Abstract:
An aerorope device includes a hub and at least one rope connected to the hub. The rope can be held by a user and moved to provide exercise for the user. Multiple ropes can be connected to the hub to allow multiple users to use the hub. An exercise class with a length greater than five minutes can be choreographed to allow multiple users to exercise with the device. The length, weight, and diameter of the ropes is configured to allow most users to perform continuously in classes for longer than five minutes. The hub can be formed from netting and used to enclose typically-available items such as weightlifting plates to form an anchor.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/901,401, filed Nov. 7, 2013; the specification of this application is hereby incorporated by reference. 
     
    
     STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT 
       [0002]    Not Applicable 
       THE NAMES OF PARTIES TO A JOINT RESEARCH AGREEMENT 
       [0003]    Not Applicable 
       INCORPORATION-BY-REFERENCE OF MATERIAL SUBMITTED ON A COMPACT DISC 
       [0004]    Not Applicable 
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0005]    1. Field of the Invention 
         [0006]    The invention relates to a device for physical fitness and methods of training, and in particular, to a light weight rope device. 
         [0007]    2. Description of the Related Art 
         [0008]    Numerous techniques have been developed over the years to improve a person&#39;s cardiovascular and physical fitness. From high intensity exercise videos, cross fit, and traditional brick and mortar gyms, fitness trainers are continually developing the next best fitness program for their clients. Once such program, cross fit, uses non-traditional objects to provide clients with intense physical workouts. 
         [0009]    Cross fit uses objects such as industrial size tires, ropes, and fire hoses as exercises to improve fitness. These objects challenge clients by taking them out of the traditional brick and mortar exercise facility with weight machines and cardiovascular machines and introducing them to new, unique training techniques. 
         [0010]    A battle rope is a type of exercise equipment. Battle ropes are typically repurposed ropes taken from other industries, such as maritime ropes for anchoring, and repurposed for exercising. A typical battle rope is thirteen to fifteen and a half meters (13-15.5 m) long, is 3.8 cm in diameter, and weighs nine to eleven-and-a-half kilograms (9-11.5 kg). The rope is made from braided Manila hemp or polyethylene strands. 
         [0011]    A person exercising with a battle rope fastens one end of the rope to an anchor. An anchor can be a mount on a wall, door, or post, or can be another person holding one end of the rope. The exerciser holds the rope at the end of the rope that opposes the end that is anchored. Next, the person exercising raises and lowers the held end to create a wave in the rope. The person repeats the raising and lowering to exercise the muscles and arms. The person exercising can use various stances while moving the rope to exercise the muscles of the lower body. 
         [0012]    One person can use two battle ropes at the same time. The person holds one rope in each hand. The ropes are then lifted and lowered by each hand to exercise both arms. 
         [0013]    Two people can exercise using one or two ropes. Each person holds one end of each rope. The ropes have the same length. The two people exercising can work together to create waves in the rope. 
         [0014]    Current battle ropes limit a person&#39;s ability to exercise continuously for long durations with the battle ropes because exercisers fatigue too quickly. As a result, battle ropes are not used as a focus for an exercise class. The weight of the battle ropes place tremendous strain on muscles and joints in the human body when used for exercising. In addition, the diameter of the ropes is not ideal for grasping with a human hand, particularly for women. Due to this mismatch, the ropes are difficult to use and cause injuries to the hands in the form of calluses, blisters, and muscle strains. 
         [0015]    Current battle ropes are too heavy to be used for extended period of time. Generally, a pair of people oscillates the battle ropes until the people become too fatigued to continue. For most people, the time limit is five minutes. Typically, the ropes are worked for alternating thirty second (30 s) work/rest cycles in the five minutes. Accordingly, battle ropes are used as part of circuit training or a boot camp but are not used as the focus of an entire fitness class or workout. 
         [0016]    The length of battle ropes limits their usefulness in a group setting. The ropes are 13-15 m long. Accordingly, they only can be used in large rooms. In smaller rooms and studios, the length of the battle ropes limits their use to a few pairs of users at a time. 
