WASHINGTON (AP) -- If you think keeping fit is merely mind over matter, Lester Clancy has an invention for you -- a cordless jump-rope.
That's right, a jump-rope minus the rope. All that's left is two handles, so you jump over the pretend rope. Or if you are truly lazy, you can pretend to jump over the pretend rope.
And for that idea kicking around Clancy's head since 1988, the U.S. Patent Office this month awarded the 52-year-old Mansfield, Ohio, man a patent. Its number: 7037243.
What makes this invention work is the moving weights inside the handles. They simulate the feel of a rope moving, Clancy said. Well, it's only one handle so far because Clancy is waiting for financial backers before building its partner.
But why jump rope without a rope?
It's perfect for the clumsy, Clancy said. "If you are still jumping, you're still using your legs as well as your arms, and getting the cardiovascular workout. You just don't have to worry about tripping on the rope."
It is also good for mental institutions and prisons where rope is a suicide risk, said Clancy, who works as a laundry coordinator in a state prison. And low ceiling fans aren't a hazard any more, he said.
Daniel Wright, who features the cordless jump-rope on his Web site www.patentlysilly.com can barely talk about Clancy's invention without laughing.
"What really grabbed me is the name," Wright said. "Take the cord out of the jump-rope, [he giggled] and that's what is the jump-rope."
The idea isn't all that crazy, said Mike Ernst, a professor of kinesiology at California State University in Dominguez Hills.
"I think it's silly but at the same time if somehow, some way it promotes physical activity, gets kids active, then I'm all for it," Ernst said.
The more he thought about it, the more Ernst said he could see the benefit, adding that the act of jumping, not the rope itself, is what provides exercise.
"Do you need to jump with a rope? You don't," Ernst said. "But I wouldn't buy the product, I can tell you that. I'm not an idiot."
High-tech handles aren't needed. You could even use toilet paper holders, Ernst said. On second thought, he wondered if he could patent that idea.
Good Gawd ........... isn't that like wetless water ? or chickenless fried chicken ?
fat people will love this though, lazy people too. They'll swing their chubby, soft little arms and legs and after 5 minutes say what a great workout they had
BRP I edited the URL for the patentsilly site, you had a cooma at the end which made it to where it didn't work.
This has inspired me to work on weightless weights. I think I'll sell a 300 lb set for $59.99. Shipping will only be about $1, as all that's included is two hollow, plastic handles.
I figure that with a few months of working out, a person will have phenominal new personal records in the bench press, squat, and dead lift. This should lead to a new sport ... imaginative body building. You will be able to tell how much weightless iron has been pumped based on the imaginitive "Pose Down" that competitors will engage in.
BTW, If anyone live in the Central Ohio area, I am alsostarting up some air guitar lessons.
Actually I have thought about putting a bunch of strategically located remote control buzzers in the woods that one could use to spook a deer in your direction for bow hunters..... It is so frustrating when you can't get that big buck in bow range, just hit a switch and spook him a little closer to you for the shot![8D]
__________________
The Tazman aka Martin Price
Proud father of a Devil Dog
Oooh, oooh ... how about the internetless internet. Since most of the stuff out there is just made-up anyway, you can just sit in front of a box and imagine funny videos, blogs, bogus news reports, spam, etc.
Oooh, oooh ... how about the internetless internet. Since most of the stuff out there is just made-up anyway, you can just sit in front of a box and imagine funny videos, blogs, bogus news reports, spam, etc.
This is a classic!!!
__________________
Jesus Christ--The reason for the season!
If you can read this, thank a teacher. If you can read this in English, thank a veteran.
If you're certain you know everything, there's little opportunity to learn anything.
the ropeless jumprope
