Airborne device such as model rocket with light and sound for observing and retrieving
An airborne device such as a model rocket or balloon is provided with a light source and/or a sound source that makes the rocket visible during ascent, descent and recovery at night. The sound source is provided to assist in day time recovery. The light source may be located in a transparent or translucent nose cone section of a rocket or otherwise attached adjacent or in a balloon to assist in operation and viewing. The light source may include a timing or flashing feature to make the airborne device or rocket more visibly distinct during flight and recovery. Additional signaling and informational light sources may be added to other parts of the rocket and to the ground mounted launch apparatus to announce launching and/or improve the night time viewing. One form of the rocket system uses a count down feature with lights on the launch structure to signal when blast off will occur.
(1) Field of the Invention
This disclosure pertains to airborne toy devices such as model rockets, balloons and the like, with a light source to allow the rocket to be viewed during night launches and easily retrieved thereafter. The rocket or balloon may also has an audible signal to assist during recoveries.
(2) Description of the Prior Art
Various arrangements have been used in the past to control the operation, rate of descent, propulsion and retrieval of model rockets. Earlier patents have dealt with parachutes to control the rate of descent, fins and wings to prevent extensive damage to the rocket by preventing high speed descent and other patents directed to the rocket motor or propulsion system. All prior model rockets shared a common theme, i.e. they were all restricted to daylight use, and, recovery was totally visual. If the device was out of sight recovery was difficult and many rockets have been lost due to loss of visual contact. If a rocket were to be launched at night or at dusk, not only could it not be observed during its flight, other than during partial ascent when rocket engine burn could be briefly observed, but also there was a substantial risk that it would be lost. None of the prior art devices is directed to overcoming this problem of providing visual and/or audible signaling to model rockets and other small toy like devices such as balloons.
Retrieval systems and devices used for model rockets fall essentially into a single category, that is parachutes. One typical device that uses a parachute for retrieval is the Hans, et al., U.S. Pat. No. 5,054,397 (1991) that shows a parachute used to retrieve a rocket. Some other features relate to cooling ejection gasses and not to retrieval. There is no mention or suggestion of night flights and viewing or retrieving after use at night.
The Sculatti, U.S. Pat. No. 4,687,455 (1987) shows such a device utilizing a parachute, streamers or a paraglider to assist in recovery. The Estes, U.S. Pat. No. 3,114,317 (1963) shows a model rocket that has a design to assist in recovery by shifting the center of gravity to allow the rocket to fall in a safe predetermined fashion to prevent damage to the rocket or injuries to bystanders. By shifting the center of gravity, the rocket becomes unbalanced and will fall slowly in a sideways or similar erratic manner. Again, there is nothing to suggest the light and sound configuration of the present invention.
The Wheelwright, U.S. Pat. No. 3,120,183 (1964) shows a pyrotechnic device used in marine rescue operations. The device is activated with water contact and emits smoke and light. Again, not hint or suggestion is made to adapt any part of this product to a model rocket.
Similarly, toy articles such as balloons could be used for night time activities when equipped with lights that would allow not only for viewing but also for retrieval. Such balloons could be used as decorative pieces for night time events or even carry information indicating sponsors, advertisers, entrances, exits, food stations and the like at both indoor and outdoor events. With the advent of high intensity light sources, such as affordable light emitting diodes that are very bright and require low current, balloons with such lights could allow weather forecasters to release balloons after dark and track. Such tracking is now restricted to daylight hours.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTIONThis disclosure relates to signal devices for indicating and retrieving airborne devices such as lighter than air amusement balloons and model rockets. Balloons filled with helium are often used as amusement devices for having birthday parties and the like and when fitted with a lighting device as disclosed herein have an additional feature of being observed at night or even during high light situations when fitted with a colored or flashing light device. The model rockets are the type used by individuals for personal entertainment and sport. The usual, basic construction of a tubular body section consisting of a single section or in the case of the so-called long rockets several sections fitted together and slightly telescoping sections. The materials used for the tubular body are light and strong and may be constructed of plastic, reinforced paper, aluminum, fiberglass and the like. The tubular body contains a conventional model rocket engine that is purchased as a sub assembly to be fitted into the lower part of the tubular body. For obvious safety reasons, model rocket afficionados generally do not construct the engines and experiment with the propulsion materials that are highly explosive and must burn at a controlled rate to achieve maximum speed and height. Thus, most engines are purchased from sources that are well known in the industry. The body of the rocket usually includes fins for control and a removable nose cone section. The usual, reusable, model rocked also has a folded parachute at the upper end in or near the nose cone so that is may be deployed during descent to prevent the rocked from being damaged from impact with the ground and also to prevent injuries or damage to property by a fast moving, falling rocket. Typical model rockets are usually restricted to day time launches since they cannot be easily viewed and retrieved after dusk and in the dark. However, night launches are desirable since the rocket burn can be observed and the sight of an ascending rocket is different and enjoyable. However, drawbacks outweith the enjoyment since the viewing light is rather dim and does not last long enough to be thoroughly enjoyed during the entire flight of the rocket. The instant invention provides light sources for these model rockets that can be easily attached to an existing rocket for example or added during manufacturing in a clear or translucent nose cone of customized rockets to allow the rockets to be observed during ascent and descent and to be easily located when on the ground.
