Abstract:
Disclosed is a jump rope comprising: an oil impregnated bushing; having a pair of handles with an external surface treatment. Additionally, the rope may include a fastener attached to each end and secured within the head of the jump rope yet still free to rotate about an axis formed by the centerline of the rope body. In some configurations a universal joint is attached to each end and secured to the jump rope handle, with one end of the input yoke acting as a column for rotation and one end of the output yoke used to secure the rope, and both free ends of each yoke attaching to the cross-trunnion to complete the assembly.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE 
     This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/719,409 filed Oct. 28, 2012, entitled Speed Jump Rope by Joshua Barry Rogers, which application is incorporated herein by reference. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     A traditional jump rope mainly comprises a rope and a pair of handles where the rope exits the end of the handle. While jumping rope the handles are held by the user and do not rotate in the user&#39;s hands but rather the rope rotates independent of the handles. Under this circumstance, the rotational friction and drag that are generated limit the maximum rotational speed of the rope. In speed competitions, is it desirable to have a jump rope with the highest rotational speed. Further, this requires a rope with the least amount of friction and air resistance to achieve the highest number of rotations in the least amount of time. 
     Jumping rope is an activity that is not only considered suitable for competition or recreation, but also provides a beneficial workout, similar to jogging or cycling. Jumping rope has been shown to achieve a “burn rate” of up to 700 calories per hour of vigorous activity, with about 0.1 calories consumed per jump. Ten minutes of jumping rope is roughly the equivalent of running an eight-minute mile. 
     Although jumping rope can be an excellent source of aerobic activity, depending on the choice of rope, some ropes exhibit failures such as handle separations, fraying of cables, and burrs after being cut to length making them not suited for the long term use that would occur with users relying on jumping rope for consistent aerobic activity. The exposed ends of the rope can also present a safety concern during use if not properly trimmed after sizing. Therefore, it is also desirable to have a rope whose ends are protected and captured within the head of the jump rope handles. 
     Another common problem with existing jump ropes is exhibited when the ropes ends are fixed at the rotational component or head of each handle and are not permitted to rotate freely within the head of the jump rope. Under this circumstance, undesirable torque can be built into the rope when the handles are inadvertently rotated perpendicular to the point where the rope accesses the handle unit. This torque in the rope presents a problem during use, as the ropes rotation is no longer uniform making it difficult to predict the rope placement while jumping rope. Therefore, it is desirable to have a rope whose ends are free to rotate about an axis formed by the centerline of the rope body. Existing jump ropes have attempted to address this problem by placing a collar or stop at each end of the rope. In these collar or stop type designs, the jump rope meets the intent of avoiding toque build up in the rope, but presents a new problem with the jump rope handles not remaining fixed to each end of the rope. The result is one or more handles displaced along the length of the rope with excess rope extended beyond the handle component, making the rope not equipped for jumping. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     An object of the disclosure is to provide a jump rope utilizing a unique oil impregnated bushing design as to minimize rotational friction and drag during rope jumping without adding the significant cost and reliability issues associated with commercial ball bearings. 
     Another object of disclosure is to provide a jump rope whose rope&#39;s ends are captured yet the rope still freely rotates about an axis formed by the centerline of the rope body, preventing torque buildup in the rope. 
     Additionally, a jump rope with an oil impregnated bushing to prevent drag and friction and a braided cable to limit air resistance are being disclosed. The bushing can be, but is not limited to an Oilite® bushing. One embodiment of the rope is a 1/16″ steel cable with a 1×19 braid pattern, another embodiment is a 1/16″ steel cable with a 7×7 braid pattern. Additional embodiments of the rope include varying diameter, braid pattern, material, and the addition of a protective coating. The addition of a protective coating over the rope may extend the life of the rope by improving abrasion and kink resistance. Application of this coating may take multiple forms. Several embodiments include co-extruding, thermal bonding, helical wrapping, and overbraiding. 
     In at least some configurations, an individual&#39;s rope length is dependent on the users height and experience level. Therefore, it is desirable to have a rope that can be easily adjusted by the user to ensure a proper fit. 
