A Scott Sled is a type of
kite developed in the early 1960s by Frank Scott of
Ohio and based on the
sled kite, an earlier design by William Allison, also based in Ohio. In 1964 it was featured in ''Kite Tales'', the newsletter of the
American Kitefliers Association; as a result it became much more widely known. Many
derivative designs have appeared since then, the design described here is as it appeared in 1964.
Allison patented his kite in 1956; Scott never did. Allison won a civil cease and desist order against the Scott family after it had made and sold millions of kites.
The design is known for its ease of construction, sturdiness, light weight, portability, stability, and good performance. It is a sort of scoop-shaped parachute, held open by parallel
spars. Most of the shape of the kite is produced by the pressure of the wind.
Description
The cover is made of
polyethylene sheet about thick. Three vertical spars are taped to the cover. These spars are wooden
dowel
A dowel is a cylindrical rod, usually made of wood, plastic, or metal. In its original manufactured form, a dowel is called a ''dowel rod''. Dowel rods are often cut into short lengths called dowel pins. Dowels are commonly used as structural ...
s 1/8 or 3/16 inch (3 to 5 mm) in diameter. A two-legged
bridle
A bridle is a piece of equipment used to direct a horse. As defined in the ''Oxford English Dictionary'', the "bridle" includes both the that holds a bit that goes in the mouth of a horse, and the reins that are attached to the bit.
Headgear w ...
is used, one leg taped to each side of the cover. The length of this bridle is between long. Care is taken to make sure each leg is of the same length.
This kite type has continued to evolve, generally with only two spars. Vents are shaped differently, sometimes more vents or none at all.
Notes
References
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External links
FLEXIBLE KITE William M. Allison. US Patent: 2737360 Filing date: Sep 8, 1950SELF-STIFFENED FLEXIBLE KITE David M. CheckleyKite having high lift to drag ratio Warren O. WeathersConcave parabolic arch kite Peter J. Pearce et al.Aerofoil structure Andrew W. Jones et al.Hooded kite John W. Loy
Kites
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