Patent Description:
A person can improve his/her physical health and strength in many ways. One tool for improving both cardiovascular fitness and strength is an exercise rope, e.g. a battle rope. An exercise rope is typically between <NUM> and <NUM> meters long, <NUM> to <NUM> centimeters thick and weighs between <NUM> and <NUM>. Exercise ropes can be made from both natural fibers and various plastic materials and come in e.g. twisted or braided constructions. Exercise ropes usually have plastic or rubber end sections for use as handles.

In use, the rope may be folded at the center using a post/anchor point. A user holds on to the ends of the two equal lengths of the rope with either hand. Alternatively, one end of the rope is fastened in an anchoring device, and the practitioner use one single rope, or two ropes. The user swings the rope, or ropes, in various ways/directions, either synchronized or unsynchronized, to create waves in the rope. By repeating the movement, the practitioner trains the muscles and cardiovascular system.

A prior art solution is found in <CIT> disclosing a plural position jumpe rope apparatus to permit ease of rotation of the jump rope assemblies in juxta position relative to one another for use by a plurality of individuals. Further prior art solutions of exercise ropes are found in <CIT> and <CIT>.

A further prior art solution is found in <CIT>.

The diameter of exercise ropes make exercising difficult for people with smaller hands, especially to hold the ropes for extended times. Accordingly, the diameter of existing exercise ropes limits their usefulness in workout routines. There is thus a need for an exercise rope which can be used for longer periods of time and which is gentler to smaller hands. In addition, there is a need to extend the workout possibilities provided by an exercise rope and to obtain a more ergonomic grip in order to increase effectivity for the practitioners, and potentially avoid injuries among the users.

A known type of exercise rope is disclosed in <CIT>, which shows an exercise rope intended to be suitable for persons with smaller hands. A problem with this exercise rope is that, in order to make the rope more comfortable to hold, the diameter is reduced, which means that the weight is reduced as well, meaning that people with smaller hands or weaker grips are limited in the potential intensity of their work out. Since also persons with smaller hands may want to exercise with greater intensity and/or heavier weights, this exercise rope is less effective in providing a challenging workout. It is thus understood that there is room for improvements.

An object of the present invention is to provide a new type of adapter assembly which is improved over prior art and which eliminates or at least mitigates the drawbacks discussed above. More specifically, an object of the invention is to provide an adapter assembly that is simple and easy to use, as well as provides the possibility of exchanging accessories connected to an exercise rope. These objects are achieved by the technique set forth in the appended independent claims with preferred embodiments defined in the dependent claims related thereto.

In a first aspect, an adapter assembly for connecting an accessory connector to an exercise rope is provided. The assembly comprises a connection part being formed by a first portion and a second portion, each having a bottom end and top end, wherein the first and the second portion of the connection part forms, at its bottom end, a cavity configured to receive an end portion of said rope, and a locking means arranged to connect the first portion and the second portion to each other, and wherein the top end of the connection part is configured to releasably connect the accessory connector. The adapter assembly is advantageous in that it provides a possibility to connect different handles or gears to the exercise rope, making it a more versatile exercising equipment.

The releasable connection between the accessory connector and the top end of the connection part may be provided by means of a bayonet clutch. Another word for bayonet clutch is a bayonet mount. The accessory connector is beneficial in that it is easy to exchange one accessory for another. A bayonet clutch is easily operated and it is at the same time an efficient attachment means. A bayonet clutch is an easy and fast solution that can be repeated almost indefinitely.

In one embodiment, the adapter assembly further comprising a sleeve configured to be arranged on the end portion of the rope and to be received in the cavity created by the connection part. When the sleeve is passed over the connection part, it provides further attachment against the rope.

The sleeve may comprise a shoulder portion configured to interact with an inner surface of the cavity. The cavity of the connection part may comprise an internal circumferential recess in which the shoulder portion on the sleeve is configured to be inserted.

In one embodiment, the connection part is provided with at least one slot. The at least one slot may have a substantially L-shaped design.

