G.R.I.D. (GRADUAL RESISTANCE INCREMENTAL DEMAND) SYSTEM

FIELD

The field of the invention is exercise apparatus.

BACKGROUND

Conventional exercise tubes and bands fix the middle of an elastic component and the user holds onto the ends of the elastic component.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION

In one aspect, an exercise apparatus includes an equilateral frame that includes a plurality of inflexible members, each inflexible member having a flexible member, wherein ends of the flexible members are fixed only to ends of the inflexible members.

In a further aspect, an exercise apparatus includes a plurality of substantially unbendable members, each member having a first end, a middle and a second end, each substantially unbendable member having a substantially elastic member with two ends, wherein both ends of the substantially unbendable member are fixed to the corresponding ends of the substantially elastic member, wherein the middle of the substantially elastic member is not fixed to the middle of the substantially unbendable member.

In another aspect, an exercise apparatus includes an elongated section that includes a substantially unbendable member having a first end, a middle and a second end; and a substantially elastic member having a first end, a middle and a second end, wherein the first end of the substantially unbendable member being fixed to the first end of the substantially elastic member, wherein the second end of the substantially unbendable member being fixed to the second end of the substantially elastic member, wherein the middle of the substantially elastic member is not fixed to the middle of the substantially unbendable member.

Exercise apparatuses of varying scope are described herein. In addition to the aspects and advantages described in this summary, further aspects and advantages will become apparent by reference to the drawings and by reading the detailed description that follows.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is an isometric diagram of an exercise apparatus, according to an implementation;

FIG. 2 is an isometric diagram of the exercise apparatus, according to an implementation;

FIG. 3 is a block diagram of an exercise apparatus, according to an implementation;

FIG. 4 is a block diagram of the exercise apparatus, according to an implementation;

FIG. 5 is an isometric diagram of a member of the exercise apparatus, according to an implementation;

FIG. 6 is a front view block diagram of an exercise apparatus, according to an implementation;

FIG. 7 is a top view block diagram of the exercise apparatus, according to an implementation;

FIG. 8 is an isometric front view diagram of an exercise apparatus, according to an implementation having a hook hold;

FIG. 9 is an isometric front view diagram of an exercise apparatus, according to an implementation having knob fixation apparatus;

FIG. 10 is an isometric diagram of an exercise apparatus, according to an implementation;

FIG. 11 is an isometric diagram of a frame junction of an exercise apparatus, according to an implementation;

FIG. 12 is an isometric diagram of a hook hold fixation apparatus of an exercise apparatus, according to an implementation;

FIG. 13 is an isometric diagram of a flexible member of an exercise apparatus, according to an implementation;

FIG. 14 is an isometric diagram of a fixed attachment between canvas straps and rubber or other elastic tubing of an exercise apparatus, according to an implementation;

FIG. 15 is an isometric diagram of a knob fixation apparatus of an exercise apparatus, according to an implementation;

FIG. 16 is a block diagram of flexible members of an exercise apparatus, according to an implementation;

FIG. 17 is a block diagram of a flexible member of an exercise apparatus, according to an implementation;

FIG. 18 is a flowchart of a method of installing the pressure mounted storage apparatus, according to an implementation;

FIG. 19 is a block diagram of a hardware and operating environment in which different implementations can be practiced; and

FIG. 20 is a block diagram of a mobile device, according to an implementation.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In the following detailed description, reference is made to the accompanying drawings that form a part hereof, and in which is shown by way of illustration specific implementations that may be practiced. These implementations are described in sufficient detail to enable those skilled in the art to practice the implementations, and it is to be understood that other implementations may be utilized and that logical, mechanical, electrical and other changes may be made without departing from the scope of the implementations. The following detailed description is, therefore, not to be taken in a limiting sense.

The detailed description is divided into four sections. In the first section, apparatus described. In the second section, a method is described. In the third section, a hardware and the operating environment in conjunction with which implementations may be practiced are described. The fourth section, a conclusion of the detailed description is provided.

Apparatus

FIG. 1 is an isometric diagram of an exercise apparatus 100, according to an implementation. Apparatus 100 includes a quadrilateral frame, or an equilateral frame, comprising a plurality of inflexible members 102, 104, 106 and 108. Each inflexible member (102, 104, 106 and 108) has at least one flexible or otherwise elastic member, 110, 112, 114 and 116. Ends of the flexible (110, 112, 114 and 116) members are fixed only to ends of the inflexible members (102, 104, 106 and 108, respectively). One example of pairs of inflexible members and flexible members (102/110, 104/112, 106/114 and 108/116) is the member 500 in FIG. 5. The elastic members 110, 112, 114 and 116 resist deformation and after being released the elastic members 110, 112, 114 and 116 return to their original shape. In various implementations, the inflexible members are made of wood, metal and/or plastic. In some implementations, no other apparatus is attached to the exercise apparatus 100. The elastic members 110, 112, 114 and 116 provide gradual resistance to incremental demand. The frame can be a quadrilateral frame or equilateral frame, as stated above, and in addition the frame can be monolateral (as shown in FIG. 5), triangular or square, pentalateral, septilateral, heptalateral, octalateral, nonalateral or decalateral.

