U.S. patent application number 17/117630 was filed with the patent office on 2021-06-10 for resistance jump rope with convertible handles.
The applicant listed for this patent is Frank Gray, Hillary Lewis, Yagel Porizek. Invention is credited to Frank Gray, Hillary Lewis, Yagel Porizek.
Application Number | 20210170219 17/117630 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 1000005291628 |
Filed Date | 2021-06-10 |
United States Patent
Application |
20210170219 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Lewis; Hillary ; et
al. |
June 10, 2021 |
RESISTANCE JUMP ROPE WITH CONVERTIBLE HANDLES
Abstract
An exercise system may function as a jump-rope and a resistance
band. The system includes an elastic elongate element such as an
elastic rope, a first handle, and a second handle. The elastic
elongate element includes a first end, a second end opposite the
first end, and a first rest length extending between the first end
and the second end. The first handle is arranged at the first end
and is configured to engage the first end of the elastic elongate
element. The second handle is arranged at the second end and is
configured to engage the second end of the elastic elongate
element. The system is configured to achieve a first configuration,
wherein the first handle and the second handle are arranged in-line
with the elastic elongate element, and a second configuration,
wherein the first handle and the second handle are arranged
transverse to the elastic elongate element.
Inventors: |
Lewis; Hillary; (Redondo
Beach, CA) ; Porizek; Yagel; (Harbor City, CA)
; Gray; Frank; (Medford, OR) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Lewis; Hillary
Porizek; Yagel
Gray; Frank |
Redondo Beach
Harbor City
Medford |
CA
CA
OR |
US
US
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
1000005291628 |
Appl. No.: |
17/117630 |
Filed: |
December 10, 2020 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
62945923 |
Dec 10, 2019 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A63B 21/0552 20130101;
A63B 5/20 20130101; A63B 21/4035 20151001; A63B 21/00043
20130101 |
International
Class: |
A63B 21/00 20060101
A63B021/00; A63B 5/20 20060101 A63B005/20; A63B 21/055 20060101
A63B021/055 |
Claims
1. A system for using as a jump-rope and a resistance band, the
system comprising: an elastic elongate element comprising: a first
end, a second end opposite the first end, and a first rest length
extending between the first end and the second end, a first handle
arranged at the first end, wherein the first handle is configured
to engage the first end of the elastic elongate element; and a
second handle arranged at the second end, wherein the second handle
is configured to engage the second end of the elastic elongate
element, wherein the system is configured to achieve: a first
configuration, wherein the first handle and the second handle are
arranged in-line with the elastic elongate element, and a second
configuration, wherein the first handle and the second handle are
arranged transverse to the elastic elongate element.
2. The system of claim 1, further comprising: a first feature
arranged along the elastic elongate element proximal to the first
end and configured to affix to the first end to form a first loop
in the second configuration; and a second feature arranged along
the elastic elongate element proximal to the second end and
configured to affix to the second end to form a second loop in the
second configuration.
3. The system of claim 2, wherein the first feature comprises a
first loop, and wherein the second feature comprises a second
loop.
4. The system of claim 1, further comprising a plurality of
features arranged along the elastic elongate element, wherein: the
first end of the elastic elongate element is configured to engage
any of the plurality of features; and the second end of the elastic
elongate element is configured to engage any of the plurality of
features.
5. The system of claim 1, wherein, in the second arrangement: the
elastic elongate element forms a first loop at the first end and
forms a second loop at the second end; and wherein the first handle
is arranged at the first loop and the second handle is arranged at
the second loop.
6. The system of claim 1, wherein, in the second arrangement: the
first handle is arranged transverse to the elastic elongate element
at the first end, wherein the first handle comprises a first
centroid; the second handle is arranged transverse to the elastic
elongate element at the second end, wherein the second handle
comprises a second centroid; and the first centroid and the second
centroid are closer to each other in the second configuration than
in the first configuration.
7. The system of claim 1, wherein the elastic elongate element is
configured to achieve a length longer than the first rest length
when in tension.
8. The system of claim 1, wherein the elastic elongate element
comprises an elastic rope.
9. The system of claim 1, wherein the first rest length corresponds
to a jump-rope length.
