REBOOT BUGGY, testing | May 2013
5-17-13, reboot buggy seen on 28th street sw Grand Rapids Mi.
6-14-13, reboot buggy dune testing, silver lake state park, Mi.
EMAIL for press and upcoming motoring events-
.(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
- Read Less
the GROWLER city bike | Jan 2013
This “Growler” concept concept city commuter is a working sketch prototype in a series of thoughts on what we carry around with us and the importance of those items. We took a Growler from a local pub and set off to design a bike around it. With or without the beer, this changed how we view typical beach/ city “cruisers.”
29er fat wheel set, monarch springer front end, 2 speed internal kickback hub, disc brakes
photo: dean van dis
- Read Less
“one horse” electric moto | Jan 2013
At JRUITER we build, test, and reshape all sorts of things. This “one horse” concept E-bike was a working sketch prototype in a series of electric thoughts. E-bikes don’t need to be bikes with motors and batteries.
34mph + single front brake + 48v 1000watt hub motor = sketchy…
photo: dean van dis
- Read Less
reboot buggy | Jan 2013
We have decided to unleash our design philosophy on the automobile. Particularly the notion of a city car.
project-named “reboot buggy”, it’s an exercise in curiosity and what-if’s. Starting from nothing, we gathered hot-rodders, race car builders, trained and “home-grown” experts to see what is possible without what we already know.
I want to know what a vehicle would be without the “user-centered” philosophy. What does it want to be without the things we place in as needs. we are sure to polarize our fan base with this one.
The automobile starts with the simple task to move us from one point to another. Anything extra is purely for our personal comfort and enjoyment. It has very little to do with getting us somewhere.
“I drive old era cars. Cars that need your full attention when driving. I can feel the road, I hear the motor, and I understand whats happening around me mechanically.”
This isn’t a shape contest. With little body work highlighted and no decorative grille shapes to design around, the raw parts necessary for movement become highlighted. The resulting vehicle, like objects in the rear view mirror, appears larger than it is.
“It’s grossly basic and crude, and I am loving it.”
The car will be powered by a small block chevy, gasoline, high power motor. It may seem like an odd choice, but anyone knows this motor, anyone can work on them, and they are easily re-built from local sources. In all, over 90,000,000 small-blocks have been built in carbureted and fuel injected forms since 1955.
“I think this car is somewhere between a prius and a horse & buggy. It almost needs to be both at the same time. We have to reconsider everything and ignore what we should do.”
Stay tuned… our nuts and bolts, locally sourced, re-used, re-claimed, and re-thought vehicle is becoming a reality.
EMAIL for press and upcoming motoring events- .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
*a special thanks to a couple of our supporters already-
Accurate Engines, Grand Rapids MI
http://www.accurateengines.com
Spectrum Sand Sports, Holland MI
http://www.spectrumsandsports.com
http://www.goracertech.com
FabFarm LLC, Holland, MI
http://www.fabfarm.com
616.786.4657
LENGER RACING LLC, Grandville, MI
http://www.lengerracing.com
p. 616-532-5200
e. .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
Metro Engineering, Grand Rapids, MI
http://www.metroengineering.net
p. 616-458-2823
e. .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
front runner prototype FOR SALE | Aug 2012
The frontrunner prototype is up for sale. This is a full sized, non-functional prototype. This prototype would be a great addition to an interior space, car collection, boat collection, or museum setting. We would offer set up and installation if needed.
This boat has been featured all over the world. Discovery channel, and popular mechanics to name a few. If interested email us at .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) to discuss pricing and conditions-
- Read Less
riff raft (prototype test) | Aug 2012
Riff Raft is for the non boaters, to the low class, and to those who don’t know what boating shoes are. Simple, cheap, and with no up-keep. Riff Raft is a floating, moving platform for the water. Feel from to swim, sit, lay, and be still. It’s as basic as you get.
High res photos and press release with details will be available in September
email, .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) for information
photo: melissa vannest
- Read Less
1962 lincoln continental | Apr 2012
I can’t believe I found this car just a few miles from our shop. After 18 years of sitting, this 1962 lincoln continental has emerged altered but not ruined.