The accessory connector may comprise a locking unit having at least one protrusion configured to engage with the connection part. The accessory connector may be connectable to the connection part by means of a bayonet mount formed by the at least one protrusion provided on the connecting portion and the at least one slot provided on the connection part.

The assembly may further comprise a cover configured to cover the interface between the rope and the locking ring.

The accessory and the accessory portion may be integrally formed.

In yet a further embodiment a method for releasably connecting an adapter assembly according to the first aspect to an exercise rope is provided. The method comprises the steps of inserting a first end of the rope into a cavity formed by a first portion and a second portion of a connection part, arranging a locking means such that the locking means connects the first and second portions together, wherein the first end of the rope is inserted into a bottom end of the connection part, and releasably engaging an accessory connector to a top end of the connection part.

In one embodiment, the method comprising the steps of inserting a first end of the rope into a sleeve, engaging the sleeve in a connection part, and inserting an accessory connector into a first portion of the connection part such that at least one protrusion of a locking unit of the accessory connector releasably engages at least one slot in the first portion of the connection part.

In one embodiment the locking means is a locking ring. In such an embodiment, the method may comprise the step of passing a locking ring around the first portion and a second portion of the connection part such that locking ring connects the first and second portions together.

The method may further comprise the step of pressing the locking unit of the accessory connector towards the connection part such that the at least one protrusion provided on the locking unit is threaded through a recess of the accessory connector, and rotating the accessory connector such that the at least one protrusion engage with the at least one slot. In an alternative embodiment, the method comprises the step of pushing the locking unit of the accessory connector towards the connection part such that the at least one protrusion provided on the locking unit is advanced through a recess of the accessory connector.

In one embodiment, before the step of inserting the rope into the sleeve, a cover is threaded onto the rope and, subsequently after the rope has been inserted into the sleeve, is moved towards the top end of the sleeve to cover the interface between the rope and the bottom end of the sleeve.

Embodiments of the invention will be described in the following; references being made to the appended diagrammatical drawings which illustrate non-limiting examples of how the inventive concept can be reduced into practice.

Hereinafter, certain embodiments will be described more fully with reference to the accompanying drawings. The invention may, however, be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein; rather, these embodiments are provided by way of example so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete, and will fully convey the scope of the invention, such as it is defined in the appended claims, to those skilled in the art.

In <FIG>, an exercise rope <NUM> is shown. The exercise rope may be a battle rope. A first end 1a of the rope <NUM> is intended to be grabbed by a user. The rope <NUM> is provided with parts of adapter assemblies <NUM> in both ends 1a, 1b. The adapter assembles <NUM> are to be described below. In one embodiment, an opposite, second end 1b of the rope <NUM> is arranged to be fastened to an anchoring device (not shown). The anchoring device may be a wall, a door, a weight or any other suitable anchor. Alternatively, both ends 1a, 1b of the rope <NUM> could be grabbed by the user, and a middle portion of the rope laid around an anchoring device.

In order to facilitate a user to grip the rope <NUM>, an adapter assembly <NUM> is provided, which is mountable on one end 1a, 1b of the rope <NUM>. The adapter assembly <NUM> is disclosed in <FIG> in an exploded view together with the rope <NUM>. In this embodiment, the adapter assembly <NUM> is to be arranged on the first end portion 1a of the rope <NUM>. The adapter assembly <NUM> provides a user with a possibility to use different accessories together with the rope <NUM>. The accessories may for example be a handle, a hook, grip bar or a carbine hook adapter. An example of another accessory is shown in <FIG>.

As disclosed in <FIG>, the adapter assembly <NUM> comprises a connection part <NUM>, a sleeve <NUM>, and an accessory connector <NUM>. The accessory connector may comprise a locking unit <NUM> and a connector device <NUM>. The connection part <NUM> comprises a first portion 30a and a second portion 30b. The connection part <NUM> may be seen as being formed by the first portion 30a and the second portion 30b. Once the first portion 30a and the second portion 30b are connected to each other, for example using a locking means <NUM>, they form one connection part <NUM>. Having the connection part <NUM> in two separate pieces before assembly allows for an easier mount and better fit to the rope <NUM>.

