Patent Publication Number: US-9884218-B2

Title: Retractable jump rope

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
     This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/261,641, filed Dec. 1, 2015, and titled “Retractable Jump Rope,” the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated herein by reference. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND 
     Jump ropes are used for many fitness and training purposes. Jump ropes also can be used for play. A standard jump rope includes a rope extending between two handles. Conventionally, a user grasps the handles and swings the rope over the user&#39;s head. When the rope reaches the nadir of the swing, the user jumps over the rope. Jump ropes can be difficult to store. The rope of the jump ropes can become tangled between uses if not stored properly. Storing multiple jump ropes together can exacerbate this problem. 
     Improvements are desired. 
     SUMMARY 
     Some aspects of the disclosure are directed to a jump rope including an elongated flexible member; a first storage chamber housing defining a first port through which the elongated flexible member extends so that the first end of the elongated flexible member is secured within an interior of the first storage chamber housing; a first handlebar extending outwardly from the first storage chamber housing; a second storage chamber housing defining a second port through which the elongated flexible member extends so that the second end of the elongated flexible member is secured within an interior of the second storage chamber housing; and a second handlebar extending outwardly from the second storage chamber housing. In certain implementations, each storage chamber holds a spool, a retraction member, and a hold member within the interior of the storage chamber housing. Each retraction member is configured to automatically wind at least a portion of the elongated flexible member on the respective spool. Each hold member is configured to selectively inhibit the automatic winding by the respective retraction member. 
     In certain implementations, the elongated flexible member extends through the first port of the first storage chamber housing without passing through the first handlebar. 
     In certain implementations, a stop member is disposed at a fixed location on the elongated flexible member. The stop member is sized larger than the first and second ports. In certain examples, the stop member separates the elongated flexible member into a first length and a second length. The interior of the first storage chamber housing is sized to hold the first length and the interior of the second storage chamber housing is sized to hold the second length. In an example, the first length is the same as the second length. 
     In certain implementations, the first storage chamber housing includes a first release member accessible from an exterior of the first storage chamber housing. The first release member is configured to move the first hold member from a respective hold position to a respective release position, thereby allowing the first retraction member to wind at least some of the first portion of the elongated flexible member on the first spool. 
     In certain implementations, the second storage chamber housing includes a second release member. The second release member is configured to move the second hold member from a respective hold position to a respective release position, thereby allowing the second retraction member to wind at least some of the second portion of the elongated flexible member on the second spool. 
     In certain implementations, the first retraction member includes a spring. The first hold member includes a ratchet pawl biased towards ratchet teeth defined by the first storage chamber housing. The first release member is operationally coupled to the first hold member so that actuation of the first release member will disengage the ratchet pawl from the ratchet teeth. 
     In certain implementations, the first handlebar defines a longitudinal axis and the first spool defines a rotational axis that is not coaxially with the longitudinal axis. In examples, the longitudinal axis of the first handlebar is transverse to the rotational axis of the first spool. 
     In some implementations, the elongated flexible member includes a braided rope. In other implementations, the elongated flexible member includes a solid rope. 
     Other aspects of the disclosure are directed to a jump rope including an elongated flexible member; a stop member disposed on the elongated flexible member at an intermediate location; a first handle arrangement defining a first storage chamber sized to store a first length of the elongated flexible member; and a second handle arrangement defining a second storage chamber sized to store a second length of the elongated flexible member. In certain implementations, the first handle arrangement defines a port through which the first length is dispensed from and retracted into the first storage chamber. The first handle arrangement also includes a first handlebar extending outwardly from the first storage chamber opposite from the respective port. The second handle arrangement defines a port through which the second length is dispensed from and retracted into the second storage chamber. The second handle arrangement also includes a second handlebar extending outwardly from the second storage chamber opposite from the respective port. 
