Platform-equipped air vehicle containment case

Abstract

To make stowage and launch of air vehicles safer and easier. The present invention provides a vehicle door system including at least one door 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 aerial vehicle a containment case comprising a mechanical connection means connected between the platform and the at least one door, wherein: the mechanical connection means being configured such that when the door is moved from its first position to its second position, the platform is simultaneously raised; When the door moves from the second position to the first position, the platform simultaneously lowers, The controller is configured to control the mechanical connection means. Further provided are a method of deploying an airborne vehicle corresponding to the storage case, a method of storing an airborne vehicle, an assembly including the storage case and the airborne vehicle, and a vehicle including the storage case.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a storage case for an airborne vehicle having a platform, and in particular to a storage case in which the platform (which functions as both a landing platform and a launch platform for the airborne vehicle) rises when the case is opened (and descends when the case is closed). Additionally, corresponding methods of deploying an airborne vehicle, methods of storing an airborne vehicle, assemblies including the storage case, and vehicles or structures including the storage case are provided. [Background technology]

[0002] Unmanned aerial vehicles are typically stored in a storage case for protection, and when in use, the user must manually remove the vehicle from the storage case and manually carry the vehicle away from the storage case to a large, open area so that there is enough space for the vehicle to launch. Similarly, when landing, the user typically lands the vehicle in a large open area away from the case and then manually transports the vehicle into the storage case for storage.

[0003] Additionally, in some applications, the storage case for the airborne vehicle is in a fixed location that is not easily reachable by the user (e.g., the storage case may be mounted on the roof of a vehicle such as a fire truck or SUV), making it more difficult for the user to manually remove the vehicle from the storage case for deployment and manually replace the vehicle in the storage case after landing for storage.

[0004] Existing solutions do not allow for a safe launch of a vehicle directly from a storage case, similarly, existing solutions do not allow for a safe landing of a vehicle directly into a storage case. This is because there is insufficient clearance between the vehicle and the containment case to allow for safe landing and deployment.

[0005] On the other hand, increasing the size of the containment case to obtain more clearance between the vehicle and the containment case is not a desirable solution since increasing the size of the containment case has the undesirable effect of increasing the footprint of the containment case, and a containment case with a larger footprint cannot be used in limited space areas. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0006] The object of the present invention is to alleviate at least some of the drawbacks associated with existing solutions in the art. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] According to the invention, this object is achieved at least by a containment case for an airborne vehicle having the features of claim 1.

[0008] In the present invention, the storage case platform functions as both a landing platform and a launch platform for the aerial vehicle. Advantageously, as the storage platform rises as the storage case door is opened, this provides an increased clearance between the vehicle and the storage case. The increased clearance is sufficient to allow the vehicle to launch directly from the storage case platform, and also allows the vehicle to land directly on the storage case platform without the user having to manually move the vehicle out of the case for launch or onto the platform for storage. Importantly, in the present invention, the increased clearance is achieved without the need to increase the footprint of the storage case.

[0009] The invention further provides a corresponding method of deploying an airborne vehicle, a corresponding method of storing an airborne vehicle, an assembly comprising said housing and an airborne vehicle, and a vehicle comprising said housing.

[0010] The dependent claims recite optional features of preferred embodiments.

[0011] Embodiments of the present invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the following drawings, in which: [Brief description of the drawings]

[0012] [Figure 1a] FIG. 1a provides a perspective view of a storage case according to one embodiment of the present invention when the storage case door is open. [Figure 1b] FIG. 1b is a side view of the containment case of FIG. 1a. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 provides a perspective view of a storage case when the storage case door is closed, according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 3] FIG. 3 provides a perspective view of a storage case with an air vehicle parked on the storage case's platform, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention (FIG. 3 is a perspective view of an assembly in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention). [Figure 4a] FIG. 4a is a cross-sectional view of the containment case 1 showing a side view of part of the mechanical connection means, with only one feature of the working module shown in detail (for clarity). [Figure 4b] FIG. 4b is a cross-sectional view of the containment case 1 showing a side view of part of the mechanical connection means, with only one feature of the actuation module shown in detail (for clarity). [Figure 4c] FIG. 4c is a cross-sectional view of the containment case 1 showing a side view of part of the mechanical connection means, with only one feature of the actuation module shown in detail (for clarity). [Diagram 5] FIG. 5 is an exploded view of the storage case of FIG. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0013] FIG. 1 shows a storage case 1 according to the invention. The storage case 1 comprises at least one door 2a, 2b 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 case 1 comprises a first door 2a that opens outward in a first direction and a second door 2b that opens outward in a second direction, where the second direction is opposite to the first direction. FIG. 1a shows a perspective view of the storage case 1 when the doors 2a, 2b are in their second positions (i.e., when the doors 2a, 2b are open). And FIG. 2 shows a perspective view of the storage case 1 when the doors 2a, 2b are in their first positions (i.e., when the doors 2a, 2b are closed).

[0014] The containment case 1 comprises a platform 3 capable of supporting an airborne vehicle. Figure 3 shows the containment case 1 with an airborne vehicle 30 supported on the platform 3.

[0015] The storage case 1 further includes mechanical connection means 10 connected between the platform 3 and the first and second doors 2a and 2b. The mechanical connection means 10 is configured so that the platform 3 moves simultaneously with the doors 2a and 2b. Specifically, the mechanical connection means 10 is configured so that when the first and second doors 2a and 2b are moved from their respective first positions to their respective second positions, the platform 3 is raised simultaneously. And, when the first and second doors 2a and 2b are moved from their respective second positions to their respective first positions, the platform 10 is lowered simultaneously.