     An aspect of the disclosure is directed to a jump rope assembly. The jump rope assembly, comprises: a rope body having a first end and a second end; and a first handle unit and a second handle unit wherein the first end of the rope body is secured within the first handle unit and the second end of the rope body is secured within the second handle unit, wherein the rope body freely rotates about an axis formed by a centerline of the handle which is perpendicular to a point where the rope accesses the handle unit, and further where the handle freely rotates about an axis formed by the centerline of the rope. In some configurations, the assembly can further comprise a handle assembly comprising a handle unit having an aperture, a bushing, a head, and a fastener wherein the fastener, fits within an aperture in the head, and a column from the head is secured within an aperture in the bushing and the bushing is secured within an aperture within the handle unit. Additionally, a screw can be provided which engages the fastener. The fastener can also be configured such that it accommodates rope bodies of differing configurations. Suitable bushings include, for example, an oil impregnated bushing. The rope body can be any suitable rope, such as, a braided steel cable. In at least some configurations, the exterior surface of the handle unit has an external surface treatment. External surface treatments can, for example, include treatment which improves a user&#39;s ability to grip the handle assembly. Additionally, the rope body can have a protective coating. Several embodiments of the protective coating include co-extruding, thermal bonding, helical wrapping, and overbraiding. To facilitate use by users of different heights and skill level, the rope body can also be adjustable in length. The handle unit can also be configured to comprise a universal joint where one end of the input yoke acts as a column for rotation and one end of the output yoke secures the rope, and both free ends of each yoke attach to a cross-trunnion. 
     Another aspect of the disclosure is directed to a method of using a jump rope assembly. The method comprises the steps of: engaging a jump rope assembly having a rope body having a first end and a second end via a first handle unit and a second handle unit wherein the first end of the rope body is secured within the first handle unit and the second end of the rope body is secured within the second handle unit, wherein the rope body freely rotates about an axis formed by a centerline of the handle which is perpendicular to a point where the rope accesses the handle unit, and further where the handle freely rotates about an axis formed by the centerline of the rope. 
     Still another aspect of the disclosure is directed to a kit. A suitable kit, such as a starter kit, comprises: an assembled jump rope having a rope body with a first end and a second end, and a first handle unit and a second handle unit wherein the first end of the rope body is secured within the first handle unit and the second end of the rope body is secured within the second handle unit, wherein the rope body freely rotates about an axis formed by a centerline of the handle which is perpendicular to a point where the rope accesses the handle unit, and further where the handle freely rotates about an axis formed by the centerline of the rope; and a packaging. Additionally, a suitable kit can include one or more of each of: a hex key; a screw; a rope; and a pouch or housing to contain the assembled jump rope and spare parts. 
     Yet another aspect of the disclosure is directed to a kit comprising one or more of at least two or more of the following: handle assemblies; two fasteners; four set screws; two heads; two bushings; two C-clips, two caps; and two U-joints, wherein the kit components are configurable to repair a jump rope assembly having a rope body with a first end and a second end, and a first handle unit and a second handle unit wherein the first end of the rope body is secured within the first handle unit and the second end of the rope body is secured within the second handle unit, wherein the rope body freely rotates about an axis formed by a centerline of the handle which is perpendicular to a point where the rope accesses the handle unit, and further where the handle freely rotates about an axis formed by the centerline of the rope. 
     INCORPORATION BY REFERENCE 
     All publications, patents, and patent applications mentioned in this specification are herein incorporated by reference to the same extent as if each individual publication, patent, or patent application was specifically and individually indicated to be incorporated by reference. See, for example, U.S. Des 657,009 S1 for Jump Rope Handle issued Apr. 3, 2013, by Mark Krull; U.S. Pat. No. 8,043,196 B1 for Jump Rope Assembly Having Enhanced Strength issued Oct. 25, 2011, by Chen; U.S. Pat. No. 7,341,544 B2 for Skipping Rope or Jump Rope Having Improved Asymmetric Handle issued Mar. 11, 2008 by David St. George; U.S. Pat. No. 6,752,746 B1 for Adjustable Jump Rope Apparatus with Adjustable Weight and Length issued Jun. 22, 2004 by Winkler, et al.; and U.S. Pat. No. 7,789,809 for Jump Rope System issued Sep. 7, 2010 by Paul E. Borth et al. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The novel features of the invention are set forth with particularity in the appended claims. A better understanding of the features and advantages of the present invention will be obtained by reference to the following detailed description that sets forth illustrative embodiments, in which the principles of the invention are utilized, and the accompanying drawings of which: 
         FIG. 1  is a perspective view of a jump rope according to the present disclosure, and views of the handle assembly; 
         FIGS. 2A-C  are an expanded and assembled view of jump rope in accordance with the present disclosure; 
         FIGS. 3A-D  are views of varying configurations of the head; 
         FIG. 4  is a view of an external retaining ring; 
         FIGS. 5A-B  are views of varying configuration of the fastener; and 
         FIG. 6  illustrates of an alternative universal joint configuration for use with the jump rope of the present disclosure. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     I. Devices 
     The jump rope of the present disclosure is configured as shown in the figures. The jump rope allows a user to achieve a high number of rotations per minute (RPM) during use by providing rotation about an axis corresponding to a centerline of the handle. 
