Device and method for sharing a payload between two vehicles

One or more embodiments of a device and a method are disclosed for sharing a payload. The device comprises an interior shell receiving therein a vehicle and comprising at least one payload receiving unit suitable for receiving a corresponding payload; an outside shell surrounding the interior shell and comprising at least one opening for transferring a payload between inside and outside of the outside shell; a securing member located for securing the outside shell with a mating member located on another device; a controllable biasing member connected to the interior shell and to the outside shell and operable between a biasing state and a free state wherein the interior shell is moveable with respect to the outside shell and wherein a transfer of is achieved by operating the biasing member in the free state, moving the interior shell with respect to the outside shell and transferring the payload.

FIELD

One or more embodiments of the invention relate to operating a vehicle. More precisely, one or more embodiments of the invention pertain to a device and a method for sharing a payload between two vehicles.

BACKGROUND

Being able to share a payload between two vehicles, especially autonomous vehicles, is of great interest.

Features of the invention will be apparent from review of the disclosure, drawings and description of the invention below.

BRIEF SUMMARY

According to a broad aspect of the present technology, there is disclosed a device for enabling a vehicle to share a payload with another vehicle, the device comprising an interior shell receiving therein a vehicle, the interior shell further comprising at least one payload receiving unit, each payload receiving unit suitable for receiving a corresponding payload; an outside shell surrounding the interior shell, the outside shell comprising at least one opening sized and shaped for transferring a given payload between inside and outside of the outside shell; a securing member located on the outside shell and for securing the outside shell with a corresponding mating member located on another device with which a transfer of a payload has to be performed; a controllable biasing member connected to the interior shell and to the outside shell, the biasing member being operable between a biasing state wherein the outside shell is rigidly connected with the interior shell and a free state wherein the interior shell is moveable with respect to the outside shell along at least one given axis and wherein a transfer of the payload is achieved by at least securing the outside shell of the device using the securing member with another device, operating the biasing member in the free state, moving the interior shell with respect to the outside shell using the vehicle and transferring the payload accordingly.

According to one or more embodiments, the outside shell surrounds partially the interior shell.

According to one or more embodiments, the outside shell fully surrounds the interior shell.

According to one or more embodiments, the outside shell has a spherical shape.

According to one or more embodiments, the interior shell has a spherical shape.

According to one or more embodiments, the vehicle is selected from a group consisting of a flying vehicle, a ground vehicle and an underwater vehicle.

According to one or more embodiments, the flying vehicle is one of a drone, a flying car and a car drone.

According to one or more embodiments, the ground vehicle operates on one of sand and snow.

According to one or more embodiments, the ground vehicle comprises at least one moving mechanism, each of the at least one moving mechanism abutting an interior of the interior shell and causing the device to roll accordingly.

According to one or more embodiments, the at least one opening of the outside shell is sized and shaped for enabling another vehicle to enter inside the outside shell, further wherein the payload transfer is performed while the other vehicle is located inside the outside shell.

According to one or more embodiments, the outside shell comprises means for flexibly attaching the outside shell of another vehicle

According to one or more embodiments, a payload transfer is achieved by performing at least one of a rotation, an acceleration and a deceleration following attachment of two vehicles.

According to a broad aspect of the present technology, there is disclosed a device for a vehicle, the device comprising an interior shell receiving therein a vehicle; an outside shell surrounding the interior shell; at least one securing member located on the outside shell, each of the at least one securing member for securing the outside shell with a corresponding mating member located on another vehicle; a controllable biasing member connected to the interior shell and to the outside shell, the biasing member being operable between a biasing state wherein the outside shell is rigidly connected with the interior shell and a free state wherein the interior shell is moveable with respect to the outside shell along at least one given axis; and wherein a connection may be performed between at least two vehicles using the at least one securing member by operating the biasing member in the free state and moving the interior shell with respect to the outside shell using the vehicle.

An advantage of one or more embodiments of the device disclosed herein is that it enables a vehicle to share a payload while the vehicle is in operation.

Another advantage of one or more embodiments of the device disclosed is that the device can be used with any type of vehicle thanks to the interior shell on which the vehicle is fixed to.

