Human hand-crawling and foot-bounding apparatus

Abstract

Height-adjustable apparatus using a spring to urge forward and rearward undulating whippy locomotion. A hand-crawling embodiment enables users to engage in all-fours crawling locomotion while the body is conventionally situated in a two-legged orientation. A foot-bounding embodiment enables walkers, joggers, runners and jumpers to engage in forward and backward whippy locomotion. A crutch embodiment enables crippled or injured users to likewise engage in whippy locomotion.

Claims

1. A hand-crawling apparatus having a pair of hand-crawling members for enabling a user having particular weight and height attributes to engage in whippy locomotion, with each hand-crawling member thereof comprising: a hand-glove assembly having a planar hand-platform member with a top surface and a bottom surface; a hand-embracing member affixed to said top surface of said planar hand-platform member; a cylindrical post assembly affixed at one end thereof to said bottom surface of said hand-platform member having a cylindrical post member projecting perpendicularly therefrom and downwardly thereof, with external threads circumferentially disposed upon said cylindrical post member; a base assembly comprising a cylindrical housing member with an axially disposed central whorl hole with internal threads sized to mate with said external threads of said cylindrical post member at one end thereof, and threadedly attached to said cylindrical post member; and said base assembly having a replaceable spring member disposed immediately below said cylindrical housing member and secured in a substantially vertical position between a first retainer member affixed thereto at one end of said replaceable spring member and a second retainer member therebelow affixed to a substantially planar base plate member at the other opposite end of said replaceable spring member.

2. The hand-crawling apparatus recited in claim 1, wherein said base assembly has a brace assembly affixed to a top surface of said base plate member at one end thereof spaced apart from said cylindrical post assembly and with an arcuate flexible brace support member adjoined with said cylindrical housing member at a top portion thereof.

3. The hand-crawling apparatus recited in claim 2, wherein said arcuate flexible brace support member is configured with an arc preferably having an angle from 95° to 135° to augment support of said planar hand-platform member and to simultaneously provide sufficient flexion.

4. The hand-crawling apparatus recited in claim 3, wherein said arcuate flexible brace support member comprises a zonal flat configuration.

5. The hand-crawling apparatus recited in claim 3, wherein said arcuate brace support member comprises a double cylindrical parallel configuration.

6. The hand-crawling apparatus recited in claim 3, wherein said base assembly further comprises a removable stabilizer cylinder member screwably inserted thereinto through a whorl hole centrally disposed on the bottom of said base plate member and threadedly mated therewith and secured therein with an internal stabilizer cylinder retainer member, thereby preventing undue lateral movement of said planar hand-platform member.

7. The hand-crawling apparatus recited in claim 1, wherein said base assembly has a plurality of gap members disposed upon said base plate member and circumferentially of said cylindrical post member for accommodating elastic distortion of said base plate member during said whippy locomotion.

8. The hand-crawling apparatus recited in claim 7, wherein each gap member of said plurality of gap members is configured as a wedge shaped void cut out from said base plate member.

9. The hand-crawling apparatus recited in claim 7, wherein pair of flat recess members are disposed upon opposing sides of said cylindrical post member to enable said first spring retainer member to securely retain said replaceable spring member within said cylindrical housing member.

10. The hand-crawling apparatus recited in claim 1, wherein said base plate member is attached substantially in its entirety therebeneath to a skid-resistant elastomeric sole member by a plurality of stud members affixed to an upper surface of said sole member projecting substantially vertically therefrom which are received in a plurality of stud member holes contained on said base plate member and being secured thereof by a plurality of fastener members.

11. A method of exercising using the hand-crawling apparatus of claim 8, where the pair of hand-crawling members include a first and a second hand-crawling member, where the first hand-crawling member has a first hand-embracing member and a first replaceable spring member and the second hand-crawling member has a second hand-embracing member and a second replaceable spring member, and said user commences undulating alternating upward and downward whippy locomotion therewith, comprising the steps of: receiving one of said user's hands in said first hand-embracing member and said one of said user's hands being releasably secured thereto and receiving another one of said user's hands in said second hand-embracing member and said another one of said user's hands being releasably secured thereto, positioning a body of said user into a crawling posture with each of said first and second hand-crawling members and feet of said user being placed upon the ground; initiating leading forward locomotion with said first hand-embracing member being propelled upwardly by expansion of said first replaceable spring member, while simultaneously a weight of the user self-generates force downwardly thereby urging trailing forward locomotion with said second hand-embracing member imparting pressure thereupon thereby causing said second replaceable spring member to transition from being uncompressed to being compressed; continuing forward locomotion by disposing said first hand-crawling member and said second hand-crawling member in a diametrically opposite arrangement with said second hand-embracing member being propelled upwardly by expansion of said second replaceable spring member, while simultaneously the user's weight self-generates force downwardly thereby urging trailing forward locomotion with said first hand-embracing member imparting pressure on the first replaceable spring member thereby causing said first replaceable spring member to transition from being uncompressed to being compressed; and intermittently effectuating successive compression and decompression of said first replaceable spring member and said second replaceable spring member thereby enabling said whippy locomotion to be continued so long as said user engages said first and second hand-crawling members.

12. The hand-crawling apparatus recited in claim 1, wherein said external threads of said cylindrical post member has a pair of groove members laterally and symmetrically disposed thereupon.

