US3740009A

US3740009A - Kite

Info

Publication number: US3740009A
Application number: US00124046A
Authority: US
Inventors: M Curtis
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 1971-03-15
Filing date: 1971-03-15
Publication date: 1973-06-19
Anticipated expiration: 1990-06-19

Abstract

This disclosure relates to kite assemblies and constructions wherein the structural members are comprised of plastic materials and structured to maximize strength and minimize weight. Means are provided to releasably interconnect the transverse or horizontal frame member and the longitudinal or vertical frame member in a locked position. The upper end of the vertical frame member is provided with shock-absorbing means which can be integrally formed on the vertical member by means of an appropriate curvature of a semi-resilient portion member. The bridle lines are formed of plastic and have hook-shaped ends for snap retention in eyelets on the horizontal and vertical frame members. A double eyelet is provided on the vertical frame member to permit adjustment of the length of the bridle members. The eyelets on the horizontal frame member are located on lines parallel to the vertical frame member which substantially intersect the center of pressures of the kite cover. Nibs are provided along the corresponding openings in a kite cover to permit distribution and equalization of stress. A bayonet type connection is provided for the ends of the frame members to be received in reinforced openings in the kite cover. In one form, the forward face of the kite cover is disposed at an angle to increase the flight mobility.

Description

United States Patent 1 Curtis KITE [76] Inventor: Malcolm Rex Curtis, 3224 Timmons Lane, No. 157, Houston, Tex. 77027 [22] Filed: Mar. 15, 1971 [21] App]. No.: 124,046

[52] US. Cl 244/153 R [51] Int. Cl. B64c 31/06 [58] Field of Search 244/153 R, 154 R,

[56] References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 598,038 1/1898 Wardwell 244/153 R 648,544 1/1900 Woglom 244/153 R 1,494,453 5/1924 Wanner.... 244/153 R 1,548,542 8/1925 Meena 244/153 R 2,519,594 8/1950 Ohland 244/153 R 2,931,600 4/1960 Riker 244/153 R 3,599,909 8/1971 Young 244/153 R FOREIGN PATENTS OR APPLICATIONS 856,083 11/1970 Canada 244/153 R 997,791 7/1965 Great Britain 244/153 R 152,760 9/1932 Switzerland 244/153 R Primary ExaminerMilton Buchler Assistant ExaminerPaul E. Sauberer AttorneyFidler & Bard, Donald H. Fidler and Edmund F Bard June 19, 1973 [57] ABSTRACT This disclosure relates to kite assemblies and constructions wherein the structural members are comprised of plastic materials and structured to maximize strength and minimize weight. Means are provided to releasably interconnect the transverse or horizontal frame member and the longitudinal or vertical frame member in a locked position. The upper end of the vertical frame member is provided with shock-absorbing means which can be integrally formed on the vertical member by means of an appropriate curvature of a semi-resilient portion member. The bridle lines: are formed of plastic and have hook-shaped ends for snap retention in eye lets on the horizontal and vertical frame members. A double eyelet is provided on the vertical frame member to permit adjustment of the length of the bridle members. The eyelets on the horizontal frame member are located on lines parallel to the vertical frame member which substantially intersect the center of pressures of the kite cover. Nibs are provided along the corresponding openings in a kite cover to permit distribution and equalization of stress. A bayonet type connection is provided for the ends of the frame members to be received in reinforced openings in the kite cover. In one form, the forward face of the kite cover is disposed at an angle to increase the flight mobility.

22 Claims, 21 Drawing Figures PAIENIEBMWW 3.140.009

M. Rex Curt/s IN VE N TOR BY F/DLER 8 BARD A TTORNE Y5 PAIENIEB JUN I 9 I78 saw-2M M. Rex Curtis lNvENTOR F/DLER 8 BARD A TTORNEYS PAIEMIEU m I 9 ma mun} FIG. )5

FIG. 75

M. Rex Curtis INVENTOR BY F/DLER 8 BARD A TTORNE vs Pmmmmwms 3.740.009

/ ,97 FIG. I9 i W JE 1 g m l 95 706 FIG. 20

M. Rex Curt/s IN VE NTOR BY F/DLER 8- BAPD ATTORNEYS KITE This invention relates to kite assemblies and, more particularly, to kites designed for aerial maneuverability under control from the ground by the direction of a ground controller. The kite assembly is constructed and arranged to maximize its strength and minimize its weight as well as provide a durable assembly under flying conditions and one which can withstand the shock of a ground impact.

Many forms of kite constructions have heretofore been proposed, including many specialized constructions for obtaining lift and aerial maneuverability wherein separate independent panels have been employed. These constructions are generally complex, difficult to assemble and handle, and are fragile or easily damaged. In the more conventional type of kite construction, cross-members constructed from a lightweight wood and dependent upon strings for tying members are typically involved. None of these prior art constructions has incorporated therein any practical features to prevent or minimize damage in use, and where simplicity in construction is obtained maneuverability in flight is typically lost. It can be generalized that most kites fall into one of two categories: that is, either an elemental, low cost, relatively nonmaneuverable and fragile kite, or a specialized, fragile, complex construction which is relatively expensive and sometimes difficult to manipulate in the air.

