There are many small variations to the design of the Allison, Scott
Sled, other than those already covered on this web site. Some are
made to get around the patent and copyrights. Although the inventors
did not specify measurements in their patent applications to
prevent any larger or smaller copies of their design, some gave percentages
of width to length ratios as in the case of John W. Loy’s ‘Swallowtail
Kite’ (application No. 43,108 : patent 4,279,394).
Ray Holland chose to cover his invention with possible alternatives
to the main patent
application (patent No. 3,767,145).
Some kite manufactures still found ways around the copyrights
just by making small alterations
to the basic design, round ports, curved leading edges
down to the bridle points, just to name a few.
Other kite enthusiast chose to experiment with the simplicity
of the design and made
variations to the vent, seeking to improve on Frank
Scott’s version of a triangle vent.
Others made double Sleds or Hornbeam kites (right hand side).
Top left, ‘Airway Kites of London’ vented sled.
Fourth from the left top row, Kenneth and Keith Shields of Ambridge,
Pa. with rectangular vent.
Lower four version on the left are versions made by other
kite manufactures.
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