Method of and Apparatus for Facilitating Walking and Running.
Year: 1889

page_text: Date of Application, 29th Jan., 1889
Complete Specification Left, 28th Oct., 1889-Accepted, 7th Dec., 1889
PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION.
Method of and Apparatus for Facilitating Walking and Running.
I, NICHOLAS YAGN, of 25 Basseinaja, St. Petersburg, Russia, Mechanical Engineer,
do hereby declare the nature of this invention to be as follows:-
It is well known that a person soon tires if he continuously bends down at
the knees into a sitting position and then raises himself again, without changing
his position otherwise, that is, without performing any productive work.
The body becomes tired much sooner under those conditions than when walking
upstairs or climbing a hill, although in the latter case the person has to perform a
very considerable amount of work. The observation of these facts shews that the
principal cause of such tiring of the muscles is to be found in the exertion required
to support the weight of the upper part of the body while lowering the latter in
bending the knees. It is obvious that this exertion causes a perfectly unproductive
expenditure of muscle power, and even if this exertion could be avoided it will be
evident that the action of walking, jumping and running would be considerably
facilitated, and persons would be enabled to carry much greater weights than at
present.
The above considerations have led me to make the present invention, which consists
essentially in causing the above mentioned power required to support the sinking body
to be supplied by springs or other elastic devices, which by this means not only free
the muscles from unproductive expenditure of force, but also serve to store up the
tensional strain produced by the sinking of the body, in order to give the same out
again as propelling force on rising.
In consequence hereof, the hereinafter described method of using elastic devices,
enables both the sinking and the rising of the body to be effected with practically no
exertion of the muscular force and consequently no fatigue is produced thereby.
On the accompanying drawings Figs. 1 and 2 shew side views of a construction of
apparatus for carrying out my said invention attached to the leg of a person, Fig. 1
shewing the apparatus in the raised position of the body, and Fig. 2 shewing the same
in the lowered position; Figs. 3 and 4 shew back views of the apparatus respectively
in the extended and compressed positions; Fig. 5 shews a plan of the spring shoe,
Fig. 6 a plan of the hinged sole plate of the shoe; Fig. 7 a detail view to an enlarged
scale of part of the telescopic rod and the sleeves thereon that hold the spring.
Figs. 8, 9, 10 and 11 shew cross sections taken respectively at 1-1, 2-2, 3-3, and
4-4 in Figs. 7 and 7ª, the section at Fig. 11 being viewed from below. Figs. 12 to 16
shew several examples of the application of different constructions of springs.
As seen in Figs. 3 to 11 of the drawings, the apparatus shewn by way of example
consists of the following principal parts a cushion or saddle A, a telescopic rod or
support, the parts of which slide up and down upon each other, and which is sur-
rounded by a helical spring B; and a spring shoe D.
a a,
is
Such an apparatus is secured to each leg of the person as shewn at Figs. 1 and 2.
bands
The cushion A which is secured to the thigh of the person by straps or
connected by means of a metal bracket and hinge joint E to the upper part e of the
rod C; the lower part e' which slides into the part e terminates at bottom in a pivot,
by preference of spherical form, which rests in a corresponding bearing F fixed to
the heel of the spring shoe D. The upper end of the spring B bears against the
sleeve fixed to the upper end of the tube e, while the lower end bears against a
collar fixed to the lower end of the tube e¹ just above the pivot thereof.
For preventing undue extension of the spring B, the sleeve is connected
to the collar by means of two strong bands or chains 9 g, which, for con-
venience. may be passed at intervals through the coils of the spring, as shewn at
Fine 9 and 1

page_text: The shoe D consists of the sole plate d connected to the heel plate h by means of a
hinge, the front end of the plate d being connected by a second hinge to the plate k
which is attached to the sole of the boot.
On each side of the plate k are fixed stirrup shaped arms the upper outward hent
ends of which rest upon and are pressed upwards by springs m m³ surrounding rods n n'
that pass with their upper ends through holes in and are connected at their lower
ends by hinges pp' to the sole plate d.
