Glider Patents (Class 244/16)
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Patent number: 5029774Abstract: 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.Type: GrantFiled: December 21, 1989Date of Patent: July 9, 1991Inventor: Jeffrey A. Berzack
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Patent number: 4898345Abstract: A skyboard which is an apparatus using the combination of a specially designed surfboard and a parachute to enable the rider to ride the skyboard in a manner similar to the rider's positioning on a surfboard and which will enable the rider to ride the air currents of the sky in a much more exciting manner than through conventional gliders or hand gliders. The skyboard is a lightweight object formed in the general shape of a surfboard and which is modified to include at least a pair of front wings and a pair of rear wings on its lateral sides, a pair of fins on its underside and a pair of foot or shoe binders on its upper surface to accommodate and hold the rider's feet or shoes.Type: GrantFiled: October 24, 1988Date of Patent: February 6, 1990Inventor: Dan Clayton
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Patent number: 4886478Abstract: The sail toy land vehicle includes a generally rod-like elongated frame or central body, having a raised forward portion, an elongated rigid rear wheel axle structure includes a pair of rear outrigger wheels to help support the vehicle rollably along the ground. An aerodynamic upright sail structure has a sail positioned such that its center of gravity is disposed approximately over the rear axle structure of the vehicle, and positioned in a rearwardly inclined manner.Type: GrantFiled: September 19, 1988Date of Patent: December 12, 1989Inventor: Daniel R. Jones
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Patent number: 4860970Abstract: An aircraft includes a nonrigid dynamically inflated airfoil wing which carries an operator. The operator is suspended by a plurality of shrouds which interconnect the wing to a control stick. The control stick position is varied to change the angle of attack of the wing. A transverse control bar is connected to the wing tips for direction control. The center of gravity of the total aircraft is rearward of the center of lift. The wing includes air intake orifices at its leading edge and at least one trailing edge exhaust aperture for inflation by airspeed relative to the wing. A spanwise tubular plenum may be employed for air flow control through the wing.Type: GrantFiled: November 28, 1986Date of Patent: August 29, 1989Inventor: Auro Roselli
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Patent number: 4824047Abstract: A lightweight, low cost, powered launch vehicle for carrying a hang glider aloft and releasing the glider for free flight provides an integral glider support frame for positioning the glider in flight-ready configuration and a selectively actuatable release device accessible to the glider operator for separation from the vehicle at a desired altitude. The support frame positions the glider so that the wing of the glider provides added lift to the launch vehicle during combined flight.Type: GrantFiled: June 6, 1988Date of Patent: April 25, 1989Inventor: William R. Chadwick
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Patent number: 4776530Abstract: A safety apparatus for a hang glider that indicates any failure of a pilot to properly hook in a flight harness. The apparatus includes a circuit having a power source, such as a dry cell battery, connected to an alarm through a harness hook in sensor. When the pilot fails to properly hook in the harness, an alarm sounds. The circuit also includes an on/off switch that activates the circuit only in direct response to erection of the hang glider. Thus, the circuit is deactivated when the hang glider is disassembled for transport to or from a launch site and during storage. Consequently, annoying alarm soundings are avoided and battery life is increased. In addition, the circuit includes a deactivation switch that prevents the alarm from sounding when the hang glider is resting on the ground. Finally, a test switch is provided to allow manual testing to confirm proper activation and operation of the circuit.Type: GrantFiled: August 31, 1987Date of Patent: October 11, 1988Inventor: Stephen M. Mansfield
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Patent number: 4742977Abstract: 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.Type: GrantFiled: November 25, 1986Date of Patent: May 10, 1988Inventor: Robert L. Crowell
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Patent number: 4596368Abstract: An ultralight aircraft of lightweight minimal construction includes a collapsible Rogallo type wing from which a hang cage is suspended by a main hinge assembly. The wing includes a longitudinal keel of lightweight tubular construction, leading edge members and a cross brace. A flexible lifting panel is secured along and between the wing members to define a lifting surface. The hinge includes a pitch hinge bracket having an upper longitudinal sleeve in which the keel is clamped. A ball joint connection secured to the bracket is connected to upwardly extending hang cage struts by means of hinge connecting plates to permit free rotation of the wing about a spanwise axis extending longitudinally through the cross brace.Type: GrantFiled: October 21, 1983Date of Patent: June 24, 1986Inventor: Hugh J. Schmittle
