Abstract: A remotely controlled aircraft has a center member and a steering assembly. The steering assembly comprises a carriage, a remote control motor, a center member and a connecting arm. The carriage pivotably is attached to the center member. The remote control motor has a control arm and is disposed within the carriage. The center member arm has a first end and a second end. The first end of the center member arm is fixedly attached to the center member. The center member and the center member arm is arranged in a non-parallel manner. The connecting arm has a first end and a second end. The first end of the connecting arm is pivotably attached to the second end of the center member arm. The second end of the connecting arm is pivotably attached to the control arm of the remote control motor.

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: An inflatable flying toy made of plastic membrane. The flying toy is formed with several inflatable air passages communicated with each other. After inflated, the air passages are expanded to serve as a support frame for stretching and supporting the flying toy into a kite form. At predetermined positions of the air passages are disposed latch holes or wing holes connecting with a hook injection member or tied with a pull string. The hook injection member can be hooked with a catapult which is able to resiliently inject the flying toy as a glider. A pull string can be tied with the flying toy to control the flying or floating direction of the kite by pulling.

Abstract: Disclosed is a dynamic winged animal device which includes a body and a lift member which defines a right wing and a left wing. The wings further include a fixed curvature over at the leading edge of the wings to provide airfoil characteristics and movement of the wings of the particular animal being portrayed. A spar or support is attached to the outer portions of the wings and provides a flexible support base for the natural movement of the wings in the air. The distance between the center portion of the wing span and the spar may vary during flight.

Abstract: A kite includes an arrangement of elongate, flexible rods interconnected at one or more joints to define a frame structure. A primary tensioning system provides a reactive force, in response to a wind force exerted on the frame structure, to thereby increase frame rigidity and resistance against bending and breaking of the rods. Secondary tensioners absorb the wind force and provide resistance against deforming of the frame structure when under stress. A net, secured to the frame structure by the secondary tensioners, extends across a front face of the kite. The net, having an open weave construction, provides no resistance to wind forces. One or more panels, formed of a thin film material, such as lightweight fabric or plastic, are selectively and removably positionable on the front face, against the net; the panels being impervious to air flow and thereby defining a wind confronting surface for providing wind resistance.

Abstract: A collapsible flying structure includes an enclosed resilient frame member having a folded and an unfolded orientation, a sheet material partially covering the resilient frame member to form the flying structure when the frame member is in the unfolded orientation, and a control string coupled to the structure for controlling the flight of the flying structure. The frame member may be twisted and folded to form a plurality of concentric loops in the folded orientation of the frame member to substantially reduce the size of the flying structure.

Abstract: A waterfowl decoy system is provided comprising a waterfowl decoy with a specific gravity which is less than air and controlled by an apparatus which causes the waterfowl decoy to mimic different stages of a landing bird. The system includes a waterfowl decoy with orientation means enabling the user to control the flight orientation and posture of the waterfowl decoy.

Abstract: A combination of a kite and a helium balloon wherein the whole is lighter than air so allowing the said combination to fly with or without wind.The kite hangs from the bottom of the balloon and is secured flush with the balloon by adhesive tape. New balloons can be put on at any time using the tape. The kite has a large keel for stability and a tail.

Abstract: A 3D kite includes two upright rods mutually connected with each other with a cloth strip or a rope, a horizontal rod fixed with lower ends of the two upright rod, a sail attached on an outer side of each upright rod and kept secured by means of an insert block connected to an outer corner of the sail and inserted in two ends of the horizontal rod, and a plurality of wings fixed horizontally between the two upright rods.

Abstract: An apparatus to pick up and amplify sounds created by vibrations of a flexible member having a base which supports a sound pick up that transmits a signal to an amplifier. The apparatus is attached to the flexible member by an attachment assembly mounted on the base at an approximate center of gravity of the apparatus. The attachment assembly has two points of attachment such that when the flexible member is under tension a rotational force around the attachment assembly brings the sound pick up close to or in contact with the flexible member. The apparatus may also have the sound pick up mounted to a speaker that is mounted to the base. The apparatus may also have the sound pick up mounted to the base and transmit a signal to a separate amplifier.

Abstract: A kite having an adjustable airfoil to maintain a multisided surface material in a flying position has a surface material or sheet requiring no modifications and may be easily removed. The surface material may also be modified for more permanent assembly.

