US00851 1607B2

(12) United States Patent (10) Patent No.: US 8,511,607 B2

Robinson (45) Date of Patent: Aug. 20, 2013
(54) UAV LAUNCHATTACHMENT ASSEMBLY 5,743,705 A * 4/1998 Eissfeller ................... 414,749.1
6,112,858 A * 9/2000 Arnst .......... 187,269
AND LAUNCH SYSTEM 6.857,493 B2 * 2/2005 Sp et al. ... 180,168
7,077.620 B2 * 7/2006 Ishioka ...................... 414,749.1
(75) Inventor: Andrew B. Robinson, Santa Rosa, CA 7,140,575 B2 11/2006 McGeer et al.
(US) 7,143,974 B2 12/2006 Roeseler et al.
7,165,745 B2 1/2007 McGeer et al.
(73) Assignee: Arcturus UAV LLC, Rohnert Park, CA 7,210,654 B1 5/2007 Cox et al.
7,712,702 B2 5, 2010 McGeer et al.
(US) 7.954,755 B2 * 6/2011 Lipponen ........................ 244f63
8,052,120 B2 * 1 1/2011 Bacon ....................... 254/93 HP
(*) Notice: Subject to any disclaimer, the term of this 2006, OO86241 A1 4/2006 Miller et al.
patent is extended or adjusted under 35 2008/00935O1 A1 4/2008 Miller et al.
U.S.C. 154(b) by 308 days. 2008/0203220 A1 8, 2008 Hanzlicket al.
* cited by examiner
(21) Appl. No.: 12/836,496
Primary Examiner — Rob Swiatek
(22) Filed: Jul. 14, 2010 Assistant Examiner — Valentina Xavier
(65) Prior Publication Data (74) Attorney, Agent, or Firm — James F. Hann; Haynes
Beffel & Wolfeld LLP
US 2012/OO 12695A1 Jan. 19, 2012
(57) ABSTRACT
(51) Int. Cl. A UAV attachment assembly, used with a UAV launchassem
B64FL/04 (2006.01) bly comprising a frame and a launch driver, comprises a base,
(52) U.S. Cl. a UAV Support, a biasing element, a coupler, and a retainer.
USPC ............................................................ 244/63
The base is operably coupled to the launch driver. The UAV
(58) Field of Classification Search Support is mounted to the base and is placeable in Vertically
USPC .............. 244/63, 49, 114 R, 190; 41.4/749.1, collapsed and vertically extended orientations. The biasing
414/792.2, 792.3, 495; 124/56, 59, 60, 79 element biases the UAV support towards the collapsed orien
See application file for complete search history. tation. The coupler releasably couples the UAV support to a
(56) References Cited
UAV when the UAV support is in the extended orientation, the
UAV support being free of the UAV when in the collapsed
U.S. PATENT DOCUMENTS orientation. The retainer maintains the UAV support in the
Vertically extended orientation prior to launch and releases
2,706,102 A * 4, 1955 Cresci ........................... 254/8 C the UAV Support at launch so that the biasing element can
4,079,901 A 3/1978 Mayhew et al. cause the UAV support to move towards the collapsed orien
5,013,204 A 5, 1991 Leon ............................. 414,347
5,237,726 A * 8/1993 Gartenmann et al. ...... 19,159 R tation and to disengage from the UAV.
5,490,758. A * 2/1996 Stone ......................... 414,792.3
5,695,153 A 12/1997 Britton et al. 13 Claims, 9 Drawing Sheets
U.S. Patent Aug. 20, 2013 Sheet 1 of 9 US 8,511,607 B2
U.S. Patent Aug. 20, 2013 Sheet 2 of 9 US 8,511,607 B2
U.S. Patent Aug. 20, 2013 Sheet 3 of 9 US 8,511,607 B2

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U.S. Patent Aug. 20, 2013 Sheet 4 of 9 US 8,511,607 B2

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U.S. Patent Aug. 20, 2013 Sheet 5 Of 9 US 8,511,607 B2
U.S. Patent US 8,511,607 B2
U.S. Patent Aug. 20, 2013 Sheet 7 Of 9
U.S. Patent Aug. 20, 2013 Sheet 8 of 9 US 8,511,607 B2

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U.S. Patent Aug. 20, 2013 Sheet 9 Of 9 US 8,511,607 B2
 US 8.51 1,607 B2
1. 2
UAV LAUNCHATTACHMENTASSEMBLY orientation. The biasing element is coupled to the legs and
AND LAUNCH SYSTEM biases the legs towards the collapsed orientation.