10. The system of claim 1, wherein: the first handle comprises a
hollow section; the first handle comprises an inward end and an
outward end; and a first width of the hollow section proximal to
the inward end is less than a second width of the hollow section
proximal to the outward end; and the second width is greater than
or equal to a width of the elastic elongate element.
11. The system of claim 1, wherein the first end and the second end
of the elastic elongate element are configured to be affixed to
each other to form a third loop, wherein the third loop is larger
than the first loop or the second loop.
12. The system of claim 1, wherein: the first handle comprises a
first inward end and a first outward end; and in the first
configuration, the first inward end is affixed to the first end of
the elastic elongate element.
13. The system of claim 12, further comprising a first section
affixed to the elastic elongate element proximal to the first end,
wherein, in the second configuration: the first inward end of the
first handle is affixed to the first end of the elastic elongate
element; and the first outward end of the first handle is affixed
to the first section to form a first loop at the first end.
14. The system of claim 12, wherein: the second handle comprises a
second inward end and a second outward end; and in the first
configuration, the second inward end of the second handle is
affixed to the second end of the elastic elongate element.
15. The system of claim 14, further comprising a second section
affixed to the elastic elongate element proximal to the second end,
wherein, in the second configuration: the second inward end of the
second handle is affixed to the second end of the elastic elongate
element; and the second outward end of the second handle is affixed
to the second section to form a second loop at the second end.
16. The system of claim 1, wherein: the first handle comprises a
first slot extending partially along a longitudinal axis of the
first handle, wherein the first slot comprises a width that is
greater than or equal to a width of the elastic elongate element;
in the second configuration, the elastic elongate element extends
from inside the first handle through the first slot such that the
first handle forms a T-handle.
17. A system for using as a jump-rope and a resistance band, the
system comprising: an elastic elongate element comprising: a first
end, a second end opposite the first end, a first rest length
extending between the first end and the second end, a first section
extending from the first end; a second section extending from the
first end, wherein the first section and the second section are
affixed at the first end; a first handle affixed to the first
section and the second section; and a second handle arranged at the
second end.
18. A method for reconfiguring an exercise rope, wherein the
exercise rope comprises: an elastic elongate element comprising: a
first end, a second end opposite the first end, and a first rest
length extending between the first end and the second end, a first
handle arranged at the first end, wherein the first handle is
configured to engage the first end of the elastic elongate element;
and a second handle arranged at the second end, wherein the second
handle is configured to engage the second end of the elastic
elongate element, the method comprising: reconfiguring the first
handle from a first configuration wherein the first handle is
in-line with the elastic elongate element, to a second
configuration wherein the first handle is transverse to the elastic
elongate element; and reconfiguring the second handle from a first
configuration wherein the second handle is in-line with the elastic
elongate element, to a second configuration wherein the second
handle is transverse to the elastic elongate element.
19. The method of claim 18, wherein the first end comprises two
first end sections, and wherein reconfiguring the first handle
comprises: affixing an outward end of the first handle to one of
the two first end sections, wherein an inward end of the first
handle is affixed to the other first end section.
20. The method of claim 18, wherein the exercise rope comprises a
feature arranged along elastic elongate element proximal to the
first end, and wherein reconfiguring the first handle comprises
engaging the first end of the elastic elongate element to the
feature.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] The present disclosure is directed towards an exercise rope,
and more particularly, a jump-rope and resistance band having
convertible handles. This application claims the benefit of U.S.
Provisional Patent Application No. 62/945,923 filed Dec. 10, 2019,
the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference herein
in its entirety.
BACKGROUND
[0002] There is a large variety of exercise equipment, and
typically a user may use multiple pieces of equipment to work out.
A large number of separate pieces of equipment can be unwieldly or
otherwise burdensome.
SUMMARY
[0003] In some embodiments, the present disclosure is directed to a
system for using as a jump-rope and a resistance band. The system
includes an elastic elongate element such as a rope or band, a two
handles. The elastic elongate element includes a first end, a
second end opposite the first end, and a first rest length
extending between the first end and the second end. The handles
include a first handle arranged at the first end that is configured
to engage the first end of the elastic elongate element. The second
handle is arranged at the second end and is configured to engage
the second end of the elastic elongate element. The system is
configured to achieve two configurations, at least. In a first
configuration, the first handle and the second handle are arranged
in-line with the elastic elongate element. In a second
configuration, the first handle and the second handle are arranged
transverse to the elastic elongate element. For example, in some
embodiments, the first configuration corresponds to a jump-rope
configuration and the second configuration corresponds to a
resistance band configuration.
