h a l f b a k e r y
Get half a life.
idea:
add, search, annotate, link, view, overview, recent, by name, best, random
meta:
news, help, about, links, report a problem
account:
Browse anonymously,
or get an account
and write.
Login
Create account.
|
|
|
A backpack which contains two helium containers intended for flight. The first container inflates a balloon contained in the upper half of the backpack. The second is used for steering via air emission out of 1 of 2 backward facing tubes coming out of the sides of the backpack. If a balloon backpacker
is on course both tubes can be used for a speed boost.
The backpack is operated by a remote with 6 buttons; fast inflate, inflate, boost, left, right, deflate. When the user is short on compressed air the backpack will commence a landing sequence based on an altitude/air/weight formula, this same formula will prohibit unsafe altitudes. The backpack's helium canisters can be refilled wherever balloons are sold. Extra straps keep the backpack on.
Intended for recreational use.
Edit: Helium rather than compressed air.
Wikipedia: Cluster ballooning
http://en.wikipedia.../Cluster_ballooning
The Larry Walters-style lawn chair flying thing, slightly different from the single balloon in this idea. But the picture gives you an idea of the volume of helium needed! [jutta, Jan 13 2007]
Mythbusters: Adam Savage, 7000 balloons
http://dsc.discover...oon/balloon_09.html
On the occasion of a stunt for the David Letterman show. (At the same appearance, they suspended their co-guest, actor Paul Newman.) [jutta, Jan 13 2007]
[link]
|
| |
This is the perfect mode of transport to get me to school quickly... How long will it take for you to manufacture one of these? |
|
| |
Maybe a month or two. :-) |
|
| |
Put me down for one.. Cash is in the post.. Maybe two actually.. |
|
| |
//this same formula will prohibit unsafe altitudes// |
|
| |
No need - filling the balloon with recently compressed (cold) air will undoubtedly keep the altitude to a very safe zero. |
|
| |
This needs more thought on how the user, backpack, balloon and cylinders will become lighter than air without simply reinventing the hot air balloon/jet pack/Zeppelin. |
|
| |
if i remember correctly, those zany guys on mythbusters tried to lift a 40 pound child using helium filled balloons. their first estimates were that 2,000 balloons were needed, it turned out they needed 3 or 4 thousand. although Larry Walters guy did it using weather balloons... |
|
| |