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: A collapsible flying structure includes an enclosed resilient frame member having a folded and an unfolded orientation, a panel covering the resilient frame member to form the flying structure when the frame member is in the unfolded orientation, and a control string coupled to the panel for controlling the flight of the flying structure. The frame member and panel may be twisted and folded to form a plurality of concentric loops and panels in the folded orientation of the frame member to substantially reduce the size of the flying structure.

Abstract: A kite includes a main frame including a longitudinal beam, two peripheral beams, and at least two transverse beams interconnected between the peripheral beams. Each peripheral beam includes a number of positioning rings for respectively receiving two ends of the transverse beams. A number of vertical posts are provided, and each vertical post has a lower end securely attached to an associated transverse beam. Each vertical post includes a number of vertically spaced engaging members thereon. The kite further includes a number of vertically spaced sail devices each including two horizontal rods with a sail mounted therebetween. Each horizontal rod includes an engaging piece securely engaged with one of the engaging members of the associated vertical post.

Abstract: The invention relates to a captive guided kite (1) featuring a sail (2) whose shape is maintained by means of a rod that features at least one central spar (5) oriented from nose (3) to tail (4) of guided kite (1), and arranged in the central longitudinal region between two wing sides (6, 7), whereby attached to the underside of the kite are cords (13) to control guided kite (1). In order to improve the overall flying behaviour of the captive guided kite (1), and to achieve desired flight speed reduction, it is proposed that sail (2) have a shape, at least in the tail region and longitudinally with central spar (central spars) (5), that departs from the elongated shape towards the upper side of the kite (see FIG. 1a).

Abstract: An inflatable kite (150) that includes a plurality of longitudinal inflatable tubes (54). The kite includes transverse inflatable tube (53) at the rear end of the kite. When the kite is inflated, the front end has a larger cross-sectional area than the rear end. When inflated the rear edge and the side edges are coplanar. Air vents (57, 157) are provided. The kite may be inflated and launched manually or by an automatic launcher.

Abstract: A two-piece inflatable kite is made from configured, mirror imaged top and bottom polyester films which are heat sealed about their peripheral edge. Integrally extending from the edges forwardly and rearwardly are string connecting tabs formed from the top and bottom films. The tabs support reinforced apertures for attaching the kite string bridle. The top and bottom film portions also form a valve for adding air into and out of an air tight compartment within the kite. The air tight compartment also forms the wings of the kite.

Abstract: A modular kite system using flexible attachment means to join a variety of flat wings to a three-dimensional center section or fuselage, which itself can be of various configurations. Hook and loop fasteners are used to position movable cross spar sleeves along the wings which adjust the flexibility of the cross spar(s).

Abstract: A shock absorbing frame structure including a frame rod having one end inserted into one pocket of the cover sheet of a kite, a sleeve sleeved onto one end of the frame rod, an end cap fixedly fastened to one end of the sleeve outside the frame rod and disposed within the pocket of the cover sheet of the kite, and spring means mounted within the sleeve and stopped between the end cap and the frame rod and adapted for absorbing shocks.

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 kite of the type that comprises a main frame with longitudinal rods (10, 12, 13) and transverse rods (11, 11'), has a secondary frame comprising rods known as "whiskers" (2). These rods (2) are extended to meet at a junction point (22) located in the median plane of symmetry. According to a first embodiment, straps (23, 24), either elastic or not elastic, stretch these rods (2). According to a second embodiment, an additional sail forms a keel, this sail being stretched between the median longitudinal rod (10) and the point of junction (22).

Abstract: A controllable kite, which changes its geometry and aerodynamic form in flight, in response to control inputs from control handles and control lines, enabling smooth stable high-speed flight as well as extreme low-speed agility and the ability to fly in any direction or hover, consists of a flexible leading-edge spar, stressed by the curve of the sail and providing tension in the sail. Control longerons, at a predetermined angle on either side of the centerline act on the leading-edge spar in such a way as to provide variable geometry that controls the form, stability and flying characteristics of the kite and sustains the shape required for both high and low-speed flight. Precise control is achieved by attaching equal-length control lines from control handles directly to the control longerons without the need for bridling.

Abstract: A multiple sail kite with improved control of its flight path by providing user control adjustments of the relative positions of the multiple sails. In the preferred embodiment left and right sails disposed adjacently along the common horizontal axis are both rotatable about the common axis. A center sail is disposed behind the left and right sails and connected thereto. Four control lines provide the user with means to rotate the left and right sails in desired manner to produce a wide variety of flight maneuvers.