         [0017]    Typically, one pair of battle ropes is used as a station in a circuit training setting. While the pair of ropes consumes a large area of floor space enough room remains in most studios for other exercisers to have space to exercise at other stations in the circuit. 
         [0018]    In addition to the weight, the diameter of battle ropes make exercising difficult for people with smaller hands to hold the ropes for extended times. Examples of people with smaller hands include many women and children. Accordingly, the diameter of existing battle ropes limits their usefulness in workout routines that take longer than five minutes. 
         [0019]    Presently, two people use battle ropes by holding opposing ends of the battle ropes and moving the battle ropes in varying directions. The maximum number of users on a battle rope is two. The users are stationary while using the ropes. Because the ropes are heavy, they generally need to be long, e.g. 12-15 m, in order to allow the user to oscillate the ropes properly. Typical battle ropes are 3.8 to 5.0 cm thick. 
         [0020]    Accordingly, there is a need to develop a new type of battle rope that is light weight, responsive, and easier to grasp for physical conditioning. In particular, a need exists for a battle rope that can be used in a class environment for at least thirty minutes by a typical person. A further need exists for a device that provides the fitness advantages of battle ropes but that can be used in a fitness class with more than two people. 
       BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0021]    An object of the invention is to provide an aerorope device for exercising. The aerorope device includes a hub. The hub is configured to secure to an anchor during use. The hub has a connector. A rope is secured to the anchor by the connector. The rope is configured to be held when exercising. 
         [0022]    Another object of the invention is to provide an aerorope device including a hub, at least one flexible rope having a first end and a second end, where the flexible rope slidably engages with the hub and the first and second ends extend outward from the hub. 
         [0023]    Yet another object of the invention is to provide a method for exercising with an aerorope device. The first step involves engaging the first end of at least one flexible rope to a stationary hub. Next, the second end of the flexible rope is extended outward from the stationary hub. Next, the user grasps the second end of the flexible rope in preparation for physical conditioning. The user positions the second end of the flexible rope to allow slack in the flexible rope between first and second ends. The user then moves the flexible rope in varying directions for physical conditioning. 
         [0024]    A further object of the invention is to provide an aerorope device that is sized and weighted so that it can be used by most participants throughout an hour workout. A rope that weighs 0.45 kg has been found satisfactory. To create a 0.45 kg rope that is sized for women and men to hold, a 7.6 m long rope that is 2.22 cm wide can be used. 
         [0025]    The present invention has the advantage of allowing clients to train with battle ropes, or aeroropes, more effectively as a fitness tool. Present ropes are large and fatigue the client quickly. The instant invention provides clients with a cardio vascular training program with minimal strain on the body. The instant invention is portable, light weight, and provides total body conditioning. Other features of the invention are set forth in the appended claims. 
         [0026]    A further object of the invention is to provide an aerorope device that is portable and that can use commonly available weights to form an anchor. The anchor should be able to connect or fasten to, releaseably, objects that are common in a gym. Examples of items are forty-five pound plates used for weightlifting or sandbags. Such heavy items provide a significant anchor to prevent the device from moving unintentionally during use. In addition, by being releaseable the weight can remain in the gym and the device can be easily transported to a different location (e.g. a second gym) and reloaded there. 
         [0027]    A further object of the invention is to provide a fitness device that can be used continuously by attendees of a fitness class held in a studio for a time longer than five minutes. The class preferably would have at least three attendees. While classes longer than five minutes are acceptable, classes longer than thirty minutes are preferred. To provide ropes that can be used by a majority of people continuously for longer than five minutes and preferably longer than thirty minutes, the weight, diameter, and length of the rope must be reduced compared to traditional battle ropes. 
         [0028]    A further object of the invention is to provide a device that utilizes ropes that have a length, diameter, and weight that allows them to be operated (i.e. oscillated to create waves) in time with contemporary music. If the ropes are not sized properly, the ropes will not be able to be operated synchronically with the music. 
         [0029]    Although the invention is illustrated and described herein as embodied in an aerorope exercise device, the invention is not limited to the details shown because various modifications and structural changes may be made without departing from the invention and the equivalents of the claims. However, the construction and method of operation of the invention together with additional objects and advantages thereof will be best understood from the following description of specific embodiments when read in connection with the accompanying drawings. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWING 
         [0030]      FIG. 1  is a perspective view of a client exercising with an aerorope device according to the invention. 