The present invention involves a kite construction with a minimum number of components which are easily and quickly assembled. These components are structured to optimize the strength of the kite assembly, both under flyingconditions and resistance to ground impact. For example, the kite assembly can be flown into the ground and take off again without damage. In addition, the kite construction has excellent aerial maneuverability which enhances its attractiveness to kite-flying enthusiasts. For example, two kites of the present invention can be flown and aerially manipulated to engage in aerial contests demonstrating the skill of the ground controller. This, of course, greatly enhances the enjoyment and popularity of kite-flying.

The invention involves several concepts which are correlated to provide a superior kite assembly. Perhaps the most attractive feature of the present invention is the provision of a shock-absorbing mechanism in the kite frame which lengthens the useful life of a kite assembly in that the assembly can withstand repeated shocks of diving into the ground without breakage or irreparable damage to the kite assembly. The shockabsorbing mechanism in the illustrated embodiments involves a semi-flexible extension on the longitudinal or vertical frame member which is curved so that, upon impact, the impact forces are absorbed without destruction of the frame member or kite cover. The curvature of the longitudinal frame member may lie in the plane of the longitudinal frame member or in a plane perpendicular thereto. The curvature may be in a single are or in reverse curves such as an S-type curve. In another aspect of the present invention, the frame members are constructed of an engineering type plastic with a rigid structural configuration such as a T- or I-beam cross-section and are configured to provide maximum strength between the bridle attachment points and reduced sections where the forces are not as great to thereby minimize the overall weight. In the prestructured configuration, a recess is provided in one of the cross members to receive the other frame member, and a releasable snap lock is provided to attach the members to one another as well as provide a predetermined dihedral angle for one of the members. Eyelets are provided at predetermined locations along the transverse frame member where the locations lie on a line which is parallel to the longitudinal frame member and intersects the center of pressure for the kite cover. With this arrangement, the aerodynamic forces on the transverse frame member are counterbalanced so that air pressure forces to not adversely affect the interconnecting closure means. That is, the tension and compression forces I on the snap interlock due to air pressure are relatively balanced. A still further aspect of the present invention is the provision of plastic bridle lines of fixed length and having ends with flexible hook portions so that the hook portions may be releasably coupled to the eyelets. The longitudinal frame member is provided with longitudinally displaced eyelets so that the bridle line can be adjusted through threading variations to provide different bridle length adjustments for maneuverability. The frame members are provided with projecting nibs which are received in corresponding openings in the kite cover so that, in addition to the corner attachment, the kite cover is supported in longitudinal and horizontal positions to distribute stresses on the cover and minimize the likelihood of damage to the kite cover. The kite cover is attached to the frame members by means of openings at the kite corners which are received over bayonet projections at the ends of the support members.

It is accordingly an object of the present invention to provide new and improved kite assemblies for aerial maneuvering which are simple in construction and durable.

The novel features of the present invention are set forth with particularity in the appended claims. The invention, together with further objects and advantages thereof, may be best understood by way of the following description of exemplary apparatus and methods employing the principles of the invention as illustrated in the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is a plane view of a kite constructed in accordance with the present invention;

. FIG. 2 is a side view of the. kite illustratedin FIG. 1 taken along line 22 of FIG. 1 and illustrative of the vertical frame member;

FIG. 3 is a view taken along line 3-3 of FIG. 1 and illustrative of a section of the horizontal frame member;

FIG. 4 is a view in cross-section taken along line 4--4 of FIG. 3 and is illustrative of a detail in interconnecting a kite cover to a kite frame;

FIG. 5 is a view in perspective taken along line 5-5 of FIG. 3 and is illustrative of an attachment of a kite cover to a frame member;-

FIG. 6 is a view taken along line 6-6 of FIG. 3 and is illustrative of a plane view of the interconnection between frame members;

FIG. 7 is a view taken along line 7-7 of FIG. 6 and is illustrative of a side view of an interconnection between frame members;

FIG. 8 is similar to FIG. 7 but illustrates the horizontal frame members in an open position prior to closing on a vertical frame member;

FIGS. 9-12 illustrate various arrangements of a bridle line with respect to the double eyelet on the longitudinal or vertical frame member to permit adjustment of the length of a bridle line;

FIG. 13 is a view of a double eyelet construction on the longitudinal frame member;

FIG. 14 is a view of an alternative form of kite construction and illustrates a different form of shock mechanism;

FIG. 15 is a side view of the kite of FIG. 14 from the side, taken along line 15-15 of FIG. 14;

FIG. 16 is a view taken along line l6-16 of FIG. 14 and is illustrative of a section of a horizontal frame member;

FIG. 17 is a view taken along line 1717 of FIG. 14 and is illustrative of a locking mechanism on the horizontal frame member;

FIG. 18 is a view of a preferred form of the kite assembly illustrating a preferred feature of the vertical and horizontal frame members;

FIG. 19 is a side view of the kite of FIG. 18; and

FIGS. 20 and 21 are views which are illustrative of a section of the horizontal frame member with an alternative interlocking mechanism.