     In certain examples, the elongated flexible member has a uniform diameter over a full length of the elongated flexible member. In certain examples, the elongated flexible member has a smaller diameter than that of a conventional jump rope. Accordingly, in such examples, the elongated flexible member weighs less than a conventional jump rope. In examples, the stop member provides additional weight to the elongated flexible member to enhance the ability to swing the elongated flexible member. 
     In certain implementations, the elongated flexible member includes a first elongated flexible member and a second elongated flexible member that are both fixedly coupled to the stop member to form the elongated flexible member. 
     In certain implementations, the first handle arrangement includes an automatic retraction mechanism configured to automatically wind the first length of the elongated flexible member. In certain examples, the automatic retraction mechanism is actuated by movement of a release member disposed on the first handle arrangement. 
     In examples, the automatic retraction mechanism includes a spool biased to rotate in a first rotational direction and a blocking pawl configured to move between blocking and releasing positions. The blocking pawl retains the spool against rotating in the first rotational direction when in the blocking position. The blocking pawl releases the spool to rotate in the first rotational direction when in the releasing position. In an example, the block pawl is moved between the blocking position and the release position by sliding the release member. In an example, the block pawl is moved between the blocking position and the release position by depressing the release member. 
     In some implementations, the elongated flexible member includes a braided rope. In other implementations, the elongated flexible member includes a solid rope. 
     Other aspects of the disclosure are directed to a method of exercising. The method includes grasping a first handle arrangement with a first hand of a user and a second handle arrangement in a second hand of the user, the elongated member joining the first and second handle arrangements; stepping on a stop member disposed on the flexible elongated member; pulling the first and second handle arrangements away from the stop member to increase the length of the elongated member extending between the first and second handle arrangements; and swinging the flexible, elongated member using the first and second handlebar arrangements. 
     In certain implementations, the method also includes moving a release member relative to the first handle arrangement to begin retraction of the flexible elongated member within a storage chamber of the first handle arrangement. 
     A variety of additional inventive aspects will be set forth in the description that follows. The inventive aspects can relate to individual features and to combinations of features. It is to be understood that both the forgoing general description and the following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory only and are not restrictive of the broad inventive concepts upon which the embodiments disclosed herein are based. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of the description, illustrate several aspects of the present disclosure. A brief description of the drawings is as follows: 
         FIG. 1  is a perspective view of a jump rope; 
         FIG. 2  is a first side view of thejump rope of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 3  is an opposite second side view of the jump rope of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 4  is a top plan view of thejump rope of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 5  is a bottom plan view of the jump rope of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 6  is a first end view of the jump rope of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 7  is an opposite second end view of the jump rope of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 8  is a perspective view of a jump rope handle; 
         FIG. 9  is a first side view of the jump rope handle of  FIG. 8 ; 
         FIG. 10  is an opposite second side view of the jump rope handle of  FIG. 8 ; 
         FIG. 11  is a top plan view of the jump rope handle of  FIG. 8 ; 
         FIG. 12  is a bottom plan view of the jump rope handle of  FIG. 8 ; 
         FIG. 13  is a first end view of the jump rope handle of  FIG. 8 ; and 
         FIG. 14  is an opposite second end view of the jump rope handle of  FIG. 8 . 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     Reference will now be made in detail to exemplary aspects of the present disclosure that are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Wherever possible, the same reference numbers will be used throughout the drawings to refer to the same or like parts. 
     The present disclosure relates generally to a jump rope that facilitates storage. The jump rope includes an elongated flexible member (e.g., a rope) that extends between two handle arrangements. The elongated flexible member can be stored within the handle arrangements. For example, at least one of the handle arrangements can include a storage chamber in which the elongated flexible member can be wound and from which the elongated flexible member can be dispensed. In certain examples, a first length of the elongated flexible member is wound within and dispensed from a first handle arrangement and a second length of the elongated flexible member is wound within and dispensed from a second handle arrangement. 