[0004] In some embodiments, the system includes a first feature
arranged along the elastic elongate element proximal to the first
end and configured to affix to the first end to form a first loop
in the second configuration. In some such embodiments, the system
includes a second feature arranged along the elastic elongate
element proximal to the second end and configured to affix to the
second end to form a second loop in the second configuration. For
example, in some embodiments, the second configuration corresponds
to a resistance band configuration having a handle loop at each
end. In some embodiments, the first feature includes a first loop,
and the second feature comprises a second loop, each arranged as
part of, or embedded along, the elastic elongate element. For
example, in some embodiments, the first and second ends of the
elastic elongate element include hooks, clasps, carabiners,
openable/closable loops, or any other suitable fastening mechanism
to engage with the respective feature. In some embodiments, the
system includes a plurality of features arranged along the elastic
elongate element. In some such embodiments, the first end of the
elastic elongate element is configured to engage any of the
plurality of features, and the second end of the elastic elongate
element is configured to engage any of the plurality of
features.
[0005] In some embodiments, in the second arrangement, the elastic
elongate element forms a first loop at the first end and forms a
second loop at the second end. In some such embodiments, the first
handle is arranged at the first loop and the second handle is
arranged at the second loop. In some embodiments, the first handle
includes a first centroid and the second handle includes a second
centroid. In some embodiments, the first handle is arranged
transverse to the elastic elongate element at the first end, the
second handle is arranged transverse to the elastic elongate
element at the second end, and the first centroid and the second
centroid are closer to each other in the second configuration than
in the first configuration. For example, in the resistance band
configuration, the handles may be relatively closer together than
in the jump-rope configuration.
[0006] In some embodiments, the elastic elongate element is
configured to achieve a length longer than the first rest length
when in tension. For example, the elastic elongate element may have
an axial stiffness that is suitable for use as a resistance band.
In a further example, the elastic elongate element may have a
density, pliability, stiffness, any other suitable property, or any
combination thereof, for use as a jump-rope. To illustrate, in some
embodiments, the elastic elongate element comprises an elastic
rope. To further illustrate, the first rest length corresponds to a
jump-rope length.
[0007] In some embodiments, the first handle includes a hollow
section, and an inward end and an outward end. In some such
embodiments, a first width of the hollow section proximal to the
inward end is less than a second width of the hollow section
proximal to the outward end. For example, in some embodiments, the
second width is greater than or equal to a width of the elastic
elongate element.
[0008] In some embodiments, the first end and the second end of the
elastic elongate element are configured to be affixed to each other
to form a third loop, wherein the third loop is larger than the
first loop or the second loop. For example, in some embodiments,
the system may be configured as one large loop, with the handle
either slidably disposed or fixed along the large loop.
[0009] In some embodiments, the first handle includes a first
inward end and a first outward end. In some such embodiments, in
the first configuration, the first inward end is affixed to the
first end of the elastic elongate element. In some embodiments, the
system includes a first section affixed to the elastic elongate
element proximal to the first end. In some such embodiments, the
first inward end of the first handle is affixed to the first end of
the elastic elongate element, and the first outward end of the
first handle is affixed to the first section to form a first loop
at the first end. In some embodiments, the second handle comprises
a second inward end and a second outward end and, in the first
configuration, the second inward end of the second handle is
affixed to the second end of the elastic elongate element. In some
such embodiments, the system includes a second section affixed to
the elastic elongate element proximal to the second end. For
example, in some embodiments, the second inward end of the second
handle is affixed to the second end of the elastic elongate
element, and the second outward end of the second handle is affixed
to the second section to form a second loop at the second end. To
illustrate, one or both ends of the elastic elongate element may be
bifurcated into two sections that are configured to affix to the
same end of a handle in the jump-rope configuration, and affix to
opposites ends of a handle in the resistance band
configuration.
[0010] In some embodiments, the first handle includes a first slot
extending partially along a longitudinal axis of the first handle.
The first slot includes a width that is greater than or equal to a
width of the elastic elongate element. In the second configuration,
the elastic elongate element extends from inside the first handle
through the first slot such that the first handle forms a
T-handle.
