Patent Publication Number: US-11655057-B1

Title: Mounts for unmanned aerial vehicles

Description:
TECHNICAL FIELD 
     The present technology is generally related to unmanned aerial vehicles (often referred to as “drones”), and particularly, to apparatuses and methods for supporting unmanned aerial vehicles that may be used in premises security systems. 
     BACKGROUND 
     Existing systems for supporting unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), such as ceiling mounted or wall mounted drone docking stations, may require complex and expensive installation in a premises, and furthermore, may not be suitable for various different structure types, ceiling types, wall types, etc. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       A more complete understanding of the present disclosure, and the attendant advantages and features thereof, will be more readily understood by reference to the following detailed description when considered in conjunction with the accompanying drawings wherein: 
         FIG.  1    is a block diagram that illustrates an example unmanned aerial vehicle docking station for a ceiling, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure; 
         FIG.  2    is a block diagram that illustrates another example unmanned aerial vehicle docking station for a ceiling, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure; 
         FIG.  3    is a block diagram that illustrates another example unmanned aerial vehicle docking station for a ceiling, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure; 
         FIG.  4    is a block diagram that illustrates another example unmanned aerial vehicle docking station for a ceiling, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure; 
         FIG.  5    is a block diagram that illustrates another example unmanned aerial vehicle docking station for a ceiling, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure; 
         FIG.  6    is a block diagram that illustrates another example unmanned aerial vehicle docking station for a ceiling, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure; 
         FIG.  7    is a flowchart that illustrates an example method for installing an apparatus for an example unmanned aerial vehicle docking station for a ceiling, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure; 
         FIG.  8    is another flowchart that illustrates an example method for installing an apparatus for an example unmanned aerial vehicle docking station for a ceiling, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure; 
         FIG.  9    is a block diagram that illustrates another example unmanned aerial vehicle docking station for a ceiling, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure; 
         FIG.  10    is a flowchart that illustrates an example method for installing an apparatus for an example unmanned aerial vehicle docking station for a wall, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure; and 
         FIG.  11    is a flowchart that illustrates an example method for installing an apparatus for an example unmanned aerial vehicle docking station for a ceiling, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     Before describing in detail exemplary embodiments, it is noted that the embodiments may reside in combinations of apparatus components and processing steps related to apparatuses and methods for supporting unmanned aerial vehicles in premises security systems. Accordingly, components have been represented where appropriate by conventional symbols in the drawings, focusing only on those specific details that facilitate understanding the embodiments so as not to obscure the disclosure with details that will be readily apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art having the benefit of the description herein. 
     As used herein, relational terms, such as “first” and “second,” “top” and “bottom,” and the like, may be used solely to distinguish one entity or element from another entity or element without necessarily requiring or implying any physical or logical relationship or order between such entities or elements. The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of the concepts described herein. As used herein, the singular forms “a”, “an” and “the” are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It will be further understood that the terms “comprises,” “comprising,” “includes” and/or “including” when used herein, specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements, and/or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and/or groups thereof. 
     In embodiments described herein, the joining term, “in communication with” and the like, may be used to indicate electrical or data communication, which may be accomplished by physical contact, induction, electromagnetic radiation, radio signaling, infrared signaling or optical signaling, for example. One having ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that multiple components may interoperate and modifications and variations are possible of achieving the electrical and data communication. 
     In some embodiments described herein, the term “coupled,” “connected,” and the like, may be used herein to indicate a connection, although not necessarily directly, and may include, e.g., wires, ropes, cabling, etc., which physically connects one or more elements, structures, apparatuses, etc. 
     In some embodiments described herein, the terms “top”, “bottom,” “upper”, “lower” etc., may be used to refer to a surface, structure, etc., being above or below a certain reference plane. This is done for ease of understanding the relationship among the components. For example, in the case of a panel which is horizontal and planar, an upper/top surface may face the ceiling/roof/sky/etc., while the bottom surface may face the floor/ground/etc. It is to be understood that the orientation of the reference plane (e.g., panel) may change, for example, if the panel were flipped 180-degrees along its horizontal axis, in which case “top”, “bottom,” “upper”, etc., may still be used to refer to opposite sides of the reference plane, although the “top” surface may face the ground and the “bottom” surface may face the roof. The phrase “about ‘value X,”’ or “approximately value X,” as used in the present disclosure means within 10% of the “value X.” For example, a value of about 1 or approximately 1 would mean a value in the range of 0.9-1.1. 
     The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of the concepts described herein. 
