U.S. patent application number 12/151303 was filed with the patent office on 2009-11-05 for leg handle comprising hollow cylindrical section.
Invention is credited to Kendyl A. Roman.
Application Number | 20090271907 12/151303 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 41256120 |
Filed Date | 2009-11-05 |
United States Patent
Application |
20090271907 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Roman; Kendyl A. |
November 5, 2009 |
Leg handle comprising hollow cylindrical section
Abstract
A leg handle with preferably hollow cylindrical sections, is
used to aid in lifting a jumping player, especially for lineouts in
Rugby Union. The handles are preferably made of one or more foam
sausages attached to a thin stretch fabric sleeve which is placed
the leg of the jumper and when jumping allow for secure grasp by
lifters. The simple, reusable, easy to use leg handles provide a
level of effectiveness, comfort, convenience, and safety not
provided by conventional methods. To use, leg handles are applied
to one or more legs of a jumper and held in place with tape. When
the jumper jumps, one or more lifters place there hands against the
leg handle. 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. Leg handles comprising cylindrical
sections are embodied with a single sausage; a lower front sausage
and a higher back sausage; or as a pair of such sausages integrated
into respective legs of a pair of compression shorts.
Inventors: |
Roman; Kendyl A.;
(Sunnyvale, CA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
KENDYL A ROMAN
730 BANTRY COURT
SUNNYVALE
CA
94087
US
|
Family ID: |
41256120 |
Appl. No.: |
12/151303 |
Filed: |
May 5, 2008 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
2/23 ; 2/22;
294/140; 294/219 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A63B 26/00 20130101;
A41D 1/089 20180101; A63B 71/1225 20130101; A41D 1/08 20130101;
A63B 21/068 20130101; A63B 2243/0066 20130101; A63B 2071/1241
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
2/23 ; 2/22;
294/140; 294/1.1 |
International
Class: |
A41D 27/00 20060101
A41D027/00; A41D 13/00 20060101 A41D013/00 |
Claims
1. A leg handle to be worn on a leg of a jumper and engaged by one
or more lifters, said leg handle comprising: a) a thin stretch
fabric material, having a thickness substantially less than about
one millimeter, b) at least one cylindrical section attached to the
thin stretch fabric, wherein the thin stretch fabric material is of
sufficient size and shape to be worn around the lower thigh of the
jumper, wherein the thin stretch fabric material is sufficient size
and shape wherein at least one wrapping of tape may be applied over
below the cylindrical section on the thin stretch fabric without
touching the skin of the leg of the jumper, whereby the leg handle
is prevented from slipping up during the lift and whereby the skin
and hair of the leg of the jumper is not adversely affected,
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 handle: i) is
lifted and held in the higher position by at least one lifter, and
ii) runs and jumps free of discomfort or interference from the leg
handle, and whereby at least one of the lifters: iii) readily
ascertains the location of the cylindrical section while the jumper
is jumping, and iv) securely engages at least one cylindrical
section with at least one hand while lifting, supporting, and
lowering the jumper.
2. The leg handle of claim 1, wherein the cylindrical section has
rounded ends, and wherein, when attached to the leg of a jumper,
all of the edges of the cylindrical section taper smoothly down to
the leg of the jumper, whereby the edges which are engaged the hand
of the lifter correspond to the shape of the hand of the
lifter.
3. The leg handle of claim 1, wherein the cylindrical section is
about five inches long.
4. The leg handle of claim 1, wherein the cylindrical section is
between about three-quarters of an inch and about one and
one-quarter inches in radius.
5. The leg handle of claim 1, wherein the wall thickness of
cylindrical section is between about four and about twenty-nine
millimeters.
6. The leg handle of claim 1, wherein the wall thickness of
cylindrical section is between about three-eights of an inch.
7. The leg handle of claim 1, wherein the cylindrical section is
formed from a hollow cylinder.
8. The leg handle of claim 1, wherein thin stretch fabric material
forms compression shorts with two short legs, wherein each of the
two short legs are attached to at least one cylindrical section,
whereby at least one of the cylindrical sections is prevented from
slipping down by the compression shorts compressing about the waist
and legs of the jumper.
