Airfoil shaped kite with aileron extensions

A stunt kite. The stunt kite includes a kite sail having a center section between a pair of outwardly and upwardly extending aileron sections. The center section has a front edge including first and second forwardly directed tips and a back edge including backwardly directed tips. A support structure is secured to the kite sail to support the center section and the outwardly extending aileron members in the shape of an air foil.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
The invention relates to kites, and more particularly, to line control 
kites that are readily controllable by a user. 
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
Flight has fascinated mankind for quite some time. Kites were one of 
mankind's first attempts to overcome their inability to fly. Since the 
first kites were developed, many advances have taken place. These advances 
have led to substantial improvements in the ability to control the 
movement of kites. 
Recent technological advances have brought about a revolution in light 
weight, high strength materials. These materials have been incorporated 
into kite manufacture and flight to enable the production of light weight 
kites that can be readily flown under even negligible wind conditions. 
Additionally, these technological advances have been incorporated into the 
development of line control kites, i.e., stunt kites. While having the 
ability to fly under negligible wind conditions, stunt kites also are 
capable of performing a wide variety of acrobatic maneuvers when 
controlled by a skilled flyer. 
Stunt kites are controlled by a plurality of relatively short lines that 
facilitate control over the movement of the air bound kite, whereas 
conventional kites are generally controlled by a single line retained on a 
spool that allows the kite to travel as far away as a user is willing to 
risk. 
A stunt kite is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,736,914 to Tabor. The kite 
contains a continuous compression support structure. The framework is 
comprised of continuous compression members (struts) that are rigidly, or 
semi-rigidly, connected. The continuous use of compression makes them more 
susceptible to breaking during crashes and large wind loads. Breaking 
results because the compression structures only have the ability to 
relieve stress through bending, thereby focusing the stress on bending 
members which will normally break under such circumstances. 
Other stunt kites have increased weight due to the use of heavy gauge 
rubber and metal connectors to join spars in continuous compression. Some 
kites utilize dacron pockets running continuously along the leading edge 
of the kite sails to attach the kite sail to the support spars. This adds 
undesirable weight to the kite. 
In addition to reducing the weight of a stunt kite to its minimum, the kite 
must be designed to enable a user to readily and reliably control the kite 
under all weather and wind conditions. Two types of four line control are 
known in the prior art. The first provides independent wing control. As a 
result, a user can readily lose control of the kite when either wing is 
over controlled. 
For example, U.S. Pat. No. 5,120,006 to Hadzicki discloses a kite flying 
device having independent controls for the left and right wings. As the 
various embodiments disclosed in the patent show, the kite may be 
controlled by two, four or six hand controlled lines. Additionally, the 
sheet and struts which make up the kite are manufactured from low weight 
high strength materials which improve the strength to weight ratio 
required for optimizing the functional ability of stunt kites. 
Similar independent wing control kites are disclosed by Tabor, U.S. Pat. 
No. 4,892,272 to Hadzicki, U.S. Pat. No. 4,981,273 to Petteys, U.S. Pat. 
No. 4,958,787 to Sterling. 
A second type of control assembly utilizes a wind inflated air foil. These 
kites contain many panels and bridal lines, and, consequently, can be very 
difficult to manufacture. If the bridal lines are not perfectly correct in 
size, the kite will not be able to fly properly. 
However, despite the prior art attempts to develop "controllable" kites, 
prior art kites fail to provide the control necessary to permit a skilled 
flyer to optimally control the kite through intricate maneuvers, while 
also allowing novice flyers to use the kite without getting frustrated 
before they begin to master the controlled movement of the kite. The 
present invention overcomes the disadvantages of the prior art kites. 
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
An object of the invention is, therefore, to provide a kite permitting a 
skilled flyer to optimally control the kite through intricate maneuvers, 
while also allowing novice flyers to use the kite without getting 
frustrated before they begin to master the controlled movement of the 
kite. 
Another object of the invention is to provide stronger and more durable 
stunt kites. 
A further object of the invention is to provide a kite with a support 
structure that disperses its stress and load equally through all of its 
parts. 
Another object of the invention is to provide a kite which has a low size 
to strength ratio. 
An object of the invention is also to provide a flying device which has a 
high lift to drag ratio through a tension suspended sail having an airfoil 
shape. 
An object of the invention is to provide a kite having a flexible wing that 
is controlled by four lines. 