       FIG. 1  illustrates an example jump rope  100  that includes an elongated flexible member  102  coupled to a first handle arrangement  110 A and a second handle arrangement  110 B. The jump rope  100  can be transitioned between a storage configuration and a use configuration. When in the use configuration, a usable portion of the elongated flexible member  102  extends between the first and second handle arrangements  110 A,  110 B. When in the storage configuration, at least part of the usable portion of the elongated flexible member  102  is contained within one or both of the handle arrangements  110 A,  110 B. In certain implementations, at least a majority of the usable portion of the elongated flexible member  102  is contained within one or both of the handle arrangements  110 A,  110 B. 
     To use the jump rope  100 , a user grasps the first handle arrangement  110 A in a first hand and the second handle arrangement  110 B in a second hand while the jump rope  100  is arranged in the storage configuration. The user pulls the first and second handle arrangements  110 A,  110 B away from each other to deploy the elongated flexible member  102  therebetween, thereby transitioning the jump rope  100  to the use configuration. The user can then use the jump rope  100  to exercise or play. When finished, the user can trigger a retraction mechanism at one or both handle arrangements  110 A,  110 B to retract at least part of the usable portion of the elongated member  102  therein for storage. 
     As shown in  FIG. 2 , the elongated flexible member  102  extends from a first end  103  to a second end  104 . In certain examples, the elongated flexible member  102  has a uniform diameter over a length of the elongated flexible member  102 . The first end  103  is secured to the first handle arrangement  110 A and the second end  104  is secured to the second handle arrangement  110 B. In some implementations, the elongated flexible member  102  includes a solid rope. For example, the elongated flexible member  102  can include a solid PVC cord. In other implementations, the elongated flexible member  102  includes a braided rope (e.g., diamond braided). For example, the elongated flexible member  102  can include a braided-nylon cord, a braided polypropylene rope, a cotton rope, or a polyester rope. In certain examples, plastic segments can be disposed over the elongated flexible member  102 . 
     In some implementations, a stop  105  is disposed on the elongated flexible member  102 . The stop  105  is axially fixed along a length L of the elongated flexible member  102 . Accordingly, the stop  105  divides the elongated flexible member  102  into a first section  106 , which extends between the first end  103  and the stop  105 , and a second section  107 , which extends between the stop  105  and the second end  104 . In an example, the stop  105  can be generally spherical shaped. In another example, the stop  105  can have an elongated bead shape. 
     In accordance with some aspects of the disclosure, at least one of the handle arrangements  110 A,  110 B is configured to contain at least a portion of the elongated flexible member  102 . In certain examples, enough of the elongated flexible member  102  can be stored in one or both handle arrangements  110 A,  110 B so that the handle arrangements  110 A,  110 B contact each other. In certain examples, enough of the elongated flexible member  102  can be stored in one or both handle arrangements  110 A,  110 B so that both handle arrangements  110 A,  110 B contact the stop member  105 . In certain examples, the first handle arrangement  110 A contains at least part of the first section  106  of the elongated member  102  and the second handle arrangement  110 B contains at least part of the second section  107  of the elongated member  102 . 
     In some implementations, the elongated flexible member  102  has an outer diameter that is smaller than an outer diameter of a rope of a traditional jump rope. The smaller diameter allows a greater length of the elongated member  102  to be disposed within the handle arrangement(s)  110 A,  110 B than would otherwise be possible with a traditional rope. Accordingly, in some implementations, a spool  114  in one handle arrangement  110 A,  110 B can hold substantially the entire length of the elongated member  102 . In other implementations, spools  114  in both handle arrangements  110 A,  110 B can cooperate to hold substantially the entire length of the elongated member  102  (e.g., the length minus the stop member  105 ). 