     As shown in  FIG. 1 , the jump rope  100  includes a rope  110  having a first end  112 , and a second end  114 . Each free end of the rope  110  is attached to a handle assembly  120 ,  120 ′ resulting in two handle assemblies  120 ,  120 ′ per jump rope  100 . The handle interface  127 ,  127 ′ of the handle assemblies  120 ,  120 ′ can be configured such that it provides a grip, using a knurled surface  129 ,  129 ′. Other grip-friendly surfaces can also be used, such as a curved surface configured to engage fingers when the rope handle is being held and a rubberized surface with a high coefficient of friction configured to prevent the handle from slipping out of the users hands. In use, one end of the rope is secured to the handle assembly, but is secured in a way that allows rotation about at least two axes: rotation R 1  about an axis that is parallel to the axis (x) formed by the handle; and rotation R 2  about an axis that is perpendicular to the axis formed by the handle. The rope  110  extends from an aperture  137 ′ in the head  130 ′ of the handle assembly  120 . Although only one aperture in the head of the handle assembly is depicted, as will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, each of the handle assemblies can be configured to provide the same mechanical features of attachment. Each head  120 ,  120 ′ may include an additional aperture  132 ,  131 ′, for example similar to apertures  332 ,  332 ′ described below. 
       FIGS. 2A-C  illustrate the head  230  of the handle assembly  220 . As evidence from this view, the rope  210  is passed through an aperture  237 , or through hole, in the head  230  and into the fastener  222 . A set screw  224  is provided in a threaded channel. The set screw is moveable upon rotation of the screw such that the screw moves inwards towards the rope  210 , or away from the rope, thus securing or releasing the rope  210  within the aperture. A column  232  extends from the head  230 . The column  232  is sized to fit within a handle assembly aperture  228  and engages a bushing  240  about its exterior surface. The column  232  has a channel  233  with a projection  234  which is sized to engage a c-clip  242  within the channel  233 . 
       FIG. 2B  illustrates an expanded view of the handle assembly  220 , while  FIG. 2A  and  FIG. 2C  (which is a view taken along the cross-section of  2 C- 2 C in  FIG. 2A ) illustrate an assembled view and a cross-section thereof. The expanded view more clearly shows the set screw  224 , the fastener  222 , which fits within the head  230 . The head  230  has an aperture  237  which is sized to fit the rope  210 . A column  232  extends from one surface of the head  230 . The column has a channel  233 , which has a projection  234  defining one side of the channel. A bushing  240  fits around the column and is secured in place by a c-clip  242  which is sized to fit within the channel  233 . The column and bushing fit within a handle assembly aperture  228  of the handle  221 . 
     As shown in  FIG. 2C , the rope  210  is secured in a fastener  222  via a suitable securement device, such as a set screw  224 . One embodiment of the rope  210  is a 1/16″ steel cable with a 1×19 braid pattern, another embodiment is a 1/16″ steel cable with a 7×7 braid pattern. As will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, other configurations can be used to achieve the performance of this configuration without departing from the scope of the disclosure. 
     Each head  230  includes a column  232  having a channel  233  which extends beyond a bushing  240  which is secured via a c-clip  242  (see also,  FIG. 4 ). This subassembly is then pressed into the handle unit aperture  228  of the handle  221 , and is fixed in place via an interference fit between the inner diameter of the handle unit aperture  228  and an outer diameter of the bushing  240 . The bushing  240  can be an oil impregnated bushing. The bushing  240  can be, but is not limited to an Oilite® bushing. Additionally, a bearing may be used in place of a bushing if desired. 
     Turning now to  FIGS. 3A-D  the head  330 ,  330 ′,  330 ″,  330 ′″ is shown with an aperture  332 ,  332 ′,  332 ″,  332 ′″ to accept a fastener similar in function to that of  222  shown in  FIG. 2 , a pair of apertures  337 ,  337 ′ to accept the rope ( 210  shown in  FIGS. 2 ). The embodiment shown in  FIG. 3C  includes two pair of apertures  337 ,  337 ′ and  338 ,  338 ′ positioned perpendicular to one another providing the user with flexibility in the orientation to which the rope ( 210  shown in  FIG. 2 ) exits the head  330 ″. Head  330 ,  330 ′,  330 ″,  330 ′″ include a projection  334  at the back end  331 ′ which engages the bushing ( 240  shown in  FIG. 2 ). The projection  334  can have a recessed section forming a groove  336  at the back end  331 ′. 
     In one embodiment, the front end  331  of the head  330 ′ can be threaded or have a lip to engage a cap, not illustrated. 
     Turning to  FIG. 4  an external retaining clip  442  is shown. The retaining clip  442  engages the head and the bushing ( 230 ,  240 , respectively, both shown in  FIG. 2 ). 
