CA2433383A1 - The hoverman - Google Patents

Abstract

A levitation device for performing illusionary magic. Manually controlled by a three way valve switch concealed in the hand. Extending from the valve and running up the sleeve of the arm are three air lines in which the CO2 passes. One line is the supply line which comes from the CO2 tank that is strapped to the person's waist with a belt and straps, the secondary line or waste line provides for the release of air pressure as the person slowly descends to the ground. The third line leads down the side or back of the person into and down the pant leg eventually connecting to the shoe lift cylinder, which is custom fitted into the heel of the shoe. Activating the three way valve slowly increases the air pressure enabling the shoe cylinder piston shaft and platform to extend out from the heel bottom and downwards towards the ground, lifting the person four to six inches creating an illusionary floating like effect. With the slow release of gas pressure the person slowly descends to the ground.

Description

Sec~~cati~n This invention relates to a manually operative device for creating a levitating illusionary effect.
It is common in all other devices and techniques of this nature to create such an effect through the use of sight, verbal manipulateon (misdirection), and trickery. One such device and technique requires the use of a piece of A.B.S pipe attached to a spring loaded reel which clips to the persons belt or pants. The trick here is to get the piece of A.B.S pipe under the heel of their shoe, this can be done by using their weight to flatten the pipe somewhat, then by slowly maneuvering their shoe heel over and onto the top of the pipe, they can create a somewhat hard and time consuming levitation elusion.
Imagine all of this without being seen. To perform this elusion requires very good balancing and audience misdirection. It is very hard to do and does not look smooth. These techniques do have disadvantages. I nd them to be inefficient, as they do not provide for a real live levitation. These techniques largely depend on body positioning and verbal manipulation (misdirection) which must all play an important roll in creating the effect. If one or more of these natural and physical tools are missing the end result could be a complete disaster.
I have found that these disadvantages may be overcome by creating a manually controlled, mechanical working, levitation device, the strategy behind this concept is that it actually lifts the person upwards off the ground through mechanical means, creating a real levitation 3-effect, without the use of any trickery such as sight or verbal manipulation (misdirection) which is required by other more conventional techniques. The device comprised of a two and one half inch by nine inch C02 supply tank, three one eighth inch wide polyurethane lines, a hand held three way valve switch, and a pair of shoes, one containing a small shoe cylinder custom fitted into the heel, is light weight, very adaptable, easily assembled, and is generally fitted and concealed under the person's garments. The device applies a very different and unique technique, in providing the actual lift that is required to complete the levitation effect.
This levitation device more overly called the Hoverman, consists of a manually controlled thr ee way valve switch, drawing 1 fig-7 which when worn is secured to the persons arm just above the wrist using an elastic strap or wrist band, drawing 4 fig-5. The hand held three way valve switch, with a button type, finger controlled, air release valve, allowing for air pressure increase or decrease by the user, drawing I fig-7, has three air lines extending from the back side of the valve. Leading up the user's arm, down the persons back or side and connecting to the pre set air speed control valve, located at the top outlet of the nine ounce refillable CO2 supply tank, drawing 3A fig-6, is the C02 feeder or supply line, drawing 4 fig-~. The CO2 supply tank which also has a pre set regulator, pressure adjustment, and on and off valve, drawing 3A fig-1,2,3 is strapped to the persons waist belt by three fastener straps, which wrap around the tank and belt, providing a secure fit of the tank to the persons waist, drawing 3B fig-I&2. The shoe line, drawing 4 fig-9 which also originates from the three way allowing the air flow pressure in the shoe line to decrease by redirecting and exiting out the waste line, 3-there is a pre set in Line air speed control valve on the waste line to allow for slow air line pressure decrease, drawing 1. As the air pressure in the shoe cylinder slowly decreases, the cylinder piston shaft relinquishes its position, to attain its normal position back inside the shoe cylinder, which results in complete descent.

S DraWln~s Drawing 1- Main drawing complete.
Drawin~2 - Shoe cylinder assembly.
Drawing 3 - A - C~2 tanl~ assembly.
B - waist belt and strap assembly.
Drawing 4 - Complete device is shown and how it should be worn with all attachments assembled.

Claims (3)

1-A manually operable levitation device for conveniently creating, actual levitation effect. Comprising a modified shoe, and cylinder with a movable protruding piston shaft and adapted platform, to provide upward lifting motion. With air pressure line securely attached.

2-A device as defined in claim one, in which the shoe is modified to allow for proper and secure attachment of the shoe cylinder to the inside of the shoe heel, allowing free movement of the shoe cylinder piston shaft and platform.

3-A device as defined in claim one or two in which the shoe cylinder, necessitates no less than one hundred and thirty five P.S.I to become activated, providing the amount of lift required.
A levitation device in which the air pressure, supplied by an air tank and manually controlled, is distributed with the use of air pressure lines. A device in which all relating amenities when assembled and fitted provide for real effects, unlimited use and satisfying results.