INTRODUCTION

This invention relates to receiving or collection platforms for items that are to be dropped off or collected by an airborne vehicle, especially a drone.

BACKGROUND TO THE INVENTION

In particular, the receiving or collection zone for the item is to be presented at a distance from the main receiving structure and away from ground level for convenience or safety.

An example of this is the delivery or collection of parcels to or from a building, where the receiving or collection zone for the item should be a distance away from the building’s walls or roof.

The invention also addresses the requirement that the item delivered or collected needs to be brought into or taken out of the building, such as for example through a window or other opening.

As e-commerce and parcel delivery grows, it is foreseen that parcel delivery and collection could soon be performed by unmanned aerial vehicles commonly called drones. Whether for industry or residential usage, these deliveries or collections are foreseen to be performed autonomously and must be executed with safety to the surrounding people, animals and property.

At present, there are very few ways to drop a parcel at a residential or industrial property safely.

For example, if the drone lands on the ground first and then the parcel is released onto the ground, the rotating propellers would not be safe for people and animals. Moreover, the down draft of air flow from the drone can create a storm of loose debris.

Alternatively, the drone may lower the parcel down using a winch or abseil and release it, but the tether might get caught or a pet might jump on the parcel.

In both above cases, simply leaving parcels on the ground is not secure and the parcel would be free for anyone to pick up. The parcel may be dropped into a chute a small distance away from the property, but this would take up space, be less convenient than a mechanism that allowed the parcel to enter the building, and the chute box would need to withstand thieves and the weather and would likely be an eyesore.

One way to simply address key safety requirements, is to ensure that the parcel is released at a significant height above ground to avoid danger. Then the solution should integrate means to bring the parcel into the house for security.

The closest prior art in this space suggests a window opening in the roof of the house through which the parcel is dropped or lowered. This is safe and secure; however, it has several flaws. The drone must get close to the roof and directly above the hole of the window space, to drop off the parcel into the window. This risks the propellers hitting the roof tiles. Moreover, the back air pressure under the propellers and the roof causes turbulence, so the drone must drop the parcel from higher above the roof leading to further problems of air turbulence blowing the parcel during its fall, or during its decent by winch. Use of a winch or abseil presents other dangers such as the end of the winch becoming caught.

The suggestion of fitting the window in the roof raises concerns such as the cost of the roof modification, the fact the parcel would be in the loft where few people want to go and so on.

There exists, therefore a need for alternative and preferably improved apparatus and systems for parcels to be delivered to and removed from a given location, e.g. property. In particular there is a need for an alternative, preferably improved, telescopic boom for mounting a parcel collection / delivery apparatus.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The invention provides a telescopic boom for receiving deliveries to a building and/or for collection of parcels from a building by drone, comprising one or more tape delivery systems each comprising a tape and capable of extending the tape so as to extend a front boom member outwardly from the building, at least one front boom member, e.g. a panel or collection tray or similar, attached to the end of the tape(s), at least one intermediate member, also referred to as a tape holder layer panel, wherein the tape passes through an aperture therein, a clamp on each intermediate member moveable between a first position in which the member moves freely on the tape and a second position in which the member is clamped to the tape, wherein in use the front boom member is extended by operating the tape delivery systems and in an extended position the intermediate member is clamped to the tape(s).

The boom can be extended using a plurality of intermediate members to provide a strong and stable and retractable platform.

The invention also provides a telescopic boom comprising one or more tape delivery systems, wherein each such system comprises an inner reel and an outer cylinder, the tape is wound around an outer face of the inner reel, the outer cylinder surrounds the inner reel and forms with it an annular compartment that is small in height with respect to the tape diameter, thereby limiting outwards movement or blooming of the tape during turning of the inner reel.

Control of tape movement and hence platform extension and retraction is improved.

DETAILS OF THE INVENTION

[Telescopic boom and clamping panels]

Accordingly, the invention provides a telescopic boom comprising at least two thin flat flexible sprung plastic and or metallic tapes, the ends of which are terminated accurately being secured firmly by, and perpendicular to, at least one front panel, the at least two thin flat tapes passing through at least two apertures in at least one tape holder layer panel, the at least one front panel being connected to the at least one tape holder layer by at least one cable secured to the front panel and to the taper holder layer panel, such that as the tapes are pushed outwards the at least one front panel pulls the at least one tape holder layer panel as a result of the at least one cable, and the at least one tape holder panel having at least one pivoting lever paddle arranged such that movement of the at least one tape holder panel relative to at least one relatively stationary external structure causes the at least one lever paddle to move and thereby clamp the at least two tapes firmly within the at least one tape holder layer panel, the tapes being held parallel with high friction at the edges of the apertures and perpendicular to the plane of the at least one tape holder layer panel, where the plane of the at least one front panel is parallel to the plane of the at least one tape holder layer panel. The telescopic boom suitably comprises at least two tape holder layer panels, referred to as the first and the second, where the first is connected to the at least one front panel, whereby the at least two tape holder layer panels are connected by at least one cable, such that the at least one front panel pulls with it the first tape holder layer panel, which then once the cable is taught, pulls the second tape holder layer panel.

A plurality of tape holder layer panels may be arranged with interstitial cables. Preferably, when the boom is extended, the length of the cable between the panels is approximately 7 to 15 times the thickness of the tape holder layer panel, which in embodiments are usually at least 5mm think, preferably about 10mm thick.

Optionally, all tape holder layer panels include at least one clamp, moveable between a first position that clamps or locks the panel to the tape and a second position in which the panels run or more freely on the tape, meaning the panels can easily move relative to the tape. For example, a pivoting lever paddle may be arranged to create a clamping action when each of the tape holder layer panels passes past at least one external structure, the pivoting lever paddle coming into contact with the structure, such that the tapes are held parallel with high friction at the edges of the apertures and perpendicular to the planes of all tape holder layer panels, and the plane of the at least one front panel. Thus, extending the boom triggers the panels to clamp to the tape one-by-one.

In embodiments of the invention, the at least two tapes are stored on at least two reels that are part of at least one motorised tape delivery system, where the at least one motorised tape delivery system can push out, to unreel, the at least two tapes. This unreeling can extend the respective tapes at the same time and same speed. Preferably the unreeling (and also the retracting) of the tapes is substantially simultaneous with exactly the same amount of tape being pushed out for both the at least two tapes, and wherein the at least one motorised tape delivery system can pull in, to reel in, the at least two tapes substantially simultaneously with exactly the same amount of tape being reeled in for both the at least two tapes. Stopping the motorised system can then lock the tapes, e.g. result in the full blocking of movement of the tapes, wherein in all these cases no slippage occurs of the at least two tapes and the length of tapes extended always maintained equally extended.