A further object of the invention is to provide a kite that cannot be over 
controlled or pulled out of the air. 
Another object of the invention is to provide a kite which is easy to 
launch. 
An object of the invention is also to provide a kite that can be flown 
under all wind conditions. 
An additional object of the invention is the provision of a kite which 
responds to standard four-line and two-line signals from the flyer. 
A further object of the invention is to provide a kite with the ability to 
move three-dimensionally by twisting and/or spiralling around its core, as 
opposed to the limited ability to create pathways in the air in a 
two-dimensional plane. 
Another object of the invention is to provide a kite having optimum 
three-dimensional symmetry. 
These and other objects of the invention are accomplished by the present 
stunt kite. The stunt kite includes a kite sail having a center section 
that is located between a pair of outwardly extending aileron or wing 
sections. The term aileron is used throughout the description of the 
present invention to distinguish between the outwardly extending aileron 
sections and the complete kite which is considered a wing itself. The 
center section has a front edge including first and second forwardly 
directed tips and a back edge including backwardly directed tips. A 
support structure is secured to the kite sail to support the center 
section and the outwardly extending ailerons in the shape of an air foil. 
It is understood that the present kite is intended to change its spatial 
orientation while it is in flight. With this in mind, the present kite has 
been described in this application based upon a presumed resting position. 
Consequently, descriptive spatial terms, such as, forward, backward, 
horizontal, upward, etc., are intended to be considered with reference to 
the presumed resting position of the kite. These terms have been used to 
facilitate a full disclosure of the present invention and should not be 
understood to limit the spatial orientation of the kite. 
Other objects, advantages and salient features of the invention will become 
apparent from the following detailed description, which, taken in 
conjunction with the annexed drawings, discloses the preferred embodiments 
of the subject invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
Referring to FIG. 1, the present kite 1 includes a kite sail 10 held in the 
shape of an air foil by a support structure 12. Preferably, the sail 10 is 
constructed from a ripstop polyester or nylon, and includes a top surface 
10a and a bottom surface 10b. However, other materials may be used in 
accordance with the subject invention. 
The support structure 12 can be viewed as first and second mirror image 
sections 14, 16 connected through a cross bow 18. The cross bow 18 pushes 
outwardly to help create the span of the dynamic support structure 12. 
Additionally, the cross bow 18 extends along both the top surface 10a and 
bottom surface 10b of the kite sail 10. Specifically, the support 
structure is statically indeterminate, i.e., it is never static. The 
components of the support structure 12 are dynamic, in a constant flux 
between stable and mobile. 
A first end 20 and second end 22 of the cross bow are secured to upwardly 
and outwardly extending first spars 24, 24' and horizontally extending 
second spars 28, 28' and through tip attachments 31 (see FIG. 6) secured 
to a series of tension lines that will be discussed in more detail below. 
In fact, all tension lines are secured to the ends of the cross bow 18 and 
the spars via tip attachments 31 releasably secured at the ends of the 
respective members. However, the tension lines may be directly secured to 
the spars, the tip attachments may be permanently secured to the spars, or 
a variety of other attachment mechanisms may be used within the spirit of 
the present invention. In the preferred embodiment, substantially all 
forces passing through the structural members pass through the tip 
attachments 31. The tip attachments 31 utilized in accordance with the 
preferred embodiment are described in substantial detail by Hadzicki in 
U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,892,272 and 5,120,006. 
In the preferred embodiment of the present invention, the spars and the 
cross bow are graphite tubing, although the spars could be manufactured 
from lightweight aluminum, aluminumcarbide composites, carbon composites, 
fiberglass composites, plastics or wood. Additionally, the tension lines 
are preferably Kevlar fiber, Dacron fiber, a polyester synthetic fiber,or 
other high strength line materials. 
As stated above, the support structure 12 can be viewed as first and second 
mirror images 14, 16 connected by the cross bow 18. As such, the support 
structure 12 adjacent the first end of the cross bow 12, i.e., the first 
mirror image section 14, will be described in detail below, while keeping 
in mind that the support structure 12 adjacent the second end 22 of the 
cross bow 18 is simply a mirror image of the structure that will be 
described below. As a result, structural elements of the second mirror 
section 16 will be designated by "'" where the elements are structurally 
equivalent to the structure of the first mirror section 14. 
