Importance

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Abstract

A human powered hang glider (10) has a fixed wing portion (12) and a pair of movable wing portions (14, 16). Flexible sheet material (26, 28) is connected to trailing edges (30, 32) of the movable wing portions (14, 16). A support structure (34, 36) for the flexible sheet material (26, 28) overlies each flexible sheet material (26, 28). Elastic bands (52) and wires (74, 76) are connected in opposing relationship to the movable wing portions (14, 16) to allow reciprocation of the movable wing portions (14, 16). When the flexible bands (52) cause upward movement of the movable wing portions (14, 16) the flexible sheet members (26, 28) move away from their associated support structures (34, 36), allowing air to pass through the support structures (34, 36). When pilot (70 pulls on wires (74, 76) to move the movable wing portions (14, 16) downward, the flexible sheet portions (26, 28) move against their associated support structures (34, 36) to provide increased lift from the movable wing portions (14, 16). In a typical flight, these movements are performed occasionally, and the hang glider is otherwise launched, flown and landed in a conventional manner.

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First Claim