Weather Resistant Portable Jump Rope Platform

Abstract

A Weather Resistant Portable Jump Rope Platform comprising of a hard flexible platform affixed to an array of foam panels. As the user jumps rope and impacts the platform, the hard flexible platform and foam panels collectively absorb and disperse the energy of impact suppressing the pounding noise associated with jumping rope. The resiliency of the hard flexible platform will then rebound the user out of the impact compression similar to a competitive jump rope floor. The platform and foam panels are resistant to the damaging effects of ultraviolet light and inclement weather allowing the user to operate in a wide range of environments. The flexible platform surface also functions as a media platform for marketing and advertising.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is not related to any other applications.

STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT

This application is not the subject of any federally sponsored research or development.

THE NAMES OF THE PARTIES TO A JOINT RESEARCH AGREEMENT

There have been no joint research agreements entered into with any third parties.

REFERENCE TO A SEQUENCE LISTING

Not Applicable

STATEMENT REGARDING PRIOR DISCLOSURES BY THE INVENTOR OR A JOINT INVENTOR

There have been no disclosures made by the inventor.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention pertains to the art of exercise, more specifically, jumping rope. Relative Cooperative Patent Classifications: A63B 5/08, 5/20, 6/02, and 69/0035.

Jumping rope is considered an impact sport, and as such, can result in impact related injuries. There are several precautions that can be taken to minimize the risk of impact related injuries. One of the more significant precautions is the type of floor surface jumping rope on. However, the type of floor surface will also affect the performance of the individual jumping rope.

Hard surfaces, such as concrete and asphalt, are solid which allow you to easily push off from. The rough texture provides an excellent grip minimizing the risk of slipping. You can jump rope fast on concrete and asphalt because they provide an excellent rebound. However, concrete and asphalt are very dense and do not provide any shock absorption upon landing. This places stress on ankles, knees, hip joints, and increases the chance of shin splints. In addition, both concrete and asphalt have abrasive surfaces that can significantly reduce the life span of a jump rope.

Shock absorbing surfaces, such as foam, carpet with padding, and gym mats, provide excellent shock absorbing properties. However, because they're not firm like concrete and asphalt, require more force to push off due to the loss of rebound and having to jump out of the cushioning. The increased force required will slow down the jumping pace, which will decrease the cardiovascular benefit and also increases stress on the legs.

The jump rope community, including the International Rope Skipping Federation, recommends a floor surface that provides both cushioning and rebound. Their recommendation is a suspended wooden floor. A suspended wooden floor provides cushioning to minimize stress on the lower body, and also has the resiliency to rebound the user out of the cushioning for maximum performance. For most jump rope enthusiasts, this type of surface is only available at select gyms and out of reach for many. There are no portable solutions that are tailored for jumping rope that satisfy the recommendation of the jump rope community.

Another consideration is the ability to accommodate marketing and advertising. In today's society, marketing and advertising is present almost everywhere, and is especially prevalent in the sporting industry. A weather resistant portable jump rope platform would be an ideal candidate to accommodate marketing and advertising.

Prior art includes several exercise apparatuses, most notably: Jogging Board (U.S. Pat. No. 3,634,895), Jumping Board (U.S. Pat. No. 4,323,231), System for Skip Rope Exercising (U.S. Pat. No. 4,699,375), and Shock Absorbing Exercise Board (20160144214). Although none of these apparatuses are designed specifically as weather resistant portable jump rope platforms, they do share a similar cushioning functionality. However, none of these apparatuses provide rebound capability, disperse impact, provide noise suppression, are resistant to ultraviolet light or inclement weather, or are media platforms for marketing and advertising.

There are also various homemade solutions consisting of full or partial sheets of plywood with wood or foam blocks attached underneath each end. When constructed effectively, these solutions can provide both cushioning and rebound. However, these solutions are not built for portability, do not disperse the energy of impact, provide noise suppression, are resistant to ultraviolet light or inclement weather, or media platforms for marketing and advertising.

There are also numerous rubber mats available of various dimensions. None of these mats are specifically designed for jumping rope and none disperse the energy of impact or provide rebound capability.

