Year: 1897

page_text: Date of Application, 17th May, 1897
Complete Specification Left, 17th Feb., 1898-Accepted, 17th May, 1898
▲ communication from abroad by HENRY HELM CLAYTON, Meteorologist, of Canton
Avenue, Milton, Massachusetts, in the United States of America.
I, ALFRED GEORGE BROOKES, of 55 & 56, Chancery Lane, in the County of
London, Chartered Patent Agent, do hereby declare the nature of this invention
to be as follows; :-
My invention is designed as an improvement upon that construction of kite,
commonly known as the "Hargrave Kite," characterized essentially by its having
two rectangular cells at opposite ends, connected together by a central midrib, or
truss, extending from end to end, as invented by Mr. Lawrence Hargrave, of New
South Wales.
The object of my invention is to provide a kite capable of exerting the strong
lifting and sailing powers possessed by Mr. Hargrave's type of kite, and yet having
increased strength and steadiness, rendering it capable of practical and successful
use for aerial photography and investigation, my kite being also much simpler
and cheaper, and possessing also preferably knock-down features of construction
whereby it may be readily packed for carrying or shipping.
I have invented a structure entirely doing away with the mid-rib which Hargrave
employs, my structure providing much greater stability in the wind, especially
lateral stability, and also presenting less obstruction to the wind and requiring a
less number of sticks to constitute the frame of the kite.
In kite flying it is especially advantageous to present a minimum retarding obstruc-
tion to the wind, and also to reduce the weight and size of the frame as much as
possible, because thereby much better flying power and steadiness of movement
are secured.
According to my invention I provide a rectangular frame, thereby securing the
rigidity and steadiness above mentioned, and also preventing the very serious
difficulty in the Hargrave kite, of the catching of the flying cords in the angles
of the kite adjacent the mid-rib thereof, this catching and tangling of the cords
being particularly disastrous in tandem flying, i.e., where several kites are flown
together to carry a scientific instrument.
The kite in general comprises a forward cell and a rear cell, spaced apart by an
intermediate portion, each cell presenting, preferably, a plurality of smooth plain
surfaces without obstruction to the wind bearing against them, the forward edges
thereof being tense and sharp so that a minimum resistance is offered to the air,
these cells being spaced apart by a frame-work giving perfect rigidity and being
unyielding to the twisting strains which have proved so objectionable in the mid-
rih structure of Hargrave, this frame-work being without any re-entrant angles,
and in fact if round cells are used there will be no angles whatever, although I
prefer to employ oblong rectangular cells having at each corner portions of the
frame jointed together in knock-down fashion by means of securing devices which

page_text: permit the several pieces or sticks composing the frame to be quickly secured
together and taken apart, each joint having a clasp or fastening ferrule or string,
wire, casting, clamp or other retaining device.
The frame of the oblong structure comprises corner posts which distend the ends
of the cells and are stretched apart by braces extending longitudinally of the cells
and transversely of the kite approximately midway of the depth of the respective
cells, these braces being either in the shape of an X or a Tor an H, and the celi
itself being composed of any web-like fabric stretched about the frame, and either
held thereon by reason of its tension or by any suitable device or by tacks, glue,
etcetera.
My invention is especially serviceable in making it possible to fly a series of
these kites tandem for sustaining a camera or lifting other scientific instruments
in air and aiding in the study of the properties of the air by the meteorologist
and bacteriologist.
The knock-down feature enables the kite to be quickly packed in small compass
so that a meteorologist or other investigator may readily carry the requisite number
of kites to his field of observation, and also the kites may be sent through the mail.
And this feature of my invention makes it feasible to use the kite as a toy.
I contemplate providing a casing in circular or other form in which my kite
when it is dismembered may be folded for carrying.
Dated the 17th
100%
WM. BROOKES & SON,
55 & 56, Chancery Lane, London, Agents for the Applicant.
A communication from abroad by HENRY HELM CLAYTON, Meteorologist, of Canton
Avenue, Milton, Massachusetts, in the United States of America.