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Patent number: 4591111Abstract: An apparatus for use in an ultralight aircraft, glider, or sailplane to detect and navigate within thermal updrafts is disclosed. The apparatus includes a right temperature sensor and a left temperature sensor mounted on the wings of the aircraft. A difference circuit and difference indicator measure and indicate whether the right or left sensor is warmer and indicate a measured temperature difference. A derivative circuit and derivative indicator measure and indicate whether the air temperature is increasing or decreasing and indicate a rate of temperature change. The derivative circuit may be responsive to any of the right temperature sensor, the left temperature sensor, both the right and left temperature sensors, or to a third temperature sensor mounted on the aircraft. The apparatus detects thermal updrafts and indicates to the pilot when and how rapidly to turn to obtain the maximum lift from the thermal updraft.Type: GrantFiled: December 2, 1983Date of Patent: May 27, 1986Assignee: University of Tennessee Research CorporationInventor: Joseph S. Laughter
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Patent number: 4568043Abstract: An ultra-light aircraft of light-weight minimal construction includes a rigid wing from which a hang cage is suspended by a main hinge assembly. Rotation of the wing without pilot intervention induced by positive or negative wind gusts striking the wing causes the angle of pitch between the wing and hang cage to vary via the hinge so that the wing presents a relatively constant angle of attack to relative wind enabling the aircraft to be essentially stall free during flight. Twist and/or dihedral of the wing is maintained by first and second sets of tensioned cables or landing wires connecting leading and trailing wing edges to a kingpost projecting upward from the wing, and by first and second sets of flying wires connecting the wing to the hang cage. Each first and second set of flying wires is a stress distributing arrangement including a pair of tubes respectively connected at upper ends thereof to leading and trailing wing edges and at lower ends to a plate suspended between the wing and hang cage.Type: GrantFiled: March 9, 1984Date of Patent: February 4, 1986Inventor: Hugh J. Schmittle
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Patent number: 4506847Abstract: A thermal indicator with a sensor (28) mounted over the wing stubs (12, 13) of a sailplane to detect relative movement therebetween due to bending moments applied to the wings on meeting a thermal and a processor of the sensor signals to generate signals indicative of the direction to be turned to enter the thermal. The processor signals are suitably displayed to indicate thermal strength, and left or right directions to enter the thermal.Type: GrantFiled: May 25, 1983Date of Patent: March 26, 1985Inventor: Colin D. Norman
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Patent number: 4458859Abstract: A boardsailing device includes a sport converter which permits the boardsailing device to be converted into a hang glider. Essentially all of the power required for hang gliding is supplied by boardsailing, and the conversion from boardsailing to hang gliding is executed during boardsailing.Type: GrantFiled: April 20, 1983Date of Patent: July 10, 1984Inventor: Anton P. Ganev
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Patent number: 4424945Abstract: A parafoil for supporting a flying machine, which parafoil has a forwardly extending central section open at the front to scoop in air during flight, and wings attached to the rear of the central section and which receive air into the interior thereof either directly or from the central section, said wings being divided into compartments of equalized pressure, and restraining elements attached to the parafoil central section in front of the parafoil wings and to the outer ends of the parafoil wings, thereby in flight to hold down the front of the parafoil central section and hold down the parafoil wings in an inverted U-shape.Type: GrantFiled: May 12, 1982Date of Patent: January 10, 1984Inventor: Simon C. Dell
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Patent number: 4355982Abstract: A hang glider flight simulator wherein a pilot is is suspended from a harness. A control apparatus for maneuvering the suspended pilot simulates movements occurring during hang gliding. A visual display is positioned to be viewed by the pilot. The maneuvering apparatus is synchronized with the visual display so that the simulated movements correspond to images being displayed. The simulator allows persons learning to fly hang gliders to do so without the risk involved in actual flight.Type: GrantFiled: November 24, 1980Date of Patent: October 26, 1982Assignee: Arthur Sydney HerbertInventor: Christopher James