Apparatus 100 provides versatility without adjusting or re-arranging components. Apparatus 100 is the opposite of conventional exercise apparatus in which the flexible members of apparatus 100 are fixated at the ends, thus apparatus 100 prompts the user to hold the middle of the elastic components. In addition, the apparatus 100 provides multiple plane resistance from at least two points of reference with two horizontal and two vertical axes in a quadrilateral format with which the user can also choose the level of resistance by selecting a single elastic chord of specific gauge or combinations there-of

Apparatus 100 can be converted to a conventional “single end attachment” exercise apparatus. Apparatus 100 inverts the conventional utility of the therapeutic and physical conditioning materials, rendering apparatus 100 as unique. Apparatus 100 also does not require adjustment in any way, in comparison to conventional exercise apparatus that requires variance of tension components. In apparatus 100, the elastic components 110, 112, 114 and 116 are fastened to the rigid /mountable components 102, 104, 106 and 108 in such a way that the elastic components 110, 112, 114 and 116 can be easily be un-fixated and used as a conventional single point attachment device in which only one of the elastic components 102, 104, 106 and 108 is attached the rigid /mountable components 102, 104, 106 and 108, that in turn could be held, or fastened to the user(s) device(s) for holding (handles belts etc. that may currently exist on the market). In addition apparatus 100 provides easy replacement of parts and provides versatility in varying arrangements of mixed tensions of the elastic components 110, 112, 114 and 116.

In apparatus 100, by fixating the ends of the elastic tubes and pulling from the middle (rather than the current utility of fixating the middle and pulling from the ends) a multi-directional resistance can be generated into any previously existing single point exercise

The equilateral frame in apparatus 100 allows for both resistive and assistive forces without any adjustment. The equilateral frame has all sides of the same length.

Apparatus 100 can condition the vestibular system with decreased risk of falling and provide muscle conditioning simultaneously needed for proprioceptive rehabilitation. Apparatus 100 is cost effective, and unparalleled in its combination of versatility and simplicity.

Apparatus 100 is superior to any pulley system of isotonic design. Apparatus 100 creates push or pull tri-plane resistance for any exercise targeting any combination or order of sagittal, coronal and transverse planes of movement.

Apparatus 100 allows muscle re-education and proper muscle recruitment order post injury. For example Apparatus 100 can inhibit the deltoid through reciprocal inhibition while inducing retraction, internal rotation/external rotation in the rotator cuff muscles and consequently better targeting of the deeper muscles that produce retraction, internal rotation.

FIG. 2 is an isometric diagram of the exercise apparatus 100, according to an implementation. Apparatus 100 includes a quadrilateral frame comprising a plurality of inflexible members 102 and 106. Each inflexible member (102 and 106) has at least one flexible member 110 and 114. Ends of the flexible (110 and 114) members are fixed only to ends of the inflexible members (102 and 106, respectively).

FIG. 3 is a block diagram of an exercise apparatus 300, according to an implementation. Apparatus 300 includes a quadrilateral frame comprising a plurality of inflexible members 102, 104, 106 and 108. In the implementation shown in FIG. 3, the inflexible members 102, 104, 106 and 108 are 4 feet to 7 feet long. Each inflexible member (102, 104, 106 and 108) has at least one flexible member, 110, 112, 114 and 116. Corner extensions 302, 304, 306 and 308 are wall mount apparatus. The thinner black lines in the flexible members 110, 112, 114 and 116 are elastic chords of various gauges for variable resistance. The flexible members 110, 112, 114 and 116 have unequal elasticity to each other. The various gauges allow a large variety of different exercises without need to adjust anything. For example, in some implementations, the flexible members 110, 112, 114 and 116 are rubber tubing that is currently manufactured by several corporations (e.g. SPRI Products, Inc., 1769 Northwind Blvd., Libertyville, Ill. 60048) that include end straps and handles (not shown in FIG. 3). The end straps would remain but without plastic handle component so the canvas strap material could easily be looped and fastened to the frame for quick assembly or replacement. The combination of several gages of resistive material on the frame allows for large spectrum resistance/assistance forces without any device adjustments

FIG. 4 is a block diagram of the exercise apparatus 300, according to an implementation. Apparatus 300 includes a quadrilateral frame comprising a plurality of inflexible members 102, 104, 106 and 108. In the implementation shown in FIG. 4, the inflexible members 102, 104, 106 and 108 are 2 inch×4 inch plywood. Each inflexible member (102, 104, 106 and 108) has at least one flexible member 110, 112, 114 and 116.