13. The hand-crawling apparatus recited in claim 12, wherein said planar hand-platform member is rotated about said cylindrical post member to adjust a height thereof above said base assembly to be commensurate with said user's height attribute and then is securely engaged with one of said pair of groove members at an adjusted height with a fastener means disposed upon a ring member contiguous with and affixed to said cylindrical housing member.

14. The hand-crawling apparatus recited in claim 1, wherein said hand-embracing member comprises a front hand-embracing member disposed at a first end of said planar hand-platform member and affixed thereto, for embracing finger of a hand of the user and having a strap member for securing said fingers thereto.

15. The hand-crawling apparatus recited in claim 14, wherein said hand-embracing member comprises a rear hand-embracing member disposed at a second end of said planar hand-platform member, oppositely of said first end thereof, and attached to said hand-platform member, for embracing a heel and a wrist of said hand of said user and having a strap member for securing said heel and said wrist thereto, thereby preventing lateral movement thereof.

16. The hand-crawling apparatus recited in claim 1, wherein said planar hand-platform member comprises shock-absorption material selected from cork or gel to promote comfort and to avoid injury to a plethora of bones and concomitant ligaments and muscles constituting and proximal to hands of the user and similarly, to a back of said user.

17. The hand-crawling member recited in claim 1, wherein said replaceable spring member is inserted between said first retainer member and said second retainer member, and secured therebetween.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

(1) FIG. 1 depicts a frontal perspective view of a spiral-driven hand-crawler embodiment of the present invention with a flat zonal arcuate brace member, having two supporting-points on the bottom of the base.

(2) FIG. 2 depicts an exploded perspective view of the embodiment depicted in FIG. 1.

(3) FIG. 3A depicts a frontal cross-sectional view through section line FIG. 3A-FIG. 3A depicted in FIG. 1.

(4) FIG. 3B depicts a cross-sectional plan view through section line FIG. 3B-FIG. 3B of the embodiment depicted in FIG. 2.

(5) FIG. 4 depicts a cross-sectional detail view depicting the upper portion of the embodiment depicted in FIG. 3A.

(6) FIG. 5 depicts a cross-sectional side view through section line FIG. 5-FIG. 5 of the embodiment depicted in FIG. 1.

(7) FIG. 6 depicts cross-sectional side view of the embodiment depicted in FIG. 5, with hand platform post member partially downwardly displaced compressing the spring member.

(8) FIG. 7 depicts a frontal partial perspective view of the embodiment depicted in FIGS. 1 and 2, with a pair of rods forming an arcuate brace member.

(9) FIG. 8 depicts a frontal perspective view of the embodiment depicted in FIG. 7, with a single rod forming an arcuate brace member.

(10) FIG. 9 depicts a simplified side perspective view of a user crawling with the embodiment depicted in FIG. 1.

(11) FIG. 10 depicts a simplified side perspective view of a user crawling with the embodiment depicted in FIG. 1, in a crawling position sequentially-related to the position depicted in FIG. 9.

(12) FIG. 11 depicts a frontal perspective view of an alternative spiral-driven hand-crawler embodiment depicted in FIG. 1, reinforced with a stabilizer cylinder of the present invention.

(13) FIG. 12 depicts an exploded perspective view of the embodiment depicted in FIG. 11.

(14) FIG. 13A depicts a frontal cross-sectional view through section line FIG. 13A-FIG. 13A depicted in FIG. 11.

(15) FIG. 13B depicts a cross-sectional plan view through section line FIG. 13B-FIG. 13B of the embodiment depicted in FIG. 12.

(16) FIG. 14 depicts a cross-sectional detail view depicting the upper portion of the embodiment depicted in FIG. 13A.

(17) FIG. 15 depicts a cross-sectional side view through section line FIG. 15-FIG. 15 of the embodiment depicted in FIG. 11.

(18) FIG. 16 depicts cross-sectional side view of the embodiment depicted in FIG. 15, with hand platform post member partially downwardly displaced compressing the spring member.

(19) FIG. 17 depicts a frontal partial perspective view of the embodiment depicted in FIGS. 11 and 12, with a pair of rods forming an arcuate brace member, and illustrating insertion and removal of a stabilizer cylinder of the present invention.

(20) FIG. 18 depicts a frontal perspective view of the embodiment depicted in FIG. 17, with a single rod forming an arcuate brace member.

(21) FIG. 19 depicts a frontal perspective view of an alternative spiral-driven hand-crawler embodiment of the present invention, with only one supporting-point on the bottom of the base.

(22) FIG. 20 depicts a frontal cross-sectional view through section line FIG. 20-FIG. 20 depicted in FIG. 19.

(23) FIG. 21A depicts an exploded perspective view of the embodiment depicted in FIG. 20.

(24) FIG. 21B depicts a cross-sectional left side view through section line FIG. 21B-FIG. 21B of the embodiment depicted in FIG. 21A.

(25) FIG. 22A depicts a frontal partial perspective view of an alternative spiral-driven embodiment of the present invention adapted to accommodate a crutch, and with a pair of rods forming an arcuate brace member.

(26) FIG. 22B depicts a frontal partial perspective view of the spiral-driven crutch embodiment depicted in FIG. 22A, reinforced with a stabilizer cylinder of the present invention.

(27) FIG. 23 depicts a simplified side perspective view of a user engaging in power-walking with the embodiment depicted in FIG. 1.

