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

The present invention provides a device that allows for constant and consistent flex adjustment. This is achieved by locking in the adjustment at the ends of the shaft and / or at one or more additional locations throughout the length of the shaft. Additionally, a resilient rod can be used to create resistance that adjusts based on the user's hand position and specific rotation for progressive dynamic resistance exercise. This invention allows for varying degrees of weight and resistance during a workout cycle.

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 is beyond the ability of the average user.

Varying the stiffness or flexibility of the golf club is not possible, unless the golfer brings another set of clubs.

Nevertheless, it is impractical to carry a large number of golf clubs onto the course, wherein each club having a slight nuance of difference in flexibility and stiffness than another.

Younger players may require more flex in the hockey stick due to lack of strength; such flex may mean the difference between the younger player being able to lift the puck or not when making a shot since a stiffer flex in the stick may not allow the player to achieve such lift.

Even so, the hockey player may merely want to make a slight adjustment to the stiffness or flexibility of a hockey stick to improve the nuances of the play; which is not possible with conventional technology

Other types of racket sports also suffer from the drawback of being unable to vary the stiffness and / or flexibility of the racket during the course of play to suit the needs of the player at that time, whether those needs arise from weariness, desired held positions, or training for improvement.

However, the bicycle shoe is designed for pedaling and walking in these shoes is uncomfortable.

Diving and swimming fins provide different degrees of stiffness that are fixed, and unchangeable.

Carrying a multitude of different types of paddles for use with a canoe, row boat or kayak, however, is generally impractical for the typical rower from the standpoint of cost, bulk and storage.

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