Portable aerial drone barrier system and method of creation

Abstract

The invention relates to a portable aerial drone barrier system and a method for creating a portable barrier for an aerial drone. A portable aerial drone barrier system includes two or more balloons selectively inflatable by a lighter than air gas, two or more flexible trunk lines, two or more flexible branch lines, and two or more connecting lines. Each trunk has an end that can be ground anchored and an end that is oppositely attached or selectively attachable to a respective one of the balloons. Each branch line has opposite ends attached or selectively attachable to a respective one of the two adjacent trunks to span between the two adjacent trunks. Each connecting line has opposite ends attached to a respective one of two adjacent legs.

Description

[0001] This application is a divisional application of the invention application with application date of July 16, 2018, application number 201880050638.2, and name “Modular Single-person Portable UAV Barrier”. Technical Field

[0002] The present invention relates generally to barriers and, more particularly, to portable aerial drone barrier systems and methods for creating portable barrier systems for aerial drones. Background Art

[0003] An unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) or drone is an aircraft without a human pilot on board. Originally developed as large, complex aircraft for use by the military, many drones available today, such as quadcopters, are much smaller and cheaper, and are widely used for civilian purposes by hobbyists and the like.

[0004] Several events have raised the need for a simple, one-man portable barrier that a professional soldier can quickly and easily construct under combat conditions with few or no tools. Summary of the invention

[0005] In one embodiment of the present invention, an aircraft barrier includes two or more balloons that can be selectively inflated by a lighter-than-air gas, two or more flexible trunks, two or more flexible branches, and two or more connecting lines. Each trunk has an end that can be anchored on the ground and an opposite end that is attached to or selectively attachable to a corresponding one of the balloons. Each branch has an opposite end that is attached to or selectively attachable to a corresponding one of two adjacent trunks to span between the two adjacent trunks. Each connecting line has an opposite end that is attached to a corresponding one of the two adjacent branches.

[0006] Some or all of the connecting lines may be flexible.

[0007] The barrier may further include two or more flexible suspension lines, each suspension line having a first end attached to a respective branch line and an opposite unattached end. The two or more flexible suspension lines may include flexible suspension lines having two or more different lengths.

[0008] Each branch may include a first branch portion and a second branch portion. Each branch portion may have a proximal end and a distal end. The proximal end of each branch portion may be attached to or selectively attachable to a corresponding one of the trunks. The distal end of each first branch portion may be attached to or selectively attachable to a distal end of a corresponding one of the second branch portions.

[0009] In an alternative embodiment of the present invention, the aircraft barrier includes two or more flexible trunks, two or more flexible branches, two or more connecting lines and two or more flexible suspension lines. Each trunk has a first ground-anchorable end and an opposite second end adapted to be supported above a ground surface. Each branch has an opposite end attached to or selectively attachable to a corresponding one of two adjacent trunks to span between the two adjacent trunks. Each connecting line has an opposite end attached to a corresponding one of two adjacent branches. Each suspension line has a first end attached to a corresponding branch and an opposite unattached end. Some or all of the connecting lines may be flexible.

[0010] In another alternative embodiment of the present invention, a method of creating a barrier for an aircraft includes: (a) obtaining a barrier device as described herein; (b) anchoring a first end of each of the trunks of the barrier device to a ground surface at a desired distance from each adjacent trunk; and (c) inflating a balloon of the barrier device with a lighter-than-air gas so that the barrier device is lifted upward to a height determined by the length of the trunks. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0011] Reference will now be made to the accompanying drawings, which are not necessarily drawn to scale. The following detailed description of the present disclosure will be better understood when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. However, it should be understood that the present disclosure is not limited to the exact configurations and instrumentalities shown. In the drawings:

[0012] Figure 1 is a simplified side view of a single-person portable drone barrier according to an embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0013] Certain terms are used in the following description for convenience only and not for limitation. The words "lower", "bottom", "upper", and "top" indicate directions in the accompanying drawings to which reference is made. The words "inwardly", "outwardly", "upwardly", and "downwardly" refer to directions toward and away from the geometric center of the device according to the present disclosure and designated parts thereof, respectively. Unless otherwise specified herein, the terms "a", "an", and "the" are not limited to one element, but should be interpreted as meaning "at least one". The terms include the words noted above, their derivatives, and words of similar meaning.