     In some implementations, the outer diameter of the flexible meme  102  is no more than 0.5 inches. In certain implementations, the outer diameter of the flexible meme  102  is no more than 0.3 inches. In certain implementations, the outer diameter of the flexible meme  102  is no more than 0.2 inches. In certain implementations, the outer diameter of the flexible meme  102  is no more than 0.15 inches. In certain implementations, the outer diameter of the flexible meme  102  is no more than 0.1 inches. 
     In some cases, the smaller outer diameter of the elongated member  102  yields a lighter elongated member  102  than in traditional jump ropes. For example, in certain implementations, the elongated member  102  may weight no more than about 18 grams. In certain implementations, the elongated member  102  may weight no more than about 20 grams. In certain implementations, the elongated member  102  may weight no more than about 18 grams. In certain implementations, the elongated member  102  may weight no more than about 16 grams. In certain implementations, the elongated member  102  may weight no more than about 15 grams. In an example, the elongated member  102  is about 14.8 grams. 
     If the elongated member  102  is too light, then the elongated member  102  will not swing properly. Accordingly, in certain implementations, the stop member  105  is manufactured with a weight that is sufficient to enable or enhance swinging of the elongated member  102 . For example, in certain implementations, the stop member  105  has a weight of at least about 10 grams. In certain implementations, the stop member  105  has a weight of at least about 12 grams. In certain implementations, the stop member  105  has a weight of at least about 14 grams. In certain implementations, the stop member  105  has a weight of at least about 16 grams. In certain implementations, the stop member  105  has a weight of at least about 18 grams. In certain implementations, the stop member  105  has a weight of at least about 20 grams. In an example, the stop member  105  has a weight of about 16.3 grams. 
       FIGS. 3-8  illustrate an example handle arrangement  110  suitable for use as the handle arrangements  110 A,  110 B of  FIG. 1 . The handle arrangement  110  includes a storage chamber housing  111  in which a portion of the elongated flexible member  102  can be stored. The first end  103  of the elongated flexible member  102  is secured within an interior of the storage chamber housing  111 . The storage chamber housing  111  defines a port  112  through which the elongated flexible member  102  extends. The elongated flexible member  102  passes through the port  112  when the elongated flexible member  102  enters and exits the storage chamber housing  111 . 
     In certain implementations, the stop member  105  is sized larger than the first and second ports  112  so that the stop member  105  cannot enter the storage chamber housing  111 . In certain examples, the interior of the storage chamber housing  111  of the first handle arrangement  110 A is sized to hold the first section  106  of the elongated member  102  and the interior of the storage chamber housing  111  of the second handle arrangement  110 B is sized to hold the second section  107 . In an example, the stop  105  can be disposed at a central location along the length L of the elongated flexible member  102 . In an example, a length of the first section  106  is approximately equal to a length of the second section  107 . 
     The handle arrangement  110  also includes a handlebar  119  coupled to the storage chamber housing  111 . In certain implementations, the handlebar  119  is elongated between a first end and a second end. In certain examples, the first end of the handlebar  119  contacts the storage chamber housing  111  opposite the port  112 . The second end of the handlebar  119  extends away from the storage chamber housing  111 . The handlebar  119  is sized to fit comfortably in the hand of a user. In certain examples, the handlebar  119  may define a textured section that aids the user in maintaining a grip on the handlebar  119 . 
     The storage chamber housing  111  holds a spool  114  on which the elongated flexible member  102  can be wound (e.g., see  FIG. 8 ). In certain implementations, an interior of the storage chamber housing  111  is not open to an interior of the handlebar  119 . Accordingly, the elongated flexible member  102  does not have access to the interior of the handlebar  119 . Rather, in such implementations, any retracted portion of the elongated flexible member  102  is disposed within the storage chamber housing  111 . Moreover, the elongated flexible member  102  extends through the port  112  without passing through the handlebar  119 . 