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Patent number: 4336913Abstract: An aircraft, either rigid-wing or a collapsible hang-glider, is provided which is a bi-plane of apparent annular-wing construction in plan view, but the wing tips of an anhedral foreplane are separated from and above the wing tips of a dihedral aftplane. In a hang-glider construction the wing tips of the foreplane may be supported above the wing tips of the aftplane by struts, the trailing edges of the foreplane wing tips being supported by the struts above the leading edges of the aftplane wings. Also in the hang-glider, the geometry of the fore and aftplanes can be varied by moving their points of connection to the keel therealong.Type: GrantFiled: October 2, 1979Date of Patent: June 29, 1982Inventor: Eric B. Hall
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Patent number: 4280673Abstract: A glider formed from a multi-sided tube open at its ends is disclosed. The body and lifting surfaces of the glider comprise a multi-sided tube including a top wall of planar configuration; a pair of opposed upper side walls of planar configuration integral with the top wall extending downward and outward a distance; a pair of opposed vertical side walls of planar configuration integral with the upper side walls; a pair of opposed lower side walls of planar configuration integral with the side walls extending downward and inward to a point inward of a vertical extension of the top wall and upper side wall intersections; a bottom wall extending between lower end walls and integral therewith enclosing the structure. The bottom wall includes a pair of upward extending planar sections meeting at a mid point between lower end walls to form a ridge.Type: GrantFiled: June 13, 1979Date of Patent: July 28, 1981Inventor: Jeffrey A. Brzack
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Patent number: 4248394Abstract: A remotely controlled powered aircraft equipped with engine, propeller and landing gear, radio-controlled from the ground and capable of towing a manned hang glider to an appropriate altitude. On reaching altitude, the pilot of the hang glider releases the tow, and the pilotless towing aircraft is returned to the launching site under radio control from the ground. During towing of the hang glider, two-way communication is maintained between the hang glider pilot and the towing aircraft remote pilot.Type: GrantFiled: March 5, 1979Date of Patent: February 3, 1981Inventor: Marlin K. Klumpp
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Patent number: 4248007Abstract: A toss-type flying toy has at least one tubular aerodynamic member positioned adjacent the plane of a mid fuselage planar generally circular horizontal wing. The flying toy also includes a forwardly positioned horizontal circular lifter, upper and lower vertical guide fins, a horizontal guide fin and a vertical rudder with a generally horizontal stabilizer. Positioning of certain of the aerodynamic control elements enable a flight path to be determined prior to launch.Type: GrantFiled: November 13, 1979Date of Patent: February 3, 1981Inventor: Samuel Gamburd
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Patent number: 4247060Abstract: A hang glider attitude recovery device that may be rapidly deployed with a minimum of pilot action comprises a drag element having an effective point of attachment rigidly spaced above the point from which the pilot is suspended, and a mechanism for activating the drag element at a point clear of upper structural members. The separation between the attachment point and suspension point provides a lever arm which is responsible for the operation of the device. When the hang glider is in a position where the lever arm is inclined from the vertical (hang glider out of attitude), activation of the drag element provides an upward force at the upper end of the lever arm, which force produces a moment that tends to bring the suspension point back into a position under the attachment point. In the preferred embodiment, the drag element comprises a small parachute stowed within the tubular king post.Type: GrantFiled: March 27, 1979Date of Patent: January 27, 1981Inventor: George J. Cory
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Patent number: 4215832Abstract: An aircraft is disclosed which includes a body having the shape of an inverted cone with a downwardly extending rim formed about the edge thereof and a triangularly shaped tail section. The aircraft can be constructed as a glider or a powered device and several alternative tail sections are shown such as square, radii, circle and tangent.Type: GrantFiled: September 29, 1978Date of Patent: August 5, 1980Inventor: George L. Horn