An awesome example of American 60’s design at it’s finest or worst. It’s really big, heavy, and slow. My plan is to seriously modify this beast into a sort-of rational, family hauling driver…
Rational is a stretch but hey, I live in futurist fantasy most of the time anyway-
- Read Less
moto undone | Aug 2011
From the familiar to the unexpected, moto undone ignores what makes motorcycles interesting.
At jruiter I.D. we want to re-set the definition of a motorbike by stripping away historical attributes that make them so great. It’s hard to image a motorcycle without fancy paint, overpowered motors, exposed mechanical genius, and sweet exhaust tones.
Moto undone is pure generic transportation and by motorbike category definition it isn’t very cool.
There motorbike references are small and when someone is riding they are all you see. The bike almost disappears. The rider just floats along the streets silently.
Powered by a 1000w 48v electric hub motor, moto undone has a range of 90 miles or about 3 hours. All gauges and riding information, like speed and gps, is displayed through smart phones by downloadable apps.
On display at the GRAM, Grand Rapids Art Museum, september 21 – October 9, 2011
photo credits, Dean Van Dis
rider, Pete McDaniel
inner city bike 36er, (big city cruiser) | Sep 2010
big city cruiser
the inner city bike, big city, is ready to ride. check out innercitybikes.com for more information-
The Inner City Bike is how I’m starting a conversation about new products and how they change the world. The bicycle is iconic. Throughout its history, its design has evolved. Big wheels, small wheels, even the number of wheels. It’s been made of wood, metal, and plastic. Is there room for another take on the bike? Can we re-define classic objects? I think so.
It is about simplicity in design. The Inner City Bike is the ultimate stripped away piece. So stripped even the chain is gone. Its a statement on bare essential transportation and new ways of thinking about materials, scale, manufacturing processes and function.
For me, the art of design happens when you change the way things are perceived, when a new word is coined to express what you’ve done. It challenges conventionality and creates new stories, interactions and
rarity we strive for.
inner city bike | Nov 2009
Our project, simplicity in inner city bicycling, was at first glance a fun aesthetic opportunity in new trends, color, and materials. Our target lived / worked in an inner city environment with minimal space. Bicycling at this level can be more about fashion and culture than speed and performance.
After the first few brainstorm sessions we knew there were bigger opportunities. The project rethought what a “frame” meant, getting rid of basic key components, and creating a new type of compact bicycling. Inspired by the “hobby horse” from it’s simplicity and the cafe race scene. Each is an exercise in stripping something down to its core.
The final design came down to a frame system and a free-wheeling unicycle rear hub. Everything else is rider preference.
Before all of the bike fanatics get all fired up, we know this bike doesn’t solve everyone’s personal transportation dreams. Performance wise, the bike is on the slow side, quirky, and fatiguing over longer distances. Consider it a cafe racer with the performance of a beach cruiser. The positives are easy quick turns, huge power to the rear wheel to go over curbs and other city scape structures, and great start / stopping / sitting situations.
We rethought everything 2 wheeled with simplicity in mind. This is as stripped as you can get.
Very few parts.
29 × 2.35 tires
29” rims, choice
Fork, shock choice
handle bars, choice
rear hub (planetary internal freewheeling, unicycle through axle)
brakes, front disc only
pedals, choice
The Inner City Bike is how I’m starting a conversation about new products and how they change the world. The bicycle is iconic. Throughout its history, its design has evolved. Big wheels, small wheels, even the number of wheels. It’s been made of wood, metal, and plastic. Is there room for another take on the bike? Can we re-define classic objects? I think so.
It is about simplicity in design. The Inner City Bike is the ultimate stripped away piece. So stripped even the chain is gone. Its a statement on bare essential transportation and new ways of thinking about materials, scale, manufacturing processes and function.
For me, the art of design happens when you change the way things are perceived, when a new word is coined to express what you’ve done. It challenges conventionality and creates new stories, interactions and rarity we strive for.