The boom may be extended vertically, horizontally or at any angle. Typically, the boom is adapted for deployment substantially horizontally. The plurality of tape holder layer panels may be made up of partial panels each incorporating a clamp, such as the described pivoting lever paddle for clamping.

A plurality of motorised tape delivery systems may be combined, able to drive multiple tapes in step and timing with each other.

The boom once extended may comprise a plurality of tape holder layer panels each separated and clamped onto the tapes. The boom may further comprise at least one connecting point to which can be attached at least one cable or at least one tape or at least one elastic tape or other load-bearing tether, which is pulled at an angle relative to the boom extension axis, creating a force in compression on the boom and a force perpendicular to the boom extension axis. For example, on the side of a building, a tether is attached to the building higher than the boom, i.e. above it, and at or near to the boom end. This provides further support for the boom in its extended position. Force created perpendicular to the boom extension axis may thus be vertical and upwards so that any downward forces due to gravity and the mass of the boom or items on it can be largely offset. This tether, e.g. the at least one cable or at least one tape or at least one elastic tape, is suitably attached to or part of at least one motorised winding mechanism secured pivoting on at least one vertical member, which can deliver varying amounts of tension force and which can also brake the cable, tape or elastic tape form extension or retraction. The connecting point can be pivoted to account for different angled windows or surrounding structure.

Multiple motorised winding mechanisms and multiple cables, tapes or elastic tapes may be distributed on the boom.

The motorised tape delivery system may include an inner reel onto which the tape is wrapped on its outer face, preferably with the convex face of the tape against the outer face of the inner reel, the end of the tape riveted securely on the inner face, and an outer cylinder whose inner face is in contact with the tape and where the inner reel is connected to the outer cylinder by way of an axle, where the size of the gap between the inner face of the cylinder and the outer face of the inner reel is small so as to limit blooming of the tape in operation. Preferably the gap is less than 15 times, or less than 10 times the thickness of the tape, more preferably less than 8 times the thickness of the tape. The diameter of the inner reel outer face may be of the order of one hundred times or more, or two hundred times or more the size of the gap, where in general but not in all circumstances the inner reel is motorised to turn driving the tape in or out of the gap, and when the motor is stopped to stop the tape from moving. Where multiple inner reels are used, these preferably operate such that an equal amount of tape is extended across all tapes simultaneously. They can suitably be kept in step and timing by way of timing belts, gears or motors with feedback to ensure equal amount of tape is extended across all simultaneously. Optionally, for example, there is a single drive for all tapes.

At least one tape or at least one cable can be used to form a track or guide between the at least one front panel and the at least one tape holder layer panel furthest from the at least one front panel, and at least one basket that can be pulled using at least a pulley and thread mechanism along the track such that a parcel can travel inside the basket along the length of the boom.

In use, the basket can then be attached to the at least one front panel and travels with the boom as it is extended or retracted.

Also provided by the invention is a telescopic boom control system which has an internet connection for “Internet Of Things” interoperability, with a processor and sensor and actuator drive circuits, to sense the state of the telescopic boom of the invention, and to perform the actions of extending and retracting the boom or extending and retracting the basket.

The telescopic boom control system may operate with a drone pass code and a security checking method, which ensures the security of any collection or delivery.

[Telescopic boom and non-blooming tape]

Further provided by the invention is a telescopic boom for receiving deliveries to a building and/or for collection of parcels from a building by flying drone. As for other embodiments of the invention the boom is suitable to be deployed above ground, typically at least 1 m above ground level, suitably at first floor level or higher. The boom is extended using one or more tape delivery systems. Each such system comprises an inner reel wherein the tape is attached to the inner reel and wound around it. The system also comprises an outer cylinder which surrounds the reel and forms an annular compartment (limiting outwards movement or blooming of the tape).

A telescopic boom of embodiment of the invention hence comprises one or more tape delivery systems, wherein each such system comprises an inner reel and an outer cylinder, the tape is wound around an outer face of the inner reel, the outer cylinder surrounds the inner reel and forms with it an annular compartment that is small in height with respect to the tape diameter, thereby limiting outwards movement or blooming of the tape during turning of the inner reel.

Generally, a motor turns the inner reels of the tape delivery systems and thereby extends and retracts the boom.

The boom may comprise means to turn the inner reels at the same time and speed so as to extend the tape from each substantially simultaneously and to the same extent. For example, the inner reels may be attached to a common drive shaft so as to turn in unison.

Movement outwards of the tape is limited by the gap between the inner reel and the cylinder. The size of the gap between the inner face of the cylinder and the outer face of the inner reel is small, to avoid or reduce blooming; the gap may be approximately 15 times or less, or preferably 10 times or less, or 8 times or less the thickness of the tape. Also, separately, the diameter of the inner reel outer face can be of the order of one hundred times or more or two hundred times or more the size of the gap. Tape exits the system via a slot slightly larger than the tape. In preferred embodiments, the inner reel is motorised to turn, thereby driving the tape in or out of the exit slot in system housing.

In each system, the tape is usually wound with the convex face of the tape against the outer face of the inner reel, the end of the tape preferably attached e.g. riveted securely on the inner face or to a pivoting flap in the inner face. Also, generally, in use the inner face of the outer cylinder is in contact with the tape. This also reduce blooming. The inner reel may be connected to the outer cylinder by way of an axle.

The telescopic boom may comprise two or more tape delivery systems and two or more tapes, at least one front boom member attached to the ends of the two tapes, at least one intermediate member wherein the two tapes pass through apertures therein, a clamp on each intermediate member moveable between a first position in which the intermediate member moves freely on the tape and a second position in which the member is clamped to the tape, wherein in use the front boom member is extended by operating the tape delivery systems and in an extended position the intermediate member is spaced from the front member and clamped to the tapes. The front boom member may be or comprise e.g. a panel or collection tray or similar, as described elsewhere herein in more detail. The intermediate member(s) may be a tape holder layer panel, as described elsewhere herein in more detail.

Thus, in operation, the reels are turned and the tapes extend outwardly, pushing out the front boom member. The tapes pass through the intermediate member. The intermediate member also moves outwardly though spaced from the front boom member and is then clamped onto the tapes. The resulting structure comprises the front boom member attached to tapes that extend from and are clamped to the intermediate member which is spaced apart from the front boom member and closer to the building. This has increased strength, i.e. resistance to bending as a result of its own weight plus the weight of anything added to the boom end, e.g. a parcel once delivered or to be collected.

