Abstract: Sheet material is used for forming connectors for a kite. The leading end of a keel strut is connected to the sail by a nosepiece which is formed of first and second panels having their forward edges connected together and provided with spaced holes that are mutually aligned so that a string looped through the holes and around the keel strut will retain the keel strut in position between these panels. The tailpiece connector is formed of two panels of sheet material having two longitudinal seams connecting them to the sail and to each other to prevent lateral movement of the aft end of the keel strut. The tailpiece connector panels are connected together aft of the keel strut to obstruct rearward movement of the keel strut, and one of these panels has a seam which forms a transverse sleeve for receiving the cross strut and a bridle string.

Abstract: What has been created is a new form of an equipment/kite that carry weight in mid-air regardless of fuel and/or wind, which converts the wind energy into mechanical energy by acting as a sail in a multi-level formation, which is in the form of a large flat air balloon 1/2 acre to more than 5 acres wide that floats in the air concave downward against the wind, which functions as a large kite in the presence of wind--soaring upward instead of being blown down which may be constructed into a multi-level balloon kite from ground to the highest altitude of wind to carry several rotary blade windmills on each kite or top pull transportation on land or on water or on aerial cable railway; to carry electric wire conductors up into the clouds to collect electricity from the clouds; to carry lamps, advertisements, and observatory instruments to high altitudes; to serve as sail for large type of windmills in a configuration similar to the United Sail Windmill under U.S. Pat. No.

Abstract: The presented invention gives methods to construct two types and three kinds of variable area aircraft or kite wings. The wings share a common method of increasing or decreasing in area through fixed fuselage or fixed wing spars and opposing travel, travelling wing spars to which spars may be attached described airfoil forms or plates. Doubled back and threaded about these fixed and travelling spars are flexible, strong and laterally stable wing membranes cut in patterns to match the extensible framework of the fixed and travelling spars. The wing varies in area when the travelling spars are mechanically `gear train` actuated and the as yet un-utilized portion of the wing membrane is drawn from the internal wing stowage space. This unfurling process is reversible, the wing membrane may also be drawn back into the internal wing stowage space. The invention also gives a method to construct wingtip aelerons suitable for one of the two presented types of variable area wing.

Abstract: The curve profile of the front edge of an air-filled wing or sports kite of a type which is guided from the ground is maintained without the use of any bracing system. This curve profile, which is very important in determining the flight characteristic of the wing, is controlled exclusively by adjusting the various lengths of balance lines. Two symmetrical line bundles or connecting balances radiate from end points of at least two steering lines and are fastened to various points on the wing base. If so desired, central balance lines can be connected to the wing base without intermediate fastenings. The fastening points on the wing base are located chiefly at the front portion of the wing base. The lengths of the various balance lines preferably increase from the side edges to the middle. However, the rate at which the balance line length becomes greater can increase, decrease, or remain constant, at least in certain areas.

Abstract: A glider, comprising a tubular body open at each end and having a leading edge and a trailing edge, has a two-ring frame assembly disposed about the perimeter of the leading edge to provide body shape and rigidity. A two-ring frame assembly comprises a base ring and a clamping ring configured to matingly engage the base ring. The base ring is placed about the inner perimeter of the leading edge of the tubular body and the clamping ring is placeable about the outer perimeter of the leading edge of the tubular body to retain the tubular body between the base and the clamping ring when the rings are matingly engaged.

Abstract: A versatile kite having three unique features: a dihedral and double parabolic camber provided entirely by the geometry and interaction between its two spars and its flight skin, a keel that may be adjusted from zero to several inches using a simple wing nut to create a fold in the kites flight skin, and the use of light weight wind responsive sail turbines attached to the wing tips of the kite to create excellent balance and control, provide an aerial display.

