Methods and means for lifting jumper
A leg device with means for gripping, or handles, is used to aid in lifting a jumping player, especially for lineouts in Rugby Union. The simple, reusable, easy to use leg device provides a level of effectiveness, comfort, convenience, and safety not provided by conventional methods. In a leg sleeve embodiment, means for gripping include a thickened band or grip attached to a sleeve material. The means for gripping may be formed by attaching a semi-rigid material. The means for gripping may be formed by attaching extra layers in sections, in rolls, in folds. The means for gripping may be shaped to match the hand of a lifter. The means for gripping may comprise memory foam. The leg sleeve may further comprise a knee cutout or a hamstring cutout. To use, leg sleeves are applied to the legs of a jumper. Other embodiments of leg devices include leg glove or mitt and various leg straps. When the jumper jumps, one or more lifters grip the leg device. The lifters lift the jumper higher, support the jumper in the jump while the jumper attempts to intercept a ball, and safely lower the jumper. Non-elastic leg straps many including padding or warrior fringe.
This application is a continuation-in-part of, and claims priority based on, U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/499,023, filed Aug. 3, 2006.
BACKGROUND1. Field of the Invention
This invention relates to a leg device, especially a leg device, such as a leg sleeve or leg strap, with a means for gripping used when lifting a person who is jumping or being lifted, for example a jumper in a Rugby lineout.
2. Description of Prior Art
There is a need to jump high in order to intercept a ball in many sports, such as Rugby, volleyball, or baseball.
For example, in Rugby Union, when a ball goes out of bounds it is returned to play using a set formation known as a lineout. In a lineout, players from both teams line up near where the ball went out of bounds. Each team forms its own line. A space of about one yard is formed between the lines of players, referred to as the tunnel. The ball is then thrown back into the playing field. The ball must be thrown straight into the middle of the tunnel. Players compete for the ball. A player has a greater likelihood of winning the ball if he is higher in the air than others. Therefore, players jump and/or are lifted up by teammates to be in a favorable position to win possession of the ball.
Other activities such as ice skating and dancing also involve lifts.
Various methods have been employed to accomplish these types of lifts and jumps.
Originally, players jumped unassisted by teammates, but the rules of Rugby Union have changed to allow teammates to support a player while in the air. At first, lifters would grab the waist of the jumper. It is currently illegal to grab on to or bind to the player while the player is on the ground. As time passed, it became common to support a jumping player by grabbing the player by the bottom of the shorts and lifting him/her by the shorts long enough to play the ball. More recently, it has been made legal to grab the jumping player by the thighs above the knee. Many jumping players wrap a combination of materials and tapes around the thigh to offer those lifting a better grip.
The use of such techniques has several disadvantages such as:
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- Being ineffective, as a good grip is often still difficult to maintain
- Being unsafe, as jumping players that are dropped because of poor grip can fall up to 10 feet and land in an awkward position
- Damage to or tearing of clothing, especially if the proper shorts are not worn
- Extreme discomfort to the jumper
- Taking time to apply during the critical stages of pre-match preparation
- Requiring help to apply, as taping one's own leg is often difficult to do satisfactorily
- Needing to be taped before every game
- Requiring special skill of the lifter in the case where only one lifter is used
It is also desirable to have a means for lifting that does not cause additional bunching and riding up of the short rugby shorts and that looks better than an awkward contraption of tapes on both thighs.
More recently, elastic sleeves with a gripping surface have also been placed around legs or knees. These also have several disadvantages such as:
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- Being constricting during the activity between lifts
- Being too elastic and sliding up during lifts
- Being hot, causing excessive sweating and odor
- Having material break down
- Being relatively heavy
- Expensive materials requiring expensive equipment to manufacture
There is a need for a means to improve lifting in all levels of play, as ineffective lifts can be costly, dangerous, and contribute significantly to losing a game.
What is needed is an improved lightweight, low cost, easy to manufacture, quick, simple, easy to use, reusable device that provides an effective means of obtaining a sure grip that offers comfort and safety to the players involved.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTIONAccordingly, it is an objective of the present invention to provide an improved lightweight, low cost, easy to manufacture, quick, easy to use, simple, reusable, effective means of lifting a jumper that provides safety and comfort to those involved.
Objects and AdvantagesAccordingly, beside the objects and advantages described above, some additional objects and advantages of the present invention are:
- 1. To provide a comfortable method of lifting a player who is jumping.
