US20070093366A1 - Universal variable resistance device - Google Patents
Universal variable resistance device Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- US20070093366A1 US20070093366A1 US11/259,622 US25962205A US2007093366A1 US 20070093366 A1 US20070093366 A1 US 20070093366A1 US 25962205 A US25962205 A US 25962205A US 2007093366 A1 US2007093366 A1 US 2007093366A1
- Authority
- US
- United States
- Prior art keywords
- rod
- force
- variable resistance
- resistance device
- distal end
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Abandoned
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Classifications
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
- A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
- A63B21/00—Exercising apparatus for developing or strengthening the muscles or joints of the body by working against a counterforce, with or without measuring devices
- A63B21/02—Exercising apparatus for developing or strengthening the muscles or joints of the body by working against a counterforce, with or without measuring devices using resilient force-resisters
- A63B21/026—Bars; Tubes; Leaf springs
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
- A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
- A63B21/00—Exercising apparatus for developing or strengthening the muscles or joints of the body by working against a counterforce, with or without measuring devices
- A63B21/02—Exercising apparatus for developing or strengthening the muscles or joints of the body by working against a counterforce, with or without measuring devices using resilient force-resisters
- A63B21/04—Exercising apparatus for developing or strengthening the muscles or joints of the body by working against a counterforce, with or without measuring devices using resilient force-resisters attached to static foundation, e.g. a user
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
- A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
- A63B21/00—Exercising apparatus for developing or strengthening the muscles or joints of the body by working against a counterforce, with or without measuring devices
- A63B21/00058—Mechanical means for varying the resistance
- A63B21/00069—Setting or adjusting the resistance level; Compensating for a preload prior to use, e.g. changing length of resistance or adjusting a valve
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
- A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
- A63B21/00—Exercising apparatus for developing or strengthening the muscles or joints of the body by working against a counterforce, with or without measuring devices
- A63B21/02—Exercising apparatus for developing or strengthening the muscles or joints of the body by working against a counterforce, with or without measuring devices using resilient force-resisters
- A63B21/045—Exercising apparatus for developing or strengthening the muscles or joints of the body by working against a counterforce, with or without measuring devices using resilient force-resisters having torsion or bending or flexion element
Definitions
- a universal variable resistance device having a flexible, resilient center rod having a base end for mounting to a stable or immovable object, and a distal end against which a force is exerted to flex the center rod.
- the center rod is configured to flex in a cantilevered fashion.
- the universal variable resistance device further includes one or more outer rods coaxially mounted around the center rod. Each of the one or more outer rods, individually or in a combination, is configured to extend toward the distal end of the center rod to provide an increased resistance to the force and retract toward the base end of the center rod to provide less resistance to the force.
- some embodiments of a universal variable resistance device include a flexible, resilient rod having a base end for mounting to a stable or immovable object, and a distal end against which a force is exerted to flex the rod. These embodiments further include a holder that holds the rod at a point along the rod. The holder is configured to slide toward the distal end of the rod to provide an increased resistance to the force and slide toward the base end of the rod to provide less resistance to the force.
- FIGS. 1A and 1B illustrate a universal variable resistance device according to first exemplary embodiments.
- FIGS. 2A, 2B and 2 C illustrate a universal variable resistance device according to second exemplary embodiments.
- FIGS. 1A and 1B illustrate a universal variable resistance device 100 according to first exemplary embodiments.
- the universal variable resistance device 100 includes a flexible, resilient rod 102 and a holder 104 .
- the rod 102 has a base end 101 for attaching to a stable or immovable object, and a distal end 103 to which force can be applied to bend the rod 102 in cantilevered fashion from the base end 101 .
- the rod 102 can be made of any flexible but rigid materials such as fiberglass, composite fiber materials, metal, wood, or the like.
- the rod 102 can be resistively flexed from a substantially straight position to a curved, flexed position.
- the amount of resistance required to bend the rod 102 is inversely proportional to a length L of the rod 102 that extends from, or beyond, the holder 104 to the distal end 103 .
