Methods for Adjusting Stiffness and Flexibility in Devices, Apparatus and Equipment

Abstract

A resilient rod that provides adjustable directional resistance is disclosed. In one aspect of the invention, a resistance level may be determined based on a thickness of the rod and a position of an applied force with respect to a fulcrum point. In another aspect of the invention, at least one spine may be attached to the beam to increase a diameter of the beam along one axis. A resistance level may be determined based on a thickness of the rod, a position of an applied force and an orientation of the at least one spine with regard to the direction of the applied force. In other aspects of the invention, the resilient rods may be incorporated into various equipment that provide for adjustable resistance levels. In still other aspects of the invention, the resilient rod may be incorporated into medical devices that provide adjustable support for injured limbs or joints.

Description

CLAIM OF PRIORITY [0001]This application claims, pursuant to 35 USC 119, priority to, and the benefit of the earlier filing date of, that patent application entitled “Exercise Apparatus Having a Resilient Solid Beam with Geometric Protrusions on the Outside for Adjusting Resistance and Stiffness,” filed on Jan. 11, 2012 and afforded Ser. No. 61 / 585,315, the contents of which is incorporated by reference, herein.FIELD OF THE INVENTION [0002]The invention relates the field of equipment and more particularly to devices, apparatus and equipment whose degree of stiffness and flexibility may be varied or dynamically controlled.BACKGROUND [0003]There is a need for varying and adjusting the flexibility and stiffness of associated devices, apparatus and equipment to customize to a user's unique needs, and to the requirements of a particular task or desired outcome.[0004]For example, in recent years, as it relates to the category of sports and fitness equipment, manufacturers and marketers ha...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0036]An advantage of the present invention is the ability to provide constant and consistent flex adjustment. This advantage arises from the adjustment being locked in at the ends of the shaft and, depending upon the application, at one or more additional locations through the length of the shaft.

[0037]A resilient rod...

Problems solved by technology

In many cases, the availability is limited due to cost and over all impracticability.

Additionally, subtle but important changes in the stiffness or flexibility characteristics of sporting or fitness equipment may not be available between different pieces of sporting equipment, because the characteristics may be set by the manufacturer from the choice of materials, design, etc., and to change the characteristics would be impossible, as such customization isn't offered to the user.

Further, the user must have the different pieces of sporting equipment nearby during play or they are essentially in practice unavailable to the user.

Thus, it can be seen how the lack of adjustability in stiffness and flexibility may adversely affect optimum performance of a device, apparatus, and equipment.

Turning to additional types of devices, apparatus and equipment, it can be seen how the lack of a practical means of adjustability in stiffness and flexibility may adversely affect performance.

Yet the degree of adjustability of braces is limited, and, in most cases, fixed.

This often involves the continued and time consuming adjustment of equipment through an exercise cycle and makes changes impractical at best, and at the least a hassle.

When the user changes resistance/weight or machine during an exercise set, it is time consuming and interrupts the user's conditioning.

If the sole is too stiff, however, the toe-heel flex of the foot is hindered.

However, this process is performed by the manufacturer and...

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