[0014] Embodiments of the present invention are directed to a one-person portable drone barrier system comprising modular components that are easily transported to any desired location, quickly assembled with minimal tools, and raised to a desired altitude via a helium balloon (or any other suitable lifting device or method). Once assembled and raised, the system forms a mesh fence in the air to capture and / or entangle drones that fly into or near the barrier.

[0015] Reference now Figure 1 , a drone barrier system 10 is shown according to an embodiment of the present invention. The barrier system 10 includes a first barrier component 12a and a second barrier component 12b. The first and second barrier components are assembled together as described below to form a complete barrier system. Although two barrier components are shown and described herein, if desired, more than two components can be assembled together in a modular manner (as further described below) to form a wider barrier. For clarity and convenience of assembly and layout, each barrier component 12a, 12b can be packaged individually and separately. The overall weight is low enough and the unassembled size of the system is small enough to allow the system to be easily single-person portable (i.e., capable of being carried by one person).

[0016] The first barrier assembly 12a includes a main line 16a that is secured at one end (via connection point 40a) to a lighter-than-air object, such as a balloon 14a inflated with a lighter-than-air gas (such as helium or hydrogen), and secured at the other end (via connection point 42a) to a fixture 18a to anchor or secure the assembly 12a to the ground (or any other suitable fixed object), such as a ground stake, a sandbag (or other similar weighted object), a clamp, a hook, a carabiner, a knot, etc. The main line 16a can be permanently attached to the balloon 14a, or can be removably attached to the balloon 14a, such as via a hook on one side and a loop on the other side (or any other suitable mechanism for removable attachment). Similarly, the main line 16a can be permanently attached to the fixture 18a, or can be removably attached to the fixture 18a, such as via a hook on one side and a loop on the other side (or any other suitable mechanism for removable attachment).

[0017] Similarly, the second barrier assembly 12b includes a main line 16b that is attached at one end (via connection point 40b) to a lighter-than-air object, such as a balloon 14b inflated with a lighter-than-air gas (such as helium or hydrogen), and at the other end (via connection point 42b) to a fixture 18b to anchor or secure the assembly 12b to the ground (or any other suitable fixed object), such as a ground stake, a sandbag (or other similar weighted object), a clamp, a hook, a carabiner, a knot, etc. The main line 16b can be permanently attached to the balloon 14b, or can be removably attached to the balloon 14b, such as via a hook on one side and a loop on the other side (or any other suitable mechanism for removable attachment). Similarly, the main line 16b can be permanently attached to the fixture 18b, or can be removably attached to the fixture 18b, such as via a hook on one side and a loop on the other side (or any other suitable mechanism for removable attachment).

[0018] The balloons 14a, 14b may be any suitable, strong, durable material (such as mylar) that may be inflated as needed with a lighter-than-air gas in a variety of locations and situations, and that is large enough to lift each assembly 12a, 12b to the height permitted by the length of each trunk line 16a, 16b. In an alternative embodiment of the invention (not shown), the balloons may be replaced by any suitable flying or lifting device (such as a hovering drone).

[0019] The main line 16a, 16b can be made of any elongated material, such as a line, cable, rope, etc., which is durable, flexible and strong enough to withstand the upward pull of the balloon and support the branch line and the secondary branch line (described below), but light enough to be kept in the air by the balloon (together with other components described below). The material can be braided or monofilament, or any other suitable construction that provides a desired strength-to-weight ratio. The main line 16a, 16b can have any suitable, desired length. In an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the main line 16a, 16b is about 200 feet long. The main line 16a, 16b can be suitable for being attached to the balloon 14a, 14b and the fixture 18a, 18b only at the end of the main line 16a, 16b. Alternatively, the main line 16a, 16b can be suitable for being attached to the balloon 14a, 14b and / or the fixture 18a, 18b at two or more different positions along the length of the main line 16a, 16b. In this regard, the barrier may be configured to remain in the air at a variety of different heights.