     Unless otherwise defined, all terms (including technical and scientific terms) used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this disclosure belongs. It will be further understood that terms used herein should be interpreted as having a meaning that is consistent with their meaning in the context of this specification and the relevant art and will not be interpreted in an idealized or overly formal sense unless expressly so defined herein. 
     Ceiling mounted unmanned aerial vehicles, e.g., unmanned aerial vehicles which mount (connectively couple) to a docking station (e.g., charging station) which is attached to a ceiling, present particular challenges. For example, an unmanned aerial vehicle may have a significant weight (e.g., 25 lbs.), which may require significant support to maintain stability and prevent the structure from becoming dislodged, e.g., during a fire emergency or structural failure. In some embodiments, a docking station may include a magnetic element which connectively couples to a corresponding magnetic element of an unmanned aerial vehicle. When an unmanned aerial vehicle undocks and decouples from the magnetic element of the docking station, it may cause a downward and/or upward force to be applied to the docking station. Similarly, when an unmanned aerial vehicle docks and couples its magnetic element to the magnetic element of the docking station, it may cause a downward and/or upward force to be applied to the docking station. Thus, for at least these reasons, a ceiling mounted docking station may experience significant upward and downward force and/or pressure (e.g., 50 lbs.), which may present particular challenges for stabilizing and securing the structure. Some embodiments of the present disclosure address these particular challenges by providing stabilizing and securing structures, as described herein. 
     Thus, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure, a ceiling bracing may allow for tension to be maintained while load bearing. In some embodiments, up to 50 lbs. may be supported. The ceiling bracing of some embodiments may allow for tension to also be applied upward. For example, upward pressure of up to 30 lbs. may be supported in some embodiments. This upward pressure may result, e.g., from magnetic docking of unmanned aerial vehicles with a docking station. The ceiling bracing of some embodiments may secure the unmanned aerial vehicle docking station to prevent it from moving substantially in any direction. This may be advantageous for serving as a solid base for installation. The ceiling bracing of some embodiments may reduce or eliminate ceiling substrate movement without necessarily affecting the grid structure of a ceiling. 
     Referring now to the drawing figures in which like reference designators refer to like elements,  FIG.  1    depicts a first example unmanned aerial vehicle docking station for a ceiling, according to embodiments of the present disclosure. 
     In the example of  FIG.  1   , a premises security system  10  includes a ceiling  12 , which includes a ceiling grid  14  and at least one ceiling element  16  secured by the ceiling grid  14 . In some embodiments, ceiling  12  is a suspended ceiling. In some embodiments, the ceiling element  16  is a ceiling tile. In some embodiments, the ceiling  12  is arranged in a substantially horizontal plane. The ceiling element  16  includes an exposed surface  18  (e.g., facing down, i.e., visible to a person standing below the ceiling), and a concealed surface  20  (e.g., facing up) opposite the exposed surface  18 . An unmanned aerial vehicle mounting bracket  21  is secured to the exposed surface  18  of the ceiling element  16 . The unmanned aerial vehicle mounting bracket  21 , which includes a top surface  22  and a bottom surface  23  opposite the top surface  22 , is configured and/or adapted to support and/or couple to an unmanned aerial vehicle docking station  24 , such as a magnetic unmanned aerial vehicle docking station  24 , for an unmanned aerial vehicle  25  in a premises security system  10 . 
     A panel  26  (e.g., a plywood sheet) may be affixed to the concealed surface  20  of the ceiling element  16 . In some embodiments, the panel  26  may be approximately the same size as the ceiling element  16 . In some embodiments, a bottom surface  28  of panel  26  may be affixed to the concealed surface  20  of the ceiling element  16 . The panel  26  includes a top surface  30  opposite the bottom surface  28 . The panel  26  may be affixed to the ceiling grid  14 , e.g., using fastening elements  32 . In some embodiments, anchoring elements  34  (e.g., eye bolts) may be affixed to panel  26 , e.g., the top surface  30  of panel  26 . At least one coupling  36  (e.g., hanger wire, rods, cabling, etc.) may couple the anchoring elements  34  to at least one structural support element  38  (e.g., red iron in the building structure). 
     The ceiling grid  14  may be secured to at least one structural element  38  via at least one coupling  40 . This may be the same and/or different at least one structural element  38  to which the coupling(s)  34  may be connected. 
     In some embodiments, it may be assumed that the ceiling  12 , ceiling element  16 , and/or ceiling grid  14  may be sized according to a standard size, but embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited to standard-sizes. For example, the ceiling  12  may conform to the standards of the International Building Code, and/or any other appropriate standard setting organization. 