- 2. To provide a more effective method of obtaining a sure grip on the thighs of a jumping player.
- 3. To provide an increase of safety for a jumping player being lifted by the thighs.
- 4. To provide means and methods of lifting that are easy to use.
- 5. To provide means and methods of lifting that are reusable.
- 6. To provide means and methods of lifting that offer higher performance.
- 7. To provide means and methods of lifting that can be quickly applied and removed.
- 8. To provide means and methods of lifting that are adjustable to varying conditions.
- 9. To empower a less skilled lifter to lift a jumper by himself.
- 10. To provide means and methods of lifting that are minimal in cost and waste.
- 11. To provide means and methods of lifting that do not worsen a user's appearance.
- 12. To provide means and methods of lifting that do not interfere with the wearing of compression shorts.
- 13. To provide means and methods of lifting that improve a user's appearance.
- 14. To provide means of lifting that do not stretch and slide up the jumper's leg during the lift.
In the drawings, closely related figures have the same number but different alphabetic suffixes.
sleeve—a substantially tubular part designed to fit over another object, such as a leg.
strap—a substantially linearly non-elastic, flat strip or ribbon of flexible material used for securing or holding together, e.g. polypropylene or cotton webbing
DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTIONThe present invention comprises a leg device comprising a handle or other means for gripping. When a person jumps, one or more other people can assist the jumper by gripping the means for gripping. Such a lifter is able to lift the jumper higher, support the jumper while in the air, and safely lower the jumper to the ground. When the jumper is not jumping, the jumper is able to run or otherwise move without hinderance or discomfort. Some embodiments comprise leg sleeves. Other embodiments comprise non-elastic straps comprising handles.
FIG. 1AA first conventional means for lifting (gripping the shorts) is shown on right. The first jumper 110 is lifted by his shorts 112. The first lifter 120 lifts using both his left hand 121 and his right hand 122 on the bottom front of the shorts 112. The second lifter 130 is gripping the shorts with his left hand 131 and his right hand 132 (not shown) to lift. These grips allow the first lifter 120 and second lifter 130 to lift first jumper 110 to a height where he can intercept the ball 140.
A second conventional means for lift (gripping the thigh) is shown on the left. The fourth lifter 170 is using a similar technique of lifting as the second lifter 130 and uses both his right hand 171 and his left hand 172. Third lifter 160 is lifting second jumper 150 by his thigh 154. Note that the second jumper 150 is unstable, is falling, and was unable to intercept the ball because of the bad lift.
Lifting by the shorts has many disadvantages including, for example, discomfort for the jumper, less than optimal lift performance, and difficult to obtain grip. It is also difficult to obtain a secure grip on a bare thigh (e.g. third lifter 160).
FIG. 1BThe one-time-use thigh wrap also has many disadvantages including, for example, difficulty in applying consistently, requiring application by coach, trainer, or other player during the critical pre-game preparation time, discomfort, waste of materials, and debris often left behind.
FIG. 2One advantage of using a flexible, elastic material is that the position of the leg sleeve may be adjusted to meet the needs of a specific condition, such as a particular play. Further, the leg sleeve can be quickly removed from one player and transferred to another player to accommodate substitutions.
FIG. 3AWhen the base sleeve material 230 is neoprene, the extra layers 330 can be made of the same material to simplify manufacturing. When the base sleeve material 230 is a stretch fabric, the extra layers 330 could be neoprene or similar material.
Although shown at the top, a leg sleeve 200 could have multiple thickened areas at the top, middle, and bottom of the sleeve material 230.
FIG. 3CAlthough shown rolled at the top, the roll 350 also could be formed somewhere in the middle of the sleeve material 230 by pinching the material in the middle and rolling the resulting fold. The roll 350 could be then be held by the attachment 220.
Further, a leg sleeve 200 could have multiple rolls 350 at the top, middle, and bottom of the sleeve material 230.
FIG. 3D—Extra Layers Using S-shaped FoldPrior to entering the game, each potential jumper (e.g. first jumper 110 and second jumper 150) applies one or more leg sleeves 200 of the present invention to one or more legs. When an opportunity to intercept the ball occurs, each jumper jumps. One or more players from the jumper's team are then able to grip the leg sleeves 200. For example, as shown in
Because the respective lifters can obtain a safe and secure grip on the leg sleeves 200 of their respective jumper, both jumpers are able to: a) achieve a higher performance jump, b) be held stable during the jump, c) have a more consistent, more competitive attempt for the ball 140. The lifters are able to get a more consistent grip on the jumper. The jumper is able to jump with and be supported with less discomfort and more safety and confidence.