[0020] The first barrier assembly 12a further includes one or more (three are shown) branches 20a attached to the left side of the main line 16a in a spaced-apart configuration and one or more (three are shown) branches 20a attached to the right side of the main line 16a in a spaced-apart configuration. The left branch of the first barrier assembly 12a (and the secondary branches described below) are typically (but not necessarily) the same as the right branch and secondary branches of the first barrier assembly 12a, and are not fully shown for simplicity. (If the main line 16a is the leftmost end of the barrier, the left branch (and secondary branches) of the first barrier assembly 12a can be omitted.) Typically (but not necessarily), the left and right branches and secondary branches of a given barrier assembly will be the same. The branches 20a typically start near the top end of the main line 16a (i.e., near the balloon 14a) and extend downward at regular intervals until they reach a point at or near the connection between the main line and the fixture 18a. Each branch line 20a is attached to the main line 16a at a connection point 22a. The connection point can be integral with the main line as shown, or can be attached with a clamp or simply by tying the branch line to the main line. Each branch line 20a can be permanently attached to the main line 16a, or can be removably attached to the main line 16a, such as via a hook on one side and a loop on the other side (or any other suitable mechanism for removable attachment, including simple tying of the branch line to the main line). The branches 20a should be spaced close enough together to make it unlikely that a drone will penetrate the barrier, but far enough apart to provide the desired overall height of the barrier. In an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the branches 20a are spaced approximately 18 inches apart.

[0021] Similarly, the second barrier assembly 12b further includes one or more (three are shown) branches 20b attached to the left side of the main line 16b in a spaced-apart configuration and one or more (three are shown) branches 20a attached to the right side of the main line 16a in a spaced-apart configuration. The left branch of the second barrier assembly 12b (and the secondary branches described below) are typically (but not necessarily) the same as the right branch and secondary branches of the second barrier assembly 12b, and are not fully shown for simplicity. (If the main line 16b is the rightmost end of the barrier, the right branch of the second barrier assembly 12b (and the secondary branches) can be omitted.) The branches 20b are generally located near the top end of the main line 16b (i.e., near the balloon 14b) and extend downward at regular intervals until they reach a point at or near the connection between the main line and the fixture 18b. (The branches should be attached or attachable to each respective trunk line at similar locations so that when the branches are connected as described below, the branches attached to respective adjacent trunk lines are properly aligned.) Each branch line 20b is attached to the trunk line 16b at a connection point 22b. The connection point can be integral to the trunk line as shown, or can be attached with a clamp or simply by tying the branch line to the trunk line. Each branch line 20b can be permanently attached to the trunk line 16b, or can be removably attached to the trunk line 16b, such as via a hook on one side and a loop on the other side (or any other suitable mechanism for removable attachment, including simple tying of the branch line to the trunk line). The branches 20b should be spaced close enough together to make it unlikely that a drone will penetrate the barrier, but far enough apart to provide the desired overall height of the barrier. In an exemplary embodiment of the invention, the branches 20b are spaced approximately 18 inches apart.

[0022] The branch lines 20a, 20b can be made of any elongated material, such as wires, cables, ropes, etc., which are durable, flexible, strong enough to withstand the tension when the main line moves and support the secondary branch line (described below) and withstand the impact of the drone, but light enough to be kept in the air by the balloon (together with other components). The material can be braided or monofilament, or any other suitable structure that provides a desired strength-to-weight ratio. The branch lines 20a, 20b do not need to be as strong as the main lines 16a, 16b, so the branch lines 20a, 20b will generally be thinner and lighter than the main lines 16a, 16b. The branch lines 20a, 20b can have any suitable, desired length. In an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the branch lines 20a, 20b are approximately 10 feet long. The arrangement of the main lines 16a, 16b (i.e., the distance apart) is based on the length of the branch lines 20a, 20b (so in this exemplary embodiment, the main lines 16a, 16b will be separated by approximately twenty feet).