Referring now to FIG. 1, the kite assembly 20 generally includes a kite cover 21 which is in the form of a trapezium. Kite cover 21 is defined by

sides

21a, 21b, 21c, 21d. From apex 21e to apex 21f is a longitudinal or vertical axis for the cover, and from apex 21g to 21h a transverse or horizontal axis for the cover is defined. A vertical frame member 22 extends along a longitudinal axis for the kite cover and is attached to apices of the 'cover 21..A horizontal frame member 23 extends along a horizontal axis of the cover and attaches to apices of the cover. The horizontal and vertical frame members are interconnected at an intersecting location 24 in a perpendicular relationship so that equal length

horizontal sections

25, 26 of the horizontal frame are on either side of the vertical frame member, and the vertical member is separated into an upper relatively short section 27 and a depending longer section 28.

As illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 3, the

horizontal sections

25, 26 of the horizontal frame member 23 are arranged to form a preselected dihedral angle of about 166 without requiring bowstrings or the like. At the intersecting location 24, the horizontal frame member 26 has a rectangular shaped recess 29 (FIG. 3) which is sized to receive the I-beam cross-section of the longitudinal frame member 22. As shown in FIGS. 2 and 6-8, each

section

25, 26 of the frame member 23 also has an I-beam cross-section.

The forward faces 31, 32 of

sections

25, 26 are integral with a face section 33 at location 24. Normally, as shown in FIG. 8, faces 31-33 lie in a common plane prior to assembly, but when assembled, as shown in FIG. 3, the intersecting face section 33 lies in a vertical plane and the

faces

31, 32 lie in planes which, if extended, would intersect along a line and forward from face section 33. The inner surface of face section 33 defines a bottom wall of recess 29, while the side walls of the recess 29 are formed by rib portions of

sections

25, 26 which terminate at end surfaces arranged to be parallel to one another when the

sections

25, 26 are disposed at the angle shown in FIG. 3. The rearward faces 33, 34 of

sections

25, 26 terminate short of the end surfaces of the ribs, and thin

walled extensions

35, 36 extend rearwardly of the rearward faces 33, 34 and overlap one another to form the enclosing end surface for the recess 29 where the enclosing rear surface is parallel to the bottom wall when the

sections

25, 26 are disposed at the angle shown in FIG. 3.

As shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, the

extensions

35, 36 respectively have inwardly extending semi-resilient

hooklike projections

37, 38 which are arranged to permit a snap interlock. The horizontal frame member is constructed of a semi-resilient material (to be discussed more fully later) and is shown in a normal position in FIG. 8. From the position shown in FIG. 8, the

sections

25 and 26 of the horizontal member are flexed inwardly until

projections

37 and 38 interlock. At this time, the resiliency of the frame member 23 tends to hold the

projections

37, 38 in an interlocking relationship.

The shaped recess 29 in the horizontal member 23 fixes the vertical member 22 in one direction, i.e., it cannot move in a direction parallel to surface 33. To prevent a relative motion in a perpendicular direction, the web 40 of the vertical member 22 is provided with a perpendicularly arranged extension 41 which extends beyond the confines of the recess 29 and has a notch or groove 42 which receives the end wall of extension 35, thereby locking the member 22 to member 23 with respect to transverse motion.

As shown in FIGS. 1-8, the

frame members

22, 23 preferably have an l-beam cross-section and are constructed from an engineering plastic material. An engineering plastic material is defined as one which has a high tensile strength, a high tensile modulus and a high impact strength. Examples of such materials are polycarbonate, which is manufactured under the trade name Lexan by General Electric or ABS (acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene) which is sold under the trade name Cycolac" by Uni-Royal, polyphenylene oxide which is sold under the trade name Noryl" by General Electric, or acetal which is sold under the trademark Delrin by DuPont. If desired, any of these plastics can be glass-filled to increase rigidity but will produce a product having a reduced impact strength.

As illustrated in FIG. 3, the cross-section of I-beam construction for the section 36 of the horizontal frame member 23 is fairly uniform between the rectangular recess 29 and a first eyelet 43 which is located on the forward face 31. From the eyelet 43 to the terminal end 44 the connecting rib 45 is decreased in width. Section 25 of frame 23 has a mirror construction with respect to the cross-section to eyelet 45 and its terminal end 46.

With respect to the vertical frame member 22, the forward face 47 lies in a first lengthwise extending plane while the rearward face 48 is inclined inwardly from the connection location 24 to the terminal end 49 so that the connecting rib 50 decreases in width and the member is tapered. As illustrated, the

faces

47 and 48 are correspondingly tapered toward the end 49.