Furthermore, the adapter assembly <NUM> may comprise a cover <NUM> and a locking means <NUM>. As shown in <FIG>, the accessory connector <NUM> may be pre-connected to an accessory, such as a straight handle as shown in <FIG>. The accessory may also be e.g. a handle of other shapes (such as shown in <FIG>), a hook, a grip bar, or a carbine hook. When the sleeve <NUM> is mounted to the rope <NUM>, and the connection part <NUM> is mounted thereon, any accessory provided with an accessory connector <NUM> can be connected thereto.

The sleeve <NUM> is disclosed in <FIG>. The sleeve <NUM> is formed as a hollow cylinder. The sleeve <NUM> comprises a first end portion 4a, a second end portion 4b, an inner envelope surface <NUM> and an outer envelope surface. The sleeve <NUM> is preferably made of metal, such as for example steel.

The diameter is such that the sleeve <NUM> can fit snugly over the rope <NUM>. In one embodiment, the inner diameter of the sleeve <NUM> is constant throughout the sleeve body <NUM>. In this situation, the sleeve <NUM> is thus linearly pressed onto the rope <NUM>. In an alternative embodiment, the sleeve <NUM> has a tapered form, where the inner diameter of the sleeve is slightly larger at its first end portion 4a than the second end portion 4b. In this situation, the sleeve <NUM> is conically pressed onto the rope <NUM>.

The sleeve <NUM> further comprises a shoulder portion <NUM> provided in the second end portion 4b. The shoulder portion <NUM> protrudes from the second end portion 4b and extends around the outer circumference of the sleeve <NUM>.

The sleeve <NUM> is designed so that it will fit into the mounting part of the connection part <NUM>. It is preferred if the dimensions are such that the sleeve <NUM> cannot move in the cavity formed when the first and second portions 30a, 20b are connected to each other.

In one embodiment, the sleeve is arranged with clearance holes (not shown). In such embodiment, the first and second portion 30a, 30b as well as the rope <NUM> are also provided with holes. These holes may be used by a through bolt, or similar, that is arranged into the holes in order to tighten the parts together.

In yet one embodiment, the sleeve <NUM> is not present. The first and second portions 30a, 30b are clamped directly onto the rope <NUM>.

The length of the rope <NUM> that is inserted into the sleeve <NUM> may vary depending on the length of the sleeve <NUM> and/or the dimension of the connection part <NUM>. The rope <NUM> may for example be inserted to the shoulder portion <NUM> or continue after the shoulder portion <NUM>. Hence, the rope <NUM> may end in line with the shoulder portion <NUM> or extend from the shoulder portion <NUM>.

During assembly, the first end 1a of the rope <NUM> is inserted into the first end portion 4a of the sleeve <NUM>. Optionally, a cover <NUM> may be placed at least partly above the first end 1a of the rope <NUM> and the sleeve <NUM>. The cover <NUM> comprises a first end 7a and a second end 7b. The shape of the cover <NUM> is preferably cylindrical with an inner diameter that increases towards the second end 7b. Once the adapter assembly <NUM> is assembled, the second end 7b of the cover <NUM> is configured to be placed towards the shoulder portion <NUM> of the sleeve <NUM>. The cover <NUM> may be made of a flexible material such as rubber. The cover <NUM> may be a rubber gaiter. Preferably, the cover <NUM> is threaded onto the rope <NUM> before the sleeve <NUM> is attached, and the cover <NUM> is then moved upwards towards and partly above the sleeve <NUM>.

One of the benefits of the cover <NUM> is that it can be used as a grip that provides a good and gentle grip during training. This is true even if the rope is used without the accessories <NUM>. The length and the surface design of the grip <NUM> can therefore vary depending on which type of end user that will use the rope.