- a connector 107 may be connected to the rod 102 proximate the distal end 103 , to which a cable or other movable object may be connected in order to bend the length L of the rod 102 .
- the holder 104 includes an aperture 105 through which the rod 102 is provided.
- the aperture 105 can also be a groove or channel.
- the rod 102 and/or holder 104 are slidable with respect to each other, such that the length L of the rod 102 that extends from the holder 104 to the distal end 103 can be varied. Accordingly, as shown in FIG. 1B , shortening the length L of the rod 102 increases resistance provided by the resistance device 100 , while lengthening the length L of the rod 102 decreases resistance provided by the resistance device 100 .
- FIGS. 2A, 2B and 2 C illustrate a universal variable resistance device 120 according to second exemplary embodiments.
- the resistance device 120 includes a flexible, resilient center rod 106 .
- the center rod 106 is preferably solid, but may also be hollow.
- the resistance device 120 further includes one or more sliding outer rods 108 .
- the resistance device 120 has a base end 111 that attaches to a stable or immovable object, and a distal end 112 against which a force can be exerted to bend the center rod 106 in cantilevered fashion from the base end 111 .
- the one or more outer rods 108 can slide from a retracted position substantially inside each other, as shown in FIG. 2A , to an extended position telescoping out over the center rod 106 (or over the coaxial rod 108 immediately below) as shown in FIG. 2B .
- Each outer rod 108 can extend or telescope toward the distal end 113 of the center rod 106 to provide an increased resistance to the force exerted on the center rod 106 and/or one or more outer rods 108 , and retract toward the base end 111 of the center rod 106 to provide less resistance to such a force.
- resistance provided by the resistance device 120 can be adjusted up or down.
- Each of the rods 106 , 108 and 110 can have a connector 112 .
- the connector 112 preferably has an aperture.
- the connector 112 on each of the rods 106 , 108 and 110 are sized and configured to have the apertures line up in series, as shown in FIG. 2C , such that in the extended position each connector 112 can attach to a moving object such as a cable.
- only the center rod includes a connector 112 .
- a universal variable resistance device can be used for providing variable resistance in an exercise machine.
- Other uses are within the scope of this disclosure. Although a few embodiments have been described in detail above, other modifications are possible. Other embodiments may be within the scope of the following claims.
Landscapes
- Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
- Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
- Biophysics (AREA)
- Orthopedic Medicine & Surgery (AREA)
- General Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
- Physical Education & Sports Medicine (AREA)
- Adjustable Resistors (AREA)
Abstract
A universal variable resistance device is disclosed. The device includes a flexible, resilient rod having a base end for mounting to a stable or immovable object, and a distal end against which a force is exerted to flex the rod. One or more outer rods are coaxially mounted around the rod. Each of the one or more outer rods is configured to extend toward the distal end of the center rod to provide an increased resistance to the force and retract toward the base end of the center rod to provide less resistance to the force. Alternatively, a holder is provided that holds the rod at a point along the rod. The holder is configured to slide toward the distal end of the rod to provide an increased resistance to the force, and slide toward the base end of the rod to provide less resistance to the force.
Description
- Various devices use flexible, resilient rods for providing variable resistance. For example, some exercise machines use a number of such rods to provide resistance in lieu of weights. To vary the amount of resistance, the rods can be connected and used together in various combinations. Such variation, however, requires the use of multiple rods, which can be unsightly, difficult to manage and maintain, and difficult to use.
- This document introduces a universal variable resistance device having a flexible, resilient center rod having a base end for mounting to a stable or immovable object, and a distal end against which a force is exerted to flex the center rod. The center rod is configured to flex in a cantilevered fashion. In some embodiments, the universal variable resistance device further includes one or more outer rods coaxially mounted around the center rod. Each of the one or more outer rods, individually or in a combination, is configured to extend toward the distal end of the center rod to provide an increased resistance to the force and retract toward the base end of the center rod to provide less resistance to the force.
