US917513A - Flying-machine. - Google Patents

Description

M. G. ADAMS. FLYING MACHINE. APPLICATION rmm 16.7, mos.

Patented Apr. 6, 1909. 3 SHEETS-SHEET 1.

INVENTOI? falcoim G. fidama W/TNE SSE S ATTORNEYS M. G. ADAMS. FLYING MACHINE.

APPLIOATIOH rmm AUG. 7, 190a.

' Patented Apr. 6, 1909.

WITNESSES ii. A.

l' I Imam. u a

M. G. ADAMS.

. FLYING MACHINE.

APPLIOATIOI FILED AUG. 7, 1908. 91 7,5 1 3. Patented Apr. 6, 1909.

3 SHEETS-SHEET 3.

- [TI/8858 nwslvron' I .vllazafalmlfldama A TTOHNEYQ M 4 By MALCGLM GROVER ADAMS, OF PARSONS, KANSAS.

FLYING-MACHINE.

Specification of Letters Patent.

Patented April 6, 1909.

Application filed August 'lfiooa. Serial No. 441,400.

To all whom it may concern:

Be it known that I MALCOLM G. Aoans, a citizen of the United tates, and a resident of Parsons, in the county of Labette and State of Kansas, have invented a new and Improved Flying-Machine, of which the following is a full, clear, and exact description.

This invention relates to flying machines,

and more particularly to an aeroplane orj hem'ler-than-air flying machme,wh1ch comprises a plurality of superposed planes, preferably two m number whic one is movable relatively to the lower one, so

that the fore and aft inclination of the upper one can be altered at will by the operator,

and so that further, the up ier plane can be twisted to alter the inclination of one end or the other to increase the lift or head resistance at the corresponding end of the machine to-enable it to turn while flying, the machine having vanes tending to prevent skidding or lateral slipping when making a turn, and having the planes so curved that the machine will automatically tend to maintain its equilibrium, and substantially horizontal position when turning.

An object of theinvention is to provide a simple, inexpensive and eilicient heavierthan-air flyin machine which can be driven by any smtalile form of motor, which can be maneuvered readily while in the air, and which is at all times under the control of the operator.

A further object of the invention is to revide a machine of the class describet in which the controlling of the machine is effected by the movements of one or more of the upper planes, which are freely adjustable relatively to the lower plane, and which can be tilted and at the same time can be moved bodily forward with respect to the lower plane.

A still further object of the invention is to provide a machine of the class described comprising a plurality of supe osed planes which are relatively movable wi h res eat to one another. and one of which can 0 adj acted" to alter the head resistance as well as to alter the lift, in which the planes are concave, and in which they are provided with substantially vertical vanes at the ends to minimize side slip or skidding when the macliinef'isTmakingatu'i'n. L 'ziiiothcr'object of the invention" is to-prol the upper vide a heavier-than-air flying machinewhich i has a suitable running gear, and in which the l flight of the machine is controlled by the f movements of the planes relative to one ani other, the operator controlling the movable planes by means of suitable mechanism, the operator further, assisting in balancing the machine, by moving his body forward or backward, or laterally, as the case may be.

'1 he invention consists in thc'construetion and combination of the parts to be more fully described hereinafter and particularly set i forth in the claims.

Refcrence is to be had to the accompany- Q ing drawings forming a part of this specificatron, in which similar characters of reference I indicate corresponding parts in all the views, and in which- Figure 1 is a perspective view showing an I embodiment of my invention; Fig. 2 is an I end elevation of the flying machine; Fig. 3 is I it diagrammatic end elevation showing the f planes in certain relative positions; Fig. 4 is a view similar to Fig. 3, showing the planes in other relative positions; Fig. 5 is a perspective diagrammatic view of the form of the invention shown in Fig. 1; Fig. 6 is a diagrammatic, perspective view showin a modified form of the invention; Fig. 7 1s a diagrammatic end elevation showin a further modified form of the invention; l ig. 8 is a similar view showin a still further modified form of the fi ing mac iine Fig. 9 is a diagrammatic, end e evation showing another modified form of the invention; and Fig. 10 is 0 similar view showing still another modified form of the device.