Abstract: A foldable kite has a flexible central panel having at least four edges. An even total number of flexible tubes are attached to the central panel, at least one tube being arranged on each of two opposing sides thereof. The flexible tubes are conical in shape so that air entering at the top end of the tube is compressed in a ram-jet action to exit out of a reduced opening at the other end of the tube. The ram-jet action is enhanced by a diaphragm which is centrally arranged within each tube. A rigid support for the central panel is arranged to extend parallel to the side edges thereof. A drogue stabilizes the kite during flight, and additionally functions as a carrying case for the kite.

Abstract: Kite illuminators for night use each have an electric lamp, battery, and mercury switch to control the lamp. The switches respond to both gravity and kite acceleration (or to wind). The lamps light in response to kite motions or tilts. This conserves batteries and also conveys information to the user about the attitude and motions of the kite. Illuminators are mounted on the kite frame or clipped to rings permanently fastened to the kite string, and may be unclipped for day use. Phosphorescent materials are used, as on the rings, to augment and retain the light from the lamps. One illuminator is string-mounted to shine on the kite surface, and flashes upon jerking of the kite string. A two-bulb kite-mounted illuminator lights on one side or the other depending upon the attitude of the kite to the vertical. A tail illuminator responds to motions of the tail to flash. Additional string-mounted units shine on phosphorescent streamers. The four types together form a kite illumination system.

Abstract: A kite includes a flat body portion which is formed from a thin sheet of a rigid lightweight material, such as styrofoam or balsa. The body portion may be formed in any desired shape which is symmetric about a vertical axis, such as a heart or a star. A slot is formed through the body portion and extends along a portion of such vertical axis. The slot is provided to releasably attach a forwardly extending keel portion to the body portion. The keel portion is formed from the same rigid lightweight material as the body portion. The keel portion includes a tab which is inserted through the slot to attach the keel portion to the body portion to form the kite. The keel portion further includes an aperture through which a string may be tied to the kite. One or more smaller slots may be formed through a lower region of the body portion to permit a tail to be secured to the kite.

Abstract: A kite of a single large sheet of material with a straight leading edge rearwardly to a trailing edge has a pair of outer 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 struts spaced between the outer struts in a narrow band extending perpendicular to and rearwardly from the leading edge. A plurality of keels, one extending downwardly from each of the struts to a lower tip thereof, have leading edges substantially perpendicular to the leading edge of the sheet of material. Bridle liner extends from each of the keel tips to a single point of connection such that, with the bridle lines fully extended from the single point of connection, the leading edge of the kite takes the form of a bow.

Abstract: An air baffle for a stunt kite affording enhanced kite control in gusty winds in which a flexible material is disposed transversely to the keel rod and adjacent to the trailing edge of the kite. Cooperating with the air baffle to provide structural and functional kite performance enhancements are the additional features of: a sail of flexible material; a keel rod; a leading edge rod substantially perpendicular to the keel rod and connected to the keel rod; a pair of wing rods connected to the ends of the leading edge rod; and a pair of cross rods disposed transversely to the keel rod.

Abstract: The present invention is for a kite which in its simplest form has a first edge spar and second edge spar which are equal in length and attaching to a flexible coupling such that when the coupling is in its neutral position the attached spars are substantially orthogonal. A header spar shorter than the first edge spar and the second edge spar engages the flexible coupling such that at the rest position the angle between the first edge spar and the header spar is equal to the angle between the second edge spar and the header spar. A sail covering the spars forms a central delta sail surface with a first triangular elevator panel and a second triangular elevator panel attached thereto. The first and second edge spars bound two sides of the central delta sail surface. The first and second triangular elevator panels have one of their sides bounded by an edge spar and a second side bounded by the header spar.

Abstract: The frame for the kite extends outwardly to side tips at a swept back angle and includes a pair of inwardly disposed extensions leading rearwardly at an angle directed to the opposite side of the kite. The extensions extend across each other at an angle to form the sides of a triangle and a closed reinforcing frame triangle is formed by these extensions in combination with a laterally extending spreader bar. Abutment and friction collars are associated with the frame portions for holding the latter together and for allowing the frame to be wholly or partially disassembled for handling and storage. The kite includes bridles and connecting fly lines to accomplish stunt flying either as a single kite or multiple kites in formation.