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Patent number: 4209148Abstract: The flying wing comprises a rigid frame and a fabric canopy secured to the frame. The canopy has propelling, braking and steering hyperlift nozzles arranged on the surface of the canopy for canalizing the flow of air rearwardly from the under side to the upper side of the canopy. A support device for the pilot comprises at least two rigid members connected to the frame and extending downwardly from the frame and terminating in a seat for the pilot. Members maintain the rigid members stationary relative to the frame. The canopy has a longitudinal intermediate strip held planar by the frame and two relatively flexible substantially triangular lateral portions on laterally opposite sides of the strip and connected to the latter. The canopy has in plan substantially the shape of an isosceles trapezium the small base of which defines the leading edge of the wing. The intermediate strip has one of the aforementioned nozzles and each of the two lateral portions has two of the aforementioned nozzles.Type: GrantFiled: January 3, 1978Date of Patent: June 24, 1980Inventor: Pierre M. Lemoigne
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Patent number: 4195801Abstract: A lift and propulsion system for partial piloting of a pendular effect piloted aircraft having a gliding structure. The system comprises a frame having a frame axis which is parallel to the pitch axis of the aircraft, the frame being rotatable about the frame axis. A pair of engines are supported by the frame and are each provided with throttle valves for controlling the power or speed of such engines. A rotation control lever arm having one end connected to the frame and the other end movably connected to the gliding structure is provided for controlling the rotation of the frame about the frame axis to control the orientation of the thrust of the engines, and a throttle control mechanism is provided for simultaneously and differentially controlling the power of the engines. The throttle control mechanism comprises a handle having a longitudinal axis and a support member for supporting the handle for rotation about such longitudinal axis.Type: GrantFiled: November 22, 1977Date of Patent: April 1, 1980Inventor: Joseph E. Martin
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Patent number: 4158448Abstract: An airplane includes a wing having the configuration of an equilateral triangle and covered with a flexible membrane which is provided with free trailing edges. The wing is secured by pivot brackets to the top of supports placed at the center of gravity of the airplane body as to pivot right and left alternatively to obtain a self-balancing of flight like the action of a flying kite, such that it is safe and easy to control the airplane during takeoff, landing and sustained flight while increasing the lifting force.Type: GrantFiled: December 1, 1977Date of Patent: June 19, 1979Inventor: Matsuji Mochizuki
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Patent number: 4133500Abstract: A toy kite has the general form of a hang glider and has a tow line which is releasable from the kite when in flight by slackening the tension in the tow line. Spars of the kite frame are hinged together by unitary plastic hinges and the frame can be folded and erected by moving a slider along a main spar. A pilot figure suspended in a harness below the kite is adjustable to alter the trim.Type: GrantFiled: September 19, 1977Date of Patent: January 9, 1979Assignee: The Mettoy Company LimitedInventor: Thomas M. Chapman
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Patent number: 4116407Abstract: A device capable of flight comprising a wing which includes a leading edge member. The leading edge member has an aerodynamically shaped exterior surface and upper and lower aft sections. The wing also includes upper and lower flexible membranes, a first connector for attaching the upper flexible membrane adjacent the forward region thereof to the upper aft section of the leading edge member and second connector for attaching the lower flexible membrane adjacent a forward region thereof to the lower aft section of the leading edge member. The flexible membranes are joined together rearwardly of the leading edge member. At least one of the connectors includes a track. A member carried by one of the flexible membranes is received in the track and cooperates therewith to attach such flexible membrane to the leading edge member. A support or other device is coupled to the wing for supporting a load.Type: GrantFiled: October 1, 1976Date of Patent: September 26, 1978Inventor: Stephen C. Murray
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Patent number: 4116406Abstract: A high performance hang glider includes a frame to which is attached flexible sail fabric to create a delta-shaped Rogallo wing. The sail is of double thickness throughout a substantial portion of the wing area to provide an envelope inflatable in flight by air entering an intake opening at the nose of the wing and exhausting through nozzles in the underside of the wing tips. A more efficient double-surface airfoil is thus provided which automatically changes its camber in response to changes in speed for optimum performance.Type: GrantFiled: June 17, 1977Date of Patent: September 26, 1978Inventor: Paul D. Hamilton