The instant disclosure also shows rockets and balloons fitted with sound devices to assist in retrieval. Even during day time launches there is difficulty encountered with retrieving launched rockets that can be entangled in trees, lost in corn fields or otherwise obstructed from view. By adding a sound emitting device, rockets can be more easily tracked during flight and retrieved when not readily observed at the end of flight.
In operation, one form of the invention shows a light source attached to the rocket in the form of a small light emitting diode, LED, and carrying its own small power source in the form of a small, watch type battery, charged capacitor or the like. These miniature lights can be attached at any location on the rocket. Such a lighting device could be attached by a simple nylon wire tie, clip or even adhesive.
Another form of a factory made or modified model rocket discloses a removable nose cone that also provides a housing for a light source that allows the rocket to be observed during flight and recovery. This nose cone section is made of a material that is clear or even partially clear, i.e. translucent, to allow light to shine through. The light source may be an incandescent bulb or light emitting diode that is powered or receives current from batteries or other source of electricity.
Another form of the light source utilizes a light stick, i.e. a combination of chemicals that when activated or combined produce light. The light stick is particularly useful in applications over water or for repeated uses where weight reduction is important since the light stick customarily is less weight that the batteries.
It is contemplated that electric circuits may be provided that do not have batteries on board the rocket but use capacitors or other sources to energize the light source. One particularly rugged and reliable power source utilizes a moving, magnetic metal slug in a wire coil that operates in accordance to Faraday's law that states that a magnet moving in a coil produces a voltage to charge a capacitor and hold voltage to power the LED or light bulb. With such an arrangement the model rocket kit can be stored for long periods between uses and used without the need to provide fresh batteries as the source of electricity. The capacitor could be charged from the Faraday charging device that is not subject to being discharged as are conventional voltage sources such as dry cell batteries.
With balloons, the light source is to be attached inside if the balloon is transparent or translucent and will allow light to show through. Otherwise the light is attached to the balloon tether. With either form of attachment the balloon is easily viewed. If the balloon is transparent or translucent the light will shine through and can reveal the color or message of the balloon or display the light source color or flashing features.
It is thus an object of the invention to provide a model rocket with a light source that will allow viewing during night launches at ascent, descent and retrieval.
It is another object of the invention to provide a model rocket with a sound source that will emit an audible signal to allow ease of retrieval after descent.
Another object is to provide a model rocket with a sound emitting device having a sound delay feature to prevent operation of the sound device to produce an audible sound until the rocked has blasted off.
It is yet another object of the invention to provide a model rocket with a light located in the nose cone to be easily viewed during rocket flight and recovery.
Another object of the invention is to provide a model rocket lighting kit with a light source, power source and attaching means for viewing model rockets that can be launched at night and easily recovered by simply attaching the light kit members to the rocket.
It is another object of the invention is to provide a light for model rockets that is powered from a lightweight capacitor that has been charged to provide power to the light source during launch, descent and retrieval.
Another object of the invention is to provide a launch system for model rockets that includes lights showing a sequence of signals to indicate a countdown to launch of the rocket.
Another object of the disclosure it to disclose a launch system for model rockets that provides a countdown voice and remote triggering device for automatically launching a rocket.
These and other objects of the invention will become apparent to those having ordinary skill in the art with reference to the attached drawings, specification and appended claims.
Referring now to the drawings and in particular
Rocket 10 has a plenum or chamber 22 that provides a hollow space for storage of a shock cord 24 and a folded parachute 26. After launch and near the highest point of travel of the model rocket 10 the motor 18 will detonate a small charge of gas into the plenum 22 to force the nose cone 14 from the body portion 12 and allow the parachute to deploy for controlled descent of the rocket 10 in a fashion that allows the rocket to be observed and to prevent damage to the rocket and to objects on the ground.
As shown in the drawings and in particular
Several circuit variations are shown in the circuits of
As shown in
A conventional model rocket 10 is illustrated in
A similar arrangement exists for providing a sound to a model rocket in the form of a kit. Referring now to
As mentioned earlier, the light arrangement could be adapted to balloons as illustrated in
Thus it has been shown by the foregoing description and detailed drawings that the disclosure shows an airborne device that can be used at night to provide both sport and entertainment. Lightweight lighting and sound devices are used to allow the device to viewed during flight and easily recovered when back on the ground by viewing or by listening for sound emitted by the tracking device provided. The lighting and sound components may be provided in the form of a kit that can be independently purchased, without the airborne device or rocket, and easily attached to an on-hand, conventional rocket. Further, the disclosure shows a countdown system for launching a rocket with a light and/or sound arrangement to enhance enjoyment of the launch of the device.
The forgoing description and drawings merely explain and illustrate the invention and the invention is not limited thereto, except insofar as the appended claims are so limited, as those who are skilled in the art and have the disclosure before them will be able to make modifications and variations therein without departing from the scope of the invention.