Abstract: A method for the determination of the location of the line-of-action of the resultant of the wind forces on a tethered aircraft is disclosed. The location is referenced to a line-segment that is referenced in turn to the aircraft structure. The line-segment is from the point of attachment of the tether to the center-of-gravity of the aircraft. The location is the distance along the line-segment from the center-of-gravity to the point of intersection of the resultant and the line-segment and the angle between them. The method includes the measurement of the length of the line-segment and the measurement of the aircraft weight. While the aircraft flys in force equilibrium, measurements of the tether-tension, of the inclination of the tether, and of the slope of the line-segment are recorded. The measurements provide locations of a plurality of coordinate points on the line-of-action. The resultant that is located by the points is marked on or within the structure.

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 two air vents and at least two internal vanes to cause rotation.

Abstract: A kite assembly has a main truss made of sheet material and attachable/detachable wings. The wings have a row of slots which fit over a corresponding row of hooks formed along the top edge of the main truss. The wings can be moved back and forth on the main truss for attachment and detachment. A reinforcing bar is mounted on the wings and fits in a hook eye formed in one of the hooks. The kite can be made in eye-catching configurations simulating birds in flight.

Abstract: A kite framing-member connector for forming a connection between at least two elongated kite framing-members. The kite framing-member connector comprises: a first framing-member connection fitting attached to a second framing-member connecting mechanism. The first framing-member connection fitting is adapted to receive and hold the end of a framing-member such as a spreader. The second framing-member connecting mechanism includes a flap portion having a flexible, flap-end portion that is securable to a kite framing-member, such as a leading edge spar, by surrounding and gripping a section of the kite framing-member. It is preferred to include an attachment structure carried on the flap-end portion that is connectable with a harness line in a manner such that tensional force on the harness line causes the second framing-member connecting mechanism to increase the gripping force applied to the section of the second kite framing-member about which the flap portion is secured.

Abstract: A collapsible and foldable kite including frame members, a keel member, spreader supports and a sail. The frame members being fixed to the sail with the aa keel member and spreader supports either fixed to the sail and/or frame members, to brace the sail while flying. At least one of the frame members being hinged to allow the frame members and sail to be folded or rolled into a small package.

Abstract: A stunt kite. The stunt kite includes a kite sail having a center section between a pair of outwardly and upwardly extending aileron sections. The center section has a front edge including first and second forwardly directed tips and a back edge including backwardly directed tips. A support structure is secured to the kite sail to support the center section and the outwardly extending aileron members in the shape of an air foil.

Abstract: A ram-air inflated kite has double contoured surfaces separated by dividers that form a series of air-catching cells between the surfaces. The contour of the surfaces produces lift in the kite similar to the airfoil of an airplane wing. The kite may be flown as a single airfoil or have other kite airfoils stacked one above the other for flight as a multiple in an attached stacked formation. Special X-bracing in lines between the stacked airfoils provide stability and the kite sections can be controllable by a bridle on the kite connected by control lines. For additional control and stabilization, the operator is provided with a body harness having attachments that can be connected directly to the kite control lines. For operator safety, the body harness is secured by a swivel tee anchored by two ground stakes.

Abstract: A ram air wind power device. Parallel chambers of a sail fabricated from flexible material provide structure to the sail when filled with ram air. The chambers have openings at each end and each opening contains a valve. The openings to the parallel chambers provide two leading-trailing edges of the sail. One of the leading-trailing edges will function as a leading edge if the openings on that edge is facing into the wind, in which case the valves of the chambers at that edge will be open and the valves in the chambers at the other edge will be closed. When the other leading-trailing edge faces into the wind that edge becomes the leading edge. Preferred embodiments include kites, parachutes and gliders.

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 kite of delta shape having a frame and sail defining a keel and a pari of wings. Primary and secondary bridle lines are connected together and to the frame and carry connectors, two being located for dual line control and four being located for quad line control whereby the flyer can select either type of control depending on the desired variation he may wish in the maneuvers of the kite while flying.

Abstract: A quad-line kite having a sail shape consisting of a center rectangle or square and two outside pentagonal sections, one horizontal and at least two vertical spars, three strips of vent screen along the spars, and four control lines each attached to one quadrant of the kite, such that the kite can be flown at virtually equal speed in any direction or rotated about its axis in either direction, due to the unique balance of sail warping and air spilling capability, and also having a high sail area to weight ratio, enabling it to be flown in light as well as strong winds.