One example of a method for launching an unmanned
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION aerial vehicle (UAV) from a UAV launch assembly of the type
comprising a frame and a launch driver Supported by the
Unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), also known as remotely frame, the launch driver being capable of generating a launch
operated aircraft, are used for many different military and ing force along a launch path relative to the frame, comprises
commercial applications, including reconnaissance; Surveil the following. A vertically retractable UAV attachment
lance and security; communication relay; area mapping; 10
assembly is mounted to the launch assembly. The UAV
monitoring erosion and environmental changes; agricultural, attachment assembly comprises a base operably coupled to
farming and commercial fishing purposes; fire detection and the launch driver and a vertically retractable UAV support
damage assessment, Surveillance of borders, harbors and mounted to the base and placeable in a vertically collapsed
canals; convoy, road and population protection; and natural orientation towards the base and a vertically extended orien
resources and wildlife management. Some UAVs are 15 tation extending away from the base. The UAV attachment
launched using pneumatic tube launchers to eliminate the assembly also comprises a biasing element coupled to the
need for long runways. UAV support and biasing the UAV support towards the col
lapsed orientation. The UAV is mounted to the UAV support
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION with the UAV support in the extended orientation so that the
UAV support extends downwardly away from the UAV. The
The present invention is particularly useful for use with UAV support is maintained in the extended orientation prior
UAVs having push type propellers. One of the problems with to launch. The launch driver launches the UAV attachment
push propeller type of UAVs is keeping the propeller from assembly and the UAV therewith along the launch path away
contacting the pushrod or other structure typically used to from the frame. At launch, the UAV Support is disengaged
launch the UAV. This invention addresses this problem using 25 from the UAV, and the UAV attachment assembly is moved
a vertically retractable UAV attachment assembly which per vertically downwardly away from the UAV from the verti
mits the fuselage of the UAV to be positioned away from the cally extended orientation towards the vertically collapsed
pushrod; but, soon after initiation of launch, it quickly dis orientation.
connects from the UAV and moves out of the way of the In some examples, the UAV attachment assembly mount
spinning propeller of the UAV. 30 ing step is carried out using a Scissors type of UAV attachment
A first example of an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) assembly comprising at least one pair of legs with the legs of
attachment assembly is for use with a UAV launch assembly each said one pair pivotally secured to one another at pivot
of the type comprising a frame and a launch driver Supported points. The UAV vertically downwardly moving step may be
by the frame. The launch driver is capable of generating a carried out using a spring operably coupled to the legs to
launching force along a launch path relative to the frame. The 35 move the UAV support towards the vertically collapsed ori
UAV attachment assembly comprises a base, a UAV Support, entation.
a biasing element, a coupler, and a retainer. The base is A second example of an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV)
operably coupled to the launch driver. The vertically retract launch system comprises a UAV, a UAV launch assembly, a
able UAV support is mounted to the base and is placeable in UAV attachment assembly, and a retainer. The UAV launch
a vertically collapsed orientation towards the base and a ver 40 assembly comprises a frame and a launch driver Supported by
tically extended orientation extending away from the base. the frame. The launch driver is capable of generating a
The biasing element is coupled to the UAV support and biases launching force along a launch path relative to the frame. The
the UAV support towards the collapsed orientation. The cou UAV attachment assembly comprises a base and first and
pler releasably couples the UAV support to a UAV when the second legs. The base is operably coupled to the launch driver.
UAV support is in the extended orientation, the UAV support 45 The first and second legs are pivotally secured to one another
being free of the UAV when in the collapsed orientation. The at a pivot point located along the first and second legs. The
retainer is operably coupled to at least one of the biasing first and second legs are movable about the pivot point
element and the UAV support to maintain the UAV support in between a collapsed orientation towards the base and an
the vertically extended orientation prior to launch. The extended orientation extending away from the base. The first
retainer releases the UAV support at launch so that the biasing 50 and second legs have outer ends and base ends, the base ends
element can cause the UAV support to move towards the mounted to the base. At least one of the base ends is mounted
collapsed orientation and to disengage from the UAV. to the base for sliding movement along the base between a
In some examples the UAV Support comprises a Scissors first state with the legs in the collapsed orientation, and a
assembly, the Scissors assembly comprising at least one pair second state with the legs in the extended orientation. A
of legs. Each pair of legs comprises first and second legs 55 biasing element is coupled to the legs and biases the legs
pivotally secured to one another at a pivot point located along towards the collapsed orientation. The coupler releasably
the first and second legs. The legs have outer ends and base couples the outer ends of the legs to the UAV when in the
ends, the base ends being mounted to the base. The legs are extended orientation. The outer ends of the legs are free of the
movable between the vertically collapsed orientation towards UAV when in the collapsed orientation. A retainer is operably
the base and the vertically extended orientation extending 60 coupled to the first and second legs to maintain the first and
away from the base. At least one of the base ends is mounted second legs in the extended orientation prior to launch and to
to the base for sliding movement along the base between a release the first and second legs upon launch so that the
first state with the legs in the collapsed orientation, and a biasing element can cause the legs to move towards the col
second state with the legs in the extended orientation. The lapsed orientation and to disengage from the UAV.
