Hybrid smartwatch-drone with expedited launch with modular payload

Abstract

A wearable hybrid smartwatch-drone apparatus, preferably, includes a container for housing a drone having a plurality of propellers, each propeller having a propeller arm with a propeller motor, and with each propeller arm and each proper motor being retracted when contained within the container. When removed from the container, each propeller aim is to be extended, and each propeller motor is rotated, preferably 90°, to be ready for flight. Within the container, the propeller arms and propeller motors are preferably spring-loaded for automatically extending and rotating upon removal from the container. A smartwatch is located on an outer top surface of the container and has a software application for controlling movement of the drone when in flight. The wearable hybrid smartwatch-drone apparatus is preferably worn via a wristband. The wearable hydrid smartwatch-drone apparatus preferably includes a snap-on payload for diverse applications.

Description

[0001] HYBRID SMART WATCH- DRONE WITH EXPEDITED LAUNCH WITH MODULAR PAYLOAD BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] Technical Field of the Invention

[0003] The invention relates, generally, to a hybrid smartwatch-drone or standalone wrist-mounted drone system, which affords immediate or expedited launch capability for the drone directly from the wrist- earable and requires no user preparation. The mini¬ drone of the present invention preferably includes integrated snap-on payloads for diverse applications and is controllable, e.g., via an application on a smartwatch, as well as other alternative control means.

[0004] More particularly, the present invention relates to wearable drone technology, specifically to hybrid smartwatch-drone apparatuses and standalone wrist-mounted drones that enable immediate deployment and multifunctional use.

[0005] Further, the present invention combines smartwatch or cellphone capabilities with compact drones, emphasizing modular payloads, advanced control mechanisms, integrated housing, and innovative charging and expansion methods.

[0006] Description of the Prior Art

[0007] The inventor is aware that the prior art includes various wrist-mounted mini-drone systems, including one known by the trademark “Sky Wings” and shown in a video that can be accessed at: https: / / www.youtube.com / shorts / n95Z2r36YxO The “Sky Wings” drone is wearable on one’s wrist, but, unlike the presently claimed invention, requires a user to manually extend the wings of the drone after removal from a carrying compartment on the wrist of the user before being capable of having the drone fly.Another drone known to the prior art is a wristwatch camera drone made by GearBest and shown at the URL: https: / / www.youtube.com / watch?v=-NVaLchDWUU This mini-drone is worn on a user’s w'rist, however the drone includes a controller portion that permanently extends outward in a perpendicular manner from the user’s wrist. As such, it is impractical to wear the GearBest wristwatch camera drone regularly and use the drone only when so desired. In effect, this prior art discloses a mini-drone controlled by a conventional controller and the controller of the drone just happens to be worn on the wrist of the user. It is inconvenient, if not impractical, to wear the wrist drone for very' long without making use of the drone.

[0008] A third drone known to the prior art is made by Nixie and which was displayed at the CES 2016 convention Information about this wearable drone camera can be found at the URL: https: / / ww'w.youtube.com / watch?v=gKU7Ag2zzdg This prior art mini-drone is able to be worn on the wrist of a user and can be pulled-off the user’s wrist and flown for taking pictures with a camera on the underside of the drone. The propeller arms are, in effect, the feature that wraps around a user’s wrist and can extend for flight when the user pull the mini-drone off of hi wrist

[0009] The drawback with the Nixie wearable camera drone is that it. is continuously exposed to the elements. There is no enclosure of the propellers of the mini-drone and are therefore regularly subjected to potential damage, either from external elements or the effects of continuous wear by a user. The drawback with the Sky Wings drone device is that the mini-drone must be “constructed” before being capable of use.