     Referring to  FIG.  2   , which depicts an example of premises security system  10  depicted in  FIG.  1   , a ceiling grid  14  in a ceiling  12  includes main beams  42   a ,  42   b , and  42   c  (collectively, “main beams  42 ”) and cross beams  44   a ,  44   b , and  44   c  (collectively, “crossbeams  44 ”). In some embodiments, main beams  42  may be arranged in parallel to one another, and may be arranged perpendicular to one or more cross beams  44 . In some embodiments, main beams  42  and/or cross beams  44  may be “T”-shaped. 
     In some embodiments, a power supply  45  for the unmanned aerial vehicle docking station  24  may be affixed to the main beams  42 , the cross beams  44 , and/or panel  26 . 
     The main beams  42  and cross beams  44  may intersect at right angles in some embodiments. The main beams  42  and cross beams  44  may be affixed to one another according to a variety of suspended ceiling grid assembly techniques. Openings  48   a ,  48   b ,  48   c , and  48   d  (collectively, “openings  48 ”) are formed by the intersections of main beams  42  and cross beams  44 . The ceiling elements  16   a ,  16   b ,  16   c , and  16   d  (collectively, “ceiling elements  16 ”) are disposed in the respective openings  48   a ,  48   b ,  48   c , and  48   d , and may be secured to the main beams  42  and cross beams  44  according to a variety of ceiling assembly techniques. In some embodiments, the ceiling elements  16  are ceiling tiles, which may be made of any suitable material (e.g., mineral wool, fiberglass, gypsum, perlite, clay, cellulose, vinyl, starch, metal, glass, wood, Styrofoam, Polyvinyl chloride, urethane, plastic, cork, etc.). 
     Referring still to  FIG.  2   , panel  26 , which may be, for example, ¾ in. thick plywood cut to the shape of a ceiling element  16   a , is disposed on the concealed surface  20   a  of the respective ceiling element  16   a . Other thicknesses and dimensions for panel  26  may be used. In some embodiments, fastening elements  32  may affix the panels  26  to one or more of the adjacent main beams  42  and/or cross beams  44 . For example, fastening elements  32  may be driven through the main beams  42  into one or more sides  50  of respective panels  26 . Additionally, or alternatively, brackets may support and affix the panel  26  to the main beams  42  and/or cross beams  44 . 
     Referring still to  FIG.  2   , anchoring elements  34   a  and  34   b  (collectively “anchoring elements  34 ”) may be affixed to panel  26 , e.g., top surface  30  of panel  26 . Couplings  36   a  and  36   b  (e.g., hanger wire, rods, cabling, etc.) may couple the respective anchoring elements  34   a  and  34   b  to at least one structural support element  38  (e.g., red iron in the building structure). 
     Referring to  FIG.  3   , which illustrates an example modification of the embodiment illustrated in  FIG.  2   , the ceiling grid  14  may further include cross braces  54   a  and  54   b  (collectively, “cross braces  54 ”), which may include first ends  56   a  and  56   b  affixed to main beam  42   b  and second ends  58   a  and  58   b  affixed to main beam  42   c . The cross braces  54   a  and  54   b  may, in some embodiments, be perpendicular to the main beams  42  and/or parallel to the cross beams  44 . In some embodiments, the cross braces  54  may not be perpendicular or parallel to either main beams  42  or cross beams  44 . In some embodiments, the cross braces  54  may be formed of a metal material, and may be mounted to the ceiling grid  14  (e.g., to main beams  42   b  and  42   c , and/or to cross beams  44 ) via fastening elements  60   a  and  60   b , and  60   c  and  60   d , such as clips, e.g., attached to first ends  56   a  and  56   b  and second ends  58   a  and  58   b , respectively. In some embodiments, cross braces  54   a  and  54   b  may include apertures  57   a  and  57   b , respectively (and/or eye bolts or other anchoring hardware), which may be for receiving couplings  36   c  and  36   d , which may be coupled to structural support element  38 . In some embodiments, power supply  45  may be affixed to one or more of the cross braces  54 . In some embodiments, the cross braces  54  may be affixed to panel  26 , e.g., via fastening elements  61   a ,  62   b  (e.g., angle brackets). In some embodiments, the example of  FIG.  3    may be combined with the example of  FIG.  2    so as to provide additional support. 
       FIG.  4    illustrates another example embodiment of a premises security system  10  including a ceiling mounted unmanned aerial vehicle docking station  24 . In  FIG.  4   , the ceiling grid  14  is omitted from the illustration for clarity, but it is understood that the features of the premises security system  10  depicted in  FIG.  4    may apply to any of the systems  10  depicted in  FIG.  1   ,  FIG.  2   , or  FIG.  3   . 