(28) FIG. 24 depicts a simplified side perspective view of a user engaging in power-walking with the embodiment depicted in FIG. 1, in a walking position sequentially-related to the position depicted in FIG. 23.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

(29) Reference is made herein to the figures in the accompanying drawings in which like numerals refer to like components. Referring collectively to FIGS. 1-22B, there are depicted various views of nine alternative representative human hand-crawler glove embodiments of the present invention as will be hereinafter described. For instance, spiral-driven hand-crawler glove embodiment 2 is depicted in perspective frontal views in FIGS. 1, and 11, respectively; and depicted in corresponding exploded views in FIGS. 2 and 12, respectively. Similarly, representative spiral-driven crutch embodiment 42 of the present invention is depicted in simplified frontal perspective views in FIGS. 22A and 22B, respectively.

(30) Thus, exemplary of teachings herein, FIGS. 1-8 depict various views of embodiment 2 and FIGS. 11-18 depict similar views of embodiment 7, each such embodiment providing base assembly 100 comprising a dual supporting combination of a substantially vertical interchangeable spring member 32 and a substantially chamfered variously angulated elastic brace member 22 which cooperatively manifest two contact-points on base member 26. As will become clear to those skilled in the art, the various embodiments taught herein enable a human user engaging in an all-fours exercise or like locomotion to jointly promote contemplated undulating alternating upward and downward unique whippy hand-crawling movement. In particular, there are depicted hand-crawler glove embodiments 2 and 7, respectively, having hand-shoe or hand-glove assembly 5 supported therebeneath by centrally disposed base assembly 100 comprising post assembly 15 and brace assembly 22, with base assembly 100 affixed at one end thereof to hand platform member 10 and affixed at the other, opposite end thereof to base member 26. It will become evident that each of post assembly 15 and brace assembly 22 is affixed at a different contact point upon base member 26.

(31) Similarly, FIGS. 19-21 depict various views of embodiment 11 providing a single support feature wherein there is included a substantially vertical interchangeable spring member 32 which manifests a single contact-point on base member 26 to promote the undulating alternating upward and downward whippy locomotion inherent in the unique hand-crawling movement taught hereunder.

(32) As will be hereinafter described, these supporting structures enable hand-crawler glove embodiments (alternatively and equivalently referred to as hand-shoe embodiments) to facilitate a user's engaging in alternating bounding and rebounding substantially vertically from the ground beneath the user's crawler-gloved hands, while simultaneously being propelled in a forward direction along the ground. More particularly, it will become evident to those skilled in the art that crawling locomotion contemplated hereunder enables a user to effectuate movement substantially linear and parallel to the ground via a specially orchestrated crawling hand-jumping locomotion manifest by intermittently bounding and rebounding substantially vertically, while simultaneously and synchronously progressing horizontally either in a forward or a backward direction characterized herein as a “whippy” motion pattern.

(33) As illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2, post assembly 15 comprises post member 16 projecting perpendicularly from and downwardly of hand-platform 10, and is disposed centrally within housing member 20 and screwably adjoins hand-shoe glove assembly 5 and base assembly 100 as will be hereinafter described. Base assembly 100 comprises cylindrical housing member 20 disposed at an end thereof proximal to hand-platform 10 and, at the other opposite end thereof, proximal to spring member 32. It will be seen that spring member 32 is disposed immediately below cylindrical housing member 20. Housing member 20 circumscribes the upper portion of post member 16 and is fixedly attached at its upper end to ring member 20A and at its lower end to upper spring retainer member 30A, respectively. As clearly depicted, spring member 32 is disposed in a substantially vertical orientation between upper or top spring retainer member 30A and lower or bottom spring retainer member 30B.

(34) Housing member 20 together with threaded post member 16 enable vertical movement of hand platform 10, which is preferably constructed from rigid metal or sufficiently strong nonmetal materials well known in the art. To assure integrity of the underlying support structure of embodiments hereof, housing member 20 and brace member 24 should preferably be adjoined into an integrated structure, comprising metal and nonmetal materials, via conventional fasteners such as nuts and the like. It should be evident to those skilled in the art that welds would be a viable option for securely adjoining adjacent metal components.

(35) Lower spring retainer member 30B is fixedly attached to substantially horizontal base plate member 26 interconnected with preferably skid-resistant elastomeric sole member 34 therebelow via plurality of layered stud members 36 fixedly attached thereto and projecting upwardly to be inserted through corresponding plurality of stud hole members 28 contained upon the top surface of base plate member 26. As well known in the art, each of these stud members is secured after passing through a corresponding stud hole member disposed thereupon by a suitably-sized nut member (not shown).

(36) Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the unique crawling movement contemplated hereunder and enabled by embodiments of the present invention, exemplified in FIGS. 1-6 but not limited to this configuration, is a consequence of the cooperation manifest by spring member 32 and inherently flexible brace member 24. It will be understood that spring member 32 should preferably be interchangeable, being selected to impart prerequisite compressibility for accommodating a user or prescribed set of users characterized by a particular size range and weight range. The instant structure herein described enables such a selected spring member to be conveniently positioned by being inserted between upper spring retainer member 30A and lower spring retainer member 30B, and to expeditiously replace spring member 32 in situ to achieve appropriate compression-and-decompression behavior, respectively, as a function of user-attributes.