The relatively short section 27 of the vertical frame member 22 is curved to a tenninal end 21e which has a pin formed above a pair of shoulders. The width of the curved portion is supported'for roughly one-half of its length by the rear face 48 of frame 22 and is unsupported for the remaining half of its length. As illustrated in FIG. 1, the unsupported part of the curved section is decreased in width by inwardly extending curvatures to enhance its flexing properties. As illustrated in FIG. 2, the terminal end 21a of the curved portion 27 extends slightly forward of the plane of the forward face 41 of the vertical frame member 22. The effect of the curved end section is to provide a shockabsorbing mechanism for the kite. That is, when the terminal end 21e impacts on the ground, the curved portion willrabsorb the impact shock without transmitting the total shock effect to the entire frame or kite cover. An additional significant feature of the location of the forward end of the kite cover 21 in front of the cover which is disposed below the horizontal frame 23 is to effectively eliminate the aerodynamic effect of this portion of the kite. By so doing, the aerial maneuverability is greatly enhanced by providing a single lifting surface and eliminating a counter lift surface.

As noted heretofore, the horizontal frame member 23 has

eyelets

43, 45 located to either side of the recess 26 and the vertical frame member 22. These

eyelets

43, 45 are respectively located along

lines

51, 52 which are generally parallel to the vertical frame member 22 and which intersect the centers of

pressure

53, 54 for the kite cover 21. The

lines

51, 52 divide one-half of the kite cover into areas A and A and theoretically this center of pressure, without considering the catenary shape of the kite, would lie on the line which divides the one-half of a kite cover into equal areas. However, by empirical methods, it has been determined that the A are is preferably 57 percent of the total area of A plus A leaving, of course, A as 43 percent of the total area. The significance of the location of the

eyelets

43, 45 on the horizontal frame member 23 is that the forces exerted on the kite cover 21 are balanced with respect to the counteracting force of the attachment to the eyelet, and this, in turn, makes the force in tension and compression on the

clasp lock

37, 38 due to air pressure as effectively zero. Thus, the horizontal frame member does not tend to open or close the lock during flight because of air pressure and remains closed because of the resilient force on

parts

37, 38, thereby maintaining the original 166 dihedral angle of the horizontal structural member which contributes to the stability of the kite. At the lower end of the longitudinal frame member 22 are longitudinally spaced

eyelets

56, 57. The

eyelets

56, 57 and eyelets 43, 45 are formed in thin wall extensions from the frame members.

The bridle lines 60, 61 are constructed from plastic such as a polyester sold under the trade name Mylar by Minnesota Mining & Manufacturing or 6/6 Nylon sold by DuPont. The bridle lines are formed from a strip of plastic which is suitably slitted to form two

lines

62, 63, 64, 65 joined at

intermediate tab portions

66, 67 with openings for receiving the kite control strings. The ends of each bridle line are notched to form

arrows

68, 69. While a single arrowhead is illustrated in FIGS. 9-12, a double notched arrow end can also be employed. In any event, the width of the notched portion of the arrow end is slightly greater than an eyelet opening, and, because of the flexibility of the nylon, the arrow end may be inserted through an eyelet opening and will not become detached until the arrow end is compressed and forced out of the eyelet. As illustrated in FIG. 9, the arrowhead and bridle line 65 may be inserted through the upper eyelet 56, which will provide a certain angle of attack for the kite. This angle can be changed as desired by inserting the arrowhead and bridle line 65 through the lower eyelet 57 as shown in FIG. 10. A still further change in length can be accomplished by threading the arrow end 69 through both the upper and

lower eyelets

56, 57, as shown in FIG. 11, or

by reversing the arrow end 69 to be threaded twice through the upper opening 56 and once through the lower opening 57, as shown in FIG. 12. The significance of being able to change the length of a

bridle section

63 and 65 is that the angle of attack of the kite can be changed for different wind and flying conditions.

The kite cover 21 includes reinforced corners, one such corner being illustrated in FIG. 5, and an attachment opening 71 which can be slipped over the projecting pin portion 72 at the terminal end of a frame member. The reinforcement is provided by gluing or adhesively attaching a piece of tear-resistant plastic to the kite cover, either on one or both sides of the cover. Perpendicular pins 73 are provided at the ends of the frame members to prevent the kite cover from passing along or moving relative to the frame members. Each of the terminal ends of the frame members, except for end 21a, is provided with the pin attachment, as illustrated in FIG. 5.

To further increase the construction stability of the kite assembly, the kite cover 21 can be provided with spaced openings which lie along the horizontal frame and the vertical frame members. Projecting nib portions 75 (see FIG. 4) on a frame member can be passed through an opening 76 (which can be reinforced) to at tach the kite cover 21 to the frame members at the nibs. Therefore, forces acting on the kite cover 21 are transmitted and compensated for by the

frame members

22, 23, which enhances the overall strength of the kite assembly. This prevents undue bowing and the column bending effect under high velocity wind conditions.

The kite cover 21 is no less important to this invention in that it is formed from a plastic film and preferably a biaxially oriented film or a laminated film of nylon between sheets of polyethylene or PVC. A biaxially oriented film has extremely good properties and is very tear-resistant. If laminated, it also eliminates the ease of propagation of a tear should a tear be started in the film. The thickness of the cover is preferably between 0.6 and 0.1 of a mil.

