US20250152989A1

US20250152989A1 - Ergonomic jump rope handle

Info

Publication number: US20250152989A1
Application number: US18/943,883
Authority: US
Inventors: Vadim Goldenberg
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2023-11-12
Filing date: 2024-11-11
Publication date: 2025-05-15
Also published as: WO2025099698A1

Abstract

The present invention is a handle for a jump rope comprising a gripping portion, an extension member, and a rotation mechanism housing. The gripping portion is held by the user's fingers, while the user's thumb extends down the extension member which is fixed to the gripping portion's distal end and extends downward and laterally away from the gripping portion. The housing is attached with a distal end of the extension member and contains an opening for the jump rope. When gripped, the housing is positioned below and laterally away from the user's wrist joint, improving ergonomics and reducing wrist strain. The housing may incorporate various mechanisms for secure rope attachment and smooth rotation.

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application 63/548,216, filed on Nov. 12, 2023, and incorporated herein by reference.

STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT

Not Applicable.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to exercise equipment, specifically to an improved ergonomic handle for a jump rope.

BACKGROUND

Skipping rope, also referred to as jumping rope or jump rope, has been a popular activity for centuries, serving both as a children's pastime and a serious exercise for promoting health and fitness. The exercise of “skipping” or “jumping rope” can have substantial beneficial effects on cardiovascular health, coordination, and overall fitness.
Conventional jumping ropes typically consist of a length of flexible material, such as textile rope, wire rope, or a polymer substitute, rotationally connected to a handle at each end. The handle is generally an elongated member which, when held by a user, extends to the side of the user's body. When in use, the rope rotates in a vertical plane, perpendicular to the user's coronal plane.
Traditionally, jump rope handles are held with palms facing forward, four fingers wrapped around the handle, and thumbs resting on the top side. The optimal working position of the handles is substantially horizontal and perpendicular to the plane of rotation of the rope. Users oscillate the handles around this position to maintain the rotational momentum of the rope. Experienced practitioners often prefer holding their hands closer to their hips for fast and/or prolonged jumping.
However, conventional jump rope handles present several drawbacks. To achieve the optimal handle position, users often over-stress the radial abductor muscles of the wrist and the thumb, leading to premature muscle fatigue. Some users, attempting to relieve this stress, may point the handles downward or spread their arms too wide, breaking the optimal position. Alternatively, others may wrap their thumb around the handle, losing fine motor control usually achieved by holding the handle between the thumb and the index finger.
A needed invention would address these issues by providing an ergonomic handle design that allows users to maintain the optimal handle position without excessive muscle strain. Such a design would ideally shift the rope's rotational mechanism relative to the grip, to accommodate natural thumb positioning. This improvement would allow for smoother rope rotation, reduced muscle fatigue, and promote a more efficient jumping technique, enhancing both performance and comfort for jump rope users. The present invention accomplishes these objectives.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present device is a handle for a jump rope designed to be grasped by a user's hand. It comprises three main components: a gripping portion, an extension member, and a rotation mechanism housing, referred to hereafter as just the housing. The gripping portion defines a first longitudinal axis and is intended to be held by the user's fingers. The extension member is fixed to the distal end of the gripping portion and extends away from it at an angle. The extension member defines a second longitudinal axis, which in some embodiments may be straight, while in others it may be curved. The housing is attached to the end of the extension member opposite the gripping portion and defines a third longitudinal axis, which is positioned at an angle to the second longitudinal axis and is substantially parallel to the first longitudinal axis. The housing includes an opening for receiving and retaining the end of a jump rope.
When the user grips the handle, placing his fingers around the gripping portion and his thumb on top of the extension member and positions the handle horizontally, the housing is positioned at a lower vertical position relative to the gripping portion and farther away from the user's wrist joint. This configuration allows for improved ergonomics and reduced strain on the user's wrist during extended periods of jump rope exercise, while maintaining the optimal working position of the jump rope handle.
The housing is designed to allow the jump rope end to be freely rotatable around the third longitudinal axis, which is substantially parallel to the first longitudinal axis of the gripping portion. Various mechanisms may be employed to accommodate the jump rope end, including the use of a stop on the rope, a flanged bushing, or ball bearings. These features allow for smooth rotation of the rope while keeping it securely attached to the handle.
The handle's design may incorporate specific angles between its components to optimize ergonomics. For example, in some embodiments, the extension member may form angles with the gripping portion's axis and the housing's axis to enhance ergonomic benefits. In some embodiments, the handle includes specific dimensions that contribute to its ergonomic design. For example, the distance between the first longitudinal axis of the gripping portion and the third longitudinal axis of the housing may be at least one inch, and the lateral distance between the proximal side of the housing and the distal end of the gripping portion may also be at least one inch.
The handle may include additional features such as an ergonomic placeholder for at least one finger on the gripping portion, various cross-sectional shapes for the gripping portion, and smooth transitions between components. The extension member may have a concave top surface and a width larger than its thickness, potentially enhancing comfort and grip stability.
The extension member's top surface may be designed with various profiles to accommodate different user preferences. In some embodiments, it may be concave or have other ergonomic contours. The specific dimensions of the handle may be adjusted to optimize the handle's ergonomics for various hand sizes and natural thumb positions.
The present invention addresses the drawbacks of the prior art by providing an ergonomic handle design that shifts the rope's rotation mechanism downward relative to the grip, with the unique design of the extension member providing a comfortable resting place for the user's thumb while maintaining the optimal handle position for smoother rope rotation, reducing strain and fatigue during extended use.
By incorporating an extension member and a strategically positioned rotation mechanism housing, the invention enhances both performance and comfort for jump rope users, solving the problems associated with conventional handle designs and enabling longer, more effective workout sessions.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a prior art jump rope handle showing excessive wrist strain;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a prior art jump rope handle showing improper downward orientation;