[0016] The storage case 1 further comprises a control unit 5 configured to control the mechanical connection means 10. The control unit controls the mechanical connection means 10, thereby controlling the movement of the doors 2a, 2b and the platform 3.

[0017] 4a-4c are cross-sectional views of the containment case 1 showing a side view of a portion of the mechanical connection means 10 used therein, although it should be understood that the mechanical connection means 10 may be in any suitable form. Specifically, in this embodiment, the mechanical connection means 10 comprises a motor 11, a belt 12 and a number of actuation modules 100. The belt 12 cooperates with the motor 11 such that when the motor is actuated, it causes the belt 12 to move. The belt 12 also cooperates with each of the actuation modules 100.

[0018] The number of working modules 100 provided in the storage case is preferably equal to or greater than the number of doors in the storage case, in other words, if the storage case 1 has two doors, the storage case 1 should preferably comprise at least two working modules 100. In this embodiment, the storage case 1 comprises two doors 2a, 2b and thus comprises four working modules 100. Each working module 100 is located next to one of the corners 3a (see FIG. 1b) of the platform 3. However, it should be noted that for the sake of clarity, FIG. 4a to FIG. 4c show only one single working module 100 in detail.

[0019] The characteristics of a single working module 100 will now be described with reference to Figures 4a to 4c. It should be understood that each of the four working modules 100 provided within the containment case 1 has the same characteristics.

[0020] The actuation modules shown in Figures 4a to 4c comprise pulleys 13 with wheels 13a rotatable about axes 13b. The belt 12 cooperates with each actuation module 100 by abutting against the wheels 13a of the pulleys 13 of each actuation module 100. For each actuation module 100, movement of the belt 12 in a first direction (e.g. clockwise) by the motor 11 causes the belt to rotate the wheels 13 of the pulleys 13 in a first direction about their respective axes 13b. And movement of the belt 12 in a second direction (e.g. counterclockwise) by the motor 11 causes the belt to rotate the wheels 13 of the pulleys 13 in a second direction opposite to the first direction about their respective axes 13b.

[0021] Pulleys 13 are attached to respective lead screws 15 such that rotation of wheel 13a of pulley 13 results in rotation of a respective lead screw 15 attached to pulley 13. When lead screw 15 is rotated in a first direction (e.g., clockwise), runners 16 associated with that lead screw 15 raise the lead screw 15 towards pulley 13, and when lead screw 15 is rotated in a second direction opposite the first direction (e.g., counterclockwise), runners 16 associated with that lead screw 15 lower the lead screw 15 away from pulley 13.

[0022] The runner 16 is pivotally attached to the primary arm member 20 via a link 25 . The link 25 is pivotally attached at one end to the runner 16 via a first pivot connection 25a and at the opposite end to the primary arm member 20 via a second pivot connection 25b. In this embodiment, the second pivot connection 25b is closest to the first end 20a of the primary arm member 20. The primary arm member 20 is pivotally attached to the doors 2a, 2b at the opposite second end 20b of the primary arm member 20. In this particular single operating module 100 being described, the primary arm member 20 is attached to the first door 2a. In this embodiment, two of the primary arm members 20 of the four operating modules 100 are pivotally attached to the first door 2a. And the other two of the primary arm members 20 of the four operating modules 100 are pivotally attached to the second door 2b. Optionally, the primary arm members 20 are further pivotally attached to the fixed member 23. In this embodiment, the first end 20a of the primary arm member 20 is further pivotally attached to a fixed member 23. In the embodiment shown in Figures 4a to 4c, the primary arm member 20 is substantially "C" shaped, however it will be appreciated that the primary arm member 20 may be of any suitable shape.

[0023] The actuation module 100 further comprises a secondary arm member 22 that is pivotally attached at one end to the doors 2a, 2b and at an opposite end to a fixed member 23. In this particular single actuation module 100 being described, the secondary arm member 22 is attached to the first door 2a. In this embodiment, the primary arm members 22 of two of the four actuation modules 100 are pivotally attached at one end 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 to the second door 2b. In the embodiment shown in Figures 4a to 4c, the secondary arm member 22 is substantially "L" shaped, however it will be appreciated that the secondary arm member 22 may be of any suitable shape. It should be understood that the secondary arm member 22 is an optional feature.

[0024] In use, the control unit 5 is configured to control the motor 11, which allows the control unit to control the movement of the first door 2a and the second door 2b and the platform 3. For example, if the doors 2a, 2b of the storage case 1 are closed and the aerial vehicle 30 is stored on the platform 3 within the storage case 1, the doors 2a, 2b of the storage case 1 must first be opened in order to launch the aerial vehicle 30. To do this, the control unit 5 first operates the motor 11, which causes the motor 11 to move the belt 12 in a first direction. The movement of the belt 12 in the first direction by the motor 11 in turn causes the wheel 13a of each pulley 13 in each operating module 100 to rotate in the first direction. Within each operating module 100, the rotation of the wheel 13a of the pulley 13 in turn causes the rotation of the lead screw 15 attached to the wheel 13a of that pulley 13 in the first direction. As the lead screw 15 rotates in a first direction, the runners 16 cooperating with that lead screw 15 move the lead screw 15 up towards the pulley 13 of that operating module 100. Because the runners 16 of each operating module 100 are attached to the platform 3, as the runners 16 of each operating module 100 move upward towards the pulley 13 of its respective operating module 100, the platform 3 is lifted. In other words, as the runners 16 of each operating module 100 move upward towards the pulley 13 of that operating module, the runners 16 carry the platform 3 to a higher position.