[0010] Accordingly, the prior art is not known to include a wearable mini -drone that is both protected from the elements and from other forms of external damage, yet does not require that the propeller arms be manually extended. It is also unknown to the prior art to include an attachable and detachable, preferably, via a snap-on and snap-off configura¬ tion payload holder that can be attached and detached from an topside or a bottom side the wearable mini-drone.SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0011] Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to provide a wearable mini¬ drone, preferably on one’s wrist, that protects the drone from the elements by enclosure in a casing, yet allows for removal of the drone from the casing with self-extension of the propeller arms so that a user need not manually affix the propeller arms of the drone prior to flight.

[0012] It is a further object of the present invention to provide a wearable mini-drone on one’s wrist wherein the drone includes an attachable and detachable payload holder, which is preferably able to be snapped-on and snapped-off to either a topside and / or bottom side of the mini-drone.

[0013] It is an additional object of the present invention to preferably incorporate a smart-watch as part of the wearable wrist mini-drone of the present invention by providing the smartwatch as either the upper cover of the container housing the mini¬ drone when not in use, or simply have the smartwatch act as the upper cover of the container, with an application on the smartwatch that is able to control the drone once in flight.

[0014] Additional objects of the present invention include the following:

[0015] 1. To provide a hybrid smartwatch-drone apparatus that offers immediate drone deployment from a wearable device;

[0016] 2. To integrate modular snap-on payloads for diverse functionalities;

[0017] 3. To include a smartwatch or cellphone as a controller for real-time monitoring and operation;

[0018] 4. To achieve compact storage via spring-loaded propeller arms and motors;

[0019] 5. To offer standalone wrist-mounted drones capable of immediate launch;6. To enable incrementally adjustable rotor lengths for optimal payload capacity and spatial constraints;

[0020] 7. To eliminate the need for a separate drone housing by using the drone body itself as an integrated housing unit;

[0021] 8. To provide a direct-connect charging and docking system between the bracelet and drone for efficient operation;

[0022] 9. To allow one-handed manual expansion stabilized by the dock connector, simplifying user operation;

[0023] 10. To feature propellers and motors that rotate into a concealed configuration and return upright during deployment;

[0024] The foregoing and related objects are accomplished by the present invention for a wearable hybrid smartwatch-drone or standalone wrist -mounted drone system, which preferably includes means for wearing a container for a mini-drone on one’s wrist, preferably via use of a wristband. The mini-drone would be held within the wearable or standalone container with propeller arms for the drone retained in the container in a retracted or recessed manner so that the drone is held within the preferably rectangular container.

[0025] When the container is opened by the user, the drone therein would preferably be automatically released from the container, such as via use of spring-launching means. The propeller arms of the drone, which generally has four propeller arms, would be spring-loaded within the body of the drone, when within the container or housing, but would readily, and automatically, extend when released from the container without the user having the construct or manipulate the propeller arms or otherwise set them in place for flight, as is the case in certain prior art mini-drone devices explained herein.

[0026] It is further preferable that the wearable mini -drone, that is preferably worn on a user’s wrist and that the wearable container with the drone include a smartwatch on, oras, the upper cover of the container housing the mini-drone when not in use The smart¬ watch may, and preferably would, include a software application for controlling the flight of the mini -drone.

[0027] The significant features of the present invention include the following:

[0028] 1. Instant, or expedited, use of the mini-drone with direct-launch functionality in a wearable drone system that does not require unfolding or preparatory steps for immediate flight and which launches directly from the wrist-mounted container, bracelet or smart¬ watch housing without removal, thereby ensuring instant or expedited use by the wearer.

[0029] 2 A one-handed extension for larger configurations of the wearable drone system would include having the propeller arms that can be, optionally, extended using one hand, while the drone remains docked on the container or smartwatch housing or container for added stability. Thi s feature enables a larger flight footprint for increased stability or the ability to carry larger payloads.

[0030] 3. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a snap-on and snap-off modular payload carrier, which may be positioned at either the top and / or bottom of the mini-drone. All payloads modular carriers should be standardized for uniformity, instant recognition, and functionality without requiring additional configuration steps.