FIG. 5 is an isometric diagram of a member 500 of the exercise apparatus, according to an implementation of elastic bands around a perimeter of a rigid structure. Member 500 is an elongated section of an exercise apparatus. Member 500 includes an inflexible member 502 that has a first end 504, a middle 506 and a second end 508. The inflexible member 502 is unbendable. A flexible member 510 has a first end 512, a middle 514 and a second end 516. The flexible member 510 is elastic. The first end 504 of the inflexible member 502 is fixed to the first end 512 of the flexible member 510. The second end 508 of the inflexible member 502 is fixed to the second end 516 of the flexible member 510. The middle 514 of the flexible member 510 is not fixed to the middle 506 of the inflexible member 502. In some implementations, inflexible member 502 is a substantially inflexible member. In some implementations, flexible member 510 is a substantially flexible member. Flexible member 510 is one example of flexible members 110, 112, 114 and 116. Inflexible member 502 is one example of inflexible members 102, 104, 106 and 108.

Apparatus 500 fixates the ends 504, 508, 512 and 516 and the user pulls from the middle 514 of the flexible member 51. There are several to many alternatives of fixation but any variation utilizing the quadrilateral design or similar utility variation and/or multi-directional combination of fixating the ends 504, 508, 512 and 516 and pulling from the middle 514 is a unique principle associated with this apparatus.

FIG. 6 is a front view block diagram of an exercise apparatus 600, according to an implementation. Fixation apparatus 602, 604, 606 and 608 fix the inflexible members 102, 104, 106 and 108 to the flexible members 110, 112, 114 and 116. In the implementation shown in FIG. 6, the fixation apparatus can be any one of a hook, a knob, or an eye hook. In the implementation shown in FIG. 6, the inflexible members 102, 104, 106 and 108 are 2 inch×4 inch plywood but other implementations include 2 inch×6 inch plywood.

FIG. 7 is a top view block diagram of the exercise apparatus 600, according to an implementation. Knob fixation apparatus 602 fixes the inflexible members (not shown in FIG. 7) to the flexible member 110. In the implementation shown in FIG. 6, the fixation apparatus is a knob 602. In the implementation shown in FIG. 6, the inflexible member 102 is 2 inch×4 inch plywood and the inflexible members 104 and 108 include 2 inch×6 inch plywood.

FIG. 8 is an isometric front view diagram of an exercise apparatus 800, according to an implementation having a hook hold. In the implementation shown in FIG. 8, the fixation apparatus is a hook hold. Fixation apparatus 802, 804, 806 and 808 fix the flexible members (not shown in FIG. 8) to the inflexible members 102, 104, 106 and 108.

FIG. 9 is an isometric front view diagram of an exercise apparatus 900, according to an implementation having knob fixation apparatus. In the implementation shown in FIG. 9, the fixation apparatus is a knob. The knob fixation apparatus 902, 904, 906 and 908 fix the flexible members (not shown in FIG. 9) to the inflexible members 102, 104, 106 and 108. 2″ lag bolts attach the inflexible member (not shown). Exercise apparatus 900 also includes screw holes 910 into which screws 912 can be inserted to attach the exercise apparatus 900 to a wall or other immovable object. The screws extend through the opposite side or face from the side that flexible members can be mounted). In the implementation shown in FIG. 9, the horizontal inflexible members 102 and 106 of the exercise apparatus 900 are 2″×4″ wood studs and the vertical inflexible members 104 and 108 of the exercise apparatus 900 are 2″×6″ in dimension.

FIG. 10 is an isometric diagram of an exercise apparatus 1000, according to an implementation. Apparatus 1000 includes a quadrilateral frame comprising a plurality of inflexible members 102, 104, 106 and 108. Each inflexible member (102, 104, 106 and 108) has at least one flexible member, 110, 112, 114 and 116. Ends of the flexible (110, 112, 114 and 116) members are fixed only to ends of the inflexible members (102, 104, 106 and 108, respectively). In the implementation shown in FIG. 10, the horizontal inflexible members 102 and 106 of the exercise apparatus 1000 are 2″×4″ wood studs and the vertical inflexible members 104 and 108 of the exercise apparatus 1000 are 2″×6″. 2″ lag bolts 1002 attach the inflexible members.

FIG. 11 is an isometric diagram of a frame junction of an exercise apparatus 1100, according to an implementation. Apparatus 1100 shows the junction of inflexible members 102, 104, 106 or 108 of an equilateral frame, such as the junction of the 2″×4″ wood stud horizontal inflexible members 102 and 106 and the 2″×4″ wood studs vertical inflexible members 104 and 108 of the exercise apparatus 900 or 1000. The inflexible members 102 and 106 are attached to the vertical inflexible members 104 and 108 via 4″ lag bolts 1102 and 1104.

