CA1170638A - Kite - Google Patents
KiteInfo
- Publication number
- CA1170638A CA1170638A CA000387099A CA387099A CA1170638A CA 1170638 A CA1170638 A CA 1170638A CA 000387099 A CA000387099 A CA 000387099A CA 387099 A CA387099 A CA 387099A CA 1170638 A CA1170638 A CA 1170638A
- Authority
- CA
- Canada
- Prior art keywords
- kite
- tubes
- inflatable
- compartments
- tube
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Expired
Links
Classifications
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
- A63H—TOYS, e.g. TOPS, DOLLS, HOOPS OR BUILDING BLOCKS
- A63H27/00—Toy aircraft; Other flying toys
- A63H27/08—Kites
Abstract
ABSTRACT
KITE
A kite (20) comprises an inflatable body (22) and flaps (27) having along their trailing edges (26) inflatable tubes (25). The kite (20) can be launched automatically, may be a radar reflector and can have a windspeed compensating bridle and/or dual-line control.
KITE
A kite (20) comprises an inflatable body (22) and flaps (27) having along their trailing edges (26) inflatable tubes (25). The kite (20) can be launched automatically, may be a radar reflector and can have a windspeed compensating bridle and/or dual-line control.
Description
11'7(~ti3~
The present invention relates to a kite having improved flight characteristics.
More specifically, the invention relates to a kite having an inflatable body which is generally T-shaped in plan, the upright of the 'T' extending from front to rear of the kite and the cross-piece of the 'T' extending transversely of the kite at or adjacent the front of the kite, there being provided on each side of the kite a flap of sheet material which is connected to the adjacent bound-aries of the upright and the cross-piece of the 'T' and which has an outer edge which extends from an outermost position at or adja-cent the associated free end of associated arm of the cross-piece of the 'T' and an innermost position at or adjacent the free end of the upright of the 'T' adjacent the rear of the kite, an inflat-able tube being provided along the outer edge of each flap, so that the two inflatable tubes define an inwardly tapering rear lateral boundary of the kite.
Accordingly, the invention provides a kite having an inflatable body and flaps each of sheet material and each having a trailing edge, an inflatable tube being provided along the trail-ing edge of each flap.
Normally, there will be two such flaps, one on each sideof the kite, and I have found, surprisingly, that by controlling the inflation of the two tubes, the yaw of the kite can be varied .to a remarkable degree. Remote control means, such as a separate control line or lines, a radio-control arrangement or transmission along a conducting line, can permit the yaw of the kite to be varied in flight.
Each tube can be inflatable in several different ways, for example; by a scoop for directing ram air to the tube; by an inlet at a leading edge of the kite ~rj,~h,, :~:
, . 11'7~638 leadin~ ram air to ductin~ connectin~ with the tube;
by differential pressure between an inner and an outer skin Or the kite; by a pump operated from the movement o~ parts of the kite in flight; or by a ~imple inflation inlet when a predetermined degree of inrlation is surficient.
The invention also provides a kite having an in~latable body portion divided internally into two or more compartments which can be inflated individually to desired de~rees to vary the aerodynamic ~hape Or the body portion.
SurprisinFly, I have round that the provision Or the two or more compartments enables the aerodynamic shape Or the body portion to be varied substantially to increase the lift-to-draF, (L/~)ratio for various wind conditions.
Prererably, the two compartments lie one on top Or the other. A rirst of the compartments can be defined entirely.bg an inner baF~ o~ ~lexible sheet material and a second of the compartments can be de~ined between an outer skin Or the body portion and one ~ace o~ the inner ba~. Pre~erably the inner baF has struts, ribs or the like which con~train its shape when inflated. The inner b~g can be divided înto two portions front and back.
( Se~arate inflation tube~ can connect one with each compartment, or can inrlate each compartment individually.
Each kite Or the invention can have a bridle, between itself and the control line, consistin~ of several individual ligaments each connecting with the body Or the kite at a separate connector. This reduces the loading on each connectin~ noint. The briAle can include one or more elastic li~ament~ to ab~orb shock loads and to allow the kite bod~ to chan~e attitude when wind ~peed change~.
The invention will be described rurther, by way of example, with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein:-Fig. 1 is an underneath view of a kite Or theinvention in an uninrlated condition;
j~ Fig, 2 is a top plan view o~ the kite, unin~lated;
Fi~. 3 is an underneath plan view Or the kite in~lated;
Fi~. 4 is a to~ plan view Or the kite inrlated;
Fig. 5 is a front elevation o~ the kite in~lated;
Flg. 6 is a rear elevation of the kite lnflated showing one trailing edge tube lnflated and the other deflated.