A preferred telescopic boom comprises a plurality of intermediate members, a clamp on each intermediate member moveable between a first position in which the member moves freely on the tape and a second position in which the member is clamped to the tape, wherein in use the front boom member is extended by operating the tape delivery systems and in an extended position the intermediate members are spaced apart from the front boom member and from each other and are clamped to the tapes.

[Telescopic boom and clamps]

Still further provided by the invention is a telescopic boom for receiving deliveries to a building and/or for collection of parcels from a building by drone, comprising one or more tape delivery systems each comprising a tape and capable of extending the tape so as to extend a front boom member outwardly from the building, at least one front boom member, e.g. a panel or collection tray or similar, attached to the end of the tape(s), at least one intermediate member, also referred to as a tape holder layer panel, wherein the tape passes through an aperture therein, a clamp on each intermediate member moveable between a first position in which the member moves freely on the tape and a second position in which the member is clamped to the tape, wherein in use the front boom member is extended by operating the tape delivery systems and in an extended position the intermediate member is clamped to the tape(s). As above, the resulting structure comprises the front boom member attached to one or more tapes that extend from and are clamped to the intermediate member which is spaced apart from the front boom member and closer to the building. This has increased strength, i.e. resistance to bending as a result of its own weight plus the weight of anything added to the boom end, e.g. a parcel once delivered or to be collected.

This telescopic boom also preferably comprises: a plurality of intermediate members, a clamp on each intermediate member moveable between a first position in which the member moves freely on the tape and a second position in which the member is clamped to the tape, wherein in use the front boom member is extended by operating the tape delivery systems and in an extended position the intermediate members are spaced apart and clamped to the tapes.

Optional and preferred features of this boom and its advantages are as described elsewhere herein.

[Tape for use in the invention]

Tape for use in the invention is described in several places herein. Suitable tape can be commercially sourced and examples of it are used for tape measures; the material can be plastic and is commonly metal or an alloy. The material suitably comprise steel or a steel alloy (e.g. comprising nickel). Especially suitable is steel ribbon. The tape is thin and concave/convex tape and sufficiently rigid to be able to bear its own weight without bending / collapsing when extended horizontally, say, up to 50 cm, preferably up to 1 m for stronger and more rigid tapes.

The invention is now described with reference to embodiments and specific embodiments, and also described with reference to attached figures. Individual features of the embodiments and specific embodiments are suitably combined individually or in combination or in totality with the more general aspects of the invention described above.

FURTHER DETAILS OF EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION

In this invention a mechanism is suitable to be and intended to be deployed from a first or higher storey window providing a level of safety at a significant height above people, animals, property and vehicles. An apparatus of the invention that receives an incoming parcel may be a mechanical structure with various holes and spaces which allows air flow to pass through thereby reducing any back pressure from the aerial drone’s downward air flow.

To create means by which a parcel receiving apparatus of the invention can be positioned, for receipt or transfer of the parcel, a safe distance away from the side of the building, the invention may include a telescopic boom.

The site onto which the parcel is to be received or from where it is to be collected is suitably a parcel receptacle, e.g. a type of basket, that is extended outwards from the building (optionally from a window) either as part of the end of the telescopic boom or by using the boom as a protruding support on which the parcel site basket is conveyed outwards or backwards.

For parcel reception, the parcel site basket moves to the end on or with the telescopic boom and once the parcel is dropped onto it, it is brought back to and through the window for secure drop off inside the building.

In the reverse manner, a parcel can be placed outside for collection by drone. The device can be used very effectively if one has a balcony, such as in multistorey apartments. For two storey residences an upstairs bedroom window can be used. This approach is easier and faster to implement than a roof top installation.

The invention is also described in detail with reference to the following description and the accompanying drawings.

The telescopic boom component uses flexible steel tape similar to the type found in flexible steel tape length measuring devices. The invention will be described using the concept of the measuring tape although the embodiments may not really use measuring tapes but similar materials and arrangements. Plastic tapes ora laminate of steel and plastic may also be used.

The extension of multiple steel tapes has been demonstrated in the past e.g. NASA astor aerospace STEM boom, NASA deployable composite booms. The present invention represents an improvement thereon.

In a prior art device, the metal tape has a spring coil to rewind, and is pulled in and out manually, in this invention the tape extension and retraction is carried out by way of electric motors. Where there are multiple tapes, their movement is synchronised, preferably by having all tape coils on or attached to a single coil drive shaft; this way they turn in harmony at the same time and rate, so all tapes are extended or retracted together.

There are at least four aspects to the way the tape system is designed in this invention, and the invention can be implemented using one or more or all aspects.

The first solves the problem of how tapes can be used with motors for push and pull of the tapes, achieving it elegantly with little extra mechanics. The second solves the problem of how multiple tapes extended into space can form a firm structure again with simple and lightweight solutions. The third solves the problem of how long booms can be made that can support a substantial weight at the far end. The fourth regards a tape braking method. The fifth solves the problem of how a receiving basket can be deployed and returned multiple times with a means to empty the basket. The sixth aspect is the way in which the system is controlled to ensure parcel security.

Several prior art designs have attempted to solve the problem of motorising tape push and pull.

For a conventional design of reeled tape, in which the tape is secured to and then wrapped around a reel former, the pulling in of tape corresponds to winding the reel with a motor so as to wrap tape onto the reel. However, if the same motor is used to push out tape, a phenomenon called blooming occurs where the reel of tape unwraps, and the torque of the motor goes towards unwrapping rather than pushing the tape out.

To solve this most designs, one attempted solution is not to drive the inner reel but instead use an external system of motorised rollers which act with friction to squeeze the tape in between two or more rollers which when they roll, they act so as to pull the tape out. Often the spring rewind of the tape measure is retained to help during the rewind of the tape, so the roller acts to push tape back in assisted by the internal spring. If there were no internal spring the tape would clog or bloom.

For efficient operation, we cannot accept the possibility of rollers slipping on the tape in particular if we deploy several tapes at any time simultaneously then they preferably all travel with precisely the same length pushed or pulled. So we cannot use rollers since small imperfections in roller diameter or lapses in friction will create slippage or inaccuracies in each tape length being equal. It can be shown that the phenomenon of blooming comes as a result of the non-tangential forces created on the tape as a reel is turned so as to push out the tape.

Some prior art has attempted to solve this by placing sprung loaded rollers around the outside of the tape on its reel which act to stop the blooming. However, as tape is delivered the rollers must close inwards and dynamically adjust due to the smaller diameter of the tape winding.

Spring rollers of this type add to friction and must be placed 360 degrees around the tape winding which is never possible completely and if only 330 degrees for example are constrained the blooming can start on the remaining uncontained zone.

In this invention a new way was developed on the following basis.