Compare the height and stability of the jumpers in
The increased safety and performance of the present invention may allow for changes in the Laws (rules) of Rugby to allow lifters to support jumpers in other situations, such as intercepting kicked balls, or block kicks.
Further, while the leg sleeves 200 of the present invention are shown as applied to Rugby, the leg sleeves, or other leg devices of the present invention, could be used in other sports that also require jumping, such as Volleyball (e.g. while spiking a set ball, etc.) or Baseball (while jumping at the fence to stop a home run, etc.).
FIG. 5AFor example, in Rugby, because it is not legal to bind with the jumper before the jump is started, the lifters must assess a location to grip while the jumper is in the air. Thus, using the present invention, it is easier to place the open hands against the leg sleeves 200 until the palms of the hands rest against the shaped grips 550. In this way the lifter can quickly assess the location of at least one of the means for gripping 210 and immediately apply lifting pressure against the means for gripping 210.
FIG. 5CBecause of the immediate, sure grip provided by the memory foam 560, the lifter does not have to spend time assessing the location of the means for gripping 210. In Rugby, because it is not legal to bind with the jumper before the jump is started, with this embodiment, the lifter may place the open hands against the leg sleeves 200 making an immediate impression. In this way the lifter can immediately apply lifting pressure against the means for gripping 210.
FIG. 5DThis embodiment provides a means for a single, relatively unskilled lifter to assist a jumper. For example, the single lifter can stand behind the jumper in a lineout. When the jumper jumps, the lifter is able to place his hands on the back of each leg sleeve 200 below the back grip 580. The jumper temporarily sits on the uplifted hands of the lifter. The back grip 580 prevents the lifters hands from sliding up the legs of the jumper. Having a single lifter allows for more offensive players to be distributed across the field and, under the rules of Rugby, reduces the number of defenders who can be close to the lineout.
This embodiment can also be used with two lifters, where a lifter's hand is placed on the back of the leg sleeve 200 against the back grip 580 and another hand is placed on the front of the leg sleeve 200 against the front grip 590 to provide a safe, secure, high performance lift.
FIG. 6As shown in
The layout shown in
The leg glove 700 (or leg mitt) embodiment provides an improved, more secure grip. The hand (shown as 122) is easily slipped inside the pocket 750 during the lift and is easily removed as the jumper comes down. The downward facing pocket opening is less likely to engage the hands or fingers of other players at other times, for example, while being tackled during open play.
As shown in
Each of the straps is made of a non-elastic, flat strip or ribbon of flexible material. The base strap 810 is of a fixed circumference such that the leg device can be passed over the calf 994 and knee 992 but stopped securely when it reaches the larger circumference of the lower thigh 990 (see, for example,
The cross strap 820 is shown at a diagonal with an attached portion 825 and an open portion. As shown in the cross section of the front wall in
During the lift, the cross strap 820 could have over one hundred pounds of force applied to it. To prevent the base layer 740 material from tearing, and to more evenly distribute the force to the base strap 810 (and then the jumper's leg), the reinforcement strap 830 is attached between the base strap 810 and a cross strap 820 forming a triangle. This provides the V-shape which, as discussed above is designed to match the shape and location of the hand (e.g. 122 as shown in
The layout shown in
The straps with sleeve 800 embodiment provides an improved, more secure grip. The hand (shown as 122) is easily slipped inside the open portion of the cross strap 820 during the lift and is easily removed as the jumper comes down. The downward angle of the cross strap 820 opening is less likely, than a horizontal strap, to engage the hands or fingers of other players at other times, for example, while being tackled during open play.
The novel, non-elastic base strap 810 overcomes a disadvantage found with conventional leg sleeves that, because they are elastic, continue to stretch during the lift and slide up the leg. Further, the use of smaller circumference sleeves only partially address this problem and add to the discomfort and constriction of leg sleeve between lifts.
Further, by attaching the straps to the base layer 740, it is more difficult for the opponents to use the strap system disadvantageously.