[0025] Also, because the runner 16 of each working module 100 is pivotally attached to each primary arm member 20 via a respective link 25, and because two of the primary arm members 20 of the four working modules 100 are pivotally attached to the first door 2a and the other two of the primary arm members 20 of the four working modules 100 are pivotally attached to the second door 2b, when the runner 16 moves upwards towards the pulley 13, the first and second doors 2a, 2b are moved 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 moving from the first position to the second position, the doors 2a, 2b move upwards and sideways at the same time. In other words, the first door 2a moves upwards and to the right at the same time when moving from its first position to its second position, and the second door 2b moves upwards and to the left at the same time when moving from its first position to its second position. This movement of the doors 2a, 2b when opening allows for minimizing the size of the footprint of the containment case when the doors 2a, 2b are open.

[0026] Thus, the mechanical connection means 10 shown in Figures 4a to 4c allows the doors 2a, 2b to be opened and the platform 3 to be raised simultaneously. By moving the platform 3 to a raised position, the clearance between the aerial vehicle 30 launched from the platform 3 and the rest of the storage case (particularly the doors 2a, 2b) can be increased. This increase in clearance is achieved without increasing the footprint of the storage case.

[0027] After the aerial vehicle 30 lands on the platform 3 and is to be stored in the storage case 1, the control unit 5 operates the motor 11 to move the belt 12a in a second direction (opposite to the first direction). The movement of the belt 12 in the second direction by the motor 11 in turn causes the wheel 13a of the pulley 13 in each operating module 100 to rotate in the second direction. In each operating 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. As the lead screw 15 rotates in the second direction, the runner 16 cooperating with the lead screw 15 moves the respective lead screw 15 downward away from the pulley 13 of that operating module 100. Because the runner 16 of each operating module 100 is attached to the platform 3, the platform 11 descends (from its previous raised position) as the runner 16 of each operating module 1000 moves downward away from the pulley 13. In other words, as the runners 16 of each working module 100 move downwardly, away from the pulleys 13 of that working module, the runners 16 carry the platform to a lower position.

[0028] Because the runner 16 of each operating module 100 is pivotally attached to a respective primary arm member 20 via a respective link 25, and because two of the primary arm members 20 of the four operating modules 100 are pivotally attached to the first door 2a and the other two primary arm members 20 of the four operating modules 100 are pivotally attached to the second door 2b, when the runner 16 moves downwardly away from the pulley 13, the first and second doors 2a, 2b move from a second position in which the doors are open to a first position in which the doors are closed. Preferably, when moving from the second position to the first position, the doors 2a, 2b move downwards and sideways at the same time, in other words the first door 2a moves downwards and to the left at the same time when moving from its second position to its first position, and the second door 2b moves downwards and to the right at the same time when moving from its second position to its first position. This movement of the doors 2a, 2b when closed allows minimization of the size of the footprint of the storage case when the doors 2a, 2b are closed.

[0029] In one embodiment, the doors 2a, 2b are configured to abut the airborne vehicle when the doors 2a, 2b are in their first positions, thereby preventing the airborne vehicle 30 from dislodging from its parked position on the platform 3.

[0030] In one embodiment, the containment case 1 further comprises at least two limit switches, each operably connected to the control unit 5. Each limit switch may be a physical switch or another type of detector, such as a Hall sensor-magnet arrangement. In a preferred embodiment, a first limit switch is located in the storage case 1 at a first position 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, 2b are open). When the platform 3 contacts the first limit switch, the control unit receives a first signal from the first limit switch indicating to the control unit 5 that the doors 2a, 2b have reached their second position and the platform 3 has moved to the raised position. In response to receiving a first signal from the first limit switch, the control unit 5 stops the motor 11 for a period of time such that when the aerial vehicle 30 is launched directly from the platform 3, the platform 3 is held in its raised position and the doors 2a, 2b are held in their open positions.

[0031] A second limit switch is disposed in the storage case 1 at a second position. The second position is such that the platform 3 contacts the second limit switch only when the platform 3 is at its lowest position and the doors 2a, 2b are at their first positions (i.e., the doors 2a, 2b are closed). When the platform 3 contacts the second limit switch, the control unit 5 receives a second signal from the second limit switch, which is a signal indicating to the control unit 5 that the doors 2a, 2b have reached their first positions and the platform 3 has moved to its lowest position. In response to receiving a second signal from the second limit switch, the controller 5 may stop the motor 11 so that the platform 3 is held in its lowered position and the doors 2a, 2b are held closed.

[0032] The storage case 1 may further comprise a torque sensor configured to measure a torque applied to the doors 2a, 2b. The torque sensor is operatively connected to the controller 5. The controller 5 may be configured to receive the torque measurement from the torque sensor and compare the received torque measurement with a predetermined threshold torque value. The controller 5 is further configured to stop the motor 11 when the torque measurement is equal to or greater than the predetermined threshold torque value. This serves as a safety feature, for example, when a user's body part is located between the doors 2a, 2b when the doors 2a, 2b are closing (i.e., when the doors 2a, 2b are moving from their second position to their first position). In this case, the motor 11 drives the belt 12 so that the actuation module 100 moves the doors 2a, 2b towards their first position, but the user's body part prevents the doors 2a, 2b from moving to their first position. When the user's body part is caught between the closing doors 2a, 2b, the torque sensor measures an increase in the torque applied to the doors 2a, 2b. When the torque eventually increases to a magnitude equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold torque, the control unit 5 stops the motor 11, thereby preventing injury to the user's body.