     In the example of  FIG.  4   , a ceiling element  16 , e.g., a ceiling tile, is disposed between an unmanned aerial vehicle mounting bracket  21  and a panel  26 . In some non-limiting embodiments the ceiling element  16  can be 2′×4′. The panel  26  may be approximately the same dimensions as the ceiling element  16 , and/or may vary in one or more dimensions. For example, the panel  26  may be a 2′×4′ plywood panel (i.e., 4′ long, 2′ wide rectangular shape), with an example thickness of ½ inch, which may be thicker or thinner than the width of the ceiling element  16 . In some embodiments, the unmanned aerial vehicle mounting bracket  21  may be affixed to an exposed surface  18  of the ceiling element  16 . The unmanned aerial vehicle mounting bracket  21  may include a plurality of fastening apertures  62   a ,  62   b ,  62   c ,  62   d , and  62   e  (collectively, fastening apertures  62 ) for receiving respective fastening elements  64   a ,  64   b ,  64   c ,  64   d , and  64   e  (collectively, fastening elements  64 ). For example, the fastening elements  64  may be #8-32×2 in. Flat Head Phillips screws, M4 screws, etc. Other types and dimensions of fastening elements may be used. Ceiling tile  16  may include a plurality of fastening apertures  66   a ,  66   b ,  66   c ,  66   d , and  66   e  (collectively, fastening apertures  66 ) for receiving respective fastening elements  64   a ,  64   b ,  64   c ,  64   d , and  64   e . Panel  26  may include a plurality of fastening apertures  68   a ,  68   b ,  68   c ,  68   d , and  68   e  (collectively, fastening apertures  68 ) for receiving respective fastening elements  64   a ,  64   b ,  64   c ,  64   d , and  64   e . Fastening elements  64   a ,  64   b ,  64   c ,  64   d , and  64   e  may be affixed to a plurality of respective securing elements  70   a ,  70   b ,  70   c ,  70   d , and  70   e  (collectively, securing elements  70 ) (e.g., lock nuts) disposed on the top surface  30  of the panel  26 . For example, securing elements  70   a ,  70   b ,  70   c ,  70   d , and  70   e  may be #8-32 Nylon lock nuts, although other types of nuts or similar securing elements or devices may be used without deviating from the scope of the present disclosure. 
     In some embodiments, each of the securing elements  70   a ,  70   b ,  70   c ,  70   d , and  70   e  may include and or be affixed to a respective plurality of spacing elements  72   a ,  72   b ,  72   c ,  72   d , and  72   e  (collectively, spacing elements  72 ), e.g., flat washers, disposed between the top surface  30  of panel  26  and the securing elements  70   a ,  70   b ,  70   c ,  70   d , and  70   e  (e.g., lock nuts), with each of the fastening elements  64  being disposed in the opening of the respective spacing elements  72 . The spacing elements  72  may provide additional support and/or stability for the system  10  and/or may prevent overtightening. Additional or fewer spacing elements  72  (e.g., washers) of various types and sizes may be used without deviating from the scope of the invention. For example, in some embodiments, spacing elements  72  may include one or more of a M4 Zinc-Plated Split Lock Washer, a Flat Washer, and/or a 5/16 in.×1½ in. Fender Flat Washer, and locking elements  70  may include a 4 mm-0.7 Stainless Steel Metric Hex Nut. 
     Referring still to  FIG.  4   , panel  26  includes fastening apertures  74   a  and  74   b  (collectively, fastening apertures  74 ) for receiving anchoring elements  34   a  and  34   b  (collectively, anchoring elements  34 ). Anchoring elements  34   a  and  34   b  (which may be, e.g., eye bolts or may be other anchoring elements) may be coupled to couplings  36   a  and  36   b  (collectively, couplings  34 ) (which may be, e.g., hanger wire, rope, cabling, etc.). For example, one end  76   a  and  76   b  of couplings  36   a  and  36   b  may be wrapped through, around, etc., the openings  78   a  and  78   b  of anchoring elements  34   a  and  34   b . Another end  80   a  and  80   b  of couplings  36   a  and  36   b  may be coupled to at least one structural support element  38 . More or fewer than two couplings  36  and/or anchoring elements  34  may be used without deviating from the scope of the present disclosure. 
     Side  50   a  of panel  26  includes fastening apertures  82   a ,  82   b ,  82   c , and  82   d  for receiving fastening elements  32   a ,  32   b ,  32   c , and  32   d . Side  50   b  of panel  26  includes fastening apertures  84   a  and  84   b  for receiving fastening elements  32   e  and  32   f . Sides  50   c  and  50   d  of panel  26 , opposite sides  50   a  and  50   b , respectively, may include similar fastening apertures for receiving respective fastening elements (not shown in  FIG.  4   ). For example, fastening elements  32  may be lathe screws, e.g., ¾ in. sharp point lathe screws. 
