second positions. This backup mechanical closing device provides the user with a means to manually close or open the doors 2a, 2b of the storage box 1 in the event of a malfunction of the controller 5.

[0048] In one embodiment, one or more antennas can be mounted on the doors 2a, 2b of the storage box 1. Most preferably, the one or more antennas will be mounted on the inner surface of the doors 2a, 2b (i.e. the surface which defines the internal volume of the storage box 1 when the doors 2a and 2b are closed), so that the antennas are exposed when the doors 2b, 2b are open (i.e. in their second position). In a preferred embodiment, the antennas comprise Wifi antennas.

[0049] Any of the embodiments of the storage box 1 described above can be used to implement the method according to the present application:

[0050] In one embodiment, the storage case 1 can be used to implement a method of deploying (or launching) an aircraft 30, the method comprising the steps of: moving the doors 2a, 2b to their second position, in which the doors 2a and 2b are open, and simultaneously raising the platform 3 as the doors 2a, 2b are moved to their second position; then launching the aircraft 30 from the platform 3 while the platform is in its raised position.

[0051] In one embodiment, the method further comprises the step of moving the doors 2a, 2b to a third position between the first and second positions after the aircraft 30 has been launched. In another embodiment, the method further comprises the step of moving the doors 2a, 2b to their respective first positions (in which the doors 2a and 2b are closed) after the aircraft has been launched.

[0052] In another embodiment, there is provided a method of storing an aircraft 30 using the storage case 1, the method comprising the steps of: moving the doors 2a and 2b to their second position if the doors 2a, 2b are not already in their second position, in which the doors 2a, 2b are open, and simultaneously raising the platform 3 as the doors open; landing the aircraft on the platform 3 while the platform 3 is in its raised position; moving the doors 2a, 2b to their first position, in which the doors 2a and 2b are closed, and simultaneously lowering the position of the platform 3 as the doors 2a, 2b are moved to their first position.

[0053] According to another aspect of the application, there is provided an assembly comprising the above-described storage case 1 and any embodiment of the aircraft 30 parked on the platform 3. Figure 3 A perspective view of such an assembly is provided.

[0054] According to another aspect of the application, there is provided a vehicle comprising any embodiment of the above-described storage case 1. The aircraft 30 can be parked on the platform 3. It will be appreciated that the storage case 1 can be attached directly or indirectly to any type of vehicle using any suitable attachment means. In one embodiment, there is provided a vehicle in which the storage case is attached to the top of the vehicle.

[0055] In any of the above aspects of the application, the vehicle can be a car, a sport utility vehicle (SUV), a truck, a trailer, a boat, a train, a horse-drawn carriage and / or a mobile robot. For example, the storage box 1 can be attached to the bed of a pickup truck, or to the deck of a boat, or to the roof of an SUV or car. In one embodiment, the storage box 1 can be mounted on a tray, such as a slidable tray; the slidable tray can be selectively slid from a first position, in which the storage box is housed in the housing, and a second position, in which the storage box is at a location outside the housing. The tray can be moved to the second position to allow the aircraft 30 parked on the platform 3 to be launched. The tray or slidable tray can be integral with the vehicle, or can be connected to the vehicle directly or indirectly using any suitable attachment means.

[0056] According to another aspect of the application, there is provided a structure having a fixed location, the structure having attached thereto a storage box 1 according to any of the above embodiments. The storage box can be attached to the structure directly or indirectly using any suitable attachment means. The structure can comprise, for example, a building, a platform or any non-movable object.

[0057] Various modifications and changes in light thereof will be apparent to those skilled in the art without departing from the scope of the application as defined in the claims. While the application has been described in connection with specific preferred embodiments thereof, it will be understood that the application is not intended to be limited to those specific embodiments.