(37) It will be understood that, to also accommodate a user's physical attributes, the height of post or column member 15 should preferably be adjusted by screwably rotating post member 16 under the influence of its corresponding thread members 18 into mated whorl hole 38 to arrive at a length thereof commensurate with, i.e., functionally proportional to, the user's height. As shown, each thread member 18 of post assembly 15 has a pair of groove members 19 symmetrically disposed thereupon. Set of wing-nuts or like fastener members 40 would then be engaged through like set of threaded holes disposed in ring member 20A with corresponding pairs of groove members 19 to enable the user to securely adjust height-positioning of hand platform 10. The present invention contemplates that, in order to achieve the prescribed prerequisite alternating upwards and downwards undulating motion taught herein, a suitably sized spring member or a pneumatically-controlled cylinder or a hydraulically-controlled cylinder or the like, may be implemented without deviating from the purposes disclosed herein.

(38) Thus, a user would select a suitably configured spring member 32 from a set of spring members and install the selected spring member between first spring retainer member 30A and second spring retainer member 30B. Next, the user's height would be accommodated by the user rotating hand-platform 10 about threaded post member 16 to adjust hand-platform 10 to be aligned with brace support member 24 and simultaneously affixing its set vertical position by tightening a fastener member 40, exemplified herein as a bolt, to securely engage pair of groove members 19. Such adjustments to embodiments hereof limit vertical movement of hand-platform 10 and promote level rotation thereof, found to be essential for sustaining stability of a user's body at a reasonable bounding height range during crawling movement as contemplated hereunder. It should be appreciated that, once set to be compatible with a user's physical attributes, the user would emplace each hand, respectively, into hand-embracing member 5 configured as a hand-sheath—effectively functioning as a hand-shoe substantially enclosing each user's hand. Indeed, once the user's hands are emplaced therewithin, each of the pair of hand-glove members would be tightened akin to lacing or strapping a pair of shoes.

(39) It should be understood that materials of construction of the hand-embracing hand-shoe member contemplated hereunder are essentially the same as or similar to materials of construction commonly used in the shoe manufacturing industry. As will be readily appreciated by those skilled in the art, rigid threaded post member 16 would typically be molded from suitable hard nonmetallic, plastic material or metallic material. Of course, when post member 16 is constructed from metal or in combination with metallic materials, welding or the like would be a preferred method of joinder thereof with hand platform member 10.

(40) Focusing collectively on FIGS. 1-2, 3A-3B, and 4-6, it should be evident that support afforded by centrally disposed post member 16 is augmented by brace support member 24 disposed at one end of hand-crawler glove platform 10 and fixedly attached thereto, to provide adequate support therefor and concomitant stability thereto. More particularly, brace assembly 22 comprises an elastomeric sufficiently firm arcuate and inherently flexible brace support member 24 affixed at one end thereof to hand platform 10 and to base plate member 26 at the other, opposite end. It has been found advantageous to configure the arc described by arcuate brace member 24 having angle θ. It will be seen that arcuate angle θ has been found to function as contemplated hereunder when in the range of about 95° to about 135° to afford prerequisite compromise of stability and flexion under the influence of the intermittent upward and downward user hand-triggered whippy motion urged by compression and expansion, respectively, of spring member 32 as the user proceeds to walk or run at various speeds on the ground all fours, i.e., essentially simultaneously using both hands and both feet.

(41) As illustrated in FIGS. 1-6. hand-crawler platform 10 comprises two embracing members 5 for securing a user's hand to this hand-crawler platform. It should be evident to those conversant in the art, that to enable a user to efficiently crawl using all-fours as disclosed herein, pairs of hand-crawler glove assemblies 5 taught hereunder are required. Thus, each user's hand, in turn, is secured prior to engaging in crawling exercises: first hand-embracing member 12 and second hand-embracing member 14—of hand-crawler assembly 5—secure a user's hands thereinto. In particular, first hand-embracing member 12 is affixed to the front portion 10A of hand platform 10 for embracing—by strapping or like securement—the user's fingers thereto. Similarly, second hand-embracing member 14 is affixed to the rear portion 10B of hand platform 10 for embracing—by strapping or the like—the user's hand-heel and wrist adjacent thereto.

(42) In a manner well known in the art, first hand-embracing member 12, exemplified as a strap member, and second hand-embracing member 14, also exemplified as a strap member, are secured at each respective open end by Velcro or the like to prevent the user's hands from inadvertently being dislodged from hand-crawler glove apparatus 2 during active locomotion therewith. It will be appreciated that embracing heel portion of the hand in combination with the wrist tends to prevent undue lateral wrist movement which would be detrimental to the contemplated forward or rearward locomotion taught herein. During the novel whippy forward or backward locomotion taught by the present invention, base member 26 of a corresponding hand-crawler apparatus 2 engulfing a user's left and right hand, in turn, sustains contact with the ground immediately below. As will be readily understood by those skilled in the art, this attachment may be achieved in any number of ways, including adhesion via Velcro or other commonly used suitable fastening means.

(43) As will become evident to those skilled in the art, the present invention contemplates that embodiments of the instant hand-crawler glove apparatus 2 should be constructed with suitable materials commensurate with providing a user sufficient shock-absorption characteristics to enable various all-fours exercises to be conducted without adverse effects upon the user's back, hands, fingers, forearms, and other implicated joints and musculature that might jeopardize a user's physical well-being, but, indeed, would tend to promote healthful benefits such as weight-reduction and physical fitness. For instance, the upper surface of hand platform 10 should preferably be relatively soft to promote comfort and avoid injury to the plethora of bones, ligaments and muscles that constitute a user's hands. Accordingly, it has been found to be advantageous to construct embodiments of the present invention with a hand platform having a cork surface or with a soft gel liner commonly used for shoe repair or for shoe rebuilding.