[0011] In some embodiments, the present disclosure is directed to a
system for using as a jump-rope and a resistance band. The system
includes an elastic elongate element having a first end and a
second end, a first handle, and a second handle. The elastic
elongate element has a first rest length extending between the
first end and the second end. The system also includes a first
section extending from the first end, and a second section
extending from the first end. The first section and the second
section are affixed at the first end to form a "Y" at the first
end. The first handle affixed to the first section and the second
section. The second handle arranged at the second end. For example,
in some embodiments, one or both ends of the rope bifurcates with
two sections extending outwards. The two sections may be affixed to
the inward end of the first handle in the jump-rope configuration,
and affixed to opposite ends of the first handle in the resistance
band configuration.
[0012] In some embodiments, the present disclosure is directed to a
method for reconfiguring an exercise rope. The exercise rope
includes an elastic elongate element, a first handle, and a second
handle. The elastic elongate element includes a first end, a second
end opposite the first end, and a first rest length extending
between the first end and the second end. The first handle is
arranged at the first end and is configured to engage the first end
of the elastic elongate element. The second handle is arranged at
the second end and is configured to engage the second end of the
elastic elongate element. The method includes reconfiguring the
first handle from a first configuration wherein the first handle is
in-line with the elastic elongate element, to a second
configuration wherein the first handle is transverse to the elastic
elongate element. The method also includes reconfiguring the second
handle from a first configuration wherein the second handle is
in-line with the elastic elongate element, to a second
configuration wherein the second handle is transverse to the
elastic elongate element. In some embodiments, the first end
includes two first end sections, and reconfiguring the first handle
includes affixing an outward end of the first handle to one of the
two first end sections, wherein an inward end of the first handle
is affixed to the other first end section. In some embodiments, the
exercise rope includes a feature arranged along elastic elongate
element proximal to the first end, and reconfiguring the first
handle includes engaging the first end of the elastic elongate
element to the feature.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0013] The present disclosure, in accordance with one or more
various embodiments, is described in detail with reference to the
following figures. The drawings are provided for purposes of
illustration only and merely depict typical or example embodiments.
These drawings are provided to facilitate an understanding of the
concepts disclosed herein and shall not be considered limiting of
the breadth, scope, or applicability of these concepts. It should
be noted that for clarity and ease of illustration these drawings
are not necessarily made to scale.
[0014] FIG. 1 shows an illustrative exercise rope in two
configurations, in accordance with some embodiments of the present
disclosure;
[0015] FIG. 2 shows two illustrative use cases of the exercise rope
of FIG. 1, in accordance with some embodiments of the present
disclosure;
[0016] FIG. 3 shows a flowchart of an illustrative process for
reconfiguring an exercise rope, in accordance with some embodiments
of the present disclosure;
[0017] FIG. 4 shows an illustrative handle arrangement for an
exercise rope, in accordance with some embodiments of the present
disclosure;
[0018] FIG. 5 shows another illustrative handle arrangement for an
exercise rope, in accordance with some embodiments of the present
disclosure;
[0019] FIG. 6 shows an illustrative exercise rope, in accordance
with some embodiments of the present disclosure;
[0020] FIG. 7 shows another illustrative exercise rope, in
accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure;
[0021] FIG. 8 shows one end of an illustrative exercise rope having
a handle arrangement with two fasteners, in two configurations, in
accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure; and
[0022] FIG. 9 shows one end of an illustrative exercise rope having
a retractable handle arrangement, in two configurations, in
accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0023] The present disclosure is directed to a resistance jump rope
with convertible handles. FIG. 1 shows illustrative exercise rope
100 in configurations 110 and 120, in accordance with some
embodiments of the present disclosure. Exercise rope 100 includes
handles 101 and 102, and a pliable, stretchy "rope" or cord section
(e.g., element 103, as illustrated). As illustrated, handles 101
and 102 are arranged at opposite ends of element 103. As
illustrated, exercise rope 100 is a hybrid jump rope/resistance
band. Exercise rope 100 may be used as a jump rope or as a
resistance band, which may include pulling, pushing and/or
stretching exercise rope 100 to increase muscle tone and
definition, for example.