       FIG.  5    illustrates an example of a cross section of a portion of the premises security system  10  shown in  FIG.  4   . In  FIG.  5   , the anchoring elements  34   a  and  34   b  are disposed within the panel  26  (e.g., as a result of being drilled by an installer) and, in some embodiments, may further be disposed within at least portion of the ceiling element  16 . The fastening elements  64   a ,  64   b , and  64   c  affix the unmanned aerial vehicle mounting bracket  21  to the exposed surface  18  of ceiling element  16  (e.g., a ceiling tile). The ceiling element  16  is sandwiched between the unmanned aerial vehicle mounting bracket  21  below and the panel  26  above. The fastening elements  64   a ,  64   b , and  64   c  pass through corresponding channels formed by the alignment of corresponding apertures in the unmanned aerial vehicle mounting bracket  21 , ceiling element  16 , and panel  26 , which may be preformed and/or may be drilled during an installation procedure. The fastening elements  64   a ,  64   b , and  64   c  are secured to the top surface  30  of the panel  26 , such as by securing elements  70   a ,  70   b , and  70   c , and spacing elements  72   a ,  72   b , and  72   c.    
       FIG.  6    illustrates another example embodiment of the present disclosure. The embodiment of  FIG.  6    is similar to the embodiment of  FIG.  4   , with the addition of cross braces  54   a  and  54   b  mounted to the ceiling grid  14  (e.g., to main beams  42   b  and  42   c ) via fastening elements  60   a ,  60   b ,  60   c , and  60   d , which may be clips, e.g., attached to first ends  56   a  and  56   b  and second ends  58   a  and  58   b . The cross braces  54   a  and  54   b  are affixed to the panel  26  via, e.g., fastening elements  61   a  and  61   b  (e.g., angle braces). In some embodiments, cross braces  54   a  and  54   b  may include apertures  57   a  and  57   b , respectively, which may be for receiving couplings  36   c  and  36   d  (e.g., cables, ropes, hanging wire, etc.). In some embodiments, power supply  45  may be affixed to one or more of the cross braces  54 . 
     In an alternative embodiment, a portion of the ceiling grid  14  (e.g., one or more main beam  42 , cross beams  44 , etc.) may serve as the ceiling element  16 , such that the top surface  22  of unmanned aerial vehicle mounting bracket  21  is affixed to a bottom surface of the ceiling grid  14 , and the bottom surface  28  of the panel  26  is affixed a top surface of the ceiling grid  14 , where fastening elements (e.g., screws, U-brackets, etc.) affix the unmanned aerial vehicle mounting bracket  21  to the ceiling grid  14  and the panel  26 . 
     In an alternative embodiment, the unmanned aerial vehicle mounting bracket  21  may be affixed to the top surface  30  of panel  26 , instead of being affixed to the bottom surface  23  of a first ceiling element  16 . The unmanned aerial vehicle docking station  24  may be affixed to the unmanned aerial vehicle mounting bracket  21 . An aperture may be cut in the ceiling element  16  to allow for the unmanned aerial vehicle  25  to enter the plenum space between the ceiling  12  and the roof of the building. 
       FIG.  7    illustrates a flowchart of an example method according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. For example, the example method illustrated in  FIG.  7    may be used to install a ceiling mounted unmanned aerial vehicle docking station  24  in a premise security system  10 , e.g., as depicted in  FIG.  4   . A panel  26  (e.g., a plywood panel) is cut (Block S 100 ) to be smaller than the ceiling element  16 , as a non-limiting example, smaller by 1/32 in. The installer marks (Block S 102 ) on the ceiling element  16  where the unmanned aerial vehicle mounting bracket  21  will be mounted. The installer predrills (Block S 104 ) fastening apertures into ceiling element  16  and panel  26  for mounting fastening elements  64 . The installer installs (Block S 106 ) the unmanned aerial vehicle mounting bracket  21  on the ceiling element  16  by putting plywood panel  26  on one side (concealed surface  20 ) of the ceiling element  16  and the unmanned aerial vehicle mounting bracket  21  on the other side (exposed surface  18 ) of ceiling element  16 . The installer installs (Block S 108 ) the fastening elements  64 , spacing elements  72 , and securing elements  70  (e.g., lock nuts), and tightens to proper strength to hold the unmanned aerial vehicle mounting bracket  21  securely. The installer predrills (Block S 110 ) fastening apertures  74  for anchoring elements  34 , and installs the anchoring elements  34  securely on the panel  26 . The installer installs (Block S 112 ) the ceiling element  16  in the ceiling grid  14  and secures the ceiling element  16  and the plywood panel  26  on the ceiling grid  14  by securing the ceiling grid  14  to the panel  26  with the fastening elements  32 , which may be lathe screws. In some embodiments, a total of 12 fastening elements  32  may be utilized. The installer installs (Block S 114 ) couplings  36  (e.g., hanger wire) through respective openings  78  of anchoring elements  34  at first ends  76  and to at least one structural support element  38  at second ends  80 . Optionally, the installer may test (Block S 116 ) to ensure the unmanned aerial vehicle mounting bracket  21  is secure and will not move excessively when typical operational pressure and forces are applied, e.g., by the weight of the unmanned aerial vehicle docking station  24  which is affixed to the unmanned aerial vehicle mounting bracket  21 , by the forces caused by an unmanned aerial vehicle docking and undocking, which may be a magnetic docking and/or undocking procedure, etc. 