(44) The simplified perspective side views depicted in FIGS. 9 and 10 demonstrate the efficacy of a pair of lightweight but sturdy hand-crawler glove members used to bring crawling exercise to levels of performance heretofore unattainable and, indeed, not even contemplated by practitioners in the art. First, referring to FIG. 9, there is depicted a user having hand-crawler glove apparatus 2 releasably attached to each of his hands, leading forward locomotion with his left hand which is being propelled in an upward direction by user lifting his left and thereby urging spring 32 to its uncompressed or expanded configuration 32E with hand-crawler glove 5 securely but releasably enclosing his left hand situated in combination within left hand-crawler glove 6, while a user's self-generated downward force on his right hand urges spring 32 into compressed configuration 32C with hand-crawler glove 5 securely but releasably enclosing his right hand situated in combination within right hand-crawler glove 6.

(45) Numeral 6 represents a user's securely-embraced hand within an implicated hand-crawler glove assembly 5. Depending upon the sequential placement of each user's hand upon the ground, one hand—the leading hand—is urged upwardly by the pressure imposed by spring 32 as it transforms from being a formerly-compressed spring 32C into a now-expanded, uncompressed spring 32E within a first combination 6 thereof. Simultaneously, the other hand—the trailing hand—is disposed in a diametrically opposite configuration and is urged downwardly by the user's self-imposed force communicated through his implicated arm and contiguous hand upon the hand-crawler glove apparatus, thereby compressing spring 32 from expanded, uncompressed configuration 32E into compressed configuration 32C within a second combination 6 thereof.

(46) Ergo, next, as illustrated by the user's left-and-right hand configuration depicted in FIG. 10, immediately following user's opposite left-and-right hand configuration in FIG. 9, the user's leading forward locomotion is now alternated to his right hand which is being propelled in an upward direction by the release of spring 32 urged to its uncompressed, expanded configuration 32E with hand-crawler glove 5 securely but releasably embracing his right hand situated in combination within right hand-crawler glove 6, while self-generated downward force on his left hand urges spring 32 into compressed configuration 32C with hand-crawler glove 5 securely but releasably embracing his left hand situated in combination within left hand-crawler glove 6. The whippy movement enabled by embodiments of the present invention is characterized by each hand respectively traversing distances d1 and d2 and the hand-crawler moving vertically through heights h1 and h2, as shown. It should be understood by those conversant in the art that, for a user traversing typical distances along the ground at varying pace according to such user's physical attributes and athletic condition and associated prowess, particular distances d1 and d2 vary according to normal stride lengths. It will also be understood that typical vertical heights contemplated to be manifest during use of all-fours hand-crawler embodiments of the present invention should preferably range from about ¼ inch to about ½ inch.

(47) As illustrated in FIG. 7, it will also be appreciated by those conversant in the art that another embodiment of the present invention (numeral 2 depicted in FIGS. 1-6 and hereinbefore described) could be similarly configured—but with base assembly 100′ comprising dual substantially congruent arcuate cylindrical rod supporting brace members 25A-B rather than just one zonal, solid brace member 24 as depicted in FIGS. 1 and 2. It will be further appreciated that FIG. 8 depicts another embodiment of the present invention with base assembly 100″ comprising only one cylindrical flexible steel arcuate rod member 29 or the like typically affords more flex than both alternative arcuate brace embodiments depicted in FIGS. 1 and 7, respectively. It will be understood that a tough sufficiently flexible plastic rod member may be used in the embodiments depicted in FIGS. 7 and 8 of the present invention providing the performance contemplated hereunder is achieved.

(48) FIGS. 19, 20, 21A and 21B depict hand-crawler glove embodiment 11 having hand-shoe assembly 5 supported therebeneath by centrally disposed post assembly 15 affixed centrally of hand platform member 10 and affixed centrally at the other, opposite end thereof to base plate member 26. As will be hereinafter described, this supporting structure enables hand-crawler glove embodiments to facilitate a user's engaging in alternating bounding and rebounding substantially vertically from the ground beneath the user's specially-gloved hands, while simultaneously being propelled forward. More particularly, it will become evident to those skilled in the art that crawling locomotion contemplated hereunder enables a user to effectuate linear movement substantially parallel to the ground via specially enabled and orchestrated crawling hand-jumping locomotion characterized by intermittently bounding and rebounding substantially vertically—essentially while synchronously progressing horizontally either in a forward or a backward direction characterized herein as whippy locomotion.

(49) More particularly, FIGS. 19 and 20 depict a frontal perspective view of an alternative spiral-driven hand-crawler embodiment of the present invention similar to the frontal perspective views of the embodiment depicted in FIGS. 1, 2 and 3A, but with base assembly 100′″ comprising only one supporting-point on the bottom of base member 26. Similarly, FIG. 21A depicts an exploded perspective view of the embodiment depicted in FIG. 19, in a manner similar to the exploded view depicted in FIG. 2. It will be appreciated that hand-crawler embodiment 11 depicted in FIGS. 19, 20 and 21A differs from hand-crawler embodiment 2 by the absence of brace assembly, 22, 25, 22, respectively, which, among other functions, affords a second point of contact with base member 26.