FIG. 12 is an isometric diagram of a hook hold fixation apparatus of an exercise apparatus 1200, according to an implementation. Apparatus 1200 shows an inflexible member 102, 104, 106 or 108 of an equilateral frame, such as 2″×4″ wood stud horizontal inflexible member 102 or 106. Hook hold fixation apparatus 802, 804, 806 or 808 is fixedly mounted in the inflexible member 102, 104, 106 or 108. Ends of the flexible members (110, 112, 114 or 116) are fixed only to ends of the inflexible members (102, 104, 106 and 108, respectively).

FIG. 13 is an isometric diagram of a flexible member of an exercise apparatus 1300, according to an implementation. Flexible member 1300 is one example of flexible member 110, 112, 114 or 116 as shown in FIG. 12. Flexible member 1300 includes two, and only two, canvas straps 1302 and 1304 fixedly attached by a rubber or other elastic tubing 1306. The fixed attachment 1308 between the canvas straps 1302 and 1304 and the rubber or other elastic tubing 1306 is described in greater detail in FIG. 14.

FIG. 14 is an isometric diagram of a fixed attachment between canvas straps and rubber or other elastic tubing of an exercise apparatus 1400, according to an implementation. The fixed attachment 1400 is one example of the fixed attachment 1308 in FIG. 13. The fixed attachment 1400 includes the rubber or other elastic tubing 1306 that passes through a reinforced donut passageway 1402 through canvas straps 1302 or 1304. The fixed attachment 1400 also includes an end stopper 1404 positioned in a flanged end 1406 of the rubber or other elastic tubing 1306 to the extent that the outside diameter of the flanged end 1406 is greater than the inside diameter of the reinforced donut passageway 1402, thus preventing the flanged end 1406 from being pulled through the reinforced donut passageway 1402. The end 1408 of the rubber or other elastic tubing 1306 is taped or sealed in some way to prevent the end stopper 1404 from being pushed out the end 1408 of the rubber or other elastic tubing 1306.

FIG. 15 is an isometric diagram of a knob fixation apparatus of an exercise apparatus 1500, according to an implementation. The knob fixation apparatus 1500 is one example of the knob fixation apparatus 902, 904, 906 and 908 in FIG. 9. The knob fixation apparatus 1500 fixes the inflexible member 102, 104, 106 or 108 to the flexible member 110, 112, 114 or 116. The knob fixation apparatus 1500 includes one or more knobs 1502.

FIG. 16 is a block diagram of flexible members of an exercise apparatus 1600, according to an implementation. The flexible members 1600 are one example of the flexible member 110, 112, 114 or 116. The flexible members 1600 include a plurality of flexible members 1602, 1604, 1606, 1608 and 1610. Each of the flexible members 1602, 1604, 1606, 1608 and 1610 vary and are different from each other in regards to elasticity. The elasticity of the flexible members 1602, 1604, 1606, 1608 and 1610 is color coded.

FIG. 17 is a block diagram of a flexible member of an exercise apparatus 1700, according to an implementation. The flexible member 1700 is one example of the flexible member 110, 112, 114 or 116. Flexible member 1700 includes a clip 1702 at least one of the ends. The clip 1702 is compatible with a wire handle design or individual eye hook fastener on the frame.

Method

FIG. 18 is a flowchart of a method 1800 of installing the pressure mounted storage apparatus, according to an implementation. Method 1800 includes instructing, educating or suggesting exercise routines of over 100 separate exercises of an exercise apparatus having flexible members that are fixed only to ends of the inflexible members, in which the exercise routines are packaged in a shuffle mode option so that a series of activities will seldom if at all reproduce itself for the effect of muscle confusion conditioning, at block 1802.

Hardware and Operating Environment

FIG. 19 is a block diagram of a hardware and operating environment 1900 in which different implementations can be practiced. The description of FIG. 19 provides an overview of computer hardware and a suitable computing environment in conjunction with which some implementations can be implemented. Implementations are described in terms of a computer executing computer-executable instructions. However, some implementations can be implemented entirely in computer hardware in which the computer-executable instructions are implemented in read-only memory. Some implementations can also be implemented in client/server computing environments where remote devices that perform tasks are linked through a communications network. Program modules can be located in both local and remote memory storage devices in a distributed computing environment.

FIG. 19 illustrates an example of a general computer environment 1900, in accordance with an implementation of the disclosed subject matter. The general computer environment 1900 includes a computation device 1902 capable of implementing the processes described herein. It will be appreciated that other devices can alternatively used that include more components, or fewer components, than those illustrated in FIG. 19.

The illustrated operating environment 1900 is only one example of a suitable operating environment, and the example described with reference to FIG. 19 is not intended to suggest any limitation as to the scope of use or functionality of the implementations of this disclosure. Other well-known computing systems, environments, and/or configurations can be suitable for implementation and/or application of the subject matter disclosed herein.

The computation device 1902 includes one or more processors or processing units 1904, a system memory 1906, and a bus 1908 that couples various system components including the system memory 1906 to processor(s) 1904 and other elements in the environment 1900. The bus 1908 represents one or more of any of several types of bus structures, including a memory bus or memory controller, a peripheral bus, an accelerated graphics port and a processor or local bus using any of a variety of bus architectures, and can be compatible with SCSI (small computer system interconnect), or other conventional bus architectures and protocols.

