Golf Shoe with Sensory Feedback System

Abstract

A golf shoe includes a sensory feedback system which applies pressure to the bottom of a golfer's foot. The feedback system can comprise a generally planar bendable member which is supported beneath the golfer's foot and includes a first end and a second end. When one or both of the bendable member first and second ends are moved towards the other, the bendable member bends and lifts upwardly for thereby applying pressure to the bottom of the golfer's foot. The feedback system can also comprise first and second lifting components having first and second sloped surfaces. The lifting components are positioned with the first and second sloped surfaces slidingly engaging each other. When the first and / or second lifting component is moved relative to the other in a first direction, a thickness of the system increases in a second direction towards the bottom of the golfer's foot for applying pressure thereto.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION1. Field of the Invention

[0001] The present invention relates to apparatuses and training aids used to train a golfer in the proper body movements for a golf swing. More particularly, the present invention is directed to a golf shoe having a sensory feedback system which is adapted to apply gentle pressure to the bottom of the golfer's foot to train correct body weight distribution during the golf swing.2. Background

[0002] In golf, the correct distribution of body weight between the golfer's leading and trailing feet during the golf swing is important for consistently and accurately striking the golf ball. Many golfers are taught to maintain pressure on their lead foot during the golf swing, which prevents the hips and torso from leaning or swaying backwards and improves the consistency and accuracy of the golf swing. However, remembering to maintain pressure on the lead foot, particularly while also thinking about other aspects of the golf swing or the course or the intended shot, is often difficult, especially for newer or out of practice players.

[0003] A number of sensory feedback systems have been developed to help remind golfers to maintain correct body weight distribution. For example, Kimmorley, U.S. Pat. No. 6,616,544, discloses Velcro or plastic inserts that are mounted within a golfer's shoes and provide a tactile indication to the golfer's foot when the correct golf stance is attained. Similarly, Yasuda, U.S. Pat. No. 5,487,546, discloses an L-shaped insert which is inserted into the golfer's shoe and extends partially underneath the instep or arch of the golfer's trailing foot. During the golf swing, the L-shaped insert applies pressure to the instep or arch of the foot and acts as a tactile reminder to maintain proper weight distribution. These types of sensory feedback systems, however, are not adjustable during use and are typically uncomfortable to walk on, and so, are typically only used during dedicated practice, not during an actual game of golf.

[0004] Accordingly, there exists a need for an improved sensory feedback system which applies gentle pressure to the bottom of the golfer's foot for training correct body weight distribution during the golf swing and which can be adjusted during use such that the sensory feedback apparatus is comfortable to walk on and use during an actual game of golf.SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0005] The present invention is directed to a golf shoe having a sensory feedback system which applies pressure to the bottom of a golfer's foot. In one form thereof, the sensory feedback system comprises a generally planar bendable member having a first end and a second end. When one or both of the first and second ends are moved towards the other, the bendable member compresses in a first direction which causes the bendable member to bend and bulge in a second direction towards the bottom of the golfer's foot for applying pressure thereto.

[0006] Preferably, the bendable member first end is stationary, and the second end is moveable towards and away from the first end.

[0007] Preferably, one or more cables are connected to the bendable member second end and are retractable for moving the bendable member second end towards the bendable member first end. The one or more cables are preferably connected to a pair of arms or posts which extend one on either side of the bendable member second end.

[0008] Preferably, the golf shoe further comprises a tensioner mechanism which is connected to, and is adapted to selectively retract, the cables. The tensioner mechanism is preferably a ratcheting spool which is rotatably mounted to the shoe.

[0009] Preferably, a cushion is supported above the bendable lifting component such that, when the bendable lifting component bends and lifts upwardly, the cushion is driven against the bottom of the golfer's foot. Preferably, the cushion is formed from a gel or foam material.

[0010] Preferably, the golf shoe includes one or more cable receiving tubes. The one or more cables are slidingly received through the cable receiving tubes.

[0011] In another embodiment, the golf shoe includes a sensory feedback system comprising a first lifting component having a first sloped surface and a second lifting component having a second sloped surface. The second lifting component is positioned adjacent the first lifting component with the first and second sloped surfaces slidingly engaging each other. When one or both of the first and second lifting components are moved relative to the other in a first direction, a thickness of the sensory feedback system increases in a second direction towards the bottom of the golfer's foot for applying pressure thereto.