[0031] 4. The mini-drone of the present invention, when housed in the container worn on the wrist of the user, includes rotating propellers for concealment and deployment. The drone propulsion system of the present invention provides that propeller motors of the drone rotate 90° (or other angles as may be needed) for allowing a smaller profile for storage within the container worn on a user’s wrist and, once released from the container, spring-loaded so that the propeller arms with their respective propeller motors are immediately ready for flight. Specifically, the propellers of the drone rotate to their“ready” position when the drone arms are deployed, thereby enabling a seamless transition from storage to flight mode.

[0032] Propellers automatically rotate to their ready position when the drone arms are deployed, enabling seamless transition from storage to flight mode.

[0033] 5. Significantly, the present invention provides a smartwatch-drone hybrid apparatus, wherein the drone and the smartwatch are seamlessly integrated using a software application on the smartphone that permits the smartwatch and the mini -drone to operate as a single functional unit. The smartwatch serves as a controller for the drone, providing real-time feedback and operation capabilities. This smartwatch-drone hybrid configuration accommodates a drop-in tray to integrate with third-party smartwatch brands or a proprietary smartwatch provided with a software application for controlling the drone.

[0034] In an alternatively preferred embodiment, the present invention can be practiced by providing a standalone mini -drone system, in which the drone is mounted directly on the wrist of a user with a wristband or bracelet and is ready for launch without being stored in a housing or other type of container. The drone remains functional as a wearable device, unlike alternative wearable mini -drone systems requiring assembly or disassembly for flight preparation.

[0035] Further features and benefits within the scope of the present invention include:

[0036] • A smartwatch or cellphone interface integrated seamlessly with the drone for control.

[0037] • A protective housing for safeguarding the propellers and motors.

[0038] • Modular payloads for versatile use, including cameras and sensors.

[0039] • Incrementally adjustable rotor lengths for payload and spatial flexibility.

[0040] • Integrated charging for smartwatch and drone without disassembly.• One-handed manual expansion stabilized by the bracelet dock connector.

[0041] Other objects and features of the present invention will become apparent when considered in combination with the accompanying drawing figures, which illustrate certain preferred embodiment of the present invention. It should, however, be noted that the accompanying drawing figures are intended to illustrate only select preferred embodi¬ ments of the claimed invention and are not intended as a means for defining the limits and scope of the invention.

[0042] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING FIGURES

[0043] In the drawing figures, wherein similar features are denoted with similar reference numerals throughout the several views:

[0044] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a container for housing a mini-drone on a wristband for being wearable by a user;

[0045] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the container for housing a mini-drone on a wristband for being wearable by a user with the top outer surface of the container being a smartwatch;

[0046] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the container housing a mini-drone, as illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2, with the container being partially open and showing the mini-drone therein;

[0047] FIG. 4 is an elevational view of a mini-drone within the scope of the present invention, shown separately from the container housing the mini-drone in FIGS. 1-3, with the propeller arms and motors in a retracted position;

[0048] FIG. 5 is an elevational view of an attachable / detachable payload holder, as shown in FIG. 4;FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional side view of a mini-drone within the scope of the present invention showing the propeller arms and propeller motors in a retracted position when housed in the container of FIGS. 1-3;

[0049] FIG. 7 is a side view of the mini-drone within the scope of the invention showing the propeller arms and propeller motors of the mini-drone being in an extended position after removal from the container of FIGS. 1-3 and ready for immediate flight;

[0050] FIG. 8 is a generalized overview of the hybrid smartwatch / drone combination of the present invention showing the smartwatch being worn by a user, the drone being released from its container in the smartwatch with propeller arms extended, and the drone taking immediate flight;

[0051] FIG. 9 is a perspective view of an alternative preferred embodiment of the present invention in which the mini-drone is to be worn on a user’s wrist using a wristband without a container and readily releasable therefrom;

[0052] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of an additional alternative preferred embodiment of the present invention in which the mini -drone is releasable from a wristband held on a user’s arm without a container and able to be released for flight therefrom;

