RESISTANCE JUMP ROPE WITH CONVERTIBLE HANDLES

Abstract

An exercise system may function as a jump-rope and a resistance band. The system includes an elastic elongate element such as an elastic rope, a first handle, and a second handle. The elastic elongate element includes a first end, a second end opposite the first end, and a first rest length extending between the first end and the second end. The first handle is arranged at the first end and is configured to engage the first end of the elastic elongate element. The second handle is arranged at the second end and is configured to engage the second end of the elastic elongate element. The system is configured to achieve a first configuration, wherein the first handle and the second handle are arranged in-line with the elastic elongate element, and a second configuration, wherein the first handle and the second handle are arranged transverse to the elastic elongate element.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present disclosure is directed towards an exercise rope, and more particularly, a jump-rope and resistance band having convertible handles. This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/945,923 filed Dec. 10, 2019, the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.

BACKGROUND

There is a large variety of exercise equipment, and typically a user may use multiple pieces of equipment to work out. A large number of separate pieces of equipment can be unwieldly or otherwise burdensome.

SUMMARY

In some embodiments, the present disclosure is directed to a system for using as a jump-rope and a resistance band. The system includes an elastic elongate element such as a rope or band, a two handles. The elastic elongate element includes a first end, a second end opposite the first end, and a first rest length extending between the first end and the second end. The handles include a first handle arranged at the first end that is configured to engage the first end of the elastic elongate element. The second handle is arranged at the second end and is configured to engage the second end of the elastic elongate element. The system is configured to achieve two configurations, at least. In a first configuration, the first handle and the second handle are arranged in-line with the elastic elongate element. In a second configuration, the first handle and the second handle are arranged transverse to the elastic elongate element. For example, in some embodiments, the first configuration corresponds to a jump-rope configuration and the second configuration corresponds to a resistance band configuration.

In some embodiments, the system includes a first feature arranged along the elastic elongate element proximal to the first end and configured to affix to the first end to form a first loop in the second configuration. In some such embodiments, the system includes a second feature arranged along the elastic elongate element proximal to the second end and configured to affix to the second end to form a second loop in the second configuration. For example, in some embodiments, the second configuration corresponds to a resistance band configuration having a handle loop at each end. In some embodiments, the first feature includes a first loop, and the second feature comprises a second loop, each arranged as part of, or embedded along, the elastic elongate element. For example, in some embodiments, the first and second ends of the elastic elongate element include hooks, clasps, carabiners, openable/closable loops, or any other suitable fastening mechanism to engage with the respective feature. In some embodiments, the system includes a plurality of features arranged along the elastic elongate element. In some such embodiments, the first end of the elastic elongate element is configured to engage any of the plurality of features, and the second end of the elastic elongate element is configured to engage any of the plurality of features.

In some embodiments, in the second arrangement, the elastic elongate element forms a first loop at the first end and forms a second loop at the second end. In some such embodiments, the first handle is arranged at the first loop and the second handle is arranged at the second loop. In some embodiments, the first handle includes a first centroid and the second handle includes a second centroid. In some embodiments, the first handle is arranged transverse to the elastic elongate element at the first end, the second handle is arranged transverse to the elastic elongate element at the second end, and the first centroid and the second centroid are closer to each other in the second configuration than in the first configuration. For example, in the resistance band configuration, the handles may be relatively closer together than in the jump-rope configuration.

In some embodiments, the elastic elongate element is configured to achieve a length longer than the first rest length when in tension. For example, the elastic elongate element may have an axial stiffness that is suitable for use as a resistance band. In a further example, the elastic elongate element may have a density, pliability, stiffness, any other suitable property, or any combination thereof, for use as a jump-rope. To illustrate, in some embodiments, the elastic elongate element comprises an elastic rope. To further illustrate, the first rest length corresponds to a jump-rope length.

In some embodiments, the first handle includes a hollow section, and an inward end and an outward end. In some such embodiments, a first width of the hollow section proximal to the inward end is less than a second width of the hollow section proximal to the outward end. For example, in some embodiments, the second width is greater than or equal to a width of the elastic elongate element.

In some embodiments, the first end and the second end of the elastic elongate element are configured to be affixed to each other to form a third loop, wherein the third loop is larger than the first loop or the second loop. For example, in some embodiments, the system may be configured as one large loop, with the handle either slidably disposed or fixed along the large loop.

