U.S. patent application number 14/054823 was filed with the patent office on 2014-04-24 for leg straps with horizontal handles.
The applicant listed for this patent is Kendyl A. Roman. Invention is credited to Kendyl A. Roman.
Application Number | 20140113772 14/054823 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 40429233 |
Filed Date | 2014-04-24 |
United States Patent
Application |
20140113772 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Roman; Kendyl A. |
April 24, 2014 |
Leg Straps with Horizontal Handles
Abstract
A leg strap with preferably horizontal handles attached at each
end of each handle is used to aid in lifting a jumping player,
especially for lineouts in Rugby Union. The handles are preferably
made of elastic bands with contract to provide a tight fit on the
leg of the jumper and when jumping allow for secure grasp by
lifters. The simple, reusable, easy to use leg straps provide a
level of effectiveness, comfort, convenience, and safety not
provided by conventional methods. To use, leg straps are applied to
one or more legs of a jumper. 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.
Inventors: |
Roman; Kendyl A.;
(Sunnyvale, CA) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Roman; Kendyl A. |
Sunnyvale |
CA |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
40429233 |
Appl. No.: |
14/054823 |
Filed: |
October 16, 2013 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
|
|
|
|
|
|
Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
11899530 |
Sep 6, 2007 |
8556754 |
|
|
14054823 |
|
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
482/26 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A63B 2225/09 20130101;
A63B 21/4035 20151001; A63B 21/4011 20151001; A63B 21/4017
20151001; A63B 2243/0066 20130101; A63B 5/00 20130101; A63B 71/1225
20130101; A63B 2071/1241 20130101; A63B 2209/10 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
482/26 |
International
Class: |
A63B 5/00 20060101
A63B005/00 |
Claims
1. A leg strap to be worn on a leg of a jumper for lifting the
jumper by one or more lifters when engaged in a sporting activity,
comprising: a non-elastic strap, independent of any other article
of clothing, and having a predetermined length which is sized to
tightly encircle a lower portion of a thigh of the jumper above a
knee of the jumper; and at least one elastic handle having two
ends, each end permanently affixed to a portion of the strap in a
horizontal orientation along its length thereby allowing insertion
of a hand between the handle and the strap to apply a lifting force
to the jumper; wherein the non-elastic strap is permanently formed
in a loop with a strap attachment having sufficient strength to
securely transfer the lifting force to the leg of the jumper,
wherein the strap attachment is flat and flexible whereby the strap
is comfortable for the jumper and safe for other players, wherein
the non-elastic strap is formed into a tapered shape, wherein the
strap has the tapered shape such that the strap matches the contour
of the thigh of the jumper.
2. The leg strap of claim 1, wherein each end of the handle is
doubled under and attached to the strap with the handle
attachment.
3. The leg strap of claim 1, wherein the handle is comprised of an
elastic band which is elastic to a predetermined stretch limit,
whereby the elastic band stretches a sufficient amount to allow the
insertion of a hand and becomes inelastic when the predetermined
stretch limit is reached in order to hold the jumper securely.
4. The leg strap of claim 1 wherein the length of the strap has a
predetermined size.
5. The leg strap of claim 1, wherein the predetermined size is one
of small, medium or large.
6. The leg strap of claim 1, wherein the predetermined size
includes a length of 18 inches, 20 inches, or 22 inches.
7. The leg strap of claim 1, wherein the length of the handle is
less than a length of the portion of the strap to which the handle
is affixed, wherein in use on the thigh of the jumper, the handle
is stretched taut and flattened against the strap.
8. A method for supporting a jumper by one or more lifters when
engaged in a sporting activity, comprising the steps of: a)
applying at least one leg strap according to claim 1 to a leg of
the jumper; b) the jumper jumping to a first position; c) the one
or more lifters inserting a hand between the handle and the strap
to apply a lifting force to the jumper; d) lifting the jumper to a
second position higher than the first position; e) holding the
jumper in the second position for a period of time; f) lowering the
jumper; and g) repeating steps b) through f) as necessary.
9. The method of claim 8, wherein in the applying step a first leg
strap is applied to the first leg of the jumper and a second leg
strap is applied to a second leg of the jumper, and wherein in the
inserting step the hand of a first lifter is inserted into the
handle of the first leg strap and a hand of a second lifter is
inserted into the handle of the second leg strap, whereby the
jumper is lifted and held higher by the first lifter and the second
lifter.