[0053] FIG. 11 is a perspective view of the hybrid ultra-compact concealed drone constructed as a smartwatch-drone hybrid on a wristband with the wristband securing the device for wearing on the user’s wrist, thereby allowing for discreet carrying and immediate deployment;

[0054] FIG. 12 shows the drone with its propeller arms and motors extended into their flight configuration with the smartwatch serving as the primary' control interface for maintaining real-time operational functionality during flight;FIG. 13 is an overview of the manner of operation of the foldable propellers of the present invention;

[0055] FIG. 14 is an overview of the manner of operation by which the smartwatch is able to control the flight of the drone following launch, and,

[0056] FIG. 15 is an overview of an ultra-compact housing and smartwatch sliding mechanism.

[0057] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING FIGURES AND PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0058] Turning now, in detail, to an analysis of the drawing figures, FIG. 1 presents a perspective view of a container 10 for housing a mini-drone on a wristband 12 for being wearable by a user, while FIG. 2 is a perspective view of container 10 for housing a minidrone on a wristband 12 for being wearable by a user with a top outer surface 14 of the container 10 being a smartwatch 16.

[0059] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the container 10 housing a mini-drone, as illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2, with the container 10 being partially open and showing the mini-drone 18 therein.

[0060] FIG. 4 is an elevational view of a mini-drone within the scope of the present invention, shown separately from the container housing the mini-drone 18 in FIGS. 1-3, with the propeller arms 21A, 21B, 21C, 21D (retracted in FIG. 4) and motors of propellers 20A, 20B, 20C, 20D in a retracted position. Centrally-located on the mini-drone 18 is a snap-on, snap-off payload carrier 22. The snap-on, snap-off means for attaching the payload carrier, which is also shown in FIG. 5, is intended to be conventional means for readily temporarily attaching and detaching a smaller object to a larger object. The payload carrier could be permanently affixed to the mini-drone, but this arrangement, while possible, is not preferredFIG. 5 shows the payload carrier 22 of FIG. 4, which payload carrier can be attached to either the top side or underside of the drone 18 via a standardized, color-coded snap-on attachment means. Payload carrier 22 requires no additional configuring or special expertise to use in a functional manner.

[0061] FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional side view of a mini-drone 18 within the scope of the present invention showing the propeller arms 21A, 21B and propeller motors 24A, 24B of propellers 20A, 20B in a retracted position when housed in the container 10 of FIGS.

[0062] 1-3. The propellers and propeller motors are folded on their respective sides within the container or housing of the present invention by rotation of 90° to allow for their fit within the container before the drone is removed from the container and is launched.

[0063] FIG. 7 is a side view of the mini-drone 18 within the scope of the invention showing the propeller arms 21A, 21B and propeller motors 24A, 24B of the mini-drone 18 being in an extended position after removal from the container of FIGS. 1-3 and ready for immediate flight. More particularly, in FIG. 7, the motors with the respective propellers are rotated 90° due to their being spring-loaded in the closed position within container 10 prior to preparing to launch the mini-drone. Upon release from the container 10 and rotation due to spring-loading within the container, the propeller arms 21A, 21B are automatically extended due to being spring-loaded and their respective propeller motors 24A, 24B are spring-loaded to automatically rotated to be in position for immediate use.

[0064] It is a significant that the present invention provides for the propeller motors to rotate for concealed storage within the drone body within the container or drone housing, thereby reducing their profile for wearability. Equally significant is that, when deployed, the spring-loaded propellers of the mini -drone rotate automatically to their ready position when removed from the container housing the mini-drone for wearability. As such, the mini- drone is always flight-ready, launching directly from the bracelet / wrist-band or smartwatch housing with no preparatory steps.While spring-loading of the propeller arms and their respective motors is preferred, it is possible to avoid spring loading the propeller arms and propeller motors in container 10 and manually accomplish what the spring-loading feature of the present invention does automatically.