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a prior art jump rope handle showing inefficient thumb placement;

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a jump rope handle according to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 5 is a side view of the jump rope handle of FIG. 4 ;

FIG. 6 is a front view of the jump rope handle of FIG. 4 ;

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the jump rope handle of FIG. 4 being held properly by a user;

FIG. 8A is a side diagram showing one embodiment of the extension member;

FIG. 8B is a side diagram showing another embodiment of the extension member;

FIG. 8C is a side diagram showing yet another embodiment of the extension member;

FIG. 9 is a front view showing a user using a jump rope with two of the handles of FIG. 4 on each opposing end thereof;

FIG. 10 is a side elevational view illustrating a preferred positioning of the user's thumb;

FIG. 11 is a side elevational view of an alternative embodiment of the jump rope handle;

FIG. 12 is a vertical cross-sectional view of one embodiment of the housing of the jump rope handle;

FIG. 13 is a vertical cross-sectional view of another embodiment of the housing of the jump rope handle;

FIG. 14 is a vertical cross-sectional view of yet another embodiment of the housing of the jump rope handle; and

FIG. 15 is a vertical cross-sectional view of still another embodiment of the housing of the jump rope handle.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

Illustrative embodiments of the invention are described below. The following explanation provides specific details for a thorough understanding of and enabling description for these embodiments. One skilled in the art will understand that the invention may be practiced without such details. In other instances, well-known structures and functions have not been shown or described in detail to avoid unnecessarily obscuring the description of the embodiments.
Unless the context clearly requires otherwise, throughout the description and the claims, the words “comprise,” “comprising,” and the like are to be construed in an inclusive sense as opposed to an exclusive or exhaustive sense; that is to say, in the sense of “including, but not limited to.” Words using the singular or plural number also include the plural or singular number respectively. Additionally, the words “herein,” “above,” “below” and words of similar import, when used in this application, shall refer to this application as a whole and not to any particular portions of this application. When the claims use the word “or” in reference to a list of two or more items, that word covers all of the following interpretations of the word: any of the items in the list, all of the items in the list and any combination of the items in the list. When the word “each” is used to refer to an element that was previously introduced as being at least one in number, the word “each” does not necessarily imply a plurality of the elements, but can also mean a singular element. The term “substantially,” if it is not readily apparent to those skilled in the art, should be defined to mean within about 90% of “completely.”
FIGS. 1-3 illustrate prior art jump rope handles. FIGS. 4-7 illustrate various aspects of a handle 10 according to the present invention. FIGS. 8A-8C show different embodiments of an extension member 40. FIG. 9 shows a user 15 gripping the handle 10. FIGS. 10-15 depict additional embodiments and details of the handle 10.
The handle 10 is designed for receiving an end 25 of a jump rope 20 and for being grasped by a hand 16 of a user 15 having fingers 17 and a thumb 18. The handle 10 comprises a gripping portion 30 having a proximal end 32 and a distal end 38. The gripping portion 30 defines a first longitudinal axis L₁. The gripping portion 30 may be made of materials such as plastic, rubber, wood, metal, or the like.
The extension member 40 is fixed at a first end 42 thereof with the distal end 38 of the gripping portion 30. The extension member 40 extends away from the gripping portion 30 and terminates at a second end 48. The extension member 40 defines a second longitudinal axis L₂, which in some embodiments may be straight, while in others, it may be curved (FIGS. 8A, 8B, and 8C).
The housing 50 is fixed with the second end 48 of the extension member 40. The housing 50 includes a proximal side 52 and an opposing distal side 58 with a first opening 57 for receiving the end 25 of the jump rope 20 therethrough. Center points 55 of both the distal side 58 of the housing 50 and the proximal side 52 of the housing 50 define a third longitudinal axis L₃that is substantially parallel to the first longitudinal axis L₁of the gripping portion 30. The end 25 of the jump rope 20 is retainable within the housing 50 and freely rotatable around the third longitudinal axis L₃.
When the user 15 grips the gripping portion 30 with his fingers 17 and places his thumb on top of the extension member 40 and positions the gripping portion 30 horizontally, the housing 50 is positioned at a lower vertical position relative to the first longitudinal axis L₁and farther away from a wrist joint 19 of the user's hand 16. This configuration allows for improved ergonomics and reduced strain on the user's wrist 19 during jump rope exercising, while maintaining smooth rotation of the jump rope 20 during use.