In some embodiments, the first handle includes a first inward end and a first outward end. In some such embodiments, in the first configuration, the first inward end is affixed to the first end of the elastic elongate element. In some embodiments, the system includes a first section affixed to the elastic elongate element proximal to the first end. In some such embodiments, the first inward end of the first handle is affixed to the first end of the elastic elongate element, and the first outward end of the first handle is affixed to the first section to form a first loop at the first end. In some embodiments, the second handle comprises a second inward end and a second outward end and, in the first configuration, the second inward end of the second handle is affixed to the second end of the elastic elongate element. In some such embodiments, the system includes a second section affixed to the elastic elongate element proximal to the second end. For example, in some embodiments, the second inward end of the second handle is affixed to the second end of the elastic elongate element, and the second outward end of the second handle is affixed to the second section to form a second loop at the second end. To illustrate, one or both ends of the elastic elongate element may be bifurcated into two sections that are configured to affix to the same end of a handle in the jump-rope configuration, and affix to opposites ends of a handle in the resistance band configuration.

In some embodiments, the first handle includes a first slot extending partially along a longitudinal axis of the first handle. The first slot includes a width that is greater than or equal to a width of the elastic elongate element. In the second configuration, the elastic elongate element extends from inside the first handle through the first slot such that the first handle forms a T-handle.

In some embodiments, the present disclosure is directed to a system for using as a jump-rope and a resistance band. The system includes an elastic elongate element having a first end and a second end, a first handle, and a second handle. The elastic elongate element has a first rest length extending between the first end and the second end. The system also includes a first section extending from the first end, and a second section extending from the first end. The first section and the second section are affixed at the first end to form a “Y” at the first end. The first handle affixed to the first section and the second section. The second handle arranged at the second end. For example, in some embodiments, one or both ends of the rope bifurcates with two sections extending outwards. The two sections may be affixed to the inward end of the first handle in the jump-rope configuration, and affixed to opposite ends of the first handle in the resistance band configuration.

In some embodiments, the present disclosure is directed to a method for reconfiguring an exercise rope. The exercise rope includes an elastic elongate element, a first handle, and a second handle. The elastic elongate element includes a first end, a second end opposite the first end, and a first rest length extending between the first end and the second end. The first handle is arranged at the first end and is configured to engage the first end of the elastic elongate element. The second handle is arranged at the second end and is configured to engage the second end of the elastic elongate element. The method includes reconfiguring the first handle from a first configuration wherein the first handle is in-line with the elastic elongate element, to a second configuration wherein the first handle is transverse to the elastic elongate element. The method also includes reconfiguring the second handle from a first configuration wherein the second handle is in-line with the elastic elongate element, to a second configuration wherein the second handle is transverse to the elastic elongate element. In some embodiments, the first end includes two first end sections, and reconfiguring the first handle includes affixing an outward end of the first handle to one of the two first end sections, wherein an inward end of the first handle is affixed to the other first end section. In some embodiments, the exercise rope includes a feature arranged along elastic elongate element proximal to the first end, and reconfiguring the first handle includes engaging the first end of the elastic elongate element to the feature.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The present disclosure, in accordance with one or more various embodiments, is described in detail with reference to the following figures. The drawings are provided for purposes of illustration only and merely depict typical or example embodiments. These drawings are provided to facilitate an understanding of the concepts disclosed herein and shall not be considered limiting of the breadth, scope, or applicability of these concepts. It should be noted that for clarity and ease of illustration these drawings are not necessarily made to scale.

FIG. 1 shows an illustrative exercise rope in two configurations, in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure;

FIG. 2 shows two illustrative use cases of the exercise rope of FIG. 1, in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure;

FIG. 3 shows a flowchart of an illustrative process for reconfiguring an exercise rope, in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure;

FIG. 4 shows an illustrative handle arrangement for an exercise rope, in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure;

FIG. 5 shows another illustrative handle arrangement for an exercise rope, in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure;

FIG. 6 shows an illustrative exercise rope, in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure;

FIG. 7 shows another illustrative exercise rope, in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure;

FIG. 8 shows one end of an illustrative exercise rope having a handle arrangement with two fasteners, in two configurations, in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure; and

FIG. 9 shows one end of an illustrative exercise rope having a retractable handle arrangement, in two configurations, in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The present disclosure is directed to a resistance jump rope with convertible handles. FIG. 1 shows illustrative exercise rope 100 in configurations 110 and 120, in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure. Exercise rope 100 includes handles 101 and 102, and a pliable, stretchy “rope” or cord section (e.g., element 103, as illustrated). As illustrated, handles 101 and 102 are arranged at opposite ends of element 103. As illustrated, exercise rope 100 is a hybrid jump rope/resistance band. Exercise rope 100 may be used as a jump rope or as a resistance band, which may include pulling, pushing and/or stretching exercise rope 100 to increase muscle tone and definition, for example.