[0023] To assemble Figure 1In the drone barrier system 10 shown in FIG. 1 , the distal end of one right-hand branch 20a of the first component 12a is attached to the distal end of the corresponding left-hand branch 20b of the second component 12b at a connection point 24. The attachment of the distal ends is performed for each pair of corresponding branches from the right side of the first component 12a and the left side of the second component 12b. The distal ends of the corresponding branches 20a, 20b are removably attached, such as via a hook on one side and a loop on the other side (or any other suitable mechanism for removable attachment, including by means of a simple clamp or simply tying the two distal ends together), so that the barrier system 10 including any desired number of components 12a, 12b can be easily assembled and disassembled as needed.

[0024] Any desired number of barrier components can be assembled together. For example, a third barrier component (not shown) can be connected to the first barrier component 12a on the side opposite to the second barrier component 12b. In order to connect such a third barrier component, the right branch of the third component is attached to the corresponding left branch 20a of the first component 12a. Similarly, a fourth barrier component (not shown) can be connected to the second barrier component 12b on the side opposite to the first barrier component 12a. In order to connect such a fourth barrier component, the left branch of the fourth component is attached to the corresponding right branch 20a of the second component 12b. Many more additional barrier components can be connected together as described to form a barrier system of desired length. For two barrier components at opposite ends of a complete barrier system, the branch that is not attached to the branch of the adjacent component can simply be hung downward. Alternatively, if the branch is removably attached to the trunk, the branch that is not attached to the branch of the adjacent component can be removed.

[0025] The first barrier assembly 12a may further include one or more (six are shown) complete secondary branches 26a and / or one or more partial secondary branches 28a. Each complete secondary branch 26a is attached (permanently or removably) to an adjacent branch 20a at the opposite end, and together with the branch 20a forms a grid and helps maintain the spacing between the branches 20a. Because the complete secondary branches are attached to the adjacent branches at the opposite ends, the complete secondary branches may also be referred to as "connecting wires". Each partial secondary branch 28a is attached (permanently or removably) to the corresponding branch at one end, so that the opposite end is free and the partial secondary branch 28a swings freely. Because the partial secondary branches are attached to the corresponding branches only at one end, the partial secondary branches may also be referred to as "hanging wires".

[0026] Similarly, the second barrier assembly 12b may further include one or more (six are shown) complete secondary branches 26b and / or one or more partial secondary branches 28b. Each complete secondary branch 26b is attached (permanently or removably) to an adjacent branch 20b at the opposite end, and together with the branch 20b forms a grid and helps maintain the spacing between the branches 20b. Each partial secondary branch 28b is attached (permanently or removably) to a corresponding branch at one end, so that the opposite end is free and the partial secondary branch 28b swings freely.

[0027] Each grid formed by branches and complete secondary branches and main lines will usually have at least one, and usually more than one, partial secondary branch located within the grid. Figure 1 In the example, most of the grids each include one partial branch line, and two of the grids each have three partial branches. Any suitable number of partial branches may be positioned within each grid at any suitable interval. Additionally, as Figure 1 As shown in FIG. 1 , one or more partial secondary branches 30a, 30b may be suspended downward from the bottom-most branch (so that they may not technically be positioned in a grid).

[0028] It is contemplated that some of the secondary branches will be extremely lightweight but high modulus (such as monofilaments) so that they will be pulled into the drone rotors by gravity or by updrafts (one of the partial secondary branches 28a is shown as being pulled upward by an updraft) and entangle the drone rotors. The complete secondary branches 26a, 26b and partial secondary branches 28a, 28b can be made of any elongated material, such as wire, cable, rope, etc., which is durable, flexible, and strong enough to withstand the tension when the branches are moved and withstand the impact of the drone, but light enough to be held in the air by the balloon (along with other components). The material can be braided or monofilament, or any other suitable construction that provides the desired strength-to-weight ratio. The complete and partial secondary branches 26a, 26b, 28a, 28b do not need to be as strong as the branches 20a, 20b, so that the complete and partial secondary branches 26a, 26b, 28a, 28b will generally be thinner and lighter than the branches 20a, 20b.