[0065] FIG. 8 is a generalized overview of the hybrid smartwatch / drone combination of the present invention showing the smartwatch being worn by a user, the drone being released from its container in the smartwatch with propeller arms extended, and the drone taking immediate flight. In the view of FIG. 8 designated by No. 1, the container with a smartwatch outer top surface is shown with the mini-drone being stored therein. In the view of FIG. 8 designated by No 2, the mini-drone is removed from its container beneath the smartwatch whereupon the spring-loaded propeller arms automatically extend and the propellers and their motors are rotated 90° in position for immediate flight. In the final view of FIG. 8 designated by No. 3, the mini -drone is shown taking flight.

[0066] FIG. 9 is a perspective view of an alternative preferred embodiment of the present invention in which the mini-drone 18 is to be worn on a user’s wrist using a wristband 12 without a container and readily releasable therefrom.

[0067] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of an additional alternative preferred embodiment of the present invention in which the mini -drone 18 is releasable from a wristband 12 held on a user’s arm without a container and able to be released for flight therefrom.

[0068] FIG. 11 is a perspective view of the hybrid ultra-compact concealed drone constructed as a smartwatch-drone hybrid on a wristband with the wristband securing the device for wearing on the user’s wrist, thereby allowing for discreet carrying and immediate deployment;

[0069] FIG. 12 shows the drone with its propeller arms and motors extended into their flight configuration with the smartwatch serving as the primary control interface formaintaining real-time operational functionality during flight;

[0070] FIG. 13 is an overview of the manner of operation of the foldable propellers of the present invention;

[0071] FIG. 14 is an overview of the manner of operation by which the smartwatch is able to control the flight of the drone following launch; and,

[0072] FIG. 15 is an overview of an ultra-compact housing and smartwatch sliding mechanism.

[0073] There are, broadly speaking, three preferred embodiments of the present invention:

[0074] o (a) A smaller drone fully expanded and positioned under the smartwatch for instant launch.

[0075] o (b) A larger bracelet drone without integrated smartwatch, controlled by a secondary device.

[0076] o (c) An ultra-compact version with manual or automatic expansion capability.

[0077] Further preferred embodiments include the following:

[0078] A wearable hybrid smartwatch-drone apparatus, comprising:

[0079] o A wristband that houses a concealed drone (item 106) and a smartwatch or cellphone.

[0080] o Propeller arms and motors designed for automatic deployment. o Modular payload functionality, thereby allowing attachments for diverse applications.

[0081] Alternatively, the smartwatch or cellphone may remain embedded based on user requirements for providing control during drone operation. Optionally, there may be included expansion increments as user-defined or set to a default configuration to optimize payload capacity and adaptability.In another preferred embodiment, a standalone wrist-mounted drone is within the scope of the present invention and would be capable of immediate deployment without smartwatch or cellphone integration.

[0082] Optionally,a charging dock may be provided for simultaneous charging of both the smartwatch / cellphone and drone.

[0083] Optionally, the wristband (without a smartwatch) may include a form-fitting protective cover for style and safety.

[0084] Optionally, an embedded cellphone or smartwatch may be provided that directly stores video and photos, thereby eliminating the need for external cameras or storage devices.

[0085] Optionally, for smartwatch or cellphone hybrids, the body of the drone itself acts as both the frame and housing. The embedded device slides away during expansion and returns post-launch.

[0086] It would also be a further option of the present invention to provide for the drone to be manully expanded using one hand, stabilized by the bracelet dock connector.

[0087] While only several embodiments of the present invention have been shown and described, it will be obvious to those skilled in the art that many modifications may be made to the present invention without departing from the spirit and scope thereof.

Claims

WHAT IS CLAIMED IS:

1. A wearable hybrid smartwatch-drone apparatus, comprising:a container for housing a drone having a plurality of propellers, each propeller of said plurality of propellers having a propeller arm with a propeller motor with each said propeller arm and each said proper motor being retracted when contained within said container, each said propeller arm being extended, and each said propeller motor being rotated for flight, when said drone is removed from said container;a smartwatch located on an outer top surface of said container, said smartwatch having a software application for controlling movement of said drone when in flight; and, means for a user to wear said container housing said drone prior to said drone taking flight.

