Allison's kite has only vertical spars. The wind pressure curves the single sheet of material between the spars into a semicircle. The positioning of the two horizontal wingtip bridle attachments acts in the same manner as a vertical bridle on a structured kite, guiding the kite's attitude to the wind.
The delay in the issuing of the patent was due to the title “Flexible Kite”. The Patent Office's concern was that Allison's design might infringe on Rogallo wing recently issued Rogallo wing patent.
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