- In other aspects, some embodiments of a universal variable resistance device include a flexible, resilient rod having a base end for mounting to a stable or immovable object, and a distal end against which a force is exerted to flex the rod. These embodiments further include a holder that holds the rod at a point along the rod. The holder is configured to slide toward the distal end of the rod to provide an increased resistance to the force and slide toward the base end of the rod to provide less resistance to the force.
- The details of one or more embodiments are set forth in the accompanying drawings and the description below. Other features and advantages will be apparent from the description and drawings, and from the claims.
- These and other aspects will now be described in detail with reference to the following drawings.
-
FIGS. 1A and 1B illustrate a universal variable resistance device according to first exemplary embodiments. -
FIGS. 2A, 2B and 2C illustrate a universal variable resistance device according to second exemplary embodiments. - Like reference symbols in the various drawings indicate like elements.
-
FIGS. 1A and 1B illustrate a universalvariable resistance device 100 according to first exemplary embodiments. As shown by way of example inFIG. 1A , the universalvariable resistance device 100 includes a flexible,resilient rod 102 and aholder 104. Therod 102 has abase end 101 for attaching to a stable or immovable object, and adistal end 103 to which force can be applied to bend therod 102 in cantilevered fashion from thebase end 101. Therod 102 can be made of any flexible but rigid materials such as fiberglass, composite fiber materials, metal, wood, or the like. Therod 102 can be resistively flexed from a substantially straight position to a curved, flexed position. - The amount of resistance required to bend the
rod 102, and thus provided by theresistance device 100, is inversely proportional to a length L of therod 102 that extends from, or beyond, theholder 104 to thedistal end 103. Aconnector 107 may be connected to therod 102 proximate thedistal end 103, to which a cable or other movable object may be connected in order to bend the length L of therod 102. - The
holder 104 includes anaperture 105 through which therod 102 is provided. Theaperture 105 can also be a groove or channel. Therod 102 and/orholder 104 are slidable with respect to each other, such that the length L of therod 102 that extends from theholder 104 to thedistal end 103 can be varied. Accordingly, as shown inFIG. 1B , shortening the length L of therod 102 increases resistance provided by theresistance device 100, while lengthening the length L of therod 102 decreases resistance provided by theresistance device 100. -
FIGS. 2A, 2B and 2C illustrate a universalvariable resistance device 120 according to second exemplary embodiments. Theresistance device 120 includes a flexible,resilient center rod 106. Thecenter rod 106 is preferably solid, but may also be hollow. Theresistance device 120 further includes one or more slidingouter rods 108. Theresistance device 120 has abase end 111 that attaches to a stable or immovable object, and adistal end 112 against which a force can be exerted to bend thecenter rod 106 in cantilevered fashion from thebase end 111. - The one or more
outer rods 108 can slide from a retracted position substantially inside each other, as shown inFIG. 2A , to an extended position telescoping out over the center rod 106 (or over thecoaxial rod 108 immediately below) as shown inFIG. 2B . Eachouter rod 108 can extend or telescope toward thedistal end 113 of thecenter rod 106 to provide an increased resistance to the force exerted on thecenter rod 106 and/or one or moreouter rods 108, and retract toward thebase end 111 of thecenter rod 106 to provide less resistance to such a force. Thus, resistance provided by theresistance device 120 can be adjusted up or down. - Each of the
rods connector 112. Theconnector 112 preferably has an aperture. In some embodiments, theconnector 112 on each of therods FIG. 2C , such that in the extended position eachconnector 112 can attach to a moving object such as a cable. Alternatively, in some embodiments, only the center rod includes aconnector 112. - The universal variable resistance devices described above can be used in a variety of applications, without limitation. In some embodiments, a universal variable resistance device can be used for providing variable resistance in an exercise machine. Other uses are within the scope of this disclosure. Although a few embodiments have been described in detail above, other modifications are possible. Other embodiments may be within the scope of the following claims.
Claims (10)
1. A universal variable resistance device comprising:
a flexible, resilient center rod having a base end for mounting to a stable or immovable object, and a distal end against which a force is exerted to flex the center rod; and
one or more outer rods coaxially mounted around the center rod, and being configured to extend toward the distal end of the center rod to provide an increased resistance to the force, and to retract toward the base end of the center rod to provide less resistance to the force.
