Cordless skipping-rope can help the clumsy

If you think keeping fit is merely mind over matter, Lester Clancy has an invention for you — a cordless skipping (jump)-rope.

That's right, a skipping-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.

High-tech handles aren't needed. You could even use toilet paper holders.