Chapter 3Before NASA 1912-1958

Sections

1. Show the introduction: Rogallo's Early Days

   According to Stéphane Malbos’ 1997 interviews and documents:

   Section 3.1Rogallo's Early Days
2. Show the introduction: NACA – According to Elizabeth Suckow

   On the NASA website

   Section 3.2NACA – According to Elizabeth Suckow
3. Show the introduction: NACA – According to Robert G. Ferguson

   From NASA’s First A – Aeronautics from 1958 to 2008. A 302-page ebook written for NASA. (doc-16)

   Section 3.3NACA – According to Robert G. Ferguson
4. Show the introduction: 1936–1958 — Rogallo at NACA

   According to Stéphane Malbos’ 1997 interviews and documents:

   Section 3.41936–1958 — Rogallo at NACA
5. Show the introduction: 1940 — Rogallo’s First Patent

   On December 13, 1940, F. M. Rogallo filed for patent US 2,322,745, which will be granted on June 29, 1943.

   Section 3.51940 — Rogallo’s First Patent
6. Show the introduction: 1948 — Rogallos’ First "Flexible Kite" Patent

   According to Stéphane Malbos’ 1997 interviews and documents:

   Section 3.61948 — Rogallos’ First "Flexible Kite" Patent
7. Show the introduction: 1949 — The Doplex Flexikite

   According to a file obtained by Stéphane Malbos from The Rogallo Foundation in 1997, Rogallo’s “second flexible wing prototype was made in late 1948 out of Doplex, which consisted of two sheets of cellophane glued to cotton mesh. Doplex was originally used for winterising windows and in greenhouses. The prototype was named and made as a gift for Rogallo’s daughter, Marie, when she was nine years old. Production versions of the kite were later sold later at F.A.O. Schwarz in New York under the name, Comet Flexi-Kite.” (bna-06)

   Section 3.71949 — The Doplex Flexikite
8. Show the introduction: 1952 — Rogallos’ Second "Flexible Kite" Patent

   On November 17, 1952, Gertrude and Francis Rogallo filed their second and last patent application: G. S. Rogallo et al. – 2,751,172. (rpa-03) Further patents will be filed by Francis M. Rogallo alone, or Francis M. Rogallo et al.

   Section 3.81952 — Rogallos’ Second "Flexible Kite" Patent
9. Show the introduction: 1954–1955 — Rogallos vs. Allison

   Francis and Gertrude Rogallo must have been alerted to the Allison Flexible Kite patent by the Patent Office, because both patents were called “Flexible Kite” and a conflict was anticipated.

   Section 3.91954–1955 — Rogallos vs. Allison
10. Show the introduction: William M. Allison Invented the "Flexible Kite"

    Because they had linked their second patent to their first, when the Rogallos conceded “priority of invention of the subject matter”, they recognised that Allison was “the original and true inventor” of the flexible kite, or flexible wing, or flexible wing concept (Rogallo will use these terms interchangeably).

    Section 3.10William M. Allison Invented the "Flexible Kite"
11. Show the introduction: The Chiringa

    In its July 1967 issue, Popular Science published Build Your Own Reentry Kite.

    Section 3.11The Chiringa
12. Show the introduction: 1954 — Introduction to Aeroflexibility

    Within his 22 years at NACA, we found no report or technical note, but only one presentation from Rogallo, his Introduction to Aeroflexibility. It was given to the Air Force Reserve Unit at Langley Field, Va., on April 21, 1954. (rre-01)

    Section 3.121954 — Introduction to Aeroflexibility
13. Show the introduction: The Mylar Flexikites

    We have seen many pictures of the Mylar Comet Flexikite, mostly from 1956. (bna-07)

    We have seen no pictures of the Jet and Rocket, only drawings on the instructions for use. (bna-08)

    None of the Mylar Flexikites followed the Rogallos’ patented flexible kite designs:

    Section 3.13The Mylar Flexikites
14. Show the introduction: The Visions

    The First Patent – 1948

    In the description:

    "We have shown but one form of the kite. Other forms are entirely feasible. For example, elliptical configurations may be used… Reinforcement might conceivably be comprised of flexible material such as wood… Reinforcement may consist of hollow fabric tubes which are open at their front ends and close at their rear ends so as to be inflatable by the oncoming wind and maintained in shape hereby."

    Section 3.14The Visions
15. Show the introduction: The Deceptions

    It is nice to have visions of flying, one of mankind’s oldest dreams. What matters is reality.

    The crux of Rogallo’s deception was to mistake his visions for reality. The last paragraph of the previous subchapter tells it all.

    Section 3.15The Deceptions
16. Show the introduction: Many More Claims

    After his 1962 presentation, Rogallo’s “visions” generated many more claims.

    Section 3.16Many More Claims