Abstract: A delta type kite that comprises a sail (T) mounted on a chord constituted by a central longitudinal rod (C), two lateral rods (L) and two tension rods (1). Each of the tension rods has an end coupled to a nose (N) of the kite and in contact with the sail (T). The kite also includes a rear transverse rod (5) and a front transverse rod (9) in a plane which is lower than a plane containing the sail (T). There are also rear stiffeners connecting the tension rods (1) to the transverse rods (5,9). The kite has two front stiffeners (11) individually coupled to the two transverse rods to give the sail (T) an airplane wing shape.

Abstract: A two-sailed delta-shaped sport kite for sailing under variable wind conditions having a frame comprising a central rod having a first and a second side secured to a pair of diagonal frame members, a first perpendicular rod and a second perpendicular rod are secured to the central rod and have batten rods secured thereto. A first and a second sail of durable, flexible, resilient material are secured to the frame. The second sail is positioned in back of the first sail and is secured to the rear side of the central rod to channel air flow behind the first sail to allow for turns of extremely small radius while providing stability in both high and low winds.

Abstract: The kite has a hollow, open-ended body that tapers down in cross-section from an operatively leading end to an operatively trailing end thereof. There is at least one panel spanning transversely across the interior of the body to maintain a smooth and uniform air flow through the kite body and to increase the flying stability of the kite. One or two flying lines are secured without a bridle to the kite.

Abstract: An inflatable airfoil-shaped kite, which is framed by a front spar extending along the leading edge of the airfoil envelope, a rear spar extending along the envelope trailing edge, and two side spars extending along the side edges of the envelope. Upper and lower control lines are attached to end portions of the front and rear spars. Two control handles are attached to the opposite ends of the control lines, such that a person can manipulate the handles to move the kite through different maneuvers, e.g., reverse flight, power turning or pinwheeling. Each spar has end portions that can flex to generate localized drag forces which cause the kite to execute different maneuvers, as dictated by signals transmitted from the control handles through the control lines to end areas of the individual front, rear, and side spars.

Abstract: A swivel on a string is attached to the windward face of a pinwheel turbine. The other end of the string is attached to the aft portion of a kite thus creating a kite tail. Wind against its veins and leeward parts stabilize the pinwheel's orientation and cause it to spin. The pinwheel is light but tends to produce drag proportional to the velocity of the wind, thereby, stabilizing the kite in both low winds and high winds. A multiplicity of pinwheels can be attached in series on one kite tail, and one or more such kite tails can be attached to a kite to provide directional stability. This self-regulating tail can be used to help keep a kite airborne in an extremely wide range of wind speeds.

Abstract: A kite of a single sheet of material extending from a straight leading edge rearwardly to a trailing edge has a pair of outermost struts, one at each end of the leading edge, which extend in substantially parallel relationship rearwardly from the leading edge and a plurality of parallel interior struts spaced between the outer struts in a narrow band extending perpendicular to and rearwardly from the leading edge. A plurality of interior keels, one extending downwardly from each of the interior struts to a lower tip thereof, have leading edges substantially perpendicular to the leading edge of the sheet of material. Two outermost keels, one extending downwardly from each outermost strut, have leading edges at a rearward angle from a perpendicular to the leading edge of the sheet of material, the inward and rearward angles being coordinated to reduce roll and likelihood of collapse of the kite during flight.

Abstract: A kite frame connector adapted to receive an elongated frame of a kite is provided. The connector has a main body with a surface defining a channel adapted to receive the kite frame member. A retention element extends from that surface into the channel for exerting a force on the frame member to retain the frame in the channel and for defining a chamber for receiving adhesive which acts to permanently secure the connector to the frame member. A passage through the side wall of the connector provides access to the chamber after the frame member is positioned in the connector.

Abstract: A kite tailpiece connector includes a piece of flexible sheet material forming a pocket for receiving the rear end of the keel strut and also forming a transverse sleeve for receiving the kite's cross strut. The cross strut includes a connector member and cross strut elements. The connector member is located in the transverse sleeve, and it connects the cross strut members together. Replaceable spacer member on the connector member determine the overall length of the cross strut, and thus determine the draft of the kite.