planation of my invention it should be clearly understood that while I have shown in the accompanying drawings, various types of flying machines each of which comprises two superposed planes, I can also employ a greater number of super osed planes if so desired. In the form of tie device shown, the upper plane is movable relatively to the lower plane and the control in flight, of the machine, is effected by the movements and adjustments of the upper plane. In I i 1 l have shown one em odiment of the lying machine in which the upper lane comprises two sections which are move as relativel to the'lo'we'r plane and to each other. In Fig. 6 is shown a form in which the upper plane Before proceeding to a more detailed excomprises a single section and in which this sectlon can be twisted so that its p osite ends are movable relatively to one anot 191 as are the separate sections of the upper plane shown in rig. 1. In effect, the result is the same and the head resistance and lift can be altered at one end of the machine or the other, as desired, by the operator. 1 refer to arrange the upper plane upon ink uprights or supports wlnch permit the upper plane to be moved forward or backward bodily with respect to the lower plane. The forward or backward bodily movements of the upper plane at the same time cause it to tilt, owing to the provision of the link upri hts. In this way, the head resistance of the upper of the entire mac nne is varied. At the same time, one end can be tilted one way or the other to vary the head resistance on the corresponding end, to cause the machine to turn as will appear more clearly hereinafter.

Referring more particularly to the drawings, I )rovide a lower plane A and an upper plane The plane A comprises transverse members 11 and 11' and end members 12 connecting the extremities of the transverse frame members. Intermediate the end frame members 12 are other longitudinal frame members 13 and 14. The frame members mav consist of any suitable material such as light metal tubing, bamboo, wood or the like, and may be secured to other in any convenient manner, for examp e, by binding tightl with stron wire, or by providing specia sockets or )rackets for the purpose. The surface of the plane consists of a covering of light sheet metal, fabric or any other suitable material which maybe secured to the frame members in any convenient manner. The longitudinal frame members 14 are spaced apart and the space therebetween is not covered with the surface 15 but is left open so that a supporting bar 16 can be arranged therebetween. The +atter has thcends secured to the transverse nembers 11 and carries a suitable seat 17 upon which the operator may assume his position. The lower plane is strengthened y diagonal and other braces or guys 18 extending across the plane and secured at the ends or intersections of the frame members. The braces consist referably of strong wires or the like. Shou der straps -19 are secured to the sup orting bar 16 so that the operator can part y support the wei ht of the machine before starting the flight. A foot rest 20 is fastenedat the front transverse frame member and consists'of a cross bar 21 secured at the lower ends of hangers 22 depending from the front transversemember 1 1. The footZrest'isstrengthened with diagonal wire bracesygfigand is secured to the longitudinal frame er'nbers lgtby means of the members 24 liens, and consequently,

The longitudinal frame members 13 have bifurcated supports 25 slidably mounted in opening; thereof. Helical springs 26 are mounted upon the shanks 27 of the supports and engage at the crowns and the fore and aft frame members 13. Supporting wheels 28 which may be of any suitable form are mounted between the sides of the forks and serve to permit the flying machine to be run alon the ground. Forks 29 have the shan s pivotally secured to the members 13 and further have the extremities of their sides en aging at the hubs of the wheels 28. The for s 29 serve to brace the wheels, while permitting the same to move toward the lower plane. The springs 27 absorb the shocks and jars incident to moving the machine over rough ground or roads.

In the form shown in Fig. 1, the upper pglane B comprises separate sections B and each of which has transverse members 30 and 30, end members 31 and longitudinal members 32. The frame members of the upper plane are covered with a fabric or other surface 33 and have diagonal bracin guys or wires 34. The latter include heliciil or other spring sections 35 which, while tendin to maintain the plane sections in norma positions, permit the same to alter their forms under the adjustment to which they are subject. The upper plane sections are supported upon the lower plane by link uprights 36 which consist of rods of suitable material having the upper and lower ends pivoted respectively to the end frame memers or the longitudinal frame members of the plane. The link uprights are preferably pivoted at their lower ends at the extremities of the frame members of the lower plane and at their upper end intermediate the extremities of the frame members of the up er plane sections, as appears most clearly in ig. 2. Consequently the link uprights are normally inclined toward each other. It will be understood that this construction permits the upper plane or the upper plane sections to be moved freely relative to the lower plane, that is to be moved freely backward and forward. 0 in to the provision of the link uprights, the ackward or forward movement at the same time tilts the or plane and thus alters the fore and aft p .inc lination and the head resistance of the upper plane. The link uprights are held against lateral movement by braces or eye 5 consisting of wires or the like and inc uding springs 53 which permit the braces to a ust themselves sligitly to strains. The braces 52 are in the same planes as the link uprights and permit the same to swing freel in a fore and aft direction while holding t em securely against lateral movement.