10. A leg strap to be worn on a leg of a jumper, comprising: a
strap formed of non-elastic material into a loop having a length
sufficient to snugly encircle an upper portion of the jumper's leg;
and at least one handle formed of elastic material and affixed to
the strap at two points along the length of the strap thereby
allowing a human hand to grip the handle and apply a lifting force
to the strap.
11. The leg strap of claim 10, wherein the strap has two ends and
is permanently formed in a loop by attaching the two ends together
with a strap attachment.
12. The leg strap of claim 10, wherein the strap further comprises
a dart having a tapered shape such that the strap matches the
contour of a thigh of the jumper.
13. The leg strap of claim 12, wherein the dart is held down in a
flattened position by a dart attachment.
14. The leg strap of claim 10, wherein each end of the handle is
doubled under and attached to the strap with the handle
attachment.
15. The leg strap of claim 10, wherein the handle is elastic to a
predetermined stretch limit, and wherein the handle stretches a
sufficient amount to allow the insertion of a human hand and
becomes inelastic when the predetermined stretch limit is reached
in order to hold the jumper using the handle more securely.
16. The leg strap of claim 10, wherein the handle has a length
which is less than a length of the portion of the strap to which
the handle is affixed.
17. The leg strap of claim 10, further comprising a second
horizontal handle substantially identical to the handle and affixed
to the strap on an opposite side from the handle.
18. A leg strap to be worn on a leg of a jumper for lifting the
jumper by one or more lifters when engaged in a sporting activity,
comprising: a non-elastic strap, independent of any other article
of clothing, and having a predetermined length which is sized to
tightly encircle a lower portion of a thigh of the jumper above a
knee of the jumper; and at least one elastic handle having two
ends, each end permanently affixed to a portion of the strap in a
horizontal orientation along its length thereby allowing insertion
of a hand between the handle and the strap to apply a lifting force
to the jumper; wherein the non-elastic strap is permanently formed
in a loop with a strap attachment having sufficient strength to
securely transfer the lifting force to the leg of the jumper,
wherein the strap attachment is flat and flexible whereby the strap
is comfortable for the jumper and safe for other players, wherein
the strap has a tapered shape such that the strap matches the
contour of the thigh of the jumper.
19. The leg strap of claim 18, wherein the handle is elastic to a
predetermined stretch limit, and wherein the handle stretches a
sufficient amount to allow the insertion of a human hand and
becomes inelastic when the predetermined stretch limit is reached
in order to hold the jumper using the handle more securely.
20. The leg strap of claim 18, wherein the handle has a length
which is less than a length of the portion of the strap to which
the handle is affixed.
Description
BACKGROUND
[0001] 1. Field of the Invention
[0002] This invention relates to a leg strap with handles used when
lifting a person who is jumping or being lifted, for example a
jumper in a Rugby lineout.
[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
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.
[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 [0014] Taking time to apply during the
critical stages of pre-match preparation [0015] Requiring help to
apply, as taping one's own leg is often difficult to do
satisfactorily [0016] Needing to be taped before every game [0017]
Requiring special skill of the lifter in the case where only one
lifter is used
[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 than an awkward contraption of tapes
on both thighs.
[0019] More recently, elastic sleeves with a gripping surface have
also been placed around legs or knees. 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
our earlier attempts to solve these problems. While successful in
part, those earlier attempts still suffer from various
problems.
[0020] Elastic leg sleeves have several disadvantages such as:
[0021] Being constricting during the activity between lifts [0022]
Being too elastic and sliding up during lifts [0023] Being hot,
causing excessive sweating and odor [0024] Having material break
down [0025] Being relatively heavy [0026] Expensive materials
requiring expensive equipment to manufacture [0027] Having relative
expensive materials [0028] Being complex, and thus costly to
manufacture
[0029] 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.
[0030] 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.
[0031] 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 which may
require conventional lifting aids.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0032] 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 and comfort to those involved.
Objects and Advantages
[0033] Accordingly, beside the objects and advantages described
above, some additional objects and advantages of the present
invention are: [0034] 1. To provide a comfortable method of lifting
a player who is jumping. [0035] 2. To provide a more effective
method of obtaining a sure grip on the thighs of a jumping player.