9. The leg handle of claim 1, wherein the thin stretch fabric
material forms a leg sleeve, and wherein the thin stretch fabric
material is capable of being taped to the thigh of the jumper,
whereby the leg handle is prevented from slipping down.
10. A system for supporting a jumper by one or more lifters, said
system comprising two leg handles in accordance with claim 1, said
two leg handles comprising a first leg handle to be worn on a one
leg of the jumper and a second leg handle to be worn on the other
leg of the jumper, wherein, prior to jumping, the first and second
leg handles are applied to the corresponding legs of the jumper,
and wherein, when jumping, a first hand of the at least one lifter
grips handle of the first leg handle and a second hand of the at
least one lifter grips handle of the second leg handle, 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
handle and the second hand on the second leg handle.
11. A method for supporting a jumper by one or more lifters
comprising the steps of: a) applying at least two of the leg
handles of claim 1 to the legs of the jumper, b) taping below each
of the cylindrical sections, c) the jumper jumping into the higher
position, d) the one or more lifters ascertaining the location of
each cylindrical section, e) the one or more lifters engaging each
handle with each hand, f) lifting the jumper to a second higher
position, g) holding the jumper firmly in the second higher
position until the jumper is able to intercept the ball, and h)
lowering the jumper safely and securely, i) repeating steps b)
through h) for a predetermined period of time, j) removing the leg
handles, k) reapplying the leg handles, and l) repeating steps b)
through h) for a second predetermined period of time.
12. A method for supporting a jumper by one or more lifters
comprising the steps of: a) applying two leg handles to the legs of
the jumper, each leg handle comprising at least one cylindrical
section and thin stretch fabric, said stretch fabric having a
thickness of about one half millimeter, b) the jumper jumping into
a higher position, c) the one or more lifters gripping one of the
handles 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 handles, i) reapplying the leg handles,
and j) repeating steps b) through f) at least once.
13. A unit of compression shorts with integrated leg handles, to be
worn over legs of a jumper and engaged by one or more lifters, said
compression shorts comprising: a) thin stretch fabric material of
sufficient size and shape to be worn around the wasted and thighs
of the jumper, b) a plurality of hollow cylindrical sections
attached to the thin stretch fabric, wherein the thin stretch
fabric material is sufficient size and shape wherein at least one
wrapping of tape may be applied over below each cylindrical section
on the thin stretch fabric without touching the skin of the leg of
the jumper, whereby the leg handle is prevented from slipping up
during the lift and whereby the skin and hair of the leg of the
jumper is not adversely affected, 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 handle: i) is lifted and held in the higher
position by at least one lifter, and ii) runs and jumps free of
discomfort or interference from the leg handle, and whereby at
least one of the lifters: iii) readily ascertains the location of
the cylindrical section while the jumper is jumping, and iv)
securely engages at least one cylindrical section with at least one
hand while lifting, supporting, and lowering the jumper.
14. The compression shorts with integrated leg handles of claim 13,
wherein each cylindrical section has rounded ends, and wherein,
when attached to the leg of a jumper, all of the edges of each
cylindrical section taper smoothly down to the legs of the jumper,
whereby the edges which are engaged the hands of the lifter
correspond to the shape of the hands of the lifter.
15. The compression shorts with integrated leg handles of claim 13,
wherein each cylindrical section is about five inches long.
16. The compression shorts with integrated leg handles of claim 13,
wherein each cylindrical section is between about three-quarters of
an inch and about one and one-quarter inches in radius.
17. The compression shorts with integrated leg handles of claim 13,
wherein the wall thickness of each cylindrical section is between
about four and about twenty-nine millimeters.
18. The compression shorts with integrated leg handles of claim 13,
wherein the wall thickness of each cylindrical section is between
about three-eights of an inch.
19. The leg handle of claim 7, wherein the combined thickness of
each cylindrical section and the surrounding thin stretch material
is less than or equal to about five millimeters.
