US 11,958,691 B2 · Rooftop delivery receptacle for unmanned aerial vehicles

Abstract

A rooftop package delivery receptacle for unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV) is transformed from a normally closed downwardly pitched transparent or translucent aesthetically acceptable rooftop aperture, appearing as an ordinary skylight, into a preferably larger substantially horizontal delivery platform providing a safe, secure, above ground location for a drone to land or tether for package delivery. Upon a wireless command signal from either an arriving UAV or a local user, the curb frame mounted receptacle containing a center pivoting platform supporting a plurality of slidably mounted panels rotates upwards and expands both longitudinally and transversely enabling a larger substantially horizontal landing area. After the package is delivered the platform contracts to its original size and continues in an upwards rotation urging the package to move inwards for collection. A pair of weatherproof accordion shaped shudders surround the openings and enclose any gaps during the operation.

Claims17

Dependent claims

A rooftop package delivery receptacle for unmanned aerial vehicles comprising:

a. a fixed curb frame comprising longitudinal frame members and transverse frame members defining a roof aperture;
b. a pair of hinge joints mounted directly upon the longitudinal frame members of the frame, the hinge joints being adapted to pivotably receive portions of an expandable contractible platform therewithin;
c. electromechanical rotational means configured for enabling the platform to rotate between a normally closed position substantially parallel to the frame, midway to a substantially horizontal position for package delivery, and upward to an inwardly slanted position for package collection and to any position therebetween;
d. the expandable contractible platform further comprising a plurality of coplanar slidably mounted panels;
e. sliding means configured for enabling the panels to longitudinally and transversely expand outwards and contract inwards;
f. electromechanical expansion and contraction means configured for expanding the platform outwards for package delivery and contracting the platform inwards for package collection and platform closure;
and
g. an upper and lower accordion shaped shutter portion removably attached between the frame and the platform adapted to enclose gaps therebetween.

5 more elements

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Rooftop delivery receptacle for unmanned aerial vehicles

Life of this patent

Rooftop delivery receptacle for unmanned aerial vehicles

Life of this patent

Abstract

Claims17