U.S. patent application number 13/657861 was filed with the patent office on 2014-04-24 for manually operated heavy training ropes for exercise with flexible grip handles and retaining collar.
The applicant listed for this patent is Bruce M. Pahl. Invention is credited to Bruce M. Pahl.
Application Number | 20140113777 13/657861 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 50485849 |
Filed Date | 2014-04-24 |
United States Patent
Application |
20140113777 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Pahl; Bruce M. |
April 24, 2014 |
MANUALLY OPERATED HEAVY TRAINING ROPES FOR EXERCISE WITH FLEXIBLE
GRIP HANDLES AND RETAINING COLLAR
Abstract
A non-covered and a covered heavy training rope has a flexible,
non-slip, foam grip handle and a steel retaining collar that
secures the handles to the rope. The grip handles can be applied to
the ends of the rope using a lubricating adhesive/epoxy to create a
form fitting, flexible, non-slip gripping surface that secures the
rope ends while allowing for more natural motion of the wrist while
absorbing sweat from the hands, decreasing slipping, improving the
grip and extending the overall training time, intensity and
conditioning benefits. The retaining collar (ferrule) can be placed
over the open end of the foam grip handle and mechanically crimped
onto the grip and rope, securing the handle to the rope. The foam
grip handle, adhesive and retaining collar greatly improve the
overall durability, functionality, professional appearance and
marketability, thereby creating the first commercial quality heavy
training rope with a handle.
Inventors: |
Pahl; Bruce M.; (Newark,
DE) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Pahl; Bruce M. |
Newark |
DE |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
50485849 |
Appl. No.: |
13/657861 |
Filed: |
October 22, 2012 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
482/93 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A63B 23/12 20130101;
A63B 21/0609 20130101; A63B 21/4043 20151001; A63B 21/151 20130101;
A63B 21/4023 20151001; A63B 21/4035 20151001 |
Class at
Publication: |
482/93 |
International
Class: |
A63B 21/06 20060101
A63B021/06 |
Claims
1. A training rope comprising: a length of rope; and a flexible,
non-slip foam grip handle attached to each end of the length of
rope.
2. The training rope of claim 1, further comprising a protective
cover disposed over the length of rope.
3. The training rope of claim 1, further comprising a ferrule
disposed about an open end of the grip handle, securing the grip
handle to each end of the length of rope.
4. The training rope of claim 1, further comprising a chafe guard
disposed in a central portion of the length of rope.
5. The training rope of claim 4, further comprising a strap loop
attached to the chafe guard.
6. A training rope comprising: a length of rope; a flexible,
non-slip foam grip handle attached to each end of the length of
rope; a ferrule disposed about an open end of the grip handle,
securing the grip handle to each end of the length of rope; and a
protective cover disposed over the length of rope.
7. The training rope of claim 6, further comprising a chafe guard
disposed in a central portion of the length of rope.
8. The training rope of claim 7, further comprising a strap loop
attached to the chafe guard.
9. A training rope comprising: a length of rope; a flexible,
non-slip foam grip handle attached to each end of the length of
rope; a protective cover disposed over the length of rope; a chafe
guard disposed in a central portion of the length of rope; and a
strap loop attached to the chafe guard.
10. The training rope of claim 9, further comprising a ferrule
disposed about an open end of the grip handle, securing the grip
handle to each end of the length of rope.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present invention relates to training ropes and, more
particularly, to a manually operated heavy training rope for
exercise having flexible grip handles and a retaining collar.
[0002] As is common practice, heavy training ropes are anchored in
the center using a pole or other type of smooth, solid anchor
surface. Users place both ends of the rope in their hands and
stretch out the rope while leaving some slack. Users then make a
variety of waving, circular or slamming type motions for a set
duration of time, rest then repeat for multiple sets. These heavy
rope exercises greatly affect the user's arms, core, hips, legs,
muscular endurance and cardiovascular system while burning a high
number of calories at the same time.
[0003] The most commonly used poly ropes are white and either made
from 100% polypropylene material, which tend to be stiff, not
flexible enough and fray easily. The 50-50% poly/cotton blend loose
lay rope is primarily used for splicing, tugging and securing for
the marine/boating industry. When this boating blend is used for
exercise, the three strand loose lay can "hockle" (yarns or thread
become twisted and fall apart with use). Also, due to the higher
percent of outer cotton surface material, this type of rope becomes
frayed more easily or gets "pulls" which eventually breaks down the
rope and negatively affects the appearance and longevity of the
rope, especially if the rope is repetitively hit and scraped
against the ground or abrasive surface. With regular indoor or,
especially, outdoor use, the poly ropes can become soiled, dirty
and frayed.
[0004] The poly and manila ropes come on a six hundred foot coil
and must be cut using a hot knife or by hand. They are made with
multiple fiber strands, three main strands that are laid or twisted
together using a machine process. It is necessary to secure the
ends of the rope and the most common ways of doing this is by
either taping the ends with duct tape, or using a plastic heat
shrink end cap to keep the rope from coming unraveled. Once a rope
unravels, it is very difficult to re-twist the rope by hand back to
its original shape and functionality. The hard plastic end caps are
ridged and slippery which makes for a poor gripping surface,
especially as hands perspire. Most users are forced to choke up and
hold onto the rope above the cap to get a more secure grip. By
doing this, it lowers the intensity of the training by shortening
the rope length. Also, the duct tape becomes sticky and breaks
apart after a short amount of time. With constant use and over
time, the end cap glue can break down and may cause the caps to
slip off, causing the rope to unwind and making the rope
unusable.