The prior art described in the previous paragraphs have shortcomings including, but not limited to: 1) only partially satisfy the jump rope communities recommended jump rope floor surface, 2) do not provide rebound capability, 3) do not disperse the energy of impact from jumping, 4) do not suppress the noise associated with jumping, 5) are not resistant to ultraviolet light or inclement weather, 6) not designed specifically for jumping rope, 7) are not media platforms for marketing and advertising. With the ever increasing popularity of jumping rope, there is a market for a technically advanced weather resistant portable jump rope platform that meets the desired criteria of the jump rope community.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is a weather resistant portable Jump Rope Platform that provides cushioning and rebound capability satisfying the recommended jump rope floor criteria set forth by the jump rope community. In addition, the present invention is resistant to ultraviolet light and inclement weather, and incorporates noise suppressing properties. These additional attributes allow the portable jump rope platform to be used in a wide array of environments. And finally, the platform surface is a media platform for marketing and advertising.

The present invention is comprised of a hard flexible platform surface attached on top of strategically placed foam panels. The platform surface is elevated allowing it to “flex” under the impact force of jumping, but resilient enough to rebound the jumper out of the compression. The foam panels provide the noise suppressing element by dispersing the energy generated from the force of user impact and preventing the flexing platform surface from contacting the ground or floor.

The components of the present invention are resistant to ultraviolet light and inclement weather. The flexible platform surface is a synthetic, composite, or combination of both (e.g. Nylon Board, Outdoor Decking). The foam is designed for indoor/outdoor use and is of closed cell nature to prevent water absorption.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a top view of the present invention from an elevated perspective.

FIG. 2 is a side profile illustrating the tapered leading and trailing edges of the flexible platform and foam panels.

FIG. 3 is an underside view illustrating the foam panels.

FIG. 4 is an exploded view of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is an illustration of the present invention in use.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The following detailed description, along with the accompanying drawings to which it refers, are intended to describe the embodiments of the present invention which overcome many of the deficiencies and limitations of the current art.

FIG. 1 of the attached drawings is a fully assembled top view of the present invention from an elevated perspective illustrating the components and elements of the invention. Referencing FIG. 1, the present invention comprises of a hard flexible platform surface 1, tapered leading and trailing edges 2, integrated handles 3, leading and trailing edge foam panels 4, and side foam panel 5.

FIG. 2 is a side view perspective of the present invention. Referencing FIG. 2, the hard flexible platform surface 1, tapered leading and trailing edges 2, integrated handle 3, leading and trailing edge foam panels 4, and side foam panel 5.

FIG. 3 is an underside view of the present invention. Referencing FIG. 3, the hard flexible platform surface 1, integrated handles 3, leading and trailing edge foam panels 4, and side foam panels 5.

FIG. 4 is an exploded view of the present invention illustrating the relationship and assembly of the hard flexible platform surface 1 with leading and trailing edge foam panels 4, and side foam panels 5.

FIG. 5 illustrates the present invention in use by user 6.

The hard flexible platform 1 depicted in FIGS. 1 through 5 is made of a synthetic, composite, or combination thereof material that is ultraviolet light and inclement weather resistant (e.g. Nylon Board, Outdoor Decking). The hard flexible platform measures approximately 4 feet in length, 2 feet in width, and 0.625 inches thick. The platform surface is textured to minimize the potential of slipping. The platform is elevated at both ends to allow “flex” under the stress of user impact thereby providing a cushioning effect. Once the maximum flex is achieved, the platforms resiliency will spring it back to nominal shape and rebound the user out of the cushioning. The resiliency is obtained through the thickness and composition of the hard flexible platform material. The hard flexible platform surface is a media platform for marketing and advertising.

The tapered leading and trailing edges 2 of the platform are depicted in FIGS. 1, 2, 4, and 5. These edges are tapered approximately 4 inches from each end of the platform. The tapered edges ensure a smooth jump rope passage as it transitions from ground/floor to platform surface, and elevate the hard flexible platform surface approximately 1.5 inches above the floor/ground.