Specifically, with reference to FIGS. 1, 4, 5, 7a, 7b, and 7c, tension line 
32 is connected between the first end 20 of the cross bow 18 and the first 
end 38 of the first spar 24. Tension line 32 transfers outward forces to 
respectively hold the first end 38 of the first spar 24 outwardly and 
forwardly directed. Tension line 40 is connected between the first end 20 
of the cross bow 18 and the second end 42 of the first spar 24. Tension 
line 40 transfers the outward forces of the cross bow 18 to the first spar 
24. Additionally, tension line 44 is connected between the first end 20 of 
the cross bow 18 and the front end 46 of the second spar 28. Tension line 
44 transfers the outward force of the cross bow 18 to pull the front end 
46 of the second spar 28 toward the sides of the kite 1. 
The first spar 24 directs forces substantially upwardly and downwardly 
through tip attachments 31 that are respectively releasably secured to the 
first end 38 and second end 42 of the first spar 24. Briefly, the first 
end 38 is connected to tension lines 32, 48 and 50. The attachment and 
function of tension line 32 has been discussed above, and will therefore 
not be presented again at this time. 
As to the remaining structure, tension line 48 is connected between the 
first end 38 of the first spar 24 and a first hold back 52 located 
centrally on the cross bow 18. The first hold back 52 is located 
substantially between the first end 20 and the center 54 of the cross bow 
18. Tension line 48 pulls the first end 38 of the first spar 24 downwardly 
toward the center 54 of the support structure 12. Similarly, tension line 
48 pulls upwardly and outwardly on the cross bow 18 through the first hold 
back 52. 
Tension line 50 is secured between the first end 38 of the first spar 42 
and the back end 58 of the second spar 28. The tension line 50 pulls 
downwardly, backwardly and inwardly on the first end 38 of the first spar 
24, while the oppose force is applied to the back end 58 of the second 
spar 28. 
As to the second end 42 of the first spar 24, tension lines 40, 56, and 60 
are secured thereto. Specifically, tension line 40 is secured between the 
first end 20 of the cross bow 18 and the second end 42 of the first spar 
24. The tension line 40 pulls upwardly and outwardly toward the sides on 
the second end 42 of the first spar 24. Similarly, tension line 40 pulls 
downwardly and inwardly on the first end 20 of the cross bow 18 
Additionally, tension line 56 is connected between the second end 42 of the 
first spar 24 and the front end 46 of the second spar 28. The tension line 
56 pulls upwardly and forward on the second end 42 of the first spar 24. 
Tension line 56 also pulls downwardly and forwardly on the front end 46 of 
the second spar 28. 
Tension line 60 is connected between the second end of the first strut and 
back end 58 of the second spar 28. The tension line 60 pulls upwardly and 
backwardly on the second end 42 of the first spar 24, while pulling 
downwardly and forwardly on the back end 58 of the second spar 28. 
The second spar 28 pushes outwardly on the front and back of the kite sail 
10. The back end 58 of second spar 28 that is connected to tension lines 
50, 60, 62. Tension line 50 is located between the back end 58 of the 
second spar 28 and the first end 38 of the first spar 24. The tension line 
50 pulls upwardly and outwardly on the back end 58 of second spar 28, and 
downwardly and toward the center of the kite 1 on the first spar 24 
through the tip attachment 31. Tension line 60 is located between back end 
58 of the second spar 28 and the second end 42 of the first spar 24. The 
tension line 60 pulls downwardly toward the kite's center on the back end 
58 of the second spar 28. Likewise, tension line 60 pulls upwardly and 
forwardly on the first spar 28 through the second end 42. 
Additionally, tension line 62 is connected between the back end 58 of the 
second spar 28 and the first hold back 52 of the cross bow 18. The tension 
line 62 pulls upwardly and towards the center on the back end 58 of the 
second spar 28 and downwardly and backwardly on the first hold back 52 of 
the cross bow 18. 
A tip attachment 31 is also releasably secured to the front end 46 of the 
second spar 28. The tip attachment secures tension lines 44, 56, 64 to the 
front end 46 of the first spar 24. The tension lines 44, 56, 64 pull 
inwardly in response to the outward pushing of the second spar 28. 
