Abstract: A kite that is self-erecting to a flying configuration having a forward opening with control line attached to a spool, a rearward opening with kite fabric stretched to form a surface between the openings, the forward opening urged from the rearward opening by flexible member support spars, the spars sized longer than the distance between the openings and aligned under tension between the openings to the extent permitted by the stretched fabric. The kite is collapsed into a generally flat storage configuration, by rotating one opening with respect to the other opening past a point of no return, the flexible member tension spars configuring themselves to a more relaxed, unaligned orientation. The two openings may be thus placed together into a storage configuration without disassembly and conveniently confined within side walls of the line spool, where one of the walls may be approximately the size of an opening to protect the kite.

Abstract: A rotary flying device comprising an inflatable airfoil having an axis of rotation for rotation thereabout, an inflatable stabilizer disk mounted on the airfoil, a bearing assembly attached to the axis of rotation, and a bridle attached to the bearing assembly for receiving a support line. The airfoil is provided with one or more ribs for providing rigidity thereto. Alternatively, or simultaneously, the airfoil is provided with end caps or a periphery cage member for providing the necessary rigidity thereto.

Abstract: A kite employing a controllable transmission between two specialized types of rotor assemblies. The torque rotor assembly, is designed to rotate when placed in a stream of wind, collecting power from the wind in the form of lift and torque. The lift rotor assembly, transfers torque energy from the torque rotor into lift, through the system of power transfer. Torque energy from the torque rotor assembly is used to power the control system for the transmission, the control system for a remote mechanism to steer the kite, and power for other devices and remote functions. This invention is dedicated to harnessing and utilizing wind power, both torque and lift, by providing a metered and therefore controllable amount of lift through the variability of the transmission, in a vector along the kite line. The usefulness of this vector of lift is enhanced because, it can be altered through the steering system while retaining the reeling ease of a single string, and can provide power for remote functions.

Abstract: An improved billowing rotary kite is provided. The rotary kite includes a hollow, collapsible wind receiving surface. An air inlet end of the wind receiving surface is retained open by a collapsible and adjustable frame affixed to the surface on a leading edge of the inlet end. Air flow through the kite is controlled by a flexible trailing edge at an air outlet end of the surface. The flexible trailing edge comprises a plurality of longitudinal vanes that extend about the air outlet end of the surface. The fully collapsible surface, and collapsible and adjustable frame, provide a rotary kite that is fully collapsible for packaging or stowage purposes. The depth of the frame is adjustable for obtaining the highest possible rotative flight characteristics and rotative diving capabilities of the kite. In flight, air currents pass through the air inlet end of the kite, through the surface along a longitudinal axis thereof, and out the outlet end.

Abstract: A vaneless rotary kite suitable for rotation in a direction perpendicular to the wind flow is provided with a symmetrical wind receiving surface supported by a frame and open at the ends thereof permitting the passage of air currents therethrough with a flexible baffle at the air outlet to control air flow and with at least two air vents to facilitate rotation. This vaneless rotary kite can be maneuvered during rotative flight.

Abstract: A rotating flying device of the type having an airfoil and a stabilizer disk is disclosed. The flying device uses novel three-hole bearings to allow for flight with streamers. Further, the flying device may be folded for ease in transportation or storage. Stabilizing elements are used to hold the disk in a flying position.

Abstract: A tethered model gyroglider having a fuselage, a rotor support extending upwardly from the fuselage, and a unitary two-bladed rotor rotatably mounted onto the rotor support. A teetering mechanism permits the rotor to pivot about an axis proximate the center of the rotor. When the gyroglider is subjected to a relative wind generally from a forward direction, the forward moving blade of the rotor is raised and the rearward moving blade is lowered. This equalizes the aerodynamic forces about the longitudinal axis of the fuselage, thereby eliminating the tendency of the gyroglider to roll in the direction of the rearward moving blade.

Abstract: A toy activated air movement including a loop of a self-supporting flexible sheet-like material. The loop has an interior surface and an exterior surface and a major axis perpendicular to the direction of travel. The loop is formed of a material which at least partially deforms under its own weight and has sufficient rigidity such that a portion of the interior surface of the loop will not contact an opposite portion of the interior surface of the loop when the toy is placed upon a supporting surface. The toy travels along the supporting surface in response to air movement. A plurality of flaps extend outwardly from the exterior surface of the loop generally in a direction parallel to the major axis of the loop. The flaps are angled away from the exterior surface of the loop, whereby air impacting upon the flaps will cause the toy to roll about the major axis along the supporting surface.