       FIG.  8    illustrates a flowchart of an example method according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. For example, the example method illustrated in  FIG.  8    may be used to install a ceiling mounted unmanned aerial vehicle docking station  24  in a premises security system  10 , e.g., as depicted in  FIG.  6   . In a first step, an installer cuts (Block S 118 ) a plywood sheet to approximately the size of ceiling element  16  to form panel  26 . The installer installs (Block S 120 ) cross braces  54   a  and  54   b  on ceiling grid  14  by fastening elements  60  (e.g., clips) fastened onto the ceiling grid  14 . The installer drills (Block S 122 ) apertures into cross braces  54 . The installer anchors (Block S 124 ) one end  76  of coupling  36  through the apertures, and the other end  80  of coupling  36  is affixed to at least one structural element  38 . The installer secures (Block S 126 ) the cross braces  54   a  and  54   b  to the top surface  30  of the panel  26 . Optionally, the installer secures (Block S 127 ) a power supply  45  to one or both of the cross braces  54   a  and  54   b.    
     As discussed herein, ceiling mounted unmanned aerial vehicles, e.g., unmanned aerial mounted vehicles which mount (connectively couple) to a docking station (charging station) which is attached to a ceiling, present particular challenges, such as maintaining stability in response to upward and downward forces. In some scenarios, a ceiling tile mount may be impractical. For example, a structure may lack a suspended ceiling. Thus, a vertical wall mounted solution for a ceiling mounted unmanned aerial vehicle docking station may be beneficial for some applications and settings. 
       FIG.  9    is an illustration of an example vertical wall mount system  88  for an unmanned aerial vehicle mounting bracket  90  according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. In the example of  FIG.  9   , the unmanned aerial vehicle mounting bracket  90  may have been designed (e.g., by an unmanned aerial vehicle manufacturer) to be mounted on a ceiling, and may require adaptation according to embodiments of the present disclosure in order to be installed in a premises which lacks a suitable ceiling for mounting. Thus, in the example of  FIG.  9   , the unmanned aerial vehicle mounting bracket  90  is affixed to a panel  92 , which includes a bottom surface  93 . Unmanned aerial vehicle mounting bracket  90  may include fastening apertures  94   a ,  94   b ,  94   c ,  94   d , and  94   e  (collectively, fastening apertures  94 ), and panel  92  may include fastening apertures  96   a ,  96   b ,  96   c ,  96   d , and  96   e  (collectively, fastening apertures  96 ), for respective fastening elements  98   a ,  98   b ,  98   c ,  98   d , and  98   e  (collectively, fastening elements  98 ) (e.g., M4 screws). Securing elements  100   a ,  100   b ,  100   c ,  100   d ,  100   e  (collectively, securing elements  100 ) (e.g., locking nuts, 4 mm-0.7 stainless steel metric hex nuts, etc.) and spacing elements  102   a ,  102   b ,  102   c ,  102   d , and  102   e  (collectively, spacing elements  102 ) (e.g., one or more washers, M4 Zinc-Plated split lock washers, flat washers, 5/16 in.×1½ in. Fender Flat Washer, etc.) secure the respective fastening elements  98   a ,  98   b ,  98   c ,  98   d , and  98   e . Thus, the unmanned aerial vehicle mounting bracket  90  is secured to a bottom surface  93  of panel  92 . Although this example includes five fastening elements  98 , more or fewer fastening elements (and/or corresponding fastening apertures  96 , securing elements  100 , and spacing elements  102 ), may be used without deviating from the scope of the present disclosure. 