           [0031]      FIG. 2  is a top view of a net embodiment of a hub of the aerorope device. 
           [0032]      FIG. 3  is a perspective view of the aerorope device showing the hub in  FIG. 2  in a closed position. 
           [0033]      FIG. 4  is a perspective view of multiple clients exercising with the aerorope device. 
           [0034]      FIG. 5A  is a perspective view of a duffle bag embodiment of the hub in an aerorope device. 
           [0035]      FIG. 5B  is a perspective view of a door strap embodiment of the hub in an aerorope device. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
       [0036]    Embodiments of the invention are described below and are shown in the figures of the drawing. Unless otherwise mentioned the reference numbers are used consistently throughout the figures. 
         [0037]      FIGS. 1 and 2  show an aerorope exercise device. The aerorope exercise device includes hub  100 . In this embodiment, the hub  100  is made netting  102  made from polyester strands. When exercise is to be performed, the netting is closed to hold an anchoring weight  104 . Netting  102  is a thin rope that forms a rectangular lattice. The spaces between the strands of the netting  102  define openings  105  to attach fitness equipment, for example, battle ropes  108 . Although shown in a rectangular mesh pattern in  FIG. 1 , netting  102  can take various shapes and sizes as long as openings  105  remain to attach fitness equipment or connectors which in turn attach to fitness equipment. Examples of connectors, which are not shown include metal rings and carabiners. 
         [0038]    Anchoring weight  104  is placed on top of netting  102  on the ground.  FIG. 2  depicts anchoring weight  104  as a weight plate commonly found in exercise facilities. Plate weights range is various shapes and sizes, such as, but not limited to, 10, 25, 35, and 45 pound (lb) weight increments. The weight plate provides the weight to anchor netting  102  in position, typically on the floor, during the aerorope exercise program. The overall span of netting  102  exceeds the size of anchoring weight  104 . After anchoring weight  104  is placed on top of netting  104 , the ends of netting  102  are lifted from the ground and secured together with carabiner  106 . As shown in  FIG. 3 , the four corners of netting  102  that extend outward from anchoring weight  104  are secured using carabiner  106 , thereby encapsulating anchoring weight  104 . 
         [0039]    Hub  100  includes the combination of netting  102 , anchoring weight  104 , and carabiner  106 . Hub  100  is an anchor point for an aerorope exercise. Netting  102  and carabiner  106  move relative to anchoring weight  104  but anchoring weight  104  keeps hub  100  anchored to the ground, thereby preventing hub  100  moving laterally on the ground. Netting  102  and carabiner  106  move during the aerorope exercise. 
         [0040]    Hub  100 , depicted as an assembly of netting  10 , anchoring weight  104 , and carabiner  106 , can take many forms. A hub includes anything that can attach to a rope. For instance, any type of weight, a permanent connection point, a pole, or a clip on the floor, to name a few, can be used as a hub for the aerorope device. The hub can be permanently affixed to the floor or other anchoring point. Alternatively, the hub is releasable for repositioning within an exercise room or for mobility during travel. 
         [0041]    Once hub  100  is assembled and positioned, flexible rope  108  with rope ends  110  engage with hub  100 . Rope end  110  of flexible rope  108  inserts through opening  105  in netting  102 . Rope end  110  of flexible rope  108  is routed through opening  105  of netting  102  and away from hub  100  until rope end  110  is substantially even with the opposing rope end  110  of flexible rope  108 . When in position through netting  102 , flexible rope  108  forms a U shape. In an example embodiment, one rope end  110  of flexible rope  108  is tied in a knot to netting  102  while the opposing rope end  100  is held by a client. 
         [0042]    The preferred embodiment of flexible rope  108  is 7.6 m long, 2.2 cm thick (or in diameter). The rope  108  weighs 0.45 kg. Rope ends of flexible rope  108  are dipped in a polymer material to protect a user&#39;s hands and provide added grip during an aerorope exercise. 