[0033] Referring to FIG. 1a, in this embodiment, the storage case 1 is shown to further comprise a spool and a tether 101 (the tether 101 can be wound around the spool). The spool is located below the platform 3 and is therefore not visible in the figure. 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 can be selectively attached to an airborne vehicle 30 (see FIG. 3). The tether 101 is unwound from the spool when the airborne vehicle 30 attached to the end 101a of the tether 101 flies in a direction away from the storage case 1. The tether 101 is wound onto the spool when the airborne vehicle 30 attracted to the end 101a of the tether 101 flies in a direction towards the storage case 1. In a most preferred embodiment, the control unit 5 is further configured to control the winding and unwinding of the tether from the spool based on a measurement of the tension in the tether 101.

[0034] The control unit 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 air vehicle 30 (see FIG. 3) has been launched from the platform 3. By moving the first and second doors 2a, 2b to a third position between the first and second positions, the doors 2a, 2b ensure that the doors 2a, 2b provide some protection inside the storage case 1 against adverse environmental conditions (such as rain or snow), while at the same time allowing the doors 2a, 2b to be opened sufficiently to facilitate the tether 101 (i.e. leaving sufficient space between the first door 2a and the second door 2b so as not to restrict the movement of the tether 101 and thereby the flight of the vehicle 30 attached to the end 101a of the tether 101).

[0035] It should be understood that the spool, tether 101, and opening 102 are only optional features of the storage case 1. In a variation of the embodiment, the storage case 1 does not have a spool, tether, or opening. Such a variation of the embodiment is preferred when the storage case is used with an airborne vehicle designed to be mechanically independent during flight (i.e., an airborne vehicle not designed to be tethered). In this variation, the control unit may be configured to move the first and second doors to their respective first positions (i.e., close the doors 2a, 2b) after the airborne vehicle has been launched from the platform 3. Unlike the embodiment of FIG. 1a, in this variation of the embodiment, the doors 2a, 2b can be fully closed after the airborne vehicle has been launched, since it is not necessary to keep the doors partially open to allow the tether to be used.

[0036] Referring to FIG. 1b, which shows a side view of the containment case 1, it can be seen that the containment case 1 further comprises mounting means 50 configured to enable the containment case 1 to be mounted to a vehicle (such as an SUV or a fire engine). In the most preferred embodiment, the mounting means 50 is configured to allow the containment case 1 to be mounted to a vehicle, and most preferably, the mounting means 50 is configured to allow the containment case 1 to be mounted to the roof of a vehicle. According to another aspect of the present invention, a vehicle having a containment case 1 mounted thereon is provided. It should be understood that in this application, the term "vehicle" may be any movable object (preferably any movable object capable of transporting people or goods or any other object), including but not limited to cars, sports utility vehicles (SUVs), trucks (such as fire engines), trailers, boats, trains, carriers, mobile robots, etc. In another embodiment, the containment case 1 may be attached to a structure having a fixed location (i.e., immovable), such as, for example, a building or other fixed structure (such as, for example, an oil rig).

[0037] With reference to FIG. 5, which shows an exploded view of the containment case 1 shown in FIG. 3, it can be seen that in a preferred embodiment, the containment case 1 is modular, comprising a frame member 61 and a body member 60, with the frame member 61 being removably attached to the body member 60. The platform 3 is removably attached to the frame member 61. The frame member 61 comprises at least the motor 11, the belt 12, the control unit 5, the actuator module 13, and preferably a support skeleton 63 for mechanical support. The support skeleton 63 is preferably constructed of a robust material, for example metal. The frame member 61 is housed within a volume defined by the body member 60. The body member 60 may be modular, consisting of a number of body parts that fit together to define the body member 60. The body member 60 is preferably constructed of plastic or any other suitable material. In a most preferred embodiment, the body member 60 is fixed to the vehicle. To maintain or repair the containment case 1, the body member 60 can remain fixed to the vehicle and the frame member 61 can be easily removed from the body member 60 to allow easier access to the components of the containment case 1 (e.g., motor 11, belt 12, control 5, actuation module 13, etc., among others). The frame member 61 is easily reattached to the body member 60 after maintenance or repair is completed.

[0038] With reference to FIG. 2, it can be seen that the storage case 1 further comprises one or more visual indicators 52. In this example, the visual indicator comprises a light source 52 in the form of an LED 52 (it should be understood, however, that the visual indicator may take any suitable form as long as it is configured to provide a signal visible to the user). In a preferred embodiment, the control unit 5 is configured to operate the LED to provide the visual indication. For example, the control unit may be configured to operate the LED to emit a first color of light when the doors 2a, 2b are open and a second color of light when the doors 2a, 2b are closed, thereby providing a visual indication to the user that the doors 2a, 2b are open or closed, and / or the control unit 5 may be configured to operate the LED to emit a flashing light as a warning signal when an airborne vehicle is deployed from the storage case 1, so that people in the vicinity are alerted to the fact that there is an airborne vehicle in operation. Such visual indicators improve safety and are particularly useful when the storage case 1 is used in certain applications, such as emergency applications (e.g., fire engines).