[0029] In an alternative embodiment of the present invention, the complete secondary legs 26a, 26b may be constructed of a rigid or semi-rigid material to help maintain the spacing between the legs 20a, 20b.

[0030] The full side branches 26a, 26b should be spaced close enough together that it is unlikely that a drone will penetrate the barrier. In one exemplary embodiment of the invention, the full side branches 26a, 26b are spaced approximately 18 inches apart. The partial side branches 28a, 28b may have any suitable, desired length. In one exemplary embodiment of the invention, the partial side branches 28a, 28b are approximately 10 inches long. The length of the full side branches 26a, 26b is based on the spacing of the branches 20a, 20b. The partial side branches may be uniform throughout in length, or may have variable lengths. Figure 1 In , most of the partial side branches are of the same length, but two of the grids are each shown as having three side branches (including partial side branches 32a, 32b which are long enough to reach or nearly reach the next lower branch).

[0031] The free swinging partial branch lines 28a, 28b provide a potential entanglement for any drone flying too close to the barrier. The free ends of the partial branch lines 28a, 28b can be caught in the updraft of the drone (this is in the Figure 1 28a in the upper right portion of the first assembly 12a), and advantageously becomes entangled in one or more of the rotors of the drone, thereby potentially disabling the drone.

[0032] After the distal ends of the corresponding branch lines 20a, 20b are attached as described above, the balloons 14, 14b are inflated with helium or hydrogen. The inflated balloons will rise to a height permitted by the length of the main lines 16a, 16b and assume a generally upright orientation (although wind will generally cause the balloons 14a, 14b to move and the main lines 16a, 16b to tilt). The attached branch lines 20a, 20b will span between the main lines 16a, 16b and assume a generally horizontal orientation. In this regard, the top portion of the main lines 16a, 16b (i.e., the portion to which the branches are attached), the branches 20a, 20b, and the complete secondary branches 26a, 26b form a substantially upright grid suspended in the air at a desired height to form a barrier to drones, which may directly contact one or more of the main lines 16a, 16b, the branches 20a, 20b, and / or the complete secondary branches 26a, 26b, or may be entangled by one or more of the partial secondary branches 28a, 28b, 30a, 30b, 32a, 32b. In addition, wind, convection, or other environmental conditions may disperse the secondary branches over a wider area, thereby increasing the likelihood of drone entanglement.

[0033] In one exemplary embodiment of the invention, the main line, branch lines, and complete sub-branch lines are made of AmSteel Blue rope made of Dyneema ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) from Samson Rope Technologies. The main line is 5 / 32" diameter and 4000 pounds (lb) average strength, and the branch lines are 7 / 64" diameter and 1600 pounds average strength. Part of the sub-branch line is made of 25 pound monofilament fishing line from Ande.

[0034] The terms used herein are only used for the purpose of describing specific embodiments and are not intended to limit the present invention. As used herein, singular forms such as "a", "an", "the" are intended to include plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It should be further understood that the terms "comprise" and / or "include" when used in this specification indicate the presence of stated features, wholes, steps, operations, elements and / or parts, but do not exclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, wholes, steps, operations, elements, parts and / or combinations thereof.

[0035] The corresponding structures, materials, actions and equivalents of all devices or steps plus functional elements in the present invention are intended to include any structure, material or action for performing functions in conjunction with other elements claimed as specifically claimed. Description of the present invention is given for the purpose of illustration and description, but is not intended to be exhaustive or limit the present invention to disclosed forms. Without departing from the scope and spirit of the present invention, many modifications and variations will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art. Embodiments are selected and described to best illustrate the principles and practical applications of the present invention, and enable those of ordinary skill in the art to understand the present invention, so as to realize various embodiments with various modifications suitable for specific intended uses.

