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

• US 20130178344A1
• Filed: 09/18/2012
• Published: 07/11/2013
• Est. Priority Date: 01/11/2012
• Status: Abandoned Application

• Current Assignee: Alliance Design And Development Group, Inc.
• Original Assignee: Alliance Design And Development Group, Inc.
• Inventors: Walsh, Robert, Tarlton, Peter B., Corrigan, William
• Application Number:
  US13/622,331
• Publication Number:
  US 20130178344A1
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 482/122
• CPC Class Codes: A01D 7/06 with tines specially shaped or attached
• CPC Class Codes: A01K 87/00 Fishing rods
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 5/0123 for the knees A61F5/0106 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 2071/027 using player's own weight, e.g. on a platform
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 2071/0694 Visual indication, e.g. Indicia
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 21/0004 Exercising devices moving as a whole during exercise bar bells or dumb bells A63B21/072; on wheels A63B22/20
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 21/00069 Setting or adjusting the resistance level; Compensating for a preload prior to use, e.g. changing length of resistance or adjusting a valve
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 21/00072 by changing the length of a lever
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 21/00185 using resistance provided by the user, e.g. exercising one body part against a resistance provided by another body part A63B21/068 takes precedence; isometric exercise A63B21/0023
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 21/026 Bars; Tubes; Leaf springs A63B21/023 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 21/0442 Anchored at one end only, the other end being manipulated by the user
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 21/045 having torsion or bending or flexion element
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 21/4023 the user operating the resistance directly, without additional interface A63B21/072 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 21/4029 Benches specifically adapted for exercising for bench press exercises A63B21/078
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 21/4037 Exercise mats for personal use, with or without hand-grips or foot-grips, e.g. for Yoga or supine floor exercises mats for absorbing shocks A63B6/00
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 2102/18 Baseball, rounders or similar games
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 2102/24 Ice hockey
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 22/0056 the pivoting movement being in a vertical plane, e.g. steppers with a horizontal axis platforms for rocking motion about a horizontal axis A63B22/16
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 22/02 with movable endless bands , e.g. treadmills other training appliances for running on the spot A63B69/0028
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 22/0605 performing a circular movement, e.g. ergometers
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 22/0664 : performing an elliptic movement
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 2209/02 : with reinforcing fibres, e.g. carbon, polyamide fibres
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 2210/50 : Size reducing arrangements for stowing or transport
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 2220/24 : Angular displacement
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 2220/40 : Acceleration
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 2220/50 : Force related parameters
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 2225/096 : automatically adjusted according to anthropometric data of the user
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 2225/15 : with identification means that can be read by electronic means
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 2225/20 : with means for remote communication, e.g. internet or the like
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 2225/50 : Wireless data transmission, e.g. by radio transmitters or telemetry
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 2225/54 : Transponders, e.g. RFID
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 23/03541 : Moving independently from each other A63B22/00 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 23/1209 : Involving a bending of elbow and shoulder joints simultaneously
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 24/0062 : Monitoring athletic performances, e.g. for determining the work of a user on an exercise apparatus, the completed jogging or cycling distance
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 49/02 : Frames
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 5/06 : Vaulting poles ; Take-off boxes therefor
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 53/10 : Non-metallic shafts
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 59/20 : having means, e.g. pockets, netting or adhesive type surfaces, for catching or holding a ball, e.g. for lacrosse or pelota
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 59/50 : Substantially rod-shaped bats for hitting a ball in the air, e.g. for baseball
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 59/70 : with bent or angled lower parts for hitting a ball on the ground, on an ice-covered surface, or in the air, e.g. for hockey or hurling
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 60/42 : Devices for measuring, verifying, correcting or customising the inherent characteristics of golf clubs, bats, rackets or the like, e.g. measuring the maximum torque a batting shaft can withstand
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 71/0622 : Visual, audio or audio-visual systems for entertaining, instructing or motivating the user
• CPC Class Codes: A63C 2203/20 : Shock or vibration absorbing
• CPC Class Codes: A63C 5/07 : comprising means for adjusting stiffness
• CPC Class Codes: B33Y 80/00 : Products made by additive manufacturing

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.

Claims

1. A resistance rod for producing a variable resistance orientable in a direction in any x, y, z plane or combination of planes in 360 degrees of rotation or bending movement, said resistance rod including a plurality of zones of graduated indicia, each zone being a known distance from at least one fulcrum point, said graduated indicia indicating a resistance to an applied force at said known distance

2. The resistance rod according to claim 1, wherein the resistance rod may be one selected from a group consisting of:

solid, semi-solid or hollow rods

3. The resistance rod accordingly to claim 1, wherein said resistance rod is anchored, fixed or held at at least at one point by one of:

an anchoring mechanism, a friction fit, a strap, and a handle.

