Patent ID: 9623783
Date: 2017-04-18
CPC Classifications: B60P,B60R

Claim:
1. A remotely-operated storage and deployment system for a robotic vehicle comprising: a frame structure that includes a top wall; a carrier sized to hold and enclose the robotic vehicle, the carrier comprising a ramp and a bottom wall moveable between a closed position and an open position in which the robotic vehicle can drive into or out of the carrier, the carrier further comprising side walls on opposing sides of the ramp and bottom wall; a lifting device connected to the carrier and to the frame structure for moving at least the side walls, bottom wall, and ramp of the carrier between a raised position in which the side walls, bottom wall, and ramp of the carrier is raised relative to a ground surface and the frame structure and a lowered position in which the side walls, bottom wall, and ramp of the carrier is lowered relative to the ground surface and the frame structure, wherein the lifting device holds the ramp and bottom wall in the closed position when the carrier is not in the lowered position, wherein the lifting device enables movement of the ramp and bottom wall between the closed position and the open position when the carrier is in the lowered position for allowing the robotic vehicle to drive into or out of the carrier, and wherein the bottom wall, top wall, side walls, and ramp enclose the robotic vehicle when the carrier is in the raised position; and a remote-controlled motor connected to the lifting device for allowing the carrier to be moved, by a remotely-located operator, between the raised position and the lowered position.