The present invention contains two integrated handles 3 as depicted in FIGS. 1, 2, 3, and 5. These handles are located midway down the length of each side of the platform and measure approximately 4 inch by 1¼ inch. The integrated handles are designed to assist in product handling. There are two handles for convenience, only one is necessary to pick up and carry the platform.

Foam panels 4 and 5 are depicted in FIGS. 1 through 5. Foam panels 4 are leading/trailing edge panels, foam panels 5 are left and right panels. These panels are approximately 1.5 inches thick, ultraviolet light and inclement weather resistant, and designed for outdoor use. These foam panels are strategically attached with an adhesive to the underside of the hard flexible platform 1. The foam panels provide stability and augment the hard flexible platforms ability to absorb the impact of the user. They also disperse the energy generated from the force of user impact over a broad area and prevent the hard flexible platform from contacting the ground or floor. Dispersing the energy of impact over a broad area and preventing the platform surface from contacting the floor are both noise suppressing elements, which allow the user to jump rope in a broad array of environments. The leading and trailing edge foam panels 4 are tapered to accommodate the hard flexible platforms tapered leading and trailing edge. The left and right foam panels 5 are tailored to accommodate the integrated handles 3.

Referencing FIG. 5, as the user 6 jumps on the platform, the energy of impact is absorbed by the flexible platform surface 1 and foam panels 4 and 5. When the energy of impact is fully absorbed, the resiliency of the flexible platform will spring back to its nominal shape and rebound the user out of the cushioning. The foam panels disperse the energy generated from user impact over a broad area significantly reducing the pounding noise associated with jumping rope. The foam panels also prevent the hard flexible platform from contacting the floor thereby eliminating another source of noise. When finished jumping rope, the user can move the weather resistant jump rope platform by simply grabbing either one of the integrated handles 3.

Claims

1. A weather resistant portable jump rope platform consisting of a platform adhesively attached to foam panels wherein the platform interacts with the user and foam panels, and the foam panels interact with the platform and ground or floor surface wherein the weather resistant portable jump rope platform is placed.

2. The portable jump rope platform of claim 1, in which the platform is comprised of synthetic or composite or combination thereof material.

3. The portable jump rope platform as in any one of the preceding claims, in which the platform is hard and flexible.

4. The portable jump rope platform as in any one of the preceding claims, in which the platform dimensions are approximately 4 foot in length, 2 foot in width, and 0.625 inches thick.

5. The portable jump rope platform as in any one of the preceding claims, in which the platform is resistant to ultraviolet light.

6. The portable jump rope platform as in any one of the preceding claims, in which the platform is resistant to inclement weather.

7. The portable jump rope platform as in any one of the preceding claims, in which the platform contains two integrated handles, one each midway down the length of the left and right side of the platform measuring 4 inch by 1¼ Inch.

8. The portable jump rope platform as in any one of the preceding claims, in which the platform surface is textured.

9. The portable jump rope platform as in any one of the preceding claims, in which the platform surface is neutral in color.

10. The portable jump rope platform as in any one of the preceding claims, in which the platform is tapered at each end of the length.

11. The portable jump rope platform of claim 10, in which the tapered ends of the platform elevate the platform approximately 1.5 inches.

12. The portable jump rope platform of claim 1, in which the foam panels consist of a leading edge foam panel, trailing edge foam panel, left foam panel, and right foam panel.

13. The portable jump rope platform of claim 12, in which the foam panels are of closed cell nature.

14. The portable jump rope platform of claim 12, in which the foam panels are resistant to ultraviolet light.

15. The portable jump rope platform of claim 12, in which the foam panels are resistant to inclement weather.

16. The portable jump rope platform of claim 12, in which the foam panels are adhesively attached to the platform.

17. The portable jump rope platform of claim 12, in which left and right side foam panels accommodate the integrated handles.

18. The portable jump rope platform of claim 12, in which the leading and trailing edge foam panels are tapered.

19. The portable jump rope platform of claim 1, in which the adhesive to attach the foam panels to the platform is waterproof.