Method and apparatus for generating electricity while a user is moving

A method for generating electricity comprising:

• providing a fluid vessel associated with footwear of a user, the fluid vessel configured and dimensioned to house a fluid and to expel at least a portion of the fluid from the fluid vessel when the user applies at least a portion of the user's weight to the fluid vessel, thereby applying a first force to the fluid vessel;
• providing a mechanical-to-electrical generator sub-assembly in fluid communication with the fluid vessel through at least one fluid line, the mechanical-to-electrical generator sub-assembly configured and dimensioned to:
• (i) receive the fluid expelled from the fluid vessel in response to application of the first force to the fluid vessel, and (ii) generate electricity utilizing the expelled fluid, the mechanical-to-electrical generator sub-assembly including:
• (a) a mechanical generator in fluid communication with the fluid vessel, the mechanical generator including:
• (i) an actuating member configured and dimensioned to apply a second force to an elongated member in response to transmission of the expelled fluid from the fluid vessel, the elongated member being engaged with and effecting rotation of a driveshaft in response to application of the second force, and (ii) a spring member configured and dimensioned to apply a third force to the elongated member when the first force ceases to be applied to the fluid vessel, wherein application of the third force to the elongated member causes the elongated member to retract the actuating member;
• (b) an electrical generator coupled to the driveshaft, the electrical generator adapted to generate electricity based on rotation of the driveshaft;
• and
• (c) an external connection coupled to the electrical generator, the external connection configured to provide power to electronic devices or loads;
• applying a first force to the fluid vessel so that at least a portion of the fluid from the fluid vessel is expelled to the mechanical-to-electrical sub-assembly;
• and
• generating electricity with the mechanical-to-electrical generator sub-assembly by utilizing the expelled fluid.

An electricity generating system comprising:

• a fluid vessel associated with footwear of a user, the fluid vessel configured and dimensioned to house a fluid and to expel at least a portion of the fluid from the fluid vessel when the user applies at least a portion of the user's weight to the fluid vessel, thereby applying a first force to the fluid vessel;
• a mechanical-to-electrical generator sub-assembly in fluid communication with the fluid vessel through first and second fluid lines, the mechanical-to-electrical generator sub-assembly configured and dimensioned to:
• (i) receive the fluid expelled from the fluid vessel through the first fluid line in response to application of the first force to the fluid vessel, and (ii) generate electricity utilizing the expelled fluid, the mechanical-to-electrical generator sub-assembly including:
• (a) a mechanical generator in fluid communication with the fluid vessel through the first and second fluid lines, the mechanical generator configured and dimensioned to:
• (i) utilize the expelled fluid to effect rotation of a rotatable element in response to transmission of the expelled fluid from the fluid vessel through an inlet of the mechanical generator, the inlet in communication with the first line, and (ii) return the utilized fluid to a reservoir through an outlet in communication with the second line, the reservoir in fluid communication with the fluid vessel via the second fluid line;
• (b) an electrical generator coupled to the mechanical generator, the electrical generator adapted to generate electricity based on rotation of the rotatable element;
• and
• (c) an external connection coupled to the electrical generator, the external connection configured to provide power to electronic devices or loads;
• wherein the first fluid line includes a first valve and the second fluid line includes a second valve, the first and second valves configured and dimensioned to:
• (i) prevent the fluid from being forced into the mechanical generator outlet on the power stroke of the rotatable element, and (ii) prevent the fluid from being pulled out of the mechanical generator inlet on the return stroke of the rotatable element.