In configuration 110, handles 101 and 102 are configured to be arranged in-line with element 103, as a jump-rope. In configuration 120, handles 101 and 102 form respective loops 111 and 112 at opposite ends of element 103, to form a resistance band configuration. In an illustrative example, element 103 may include a first length in configuration 110, and a shortened length in configuration 120 where some of the length of element 103 forms loops 111 and 112. In a further illustrative example, the shortened length of configuration 120 may be desired to correspond to the user's wingspan, arm length, leg length, or a combination thereof. In a further example, in configuration 110, element 103 may include sufficient length such that the user can perform jump-rope exercises.

To illustrate, the first handle includes a first centroid and the second handle includes a second centroid. In the second arrangement, the first handle is arranged transverse to the elastic elongate element at the first end, the second handle is arranged transverse to the elastic elongate element at the second end, and the first centroid and the second centroid are closer to each other than in the first configuration. As used herein, a centroid refers to the generally accepted definition of a geometric center defined as the arithmetic mean position of all points. For example, if a handle had uniform density then the center of mass and the centroid would be coincident.

FIG. 2 shows illustrative use cases 210 and 220 of exercise rope 100, in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure. Use case 210 (e.g., corresponding to configuration 110) allows exercise rope 100 to be used as a jump-rope. As a jump-rope, handles 101 and 102 are in-line with element 103, allowing the user to hold handles 101 and 102 while element 103 is swung around (as illustrated). Use case 220 (e.g., corresponding to configuration 120) allows exercise rope 100 to be used as a resistance band. As a resistance band, handles 101 and 102 are arranged normal to end sections of element 103, allowing the user to hold and pull handles 101 and 102 while element 103 is stretched and contracted along its length (as illustrated). To illustrate, in use case 220, the user holds handles 101 and 102, which are included in respective loops 111 and 112, such that handles 101 and 102 arranged normal, or nearly normal, to a portion of element 103 (e.g., the middle portion having the majority of the length element 103).

In an illustrative example, handles 101 and 102 can be converted from jump rope handles (e.g., configuration 110, use case 210) into resistance band handles (e.g., configuration 120, use case 220). In some embodiments, handles 101 and 102 are converted by attaching the tip of the rope (e.g., element 103) to a portion of the rope below the handle (e.g., inward, toward the center of element 103 relative to each handle), making roughly triangle-shaped loops (e.g., loops 111 and 112). To illustrate, the conversion changes handles 101 and 102 from an in-line arrangement for jumping rope to a transverse arrangement to have a suitable grip for certain resistance exercises. As used herein, transverse refers to being perpendicular to, or otherwise arranged at an angle between 45°-90° to another object (e.g., perpendicular, or otherwise nearer to perpendicular than parallel). As used herein, in-line refers to being arranged end-to end with and parallel with and, or otherwise arranged at an angle between 0°-45° to another object (e.g., co-linear, or otherwise nearer to parallel than perpendicular).

In some embodiments, handles 101 and 102 may be replaceable, detachable, interchangeable, or otherwise modular. In some embodiments, handles 101 and 102 may include grip material, such as rubber or plastic, to improve handling. In some embodiments, handles 101 and 102 may be weighted to provide more resistance to motion. Handles 101 and 102 may be made from plastic, metal, a composite of more than one material, any other suitable material, or any combination thereof. As illustrated, handles 101 and 102 are hollow to accommodate element 103 inside the handle. For example, element 103 may include a knot, a component affixed to the end, or other suitable feature at each end to prevent the end of element 103 from being pulled out of (e.g., disengaged from) the inboard side of each handle. In a further example, the outward end of each handle may allow element 103 to slide outwards relative to the handle to form loops (e.g., loops 111 and 112).