" A controlling bar 37 is arranged transversely of.the supporting bar 16 and has the ends secured by means of rods 38 to the upper plane sections B and B. If a sin le upper plane is employed the ends of t e controlling bar are connected to the upper lane near the respective ends of the same. ach end of the controlling bar has the rods 38 running respectively to the front and the. back of the upper plane. B means of the bar which is located conveniently close to the operators seat 17, the upper plane or plane sections can be easily controlled; that is can be moved backward or forward and tilted as desired.

Strong helical or other springs 39 are secured to certain of the link uprights 36 and the upper plane or plane sections adjacent to others of the link uprights. This arrangement tends to hold the upper plane in a normal position with respect to the lower plane and any adiustmeiit of the upper plane can be made against the tension of the springs 39.

Upon the lower plane is arranged a frame work which consists of a top frame member 40 supported on inclined struts 41, running from the ends of the longitudinal frame members of the lower plane. The cross section of this frame-work is substantially triangular and cross bars 42 connect the struts 41 near the lower ends. Triangular vanes or surfaces 43 are stretched upon the struts 41 and the cross bars 42. Those vanes tend to steady the machine in the air and as they are substantially vertical, act to prevent slip or skidding when the machine is making a turn. The frame iii-strengthened by suitable braces 42' including the springs 43' which allow for slight movements and adjustments of the frame members.

At the ends of the up er and lower planes are downwardly extent ingbposts 44 braced by means of inclined mom era 45. Bottom members 46 connect the lower ends of the posts 44 and have the rear ends upwardly curved to the end frame members of the planes. Vanes, or surfaces 47 of fabric or other suitable material are stretched over the posts and the bottom members and form end vanes or win which tend to prevent side slipping or skidding when the machine is turning.

At the rear of the lower plane preferably upon the longitudinal members 14 is arranged a supportin frame work 48 which carries a'motor 49 0 any suitable type." The shaft 50 01 the motor extends rearwardly from the sameand carries thedriving proeller 51. The latt r may be of any preerred or icommontype.

'It'will be understood that ive details g'ehown for example, herewith, catibe altered in accordance with individual preference and {s ecial conditions, without departing from t e un derlying spirit of the invention; Fui'th'ermore, any suitable "niai jthe mode of the construct strengthening, bracing, or attaching the parts can be varied as necessary.

It. should be noted that the planes are concave, and I prefer that this should be the case, as there is a tendency with this form, for that side of the machine to rise which is at the inside of the turn when the machine is traveling on a curve. This action is due to the fact that the lateral or sidemovemcnt of the machine--that is, the slipping or skidding-is caused by centrifugal action, and that the portions of the planes nearer to the direction of the turning have greater inclination to the actual line of motion than do the sides farther from it. Consequently, the side nearer tends to rise, as the inclination of the planes of course, controls the upward or downward movement of the machine. Furthermore, the provision of the vertical vanes at the ends of the planes assists in the control of the machine, as the vane farther from the direction of turning will hold the air under it, while the other one will shield a iortion of the plane and thus decrease the lift on that side, in opposition to the increased lift at the other end. These actions are of advantage, as the machine tends to lose its balance and lean to one side or the other in making a turn.

In the form of the machine shown in Fig. 6, the upper plane B comprises a single section, and the ends of the single section, which is sufliciently flexible to permit the plane to be twisted, can be raised or lowered independently of one another by -(list0itiiig the upper plane. In this manner the same effect is produced as by the movements of the lane sections B and B relative to one anot or.

In Fig]. 7 is shown a modified form in which tie upper plane B is pivotally mounted u ion inverted V-sliaped supports 0, and in w icli the upper plane is ivotally movable along a line transverse of tlie plane. in this type the controlling bar 37 and the rods 38 are the same as in the other forms.

