USING THE SAME

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[001] This application claims priority from U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/490,929 filed on April 27, 2017.

TECHNICAL FIELD

[002] The present description relates to apparatus and methods for holding/connecting battle ropes. More particularly, the present description relates to an apparatus for releasably and easily connecting interchangeable battle ropes of different weights and thicknesses.

BACKGROUND

[003] Battle ropes, the oftentimes thick and heavy ropes that look as if they could tether a ship to shore, have become go-to fitness tools in gyms for people seeking a tough workout that is also engaging and fun. Whipping, slamming, dragging and drumming the long, anchored ropes have long been used in training for sports like mixed martial arts and football, but fitness experts agree that they have now entered the mainstream in gyms as part of an efficient workout routine. Offering full body strength training in addition to cardio, battle ropes are especially beneficial for upper body and core muscles, and provide a suitable replacement for heavy weights. Other benefits of working out with battle ropes include increasing strength, power and endurance, as well as providing an extremely effective metabolic workout.

[004] Currently, battle ropes must be permanently attached to an anchoring point, such as a post or heavy weight, in order to provide a safe and sturdy support for the battle ropes. Therefore, in a given workout environment, users wishing to exercise with battle ropes are restricted based on the thickness and weight of the attached battle rope, which may be too strenuous for some users while not providing enough of a challenge for others. Further, workout environments often have limited space, preventing the attachment of multiple battle ropes of different thicknesses and weights at once to cater to different users' needs.

[005] In order to address the above drawbacks, a desired apparatus and method should provide a convenient way of easily interchanging battle ropes of different weights and thicknesses from a given anchoring point. SUMMARY

[006] It is an object of the present disclosure to provide an apparatus for releasably connecting one or more battle rope(s) of different weights and thicknesses that overcomes or mitigates one or more disadvantage(s) of known devices or at least provides a useful alternative.

[007] According to an embodiment, there is provided an apparatus for releasably connecting a battle rope, the apparatus comprising: a support structure; an engaging member extending from the support structure, the engaging member defining a distal end capable of displacement relatively to the support structure; and a rope receiving member defining an engaging end and a rope receiving end, the rope receiving member configured for releasably engaging with the engaging member at its engaging end and further configured for fixedely engaging with the battle rope at its rope receiving end.

[008] According to another embodiment, there is provided the apparatus as defined above, wherein the rope receiving member comprises: a rope receiving main body defined inbetween the engaging end and the rope receiving end; and a releasable engaging mechanism about the engaging end for releasably engaging with the engaging member about its distal end.

[009] According to a further embodiment, there is provided the apparatus as defined above, wherein the engaging member comprises: an elongated main body defined inbetween the distal end and the support structure; and a corresponding releasable engaging mechanism about the distal end for releasably engaging with the releasable engaging mechanism of the rope receiving member.

[010] According to yet another embodiment, there is provided the apparatus as defined above, wherein the releasable engaging mechanism comprises: an elongated engaging hollow structure about the engaging end; and a first mating connector defined within the elongated engaging hollow structure for releasably engaging with the corresponding releasable engaging mechanism of the engaging member.

[011] According to another embodiment, there is provided the apparatus as defined above, wherein the releasable engaging mechanism further comprises: a second mating connector about the engaging end for releasably engaging with the corresponding releasable engaging mechanism of the engaging member. [012] According to a further embodiment, there is provided the apparatus as defined above, wherein the corresponding releasable engaging mechanism comprises: a corresponding first mating connector about the distal end for releasably engaging with the first mating connector of the rope receiving member; and a corresponding second mating connector about the distal end and distant from the corresponding first mating connector for releasably engaging with the second mating connector of the rope receiving member.

[013] According to yet another embodiment, there is provided the apparatus as defined above, wherein the elongated main body of the engaging member comprises a tubular member defining a convex surface and further wherein the corresponding first mating connector outwardly extends from the convex surface and the corresponding second mating connector outwardly extends from the distal end.

[014] According to another embodiment, there is provided the apparatus as defined above, wherein the corresponding first mating connector comprises an outwardly extending longitudinal protrusion and further wherein the corresponding second mating connector comprises an outwardly extending protrusion.

[015] According to yet another embodiment, there is provided the apparatus as defined above, wherein the first mating connector of the releasable engaging mechanism comprises a longitudinal protrusion receiving area for releasably receiving the outwardly extending longitudinal protrusion and further wherein the second mating connector of the releasable engaging mechanism comprises a protrusion receiving area for releasably receiving the outwardly extending protrusion.

