Floating lunging prop apparatus

A lunging prop apparatus, comprising:

• a base;
• a linkage;
• an automation system;
• a prop mount;
• the base being adapted and configured to be supported on a flat surface, the lunging prop apparatus being adapted and configured to be supported by the base on the flat surface;
• the linkage comprising a plurality of links, the links comprising the base and a plurality of movable links, the movable links comprising a first crank, a second crank, a third crank, a fourth crank, a first coupler link, a second coupler link, and a third coupler link;
• the linkage being articulable from a home position to a lunged position, in a lunging direction;
• the linkage being articulable from the lunged position to the home position, in a return direction;
• each of the first crank and the second crank being operative to rotate in a forward rotational direction when the linkage is articulated in the lunging direction so as to move the first coupler link in a forward linear direction;
• each of the first crank and the third crank being pivotally connected to each of the first coupler link and the second coupler link;
• each of the third crank and the fourth crank being pivotally connected to each of the first coupler link and the third coupler link;
• the fourth crank being operative to rotate in a rearward rotational direction opposite the forward rotational direction when the linkage is articulated in the lunging direction;
• the prop mount being affixed to the fourth crank;
• the automation system being operatively connected to the linkage so as to be operable to drive the linkage to articulate suddenly from the home position to the lunged position in the lunging direction and to drive the linkage more gradually from the lunged position to the home position in the return direction.