     The end  103 ,  104  of the elongated flexible member  102  can be secured to the spool  114 . Rotation of the spool  114  relative to the storage chamber housing  111  in a first rotational direction R 1  causes the elongated flexible member  102  to wind onto the spool  114 . Rotation of the spool  114  relative to the storage chamber housing  111  in an opposite, second rotational direction R 2  causes the elongated flexible member  102  to unwind from the spool  114 . Pulling the elongated flexible member  102  out of the storage chamber housing  111  through the port  112  causes rotation of the spool  114  in the second rotational direction R 2 . In certain implementations, the rotational axis of the spool  114  is not coaxially with a longitudinal axis of the handlebar  119 . In certain examples, the rotational axis of the spool  114  is generally transverse with a longitudinal axis of the handlebar  119 . 
     A retraction member  115  applies a rotation force on the spool  114  in the first rotational direction R 1 . Accordingly, the retraction member  115  is configured to automatically wind at least a first portion of the elongated flexible member  102  onto the spool  114 . In certain implementations, the retraction member  115  includes a spring (e.g., a flat spring, a torsion spring, a coil spring, etc.). In certain implementations, the retraction member  115  is constantly applying the rotation force to the spool  114 . In certain implementations, the retraction member  115  is disposed within the storage chamber housing  111 . The retraction member  115  is operably coupled to the spool  114  to apply the rotation force. In certain examples, an end of the retraction member  115  is secured to the spool  114 . 
     A hold member  116  is disposed within the interior of the storage chamber housing  111 . The hold member  116  is configured to selectively inhibit the automatic winding of the elongated flexible member  102  onto the spool  114  by the retraction member  115 . In certain examples, the hold member  116  is configured to counter the rotational force applied to the spool  14  by the retraction member  115  until released. In certain implementations, the hold member  116  forms part of a ratchet-and-pawl mechanism that limits rotation of the spool  114  in the first rotational direction R 1 . In certain examples, the hold member  116  does not limit rotation of the spool  114  in the second rotational direction R 2 . Rather, the spool  114  rotates in the second rotational direction, and dispenses the elongated flexible member  102 , when the rotation force applied by the retraction member  115  is overcome. 
     A release member  118  is operationally coupled to the hold member  116  to move the hold member  116  between a hold position and a release position. When in the hold position, the hold member  116  counters the rotational force applied to the spool  14  by the retraction member  115 . When in the release position, the hold member  116  does not counter the rotational force, thereby allowing the retraction member  115  to rotate the spool  114  in the first rotational direction R 1 . In certain implementations, the hold member  116  is biased towards the hold position until moved by the release member  118 . 
     In certain implementations, the release member  118  is accessible from an exterior of the storage chamber housing  111 . A user actuates the release member  118  to move the hold member  116  from the hold position to the release position. For example, the user can move the release member  118  from an unactuated position to an actuated position. In such an example, the release member  118  is biased towards the unactuated position unless acted upon by the user. In the example shown, the release member  118  includes a tab extending outwardly from the storage chamber housing and slidable relative to the storage chamber housing  111  as will be described in more detail herein. 
       FIGS. 5-8  illustrate one example implementation of a spool  114 , a retraction member  115 , a hold member  116 , and a release member  118 . The spool  114  extends from a first axial end  130  to a second axial end  131 . A drum  132  is defined between the two axial ends  130 ,  131 . In the example shown in  FIG. 6 , the drum  132  defines a fixing aperture  133  at which one end of the elongated flexible member  102  can be attached to the spool  114 . The first axial end  130  of the spool  114  defines an inwardly extending passage  134  ( FIG. 6 ) and the second axial end  131  defines another inwardly extending passage  137  ( FIG. 5 ). In an example, the inwardly extending passages  134 ,  137  may join together within the drum  132 . 