Abstract: An airfoil having two (2) basic components, a sail and spoiler, associated with the leading edge of the sail, is herein disclosed. This unique airfoil design has application in flexible wing aircraft (i.e., ultralites), sport parachutes and sport kites. In the typical sport kite embodiment of this invention, there will generally be at least three (3) aerodynamic flight control surfaces: a sail, a keel, and a flexible resilient spoiler attached to the leading edge of the sail. The sail material is itself resilient, however, sufficiently rigid to maintain a preset configuration without the need for struts, spars or extrinsic physical support. A spoiler, which is located along the entire leading edge of the sail, provides additional structural reinforcement to the sail while undergoing controlled deformation in gusty or high winds. The effect of such deformation of the spoiler causes the sail to stall before any physical damage can occur.

Abstract: An airfoil which is capable of being inflated either by using a lighter-than-air or other gas from a gas cylinder or by oral inflation comprising an aerodynamically shaped inflatable portion, a flexible keel and two flexible winglets, one spaced on each side of the keel equipped with a tether system for providing the airfoil aerodynamic stability and maneuverability in flight.

Abstract: The invention provides a kite, particularly an article dropping kite, consisting of a kite body, which usually is provided with a downwardly-extending kite keel to which is connected the kite string. The kite is provided with an article holding and releasing means consisting of a flexible-walled pocket, usually forwardly-opening, which is closed by the tension on the kite string to hold the article in the pocket during launch and flying. Upon release of the tension the pocket tends to open, assisted by entry of air into the pocket by the kite's forward motion, and the kite stalls and tips forward under the forward location of the article until the article is released. Alternatively, or in addition the holding and release means are flexible parallel straps cooperating with the keel, or a separate pocket. A weight is provided at the point of attachment of the kite string to the body and cooperates with the pocket to produce a swooping, gliding decending motion of the kite upon release of the tension.

Abstract: A winged kite (10) comprises an elongated body (12) attached on a bottom side of a flat sheet lift member (14) forming right and left wings (44, 46) and a diverging flat tail (48). An elongated flexible spar extends between respective outer end portions (60, 62) of the right and left wings across the top side of the lift member and a support ring (68) attached to the top side of the lift member at the body supports the body and the lift member from the spar. Leading edge salient portions (70, 72) of the wings curl upwardly about the spar, the amount of curl being substantially affected by wind striking the right and left leading edge salient portions during flight of the kite. A tether is attached only near the front end of the body. The lift member is formed of a main body sheet (40), for forming the wings and tail, and a support sheet (42), which extneds along the tail between the wings to a front end portion of the body.

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 associated with the frame, the bridle 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 control line kite has a flexible cover over a framework of spars including a longitudinal spar and a transverse spar. The longitudinal spar carries a weight which is adjustable along the length of the spar between the nose of the kite and the point of intersection between the spars.

Abstract: A steerable kite is disclosed that has lateral members, a cross-strut, a covering and a kite controlling apparatus. The lateral members are secured to each other at adjacent ends, and the cross-strut's opposing ends are each attached to a lateral member. The kite controlling apparatus is fastened at the connecting points of the lateral members and the cross-strut and lateral members. This arrangement of elements provides a kite with a single-chamber system that is operationally stable at various wind intensities.

Abstract: The problem of shifting of the bridle connection to the frame members in a stunt kite which impairs control is obviated by a quickly assemblable anchor means which comprises a fold-over tab which adheres to itself and to the member about which it is folded and provides an opening to which the bridle may be tied.

Abstract: A ram-air airfoil stunt kite has its upper forward edge provided with two stiffener members that provide a rounded leading edge and are connected together by a flexible joint. Two operator-held control strings are connected to bridles which are, in turn, connected to keels on the kite. The outboard bridle strings are shorter than the inboard bridle strings so as to remain taut during normal flying operations. When the apparent wind velocity increases, the kite becomes transversely curved, whereupon the inboard bridle strings become taut to establish an optimum maximum curvature.