I, ALFRED GEORGE BROOKES, of 55 and 56, Chancery Lane, in the County of
London, Chartered Patent Agent, do hereby declare the nature of this invention
and in what manner the same is to be performed, to be particularly described and
ascertained in and by the following statement:-
My invention is designed as an improvement upon that construction of kite,
commonly known as the "Hargrave Kite," characterized essentially by its having
two rectangular cells at opposite ends, connected together by a central midrib, or
truss, extending from end to end, as invented by Mr. Lawrence Hargrave, of New
South Wales. The object of the present invention is to provide a kite capable of
the strong lifting and sailing powers possessed by the said Mr. Hargrave's type of
kite, and yet having increased strength and steadiness, rendering it capable of
practical and successful use for aerial photography and investigation, this improved
kite also being much simpler and cheaper, and possessing also preferably "knock-
down" features of construction (i.e. capability of disconnection) whereby it may be
readily packed for carrying or shipping.
The Hargrave "kite, to which I have alluded, employs in every instance a
mid-rib, that is to say, it has a central framework, or backbone, as it might be
termed running lengthwise of the kite and on which the kite has to depend for
the resistance of all the lateral and twisting strains in the wind, the result being
that this mid-rib has necessarily to be heavy and bulky, in order to give the
required rigidity.
My said correspondent has invented a structure, doing away entirely with this
mid-rib and, moreover, providing much greater stability in the wind, especially

page_text: lateral stability, one also presenting less obstruction to the wind and requiring a
less number of sticks to constitute the frame of the kite.
In kite flying it is especially advantageous to present a minimum retarding obstruc-
tion to the wind, and also to reduce the weight and size of the frame as much as
possible, because thereby much better flying power and steadiness of movement
are secured.
According to the present invention I provide a rectangular frame, thereby secur-
ing the rigidity and steadiness above mentioned, and also preventing the very
serious difficulty in the "Hargrave" kite, of the catching of the flying cords in the
angles of the kite adjacent the mid rib thereof, this catching and tangling of the
cords being particularly disastrous in tandem flying, i.e., where several kites are
flown together to carry a scientific instrument.
The details of construction of my invention will be more particularly set forth
in the following description, reference being had to the accompanying drawings,
and the scope thereof will be defined in the appended claims forming a part of this
specification.
In the drawings Fig. 1 in perspective illustrates the method of using the kite
in flying several of the kites tandem, to support a camera or scientific instrument,
according to this invention.
Fig. 2 in perspective shows an enlarged view of said kite, parts thereof being
broken away in order to more clearly show the construction thereof.
Figs. 3-7 respectively are end elevations thereof, showing modified forms of
frame work.
Fig. 8 is an enlarged fragmentary end elevation, showing one form of corner
joint.
Figs. 9 and 10 are similar views of modified forms of joints, for use in carrying
out the invention and especially designed for simplicity.
Fig. 11 similarly illustrates another form of joint, showing a light form of
clamping device therefor.
Fig. 12 similarly shows a further modification thereof, and
Fig. 13 illustrates in top plan the joint, shown in Fig. 12, in front elevation.
The kite in general comprises a forward cell A. and a rear cell A', spaced apart
by an open intermediate portion A², this being the general type of Hargrave kite
to which I have alluded; the usual kite, however, having a more or less compli-
cated frame-work holding these cells fixedly and permanently in distended position,
and a mid-rib extending centrally and transversely across the shorter dimension
of the cell, from one cell to the other, so that the general appearance of the kite
might be compared to a letter H, in which the uprights of the letter represent the
cells. My correspondent has departed, however, entirely from this construction
and invented a support or frame work giving perfect rigidity and at the same time
a minimum of weight and absence of all re-entrant angles to catch and tangle
the flying line.
At each corner is a longitudinal post a extending from one end of the kite to
the other and terminating at a flush with the outer extremities of the respective
cells, the cells being permanently or removably secured thereto, as desired.
