Patent GB-190929067-A (GB)
Title: Improvements in Aerial Machines.
Inventor: SMITH THEOPHILUS OSBORN
IPC: B64C3/38
Filed: 1909-12-13
Granted: 1910-12-13
Abstract: 29,067. Smith, T. O. Dec. 13. Aerial machines without aerostats; model gliders and flying-machines; planes, arrangement of ; cars.-A flying-machine comprises a main plane A detachably connected by clips N to a flexible framework M, M', M<2>, a front elevator R, tail-plane R<2>, rudder S<3>, fixed vertical planes S, S<2> carried by the stay-wires Q. Q<1> of the frame M, and planes G, G<1> hinged to the underside of the plane A and inclined as shown in Fig. 4, being connected to framework at their lower ends by clips N<1>, Fig. 5. The land-wheels may be covered with fabric to form additional planes. The rear part of the tailplane is connected to a clip U', Fig. 2, which may be adjusted along the framework for varying the inclination of the tail. The seats X, four of which are arranged as shown, and the propelling-appartus, are mounted on a chassis which is readily detachable from the frame M. A curved wind-screen Z is provided. The invention is also applicable to model machines, and to captive and other gliders. Planes, construction of.-The main plane A is composed of two lateral portions of fabric connected to a framework comprising spars A, A<3>, A<4>, shaped as shown in Fig. 1, and a fourth spar A<2> formed in two sections, each of which may be rotated for warping the wing tips, which are carried by ribs B ... B' radiating from the ends of the spar A<2>. The inner edges of the two portions of fabric are connected to ribs H which are mounted to slide on the spars and connected together by a tensioning-device. To the underside of the main plane are hinged planes G, G<1>, which may be secured in the position shown in Fig. 4, or may be folded under the main plane. The vertical planes S, S<2>, Fig. 2, are connected to the vertical stays P and cross-wires Q, Q<1> of the framework. The land-wheels may be covered with fabric to act as planes. The elevator and tail are composed of ribs bent as shown in Fig. 1, and united along the front edge. The rudder S<3> may consist of two portions which are normally closed together but may be opened out in opposite directions about the axis of the rudder. Steering and balancing are obtained by means of (1) the main plane A which may be adjusted in incidence and has flexible tips warped independently; (2) an elevator R which is controlled by springs W<2> and may be operated in conjunction with the main plane and in some cases with the tail R<2>, and may also have warping tips; and (3) rear rudders S<3> which may be operated simultaneously with the steering- wheels. (1) The extremities of the main plane A are connected to ribs B ... B<3> radiating from the ends of a pair of spars A<2>, which may be rotated independently for warping the tips by levers D, D<1>. The incidence of the whole plane A is adjusted by moving the lower ends of the planes G, G', which depend from the main plane, along the framework M<1>, Fig. 5, by means of sliding clips N' and levers N<2>. (2) The elevator R may be operated by an arm which may be connected by a rod W<3> to a link V, Fig. 4, pivoted to the levers D, D'. The elevator is then operated by movement of the levers D, D' in the same direction, while by moving the levers in opposite directions the tips of the main plane may be warped oppositely without affecting the elevator. In some cases, the tips of the elevator may be warped simultaneously with the tips of the main plane; or the elevator only may be warped, such warping being effected simultaneously with the adjustment of the incidence of the main plane. Further, the tail R<2> may be connected by crossed wires to the elevator so as to be operated therewith. (3) Two rudders S' are operated independently by pedals, and may be placed at opposite sides of the rear end of the framework, or placed close together. Stopping way.-The two rudders S<3> may be swung round at right-angles to the line of flight to act as an air brake. Framework; shock of landing, deadening.- The framework comprises four longitudinal bars M, M<1>, M<2>, two at each side being connected by curved flexible ends O, O<1> of laminated wood and cane, or steel ribbon and wood. These frames are then stayed by flexibly-jointed struts P, P' and cross-wires Q, Q<1>.