Centering and Landing Platform for Hovering Flying Vehicles

Abstract

A landing platform for a hovering vehicle comprises an erectable and retractable boundary element which, when in erected position, defines a substantially closed volume.

1 . A landing platform for a hovering vehicle, comprising an erectable and retractable boundary element which, when in erected position, defines a substantially closed volume. 
     
     
         2 . A landing platform according to  claim 1 , comprising a trapping element suitable to securely hold a weight attached to a cable. 
     
     
         3 . The platform according to  claim 2 , wherein said trapping element is located at the center of said substantially closed volume. 
     
     
         4 . The platform according to  claim 2 , wherein the trapping element comprises an electromagnetic element and the weight is made of a material that is attracted by magnetic forces. 
     
     
         5 . The platform of  claim 2 , wherein the borders of said boundary element are quasi-continuum. 
     
     
         6 . The platform of  claim 1 , wherein the boundary element comprises mechanical elements. 
     
     
         7 . The platform of  claim 1 , wherein the boundary element comprises magnetic elements. 
     
     
         8 . The platform of  claim 1 , wherein the boundary element comprises pneumatic elements. 
     
     
         9 . A method for assisting in the landing of a hovering vehicle, comprising causing a weight to be lowered from said vehicle and erecting a boundary element such that said weight favors remaining within its boundaries, and encouraging the movement of said weight toward a trapping element located inside the boundaries of said boundary element, said trapping element being suitable to securely fasten said weight thereto. 
     
     
         10 . The method of  claim 9 , wherein the trapping element is located at the center of said substantially closed volume. 
     
     
         11 . The method of  claim 9 , wherein the borders of the boundary element are quasi-continuum. 
     
     
         12 . The method of  claim 9 , wherein the trapping element comprises an electromagnetic element and the weight is made of a material that is attracted by magnetic forces. 
     
     
         13 . The method of  claim 9 , wherein the boundary element comprises mechanical elements. 
     
     
         14 . The method of  claim 9 , wherein the boundary element comprises magnetic elements. 
     
     
         15 . The method of  claim 9 , wherein the boundary element comprises pneumatic elements.