       FIG. 5  A illustrates a fastener  522  designed to be compatible with the head ( 330 ,  330 ′,  330 ″ shown in  FIG. 3A-C ) having one or more central apertures  562 ,  562 ′ and an alignment channel  564 . Apertures  562 ,  562 ′ are configured to be of the same size or slightly larger in diameter than the rope  210  shown in  FIG. 2  to which they will be receiving. Sizing of apertures  562 ,  562 ′ at a diameter approximately the same size as the outside diameter of the rope ( 210  shown in  FIG. 2 ) ensures proper engagement with the rope and set screw ( 210 ,  224 , respectively, both shown in  FIG. 2 ). Having two sets of apertures  562 ,  562 ′ facilitate the independent use of two different diameter ropes ( 210  shown in  FIG. 2 ) while maintaining a consistent and optimal clearance between the rope ( 210  shown in  FIG. 2 ) and fastener  522  apertures  562 ,  562 ′. Fastener  522  may include one or more threaded holes  568  to accept a set screw ( 224  shown in  FIG. 2 ). 
       FIG. 5B  illustrates another embodiment of a fastener  522 ′ designed to be compatible with the head  330 ′″ shown in  FIG. 3D . In this embodiment the fastener  522 ′ is fixed parallel to the axis (y) and the result fixes the rope  110  to the axis (x) shown in  FIG. 1 . 
     A handle assembly, such as  220  shown in  FIG. 2 , that is capable of accommodating different styles (e.g. diameter, material, density, braid pattern, etc) of ropes is desirable to provide the user the flexibility to select the appropriate rope for a given application. Additionally, the fastener, such as  222  shown in  FIG. 2 , can be configured to provide multiple apertures to accommodate ropes of various diameters. Thus, for example, for the handle assembly  220  in  FIG. 2 , the multiple apertures provided in the fastener  222  can be configured such that the apertures approximate the diameter of the rope. In the event that that these apertures are not closely matched with the apertures in the fastener, being the same size or slightly larger than the diameter of the rope, the rope may be forced to become out of round by the set screw  224 . Under this circumstance the rope  210  may get pulled out of the fastener  222  and handle assembly  220  when put under tension. 
     Another embodiment of the present invention includes a universal joint (u joint)  650  as depicted in  FIG. 6 . In this configuration the universal joint  650  replaces the head  230  and fastener  222  both shown in  FIG. 2 . The universal joint  650  includes an input yoke  658 , a cross-trunnion  654 , and an output yoke  652 . One end of the input yoke  658  has geometry similar to the column  232  of the head  230  both described in  FIG. 2 . The cross-trunnion  654  has a first pair of coaxial projections  656 ,  656 ′ and a second pair of coaxial projections  657 ,  657 ′ which provide support about which turning movement occurs. Although only one projection is depicted, as will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, each of the projections can be configured to provide the same support about which turning movement occurs. 
     The opposing end of the input yoke  658  has geometry capable of receiving the cross-trunnion  654 . The output yoke  652  includes geometry on one end similar to the fastener  222  described in  FIG. 2  in that it has the ability to secure the rope  210  described in  FIG. 2 . The other end of the output yoke  652  has geometry capable of receiving a pair of second coaxial projections  657 ,  657 ′ of the cross-trunnion  654 . Under this embodiment the rope is free to position itself in its most natural and relaxed orientation while jumping rope. Additionally, similar to what was described above, the universal joint assembly  650  reduces the possibility of building up torque in the rope in the event that the rope is inadvertently rotated perpendicular to the point where the rope accesses the handle unit. 
     II. Methods of Use 
     Using a device as disclosed above, a user engages in the activity of jumping rope. In using the device, a user can achieve a “burn rate” of up to 700 calories per hour of vigorous activity, with about 0.1 calories consumed per jump. The rope can have an oil impregnated bushing to prevent drag and friction and a braided cable to limit air resistance. As described above, the bushing can be, but is not limited to an Oilite® bushing. One embodiment of the rope is a 1/16″ steel cable with a 1×19 braid pattern another embodiment is a 1/16″ steel cable with a 7×7 braid pattern. Additional rope configurations can be used without departing from the scope of the disclosure. 
     The rope turns about an axis (y) through the centerline of the handle. 
     III. Kits 
     Devices and components thereof can be provided in kit form wherein the kit components are packaged in suitable packaging material. Kits can include, for example, one of more of each of the following: an assembled jump rope; a hex key, a screw, a rope, a pouch or housing to contain the assembled jump rope and spare parts. Other kits can include a plurality of ropes, two handle assemblies, two fasteners, four set screws, two heads, two bushings, two C-clips, two caps, and two U-joints. 
     While preferred embodiments of the present invention have been shown and described herein, it will be obvious to those skilled in the art that such embodiments are provided by way of example only. Numerous variations, changes, and substitutions will now occur to those skilled in the art without departing from the invention. It should be understood that various alternatives to the embodiments of the invention described herein may be employed in practicing the invention. It is intended that the following claims define the scope of the invention and that methods and structures within the scope of these claims and their equivalents be covered thereby.