Another advantage of one or more embodiments of the device disclosed is that it may enable to achieve distributive propulsion by associating together a plurality of vehicles.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In the following description of the embodiments, references to the accompanying drawings are by way of illustration of an example by which one or more embodiments of the invention may be practiced.

Terms

A reference to “another embodiment” or “another aspect” in describing an embodiment does not imply that the referenced embodiment is mutually exclusive with another embodiment (e.g., an embodiment described before the referenced embodiment), unless expressly specified otherwise.

The term “e.g.” and like terms mean “for example,” and thus do not limit the terms or phrases they explain. For example, in a sentence “the computer sends data (e.g., instructions, a data structure) over the Internet,” the term “e.g.” explains that “instructions” are an example of “data” that the computer may send over the Internet, and also explains that “a data structure” is an example of “data” that the computer may send over the Internet. However, both “instructions” and “a data structure” are merely examples of “data,” and other things besides “instructions” and “a data structure” can be “data.”

The term “i.e.” and like terms mean “that is,” and thus limit the terms or phrases they explain.

Neither the Title nor the Abstract is to be taken as limiting in any way as the scope of the disclosed invention(s). The title of the present application and headings of sections provided in the present application are for convenience only, and are not to be taken as limiting the disclosure in any way.

With all this in mind, one or more embodiments of the present invention are directed to a device and a method for sharing a payload between two vehicles.

It will be appreciated that the payload may be of various types. In one embodiment, the payload comprises a battery suitable for providing electrical energy to a vehicle. In fact it will be appreciated that the payload is a load carried by the vehicle which may or may not be necessary for the operation of the vehicle.

It will be appreciated that the vehicle may be of various types as further explained below.

In fact, it will be appreciated that the vehicle may be selected from a group consisting of flying vehicles, ground vehicles and underwater vehicles.

In the case where the vehicle is a flying vehicle, the flying vehicle may be one of a drone, a flying car and a car drone. The skilled addressee will appreciate that various embodiments may be possible for the drone, the flying car and the car drone. For instance and in the case where the flying vehicle is a drone, the flying vehicle may be a multirotor, such as for instance a quadcopter. The skilled addressee will appreciate that various alternative embodiments may be possible for the drone.

In the case where the vehicle is a ground vehicle, it will be appreciated that the ground vehicle may operate on any type of surface, such as for instance sand and snow.

In fact and in one embodiment, the ground vehicle comprises at least one moving mechanism, each of the at least one moving mechanism abutting an interior of an interior shell disclosed below and causing the device to roll accordingly.

It will be appreciated that the vehicle comprises an interior shell. The interior shell is sized and shaped to receive therein the vehicle.

Moreover, the interior shell further comprises at least one payload receiving unit, each payload receiving unit suitable for receiving a corresponding payload. In one embodiment, the interior shell comprises a payload receiving unit suitable for receiving a plurality of payloads.

It will be appreciated by the skilled addressee that the interior shell may have various shapes. For instance and in one embodiment, the interior shell has a spherical shape. In another embodiment, the interior shape has a substantially planar shape, such as one defining an elongated rectangle for instance.

It will be appreciated that the interior shape may or may not have a porous structure, i.e., one that does or does not allow air travel within. The skilled addressee will appreciate that a porous structure may be required in the case where the vehicle is a multirotor for instance.

It will be further appreciated that the interior shell may be made of various materials depending on the vehicle. For instance, the interior shell may be selected from a group consisting of plastic, aluminum, etc.

As mentioned above, it will be appreciated that the interior shell further comprises at least one payload receiving unit. The payload receiving unit is sized and shaped to receive at least one corresponding payload. The skilled addressee will appreciate that the payload receiving unit may have various shapes, such as one suitable for instance for receiving a payload having shape selected from a group consisting of a cube and a cylinder. In fact, the skilled addressee will appreciate that since numerous embodiments may be provided for the payload, numerous corresponding embodiments may be provided for the corresponding payload receiving unit suitable for receiving the corresponding payload.