Abstract: A kite with improved structure, which is comprised of strip-like cylindrical body, wing set, retaining plate, balance rod, and support rod; the cylindrical body comprises an inclined cylindrical body having an inclined cylindrical hole at the terminal end to help flying-off; the cylindrical hole has a guide hole bilaterally to increase air-in and flying-off speed; the wing set is arranged to extend bilaterally over the cylindrical body and the balance rod is mounted on the wing set and fixed thereabout by means of the retaining plate such that the cylindrical body and the wing set are kept in good balance.

Abstract: An improved stunt kite wing structure is provided comprising an aerodynamic dihedral sail structure having a fabric sail tensioned on a supporting frame comprised of lateral brace members and a longitudinal member intermediate the ends of the lateral braces together with connecting opposing lateral spar members. The tensioning of the sail and the configuration of the supporting frame is such that the sail assumes a dihedral shape, with the sail being caused to assume a tensioned or stressed condition along a portion of the leading edge of the sail intermediate the respective lateral ends of the sail such that the sail is spaced from the longitudinal brace member.

Abstract: Helium inflatable emergency locator balloon having a longitudinal body and side wings defining horizontally a triangular, bilaterally symmetrical tetralobate monochamber having a forward lobate nose, a rearward lobate hind section and flanking rearward lobate wings, the latter three lobate portions being in side by side spaced apart and unconnected relation to each other and the hind section end extending rearwardly slightly beyond the wind ends, and in inflated condition each of the body and wings defining in longitudinal cross section a bilaterally symmetrical convex profile having a slightly rounded upper side and underside, a small rounded leading edge and an acutely pointed trailing edge, and a respective tail of streamer strips attached to each of the hind section and wing ends, such strips preferably constituting tuned radar reflective dipole strips, and optionally alternatively similar dipole strips being individually loosely disposed within the balloon, and a gas supply device for inflating the ballo

Abstract: A kite comprising at least two bags into which the wind is blowing through air openings in the front end of the bags, and which are joined to each other by a horizontal seam. The shroud line is attached directly to the seam or to a keel which is attached to said longitudinal seam in the middle of the kite. The air openings are diminished by pleats or the like along the edges of the openings. The openings can be closed after the filling with air or gas in which case the kite is flying like a balloon.

Abstract: An easily assembled, steerable two-string kite suitable for sailing in light or strong winds having curvature adjusting and maintaining wing members with passed flexible rods to maintain the curvature, a substantially v-shaped frame made of lightweight material and covered with flexible sail material, capable of in-flight maneuvers including maintaining constant speed over a wide angle relative to the ground, direct overhead flight, 90-degree turns relative to the center of the kite, and lift-off from the ground, all without need to adjust or alter the position of the strings affixed to the kite.

Abstract: Improvements to the design of the Kite-String Flyer described in my previous U.S. Pat. No. 3,752,424 include:attachments providing means for setting the elevator angles on the wing for better flight control;an improved launching mechanism for parachutes, etc., aloft;the use of ribbons attached to the rear surface of the wing to provide additional air resistance as they flutter in the breeze during flyer's dive down the kite string, thus slowing the descent rate and adding visual appeal to the flight of the flyer;the use of a 3/4 inch cube of a resilient foam cushion material attached to the front of the fuselage to protect against sting or injury to hands or body in case of contact at bottom of flight of flyer down the kite string;an improved mounting method of elastic holding hook to wing and of wing to fuselage to facilitate quick assembly of the flyer from a kit where the parts are packaged flat to provide a more convenient shipping package.

Abstract: Kite frame rod anchoring structure for quick and effective mounting of kite frame rods to the kite sail comprising a tough, flexible web adhered to the kite sail and locally slit and free of sail securement to define a flexible pocket into which the frame rod ends are mounted.

Abstract: An aerial toy comprising a body having a leading edge and a trailing edge, and comprising a flexible, resilient, thin wall sail or airfoil extending forward from the trailing edge; a relatively thick, relatively rigid peripheral ring at the leading edge, the toy having a ratio of body length to body diameter of between 1:1.25 and 1:1.35; a ratio of body diameter to leading edge thickness of about 30:1; a ratio of ring length to overall body length of about 1:3.66; and a ratio of leading end weight to trailing end weight of 2.2:1.