coupler releasably attaches the outer ends of the legs to the 65 In some examples, the UAV has a lower Surface and a
UAV when the legs are in the extended orientation, the outer recess formed therein for receipt of the outer ends of the legs.
ends being free of the UAV when the legs are in the collapsed The lower Surface may constitute a skid plate.
 US 8.51 1,607 B2
3 4
A third example of an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) methods and embodiments. Preferred embodiments are
launch system comprises a UAV, a UAV launch assembly, and described to illustrate the present invention, not to limit its
a UAV attachment assembly. The UAV has a fuselage and a scope, which is defined by the claims. Those of ordinary skill
push type propeller extending aft of the fuselage. The UAV in the art will recognize a variety of equivalent variations on
launch assembly comprises a frame and a launch driver Sup the description that follows. Like elements in various embodi
ported by the frame. The launch driver comprises an outer ments are commonly referred to with like reference numerals.
tube supported by the frame and an inner pushrod slideably FIGS. 1 and 1A illustrate a UAV launch system 10 includ
mounted within the outer tube. The UAV attachment assem ing a UAV launch assembly 12, a UAV attachment assembly
bly comprises a base, a UAV Support, a biasing element, and 14 and a UAV 16. UAV 16 is mounted to UAV attachment
a retainer. The base is mounted to the pushrod. The UAV 10 assembly 14 and is supported by UAV launch assembly 12.
support is mounted to the base. The UAV support comprises UAV launch assembly 12 may be a conventional pneumatic
a scissors assembly, the Scissors assembly comprising at least tube launcher including an outer tube 18 supported at its
one pair of legs. Each pair of legs comprises first and second outer, elevated end by a pair of legs 20. The other end of outer
legs pivotally secured to one another at a pivot point located tube 18 is connected to and supported by a pressurized air
along the first and second legs. The legs have outer ends and 15 assembly 22. A pushrod 24, see FIGS. 2 and 3, is housed
base ends. The legs are movable between the vertically col within outer tube 18.
lapsed orientation towards the base and the vertically Turning now also to FIGS. 2, 4 and 5. UAV attachment
extended orientation extending away from the base. The base assembly 14 includes a base 28. Base 28 includes a tubular
ends are mounted to the base for sliding movement along the extension 30 that fits within and is secured to outer end 26 of
base between a first state with the at least one pair of legs in pushrod 24. Base 28 acts as a pushrod extension. Base 28 has
the collapsed orientation, and a second State with the at least a hollow interior 34 with a large cutout 36 along its upper
one pair of legs in the extended orientation. The outer ends are portion and a shorter cut out or slot37 along its lower portion.
releasably attachable to the UAV when the legs are in the UAV attachment assembly 14 also includes a Scissors-type
extended orientation. The outer ends are free of the UAV UAV support 38 including first and second leg 40, 42 pivot
when the legs are in the collapsed orientation. The biasing 25 ally secured to one another along their central portions at a
element is coupled to the legs and biases the legs towards the pivot 44. The lower end 46 of second leg 42 is pivotally
collapsed orientation. The retainer is operably coupled to the mounted to base 28 at a pivot 48.
legs to maintain the legs in the extended orientation prior to First leg 40 includes a pair of first leg portions 54 which
launch, and to release the legs upon launch so that the biasing pass on either side of the second leg 42. The first leg portions
element can cause the legs to move towards the collapsed 30 54 at the lower end 50 of first leg 40 pass on either side of a
orientation and to disengage from the UAV. guide block 56, the guide block defining a closed end slot 58.
