Moved to http://kitepatents.blogspot.com/

This blog has moved to Kite Patents. Please continue reading there.

Jalbert’s Parafoil – US3285546

Full Patent (PDF)

Rogallo’s Target Kite – US3296617

Another classic, though less well known, from Rogallo.

The Alexander Graham Bell Tetrahedron Kite – US0770626

This is Alexander Graham Bell's (of Telephone fame) best known Tetrahedron Kite.

Full Patent (PDF)

Rogallo Flexible Kite – US2751172

This is the basis for the very well knowed NASA Para-Wing kite, recently reborn as a single-skin traction kite. Also see [2]. 

Full patent (PDF) 

The Cody “War Kite” – GB190123566

Improvements in Kites and Apparatus for the same. Full PDF

Rogallo Flexible Kite – US2546078

Francis Melvin Rogallo is one of the pioneers of modern kiting. His designs led directly to todays hanggliders and delta kites. The basis for the delta kite was his Flexible Kite [1]. His wife Gertrude Rogallo was as much responsible for the advancements of kiting, so much so, that when Francis patented the Rogallo Wing, he placed the patent in her name (as seen here). Even though the Rogallos had a patent on their designs they never profited from them, instead they gave these ideas to the public so that yould help others experience the joys of kiting, affordably [2]. See also here.
Full Patent (PDF), USPTO

Hello World

The history of modern kites is reflected in historical patent applications. Kite designers and inventors often patented their designs. These patents are a freely available source of inspiration and ideas. However, they are often hard to find or come by.

Patent application diagrams have their own aesthetic appeal and expired patents are often great kite plans for the DIY kite builder.

I will post interesting patents that I have collected for myself, and as a service to the kite comunity.

Enjoy,

Adi