Figs. 7 and 8 are views similar to that of Fig. 6 but showlng both tubes inflated and deflated respectively;
Fig. 9 is a side elevation of the inflated kite showing one tube inflated;
Fig. 10 is a similar view showing the tube deflated;
Fig. 11 is an underneath view of a further l embodiment of kite;
; Fig. 12 shows the kite of Fig. 11 inflated;
Fig. 13 to 16 showshow a kite of the lnvention can be stored and aueomatically launched;
- ~ Flg. 17 shows a further different kite;
; Flg. 18 shows the klte of Fig. 17 inflated;
Fig. 19 shows a further stlll different klte; and Flg. 20 shows yet another klte of the invention.
A preferred kite of the inventlon is made by disposlng two or more layers of weldable, flexlble, gas-lmpermeable plastics materlal ln face to face relationship and welding .~
~ or otherwise connectlng them together in an air-tlght manner ,;
' ~
.3~
, . , 1~7(~6313 along lines a - b, a -- d, b - fn, d - e - m, and m - c and n - c. This gives a kite body having a generally arrow-shaped inflatable portion and two flaps ~
These two layers form upper and lower outer sk~ns of the inflatable body portion and an inner bag is sandwiched therebetween, and attached thereto at the aforesaid weld lines, as will be later described.
To distribute the load imposed on the body by the line, there is a bridle arrangement consisting of a front ligament r ~attached at ~, a pair of rear ligaments rl and r2 (attached at h and i) which join and connect to a rear common ligament r3 which connects with r at its junction with the line proper, r3 includes an elastic ligament r4, ~n parallel with a limiting in elastic ligament r5, for absorbing shock loads and allowing the kite body to change attitude when the wlnd speed changes.
Each attachment point g, h, i, can be a piece of sheet material welded to the outer laysr and individual smaller bridles can be provided, as best seen in Figs. 5 and 6 to spre~the load.
The trailing edge of each flap p, q, is provided with an inflatable tube (t, s) which can be inflated by inflation tubes I, II. By varying the extent of inflation of the two tubes (t,s), the yaw of the kite can be varied. The tubes can be inflatable selectively by remote control, such as by a separate line or lines, by radio control, or by ~ 3 signals passing along a condu¢~ive line. In these cases in~lation o~ the tubes (t,s) would best be achieved by a valved ram-air inlet at the tube or at a leading edge of the kite. As a further possibility dif~erential pressure between varied skins of the inflatable body portion could be used to inflate the tubes.
A further possibility is the provision of a pump operated by movement o~ the various parts of the kite in flight. A still rurther possibility i~ the provision o~ an electrically driven pump. The pump can direct air from tube to tube or inflate the tubes. Power can be supplied by a battery carried by the kite with control being exercised via a eonductive line, or power can also be supplied via a conductive line~
This method o~ yawing the kite i8 highly e~ficient and a great improvement on previous known methods.
It i8 possible by inflating both tubes t,s simultaneously to obtain a higher angle of elevation than when the trailing edge ~lap~ and by de~lating one section in relation to the opposite section it will automatically yaw the kite to the side corre~pond-ing to the most in~lated section. The degree o~ yaw will vary according to the di~erential in pressure between the two trailing edge tubes. The diameter Or these tubes along the trailing edge is important. For instance, a kite with a 2 metre x 2 metre lay~lat sur~ace, the maximum lay~lat diameter o~ this tube must not be more than 17cms otherwise the kite will yaw in the opposite direction in an unoontrollable manner, and i~ both tubes are inflated instead Or giving the kite a higher L/D ratio with stability the kite will have a lower L/D and be uncontrolled in movement. The whole system o~ yaw can either be operated by remotely controlled i38 valves which are actuated to release or increase pressure, and in certain circumstances can if required be operated by a second or possibly two extra lines to the operator.
The remote control can be by means of a radio transmitter and receiver or by direct wire transmission from base.
As best seen in Figs. 5 and 9 the kite of the invention has its inflatable body portion divided into three compartments (w, o, z) by two inner layers or skins.
The two inner layers fo~m a separate inflatable bag whose shape is controlled, by structures such as ribs or struts x, y, to that shown in Fig. 5. The bag is separately inflatable by a tube ~v) (Fig.9). On various different shapes of a kite and particularly on larger kites more than two ribs could be used.
The space w between the bag and the upper outer layer is inflatable by a tube (u). Space z is normally uninflated, but could be via a separate tube (not shown) if desired.