[0024] In configuration 110, handles 101 and 102 are configured to
be arranged in-line with element 103, as a jump-rope. In
configuration 120, handles 101 and 102 form respective loops 111
and 112 at opposite ends of element 103, to form a resistance band
configuration. In an illustrative example, element 103 may include
a first length in configuration 110, and a shortened length in
configuration 120 where some of the length of element 103 forms
loops 111 and 112. In a further illustrative example, the shortened
length of configuration 120 may be desired to correspond to the
user's wingspan, arm length, leg length, or a combination thereof.
In a further example, in configuration 110, element 103 may include
sufficient length such that the user can perform jump-rope
exercises.
[0025] To illustrate, the first handle includes a first centroid
and the second handle includes a second centroid. In the second
arrangement, the first handle is arranged transverse to the elastic
elongate element at the first end, the second handle is arranged
transverse to the elastic elongate element at the second end, and
the first centroid and the second centroid are closer to each other
than in the first configuration. As used herein, a centroid refers
to the generally accepted definition of a geometric center defined
as the arithmetic mean position of all points. For example, if a
handle had uniform density then the center of mass and the centroid
would be coincident.
[0026] FIG. 2 shows illustrative use cases 210 and 220 of exercise
rope 100, in accordance with some embodiments of the present
disclosure. Use case 210 (e.g., corresponding to configuration 110)
allows exercise rope 100 to be used as a jump-rope. As a jump-rope,
handles 101 and 102 are in-line with element 103, allowing the user
to hold handles 101 and 102 while element 103 is swung around (as
illustrated). Use case 220 (e.g., corresponding to configuration
120) allows exercise rope 100 to be used as a resistance band. As a
resistance band, handles 101 and 102 are arranged normal to end
sections of element 103, allowing the user to hold and pull handles
101 and 102 while element 103 is stretched and contracted along its
length (as illustrated). To illustrate, in use case 220, the user
holds handles 101 and 102, which are included in respective loops
111 and 112, such that handles 101 and 102 arranged normal, or
nearly normal, to a portion of element 103 (e.g., the middle
portion having the majority of the length element 103).
[0027] In an illustrative example, handles 101 and 102 can be
converted from jump rope handles (e.g., configuration 110, use case
210) into resistance band handles (e.g., configuration 120, use
case 220). In some embodiments, handles 101 and 102 are converted
by attaching the tip of the rope (e.g., element 103) to a portion
of the rope below the handle (e.g., inward, toward the center of
element 103 relative to each handle), making roughly
triangle-shaped loops (e.g., loops 111 and 112). To illustrate, the
conversion changes handles 101 and 102 from an in-line arrangement
for jumping rope to a transverse arrangement to have a suitable
grip for certain resistance exercises. As used herein, transverse
refers to being perpendicular to, or otherwise arranged at an angle
between 45.degree.-90.degree. to another object (e.g.,
perpendicular, or otherwise nearer to perpendicular than parallel).
As used herein, in-line refers to being arranged end-to end with
and parallel with and, or otherwise arranged at an angle between
0.degree.-45.degree. to another object (e.g., co-linear, or
otherwise nearer to parallel than perpendicular).
[0028] In some embodiments, handles 101 and 102 may be replaceable,
detachable, interchangeable, or otherwise modular. In some
embodiments, handles 101 and 102 may include grip material, such as
rubber or plastic, to improve handling. In some embodiments,
handles 101 and 102 may be weighted to provide more resistance to
motion. Handles 101 and 102 may be made from plastic, metal, a
composite of more than one material, any other suitable material,
or any combination thereof. As illustrated, handles 101 and 102 are
hollow to accommodate element 103 inside the handle. For example,
element 103 may include a knot, a component affixed to the end, or
other suitable feature at each end to prevent the end of element
103 from being pulled out of (e.g., disengaged from) the inboard
side of each handle. In a further example, the outward end of each
handle may allow element 103 to slide outwards relative to the
handle to form loops (e.g., loops 111 and 112).
[0029] FIG. 3 shows a flowchart of illustrative process 300 for
reconfiguring an exercise rope, in accordance with some embodiments
of the present disclosure. It will be understood that process 300
may be performed to reconfigure an exercise rope, and reversed to
perform a reconfiguration. Accordingly, process 300 may be
performed in any suitable order, performed partially, performed in
reverse fully or partially, or a combination thereof.