Referring now to FIGS. 14-17, the kite frame therein illustrated is similar to that previously described. A vertical frame member 80 is interconnected at an interconnection location 81 to a horizontal frame member 82. Vertical frame member 80 has an upper section 83 above the location 81 and a lower section 84 below the location. The lower section 84 is tapered outwardly from the connecting location 81 to an intermediate point 85,1and from point 85 tapers inwardly to the end 86. Thpurpose of the tapered section is to provide maximum strength in the midsection. The horizontal frame 82 is tapered from a maximum at the midsection to a minimum at the ends.

As illustrated in FIGS. 16 and 17, the latching mech-" anism includes the rectangular recess 87 when the hori' zontal frame is latched together. A projecting rib 88 with a recess 89 for attaching the vertical frame mem ber to the transverse frame member is provided to pre-' vent relative motion in one direction. The latch mechanism includes an overlapping finger portion 90 extending from a rib which forms a hook member 91 which is received by a recess 92 in an adjacent rib of the horizontal frame member.

The shock-absorbing mechanism includes a thinwalled curved extension 83 which lies generally in'the plane of the forward face of the vertical member 80 and has an S-shaped configuration about a line extending along the vertical frame member. The effect of the S-shaped configuration, which is semi-resilient because of the type of material employed, is to absorb ground impact and prevent destruction of the kite. Another material which can be used for the shock absorber is polypropylene.

In FIGS. 18-21, a preferred form of the kite assembly is illustrated. A vertical frame member 93 is interconnected at an interconnection location 94 to a horizontal frame member 95. The vertical frame member 94 has an upper section 96 above location 94 and a lower section 97 below the location 94. The interconnecting means includes a projection 98 on the vertical frame member 93 so that the projection 98 abuts the upper surface of the horizontal frame member 95 when the vertical frame member 93 is inserted through a rectangular opening 99 in the horizontal frame member. The vertical frame member 93 has a recess 100 for receiving a locking clip or O-ring 101 so that the projection 98 and locking clip 101 retain the vertical member in a fixed relation to the horizontal member.

The shock-absorbing mechanism includes a thinwalled S-curved extension 96 which lies generally in the plane of the forward face of the vertical member 97. The effect of the S-shaped configuration, which is semi-resilient because of the type of material employed, is to absorb ground impact and prevent destruction of the kite.

To increase the aerial mobility, the sides of the horizontal frame member 95 are initially formed along a straight line at about an angle of 10 with respect to the horizontal and in an upward direction. When the ends of the frame member are inserted into the openings in a kite cover, the sides assume a curvature. The purpose of this arrangement is to further reduce the area of the upper panel above the horizontal member with a corresponding increase in the area below the horizontal member. A further purpose served is reduction in the slack in the kite cover.

As shown in FIG. 19, the lower end 103 of the horizontal member 93 is inclined rearwardly from a point ,near the lower connecting eyelet 104. The angle with respect to a vertical is about 10 and provides a low pressure area in front of the kite, tending to move the top of the kite outwardly. Thus, the tension on the control lines can be maintained so that when diving into the ground the kite tends to fly away from the operator and will not flutter helplessly to the ground. Also, the kite will take off from the ground easily and does not require hand launching.

With regard to the location of eyelets 104-106, there is a range of suitable locations proportional to size to minimize the weight of the structure as well as to optimize its flying abilities. For example, with respect to FIG. 18, a practical example is a vertical member having a length of 30 inches and a horizontal member having an overall length of 28 inches. A practical location of the interconnection point 94 is a distance of 5 inches for Y, or 16 percent of the total length of the vertical member. The dihedral angle for the horizontal member is about 166. The relative location of eyelet 104 or distance Y, is between 16 and 17.5 inches. The ratio of lengths is then Y /Y or a range of 16/25 to 17.5/25 for a proportionality constant. With respect to the horizontal member, eyelet 106 should be between 7.75 and 8.5 inches from the horizontal member. The ratio of lengths is then X,,/X, or a range of 7.75/l4 to 8.5/l4 for a proportionaltiy constant.

The foregoing proportionality constants are based upon a consideration of one-half of the vertical part of a kite. By balancing the forces, horizontal torque and vertical torque, the interrelation of the X, and Y, distances and the respective reactive forces at these points are obtained. By changing the value for Y, and solving for the minimum total integrated bending moment, the optimum solution for X and Y are obtained to providethe minimum weight structure for the frame members. This is because the weight is a directly interrelated function of the integrated bending moment. The solution also takes into consideration that the struts should have a radius of curvature direction that is the same at all points.