Abstract: A wind-powered flying device, generally known as a roto-kite, is described which allows for flight even in slight wind conditions yet also functions well in strong wind conditions. The roto-kite has a stabilizing keel with adjustable position on a main body shaft and rotating wings hinged to the shaft to allow for flapping to relieve stresses from unbalanced forces during rotation. A tether is attached to a tiller arm on the keel such that when the tether causes the tiller to turn in the wind the roto-kite changes direction.

Abstract: The device includes a rotor (2) mounted for rotation about an axis transverse to a restraining line (4) by means of a bearing (10). The rotor may comprise two lift members (6) each in the form of a short, lightweight tube mounted on a stiff but flexible rod (8) which extends diametrically across each tube and through the bearing (10).

Abstract: A space spinning kite comprising a stabilizing disc and a wing of rigid light weight material assembled at right angles to each other. The wing has a central slot through which a pair of closely spaced radially extending elements are rotated from the slot to a position at right angles to the disc, engaging both sides of the disc. A pair of slots on both sides of the center of the wing engage opposite surfaces of the disc in the vicinity of angular extremities to the slot.

Abstract: An aerodynamic device includes a rotor connected, for rotation about an axis, by bearings to a bridle to which a securing line is attached. At least one stabilizer fin is hinged to the rotor on an axis at right angles to the rotation axis. Each stabilizer fin is free to move angularly about its hinge axis in flight.

Abstract: A rotational kite using a plurality of sails derives both lifting force and rotational torque from the same sails. Rotation is useful in both stabilizing the kite and in providing a remarkable visual display. Construction is such that there is a minimum of deadweight; the structure efficiently contributes to the forces required for lifting and rotation.

Abstract: A rotary aerial toy comprising a tubular sleeve of flexible material and of circular cross section. In one form of the invention the tubular sleeve tapers from one end toward the other with air entering the larger head end and moving toward the tail end. The head end is adapted for a bridle connection for supporting the sleeve for wind passage therethrough. The sleeve comprises plural strips extending at least generally longitudinally of the sleeve with each strip being of substantially right triangular form, at least at the head end portion thereof. The strips are connected to one another with the hypotenuse leg of one strip being connected to the altitude leg of an adjacent strip and with the base leg being transverse. The strips are arranged at assembly with a step between the head ends of adjacent strips and the seams connecting any selected pair of strips stop short of the head end of the altitude leg of the strip.

Abstract: A space spinner, or kite, is provided which derives its lift from the wind blown rotation of a wing, stabilizer disc, and a dowel with a set of spacers affixed to both ends, at the end of a V-bridle of string. The kite is formed of an assembly of components preferably defined by a stabilizing disc and a wing, both constructed of a rigid lightweight material. A dowel with spacers secured to both ends, perfectly centered and affixed lengthwise on the wing, rotates with the wing and disc. The dowel is secured to the wing by rubber bands which extend through rubber band holes in the wing and are stretched over the ends of the solid dowel thereby holding the solid dowel in place. The thin plate bearings on which the assembly rotates are held in place between each set of spacers. A V-bridle of string is tied to a hole in the bearings and a mooring line of string is secured to the center of the V-bridle.

Abstract: A longitudinally extending flying surface in the form of a box-like structure, floats on and surrounds a frame including a spar, in the chordal plane. Two suitable links mounted at a spanwise distance between them, link the spar with the flying surface: they cooperate with themselves to form two fixed points of intercept with respect to the flying surface, of the curvature of flexion covered by the spar on the flying surface in the chordal plane: they permit the free flex of the spar relatively to the flying surface in the chordal plane, during the axial rotation of the spar.

Abstract: An aircraft is provided utilizing a spherical balloon filled with buoyant gas such as helium at a pressure substantially greater than atmospheric so that its dimensions are substantially unaffected by changes in atmospheric pressure or temperature. The aircraft may take the form of a self-propelled and self-contained airship, or may be merely a passive device for providing lift and intended to be towed by and controlled from a helicopter. The spherical balloon is mounted on a normally horizontal axle having end portions projecting from opposite sides of the balloon, and includes a rigid load supporting yoke including two arms extending upwardly from a central load supporting structure and each with an upper end suspended from the axle.