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Patent number: 4088285Abstract: In a motor-glider provided with a propeller power system fully encased within the fuselage thereof, outer shapes of the elements adapted for selectively closing air-intakes and, when required, an outlet are designed quite flush with the streamlined shapes of the surrounding portions of the motor-glider and the air is ejected in directions away from the tail boom, whereby aero-dynamic drag acting on the motor-glider during power-off gliding is considerably minimized.Type: GrantFiled: September 15, 1976Date of Patent: May 9, 1978Assignee: Japan Aircraft Manufacturing Co., Inc.Inventors: Itsushi Sogabe, Kiyoshi Souda
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Patent number: 4068810Abstract: A combination motorcycle and hang-glider comprising a triangular wing formed by a flexible sheet material affixed to a trifurcated frame structure which is pivotally attached to a vehicle, such as a motorcycle suspended below the wing by a plurality of truss members, whereby the wing and the vehicles are adjustably connected to each other. The frame structure includes pivotal means and means for changing the angle of attack of the wing to provide aerodynamic lift for the motorcycle.Type: GrantFiled: May 5, 1975Date of Patent: January 17, 1978Inventor: Douglas J. Malewicki
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Patent number: 4067515Abstract: A kite-like device used by an individual for gliding or soaring through the air usually commencing from a high elevation such as a mountain top. The glider comprises a pair of leading members and a keel interconnected by a nose plate, a cross member extending between the leading members, a control frame structure hanging from the keel, a king post for supporting tie wires or cables and a fabric such as Dacron secured to the leading members and keel. The cross member is pinned at its ends to the leading members and it is hinged at its center to permit the cross member and in turn the leading members to fold toward the keel to thereby make the glider easier to carry or transport.Type: GrantFiled: March 29, 1976Date of Patent: January 10, 1978Inventor: Thomas C. Searle
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Patent number: 4050654Abstract: A foot-launched passenger carrying wing capable of flight including a frame, a flexible wing covering the frame, a keel, a bracket slidable on the keel, cross brace members pivotally attached to the bracket at one end and to leading edge members of the frame at the other end, and cables connecting the parts to provide an operative structure when the bracket is moved in one direction to extend the frame into flying condition and to collapse the frame when the bracket is moved in the opposite direction. Movement of the bracket also adjusts the billow of the sail and the dihedral of the frame. The wing sail is attached to the leading edge members along their entire length and to the keel along a portion of the rearward end thereof. An arrangement is provided to adjust the bracket before or during flight to provide different billow and dihedral conditions.Type: GrantFiled: December 27, 1976Date of Patent: September 27, 1977Inventor: Ronald A. Heckman
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Patent number: 4047679Abstract: A light triangular-wing glider, comprises an auxiliary wing or stabilizer, arranged in an average plane approximately parallel to that of the principal wing, in front and above the latter. This auxiliary wing is flexible, principally constituted from a material such as cloth and capable of taking a curvilinear shape under the influence of the relative airstream. The pilot can thereby modify the angle of attack of the whole of the glider and notably pull the craft out of a dive.Type: GrantFiled: January 7, 1976Date of Patent: September 13, 1977Assignee: Societe d'Equipements Divers Pour la Population Civile et l'Aviation SedpaInventor: Paul Marcel Edmond Decroix
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Patent number: 4023750Abstract: Frame adapter or camel for hang gliders having a fixed body portion for being secured to the hang glider frame keel and a pivotal clamping section attached to the fixed member. A connector support for the cross tubes and a support bar for the control bar are securely and detachably held between the stationary and clamping body members so that by releasing one king post cable, and the removal of one pin in the camel and one pin in the control bar, the entire hang glider can be folded up for transport or unfolded to be readied for flight. A guide cable is provided for the cross tube connector.Type: GrantFiled: August 11, 1976Date of Patent: May 17, 1977Inventor: James C. Tigner