The construction of the kite of the present invention involves two bridle lines, a horizontal frame member, a vertical frame member, and a kite cover. The five components are constructed from durable plastic materials. In assembly, the horizontal member 23 is opened as shown in FIG. 8 and the vertical member 22 inserted into the recess 29 so that notch 42 of projection 41 is opposite the end of the web of horizontal section 25. The horizontal frame member 23 is then flexed until the

hook projections

37 and 38 are interconnected as shown in FIG. 3. The kite cover 21 has its apex openings inserted over the end projections of

frame members

22 and 23. It will be appreciated that

members

22 and 23 are semi-flexible so that they can be bowed slightly to make the attachment of the cover to the frame members. The cover 21 has slitted openings which pass over the

eyelets

43, 44, 56 and 57 and openings 76 which pass over cover reinforcing ribs 75. At this time the cover 21 is slightly tensioned on the frame and bears against the

frame sections

25, 26 and 28. The upper section of the kite cover 21 above the horizontal frame 23 is displaced forwardly of the main portion of the kite cover by virtue of the forward end 2111 of the vertical member 22. This, it will be recalled, is for the purpose of limiting the aerodynamic effect of the upper section and defining the effective flight control surfaces to the section of the kite cover below the horizontal frame member 23. The bridle lines 60 and 61 are next attached by snap connecting the ends through the eyelets. As illustrated in FIGS. 9-12, the length of the bridles can be adjusted by the type of threading to the double eyelet. To the

bridle tabs

66, 67 the kite strings from the controller are attached. A suitable controller mechanism is illustrated in U.S. Pat. No. 3,355,l29 wherein each kite string is attached to a separate reel and, through manipulation of the controller, the kite will have an aerial response. Should the kite be driven into the'ground, it typically will impact at its upper apex which, in the .case of the present invention, is attached to a shock-absorbing mechanism. The semiresilient character of the vertical frame member and the'arrangement of the upper section of the vertical member provide a shock-absorbing means. It should be appreciated, however, that while an integrally formed shock-absorbing mechanism of minimum complexity is disclosed, conventional dash-pot or spring systems could be employed although they are not as desirable.

The embodiments of FIGS. 14-17 and 18-21 are similar in arrangement. In FIGS. 18-21 the preferred form of elevator 103 is illustrated which provides for ten- With respect to the construction of the frame members, a suitable wall thickness is not less than 0.030 inches. The members are formed by the usual molding techniques, and it is not entirely necessary that the members be monolithic although this is desirable. The easiest sectional part to make is the horizontal member which can be formed into two pieces and attached by a strap to form section 33.

While there are two forms of l-beam construction for the frame members illustrated, the embodiment of FIGS. 1-13 is preferred in that it provides a stronger construction per unit of weight. Also, a T-beam construction can be employed but it, of course, has a lesser strength characteristic.

While particular embodiments of 'the present invention have been shown and described, it is apparent tha changes and modifications may be made without departing from this invention in its broader aspects; and, therefore, the aim in the appended claims is to cover all such changes and modifications as fall within the true spirit and scope of this invention.

What is claimed is:

l. A kite assembly comprising frame means including a longitudinal frame member and a transverse frame member interconnected to one another, the overall vertical dimension of said longitudinal frame member and the overall horizontal dimension of said transverse member havinga proportionality of 30/28 and the overall vertical dimension of said longitudinal frame member below said transverse frame member and the overall vertical dimension of said longitudinal member above said transverse member having a proportionality of 25/5,

first eyelet means located on said transverse member a distance X, to either side of said longitudinal member and second eyelet means located on said longitudinal member a distance Y from the interconnection of said frame members, said first eyelet means being located at a distance X, from the longitudinal member in a range of 7.75/14 to 8.5/14 times one-half of the overall horizontal dimension of the, transverse member, said second eyelet means being located at a distance Y from the horizontal member in a range of 16/25 to 17.5/25 times the length of the longitudinal member measured from the transversemember.

2. The kite assembly of claim 1 wherein said longitudinal member includes a shock absorbing means above said transverse member, said shock-absorbing means being comprised of a section of semi-resilient material having a curvature and a terminal end portion aligned with the axis of the longitudinal member.

3. The kite assembly of claim 2 wherein said longitudinal member extends along a longitudinal axis and includes a rearwardly inclined section below said second eyelet means for providing a low pressure area below the eyelet means.

4. The kite assembly of claim 3 wherein said rearwardly inclined section is at an angle of about with respect to the vertical.

5. A kite assembly comprising frame means including a longitudinal frame member and a transverse frame member,

means on said members for coupling said members to one another in a fixed position including a recess in one of said members and a releasable lock means,

kite covering means attachable to the ends of said frame members, and

means disposed along said frame members for attaching said kite covering means to said frame members intermediate of their ends.

6. The kite assembly of claim 5 wherein said attaching means includes projection means on said frame members extending through openings on said kite covering means.

7. The kite assembly of claim 6 wherein at least two of said projection means on said transverse member are located along lines generally parallel to the longitudinal member and substantially intersecting the centers of pressure of the kite covering means.

8. The kite assembly of claim 7 wherein the projection means on said longitudinal member includes longitudinally spaced eyelets.

9. The kite assembly of claim 8 and further including bridle means constructed of plastic material with a fixed length and means for releasably coupling to said projection means.

10. A kite assembly comprising frame means including a longitudinal frame member and a transverse frame member interconnected to one another, said frame members being constructed of engineering plastic materials,

shock-absorbing means at one end of said longitudinal frame member,

a kite cover for said frame means including means for attaching the kite cover to the ends of said frame members,

means extending through said kite cover at spaced locations on said transverse member to either side of said longitudinal member for receiving bridle means,

means extending through said kite cover at a location along the length of said longitudinal member for receiving bridle means, and

means coupling said kite cover to said frame members at other locations along said frame members intermediate of their ends and bridle receiving means. a

11. The kite assembly of claim 10 wherein said spaced locations lie along parallel lines to said longitudinal frame member which extend through the centers of pressure for said kite cover.