The leg strap 900 is adjustable to fit a wide variety of leg sizes. This results in several advantages over other leg devices. The manufacture needs to make only one size. The distribution channels need to stock only one size. The user can easily order the right size and the same leg device can be share by multiple plays.
The novel structure allows the leg strap 900 to rapidly and easily attached over the thigh 154, without having to bend over to slide it over the foot, shoe, and calf. For example, the leg strap 900 could be carried in the jumper's pocket between jumps and quickly put only just before a jump. Alternatively, the leg strap could be thrown in from the sideline, exchanged by players on a substitution.
The free end of the handle 980 has a handle stop 930. As shown in detail in
Referring back to
Also as shown in
As shown in
Referring back to
The ability to stow the handle 980 (and to flatten the handle stop 930) provides the advantage that between jumps the jumper can loosen the leg strap 901 and stow the handle 980 in a position (for example, on the front of the leg) where it would be difficult for the opposition to use, for example, to gain an advantage on a tackle.
Referring back to
The handles (880 or 980) are easily grasped before or during each jump or lift, and are easily released after the lift. Between lifts the handles 980 may be stowed. Whether stowed or not, the handles 980 are less likely to be used by opponents than straps with permanent open portions.
If a jumper desires additional cushion, comfort can increased by added a padding strip 970. As shown in
Alternatively, a strip of material with novel warrior fringe 972 (
Alternatively, in an alternate embodiment (not shown), the warrior fringe 972 comprises a plurality of fringe elements each independently attached (for example with hook and loop fasteners) to the strap (810 or 910). Each fringe element could appear as a decoy handle. An opponent attempting to tackle by pulling the handle 980, more often than not would be disappointed with a handful of fringe elements, instead of a tackle.
FIG. 10The embodiment provides the advantage that the leg straps (900 or 901) are always in the proper location on the leg and they can be fully loosened between lifts. The attached shorts are worn, for example, under normal Rugby shorts, the loosened handle will not generally be reachable by a would-be tackler, but would be readily available to a lifter from the jumper's team. The optional handle stops 930 (shown) advantageously stop the straps 901 from unplanned detachment from the bite loops 920 (a-b) or belt loops 971.
Other UsesWhile the descriptions of the various embodiments have been made in reference to Rugby Union, the present invention could also be used for other sports which involve, or in the future may involve, lifting, such as Volleyball, International Rules Football, Australian Rules Football, baseball, ice skating, dance, or other sports.
Advantages ComfortableThe leg devices of the present invention offer comfort to the jumping player. The leg sleeve, leg glove, and leg straps do not apply pressure to the sensitive crotch areas of the body, as conventional methods of lifting do. The wearer also does not risk pulling out the hairs of the leg during removal, as in certain conventional methods.
EffectiveThe leg devices of the present invention are effective. A lifter has much better odds for obtaining and maintaining a sure grip with the present invention than with conventional methods. Thus, the jumper is more consistently able to obtain an optimum jump.
SafeBecause of the effectiveness of the the present invention in allowing lifters to have a sure grip, the present invention offers greater safety and lessens risk of injury to both jumping and lifting players. Some embodiments also provide increased safety for other players, such as opponents.
SimpleThe present invention is simple to make and use. The present invention requires little time to put on.
Easy to UseThe present invention is easy to use. To install, the potential jumper simply applies, or pulls over, one leg device over each leg. The lifters easily can find a grip while lifting the jumper.
Unlike conventional methods of lifting, which require a second party such as a trainer or coach to apply and runs the risk of inconsistency, the present invention is easily put on by one person and gives consistent results.
ReusableThe present invention can be used over and over again. The conventional method of wraps and tapes can only be used once and a new one must be used for every game.
Because the conventional wraps and tapes can only be used once, the materials become trash after use. The remains of the wraps and tape are often strewn on the field and leave an unsightly, unprofessional appearance requiring extra effort to clean up.
Higher PerformanceThe present invention offers higher performance in jumping than conventional methods. The quality of grip maintained allows stronger and higher lift, for example during a Rugby lineout. Use of the present invention gives teams more options on plays to be run during the lineout. The use of the present invention does not hinder agility or running, as conventional taping sometimes does.
QuickThe present invention can be quickly applied and removed. Time from warm-up and pre-game training need not be taken to apply the leg devices. The conventional method of taping can take several minutes to apply and removal can also be a slow process. Conventional taping often requires assistance from a coach or other highly skilled person and detracts from the critical pre-game preparation.