It will be appreciated that the payload receiving unit comprises means for selectively releasing the payload. In fact it will be appreciated that the payload receiving unit may have various states. In a first state, the payload receiving unit stores or keeps secure the payload and the payload is therefore not free to move away from the payload receiving unit. In a second state, the payload receiving unit does not restrict a motion of a corresponding payload stored within. It will be appreciated that in such state, the payload receiving unit is also capable of receiving a corresponding payload from another device.

It will be appreciated that the device further comprises an outside shell.

The outside shell surrounds the interior shell. It will be appreciated that in one or more embodiments, the outside shell surrounds partially the interior shell, i.e., it surrounds only a portion of the interior shell. In one or more other embodiments, the outside shell fully surrounds the interior shell.

It will be appreciated by the skilled addressee that the outside shell may also have various shapes depending on an application sought. For instance and in one embodiment, the outside shell has a spherical shape. In another embodiment, the outside shape has a substantially planar shape, such as one defining an elongated rectangle for instance.

It will be appreciated that the outside shell may or may not have a porous structure, i.e., one that does or does not allow air to travel within. The skilled addressee will appreciate that a porous structure may be required if the vehicle is a multirotor for instance.

It will be further appreciated that the outside shell comprises at least one opening sized and shaped for transferring a given payload between inside and outside of the outside shell. It will be appreciated that the at least one opening may or may not be permanent.

In one or more embodiments, the outside shell further comprises an opening suitable for receiving another device of a smaller size, as further explained and illustrated below. In fact and in such embodiment, the other, smaller vehicle will enter into the outside shell and a payload will be shared accordingly.

It will be appreciated that the device further comprises a securing member. More precisely, the securing member is located on the outside shell and is used for securing the outside shell of the device with a corresponding mating member located on another device with which a transfer of a payload has to be performed.

It will be appreciated that the securing member may be of various types.

The device further comprises a controllable biasing member. The controllable biasing member is connected to the interior shell and to the outside shell. In fact, the controllable biasing member is operable between a biasing state and a free state. It will be appreciated that in the biasing state, the outside shell is rigidly connected with the interior shell. This means that the outside shell cannot move with respect to the interior shell. It will be appreciated that in the free state, the interior shell is moveable with respect to the outside shell along at least one given axis. In one or more other embodiments, the interior shell is moveable with respect to the outside shell along more than one given axis.

It will be appreciated that a transfer of the payload from one device to another device is performed, in one or more embodiments, by at least securing the outside shell of the device using the securing member with another device, operating the biasing member in the free state, moving the interior shell with respect to the outside shell using the vehicle and transferring the payload accordingly. It will be appreciated that in one embodiment the payload transfer may be achieved by performing at least one of a rotation, an acceleration and a deceleration following the attachment of the two vehicles.

In one or more embodiments of the device, the outside shell further comprises means for flexibly attaching to the outside shell of another vehicle.

It will be appreciated that various embodiments of the device may be provided as further explained below.

First Embodiment of a Device for Sharing a Payload Between Two Vehicles

In this first embodiment, the device22is used for enabling a vehicle to share a payload with another vehicle in the embodiment wherein the two vehicles are flying vehicles. More specifically the flying vehicles are quadcopters in this specific embodiment.

Now referring toFIG.1, it will be appreciated that an interior shell1receives therein a vehicle2. The vehicle2is fixedly mounted to the interior shell1.

Now referring toFIG.17, there is shown how the vehicle2is mounted on a portion of the interior shell1. It will be appreciated by the skilled addressee that the vehicle2may be mounted to the interior shell1according to various alternative embodiments known to the skilled addressee.

Now referring back toFIG.1, the interior shell1comprises at least one payload receiving unit4. In this specific embodiment, the payload receiving unit4is capable of receiving four payloads, an example of which is payload5. It will be appreciated that in this embodiment, the four payloads are evenly spaced on the payload receiving unit4. The skilled addressee will appreciate that various alternative embodiments may be possible.

It will be appreciated that the payload receiving unit4may selectively release at least one of the payloads. The payload may be retained on the payload receiving unit4and selectively released using various means, such as for instance mechanical means, magnetic means, etc.