First the radial force component that causes blooming can be removed almost entirely if the number of windings of the tape is reduced to as few as possible and with the reel having the largest diameter acceptable for the space available.

Secondly whereas the tape is traditionally wound with the concave face towards the centre of the reel, by winding the tape on with the concave face facing away from the centre, the tape behaves acts to oppose winding onto the reel whereas the opposite case, the tape accepts to be wound much more easily.

Thirdly since very few windings are used and each winding may be only 0.15mm in thickness then 5 or 6 windings can be stored within a gap 1 mm to 1 2mm wide.

Fourthly the end of the tape may be riveted to the inner cylinder wall or may be riveted to a part of the wall which can pivot outwards such that the riveted tape can move to fully lie adjacent to the second winding of tape.

An outer secondary cylinder may then be placed around the windings and reel such that it acts to keep the windings compact. To pull tape inwards the central reel is motorised and in our implementation we even include a planetary gear set withing the reel before attaching to the motor. To push the tape outwards, the reel is rotated from the full winding to the partial wound state. Initially the tape drives out directly with 99.99% of the tangential rotational force acting to push out the tape. As a few turns are delivered the 1mm to 1.2mm gap keeps the tape in a wound position. Moreover, the opposite face winding acts to create a frictional binding between the slightly blossoming tapes, such that in fact they are not blossoming because they always touch and act in friction.

Since the gap is 1mm to 1.2mm compared to a reel diameter of say 150mm typically less than one percent of the tangential force generates any potential blooming.

The combination of friction acting to remove any effects of blooming, combined with an extremely high proportion of tangential force directed only at pushing tape, this solution works extremely well.

Thus our invention incorporates a tape pushing and pulling system comprising at least one inner reel onto which the tape is secured concave face facing away from the centre, at least one motor and or gear set arranged to drive the axle and cause the rotation of the at least one inner reel, either clockwise or counter clockwise, the inner reel being of diameter D, where the aim is to wind only a few windings say N of tape onto the reel, to achieve an approximate extension of 3.141*N*D, at least one outer cylinder which surrounds the tape winding constraining the winding within a gap between the inner wall of the at least one outer cylinder and the at least one inner reel, such that the gap distance is in the order of N*T and where N*T is of the order of D/100 and T is the thickness of the tape. The at least one outer cylinder may include at least one wall passing over at least one side of the tape windings so as to constrain the tape movement axially.

The at least one inner reel may include at least one wall passing over the edge of the at least one outer cylinder side face. The at least one outer cylinder may be attached to the at least one inner reel by way of a bearing, for example at least one lazy Susan bearing. The at least one inner reel may include on its axis at least one gear set such as a planetary gear set, driven by at least one motor.

The invention is now described in embodiments with references to the accompanying drawings in which:

Fig.s 1a to 1e show schematic views of components of a motorised tape delivery system of the invention;

Fig. 2a shows a schematic view of a tape holder layer of the system;

Fig. 2b shows an angled, partial schematic view of the system; Fig. 2 c shows a schematic view from above of an extended boom of the system;

Fig.s 3a, b and c, shows schematic views of a clamp, partially cut away in 3c, in different positions to illustrate the way the clamping is implemented;

Fig.s 4a, b and c shows schematic views of alternative systems for supporting the boom of fig. 2c;

Fig. 5a shows a schematic view of a generic window opening in a wall;

Fig. 5b shows a schematic view of a generic roof window opening;

Fig. 6a shows a schematic partial view of a cross sectional view of one part of the invention clamped to a windowsill;

Fig. 6b corresponds to fig. 6a showing more of the system and the boom extended; Fig. 7a and 7b shows schematic views of an extensible rail track on a boom of the invention;

Fig.s 8a and 8b shows a schematic view of a basket on the track of fig. 7a;

Fig. 9 shows a schematic view of the basket delivering to a building interior;

Fig.s 10a and 10b shows a schematic view of delivery of a parcel to the interior of a building;

Fig. 11 is a schematic view of the control system for the invention;

Fig. 12 shows a schematic view isometrically of an alternative apparatus of the invention;

Figs. 13 and 14 shows front and side view of the apparatus of fig 12;

Fig. 15 shows detail of fig. 12; and

Figs. 16-18 shows detail of the apparatus of fig. 12 in different positions.

Example 1 - Boom Extension. Panel Clamping and Boom Control

An exemplary system and method for panel clamping and boom control is now described.

Figure 1a shows the outer secondary cylinder 1, the inner reel 2, the exit aperture for the tape 3 and the gear and motor interface 4. Figure 1 b shows just the secondary outer cylinder 1 , the lazy Susan 5 and the inner wall of the cylinder. Figure 1 c shows just the side view of the inner reel, with wall 7 onto which is wound the tape, aperture 8 through which the tape is pushed so that it’s end can be secured behind the wall, and 9 shows the wall used to cover the gap when the secondary outer cylinder is placed on top of the reel. Figure 1d shows the other half of the lazy Susan 10.

The tape is wrapped onto the reel with concave face pointing away from the centre. The end of the tape is secured on the inner wall. The tape is pushed into the secondary outer cylinder where the gap is approximately 1 m between the reel’s outer wall and the cylinder’s inner wall.

The end of the tape is riveted to the inner cylinder wall 2 or may be riveted to a part of the wall which can pivot outwards such that the riveted tape can move to fully lie adjacent to the second winding of tape. Figure 1 e shows a pivoting flap 2a part of the inner wall 2, the part 2a pivoting about pivot point 2c. The tape can be riveted to the end 2d of the pivoting flap 2a.

Our invention requires that a brake of some type acts on the tapes to ensure one cannot push or pull the tapes.

On a traditional tape device in order to stop tape being pulled out it is sufficient to force a brake on the inner reel, however, it is not sufficient to stop tape being pushed into the reel. This is due to blooming action occurring. To counteract this prior art teaches that a sprung roller system can be used to stop blooming, however, the spring action must be stronger than the push forces and the high friction forces leads to poor general operation.

In our invention braking can be provided by applying braking to the inner reel. This is the result of the fact that when the tape is wound onto the inner reel with concave face looking away from the reel centre, and the tapes are constrained in the small gap, then frictional forces occur between the tape windings which cause the winding to act more like a solid wheel bound to the inner reel and therefore applying braking to the inner reel is equivalent to braking the tapes in total. Since the gap is small compared to the inner reel diameter any action to cause blooming is negligible.

Thus, in our invention tape push and pull braking is performed by at least one brake acting on the at least one inner reel, causing the reel to stop rotating and thereby result in negligible movement of the tape.

The invention has as an aim to extend a boom a significant distance away from a building for example, and accept a parcel at its end, while at the same time being able retract and take up least space.

