C. DUAL FITTINGS THAT COMBINE STICK TO FABRIC WITH STICK TO STICK:

1. Circle Fittings - 12 segment & 15 segment:

We have all seen the unbelievable “Flying Crowns” by Andre’ Cassagnes and then later the sun and moon circles by Pete Dolphin. Since I neither have a brother, a plastic injection molding machine, nor the 50K required for a mold; I have been wrestling with machining this fitting for years. I finally have what appears to be a workable prototype design, but I have not yet built a kite. There are currently two beta tests in progress. On the east coast, Kevin Shannon; and, on the west coast, Cindy Thrall. As soon as I get a report from them, I’ll post it here and on the web.

A 12 segment 30 degree angle circle requires:

24 - 5 hole fittings to go around the inside of the circle top & bottom

24 - 3 hole fittings to go around the outside of the circle top & bottom

60 sticks of whatever size & length you choose

A 15 segment 24 degree angle circle requires:

30 - 5 hole fittings to go around the inside of the circle top & bottom

30 - 3 hole fittings to go around the outside of the circle top & bottom

75 sticks of whatever size & length you choose

I believe Andre” uses 6mm linear graphite sticks (closest American is 2300) in his circle, but I can make the fittings to any size linear graphite you want. Call and lets talk.

In addition, I created a positive cord loc. This fitting should eliminate the need to constantly re-tension the skin due to stretch, since it creates adjustable points around the circle to tighten the skin.

PIC: Miniature shop sample of fittings and cord loc demo on disc and Peters kite in photo attached