US 12,351,336 B2
Automatically pitch and yaw responsive aircraft launching system
Kurt Parsons, Hollywood, MD (US); and Dan Edwards, Hollywood, MD (US)
Assigned to VU Holdings, LLC, Hollywood, MD (US)
Filed by VU Holdings, LLC, Hollywood, MD (US)
Filed on Apr. 19, 2022, as Appl. No. 17/724,007.
Claims priority of provisional application 63/178,455, filed on Apr. 22, 2021.
Prior Publication US 2022/0340298 A1, Oct. 27, 2022
Int. Cl. B64F 1/10 (2006.01); B60P 3/11 (2006.01); B64U 10/25 (2023.01); B64U 30/10 (2023.01); B64U 70/00 (2023.01); B64U 70/93 (2023.01)
CPC B64F 1/10 (2013.01) [B60P 3/11 (2013.01); B64U 10/25 (2023.01); B64U 30/10 (2023.01); B64U 70/93 (2023.01)] 18 Claims
OG exemplary drawing
 
1. A launching system for an aerial vehicle, comprising:
a fixed hub;
a base including a base plate pivotably mounted to the fixed hub, wherein said base plate is pivotable about a first, generally vertical axis; and
a latch mechanism pivotably mounted to the base plate, wherein said latch mechanism is pivotable about a second axis that is perpendicular to the first axis, said latch mechanism comprising:
a latch;
a latch hook configured to engage a pin on an underside of a fuselage of said aerial vehicle;
a release actuator operatively engaging the latch hook and attached to a fixed location on the launching system, wherein said release actuator is configured to cause the latch hook to open and release said pin upon upward pivoting of said latch mechanism, and
at least one lift arm pivotably mounted to said base at a pivot connection, and wherein said latch is mounted to said at least one lift arm at an end of said lift arm opposite said pivot connection.