(50) Thus, those skilled in the art will understand that, instead of benefiting from a second point of contact manifest by a brace assembly as taught herein, the embodiment depicted in FIGS. 19, 20 and 21A will be seen as being somewhat similar to a piston arrangement comprising single spring retainer member 30C affixed to base member 26 at its lower end thereof by a fastener member illustrated as bolt member 39. Base member 26 is preferably configured with a circular cross-section and preferably with plurality of gap members 26A to accommodate elastic distortion of base member 26 manifest during the unique whippy motion herein described. Gap members 26A are preferably configured as wedge-shaped voids cut out of base member 26. It will be seen that plurality of stud members 36 are received through like plurality of apertures 28 disposed upon base member 26.

(51) As illustrated in FIG. 21B, it should be appreciated that, to foster stability of post assembly 15 during alternating compression and decompression of spring member 32 as herein described, pair of flat recesses 30E are disposed upon surface of opposing sides of post member 16 to facilitate securely and tightly screwably holding fastener member 39 therewithin. Top portion 30D of spring retainer member 30C is disposed within housing member 20 and has a larger diameter than the lower exposed portion of spring retainer member 30C. Shoulder members 31B are disposed at bottom portion of void space 31 within housing member 20. It will be appreciated that shoulder members 31 function as detents holding top portion 30D of piston-like spring retainer member 30C within housing member 20 to repetitively perform the expansion and compression of spring member 32 as contemplated hereunder.

(52) To achieve the prerequisite functionality taught herein while simultaneously promoting an important lightweight objective, those skilled in the art will understand that spring retainer upper member 30A depicted in FIGS. 1, 2, 3A, 5 and 6 may be constituted with hollow construction besides solid construction. Similarly, top portion 30D of single spring retainer member 30C depicted in FIGS. 19 and 21A may be constituted with hollow construction besides solid construction to achieve the prerequisite functionality taught herein while simultaneously promoting an important lightweight objective. It should be clear to those skilled in the art that the remaining components depicted in FIGS. 19, 20, 21A and 21B are structured and function in the same manner as the like components depicted in FIGS. 1 and 2 and in FIGS. 3A and 3B.

(53) Focusing now on embodiment 7 depicted in FIGS. 11-18, there is depicted specially reinforced embodiment 7 of the embodiment depicted in FIGS. 1-8. By reconciling embodiment 2 with respect to embodiment 7 hereof, it will become evident that both have been configured to receive an optional stability supplemental support cylinder 3 which can be readily inserted through mated hole 28A in base member 26 and likewise readily removed as appropriate for a particular user or particular type of users, will be hereinafter described. FIG. 11 illustrates stabilizer support cylinder 3 in situ circumscribed by cylindrical spring member 32 situated within base assembly 100. The exploded perspective view of embodiment 7 depicted in FIG. 12 illustrates the ease with which stabilizer support cylinder 3 is preferably either screwably emplaced or screwably replaced through hole 28A with cooperation between stability cylinder whorl 3B and internal cylindrical aperture whorl 30BS and secured therein by stability cylinder retainer 30AR. Thus, this stability support cylinder is disposed annularly between post member 16 and spring member 32.

(54) This attachment and detachment relationship is illustrated in the frontal cross-sectional view in FIG. 13A and the cross-sectional plan view in FIG. 13B. Lower spring retainer member 30B is interconnected with base member 26 either by molding or welding as a function of the material of construction, i.e., either suitable plastic or metal, respectively. It should also be understood that gap s1 between stabilizer cylinder retainer 30AR and bore hole 3D is configured to accommodate moderate horizontal deflection flexibility during whippy locomotion to militate against undermining the crucial stability of embodiments hereof that could jeopardize the user's safety and well-being during whippy locomotion.

(55) Thus, as clearly depicted in FIGS. 12-18, stability cylinder 3 would be optionally emplaced within base assembly 100 of structurally-reinforced embodiment 7 wherein stability cylinder bottom portion 3C is securably attached to base member 26 after being adjusted by a screwdriver having access thereto through slit member 3A in hand platform 10. It should be evident that FIG. 13B illustrates the interrelationship between slit member 3A in stability support cylinder 3 for accommodating insertion of a screwdriver for securing the cylinder bottom 3C to the external threaded whorl 3B.

(56) Now focusing on FIG. 22A, there is seen a frontal perspective view of a dual arcuate brace member embodiment of the present invention 42 comprising base assembly 100′ configured to be adjoined with a crutch 45 rather than a user's hand for achieving the novel mode of locomotion taught hereunder. More particularly, as shown, conventional crutch 45 is configured to be screwably received within threaded whorl hole 38 as hereinbefore described. Threads 55 of crutch post member 52 are received by corresponding threads within whorl hole 38. Crutch 45 is shown comprising conventional components well known in the art, including arm pit pad 46 disposed in a transversal relationship with frame 48 constituting first frame portion 48A and second frame portion 48B. Conventional crutch hand grip 47 would be appropriately emplaced within a pair of plurality of symmetrically disposed holes 49 to be commensurate with the user's height. Similarly, crutch post member 52 would be appropriately emplaced in a manner common in the art within a pair of plurality of symmetrically disposed holes to be commensurate with the user's height and other relevant attributes.