[0005] The manila rope can be messy and shed many fibers, requiring
users to sweep the floor after use. For this reason, it is
recommended that the manila rope be used only outdoors. Manila
fibers can be abrasive while handling and splinters can happen,
which can be dangerous for users because the rope is chemically
treated with a petroleum based mineral oil product. This petroleum
creates an oily feel and also puts off a gasoline type odor when
new. In addition, surface fraying is common with repetitive impact
on the ground or other outdoor training surfaces. If the rope is
used or left outside and becomes wet, shrinkage of up to 10% may
occur, thereby decreasing the overall weight and training benefit
of the rope. Manila rope also tends to retain dirt and debris
during outdoor use which, if brought back inside, creates more
clean-up for the user.
[0006] The poly and manila ropes are normally secured or anchored
around a pole or some other type of smooth, round, fixed point.
Wrapping and un-wrapping the rope around the anchor point takes
additional time and effort. This method of anchoring causes
friction and wearing in the center of the rope, especially if the
rope is anchored around a rough surface, such as a tree, a square
object, or if anchored around something that is thin with an edge
that can cause the fibers to be cut and the rope to be ruined.
[0007] As can be seen, there is a need for an improved heavy
training rope design that overcomes many of the issues encountered
with conventional training ropes.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0008] In one aspect of the present invention, a training rope
comprises a length of rope; and a flexible, non-slip PVC foam grip
handle attached to each end of the length of rope.
[0009] In another aspect of the present invention, a training rope
comprises a length of rope; a flexible, non-slip PVC foam grip
handle attached to each end of the length of rope; a crimped
ferrule disposed over the open end of the grip handle, securing the
grip handle to each end of the length of rope; and a protective
cover disposed over the length of rope.
[0010] In a further aspect of the present invention, a training
rope comprises a length of rope; a flexible, non-slip foam grip
handle attached to each end of the length of rope; a protective
cover disposed over the length of rope; a chafe guard disposed in a
central portion of the length of rope; and a strap loop attached to
the chafe guard.
[0011] These and other features, aspects and advantages of the
present invention will become better understood with reference to
the following drawings, description and claims.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0012] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a heavy training rope
attached to a support according to an exemplary embodiment of the
present invention;
[0013] FIG. 2 is a detailed side view of a handle portion of the
heavy training rope of FIG. 1;
[0014] FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view of the handle portion
of FIG. 2;
[0015] FIG. 4 is a detailed, partially cut-away perspective view of
a chafe guard portion of the heavy training rope of FIG. 1;
[0016] FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 5-5 of
FIG. 1;
[0017] FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 6-6 of
FIG. 5; and
[0018] FIG. 7 is a detailed perspective view showing a heavy
training rope according to another embodiment of the present
invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0019] The following detailed description is of the best currently
contemplated modes of carrying out exemplary embodiments of the
invention. The description is not to be taken in a limiting sense,
but is made merely for the purpose of illustrating the general
principles of the invention, since the scope of the invention is
best defined by the appended claims.
[0020] Broadly, an embodiment of the present invention provides a
non-covered and a covered rope solution having a flexible,
non-slip, foam grip handle and a steel retaining collar (ferrule)
that secures the handles to the rope. The non-covered custom blend
of poly combo rope made of 80% polypropylene core yarn and a 20%
polyester outer yarn has a special tight lay of the rope so that
the three strands will remain firm and stay tight during use,
reduce outer surface fraying while increasing the difficulty of the
training. The foam grip handles can be made in various sizes, such
as 1.5 inch and 2 inch sizes and are 61/4 inches to 7 inches in
length to fit onto the ends of the rope. The grip handles can be
applied to the ends of the rope using a lubricating epoxy and
replaces the hard and rigid conventional plastic end caps or duct
tape, thereby creating a form fitting, flexible, non-slip gripping
surface that secures the rope ends while allowing for more natural
motion of the wrist while absorbing sweat from the hands,
decreasing slipping, improving the grip and extending the overall
training time, intensity and conditioning benefits. A stainless
steel retaining collar (ferrule) can be placed over the open end of
the foam grip handle and mechanically crimped onto the grip and
rope, securing the handle to the rope. The foam grip handle, epoxy
and retaining collar greatly improve the overall durability,
functionality, professional appearance and marketability, thereby
creating the first commercial quality heavy training rope with a
permanent handle.