2. A universal variable resistance device in accordance with claim 1 , further comprising a connector attached proximate the distal end of the center rod, for connecting to an object that exerts the force.
3. A universal variable resistance device in accordance with claim 1 , wherein each rod is formed of fiberglass.
4. A universal variable resistance device in accordance with claim 1 , wherein each rod is formed of a composite fiber material.
5. A universal variable resistance device in accordance with claim 1 , further comprising a connector attached to the distal end of the center rod and to a distal end of each of the one or more outer rods, and wherein each connector includes an aperture.
6. A universal variable resistance device, comprising:
a flexible, resilient rod having a base end for mounting to a stable or immovable object, and a distal end against which a force is exerted to flex the rod; and
a holder that holds the rod at a point along the rod, the holder being configured to slide toward the distal end of the rod to provide an increased resistance to the force, and to slide toward the base end of the rod to provide less resistance to the force.
7. A universal variable resistance device in accordance with claim 6 , further comprising a connector attached proximate the distal end of the rod, for connecting to an object that exerts the force.
8. A universal variable resistance device in accordance with claim 6 , wherein the rod is made of fiberglass.
9. A universal variable resistance device in accordance with claim 6 , wherein the rod is formed of a composite fiber material.
10. A universal variable resistance device in accordance with claim 6 , wherein the holder includes an aperture through which the rod extends and by which the rod is held.
Priority Applications (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US11/259,622 US20070093366A1 (en) | 2005-10-25 | 2005-10-25 | Universal variable resistance device |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US11/259,622 US20070093366A1 (en) | 2005-10-25 | 2005-10-25 | Universal variable resistance device |
Publications (1)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
US20070093366A1 true US20070093366A1 (en) | 2007-04-26 |
Family
ID=37986068
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US11/259,622 Abandoned US20070093366A1 (en) | 2005-10-25 | 2005-10-25 | Universal variable resistance device |
Country Status (1)
Country | Link |
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US (1) | US20070093366A1 (en) |
Cited By (10)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US20070054790A1 (en) * | 2003-02-20 | 2007-03-08 | Alliance Design & Development Group, Inc. | Exercise apparatus resistance unit |
US20070209363A1 (en) * | 2001-05-11 | 2007-09-13 | Mcewen James A | Turbocharger with wastegate |
US7309303B1 (en) * | 2004-01-14 | 2007-12-18 | Richard Proctor | Exercising and physiotherapy system |
US20080039301A1 (en) * | 2006-07-19 | 2008-02-14 | Adam Halbridge | Exercise Apparatus |
US20090017999A1 (en) * | 2006-07-19 | 2009-01-15 | Adam Halbridge | Exercise Apparatus |
US8147391B1 (en) * | 2010-09-27 | 2012-04-03 | Hill Donald R | Exercise bar |
US20140315696A1 (en) * | 2011-08-10 | 2014-10-23 | Angelo Gonzalez | Variable rate full body exercise system |
US9737747B1 (en) * | 2012-01-11 | 2017-08-22 | Alliance Design And Development Group, Inc. | Methods of adjusting stiffness and flexibility in devices, apparatus and equipment |
US20170266484A1 (en) * | 2015-10-28 | 2017-09-21 | Daniel Smith | Therapeutic stick and method of use |
US20190314665A1 (en) * | 2018-04-11 | 2019-10-17 | Paul Kelley Goodwin | Flexure tube exercise device |