As previously stated, the adapter assembly <NUM> may further comprise a locking means <NUM> that further connects the connecting part <NUM> to the sleeve <NUM>. The locking means <NUM> may be arranged with a company logo or name (as shown in <FIG>, <FIG> and <FIG>), as this part will be clearly visible to the user. The locking means <NUM> also releasably connects the first and second portions 30a,30b to each so as to further increase their connection.

In one embodiment the locking means <NUM> is in the form of a locking ring. The locking ring <NUM> is preferably made of plastic, steel, aluminium and/or a composite material. The locking ring <NUM> is arranged to clamp the first and second portions 30a, 30b together.

In an alternative embodiment, the locking means <NUM> may be in the form of a hose clamp (can also be referred to as a hose clip, hose lock, a standard pipe clamp, or exhaust pipe clamp. This can also be seen as being a locking ring <NUM>. Alternatively, the locking means <NUM> may be in the form of clearance holes for screw and nut or self-threaded screws and/or threaded holes in one of the portions 30a, 30b.

In yet one embodiment the locking means <NUM> is in the form of one or more screws that connects the first and second portions 30a, 30b to each other.

<FIG>discloses the connecting part <NUM> in an exploded view. As described above, the connecting part <NUM> comprises a first portion 30a and a second portion 30b. In one embodiment, both the first and the second portion 30a, 30b have mainly a cylindrical shape. The connecting part <NUM> is preferably made of plastic, steel, aluminium and/or a composite material.

The first portion 30a of the connecting part <NUM> comprises a top, first, end 38a and a bottom, second, end 38b. When in a mounted state, first portion 30a of the connecting part <NUM> is arranged to receive the sleeve <NUM> such that the bottom end 38b is facing the outer envelope surface of the sleeve <NUM>. In one embodiment, the bottom end 38b of the first portion 30a is facing the first end portion 4a of the sleeve <NUM>. The top end 38a, in a mounted state, faces the accessory connector <NUM>. The bottom end 38b may be arranged with a recess <NUM>. The recess <NUM> extends around the outer circumference of the bottom end 38b of the first portion 30a, and can thus be seen as an outer recess <NUM>. The recess <NUM> is preferably arranged to be connected to the cover <NUM>. The cover <NUM> may for example have a protrusion on the inner side of the cover <NUM> arranged to be fixated into the recess <NUM>. The protrusion of the cover <NUM> may preferably be extending along the inner circumference of the cover <NUM>.

In one embodiment, the top end 38a of the first portion 30a is arranged with an opening <NUM>. The opening has a shape and dimension being adapted to receive a lower potion <NUM> (as shown in <FIG>) of the connecting portion <NUM>.

The top end 38a of the first portion 30a is arranged with a bayonet mount <NUM>. The first portion 30a can be seen as a female part of the bayonet mount <NUM>. The top end 38a of the first portion 30a is arranged with at least one slot <NUM>. The slot is preferably L-shaped. More preferably, the slot(s) is shaped like a capital letter L with serif, hence having a short upward segment at the end of the horizontal arm. The at least one slot <NUM> is configured to receive a protrusion of a male part of a bayonet connection arranged on the locking unit <NUM> of the accessory connector <NUM>, as will be described more with reference to <FIG>. The angle of the at least one slot <NUM> is such that the more the locking unit <NUM> is turned around its axis, the more fixated will the connection between the accessory connector <NUM> and the connecting part <NUM> be. An alternative connection is shown in <FIG>.

The first portion 30a of the connecting part <NUM> comprises an inner envelope surface <NUM> and an outer envelope surface. The inner envelope surface <NUM> is arranged with an internal recess <NUM>. The internal recess <NUM> is extending along the inner circumference of the inner envelope surface <NUM>. The internal recess <NUM> is preferably arranged to receive the shoulder portion <NUM> of the sleeve <NUM> when the connecting part <NUM> is in its mounted state.

Moreover, the first portion 30a of the connecting part <NUM> comprises an internal edge <NUM> and an annular socket <NUM>.

