7 Interesting Facts about Elastic Shock Cords
The invention and mass production of rubber completely revolutionized the world. Of all the products that came out of the rubber revolution, however, the shock cord, also known as the bungee, is probably the most versatile and fun. Here are a few interesting facts you probably didn’t know about the shock cord from the National Webbing Products Company.
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The name “bungee” is believed to have come from the Anglo-Indian word “bangy.” This term refers to a yoke carried on the shoulders from which a load is balanced on either end of the yoke with cords.
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The act of bungee jumping is said to have originated on Pentecost Island, now known as the Republic of Vanuatu, just east of Australia. According to local folklore dating back over 1500 years, a woman was fleeing from her angry husband and climbed up a very tall tree. As he climbed up after her, she tied a vine around her ankles and jumped. When she jumped the vines stopped her fall. Her husband, however, was not so lucky. Today, this test of courage is still performed on the island using vines.
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The use of rubber bungee cords didn’t start until the late 1970s. The Oxford Dangerous Sports Club of Britain made a very public display on April Fool’s Day on 1979 when they bungeed 245 feet off the Clifton Bridge in Bristol.
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Currently, the world’s tallest bungee jump is located at Royal Gorge Bridge in Colorado. The bridge itself is 1,053 feet high. Jumpers use an 800-foot bungee cord to experience this ultimate leap of faith.
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Most bungee cords are made from either natural or synthetic rubber. Natural rubber cords are great when it comes to their ability to stretch and return to their original shape, however, they are susceptible to dry rot and UV damage. Synthetic rubber, on the other hand, is less resilient but very durable against the elements.
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Cords are usually covered with either braided cotton or nylon. Nylon is very durable against everyday wear and tear, however, most bungee jumping cords use two layers of cotton weave because cotton is more flexible.
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In order to pass safety standards, a bungee cord must be able to support at least 350 pounds when it is fully extended and endure 50,000 flex cycles.
For more fun facts and information about elastic shock cords, contact the professionals at the National Webbing Products Company.
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