[016] According to another embodiment, there is provided the apparatus as defined above, wherein the second mating connector comprises a resilient device, thereby allowing the releasable engaging mechanism of the rope receiving member to rotatably and releasably engage with the corresponding releasable engaging mechanism of the engaging member and therefore, upon releasable connection: - first, the outwardly extending protrusion is pushed towards the resilient device while the outwardly extending longitudinal protrusion is engaged within the longitudinal protrusion receiving area; and - second, the rope receiving member is rotated about an engaging member axis defined by the engaging member such as to releasably lock the outwardly extending longitudinal protrusion within the longitudinal protrusion receiving area. [017] According to a further embodiment, there is provided the apparatus as defined above, wherein the elongated engaging hollow structure of the releasable engaging mechanism defines an insertion surface and a locking surface, thereby allowing the elongated engaging hollow structure to rotate about the corresponding releasable engaging mechanism between an inserting and pressing position where the outwardly extending longitudinal protrusion interfaces with the insertion surface and a locking position where the outwardly extending longitudinal protrusion interfaces with the locking surface.

[018] According to yet another embodiment, there is provided the apparatus as defined above, wherein the engaging hollow structure rotates about the corresponding releasable engaging mechanism 90° between the inserting and pressing position and the locking position.

[019] According to another embodiment, there is provided the apparatus as defined above, wherein the rope receiving member comprises a rope receiving area at its rope receiving end for fixedly engaging with a rope end of the battle rope.

[020] According to a further embodiment, there is provided the apparatus as defined above, wherein the rope receiving area comprises a rope receiving threaded socket for fixedly engaging/gluing with the rope end using a glue composition.

[021] According to yet another embodiment, there is provided the apparatus as defined above, wherein the elongated main body further defines a support structure engaging member extending from the tubular member, the support structure engaging member pivotably engaging with the support structure about a pivoting end defined by the support structure engaging member.

[022] According to another embodiment, there is provided the apparatus as defined above, wherein the support structure comprises: a main frame; and a longitudinal rod mounted on the main frame for pivotably receiving the support structure engaging member at its pivoting end.

[023] According to a further embodiment, there is provided the apparatus as defined above, wherein the support structure engaging member comprises a rod receiving tubular opening defining a pivoting axis for receiving the longitudinal rod, the support structure engaging member being rotatably mounted on the longitudinal rod, thereby providing pivot of the engaging member about the pivot axis and relatively to the support structure. [024] According to yet another embodiment, there is provided the apparatus as defined above, wherein the support structure further comprises a ball-bearing element fixedly mounted on the main frame for interfacing with the support structure engaging member upon rotation of the support structure engaging member about the longitudinal rod.

[025] According to another embodiment, there is provided the apparatus as defined above, further comprising a display device operatively coupled to at least one of the engaging member and the rope receiving member for displaying training data to a user.

[026] According to a further embodiment, there is provided the apparatus as defined above, wherein the engaging member comprises a plurality of engaging members extending from the support structure and further wherein the rope receiving member comprises a plurality rope receiving members, each one of the plurality of rope receiving members configured for releasably engaging with a corresponding one of the plurality of engaging members.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[027] Further features and advantages of the present disclosure will become apparent from the following detailed description, taken in combination with the appended drawings, in which:

[028] Figure 1 is a perspective view of an apparatus for releasably connecting battle ropes in accordance with an embodiment;

[029] Figure 2 is a perspective view of the apparatus of Figure 1 , showing a battle rope to be connected;

[030] Figure 3 is a perspective view of a rope receiving member according to the apparatus of Figure 1 , which is adapted for fixedly receiving a battle rope;

[031] Figure 4 is a perspective view of an engaging member according to the apparatus of Figure 1 , which is adapted for releasably engaging with the rope receiving member;

[032] Figure 5 is another perspective view of the engaging member according to the apparatus of Figure 1 , which is adapted for releasably engaging with the rope receiving member;

[033] Figure 6 is a perspective view of the engaging member according to the apparatus of Figure 1 , releasably engaging with the rope receiving member; [034] Figure 7 is a perspective view of part of the interior of the apparatus of Figure 1 , where the engaging member pivotably engages the support structure;

[035] Figure 8A shows both perspective and cross-sectional views of the rope receiving member positioned in its inserting and pressing position, where an outwardly extending longitudinal protrusion of the engaging member interfaces with an insertion surface of the rope receiving member; and

[036] Figure 8B shows both perspective and cross-sectional views of the rope receiving member positioned in its locking position, where an outwardly extending longitudinal protrusion of the engaging member interfaces with a locking surface of the rope receiving member.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[037] Referring now to the drawings and more particularly to Figures 1 and 2, there is shown an apparatus 10, which is designed to releasably connect a rope end 14 of a battle rope 12. As shown, apparatus 10 comprises a support structure 16 and two engaging members 18 which extend from the support structure 16. Each engaging member 18 defines a distal end 20 that is capable of displacement relatively to the support structure 16. In Figures 1 and 2, for example, such displacement is provided by pivoting engaging members 18 about support structure 16. Apparatus 10 further includes two rope receiving members 22, where each rope receiving member 22 defines an engaging end 24 and a rope receiving end 26. Rope receiving member 22 is configured to releasably engage with its corresponding engaging member 18 at its engaging end 24 and further configured to fixedely/securely engage with the battle rope 12 at its rope receiving end 26.