The first portion 30a of the connecting part <NUM> further comprises at least one receiving means <NUM>. The receiving means <NUM> is preferably arranged on the annular socket <NUM>. The receiving means <NUM> are configured to receive at least one elevated element <NUM> (as shown in <FIG>) arranged on the locking unit <NUM>. The first portion 30a may comprise one or a plurality of receiving means <NUM>, however the number of receiving means <NUM> is preferably the same as the number of elevated elements <NUM>. If the number of receiving means <NUM> are more than one, they may be arranged symmetrically along the annular socket <NUM> or asymmetrically arranged. In <FIG>, the annular socket <NUM> is arranged with two receiving means <NUM> arranged opposite each other.

The elevated element <NUM> may be in the form of a spring plunger. The spring plunger may be made of metal, plastic or composite.

In one alternative embodiment, the elevated element <NUM> is arranged on the connecting part <NUM> and the receiving means <NUM> is arranged on the locking unit <NUM>. Hence, the parts are reversed.

<FIG> shows the second portion 30b from another perspective compared to <FIG>. The second portion 30b comprises the same bottom end 38b and inner envelope surface <NUM> as the first portion 30a. The second portion 30b also comprises the recess <NUM> extending around the outer circumference of the bottom end 38b and the internal recess <NUM> extending along the inner circumference of the inner envelope surface <NUM>. In addition, the second portion 30b comprises an upper aperture <NUM> and an aperture edge 39a. When the first and second portions 30a, 30b are assembled together, a seal is formed between the aperture edge 39a and the internal edge <NUM>.

The first and the second portion 30a, 30b further comprises a beveled edge <NUM> and a locking edge <NUM>. The beveled edge <NUM> and the locking edge <NUM> both extend around the outer circumference of the first and second portions 30a, 30b.

Both the beveled edge <NUM> and the locking edge <NUM> are arranged slightly above the recess <NUM>. The locking edge <NUM> can be seen as an elevated circular edge to which the locking ring <NUM> can be pressed above. Hence, the locking edge <NUM> is arranged to keep the locking ring <NUM> in position.

When mounted, the first portion 30a and the second portion 30b creates a cylindrical connecting part <NUM> creating a cavity into which the sleeve <NUM> is clamped. Hence, the connecting part <NUM> is, when mounted, in the form of a, at least partly, hollow cylinder. When the first portion 30a and the second portion 30b are connected to each other, the inner envelope surfaces <NUM> of the two portions create a cavity. The cavity is arranged to receive the sleeve <NUM>. The diameter of the cavity created by the inner envelope surface <NUM> of the first and second portion 30a, 30b is slightly larger than the outer diameter of the sleeve <NUM>.

The cavity is enclosed by the first and second portions 30a, 30b at its sides. Moreover, optionally, the cavity may be enclosed by the internal edge <NUM> of the first end portion 30a at its top. Hence, the cavity can be seen as a recess of the connecting portion <NUM> extending from its bottom end 38b arranged to receive the rope and the sleeve <NUM>. The cavity extends along the vertical axis A.

To summarize, in the embodiment shown in <FIG>, the first and the second portions 30a, 30b hence thus both comprises an internal recess <NUM>, an inner envelope surface <NUM>, recess <NUM>, locking edge <NUM> and an internal edge <NUM> and an annular socket <NUM> beveled edge <NUM>. Additionally, the first portion 30a comprises an opening <NUM>, and a bayonet mount <NUM> having at least one slot, as well as at least one receiving means <NUM>.

The accessory connector <NUM> comprises a connector device <NUM> and a locking device <NUM> (as described more in detail with reference to <FIG>). In <FIG>, a connector device <NUM> of an accessory connector <NUM> is disclosed. The connector device <NUM> comprises a connection portion <NUM> and an accessory portion <NUM>. The accessory portion <NUM> can be provided with any suitable type of accessory, e.g. a handle, a hook, a grip bar, or a carbine hook adapter. The accessory may be made in a plastic material or by a fabric. The accessory may additionally be made by a metal, such as aluminum. In a preferred embodiment, the material of the accessory is nylon. The manufacturing methods can be cast, turned, milled, pressed, forged, or in fabric sew and/or glued.