[0012] Preferably, either the first lifting component is stationary, and the second lifting component is rotatable in a first rotational direction relative to the first lifting component, or the second lifting component is stacked on top of the first lifting component, and the first lifting component is slidably movable in a first linear direction beneath the second lifting component.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0013] The above-mentioned and other features of this invention and the manner of attaining them will become more apparent, and the invention itself will be better understood by reference to the following description of the embodiments of the invention, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein:

[0014] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a golf shoe constructed in accordance with the principles of the present invention;

[0015] FIG. 2 is a top plan view of the sensory feedback apparatus / golf shoe shown in FIG. 1;

[0016] FIG. 3 is a cross section view of the sensory feedback apparatus / golf shoe taken along the line 3-3 shown in FIG. 2;

[0017] FIG. 4 is an exploded perspective view of the ratcheting tensioner spool shown in FIG. 2;

[0018] FIG. 5 is a magnified detail view of circled Detail 5 shown in FIG. 3 wherein the front lifting component of the sensory feedback apparatus is shown in a flattened, resting position;

[0019] FIG. 6 is a magnified detail view of circled Detail 5 wherein the front lifting component is shown in an upwardly bent, engaged position;

[0020] FIGS. 7A-B are perspective views of the front lifting component shown in FIGS. 3, 5 and 6 showing the front lifting component in the flattened, resting position and the upwardly bent, engaged position;

[0021] FIGS. 8A-B are perspective views of another embodiment of the front lifting component, wherein the front lifting component comprises posts extending one on either side of the bendable member;

[0022] FIG. 9 is a cross section view of another embodiment of the sensory feedback apparatus wherein the front lifting component comprises a pair of wedge-shaped members;

[0023] FIG. 10 is a cross section view of the front lifting component shown in FIG. 9 wherein the cable has been retracted and the upper wedge member has been lifted upwardly;

[0024] FIG. 11 is an exploded perspective view of the front lifting component shown in FIGS. 9 and 10;

[0025] FIG. 12 is a magnified detail view of circled Detail 12 shown in FIG. 3 wherein the rear lifting component is shown in a lowered, resting position;

[0026] FIG. 13 is a magnified detail view of circled Detail 12 wherein the rear lifting component is shown in a upwardly lifted, engaged position;

[0027] FIGS. 14A-B are exploded perspective views of an embodiment of the rear lifting component wherein the base and lifter cap are exploded apart from each other;

[0028] FIG. 15A is a perspective view of another embodiment of the lifter cap, wherein the lifter cap comprises a support plate and a cylindrical perimeter wall;

[0029] FIG. 15B is a bottom plan view of the lifter cap shown in FIG. 15A;

[0030] FIG. 16 is a side plan view of the lifter cap shown in FIGS. 15A-B and the base shown in FIGS. 14A-B;

[0031] FIG. 17 is a cross section view of the lifter cap and base shown in FIG. 16 taken along the line 17-17;

[0032] FIG. 18 is a perspective view of the rear lifting component shown in FIG. 12 wherein the rear lifting component is in a lowered, resting position; and

[0033] FIG. 19 is a perspective view of the rear lifting component in an upwardly lifted, engaged position.

[0034] Corresponding reference characters indicate corresponding parts throughout several views. Although the exemplification set out herein illustrates certain embodiments of the invention, the embodiments disclosed below are not intended to be exhaustive or to be construed as limiting the scope of the invention to the precise form disclosed.DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0035] Referring initially to FIGS. 1-3, a golf shoe 10 constructed in accordance with the principles of the present invention includes an adjustable sensory feedback system 12 which is adapted to apply pressure to the bottom of the golfer's lead foot 14 to remind the golfer to maintain weight thereon during a golf swing. The shoe 10 comprises a sole 18, an upper 20, a tongue 22, and laces 24. As best seen in FIG. 3, the sole 18 comprises an outsole 26, a midsole 28, and an insole 30. The outsole 26 forms the outermost portion of the sole 18 that engages the ground and is preferably constructed from a rubber or rubber-like material. The midsole 28 is mounted to the outsole 26 and is preferably constructed from a shock-absorbing material such as, for example, ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA), polyurethane, thermoplastic polyurethane, or other shock-absorbing foam materials. The insole 30 is layered on top of the midsole 28 and is preferably constructed from a shock-absorbing foam material such as ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA), polyurethane, thermoplastic polyurethane, or other shock-absorbing foam materials, or from a fabric or leather material. The upper 20 is secured to the sole 18 via stitching or other securing means (not shown), and the tongue 22 and laces 24 are secured to the upper 20.