     Still referring to  FIG.  9   , panel  92  is secured to a wall  104  (which may be, e.g., a concrete wall, a brick wall, etc.) suitable for supporting the weight of an unmanned aerial vehicle docking station (not shown) which attaches to the unmanned aerial vehicle mounting bracket  90 . Panel  92  is secured to the wall  104  via a first angle bracket  106   a  and a second angle bracket  106   b  (collectively, angle brackets  106 ), which may be, e.g., 20 in.×13 in. heavy-duty shelf brackets. Angle bracket  106   a  includes a vertical member  107   a  including plurality of fastening apertures  108   a ,  108   b ,  108   c , and second angle bracket  106   b  includes a vertical member  107   b  including plurality of fastening apertures  108   d ,  108   e , and  108   f  (collectively, fastening apertures  108 ), through which fastening elements  109   a ,  109   b ,  109   c ,  109   d ,  109   e , and  109   f  (collectively, fastening elements  109 ) (e.g., 3/16 inc.×1¾ inc. Hex-Washer-Head Concrete Anchors) are inserted to secure the angle brackets  106  to drill apertures in the wall  104  for inserting the respective fastening elements  109 . 
     Angle bracket  106   a  further includes a horizontal member  112   a  including a plurality of fastening apertures  114   a ,  114   b , and  114   c , and angle bracket  106   b  further includes a horizontal member  112   b  including a plurality of fastening apertures  114   d ,  114   e , and  114   f  (collectively, fastening apertures  114 ), through which fastening elements  116   a ,  116   b ,  116   c ,  116   d ,  116   e , and  116   f  (collectively, fastening elements  116 ) (e.g., ¼ in.-20×1½ in. Zinc Plated Hex Bolt) are inserted to secure the angle brackets  106  to panel  26 . In this example, panel  26  includes fastening apertures  118   a ,  118   b ,  118   c ,  118   d ,  118   e , and  118   f  (collectively, fastening apertures  118 ), and fastening elements  116   a ,  116   b ,  116   c ,  116   d ,  116   e , and  116   f , which may be affixed to one or more spacing elements  117  (e.g., ¼ in.×1¼ in. Zinc-Plated Fender Washers) on a bottom surface  93  of panel  92 , are inserted into fastening apertures  118   a ,  118   b ,  118   c ,  118   d ,  118   e , and  118   f  to secure them to respective securing elements  120   a ,  120   b ,  120   c ,  120   d ,  120   e , and  120   f  (collectively, securing elements  120 ) (e.g., ¼ in.-20 Stainless Steel Nylon Lock Nut). Spacing elements  122   a ,  122   b ,  122   c ,  122   d ,  122   e , and  122   f  (collectively, spacing elements  122 ) (e.g., ¼ in.×1¼ in. Zinc-Plated Fender Washers) may be included to provide additional stabilization and/or reduce overtightening. In some embodiments, horizontal members  112   a  and  112   b  may be substantially perpendicular to vertical members  107   a  and  107   b . Although this example depicts two angle brackets  106 , more or fewer angle brackets  106  (and/or fastening apertures  108 , fastening elements  109 , fastening apertures  114 , fastening elements  116 , spacing elements  117 , fastening apertures  118 , securing elements  120 , and spacing elements  122 ) may be used without deviating from the scope of the present disclosure. Further, although angle brackets  106  are shown as being bent at an approximately 90-degree angle with respect to the vertical members  107  and horizontal members  112 , other angles or shapes of the angle brackets  106  may be used without deviating from the scope of the present disclosure. 