[0039] In one embodiment, the containment case 1 may further comprise one or more heating elements. The control unit 5 may be configured to control the heating element. For example, the storage case 1 may include a temperature sensor configured to measure a temperature. The control unit 5 may be configured to receive a temperature measurement from the temperature sensor and compare the received temperature measurement with a predetermined threshold temperature. The control unit 5 is configured to activate the heating element if the received temperature measurement is below a predetermined threshold temperature. In a preferred embodiment, the visual indicator 52 also defines a heating element. In other words, the visual indicator 52 has a dual purpose: it is operable to provide a visual indication and / or to provide heat. In use, when the LED is activated, it emits heat and the emitted heat can be used to increase the temperature inside the containment case (and / or to increase the temperature of the environment surrounding the containment case 1). It should be understood that the visual indicator 52 may be selectively operable to simultaneously provide a visual indication and heat, or the visual indicator may be operable to only provide heat (i.e., the visual indicator 52 is activated only for the purpose of generating heat and does not provide any visual indication). In one example, the visual indicator 52 is operable to emit light having a predetermined characteristic (e.g., a predetermined color) that visually indicates that the visual indicator 52 has been activated for heat generation. The heating element is particularly useful when the containment case 1 is used in a low temperature environment where the doors 2a, 2b of the containment case 1 may freeze shut. In such a condition, the control 5 operates the heating element to provide thawing heat so that the doors 2a, 2b can be opened. Having a dual purpose visual indicator 52 that can be operated to provide a visual indication and / or provide heat allows the number of components in the containment case 1 to be minimized without compromising functionality.

[0040] 3 (and / or 1a), it can be seen that the storage case 1 further comprises one or more fans 40 that can be selectively rotated to circulate air within the storage case 1 to reduce the temperature within the storage case 1. In a preferred embodiment, the control unit 5 is further configured to control the rotation of the fans 40 to control the temperature within the storage case 1. Most preferably, the storage case 1 includes a temperature sensor that provides a temperature measurement representative of the temperature inside the storage case 1 (preferably when the doors 2a, 2b of the storage case 1 are closed) to the control unit 5. The control unit 5 is configured to receive the temperature measurement from the temperature sensor and compare the temperature measurement to a predetermined temperature threshold. If the temperature measurement is equal to or greater than the predetermined temperature threshold, the control unit operates the fan 40 such that an airflow is generated within the storage case 1, which reduces the temperature within the storage case 1. The control unit 5 is preferably configured to rotate the fan 40 at a speed proportional to the amount by which the temperature measurement exceeds the predetermined temperature threshold. Most preferably, the control unit 5 is configured to operate the fan 40 to generate an 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 a third position which is a position between the first and second positions).

[0041] In a most preferred embodiment, the control unit 5 is further configured to rotate the propellers 41 of the airborne vehicle 30 (see FIG. 3 ) parked on the platform 3 when the control unit 5 receives a temperature measurement from the temperature sensor that is equal to or exceeds a predetermined temperature threshold. In this manner, the propellers 41 of the parked airborne vehicle 30 are used to generate an air flow within the storage case 1 that reduces the temperature within the storage case 1. The control unit 5 is preferably configured to rotate the propellers 41 of the parked airborne vehicle 30 at a speed that is proportional to the amount by which the temperature measurement exceeds the predetermined temperature threshold. Tether 101 may be used to prevent air vehicle 30 from lifting off platform 3 or falling off its parked position on platform 3 when propeller 41 spins and creates an airflow. Most preferably, the control unit 5 is configured to operate the propeller 41 to generate the airflow 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 a third position, which is a position between the first and second positions). It should be understood that the airflow may be generated using only the fan 40, the airflow may be generated using only the propeller 41, or the airflow may be generated using a combination of the fan 40 and the propeller 41.

[0042] As explained, the control unit 5 can be configured to control the operation of the storage case, in particular the control unit 5 is configured to control the mechanical connection means 10 to control the opening and closing of the doors 2a, 2b and the raising and lowering of the corresponding platform 3. The control unit 5 may further be configured to control the aerial vehicle 30 supported on (and deployed from) the platform 3. In other words, the same control unit 5 can be used to operate the storage case 1 and also to control the flight of the aerial vehicle 30. In one embodiment, the storage case 1 further comprises a sensor capable of providing a measurement representing an orientation of the storage case 1 relative to a predetermined reference. The control unit 5 is configured to receive the measurement from the sensor. The control unit 5 is configured to adjust the rotation of the propellers 41 of the aerial vehicle 30 during launch of the aerial vehicle 30 from the platform 3 to compensate for deviations in the orientation of the storage case 1 from the predetermined reference. For example, in one embodiment, the predetermined reference is a horizontal reference. If the storage case is fixed to the roof of a vehicle and the vehicle is parked on a hill, the storage case has an inclined orientation with respect to the horizontal reference (i.e., the storage case has a deviation from the horizontal reference). If the rotation of the propellers 41 of the aerial vehicle 30 is not changed, the aerial vehicle 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 launch, the vehicle will not launch vertically due to the inclined orientation of the storage case 1 (and therefore the platform 3). Therefore, in one embodiment, the control unit 5 receives measurements from the sensors representing the orientation of the storage case 1 and then adjusts the rotational speed of the propellers 41 of the aerial vehicle 30 to compensate for the tilted orientation of the storage case (and platform 3) so that the aerial vehicle takes off vertically.

[0043] In one embodiment, the storage case 1 further comprises a backup mechanical closing means that can be manually operated by a user to move the doors 2a, 2b between their respective first and second positions, the backup mechanical closing means providing a user with a means to manually open and close the doors 2a, 2b of the storage case 1 in the event of a failure of the control unit 5.

[0044] In one embodiment, one or more antennas may be mounted on the doors 2a, 2b of the storage case 1. Most preferably, the one or more antennas are mounted on the inner surfaces of the doors 2a, 2b (i.e., the surfaces that define the interior volume of the storage case 1 when the doors 2a, 2b are closed) such that the antennas are exposed when the doors 2a, 2b are open (i.e., in their second position). In a preferred embodiment, the antennas comprise Wifi® antennas.