12. The kite assembly of claim 1 1 wherein said transverse frame member has an I-beam construction and includes a centrally located recess for receiving said longitudinal frame member and interconnecting latching means which close said recess and releasably retain said longitudinal frame member in said recess, said Lt beam construction for said transverse member having a :uniform cross-section between said recess and said locations, the end portions of said transverse member beyond said locations being tapered to a smaller crosssection terminating at the ends of said transverse member.

13.A kite assembly comprising frame means including a longitudinal frame member and a transverse frame member coupled to one another to form a T-shaped frame, said longitudinal frame member being constructed of semi-resilient material,

kite covering means on said frame means,

means forming a shock-absorber at one end of said longitudinal frame member including a curved portion lying in a plane generally parallel to said cover means and having an S-shaped configuration.

14. The kite of claim 13 wherein said longitudinal frame member has a rearwardly inclined portion at its other end.

15. The kite of claim 14 wherein said transverse frame members are bowed upwardly to either side of said longitudinal frame member.

16. A kite assembly comprising frame means including a longitudinal frame member and a transverse frame member coupled to another to form a T-shaped frame, said longitudinal frame member being constructed of semi-resilient material,

kite covering means on said frame means, and

means forming a shock-absorber on said longitudinal frame member including a curved portion in a first plane perpendicular to the cover means, said curved portion being located at one end of said longitudinal frame member.

17. The kite of claim 16 wherein the end of said curved portion extends forwardly in said first plane to a point outside of a second plane perpendicular to said first plane and extending along said longitudinal frame member.

18. A kite assembly comprising frame means including a longitudinal frame member and a transverse frame member, said members having an l-beam cross section, and

means on said members for coupling said members to one another in a fixed position including a recess in the cross-section of said transverse member, said transverse member having a flexible connecting portion forming one side of said recess, said longitudinal frame member having a cross-section sized to be received in said recess, said transverse members having releasable interlocking means extending across the other side of said recess and releasably interconnecting with one another for closing and opening said recess thereby permitting coupling and uncoupling of said frame members.

19. The kite assembly of claim 18 wherein said coupling means further includes means for preventing transverse movement of said members relative to one another.

20. A kite assembly comprising frame means including a longitudinal frame member and a transverse frame member interconnected to one another, first eyelet means located on said transverse member to either side of said longitudinal member and second eyelet means located on said longitudinal member, said eyelet means having openings, and

bridle means for attaching to said eyelet means including a bridle line for one of said first eyelet means and said second eyelet means and a bridle line for the other of said one eyelet means and said second eyelet means, said bridle lines including end portions constructed from a strip of semi-resilient material and having an enlarged and inwardly tapered terminal end forming a hook portion where the terminal end is insertable into an eyelet opening and the enlarged hook portion is flexibly insertable through an eyelet opening for releasably retaining a bridle line in an eyelet means.

21. The kite assembly of claim 20 wherein said second eyelet means includes longitudinally spaced eyelets for permitting adjustment of bridle length with the fixed length of bridle means.

22. A kite assembly comprising frame means including a longitudinal frame member and a transverse frame member, said members being constructed from an engineering type plastic and having perpendicularly disposed sections, means on said members for coupling said members to one another in a fixed position including a recess in one of said members and a releasable lock means having resilient fingers with overlapping latching portions.

t t t

Claims

1. A kite assembly comprising frame means including a longitudinal frame member and a transverse frame member interconnected to one another, the overall vertical dimension of said longitudinal frame member and the overall horizontal dimension of said transverse member having a proportionality of 30/28 and the overall vertical dimension of said longitudinal frame member below said transverse frame Member and the overall vertical dimension of said longitudinal member above said transverse member having a proportionality of 25/5, first eyelet means located on said transverse member a distance Xo to either side of said longitudinal member and second eyelet means located on said longitudinal member a distance Yo from the interconnection of said frame members, said first eyelet means being located at a distance Xo from the longitudinal member in a range of 7.75/14 to 8.5/14 times one-half of the overall horizontal dimension of the transverse member, said second eyelet means being located at a distance Yo from the horizontal member in a range of 16/25 to 17.5/25 times the length of the longitudinal member measured from the transverse member.

4. The kite assembly of claim 3 wherein said rearwardly inclined section is at an angle of about 10* with respect to the vertical.

5. A kite assembly comprising frame means including a longitudinal frame member and a transverse frame member, means on said members for coupling said members to one another in a fixed position including a recess in one of said members and a releasable lock means, kite covering means attachable to the ends of said frame members, and means disposed along said frame members for attaching said kite covering means to said frame members intermediate of their ends.