In some embodiments, a distance H₁between the first longitudinal axis L₁and the third longitudinal axis L₃is at least one inch, and a lateral distance D₁between the proximal side 52 of the housing 50 and the distal end 38 of the gripping portion 30 is at least one inch. These dimensions contribute to the ergonomic design of the handle 10, allowing for comfortable placement of the user's thumb 18 on top of the extension member 40 while maintaining an optimal position for smooth rotation of the jump rope 20.
The extension member 40 may have a top surface 49 that is concave in cross-section for receiving the thumb 18 of the user 15. The concave surface may enhance comfort and grip stability during use. Additionally, a width W₁of the extension member 40 may be larger than a thickness T₁thereof.
The end 25 of the jump rope 20 may include a stop 23 fixed therewith. The stop 23 may have a diameter D_rlarger than a diameter D_hof the first opening 57. With the stop 23 of the jump rope 20 disposed within the housing 50, the end 25 of the jump rope 20 is inhibited from exiting the housing 50.
The housing 50 may be formed as a hollow cylinder or a conical frustum 51 wherein the distal side 58 is disposed distally from the gripping portion 30, and the proximal side 52 of the cylinder or conical frustum 51 may also be at least partially open at a second opening 53, for easy access to the stop 23 for the purpose of adjusting the length of the rope 20.
The housing 50 may include various mechanisms to facilitate smooth rotation of the jump rope 20. For example, it may include a flanged bushing 60 made with a low friction material, one or more ball bearings 80, or a spindle 90 extending through ball bearings.
The gripping portion 30 may include an ergonomic placeholder 100 for at least one of the fingers 17. The gripping portion 30 may have a cross-section selected from the group consisting of circular, elliptical, and rounded shapes.
In some embodiments, the second longitudinal axis L₂of the extension member 40 may form a first angle α1 with the first longitudinal axis L₁of less than 90-degrees. Additionally, the second longitudinal axis L₂of the extension member 40 may form a second angle α2 with the third longitudinal axis L₂of greater than 90-degrees, while maintaining the first longitudinal axis L₁and the third longitudinal axis L₃in substantially parallel relation.
As illustrated in FIGS. 8A-8C, the extension member 40 may be connected with the gripping portion 30 and the housing 50 by forming smoothly contoured interfaces between these components. These smooth transitions between components may contribute to the overall comfort and aesthetics of the handle 10.
While a particular form of the invention has been illustrated and described, it will be apparent that various modifications can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Accordingly, it is not intended that the invention be limited, except as by the appended claims.
Particular terminology used when describing certain features or aspects of the invention should not be taken to imply that the terminology is being redefined herein to be restricted to any specific characteristics, features, or aspects of the invention with which that terminology is associated. In general, the terms used in the following claims should not be construed to limit the invention to the specific embodiments disclosed in the specification, unless the above Detailed Description section explicitly defines such terms. Accordingly, the actual scope of the invention encompasses not only the disclosed embodiments, but also all equivalent ways of practicing or implementing the invention.
The above detailed description of the embodiments of the invention is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise form disclosed above or to the particular field of usage mentioned in this disclosure. While specific embodiments of, and examples for, the invention are described above for illustrative purposes, various equivalent modifications are possible within the scope of the invention, as those skilled in the relevant art will recognize. The elements and acts of the various embodiments described above can be combined to provide further embodiments.
Changes can be made to the invention in light of the above “Detailed Description.” While the above description details certain embodiments of the invention and describes the best mode contemplated, no matter how detailed the above appears in text, the invention can be practiced in many ways. Therefore, implementation details may vary considerably while still being encompassed by the invention disclosed herein. As noted above, particular terminology used when describing certain features or aspects of the invention should not be taken to imply that the terminology is being redefined herein to be restricted to any specific characteristics, features, or aspects of the invention with which that terminology is associated.
While certain aspects of the invention are presented below in certain claim forms, the inventor contemplates the various aspects of the invention in any number of claim forms. Accordingly, the inventor reserves the right to add additional claims after filing the application to pursue such additional claim forms for other aspects of the invention.