Specifically, tension line 44 is mounted between the front end 46 of the 
second spar 28 and the first end 20 of the cross bow 18. Tension line 44 
pulls outwardly and backwardly on the front end 46 of the second spar 28 
inwardly and forwardly on the first end 20 of cross bow 18. Tension line 
56 is secured between the front end 46 of the second spar 28 and the 
second end 42 of the first spar 24. The tension line 56 pulls downwardly 
and backwardly on the front end 46 of the second spar 28 through the tip 
attachment 31. Likewise, the tension line 56 pulls upwardly and forwardly 
on the second end 42 of the first spar 24 through the tip attachment 31. 
Additionally, tension line 64 is connected between the front end 46 of the 
second spar 28 and the first hold back 52 of the cross bow 18. The tension 
line 64 pulls inwardly and backwardly on the front end 46 of the second 
spar 28 and outwardly and downwardly on the first hold back 52 of the 
cross bow 18. 
As to the first and second hold backs 52, 52' of the cross bow 18, they 
brace the cross bow 18 and the split of the forces acting upon the cross 
bow into separate sections. The first and second hold backs 52, 52' are 
ring like members secured around the cross bow 18. The hold backs include 
a grooved portion which facilitates the attachment of the tension lines 
thereto. Preferably, the hold backs 52, 52' are washers of high density 
polypropylene that have been glued to the cross bow 18 at appropriate 
locations. 
When the kite is fully assembled, each of the spars push out as the tensile 
network pulls in. The tensile network also transfers and disperses the 
load instantaneously to all members without the multiplication of the 
bending moment, thus, creating a kite more resilient to crashes and/or 
high wind loads. 
With reference to FIGS. 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5, the sail 10 is made of six 
panels. All of the panels are preferably sewn together by either polyester 
thread, nylon thread, or monofilament thread. First and second main center 
sail panels 66, 68 are connected together along their central edges 70, 72 
to form a main center sail 73. The center sail 73 includes a concave front 
edge 73a and a concave back edge 73b. 
Each of the main center sail panels 66, 68 include a concave outer edge 74, 
76, respectively. A first shape control mid-panel 78 is secured to the 
outer edge 74 of the first main center sail panel 66 and, similarly, a 
second control mid-panel 80 is secured to the outer edge 76 of the second 
main center sail panel 68. The shape control mid-panels 78, 80 are 
substantially shell shaped with convex inner edges 81, 82, and convex 
outer edges 83, 84. The outer edges 83, 84, are respectively connected to 
first edges 86, 88 of the first and second aileron panels 90, 92. When 
assembled the first and second aileron panel 90, 92 extend upwardly and 
outwardly from the main center sail 73 (see FIG. 3). 
As a result of the sail assembly, a first rearward tip 94 is located at the 
back meeting point of the first main center sail panel 66, the first 
mid-panel 78, and the first aileron panel 90, while a second rearward tip 
96 is located at the back meeting point of the second main center sail 
panel 68, the second mid-panel 80, and the second aileron panel 92. 
Additionally a first forward tip 98 is located at the front meeting point 
of the first main center sail panel 66, the first mid-panel 78, and the 
first aileron panel 90, while a second forward tip 100 is located at the 
front meeting point of the second main center sail panel 68, the second 
mid-panel 80, and the second aileron panel 92. 
The front and rear tips add to the control provided by the present kite. 
Aerodynamics are also improved by positioning the first and second 
rearward tips 94, 96 further apart than the first and second forward tips 
98, 100. 
In addition to the first and second front and rear tips, the kite sail 10 
includes first and second outer tips 102, 104 located at the outer ends of 
the first and second aileron panels 90, 92. Each of the tips 100, 102 are 
reinforced for attachment to the support structure 12 in a manner that 
will be subsequently discussed. 
The forward and rearward tips 94, 96, 98, 100 include dacron reinforcements 
101 for the attachment of the sail to the second spars 28, 28' of the 
support structure 12 (see FIG. 6). The reinforcements 101 at the forward 
and rearward tips have button holes 103 through which tension attachments 
105 are threaded. Although the button holes 103 provides the lowest weight 
to strength ratio, other securing devices, such as grommets, etc., could 
be used instead of the button holes. The tension attachments 105 are 
secured to the tip attachments 31 of the second spars 28, 28' in the 
following manner. The tension attachment 105 on the first rearward tip 94 
is secured to the tip attachment 31 of the back end 58 of the second spar 
28 and the tension attachment 105 on the second rearward tip 96 is secured 
to the tip attachment 31 of the back end 58' of the fourth spar 30. 