[0030] At step 302, an exercise rope is used in a first
configuration, corresponding to a jump-rope, as illustrated by
panel 350. The handles are inline in the first configuration, as
illustrated by one of the handles (e.g., handle 351) in panel 350.
Rope 353 includes two loops (e.g., features 355), as illustrated,
for affixing the end of rope 353 to form loops. Although features
355 are illustrated as including two loops, an exercise rope may
include one, two, or more than two features, which may but need not
include loops, in accordance with the present disclosure.
[0031] At step 304, a first handle of the two handles is
reconfigured. As illustrated in panel 360, the end of the rope
includes a feature 354 (e.g., a latching element) and is pulled
through the hollow handle (e.g., handle 351). Feature 354 is then
engaged with one of loops 355 (e.g., a second latching
element).
[0032] At step 306, a second handle of the two handles is
reconfigured. The second handle may be reconfigured similarly as
the first handle (e.g., via a similar step as 304). In some
embodiments, step 306 need not be performed. For example, a user
may decide to reconfigure only a single end of the exercise rope.
To illustrate, the user may reconfigure one end for a resistance
rope grip, and leave the handle on the other end in line with the
rope (e.g., to tie around a stationary object or otherwise provide
an inline grip).
[0033] At step 308, the exercise rope is used in a second
configuration, corresponding to a resistance band, as illustrated
by panel 370. The handles are transverse in the second
configuration, as illustrated by one of the handles (e.g., handle
351) in panel 370. In an illustrative example, when more than one
feature is included, the user may select how large or small to make
loop 357 by affixing feature 354 to any of features 355.
[0034] FIG. 4 shows illustrative handle arrangement 400 for an
exercise rope, in accordance with some embodiments of the present
disclosure. Handle 401, as illustrated, includes slot 431, which is
configured to accommodate rope 403 to form a T-handle or an in-line
jump-rope handle. In some embodiments, for example, an exercise
rope includes a first handle having a first slot extending
partially along a longitudinal axis of the first handle. The first
slot includes a width that is greater than or equal to a width of
the elastic elongate element. In the second configuration, for
example, the elastic elongate element extends from inside the first
handle through the first slot such that the first handle forms a
T-handle. For example, rope 403 may include a width (e.g., a
diameter for a round cross-section) that can pass through the
inward end of handle 401 as well as slot 431. In some embodiments,
rope 403 may need to be thinned, by applying tension and stretching
rope 403 (e.g., decreasing the diameter), to fit within slot 431
(e.g., so rope 403 does not move into slot 431 during jump-rope
activities). In some embodiments, when in the T-handle
configuration, rope 403 may be stretched to reduce its width and
thus be capable of moving out of slot 431 without overcoming
friction forces. In some embodiments, although not illustrated,
handle 401 may include a lock, latch, or catch at the open end of
slot 431 to prevent rope 403 from moving into slot 431 until the
lock, latch, or catch is released.
[0035] FIG. 5 shows illustrative handle arrangement 500 for an
exercise rope, in accordance with some embodiments of the present
disclosure. Handle 501, as illustrated, includes recess 502, which
is configured to accommodate end 506 of rope 503 when in an in-line
configuration (e.g., a jump-rope handle). End 506, as illustrated,
includes a latching mechanism (e.g., a closable/openable loop, a
clasp, a hook, a carabiner) that is configured to engage with loop
505 to form a handle loop such that handle 501 can be used as a
resistance band handle. In some embodiments, rope 503 may include a
plurality of loops similar to loop 505 such that the user can
select the resulting length of resistance band.
[0036] FIG. 6 shows illustrative exercise rope 600, in accordance
with some embodiments of the present disclosure. Exercise rope 600,
as illustrated, includes handles 601 and 602, and a pliable, rope
103. As illustrated, handles 601 and 602 are arranged at opposite
ends of rope 603. Exercise rope 600 may be used as a jump rope or
as a resistance band, which may include pulling, pushing and/or
stretching exercise rope 600 to increase muscle tone and
definition, for example.