       FIG.  10    illustrates a flowchart of an example method according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. For example, the example method illustrated in  FIG.  8    may be used to install a vertical wall mount  88  for an unmanned aerial vehicle mounting bracket  90  in a premises security system  10 , e.g., as depicted in  FIG.  9   . In a first step, an installer installs (Block S 128 ) angle brackets  106   a  and  106   b , which may be, e.g., 20 in.×13 in. heavy-duty shelf brackets, to wall  104 . Other sizes and proportions of angle brackets may be used without deviating from the scope of the present disclosure. The angle brackets  106   a  and  106   b  may be disposed a distance, e.g., ½ in., from each edge of the panel  92 . The installer marks (Block S 130 ) apertures for the unmanned aerial vehicle mounting bracket  90  on the panel  92 . The installer drills (Block S 132 ) apertures through the panel  92  aligned with the fastening apertures  108   a ,  108   b ,  108   c ,  108   d ,  108   e , and  108   f  on a side (vertical members  107 ) of the angle brackets  106 . The installer places (Block S 134 ) spacing elements  117  (e.g., fender washers) on one or more fastening elements that may rest between the panel  92  and a fastening elements  116  (e.g., as bolt). The installer runs (Block S 136 ) fastening elements  116  through the panel  92  and wall mount apertures. The installer places (Block S 138 ) spacing elements  122  on top of the wall mount. The installer fastens (e.g., screws) (Block S 140 ) on a first threaded securing element (e.g., locking nut)  120  on top of the spacing element  122  (e.g., fender washers), and repeats this process until all fastening elements  116  are in place. The installer hangs (Block S 144 ) the wall mount “upside down” with, e.g., a second side (vertical member  107 ) against the wall using fastening elements  109 , e.g., anchoring screws, into the wall  104 . The installer mounts the plate by marking (Block S 146 ) on the panel  92  using the fastening elements (e.g., angle brackets)  106  as templates for installation apertures (holes). The installer predrills (Block S 148 ) apertures on the panel  92  for mounting fastening elements (e.g., screws), for example, using a 11/64 in. drill bit. The installer secures (Block S 150 ) the angle brackets  106  to the panel  92  using fastening elements  116  (e.g., screws), and optionally, spacing elements  122  (e.g., 5/16 in.×1½ in. Fender Flat washers), against panel  92 , optionally utilizing additional smaller spacing elements (e.g., washers, such as M4 Zinc-Plated Split Lock Washers), and utilizing a securing element  120 , such as a locking nut, e.g., a 4 mm-0.7 Stainless Steel Metric Hex Nut. In some embodiments, it may be necessary to avoid tightening a threaded nut on the various fastening elements (e.g., fastening elements  116 ). A threaded nut may be used to secure a lock washer to one or more additional washers. 
       FIG.  11    is a flowchart of an example method for installing an apparatus for supporting a ceiling mounted unmanned aerial vehicle docking station  24  in a premises security system  10  for a premises, where the premises includes a ceiling  12  with a ceiling grid  14  and a support structure  38  disposed above the ceiling grid  14 . The installer installs (Block S 152 ) an unmanned aerial vehicle docking station mounting bracket  21  including a top surface  22  and a bottom surface  23  opposite the top surface  22  by affixing the top surface  22  of the bracket  21  to an exposed surface  18  of a ceiling element  16  in the ceiling grid  14  by a first plurality of fastening elements  64 , and by affixing the bottom surface  23  of the bracket  21  to the ceiling mounted unmanned aerial vehicle docking station  24 . The installer installs (Block S 154 ) a panel  26  including a top surface  30  and a bottom surface  28  opposite the top surface  30  by affixing the bottom surface of the panel to a concealed surface of the ceiling element  16  by the first plurality of fastening elements  64 , affixing at least one anchoring element  34  to the top surface  30  of the panel  26 , and affixing the at least one anchoring element  34  to the support structure  38  using a coupling  36 . 
     It is to be understood that the particular examples provided with respect to  FIGS.  1 - 10    are non-limiting with respect to, e.g., the numbers, types, and/or dimensions of screws, fastening elements, fastening apertures, brackets, braces, panels, etc., and embodiments of the present disclosure may utilize any number of such elements which is sufficient to provide adequate support to a ceiling mounted unmanned aerial vehicle docking station and which may be efficiently installed. For example, a lighter ceiling mounted unmanned aerial vehicle docking station may only require 3 fastening elements for securing the unmanned aerial vehicle docking station bracket to a ceiling tile and panel, whereas a heavier system may require 7 fastening elements. 
     It is to be understood that the functions/acts noted in the blocks may occur out of the order noted in the operational illustrations. For example, two blocks shown in succession may in fact be executed substantially concurrently or the blocks may sometimes be executed in the reverse order, depending upon the functionality/acts involved. Although some of the diagrams include arrows on communication paths to show a primary direction of communication, it is to be understood that communication may occur in the opposite direction to the depicted arrows. 
     Many different embodiments have been disclosed herein, in connection with the above description and the drawings. It will be understood that it would be unduly repetitious and obfuscating to literally describe and illustrate every combination and subcombination of these embodiments. Accordingly, all embodiments can be combined in any way and/or combination, and the present specification, including the drawings, shall be construed to constitute a complete written description of all combinations and subcombinations of the embodiments described herein, and of the manner and process of making and using them, and shall support claims to any such combination or subcombination. 
     It will be appreciated by persons skilled in the art that the present invention is not limited to what has been particularly shown and described herein above. In addition, unless mention was made above to the contrary, it should be noted that all of the accompanying drawings are not to scale. A variety of modifications and variations are possible in light of the above teachings without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention, which is limited only by the following claims.