[0045] Any of the embodiments of the containment case 1 described above may be used to implement the method according to the invention.

[0046] In one embodiment, the containment case 1 may be used to implement a method for deploying (or launching) an airborne vehicle 30, the method comprising: moving the doors 2a, 2b to a second position in which the doors 2a, 2b are open; raising the platform 3 while the doors 2a, 2b are moved to the second position; and then and launching the aerial vehicle 30 from the platform 3 while the platform is in the raised position.

[0047] In one embodiment, the method further comprises moving the doors 2a, 2b to a third position between the first and second positions after the airborne vehicle 30 has been launched. In another embodiment, the method further comprises the step of moving the doors 2a, 2b to their first positions (doors 2a, 2b closed) after the airborne vehicle has been launched.

[0048] In another embodiment, a method for storing an airborne vehicle 30 using a storage case 1 is provided, the method comprising: if the doors 2a, 2b are not already in the second position, moving the doors 2a, 2b to a second position in which the doors 2a, 2b are open; a step for raising platform 3 as the door opens; landing an aerial vehicle on the platform 3 while the platform 3 is in the elevated position; moving the doors 2a, 2b to a first position in which the doors 2a, 2b are closed; and a step of lowering the position of the platform 3 simultaneously when the doors 2a, 2b are moved to the first position.

[0049] According to a further aspect of the invention, there is provided an assembly comprising any embodiment of the containment case 1 described above and an airborne vehicle 30 parked on a platform 3. Figure 3 provides a perspective view of such an assembly.

[0050] According to a further aspect of the invention, there is provided a vehicle comprising any of the above-described embodiments of the containment case 1. On the platform 3 an air vehicle 30 may be parked. It should be understood that the containment case 1 may be attached directly or indirectly to any type of vehicle using any suitable attachment means. In one embodiment, a vehicle is provided having a containment case mounted on the roof of the vehicle.

[0051] In any of the above-mentioned aspects of the present invention, the vehicle may be at least one of a passenger car, a sports utility vehicle (SUV), a truck, a trailer, a boat, a train, a carriage, and a mobile robot. For example, the storage case 1 may be mounted on the bed of a pickup truck, on the deck of a boat, or on the roof of an SUV or a passenger car. In some embodiments, the storage case 1 may be mounted on a tray, such as a slidable tray, that is selectively slidable from a first position in which the storage case is stored within the housing and a second position in which the storage case is in a position outside the housing. The tray may be movable to a second position to allow launch of an airborne vehicle 30 parked on the platform 3. The tray or slidable tray may be integral to the vehicle or may be attached directly or indirectly to the vehicle using any suitable attachment means.

[0052] According to a further aspect of the invention, there is provided a structure having a fixed position and having a containment case 1 according to any of the above-mentioned embodiments attached thereto. The containment case may be attached directly or indirectly to the structure using any suitable attachment means. The structure may for example comprise a building, a platform or any immovable body.

