Abstract: An active suspension orthotic support system is disclosed. The suspension orthotic support system comprises at least one variable resistance beam extending from a heel section to a mid-arch section of the footwear, wherein rotation of the variable resistance beam from a first position to a second position causes a resistance provided by the variable resistance beam to vary between a minimum resistance to a maximum resistance.

Abstract: An active suspension orthotic support system is disclosed. The suspension orthotic support system comprises at least one variable resistance beam extending from a heel section to a mid-arch section of the footwear, wherein rotation of the variable resistance beam from a first position to a second position causes a resistance provided by the variable resistance beam to vary between a minimum resistance to a maximum resistance.

Abstract: An Unloader assembly to control load distribution about a joint is disclosed. The assembly including an upper collar attachable above the joint and a lower collar attached below the joint, and a hinge positioned between the upper attachment and the lower attachment. The Unloader further includes a compression assembly includes an arm attached at one end to the hinge and a housing into which the arm is slidable. The housing further includes a bushing and a variable resistance beam positioned between the arm and the bushing. The variable resistance beam provides a variable degree of rigidity to provide different levels of resistance to compression.

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.

Abstract: An active suspension orthotic support system is disclosed. The suspension orthotic support system comprises at least one variable resistance beam extending from a heel section to a mid-arch section of the footwear, wherein rotation of the variable resistance beam from a first position to a second position causes a resistance provided by the variable resistance beam to vary between a minimum resistance to a maximum resistance.

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. The resistance level may be determined based on the thickness of the rod, the position of the 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 a golf club that provides for adjustable resistance levels.

Abstract: An active footwear suspension system is disclosed. The footwear system provides dynamic suspension using at least one or more variable resistance beams. At least one or more VRB extends from a heel section and/or a front section to a force plate or platform section of the footwear, thus providing selectable suspension to the wearer. The selected rotation of the VRBs from a first position to a second position provides customized suspension between a minimum resistance to a maximum resistance per zone.

Abstract: An Unloader assembly to control load distribution about a joint is disclosed. The assembly including an upper collar attachable above the joint and a lower collar attached below the joint, and a hinge positioned between the upper attachment and the lower attachment. The Unloader further includes a compression assembly includes an arm attached at one end to the hinge and a housing into which the arm is slidable. The housing further includes a bushing and a variable resistance beam positioned between the arm and the bushing. The variable resistance beam provides a variable degree of rigidity to provide different levels of resistance to compression.

Abstract: An active suspension orthotic support system is disclosed. The suspension orthotic support system comprises at least one variable resistance beam extending from a heel section to a mid-arch section of the footwear, wherein rotation of the variable resistance beam from a first position to a second position causes a resistance provided by the variable resistance beam to vary between a minimum resistance to a maximum resistance.

Abstract: An Unloader assembly to control load distribution about a joint is disclosed. The assembly comprises an upper collar attachable above the joint and a lower collar attached below the joint, and a hinge positioned between the upper attachment and the lower attachment. The Unloader further including a compression assembly includes an arm attached at one end to the hinge and a housing into which the arm is slidable. The housing further including a bushing and a variable resistance beam positioned between the arm and the bushing. The variable resistance beam provides a variable degree of rigidity to provide different levels of resistance to compression.

Abstract: A tubular structural member that provides directional resistance. The tubular structural member has a flexural resistance that is greater in one direction than in another. The tubular structural member can be employed in variety of devices or structures so as to effect the overall stiffness of the device.

Abstract: A sports apparatus with variable directions of stiffness and flexibility, including sports equipment having a body; and a flexure resistance spine that is elongated and is stiffer and less flexible in one direction than in a different direction. The spine is fixed against rotation at two spaced apart locations along the body.

Abstract: A sports apparatus with variable directions of stiffness and flexibility, including sports equipment having a body with an elongated cavity; and a stiffening rod that is elongated and has a longitudinal axis in a direction of elongation of the stiffening rod, the stiffening rod being inserted within the cavity and stiffer in one direction than in a different direction and being more flexible in the different direction than in the one direction, both the one direction and the different direction being directed transverse to the longitudinal axis.