[038] Referring now more particularly to Figures 2, 5 and 6, there is shown that each rope receiving member 22 comprises a rope receiving main body 28 defined inbetween the engaging end 24 and the rope receiving end 26, and a releasable engaging mechanism 30 (or female connection) about the engaging end 24 for releasably engaging with the engaging member 18 about its distal end 20.

[039] Referring to Figures 2, 4 and 5, on the other hand, there is shown that each engaging member 18 comprises an elongated main body 32 defined inbetween the distal end 20 and the support structure 16 and a releasable engaging mechanism 34 (or male connection) about the distal end 20 for releasably engaging with releasable engaging mechanism 30 of rope receiving member 22.

[040] Releasable engaging mechanism 30 comprises an elongated engaging hollow structure 36 about engaging end 24 and a first mating connector defined within elongated engaging hollow structure 36 for releasably engaging with releasable engaging mechanism 34 of engaging member 18. Releasable engaging mechanism 30 further comprises a second mating connector 40 about engaging end 24 for releasably engaging with releasable engaging mechanism 34 of engaging member 18.

[041] On the other hand, releasable engaging mechanism 34 also comprises a first mating connector 42 about distal end 20 for releasably engaging with first mating connector 38 of rope receiving member 22 and a second mating connector 44 about distal end 20 and distant from first mating connector 42 for releasably engaging with second mating connector 40 of rope receiving member 22.

[042] As best shown in Figure 4, elongated main body 32 of engaging member 18 comprises a tubular member 46 which defines a convex surface 48. First mating connector 42 outwardly extends from convex surface 48 while second mating connector 44 outwardly extends from distal end 20. First mating connector 42 comprises an outwardly extending longitudinal protrusion 50 while second mating connector 44 comprises an outwardly extending protrusion 52.

[043] As better shown in Figures 5, 8A and 8B, there is shown that first mating connector 38 of releasable engaging mechanism 30 comprises a longitudinal protrusion receiving area 54 for releasably receiving the outwardly extending longitudinal protrusion 50 and further wherein second mating connector 40 of releasable engaging mechanism 30 comprises a protrusion receiving area 56 for releasably receiving the outwardly extending protrusion 52. Second mating connector 40 comprises a resilient device 58, a spring-like member or any other part made of a resilient material for example, thereby allowing releasable engaging mechanism 30 of rope receiving member 22 to rotatably and releasably engage with releasable engaging mechanism 34 of engaging member 18. Therefore, when a user wishes to connect a battle rope 12 (fixedely attached to the rope receiving member 22) to the engaging member 18, first, the outwardly extending protrusion 52 is pushed towards the resilient device 58 while the outwardly extending longitudinal protrusion 50 is engaged within the longitudinal protrusion receiving area 54, and second, the rope receiving member 22 is rotated about an engaging member axis 60 defined by the engaging member 18 such as to releasably lock the outwardly extending longitudinal protrusion 50 within the longitudinal protrusion receiving area 54.

[044] Indeed, as better shown in Figures 5, 8A and 8B, elongated engaging hollow structure 36 of releasable engaging mechanism 30 defines an insertion surface 62 and a locking surface 64. Such configuration of the rope receiving member 22 thereby allows elongated engaging hollow structure 36 to rotate about releasable engaging mechanism 34 between an inserting and pressing position (Figure 8A), where the outwardly extending longitudinal protrusion 50 interfaces with the insertion surface 62 and a locking position (Figure 8B), where the outwardly extending longitudinal protrusion 50 interfaces with the locking surface 64. Thus, when the user engages the engaging member 18 within the elongated engaging hollow structure 36 of the rope receiving member 22 according to the inserting and pressing position shown in Figure 8A, he further rotates the elongated engaging hollow structure 36 about the releasable engaging mechanism 34 90° such as to provide it in its locking position. It is to be mentioned that according to the scenario shown in Figure 1 , where two battle ropes 12 are connected to apparatus 10 via two engaging members 18 and rope receiving members 22, a first one of the rope receiving member 22 may be rotated 90° counterclockwise according to the engaging member 18 while a second one of the rope receiving member 22 may be rotated 90° clockwise according to the engaging member 18.

[045] In other words, force of resilient device or spring 58 locks outwardly extending longitudinal protrusion or key 50 into longitudinal protrusion receiving area or key slot 54, fastening the engaging member or the male connection 18 to the rope receiving member or the female connection 22 and releasably maintaining the connection. Conveniently, if a user wishes to interchange the currently attached battle ropes 12 for different battle ropes 12 of a different weight or thickness, they simply may push rope receiving member or female connection 22 towards engaging member or male connection 18 such that protrusion 52 compresses spring 58, and then rotate the female connection 22 such that key 54 exits the key slot 54, releasing the female connection 22 from the male connection 8.

