Aeronautics and astronautics – Kites
Reexamination Certificate
2000-04-03
2001-08-14
Barefoot, Galen L. (Department: 3644)
Aeronautics and astronautics
Kites
Reexamination Certificate
active
06273368
ABSTRACT:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to collapsible structures, and in particular, to collapsible flying structures which may be provided in a variety of shapes and sizes. The collapsible flying structures may be twisted and folded to reduce the overall size of the structures to facilitate convenient storage and use.
2. Description of the Prior Art
Flying kites is a popular past-time that is enjoyed by many, including both adults and children. Kites are being provided in many different shapes and sizes, bearing a large variety of designs and colors. Larger kites are very beautiful when in full flight, and are often admired for their beauty and grace when they flow in the wind. Larger kites are also easier to fly, and can be visible from a further distance. On the other hand, smaller kites are often more difficult to fly, and are less visible than larger kites.
Unfortunately, one problem that is encountered by all kites is that their large size makes them very inconvenient to store, and to transport from one location to another. The irony is that kite-flying is best suited in locations that are relatively open, without many trees, buildings, telephone poles, and other structures and objects that would obstruct the flight of the kite. As a result, most people living in cities will need to carry a large and bulky kite in a vehicle to an open location, which is often outside a metropolitan area. Although some kites have fabric portions that can be folded, the skeleton of the kite which provides structural support and stability is still necessarily large and takes up much space, making them inconvenient to transport in buses or smaller vehicles. In addition, the large size of these kites makes them inconvenient to store in smaller homes where precious storage space is scarce. Thus, the storage and transportion problems associated with the large sizes of conventional kites often deter new potential hobbyists from taking up the hobby, and take away much of the fun and enjoyment from kite-flying enthusiasts.
Thus, there still remains a need for a flying structure, such as a kite, that preserves all the beauty, flight and enjoyment of conventional kites, while providing the hobbyist with convenience in use, storage and transportation. There is also a need for a flying structure, such as a kite, that provides increased variety in use which will enhance the entertainment and recreation value of the flying structure.
SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE
In order to accomplish the objects of the present invention, the collapsible flying structure according to the present invention includes an enclosed resilient frame member having a folded and an unfolded orientation, a sheet material covering the resilient frame member to form the flying structure when the frame member is in the unfolded orientation, and a control string coupled to the structure for controlling the flight of the flying structure. The frame member and sheet material may be twisted and folded to form a plurality of concentric loops and panels in the folded orientation of the frame member to substantially reduce the size of the flying structure.
A frame retaining sleeve may be provided for housing the frame member, with the sheet material attached to the frame retaining sleeve. At least one opening may be defined between the sheet material and the frame retaining sleeve of the frame member. The structure further includes at least one control panel attached to the structure and coupling the control string with the structure.
In one embodiment of the present embodiment, one of the control panels includes an enclosed resilient frame member having a folded and an unfolded orientation, with the control panel substantially covering the resilient frame member when the frame member is in the unfolded orientation.
In another embodiment of the present invention, the flying structure further includes an enclosure attached to the sheet material or frame member, the enclosure having two side walls and a bottom wall attached to the two side walls. The structure further includes at least one opening provided on the sheet material and communicating with the enclosure.
In yet another embodiment of the present invention, the flying structure includes a second structure that also has an enclosed resilient frame member, and a sheet material covering the resilient frame member. The flying structure further includes a connector for connecting the first and second structures. The first structure may be placed on top of the second structure when their frame members are in the unfolded orientation to form a stack of first and second structures, and the frame members of the stack of first and second structures may be twisted and folded to form a plurality of concentric loops in the folded orientation of the frame members to substantially reduce the sizes of the first and second structures. In some embodiments, the connector operates as a hinge to allow the first structure to be folded upon the second structure about the connector. In one embodiment, the connector is detachable so that the first and second structures can be separated. In another embodiment, the connector is a connector piece having a first end attached to the first structure and a second end attached to the second structure. In yet another embodiment, the connector includes a stitching that is applied to the frame retaining sleeves of the first and second panels. In a further embodiment, the connector includes a plurality of threads attaching the frame members or sheet materials of the first and second structures so that a space is defined between the first and second structures when the flying structure is in use.
In a further embodiment of the present invention, the flying structure further includes a third structure that also has an enclosed resilient frame member, a sheet material covering the resilient frame member, a first side and a second side. The first side of the third structure is coupled to the sheet material of the first structure, and the second side of the third structure is coupled to the sheet material of the second structure. The third structure may be positioned generally perpendicular to the first and second structures. In addition, at least one of the first and second sides may be removably attached to the sheet material of one of the first structure or the second structure.
In a further embodiment of the present invention, the flying structure has at least first, second and third structures, each having an enclosed resilient frame member, a sheet material covering the resilient frame member, a first side and a second side. The first side of each of the structures is hingedly connected with the second side of another of the structures so that all the structures are connected together to form an enclosed space. Each structure may be placed on top of another structure when their frame members are in the unfolded orientation to form a stack of structures, and the frame members of the stack of structures may be twisted and folded to form a plurality of concentric loops in the folded orientation of the frame members to substantially reduce the sizes of the structures. At least one opening may be provided on one of the sheet materials to communicate air to the enclosed space.
The collapsible flying structures according to the present invention are convenient for use since they are easily and quickly folded and collapsed into a smaller size for transportation and storage. The ability to fold and collapse the collapsible flying structures of the present invention allow these flying structures to be provided in larger sizes and different configurations, colors and designs, thereby rendering them easier to fly and increasing the variety and location of use afforded to the user.
REFERENCES:
patent: 490949 (1893-01-01), Davis
patent: 1092303 (1914-04-01), Stippick
patent: 1166750 (1916-01-01), Exline
patent: 1223163 (1917-04-01), Graham
patent: 2403212 (1946-07-01), Concepcion
patent: 2698724 (1955-01-01), Holland, Jr.
patent: 2893663 (
Barefoot Galen L.
Patent Category Corp.
Sun Raymond
LandOfFree
Collapsible flying structures does not yet have a rating. At this time, there are no reviews or comments for this patent.
If you have personal experience with Collapsible flying structures, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and Collapsible flying structures will most certainly appreciate the feedback.
Profile ID: LFUS-PAI-O-2547592