Human Powered Walking Devices
There are quite a number of research activities related to alternative modes of locomotion without wheels.
Powerbocking is the act of jumping and running, much like parkour, with elastic stilts with boots. For some it is an extreme sport, for others it is a form of exercise or even a means of artistic expression. The use of the stilts to perform extreme jumping, running and acrobatics is known as bocking or powerbocking after the inventor.
Each boot consists of a foot pad with snowboard type bindings, foot-plate and a fiberglass leaf spring. Using only their weight, and few movements, the user is generally able to jump up to 2 meters (6 feet) off the ground and run up to 32 km/h (20 mph). They also give the ability to take up to 3 meter (9 foot) strides.
Powerbocking boots were originally patented by Alexander Boeck as PowerSkips.
Each boot consists of a foot pad with snowboard type bindings, foot-plate and a fiberglass leaf spring. Using only their weight, and few movements, the user is generally able to jump up to 2 meters (6 feet) off the ground and run up to 32 km/h (20 mph). They also give the ability to take up to 3 meter (9 foot) strides.
Powerbocking boots were originally patented by Alexander Boeck as PowerSkips.
The Bionic Boots look more like a futuristic piece of art or something out of a science fiction film than entertaining footwear. The boots, patented by Coventry University on behalf of the inventor, Keahi Seymour, enhance the natural human running motion using a high powered spring and elastic mechanism which means more power for less effort.
A great deal of energy is absorbed by the foot coming into contact with the ground when running or walking. The bionic boot absorbs the impact into its spring and elastic mechanism, springing the foot up from the ground.
The inspiration for the boots came from kangaroos. They are not particularly strong, but have natural elastic sinews in their legs. These absorb the impact and recycle the energy usually lost through making direct contact with the ground.
A great deal of energy is absorbed by the foot coming into contact with the ground when running or walking. The bionic boot absorbs the impact into its spring and elastic mechanism, springing the foot up from the ground.
The inspiration for the boots came from kangaroos. They are not particularly strong, but have natural elastic sinews in their legs. These absorb the impact and recycle the energy usually lost through making direct contact with the ground.
Kangoo Jumps are low impact rebound sport shoes designed to provide a safe platform for jogging and other exercises that are notoriously hard on the joints. The boots use a lightweight leaf-spring to absorb shocks due to impact on the ground and create a rebound effect that reduces shock impact on ankles, knees, hips and lower back by up to 60%.
Originally developed in Switzerland for joggers, Kangoo Jumps also provide benefits for athletic strengthening and conditioning, rehabilitation and injury prevention, group aerobics (Kangoo'Robic), games, or just plain fun.
Originally developed in Switzerland for joggers, Kangoo Jumps also provide benefits for athletic strengthening and conditioning, rehabilitation and injury prevention, group aerobics (Kangoo'Robic), games, or just plain fun.
The SpringWalker body amplifier is designed to capture most of the wasted energy, store it in the bungee-cord spring, then release it to push the SpringWalker forward as it lopes along. What makes the SpringWalker so much fun, is how simple it is. No wires, no motors, no computers.