Claims
1. A recreation device capable of flight including airborne ascent and descent, and the improvement comprising:
- light emitting means with mounting and attaching means removably attaching said light emitting means to said recreation device to allow the recreation device carry the light emitting means aloft to be easily observed both during flight and after descent to aid in recovery.
2. The recreation device of claim 1, and the improvement further comprising:
- sound emitting means with mounting and attaching means removably attaching said sound emitting means to said recreation device to allow the recreation device carry the sound emitting means aloft to be easily heard for locating the recreation device after descent.
3. The recreation device of claim 1, and said light emitting means further comprising:
- detachable LED light means having a power source carried with said LED during flight.
4. The recreation device of claim 1, and said light emitting means including:
- an electrical power storage device;
- an electrical power source with electrical conducting means connecting with said power storage device to charge said device and said electrical conducting means including means for disconnecting said power source from said power storage device to allow only the power storage device to ascend with said recreation device.
5. The recreation device of claim 1 and further including:
- a model rocket with a tubular body and a detachable nose cone;
- said nose cone having means to allow light to be emitted therefrom;
- said light emitting means having means mounted in said nose cone to provide illumination to allow the rocket to be observed during and after flight.
6. The recreation device of claim 1 and further including:
- a balloon capable of being inflated;
- said balloon having means mounting said light emitting means inside the balloon for movement with the balloon during ascent and descent or when stationary;
- said balloon having light transmitting areas to allow light to escape from inside the balloon as provided by said light emitting means to allow the balloon to be viewed and visible due to said light means.
7. The recreation device of claim 1 and further including:
- an inflated balloon having an interior and an exterior area;
- means mounting said light means outside the balloon for illuminating the exterior area adjacent to the balloon during flight.
8. The recreation device of claim 7 and further including:
- said balloon having a reflective surface;
- tether means extending from and connected to said balloon;
- attaching means securely mounting said light means on said tether.
9. The recreation device of claim 8 and said means mounting said light means on the tether further including:
- adjustment means for orienting said light means to shine on said reflective surface.
10. The recreation device of claim 1 and said light emitting means including:
- an electric circuit with switch means for adjusting the timing and operation thereof.
11. A tracking, observing and recovery assisting device for a model rocket having a tubular body and a detachable nose cone attached to said body during launch and detachable therefrom; a parachute with connecting means attached to said rocket to control decent of said rocket, the improvement comprising:
- signaling means with electrical power means and means emitting discernable indicia during flight for viewing of said rocket and to assist in recovery of said rocket and to enhance the recreational and entertainment aspects of the model rocket during operation.
12. The tracking, observing and recovery assisting device for a model rocket of claim 11 and said electrical power means including:
- an electrical power source including a charged capacitor with means mounted with said signaling means to provide power to said signaling means.
13. The tracking, observing and recovery assisting device for a model rocket of claim 11, the improvement comprising:
- said signaling means including sound means with means emitting an audible signal that can be heard after powered flight of said rocket and provide audible, observable signals to assist in recovery of said rocket.
14. The tracking, observing and recovery assisting device for a model rocket of claim 11, the improvement comprising:
- said signaling means including light means with means emitting a visible signal that can be viewed during and after powered flight of said rocket and provide visible, observable signals to assist in recovery of said rocket.
15. The tracking, observing and recovery assisting device for a model rocket of claim 11, electrical power means including:
- electric switch means to delay activation of the light emitting means until the rocket has ascended.
16. The tracking, observing and recovery assisting device for a model rocket of claim 11, the improvement comprising:
- an electric circuit with switch and control means for adjusting timing and operation of said signaling means
17. A kit for providing light to a model rocket to be viewed during launch and recovery of said rocket and including:
- an light mounted in a housing;
- said housing having means to attach said housing to said model rocket;
- a power source to provide electricity to said light;
- an electric circuit connecting said power source and light and including light control means for adjusting said light;
- said means to attach said housing having means to adjustably secure said light on said rocket.
18. The kit of claim 17 and further including sound emitting means with means capable of being connected to said power source and also having means for connecting to said model rocket to travel with said rocket during launch and recovery.
19. A system for launching a model rocket and providing a launch sequence including:
- lights positioned near the launch site to indicate the pre launch sequence of lights and sound;
- a countdown device coupled with said lights to sequence the operation of said lights to indicate the beginning of a countdown before blast off;
- said countdown device having time zero sensing means to operate a trigger start to initiate said rocket launch and operate said rocket motor;
- said system having means to indicate blast off of said rocket and means to activate on board signaling devices in said rocket.
Type: Application
Filed: May 25, 2007
Publication Date: Nov 27, 2008
Inventors: John Adorjan (Highland Park, IL), Matthew Adorjan (Waukegan, IL)
Application Number: 11/805,892
International Classification: F42B 4/08 (20060101); A63H 27/00 (20060101); A63H 27/10 (20060101); F42B 4/06 (20060101);