The accessory portion <NUM> of the accessory connector <NUM> is in this embodiment a cylindrical elongated handle, but it should be understood that other accessories could be used as well. Another example is shown in <FIG>. Many other accessories are possible, and accessories may be custom-made with an accessory connector <NUM> connected thereto.

The accessories connector <NUM> may be a sled for pulling weights where the connecting portion <NUM> shown in <FIG> and locking unit <NUM> are mounted on both sides of the weight sled (front and rear). This allows for a quick and easy mounting and disassembly between the training cycle with said weight sled and rope <NUM>.

The connecting portion <NUM> is seen in an enlarged view in <FIG>. The connecting portion <NUM> comprises a top surface <NUM>, an annular flange <NUM> and a lower portion <NUM>. The connecting portion <NUM> may further comprise a recess <NUM> arranged at the annular flange <NUM>.

In <FIG>, a locking unit <NUM> is disclosed. The locking unit <NUM> comprises an opening <NUM>, an upper edge <NUM> and at least one notch <NUM>. The locking unit <NUM> is configured to be arranged on top of the lower part <NUM> of the connector device <NUM> in order to create a fixture. Hence, the locking unit <NUM> is configured to be arranged on top of, or in close conjunction with, the connecting portion <NUM>. The at least one notch <NUM> facilitates the grip when engaging the locking unit <NUM> in the connecting part <NUM> to create said fixation.

<FIG> shows the locking unit <NUM> seen from below. The locking unit <NUM> has an internal envelope surface <NUM>, and at least one protrusion(s) <NUM> extending from said surface <NUM>. The protrusion <NUM> is configured to be inserted into the at least one slots <NUM> on the first portion 30a of the connecting device <NUM>. Hence, the locking unit <NUM> acts as the male bayonet portion in a bayonet connection between the locking unit <NUM> and the connecting device <NUM>. Further, the shape and positioning of the protrusions <NUM> corresponds to the shape and positioning of the recesses <NUM> arranged on the adaptor assembly <NUM>.

It is understood that the locking unit <NUM> may comprise at least one protrusion <NUM> as well as several protrusions <NUM>, such as for instance two, three, four or five protrusions <NUM>. In such case, the first portion 30a of the connecting part <NUM> comprises the same number of slots <NUM> and the connecting portion <NUM> comprises the same number of recesses <NUM>.

In one embodiment, no protrusion(s) are present in the locking unit <NUM>. Instead, the protrusion(s) <NUM> are replaced by openings (not shown). The openings may be threaded holes or clearance holes. The openings are suitable to receive a bolt, spring cotter, clevis pin, steel ball lock hitch pin or pin with drop cam. In this embodiment, this is used to connect the locking unit <NUM> to the top end 38a of the connecting device <NUM>.

The locking unit <NUM> also comprises a bottom edge <NUM>. The bottom edge <NUM> is preferably arranged with at least one elevated element <NUM>. The bottom edge <NUM> may comprise one or a plurality of elevated element <NUM>, however the number of elevated element <NUM> is preferably the same as the number of receiving means <NUM>. If the number of elevated element <NUM> are more than one, they may be arranged symmetrically along the bottom edge <NUM> or asymmetrically arranged. In <FIG>, the bottom edge <NUM> is arranged with two elevated elements <NUM> arranged opposite each other. The elevated element(s) <NUM> locks into the receiving means <NUM> once the at least one protrusion <NUM> has reached its final inner position in the slot <NUM>, and the connection between the elevated element(s) <NUM> and the receiving means <NUM> thus provides an extra connecting arrangement between the locking device <NUM> and the connecting element <NUM>.

An assembled accessory connector <NUM> is shown in <FIG>. The accessory portion <NUM> in <FIG> is another type of handle than that shown in <FIG>. The locking unit <NUM> is arranged beneath the accessory portion <NUM>. The bottom of the connection portion <NUM> is seen under the locking unit <NUM>. The locking unit <NUM> is arranged on top of the connection portion <NUM> of the accessory connector <NUM>.