2. The wearable hybrid smartwatch-drone apparatus according to Claim 1, wherein each said propeller arm and each said propeller motor of said plurality of propellers of said drone is spring-loaded, so that when retracted within said container prior to flight of said drone, each said propeller arm automatically extends itself when released from said container, and each said propeller motor automatically rotates into position for allowing flight.

3. The wearable hybrid smartwatch-drone apparatus according to Claim 2, wherein each said propeller motor automatically rotates 90° into position for allowing flight of said drone.

4. The wearable hybrid smartwatch-drone apparatus according to Claim 1, wherein said plurality of propellers for said drone is four propellers.

5. The wearable hybrid smartwatch-drone apparatus according to Claim 1, wherein said means for a user to wear said container housing said drone is a wristband.

6. The wearable hybrid smartwatch-drone apparatus according to Claim 1, further comprising a payload carrier located on an upper surface of said drone.

7. The wearable hybrid smartwatch-drone apparatus according to Claim 6, wherein said payload carrier is attachable and detachable from said drone via a snap-on and snap-off connection.

8. The wearable hybrid smartwatch-drone apparatus according to Claim 1, further comprising a payload carrier located on a lower surface of said drone.

9. The wearable hybrid smartwatch-drone apparatus according to Claim 8, wherein said payload carrier is attachable and detachable from said drone via a snap-on and snap-off connection.

10. A wearable hybrid smartwatch-drone apparatus, comprising:a drone having a plurality of propellers, each propeller of said plurality of propellers having a propeller arm with a propeller motor with each said propeller arm and each said proper motor being retracted prior to flight, each said propeller arm being extended, and each said propeller motor being rotated for flight, when said drone is ready for flight;a smartwatch located on an outer top surface of said container, said smartwatch having a software application for controlling movement of said drone when in flight; and, means for a user to wear said drone prior to said drone taking flight.

11. The wearable hybrid smartwatch-drone apparatus according to Claim 10, wherein each said propeller arm and each said propeller motor of said plurality of propellers of said drone is retracted when worn by the user and prior to flight of said drone, each said propeller arm to be extended, and each said propeller motor rotated into position when ready for flight.

12. The wearable hybrid smartwatch-drone apparatus according to Claim 11, wherein each said propeller motor is rotated 90° into position for allowing flight of said drone13. The wearable hybrid smartwatch-drone apparatus according to Claim 10, wherein said plurality of propellers for said drone is four propellers.

14. The wearable hybrid smartwatch-drone apparatus according to Claim 10, wherein said means for a user to wear said drone is a wristband directly connected to two opposing side of said drone.

15. The wearable hybrid smartwatch-drone apparatus according to Claim 10, further comprising a payload carrier located on an upper surface of said drone.

16. The wearable hybrid smartwatch-drone apparatus according to Claim 15, wherein said payload carrier is attachable and detachable from said drone via a snap-on and snap-off connection.

17. The wearable hybrid smartwatch-drone apparatus according to Claim 10, further comprising a payload carrier located on a lower surface of said drone.

18. The wearable hybrid smartwatch-drone apparatus according to Claim 17, wherein said payload carrier is attachable and detachable from said drone via a snap-on and snap-off connection.

19. A wearable hybrid smartwatch-drone apparatus, comprising:a drone having a plurality of propeller arms and a motor for each propeller arm of said plurality of propeller arms for automatic deployment;a wristband for housing said drone and at least one of a smartwatch and a cellphone; and,a modular payload connectable to said drone for allowing diverse applications.

20. The wearable hybrid smartwatch-drone apparatus according to Claim 19, wherein said plurality of propellers and said motor for each of said propeller arm rotate 90° from storage to a flight position.

21. The wearable hybrid smartwatch-drone apparatus according to Claim 19, further comprising a secure storage for when said drone is retracted for concealing said drone.

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