Abstract: A kite strut is presented. More particularly, a kite strut comprising an elongate rod having two end portions and further having at least one shrink fit stop ring disposed thereabout, said stop ring comprising an annular segment of heat shrinkable material which is shrunk into a shrink fit relationship with the elongate rod, is presented. Also presented is a method of making such kite struts.

Abstract: A warning and signaling system includes a kite attached to a flexible tether rope wherein one end of the rope is secured to a person or a lifeboat. The kite is made from a material having high visibility and includes radar reflective material. The tether rope may carry an antenna for a radio transmitter and receiver. An optional inflatable chamber provides rigidity to the kite. The kite may be provided with a tail having radar reflective swatches attached thereon.

Abstract: A device for interconnecting one or more structural braces of a kite and for attaching a means for securing a flying line is provided comprising:an elongate body having in one end thereof a chamber for receiving an end portion of said structural brace, said chamber having a length and having a cross section sized to secure said brace therein, said body including a notch located intermediate said one end of said body and said chamber length, said notch extending inwardly from one side of said body, said notch having a floor having a depth sufficient to provide an opening between a brace assembled in said chamber and said notch floor, said opening receiving said means for securing said flying line, said notch limiting lateral travel of said securement means inside said notch. A kite assembly is also provided using this interconnecting device.

Abstract: An improved wing structure is provided having a self-induced camber. The wing comprises an aerodynamic dihedral sail structure having a fabric sail tensioned on a supporting frame comprised of lateral brace members and a longitudinal member intermediate the ends of the lateral braces. The tensioning of the sail and the configuration of the supporting frame is such that the sail assumes a dihedral shape, with the sail being caused to assume a tensioned or stressed condition along a portion of the leading edge of the sail intermediate the respective lateral ends of the sail resulting in the formation of a self-induced camber at that location.

Abstract: An easily assembled, steerable two-string kite suitable for sailing in light or strong winds having self-adjusting wing members, a substantially delta-shaped frame made of lightweight material and covered with flexible sail material capable of in-flight maneuvers including maintaining constant speed over a wide angle relative to the ground, direct overhead flight, 90-degree turns relative to the center of the kite, and lift-off from the ground, all without need to adjust or alter the position of the strings affixed to the kite.

Abstract: A control for a multi-cell ram air wing type canopy includes rearwardly extending plain flexible control flaps at the trailing edge thereof, one control flap being positioned at each side. A control line is connected to each rearwardly extending control flap to place it in a desired position for proper flight. A containment device can be fixed to the canopy for containing each control flap when its extension rearwardly is not desired. A safety device is included to hold a control line so that a predetermined force is required to release the control line for pulling a control flap from its containment device. An edge pocket is included in each control flap for increased stabilization of control. A control line support and guide arrangement provides for ease of canopy control.

Abstract: A non-rigid, gas inflatable airfoil having a bulbous inflatable forward body and three spaced-apart rearwardly extending inflatable tails. The tails are attached to the rearward portion of the body and form with the body a single inflatable chamber. The central tail is yieldably biased into an upwardly inclined position, and a pair of sheets extend between the tails. The airfoil has a generally delta shape and provides a positive lift when exposed to wind. The airfoil is connected to a single tie down line by a single attachment member and swivel attached to a central portion of the underside of the body. The body and tails have sufficient interior gas containing volume that when filled with a lighter-than-air gas will offset the weight of the airfoil. The bulbous body contains enough lighter-than-air gas that the airfoil assumes a vertical orientation with the body above the tail when in the water or in the air without wind.