In Fig. 8 is shown a further modified form in which two inverted V-shaped supports C and C are employed to carry the upper plane 13. The latter comprises a front portion B and a rear portion B. These are pivotally movable independently of one another and are controlled by aframe D connected b means of rods 1) and D with the sections and B respectively, of the upper plane. By moving the frame Din one direction, the section B is tilted downward,

- and the section'B is simultaneously tilted upward, so that the effect is the same as if the entire frame were tilted. A movement of the frame B in an opposite direction reverses the inclinations of the -sections B '=-.Inthe'fo'rms oftlie' flying machine shown in FigbtQ and 10 1 provides series of inverted V-shaped su ports 0 as in the form shown in Fig. 7, an further inverted V-shaped supports C one of the members of each of the latter is substantially vertical. The supports C and C carry an upper plane B which is held substantially immovable with respect to the lower )liLIlB A. A further movable upper section i3" is pivotally mounted at the apexcs of the supports C and is controlled by the bars 37 of the rods 38. The two forms of the machine are quite similar, with the exception that in one case the movable plane section B is at the front of the machine, while in the other case it is at the rear.

I wish to emphasize that the operation of my flying machine depends almost entirely upon the fore and aft inclination of the upper plane or plane sections, and that the latter are not tilted or inclined laterally or transversely of the machine in any way. In steeringand balancing, the respective top planeseetions, or the respective ends of the single top plane, are tilted or inclined, or twisted relatively to one another so that the lift and the head resistance at one end of the machine differ from that of the other. By increasing the head resistance of the one end, the machine is caused to turn in a corresponding direction. By uniformly altering the inclination of the upper plane, the machine can be caused to rise or fall. The following is an example of the manner in which the machine can be balanced: If for some cause or other the machine leans to the risht, the operator will move the right end of the controlling bar ahead, tluts tilting the right top plane section or end, and thereby increasing the fore and aft inclination of the same on the right side onl The lift will be increased on the right side and thus the balance of the machine will be recovered but, at the same time the increased head resistance of the right side will cause the machine to turn to the right, and the centrifugal force will cause the machine to skid or slide to the left. 'I he function of the concavity of the planes together with the vertical vanes at the ends of the planes or intermediate the ends, is to assist in restoring the lateral or transverse balance as has been stated above.

If it is desired to cause the machine to turn, say to the right, the top plane at the right is tilted to increase the-head resistance at that side. This increase in the resistance and the lift will tend to overbalance the machine so that the operator will lean his body" toward the right side in making a turn" to the I The; steering and lateral balancing oi the machine will be not unlike the steeringand-, balaneing of a bicycleor similar device, inasmuch as the operator leans toward. ithefdirection in winch t I I also' turns in the, same direct onln which he a turn is made, and

leans when he loses his balance. By tilting the top aeroplane backward or forward the machine can be caused to descend or ascend, as well as to be balanced in a fore and aft direction. The operator can lean his body forward or backward in case of necessity to assist in holding the fore and aft balance.

Having thus described. my invention, 1 claim as new, and desire to secure by Letters Patent:

1. In a flying machine, a pluralit of planes, and means for simultaneously ti ting and moving bodily, one of said planes with respect to the other.

2. In a flying machine, a plurality of superposed planes, and PlVOlZOt links for corn meeting said planes whereby the same are movable relative to one another, and whereby their relative inclinations can be varied.

3. In a flying machine, a plurality of superposed planes, links for operatively connecting said planes whereby the same are movable relatively to one another, and adjustable rods for controlling one of said planes, whereby the same can be simultaneously tilted and moved bodily.

4. In a flying machine, a plurality of superposed planes, means for operatively connecting said planes whereby the same are movable relativel to one another, and means for controlling one of said planes whereby the same can be simultaneously tilted and moved bodily.

5. In a flying machine, a plane arranged to swing in a fore and aft direction, and means for simultaneously tilting and twisting said plane.

6. In a flying machine, a )lurality of superposed planes, one of said planes consisting of separated sections mova )le relatively to one another, and a link connection between each of said sections and said other plane.

7. In a flying machine, a plurality of superposed planes, one of said planes comprismg independently movable sections, and means for simultaneously tilting and moving bodily each of said sections independently of the other.

8. In a flying machine, a pluralit of supe igposed planes, a link connection etween sai planes whereby the upper of said planes is adapted to swing relativel to said lower plane ma fore and aft direction, and means or controlling said upper plane whereby the same can be simultaneously tilted and moved bodily.

9. In a flying machine, a plurality of superposed planes, links connecting said planes whereby the same are free to move relative to one another in a fore and aft direction, means for adjusting one of said planes relatively to the other, and means tendin to hold one of, said planes in a normal position relativetothe other of said planes.

.10. In a flying machine, a plurality ofsuill) perposed planes, one of said planes being movable in a plurality of directions relative to the other, and means tending resiliently to hold said movable plane in a normal position.