Claims

1. A portable aerial drone barrier system comprising: (a) at least two adjacent barrier assemblies, each barrier assembly being separately packaged and comprising (1) a flexible trunk line having an end that can be ground anchored and an opposite end; (2) at least two flexible first branches, each having a proximal end and a distal end, the proximal end being detachably connected to the main line in a spaced-apart configuration; (3) at least two flexible first connecting lines extending between a pair of spaced-apart flexible first legs, each flexible first connecting line having opposite ends connected to the flexible first legs in a spaced-apart configuration to define an open mesh; (b) an inflatable balloon removably connected to opposite ends of the trunk line of each barrier assembly; as well as a detachable connection device, which is respectively connected to each of the distal ends of the corresponding flexible first legs of adjacent barrier components to selectively join the plurality of barrier components together to form an aerial drone barrier, The overall weight and unassembled size of the system are configured to allow the system to be easily portable by one person, such that when the at least two barrier assemblies are connected via the detachable connecting device, when the trunk line of each barrier assembly is anchored to the ground, and when the balloon is inflated with a lighter-than-air gas, the upper edge of the aerial drone barrier is lifted into the air to intercept or entangle aerial drones.

2. The portable aerial drone barrier system of claim 1, wherein: Each component further includes: (a) at least two flexible second legs, each having a proximal end opposite the proximal end of the corresponding flexible first leg removably connected to the trunk; and (b) at least two flexible second connecting lines extending between a pair of spaced apart flexible second legs, each flexible second connecting line having opposite ends connected to the flexible second legs in a spaced apart configuration.

3. The portable aerial drone barrier system of claim 2, further comprising: A plurality of flexible suspension lines, each having a first end connected to a corresponding flexible first branch or second branch and an opposite free end, wherein the free ends of the suspension lines swing freely in three dimensions relative to the open grid in response to wind and updrafts near the barrier.

4. A portable aerial drone barrier system comprising: (a) at least two adjacent barrier assemblies, each barrier assembly being separately packaged and comprising (1) a flexible trunk line having an end that can be ground anchored and an opposite end; (2) at least two flexible first branches, each having a proximal end and a distal end, the proximal end being detachably connected to the main line in a spaced-apart configuration; (3) at least two flexible first connecting lines extending between a pair of spaced-apart flexible first legs, each flexible first connecting line having opposite ends connected to the flexible first legs in a spaced-apart configuration to define an open mesh; (b) an inflatable balloon removably connected to opposite ends of the trunk line of each barrier assembly; as well as (c) a detachable connecting device, which is respectively connected to each of the distal ends of the corresponding flexible first branches of adjacent barrier components to selectively join multiple barrier components together to form an aerial drone barrier, so that when the at least two barrier components are connected via the detachable connecting device, when the trunk of each barrier component is anchored to the ground, and when the balloon is inflated with a lighter-than-air gas, the upper edge of the aerial drone barrier is lifted into the air to intercept or entangle aerial drones.

5. The portable aerial drone barrier system of claim 4, wherein: The flexible suspension wires have different lengths.

6. A method for creating a portable aerial drone barrier system comprising the steps of: (a) providing a system comprising at least two separately packaged barrier assemblies, the overall weight and size of the system allowing the system to be carried by a single person, each barrier assembly comprising (1) a flexible trunk line having an end that can be ground anchored and an opposite end; (2) at least two flexible first branches, each having a proximal end and a distal end, the proximal end being detachably connected to the main line in a spaced-apart configuration; and (3) at least two connecting wires extending between a pair of spaced-apart flexible legs, each flexible connecting wire having opposite ends connected to the flexible legs in a spaced-apart configuration; (b) fixing at least two open mesh barrier assemblies together at the distal ends of the corresponding first legs of adjacent open mesh barrier assemblies with detachable connecting means; (c) anchoring the ground-anchorable end of each open mesh barrier assembly to the ground; (d) securing inflatable balloons to opposite ends of the trunk of each barrier assembly; and (e) Inflating the balloon of each open mesh barrier assembly with a lighter-than-air gas to lift the upper edge of the barrier assembly to form a generally upright mesh suspended in the air to intercept aerial drones.

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