[0021] Referring now to FIGS. 1 through 6, a training rope 10 can
include a rope component 12 having handles 14 disposed on each end
thereof. The handles 14 can be made from a flexible material, such
as a polyvinylchloride (PVC) foam. The PVC foam grip handles 14 can
come in various diameters, such as 2 inch and 1.5 inch diameters to
fit onto the ends of the rope and can be, for example, from about
61/4 inches to about 7 inches in length to best facilitate
different rope or hand size. The handles 14 can be applied to the
ends of the rope 12 using a lubricating adhesive, such as an epoxy,
and replaces the hard and ridged plastic end caps and or duct tape
conventionally used, thereby creating a form fitting, flexible
non-slip gripping surface that secures the rope ends while allowing
for more natural motion of the wrist and while absorbing sweat from
the hands, decreasing slippage, improving the grip and extending
the overall training time, intensity and conditioning benefits.
[0022] A stainless steel retaining collar 16, also referred to as a
ferrule 16 can be placed over the open end of the foam grip handle
14 and mechanically crimped onto the grip handle 14 and rope 12,
securing handle 14 to the rope 12. The foam grip handle 14,
adhesive and retaining collar 16 greatly improve the overall
durability, functionality, professional appearance and
marketability, thereby creating the first commercial quality heavy
training rope with handle.
[0023] A protective cover 24, such as a water resistant nylon
cover, can be sewn into a tubular shape of varying lengths and
placed over the manila or poly rope 12, which protects the rope 12
from becoming dirty, fraying, or wet and can easily be cleaned
after use. The protective cover 24 is also available in a variety
of colors and can be branded or personalized with school or
organizational colors, embroidery, screen printing or brand label.
The protective cover 24 can include a built-in chafe guard 20 and
anchor strap 18 that enable a user to quickly attach the rope 12 to
an anchor point 22 via a carabiner 28, for example, using either
the strap 18 or chafe guard 20 while protecting the cover 24 from
friction damage and save time from wrapping the rope 12.
[0024] The protective cover 24 comes in varying lengths and encases
the 1.5 and 2'' poly or manila rope. The cover 24 can be first sewn
inside out into a tubular shape then the anchor strap can be sewn
into the chafe guard. Then the chafe guard 20 can be sewn into the
center of the cover 24 and the whole thing is reversed. The
protective cover 24 can then be slid manually over the rope using a
custom made metal sleeve, wire and cable puller device.
[0025] To make the training rope 10, in one embodiment of the
present invention, the retaining collar 16 can be made from a
strong material, such as stainless steel and can be applied over
the rope end and cover then the cut rope ends are secured with a
flexible adhesive applied onto the inner plastic end cap which will
bond the inside of the cover to both ends of the rope helping to
keep the cover secured onto rope. Four inches of the tubular fabric
end is then spray glued inside and onto the outside surface of
fabric then folded over onto itself for glue to adhere, and then
additional duct tape is applied over folded portion for added
strength. The handles are filled with a flexible rubber type of
adhesive which acts as a lubricant and then slid into place over
the cover and rope ends. The retaining collar is then slid over the
open end of the foam grip handle then crimpled onto the grip and
rope. A brand label can then be applied around the rope just below
the grip and collar.
[0026] The chafe guard 20 can be made from, for example, a Codura
nylon webbing material. For 1.5'' rope, the chafe guard 20 can be
made from a 13'' long by 7'' wide material. The 2'' rope uses a
13'' long by 81/2'' wide material. This material is cut to size
then hot knife sealed on one side so that it doesn't fray during
use. A nylon webbing anchor strap 18 can be made from material that
is 18'' long by 1'' wide for 1.5'' rope and 191/2'' long by 1''
wide for 2'' rope. The anchor strap 18 can be sewn around the
center of the flat chafe guard and a loop is made in the anchor
strap using a box tack seam. The chafe guard materials are then
sewn into a tubular shape using half inch seams. This chafe guard
is then reversed inside out and both ends are sewn onto the inside
out nylon tubular cover. While the above refers to particular sizes
and dimensions for the chafe guard and anchor strap, other sizes
may be used in the present invention, depending upon the particular
application.
[0027] The chafe guard 20 and rope 12 can be placed around a
secured anchor point 22 which will protect the nylon cover 24 and
the rope from chafing and fraying. The built in nylon anchor strap
18 with its looped end can be easily secured and quickly attached
to a mounted eye hook using a carabineer or other type of hardware
attachment. In some embodiments, a second loose anchor strap can
quickly be wrapped around an anchor point like a pole or other
sturdy object instead of wrapping the entire rope. This loose strap
is then attached to the built in strap using a carabineer which
will not only save set up time but will protect the rope and cover
from any possible friction or repetitive wear damage. The loose and
built in strap together will extend the rope length by up to 13''
which will increase overall training intensity and allow the rope
to move in a more dynamic natural motion.
[0028] Referring now to FIG. 7, a rope 26 may be used to form the
heavy training rope of the present invention which can be used
uncovered. The handle 14 and ferrule 16 may be applied and used
similarly to that described above.
[0029] While the Figures show the ferrule 16 in place on both the
covered rope 12 and uncovered rope 26, the handles 14 may be
attached and applied to the ends of the rope 12, 26 without the use
of the ferrule 16.
[0030] It should be understood, of course, that the foregoing
relates to exemplary embodiments of the invention and that
modifications may be made without departing from the spirit and
scope of the invention as set forth in the following claims.
* * * * *