20. The compression shorts with integrated leg handles of claim 13,
wherein the combined thickness of each cylindrical section and the
surrounding thin stretch material is less than or equal to about
five millimeters.
Description
BACKGROUND
[0001] 1. Field of the Invention
[0002] This invention relates to a leg handle used when lifting a
person who is jumping or being lifted, for example a jumper in a
Rugby lineout. In particular, a leg handle comprising a hollow
cylindrical section.
[0003] 2. Description of Prior Art
[0004] There is a need to jump high in order to intercept a ball in
many sports, such as Rugby, volleyball, or baseball.
[0005] 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.
[0006] Other activities such as ice skating and dancing also
involve lifts.
[0007] Various methods have been employed to accomplish these types
of lifts and jumps.
[0008] Originally, players jumped unassisted by teammates, but the
laws (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's cotton Rugby shorts. 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.
[0009] The use of such techniques has several disadvantages such
as: [0010] Being ineffective, as a good grip is often still
difficult to maintain [0011] Being unsafe, as jumping players that
are dropped because of poor grip can fall up to 10 feet and land in
an awkward position [0012] Damage to or tearing of clothing,
especially if the proper shorts are not worn [0013] Extreme
discomfort to the jumper, especially in the groin area [0014]
Taking time to apply during the critical stages of pre-match
preparation [0015] Requiring a large amount of tape, e.g. almost a
full roll of athletic tape [0016] Requiring help to apply, as
taping one's own leg is often difficult to do satisfactorily [0017]
Needing to be taped before every game or practice
[0018] 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.
[0019] Regulation Rugby shorts are made of thick, non-stretch
cotton fabric. The shorts are used to bind onto other players
during play such as scrums, rucks, and mauls. The shorts are also
used to lift jumpers. The legs of the Rugby short are short and
wide allowing the player a large range of leg movement and reducing
the surface area that may be used to disadvantageously tackle the
wearer. Thus, a primary characteristic of Rugby shorts are that
they are non-stretch, short-legged, and loosely fitting.
[0020] For extra support, modesty, and comfort, it is common for
Rugby players to also wear skin-tight, longer-legged, compressions
shorts made of low denier stretch fabric, known as Spandex or
Elastane. These separate and distinct compression shorts are worn
under their regulation Rugby shorts.
[0021] On Feb. 26, 1999, Halbro Sportswear applied for a UK patent,
application GB 2347067A, where strips of non-stick material are
sewn into the sides and lower edges of regulation Rugby shorts.
These strips of non-stick material allow team mates to more easily
grip the Rugby shorts during a Rugby lineout.
[0022] Later, elastic neoprene sleeves comprising a non-slip
gripping surface have been placed around legs. On Apr. 22, 2003,
Mark Giarcheri filed application PCT/GB03/01719 showing a neoprene
sleeve comprising a non-slip gripping surface with a ridge at the
top. In 2005, KooGa introduced a "Lineout Support" comprising a
neoprene sleeve with a non-slip gripping surface.
[0023] Elastic sleeves comprising other types of means for gripping
have been placed around legs. For example, U.S. patent application
Ser. No. 11/499,023, filed Aug. 3, 2006, and U.S. patent
application Ser. No. 11/800,356, filed May 4, 2007, disclose my
earlier attempts to solve these problems. While successful in part,
those earlier attempts still suffer from various problems.
[0024] More recently, the Centurion brand (Primo Play Ltd.)
introduced Aerial Supports.TM. consisting of a heavy neoprene
housing a rubber lifting block. Deacon Manu developed Aerial
Supports.TM..
[0025] Elastic leg sleeves have several disadvantages such as:
[0026] Being constricting during the activity between lifts [0027]
Being too elastic and sliding up during lifts [0028] Being hot,
causing excessive sweating and odor [0029] Having material break
down [0030] Being relatively heavy [0031] Having relative expensive
materials [0032] Having materials requiring expensive equipment to
manufacture [0033] Being complex, and thus costly to manufacture
[0034] Sliding down the leg
[0035] 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.
[0036] 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.
