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 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 variable-length, adjustable strap for use with a kite line is provided which comprises a strip of material forming a looped portion and adjustment means allowing the length of the strap to be adjusted. Affixing means mounted upon the strip of material are provided to which a kite line can be detachably attached.

Abstract: A remote-control maintains the angle-of-attack of a tethered aircraft in fluxuating wind velocity. The tether is attached to the towing-point that is on a motor-driven tether-transporter. The transporter is secured to the structure of the aircraft. The angle-of-attack is modulated when actuating signals from a remote station cause the motor to propel the transporter, which carries the towing-point, to or fro, across the windward face of the aircraft.

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 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 convertible wrist to finger kite handle constructed in the manner of a wrist kite handle of flexible material having a wrist loop and kite string attachment ring, the invention incorporating a conversion ring adjacent to the attachment ring to permit the flexible material of the wrist loop to be introduced therein to convert the single wrist loop into a two finger kite handle. The invention also contemplates the incorporation of additional conversion rings adjacent to each other to provide for a three and four finger kite handle.

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 wind powered system utilizes a free-flying airfoil tethered to a conveyance device such as a water ski, a skegged hull slab or a wheeled land vehicle which either defines or inherently has tracking means defining a preferred traverse vector across an underlying surface. The tractive force of the airfoil is applied at the center of lateral resistance of the conveyance device such that there is no destabilizing moment caused by the airfoil, thereby removing an artificial limit on the sail area that is imposed upon fixed mast sailing craft. A control bar provides a mount for a tether reel which enables the conveyance device, when same is a kite, to be launched from the water without requiring the assistance of a boat.

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 kite reel assembly suitable for manual kite string unwinding operation and for kite retrieval operation at a very high speed includes a spool coupled with a power-driven drill-like means comprising a novel adapter insertable therein for connection with the spool. The assembly comprises interchangeable elements which are easily replaceable for coupling with the spool.

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: A kite reel operable by an electric screwdriver, such reel having a spool with bowl-shaped flanges at both ends, such spool being hollow to receive the screwdriver at one end thereof, which screwdriver can be engaged to rotate the spool or disengaged to allow its free rotation. An axially movable handle is provided to couple or uncouple the screwdriver drive shaft from the reel.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a stunt kite comprising a kite with shroud lines and spars in a way arranged to improve flying performance; and a control mechanism composed of a control rod which acts as a lengthened arm of force in order to achieve an easy control of kite, a flying line regulator to regulate two flying lines connected with corresponding shroud lines of the kite so as to obtain sensitive and responsive flying, and a spool device in a way arranged to maneuver the flying lines so that the kite can be launched and retrieved from the hands.

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: An apparatus used for securing sets of flexible strap handles of various sizes and shapes, and for retrieving, deploying, and storing the kite line attached to each flexible strap handle used when flying dual line kites. The invention includes an elongated tube with a rod extending perpendicular through the tube on both the upper and lower portion, each rod protruding equal distance on each side of the tube. A compression spring allows the upper rod to move closer to the lower rod, allowing flexible strap handles of various sizes and shapes to be secured onto the invention. The method of use of this invention allows sets of two flexible strap handles to be secured onto perpendicular rods, each handle attaching around an upper and lower rod on each side of the invention, then the kite line, which is secured to each handle, can be manually deployed or taken up onto this invention simultaneously by turning the tube on its axis.

Abstract: A parachute assembly is utilized in combination with a skate pair, wherein the skate pair is mounted by an individual and the individual supports the parachute assembly. The parachute assembly includes a flexible canopy, including a peripheral substantially annular edge, with a plurality of flexible cords mounted to the canopy. The cords are spaced from the canopy and terminate in a handle. A sleeve member is slidably mounted between the handle to encompass the cords, whereupon the sleeve member is slidably adjustable between the handle and the canopy to adjust effective length of the cords and thereby adjust effective opening available to the canopy.

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 quick change reel for powered kite line winders is disclosed which is ideally suited for the kite flyer who wants to have spare prewound reels on hand. The reel is easily detached by pivoting a bracket on the handle to allow sufficient clearance to remove the reel. The motor assembly and handle are attached to another bracket and extend perpendicularly from that bracket. The handle has a reversing switch for controlling rotation of the motor to wind and unwind the line.

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: 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.

Abstract: Two stunt kite handles are connected together by detachable couplings to form a winding frame which has oppositely extending winding posts for receiving strings wound thereabout in a figure-eight pattern. The handles are also provided with oppositely extending pivot posts which, when loosely held, permit the winding frame to pivot about a rotational axis to facilitate the release of string from the device. Each of two control strings is wound around a grip portion of its respective handle; and, both strings are wound in figure eight fashion around the winding posts.

Abstract: A kite apparatus which may be attached to the center spar of a stunt kite which allows the common string of the two yokes to pass through a pulley and when one of the kite control strings is pulled, the common string rides over the pulley causing un-equal lengths of the common string on each side of the pulley, thus changing the attack of the surface of the kite to the wind which provides a new and unusual control resulting in better maneuverability.

Abstract: A system for use in flying kites and the method of its use are disclosed. The system comprises an elongated tapered rod to which are attached two relatively large diameter round disks. A multiplicity of small constant diameter rods are attached to and between the relatively large diameter round disks by way of small holes in the relatively large diameter disks, to form an open cylindrical reel onto, or from, which kite string can be wound or unwound. The method of use of the system provides that a user form closed areas with each hand between the thumb and first finger of each hand, then loosely place one end of the tapered elongated rod into one such closed area, and the other end of the elongated tapered rod loosely into the other such closed area. The method of use then provides that the user perform large circular motions with his or her hands, each hand moving approximately 180 degress out of phase with the other hand.