Telescopic booms often rely on several components sliding against each other moving in and out retracting or extending. However most solutions have a telescopic capability of around 3, that is, that their total extended length is at most 2.5 times the retracted length. Whereas our invention allows a telescopic capability of around 10 to 15. The use of tapes allows us to store the material that will be telescopically extended into the reel at great compaction. The tapes by themselves when they extend out of the reel have some limited stiffness, but will collapse under their own weight within a meter. However, if multiple tapes are bound together in a multiple beam section with cross bracing, two or more tapes can form a very stiff yet lightweight structure.

Prior art teaches that it is possible to do this for example by way of Velcro such that when the tapes emerge off the reels, they emerge with Velcro attached which then binds to the Velcro on other tapes. However, in our invention we wanted to ensure the structure created was very stiff and rigid.

The invention therefore includes at least one tape holder layer whose first purpose is to collocate tapes in a structural form. Later we will describe how clamps can further strengthen and stiffen the form.

Figure 2a shows an at least one tape holder layer 11. The tape holder layer includes at least two apertures, such as 12, through which the tape is able to travel. Since the tape holder layer has some thickness, for example one third the width of the tape, and since the aperture closely matches the width of the tape, then even though the tape holder layer can allow tapes to slide through the aperture, the tape holder layer collimates the tapes and tapes tend to move as one structure bound by the tape holder layer.

Multiple tape holder layers, such as 15 and 17, may be spaced along the length of several tapes as shown in figure 2b. In figure 2b for simplicity of drawing assume 13 is a motorised tape unit that is pushing out the four tapes. Consider that the tape holder layer 15 is adhesively bonded to the four tapes such that it cannot slip on the tapes. Consider that each tape holder layer is connected with a cable thread or ribbon 16.

As tape is pushed outwards, 15 moves away from 13 and when the thread 16 becomes taught, 15 will pull the tape holder layer 17. In turn 17 will pull the tape holder layer behind it and in this way the tape holders can be moved along the four tapes as the tapes push outwards. The support members 18 act to hold back the tape holder layers in a neat stack.

Since the steel tape is difficult to compress along its length and difficult to bend across its larger width, the assembly in figure 2b is strong along its length in compression and tension and is strong in flection at right angles to the length but is weak in rotation around its long axis. To make it stronger in rotation and the other axes, one can add extra tapes creating a larger second moment of area.

In figure 2c it is shown that by choosing different interconnecting wire lengths it is possible to distribute the tape holder layers at well-chosen intervals. At 19 the intervals are small increasing to wider intervals at 20.

The reason for this distribution is that the ability for the boom to hold a weight at 20, when the boom is horizontal as shown, will rely on the fact that the sections at 19 can withstand extremely high moment forces to maintain the weight distant away at 20.

The closer the tape holder layers, the stronger the ability to prevent bending. Up until now the invention has been described in such a manner that it is assumed the boom can be extended and will retain sufficient stiffness to retain its shape. This is only really true if the boom is extended upwards or near vertically upwards. If the boom extends horizontally the weight of the tapes and the panels will cause the tapes to buckle unless the panels are clamped to the tapes in some manner. When clamped together the panels and the tapes become a rigid structure.

Given our embodiment of tapes and panels, one option to make the tapes firmly bound to the panel is simply to create compaction forces on the faces of the tapes, for example by distorting the aperture shape.

However, this solution was not acceptable in our invention for two reasons. The first is that these solutions were complex and heavy and the changing between clamped and not clamped modes was a complex or difficult or slow process for example when pneumatics was used. The second is that we observed that in fact pure clamping alone of the tapes does not guarantee the result of a firm structure.

What we observed is that what is required is a very high frictional force be created between the panel and the tape to prevent the tape sliding and at the same time these forces act to make the tape present as perpendicularly as possible to the panel. Then when two panels are offset in parallel planes and tapes are all perpendicular to the planes and the panels cannot slip relative to the tapes only then does one achieve an optimal firm structure. Additionally we found that since friction is a function of force and has no area of contact relationship, the highest frictional forces occurred at the sharp edges of the tapes and not at the flat faces for the same applied pressure.

A lightweight and simple method was devised for the rapid application and de-application of pressure.

Our invention achieves these requirements in an embodiment by causing a piston to apply pressure perpendicularly to the centre of the convex face of the tape held within an C shaped aperture, and where the tape edges touch the ends of the C. Since the tape cannot move away, then the curved tape distorts slightly whereby the central part of the tape changes from curved to less curved or flat, taking up the travel of the piston, and the outer edges of the tape widen out. As a result of this the outer edges of the tape are driven hard against the long inner edge of the panel C shaped aperture cut out.

The action of driving the edge against the inner edge of the panel cut out is to first create a great deal of friction (applied high pressure over a very small area). Secondly the action of pressing the tape edges against the inner edges of the aperture, which are perpendicular to the face of the panel, results in the creation of a forming force that ensures the tapes move perpendicular to the panels, just prior to the full clamping friction force being applied.

In order to make the piston action simple and to combine it with the overall execution of the boom, the piston is driven by a lever that pivots on the side of the panel, with the long arm of the lever jutting out from the side of the panel. The end of the lever which surrounds the pivot is shaped such that when rotated say -45 degrees the end does not push on the piston, but as it rotates to 0 degrees the end has a bulge that pushes very strongly on the piston, and then gradually as the end rotates through to +45 degrees the pressure on the piston is around 80% of the maximum force.

This results in the following. When the lever is at -45 degrees the piston is free and there is no pressure on the tape. When the lever is at 0 degrees the tape is maximally distorted, when past the 0 degree point the force reduces. The effect of this is that the lever can be in one of two stable states, either not pushing the piston or pushing the piston, the lever flicking between the two when pressure is applied to the tip in one or the other direction. Thus, the clamp is moveable between a first position in which the tape runs feely and a second position in which it is clamped. This arrangement combines very well with the fact the panels are to be pushed out or pulled back into the invention.

When the panels are pulled out by the connecting ribbons threads or cables, they need to start off loose in the undamped state. The panels can be clamped one-by one as the platform is extended outwards. For example, as the panels pass a certain point a vertical post can be placed to cause the levers to be rotated as the panels move outwards extending the boom. As the levers flip to the clamped state the panels are locked in the correct position at exactly one ribbon length away from the panel in front.

When it is time to pull the panels back in the last panel to emerge during extension is the first to be retracted and the clamp action remains in place until the panel is in the original position. As the panel reaches the original position, the lever pushes against the back wall or stud and flips the clamp to the open state. Then, as the next panel is retracted it too is undamped, and so on.