Claims

1. A storage box, the storage box comprising: at least one door, the at least one door being movable between a first position in which the at least one door is closed and a second position in which the at least one door is open; a platform capable of supporting an aircraft; a mechanical linkage connected between the platform and the at least one door, wherein the mechanical linkage is configured such that the platform is simultaneously raised when the at least one door is moved from its first position to its second position; and the platform is simultaneously lowered when the at least one door is moved from its second position to its first position; and a controller configured to control the mechanical linkage, wherein the mechanical linkage comprises: a motor; a belt; and a plurality of actuation modules; wherein the belt cooperates with the motor such that the motor, when in operation, is capable of moving the belt; and wherein the belt further cooperates with each actuation module such that each actuation module is actuated by movement of the belt, wherein each actuation module comprises: a pulley comprising a wheel rotatable about an axis, and wherein the belt further cooperates with each actuation module by abutting the wheel of the pulley of each actuation module such that movement of the belt in a first direction driven by the motor will cause the belt to rotate the wheel of each actuation module's pulley in a first direction about the respective axis of the wheel, and movement of the belt in a second direction driven by the motor will cause the belt to rotate the wheel of each actuation module's pulley in a second direction opposite the first direction about the respective axis of the wheel; a lead screw attached to the pulley in such a way that rotation of the wheel of the pulley will affect rotation of the lead screw; a slider cooperating with the lead screw, wherein the slider is attached to the platform, and wherein the slider is configured such that: rotation of the lead screw in a first direction, the slider moves up the lead screw towards the pulley, and when the lead screw rotates in a second direction opposite the first direction, the slider moves down the lead screw away from the pulley; a primary arm member and a secondary arm member, wherein the primary arm member is generally C-shaped; and a link pivotally attached at one end to the slider and at its opposite end to the primary arm member, and wherein the primary arm member is pivotally attached at its first end to a fixed member and at its second opposite end to the door, and wherein the secondary arm member is pivotally attached at its first end to the door and at its second opposite end to the fixed member.

2. The storage case of claim 1, wherein, the storage box comprises a first door that opens in a first direction and a second door that opens in a second direction, wherein the second direction is opposite the first direction.

3. The storage case of claim 1, wherein, The storage box has attachment means that can be used to secure the storage box to a vehicle and / or to a non-movable structure.

4. The storage case of claim 1, wherein, The storage box further comprises a reel and a tether, wherein one end of the tether is connectable to an aerial vehicle, and wherein the tether unwinds from the reel when the aerial vehicle attached to the end of the tether flies in a direction away from the storage box, and wherein the tether winds on the reel when the aerial vehicle attached to the end of the tether flies in a direction towards the storage box.

5. The storage case of claim 4, wherein, The controller is configured to control the winding and unwinding of the tether from the reel based on a tension measurement in the tether.

6. The storage case of claim 1, wherein, The storage box comprises one or more fans that can be selectively rotated to circulate air within the storage box, thereby reducing the temperature within the storage box.

7. The storage case of claim 6, wherein, The controller is configured to cause the one or more fans to rotate when the temperature within the storage box is greater than or equal to a threshold temperature.

8. The storage case of claim 1, wherein, An aerial vehicle comprising one or more propellers lands on the platform, and wherein the controller is configured to cause the one or more propellers to rotate when the temperature within the storage box is greater than or equal to a threshold temperature.

9. The storage case of claim 1, wherein, The controller is configured to move the at least one door to a third position that is between the first and second positions after the at least one door has been moved to its second position and an aerial vehicle has been launched from the platform.

10. The storage case of claim 1, wherein, The controller is configured to move the at least one door to its first position after the at least one door has been moved to its second position and an aerial vehicle has been launched from the platform.

11. The storage case of claim 1, wherein, The storage box further comprises a backup mechanical closing means that can be manually operated by a user to move the door between its first and second positions.

12. The storage case of claim 1, wherein, The controller is configured to receive a measurement of an orientation of the storage box; And wherein the controller is further configured to modify the rotation of propellers of an aerial vehicle that is parked on the platform during the launch of the aerial vehicle in order to compensate for the orientation of the storage box so that the aerial vehicle can be launched in a predefined direction.

13. The storage case of claim 1, wherein, The storage box comprises a frame member and a body member, wherein the frame member comprises at least the mechanical connection means and the controller, and wherein the body member comprises one or more modular components; and wherein the frame member is detachably attached to the body member.

14. The storage case of claim 13, wherein, The body member is configured so that it can be secured to a vehicle, and wherein the vehicle is a car.

15. The storage case of claim 13, wherein, The body member is configured so that it can be secured to a vehicle, and wherein the vehicle is a sports utility vehicle, a truck, a trailer, a boat, a train, a horse carriage, and / or a mobile robot.