By varying the degree of lnflation of compartment o and w it is possible to vary the aerodynamic shape of the kite to give an optimum L/D ratio for a given wind speed. The ribs x, y prevent the inner bag taking up a shape too close to spherical, so giving the kite a flatter, more airfoil-shaped configuration.
The lnventlon is not limited to the precise details of the foregoing and variation can be made thereto.
~ In particular, a selected one or selected ones of the compartments and/or the flap edge tubes can be inflated with a gas different from air, ln particular heli~m, to vary the characteristics of the klte. It is particularly beneflcial to fill the inner bag with helium and the outer upper compartment with air.
The two or four layers of the kite need not be square, but can be of diamond shape, or any other convenient shape symmetrical about a centre line.
. .
As a particular such alternative shape the kite can, in plan have a transversely extending section shaped like a conventional wlng and a forwardly pro~ecting generally triangular-shaped nose sectlon, glvlng the kite an overall ~hape midway between a delta-wlng shape and a oonventlonal wing shape. The conventional wlng section can have reinforclng rlbs which extend transversely of the kite to give great strength and rigidity. However, such ribs would give great wind resistance and they are thus '~ ~
~ . ~, g covered by a second skin forming an inflatable compartment above the wing. The lower face of the wing can be covered by an outer lower skin which remains uninflated. The nose section can itself have one or more separately inflatable compartments. In particular the nose section can have an upper and a lower compartment each separately inflatable.
The kite 20 of Fig. 11 is similar in general form to those described above but has the leading edges 21 of its main body 22 outwardly deflected at 23 to form small wings 24. Inflated tubes 25 extend rearwardly and inwardly along the trailing edges 26 of flaps 27 and are inflated simultaneously with body 22 by means of inflation tube 28. This kite 20 has an adjusting yoke 29 comprising inextensible front cords 30, 31 and 32, inextensible rear cords 33 and 34 and an extensible rear ligament 35 which normally functions when the kite is flying. Only when very high winds occur does the ligament 35 stretch to its maximum (the illustrated condition) where its stretch is limited by inextensible cord 36.
The kite is able thus to adjust lt$ attitude relative to winds of a range of stxengths.
~ igs, 13 to 16 show the way in which the kite automatically inflates from a gas cylinder 54 on being activated from a switch 56. Thls switch 56 can be remotely 11'7()63l3 controlled or time controlled. The actual opening of the valve on the gas cylinder 54 can be by solenoid or pyrotechnics.
In Fig.15 is shown the non return valve 55 in its open position with the gas entering the kite and in Fig. 16 in the closed position. Returning to Fig. 13, the kite is held to the container by a line 45 which ls shorter than line 47 which in turn is shorter than inflation tube 53.
Line 45 has an O ring at the aft end connected to a pin in a release mechanism 46 so that when the kite is fully inflated the pin can be withdrawn,again_ by means of a solenoid or ~yrotechnics, either by remote control or by a timed mechanism to release the kite.
In Fig. 14 is shown the kite fully inflated with line 45 attached to the rear bridle and release mechanism 46 just before release, and in ~ig. 18 the detached line 45 is shown after release from the container.
Upon releasing the kite the sequence of detachlng the inflation tube is shown in Figs. 15 and 16.
;
The line 47 is attached to the container at 48 ,~. ' , .
and has a pin 49 inserted into a split circlip 50, and as the kite starts to deploy it puts pressure onto that line 47, thereby withdrawing the pin from the circlip which then opens. After line 47 is detached, the pressure of the deploying kite transfers to the inflation tube 53 which is a loose it (without the circlip 50) on valve 41.
This immediately releases the inflation tube 53 from the valve 41 and the kite starts to deploy on the tethering line 51, which is affixed to the container at 59 (Fig. 13).
The tethering line 51 runs through a roller system 52, so that a small amount of resistance lS always ~t at the kite. This allows the kite to deploy in very light winds, but stops the line 51 which is flaked in the container, from having no resistance, which could force the kite to be s~ept along the surface of the sea (or land) by high winds.
In other words the resistance is not enough to stop the kite from deploying in very light winds, but enable it to obtain aerodynamic lift in high winds.
This should stop the possibility of the ~;ite being submerged by high seas, and not having enough static lift or buoyancy to break through the waves.
pressure release valve can be utilise~ should the volume of gas in the cylinder 54 be considerably more than the required volume of gas in the kite. It is mainly a 117~6.38 safety factor to ensure that the kite is not over-inflated, although for sea rescue purposes the cylinder 54 will contain the correct amount of gas for a particular kite.
Fig. 16 shows the non-return valve 55 in its closed position after inflation.