FIG. 3 shows a flowchart of illustrative process 300 for reconfiguring an exercise rope, in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure. It will be understood that process 300 may be performed to reconfigure an exercise rope, and reversed to perform a reconfiguration. Accordingly, process 300 may be performed in any suitable order, performed partially, performed in reverse fully or partially, or a combination thereof.

At step 302, an exercise rope is used in a first configuration, corresponding to a jump-rope, as illustrated by panel 350. The handles are inline in the first configuration, as illustrated by one of the handles (e.g., handle 351) in panel 350. Rope 353 includes two loops (e.g., features 355), as illustrated, for affixing the end of rope 353 to form loops. Although features 355 are illustrated as including two loops, an exercise rope may include one, two, or more than two features, which may but need not include loops, in accordance with the present disclosure.

At step 304, a first handle of the two handles is reconfigured. As illustrated in panel 360, the end of the rope includes a feature 354 (e.g., a latching element) and is pulled through the hollow handle (e.g., handle 351). Feature 354 is then engaged with one of loops 355 (e.g., a second latching element).

At step 306, a second handle of the two handles is reconfigured. The second handle may be reconfigured similarly as the first handle (e.g., via a similar step as 304). In some embodiments, step 306 need not be performed. For example, a user may decide to reconfigure only a single end of the exercise rope. To illustrate, the user may reconfigure one end for a resistance rope grip, and leave the handle on the other end in line with the rope (e.g., to tie around a stationary object or otherwise provide an inline grip).

At step 308, the exercise rope is used in a second configuration, corresponding to a resistance band, as illustrated by panel 370. The handles are transverse in the second configuration, as illustrated by one of the handles (e.g., handle 351) in panel 370. In an illustrative example, when more than one feature is included, the user may select how large or small to make loop 357 by affixing feature 354 to any of features 355.

FIG. 4 shows illustrative handle arrangement 400 for an exercise rope, in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure. Handle 401, as illustrated, includes slot 431, which is configured to accommodate rope 403 to form a T-handle or an in-line jump-rope handle. In some embodiments, for example, an exercise rope includes a first handle having a first slot extending partially along a longitudinal axis of the first handle. The first slot includes a width that is greater than or equal to a width of the elastic elongate element. In the second configuration, for example, the elastic elongate element extends from inside the first handle through the first slot such that the first handle forms a T-handle. For example, rope 403 may include a width (e.g., a diameter for a round cross-section) that can pass through the inward end of handle 401 as well as slot 431. In some embodiments, rope 403 may need to be thinned, by applying tension and stretching rope 403 (e.g., decreasing the diameter), to fit within slot 431 (e.g., so rope 403 does not move into slot 431 during jump-rope activities). In some embodiments, when in the T-handle configuration, rope 403 may be stretched to reduce its width and thus be capable of moving out of slot 431 without overcoming friction forces. In some embodiments, although not illustrated, handle 401 may include a lock, latch, or catch at the open end of slot 431 to prevent rope 403 from moving into slot 431 until the lock, latch, or catch is released.

FIG. 5 shows illustrative handle arrangement 500 for an exercise rope, in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure. Handle 501, as illustrated, includes recess 502, which is configured to accommodate end 506 of rope 503 when in an in-line configuration (e.g., a jump-rope handle). End 506, as illustrated, includes a latching mechanism (e.g., a closable/openable loop, a clasp, a hook, a carabiner) that is configured to engage with loop 505 to form a handle loop such that handle 501 can be used as a resistance band handle. In some embodiments, rope 503 may include a plurality of loops similar to loop 505 such that the user can select the resulting length of resistance band.

FIG. 6 shows illustrative exercise rope 600, in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure. Exercise rope 600, as illustrated, includes handles 601 and 602, and a pliable, rope 103. As illustrated, handles 601 and 602 are arranged at opposite ends of rope 603. Exercise rope 600 may be used as a jump rope or as a resistance band, which may include pulling, pushing and/or stretching exercise rope 600 to increase muscle tone and definition, for example.

In configuration 610, handles 601 and 602 are configured to be arranged in-line with rope 603, as a jump-rope. In configuration 620, the ends of rope 603 are engaged together at coupling 605 (e.g., using any suitable fastening components) to form a loop, with handles 601 and 602 arranged at opposite ends of the loop, to form a resistance band configuration. In an illustrative example, rope 603 may include a first length in configuration 610, and a shortened length in configuration 620 where rope 603 forms a loop (e.g., the handle-to-handle length may be approximately half of the length of the jump rope configuration). In a further illustrative example, the shortened length of configuration 620 may be desired to correspond to the user's wingspan, arm length, leg length, or a combination thereof. In a further example, in configuration 610, rope 603 may include sufficient length such that the user can perform jump-rope exercises.