11. In a flying machine, a plurality of superposed planes, means for operatively connectin said planes whereby the same are movable relatlvely to one another in a plurality of-dircetions, means tending to hold one of said planes in a normal position relative to the other of said planes, and means for controlling one of said )lanes whereby the same can be sinmltaneously tilted and moved bodily relatively to the other.

12. In a flying machine, a lower plane, an upper plane, links connecting said planes whereby said upper plane can be tilted and moved bodily with respect to said lower plane, means tending to hold said upper plane in a normal )osition relative to said owcr plane, means for controlling said upper plane, and vanes at angles with said planes.

13. In a flying machine, a plurality of sn- 1 perposed downwardly concave planes having vanes at the ends thereof, said vanes being at substantially right angles to said planes, links connecting said laues whereby the same are movable relatively to one anotherin a fore and aft direction, and adjustable bars for controlling one of said lanes whereby the same can be simultaneous y tilted and moved bodily.

14. In a flying machine, a plurality of sucrposed, downwardly concave planes havmg vanes at the ends thereof, said vanes being at substantially right an les to said lanes, means connecting said p anes wherey the same are movable relatively to one another in a fore and aft direction, and means for controlling one of said planes whereby the same can be simultaneously tilted and moved bodily.

15. In a flying machine, a plurality of superposed planes movable relativel to one another in a fore and aft direction, and braced against movement transversely of one another.

16. In' a flying machine, a pluralit of superposed planes, links connecting sai planes whereby the same are movable relatively to one another in a fore and aft direction, and guys connecting said links and one of said planes whereby said links are held against movement in a direction transverse of the machine. a

17. In a flying machine, a plurality of supeaposed, comm planes having vanes at the en s thereof and extending at angles to said pltliefli 2 means for .10 eratively connecting 80.1 relatiii ely to one'another in a fore and aft dircction, and are held against movement relative to onejanotherin a transverse direction,

means .fori-fnbrmally holding said please anes'whcreby he same are movable normal positions relative to one another, and means for adjusting one of said planes whereby the same can be moved relatively to the other.

18. In a flying machine, a plane comprising frame members, a covering for said frame members, and braces connecting said frame members, said braces being extensible.

19. In a flyin machine, a plane comprising frame menners, a covering supported upon said frame members, and braces counccting said frame members and having re silient portions.

20. In a flying machine, a plane comprising longitudinal frame members and transverse frame members, a covering supported upon said frame members, and braces connecting said frame members and at angles therewith, said braces each having a portion constituting a spring.

21. In a flying machine, an upper plane and a lower plane, means for movably connecting said planes, and a frame rigidly supported upon said lower plane, said frame carrying vancs at angles with said planes.

'22. In a flying machine, on upper plane, a lower lane, means for connecting said planes whereliy the same are relatively movable, a frame mounted upon said lower plane and comprising a top frame member and pairs of struts supporting the same, said struts of each portion being at an angle with each other, and vanes supported by said struts.

23. In a flyin machine an upper plane, a lower plane, links movably connecting said upper plane and said lower plane, means for resiliently holding said planes in normal relative positions, a frame supported upon said lower plane and comprising a top frame member, and pairs of struts supporting the same said struts of each pair being at an angle with each other, and vanes supported by said struts.

24. In a flying machine, a pluralit of superposed planes, links for operative y connectin said planes whereby the same are movab e relatively to one another, a manually adjustable member for controllin one of said planes whereby the same can be simultaneously tilted and moved bodily, and a propeller for advancing the machine in the air.

25. In a flying machine, a plurality of superposed planes, means for operatively connecting said planes whereby the same are movable relatively to one another means for controllin one of said planes wiereby the same can e simultaneously tilted and moved bodily, and means for advancing the machine through the air.

26. In a flying machine, a plurality of superposed planes, one of said planes having spaced sections movable relatlvely to one another, a prime mover-'movably supported upon one of said planes, and means 0 )erable by said prime mover for advancing t e machine through the air.

'27. In a flying machine, a plurality of supexzposed planes, a link connection between sai lanes whereby one of the same can be tilte and moved bodily relatively to the other, means for supporting an operator upon one of said planes, a frame, a prime mover supported upon said frame, and a pro- 10 peller operable by said prime mover.

In testimony whereof I have signed my name to this specification in the presence of two subscribing witnesses.

MALCOLM GROVER ADAMS.

Witnesses:

IRA F. ADAMS, E. M. SWATSZEL.

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