The four corner posts a are joined together in opposite pairs by two bars b, one
near each end, approximately midway of the width of the adjacent cell, as clearly
shown in Fig. 2, the opposite pairs of corner posts being in turn rigidly held apart
by central braces c; so that the entire frame described comprises ten pieces, these
pieces being preferably removably secured together by suitable clasps or joints.
The cells at their forward edges are preferably provided with taut wires a² bound
within or secured to the extreme front edges of the respective cells, whereby the
latter are prevented from fluttering in the wind, this fluttering having proved to
be a very serious obstacle to steady flying such as is necessary for scientific observa-
tion, and such, indeed, as is desirable for swift and successful flying in general.
A metallic ribbon or other rigid substance, presenting a sharp, knife edge to the

page_text: wind, may be used instead of the wire if desired, the object being to stiffen the edge
and prevent the fluttering and consequent vibration of the edge and thereby of
the whole kite, due to the angular position of the kite in the wind.
It will be noted that in the kite the subject of the present invention there are
no obstructions to the wind at the edges of the cells, and indeed, there are prac-
tically no obstructions anywhere, for the reason that the cells present smooth planes
at all points where they come into direct stress against the wind.
The form of kite already described is that preferred, for the reason that it is
light, simple, and yet extremely stable, but for some purposes it may be desirable
to render the frame still more simple and inexpensive and, accordingly, in Fig. 7,
I have shown a perfectly rigid frame composed of eight pieces, this frame being
well adapted for toy kites for instance, although any of the forms herein presented
may well be used for toy kites or for scientific purposes, the main difference being
that for the latter purpose stronger and more expensive material would be employed.
In Fig. 7 the corner posts are indicated at a, the cells being tacked or otherwise
secured, as indicated at a³, to these corner posts, so as to prevent all relative move-
ment the one to the other, and between the corner posts two cross bars d, d¹ are
stretched and secured at their ends, one means of securing them being shown in
Fig. 10, where it will be seen that the end of the bar is notched at d¹ and provided
with a perforation adjacent thereto through which a cord or wire d³ is placed,
adapted to be tied or twisted around the corner post indicated in dotted lines in
Fig. 10.
In Fig. 3 I have shown a frame having the corner posts a, as before, separated
by braces e, el extending lengthwise of the cell, and e², e extending transversely
thereto, the four braces lying in the plane occupied by the bars 6 and brace c shown
in Fig. 2.
In rigs. 4 and 5 I have shown substantially the same construction as is illus-
trated in Fig. 2, the braces c being shown, however, as mounted in metal socket
pieces of form and preferably cast in aluminium, thereby possessing sufficient
rigidity and strength together with extreme lightness, the braces c being sprung
into these socket pieces without other fastenings for this purpose, the braces c will
yield or bow to a limited extent and the bars 6 will likewise bend outwardly
slightly, enough to permit the braces to be slipped into their sockets c', and retained
therein by the springing together of the parts.
Fig. 5 further shows the opposite corner posts a diagonally connected by small
wires or cords f¹ held together by a loop f around the brace c to prevent vibration.
In Fig. 6 I have connected the corner posts a by diagonal braces d, d', similarly
as in Fig. 7, the corner posts, however, being connected in pairs in addition thereto
by bars b, as in Fig. 2, the respective braces and bars being connected to the corner
posts by socket castings c2 into which the parts are sprung similarly as above
described in connection with the socket c¹.
Referring to Fig. 8, a socket casting c³ will be seen in enlarged detail, having
a central aperture through which the corner post a extends, and divergent
sockets 5, c, to receive the braces of the frame.
In Fig. 9 I have shown a still simpler joint in which a bar b, or it might be a
brace c, is bifurcated at its end and is intended to be simply slipped over the
adjacent corner post a, or bar or brace, as the case may be, the parts being fitted
together tightly so that the tension of the cell fabric will maintain them together,
the frame being put together under strain for this purpose.
