Package coupling apparatus with strap and hanger for securing a package to a UAV and method of securing a package for delivery
AssigneeWing Aviation LLC
InventorsJesse Blake, Evan Twyford, Ivan Qiu, Jasper Lewin
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A package coupling apparatus for securing a package to an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) is provided. The package coupling apparatus includes a hanger and a strap coupled to the hanger. The hanger includes a base configured to be positioned adjacent to the package and a handle extending up from the base. The handle includes a handle opening and a bridge that extends over the handle opening. The bridge is configured to be secured by a component of the UAV. The strap is configured to surround the package and secure the package to the hanger.
Claims20
A package coupling apparatus for securing a package carrying a payload to an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV), the package coupling apparatus comprising:
- a hanger including:
- a base configured to be positioned adjacent to a package, and
- a handle extending up from the base, the handle including a handle opening and a bridge that extends over the handle opening, wherein the bridge is configured to be secured by a component of the UAV;
- a support structure configured to be secured against the package, the support structure including an aperture, wherein the handle of the hanger extends through the aperture;
- and
- a strap coupled to the hanger, the strap being configured to surround the package and secure the package to the hanger, and wherein the strap is configured to hold the support structure against the package.
A system for carrying a payload using an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV), the system comprising:
- a package for housing the payload, the package having an upper surface and a lower surface;
- and
- a package coupling apparatus including:
- a hanger having a base adjacent to the package and a handle extending up from the base, the handle including a handle opening and a bridge that extends over the handle opening, wherein the bridge is configured to be secured by a component of the UAV;
- a support structure configured to be secured against the package, the support structure including an aperture, wherein the handle of the hanger extends through the aperture;
- and
- a strap coupled to the hanger and surrounding the package so as to secure the package to the hanger, and wherein the strap is configured to hold the support structure against the package.
A method of securing a package for carrying a payload using an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV), the method comprising:
- positioning a hanger of a package coupling apparatus on a package such that a base of the hanger is adjacent to an upper surface of the package and a handle of the hanger extends up from the base, the handle including a handle opening and a bridge that extends over the handle opening, wherein the package coupling apparatus includes a support structure configured to be secured against the package, wherein the support structure includes an aperture, and wherein the handle of the hanger extends through the aperture;
- and
- arranging a strap that is coupled to the hanger so as to surround the package and secure the hanger to the package.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.