Abstract: A chemiluminescent kite has a frame including at least one support member, and a cover sheet supported by the frame and adapted to catch the wind. At least one support member of the kite includes at least one self-contained source of chemiluminescent light. The source has an outer flexible container which transmits light and which contains both a first reactive composition and at least one inner breakable container. The inner container contains a second reactive composition which is adapted to react with the first reactive composition to provide chemiluminescent light. The cover sheet may be made of a translucent or transparent material so that the light is visible through the cover sheet. In addition, the cover sheet may be decorated with an opaque design.

Abstract: An aerodynamically sculptured kite that can realistically portray virtually all species of flying birds as well as other flying things. This sculptured bird kite as closely as possible accurately describes both the visual and flight characteristics of the bird portrayed. It is comprised of a rigid central body, a pair of covered wing assemblies, a covered tail assembly which can move about an axis, a footed leg assembly and an adjustable harness assembly; all assemblies having been designed to be easily attached to and detached from the central body.

Abstract: Umbrella apparatus includes a plurality of flexible support elements extending outwardly from a common location on a base cross piece. Flexible material is secured to the base cross piece and to the flexible elements. The umbrella apparatus is foldable when tension is removed between the flexible elements and the base cross piece.

Abstract: A hot air balloon silhouette shaped kite is disclosed herein. Means for decorating the kite, allowing a convex configuration for high wind conditions, and for progressively venting wind through the kite are shown in preferred embodiments of the invention.

Abstract: A whistle kite is provided and contains a sound making device on its outer periphery which includes a flexible strap for emitting a sound like an airplane propeller as air passes by when the kite flies. In a modified form an adjustable tension holder is used which is activated by wind speed to vary pitch of the sound emitted by the flexible strap.

Abstract: A positionally adjustable strut connector for a kite is disclosed in which the connector has a first body member hingedly connected to a second body member. One body member is adapted to receive a wing strut while the other member is adapted to receive the cross or bracing strut.

Abstract: A kite has an inflatable body and flexible sheet material flaps extending to a tail thereof. Along the trailing edge of each flap is provided an inflatable tube, the degree of inflation of which can be variable to change the characteristics of the kite to suit different circumstances.

Abstract: Flying kites are disclosed including the bilaterally symmetric wind-bearing surfaces carried by a plain framework consisting of two triangular portions symmetric with respect to the central axis and pivotally interconnected along that axis. An arcuated resilient rod is fixed to those edges of the framework tilted at equal angles to the central axis. Several reinforcing rods may be disposed on the wind bearing surfaces symmetrically with respect to the central axis and across frame members forming the framework. Also an auxiliary wind including a triangular framework may be fixed to the wind bearing surfaces to be symmetric with respect to the central axis. The equations of motion of the present kite have been obtained and the strength of the framework has been discussed with the characteristics of the kite.

Abstract: A kite comprising a central section and a pair of lateral sections of foam-like material, each section containing on its upper surface a pattern of cone-like protrusions with matching cutouts in each protrusion. The side sections are bent inwardly, forming equal internal angles with the upper surface of the central section. A movable flange is provided along the peripheral edge of each of the lateral sections. Strings are attached to the undersurface of the kite through holes in the flanges, and a tether is attached to these strings. The kite is further reinforced by string fastened to the tops and sides of the corner cones. Two tails are attached to provide stability.

Abstract: A foldable kite has generally trapezoidal shaped top and bottom panels joined together along the side edges and along a plurality of securement lines generally equally spaced between the side edges. The kite has a single bridle having only two arms connected at the front corners of the kite.

Abstract: An apparatus is used for both controlling a kite and then compactly storing the kite when the kite is not in use. The apparatus includes a housing having a storage compartment and a kite which can be collpased so as to be compactly stored in the compartment. A reel attached to the housing is adapted for storing and dispensing the kite line. In use, the housing is held in one hand and the reel is operated by a handle such that the kite line can be dispensed to control the kite and then can be reeled in, retrieving the kite.

Abstract: A hand-carryable flying sailboat for kite and water sports in which a lightweight rigid frame supports an airfoil-defining fabric stretched over the frame for flying and a sail assembly is carried dorsally by the frame and enables sail propulsion of the craft, whereby the craft can perform in the water or in the air, alternately and continually.