Additionally, the tension attachment 105 on the first forward tip 98 is 
secured to the tip attachment 31 of the front end 46 of the second spar 28 
and the tension attachment 105 on the second forward tip 100 is secured to 
the tip attachment of the front end 46' of the fourth spar 30. 
Aileron reinforcements 101a are also attached to the first and second 
aileron tips 102, 104. These aileron reinforcements are folded over and 
sewn to create loops through which tension attachments are secured to the 
aileron reinforcements (not shown). The tension attachments are 
respectively secured to the tip attachments 31 located on the first ends 
38, 38' of the first spars 24, 24'. 
When the kite sail 10 is stretched onto the support structure 12 in the 
manner outlined above, an airfoil shape is created. The airfoil shape is 
created by the support structure pulling on the kite sail at first ends 
38, 38' of the first spars 24, 24' as well as pulling down on the sail at 
the ends of the second spars 28, 28'. The tailored pattern of the kite 
sail 10, in combination with the directional pull of the support structure 
12, create an arch in the shape control mid-panels 78, 80 which effects 
the shape of the main center sail 73 to create an airfoil. 
In use, flight control is accomplished by two sets of dual line 
controllers. Each dual line controller includes a pair of flying lines 
secured at the top and bottom of a handle. The flying lines are attached 
to controller attachment loops attached to tip attachments 31 on the first 
and second ends of the second spars. The controller attachment loops 
facilitate the simple attachment and removal of the flying lines from the 
kite. 
Specifically, first and second flying lines are secured to the tops of the 
handles and third and fourth flying lines are secured to the bottom of the 
handles. This situation of top and bottom, can be reversed if flyer 
chooses. When the orientation of the flying lines is reversed there is no 
difference in the flight characteristics of the kite, only differences in 
orientation. 
When the handles are arranged in the order initially specified above, if 
the flyer tilts the tops of the handles away from the kite, the front of 
the kite moves forward in the wind and the back of the kite moves backward 
in the wind; therefore, shedding wind off the back of the kite and 
creating a forward motion which is adjustable in speed depending on the 
amount of tilt. Pulling away from the kite with the bottom of the handles 
creates reverse flight. A position in the middle will control the kite to 
stop and hover. 
The lateral movement and controlled lift provided by the present invention 
are the result of the first and second aileron panels which add an extra 
dimension of sail-area to the kite. The extra dimension results in lift 
angles other than the lift provided by the first and second main center 
sail panels. The additional lift can be advantageously utilized by 
advanced pilots under variable wind conditions and when performing 
difficult maneuvers. When used by novice pilots, the present kite limits 
any possible frustration by keeping the kite from falling-out of the air 
when over-controlled or fed incorrect controls. 
When the kite is at a neutral point in the air (hovering), pulling the left 
hand back away from the kite causes the kite to slide (move) to its left 
by shedding wind off the right side of the kite. The reverse is true when 
you pull the right hand back. If the tops or bottoms of the control 
handles are tilted during this maneuver, i.e., the kite has either forward 
or reverse motion, the kite will not only slide but partially turn around 
the side which you pull back on. Pulling back to create a turning motion, 
when combined with twisting of the handles to create a spinning motion, 
creates very dynamic quick turns. 
The control achieved by pulling back on one handle or the other is not 
present in prior four-line kites. The ailerons are responsible for such 
controlled maneuvering in the present invention. The ailerons also permit 
a variety of advantageous and advanced maneuvers beyond the basic control 
outlined above. 
If the kite gets caught on the ground with its front nose down, a seemingly 
unrecoverable position, the kite can be rolled into launch position by 
entirely pulling either handle back. This exposes the aileron to the wind, 
and the aileron flips the kite over. This same technique can be used in 
very advanced flying techniques where the flyer uses quick jerks in either 
full forward or full reverse, to cause the kite to roll over the lines 
toward the flyer with its top side facing the wind. At this point the kite 
can be very slightly controlled to move back and forth in the sky at the 
same altitude. In order to unroll the kite either aileron is exposed to 
the wind by pulling back either handle which allows the aileron to unroll 
the kite. This advanced technique cannot be accomplished with any prior 
kites, be they two-line or four-line. 