; Fig. 17 shows a kite 50 having tapered trailing edge tubes 51, three inflation points 52, one for the ; body 53 and one for each tube 51, a bridle 54 as previously described and internal panels 55 attached to the upper and `
lower surfaces of the body 53 whlch limit the degree of inflation of the body 53-and improve its aerodynamic shape. Fig. 18 shows the kite of Fig. 17 inflated.
Fig. 19 shows a kite 56 havlng a variation in a bridle which has two portions 57a, 57h enabling two lines to be attached for flight control.
Fig. 20 shows a further variation ~n the shape of the trailing edge tubes 58 of a kite 59.
~:
Each one of the kites shown can have three or more ~ skins dividing its body into two or more separately-::
: ,S
: .
..,~
11~7~31 in~latable or non-inflatable compartments. Each kite can be inrlated with a light gas such as helium or hydrogen.
The kite of Fig. 20 i8 particularly useful when very large structures are contemplated, for example ~or towing a sea-going ves~el. Outwardly o~ tubes 58 can be provided one or more further tube~ 60,61, pairs Or which can be optionally inrlatable to enable the size Or the kite 58 to be varied wh~lst it is rlying. Whilst the tubes60, 61 have been shown to be individually inflatable by means Or ~-valves 63, in practice a remote-controlled arrangement will be adopted which can be actuated rrom the lower endar the line whilst the kite is alort. The number Or pairs of tubes 60, 61 can be increased, but as their number does ~crease some stability at right angles to the length Or these tubes will normally have to be provided.
.
The present invention relates to a kite having improved flight characteristics.
More specifically, the invention relates to a kite having an inflatable body which is generally T-shaped in plan, the upright of the 'T' extending from front to rear of the kite and the cross-piece of the 'T' extending transversely of the kite at or adjacent the front of the kite, there being provided on each side of the kite a flap of sheet material which is connected to the adjacent bound-aries of the upright and the cross-piece of the 'T' and which has an outer edge which extends from an outermost position at or adja-cent the associated free end of associated arm of the cross-piece of the 'T' and an innermost position at or adjacent the free end of the upright of the 'T' adjacent the rear of the kite, an inflat-able tube being provided along the outer edge of each flap, so that the two inflatable tubes define an inwardly tapering rear lateral boundary of the kite.
Accordingly, the invention provides a kite having an inflatable body and flaps each of sheet material and each having a trailing edge, an inflatable tube being provided along the trail-ing edge of each flap.
Normally, there will be two such flaps, one on each sideof the kite, and I have found, surprisingly, that by controlling the inflation of the two tubes, the yaw of the kite can be varied .to a remarkable degree. Remote control means, such as a separate control line or lines, a radio-control arrangement or transmission along a conducting line, can permit the yaw of the kite to be varied in flight.
Each tube can be inflatable in several different ways, for example; by a scoop for directing ram air to the tube; by an inlet at a leading edge of the kite ~rj,~h,, :~:
, . 11'7~638 leadin~ ram air to ductin~ connectin~ with the tube;
by differential pressure between an inner and an outer skin Or the kite; by a pump operated from the movement o~ parts of the kite in flight; or by a ~imple inflation inlet when a predetermined degree of inrlation is surficient.
The invention also provides a kite having an in~latable body portion divided internally into two or more compartments which can be inflated individually to desired de~rees to vary the aerodynamic ~hape Or the body portion.
SurprisinFly, I have round that the provision Or the two or more compartments enables the aerodynamic shape Or the body portion to be varied substantially to increase the lift-to-draF, (L/~)ratio for various wind conditions.
Prererably, the two compartments lie one on top Or the other. A rirst of the compartments can be defined entirely.bg an inner baF~ o~ ~lexible sheet material and a second of the compartments can be de~ined between an outer skin Or the body portion and one ~ace o~ the inner ba~. Pre~erably the inner baF has struts, ribs or the like which con~train its shape when inflated. The inner b~g can be divided înto two portions front and back.
( Se~arate inflation tube~ can connect one with each compartment, or can inrlate each compartment individually.
Each kite Or the invention can have a bridle, between itself and the control line, consistin~ of several individual ligaments each connecting with the body Or the kite at a separate connector. This reduces the loading on each connectin~ noint. The briAle can include one or more elastic li~ament~ to ab~orb shock loads and to allow the kite bod~ to chan~e attitude when wind ~peed change~.