The upward motion of the plate k is limited by the heads o o¹ on the ends of the
rods n n'.
e
In order to allow free action to the knee in advancing the leg when walking or
running, the sleeve is made shiftable along the upper tube
for which purpose a
part of the latter is provided at two diametrically opposite points with longitudinal
ribs or projections 9 as shewn more clearly at Figs. 7 and 10, and the opening of the
sleeve is made of corresponding configuration as at Figs. 8 and 9 in order to slide over
the ribs.
The lower part of each rib q is cut away as shewn at Figs. 7 and 11, so that at
such point the sleeve can be turned partly round on e and so be locked in position
as at Fig. 9, in which position the upper end surface of the sleeve bears against the
under surface g of the ribs y Figs. 3. 4 7 and 11, and thus affords a secure abutment
to the spring B; it will be evident that in this position of the sleeve f the knee cannot
be freely bent, as it has to overcome the resistance of the spring B.
If on the other hand the sleeve is turned back into the position at Fig. 8 so as to
pass over the ribs, it can slide freely up and down and consequently the spring B will
not afford any resistance to the bending of the knee. When the leg is stretched, the
sleeve passes below the lower edges of the ribs again, and can be again locked by being
turned in the required direction.
The turning of the sleeves in one direction or the other for the above purpose is
effected automatically by the action of the logs in walking and running; for this
purpose each sleeve has an eye to which is attached one end of an elastic band s.
Figs. 3 and 4, the other end of this being attached to the eye of the sleeve of the
other leg. On the separation of the legs in walking or running the band S is
extended, and by its pull effects the turning of the sleeves alternately in opposite
directions.
It will be readily understood that the details of the above described apparatus may
be variously modified without departing from the essential features of the invention.
Thus Figs. 12. 13. 14. 15 and 16 shew various forms of springs which can be applied
to this apparatus, and it is evident that other elastic devices, such as pneumatic springs
might be used.
;
Fig. 12 shews, in extended and compressed condition, a spring formed out of a helically
coiled caoutchouc band between the coils of which is introduced a helical metal
band Fig. 13 shews a spring formed of blades and Fig. 14 one formed out of
discs, such as the Belleville springs; Fig. 15 shews the construction of a spring
which does not act by compression but by extension, being either of metal or
caoutchouc, the lower ends of the caoutchouc or helical springs u u¹ being con-
nected by a cross-piece to the upper tube e of the rod C, while the upper ends
of the springs are attached to the lower tube e', the latter being made to slide in
the tube e which has longitudinal slots for the passage of the transverse piece v¹.
Fig. 16 shews a spring consisting of inelastic plates w between which are placed
caoutchouc buffers Z.
The above described apparatus which is called "Elastipede" operates in walking
and running in the following manner.
When a person bears with the whole weight of the upper part of his body upon
one of the springs B, this will be compressed to such an extent that the heel of
the boot does not touch the sole plate d of the spring shoe D, as shewn at Fig. 2.
It is clear that the weight of the body will then be balanced by the strain put upon
the spring, and also, that on transferring the load of the person to the other leg, the
compressed spring will not only facilitate the extension of the knee joint, but will also

page_text: give the body a certain upward impulse, so that the person can without exertion make
a not inconsiderable jump.
As the body descends again and compresses the other spring, the strain put upon
the latter will already exceed the weight of the body by the full amount of the vis viva
due to the descent and consequently the subsequent upward impulse afforded thereby
will also be correspondingly stronger and so on, so that the action of walking by the
aid of this apparatus will result in a series of jumps which however require no greater
exertion than that of ordinary walking, although the distance passed over in the same
time will be considerably greater.
النصح
1000
ABEL & IMRAY,
Agents for the Applicant.
COMPLETE SPECIFICATION.
Method of and Apparatus for Facilitating Walking and Running.
I, NICHOLAS YAGN, of 25 Basseinaja, St. Petersburg, Russia, Mechanical Engineer,
do hereby declare the nature of this invention and in what manner the same is to
be performed to be particularly described and ascertained in and by the following
statement :-
It is well known that a person soon tires if he continuously bends down at the
knees into a sitting position and then raises himself again, without changing his
position otherwise, that is, without performing any productive work.