The invention is therefore effective in achieving firm panel to tape structure and binding and this allows for easy integration within the needs of the overall system with such simplicity.

Therefore the invention includes a means to create a firm mechanical structure of multiple tapes bound between at least two panels, whereby the tapes are first forced to a perpendicular position relative to the panels and then bound by high frictional forces, where at least one edge of the tape is driven against at least one edge of the inside of the at least one panel and where at least one edge of the tape is driven against at least one edge of the inside of the at least other at least one panel, where the frictional forces are created at the edges of the tapes acting against the edge of the inner edge of the panels, where the force is created by at least one piston acting at the centre of the convex curve face of the at least one tape, where the at least one tape distorts as it cannot move away from the piston and its edges contact with high pressure the panel inner edge.

In this invention the at least one piston is driven by at least one lever pivoting on an axle, where the pivoting end of the lever is shaped to either not push on the at least one piston when at one angle, and then to push hardest when rotated to a more central position and then less hard after being rotated passed that position, creating at least one stable state of not pushing and then one alternate stable state of pushing, since the at least one lever will move to a lower potential energy position. In this invention the rotation of the lever is actioned when the lever of at least one panel starts in the not pushing state and as the panel is pushed outwards extending the boom, the at least one lever is pushed due to contact with at least one post member, flipping to the piston pushing state, and where when the panel is pulled back when retracting the boom, the lever contacts to at least one back wall, or at least one back wall stud, or at least one other panel lever belonging to at least one panel that has been retracted in a previous step.

Figure 3a, b and c, show the way the clamping is implemented. The partial panel 21 is a plastic part which is part of a larger panel layer. Several partial panels 21 can be combined using carbon fibre rods, to make a lightweight panel. The partial panel accepts two tapes 27 and 28, through apertures 22 and 23. The zone at 24 includes a hole and captive nut which is used to secure the wire, thread or ribbon 16 connecting one panel layer to another. The paddle 25 pivots on a rod inserted down the hole 29, Figure 3b.

In Figure 3a the paddle rests in the plane of the partial panel 21. The paddle can be seen in Figure 3c to have a special shape around the area surrounding the pivot axis. When the paddle is in the plane of the partial panel the paddle does not push on the tape 27. However, as it is rotated to the position as shown in Figures 3b and the lower two views of fig c, then the tape 27 is pushed to the right hand side of the aperture, whose corners are perpendicular to the plane of the partial panel. High frictional forces occur between the tape edges and the inner corners of the apertures. Moreover, the tape is forced to align perpendicularly with the plane of the partial panel.

As the tape 27 moves and slightly bends it pushes the rod 26 which pushes tape 28 to the right. This causes the tape 28 to become clamped similarly to tape 27. The shape of the paddle around the pivot point is designed to result in three states; non-contact state where the sprung energy in the tape is least, a middle state where the sprung energy in the tape is maximum and a third state where the sprung energy is less than maximum but enough to result in stiff clamping. Since the middle state is always passed through when the paddle is moved, the resting state of the paddle is either non-contact or in the third clamping state.

To action a clamping of the panels, the panel is moved forward under the action of tension in the thread, wire or ribbon connecting one panel to another and to the first front panel.

As the panel moves the paddle passes a post and it is forced backwards so as to action the clamping state and comes to rest as in Figure 3b. When the panels are pulled back in, the paddle of the rear most panel contacts a back wall and is forced to flip to the non-contact position. As another panel moves backward, its paddle, in the clamped state, makes contact with the paddle of the previous panel that was just flipped to the non-contact state and as a result, the paddle is forced to the non-contact state.

As the weight at the far end of the telescopic boom increases there are a number of ways to deal with the high moment experienced at 19.

One solution is to add more flexible tapes where the tape curved face is vertical. This creates multiple I beam columns.

To further assist the boom from bending an additional motorised tape delivery system is used in figure 4 a, b, c. Figure 4 shows at least one motorised tension support tape delivery system 31 placed on a raised pillar 34. The motorised tape delivery system is pivoted on the pillar so that when the telescopic boom extends the extension can pull the tape 32 out of the delivery system and the delivery system passively tilts accordingly. When the telescopic boom is fully retracted the tape 32 lies close to vertical and when it is fully extended the tape 32 adopts an angle as shown

By introducing the tape 32 and by applying tension in 32 by driving the motor of the at least one motorised tape delivery system 31 , a tension force is created in the tape 32 and a compression is created in the telescopic boom.

Looking at the force vectors a tension in the tape corresponds to the force 35, the compression in the boom corresponds to 36 and the lift resulting at 33 can be equal to 37.

Provided the telescopic boom can handle large compression forces the uplift created at 33 can be very high and achieve the desired loading.

In figure 4b a second at least one motorised tension support tape delivery system is shown in a slightly different embodiment spreading the tension over two tapes (32, 38) and two parts of the boom.

In figure 4c the tape is used with a support member at 39 which provides uplift at both 39 and 33 however the tension tape arrives at a lower angle at 33 creating less occlusion in that region. In alternative embodiments a plurality of at least one motorised tension support tape delivery systems may be added.

In a different embodiment at least one elastic tape is used as an alternative to a motorised tape so that tension force 35 increases with the boom extension in a natural manner Although at least one suspension wire 39 is shown a plurality of wires is added servicing each tape holder layer component. A boom of the invention has been made extending three meters and able to carry a parcel of 2Kgs at its end.

The invention has been described from the point of view of the telescopic boom. It will now be described from the point of view of the parcel receiving system.

Note that in this description an at least one parcel-receiving system is explained however since the drone can also collect a parcel from the platform the notion of at least one parcel receiving is also intended to cover the notion of an at least one parcel sending system.

The invention relates to a mechanism that will support the reception and collection of parcels by an aerial drone. The most practical and safe manner in the context of residential and urban properties, is to do so at height via an existing or new window opening.

The invention is suited for use on conventional window openings. Windows come in many different forms and may be fitted in a wall or in a roof.

Wndow types such as Single-hung sash, Double-hung sash, Foldup, Horizontal sliding sash, Casement, Awning, Hopper, Pivot, Tilt and slide, Tilt and turn, Jalousie window, Skylight may all be characterised by being able to be opened such that an area towards the bottom half of the total window area can be opened sufficiently such that a parcel may move from outside to inside via this area.

Generally, towards the bottom of the window, there is a windowsill on the inside wall. For roof windows, the sill may be very small compared to wall windows and so should be treated differently, for by example including at least one floating windowsill structure.