Claims

What is claimed is:

1. A handle for receiving an end of a jump rope and for being grasped by a hand of a user, the hand including fingers, a thumb, and a wrist joint, the handle comprising:

a gripping portion having a proximal end and a distal end, the gripping portion defining a first longitudinal axis;

an extension member fixed at a first end thereof with the distal end of the gripping portion, extending away from the gripping portion at a first angle, and terminating at a second end, the extension member defining a second longitudinal axis; and

a housing fixed with the second end of the extension member and including a proximal side and an opposing distal side;

wherein center points of both the distal side of the housing and the proximal side of the housing define a third longitudinal axis that is substantially parallel to the first longitudinal axis of the gripping portion, the housing receiving through a first opening of the distal side the end of the jump rope, with the end of the jump rope being retainable within the housing and freely rotatable around the third longitudinal axis;

whereby when the user grips the gripping portion with his fingers and places his thumb on top of the extension member and positions the gripping portion horizontally, the housing is positioned at a lower vertical position relative to the first longitudinal axis and farther away from the user's wrist joint than the gripping portion.

2. The handle of claim 1, wherein a distance between the first longitudinal axis and the third longitudinal axis is at least one inch, and a lateral distance between the proximal side of the housing and the distal end of the gripping portion is at least one inch.

3. The handle of claim 1, wherein the extension member has a top surface that is concave in transverse cross-section for receiving the thumb of the user.

4. The handle of claim 1, wherein a width of the extension member is larger than a thickness of the extension member.

5. The handle of claim 1, wherein the housing is formed as a hollow cylinder or a conical frustum wherein the distal side is disposed distally from the gripping portion, and the proximal side of the cylinder or conical frustum is also at least partially open at a second opening.

6. The handle of claim 1, wherein the end of the jump rope includes a stop fixed therewith, the stop having a diameter larger than a diameter of the first opening, whereby with the stop of the jump rope disposed within the housing, the end of the jump rope is inhibited from exiting the housing.

7. The handle of claim 6, wherein the housing includes a flanged bushing made from a low friction material and positioned within the first opening of the housing, whereby the end of the jump rope traverses the bushing and is free to rotate therewithin, the stop free to rotationally slide against the flanged bushing but not to exit the housing.

8. The handle of claim 6, wherein the housing includes a first ball bearing fixed with the distal side, whereby the end of the jump rope traverses the ball bearing, the stop free to rotate against the ball bearing but not to exit the ball bearing and the housing.

9. The handle of claim 1, wherein the housing includes two ball bearings and a spindle extending through each ball bearing, one end of the spindle projecting outwardly from the distal side of the housing and configured for attachment with the end of the jump rope.

10. The handle of claim 1, wherein the gripping portion includes an ergonomic placeholder for at least one of the fingers.

11. The handle of claim 1, wherein the gripping portion has a transverse cross-section selected from the group consisting of circular, elliptical, and rounded shapes.

12. The handle of claim 1, wherein the second longitudinal axis of the extension member forms a first angle with the first longitudinal axis of less than 90-degrees.

13. The handle of claim 1, wherein the second longitudinal axis of the extension member forms a second angle with the third longitudinal axis of greater than 90-degrees.

14. A handle for receiving an end of a jump rope and for being grasped by a hand of a user, the hand including fingers, a thumb, and a wrist joint, the handle comprising:

a gripping portion having a proximal end and a distal end, the gripping portion defining a first longitudinal axis, wherein the gripping portion includes an ergonomic placeholder for at least one of the fingers, and wherein the gripping portion has a cross-section selected from the group consisting of circular, elliptical, and rounded shapes;

an extension member fixed at a first end thereof with the distal end of the gripping portion, extending away from the gripping portion at a first angle, and terminating at a second end, the extension member defining a second longitudinal axis, wherein the extension member has a top surface that is concave in cross-section for receiving the thumb of the user, and wherein a width of the extension member is larger than a thickness of the extension member;

wherein the second longitudinal axis of the extension member forms the first angle with the first longitudinal axis of less than 90-degrees;

wherein the second longitudinal axis of the extension member forms a second angle with the third longitudinal axis of greater than 90-degrees;

wherein the housing is formed as a hollow cylinder or a conical frustum wherein the distal side is disposed distally from the gripping portion, and the proximal side of the cylinder or conical frustum is also at least partially open at a second opening;

wherein the end of the jump rope includes a stop fixed therewith, the stop having a diameter larger than a diameter of the first opening, whereby with the stop of the jump rope disposed within the housing, the end of the jump rope is inhibited from exiting the housing;

wherein the housing includes a first ball bearing fixed with the distal side, whereby the end of the jump rope traverses the ball bearing, the stop free to rotate against the ball bearing but not to exit the ball bearing and the housing;

wherein a distance between the first longitudinal axis and the third longitudinal axis is at least one inch, and a lateral distance between the proximal side of the housing and the distal end of the gripping portion is at least one inch; and

wherein the extension member is fixed with the gripping portion and the housing with at least one continuous curve;