The invention will be described rurther, by way of example, with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein:-Fig. 1 is an underneath view of a kite Or theinvention in an uninrlated condition;
j~ Fig, 2 is a top plan view o~ the kite, unin~lated;
Fi~. 3 is an underneath plan view Or the kite in~lated;
Fi~. 4 is a to~ plan view Or the kite inrlated;
Fig. 5 is a front elevation o~ the kite in~lated;
Flg. 6 is a rear elevation of the kite lnflated showing one trailing edge tube lnflated and the other deflated.
Figs. 7 and 8 are views similar to that of Fig. 6 but showlng both tubes inflated and deflated respectively;
Fig. 9 is a side elevation of the inflated kite showing one tube inflated;
Fig. 10 is a similar view showing the tube deflated;
Fig. 11 is an underneath view of a further l embodiment of kite;
; Fig. 12 shows the kite of Fig. 11 inflated;
Fig. 13 to 16 showshow a kite of the lnvention can be stored and aueomatically launched;
- ~ Flg. 17 shows a further different kite;
; Flg. 18 shows the klte of Fig. 17 inflated;
Fig. 19 shows a further stlll different klte; and Flg. 20 shows yet another klte of the invention.
A preferred kite of the inventlon is made by disposlng two or more layers of weldable, flexlble, gas-lmpermeable plastics materlal ln face to face relationship and welding .~
~ or otherwise connectlng them together in an air-tlght manner ,;
' ~
.3~
, . , 1~7(~6313 along lines a - b, a -- d, b - fn, d - e - m, and m - c and n - c. This gives a kite body having a generally arrow-shaped inflatable portion and two flaps ~
These two layers form upper and lower outer sk~ns of the inflatable body portion and an inner bag is sandwiched therebetween, and attached thereto at the aforesaid weld lines, as will be later described.
To distribute the load imposed on the body by the line, there is a bridle arrangement consisting of a front ligament r ~attached at ~, a pair of rear ligaments rl and r2 (attached at h and i) which join and connect to a rear common ligament r3 which connects with r at its junction with the line proper, r3 includes an elastic ligament r4, ~n parallel with a limiting in elastic ligament r5, for absorbing shock loads and allowing the kite body to change attitude when the wlnd speed changes.
Each attachment point g, h, i, can be a piece of sheet material welded to the outer laysr and individual smaller bridles can be provided, as best seen in Figs. 5 and 6 to spre~the load.
The trailing edge of each flap p, q, is provided with an inflatable tube (t, s) which can be inflated by inflation tubes I, II. By varying the extent of inflation of the two tubes (t,s), the yaw of the kite can be varied. The tubes can be inflatable selectively by remote control, such as by a separate line or lines, by radio control, or by ~ 3 signals passing along a condu¢~ive line. In these cases in~lation o~ the tubes (t,s) would best be achieved by a valved ram-air inlet at the tube or at a leading edge of the kite. As a further possibility dif~erential pressure between varied skins of the inflatable body portion could be used to inflate the tubes.
A further possibility is the provision of a pump operated by movement o~ the various parts of the kite in flight. A still rurther possibility i~ the provision o~ an electrically driven pump. The pump can direct air from tube to tube or inflate the tubes. Power can be supplied by a battery carried by the kite with control being exercised via a eonductive line, or power can also be supplied via a conductive line~
This method o~ yawing the kite i8 highly e~ficient and a great improvement on previous known methods.
It i8 possible by inflating both tubes t,s simultaneously to obtain a higher angle of elevation than when the trailing edge ~lap~ and by de~lating one section in relation to the opposite section it will automatically yaw the kite to the side corre~pond-ing to the most in~lated section. The degree o~ yaw will vary according to the di~erential in pressure between the two trailing edge tubes. The diameter Or these tubes along the trailing edge is important. For instance, a kite with a 2 metre x 2 metre lay~lat sur~ace, the maximum lay~lat diameter o~ this tube must not be more than 17cms otherwise the kite will yaw in the opposite direction in an unoontrollable manner, and i~ both tubes are inflated instead Or giving the kite a higher L/D ratio with stability the kite will have a lower L/D and be uncontrolled in movement. The whole system o~ yaw can either be operated by remotely controlled i38 valves which are actuated to release or increase pressure, and in certain circumstances can if required be operated by a second or possibly two extra lines to the operator.
The remote control can be by means of a radio transmitter and receiver or by direct wire transmission from base.
As best seen in Figs. 5 and 9 the kite of the invention has its inflatable body portion divided into three compartments (w, o, z) by two inner layers or skins.
The two inner layers fo~m a separate inflatable bag whose shape is controlled, by structures such as ribs or struts x, y, to that shown in Fig. 5. The bag is separately inflatable by a tube ~v) (Fig.9). On various different shapes of a kite and particularly on larger kites more than two ribs could be used.