Other features, aspects and advantages of the present A guide pin 60 passes through slot 58 and secures the first leg
invention can be seen on review the figures, the detailed portions 54 at the lower end 50 of first leg 40 to positions on
description, and the claims which follow. either side of guide block 56. A hook or finger 62 extends
35 downwardly from guide pin 60 through slot 37 to a position
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS below the lower surface of base 28. Finger 62 has a notch 66
for receipt of a retainer 68, shown in dashed lines in FIG. 1A.
FIG. 1 is a side view of a UAV launch system, including a Retainer 68 is typically an elastic, stretchable, ruptureable
UAV and a UAV launch assembly, with a UAV attachment member, Such as an O-ring, that also engages a hook 70 at the
assembly made according to the invention; 40 outer end 32 of outer tube 18 and biases finger 62 rearwardly,
FIG. 1A is an enlarged overall view of a portion of FIG. 1; that is towards outer tube 18 towards the position of FIG. 5.
FIG. 2 is a side view of the system of FIG. 1 at the begin First and second legs 40, 42 have upper ends 72, 74 secured
ning of launch with the pushrod partially extended from the to rear and front guide blocks 76, 78. A telescoping pin and
outer tube of the UAV launch assembly: tube assembly 80 is mounted between guide blocks 76, 78
FIG.3 shows the structure of FIG. 2 after the pushrod has 45 with an outer guide tube 82 secured to and extending from
cleared the end of the outer tube and the UAV attachment front guide block 78 and an inner skid plate pin 84 secured to
assembly has become disengaged from the UAV. and extending from rear guide block 76. Abiasing element 86
FIG. 4 is an enlarged isometric view of the UAV attachment in the form of a torsion spring engages second leg 42 and base
assembly of FIG. 1 illustrating a scissors-type, vertically 28 at the lower end 46 of the second leg. Prior to launch, the
retractable UAV support in a vertically extended orientation; 50 force of biasing element 86 is resisted by retainer 68. When
FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of the structure of FIG. 4; freed from the restraint of retainer 68, biasing element 86
FIGS. 6 and 7 are isometric and cross-sectional views of a causes UAV support 38 to move quickly from the vertically
lower section of the fuselage of the UAV of FIG. 1 showing extended orientation shown in FIGS. 5 and 8, through a
the recess for receipt of the guide blocks of the UAV support; partially extended orientation shown in FIG. 9, and to a ver
and 55 tically collapsed orientation illustrated in FIG. 10. The force
FIGS. 8-10 are three side elevational views of the UAV of torsion spring 86 is great enough to cause a UAV Support 38
attachment assembly of FIG. 4 in fully vertically extended, to quickly collapse and not be hit by propeller 102 during
partially vertically extended and vertically collapsed orienta launch.
tions, respectively. FIGS. 6 and 7 are isometric and cross-sectional views of a
60 lower fuselage section 88 of UAV 16. Fuselage section 88
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION comprises a skid plate 90 having a recess 92 sized for receipt
of the rear and front guide block 76, 78. Guide blocks 76, 78
The following description will typically be with reference and recess 92 have complementary shapes to help stabilize
to specific structural embodiments and methods. It is to be the support of UAV 16 provided by UAV support 38. A small
understood that there is no intention to limit the invention to 65 hole, not shown but indicated in FIG. 7 at location 94, is
the specifically disclosed embodiments and methods but that formed in skid plate 90 at the front and the recess 92 for
the invention may be practiced using other features, elements, receipt of the tip of pin 84. As discussed below, the engage
 US 8.51 1,607 B2
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ment of pin 84 within the small hole at location 94 helps to the spirit of the invention and the scope of the following
prevent the premature disengagement of UAV 16 from UAV claims. For example, UAV support 38 could include two or
support 38 based on the tendency of the UAV to pitch more pairs of legs 40, 42 with the upper ends of one pair of
upwardly during launch. legs pivotally secured to the lower ends of an adjacent pair of
In use, UAV attachment assembly 14 is mounted to the legs. Retainer 68 need not rupture to release from finger 62.
distal end of pushrod 24 of UAV launch assembly 12. Alter Biasing element 86 could be located other than at pivot 48 and
natively, launch assembly 12 could be provided with UAV could be other than a spring.
attachment assembly 14 already secured thereto. UAV Sup Any and all patents, patent applications and printed publi
port 38 is placed in the vertically extended orientation extend cations referred to above are incorporated by reference.