- Read Less
power boat | Oct 2009
We need to look forward again-
“First of all, it’s a sculpture, a visual prototype, that explores simple forms and gestures,” says Ruiter. “I think that we should be able to see ourselves in objects. These objects should point us in a direction, and should create situations where we can be inspired.”
“’Power Boat’ has a few simple lines, a wicked sweet surface-drive propeller and some shiny paint,” he adds. “All the nouns you’d associate with a power boat are there and bring it to life. Nothing visually suggests a watercraft, yet its design is all about speed and performance. One can easily imagine themselves driving this, especially since you can see the reflection of your head in the driver’s seat.”
Ruiter used welded aluminum to create the core structure. Surface drive propeller, OEM controls, electric motor, batteries and some trick hydrofoils, make up the rest. “When you connect the lines and arrange the marine type objects in an unconventional way, it doesn’t feel like a boat,” he says. “That’s the whole idea. In reality, it isn’t an abstract version of a vessel, but a small step forward in performance, fuel consumption and natural un-disturbances – low horse power, no noise, no wake and nearly zero intrusion into the water.”
“Power Boat” is intended to raise questions, inspire new ways of thinking and challenge stereotypes of why we do things the way we do today. That is Ruiter the artist and the designer together at work.
Technical details:
width: 60” x height: 72” x lenght: 160”
airboat | Sep 2009
personal watercraft airboat. The ultimate, go anywhere, personal watercraft.
- Read Less
Pontoon - Huck Finn | Jun 2008
No covering, minimal parts, open to the elements, and useful even at the end of the dock as it is parked. Built with Michigan grown wood deck, 26” aluminum pontoons, 25hp tiller style motor, and solar navigation lighting. This boat needs as much upkeep as your dock.
24ft length, 8.5ft beam, 10” draft
Front Runner | Feb 2008
Imagine the thrill of off-roading, but on the water. Carve. Spin out. Drift a corner. Or imagine packing up your camping gear into a boat and setting off to a deserted island for an overnight adventure.
The boat is the Front-Runner, a full-size hydrofoil watercraft made unique by twin forward-mounted jet-drive motors. More aircraft than boat, it has an airplane-like steering system that allows changes in heading, pitch and bank. The Front-Runner can navigate waters that are usually inaccessible. It is 11’ long and has two 215 horsepower motors, ergonomic crew chairs, a retractable top and ample space for storing gear. On top of it all, it’s made of entirely recyclable materials.
In the boating industry, options for the adventure seeker are limited. But the Front-Runner is one notable exception. Its estimated production cost and selling price are comparable to any typical twin-engine jet boat of its size. This design isn’t far from reality.
Ruiter has designed, engineered, and constructed an innovative watercraft. What makes this boat unique are the twin forward-mounted jet-drive motors.
“You can take the this kind of boat into un-chartered waters.”
The Front-Runner is more aircraft than boat. It has an airplane-like steering system that allows changes in heading, pitch, bank, and a design that allows it to navigate waters usually inaccessible.
The position of the motors, along with the suspension, allow it to pierce the water and carve in and out of turns. The rear hydrofoil lifts the boat body out of the water so the driver can control different aspects of the ride. This design changes the rider’s experience. Because the motor is extended in front of the bow, there is more of a ‘pulling’ feel compared to the “pushing” feel of a traditional boat. “The advantage is this boat can do more, with more control and function, and go so many more places,” comments Ruiter, a local award-winning industrial designer. “This boat will go where most boats can’t because it will run in extremely shallow water, and it’s got a tremendous range.” The boat itself is eleven feet long, and features a robust interior roll cage. Twin supercharged 215 horsepower motors provide a small boat like this with a lot of power.
Ruiter has designed boats, motors, and interiors for the boating industry
before, but this concept boat brings a whole new attitude to small boating.
He calls it the Front-Runner. It is functional yet loaded with design
innovation.
