Bungee cords equipped with metal hooks
A bungee cord (sometimes spelled bungle; also known as a shock cord) is an
elastic cord composed of one or more elastic strands forming a core, usually covered in a woven cotton or
polypropylene sheath. The sheath does not materially extend elastically, but it is braided with its strands spiralling around the core so that a longitudinal pull causes it to squeeze the core, transmitting the core's elastic compression to the longitudinal extension of the sheath and cord. Specialized bungees, such as some used in
bungee jumping
Bungee jumping (), also spelled bungy jumping, is an activity that involves a person jumping from a great height while connected to a large elastic cord. The launching pad is usually erected on a tall structure such as a building or crane, a ...
, may be made entirely of elastic strands.
Uses
upA child on a bungee cord device in Moscow, Russia
Bungee cords have been used to provide a lightweight suspension for aircraft undercarriages from before
World War I, and are still used on many small homebuilt aircraft where weight remains critical. Bungee cords were also used in
parachuting to assist in opening the old-style parachute container after the
ripcord was pulled.
Today, bungee cords are most often used to secure objects without tying
knot
A knot is an intentional complication in cordage which may be practical or decorative, or both. Practical knots are classified by function, including hitches, bends, loop knots, and splices: a ''hitch'' fastens a rope to another object; a ...
s and to
absorb shock. Inexpensive bungee cords, with metal or plastic hooks on each end, are marketed as a general utility item. In Australia, this form is known as an octopus, or "occy", strap, or as a jockey strap. These can be an individual strap, or a set of four hooked straps held together by a metal ring allowing the occy strap to secure items around various tie points, for example a suitcase to a car roof rack. Extensions of the concept are available as a coarse net of bungee cords with metal or plastic hooks around the periphery, for securing irregularly shaped loads of luggage and cargo on the backs of
pickup trucks, roofs of cars, and so on.
Bungee cords have also been used to make
bungee chair
A bungee chair is a chair that has bungee cords or bands incorporated in its construction. While the chair’s legs and other components are usually made with traditional materials such as plastic or metal
A metal (from Greek μέταλλ� ...
s and for other purposes.
Etymology
The origin of the name "bungee", "bungie" or "bungy" is uncertain. The
Oxford English Dictionary records the use of the phrase in 1938 for
launching of
gliders using an elasticated cord.
Hazards
Bungee cords are a major source of eye injury, and some doctors suggest not using them.
References
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Fasteners