Figure 5a shows a generic window opening in a wall 69, with a windowsill 70. Figure 5b shows a generic roof window opening 71 in a roof without a windowsill but with at least one floating windowsill 72. Whether in a wall or in a roof, the invention is designed to sit on the windowsill. Due to the angle of the windowpane when the window is closed, the invention differs between the variant suitable for walls and the variant suitable for roofs.

The variant suitable for walls will be described here first and then a modification required for the variant suitable for roofs will be described for the variant suitable for roofs.

Figure 6a shows a cross sectional view through one view of one part of the invention as its at least one overall unit 75 sits clamped to the windowsill 73. In this figure the telescopic system which is fully retracted.

In the area 76 is housed the telescopic system comprising a plurality of multiple tape delivery systems and tape holders.

When the windowpane is opened the telescopic system can extend outside of the window as shown in figure 6b.

In order to receive a parcel from a drone or to provide access to a parcel, for drone collection, at least one parcel carrier basket is required to provide a reception point for the parcel or to provide a surface where the parcel can be held for collection.

In this embodiment, the invention includes at least one extensible rail track on which the at least one parcel carrier basket is conveyed. In another embodiment the basket may be attached to the boom end going outwards and backwards with the boom.

The at least one extensible rail track 74 comprises extensible tapes that emerge from the top of the at least one overall unit and sit on top of the plurality of tape holders, as shown in figure 7a. The place where the extensible track sits on the tape holder is shown in figure 7b.

From this one can see that the at least one parcel carrier basket can be moved along the boom on the two tracks made from extensible tapes.

The base of the at least one parcel carrier basket 86 is shown in figure 8a. The figure depicts how the basket is fixed to the end of the two extensible tracks.

In this embodiment the basket rolls on the extensible tapes of Figure 7a which create a track. The invention includes at least one basket pulley system, which uses thread driven by two motors and a pulley such that the basket can be pulled forwards or backwards on the track and that the thread can be retracted when the boom is retracted.

As shown in figure 8b, there are two motors 81 and 82 with thread reels 83 and 84.

At the end of the extended boom is a thread pulley 85. The thread 80 feeds from the reel 83 to pulley 85 and back to reel 84.

The basket is shown at midway of the boom. When motor 81 is driven with motor 82 in neutral, the basket is pulled by way of the reel, pulley and thread forward. Thread is taken up by one real as thread is released from the other reel. When motor 82 is driven with motor 81 in neutral, the basket is pulled by way of the reel, pulley and thread backward.

The at least one basket pulley system comprises at least one motor and reel for pulling the basket inside the wall, at least one motor and reel for pulling the basket outside the wall, at least one thread and at least one pulley rotating the thread at the far end of the boom, at least one sensor and at least one control input to detect when the motors should be in neutral state or to be driven.

The invention description will now consider the actual embodiment of the at least one parcel carrier basket.

The carrier basket is an important aspect of the invention for several reasons. First, the basket is suitably pervious to high airflow to reduce back pressure on the aerial drone propellers. Second, it preferably include means to stop the parcel falling off the basket. The basket is designed to not fall off the boom. The basket allows the parcel to be dropped off easily when the parcel enters inside of the wall.

Figure 9 shows a close up of the basket design. The basket is made up of a plurality of gull wing plates spaced apart 15mm to 20mm and therefore the basket bottom layer is highly pervious to air flow. Wires thread through each plate so that the basket is a flexible entity along its length.

The gull wing ends of the plates rise upwards such that when the bottom of the basket is flat and horizontal, then the bottom resembles a flat surface and the rod ends act as wall barriers. When the basket is laid on a curved cylinder as in the area, the wires cannot hold the rods vertically anymore and the rods rotate to take the form of the curved cylinder. Moreover, the basket hangs in space where there is no support.

The basket design allows a parcel to be dropped off when the basket is pulled inside of the wall.

For roof windows, it has been explained that there is a small difference in the embodiment.

Since roof windows have the windowpane at 45 degrees to the vertical instead of vertical in the wall case, then the support members 34 cannot stand vertically.

This can be solved by having at least one support member pivoting at its bottom point so that it can take the angle of the window at 45 degrees. When the window is open the at least one pivoting support member can be driven by at least one actuator to a vertical position. When the boom is retracted fully the pivoting member can be rotated back to its 45 degree rest position.

Figure 10 shows delivery of a parcel 90 to the interior of a building, arriving at then sliding down slope 91 to rest at final delivery position shown in fig. 10b at the bottom of the slope.

Figure 11 shows the control system that relates to the invention. The control system, comprises at least one computer processing unit attached to at least one sensor input circuitry and at least one motor drive circuitry and at least one human computer interface or alternatively at least one internet connected web server.

In the simplest case the control system operates by taking a keyboard command from the human such as extend or retract the boom. To extend the boom the tape delivery systems motors are driven to extend the tape. The control system monitors when the tape delivery has reached a maximum distance D, which it does by sensing the extension via the at least one sensor input circuitry and switches off the motors. When the human request a retraction the tape delivery systems are driven to retract the tape. The control system monitors when the tape delivery has reached zero, which it does by sensing the extension via the at least one sensor input circuitry and switches off the motors.

Similarly, to position the basket, the control system operates by taking a keyboard command from the human such as push out or pull back the basket. To push out the thread reel motors are driven to pull the basket outwards. The control system monitors when the basket has reached a maximum distance D, which it does by sensing the extension of the thread via the at least one sensor input circuitry and switches off the motors. When the human request a pull back of the basket the thread reel motor is driven to reel in the basket. The control system monitors when the basket has reached zero, which it does by sensing the thread retraction via the at least one sensor input circuitry and switches off the motors. When the boom is extended or retracted the thread reel motors go to neutral or powered as described before.

In many cases the delivery of a parcel by drone would take place when no personnel are available to drive the invention as described above.

The invention therefore includes a level of autonomy in the control systems functionality that allows the administrator to pre-set it with information about a future delivery.

The functionality and pre-set procedure will depend on different circumstances.

Residential properties would include both detached, semi-detached or terraced homes as well as high rise apartments with balconies.

The invention can be installed in a residential property with at least one window in a wall or at least one window in the roof, or at least one balcony with a balcony wall.

In most cases there would be only one parcel receiving system installed unless the property was very large and more akin to a campus or industry application.

In the case of offices or industry settings, multiple parcel-receiving systems may be installed across a property or premises. In this case the invention may be installed with at least one window in a wall or at least one window in the roof, or at least one balcony with a balcony wall or a plurality of these.

The same is true for campus style properties such as in Universities, Hotels and tourism, hospitals.

In campus style settings probably the multiple parcels receiving systems will be located at sites with greater distances in between. From a control system point of view it is important that multiple parcel-receiving systems are linked to at least one central administration system.

