Play devices principally for jumping or skipping

Abstract

Detailed are play and exercise devices providing dynamic distance between a housing and a collar or loop positioned about a limb (typically ankle) of a user. Elastic cord may be used to connect the housing and loop and to allow their relative distances to change in use. The cord also may itself form the loop, avoiding any need for a separate such component.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A play or exercise device comprising:
 a. a mass;   b. a collar configured for placement in use about a limb of a user; and   c. variable-length means for connecting the mass and the collar.   
     
     
         2 . A device according to  claim 1  in which the mass is a ball and the variable-length connecting means comprises elongated elastic cord. 
     
     
         3 . A device according to  claim 2  in which the ball is illuminated. 
     
     
         4 . A device according to  claim 2  in which the ball comprises a channel configured to receive the variable-length connecting means. 
     
     
         5 . A device according to  claim 4  in which the ball further comprises first and second openings defining opposed endpoints of the channel. 
     
     
         6 . A device according to  claim 5  in which the ball has an interior having a hollow portion and a wall positioned centrally within the interior so as to form the channel. 
     
     
         7 . A device according to  claim 4  in which the channel has an enlarged portion abutting the first opening. 
     
     
         8 . A device according to  claim 7  further comprising a connection assembly removably fitted into the enlarged portion of the channel so as to retain the variable-length connecting means in the ball. 
     
     
         9 . A device according to  claim 8  in which the connection assembly comprises a cap. 
     
     
         10 . A device according to  claim 9  in which the ball has an exterior surface and the cap is flush with the exterior surface when the connection assembly is fitted into the enlarged portion of the channel. 
     
     
         11 . A device according to  claim 2  in which the variable-length connecting means has a first end region and the collar is formed by bending the first end region in non-linear manner. 
     
     
         12 . A device according to  claim 11  further comprising a crimp or cover configured to connect the first end region to itself. 
     
     
         13 . A device according to  claim 12  in which the collar may be resized by changing a position at which the first end region connects to itself.