[0037] Further, what is needed is a device that can be used by new
players and youth to safely develop their technique, skill, and
timing during practices and prior to game situations that may
require conventional lifting aids.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0038] Accordingly, 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, comfort, and high performance for
those involved.
Objects and Advantages
[0039] Accordingly, beside the objects and advantages described
above, some additional objects and advantages of the present
invention are: [0040] 1. To provide a comfortable method of lifting
a player who is jumping. [0041] 2. To provide a more effective
method of obtaining a sure grip on the thighs of a jumping player.
[0042] 3. To provide an increase of safety for a jumping player
being lifted by the thighs. [0043] 4. To provide means and methods
of lifting that are easy to use. [0044] 5. To provide means and
methods of lifting that are reusable. [0045] 6. To provide means
and methods of lifting that offer higher performance. [0046] 7. To
provide means and methods of lifting that can be quickly applied
and removed. [0047] 8. To provide means and methods of lifting that
are adjustable to varying conditions. [0048] 9. To empower a less
skilled lifter to lift a jumper by himself. [0049] 10. To provide
means and methods of lifting that are minimal in cost and waste.
[0050] 11. To provide means and methods of lifting that do not
worsen a user's appearance. [0051] 12. To provide means and methods
of lifting that improve a user's appearance. [0052] 13. To provide
means of lifting that do not stretch and slide up the jumper's leg
during the lift. [0053] 14. To provide a youth and new player
development device that can be safely used to teach technique,
skill, and timing. [0054] 15. To reduce the waste of materials such
as tape.
DRAWING FIGURES
[0055] In the drawings, closely related figures have the same
number but different alphabetic suffixes.
[0056] FIG. 1A through FIG. 1C show prior art techniques and
devices for lifting a jumper.
[0057] FIG. 2 illustrates an embodiment of a foam sausage.
[0058] FIG. 3 illustrates a hollow cylinder.
[0059] FIG. 4A and FIG. 4B show cross sections of cylindrical
sections.
[0060] FIG. 5 shows a cylindrical section.
[0061] FIG. 6 shows a back view of a cylindrical section with
rounded ends, forming a sausage.
[0062] FIG. 7A illustrates a thin stretch fabric sleeve with a
front sausage.
[0063] FIG. 7B illustrates a thin stretch fabric sleeve with a
front and back sausages.
[0064] FIG. 7C illustrates compression shorts with a front and back
sausage in each leg.
[0065] FIGS. 8A through 8C illustrate a single sausage pattern, a
double sausage pattern, and a compression short pattern.
[0066] FIG. 8D a pattern for a sausage cover.
[0067] FIG. 9 illustrates using tape over the thin stretch fabric
on a thigh.
REFERENCE NUMERALS IN DRAWINGS
TABLE-US-00001 [0068] 110 first jumper 112 shorts 120 first lifter
121 left hand of first lifter 122 right hand of first lifter 130
second lifter 131 left hand of second lifter 132 right hand of
second lifter 140 ball 150 second jumper 154 thigh 160 third lifter
161 left hand of third lifter 162 right hand of third lifter 170
fourth lifter 171 right hand of fourth lifter 172 left hand of
forth lifter 180 third jumper 190 tape underwrap 192 (a-c) tape 194
bulge 201 foam sausage 202 (a-b) cylindrical section 203 (a-c)
smaller cylindrical section 204 hollow cylinder 205 double sausage
206 sausage compression shorts 208 back sausage 209 front sausage
232 (a-c) thin stretch fabric 301 high friction grippable member
302 non-slip surface 303 first half-sphere protruding point 304
second half-sphere protruding point 305 rectangular ridge member
810 base strap 871 single sausage pattern 872 double sausage
pattern 876 compression short pattern 877 sausage cover 878 back
sausage position 879 front sausage position 990 lower thigh 992
knee 994 calf
DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0069] The present invention comprises a leg handle comprising a
hollow cylindrical section. When a person jumps, one or more other
people can assist the jumper by gripping leg handle. 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
hindrance or discomfort.
