GB2482115A

GB2482115A - Stabilising a payload on an aerial line

Info

Publication number: GB2482115A
Application number: GB1012020.2A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Gerald Alexander Richard Allsopp
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2010-07-19
Filing date: 2010-07-19
Publication date: 2012-01-25
Also published as: GB201012020D0

Abstract

This invention relates to the steadily supporting payload 4 on the flying line 6 of a kite, balloon or other supporting lines. The payload is stabilised by a fin 3 which is suspended on the line by a parallelogram 1 of thin lines. The fin may have groove bars 7 which slide either side of a support bar 5 attached to the support line.

Description

TITLE: Payload Stability

BACKGROUND:

This invention relates to steady support of payloads on tethered lines. Hanging payload on lines in a steady manner is often useful, but is generally difficult because the payload moves due to changes in tension on the supporting line, action of wind on the payload, or movement of the line supports.

The traditional "picavet" mechanism of double crossed lines is commonly used to try and overcome this problem, especially by aerial photographers, however, although payload hanging on a "picavet" may be kept pointing downwards, it is certainly not stable because often the payload will swing violently side to side, sometimes with enough force to cause it to swing all the way over the line. Also, the picavet strings are very prone to tangling which is a considerable nuisance.

The obvious answer of attaching a simple fin directly to the line also does not work. As the line tensions, the fin is moved upwards and forwards relative to the wind and the ground. This forward movement does not cause instability, however as the line slackens the fin will move backwards and downwards in relation to the wind and the ground. This backwards movement causes the back of the fin to cut into the air causing it to move strongly to one side often causing violent instability.

So the instability of the picavet is due to it being too far removed from the steady influence of the line and the instability of the simple fin is due top it being too closely attached to the line.

STATEMENT OF INVENTION:

To overcome this the present invention proposes a combination of half a Picavet mechanism, a steadying fin, a steadying pair of rods, a stiffened area of line and the correct weight balance for the payload. This is referred to in

the description as a "Payload Stabiliser".

The mechanism invented causes a payload to be steadied by the line enough to give it general direction, but at the same time ensures that the payload is not so closely attached to the line so as to be influenced by every alteration of line tension. Also, the steadying influence of a steady wind is effectively exploited as well as the perfectly constant influence of gravity.

ADVANTAGES: This invention allows the object to keep the same level attitude in relation to the ground whatever the line angle. It also keeps it steady in varying winds, and it also deals with movement caused by differences in line tension due to movement of the line supports.

INTRODUCTION TO DRAWINGS:

An example of the invention will now be described by referring to the accompanying drawings: Figure 1 shows a "Payload Stabiliser" hanging from a line, with the front of the "Payload Stabiliser" pointing towards the wind according to the invention.

Figure 2 is a cross-sectional view of the "Parallel Groove Bars" either side of the "Support Bar" according to the invention.

EXAMPLE:

I here give a description of this invention using as an example of the attachment of the fin to a flying kite line.

However, this invention can be attached to any suitable line in many varied situations.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION:

In diagram number 1 an aerodynamic fin 3 is held in the air attached to thin lines 1 arranged in the fashion of a crossed parallelogram. The crossed parallelogram lines I are securely attached to the flying line 6 and the support bar 5 at two points 9. The exact position of the attachment points 9 is determined by the best balance of the payload 4 in relation to the fin 3.

The thin lines are able to move through the rings 2 that are attached to the fin 3. There is a central ring that also allows the lines to move freely through it. The rings 2 could be replaced by low-friction roller blocks, but it is not essential.

The pair of parallel groove bars 7 are firmly attached to the fin. They project forward and upwards from the fin at about 45 degrees. The support bar 5 slides between the groove bars 7. This allows the flying line to give direction to the groove bars and therefore the fin. The groove bars can slide up and down the support bar 5 and flying line 6 and so they can allow the fin to remain level whatever the angle of the flying line.

The centre of gravity is at the forward part of the fin 3 due to the payload 4 being at the front of the fin. The heavy payload is pointing towards the wind 10 with the fin behind it and the groove bars 7 infront positioned either side of the support bar and line.

In diagram number 2 there can be seen a cross-section of the groove bars 7 showing how they straddle the support bar 5. Also it can be seen that the flying line 6 is positioned along and on top of the support bar.

The whole fin/picavet/groove bar combination is stable in the wind. The groove bars stop the fin from altering direction if the flying line goes slack causing the fin to move backwards or downwards. The lines allow the fin to be isolated enough from the line so that vibrations or movement of the line are damped before they influence the fin or payload.

Claims

CLAIMS: 1. A fin suspended on a line by a parallelogram of thin lines causing the fin to remain level.
2. A fin according to claim 1 that has a pair of groove bars attached to it.

3) A fin according to claim 1 that has a pair of groove bars that slide either side of a support bar attached to the supporting line.

4) A fin according to claim 1 that has the heavy payload positioned towards the front to the fin facing into the wind.

5) A fin according to claim 1 that is held steadily in the correct balance by a parallelogram of thin lines that are attached to the flying line and the support bar and are passed through rings attached to the fin.

6) A fin according to claim 1 that has a support bar attached to the line along its length and extending along the line above and below the fin to dampen the line movement.