An outside shell6surrounds the interior shell1. The outside shell6comprises at least one opening7sized and shaped for transferring a given payload between inside and outside of the outside shell6. It will be appreciated that in this specific embodiment the at least one opening7has a circular shape. The skilled addressee will appreciate that alternatively the at least one opening7may have another shape.

A securing member8is located on the outside shell6and is used for securing the outside shell6of the device22with a corresponding mating member located on another similar device, not shown, with which a transfer of a payload has to be performed.

A controllable biasing member10is connected to the interior shell1and to the outside shell6and is operable between a biasing state, wherein the outside shell6is rigidly connected with the interior shell1and a free state wherein the interior shell1is moveable with respect to the outside shell6along at least one given axis11.

Now referring toFIG.4, there is shown an embodiment of the interior shell1of the device22. The skilled addressee will appreciate that various alternative embodiments may be possible for the interior shell1of the device22.

Now referring toFIG.5, there is shown an embodiment of the outside shell6of the device22. It will be appreciated that the outside shell6comprises grooves13and14, each of which is adapted for receiving the controllable biasing member10of the interior shell1which comprises a slider sized and shaped for moving within the grooves13and14. The grooves13and14enable a motion of the interior shell1with respect to the outside shell6around two axes which are perpendicular one with respect to the other. While two grooves have been illustrated, it will be appreciated by the skilled addressee that more than two grooves may be provided in an alternative embodiment to provide more options. For instance six grooves may be alternatively used.

It will be therefore appreciated that the interior shell1may move in a controlled fashion with respect to the outside shell6when the controllable biasing member10is operated in the free state and the interior shell1may be secured at a desirable position when the controllable biasing member10is operated in the biasing state.

The skilled addressee will appreciate that various alternative embodiments may be possible for the outside shell6. In particular, while the outside shell6has been illustrated with a spherical shape, the skilled addressee will appreciate that various alternative embodiments may be provided for the shape of the outside shell6.

It will be appreciated that the device22may be secured to another device22according to various embodiments.

Now referring toFIG.36, there is shown an embodiment for securing two devices22together. Each outside shell6of a corresponding device comprises at least one securing member8used for securing the outside shell6with another corresponding mating member. In the embodiment shown inFIG.36, the securing member8comprises a hook.

The skilled addressee will also appreciate that various alternative embodiments may be possible for the securing member8. It will be appreciated that an appropriate yawing motion may cause the two devices22to be secured to one another once each hook is engaged with a corresponding one on the other device22. An opposite yawing motion will cause the two devices22to become unclipped from one another.

It will be further appreciated that each device22may have a removable cover70on the outside shell6in accordance with one embodiment disclosed inFIG.37. It will be appreciated that the removable cover70has to be removed prior to clipping the device22with another device22. The removable cover70is then returned to its original position after the payload sharing is completed and the devices22are unclipped.

Now referring toFIG.18, there is shown a portion of the outside shell6illustrating shell grooves13and14and a slider, which is an element of the controllable biasing member10, inserted in the shell groove14.

Now referring toFIG.19, there is shown how the slider, which is an element of the controllable biasing member10, may be clipped in the outside shell6in accordance with another embodiment and using additional groves. The clipping may be performed by moving outwardly the slider in a desired resting position.

The skilled addressee will appreciate that various alternative embodiments may be provided for securing the interior shell1with respect to the outside shell6.

It will be appreciated that a transfer of the payload5between two devices may be achieved by at least securing the outside shell6of the device22using the securing member8with another outside shell of another device, not shown, operating the controllable biasing member10in the free state, moving the interior shell1of the device22with respect to the outside shell6of the device22along the grooves13,14using the vehicle2and transferring the payload5accordingly.

Now referring toFIG.22, there is illustrated how the swapping of a payload may be performed between two devices, respectively device60and device62. It will be appreciated that the corresponding outside shell of each of the two devices60and62has been removed for clarity purposes.

According to a first step, the outside shell6of the device60, not shown, is secured to another outside shell, not shown, of another device62using the securing member8, also not shown.

According to a second step, the payload is released by the first device62located above the second device60.

It will be appreciated that, thanks to gravity, the payload will fall via the opening7into the payload receiving unit of the second device60, as shown in a third step.

