INFLATABLE WING WITH INTERCHANGEABLE HANDLE OR HANDLES

Abstract

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.

Claims

1. An improved inflatable wing comprising: an inflatable airframe; a center strut connected to said airframe; a wing panel connected to said airframe and to said center strut; a handle having first and second ends, wherein said first and second ends are configured to removably connect to said center strut; and connection devices on said center strut configured to receive said first and second ends of said handle.

2. The improved inflatable wing of claim 1 further comprising first and second fittings, each configured to connect to said first and second ends of said handle and configured to space said handle from said center strut.

3. The improved inflatable wing of claim 1 further comprising first and second fittings, each configured to removably attach to said first and second ends of said handle and configured to space said handle from said center strut.

4. The improved inflatable wing of claim 2 wherein said connection devices comprises attachment webbing on said center strut configured to receive said fittings.

5. An improved inflatable wing kit comprising: an inflatable airframe; a center strut connectable to said airframe; a wing panel connectable to said airframe and center strut; a handle having first and second ends, wherein said first and second ends are configured to removably connect to said center strut; and connection devices connectable to said center strut and configured to receive said first and second ends of said handle.

6. The improved inflatable wing kit of claim 5 further comprising first and second fittings, each configured to connect to said first and second ends of said handle and configured to space said handle from said center strut.

7. The improved inflatable wing kit of claim 5 further comprising first and second fittings, each configured to removably attach to said first and second ends of said handle and configured to space said handle from said center strut.

8. The improved inflatable wing kit of claim 6 wherein said connection devices comprises attachment webbing connectable to said center strut and configured to receive said fittings.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0018] The preferred embodiment of the invention will be described by reference to the drawings thereof in which:

[0019] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a wing with an interchangeable handle system;

[0020] FIG. 2 is a side view of a wing with an interchangeable handle system using a single long handle;

[0021] FIG. 3 is a side view of a wing with an interchangeable handle system with a single long handle detached;

[0022] FIG. 4 is a side view of a wing with an interchangeable handle system using multiple handles;

[0023] FIG. 5 is a side view of a wing with an interchangeable handle system with multiple handles detached; and

[0024] FIG. 6 is a side view of a wing with an interchangeable handle system showing multiple attachment positions to allow for adjustment.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT OF THE INVENTION

[0025] Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2 there is shown an inflatable wing 10 with an interchangeable single long handle 16. Inflatable wing 10 includes an airframe 12, wing panel 13, and center strut 14. Single long handle 16 is removably connected to center strut 14 via angled fittings 20 which are connected or removably connectable to the handle's ends. Preferably, angled fittings 20 are configured to create a gap between the strut 14 and handle 16 to allow freedom of movement for the user's hands on the handle. Along the center strut 14 are connection devices to removably attach the fittings thereto. Preferably, these devices are attachment webbings 22 suitably spaced along the strut 14 and configure to engage the fittings 20. As those skilled in the art will appreciate, any connection devices will do.

[0026] Referring to FIGS. 4 and 5 there is shown an inflatable wing 10 with interchangeable multiple short handles 18. Again, inflatable wing 10 includes an airframe 12, wing panel 13, and center strut 14. Short handles 18 are removably connected to center strut 14 via angled fittings 20 which are connected or removably connectable to each handles' ends. Preferably, angled fittings 20 are configured to create a gap between the strut 14 and each handle 18 to allow freedom of movement for the user's hands on the handles. Along the center strut 14 are connection devices to removably attach the fittings 20 thereto. Preferably, these devices are attachment webbings 22 suitably spaced along the strut 14 and configure to engage the fittings 20. As those skilled in the art will appreciate, any connection devices will do.

[0027] In both the single long handle and multiple short handle configurations, the fittings 20 may secure to the attachment webbings 22 via friction. To additionally secure the fittings 20 to the attachment webbings 22, straps, ropes, clamps, fasteners and other devices may be used, as those skilled in the art will appreciate. For example, a user may secure the fittings 20 to the attachment webbings 20 via loop to loop, knots, screws, slides and the like.

[0028] Referring to FIG. 6, attachment webbing 22 can be movably spaced along center strut 14 to customize a user's handle position and handle preferences.

[0029] While embodiments of the invention have been described and illustrated, such embodiments should be considered illustrative of the invention only. The invention may include variants not described or illustrated herein in detail. Thus, the embodiments described and illustrated herein should not be considered to limit the invention as construed in accordance with the accompanying claims.