[0036] As shown in FIGS. 1-3, the feedback system 12 includes a pair of front and rear lifting components 32, 34 and a tensioning mechanism 36. The front and rear lifting components 32, 34 are supported between the outsole 26 and the insole 30. The front lifting component 32 is preferably located beneath the “ball” or metatarsal portion of the golfer's foot 14, while the rear lifting component is preferably located beneath the heel of the golfer's foot 14. The tensioning mechanism 36 can be, for example, a low-profile, ratcheting tensioner spool which is coupled to the front and rear lifting components 32, 34 by a pair of cables 38a, 38b.

[0037] As shown in FIG. 4, the tensioner spool 36 includes a housing 40, a knurled thumb wheel 42, a gear 44, and a pawl lever 46. The housing 40 is adapted to be mounted to the shoe upper 20 and includes a vertical end wall 40W having a shaft bore 40B extending perpendicularly therethrough. The knurled thumb wheel 42 includes a shaft 42S extending perpendicularly therefrom and is rotatably mounted to the housing end wall 40W by slidingly receiving the shaft 42S through the shaft bore 40B. The cables 38a, 38b are coupled to the shaft 42S and wind or wrap therearound as the knurled thumb wheel 42 rotates. The gear 44 is mounted to the shaft 42S by a first threaded nut 48 and is rotatable together with the thumb wheel 42. The pawl lever 46 is pivotably mounted to a post 50 which extends from the housing end wall 40W and is secured thereto by a second threaded nut 52.

[0038] Preferably, the terminal end 46TE of the pawl lever 46 is adapted to engage the teeth 44T of gear 44 such that the thumb wheel 42 can be rotatingly driven and ratchetingly advanced for retracting the cables 38a, 38b. Specifically, as the thumb wheel 42 and gear 44 are rotatingly driven in a counterclockwise direction (illustrated by arrow CCW in FIG. 4) for retracting the cables 38a, 38b, the pawl terminal end 46TE slides along and climbs over the gear teeth 44T. When the thumb wheel 42 and gear 44 rotate in the counterclockwise direction, the pawl terminal end 46TE engages a tooth 44T and prevents the thumb wheel 42 and gear 44 from rotating. The pawl lever 46 can then be disengaged from the gear 44 by pivoting the pawl lever 46 about the post 50 to allow the thumb wheel 42 to rotate in the counterclockwise direction and thereby allow the cables 38a, 38b to reextend.

[0039] In operation, the golfer can selectively engage the feedback system 12 when he is ready to take a golf swing by rotatingly driving and ratchetingly advancing the thumb wheel 42 and thereby retracting the cables 38a, 38b. As the cables 38a, 38b retract, they cause the front and rear lifting components 32, 34 to lift upward and apply gentle pressure (illustrated by arrows P in FIGS. 3, 6, 10, and 13) to the bottom of the golfer's foot 14. This gentle pressure reminds the golfer to maintain weight on their lead foot during the golf swing. Additionally, the pressure applied can be selectively increased or adjusted by using the thumb wheel 42 to retract the cables 38a, 38b until the pressure applied by the system 12 is at the desired level.

[0040] After the golf swing, the golfer can disengage the pawl lever 46 from the gear 44 and thereby disengage the tensioner spool 36. When the pawl lever 46 is disengaged, the golfer's body weight causes the front and rear lifting components 32, 34 to retract downwardly for relieving the pressure on the golfer's foot 14 and reextending the cables 38a, 38b. This allows the golfer to selectively disengage the system 12 and comfortably walk to the golf ball before reengaging the system 12 and executing another golf swing.

