Airborne device such as model rocket with light and sound for observing and retrieving

• US 20080289530A1
• Filed: 05/25/2007
• Published: 11/27/2008
• Est. Priority Date: 05/25/2007
• Status: Abandoned Application

• Current Assignee: John Adorjan, Matthew Adorjan
• Original Assignee: John Adorjan, Matthew Adorjan
• Inventors: Adorjan, John, Adorjan, Matthew
• Application Number:
  US11/805,892
• Publication Number:
  US 20080289530A1
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 102/348
• CPC Class Codes: A63H 27/005 Rockets; Missiles
• CPC Class Codes: F42B 12/42 of illuminating type, e.g. carrying flares
• CPC Class Codes: F42B 6/00 Projectiles or missiles specially adapted for projection without use of explosive or combustible propellant charge, e.g. for blow guns, bows or crossbows, hand-held spring or air guns for delivering hypodermic charges F42B12/54; projectiles or missiles incorporating springs as the projecting means F41B7/02; Arrows or darts for dispensing materials, for producing chemical or physical reaction, or for signalling F42B12/362
• CPC Class Codes: F42B 8/12 Projectiles or missiles F42B10/48, F42B12/36, F42B19/36 take precedence

Abstract

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.

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.