[0037] In configuration 610, handles 601 and 602 are configured to
be arranged in-line with rope 603, as a jump-rope. In configuration
620, the ends of rope 603 are engaged together at coupling 605
(e.g., using any suitable fastening components) to form a loop,
with handles 601 and 602 arranged at opposite ends of the loop, to
form a resistance band configuration. In an illustrative example,
rope 603 may include a first length in configuration 610, and a
shortened length in configuration 620 where rope 603 forms a loop
(e.g., the handle-to-handle length may be approximately half of the
length of the jump rope configuration). In a further illustrative
example, the shortened length of configuration 620 may be desired
to correspond to the user's wingspan, arm length, leg length, or a
combination thereof. In a further example, in configuration 610,
rope 603 may include sufficient length such that the user can
perform jump-rope exercises.
[0038] FIG. 7 shows illustrative exercise rope 700, in accordance
with some embodiments of the present disclosure. Exercise rope 700,
as illustrated, includes handles 701 and 702, rope 703, and
elements 721 and 722. As illustrated, handles 701 and 702 are
arranged at opposite ends of rope 703. Exercise rope 700 may be
used as a jump rope or as a resistance band, which may include
pulling, pushing and/or stretching exercise rope 700 to increase
muscle tone and definition, for example.
[0039] In configuration 710, handles 701 and 702 are configured to
be arranged in-line with rope 703, as a jump-rope. In configuration
710, elements 721 and 722 may be tucked or tied against rope 703,
may be free to move about the respective attachment point, or may
be connected to the inward end of the respective handles 701 and
702. In configuration 720, handles 701 and 702 form respective
loops 711 and 712 at opposite ends of element 703 by attaching
elements 721 and 722 to the outward ends of respective handles 701
and 702, to form a resistance band configuration. In an
illustrative example, rope 703 may include a first length in
configuration 710, and a shortened length in configuration 720
where some of the length of rope 703 forms loops 711 and 712. In a
further illustrative example, the shortened length of configuration
720 may be desired to correspond to the user's wingspan, arm
length, leg length, or a combination thereof. In a further example,
in configuration 710, rope 703 may include sufficient length such
that the user can perform jump-rope exercises.
[0040] FIG. 8 shows one end of illustrative exercise rope 800
having a handle arrangement with two fasteners, in configurations
810 and 820, in accordance with some embodiments of the present
disclosure. As illustrated, exercise rope 800 includes rope 803,
first section 804, second section 805, junction 831, end 832, end
834, fastener 833, fastener 835, and handle 801 having elements 836
and 837 arranged at either end. It will be understood that while
only a single end of exercise rope 800 is illustrated in FIG. 8,
exercise rope 800 may include a re-configurable handle on the
opposite end (not illustrated in FIG. 8), which may be but need not
be the same as the arrangement illustrated in FIG. 8.
[0041] Rope 803, as illustrated, terminates at junction 831, and
sections 804 and 805 are also affixed to junction 831 and extend
away from rope 803. In some embodiments, either or both of sections
804 and 805 may be components of, continuous with, or otherwise be
part of rope 803. For example, in some embodiments, rope 803 may
bifurcate at junction 831 to form sections 804 and 805. In a
further example, in some embodiments, rope 803 may extend through
junction 831 to form section 804, and section 805 may be a separate
strap, cable, or section of rope affixed to junction 831.
[0042] Configuration 810 corresponds to handle 801 being used as a
jump-rope handle. In some embodiments, sections 804 and 805 are
affixed via respective fasteners 833 and 835 to element 836 of
handle 801. As illustrated, element 836 includes a loop to which
fasteners 833 and 835 may be engaged. For example, as illustrated,
fasteners 833 and 835 include spring-loaded hooks configured to
engage either element 836 or element 837, and also respective loops
for affixing to respective ends 832 and 834 of respective sections
804 and 805. Because both of sections 804 and 805 are affixed to
one end of handle 801 in configuration 810 (e.g., at element 836
only), handle 801 may lie in-line or nearly in-line with rope 803
and thus provides a jump-rope handle arrangement. In some
embodiments, either or both of elements 836 and 837 are configured
to swivel (e.g., via bearings or bushings) about the longitudinal
axis of handle 801 to allow rope 803 to re-orient about the
longitudinal axis during use (e.g., to prevent binding of fasteners
833 and 835).