Where there is only one parcel-receiving system, then a person still needs to provide it some information to enable autonomous functions.

The invention therefore proposes as part of at least one control system and at least one administration system, a drone pass code.

A drone pass code is defined as a code which informs the owner of the drone pass, where parcel-receiving systems are placed geographically and any other pertinent information, these data being stored in multiple fields within the drone pass code.

The drone pass code includes a field of at least one client identifier, which uniquely identifies the owner of the at least one parcel-receiving system.

The drone pass code includes a field list, the list containing at least one parcel-receiving system geo-identifier, which uniquely identifies the geographical position of the at least one parcel-receiving system as well as its unique name and type.

The drone pass code includes at least one temporal list, each element of the list is associated with each geo-identifier. This temporal list encodes the range of times at which a drone delivery or collection is allowed to occur for that unique parcel-receiving system. This may range for always, to a range of minutes on a specific day.

The drone pass code is generated whenever the owner wants to issue a pass for a drone to deliver or collect items. Collections and deliveries cannot occur except with the valid code at the valid times. When an item is purchased by a person who aims to use the drone pass, the supplierwill need to issue a tracking number, along with a URL site at which the tracking status by drone can be checked.

The tracking number and information of the URL is stored alongside the fields of the drone pass code in an encrypted or unencrypted manner depending on the level of security required.

The aim is to organise and issue safe drone pass codes to any incoming drone flight and ensure drone flights tally only with these passes. Drones arriving without valid drone passes are trespassing and may be subject to actions to remove them. Drones arriving with valid passes are allowed in the property airspace and as such action cannot be taken against them, even if the drone causes damage to property.

Here follows the sequence with which the invention can operate where multiple or single parcel receiving systems are associated with a drone pass and an online purchase or refund of goods.

Sequence

Customer A, places an order for goods to be delivered by drone with supplier B.

B, provides A, with a choice of a delivery dates and times.

A, agrees a date and time

B, provides A, with a tracking number and the URL which is checked with the tracking number to assess delivery status.

A, merges all the fields of the drone pass code and provides this unique code back to B.

The drone pass code resulting from this transaction is stored in the at least one administration system. The at least one parcel-receiving systems around the campus are issued with the drone pass code. Since each control system unit of each parcel-receiving system knows its own unique identifier then they can automatically plan for the arriving parcel.

Close to the time the delivery by drone is to be made, the individual parcel-receiving systems control system unit will begin accessing the URL and with the tracking number determine the status of the drone delivery. The tracking status includes the correct drone pass code

This HTTP request results in the tracking report which indicates if the drone is nearing the location. Provided the drone arrives between the defined times specified in the drone pass code, and provided the tracking status indicates the drone is within a nearby range such as 20 meters, then the parcel-receiving system will begin to open the window and extend the telescopic boom and basket.

Provided a timely delivery then occurs, the tracking status will be checked and if it indicates delivered and at least one load sensors on the boom indicate reception of a load, then the basket will be drawn in and the boom retracted. At this time the control system can message the administrator or single owner the delivery is completed.

Example 2 - Alternative Panel Clampinq and Boom Control An alternative system and method for panel clamping and boom control is now described.

In an example described earlier, panels are clamped to the tapes one-by-one as they are deployed. Fig.s 12 to 18 show an alternative panel interconnection and boom extension system 99. As shown, a flipper 104 is rotatable between two positions, a first in which eccentric projection extends substantially parallel with the motion of the tape and a second in which it is rotated approximately 90 degrees, so as to press onto the tape 106 or 107. The projection jams the tape against the panel whereby the tape and the panel 111 are stiffly connected.

Also, in the earlier example, panels were dispatched during tape extension by the action of one panel acting on the next. Note that the tapes are not shown in fig. 12-15 for clarity, but a tape comes out of the motorised reels 101 and 102, in the case there are 2 tapes. The tape 106 rises from exit 103 (tape 107 rises from other exit, not visible) and through the panels in the stack of panels with each panel flipper 104 in the open position and the tape emerges at 108 and is fixed secure on the front panel 110. Note that front boom member (or panel) 110 is rigidly fixed, thus secured to the first intermediate member (also referred to as intermediate panel or tape holder layer panel) 111. First intermediate panel 111 has a member 112 attached to the rod which rotates the flipper near 108. The member is fixed secure to the rod so that if the member rotates then the rod will rotate.

The member 112 is pivoted and connected to member 113, which is connected to the rod of the second intermediate panel 114. However, this member is not fixed secure and when the member rotates it does not create any torque on the rod to which it is attached. The second intermediate panel has a member similar to 112 connected and fixed secure to that panel’s rod.

When the tapes 106, 107 are driven upwards by the motors in 101 and 102 the front panel 110 rises and therefore first panel 111 rises with it (as it is rigidly connected thereto). Provided the second panel 114 remains stationary, the action of rising will cause 112 and 113 to rotate. Member 112 causes the flipper to rotate and lock the tape, securely attaching 114 onto the tapes 106, 107 on either side, while member 13 has no effect on the rod to which it is attached.

In this embodiment, a tape is not clamped while it is moving, which is not the case in the other described embodiment. Moreover, the flipper locking clamp is more robust and reliable.

In order to ensure the second panel does not move when the first panel rises up each panel has a ridge 115 which is intended to ride in the thread of the roller 116. If the ridge is within the thread, the panel cannot rise. If the roller 116 is rotated by the motor 118 with torque applied via the sliding rods 117, then the roller will screw into the external threads created by support 119 and 115 and will go up or down depending on the motor rotation direction. Therefore, the roller 116 can be positioned relative to any panel ridge so as to block its motion.

To rise upwards the motorised reels 101 and 102 push the tapes out and thus push the front boom member upwards until the first panel flipper locks. Then the roller is rotated once to release the ridge of the second panel and the motorised reels and are driven again until the second panel flipper is locked. Note the tape associated to the second panel is not moving relative to the second panel during this locking procedure which is a benefit of this embodiment.

Fig. 17 shows ridge 115 held within the groove 116 and then fig. 16 shows the ridge released, allowing extension of the respective panel, now locked onto the tapes.

Thus the boom is extended, panel-by-panel, and panels are one-by-one locked onto the tapes, with locked panels spaced evenly apart from each other and creating an extended boom with weight-bearing capacity.

Finally, to lower the tapes the reverse sequence is conducted. Although the members represented by 112 and 113 are pulled to an almost parallel, they are sufficiently bent so that when the tapes are pulled backwards, the force is sufficient to collapse and rotate the members, such that the flipper is unlocked and the panel can be concertina-ed down into the storage, retracted position.