16. The storage case of any one of claims 13 to 15, wherein, The body member is configured so that it can be secured to a non-movable structure, and wherein the non-movable structure is a building, a platform, or any other non-movable object.

17. The storage bin of claim 16, wherein, The body member is configured so that it can be secured to the top of a vehicle.

18. The storage case of claim 1, wherein, The storage box further comprises one or more visual indicators. The storage box further comprises one or more visual indicators.

19. The storage bin of claim 18, wherein, The one or more visual indicators comprise at least one light source.

20. The storage case of claim 18, wherein, The controller is configured to operate the one or more visual indicators to provide a visual indication.

21. The storage case of claim 1, wherein, The storage bin further comprises one or more heating elements.

22. The storage case of claim 21, wherein, The storage bin further comprises one or more visual indicators, and wherein the visual indicators are configured to emit heat during operation; and wherein the visual indicators form the one or more heating elements.

23. The storage case of claim 1, wherein, One or more antennas are mounted on the at least one door.

24. The storage case of claim 23, wherein, The one or more antennas are mounted on a surface of the at least one door, the surface defining an interior volume of the storage bin when the at least one door is in its first position.

25. The storage bin of claim 1, further comprising a torque sensor configured to measure a torque applied by the motor to the at least one door; wherein The torque sensor is operably connected to the controller; and wherein the controller is configured to receive a torque measurement from the torque sensor and compare the received torque measurement to a predefined threshold torque value; and wherein the controller is further configured to stop the motor if the torque measurement is greater than or equal to the predefined threshold torque value.

26. An assembly comprising the storage bin of claim 1, the assembly further comprising an aerial vehicle parked on the platform.

27. The assembly of claim 26, wherein, The at least one door is configured to abut the aerial vehicle when the at least one door is in its first position, such that the at least one door prevents the aerial vehicle from being displaced from its parked position.

28. The assembly of claim 26, wherein, The storage bin comprises a spool and a tether, wherein one end of the tether is connected to the aerial vehicle, and wherein the tether unwinds from the spool when the aerial vehicle flies in a direction away from the storage bin, and wherein the tether winds onto the spool when the aerial vehicle flies in a direction toward the storage bin.

29. The assembly of claim 26, wherein, The aerial vehicle is not attached to the storage bin.

30. A method of deploying an aerial vehicle using the assembly of claim 26, the method comprising: moving the at least one door to its second position, in which the at least one door is open, and simultaneously raising the platform as the at least one door is moved from its first position to its second position; launching the aerial vehicle from the platform when the platform is in its raised position.

31. The method of claim 30, further comprising the step of: After the aerial vehicle has been launched, moving the at least one door to a third position between the first position and the second position.

32. The method of claim 31, further comprising the step of: After the aerial vehicle has been launched, moving the at least one door to its first position, in which the at least one door is closed.

33. A method of storing an aerial vehicle using the assembly of claim 26, the method comprising: moving the at least one door to its second position, in which the at least one door is open, and simultaneously raising the platform as the at least one door is moved to its second position; lowering the aerial vehicle onto the platform when the platform is in its raised position; moving the at least one door to its first position in which the at least one door is closed and simultaneously lowering the position of the platform as the at least one door is moved to its first position.

34. A vehicle comprising the storage box of claim 1.

35. The vehicle of claim 34, wherein, The storage box is attached to the top of the vehicle.

36. The vehicle of claim 34, wherein, The vehicle is a car.

37. The vehicle of claim 34, wherein, The vehicle is a sports utility vehicle, a truck, a trailer, a boat, a train, a horse-drawn carriage, and / or a mobile robot.

38. A vehicle comprising the assembly of claim 26.

39. The vehicle of claim 38, wherein, The storage box is attached to the top of the vehicle.

40. The vehicle of claim 39, wherein, The vehicle is a car.

41. The vehicle of claim 39, wherein, The vehicle is a sports utility vehicle, a truck, a trailer, a boat, a train, a horse-drawn carriage, and / or a mobile robot.

42. An immobile structure having attached thereto the storage box of claim 1.

43. The structure of claim 42, wherein, The structure comprises a building, a platform, or any other immobile object.

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