[0041] As shown in FIGS. 5-8, a first embodiment of the front lifting component 32 comprises a generally planar bendable member 54 having a trailing end 56 and a leading end 58. The bendable member trailing end 56 preferably includes a pair of mounting bores 60 (FIGS. 7A-B and 8A-B) and is coupled to the outsole 26 by a pair of fasteners 62 (FIGS. 5 and 6) which are received through the mounting bores 60. The bendable member leading end 58 preferably includes a pair of arms 64 (FIGS. 7A-B) or posts 66 (FIGS. 8A-B) which extend one on either side of the bendable member 54 and are coupled to the terminal ends 39a of cable 38a.

[0042] The front lifting component 32 also includes a metatarsal cushion 68. The metatarsal cushion 68 is configured to nest with a vertical front cushion socket 70 formed in the midsole 28 and is supported on top of the bendable member 54 between the bendable member 54 and the insole 30. (See FIGS. 5 and 6). Preferably, the metatarsal cushion 68 is formed from a shock-absorbing material which supports and cushions the golfer's foot 14 during ordinary ambulation and distributes pressure across the bottom of the golfer's foot 14 when the feedback system 12 is engaged. For example, the metatarsal cushion 68 can be formed from ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA), polyurethane, thermoplastic polyurethane, or other shock-absorbing foam materials or from polyurethane, silicone, thermoplastic rubber, or other shock-absorbing gel materials.

[0043] When the tensioner spool 36 is used to retract cable 38a, the bendable member 54 is adapted to bend and flex upwardly for applying gentle pressure to the bottom of the golfer's foot 14. Specifically, as illustrated in FIGS. 6, 7A-B, and 8A-B, when cable 38a is retracted by rotating and ratchetingly advancing the thumb wheel 42, the bendable member leading end 58 is pulled a distance X towards the bendable member trailing end 56. This compresses the bendable member 54 in a longitudinal direction (illustrated by arrow L in FIGS. 6, 7B, and 8B) which causes the bendable member 54 to bend and bulge in a transverse direction (illustrated by arrow T in FIGS. 6, 7B, and 8B) towards the bottom of the golfer's foot 14. As the bendable member 54 bends, the metatarsal cushion 68, which is supported on top of the bendable member 54, is driven upwardly against the bottom of the golfer's foot 14 for applying gentle pressure thereto. When the tensioner spool 36 is disengaged by pivoting and disengaging the pawl lever 46 from the gear 44, the golfer's body weight presses the bendable member 54 downwardly, which causes the bendable member 54 to flatten and return to its original unbent position, thereby relieving the pressure on the golfer's foot 14 and reextending cable 38a.

[0044] Preferably, the front lifting component 32 also includes a hump-shaped support pad 72. The hump-shaped support pad 72 is mounted to the outsole 26 beneath the bendable member 54. When the tensioner spool 36 is disengaged and the bendable member 54 flattens downwardly, the support pad 72 is adapted to engage and support the bendable member 54 in a partially upwardly bent resting position (FIGS. 5, 7A, and 8A). Supporting the bendable member 54 in a partially upwardly bent resting position prevents the bendable member 54 from buckling or bending downwardly when the tensioner spool 36 is re-engaged and the bendable member leading end 58 is pulled towards the bendable member trailing end 56.

[0045] In another embodiment (FIGS. 9-11), the front lifting component 32 comprises a pair of wedge-shaped members 74a, 74b. The lower wedge member 74a is slidably supported above the outsole 26 and includes a planar ramp surface 76 which slopes upwardly from the trailing end 78 of the lower wedge member 74a towards the front of the shoe 10. The terminal ends 39a of cable 38a are coupled to the trailing end 78 of the lower wedge member 74a and a spring member 82 is preferably coupled between the leading end 80 of the lower wedge member 74a and the midsole 28 (FIGS. 9 and 10) or the outsole 26 (not shown). The upper wedge member 74b is slidably supported on top of the lower wedge member 74a and includes a planar ramp surface 86 which slidingly engages the lower ramp surface 76. The upper wedge member 74b is preferably configured to slidably nest with the front cushion socket 70 and the metatarsal cushion 68 is preferably supported on top of the upper wedge member 74b.