The system memory 1906 includes nonvolatile read-only memory (ROM) 1910 and random access memory (RAM) 1912, which can or can not include volatile memory elements. A basic input/output system (BIOS) 1914, containing the elementary routines that help to transfer information between elements within computation device 1902 and with external items, typically invoked into operating memory during start-up, is stored in ROM 1910.

The computation device 1902 further can include a non-volatile read/write memory 1916, represented in FIG. 19 as a hard disk drive, coupled to bus 1908 via a data media interface 1917 (e.g., a SCSI, ATA, or other type of interface); a magnetic disk drive (not shown) for reading from, and/or writing to, a removable magnetic disk 1920 and an optical disk drive (not shown) for reading from, and/or writing to, a removable optical disk 1926 such as a CD, DVD, or other optical media.

The non-volatile read/write memory 1916 and associated computer-readable media provide nonvolatile storage of computer-readable instructions, data structures, program modules and other data for the computation device 1902. Although the exemplary environment 1900 is described herein as employing a non-volatile read/write memory 1916, a removable magnetic disk 1920 and a removable optical disk 1926, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that other types of computer-readable media which can store data that is accessible by a computer, such as magnetic cassettes, FLASH memory cards, random access memories (RAMs), read only memories (ROM), and the like, can also be used in the exemplary operating environment.

A number of program modules can be stored via the non-volatile read/write memory 1916, magnetic disk 1920, optical disk 1926, ROM 1910, or RAM 1912, including an operating system 1930, one or more application programs 1932, other program modules 1934 and program data 1936. Examples of computer operating systems conventionally employed for some types of three-dimensional and/or two-dimensional medical image data include the NUCLEUS® operating system, the LINUX® operating system, and others, for example, providing capability for supporting application programs 1932 using, for example, code modules written in the C++® computer programming language.

A user can enter commands and information into computation device 1902 through input devices such as input media 1938 (e.g., keyboard/keypad, tactile input or pointing device, mouse, foot-operated switching apparatus, joystick, touchscreen or touchpad, microphone, antenna etc.). Such input devices 1938 are coupled to the processing unit 1904 through a conventional input/output interface 1942 that is, in turn, coupled to the system bus. A monitor 1950 or other type of display device is also coupled to the system bus 1908 via an interface, such as a video adapter 1952.

The computation device 1902 can include capability for operating in a networked environment using logical connections to one or more remote computers, such as a remote computer 1960. The remote computer 1960 can be a personal computer, a server, a router, a network PC, a peer device or other common network node, and typically includes many or all of the elements described above relative to the computation device 1902. In a networked environment, program modules depicted relative to the computation device 1902, or portions thereof, can be stored in a remote memory storage device such as can be associated with the remote computer 1960. By way of example, remote application programs 1962 reside on a memory device of the remote computer 1960. The logical connections represented in FIG. 19 can include interface capabilities a storage area network (SAN, not illustrated in FIG. 19), local area network (LAN) 1972 and/or a wide area network (WAN) 1974, but can also include other networks.

Such networking environments are commonplace in modern computer systems, and in association with intranets and the Internet. In certain implementations, the computation device 1902 executes an Internet Web browser program (which can optionally be integrated into the operating system 1930), such as the “Internet Explorer®” Web browser manufactured and distributed by the Microsoft Corporation of Redmond, Wash.

When used in a LAN-coupled environment, the computation device 1902 communicates with or through the local area network 1972 via a network interface or adapter 1976. When used in a WAN-coupled environment, the computation device 1902 typically includes interfaces, such as a modem 1978, or other apparatus, for establishing communications with or through the WAN 1974, such as the Internet. The modem 1978, which can be internal or external, is coupled to the system bus 1908 via a serial port interface.

In a networked environment, program modules depicted relative to the computation device 1902, or portions thereof, can be stored in remote memory apparatus. It will be appreciated that the network connections shown are exemplary, and other means of establishing a communications link between various computer systems and elements can be used.

A user of a computer can operate in a networked environment 1900 using logical connections to one or more remote computers, such as a remote computer 1960, which can be a personal computer, a server, a router, a network PC, a peer device or other common network node. Typically, a remote computer 1960 includes many or all of the elements described above relative to the computer 1900 of FIG. 19.

The computation device 1902 typically includes at least some form of computer-readable media. Computer-readable media can be any available media that can be accessed by the computation device 1902. By way of example, and not limitation, computer-readable media can comprise computer storage media and communication media.

Computer storage media include volatile and nonvolatile, removable and non-removable media, implemented in any method or technology for storage of information, such as computer-readable instructions, data structures, program modules or other data. The term “computer storage media” includes, but is not limited to, RAM, ROM, EEPROM, FLASH memory or other memory technology, CD, DVD, or other optical storage, magnetic cassettes, magnetic tape, magnetic disk storage or other magnetic storage devices, or any other media which can be used to store computer-intelligible information and which can be accessed by the computation device 1902.