According to a fourth step, the securing member8, not shown, is released and the two devices60and62are separated accordingly.

It will be appreciated that one of the devices, i.e., device60, may release another payload if the device60has at least one remaining payload, such as a battery, or the other device62has another empty slot.

Now referring toFIG.23, it will be appreciated that the docking and the undocking steps shown inFIG.22may be avoided.

In fact, and as shown inFIG.23, a flipping “8 maneuver” may be used to avoid undocking and docking steps in the peer-to-peer payload swapping as shown in step4ofFIG.22.

It will be appreciated that the idea is to flip the whole peer-to-peer system, i.e., the system comprises the device60and the device62, which looks like a number8, upside down instead of undocking and docking steps in the peer-to-peer payload swapping.

It will be therefore appreciated that drone A of the device60rolls to the right and reduces its propulsion, while drone B of the device62rolls to the left and increases its propulsion until the peer-to-peer system comes to a horizontal position as shown in the third step. After that, drone A of the device60reduces its propulsion while B of the device62increases its propulsion until the system is flipped completely upside down.

Now referring toFIG.24, it will be appreciated that the swapping of a payload may also be performed from the device62to the device60located above the device62against gravity.

It will be appreciated that the device and the methods disclosed for sharing a payload disclosed herein are of great advantage since they enable mid-air payload sharing for a variety of flying vehicles.

Second Embodiment of a Device for Sharing a Payload Between Two Vehicles

Now referring toFIG.2, there is shown another embodiment of a device21used for sharing a payload with another device.

It will be appreciated that, in this embodiment, the payload transfer between the device21and another device such as the device22shown inFIG.3is performed while the other device22is located inside the first device21.

In this embodiment, the outside shell1of the device21therefore comprises at least one opening20sized and shaped for enabling the other device22, substantially smaller, to which is secured a vehicle to enter inside the outside shell1of the device21. It will be appreciated that, in one embodiment, the at least one opening20may be covered by a cover such as the cover70shown inFIG.37.

It will be appreciated that such embodiment requires the other device22to be substantially smaller than the device21.

Now referring toFIG.3, there is shown an embodiment with the other device22located inside the first device21.

Now referring toFIG.6, there is shown an embodiment of the interior shell1of the device21. It will be appreciated that the interior shell1of the device21comprises the controllable biasing member10which comprises a slider.

Now referring toFIG.7, there is shown an embodiment of the outside shell23of the device21. It will be appreciated that the outside shell23comprises grooves24and25, each adapted for receiving a corresponding controllable biasing member10, comprising a slider, of the interior shell1. It will be therefore appreciated that the interior shell1may move in controlled fashion with respect to the outside shell23and may be secured at a desirable position with respect to the interior shell1thanks to the controllable biasing member10. While two grooves have been illustrated in this embodiment, it will be appreciated that more than two grooves may be provided in an alternative embodiment to provide more options. For instance, six grooves may be alternatively used.

The skilled addressee will appreciate that various alternative embodiments may be possible for the outside shell23. In particular, while the outside shell23has a spherical shape, the skilled addressee will appreciate that various alternative embodiments may be provided for the shape of the outside shell23.

Now referring toFIG.20, there is shown how a transfer of a payload is achieved from the device21to the device22.

It will be appreciated that in this embodiment the interior shell1of the device21comprises at least one tunnel, an example of which is tunnel23, which is used for channeling a payload from the device21to a corresponding payload receiving unit located in the interior shell1of the device22.

Now referring toFIG.21, there is shown how a transfer of a payload is achieved from the device22to the device21. It will be appreciated that in this embodiment the interior shell1of the device21comprises at least one tunnel, an example of which is tunnel24, which is used for channeling a payload from the device22to a corresponding payload receiving unit located in the interior shell of the device21.

It will be appreciated that in both cases shown inFIGS.20and21, the device22is positioned at a precise given position suitable for performing the corresponding payload sharing. The skilled addressee will appreciate that various alternative embodiments may be provided for sharing the payloads between the device21and the device22.