FIG. 7 shows illustrative exercise rope 700, in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure. Exercise rope 700, as illustrated, includes handles 701 and 702, rope 703, and elements 721 and 722. As illustrated, handles 701 and 702 are arranged at opposite ends of rope 703. Exercise rope 700 may be used as a jump rope or as a resistance band, which may include pulling, pushing and/or stretching exercise rope 700 to increase muscle tone and definition, for example.

In configuration 710, handles 701 and 702 are configured to be arranged in-line with rope 703, as a jump-rope. In configuration 710, elements 721 and 722 may be tucked or tied against rope 703, may be free to move about the respective attachment point, or may be connected to the inward end of the respective handles 701 and 702. In configuration 720, handles 701 and 702 form respective loops 711 and 712 at opposite ends of element 703 by attaching elements 721 and 722 to the outward ends of respective handles 701 and 702, to form a resistance band configuration. In an illustrative example, rope 703 may include a first length in configuration 710, and a shortened length in configuration 720 where some of the length of rope 703 forms loops 711 and 712. In a further illustrative example, the shortened length of configuration 720 may be desired to correspond to the user's wingspan, arm length, leg length, or a combination thereof. In a further example, in configuration 710, rope 703 may include sufficient length such that the user can perform jump-rope exercises.

FIG. 8 shows one end of illustrative exercise rope 800 having a handle arrangement with two fasteners, in configurations 810 and 820, in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure. As illustrated, exercise rope 800 includes rope 803, first section 804, second section 805, junction 831, end 832, end 834, fastener 833, fastener 835, and handle 801 having elements 836 and 837 arranged at either end. It will be understood that while only a single end of exercise rope 800 is illustrated in FIG. 8, exercise rope 800 may include a re-configurable handle on the opposite end (not illustrated in FIG. 8), which may be but need not be the same as the arrangement illustrated in FIG. 8.

Rope 803, as illustrated, terminates at junction 831, and sections 804 and 805 are also affixed to junction 831 and extend away from rope 803. In some embodiments, either or both of sections 804 and 805 may be components of, continuous with, or otherwise be part of rope 803. For example, in some embodiments, rope 803 may bifurcate at junction 831 to form sections 804 and 805. In a further example, in some embodiments, rope 803 may extend through junction 831 to form section 804, and section 805 may be a separate strap, cable, or section of rope affixed to junction 831.

Configuration 810 corresponds to handle 801 being used as a jump-rope handle. In some embodiments, sections 804 and 805 are affixed via respective fasteners 833 and 835 to element 836 of handle 801. As illustrated, element 836 includes a loop to which fasteners 833 and 835 may be engaged. For example, as illustrated, fasteners 833 and 835 include spring-loaded hooks configured to engage either element 836 or element 837, and also respective loops for affixing to respective ends 832 and 834 of respective sections 804 and 805. Because both of sections 804 and 805 are affixed to one end of handle 801 in configuration 810 (e.g., at element 836 only), handle 801 may lie in-line or nearly in-line with rope 803 and thus provides a jump-rope handle arrangement. In some embodiments, either or both of elements 836 and 837 are configured to swivel (e.g., via bearings or bushings) about the longitudinal axis of handle 801 to allow rope 803 to re-orient about the longitudinal axis during use (e.g., to prevent binding of fasteners 833 and 835).

Configuration 820 corresponds to handle 801 being used as a resistance band handle. In some embodiments, sections 804 and 805 are affixed via respective fasteners 833 and 835 to respective elements 836 and 837 of handle 801. As illustrated in configuration 820, elements 836 and 837 each include a loop to which respective fasteners 833 and 835 are engaged. For example, as illustrated, fasteners 833 and 835 are configured to engage respective elements 836 and 837 to form loop 821. Because sections 804 and 805 are affixed to opposite ends of handle 801 in configuration 820, handle 801 may be arranged transverse or nearly transverse to rope 803 and thus provides a resistance band handle arrangement.

In an illustrative example, in order to switch from configuration 810 to configuration 820, a user may disengage fastener 835 from element 836, and then engage fastener 835 to element 837. In a further illustrative example, in order to switch from configuration 820 to configuration 810, a user may disengage fastener 835 from element 837, and then engage fastener 835 to element 836.