         [0043]    A preferred embodiment of an aerorope device includes netting  102  and ten (10) ropes  108 . The combined weight is 23 kg. 
         [0044]    After flexible rope  108  is positioned through netting  102 , a client begins exercising. The client holds both rope ends  110  of flexible rope  108  in their respective hands. The client then moves their arms, while holding rope ends  110  of flexible rope  108 , for exercise. In an example embodiment, the client moves their left arm upwards while moving their right arm downward. In another example embodiment, the client moves their arms in the same direction substantially simultaneously. In yet another example embodiment, the client moves their arms in random motions. As shown in  FIG. 1 , the client moves their arms in varying directions to provide physical and aerobic conditioning. 
         [0045]    In an example embodiment, shown in  FIG. 4 , three people who are exercising use respective flexible ropes  108  connected to hub  100  in a group aerorope exercise program. In a group setting, an instructor provides direction to the clients using the instant invention. The ability to attach multiple flexible ropes  108  to openings  105  of netting  102  of hub  100  allows a group of clients to use the instant invention together in a training session. 
         [0046]    One advantage of using the instant invention in a group setting is the ability to choreograph a musical exercise program using aeroropes. For instance, an instructor can prepare a musical program with different beats and rhythm speed. Users move flexible ropes  108  based on the changing of beats or rhythm speed. In addition, users can dance or move relative to hub  100  based on the instructor&#39;s program. Users are not limited to standing in place and merely moving their arms to oscillate flexible ropes  108 . Users can dance and circle around hub  100 , together or individually, as part of an aeroropes exercise program. 
         [0047]    In a preferred embodiment of a method of using the aeroropes device continuously for longer than five minutes, a device is utilized with a rope  108  that is not longer than 8 m long, not wider than 2.5 cm, and not weighing more than 0.5 kg. In a more preferred embodiment, the previously described rope can be utilized in a class that calls for the rope to be continuously used for more than thirty minutes. In a further preferred embodiment, the device includes at least three ropes being operated by three different users. The three users synchronize their use of the ropes according to the choreography during the workout. The choreography calls for the users to not only synchronize with each other but to music as well. 
         [0048]    In  FIGS. 5A and 5B , example embodiments of the instant invention are depicted using a duffle bag and a door, respectively, to provide an anchoring point for flexible rope  108  during exercise. In  FIG. 5A , duffle bag  112  with duffle loop  114  is placed on the ground. Duffle bag  112  provides the anchor point for the aerorope exercise. Flexible rope  108  is routed through, or tied to, duffle loop  114  of duffle bag  112 . Duffle bag  112  provides an alternative way to anchor flexible rope  108  for client exercise. 
         [0049]    In  FIG. 5B , door strap  116  with door loop  118  is affixed to an edge of a door. Flexible rope  108  is routed through, or tied to, door loop  118  as another way to anchor flexible rope  108 . This example embodiment allows a client to use the instant invention in numerous locations. 
         [0050]    In an example embodiment, a client uses weighted gloves to grip rope ends  110 . Weighted gloves add weight to a client&#39;s arms while moving flexible rope  108  in varying directions, providing additional difficulty while using the instant invention. 
         [0051]    A method for using the instant invention, an aerorope device, includes engaging one rope end  110  of flexible rope  108  through opening  105  of netting  102  of hub  100 . Once engaged, rope end  110  extends outward from hub  100  until both rope ends  110  are substantially equidistant to hub  100 . A client grasps rope ends  110  of flexible rope  108  with their hands to prepare for physical and aerobic conditioning. The client positions themselves to provide slack in flexible rope  108  between hub  100  and rope ends  110 , i.e., flexible rope  108  is loose. To begin exercising, the client moves flexible rope  108  in varying directions for physical and aerobic conditioning. 
         [0052]    In an example embodiment, clients move flexible ropes  108  in unison during the conditioning program. Moving flexible ropes  108  in unison creates a higher level of difficulty for the conditioning program. Instead of each client moving flexible ropes  108  in individualized movements, all clients move flexible ropes  108  together in rhythmic motions. 
         [0053]    Instructors can be certified and licensed to teach and use the aerorope device.