Now referring toFIG.16, there are shown three different embodiments used for securing the device22to the device21. The skilled addressee will appreciate that various alternative embodiments may be provided.

Now referring toFIG.25, there is shown another embodiment for enabling two devices to share a payload. In this embodiment, a device30receives a smaller device32. The device30comprises inter alia an outside shell33and an interior shell34.

It will be appreciated that, once the device32is located inside the device30, the interior shell34may be moved with respect to the outside shell33as disclosed inFIG.25and the payload sharing may then happen. The device30may be a standalone device or may be carried by another flying vehicle such as for instance a helicopter, a balloon or a drone.

It will be appreciated that the embodiments of the device may be of great advantage for sharing payloads with a plurality of smaller devices.

Third Embodiment of a Device for Sharing a Payload Between Two Vehicles

Now referring toFIGS.8,9,10and11, there is shown another embodiment of a device which may be used for sharing a payload with another device in the case where the vehicle on which each of the two devices is mounted is a four-wheeled vehicle.

The device comprises an interior shell1receiving therein the vehicle. The interior shell1further comprises at least one payload receiving unit4. Each payload receiving unit4is suitable for receiving a corresponding payload5. In the embodiment illustrated in those figures, two payloads may be provided per device.

It will be appreciated that the device further comprises an outside shell6surrounding the interior shell1. It will be further appreciated that a securing member8located on the outside shell6is used for securing the outside shell6with a corresponding mating member located on another device with which a transfer of payload has to be performed.

As shown inFIG.8, a server40approaches a client42. In this embodiment, the server40has an empty slot available for receiving a payload from the client42. Each of the server40and the client42comprises a device for sharing a payload as explained above.

As shown inFIG.9, the server40connects to the client42using its outside shell6and the securing member8. The client42drops a payload on its outside shell1. Both controllable biasing members10of each of the client42and the server40are operated to be in a free state causing the outside shell6of each of the client42and the server40to be moveable with respect to its respective interior shell1of each of the client42and the server40.

Both the client42and the server40then move forward. In other words, there is a respective motion of the interior shell6with respect to the outside shell1for each of the client42and the server40.

As shown inFIG.10, the server40then picks up the payload located on the outside shell6and then drops the other payload.

As shown inFIG.11, both the client42and the server40move backward so the client42can pick up the payload on the outside shell6. It will be appreciated that both the client42and the server40move forward to return to their default position as shown inFIG.9. The controllable biasing member is then operated in the biasing state, and the client42and the server40disconnect themselves since the payload swapping is now completed.

It will be appreciated that the purpose ofFIGS.8-11is to illustrate the concept of sharing a payload between two devices in the embodiment where the vehicle on which is mounted each of the two devices is a four-wheeled vehicle. The skilled addressee will therefore appreciate that many embodiments may be provided for each of the interior shell6, the outside shell1, the controllable biasing member10, the payload receiving unit4, the securing member8, etc.

Fourth Embodiment of a Device for Sharing a Payload Between Two Vehicles

Now referring respectively toFIGS.12,13,14and15, there are shown another embodiment of the device which may be used for sharing a payload with another device in the case where the vehicle is a four-wheeled vehicle.

It will be appreciated that in this embodiment an assembly comprising device46with a corresponding vehicle is substantially larger than an assembly comprising device44with a corresponding vehicle.

According to a first step shown inFIG.12, the device44approaches the device46.

According to a second step shown inFIG.13, device44is secured to the device46via the outside shell6of the device44. The controllable biasing member10of the device44is operated to be in the free state such that the interior shell1of the device44is moveable with respect to the outside shell6of the device44. The device44then moves forward. In other terms, the vehicle to which the interior shell1is secured moves forward with respect to the outside shell6of the device44.

According to a third step shown inFIG.14, the payload receiving unit4of the device44drops a payload and according to a fourth step shown inFIG.15, the vehicle to which the interior shell1of the device44is secured moves backwards with respect the outside shell6to pick up a payload. The device44returns to its default position as shown inFIG.13, the controllable biasing member10of the device44is operated in the biasing state and the device44unclips from the device46.