Abstract: A two-string stunt kite has a diamond shaped sail, a longitudinal keel strut, and a bowed cross strut disposed in a plane which is oblique to the keel strut. Left and right bridles are provided, each of which includes a first string attached to a forwared point on the keel strut, a second string attached to an aft point on the keel strut, and a third string which is attached to a point on the cross strut, inboard of the bridle's respective left and right wingtip.

Abstract: A miniature kite includes a planar cover sheet, a frame, a control line and an elongate, flexible tail. The frame is formed of first and second diagonally overlapped, joined struts. A third strut overlaps and is joined to the intermediate overlap point of the first and second struts. The ends of the first, second and third struts are adhesively joined to one major surface of the sheet. The tail has an extremely long length relative to the length of the struts of the frame. Preferably, the first and second struts have a length of substantially 5.50 inches, the third or cross strut has a length of substantially 3.75 inches and the tail has a length of substantially 6 feet. The peripheral edges of the sheet have a shape substantially the same as the boundary between the ends of the first, and second and third struts.

Abstract: A preferred embodiment of the present invention includes a kite having a sail with a left and right wing, each being connected to a supporting frame, with the frame having a leading edge support member associated with a left wing strut member and with a right wing strut member. It also includes bridle apparatus associated with the frame, the bridle apparatus having a horizontal line member connected to the leading edge support member, a left wing vertical line member connected to the left wing vertical support member, and a right wing vertical line member connected to the right wing strut member. The horizontal line member is connected to the left and right wing vertical line members at upper left and upper right control line contact points. The set of control lines includes an upper left line and an upper right line connected to the upper left and upper right control line contact points.

Abstract: A flying toy is disclosed herein in which a conventional plastic shopping bag is converted into a flying device for amusement purposes wherein the toy includes a lightweight bag having an inlet opening for receiving ram air and an exhaust or exit opening for discharging air. A plurality of small holes is distributed in the bag to avoid suffocation in the event a child should inadvertently become entangled. Tethering strings are employed for manual control of the inflated bag as the bag is pulled through the air and an adjustable closure is provided at the inlet to change the inlet size for efficient flight. For kit purposes, a string reel is provided as well as an attachable message sheet and an inlet adjustable ring.

Abstract: A vehicle, especially an air vehicle or water vehicle, is described which has at least one wing. This wing includes an upper and/or a lower wing covering as well as an area provided at the wing which is movable between a first position in which the air or water resistance of the wing is small and a second position in which the air or water resistance is increased. Furthermore, an actuation mechanism in engagement with the area for carrying out the movement is provided. The area is formed as deformable area and defines a portion of the upper and/or lower wing covering.

Abstract: A kite designed for night flying, the kite having a facial ornamental design, comprising a frame means for providing the structural support of the kite, the frame means including a plurality of frame members being in mechanical association with one another. A body means provides the aerodynamic flight characteristics of the kite, the body means being supported by the frame means. The body means inlcudes an interchangeable face means, the interchangeable face means allowing the selective substitution of a variety of ornamental designs for the kite. The kite includes an illumination means for illuminating the ornamental designs of the kite, the illumination means also being supported by the frame means. The illumination means renders the kite readily visible while in night flight, whereby a kite is provided which exhibits striking nocturnal features when viewed by the human eye.

Abstract: A kite of a single sheet of material extending from a straight leading edge rearwardly to a trailing edge has a pair of outermost struts, one at each end of the leading edge, which extend at an inward angle rearwardly from the leading edge and a plurality of parallel interior struts spaced between the outer struts in a narrow band extending perpendicular to and rearwardly from the leading edge. A plurality of interior keels, one extending downwardly from each of the interior struts to a lower tip thereof, have leading edges substantially perpendicular to the leading edges of the sheet of material. Two outermost keels, one extending downwardly from each outermost strut, have leading edges at a rearward angle from a perpendicular to the leading edge of the sheet of material, the inward and rearward angles being coordinated to reduce roll and likelihood of collapse of the kite during flight.

Abstract: A navigable flat kite is described which has a linkage comprising cross bars and longitudinal bars, a sail mounted to the linkage and a balance mounted to the sail and/or the linkage and adapted to be connected with at least one navigation line. The kite consists of at least two individual kites which are connected by means of their cross bars such that the individual kites are adapted to be turned relative to one another around the cross bars as axis of rotation. The two individual kites have a sail surface with identical dimensions. Each individual kite is associated with at least one balance including at least one balance line which is mounted to the sail and/or the longitudinal bars above or below the cross bars.