The body becomes tired much sooner under those conditions than when walking
upstairs, or climbing a hill, although in the latter case the person has to perform a
very considerable amount of work. The observation of these facts shews that the
principal cause of such tiring of the muscles is to be found in the exertion required
to support the weight of the upper part of the body while lowering the latter in bending
the knees.
It is obvious that this exertion causes a perfectly unproductive expenditure of
muscle power, and, if this exertion could be avoided, it will be evident that the action
of walking, jumping and running would be considerably facilitated and persons would
be enabled to carry much greater weights than at present.
The above considerations have led me to make the present invention, which consists
essentially in causing the above mentioned power required to support the sinking
body to be supplied by springs or other elastic devices which, by this means, not only
free the muscles from unproductive expenditure of force but also serves to store up
the tensional strain produced by the sinking of the body, in order to give the same out
again as propelling force on rising.
In consequence hereof the hereinafter described method of using elastic devices,
enables both the sinking and the rising of the body to be effected with practically no
exertion of the muscular force and consequently no fatigue is produced thereby.
On the accompanying drawings Figs. 1 and 2 shew side views of a construction of
apparatus for carrying out my said invention attached to the leg of a person.
Figure 1 shewing the apparatus in the raised position of the body and Figure 2
shewing the same in the lowered position. Figures 3 and 4 shew back views of
the apparatus respectively in the extended and compressed positions. Fig. 5 shews a
plan of the spring shoe. Fig. 6 a plan of the hinged sole plate of the shoe. Fig. 7
a detailed view to an enlarged scale of part of the telescopic rod and the sleeves
thereon that hold the spring. Figures S, 9, 10 and 11 shew cross sections taken
respectively at 1. 1, 2. 2, 3. 3, and 4. 4 in Figures 7 and 7, the section at Figure 11
being viewed from below. Figures 12 to 16 shew several examples of the application
of different constructions of springs.
As seen in Figs. 3 to 11 of the drawings, the apparatus shewn by example
consists of the following principal parts: a cushion or saddle A, a telescopic rod or
support C, the parts of which slide up and down upon each other, and which is
surrounded by a helical spring B, and a spring shoe D.
i

page_text: Such an apparatus is secured to each leg of the person as shewn at Figures 1
and 2.
The cushion A which is secured to the thigh of the person by straps or bands a a
is connected by means of a metil bracket and hinge joint E to the upper parte of
the rod the lower part e' which slides into the part e terminates at bottom in a
pivot, by preference of spherical form, which rests in a corresponding bearing F fixed
to the heel of the spring shoe D.
The upper end of the spring B bears against the sleeve fixed to the upper end of
the tube e while the lower end bears against a collar f¹ fixed to the lower end of the
tube e just above the pivot thereof.
For preventing undue extension of the spring B the sleeve is connected
to the collar by means of two strings, bands, or chains gg which, for con-
venience, may be passed at intervals through the coils of the spring as shewn at
Figures 2, 3 and 4.
The shoe D consists of the sole-plate d connected to the heel plate h by means of
a hinge i, the front end of the plated being connected by a second hinge to the
platek which is attached to the sole of the boot. On each side of the plate k are
fixed stirrup shaped arms the upper outward bent ends of which rest upon and are
pressed upwards by springs m m' surrounding rods n n that pass with their upper
ends through holes in and are connected at their lower ends by hinges p p to the
sole plate d. The upward motion of the plate is limited by the heads oo¹ on the
ends of the rods n n².
In order to allow free action to the knee in advancing the leg when walking
or running, the sleeve is made shiftable along the upper tube e, for which
purpose a part of the latter is provided at two diametrically opposite points with
longitudinal ribs or projections as shewn more clearly at Figures 7 and 10 and the
opening of the sleeve is made of corresponding configuration as at Figs. 8 and 9
in order to slide over the ribs.
The lower part of each rib q is cut away as shewn at Figures 7 and 11, so
that at such point the sleeve can be turned partly round one and so be locked
in position, as at Figure 9, in which position the upper end surface of the sleeve
bears against the under surface q¹ of the ribs 7 Figure 3, 4, 7" and 11 and thus
affords a secure abutment to the spring B; it will be evident that in this position
of the sleeve the knee cannot be freely bent, as it has to overcome the resistance of
the spring B.