[046] As best shown in Figure 3, rope receiving member 22 comprises a rope receiving area 66 at its rope receiving end 26 which is adapted for fixedly engaging with rope end 14 of battle rope 12. Rope receiving area 66 comprises a rope receiving threaded socket 68 for fixedly engaging with rope end 14. In a way to maintain a strong connection with battle rope 12 itself, rope end 14 may be glued within rope receiving threaded socket 68. Indeed, in an embodiment, an adhesive, for example glue (not shown), is first inserted into the threaded socket 68. Then, the battle rope 12 is inserted into the threaded socket 68 by simultaneously being pushed and rotated so as to coat the battle rope 12 in the previously inserted adhesive as it reaches the distal end of the threaded socket 68. Battle rope 12 and rope receiving member 22 are then securely joined once the adhesive has had time to fully dry. It is however to be mentioned that a person skilled in the art to which apparatus 10 pertains would understand that any other suitable mechanical connection could be used to maintain such strong connection between the battle rope 12 and the rope receiving member 22, even when battle ropes 12 are used by users in training.

[047] As best shown in Figures 4, 6, 7, 8A and 8B, elongated main body 32 further defines a support structure engaging member 70 which extends from the tubular member 46. Support structure engaging member 70 pivotably engages with support structure 16 about pivoting end 72 defined by support structure engaging member 70. Support structure 16 comprises a main frame 74 and a longitudinal rod 76 mounted on the main frame 74 for pivotably receiving the support structure engaging member 70 at its pivoting end 72. On its side, support structure engaging member 70 comprises a rod receiving tubular opening 78 which defines a pivoting axis 80 for receiving the longitudinal rod 76. Support structure engaging member 70 is thus rotatably mounted on the longitudinal rod 76, thereby providing pivot of the engaging member 18 about the pivoting axis 80 and relatively to support structure 16. Support structure 16 further comprises a ball-bearing element 82 which is fixedly/securely mounted on the main frame 74 for interfacing with support structure engaging member 70 upon rotation of the support structure engaging member 70 about the longitudinal rod 76. It is important to be mentioned that a person skilled in the art to which apparatus 10 pertains would understand that configuration of support structure 16 as well as of engaging members 18 may vary, as long as battle ropes 12 may travel in one or more plan(s). Indeed, as shown in Figure 1 , configuration of apparatus 10 allows each battle rope 12 (and therefore engaging members 18) to travel in one plan, while other connection configurations inbetween an engaging member and its support structure may allow each battle rope 12 (and therefore engaging members 18) to travel in more than one plans.

[048] Referring to Figure 1 , there is shown that apparatus 10 may further include a cover 86 and a display device 84, operatively coupled the engaging member(s) 18 and/or the rope receiving member(s) 22 for displaying training data (such as, without limitation, number of strokes, calories burnt, energy expended and the like) to a user.

[049] It is further to be mentioned that even if two battle ropes 12 are shown to be connected to apparatus 10 via engaging members 18 and rope receiving members 22, apparatus 0 may include one or a plurality of engaging member(s) 18 extending from the support structure 16 as well as one or a plurality rope receiving member(s) 22, as long as each rope receiving member 22 is configured for releasably engaging with a corresponding engaging member 18. According to Figure 1 , apparatus 10 comprises two engaging members 18, allowing a user to simultaneously exercise with two battle ropes 12 at once, more specifically one battle rope 12 for the left arm and one battle rope 12 for the right arm. In such an embodiment, keys 50 of each male connection or engaging members 18 face inwards towards each other, reflecting their connection to either the left hand or right hand battle rope 12.

[050] Apparatus 10 therefore allows a user to quickly and easily connect a plurality of interchangeable battle ropes 2 of different weights and thicknesses and to safely exercise with the attached battle ropes 12, as support structure 16 may be fixed/secured to a wall and/or a floor surface (not shown). Battle ropes 12 of different weights and thicknesses can be easily and quickly interchanged to accommodate users of varying ages, weights, body types, fitness levels and the like. Battle ropes 12 may therefore be quickly interchanged in a matter of a few seconds.

[051] According to another embodiment (not shown), engaging member and rope receiving member may be configured differently, as long as it provides a releasable connection between the two elements. Indeed, rope receiving member and engaging member may releasably connect using a latch mechanism or any other suitable mechanical connection means.

[052] While preferred embodiments have been described above and illustrated in the accompanying drawings, it will be evident to those skilled in the art that modifications may be made therein without departing from essence of this disclosure. Such modifications are considered as possible variants comprised in the scope of the disclosure.