Communication media typically embodies computer-readable instructions, data structures, program modules or other data, represented via, and determinable from, a modulated data signal, such as a carrier wave or other transport mechanism, and includes any information delivery media. The term “modulated data signal” means a signal that has one or more of its characteristics set or changed in such a manner as to encode information in the signal in a fashion amenable to computer interpretation.

By way of example, and not limitation, communication media include wired media, such as wired network or direct-wired connections, and wireless media, such as acoustic, RF, infrared and other wireless media. The scope of the term computer-readable media includes combinations of any of the above.

Method 1800 components can be embodied as computer hardware circuitry or as a computer-readable program, or a combination of both. In another implementation, method 1800 is implemented in an application service provider (ASP) system.

More specifically, in the computer-readable program implementation, the programs can be structured in an object-orientation using an object-oriented language such as Java, Smalltalk or C++, and the programs can be structured in a procedural-orientation using a procedural language such as COBOL or C. The software components communicate in any of a number of means that are well-known to those skilled in the art, such as application program interfaces (API) or interprocess communication techniques such as remote procedure call (RPC), common object request broker architecture (CORBA), Component Object Model (COM), Distributed Component Object Model (DCOM), Distributed System Object Model (DSOM) and Remote Method Invocation (RMI). The components execute on as few as one computer as in general computer environment 1900 in FIG. 19, or on at least as many computers as there are components.

The implementations described below generally relate to a mobile wireless communication device, hereafter referred to as a mobile device, which can be configured according to an IT policy. It should be noted that the term IT policy, in general, refers to a collection of IT policy rules, in which the IT policy rules can be defined as being either grouped or non-grouped and global or per-user. The terms grouped, non-grouped, global and per-user are defined further below. Examples of applicable communication devices include pagers, cellular phones, cellular smart-phones, wireless organizers, personal digital assistants, computers, laptops, handheld wireless communication devices, wirelessly enabled notebook computers and the like.

FIG. 20 is a block diagram of a mobile device 2000, according to an implementation. The mobile device is a two-way communication device with advanced data communication capabilities including the capability to communicate with other mobile devices or computer systems through a network of transceiver stations. The mobile device may also have the capability to allow voice communication. Depending on the functionality provided by the mobile device, it may be referred to as a data messaging device, a two-way pager, a cellular telephone with data messaging capabilities, a wireless Internet appliance, or a data communication device (with or without telephony capabilities).

Mobile device 2000 is one implementation of mobile device 106 in FIG. 1. The mobile device 2000 includes a number of components such as a main processor 2002 that controls the overall operation of the mobile device 2000. Communication functions, including data and voice communications, are performed through a communication subsystem 2004. The communication subsystem 2004 receives messages from and sends messages to wireless networks 2005. Other implementations of the mobile device 2000, the communication subsystem 2004 can be configured in accordance with the Global System for Mobile Communication (GSM), General Packet Radio Services (GPRS), Enhanced Data GSM Environment (EDGE), Universal Mobile Telecommunications Service (UMTS), data-centric wireless networks, voice-centric wireless networks, and dual-mode networks that can support both voice and data communications over the same physical base stations. Combined dual-mode networks include, but are not limited to, Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA) or CDMA2000 networks, GSM/GPRS networks (as mentioned above), and future third-generation (3G) networks like EDGE and UMTS. Some other examples of data-centric networks include Mobitex™ and DataTAC™ network communication systems. Examples of other voice-centric data networks include Personal Communication Systems (PCS) networks like GSM and Time Division Multiple Access (TDMA) systems.

The wireless link connecting the communication subsystem 2004 with the wireless network 2005 represents one or more different Radio Frequency (RF) channels. With newer network protocols, these channels are capable of supporting both circuit switched voice communications and packet switched data communications.

The main processor 2002 also interacts with additional subsystems such as a Random Access Memory (RAM) 2006, a flash memory 2008, a display 2010, an auxiliary input/output (I/O) subsystem 2012, a data port 2014, a keyboard 2016, a speaker 2018, a microphone 2020, short-range communications 2022 and other device subsystems 2024. The configuration data 108, the diagnostic results 112 and the calibration results 116 is received by the communication subsystem 2004 and transferred by the main processor 2002 to the flash memory 2008. The diagnostic instructions 110 and the calibration instructions 114 is also transferred by the main processor 2002 from the flash memory 2008 through the cable 102.

Some of the subsystems of the mobile device 2000 perform communication-related functions, whereas other subsystems may provide “resident” or on-device functions. By way of example, the display 2010 and the keyboard 2016 may be used for both communication-related functions, such as entering a text message for transmission over the wireless network 2005, and device-resident functions such as a calculator or task list.