It will be appreciated that the purpose ofFIGS.12-15is to illustrate the concept of sharing a payload between two devices in the embodiment where the vehicle on which each of the two devices is mounted is a four-wheeled vehicle. The skilled addressee will therefore appreciate that many embodiments may be provided for each of the interior shell6, the outside shell1, the controllable biasing member10, the payload receiving unit4, the securing member8, etc.

Fifth Embodiment of a Device for Sharing a Payload Between Two Vehicles

Now referring toFIGS.32,33,34and35, there is shown another embodiment wherein the device may be used for sharing a payload with another device in the case where the vehicle is a moving mechanism used for creating a rolling sphere.

As shown inFIG.32, devices50and52are connected via the securing member8, not shown. It will be appreciated that in each of the devices50and52, a moving mechanism3, which might include a wheel, a pendulum. etc, is abutting the interior shell1and causes a resulting rolling sphere to move, as known to the skilled addressee.

It will be appreciated that each of the devices50and52has an outside shell6comprising an opening7sized and shaped for transferring a given payload between inside and outside of the outside shell6. There is also disclosed an embodiment of the payload receiving unit4which is adapted for receiving a corresponding payload.

Now referring toFIG.33, there is shown how each device50and52is tilted while being connected with one another. This may be performed by first connecting each of the outside shell of the devices50and52via a securing member, then actuating the controllable biasing member, not shown, of each of the devices50and52in the free state and moving accordingly each interior shell1with respect to its corresponding outside shell6so that the desired position is obtained. It will be appreciated that the controllable biasing member, not shown, of each of the devices50and52may then be actuated in the biasing state to maintain the desired position.

As shown inFIG.34, it will be appreciated that a rotation of each of the devices50and52may then create a centrifugal force which will cause a payload to transfer outside the device50. The payload will may then be received within the device52.

It will be appreciated that that at some point both the device50and the device52may return to a horizontal position. This may be performed by actuating the controllable biasing member of each of the devices50and52in the free state, moving each of the interior shell1with respect to its corresponding outside shell6such that a desired horizontal position is obtained, and then actuating the controllable biasing member of each of the devices50and52in the biasing state. The payload received in the device52may then be secured in the payload receiving unit4.

The skilled addressee will appreciate that various alternative embodiments may be provided for the device when the vehicle3is a rolling ball and that the embodiments disclosed inFIG.32-35are only provided to illustrate the concept of sharing a payload with such vehicles.

Sixth Embodiment of a Device for Sharing a Payload Between Two Vehicles

It will be appreciated that the device disclosed above may be used for performing a peer-to-peer clipping for achieving distributive propulsion in the embodiment where the vehicle is a flying vehicle as disclosed inFIGS.39,40,41and42. Various shapes may be formed with a plurality of devices.

Each device is provided with at least one securing member, not shown inFIGS.39,40and41, located on its outside shell. Each securing member is used for securing the outside shell with a corresponding mating member located on another device. The skilled addressee will appreciate that various shapes may be obtained as shown for instance inFIG.42.

Seventh Embodiment of a Device for Sharing a Payload Between Two Vehicles

It will be appreciated that the device disclosed above may also be used with flying cars.

For instanceFIG.26shows an embodiment of a flying car which may be integrated into an embodiment of the device.

Now referring toFIG.27, it will be appreciated that a payload may be swapped between two vehicles which are flying cars and are each integrated in the device.

Also it will be appreciated, as shown inFIG.28, that flying cars may be connected together using the device and the methods disclosed above.

A sample connection15of the flying cars is also illustrated atFIG.29.

Many types of connection15between flying cars may be achieved thanks to the device. For instance, a train-like connection15of the flying cars is illustrated inFIG.30. InFIG.31a circle connection15of the flying cars is illustrated. This may be of great advantage for achieving distributive propulsion.

It will be further appreciated by the skilled addressee that when individual systems are connected as distributive propulsion such as the train-like series or circle connection15disclosed in respectivelyFIGS.29and30, a peer-to-peer payload swapping may be executed first between two neighbouring peers and consecutively to a next neighbour until the last system. This means that, using the method disclosed herein, it is possible to do a distant payload-swapping, or transfer, because a payload may be transferred from a system on one end of the connection15to the other end through peer-to-peer payload-swapping.