As a result of the mirror structure of the support structure 12, a flexible 
wing advanced control mechanism is possible. The flexible wing occurs as a 
result of the freedom of motion allowed between the two mirrored sections 
14, 16 twisting the sail 10 along the axis of the cross bow 18. The 
twisting occurs between the main center sail panels 64, 66, which are 
connected to the second spars 28, 28' by tip attachments on the cross bow 
18. The twisting results in a reactive airfoil that, depending on the 
amount of twist, sheds more or less wind off the front of one side of the 
kite and the back of the other side of the kite. This permits controlled 
spinning of the kite. Specifically, the speed and radius of the spin can 
be controlled. 
The spiral motion is accomplished by twisting the kite. The wind supplies 
the force necessary to change the shape of the airfoil. The kite itself 
has a natural tendency to return to its neutral position due to the 
tension in the sail. If a flyer wishes to change the natural tendency of 
return to the neutral position, the flyer can run a tension line between 
two opposite tip attachments of the second spars 28, 28'. This will change 
the primary shape of the airfoil. 
Due to the nature of the tensegrity system, the kite collapses with little 
effort. This is best done starting with the first end of either the first 
spars 24, 24' and removing either of the tip attachment 31 attached 
thereto. After the first tip attachment 31 is removed the tension in the 
system is relaxed and the remaining spars are easily removed. 
The cross bow, 18, comes apart into a first section 106, a middle section 
107, and a third section 108 to allow the kite's further breakdown. 
Specifically, the hold backs 52, 52' are respectively attached to the 
first and second sections 106, 108 adjacent the attachment of the first 
section 106 to the middle section 107 and the attachment of the second 
section 108 to the middle section 107. In addition to permitting breakdown 
and storage of the kite 1, the three part cross bow 18 permits the use of 
various middle sections 107 to alter the strength of the cross bow 18. 
That is, one middle section 107 can be replaced by heavier, lighter, 
stronger or weaker spars to adjust the wind range of the kite. 
Due to the three-dimensional structure of the kite, the kite can be 
launched from almost any position. This is helpful for landings and 
crashes for it does not require the pilot to walk out to the kite and 
prepare it for re-launch. 
Various embodiments can be created, while remaining within the spirit of 
the present invention. For example, a cross bow having less or virtually 
no bowing could be used. This could be achieved by manipulating the 
lengths of the tension lines. Additionally, the kite sail could be 
modified to eliminate the shape control mid-panels. This would be achieved 
by extending the outer sail edges of the center panel and the inside edges 
of the aileron panels until they meet. This alternate design would provide 
a basic airfoil. Further, the mid-panels could be redesigned as multiple 
shape mid-panels. This would smooth the transition between the center of 
the sail and the ailerons to the point where there are infinite mid-panels 
and a completely curved surface containing no angles. 
Other changes are possible within the spirit of the present invention. For 
example, the area spanning between the two mirror sections 14, 16 could be 
decreased until the second 28, 28' spars become one. The flexible wing 
would be gone but the kite would still have the tension airfoil shaping. 
The kite can also be modified in front to back proportion by changing the 
lengths of second spars 28, 28' and the sail and tensile network to match. 
With an increased length, the kite will have more surface area for greater 
lift. This creates a kite for flying in ultra-light winds. If the length 
is decreased the kite has less surface area, producing less lift and a 
kite capable of flying in very heavy winds without increased stress on the 
kite, or increased pull on the flyer. 
Another embodiment of the kite is possible by placing the cross bow below 
the sail and second spars. Then a second sail, which has a flat shape, is 
positioned between the cross bow and the tip attachments on the back ends 
of second spars. The second sail provides extra lift through added sail 
area, and creates what is termed a natural jet; smoothing the air released 
at the rear of the kite for smoother and faster flight characteristics. 
Specifically, the second sail includes a concave front edge, with first and 
second forward tips. The second sail also includes a substantially concave 
back edge with first and second rearward tips located at respective ends 
of the back edge. Additionally, the kite sail includes a pair of outward 
extending tips. 
In use, each of the tips include reinforcements (as discussed above with 
regard to the preferred embodiment) for attachment to the support 
structure of the kite. The first and second forward tips are respectively 
secured to the hold backs, the first and second rearward tips are 
respectively secured to the back ends of the second spars, and the 
outwardly extending tips are secured to the first and second ends of the 
cross bow. 
While preferred embodiments of the present invention have been shown and 
described, it will be understood that it is not intended to limit the 
disclosure, but rather it is intended to cover all modifications and 
alternate methods and apparatuses falling within the spirit and scope of 
the invention as defined in the appended claims or their equivalents.