Grave Jumpers

The Grave Jumper 2005

This Grave Jumper is a stand alone version (does not need a grave stone) that works just as well hidden behind a shrub or in a barrel as it does behind a grave stone. The prop runs on less than 60 PSI. It is light and very easy to set up and store. The cost to build the basic unit is about $35.00. With motion sensor and solenoid it's about $75.00. You dress it in any store bought costume!

The plans come with a complete shopping list, assembly instructions and tips & tricks for making this one of the most fun Halloween props you will ever own.

Buy the plans for $14.95

I check email regularly each day and will send you instructions on how to access the plans on-line. Please double check your email address when paying and leave a phone number in the notes section where I can contact you in case the automated email gets returned to me as undeliverable. The plans are in HTML format and can be viewed or printed from any browser.

All of the parts should be available at your major hardware store. The more difficult to find parts I have purchased in bulk and have for sale if you run into problems finding them in your area.

I have 2 way solenoids (110V NC 1/8 NPT port) for sale if you have problems finding them in your area.

Buy a solenoid for $15.00

Thank you to all of those that have already purchased the plans. Your feedback has made this prop the most reliable and easy to build Halloween projects out there.

(click on image for video)

The Grave Jumper 2002

The "new and improved" grave jumper for 2002

I've video taped the jumping action and saved it here on the website for you to see.

The 2002 model uses the same pistons from last year, but now with a totally different lever mechanism.

The new grave jumper is a completely self contained (single) unit now. I can quickly set it in the graveyard, plug in the air hose connector and start scaring the kids.

The grave stone is attached to the base along with the grave jumper. It's head looks a little high in this picture, but actually sits about 3-4 inches below the top of the gravestone. In the upright position, it stands a little over 2 feet above the gravestone (about 4.5 feet total I think - I'll measure next time I get a chance)

(click on the image to see a short video)

While the design of the frame to the right is not exactly the same as the grave jumper I built in 2002, it is very similar and shows you the very simple construction out of PVC pipe.

The new design is a lot less weight and is not permanently attached to the gravestone like the older version was.

The head sits 18 inches off the ground when down and 48 inches off the ground when up. That's 30 inches of vertical travel in no time at all.

This is a fairly simple design and can be set up behind a gravestone, wall or window or in a barrel. It requires only 45-50 PSI to operate.

Here is a shot of the mechanism activated. You can click on the image to the right to see how it works without the costume in place.

The screen door closer has a good return spring, so the prop will work upside down (from the ceiling down) as well.

(click on the image for a short video)

The Grave Jumper 2001

The original grave jumper I built was attached at the shoulders directly to the end of the piston. This simple design worked out pretty well, but didn't have a lot of throw (height). The basic assembly is shown to the right without all of the padding, clothing and gloves.	Grave jumper front view
Here's a "face" shot of the piston with all of the PVC arm/shoulder assembly attached. The heads (not shown) are designed to attach to the 2 PVC posts that stick out. The 2 large metal L brackets will be staked into the ground for support (behind the gravestone) and the ends of the arms will be attached to the top edge of the gravestone to keep it facing forward.	Grave jumper top view
Here's a shot from the back (looking over the right shoulder). The top posts are a bit too horizontal in this picture. The head has smaller diameter PVC posts that slip inside the ends of the top pipes. A small screw through both pipes keep the head from flying off when the piston hits the top.	Grave jumper perspective view
Here's a front view with the piston fully extended. I didn't have the air compressor hooked up, so my wife was kind enough to hold it for me while I took the photo. You can see how big the gravestone (in the background) has to be to hide the grave jumper.	Grave jumper assembly extended