In Figs. 11-13 I have shown the frame as held together by the agency of
rings r sliding on the braces, or bars, as the case may be, and co-operating with
wedge-acting links or clips, a clip g being shown in Fig. 11 as partially embracing
the corner post a and as provided with an enlargement or bent end g¹, thereby
presenting an inclined face or wedge g², against which the ring r is slid into tight
clamping position as shown; this general construction is indicated in Figs. 12
and 13, by means of a band or metallic plate h bent angularly to pass around the

page_text: corner post a and having its two extremities wedge shaped as shown at h¹, Fig. 13,
these ends being inserted in curves or slits h² made in the adjacent ends of the
braces or bars which are to be secured in position adjacent the post a, the rings r
being slid outwardly against the wedging sides of the metallic plate until the parts
are rigidly clamped in adjustment.
When it is desired to provide a camera, registering barometer or other scientific
instrument, several of the kites are hitched together in series, so that the kites will
fly closely and combine their strength in sustaining the instrument in stable
position, as indicated in Fig. 1.
For this purpose it is requisite that there should be perfect steadiness, inasmuch
as any bobbing or gliding of the kites relatively to each other disturbs the instru-
ment and prevents accurate work.
The present improved kite, as above described, has been practically used for this
purpose as just described, and has demonstrated itself to be very superior to any
kite heretofore used for the purpose, the rectangular frame not only preventing
all catching of the flying cords, as before stated, but also giving great rigidity and
consequent stability, the latter being increased also by reason of the fact that less
obstruction to the wind is offered by present improved framework than by the.
Hargrave frame, and there is no fluttering of the cells nor vibration of the kite,
the latter presenting substantially nothing but plane surfaces to rest evenly and
smoothly against the wind, and being without tendency to twist and swerve under
the wind's pressure.
When flying the kites in series or tandem, as shown in Fig. 1, one kite may be
attached directly to the flying line, and another kite or kites to said line by
leaders, so that when the kites are flown, they will be in some such position as
shown in Fig. 1, one back of the other.
Now, should the nearer kite drop, owing to a weaker breeze, or should the farther
kite be raised, the leader of the latter kite would come into engagement with the
former, and were there no means provided for shedding the leader, the kite engag-
ing such leader would begin to whirl around and around, twisting up the leader
and Hying line, and necessitating a return of the kites to the ground to be untangled,
if nothing worse happened, entailing at least loss of time.
The entanglement might result in such erratic movement on the part of the kites
that they would be dashed to the ground and broken.
With the means herein shown for shedding or guarding the line from entrance
between the cells, it will be obvious that no such entanglement can take place,
for should the nearer kite engage the leader of another, the said kite would at most
merely turn around on the leader and rise upon the other side of it and the
correct position would be restored.
These kites may be used for photography, as mentioned, and for surveys and
reconnoitreing, for lifting scientific instruments in the air, and aiding in the study
of the properties of the air by the meteorologist and bacteriologist, for carrying
life-lines to ships, and indeed, for lifting men for the purpose of reconnoitreing in
warfare and otherwise.
A very important feature of my invention also, from a practical standpoint, is
its "knock-down" construction which not only renders it convenient as a practical
aid to the meteorologist or other investigator, enabling him to carry in small
compass the requisite kites for tandem flying to his field or place of observation,
whereas otherwise the kites alone would make a waggon load of themselves.
By the herein described construction the cells may be permanently tacked on the
corner posts, as indicated in Fig. 7, in which case the struts or braces will simply
be untied or sprung out of their sockets or slipped from their fastenings; the
corner posts will then be collapsed together into a compact bunch, the loosened cells
being then wrapped around the four corner posts, and the braces will simply be
tied about them, the whole kite thus forming an exceedingly small package to be
carried in the hand, or in fact, a number of kites can be thus folded and carried
in the hand together.

page_text: Various changes and modifications in details of construction can be resorted to
within the spirit and scope of my invention.