The mobile device 2000 can transmit and receive communication signals over the wireless network 2005 after required network registration or activation procedures have been completed. Network access is associated with a subscriber or user of the mobile device 2000. To identify a subscriber, the mobile device 2000 requires a SIM/RUIM card 2026 (i.e. Subscriber Identity Module or a Removable User Identity Module) to be inserted into a SIM/RUIM interface 2028 in order to communicate with a network. The SIM card or RUIM 2026 is one type of a conventional “smart card” that can be used to identify a subscriber of the mobile device 2000 and to personalize the mobile device 2000, among other things. Without the SIM card 2026, the mobile device 2000 is not fully operational for communication with the wireless network 2005. By inserting the SIM card/RUIM 2026 into the SIM/RUIM interface 2028, a subscriber can access all subscribed services. Services may include: web browsing and messaging such as e-mail, voice mail, Short Message Service (SMS), and Multimedia Messaging Services (MMS). More advanced services may include: point of sale, field service and sales force automation. The SIM card/RUIM 2026 includes a processor and memory for storing information. Once the SIM card/RUIM 2026 is inserted into the SIM/RUIM interface 2028, it is coupled to the main processor 2002. In order to identify the subscriber, the SIM card/RUIM 2026 can include some user parameters such as an International Mobile Subscriber Identity (IMSI). An advantage of using the SIM card/RUIM 2026 is that a subscriber is not necessarily bound by any single physical mobile device. The SIM card/RUIM 2026 may store additional subscriber information for a mobile device as well, including datebook (or calendar) information and recent call information. Alternatively, user identification information can also be programmed into the flash memory 2008.

The mobile device 2000 is a battery-powered device and includes a battery interface 2032 for receiving one or more rechargeable batteries 2030. In one or more implementations, the battery 2030 can be a smart battery with an embedded microprocessor. The battery interface 2032 is coupled to a regulator 2033, which assists the battery 2030 in providing power V+to the mobile device 2000. Although current technology makes use of a battery, future technologies such as micro fuel cells may provide the power to the mobile device 2000.

The mobile device 2000 also includes an operating system 2034 and software components 2036 to 2046 which are described in more detail below. The operating system 2034 and the software components 2036 to 2046 that are executed by the main processor 2002 are typically stored in a persistent store such as the flash memory 2008, which may alternatively be a read-only memory (ROM) or similar storage element (not shown). Those skilled in the art will appreciate that portions of the operating system 2034 and the software components 2036 to 2046, such as specific device applications, or parts thereof, may be temporarily loaded into a volatile store such as the RAM 2006. Other software components can also be included.

The subset of software applications 2036 that control basic device operations, including data and voice communication applications, will normally be installed on the mobile device 2000 during its manufacture. Other software applications include a message application 2038 that can be any suitable software program that allows a user of the mobile device 2000 to transmit and receive electronic messages. Various alternatives exist for the message application 2038 as is well known to those skilled in the art. Messages that have been sent or received by the user are typically stored in the flash memory 2008 of the mobile device 2000 or some other suitable storage element in the mobile device 2000. In one or more implementations, some of the sent and received messages may be stored remotely from the device 2000 such as in a data store of an associated host system with which the mobile device 2000 communicates.

The software applications can further include a device state module 2040, a Personal Information Manager (PIM) 2042, and other suitable modules (not shown). The device state module 2040 provides persistence, i.e. the device state module 2040 ensures that important device data is stored in persistent memory, such as the flash memory 2008, so that the data is not lost when the mobile device 2000 is turned off or loses power.

The PIM 2042 includes functionality for organizing and managing data items of interest to the user, such as, but not limited to, e-mail, contacts, calendar events, voice mails, appointments, and task items. A PIM application has the ability to transmit and receive data items via the wireless network 2005. PIM data items may be seamlessly integrated, synchronized, and updated via the wireless network 2005 with the mobile device subscriber's corresponding data items stored and/or associated with a host computer system. This functionality creates a mirrored host computer on the mobile device 2000 with respect to such items. This can be particularly advantageous when the host computer system is the mobile device subscriber's office computer system.

The mobile device 2000 also includes a connect module 2044, and an IT policy module 2046. The connect module 2044 implements the communication protocols that are required for the mobile device 2000 to communicate with the wireless infrastructure and any host system, such as an enterprise system, with which the mobile device 2000 is authorized to interface. Examples of a wireless infrastructure and an enterprise system are given in FIGS. 21 and 22, which are described in more detail below.

The connect module 2044 includes a set of APIs that can be integrated with the mobile device 2000 to allow the mobile device 2000 to use any number of services associated with the enterprise system. The connect module 2044 allows the mobile device 2000 to establish an end-to-end secure, authenticated communication pipe with the host system. A subset of applications for which access is provided by the connect module 2044 can be used to pass IT policy commands from the host system to the mobile device 2000. This can be done in a wireless or wired manner. These instructions can then be passed to the IT policy module 2046 to modify the configuration of the device 2000. Alternatively, in some cases, the IT policy update can also be done over a wired connection.

