Hoverboard

A hoverboard is a fictional, futuristic skateboard that transports it's rider without wheels or trucks by hovering.http://www.statemaster.com/encyclopedia/HoverboardThe way it is explained to work is with magnetic propulsion systems.http://www.howstuffworks.com/hoverboard.htmThere are two different kinds and both transport a person by floating above the ground. A manual hoverboard moves by the skater pushing himself along by one of his feet like a skateboard, and a Pitbull is powered by jets.http://www.yourprops.com/PROTOTYPE-PIT-BULL-HOVERBOARD-original---screen-used-movie-props-Back-To-The-Future-2--1989--prop-7433.htmlIn the Back to the Future movies, the manual board was used by Marty McFly but Pitbulls are also used as well as the Rising Sun, No Tech and the Question Mark. These additional hoverboards were named not for their function but for their design.http://www.jhallman.com/bttfprops/part_2_hoverboards.htm

The hoverboard is widely recognized as one of the props from both Back to the Future II and Back to the Future III. Marty had a regular skateboard in the first movie, and in the second and third, made use of the hovering craft to help him escape from his captors who were chasing him in cars. One disadvantage of the hoverboards from these movies is that they would be less efficient and even malfunctioning while traveling over water.http://www.experiencefestival.com/hoverboard_-_technology

To portray the hoverboard on film, special effects were used. There were two different hoverboard props. One was made of foam and appeared in scenes where it wasn't being used. A separate, wooden hoverboard was utilized in the scenes where a character was riding on it. To give it the appearance of floating over the ground, the actor was hooked up to cables to lift them into the air while the board was attached to their feet.http://www.jhallman.com/bttfprops/part_2_hoverboards.htm

Many attempts have been made to understand how a hoverboard such as the one present in the Back to the Future trilogy could work. A company named Space Magnetics that had changed its name from Hovertech, made prototypes that used a column of air that worked with magnetic liquid that would potentially create an air bubble that the board could float on. None of the prototypes worked.http://www.experiencefestival.com/a/Hoverboard_-_Real_world/id/5143270

Kevin Inkster, a creator and inventor,http://www.abc.net.au/dimensions/dimensions_future/Transcripts/s642793.htmhas created something similar to the hoverboard: a hoverboard scooter called the Airboard.http://www.howstuffworks.com/hoverboard.htmIt drives forward by a propelled cushion of air. The Airboard was shown off by Kevin himself at the 2000 Summer Olympics.http://www.howstuffworks.com/hoverboard.htm

Future Horizons Inc. had also come up with a design plan for a hoverboard. They have been working on plans since 1997 and are now selling the designs for around $50 so that anyone can try building their own. Building a hovercraft usually can be done under $500.http://www.futurehorizons.net/hoverboard.htmThe product uses a skirt of fabric to help trap air underneath the board and can carry over 200 pounds. Attached is an engine that propels air underneath the board. It can also include hand controls for steering and speed.http://www.futurehorizons.net/hoverboard.htm