ing away from base 28 against the influence of biasing ele 10
ment 86. UAV support 38 is maintained in the vertically What is claimed is:
extended orientation through the use of retainer 68 extending
between finger 62 and hook 70. A UAV is mounted to UAV 1. An unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) attachment assem
support 38 by first placing front guide block 78 into recess 92 bly, for use with a UAV launch assembly of the type compris
in skid plate 90 so that the tip of pin 84 engages the hole at 15 ing a frame and a launch driver Supported by the frame, the
location 94. Then UAV 16 is pivoted downwardly until rear launch driver being capable of generating a launching force
guide block 76 passes into recess 92. Prior to launch, UAV 16 along a launch path relative to the frame, the UAV attachment
is maintained in the extended orientation. In addition to the assembly comprising:
stabilization provided by guide block 76, 78 within recess 92. a base operably coupled to the launch driver;
in this example the UAV 16 has a pair of laterally spaced apart a vertically retractable UAV support mounted to the base
tail support members 96 extending from the fuselage 98 and and placeable in a vertically collapsed orientation
rearwardly of the wing 100 of UAV 16. A tail member 104, towards the base and a vertically extended orientation
having an inverted V-shape in this example, is mounted to the extending away from the base;
rear ends of tail support members 96. UAV 16 is a push type a biasing element coupled to the UAV Support and biasing
UAV having a propeller 102 mounted to the rear of fuselage 25 the UAV support towards the collapsed orientation;
98, forward of tail member 104 and between tail support a coupler releasably coupling the UAV support to a UAV
members 96. UAV launching assembly 12 has a pair of Sup when the UAV support is in the extended orientation, the
port guides 106, mounted to and extending upwardly from UAV support being free of the UAV when in the col
outer tube 18. Support guides 106 support tail support mem lapsed orientation; and
bers 96 prior to launch. 30 a retainer operably coupled to at least one of the biasing
Prior to launch, propeller 102 of UAV 16 is actuated. element and the UAV support to maintain the UAV sup
Launching power is achieved using pressurized air assembly port in the vertically extended orientation prior to
22 to drive pushrod 24, and UAV attachment assembly 14 and launch, and to release the UAV support at launch so that
UAV 16 therewith, from outer tube 18. This sequence of the biasing element can cause the UAV Support to move
events is illustrated in FIGS. 1-3. When pushrod 24 is forced 35 towards the collapsed orientation and to disengage from
from outer tube 18, retainer 68 is stretched and ruptures. The the UAV.
weight of pushrod 24 causes the back end of the pushrod to 2. The UAV attachment assembly according to claim 1,
pivot downwardly relative to UAV 16 causing rear guide wherein the base is secured to a portion of the launch driver.
block 76 to disengage from recess 92 followed by the disen 3. The UAV attachment assembly according to claim 1,
gagement of pin 84 from the small hole at location 94 of front 40 wherein:
guide block 78. This permits rear and front guide block 76, 78 the UAV Support comprises a scissors assembly, the Scis
to exit recess 92. With the rupture, or other release, of retainer sors assembly comprising:
68, biasing element 86 causes the UAV support 38 to move at least one pair of legs, each pair of legs comprising first
from the extended orientation of FIGS. 5 and 8 through the and second legs pivotally secured to one another at a
partially extended orientation of FIG. 9 to the effectively 45 pivot point located along the first and second legs;
collapsed orientation of FIG.10. This all occurs as pushrod 24 the at least one pair of legs having outer ends and base
and UAV attachment assembly 14 mounted thereto are drop ends, the base ends mounted to the base;
ping to the ground. The entire sequence happens very quickly, the at least one pair of legs being movable between the
perhaps in one third of a second, from the initiation of the vertically collapsed orientation towards the base and
launch to the complete retraction of UAV support 38. The 50 the vertically extended orientation extending away
rapid movement of UAV support 38 to the collapse insures from the base; and
that propeller102 does not contact UAV support 38 during the at least one of the base ends mounted to the base for
launch sequence. As used herein, launch includes generally sliding movement along the base between a first state
the sequence of events from initial movement of pushrod 24 with the at least one pair of legs in the collapsed
from outer tube 18 through the complete disengagement of 55 orientation, and a second state with the at least one
guide blocks 76, 78 from recess 92 in lower fuselage section pair of legs in the extended orientation;
88 of UAV 16. the coupler releasably attaching the outer ends to the UAV
The above descriptions may have used terms such as above, when the at least one pair of legs is in the extended
below, top, bottom, over, under, etcetera. These terms may be orientation, the outer ends being free of the UAV when
used in the description and claims to aid understanding of the 60 the at least one pair of legs is in the collapsed orientation;
invention and not used in a limiting sense. and
While the present invention is disclosed by reference to the the biasing element is coupled to the at least one pair of legs
preferred embodiments and examples detailed above, it is to and biases the at least one pair of legs towards the col
be understood that these examples are intended in an illustra lapsed orientation.