AdjustableThe present invention can easily be adjusted to different heights and positions on the leg. This easy adjustment enables the devices to be set to accommodate different lifters and/or different plays. The present invention can easily be switched from player to player to accommodate substitutions.
EmpoweringThe present invention can empower a single player to lift jumper when that player would not be able to otherwise do so. This can offer teams a considerable advantage in the lineout as well as the reception of kicks.
EfficientThe conventional method of taping is wasteful. Garbage is created after every game, and more taping and wrap materials need to be replaced and bought, adding to expenses. The present invention does not produce additional garbage or cost on repeated uses.
Better AppearanceConventional methods of lifting worsen the look of players. The present invention has a smooth, professional look. While convential taping has limited options, the present invention can easily be manufactured in a variety of colors to match the team color or the individual preference of the wearer. Space on the device material may also be used to bear a team logo, national insignia, or advertising.
The warrior fringe improves the user's appearance and helps promote the spirit of the competition.
Can be Used with Compression Shorts
Some players elect to wear compression shorts while playing their sport. Conventional methods of taping are ineffective when used with compression shorts. The present invention enables players to wear compression shorts and in combination with means for lifting.
Cost EffectiveBecause the leg devices can be made relatively inexpensively, are reusable, and eliminate waste the present invention is cost effective. In particular, the leg strap embodiments can be made very inexpensively, providing a larger market and encouraging less waste.
Conclusion, Ramification, and ScopeAccordingly, the present invention provides an easy to use, simple, safe, comfortable, reusable, and effective means for lifting a jumper.
While the above descriptions contain several specifics these should not be construed as limitations on the scope of the invention, but rather as examples of some of the preferred embodiments thereof. Many other variations are possible. For example, different widths of strap could be used. Additionally, the leg devices could be made of different materials or have additional features, or be used in different sports, without departing from the scope and spirit of the novel features of the present invention.
Accordingly, the scope of the invention should be determined not by the illustrated embodiments, but by the appended claims and their legal equivalents.
Claims
1. A leg strap to be worn on a leg of a jumper and gripped by one or more lifters, said leg strap comprising:
- a) an encircling strap, wherein the strap encircles the leg, said encircling strap having two ends,
- b) a handle, formed from one of the ends of the encircling strap, said handle further comprising a handle stop,
- c) a bite loop, formed from the other end of the encircling strap, the handle removably passing through the bite loop, whereby the leg strap is rapidly attached to the leg of the jumper
- d) a means for stowing the handle, comprising a temporary attachment between the free end of the handle and the encircling strap
- wherein the encircling strap comprises a thin, flexible, non-elastic material of sufficient size and shape to be worn around the leg of the jumper,
- wherein the handle is positioned such that, when the jumper jumps, the one or more lifters is able to grip the handle with at least one hand,
- wherein the handle is of sufficient size and shape that it is easily gripped by the at least one hand of at least one lifter,
- wherein, while lifting, the handle pulls the non-elastic encircling strap through the bite loop and tightens the encircling strap against the leg of the jumper,
- wherein, at other times, the handle releases the encircling strap through the bite loop and loosens the encircling strap around the leg of the jumper,
- wherein, when the jumper jumps to obtain a higher position, the jumper is lifted and held in the higher position by the one or more lifters,
- whereby the temporary attachment is released prior to lifting the jumper.
- whereby while lifting the handle pulls the non-elastic encircling strap taut against the leg of the jumper in a substantially fixed position on the leg, preventing the encircling strap from slipping up the leg above the fixed position,
- whereby the leg strap is taut during the lift and looser during at other times,
- whereby the free end of the handle is not readily accessible by others during the other times,
- whereby the jumper when wearing the leg strap: i) is lifted and held in the higher position by at least one lifter ii) runs and jumps free of discomfort or interference from the leg strap, and
- whereby the lifter:
- iii) readily ascertains the location of the handle while the jumper is jumping, and
- iv) obtains a firm grip on the handle of the leg strap while lifting, supporting, and lowering the jumper,
- whereby the leg strap is rapidly removed from the leg of the jumper.