[0043] Configuration 820 corresponds to handle 801 being used as a
resistance band handle. In some embodiments, sections 804 and 805
are affixed via respective fasteners 833 and 835 to respective
elements 836 and 837 of handle 801. As illustrated in configuration
820, elements 836 and 837 each include a loop to which respective
fasteners 833 and 835 are engaged. For example, as illustrated,
fasteners 833 and 835 are configured to engage respective elements
836 and 837 to form loop 821. Because sections 804 and 805 are
affixed to opposite ends of handle 801 in configuration 820, handle
801 may be arranged transverse or nearly transverse to rope 803 and
thus provides a resistance band handle arrangement.
[0044] In an illustrative example, in order to switch from
configuration 810 to configuration 820, a user may disengage
fastener 835 from element 836, and then engage fastener 835 to
element 837. In a further illustrative example, in order to switch
from configuration 820 to configuration 810, a user may disengage
fastener 835 from element 837, and then engage fastener 835 to
element 836.
[0045] FIG. 9 shows one end of illustrative exercise rope 900
having a retractable handle arrangement, in configurations 910 and
920, in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure.
As illustrated, exercise rope 900 includes rope 903, fastener 933
(e.g., arranged at an end of rope 903), feature 935, and handle
901. It will be understood that while only a single end of exercise
rope 900 is illustrated in FIG. 9, exercise rope 900 may include a
retractable handle on the opposite end (not illustrated in FIG. 9),
which may be but need not be the same as the arrangement
illustrated in FIG. 9.
[0046] Rope 903, as illustrated, includes an end with fastener 933
affixed. As illustrated, handle 901 includes hollow recess 905,
into which the end of rope 903 is capable of being arranged. As
illustrated, handle 901 includes elements 902 and 902, which act as
guides and hard-stops for rope 902 and the end of rope 903 (e.g.,
with fastener 933).
[0047] Configuration 910 corresponds to handle 901 being used as a
jump-rope handle. In some embodiments, in configuration 910,
fastener 933 is arranged in hollow section 905, with rope 903
passing through holds of elements 902 and 903 arranged in hollow
section 905. To illustrate, elements 902 and 903 may be
washer-shaped, and made of any suitable material (e.g., a bushing
material to reduce friction against rope 903). For example, as
illustrated, fasteners 933 includes a spring-loaded
openable/closable hook configured to engage feature 935. Because
fastener 933 is affixed to one end of rope 903, and is retractable
inside of handle 901 in configuration 910, handle 901 may lie
in-line or nearly in-line with rope 903 and thus provides a
jump-rope handle arrangement. In some embodiments, fastener 933 is
configured to swivel (e.g., via bearings or bushings) about the
longitudinal axis of rope 903. In some embodiments, the end of rope
903 is double over and includes a clamp or other affixment for
affixing fastener 933 (e.g., the end of rope 903 forms a loop using
a clamp, as illustrated, to which fastener 933 is engaged).
[0048] Configuration 920 corresponds to handle 901 being used as a
resistance band handle. As illustrated, feature 935 is affixed to
rope 903 (e.g., as illustrated, feature 935 includes a loop affixed
along the length of rope 903). As illustrated in configuration 920,
fastener 933 may be extended from handle 901 and engaged with
feature 935 to form loop 921. Loop 921 allows handle 901 to lie
transverse to most of the length of rope 903, and thus function as
a resistance band handle. In an illustrative example, as
illustrated, a plurality of features similar to feature 935 may be
affixed as part of rope 903 arranged at different positions along
rope 903 to allow a user to adjust the length of the resistance
band by selecting the corresponding feature (e.g., engaging
features nearer to the center of rope 903 allow for a shorter
resistance band).
[0049] In an illustrative example, in order to switch from
configuration 910 to configuration 920, a user may extend fastener
933 from hollow section 905, and then engage fastener 933 to
feature 935. In a further illustrative example, in order to switch
from configuration 920 to configuration 910, a user may disengage
fastener 933 from feature 935, and then retract fastener 933 into
hollow section 905 of handle 901.
[0050] The foregoing is merely illustrative of the principles of
this disclosure, and various modifications may be made by those
skilled in the art without departing from the scope of this
disclosure. The above described embodiments are presented for
purposes of illustration and not of limitation. The present
disclosure also can take many forms other than those explicitly
described herein. Accordingly, it is emphasized that this
disclosure is not limited to the explicitly disclosed methods,
systems, and apparatuses, but is intended to include variations to
and modifications thereof, which are within the spirit of the
following claims.
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