FIG. 1A
[0070] FIG. 1A illustrates two conventional means of lifting. As
shown on the right, a first jumper 110 is lifted by a first lifter
120 and a second lifter 130. As shown on the left, a second jumper
150 is lifted by a third lifter 160 and a fourth lifter 170.
[0071] A 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.
[0072] 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.
[0073] 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),
especial when the skin is covered with sweat.
FIG. 1B
[0074] FIG. 1B illustrates a third jumper 180 with material wrapped
around his thighs 154, just above each knee 992. The one-time-use
material consists of an underwrap 190 covered by an upper strip of
tape 192a and a lower strip of tape 192b. The tape underwrap 190
may consist of fabric athletic tape, stretch tape, or foam
underwrap tape. Typically the tape 192 is black, plastic,
electrical tape. This arrangement creates a bulge 194. The bulge
194 may include additional layers of the foam tape underwrap 190 or
cloth material.
[0075] The 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. 1C
[0076] FIG. 1C illustrates a neoprene sleeve comprising a non-slip
gripping surface with a ridge at the top. The high friction
grippable member 301 comprises a non-slip surface 302, with a first
half-sphere protruding point 303 and a second half-sphere
protruding point 304, and rectangular ridge member 305.
FIG. 2
[0077] FIG. 2 illustrates an embodiment of a foam sausage 201. The
sausage 201 is shown with rounded ends.
FIG. 3
[0078] FIG. 3 illustrates a hollow cylinder 204. In a preferred
embodiment, the hollow cylinder is made of soft foam with a wall
thickness of between four (4) and twenty-nine millimeters.
FIG. 4A and FIG. 4B
[0079] FIG. 4A and FIG. 4B show cross sections of cylindrical
sections. The cylindrical section of the present invention may be
molded to shape or cut from a pre-manufactured foam cylinder such
as one shown in FIG. 3. A hollow cylinder can be cut in half
resulting in two half cylindrical sections, 202a and 202b,
respective, as shown in FIG. 4A. Alternatively, it may be cut into
three or more smaller cylindrical sections, as illustrated by
smaller cylindrical sections 203(a-b) in FIG. 4B.
FIG. 5
[0080] FIG. 5 shows a cylindrical section 202 made, for example, by
cutting a hollow cylinder 204 (FIG. 3) in half as shown in the
cross section of FIG. 4A.
FIG. 6
[0081] FIG. 6 shows a foam sausage 201 formed by rounding the ends
of the cylindrical section shown in FIG. 5. A currently preferred
embodiment of a foam sausage 201 conforms to my design patent
application Ser. No. 29/293,086, filed Dec. 11, 2007, and has a
length of about five inches, and a radius of about three-quarters
of an inch resulting in a a convex surface distance of over two
inches. Other embodiments may have a larger radius and convex face,
for example, a radius of about one and one-quarter inches.
FIG. 7A
[0082] FIG. 7A illustrates a thin stretch fabric 232a sleeve with a
front sausage 209. In a currently preferred embodiment, the thin
stretch fabric is low denier fabric with about ten to fifteen
percent spandex (elastane) and a remainder of nylon, and having a
thickness of substantially about one-half of a millimeter. The
front sausage 209 is preferably a foam sausage 201 (FIG. 2).
FIG. 7B
[0083] FIG. 7B illustrates a thin stretch fabric 232b sleeve with a
front sausage 208 and a back sausage 209. The sausages (208 and
209, respectively) are preferably a foam sausage 201 (FIG. 2).
FIG. 7C
[0084] FIG. 7C illustrates compression shorts comprised of thin
stretch fabric 232c with a front sausage 209 and a back sausage 208
in each leg (e.g. 208a and 209a in the right leg and 208b and 209b
in the left leg, as worn by a jumper).
FIG. 8A through FIG. 8C
[0085] FIGS. 8A through 8C illustrate a single sausage pattern 871,
a double sausage pattern 872, and a compression short pattern
876.
[0086] FIG. 8A shows a single sausage pattern 871 for the thin
stretch fabric 232a. The front sausage position 879 is represented
by a dashed line. In one method of construction, a pocket is formed
by sewing a sausage cover 877 to the inside of the thin stretch
fabric 232a, a sausage 201 is inserted into the pocket and the
pocket is sewn closed. Flexible adhesive may also be used.