The space w between the bag and the upper outer layer is inflatable by a tube (u). Space z is normally uninflated, but could be via a separate tube (not shown) if desired.
By varying the degree of lnflation of compartment o and w it is possible to vary the aerodynamic shape of the kite to give an optimum L/D ratio for a given wind speed. The ribs x, y prevent the inner bag taking up a shape too close to spherical, so giving the kite a flatter, more airfoil-shaped configuration.
The lnventlon is not limited to the precise details of the foregoing and variation can be made thereto.
~ In particular, a selected one or selected ones of the compartments and/or the flap edge tubes can be inflated with a gas different from air, ln particular heli~m, to vary the characteristics of the klte. It is particularly beneflcial to fill the inner bag with helium and the outer upper compartment with air.
The two or four layers of the kite need not be square, but can be of diamond shape, or any other convenient shape symmetrical about a centre line.
. .
As a particular such alternative shape the kite can, in plan have a transversely extending section shaped like a conventional wlng and a forwardly pro~ecting generally triangular-shaped nose sectlon, glvlng the kite an overall ~hape midway between a delta-wlng shape and a oonventlonal wing shape. The conventional wlng section can have reinforclng rlbs which extend transversely of the kite to give great strength and rigidity. However, such ribs would give great wind resistance and they are thus '~ ~
~ . ~, g covered by a second skin forming an inflatable compartment above the wing. The lower face of the wing can be covered by an outer lower skin which remains uninflated. The nose section can itself have one or more separately inflatable compartments. In particular the nose section can have an upper and a lower compartment each separately inflatable.
The kite 20 of Fig. 11 is similar in general form to those described above but has the leading edges 21 of its main body 22 outwardly deflected at 23 to form small wings 24. Inflated tubes 25 extend rearwardly and inwardly along the trailing edges 26 of flaps 27 and are inflated simultaneously with body 22 by means of inflation tube 28. This kite 20 has an adjusting yoke 29 comprising inextensible front cords 30, 31 and 32, inextensible rear cords 33 and 34 and an extensible rear ligament 35 which normally functions when the kite is flying. Only when very high winds occur does the ligament 35 stretch to its maximum (the illustrated condition) where its stretch is limited by inextensible cord 36.
The kite is able thus to adjust lt$ attitude relative to winds of a range of stxengths.
~ igs, 13 to 16 show the way in which the kite automatically inflates from a gas cylinder 54 on being activated from a switch 56. Thls switch 56 can be remotely 11'7()63l3 controlled or time controlled. The actual opening of the valve on the gas cylinder 54 can be by solenoid or pyrotechnics.
In Fig.15 is shown the non return valve 55 in its open position with the gas entering the kite and in Fig. 16 in the closed position. Returning to Fig. 13, the kite is held to the container by a line 45 which ls shorter than line 47 which in turn is shorter than inflation tube 53.
Line 45 has an O ring at the aft end connected to a pin in a release mechanism 46 so that when the kite is fully inflated the pin can be withdrawn,again_ by means of a solenoid or ~yrotechnics, either by remote control or by a timed mechanism to release the kite.
In Fig. 14 is shown the kite fully inflated with line 45 attached to the rear bridle and release mechanism 46 just before release, and in ~ig. 18 the detached line 45 is shown after release from the container.
Upon releasing the kite the sequence of detachlng the inflation tube is shown in Figs. 15 and 16.
;
The line 47 is attached to the container at 48 ,~. ' , .
and has a pin 49 inserted into a split circlip 50, and as the kite starts to deploy it puts pressure onto that line 47, thereby withdrawing the pin from the circlip which then opens. After line 47 is detached, the pressure of the deploying kite transfers to the inflation tube 53 which is a loose it (without the circlip 50) on valve 41.
This immediately releases the inflation tube 53 from the valve 41 and the kite starts to deploy on the tethering line 51, which is affixed to the container at 59 (Fig. 13).
The tethering line 51 runs through a roller system 52, so that a small amount of resistance lS always ~t at the kite. This allows the kite to deploy in very light winds, but stops the line 51 which is flaked in the container, from having no resistance, which could force the kite to be s~ept along the surface of the sea (or land) by high winds.
In other words the resistance is not enough to stop the kite from deploying in very light winds, but enable it to obtain aerodynamic lift in high winds.