2. A leg strap to be worn on a leg of a jumper and gripped by one or more lifters, said leg strap comprising:
- a) a encircling strap, wherein the strap encircles the leg, and
- b) a non-elastic means of gripping, attached to the encircling strap,
- wherein the encircling strap comprises a thin, flexible, non-elastic material of sufficient size and shape to be worn around the leg of the jumper,
- wherein the means of gripping is positioned such that, when the jumper jumps, the one or more lifters is able to grip said means of gripping with at least one hand,
- wherein the means of gripping is of sufficient size and shape that it is easily gripped by the at least one hand of at least one lifter,
- wherein, when the jumper jumps to obtain a higher position, the jumper is lifted and held in the higher position by the one or more lifters,
- whereby the jumper when wearing the leg strap is lifted and held in the higher position by at least one lifter.
3. The leg strap of claim 2, wherein the means of gripping comprises a handle comprising a strap segment having a free end and an attaching end, the strap segment being permanently attached to the encircling strap at the attaching end,
- whereby the jumper: i) runs and jumps free of discomfort or interference from the leg strap, and ii) is supported by at least one lifter when jumping to intercept a ball,
- whereby the lifter: iii) readily ascertains the location of the handle while the jumper is jumping, and iv) obtains a firm grip on the handle of the leg strap while lifting, supporting, and lowering the jumper
- and, whereby while lifting the handle pulls the non-elastic encircling strap taut against the leg of the jumper in a substantially fixed position on the leg, preventing the encircling strap from slipping up the leg above the fixed position.
4. The leg strap of claim 3,
- wherein the encircling strap further comprises a bite loop on one end of a closed strap portion of the encircling strap,
- wherein the attaching end of the handle is an attached continuation of closed strap portion, and
- wherein the free end of the handle removably passes through the bite loop,
- wherein, while lifting, the handle pulls the non-elastic encircling strap through the bite loop and tightens the encircling strap against the leg of the jumper, and
- wherein, at other times, the handle releases the encircling strap through the bite loop and loosens the encircling strap around the leg of the jumper,
- whereby the leg strap is rapidly attached to the leg of the jumper,
- whereby the leg strap is taut during the lift and looser during at other times, and
- whereby the leg strap is rapidly removed from the leg of the jumper.
5. The leg strap of claim 3, further comprising a means for stowing the handle at the other times, wherein the free end of the handle is temporarily attached to the closed section of the encircling strap,
- whereby the free end of the handle is not readily accessible by others during the other times, and
- whereby the temporary attachment is released prior to lifting the jumper.
6. The leg strap of claim 3, further comprising padding attached to the encircling strap, wherein the padding cushions the encircling strap against the leg,
- whereby the jumper experiences less discomfort and less injury.
7. The leg strap of claim 3, further comprising fringe elements attached to the encircling strap, wherein the fringe elements have a similar appearance to the handle,
- whereby the leg strap has a pleasant appearance,
- whereby the handle is concealed by the fringe elements, and
- whereby the spirit of the competition is enhanced.
8. A system comprising a plurality of leg straps of claim 3 and a pair of shorts,
- wherein the leg straps are integrated into the pair of shorts.
9. The leg strap of claim 3, wherein the free end of the handle further comprises a handle stop.
10. The leg strap of claim 4, wherein the handle stop comprises two flexible stop legs.
11. The leg strap of claim 2,
- wherein the encircling strap is permanently closed, having a predetermined circumference,
- wherein, to apply the leg strap, the encircling strap is passed over the foot of the jumper and when positioned, in a predetermined position on the leg of the jumper, becomes taut preventing the leg strap from slipping up the leg above the predetermined position,
- wherein, to remove, the encircling strap passed over the foot and off the leg, and
- wherein, to reuse, the encircling strap is again is passed over the foot.
12. The leg strap of claim 2, further comprising:
- a) a cross strap, connected to the encircling strap, wherein the cross strap has a larger circumference than the circumference of the encircling strap, and
- b) a base layer of material, attached to the encircling strap and at least an attached portion of the cross strap,
- wherein the means for gripping comprises the cross strap,
- wherein the base layer connects and encloses the area between the encircling strap and the cross strap,
- wherein the cross strap has an open portion through which the hand of the lifter pass.
13. The leg strap of claim 12, further comprising a reinforcement strap, having two ends,
- wherein the reinforcement strap is connected to encircling strap at one end and to the cross strap at the other end, forming a triangle,
- whereby, during the lift, forces are distributed via the reinforcement strap and the cross strap to the base strap, whereby the jumper held more securely and jumper has more comfort.
