Half a croissant, on a plate, with a sign in front of it saying '50c'
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Shproing propulsion

 Why drive when you can shproing.
  (+1)
(+1) 		  [vote for,
against]

The *shproing-mobile* is a slightly asymmetrical, thick rubber, concave disk which, when at rest, is held in a forcibly inverted state.
Its four insectile legs act as shock absorbers by transferring the weight of the descending craft into energy used to re-invert the disk after its potential energy has been released in the initial shproing.
The asymmetry of the design provides for slightly forward rather than vertical leaps. [Link]

(?) Shproing sketch http://www3.telus.n...ng%20propulsion.jpg
[2 fries shy of a happy meal, Oct 04 2004, last modified Oct 05 2004]

is this what jurist is thinking about? http://www.burwellt...k/images/hopper.jpg
[po, Oct 04 2004, last modified Oct 05 2004]

Fun Hop http://www.amazon.c...340?v=glance&s=toys
What we used to call a "Hippity Hop" [phoenix, Oct 04 2004, last modified Oct 05 2004]


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Annotation:







       That diagram is a hoot, [2 fries]. But as for the inspiration, did your wife's diaphragm get carried off by ants again? Perhaps she should consider switching to an unsweetened jelly.   

       In real life, I think this would be a fun toy; sort of conceptually kindred to the large ride-able inflated rubber bouncing balls with yoke handles that were popular with kids in the '70s. (See the Fun Hop link kindly provided by Phoenix.) I don't think it will ever become a commuter vehicle.
—jurist, Oct 29 2003
   

       Just got a Space Hopper for my birthday. The Sproing looks fun too, but maybe harder to control.
—wagster, Aug 30 2004
   

       Nonobstant the slightly obscene look, I want a super-shproinging sport version. The legs could be unidirectional carbon fiber to add kick. Really it only stores the energy, so youll have to bounce actively yourself to keep on going, which isn't evident on your good sketch. Perhaps one could ride it standing up and hooking the feet on footstraps. After careful consideration I will give it a croissant.
—finflazo, Aug 30 2004
   

       I refuse to even consider this, no matter how carefully or otherwise.   

       It just sounds cool. [+]
—shapu, Aug 30 2004
   


 

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