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USPA 2010270432
ROTARY ARCH KITE AND SWIVEL SYSTEM
Inventor: MUELLER ROY
IPC: B64C31/06; F16B7/00
Abstract — A rotary arch kite kit may include a rotary arch kite and a system for connecting various segments of the kite. The connecting system may include ground swivels, aerial swivel connectors and static connectors. The ground swivels may be single independent swivels for attaching a handle to the rotary arch kite. The aerial swivel connectors may be double independent swivels for, for example, attaching two lengths of rotary arch kite together. The static connectors may also be used for joining two lengths of rotary arch kite together. The rotary arch kite of the present may include a unique folding and stitching design to permit enhanced rotation and lift.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The present invention relates to kites and, more particularly, to a rotary arch kite and swivel systems for operating rotary arch kites.
[0003] Rotary arch kites may produce a pulling force in excess of 50-60 pounds. These kites may also rotate at high velocities, often upwards of 20,000 revolutions per minute (rpm) or greater. Current swivel systems may not be able to work with these pulling forces and rotational velocities.
[0004] As can be seen, there is a need for a rotary arch kite and swivel system that may allow operation of the rotary arch kite at typical pulling forces and high rotational velocities.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0005] In one aspect of the present invention, a rotary arch kite kit comprises a rotary arch kite; a ground swivel adapted to provide a handle for the kite; and an aerial swivel connector optionally connecting the rotary arch kite to a second rotary arch kite.
[0006] In another aspect of the present invention, a ground swivel comprises a strap having a tube rotationally attached to the strap; a monofilament extending from a body of the ground swivel, the tube attaching to one end of the monofilament; an end casing permitting another end of the monofilament to pass through into the body of the ground swivel a spacer ring within the end casing, the monofilament passing through the spacer ring; and a bearing, wherein the monofilament fits into an inner bore hole of the bearing.
[0007] In a further aspect of the present invention, a rotary arch kite comprises a strip of material, wherein the strip of material is from 1 to 4 inches wide and from 100 to 300 feet long, wherein the kite is formed by folding the strip of material in thirds and stitching the folded material along its length at one side of the strip; and an end of the folded material being folded and stitched to itself to form a loop in one end of the kite; and a slit cut in the end of the kite.
[0008] These and other features, aspects and advantages of the present invention will become better understood with reference to the following drawings, description and claims.