With reference to <FIG>, an assembled adaptor assembly <NUM> is shown. When the adaptor assembly <NUM> is mounted, the visible parts are, from top to bottom, the accessory portion <NUM>, the locking unit <NUM>, the first and second connecting portions 30a, 30b, forming the connecting part <NUM>, the locking ring <NUM> and the cover <NUM>. The sleeve <NUM> is housed within the connecting part <NUM> and is therefore not visible in the assembled state. Also the connecting portion <NUM> is not to be seen in the assembled state, since it is housed beneath the locking unit <NUM> and inside the opening <NUM> of the connecting part <NUM>.

The assembly of the adaptor assembly <NUM> will now be described in more detail. The first end 1a of the rope <NUM> is inserted into the first end portion 4a of the sleeve <NUM>. Preferably, if a cover <NUM> is to be used, it is threaded onto the rope <NUM> before inserting the first end 1a into the sleeve <NUM>.

The sleeve <NUM> is then arranged in the cavity created by the first or second portion 30a, 30b of the connection part <NUM>. The sleeve <NUM> is preferably arranged in the space forming the cavity when the two portions 30a, 30b are separated from each other. The shoulder portion <NUM> of the sleeve <NUM> is engaged in the first internal recess <NUM> of the first and second portions 30a, 30b of the connection part <NUM>. If a locking ring <NUM> is used, it is placed beneath the first and second portions 30a, 30b and is preferably also threaded on top of the cover <NUM> of onto the rope <NUM> before arranging the sleeve <NUM> in the first and second portions 30a, 30b. When the sleeve <NUM> is arranged correctly in the first and second portions 30a, 30b, the locking ring <NUM> is moved towards the connection part <NUM> and is forced into engagement with the locking edge <NUM> extending around the outer circumference of the connection part <NUM>.

Subsequently, the connecting portion <NUM> at the lower part <NUM> of the connector device <NUM> is inserted into the opening <NUM> of the connection part <NUM>. The lower portion <NUM> has dimensions corresponding to fit into the opening <NUM> of the first portion 30a. The protrusions <NUM> on the internal surface <NUM> of the locking unit <NUM> covering the connecting portion <NUM> (as shown in <FIG>) are aligned to match the positions of the recesses <NUM>. The recesses <NUM> and the slots <NUM> are aligned with the protrusions <NUM> such that the protrusions <NUM> can engage in the slots <NUM>. The protrusions <NUM> are engaged in the slots <NUM> by pressing the locking unit <NUM> downwards towards the connection part <NUM> and twisting the locking unit <NUM> such that the protrusions <NUM> follow the L-shaped slot <NUM>. The bottom edge <NUM> of the locking unit <NUM> thus moves towards the annular socket <NUM> of the first portion 30a during the process of engaging the protrusions <NUM> in the slot <NUM>.

When this is completed, the adaptor assembly <NUM> will have the appearance as shown in <FIG>. The method provides for efficiently connecting and releasing an accessory connected to an accessory connector to an exercise rope. It is thus possible to use different accessories with the exercise rope, increasing its versatility. <FIG> shows a slightly modified embodiment of the adapter. The adapter the assembly comprises a connection part <NUM> being formed by a first portion 30a and a second portion 30b, each having a bottom end 38b, wherein the first and the second portion 30a, 30b of the connection part <NUM> forms, at its bottom end 38b, a cavity configured to receive an end portion 1a of said rope <NUM> in a manner as has been described with reference to the other embodiments disclosed herein. Moreover, the details of the locking means <NUM> described above are applicable to this embodiment as well. In this example of the embodiment, the locking means <NUM> is in the form of a locking ring arranged to connect the first portion 30a and the second portion 30b to each other.