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Patent number: 3995799Abstract: A biwinged high performance collapsible hang glider having a simplified integrated frame, having a reinforcing cable system, having a variable camber upper swept wing including a sail, with non-rigid leading and trailing edges, and a flexible batten, having a bridge spacing the sail from the frame, having a lower undercambered sail wing including a sail with a tubular leading edge and nonrigid trailing edge, having an optional collapsible Y-tail modification including sail with non-rigid leading edge and hinged tubular-trailing edges, having a low wing-loading effect, a high lift-drag ratio, a high glide-ratio, a low sink-rate and minimal spiral instability, yielding the capability of effective body-english pilot control for short duration training flights or for long duration cross-country flights, and being collapsible so as to be readily transported by a common passenger vehicle.Type: GrantFiled: May 23, 1975Date of Patent: December 7, 1976Inventor: Frank J. Bartolini
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Patent number: 3987982Abstract: A water-based sailing vehicle that is able to accelerate from rest under wind power, become airborne, and fly above the water. At low speeds, the vehicle performs as a displacement sailboat. At higher speeds, the weight of the vehicle is supported by a combination of hydrodynamic lift from the planing hull and aerodynamic lift from the wings, or by aerodynamic lift alone. The wings are set at a large dihedral angle, so that with one wing-tip float immersed, the horizontal wing provides a lifting force, while the raised wing provides a horizontal side force for sailing, plus some additional lift. The wings and tail have airplane-type control surfaces which give complete control both in the sailing mode and in free flight.Type: GrantFiled: January 26, 1976Date of Patent: October 26, 1976Inventor: James L. Amick
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Patent number: 3966143Abstract: An aircraft of variable geometry and certain unique features which allow its operation along the surface of water, ice or the ground under sail power provided by tilting the wings up into a cross-wind to attain sufficient speed to be self launched into gliding flight in two modes -- while close to the surface in wind shear, circling and climbing in a regenerative flight path powered by changes in wind speed with altitude until sufficient altitude is attained to soar on rising air currents.Type: GrantFiled: January 28, 1974Date of Patent: June 29, 1976Inventor: Gordon R. Smith
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Patent number: 3944169Abstract: A hang glider in the form of an aerial wing of airfoil shape is disclosed. The wing is defined by an outer envelope of flexible material inflatable to the airfoil shape and having a plurality of chambers therein each receiving an inflatable bladder. Air inlet openings are provided in the bottom portion of the envelope adjacent the leading edge of the wing. Either the bladders or the chambers are inflated with a gas lighter than air and, during flight, air enters the openings and fills the available space in the others of the bladders or chambers to provide a complete smooth airfoil shape for the wing. Shroud lines are employed to suspend a person beneath the wing during flight.Type: GrantFiled: July 12, 1974Date of Patent: March 16, 1976Assignee: James R. BedeInventor: James R. Bede
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Patent number: 3942747Abstract: An aircraft of the Canard type in which a first airfoil is attached to an aft fin portion of the fuselage at a higher elevation than a second airfoil which is attached to the fore portion of the fuselage. The second airfoil extends outwardly and rearwardly to meet the first airfoil whereby a triangular configuration is formed in plan view and in front elevation view. The airfoils may be flexible; simple cable controls may be provided to control the aircraft so that even inexperienced pilots can easily operate the aircraft. The triangular configuration ensures a lightweight and inexpensive yet rugged and strong aircraft. The aircraft may also include a split rudder and may be hinged for folding to facilitate storage and transportation.Type: GrantFiled: June 24, 1974Date of Patent: March 9, 1976Inventor: Julian Wolkovitch
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Patent number: 3936012Abstract: A device capable of flight comprising a frame including first and second leading edte members, a keel interconnected to the leading edge members, a first cross member attached to the keel and to the first leading edge member, and a second cross member attached to the keel. The second cross member is attached to the second leading edge member by a collar slidably mounted on the second cross member. A sail of flexible material is attached to the frame. The position of the collar along the second cross member can be adjusted to vary the billow of the sail.Type: GrantFiled: May 3, 1974Date of Patent: February 3, 1976Inventor: Stephen C. Murray