[0087] FIG. 8B shows a double sausage pattern 872, thin stretch
fabric 232b. In addition to the front sausage position 879, the
back sausage position 878 is shown.
[0088] FIG. 8C a partial, compression short pattern 876, thin
stretch fabric 232c. Only one leg is shown with each respective
front sausage position 879 and back sausage position 878.
FIG. 8D
[0089] FIG. 8D a pattern for a sausage cover 877 which may comprise
the same thin stretch fabric. The edges of the pocket may be folded
over prior to sewing resulting in a smooth edge.
FIG. 9
[0090] FIG. 9 illustrates using tape over the thin stretch fabric
232a of a single sausage (FIG. 7A) on a lower thigh 990. To apply
the device is placed over the leg and position above the knee 992.
To prevent the device from slipping down the leg, while running
around, at least one wrapping of tape 192a is used to tape the thin
stretch fabric 232a to the skin of the lower thigh 990. To prevent
the device from slipping up the leg during the lift, one or more
wrappings of tape 192b (and optionally 192c) are taped over the
thin stretch fabric 232a below (and optionally above) the front
sausage 209. The tape, 192b and 192b, may be fabric athletic tape
or may be plastic electrical tape.
[0091] Although not shown a similar arrangement of tape may be
applied over each sausage (208, 209, 208a, 209a, 208b, and 209b,
respectively).
[0092] In yet another embodiment of a method for use, a wrapping of
stretch tape with a tacky surface, is applied over the respective
sausage (e.g. 209) prior to applying tape 192b and 192c.
Other Uses
[0093] While 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
Comfortable
[0094] The leg handles of the present invention offer comfort to
the jumping player. The leg handles do not apply pressure to the
sensitive crotch areas of the body, as conventional methods of
lifting do. The wearer also reduce pulling out the hairs of the leg
during removal, as in certain conventional methods.
Effective
[0095] The leg handles 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.
Safe
[0096] Because 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, and even opponents
Simple
[0097] The present invention is simple to make and use. The present
invention requires less time to put on.
Easy to Use
[0098] The present invention is easy to use. To install, the
potential jumper simply applies over one or more legs. The lifters
easily can find a grip while lifting the jumper.
[0099] 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 and taped
by one person (including the wearer) and gives consistent
results.
Reusable--Reduced Waste
[0100] The present invention can be used over and over again. The
conventional method of using entirely tape, most of the material
can only be used once and a new material must be used for every
application. With these devices and methods, most of the material
is reused and much less tape is required.
[0101] Because the conventional foam wraps and tapes can only be
used once, the materials become trash after use. The remains of the
foam wraps and tape are often strewn on the field and leave an
unsightly, unprofessional appearance requiring extra effort to
clean up.
Higher Performance
[0102] The 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,
because the taping is much less and can be applied looser.
Quick
[0103] The 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 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.
Adjustable
[0104] One embodiment of the present invention can easily be
adjusted for different players and thus are easily switched from
player to player to accommodate substitutions.
Efficient
[0105] The conventional method of taping is wasteful. Trash is
created after every game, and more tape and foam wrap materials
need to be replaced and bought, adding to expenses. The present
invention reduces the cost and trash significantly.
Better Appearance
[0106] Conventional 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.
Cost Effective
[0107] Because the leg handles can be made relatively
inexpensively, are reusable, and reduce waste, the present
invention is cost effective. In particular, the leg handle can be
made very inexpensively, providing a larger market and encouraging
less waste.
Conclusion, Ramification, and Scope
[0108] Accordingly, the present invention provides an easy to use,
simple, safe, comfortable, reusable, and effective means for
lifting a jumper.
[0109] 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 shapes and sizes of cylindrical sections of
strap could be used. The cylindrical section could be made from a
solid cylinder of foam, rubber, or similar material. 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.
[0110] Accordingly, the scope of the invention should be determined
not by the illustrated embodiments, but by the appended claims and
their legal equivalents.
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