This should stop the possibility of the ~;ite being submerged by high seas, and not having enough static lift or buoyancy to break through the waves.
pressure release valve can be utilise~ should the volume of gas in the cylinder 54 be considerably more than the required volume of gas in the kite. It is mainly a 117~6.38 safety factor to ensure that the kite is not over-inflated, although for sea rescue purposes the cylinder 54 will contain the correct amount of gas for a particular kite.
Fig. 16 shows the non-return valve 55 in its closed position after inflation.
; Fig. 17 shows a kite 50 having tapered trailing edge tubes 51, three inflation points 52, one for the ; body 53 and one for each tube 51, a bridle 54 as previously described and internal panels 55 attached to the upper and `
lower surfaces of the body 53 whlch limit the degree of inflation of the body 53-and improve its aerodynamic shape. Fig. 18 shows the kite of Fig. 17 inflated.
Fig. 19 shows a kite 56 havlng a variation in a bridle which has two portions 57a, 57h enabling two lines to be attached for flight control.
Fig. 20 shows a further variation ~n the shape of the trailing edge tubes 58 of a kite 59.
~:
Each one of the kites shown can have three or more ~ skins dividing its body into two or more separately-::
: ,S
: .
..,~
11~7~31 in~latable or non-inflatable compartments. Each kite can be inrlated with a light gas such as helium or hydrogen.
The kite of Fig. 20 i8 particularly useful when very large structures are contemplated, for example ~or towing a sea-going ves~el. Outwardly o~ tubes 58 can be provided one or more further tube~ 60,61, pairs Or which can be optionally inrlatable to enable the size Or the kite 58 to be varied wh~lst it is rlying. Whilst the tubes60, 61 have been shown to be individually inflatable by means Or ~-valves 63, in practice a remote-controlled arrangement will be adopted which can be actuated rrom the lower endar the line whilst the kite is alort. The number Or pairs of tubes 60, 61 can be increased, but as their number does ~crease some stability at right angles to the length Or these tubes will normally have to be provided.
.
Claims (23)
1. A kite having an inflatable body which is gener-ally T-shaped in plan, the upright of the 'T' extending from front to rear of the kite and the cross-piece of the 'T' extending trans-versely of the kite at or adjacent the front of the kite, there being provided on each side of the kite a flap of sheet material which is connected to the adjacent boundaries of the upright and the cross-piece of the 'T' and which has an outer edge which extends from an outermost position at or adjacent the associated free end of associated arm of the cross-piece of the 'T' and an innermost position at or adjacent the free end of the upright of the 'T' adjacent the rear of the kite, an inflatable tube being provided along the outer edge of each flap, so that the two in-flatable tubes define an inwardly tapering rear lateral boundary of the kite.
2. A kite as claimed in claim 1 characterized in that remote control means is provided to permit the yaw of the kite to be varied in flight.
3. A kite as claimed in claim 2 characterized in that the remote control means is an arrangement selected from a sep-arate control line or lines, radio-control, and signal transmission along a conducting line.
4. A kite as claimed in claim 1 characterized in that each tube is inflatable by means selected from a scoop for direct-ing ram air to its respective tube, by an inlet at a leading edge of the kite leading ram air to ducting connecting with the tubes, by differential pressure between an inner and an outer skin of the kite; by a pump operated from the movement of parts of the kite in flight; and by a simple inflation inlet.
5. A kite as claimed in claim 1 and having an inflatable body portion divided internally into two or more compartments which can be inflated individually to desired degrees to vary the aerodynamic shape of the body portion.
6. A kite as claimed in claim 5 characterised in that the two compartments lie one on top of the other.
7. A kite as claimed in claim 5 characterised in that a first of the compartments is defined entirely by an inner bag of flexible sheet material and a second of the compartments is defined between an outer skin of the body portion and one face of the inner bag.
8. A kite as claimed in claim 5 characterised in that the inner bag has struts, ribs or the like which constrain its shape when inflated.
9. A kite as claimed in claim 7 characterised in that the inner bag is divided into two portions front and back.
10. A kite as claimed in claim 8 characterised in that separate inflation tubes connect one with each compartment, or can inflate each compartment individually.
11. A kite as claimed in claim 1 characterised in that it has a bridle, between itself and a control line, consis-ting of several individual ligaments each connecting with the body of the kite at a separate connector.
12. A kite as claimed in claim 11 characterised in that the bridle includes one or more elastic ligaments to absorb shock loads and to allow the kite body to change attitude when wind speed changes.
13. A kite as claimed in claim 1 characterised in that the kite is inflated with a lighter-than-air gas.
14. A kite as claimed in claim 13, characterised in that the gas is hydrogen or helium.
15. A kite as claimed in claim 1 characterised in that the kite is mounted in a collapsed condition in an appara-tus adapted to launch it automatically.