4. The resistance rod according to claim 1, further comprising at least one spine extending substantially a length of said rod.

5. The resistance rod according to claim 2, wherein said rod has different wall thicknesses to provide a wide range of flexural resistances proportionate to the tensile strength of the beam material.

6. The resistance rod according to claim 1, wherein a material of said rod may be enhanced by adding additives selected from a group consisting of:

fiberglass, metal, polymeric fibers, graphite fibers, carbon fibers, boron fibers, Nano-composite additives and carbon nano tubes.

7. The resistance rod according to claim 1, wherein said rod is manufactured based on a method selected from a group consisting of:

rapid prototyping, stereolithography, fused deposition molding, injection molding, casting, extrusion and/or pultrusion.

8. The resistance rod according to claim 1, wherein said variable-resistance is achieved by one of:

shortening and lengthening an arc length from said at least one fulcrum point.

9. The resistance rod according to claim 1, wherein said variable resistance is achieved by anchoring or holding the rod at different distances.

10. The resistance rod according to claim 1, wherein increasing or decreasing resistance is achieved by anchoring or holding the beam at at least one or more points.

11. The resistance rod according to claim 1, wherein said variable resistance is achieved through at least one of:

a wall thickness, a length, a material of solid, semi-solid, or hollow rod, an attachment point and an arc length during bending.

12. The resistance rod according to claim 1, wherein said zones of said graduated indica are indicated by at least one of:

graphics, colors and tactile physical ridges.

13. The resistance rod according to claim 1, wherein a cross sectional geometry of said resistance rod is selected from one of:

circular, rectangular, elliptical and elongated.

14. The resistance rod according to claim 13, wherein said variable resistance is dependent upon an orientation of said resistance beam with respect to the rod'"'"'s geometry and rotation.

15. The resistance rod according to claim 14, wherein said variable resistance is maximum when said orientation of said resistance rod is parallel to a longest length of said selected cross sectional geometry to said direction of flex.

16. The resistance rod according to claim 14, wherein said variable resistance is minimum when said orientation of said resistance rod is perpendicular to a longest length of said selected cross section geometry to said direction of flex.

22. The resistance rod according to claim 4, wherein said at least one spline is one of:

internal and external to said rod.

17. A resistance rod comprising:

a center portion, having a substantially circular cross-section; and

at least one spine portion, extending substantially a length of said center portion, said center portion and said at least spine portion creating an elongated cross-sectional profile.

18. The resistance rod according to claim 17, wherein each of said center portion and said at least one spine is selected from the group consisting of:

solid, semi-solid and hollow.

19. The resistance rod according to claim 17, further comprising:

a plurality of graduated indicia, each being a known distance from at least one fulcrum point, said graduated indicia indicating a resistance to an applied force at said known distance.

20. The resistance rod according to claim 19,

wherein said graduated indicia being indicated by at least one of:

graphics, color and tactile physical ridges.

21. The resistance rod according to claim 17, wherein said at least one spline portion is one of:

internal and external to said center portion.

23. An equipment comprising:

a hollow shaft,

a rod inserted within said hollow shaft, said rod being positionable within said hollow shaft to alter a flex of said hollow shaft, wherein said variable resistance rod alters said flex of said hollow shaft, by altering a position of said rod within said shaft.

24. The equipment of claim 23, further comprising:

a flexible material in communication with said rod at a first end of said rod; and

means for positioning said rod within said hollow shaft wherein said position of said rod is incrementally lowered within the hollow shaft by compressing the flexible material.

25. The equipment of claim 23, wherein said rod comprises:

a center portion, having a substantially circular cross-section.

26. The equipment of claim 25, wherein said rod further comprises:

at least one spine portion, and extending substantially a length of said center portion, said center portion and said at least spine portion creating an elongated cross-sectional profile.

27. The equipment of claim 25, wherein center portion is selected from the group consisting of:

solid, semi-solid and hollow.

28. The equipment of claim 26, wherein said at least one spine portion is selected from the group consisting of:

solid, semi-solid and hollow.

29. The equipment of claim 26, wherein the at least one spline is external to the center portion.

30. The equipment of claim 26, wherein the at least one spline is internal to the center portion.

31. The equipment of claim 23, wherein said rod is raised within said hollow shaft by uncompressing said flexible material.