FIG. 9 shows one end of illustrative exercise rope 900 having a retractable handle arrangement, in configurations 910 and 920, in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure. As illustrated, exercise rope 900 includes rope 903, fastener 933 (e.g., arranged at an end of rope 903), feature 935, and handle 901. It will be understood that while only a single end of exercise rope 900 is illustrated in FIG. 9, exercise rope 900 may include a retractable handle on the opposite end (not illustrated in FIG. 9), which may be but need not be the same as the arrangement illustrated in FIG. 9.

Rope 903, as illustrated, includes an end with fastener 933 affixed. As illustrated, handle 901 includes hollow recess 905, into which the end of rope 903 is capable of being arranged. As illustrated, handle 901 includes elements 902 and 902, which act as guides and hard-stops for rope 902 and the end of rope 903 (e.g., with fastener 933).

Configuration 910 corresponds to handle 901 being used as a jump-rope handle. In some embodiments, in configuration 910, fastener 933 is arranged in hollow section 905, with rope 903 passing through holds of elements 902 and 903 arranged in hollow section 905. To illustrate, elements 902 and 903 may be washer-shaped, and made of any suitable material (e.g., a bushing material to reduce friction against rope 903). For example, as illustrated, fasteners 933 includes a spring-loaded openable/closable hook configured to engage feature 935. Because fastener 933 is affixed to one end of rope 903, and is retractable inside of handle 901 in configuration 910, handle 901 may lie in-line or nearly in-line with rope 903 and thus provides a jump-rope handle arrangement. In some embodiments, fastener 933 is configured to swivel (e.g., via bearings or bushings) about the longitudinal axis of rope 903. In some embodiments, the end of rope 903 is double over and includes a clamp or other affixment for affixing fastener 933 (e.g., the end of rope 903 forms a loop using a clamp, as illustrated, to which fastener 933 is engaged).

Configuration 920 corresponds to handle 901 being used as a resistance band handle. As illustrated, feature 935 is affixed to rope 903 (e.g., as illustrated, feature 935 includes a loop affixed along the length of rope 903). As illustrated in configuration 920, fastener 933 may be extended from handle 901 and engaged with feature 935 to form loop 921. Loop 921 allows handle 901 to lie transverse to most of the length of rope 903, and thus function as a resistance band handle. In an illustrative example, as illustrated, a plurality of features similar to feature 935 may be affixed as part of rope 903 arranged at different positions along rope 903 to allow a user to adjust the length of the resistance band by selecting the corresponding feature (e.g., engaging features nearer to the center of rope 903 allow for a shorter resistance band).

In an illustrative example, in order to switch from configuration 910 to configuration 920, a user may extend fastener 933 from hollow section 905, and then engage fastener 933 to feature 935. In a further illustrative example, in order to switch from configuration 920 to configuration 910, a user may disengage fastener 933 from feature 935, and then retract fastener 933 into hollow section 905 of handle 901.

The foregoing is merely illustrative of the principles of this disclosure, and various modifications may be made by those skilled in the art without departing from the scope of this disclosure. The above described embodiments are presented for purposes of illustration and not of limitation. The present disclosure also can take many forms other than those explicitly described herein. Accordingly, it is emphasized that this disclosure is not limited to the explicitly disclosed methods, systems, and apparatuses, but is intended to include variations to and modifications thereof, which are within the spirit of the following claims.

Claims

1. A system for using as a jump-rope and a resistance band, the system comprising:

an elastic elongate element comprising: a first end, a second end opposite the first end, and a first rest length extending between the first end and the second end,

a first handle arranged at the first end, wherein the first handle is configured to engage the first end of the elastic elongate element; and

a second handle arranged at the second end, wherein the second handle is configured to engage the second end of the elastic elongate element, wherein the system is configured to achieve: a first configuration, wherein the first handle and the second handle are arranged in-line with the elastic elongate element, and a second configuration, wherein the first handle and the second handle are arranged transverse to the elastic elongate element.

2. The system of claim 1, further comprising:

a first feature arranged along the elastic elongate element proximal to the first end and configured to affix to the first end to form a first loop in the second configuration; and

a second feature arranged along the elastic elongate element proximal to the second end and configured to affix to the second end to form a second loop in the second configuration.