In <FIG>, the top end 38a of the connection part <NUM> is configured to releasably connect the accessory connector <NUM> in an alternative way. Here, the top end 38a of the connection part <NUM> is in the form of a groove <NUM>. The groove <NUM> may be in the form of a dovetail rail. The groove <NUM> may be arranged on the first portion 30a, the second portion 30b or be created by the combination of the first portion 30a and the second portion 30b when connected by the locking means <NUM>. Hence, in this embodiment, the opening <NUM> and the slot <NUM> of the connection part <NUM> as for example shown in <FIG>, are replaced by the groove <NUM>.

The groove <NUM> is preferably a dovetail rail. The dimensions of the groove <NUM> can be adapted using the adjustment means <NUM> arranged on the connection part <NUM>. In one embodiment, the male of the dovetails rails <NUM> are preferably placed at the top of connecting part <NUM>.

In this embodiment, the connector device <NUM> is arranged with a protruding part <NUM> corresponding to the groove <NUM>. The grove <NUM> preferably has a design and dimension that is arranged to receive the lower portion of the connecting portion <NUM>. The protruding part <NUM> can be seen as a female dovetail rail <NUM>. In one embodiment, the groove <NUM> and the protruding part <NUM> are connected as a dovetail joint. In this way, the top end 38a of the connection portion <NUM> is arranged with a quick release clamp for a fast and secure connection to the accessory connector <NUM>.

The locking unit <NUM> is applied to the connection portion <NUM> from one of the sides of the dovetails rails and the adjustment means <NUM> are arranged to tighten the protruding part <NUM> so that a solid attachment is achieved. The locking unit <NUM> may be a single part or may be included in in a single accessory as is shown in <FIG>.

In one embodiment, the dovetails rails are combined with additional fastening means. The fastening means may for example be a spring cotter, a clevis pin or a pin with a drop cam. The fastening means may be arranged into clearance holes in the groove <NUM>, or male dovetails rails part, and may be attached on or two sides of the dovetails rails.

Although not shown, it should be understood that the groove <NUM> could also be for example a T-shaped groove or any similar technical solution allowing for a quick mount.

In one embodiment, not shown, yet another connection method is provided in order to releasably connect the accessory connector <NUM> to the rope <NUM>. In this embodiment, the top end 38a of the first portion 30a is arranged with a shoulder portion that extends around the outer circumference. Moreover, the bottom end <NUM> of the locking unit <NUM> comprises a shoulder portion, that extends around the outer circumference. In this embodiment, these two shoulder portions are arranged to be connected by a pipe clamp. The pipe clamp allows for a quick release connection. The pipe clamp is preferably arranged so that the two shoulder portions meet. The pipe clamp is threaded over either of the connecting portion <NUM> or the accessory connector, and is tightened by the quick relase handle on the pipe clamp. The pipe clamp may be a fixated part on either the connecting portion <NUM> or the locking unit <NUM>. Alternatively, the pipe clamp is a separate part.

Claim 1:
A system comprising an adapter assembly and an accessory connector (<NUM>), wherein the accessory connector (<NUM>) comprises a locking unit (<NUM>) comprising at least one protrusion (<NUM>), wherein the adapter assembly is configured to relasably connecting the accessory connector (<NUM>) to an exercise rope (<NUM>), the adapter assembly (<NUM>) comprising:
a connection part (<NUM>) being formed by a first portion (30a) and a second portion (30b), each having a bottom end (38b) and top end (38a), wherein the first and the second portion (30a, 30b) of the connection part (<NUM>) forms, at its bottom end (38b), a cavity configured to receive an end portion (1a) of said rope (<NUM>), wherein the connection part (<NUM>) is provided with at least one slot (<NUM>; <NUM>), and
a locking means (<NUM>) arranged to connect the first portion (30a) and the second portion (30b) to each other,
wherein the top end (38a) of the connection part (<NUM>) is configured to releasably connect to the accessory connector (<NUM>) by engaging the at least one protrusion (<NUM>) of the accessory connector (<NUM>) with the at least one slot (<NUM>, <NUM>) of the connection part (<NUM>).