Uav mounting system

Abstract

A payload system for an unmanned aerial vehicle (“UAV”), including a plurality of payload modules configured to attach to an underside of the UAV, wherein each payload module defines a curved surface having a plurality of mounting holes therethrough, and wherein the plurality of payload modules is interconnected to form a substantially continuous mounting surface.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A payload system for an unmanned aerial vehicle (“UAV”), comprising:
 a plurality of payload modules configured to attach to an underside of the UAV, wherein each payload module defines a curved surface having a plurality of mounting holes therethrough, and wherein the plurality of payload modules is interconnected to form a substantially continuous mounting surface. 
 
     
     
         2 . The payload system of  claim 1 , wherein the substantially continuous mounting surface is substantially cylindrical. 
     
     
         3 . The payload system of  claim 1 , wherein each payload module is substantially identical to each of the other payload modules of the plurality. 
     
     
         4 . The payload system of  claim 1 , wherein each payload module is substantially parallel to each of the other payload modules of the plurality. 
     
     
         5 . The payload system of  claim 1 , wherein the plurality of payload modules is sufficiently rigid to support a weight of the UAV. 
     
     
         6 . The payload system of  claim 1 , wherein the substantially continuous mounting surface defines a circumference between approximately 180 degrees and approximately 300 degrees. 
     
     
         7 . The payload system of  claim 1 , wherein the plurality of payload modules is interconnected by one or more connectors defining protrusions matable with one or more of the mounting holes. 
     
     
         8 . The payload system of  claim 1 , wherein the plurality of payload modules defines a basket configured to carry one or more instruments therein. 
     
     
         9 . The payload system of  claim 1 , wherein each of the plurality of payload modules is vertically aligned to form columns. 
     
     
         10 . The payload system of  claim 1 , wherein the plurality of mounting holes of each payload module is configured in an elongated configuration having three holes across a width and nine holes along a length of the payload module. 
     
     
         11 . The payload system of  claim 1 , wherein each of the plurality of payload modules is constructed from a buoyant material. 
     
     
         12 . The payload system of  claim 1 , further comprising at least one of a video device, photography device, sensor, and instrument mounted to at least one of the payload modules 
     
     
         13 . The payload system of  claim 1 , further comprising one or more lighting elements attached to at least one of the payload modules. 
     
     
         14 . An unmanned aerial vehicle (“UAV”) mounting system, comprising:
 a plurality of vertically-oriented payload modules configured to attach to the UAV, each payload module defining a curved surface having a plurality of mounting holes therethrough, wherein the plurality of payload modules is positioned to form a substantially continuous, cylindrical mounting surface; 
 a plurality of connectors interconnecting the plurality of payload modules, wherein each connector defines one or more protrusions matable with the mounting holes; and 
 at least one of a video device, photography device, sensor, and instrument mounted to the payload modules. 
 
     
     
         15 . The payload system of  claim 15 , wherein the plurality of payload modules is sufficiently rigid to support a weight of the UAV when landing. 
     
     
         16 . The payload system of  claim 15 , wherein the substantially continuous mounting surface defines a circumference between approximately 180 degrees and approximately 300 degrees. 
     
     
         17 . The payload system of  claim 15 , wherein the plurality of payload modules defines a basket configured to carry one or more instruments therein.