     The storage chamber housing  111  includes a first housing member  120  and a second housing member  125 . In certain implementations, the first and second housing members  120 ,  125  cooperate to define the port  112 . The first housing member  120  defines an interior  121  in which a first spindle  123  is disposed ( FIG. 5 ). The second housing member  125  defines an interior  126  in which a second spindle  128  is disposed. The first spindle  123  is sized to extend into the inwardly extending passage  134  at the first axial end  130  of the spool  114 . The second spindle  128  is sized to extend into the inwardly extending passage  137  at the second axial end  131  of the spool  114 . The spool  114  is configured to rotate relative to the housing members  120 ,  125  about the spindles  123 ,  128 . 
     The first and second housing members  120 ,  125  cooperate to define the storage chamber housing  111 . For example, the first and second housing members  120 ,  125  are positioned so that the interiors  121 ,  126  face each other. In some implementations, the first and second housing members  120 ,  125  are fastened together. For example, fasteners can be inserted through fastener openings  124 ,  129  to hold the first and second housing members  120 ,  125  together. In other implementations, the first and second housing members  120 ,  125  can be welded (e.g., sonically welded, heat welded, etc.), threaded, latched, or otherwise held together. 
     In certain implementations, the spool  114  defines a cavity  135  at the first axial end  130 . The retraction member  115  can be disposed within the cavity  135  (see  FIG. 8 ). In certain examples, a spool cover couples to the spool  114  to cover the cavity  135 . In an example, the spool cover is rotationally keyed to the spool  114  so that the cover cannot rotate relative to the spool  114 . 
     In some examples, the retraction member  115  attaches to the first spindle  123  (e.g., at a notch defined in the first spindle  123 ). For example, a flat spring may be coiled inside the cavity  135 . An inner end of the flat spring may extend through the notch defined in the first spindle  123 . The outer end of the flat spring may wrap around or otherwise attach to an outer perimeter of the cavity  135 . Accordingly, rotation of the spool  114  in a first direction will cause the outer end of the flat spring to turn relative to the inner end, thereby tightening the coil. Rotational of the spool  114  in an opposite direction will loosen the coil and relax the spring. 
     In other implementations, the retraction member  115  extends out of the cavity  135  and attaches to the first housing member  120 . In still other examples, the retraction member  115  is attached to a spool cover that closes the cavity  135  and secures to the housing  120 . 
     Relative movement between the spool  114  and the housing member  120  stretches and relaxes the retraction member  115 . For example, unwinding the flexible member from the spool  114  causes the spool  114  to rotate in a first direction, thereby moving one end of the retraction member  115  relative to another end of the retraction member  115  to stretch the retraction member  115 . Stretching the retraction member  115  increases the tension of the retraction member  115 , thereby applying a rotational bias to the spool  114  in the opposite direction. Rotating the spool  114  in the opposite direction causes the flexible member to be wound onto the spool  114 . 
     The hold member  116  inhibits the spool  114  from rotating under the rotational bias. In certain implementations, the hold member  116  forms part of a ratcheting mechanism disposed at the second end  131  of the spool  114 . The ratcheting mechanism includes ratchet teeth  139  and a spring-biased ratchet pawl  141 . In some implementations, the ratchet teeth  139  are disposed on the spool  114  and the ratchet pawl  141  is disposed within the interior  126  of the second housing member  125 . In other implementations, the ratchet teeth  139  are disposed within the interior  126  of the second housing member  125  and the ratchet pawl  141  is disposed on the spool  114 . 
     In the example shown in  FIGS. 5-7 , the second end  131  of the spool  114  defines a recessed portion  138  into which a plurality of ratchet teeth  139  extend radially inwardly. A ratchet pawl mechanism  140  is disposed within the interior  126  of the second housing member  125 . The ratchet pawl mechanism  140  includes a ratchet pawl  141  defining the hold member  116 . The ratchet pawl  141  defines an opening  142  through which the spindle  128  of the second housing member  125  extends. The opening  142  is sized to enable movement of the ratchet pawl  141  relative to the spindle  128  at least along a slide axis A S . 
