GB2423732A

GB2423732A - A kite with removable/attachable panels

Info

Publication number: GB2423732A
Application number: GB0507617A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Derek Whitaker
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2005-03-04
Filing date: 2005-04-15
Publication date: 2006-09-06
Also published as: GB0504478D0; GB0507617D0

Abstract

A kite comprises an inflatable leading edge 1 and struts (12 fig 3) which form a semi rigid structure. The kite may be divided into sections 1-5 joined together by means of zippers (7 fig 2), Velcro (rtm), buckles, clips or other fasteners so that the sections may be added or removed to change the area of the kite as required. The zippers pass around the inflatable section, enabling this to be extended.

Description

VARIABLE AREA KITE (2) Kites are in use worldwide for various sports.

Differing sizes of kite are needed For varying wind strengths. They are usually expensive and a user would normally need more than one size.

According to the present invention there is provided a kite design that is able to be changed in size substantially.

The kite described by way of example according to the present invention is comprised typically of an inflatable leading span (or edge) and struts to form the semi rigid structure.The kite can be divided into sections with the use of zippers And or velcr and or straps,buckles,clips, fasteners etc. And reassembled with the use of the same means.Between the inflatable sections rigid or semi rigid Pieces (for example plastic discs) can be used which can be attached together To lock or locate the sections in place.Dowels, dovetail or twist lock are some of the common methods available for this purpose.

The zippers used to connect the sections can continue to include passing Around and therefore connecting the inflatable leading span sections together.

These connections can be of one or a combination of types of connection.

One or more additional struts can be attached to any of the sizes formed by Section connection if considered necessary for the structure.These struts can be attached by zippers or other means.

A description of an example of the present invention will now be described with the aid of drawings in which:- FIG 1. shows an inflatable kite comprising five sections 1,2,3,4 and 5, Shows at 6 where zippers would join the sections.

Shows approximate positions of radius adjusting zips 7.

Shows the positions of interconnecting pieces (eg discs) 8.

Shows the coninuation of the zip to include the inflatable sections 10.

Shows the normal positions of the control lines.

Shows a typical position of a connecting system (velcrbuckle etc) 13.

FIG2. Shows (a) part ofthemain spanintheareaof 7withazip 11 Which when closed up invtes a crease at 7 decreasing the radius of the Span for the smaller sizes of kite.

FIG 3. Shows an additional strut which can be attached by zipper 12 to the kite., 2.

In the example shown it can be seen that the kite can be fully assembled to Provide for its full size.

By disconnecting the middle section 3 the remining sections 2 and 4 can now be connected to form a smaller area kite including 1 and 5 still attached.

By removing sections 2 and 4, sections 1 and 5 can be joined to form the smaller size.

The joining of the sections can be aided with the use of discs,plates or with one of several connecting mechanisms available.

The radius of the main span can be alteredith the use of the zips in position At places along its length. A strap or vecro system can be used for this purpose.

The use of this method can also affect the performance of the kite.

One or more struts can be attached to the kite if necessary.

The kite can be made to arrange the change for only two sizes with less sections,

VARIABLE SIZE KITE

An inflatable structure kite that can be divided into sections which when assembled in the desired combination will produce a kite of a size chosen as one of the options.

The radius of the arc of the kite can be adjusted to suit the size chosen.

This is facilitated with the use of short crease inducing zips in positions along the leading edge.

One or more additional struts may be attached to the structure as is deemed necessary.

(see drawing fig 1.) L(.

Claims

CLAiMS 1. A ldte that is divisible into sections.
2. A kite as in!. that has sections which can be joined together in one or more combinations to form differing sines of kite.
3. Akite as in 1 and2 where the sections canbejoinedtogetherwiththeuse of zippers either for part of the joint or continuing the complete length of the joint to include the inflatable parts of the sections.
4. A kite as in! and 2 where the sections are joined toher with the sole or additional use of modem fastening systems (velcro, straps, buckles, press studs and the like)
5. A kite as in! ,2,3,4, that has short zippers at appropriate positions along the leading edge so as to facilitate changing the radius of arc.
6. A kite as in 1,2,3,4, that has adjustable straps or velcro or similar function modem system for inducing radius adjustment of the arc of the kite.
7. A kite as in 1,2,3,4,5,6, where there are in position intermediary pieces between the sections of a rigid or semi rigid nature so as to facilitate location or fixing together of the sections.
8. A kite as in 1,2,3,4,5,6,7 that has extra seperate struts or one strut which can be fastened to the assembled structure as necessary.
9. A kite asin 1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8, that has a central inflation point.