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: The present invention relates to a control system for tethering an airborne object such as a kite or an airplane. The system in its simplest form has an anchor which attaches to a pair of lines which in turn pass through a control bar. The control bar has a first end and a second end and centrally engages the lines. The lines pass through the control bar and are separated and directed to said first end and said second end of said control bar from which said lines advance to the airborne object. The present invention is to provide a control system for controlling kites and airplanes that will allow the lines to be altered in length without destabilizing the kite or plane being controlled and will provide a controller which serves as an accelerator assisting in the process of launching a kite thereby allowing the kite to be flown in winds otherwise too light to make flying possible.

Abstract: An apparatus for controlling quad-line stunt kites of a type having a pair of handles with lines connected to each end of each handle. This is essentially all the control that is used during the normal kite flying procedure, but when it is desired to bring the kite line in or to let the line out, pick-up and/or pay-out structures are used in conjunction with the control handles. Specifically this pick-up and pay-out structure includes a first rod which extends through a pair of openings in the top of each of the control handles respectively and has a crank portion on one end thereof. A second rod extends through a pair of aligned openings in the lower portion of each of the control handles respectively. An axle, which is adapted to be rotated about an axis, is attached to one end of the first and the second rod and a tubular member is adapted to slide over the axle so that a person can grasp the tubular member in one hand and the crank in the other hand to rotate both rods and both handles about the axis.

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: The invention is a control device for a flexible kite. A flexible kite, is a kite in which the lifting surfaces are free to orient themselves, with respect to each other, in response to the wind. The invention consists of mechanisms which allow the operator to actively control the orientations of the kite's lifting surfaces, with respect to each other, for the purposes of maintaining equilibrium during flight, accommodating various wind conditions, and performing various airborne maneuvers.

Abstract: A stunt kite string winder includes a pair of bracket members which hold a pair of string handles substantially spaced apart and in generally parallel relationship to each other. A crank handle extends from each bracket member so that the winder can be rotated about axis which is located between the string handles. A resilient member biases the brackets towards each other to releasably hold the string handles therebetween.

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: A kite string reel, suitable for manual operation and also suitable for power-driven operation by reason of its adaptation for use with a cordless screwdriver having a mouth for accepting interchangeable bits. The kite string reel contains a hollow spool having two flanges. One flange is an annular ring while the other flange is a circular disc. The circular disc has a handle extending away from the spool and a bit extending inward. A removable handle is adapted to fit into the open end of the spool for manual operation or, if power-driven operation is desired, a cordless screwdriver can instead be inserted.

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 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 kite bridle is provided for attaching a flying line to a kite. The bridle may include a link, cut from between branches of the bridle, for attaching a second kite to the flying line. Both the bridle and the link may be formed from a sheet of polymeric material with a continuous cut according to an interlocking pattern.

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 load carrying and releasing pendular device for attachment to a kite string and release the load on jerking on the kite string. The device is fixedly attached to the kite string at an upper location. The device is also releasably coupled to the kite string at a second lower location. The kite string is releasable from coupling to the device at the second location by jerking on the string of the kite. The device assumes a first raised position when it is coupled to the kite string both at the first upper location and at the second lower location. On jerking the kite string, the string becomes released at the second lower position and the device pivots from the first raised position to a second lower position. This pivoting of the device, providing movement of portions of the device, relative to the kite string causes the release of the load releasably carried by the device.

Abstract: A dual reel string winding and unwinding apparatus for us with stunt kites including a first spool and a second spool, each having two pairs of aligned holes extending through flanges therein. A first and second pair of posts extend through the aligned holes in the first and second spools to cause such spools to rotate together. A connector, having an axle thereon, is connected to the first and second posts and a handle is rotatably mounted on the axle of the connector. One of the posts extends far enough through both spools that it can be utilized as a handle so that by grasping the handle on the axle and the handle on one of the posts, the two reels can be rotated simultaneously together in either direction. A guide is connected to the handle on the axle and is disposed radially outwardly from the spools so as to guide the string either onto or off from the proper spools.

Abstract: A device for providing location data for use by a lost child or adult or an individual in need of assistance. The device is in the form of a small compact unit including a container having a top case and a bottom case containing a deflated airfoil and a gas cylinder containing lighter-than-air gas such as helium. A release key which when pulled allows the top case to separate from the bottom case and automatic inflation of the airfoil commences. The plunger strikes a lever driving a puncture pin into the gas cylinder filling the airfoil through a one way valve. The airfoil is tethered at one end by a line and is attached to the bottom case and maintains flight even in adverse weather conditions.

Abstract: A manually controlled kite reel for controlling and operating one or more kites, and more particularly a kite reel arranged to support one or more line spools. The device provides a handle having an offset axle to rotatably support a drive spindle having a drive bar with a centrally disposed hole to receive the axle of the handle, the drive spindle including a pair of oppositely disposed line-spool-support pins wherein one of said support pins defines a crank arm for rotating the drive spindle. A line guide is provided and formed with the handle as an extended line-guide arm having a plurality of notches disposed therein and arranged so as to be in alignment with the respective positioned line spool on the drive spindle.

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 take up device for the control of kites by multiple lines includes two control handles removably fixable to an axle such that the control lines, individually affixed to either of the handles may be simultaneously retrieved with the handles affixed to the axle.

Abstract: A stunt kite string winding device, including a main shaft rotated manually by means of a crank with two string handles removably attached to the main shaft; the main shaft has a stake end opposite the crank end; the main shaft slides back and forth and rotates through a hole in the main shaft traveler which has an attached string guide.