Ruiter describes why he focused on a new design for a smaller boat. “Large scale boats get most of the attention in this industry. Smaller boats for the average weekend boater are often ignored when it comes to new and innovative approaches. I wanted to challenge the thinking about small boats. The Front-Runner takes advantage of new technology, and creates a new boating experience. There isn’t another small boat out there like this.”
Ruiter brought in Spectrum Sand Sports of Holland, MI to help construct the Front-Runners unique tubular frame. They build long-travel sand cars for west coast style Baja racing. Andrew Prinns, owner of Spectrum, was surprised when Ruiter asked him for a tubular frame with full suspension and articulation for a boat. Ruiter and Prinns built the boat’s ‘suspension’ together and both enjoyed collaborating on this innovative concept.
In addition to the forward-mounted jet-drive motors, the Front-Runner features:
Modified four-link suspension and steering for aircraft-like controland feel
Hydrofoil on four-bar linkage to control boat elevation and ride
Environmentally sustainable design
An all-aluminum frame and skin that resists rust, dents, and dings
Materials are easily separated, and recyclable
Retractable California style top
Ergonomic crew chairs for all-day cruising comfort
Spacious cargo area (approx. 30 sq. ft. of deck space) with integrated lash cleats
Tambour rear door that allows for easy loading and unloading
Overall dimensions: 18’2” L x 8’6” W x 5’2” H
Twin 215 horsepower motors
The Front Runner could be produced and sold at a price comparable to a typical twin-engine jet boat. Ruiter would like to see a manufacturer put the Front-Runner into production. “This design isn’t that far from reality. It’s a new way of thinking about small boats. From a production standpoint, I’ve reorganized and repositioned semi-standard components in new ways.
- Read Less
3 Rms, Lk Vu | Jun 2007
The first goal of the 3 Rms, Lk Vu concept was to create an inspiring living environment that jettisoned old ideas about what a “pontoon boat” should be. This is a study in creating small interior spaces for the exterior environment: how a comfortable boat on the water can offer a variety of spaces for dining, entertainment, relaxing, and cruising.
The second goal was to bring an up-to-date residential furniture perspective to a boating environment.
3 Rms, Lk Vu is part apartment, part outdoor living space, part family room. It includes a kitchen/dining space, a living room area, and a “basking deck” complete with fireplace pit and teak floor. The deck is ideal for practically any activity under the sun, from swimming, sunbathing or picnicking during the day, to sunset cruising or stargazing during the evening. Its varied spaces give users more freedom to use the boat on their own terms.
The boat’s defined spaces work equally well for small groups or one large gathering, and offer varied seating choices. The living room space is a welcoming space positioned amidship –a step down from the dining and deck areas– and integrates the two ends of the boat. The residential furniture aesthetics suggest actions to users: mingle, relax, move about, gather, adapt the spaces to your activity.
Traditional needs for a water craft are not ignored, but are designed to be both more efficient, and inspire and comfort boat users: Partitions above the main sidewalls protect from the wind, but they’re translucent and provide light and visibility. The dining area’s canopy is peaked, echoing a house roof, shedding rain and offering shade. Safety equipment is stowed, yet visually apparent and easily accessed. A full-length bumper rail is quietly integrated into the hull Typically unused space here becomes storage area. The pilot’s space for operating the boat has also been reconsidered. The controls and seat are positioned near the center of the boat, bringing the captain into the conversation.
WHAT MAKES IT DIFFERENT OR BETTER?
The new concepts here are simple, low cost, and easy to manufacture. Yet the boat uses space in new ways to create more opportunities for people to interact with sun, wind, and water, as well as with each other. Space is also used in new ways for equipment and storage. Finally, the residential aesthetic offers a new take on comfort and convenience.
3 Rms, Lk Vu speaks to my design philosophy: the design process is less about creating a product than it is about creating a person’s experience with the product. I see people using 3 Rms, Lk Vu as an efficiency apartment floating on the water: entertaining, cruising with family or friends, fishing, enjoying a sunset by the fire, dining –with many ways to move about the boat to find a space that works just right.
- Read Less