[0053] Various modifications and variations to the described embodiments of the invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art without departing from the scope of the invention as defined in the appended claims. Although the invention has been described in connection with specific preferred embodiments, it should be understood that the invention as claimed should not be unduly limited to such specific embodiments. The present application provides, for example, the following aspects: [Point 1] at least one door, the at least one door 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 aerial vehicle; a mechanical connection means configured to simultaneously raise the platform when the at least one door moves from the first position to the second position and simultaneously lower the platform when the at least one door moves from the second position to the first position; and a controller configured to control the mechanical connection means. A storage case comprising: [Point 2] The mechanical connection means A motor; Belt and A plurality of actuation modules Equipped with The belt cooperates with the motor, and when activated, the motor moves the belt, The containment case of aspect 1, wherein the belt further cooperates with each of the operating modules, and movement of the belt activates each of the operating modules. [Point 3] Each operating module is A pulley having a wheel rotatable about an axis, wherein: a belt further cooperating with each working module by engaging the wheel of the pulley such that movement of the belt in a first direction rotates the wheel of the pulley of each working module about its one axis in a first direction and movement of the belt in a second direction rotates the wheel of the pulley of each working module about its one axis in a second direction opposite to the first direction; the lead screw attached to the pulley such that rotation of the wheel of the pulley causes rotation of the lead screw; a runner cooperating with said lead screw, comprising: the runner is attached to the platform and configured such that when the lead screw is rotated in a first direction, the runner moves up the lead screw toward the pulley and when the lead screw is rotated in a second direction opposite the first direction, the runner moves away from the pulley and down the lead screw; a primary arm pivotally attached to the runner and pivotally attached to the at least one door; 3. The storage case according to claim 1 or 2, comprising: [Point 4] A storage case as described in any one of aspects 1 to 3, wherein the storage case has a first door that opens in a first direction and a second door that opens in a second direction, the second direction being opposite to the first direction. [Point 5] 5. The storage case of any one of aspects 1 to 4, wherein the storage case has attachment means usable to secure the storage case to at least one of a vehicle and a stationary structure. [Point 6] the containment case further comprising a spool and a tether; one end of the tether is connectable to an airborne vehicle; when an airborne vehicle attached to the one end of the tether flies in one direction from the storage case, the tether is unwound from the spool; When an airborne vehicle attached to the one end of the tether flies in one direction toward the storage case, the tether is unwound onto the spool. 6. A storage case according to any one of aspects 1 to 5. [Point 7] The control unit is configured to control unwinding and unwinding of the tether from the spool based on a measurement of tension in the tether. A storage case as described in aspect 6. [Point 8] the containment case includes one or more selectively rotatable fans to circulate air within the containment case and reduce a temperature within the containment case; 8. A storage case according to any one of aspects 1 to 7. [Point 9] 9. The containment case of aspect 8, wherein the controller is configured to cause the one or more fans to rotate when a temperature within the containment case is equal to or greater than a threshold temperature. [Point 10] 10. The containment case of any one of aspects 1 to 9, wherein an aerial vehicle having one or more propellers is parked on the platform and the control unit is configured to rotate the one or more propellers when a temperature within the containment case is equal to or greater than a threshold temperature. [Point 11] 11. The storage case of any one of aspects 1 to 10, wherein the control unit is configured to move the at least one door to a third position between the first position and the second position after moving the at least one door to the second position to launch the aerial vehicle from the platform. [Point 12] the controller is configured to move the at least one door to the second position and then move the at least one door to the first position after launching the aerial vehicle from the platform. 12. A storage case according to any one of aspects 1 to 11. [Point 13] 13. The storage case of any one of aspects 1 to 12, wherein the storage case further comprises a backup mechanical closing means, the backup mechanical closing means being manually operable by a user to move the door between its first position and second position. [Point 14] The controller is configured to receive a measurement of an orientation of the containment case; 14. The storage case of any one of aspects 1 to 13, wherein the control unit is further configured to vary the rotation of the propellers of an aerial vehicle parked on the platform to compensate for the orientation of the storage case during launch of the aerial vehicle, thereby causing the aerial vehicle to move in a predetermined direction. [Point 15] the storage case includes a frame member and a body member; the frame member includes at least the mechanical connection means and the control unit, the body member comprises one or more modular parts; 15. The containment case of any one of aspects 1 to 14, wherein the frame member is removably attached to the body member. [Point 16] 16. The containment case of aspect 15, wherein the body member is configured to be securable to at least one of a vehicle and a structure in a stationary position. [Point 17] the vehicle is at least one of a passenger car, a sport utility vehicle, a truck, a trailer, a boat, a train, a carriage, and a mobile robot; The containment case according to aspect 16, wherein the stationary structure is a building, a platform, or any immovable object. [Point 18] 17. The containment case of claim 16, wherein the body member is configured to be secured to a roof of a vehicle. [Point 19] 19. The storage case of any one of aspects 1 to 18, wherein the storage case further comprises one or more visual indicators. [Point 20] The containment case of aspect 19, wherein the one or more visual indicators comprise at least one light source. [Point 21] 21. The containment case of aspect 19 or 20, wherein the control unit is configured to operate the one or more visual indicators to provide a visual indication. [Point 22] 22. The containment case of any one of aspects 1 to 21, wherein the containment case further comprises one or more heating elements. [Point 23] the visual indicator is configured to emit heat during activation; The containment case of claim 22, wherein the visual indicator determines the one or more heating elements. [Point 24] 24. The containment case of any one of aspects 1 to 23, wherein one or more antennas are mounted to the at least one door. [Point 25] 25. The storage case of claim 24, wherein the one or more antennas are mounted to a surface of the at least one door that defines a volume of the storage case when the at least one door is in its first position. [Point 26] the containment case further comprising a torque sensor configured to measure a torque applied to the at least one door by a motor; the torque sensor is operably connected to the controller; the controller is configured to receive a torque measurement and compare the received torque measurement to a predetermined threshold torque value; 26. The containment case of any one of aspects 1 to 25, wherein the controller is further configured to stop the motor when the torque measurement is greater than or equal to the predetermined threshold. [Point 27] 27. An assembly comprising a storage case according to any one of aspects 1 to 26 and an air vehicle parked on the platform. [Point 28] 28. The assembly of claim 27, wherein the at least one door is configured to abut against the airborne vehicle when the at least one door is in its first position, thereby preventing the at least one door from dislodging the airborne vehicle from its parked position. [Point 29] the containment case further comprising a spool and a tether; one end of the tether is connectable to an airborne vehicle; when an airborne vehicle attached to the one end of the tether flies in one direction from the storage case, the tether is unwound from the spool; 28. The assembly of claim 27, wherein the tether is unwound onto the spool when an airborne vehicle attached to the one end of the tether flies in one direction toward the storage case. [Point 30] 30. The assembly of claim 27, wherein the air vehicle is not attached to the containment case. [Point 31] A method of deploying an airborne vehicle using the assembly of aspect 27, comprising the steps of: moving the at least one door to a second position in which the at least one door is open; raising a platform simultaneously with the at least one door being moved to a second position; launching an aerial vehicle from the platform while the platform is in the elevated position; A method for deploying an airborne vehicle, comprising: [Point 32] 32. The method of claim 31, further comprising the step of moving the at least one door to a third position between the first position and the second position after moving the at least one door to the second position and launching the aerial vehicle from the platform. [Point 33] 33. The method of claim 32, further comprising the step of moving the at least one door to the first position after moving the at least one door to the second position and launching an aerial vehicle from the platform. [Point 34] A method of storing an airborne vehicle using the assembly of aspect 27, comprising the steps of: The method further comprising: moving the at least one door to a second position in which the at least one door is open; raising a platform simultaneously with the at least one door being moved to a second position; landing an aerial vehicle on the platform while the platform is in the elevated position; moving the at least one door to a first position in which the at least one door is closed; lowering a platform position while the at least one door is moved to a first position; A method for storing an airborne vehicle, comprising: [Point 35] A vehicle comprising the storage case described in aspect 1. [Point 36] 36. The vehicle of aspect 35, wherein the storage case is mounted on a roof of the vehicle. [Point 37] A vehicle comprising an assembly as described in aspect 27. [Point 38] 38. The vehicle of aspect 37, wherein the storage case is mounted on a roof of the vehicle. [Point 39] 38. The vehicle of aspect 35 or 37, wherein the vehicle comprises at least one of a passenger car, a sports car, a truck, a trailer, a boat, a rail car, a transportation vehicle, and a movable robot. [Point 40] A structure having a fixed location to which a containment case is attached. [Point 41] The structure according to aspect 40, wherein the structure is a building, a platform, or any non-movable object.

