A method of loading a bladder into an outer envelope of an inflatable kite involves inserting the bladder through a valve opening in a portion of the outer envelope of the inflatable kite until a valve of the bladder is positioned in the valve opening. The preferred manner of inserting the bladder into position is accomplished by securing a line to a remote end of the bladder and using the line to draw the bladder through the valve opening.

A multi-layer bladder construct consisting of a non-stretchable outer covering and a stretchable inner bladder. The outer covering has an inner surface and is made from woven polymer fibers having a warp direction and a weft direction. The inner bladder is made from a bi-axially oriented polymer film. The inner bladder has an outer surface area that is smaller than the inner surface area of the outer covering. Upon inflation, the inner bladder stretches and expands until the outer surface of the inner bladder engages the inner surface of the outer covering, whereby a portion of tensile force loading on the outer covering is shared with the inner bladder. A stretchable flexible film is incorporated into the inner bladder in at least one selected location. The stretchable flexible film has an elastic expansion range which is greater that the elastic expansion range of the remainder of the inner bladder.

Disclosed is a wing rig having detachable handles fastened to a front tube or a center strut.

Disclosed is a wing rig having detachable handles fastened to a front tube or a center strut.

A wingsurfing wing, a handle thereof and a method of retaining the handle. The handle includes a member that is elongated in an elongation direction to be suitable for grasping. First and second attachment portions suitable for attaching the member to a strut of the wing extend from the member and are spaced apart from each other in the elongation direction. A fitting defines the second attachment portion and is adjustable between first and second configurations. In the first configuration, the fitting is movably engaged with the member to reposition the second attachment portion in the elongation direction. In the second configuration, the fitting is fixedly engaged with the member. The method includes causing frictional engagement between the strut and the fitting via an interference fit between a fastening portion and the strut, and causing frictional engagement between the fitting and the member to prevent movement of the fitting.

A wingsurfing wing, a handle thereof and a method of retaining the handle. The handle includes a member that is elongated in an elongation direction to be suitable for grasping. First and second attachment portions suitable for attaching the member to a strut of the wing extend from the member and are spaced apart from each other in the elongation direction. A fitting defines the second attachment portion and is adjustable between first and second configurations. In the first configuration, the fitting is movably engaged with the member to reposition the second attachment portion in the elongation direction. In the second configuration, the fitting is fixedly engaged with the member. The method includes causing frictional engagement between the strut and the fitting via an interference fit between a fastening portion and the strut, and causing frictional engagement between the fitting and the member to prevent movement of the fitting.

A multi-layer bladder construct consisting of a non-stretchable outer covering and a stretchable inner bladder. The outer covering has an inner surface and is made from woven polymer fibers having a warp direction and a weft direction. The inner bladder is made from a bi-axially oriented polymer film. The inner bladder has an outer surface area that is smaller than the inner surface area of the outer covering. Upon inflation, the inner bladder stretches and expands until the outer surface of the inner bladder engages the inner surface of the outer covering, whereby a portion of tensile force loading on the outer covering is shared with the inner bladder. A stretchable flexible film is incorporated into the inner bladder in at least one selected location. The stretchable flexible film has an elastic expansion range which is greater that the elastic expansion range of the remainder of the inner bladder.

An improved inflatable wing and kit including an inflatable airframe, a center strut connectable to the airframe, a wing panel connectable to the airframe and to the center strut, and a handle. The handle may have first and second ends, each configured to removably connect to the center strut via connection devices on the center strut which are configured to receive the first and second ends of the handle.

An improved inflatable wing and kit including an inflatable airframe, a center strut connectable to the airframe, a wing panel connectable to the airframe and to the center strut, and a handle. The handle may have first and second ends, each configured to removably connect to the center strut via connection devices on the center strut which are configured to receive the first and second ends of the handle.

A multi-layer bladder construct consisting of a non-stretchable outer covering and a stretchable inner bladder. The outer covering has an inner surface and is made from woven polymer fibers having a warp direction and a weft direction. The inner bladder is made from a bi-axially oriented polymer film. The inner bladder has an outer surface area that is smaller than the inner surface area of the outer covering. Upon inflation, the inner bladder stretches and expands until the outer surface of the inner bladder engages the inner surface of the outer covering, whereby a portion of tensile force loading on the outer covering is shared with the inner bladder. The multi-layer bladder was developed for use in air-inflated kites used in the sport of kiteboarding, but has broader potential application.