[0046] When cable 38a is retracted, the lower wedge member 74a is pulled in a first linear direction H towards the heel of the shoe 10 and slides underneath the upper wedge member 74b. (See FIG. 10). As the lower wedge member 74a slides underneath the upper wedge member 74b, the upper wedge member 74b slides and climbs up the lower ramp surface 76. This causes the thickness TH1 of the front lifting component 32 to increase in a second direction V towards the golfer's foot 14, which drives the metatarsal cushion 68 upwardly towards and against the bottom of the golfer's foot for applying gentle pressure thereto.

[0047] Additionally, as the lower wedge member 74a is pulled towards the heel of the shoe 10, the spring member 82 elastically stretches and thereby stores elastic potential energy.

[0048] When the tensioner spool 36 is disengaged, the elastic potential energy stored by the spring 82 pulls the lower wedge member 74a towards the toe of the shoe 10 for reextending cable 38a, and the golfer's body weight presses the metatarsal cushion 68 and the upper wedge member 74b downwardly, thereby relieving the pressure on the golfer's foot 14.

[0049] Turning now to FIGS. 12-19, the rear lifting component 34 comprises a base 88a and a rotatable lifter cap 88b. The base 88a is mounted to the outsole 26 and includes a pair of helical ramps / wedges 92a and a central locator post 96. The helical ramps 92a include sloped ramp surfaces 94a which are formed in a spiral around the locator post 96. The lifter cap 88b is rotatably supported vertically above the base 88a and includes a central locator bore 98 and a pair of helical ramps / wedges 92b. The central locator bore 98 is adapted to slidingly receive and engage the locator post 96 to maintain vertical alignment between the base 88a and the lifter cap 88b. The cap ramps 92b include sloped ramp surfaces 94b which are adapted to slidingly engage the base ramp surfaces 94a.

[0050] The lifter cap 88b can also include an upper support plate 100 and a cylindrical perimeter wall 102. As shown in FIGS. 12, 13, and 15-19, the support plate 100 extends radially from the upper end of the cap 88b and is adapted to support a heel cushion 104. The heel cushion 104 is configured to nest with a vertical heel cushion socket 106 formed in the midsole 28 and is sandwiched between the support plate 100 and the insole 30. Preferably, the heel cushion 104 is formed from a shock-absorbing material which supports and cushions the golfer's foot 14 during ordinary ambulation and distributes pressure across the bottom of the golfer's foot 14 when the feedback system 12 is engaged. For example, the heel cushion 104 can be formed from ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA), polyurethane, thermoplastic polyurethane, or other shock-absorbing foam materials or from polyurethane, silicone, thermoplastic rubber, or other shock-absorbing gel materials.

[0051] The cylindrical perimeter wall 102 circumscribes the perimeter of the lifter cap 88b and includes a cable receiving groove 108. As best seen in FIG. 17, the cylindrical perimeter wall 102 is configured to be slidingly received around the base helical ramps 92a with the perimeter wall cylindrical interior surface 102S slidingly engaging the cylindrical exterior surface 88aS of the base 88a. As best seen in FIGS. 18 and 19, cable 38b engages the groove 108 and preferably wraps around and is secured to the cylindrical perimeter wall 102 within the groove 108.

[0052] When cable 38b is retracted, it pulls and rotates the lifter cap 88b in a counterclockwise direction (illustrated by arrow CCW in FIG. 19) relative to the base 88a. As the lifter cap 88b rotates, the cap ramp surfaces 94b slide against and climb up the base ramp surfaces 94a which causes the thickness TH2 of the rear lifting component 34 to increase in a direction V towards the golfer's foot 14. (See FIG. 13). This in turn drives the heel cushion 104 upwardly against and applies gentle pressure to the bottom of the golfer's heel. When the tensioner spool 36 is thereafter disengaged, the golfer's body weight presses downwardly on the lifter cap 88b, causing the lifter cap 88b to twist and retract downwardly with the lifter cap ramps 92b sliding down the base ramps 92a.

[0053] Preferably, the feedback system 12 also includes one or more guide tubes 110 which are mounted between the outsole 26 and the midsole 28. The guide tubes 110 include internal passageways that are adapted to slidingly receive the cables 38a, 38b therethrough. In operation, the guide tubes 110 act like sheaths which prevent the cables 38a, 38b from becoming misaligned and allow the cables 38a, 38b to smoothly extend and retract without sticking or binding.

