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

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.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0001](1) Field of the Invention[0002]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.[0003](2) Description of the Prior Art[0004]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 ...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0009]This 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.

Problems solved by technology

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, 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.

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.

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