New jet-pack patent propels with water

Sure, we all love jet packs. Who doesn't enjoy strapping a gigantic tube of highly flammable fuel to their back and igniting it so it can propel you hundreds of feet into the air? Well, an inventor named Raymond Li has a different idea, one which he's just managed to patent: a water-propelled rocket pack. The new design would use a system of conduits which route pressure to independently pivoting thrust nozzles, while the actual engine, pump, and dangerous gases remain floating on water in a self-contained, buoyant package. It's somewhat unclear if you'll be able to rocket over land using this device (the fact that the engine is water-based would suggest no), though it is an interesting development for jet-pack enthusiasts.

[Via Wired]

[JBo @ Aug 28th 2007 11:20AM]

#24 looks like a poop chute. Maybe the jet pack uses enemas to propel the user. A convenient transportation device that gives the user a cholonic at the same time!

[primetime4 @ Aug 28th 2007 11:23AM]

I am surprised "Super Mario Sunshine" was not mentioned in the patent.

[g.Park @ Aug 28th 2007 11:27AM]

Wasn't this on MacGuyver?

[Matt @ Aug 28th 2007 11:28AM]

F.L.U.D.D. in real life.

Also, check out that thumbs-up he's giving us all!

[Manuel @ Aug 28th 2007 11:28AM]

Great! now i can ride one of those and say:

It's time to kick ass and chew bubble gum, and I'm all out of gum.

[Sam @ Aug 28th 2007 11:42AM]

Now we can all be water-benders!

[James @ Aug 28th 2007 12:09PM]

The grin and the thumbs-up make the pic. Nice.

[Dennis @ Aug 28th 2007 12:50PM]

wtf?

[DA @ Aug 28th 2007 12:50PM]

@primetime, yeah, I think Mario wins this patent war cold.

Get Super Mario Sunshine free at: http://wiihd.wikidot.com/free

[strider_mt2k @ Aug 28th 2007 12:53PM]

Wearable water rockets.

Jebus, how often did the toy ones work?

You have to pump it up with a big plastic pump too?

[Yimmy @ Aug 28th 2007 1:00PM]

Oh man, Elton John, you can finally be the Rocket Man you always wanted to be... And via water. That's awesome...

[albo23 @ Aug 28th 2007 1:08PM]

It's a me Mario!

[David @ Aug 28th 2007 1:27PM]

Actually, this is a great way to get a head start on developing the technology for a safe, fully tetherless jetpack, one that can stay in the air for more than a few minutes. If you fall, you would just land back in the water.

[Bobs @ Aug 29th 2007 2:38AM]

And drown

[Magallanes @ Aug 28th 2007 1:33PM]

I just remembered about Perry Bible Fellowship.

[jo3 @ Aug 28th 2007 2:39PM]

from the diagram it looks like the small boat like object trailing behind the user is floating in the water and is supplying a constant stream of water to the system. it seems like it would be pretty safe because you would always be hovering above water. not a bad idea.

[Wwhat @ Aug 28th 2007 5:05PM]

Here's my addendum: we borrow ancient roman technology and replace roads with aqueducts!

[vdd @ Aug 28th 2007 5:45PM]

I think I found some prior art :-D
http://youtube.com/watch?v=Qupq9nPmevQ

[Geoff @ Aug 28th 2007 7:39PM]

Yep this was in the last episode of Macgyver.

[Cormin @ Aug 30th 2007 5:49AM]

what is this to provide a whole 5 seconds of flight-time?