Abstract: A rotary wing device has a circular stabilizer disc and, secured normally thereto, a bilaterally symmetrical wing member having a first symmetry axis intersecting the center of the stabilizer disc. The ends of the wing member at the first symmetry axis are connected through pin connections to a string harness whereby the device functions as a kite when the wing member rotates about the first symmetry axis. At least one guy wire connects the frame of the stabilizer disc to the frame of the wing member in each quadrant of the device. The same device may function in free flight without the string harness. The device preferably is fabricated from rod or tube frames covered with plastic films.

Abstract: A flying toy or kite is provided which generates lift by spinning as it rotates at the end of a loop of string. The toy is molded of foamed plastic, preferably of two major components including a wing to spin about a lateral axis and a disc-shaped central fin attached to the center of the wing. The wing has a molded channel forming receptacle for a dowel or tube which extends along the central portion of the wing and retains rotating fittings at its ends. The disc has a molded slot for receiving the wing and is increased in thickness adjacent the slot to provide suitable support for the wing and to improve its strength and resistance to damage.

Abstract: The kite structure of this invention comprises a pair of plates assembled together in normal intersecting relation. The plates are provided with grooves and slots which are engaged during assembly. The plates may be shaped to provide numerous different three dimensional configurations.

Abstract: A rotating kite including an elongated control arm, apparatus for affixing kite string to the free ends of the control arm, a spindle rotatably affixed to the central portion of the control arm, a plurality of rigid air engaging arms fixedly secured in a radial pattern to the spindle, a ring-like element enclosing and fixedly secured to the free ends of the air engaging arms in a wheel-like effect and a substantially flat membrane covering the ring-like element and having a plurality of slots therein adjacent the air engaging arms.

Abstract: The kite structure herein provides for inherent correction for changes in speed of rotation and direction of wind and has self-starting features and structures that minimize the effect of cord and stabilizer contact which, in the overall, provides for easier, more reliable, and more accurate operation then has heretofore been obtained by similar kites and turns usual frustrating failures into satisfying and enjoyable operations.

Abstract: A rotary kite suitable for rotation in a direction perpendicular to the wind flow is provided with a symmetrical wind receiving surface supported by a frame and open at the ends thereof permitting the passage of air currents therethrough with at least one vane attached to one end of the frame and extending beyond therefrom into the wind flow to cause rotation.

Abstract: A free flying aerodynamic toy that is manually launched and is composed of an elongate air foil having two identical surfaces that are joined to one another symmetrically of the longitudinal axis so that in response to rotation and translation through air, the surfaces sequentially cooperate with air flow thereover to produce lift. Circular stabilizer plates at opposite ends of the air foil produce vertical stability and have weighted peripheries to increase rotational inertia. Centrally of the air foil is a rib which divides the air foil into two symmetrical parts. The parts extend outward from the rib at a positive dihedral angle (an included angle less than 180.degree.) so as to enhance stability and reduce roll and yaw of the toy.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION1. Field of the InventionThis invention relates to an aerodynamic toy and more particularly to such toy that is capable of free flight so that it can perform maneuvers upon being thrown into the air by the user thereof.2. Description of the Prior ArtU.

Abstract: A rotary kite consisting of a single elongated airfoil element or wing with two perpendicularly attached circular stabilizer elements positioned on the airfoil so as to enclose a central longitudinal quarter of the airfoil element. Each stabilizer disk has an elongated S-shaped slot centered upon its surface through which the wing is inserted thereby causing a wing cross-section to have an S-shaped configuration. A dowel-type shaft is centered laterally on one side of the airfoil element and serves as an axis of rotation for the airfoil and its two stabilizer disks. Multiple bracing lines interconnect both disks and each line further extends to both ends of the shaft thus holding the two disks semi-rigid and perpendicular to the airfoil. A nail at each end of the dowel secures a plastic bearing to which a bridle line is attached and the unattached line ends are joined to form a V-shaped bridle.

Abstract: An airplane-like kite toy, which is designed to simulate an airplane in appearance and in flight characteristics, the toy having rotatable wings detachably mounted to a fuselage body in a novel manner wherein the wings are fixedly secured to a shaft, the shaft being rotatably supported by a support member in the form of a yoke structure. The yoke structure includes bearings in which the shaft is rotatably locked and positioned therein, the entire wing structure being detachably secured to the fuselage body, wherein the fuselage body and the wings are of a solid monolithic construction. Disc-like members are carried at opposite ends of the wings for serving as landing-gears, flight-stabilizers, and protective members, the disc-like members thus rotate with the wings. Positioned forwardly of the support member and removably disposed in the fuselage body is a tether line, whereby the tether line is attached thereto to provide for controlling the flight of the airplane-like kite.