Citations (7)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US903679A (en) * | 1908-01-18 | 1908-11-10 | Cyrus William Courtney | Game apparatus. |
US2787484A (en) * | 1953-11-27 | 1957-04-02 | South Bend Tackle Company Inc | Sectional fishing rod |
US4133708A (en) * | 1975-09-25 | 1979-01-09 | Tomotoshi Tokuno | Method for producing a fishing-rod |
US4725057A (en) * | 1984-04-27 | 1988-02-16 | Tessema Shifferaw | Universal exercising machine |
US5147262A (en) * | 1988-10-28 | 1992-09-15 | Bruce Hymanson | Isokinetic oscillating exercise apparatus |
US5891003A (en) * | 1996-05-28 | 1999-04-06 | Deac; Titus | Exercise device |
US6872174B2 (en) * | 2003-05-27 | 2005-03-29 | Tony Benach | Arm and upper torso exercise device |
-
2005
- 2005-10-25 US US11/259,622 patent/US20070093366A1/en not_active Abandoned
Patent Citations (7)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US903679A (en) * | 1908-01-18 | 1908-11-10 | Cyrus William Courtney | Game apparatus. |
US2787484A (en) * | 1953-11-27 | 1957-04-02 | South Bend Tackle Company Inc | Sectional fishing rod |
US4133708A (en) * | 1975-09-25 | 1979-01-09 | Tomotoshi Tokuno | Method for producing a fishing-rod |
US4725057A (en) * | 1984-04-27 | 1988-02-16 | Tessema Shifferaw | Universal exercising machine |
US5147262A (en) * | 1988-10-28 | 1992-09-15 | Bruce Hymanson | Isokinetic oscillating exercise apparatus |
US5891003A (en) * | 1996-05-28 | 1999-04-06 | Deac; Titus | Exercise device |
US6872174B2 (en) * | 2003-05-27 | 2005-03-29 | Tony Benach | Arm and upper torso exercise device |
Cited By (15)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US20070209363A1 (en) * | 2001-05-11 | 2007-09-13 | Mcewen James A | Turbocharger with wastegate |
US7823385B2 (en) * | 2001-05-11 | 2010-11-02 | Holset Engineering Company, Ltd. | Turbocharger with wastegate |
US7762935B2 (en) * | 2003-02-20 | 2010-07-27 | Doble William C | Exercise apparatus resistance unit |
US20070054790A1 (en) * | 2003-02-20 | 2007-03-08 | Alliance Design & Development Group, Inc. | Exercise apparatus resistance unit |
US7309303B1 (en) * | 2004-01-14 | 2007-12-18 | Richard Proctor | Exercising and physiotherapy system |
US20080039301A1 (en) * | 2006-07-19 | 2008-02-14 | Adam Halbridge | Exercise Apparatus |
US7635323B2 (en) * | 2006-07-19 | 2009-12-22 | Adam Halbridge | Exercise apparatus |
US20090017999A1 (en) * | 2006-07-19 | 2009-01-15 | Adam Halbridge | Exercise Apparatus |
US8147391B1 (en) * | 2010-09-27 | 2012-04-03 | Hill Donald R | Exercise bar |
US20140315696A1 (en) * | 2011-08-10 | 2014-10-23 | Angelo Gonzalez | Variable rate full body exercise system |
US9737747B1 (en) * | 2012-01-11 | 2017-08-22 | Alliance Design And Development Group, Inc. | Methods of adjusting stiffness and flexibility in devices, apparatus and equipment |
US20170266484A1 (en) * | 2015-10-28 | 2017-09-21 | Daniel Smith | Therapeutic stick and method of use |
US10806964B2 (en) * | 2015-10-28 | 2020-10-20 | Daniel Smith | Therapeutic stick and method of use |
US20190314665A1 (en) * | 2018-04-11 | 2019-10-17 | Paul Kelley Goodwin | Flexure tube exercise device |
US10953258B2 (en) * | 2018-04-11 | 2021-03-23 | Paul Kelley Goodwin | Flexure tube exercise device |
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Legal Events
Date | Code | Title | Description |
---|---|---|---|
AS | Assignment |
Owner name: SWIMWORKS, INC., CALIFORNIA Free format text: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST;ASSIGNOR:ZUCKERMAN, BRIAN;REEL/FRAME:017126/0234 Effective date: 20051212 |
|
STCB | Information on status: application discontinuation |
Free format text: ABANDONED -- FAILURE TO RESPOND TO AN OFFICE ACTION |