     The ratchet pawl  141  (and hence the hold member  116 ) is movable (e.g., slidable) relative to the second housing member  125  between the hold position and the release position. When the ratchet pawl  141  is disposed in the hold position, the hold member  116  engages one of the ratchet teeth  139  of the spool  114 . When the ratchet pawl  141  is disposed in the release position, the hold member  116  does not engage any of the ratchet teeth  139  (i.e., is radially spaced from the ratchet teeth  139 ). 
     The ratchet pawl  141  defines a spring support  143  at which a spring (e.g., a coil spring)  144  can be mounted. In certain implementations, the spring support  143  is located opposite the hold member  116 . A spring stop  145  is disposed within the interior  126  of the second housing member  125 . The spring  144  is held between the ratchet pawl  141  and the spring stop  145  to bias the ratchet pawl  141  in a first direction to the hold position. 
     The ratchet pawl  141  is operationally coupled to the release member  118 . In certain implementations, the release member (e.g., a tab or flange)  118  extends outwardly from the ratchet pawl  141  through an aperture  146  defined in the second housing member  125 . In an example, the release member  118  is monolithically formed with the ratchet pawl  141 . In certain implementations, the aperture  146  is sized to enable movement of the release member  118  relative to the second housing member  125  along the slide axis A S . 
     Accordingly, a user can access the release member  118  from an exterior of the storage chamber housing  111  and can press on the release member  118  to move the ratchet pawl  141  against the bias of the spring  144  to the release position. The spring  144  will bias the ratchet pawl  141  back to the hold position when the user releases the release member  118 . 
     In certain implementations, each of the first and second housing members  120 ,  125  includes a latching finger  122 ,  127  that extends radially outwardly from the housing member. The latching fingers  122 .  127  are inserted into an aperture  119   b  defined in the handlebar  119  to hold the storage chamber housing  111  to the handlebar  119 . In some examples, the handlebar  119  is configured to rotate relative to the storage chamber housing  111 . For example, the latching fingers  122 ,  127  are rotationally movable within the aperture  119   b . In other examples, the handlebar  119  is rotationally fixed relative to the storage chamber housing  111 . For example, the latching fingers  122 ,  127  can be attached to the handlebar  119  using adhesive. 
     In use, a user grasps a first handle arrangement  110 A ( FIG. 1 ) with a first hand and a second handle arrangement  110 B ( FIG. 1 ) in a second hand. The flexible, elongated member  102  joins the first and second handle arrangements  110 A,  110 B. The user steps on the stop member  105  disposed on the flexible elongated member  102 . While stepping on the stop member  105 , the user pulls at least one of the first and second handle arrangements  110 A,  110 B away from the stop member  105  to increase the length of the elongated member  102  extending between the first and second handle arrangements  110 A,  110 B. 
     For example, pulling on one or both of the handlebar arrangements  110 A,  110 B while maintaining the position of the stop member  105  applies sufficient force to the spool(s)  114  within the handle arrangement(s)  110 A,  110 B to counter-act the force applied by the respective retraction member  115 . Accordingly, at least one of the sections  106 ,  107  of the elongated member  102  is dispensed through the respective ports  112  of the handle arrangements  110 A,  110 B. When a sufficient amount of the elongated member  102  has been dispensed from the handle arrangement(s)  110 A,  110 B, the user swings the flexible, elongated member  102  using the first and second handlebar arrangements  110 A,  110 B. 
     When finished, the user actuates a release member  118  of at least one of the handle arrangements  110 A,  110 B. For example, the user may depress a tab or flange  118  against a spring force to move the hold member  116  from the hold position to the release position. When the hold member  116  reaches the release position, the retraction member  115  automatically retracts the elongated member  102  into the storage chamber housing  111  (e.g., by winding the spool  114 ). 
     The above specification, examples and data provide a complete description of the manufacture and use of the composition of the invention. Since many embodiments of the invention can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention, the invention resides in the claims hereinafter appended.