10. A kite assembly comprising frame means including a longitudinal frame member and a transverse frame member interconnected to one another, said frame members being constructed of engineering plastic materials, shock-absorbing means at one end of said longitudinal frame member, a kite cover for said frame means including means for attaching the kite cover to the ends of said frame members, means extending through said kite cover at spaced locations on said transverse member to either side of said longitudinal member for receiving bridle means, means extending through said kite cover at a location along the length of said longitudinal member for receiving bridle means, and means coupling said kite cover to said frame members at other locations along said frame members intermediate of their ends and bridle receiving means.

11. The kite assembly of claim 10 wherein said spaced locations lie along parallel lines to said longitudinal frame member which extend through the centers of pressure for said kite cover. kite covering means on said frame means,

12. The kite assembly of claim 11 wherein said transverse frame member has an I-beam construction and includes a centrally located recess for receiving said longitudinal frame member and interconnecting latching means which close said recess And releasably retain said longitudinal frame member in said recess, said I-beam construction for said transverse member having a uniform cross-section between said recess and said locations, the end portions of said transverse member beyond said locations being tapered to a smaller cross-section terminating at the ends of said transverse member.

13. A kite assembly comprising frame means including a longitudinal frame member and a transverse frame member coupled to one another to form a T-shaped frame, said longitudinal frame member being constructed of semi-resilient material, kite covering means on said frame means, means forming a shock-absorber at one end of said longitudinal frame member including a curved portion lying in a plane generally parallel to said cover means and having an S-shaped configuration.

14. The kite of claim 13 wherein said longitudinal frame member has a rearwardly inclined portion at itsother end.

16. A kite assembly comprising frame means including a longitudinal frame member and a transverse frame member coupled to another to form a T-shaped frame, said longitudinal frame member being constructed of semi-resilient material, kite covering means on said frame means, and means forming a shock-absorber on said longitudinal frame member including a curved portion in a first plane perpendicular to the cover means, said curved portion being located at one end of said longitudinal frame member.

16. A kite assembly comprising

18. A kite assembly comprising frame means including a longitudinal frame member and a transverse frame member, said members having an I-beam cross section, and means on said members for coupling said members to one another in a fixed position including a recess in the cross-section of said transverse member, said transverse member having a flexible connecting portion forming one side of said recess, said longitudinal frame member having a cross-section sized to be received in said recess, said transverse members having releasable interlocking means extending across the other side of said recess and releasably interconnecting with one another for closing and opening said recess thereby permitting coupling and uncoupling of said frame members.

20. A kite assembly comprising frame means including a longitudinal frame member and a transverse frame member interconnected to one another, first eyelet means located on said transverse member to either side of said longitudinal member and second eyelet means located on said longitudinal member, said eyelet means having openings, and bridle means for attaching to said eyelet means including a bridle line for one of said first eyelet means and said second eyelet means and a bridle line for the other of said one eyelet means and said second eyelet means, said bridle lines including end portions constructed from a strip of semi-resilient material and having an enlarged and inwardly tapered terminal end forming a hook portion where the terminal end is insertable into an eyelet opening and the enlarged hook portion is flexibly insertable through an eyelet opening for releasably retaining a bridle line in an eyelet means.

22. A kite assembly comprising frame means including a longitudinal frame member and a transverse frame mEmber, said members being constructed from an engineering type plastic and having perpendicularly disposed sections, means on said members for coupling said members to one another in a fixed position including a recess in one of said members and a releasable lock means having resilient fingers with overlapping latching portions. openings which pass over theeyelets 43, 44, 56 and 57 and openings 76 which pass over cover reinforcing ribs 75. At this time the cover 21 is slightly tensioned on the frame and bears against the frame sections 25, 26 and 28. the upper section of thekite cover 21 above the horizontal frame 23 is displaced forwardly of the main portion of the kite cover by virtue of the forward end 21a of the vertical member 22. This, it will be recalled, is for the purpose of limiting theaerodynamic effect of the upper section and defining the effective flight control surfaces to thesection of thekite cover below the horizontal frame member

22. A KITE ASSEMBLY COMPRISING FRAMEMEANSINCLUDING A LONGITUDINAL FRAME MEMBER AND A TRANSVERSE FRAME MEMBER, SAID MEMBERS BEING CONSTRUCTED FROM AN ENGINERRING TYPE PLASTIC and having PERPENDICULARLY DISPOSED SECTIONS, MEANS ON SAID MEMBERS FORCOUPLING SAID MEMBERS TO ONE ANOTHER in a FIXED POSITION INCLUDING A RECESS IN ONE OF SAID MEMBERS AND A RELEASABLY LOCK MEANS HAVING RESILIENT FINGERS WITH OVERLAPPING LATCHING PORTIONS.

23. The bridle lines 60 and 61 arenext attached by snap connecting the ends through theeyelets. As illustrated in FIGS. 9-12, the length of the bridles can be adjusted by the type of threading to thedouble eyelet. To the bridle tabs 66, 67 thekite strings from the controller are attached. A SUITABLE CONTROLLER MECHANISM IS ILLUSTRATED IN U. S. Pat. No. 3,355,129 wherein each kite string is attached to a separate reel and, through manipulation of the controller thekite will have an aerial response. Should thekite be driven into the ground, it