Patent ID: 9242714
Filing Date: 2016-01-26
CPC Classification: A63H,B64C,B64D,G05D

Claim Text:
1. A transformable aerial vehicle, the vehicle comprising: a central body comprising a flight control system and supporting a payload beneath the central body; at least two transformable frame assemblies respectively disposed on the central body, each of the at least two transformable frame assemblies having a proximal portion coupled to the central body and a distal portion; an actuation assembly configured to transform the at least two transformable frame assemblies between a first configuration and a second configuration; and a plurality of propulsion units operable to move the transformable aerial vehicle, wherein the plurality of propulsion units are mounted on the at least two transformable frame assemblies, wherein the first configuration (1) permits the at least two transformable frame assemblies to support the transformable aerial vehicle resting on a surface with the payload not contacting the surface, (2) causes obstruction within a range of 360 degrees around the payload by the at least two transformable frame assemblies, and (3) positions the distal portion lower with respect to the central body, wherein the second configuration (1) provides a 360 degree angle around the payload that is unobstructed by the at least two transformable frame assemblies, and (2) positions the distal portion higher with respect to the central body, and wherein each of the plurality of propulsion units is configured to provide thrust along a thrust axis, said thrust axis being orthogonal to the surface in said first configuration.