The IT policy module 2046 receives IT policy data that encodes the IT policy. The IT policy module 2046 then ensures that the IT policy data is authenticated by the mobile device 2000. The IT policy data can then be stored in the flash memory 2006 in its native form. After the IT policy data is stored, a global notification can be sent by the IT policy module 2046 to all of the applications residing on the mobile device 2000. Applications for which the IT policy may be applicable then respond by reading the IT policy data to look for IT policy rules that are applicable.

The IT policy module 2046 can include a parser 2047, which can be used by the applications to read the IT policy rules. In some cases, another module or application can provide the parser. Grouped IT policy rules, described in more detail below, are retrieved as byte streams, which are then sent (recursively) into the parser to determine the values of each IT policy rule defined within the grouped IT policy rule. In one or more implementations, the IT policy module 2046 can determine which applications are affected by the IT policy data and transmit a notification to only those applications. In either of these cases, for applications that are not being executed by the main processor 2002 at the time of the notification, the applications can call the parser or the IT policy module 2046 when the applications are executed to determine if there are any relevant IT policy rules in the newly received IT policy data.

After the IT policy rules have been applied to the applicable applications or configuration files, the IT policy module 2046 sends an acknowledgement back to the host system to indicate that the IT policy data was received and successfully applied.

Other types of software applications can also be installed on the mobile device 2000. These software applications can be third party applications, which are added after the manufacture of the mobile device 2000. Examples of third party applications include games, calculators, utilities, etc.

The additional applications can be loaded onto the mobile device 2000 through at least one of the wireless network 2005, the auxiliary I/O subsystem 2012, the data port 2014, the short-range communications subsystem 2022, or any other suitable device subsystem 2024. This flexibility in application installation increases the functionality of the mobile device 2000 and may provide enhanced on-device functions, communication-related functions, or both. For example, secure communication applications may enable electronic commerce functions and other such financial transactions to be performed using the mobile device 2000.

The data port 2014 enables a subscriber to set preferences through an external device or software application and extends the capabilities of the mobile device 2000 by providing for information or software downloads to the mobile device 2000 other than through a wireless communication network. The alternate download path may, for example, be used to load an encryption key onto the mobile device 2000 through a direct and thus reliable and trusted connection to provide secure device communication.

The data port 2014 can be any suitable port that enables data communication between the mobile device 2000 and another computing device. The data port 2014 can be a serial or a parallel port. In some instances, the data port 2014 can be a USB port that includes data lines for data transfer and a supply line that can provide a charging current to charge the battery 2030 of the mobile device 2000.

The short-range communications subsystem 2022 provides for communication between the mobile device 2000 and different systems or devices, without the use of the wireless network 2005. For example, the subsystem 2022 may include an infrared device and associated circuits and components for short-range communication. Examples of short-range communication standards include standards developed by the Infrared Data Association (IrDA), Bluetooth, and the 802.11 family of standards developed by IEEE.

In use, a received signal such as a text message, an e-mail message, or web page download will be processed by the communication subsystem 2004 and input to the main processor 2002. The main processor 2002 will then process the received signal for output to the display 2010 or alternatively to the auxiliary I/O subsystem 2012. A subscriber may also compose data items, such as e-mail messages, for example, using the keyboard 2016 in conjunction with the display 2010 and possibly the auxiliary I/O subsystem 2012. The auxiliary subsystem 2012 may include devices such as: a touch screen, mouse, track ball, infrared fingerprint detector, or a roller wheel with dynamic button pressing capability. The keyboard 2016 is preferably an alphanumeric keyboard and/or telephone-type keypad. However, other types of keyboards may also be used. A composed item may be transmitted over the wireless network 2005 through the communication subsystem 2004.

For voice communications, the overall operation of the mobile device 2000 is substantially similar, except that the received signals are output to the speaker 2018, and signals for transmission are generated by the microphone 2020. Alternative voice or audio I/O subsystems, such as a voice message recording subsystem, can also be implemented on the mobile device 2000. Although voice or audio signal output is accomplished primarily through the speaker 2018, the display 2010 can also be used to provide additional information such as the identity of a calling party, duration of a voice call, or other voice call related information.

In particular, one of skill in the art will readily appreciate that the names of the methods and apparatus are not intended to limit implementations. Furthermore, additional methods and apparatus can be added to the components, functions can be rearranged among the components, and new components to correspond to future enhancements and physical devices used in implementations can be introduced without departing from the scope of implementations. One of skill in the art will readily recognize that implementations are applicable to future drawers, different pivots, and new moveable mounts.

CONCLUSION

The terminology used in this application is meant to include all pivot arms and compression pads and alternate technologies which provide the same functionality as described herein.

G.R.I.D. (GRADUAL RESISTANCE INCREMENTAL DEMAND) SYSTEM

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