Universal variable resistance device
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.
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.
SUMMARYThis 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.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGSThese and other aspects will now be described in detail with reference to the following drawings.
Like reference symbols in the various drawings indicate like elements.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
The amount of resistance required to bend the rod 102, and thus provided by the resistance device 100, 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
The one or more outer rods 108 can slide from a retracted position substantially inside each other, as shown in
Each of the rods 106, 108 and 110 can have a connector 112. The connector 112 preferably has an aperture. In some embodiments, 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
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
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.
Type: Application
Filed: Oct 25, 2005
Publication Date: Apr 26, 2007
Inventor: Brian Zuckerman (Los Angeles, CA)
Application Number: 11/259,622
International Classification: A63B 21/02 (20060101);