tive rather than in a limiting sense. It is contemplated that 65 4. The UAV attachment assembly according to claim 3,
modifications and combinations will occur to those skilled in wherein the retainer is operably coupled to the biasing ele
the art, which modifications and combinations will be within ment through the at least one pair of legs.
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5. The UAV attachment assembly according to claim 3, 11. The UAV launch system according to claim 10, wherein
wherein the retainer comprises a releasable connector cou the UAV has a lower surface and a recess formed therein for
pling the frame to at least one of the outer ends. receipt of the outer ends of the legs.
6. The UAV attachment assembly according to claim 3, 12. The UAV launch system according to claim 11, wherein
wherein the retainer comprises a ruptureable member. the lower Surface comprises a skid plate.
7. The UAV attachment assembly according to claim 6, 13. An unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) launch system
wherein at least one of the base ends has a downwardly comprising:
extending hook finger to which the ruptureable member is a UAV having a fuselage and a push type propeller extend
engaged so to maintain the UAV Support in the vertically ing aft of the fuselage;
extended orientation. 10
8. The UAV attachment assembly according to claim 3, a UAV launch assembly comprising a frame and a launch
wherein the coupler comprises a telescoping structure includ driver supported by the frame, the launch driver com
ing a pin and a guide member slideably mounted to one prising an outer tube Supported by the frame and an inner
another, the pin secured to one of the outer ends and the guide pushrod slideably mounted within the outer tube:
member secured to the other of the outer ends. 15 a UAV attachment assembly comprising:
9. The UAV attachment assembly according to claim 3, a base mounted to the pushrod;
wherein the biasing element comprises a torsion spring a UAV support mounted to the base, the UAV support
engaging the at least one pair of legs and the base. comprising a Scissors assembly, the Scissors assembly
10. An unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) launch system comprising:
comprising: at least one pair of legs, each pair of legs comprising
a UAV: first and second legs pivotally secured to one
a UAV launch assembly comprising a frame and a launch another at a pivot point located along the first and
driver supported by the frame, the launch driver being Second legs;
capable of generating a launching force along a launch the at least one pair legs having outer ends and base
path relative to the frame; 25
ends; and
a UAV attachment assembly comprising:
a base operably coupled to the launch driver; the at least one pair of legs being movable between the
first and second legs pivotally secured to one another at vertically collapsed orientation towards the base
a pivot point located along the first and second legs; and the vertically extended orientation extending
the first and second legs movable about the pivot point 30 away from the base;
between a collapsed orientation towards the base and the base ends mounted to the base for sliding movement
an extended orientation extending away from the along the base between a first state with the at least
base; one pair of legs in the collapsed orientation, and a
the first and second legs having outer ends and base ends, second State with the at least one pair of legs in the
the base ends mounted to the base; and 35 extended orientation;
at least one of the base ends mounted to the base for the outer ends being releasably attachable to the UAV
sliding movement along the base between a first state when the at least one pair of legs is in the extended
with the legs in the collapsed orientation, and a second orientation;
state with the legs in the extended orientation; the outer ends being free of the UAV when the at least
a biasing element coupled to the legs and biasing the legs 40 one pair of legs is in the collapsed orientation;
towards the collapsed orientation; a biasing element is coupled to the at least one pair of
a coupler releasably coupling the outer ends of the legs to legs and biases the at least one pair of legs towards the
the UAV when in the extended orientation, the outer collapsed orientation; and
ends of the legs being free of the UAV when in the a retainer operably coupled to the at least one pair of legs to
collapsed orientation; and 45
a retainer operably coupled to the first and second legs to maintain the at least one pair of legs in the extended orienta
maintain the first and second legs in the extended orien tion prior to launch, and to release the at least one pair of legs
tation prior to launch, and to release the first and second upon launch so that the biasing element can cause the at least
legs upon launch so that the biasing element can cause one pair of legs to move towards the collapsed orientation and
the legs to move towards the collapsed orientation and to 50 to disengage from the UAV.
disengage from the UAV. k k k k k