(57) It should be understood that, regardless of whether a user walks with a single crutch or with a pair of crutches, crutch embodiment 42 would be adjusted to be compatible with the length of the user's arms (not shown) and the length of the user's legs (not shown). Crutch embodiment 42 comprises frame member 48 having first portion thereof 48A and second portion thereof 48B with horizontal soft hand-grip member 47 disposed as a transversal therebetween. Each of first portion 48A of frame 48 and second portion 48B of frame 48 include two sets of congruent pairs of holes 49 and 59, respectively, along the length thereof as shown. Cushioned hand-grip 47 is situated at an appropriate height by its opposite ends being emplaced in a commensurate pair of holes 49. Similarly, pole member 52 is situated at an appropriate height by its opposite ends being suitably emplaced in a commensurate pair of holes 59. Thus, adjustment of pole member 52 within congruent pairs of holes 59 is functionally related to setting appropriate vertical distance from the bottom adjustable portion 50 of specially-configured crutch member 42 to top portion thereof at pad member 46 would be adjusted by being inserted into a position of post member 52 by emplacing a pair of conventional fasteners (not shown) into identically positioned holes disposed on each of lower portion of corresponding pair of frame portion 48A and 48B. It should be understood that, after these height adjustments have been made to accommodate a user's physical arm and leg physical attributes, threaded portion 55 of pole member 52 of crutch embodiment 42 would be conjoined with base assembly 100′ by being screwably emplaced within whirl hole 38 of cylindrical housing member 20, wherein the distance from base member 34 to hand-grip 47 and arm-pit pad 46, respectively, are commensurate with the user's corresponding arm and leg physical attributes. Then, when a user walks with either one or two crutch embodiments hereof, depending upon whether one or two crutches are needed for support and the like, the vertical spring locomotion as hereinbef ore described tends to promote his physical movement along the ground below concomitant with the several benefits hereinbefore elucidated.

(58) Those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that FIG. 22B corresponds to a frontal perspective view of the dual arcuate brace member embodiment depicted in FIG. 22A, but comprising a supplemental stabilizer support cylinder as hereinbef ore described. Ergo, it will be readily understood that this stabilizer cylinder-reinforced crutch embodiment contemplated hereunder performs with the same feature set and functionality as the unreinforced embodiment thereof depicted in FIG. 22A—but inherently affording substantially greater stability and safety factor than would otherwise be achievable especially under exigent circumstances implicating significantly inhibited crutch-constrained locomotion.

(59) Other variations and modifications will, of course, become apparent from a consideration of the structures and techniques hereinbefore described and depicted. For instance, it has been found that various embodiments of the human hand-crawling and bounding apparatus taught herein may be effectively used with a hand-platform comprising only a front hand-embracing member. That is, it has been found that a user may achieve the whippy locomotion herein described in the absence of such user securing the rear heel hand-portion into a rear hand-embracing member. Indeed, it has been found that, if a user has achieved a sufficient all-fours locomotion level of skill then there may be sufficient equilibrium associated with use of the instant apparatus that supplemental stability provided by a rear hand-embracing member or even a supplemental stability cylinder would not be necessary.

(60) As another example of the versatility of embodiments of the present invention, it has been found to be feasible and, indeed, advantageous not only for users striving to effectuate walking or jogging or running or even jumping exercise routines to sustain physical fitness and good health, but also for athletes and the like to augment normal training protocol by availing themselves of additional thrust and momentum attained by the spring-driven apparatus disclosed herein. Referring collectively to the simplified illustrations depicted in FIGS. 23 and 24, there is seen, similar to the illustrations depicted in FIGS. 9 and 10, a user engaging in a walking sequence while invoking the benefits imparted by the present invention. First, referring to FIG. 23, there is depicted a user having foot-bounding glove apparatus 2′ releasably attached to each of his feet, leading forward locomotion with his left foot which is being propelled in an upward direction by user lifting his left and thereby urging spring 32 to its uncompressed or expanded configuration 32E′ with the foot-bounding glove securely but releasably enclosing his left foot situated in combination within left foot-bounding glove 6, while a user's self-generated downward force on his right foot urges spring 32′ into compressed configuration 32C′ with the foot-bounding glove securely but releasably enclosing his right foot situated in combination within right foot-bounding glove 6′.

(61) It should be understood that numeral 6′ represents a user's securely-embraced foot within an implicated foot-bounding glove assembly. Depending upon the sequential placement of each user's foot upon the ground, one foot—the leading foot—is urged upwardly by the pressure imposed by spring 32′ as it transforms from being a formerly-compressed spring 32C′ into a now-expanded, uncompressed spring 32E′ within a first combination 6′ thereof. Simultaneously, the other foot—the trailing foot—is disposed in a diametrically opposite configuration and is urged downwardly by the user's self-imposed force communicated through his implicated leg and contiguous foot upon the foot-bounding glove apparatus, thereby compressing spring 32′ from expanded, uncompressed configuration 32E′ into compressed configuration 32C′ within a second combination 6′ thereof.