[0054] While this invention has been described as having an exemplary design, the present invention may be further modified within the spirit and scope of this disclosure. For example, the tensioning mechanism 36 is shown and described as a ratcheting tensioner spool. However, it should be understood that the tensioning mechanism 36 can comprise various other mechanisms which can be adapted to extending or retracting the cables 38a, 38b. Accordingly, this application is intended to cover any variations, uses, or adaptations of the invention using its general principles.

Claims

1. A golf shoe having a sensory feedback system which applies pressure to the bottom of a golfer's foot, the sensory feedback system comprising:a generally planar bendable member supported beneath the golfer's foot, said bendable member having a first end and a second end; andtwo cables connected to the second end, with one cable secured to a first side of the second end and one cable secured to an opposing second side of the second end;wherein the bendable member second end is moveable towards the bendable member first end; andwherein refracting the cables causes the bendable member second end to move towards the bendable member first end which compresses the bendable member in a first direction and causes the bendable member to bend and bulge in a second direction towards the bottom of the golfer's foot for applying pressure thereto.

2. The golf shoe of claim 1 further comprising a sole, wherein the bendable member first end is secured to the sole, and the bendable member second end is moveable towards and away from the bendable member first end.

3. The golf shoe of claim 2, wherein the cables are connected to the bendable member second end and extend towards the bendable member first end along the sole, and wherein retracting the cables causes the bendable member second end to slide along the sole towards the bendable member first end.

4. The golf shoe of claim 1, further comprising arms or posts extending from the first and second sides of the bendable member second end, and wherein the cables are connected to the arms or posts.

5. The golf shoe of claim 1 further comprising a tensioner mechanism connected to the cables, wherein the cables are selectively retracted by engaging the tensioner mechanism.

6. The golf shoe of claim 1 further comprising a cushion supported between the bendable member and the golfer's foot, wherein as the bendable member bends, the cushion is driven against the bottom of the golfer's foot.

7. The golf shoe of claim 6, wherein the cushion comprises a foam or gel material.

8. The golf shoe of claim 1 further comprising one or more cable receiving tubes, wherein the cables are slidingly received through the cable receiving tubes.

9. (canceled)10. (canceled)11. (canceled)12. (canceled)13. (canceled)14. (canceled)15. (canceled)16. (canceled)17. (canceled)18. (canceled)19. (canceled)20. (canceled)21. A golf shoe having a sensory feedback system which applies pressure to the bottom of a golfer's foot, the sensory feedback system comprising:a generally planar bendable member supported beneath the golfer's foot, said bendable member having a first end and a second end;wherein one or both of the bendable member first and second ends are moveable towards the other;wherein moving one or both of the bendable member ends towards the other causes the bendable member to bend into a generally semi-cylindrical shape such that the bendable member bulges towards the bottom of the golfer's foot for applying pressure thereto.

22. The golf shoe of claim 21, wherein the bendable member first end is stationary, and the bendable member second end is moveable towards and away from the bendable member first end.

23. The golf shoe of claim 22, wherein one or more cables are connected to the bendable member second end, and wherein retracting the one or more cables causes the bendable member second end to move towards the bendable member first end.

24. The golf shoe of claim 23, wherein a pair of arms or posts extend one from either side of the bendable member second end, and wherein the one or more cables are connected to the pair of arms or posts.

25. The golf shoe of claim 24 further comprising a tensioner mechanism connected to the one or more cables, wherein the one or more cables are selectively retracted by engaging the tensioner mechanism.

26. The golf shoe of claim 21 further comprising a cushion supported between the bendable member and the golfer's foot, wherein as the bendable member bends, the cushion is driven against the bottom of the golfer's foot.

27. The golf shoe of claim 26, wherein the cushion comprises a foam or gel material.

28. The golf shoe of claim 23 further comprising one or more cable receiving tubes, wherein the one or more cables are slidingly received through the cable receiving tubes.

29. The golf shoe of claim 21 further comprising a sole, wherein the bendable member first end is secured to the sole, and the bendable member second end is moveable towards and away from the bendable member first end.

30. The golf shoe of claim 29, wherein the cables are connected to the bendable member second end and extend towards the bendable member first end along the sole, and wherein retracting the one or more cables causes the bendable member second end to slide along the sole towards the bendable member first end.

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