3. The system of claim 2, wherein the first feature comprises a first loop, and wherein the second feature comprises a second loop.

4. The system of claim 1, further comprising a plurality of features arranged along the elastic elongate element, wherein:

the first end of the elastic elongate element is configured to engage any of the plurality of features; and

the second end of the elastic elongate element is configured to engage any of the plurality of features.

5. The system of claim 1, wherein, in the second arrangement:

the elastic elongate element forms a first loop at the first end and forms a second loop at the second end; and

wherein the first handle is arranged at the first loop and the second handle is arranged at the second loop.

6. The system of claim 1, wherein, in the second arrangement:

the first handle is arranged transverse to the elastic elongate element at the first end, wherein the first handle comprises a first centroid;

the second handle is arranged transverse to the elastic elongate element at the second end, wherein the second handle comprises a second centroid; and

the first centroid and the second centroid are closer to each other in the second configuration than in the first configuration.

7. The system of claim 1, wherein the elastic elongate element is configured to achieve a length longer than the first rest length when in tension.

8. The system of claim 1, wherein the elastic elongate element comprises an elastic rope.

9. The system of claim 1, wherein the first rest length corresponds to a jump-rope length.

10. The system of claim 1, wherein:

the first handle comprises a hollow section;

the first handle comprises an inward end and an outward end; and

a first width of the hollow section proximal to the inward end is less than a second width of the hollow section proximal to the outward end; and

the second width is greater than or equal to a width of the elastic elongate element.

11. The system of claim 1, wherein the first end and the second end of the elastic elongate element are configured to be affixed to each other to form a third loop, wherein the third loop is larger than the first loop or the second loop.

12. The system of claim 1, wherein:

the first handle comprises a first inward end and a first outward end; and

in the first configuration, the first inward end is affixed to the first end of the elastic elongate element.

13. The system of claim 12, further comprising a first section affixed to the elastic elongate element proximal to the first end, wherein, in the second configuration:

the first inward end of the first handle is affixed to the first end of the elastic elongate element; and

the first outward end of the first handle is affixed to the first section to form a first loop at the first end.

14. The system of claim 12, wherein:

the second handle comprises a second inward end and a second outward end; and

in the first configuration, the second inward end of the second handle is affixed to the second end of the elastic elongate element.

15. The system of claim 14, further comprising a second section affixed to the elastic elongate element proximal to the second end, wherein, in the second configuration:

the second inward end of the second handle is affixed to the second end of the elastic elongate element; and

the second outward end of the second handle is affixed to the second section to form a second loop at the second end.

16. The system of claim 1, wherein:

the first handle comprises a first slot extending partially along a longitudinal axis of the first handle, wherein the first slot comprises a width that is greater than or equal to a width of the elastic elongate element;

in the second configuration, the elastic elongate element extends from inside the first handle through the first slot such that the first handle forms a T-handle.

17. A system for using as a jump-rope and a resistance band, the system comprising:

an elastic elongate element comprising: a first end, a second end opposite the first end, a first rest length extending between the first end and the second end,

a first section extending from the first end;

a second section extending from the first end, wherein the first section and the second section are affixed at the first end;

a first handle affixed to the first section and the second section; and

a second handle arranged at the second end.

18. A method for reconfiguring an exercise rope, wherein the exercise rope comprises:

an elastic elongate element comprising: a first end, a second end opposite the first end, and a first rest length extending between the first end and the second end,

a first handle arranged at the first end, wherein the first handle is configured to engage the first end of the elastic elongate element; and

a second handle arranged at the second end, wherein the second handle is configured to engage the second end of the elastic elongate element, the method comprising: reconfiguring the first handle from a first configuration wherein the first handle is in-line with the elastic elongate element, to a second configuration wherein the first handle is transverse to the elastic elongate element; and reconfiguring the second handle from a first configuration wherein the second handle is in-line with the elastic elongate element, to a second configuration wherein the second handle is transverse to the elastic elongate element.

19. The method of claim 18, wherein the first end comprises two first end sections, and wherein reconfiguring the first handle comprises:

affixing an outward end of the first handle to one of the two first end sections, wherein an inward end of the first handle is affixed to the other first end section.

20. The method of claim 18, wherein the exercise rope comprises a feature arranged along elastic elongate element proximal to the first end, and wherein reconfiguring the first handle comprises engaging the first end of the elastic elongate element to the feature.