It will be appreciated thatFIGS.26-31are provided to illustrate various concepts. The skilled addressee will appreciate that various alternative embodiments may be provided.

As illustrated above, it will be appreciated that one or more embodiments of the device disclosed herein are of great advantage for various reasons.

A first advantage of one or more embodiments of the device disclosed is that it enables two vehicles to share a payload.

Another advantage of one or more embodiments of the device disclosed is that it may enable achievement of distributive propulsion by associating together a plurality of vehicles.

Clause 1. A device for enabling a vehicle to share a payload with another vehicle, the device comprising:

an interior shell receiving therein a vehicle, the interior shell further comprising at least one payload receiving unit, each payload receiving unit suitable for receiving a corresponding payload;

an outside shell surrounding the interior shell, the outside shell comprising at least one opening sized and shaped for transferring a given payload between inside and outside of the outside shell;

a securing member located on the outside shell and for securing the outside shell with a corresponding mating member located on another device with which a transfer of a payload has to be performed;

a controllable biasing member connected to the interior shell and to the outside shell, the biasing member being operable between a biasing state wherein the outside shell is rigidly connected with the interior shell and a free state wherein the interior shell is moveable with respect to the outside shell along at least one given axis; and

wherein a transfer of the payload is achieved by at least securing the outside shell of the device using the securing member with another device, operating the biasing member in the free state, moving the interior shell with respect to the outside shell using the vehicle and transferring the payload accordingly.

Clause 2. The device as claimed in clause 1, wherein the outside shell surrounds partially the interior shell.

Clause 3. The device as claimed in clause 1, wherein the outside shell fully surrounds the interior shell.

Clause 4. The device as claimed in clause 1, wherein the outside shell has a spherical shape.

Clause 5. The device as claimed in clause 1, wherein the interior shell has a spherical shape.

Clause 6. The device as claimed in any one of clauses 1 to 5, wherein the vehicle is selected from a group consisting of a flying vehicle, a ground vehicle and an underwater vehicle.

Clause 7. The device as claimed in clause 6, wherein the flying vehicle is one of a drone, a flying car and a car drone.

Clause 8. The device as claimed in clause 6, wherein the ground vehicle operates on one of one of sand and snow.

Clause 9. The device as claimed in clause 6, wherein the ground vehicle comprises at least one moving mechanism, each of the at least one moving mechanism abutting an interior of the interior shell and causing the device to roll accordingly.

Clause 10. The device as claimed in any one of clauses1to9, wherein the at least one opening of the outside shell is sized and shaped for enabling another vehicle to enter inside the outside shell, further wherein the payload transfer is performed while the other vehicle is located inside the outside shell.

Clause 11. The device as claimed in any one of clauses1to9, wherein the outside shell comprises means for flexibly attaching the outside shell of another vehicle

Clause 12. The device as claimed in clause 11, wherein a payload transfer is achieved by performing at least one of a rotation, an acceleration and a deceleration following attachment of two vehicles.

Clause 13. The device as claimed in any one of clauses1to12, wherein the payload comprises a battery suitable for providing electrical energy to the vehicle.

Clause 14. The device as claimed in clause 1, wherein the outside shell further comprises an opening suitable for receiving another device of a smaller size.

Clause 15. A device for a vehicle, the device comprising:

an interior shell receiving therein a vehicle;

an outside shell surrounding the interior shell;

at least one securing member located on the outside shell, each of the at least one securing member for securing the outside shell with a corresponding mating member located on another device;

a controllable biasing member connected to the interior shell and to the outside shell, the biasing member being operable between a biasing state wherein the outside shell is rigidly connected with the interior shell and a free state wherein the interior shell is moveable with respect to the outside shell along at least one given axis; and

wherein a connection may be performed between at least two vehicles using the at least one securing member by operating the biasing member in the free state and moving the interior shell with respect to the outside shell using the vehicle.

Although the above description relates to a specific preferred embodiment as presently contemplated by the inventor, it will be understood that the invention in its broad aspect includes functional equivalents of the elements described herein.