Aerial package delivery system
AssigneeAmazon Technologies, Inc.
InventorJon T. Hanlon
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
Systems and methods for delivering packages via aerial vehicles are disclosed. The system can comprise a label that includes a parachute to enable the packages to be dropped from the aerial vehicle, yet land at the package's destination without damage. The system can include a self-adhesive backing, a plurality of parachute cords, a parachute, and a breakaway cover. The parachute cords can include a shock absorber to reduce the shock on the package of the parachute opening. The parachute and/or the breakaway cover can include graphics to provide address, velocity, or spin information for the package. The parachute cords can include a harness to separate the cords and reduce tangling of the cords and spinning of the parachute canopy with respect to the package.
Claims20
A system to deliver a package via an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV), the system comprising:
- a shipping container to house an item to be delivered;
- and
- a shipping label parachute system coupled to the shipping container, the shipping label parachute system comprising:
- a base sheet having a first side and a second side, wherein the second side is coupled to the shipping container;
- a transparent breakaway cover having a first side and a second side, wherein at least a portion of the second side is coupled to the first side of the base sheet such that the base sheet and the breakaway cover form a pocket;
- a parachute canopy, disposed in the pocket in a stowed position, the parachute canopy sized and shaped to slow the shipping container, during a free-fall descent, to a speed equal to, or less than, a predetermined landing speed when the shipping container is dropped from the UAV;
- a plurality of parachute cords, each with a first end and a second end, the first ends of the parachute cords coupled to the parachute canopy and the second ends of the parachute cords at least partially disposed between the second side of the base sheet and the shipping container;
- and
- a data label detachably coupled to, or printed on, the parachute canopy and visible through the first side of the breakaway cover in the stowed position, including information associated with shipping the package.
A parachute shipping label comprising:
- a base sheet having a first side and a second side, the first side of the base sheet coupleable to a shipping container;
- a transparent breakaway cover having a first side and a second side, a portion of the first side of the breakaway cover coupled to a portion of the second side of the base sheet such that the base sheet and the breakaway cover form a pocket;
- a parachute canopy, sized and shaped to be disposed in the pocket in a stowed position;
- a plurality of parachute cords, each with a first end and a second end, the first ends of the parachute cords coupled to the parachute canopy and the second ends of the parachute cords coupled to a portion of the base sheet;
- and
- a data label detachably coupled to, or printed on, the parachute canopy and visible through the first side of the breakaway cover in the stowed position, including information associated with shipping the package.
A method comprising:
- inserting a portion of a plurality of parachute cords through an aperture in a base sheet;
- adhering the portion of the plurality of parachute cords to an adhesive sheet located on a first side of the base sheet;
- applying a removable backing sheet over the portion of the plurality of parachute cords and the adhesive sheet;
- placing a folded parachute canopy on a second side of the base sheet;
- adhering at least a portion of a first side of a transparent breakaway cover to the second side of the base sheet to enclose the parachute canopy;
- and
- providing a data label detachably coupled to, or printed on, the parachute canopy and visible through the first side of the breakaway cover, including information associated with shipping the package.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.