In Fig. 11 have shown the flying line attached to the kite, the line being so
connected therewith as to bring the centre of pull between the nearest lateral pair
of said corner members or posts.
Thus, by a bridle or loop, as in Fig. 1, at the end of the flying line, the ends of
the bridle are attached to the two corner members at the lateral edges of the side
or face of the kite nearest the operator.
The centre of pull is thus between these two members, at some point on that
face of the kite.
Obviously this is only one of several modes of connecting the flying line with
the kite, but effecting the same purpose.
The bridle arranged as shown in Fig. 1 tends to prevent any decided lateral
oscillation or vibration of the kite, and at times it is very desirable to reduce such
movement to the minimum.
Having now particularly described and ascertained the nature of my said inven-
tion and in what manner the same is to be performed, I declare that what I claim
is:
-
1. In a kite of the type having a cell at each end thereof, a frame comprising a
corner post at each corner of said cells, each of said posts extending lengthwise of
the kite from end to end thereof, and braces connected with and to maintain said
corner post rigid, substantially as described.
2. A kite having cells at its opposite ends, said cells being supported by a frame
including corner posts one for each corner of the cells, said posts extending from
end to end of the kite, and struts or braces separating said posts and holding the
kite rigid, said struts or braces being removably connected to said posts at their
respective ends, whereby a knock down or separable kite frame is provided so that
the kite may be readily and quickly folded together in small compass or stretched
out into operative position at will, substantially as described.
3. In a multi-cellular kite, the cells, and a supporting frame therefor including
corner posts extending the whole length of the frame, and lateral bracing extended
between and connecting the corner posts to maintain the frame in rigid position,
said bracing being located in substantially parallel planes and within the cells,
substantially as set forth.
4. The combination, with a rectangular kite frame having corner posts extending
the whole length of the kite, and braces for the corner posts, said braces being
located at opposite sides of the longitudinal centre of the frame, of material
stretched around the corner posts at the ends of the frame to constitute cells, the
forward edges of said cells being re-enforced to present non-yielding cutting edges
to the wind, substantially as set forth.
5. The combination with a rectangular kite frame having corner posts extending
from end to end of the kite, and braces extending between said corner posts to
maintain said frame in proper rectangular position, said braces extending in sub-
stantially parallel planes approximately midway of the depth of said cells respec-
tively, said braces being slightly resilient and provided at their meeting portions
with interlocking joints whereby they may be sprung into fixed relation with each
other or may be separated therefrom at will, of material attached to the corner
posts at the ends of the frame to constitute cells, substantially as described.
6. In a multi-cellular kite, a quadrilateral frame including corner posts extend-
ing the whole length of the kite, crossbars connecting and rigidly spacing apart
oppositely located pairs of said posts, braces rigidly connecting the said crossbars,
and material attached to the corner posts at the ends of said quadrilateral frame,
to constitute the cells, the braces lying in substantially parallel planes located
midway of the depths of the cells respectively, substantially as set forth.
7. In a kite having an open ended, angular cell at each end thereof, a frame to

page_text: support said cells, comprising a corner post for each longitudinal corner of the
kite, said posts extending the whole length of the kite from cell to cell, and braces
to keep said corner posts apart, the meeting portions of said braces and posts
having co-operating interlocking joints and means for detachably securing them
together, substantially as described.
8. In a kite having an open-ended, angular cell at each end thereof, a frame
composed of corner posts extending the whole length of the kite, and braces for the
corner posts, substantially as set forth.
9. The construction or arrangement in combination of parts of kites of the kind
specified for scientific and other uses whereby the retarding obstruction to the wind,
and weight and size of frame, are reduced, to attain increased flying power and
secure steadiness of movement; comprising a rectangular frame having corner
posts to the oppositely disposed cells and braces disposed so as to impart rigidity
to said cells; all substantially as and for the purposes set forth and shewn by the
drawings.
Doted the 17th day of WL
1000
WM. BROOKES & SON,
55 & 56, Chancery Lane, London, Agents for the Applicant.