14. The leg strap of claim 2, further comprising:
- a) a front strap, having a first end and a second end, each front strap end attached to the encircling strap, wherein the front strap has an front open portion between the first and second end,
- b) a back strap, having a third end and a fourth end, each back strap end attached to the encircling strap, wherein the front strap has an front open portion between the third and fourth end,
- wherein the means for gripping comprises at least one of the front open portion or the back open portion, and
- wherein the one or more hands of one or more lifters pass through at least one of the front open portion or the back open portion.
15. A leg glove, to be worn on a leg of a jumper and gripped by one or more lifters, said leg glove comprising material folded to form two layers, a base layer and a pocket layer,
- wherein the pocket layer has at least one open portion each forming a pocket,
- wherein the pocket is attached at one side of the opening with a pocket attachment and at the other side of the opening with a base attachment,
- wherein a means for gripping comprises the pocket and the pocket attachment, and
- wherein the one or more hands of one or more lifters pass through the at least one open portion,
- whereby the jumper is able to: i) apply the leg glove over the leg of the jumper, ii) run and jump free of discomfort or interference from the leg glove, and iii) be supported by at least one lifter when jumping to intercept a ball, and whereby the lifter is able to: iv) readily ascertain the location of the open portion while the jumper is jumping, and v) obtain a firm grip on the pocket while lifting, supporting, and lowering the jumper.
16. A system for supporting a jumper by one or more lifters, said system comprising two leg straps in accordance with claim 2, said two leg straps comprising a first leg strap to be worn on a one leg of the jumper and a second leg strap to be worn on the other leg of the jumper,
- wherein, prior to jumping, the first and second leg sleeves are applied to the corresponding legs of the jumper, and
- wherein, when jumping, a first hand of the at least one lifter grips the means of gripping of the first leg sleeve and a second hand of the at least one lifter grips the means of gripping of the second leg sleeve,
- whereby when the jumper jumps to higher position the at least one lifter is able to support the jumper with the first hand on the first leg sleeve and the second hand on the second leg sleeve.
17. A method for supporting a jumper by one or more lifters comprising the steps of:
- a) applying two of the leg straps of claim 2 to the legs of the jumper,
- b) the jumper jumping into the higher position,
- c) the one or more lifters ascertaining the location of each means of gripping,
- d) the one or more lifters gripping a means of gripping with each hand,
- e) lifting the jumper to a second higher position,
- f) holding the jumper firmly in the second higher position until the jumper is able to intercept the ball, and
- g) lowering the jumper safely and securely,
- h) repeating steps b) through g) for a predetermined period of time,
- i) removing the leg straps,
- j) reapplying the leg straps, and
- k) repeating steps b) through g) for a second predetermined period of time.
18. The leg strap of claim 2, wherein the lifters are consistently able to obtain a firm grip on the leg straps,
- whereby the lifters are able to lift the jumper higher,
- whereby the lifters are able to provide a more stable support for the jumper,
- whereby the jumper is able to intercept the ball more often, and
- whereby the jumper is able to jump, be supported, and be lowered more safely.
19. The leg strap of claim 2, further comprising padding, wherein a lifting force from the lifters is applied to the thighs of the jumper and wherein the lifting force is applied through the cushion of the padding,
- whereby the jumper experiences less discomfort and less injury.
20. A method for supporting a jumper by one or more lifters comprising the steps of:
- a) applying two leg straps to the legs of the jumper, each leg strap comprising a means of gripping,
- b) the jumper jumping into a higher position,
- c) the one or more lifters gripping one of the means of gripping with each hand,
- d) lifting the jumper to a second higher position,
- e) holding the jumper firmly in the second higher position until the jumper is able to intercept the ball,
- f) lowering the jumper,
- g) repeating steps b) through f) at least once,
- h) removing the leg straps,
- i) reapplying the leg straps, and
- j) repeating steps b) through f) at least once.
Type: Application
Filed: May 4, 2007
Publication Date: Apr 16, 2009
Inventors: Kendyl Allen Roman (Sunnyvale, CA), Joel P. Roman (Sunnyvale, CA), Dean S. White (Belmont, CA), John Livacich (Sunnyvale, CA)
Application Number: 11/800,356
International Classification: A63B 71/00 (20060101);