Claims

1. at least one door (2a, 2b), 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 (3) capable of supporting an airborne vehicle; a mechanical connection means (10) configured to simultaneously raise the platform (3) when the at least one door (2a, 2b) moves from the first position to the second position, and to simultaneously lower the platform (3) when the at least one door (2a, 2b) moves from the second position to the first position; a control unit (5) configured to control the mechanical connection means (10); Equipped with The mechanical connection means (10) A motor (11); A belt (12); A plurality of working modules (100); Equipped with The belt (12) cooperates with the motor (11), and when activated, the motor (11) moves the belt (12), The belt (12) further cooperates with each of the actuating modules (100), and the movement of the belt (12) actuates each of the actuating modules (100), Each working module (100) a pulley (13) with a wheel (13a) rotatable about an axis, the belt further cooperating with each working module by bearing against the wheel of the pulley, such that movement of the belt (12) in a first direction by the motor (11) rotates the wheel of the pulley of each working module in a first direction about the respective one axis, and movement of the belt in a second direction by the motor rotates the wheel of the pulley of each working module in a second direction opposite to the first direction about the respective one axis; a lead screw (15) attached to the pulley such that rotation of the wheel of the pulley causes rotation of the lead screw (15); a runner (16) cooperating with the lead screw (15), the runner (16) being mounted on the platform and configured such that when the lead screw is rotated in the first direction, the runner (16) moves up the lead screw (15) towards the pulley (13) and when the lead screw (15) is rotated in a second direction opposite to the first direction, the runner (16) moves down the lead screw (15) away from the pulley (13); a primary arm member (20) and a secondary arm member (22), said primary arm member (20) being substantially in the shape of the letter C; a link (25) pivotally attached to the runner (16) at one end of the link and attached to the primary arm member (20) at an end opposite the one end; Equipped with The primary arm member (20) is pivotally attached to a fixed member (23) at a first end (20a) of the primary arm member and attached to the door (2a, 2b) at a second end (20b) opposite the first end (20a); The secondary arm member (22) is pivotally attached to the door (2a, 2b) at a first end of the secondary arm member and pivotally attached to the fixed member (23) at a second end opposite the first end.

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

3. 3. The storage case of claim 1 or 2, wherein the storage case has attachment means operable to secure the storage case to at least one of a vehicle and a stationary structure.

4. the containment case further comprising a spool and a tether; one end of the tether is connectable to an airborne vehicle; when an airborne vehicle attached to the one end of the tether flies in one direction from the storage case, the tether is unwound from the spool; When an airborne vehicle attached to the one end of the tether flies in one direction toward the storage case, the tether is unwound onto the spool. A storage case according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

5. The control unit is configured to control unwinding and unwinding of the tether from the spool based on a measurement of tension in the tether. The storage case according to claim 4.

6. 6. The storage case of claim 1, further comprising a backup mechanical closing means, the backup mechanical closing means being manually operable by a user to move the door between the first and second door positions.

7. the storage case includes a frame member and a body member; the frame member includes at least the mechanical connection means and the control unit, the body member comprises one or more modular parts; The containment case of claim 1 , wherein the frame member is removably attached to the body member.

8. 8. The containment case of claim 1, wherein one or more antennas are mounted to the at least one door.

9. the containment case further comprising a torque sensor configured to measure a torque applied to the at least one door by a motor; the torque sensor is operably connected to the controller; the controller is configured to receive a torque measurement and compare the received torque measurement to a predetermined threshold torque value; The containment case of claim 1 , wherein the controller is further configured to shut off the motor when the torque measurement is greater than or equal to the predetermined threshold.

10. 10. An assembly comprising a containment case according to any one of claims 1 to 9 and an airborne vehicle parked on the platform.

11. 11. The assembly of claim 10, wherein the at least one door is configured to abut the airborne vehicle when the at least one door is in the door first position, whereby the at least one door prevents the airborne vehicle from being dislodged from the parking position of the airborne vehicle.

12. the containment case further comprising a spool and a tether; one end of the tether is connectable to an airborne vehicle; when an airborne vehicle attached to the one end of the tether flies in one direction from the storage case, the tether is unwound from the spool; 11. The assembly of claim 10, wherein the tether unwinds onto the spool when an airborne vehicle attached to said one end of the tether flies in one direction toward the containment case.

13. The assembly of claim 10 , wherein the air vehicle is not attached to the containment case.

14. 11. A method of deploying an airborne vehicle using the assembly of claim 10, comprising: moving the at least one door to a second door position in which the at least one door is open; raising the platform simultaneously as the at least one door is moved from the first door position to the second door position; launching the aerial vehicle from the platform while the platform is in an elevated position; A method for deploying an airborne vehicle, comprising:

15. 11. A method of storing an airborne vehicle using the assembly of claim 10, comprising the steps of: The method further comprising: moving the at least one door to a second door position in which the at least one door is open; raising the platform simultaneously as the at least one door is moved to the door second position; landing the aerial vehicle on the platform while the platform is in an elevated position; moving the at least one door to a first door position in which the at least one door is closed; lowering the position of the platform simultaneously as the at least one door is moved to the first position; A method for storing an airborne vehicle, comprising:

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