If on the other hand the sleeve f is turned back into the position at Figure 8 so as
to pass over the ribs, it can slide freely up and down and consequently the spring B
will not afford any resistance to the bending of the knee.
When the leg is stretched, the sleeve passes below the lower edges of the ribs again
and can be again locked by being turned in the required direction. The turning of
the sleeves in one direction or the other, for the above purpose is effected auto-
matically by the action of the legs in walking, and running; for this purpose
each sleeve has an eye to which is attached one end of an elastic band s
Figures 3 and 4 the other end of this being attached to the eye of the sleeve of
the other leg.
On the separation of the legs in walking or running, the band s is extended and by
its pull effects the turning of the sleeves alternately in opposite directions.
It will be readily understood that the details of the above described apparatus may
be variously modified without departing from the essential features of the invention.
Thus Figures 12, 13, 14, 15 and 16 shew various forms of springs which can be applied
to this apparatus and it is evident that other elastic devices such as pneumatic springs
might be used.
Fig. 12 shews in extended and compressed condition, a spring formed out of a
helically coiled caoutchouc band between the coils of which is introduced a helical
metal band. Figure 13 shews a spring formed of blades t and Figure 14 one formed
out of discs such as the Belleville springs. Fig. 15 shews the construction of a spring
which does not act by compression but by extension, being either of metal or

page_text: caoutchone, the lower ends of the caoutchouc or helical springs ¹ being connected
by a cross piece v to the upper tube e of the rod C, while the upper ends of the springs
are attached to the lower tube e', the latter being made to slide in the tube e which
has longitudinal slots for the passage of the transverse piece Fig. 16 shows
a spring consisting of inelastic plates between which are placed caoutchouc
buffers Z.
The above described apparatus which is called "Elastipedes" operates in walking
and running in the following manner.
When a person bears with the whole weight of the upper part of his body upon
one of the springs B this will be compressed to such an extent that the heel of the
boot does not touch the sole plate d of the spring shoe D as shewn at Figure 2. It
is clear that the weight of the body will then be balanced by the strain put upon the
upon
spring, and also that on transferring the load of the person to the other leg, com-
pressed spring will not only facilitate the extension of the knee joint but will also
give the body a certain upward impulse, so that the person can without exertion make
a not inconsiderable jump.
As the body descends again and compresses the other spring, the strain put upon
the latter will already exceed the weight of the body by the full amount of the vis-viva
due to the descent and consequently the subsequent upward impulse afforded thereby
will also be correspondingly stronger and so on, so that the action of walking by the
aid of this apparatus will result in a series of jumps which however require no greater
exertion than that of ordinary walking although the distance passed over in the same
time will be considerably greater.
Having now particularly and ascertained the nature of my said invention and in
what manner the same is to be performed, I declare that what I claim is :
1-The method substantially as herein described of assisting a person in walking or
running and of increasing his carrying power by causing him when lowering the
upper part of his body in bending the knee, to compress springs or other elastic media,
the power thus stored up being afterwards usefully expended in raising the body again
and propelling it forward.
2 In apparatus for carrying out the method of operating referred to in the pre-
ceding claim, the combination of a spring support with appliances for connecting
the upper and lower ends thereof with the upper and lower parts of the leg of a
person substantially as herein described.
3-In apparatus such as is referred to in the preceding claim, the combination
of a telescopic rod having a pivotted means of attachment to the leg of a person
at each end, with a spring or elastic device so arranged as to tend to elongate
the rod, substantially as herein described with reference to the drawings.
4-In apparatus such as is referred to in the preceding claims, the combination
of a telescopic rod connected at its upper end to a saddle capable of attachment
to the thigh of a person and at its lower end to a spring shoe for attachment to
the foot of the person, with a spring abutting at its lower end against a fixed
collar on the lower part of the rod, and at its upper end against a rotatable sleeve
on the upper part of the rod, such sleeve being so arranged as in one position to
slide freely upon the rod and in another position to be locked thereon, substantially as
herein described with reference to the drawings.
5 Apparatus for assisting a person in walking and running combined and
operating substantially as herein described with reference to the accompanying
drawings.
Dated this 28th day of October 1889.
ABEL & IMRAY,
Agents for the Applicant.