(62) Ergo, next, as illustrated by the user's left-and-right foot configuration depicted in FIG. 24, immediately following user's opposite left-and-right foot configuration in FIG. 23, the user's leading forward locomotion is now alternated to his right foot which is being propelled in an upward direction by the release of spring 32′ urged to its uncompressed, expanded configuration 32E′ with foot-bounding glove 5′ securely but releasably embracing his right foot situated in combination within right foot-bounding glove 6′, while self-generated downward force on his left foot urges spring 32′ into compressed configuration 32C′ with foot-bounding glove 5′ securely but releasably embracing his left foot situated in combination within left foot-bounding glove 6′.

(63) The whippy movement enabled by embodiments of the present invention is characterized by each foot respectively traversing distances d1′ and d2′ and the foot-bounding apparatus moving vertically through heights h1′ and h2′, as shown. It should be understood by those conversant in the art that, for a user traversing typical distances along the ground at varying pace according to such user's physical attributes and athletic condition and associated prowess, particular distances d1′ and d2′ vary according to normal stride lengths. It will also be understood that typical vertical heights contemplated to be manifest during use of pair of foot-bounding embodiments of the present invention should preferably range from about ¼ inch to about ½ inch.

(64) Thus, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, that embodiments of the present invention, when invoked by users manifesting sufficient physical skill and exemplary fitness, may achieve astonishing levels of whippy locomotion heretofore thought impossible and, indeed, heretofore not even contemplated.

(65) Accordingly, it should be clearly understood that the present invention is not intended to be limited by the particular features and structures hereinbefore described and depicted in the accompanying drawings, but that the present invention is to be measured by the scope of the appended claims.

(66) The following is a tabulation of the components depicted in the drawings:

COMPONENT LISTING

(67) TABLE-US-00001 Numeral Component Explanation  2 Hand-crawler glove apparatus, with Cylindrical cross-section either a single flat zonal arcuate brace member or a double rod arcuate brace member  3 Internal stabilizer cylinder member, Support; removable optional  3A Slit Accommodates adjustments by screw driver  3B Whorl  3C Bottom portion  3D Bore Hole  5 Hand Glove assembly  6 Hand-in-glove User's hand secured within glove apparatus  7 Hand-crawler glove apparatus, with Same cylindrical structure as in numeral 2, either a single flat zonal arcuate but reinforced with optional stabilizer brace member or a double rod cylinder arcuate brace member, and also including optional stabilizer cylinder  8 Top layer of Hand Platform  9 Bottom layer of Hand Platform  10 Hand Platform Top surface, for receiving a hand  10A Front portion Enclosing fingers of a hand  10B Rear portion Enclosing heel of a hand  10C Sole portion, layered 2 layers (8 & 9)  11 Hand-crawler glove apparatus, Piston-like operation devoid of arcuate brace member, and also including optional stabilizer cylinder  12 Hand-embracing member, front: Strap fingers  14 Hand-embracing member, rear: heel dorsal Strap & wrist  15 Post Assembly  16 Post member Threaded  17 Top portion  18 Thread members  19 Groove pairs Symmetrically disposed relative to post  20 Housing Member Cylindrical; enclosing Post member 16  20A Ring member Preferably contiguous with top of housing  22 Brace Assembly angle θ  24 Brace Support Member: Zonal, Flat Arcuate Shoulder Configuration  25 Brace Support Member, Double Arcuate Shoulder Configuration  25A, B Dual Parallel Brace Pair Alternative configuration, angle θ  26 Base Member Bottom Support  26A Gap member Accommodates elastic distortion  28 Apertures for receiving Studs 36  28A Aperture in base member 26 Through which stabilizer cylinder 3 inserted  29 Brace Support Member, Single Arcuate Shoulder Configuration  30A Spring Retainer, Upper Member Holding spring within Bracket Assembly, from above  30AR Internal Stabilizer Cylinder Retainer  30B Spring Retainer, Lower Member Holding spring within Bracket Assembly, from below  30BS Internal Stabilizer Cylinder whorl  30C Single spring retainer member  30D Top portion, disposed within housing member 20  30E Recess pair For tightly retaining screw member 39 against post member 16  31 Void within housing 20, below upper threaded portion  31B Shoulder members disposed at bottom of void 31, holding top portion 30D of spring retainer 30C  32 Spring Member  34 Sole Member Rubberized; Skid Resistant  36 Stud Member Insert into corresponding Stud Apertures 28  38 Whorl Hole Centrally & axially disposed within the cylindrical housing & having internal threads mated with post threaded members  39 Fastener member, connecting lower Bolt portion of spring retainer member 30C  40 Set of Securing Fasteners Bolts or wing-nuts, to adjust height of column  42 Crutch embodiment  45 Crutch Screwable trunk bottom rather than rubber tip  46 Pad Arm pit  47 Hand-grip Adjustable height (not shown)  48 Frame Holes for adjusting height of hand-grip  48A Left-side Portion  48B Right-side Portion  49 Holes to adjust hand-grip height  50 Post Support, adjustable Threaded  52 Post, threaded  55 Threads 100 or Base assembly for different Lower portion of embodiments, 100′ or embodiments encompassing post assembly (15); housing 100″ or member (20); spring member (32) & its 100′″ associated components; base member (26) and its associated components; optionally brace assembly (22) θ Angle of support relative to vertical Varies from about 95° to 135° d1, d2 Horizontal distance traversed by user during first & second cycle h1, h2 Elevated height of user's hand after driven by decompressed or expanded spring; hand-jump about ¼ to ½ inch s1 Gap between stabilizer cylinder Accommodates horizontal deflection retainer 39AR and bore hole 3D occurring during whippy motion