16. A kite as claimed in claim 15 characterised in that the apparatus includes a compressed gas source and trig-ger means capable of: connecting the gas source to inflate the kite; and deploying it.
17. A kite as claimed in claim 1 characterised in that the tubes along the trailing edges of the flap each de-crease in cross-section towards a tail of the kite.
18. A kite as claimed in claim 1 characterised in that the flaps are triangular.
19. A kite as claimed in claim 1 characterised in that the kite has a harness in two parts enabling it to be controlled by a pair of lines.
20. A kite as claimed in claim 1 characterised in that the kite incorporates or consists of a radar-reflective material.
21. A kite as claimed in claim 20 characterised in that said material is a metallic foil, incorporated in one or more layers of the kite.
22. A kite as claimed in claim 1 characterised in that a harness thereof includes one or more elastic ligaments enabling the attitude of the kite to change when the wind strength changes.
23. A kite as claimed in claim 22, characterised in that the elastic ligament extends in parallel with an inexten-sible ligament which limits its extension.
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| GB8031834 | 1980-10-02 | ||
| GB8031834 | 1980-10-02 |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA1170638A true CA1170638A (en) | 1984-07-10 |
Family
ID=10516443
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA000387099A Expired CA1170638A (en) | 1980-10-02 | 1981-10-01 | Kite |
Country Status (3)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| EP (1) | EP0051360A3 (en) |
| CA (1) | CA1170638A (en) |
| ZA (1) | ZA816713B (en) |
Cited By (2)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| WO2013142949A1 (en) * | 2012-03-27 | 2013-10-03 | Ocean Rodeo Sports Inc. | In-flight kite deflation and control systems |
| WO2017042685A1 (en) * | 2016-06-24 | 2017-03-16 | Universidad Tecnológica De Panamá | Floating shade projector |
Families Citing this family (2)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US4722498A (en) * | 1985-10-29 | 1988-02-02 | Cameron Robert W | Inflatable air foil |
| GB8805224D0 (en) * | 1988-03-04 | 1988-04-07 | Ringham M S | Improvements relating to kites |
Family Cites Families (11)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US2451571A (en) * | 1947-06-09 | 1948-10-19 | Marshall Alfred | Dive stabilizer for kites |
| FR1085385A (en) * | 1953-04-03 | 1955-02-02 | Kite and glider | |
| US3093354A (en) * | 1961-10-10 | 1963-06-11 | Gen Mills Inc | Inflatable kite |
| GB1211347A (en) * | 1967-01-23 | 1970-11-04 | Walter Young | Improvements in or relating to kites |
| FR2075579A5 (en) * | 1971-01-13 | 1971-10-08 | Zuber Francois | |
| FR2159734A5 (en) * | 1971-11-10 | 1973-06-22 | Alpina | |
| US3791611A (en) * | 1972-09-11 | 1974-02-12 | L Babbidge | Captive inflated lighter-than-air structures |
| US3980260A (en) * | 1973-04-04 | 1976-09-14 | Vonco Products, Inc. | Inflatable kite |
| US3941079A (en) * | 1974-11-18 | 1976-03-02 | Mcneill John | Emergency locating device |
| GB1492496A (en) * | 1975-07-16 | 1977-11-23 | Powell Kites Ltd P | Kites |
| GB2021961B (en) * | 1978-05-23 | 1982-08-04 | Davis L M | Controllable kite |
-
1981
- 1981-09-22 EP EP81304335A patent/EP0051360A3/en not_active Withdrawn
- 1981-09-28 ZA ZA816713A patent/ZA816713B/en unknown
- 1981-10-01 CA CA000387099A patent/CA1170638A/en not_active Expired
Cited By (3)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| WO2013142949A1 (en) * | 2012-03-27 | 2013-10-03 | Ocean Rodeo Sports Inc. | In-flight kite deflation and control systems |
| US9511836B2 (en) | 2012-03-27 | 2016-12-06 | Ocean Rodeo Sports Inc. | In-flight kite deflation and control systems |
| WO2017042685A1 (en) * | 2016-06-24 | 2017-03-16 | Universidad Tecnológica De Panamá | Floating shade projector |
Also Published As
| Publication number | Publication date |
|---|---|
| EP0051360A3 (en) | 1982-07-14 |
| EP0051360A2 (en) | 1982-05-12 |
| ZA816713B (en) | 1982-09-29 |
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Legal Events
| Date | Code | Title | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| MKEX | Expiry | ||
| MKEX | Expiry |
Effective date: 20010710 |