[0036] 3. To provide an increase of safety for a jumping player
being lifted by the thighs. [0037] 4. To provide means and methods
of lifting that are easy to use. [0038] 5. To provide means and
methods of lifting that are reusable. [0039] 6. To provide means
and methods of lifting that offer higher performance. [0040] 7. To
provide means and methods of lifting that can be quickly applied
and removed. [0041] 8. To provide means and methods of lifting that
are adjustable to varying conditions. [0042] 9. To empower a less
skilled lifter to lift a jumper by himself. [0043] 10. To provide
means and methods of lifting that are minimal in cost and waste.
[0044] 11. To provide means and methods of lifting that do not
worsen a user's appearance. [0045] 12. To provide means and methods
of lifting that improve a user's appearance. [0046] 13. To provide
means of lifting that do not stretch and slide up the jumper's leg
during the lift. [0047] 14. To provide a youth and new player
development device that can be safely used to teach technique,
skill, and timing.
DRAWING FIGURES
[0048] In the drawings, closely related figures have the same
number but different alphabetic suffixes.
[0049] FIG. 1A and FIG. 1B show prior art techniques for lifting a
jumper.
[0050] FIG. 2 illustrates a prior art leg sleeve with grip.
[0051] FIG. 3A through FIG. 3D illustrate various details and
embodiments of the leg strap with horizontal handles.
[0052] FIG. 4 shows the use of the leg strap with horizontal
handles.
TABLE-US-00001 [0053] REFERENCE NUMERALS IN DRAWINGS 10 (a-b)
horizontal handle 11 strap attachment 12 handle attachment 14
second strap attachment 16 second strap 20 dart 22 dart attachment
40 attachment loops 50 (a-b) attachment hooks 80 strap 100 leg
strap with horizontal handles 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 underwrap 192(a-b) tape 194 bulge
200(a-d) leg sleeve 210 semi-rigid grip 220 attachment 230 sleeve
material 990 lower thigh 992 knee 994 calf
SPECIAL DEFINITIONS
[0054] non-elastic 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
[0055] elastic band--a substantially linearly elastic, flat strip
of flexible material used for tightening, which has a predetermined
limit to the amount of stretch before it becomes inelastic and
provides tensile strength in its linear direction e.g. elastic
waist band material
DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0056] The present invention comprises an improved leg strap
comprising a non-elastic strap with horizontal handles that are
attached at both ends of the handle. 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 hindrance or discomfort.
FIG. 1A
[0057] 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.
[0058] 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.
[0059] 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.
[0060] 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. 1B
[0061] 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 underwrap 190 may
consist of fabric athletic tape, foam tape, or cloth. Typically the
tape is black, plastic, electrical tape. This arrangement creates a
bulge 194. The bulge 194 may include additional layers of the
underwrap 190 material.
[0062] 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. 2
[0063] FIG. 2 illustrates a leg sleeve 200 as previous disclosed in
my U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/499,023, filed Aug. 3, 2006.
The leg sleeve 200 comprises a grip 210 attached to a sleeve
material 230 with an attachment 220. The sleeve material 230 is a
flexible, elastic, durable material such as neoprene or stretch
fabric.
[0064] While such elastic leg sleeves have been used successfully,
leg sleeves made of elastic material have several disadvantages
discussed above, including more expensive materials, difficulty in
manufacturing, and stretching and sliding up the jumpers leg during
the lift. This uncontrolled sliding results in less stable, lower
performance lift.
FIG. 3A through 3C
[0065] FIG. 3A through 3C show a leg strap with horizontal handles
100.
[0066] FIG. 3A shows an embodiment of leg strap 100 comprises a
non-elastic strap 80 sufficient width to be comfortable to the
jumper while be being lifted, for example, 1.5 to 2 inched wide
man-made webbing. In this embodiment, the strap 80 is permanently
attached with a strap attachment 11 giving it a predetermined size.
For example, the predetermined sizes for small, medium, and large
have a minimum circumference of 18, 20, or 22 inches, respectively.
Attached to the strap 80 are preferably two horizontal handles 10
attached with handle attachments 12 at both ends, respectively. In
the currently preferred embodiment, the handles 10 are made of
elastic band material as discussed further in reference to FIG.
3D.
[0067] Alternatively, the handles 10 could be made of a smaller
width strap material. Also, a single strap or band could be
attached at four points around the circumference forming an
equivalent set of handles 10
[0068] FIG. 3B shows a diagonal hem at a point in the strap 80
forming a dart 20. This dart 20 is used to forming a taper in the
leg strap 100 providing a better fit to the contour of the thigh
and preventing sliding up during lifting.
[0069] FIG. 3C shows a side view of the dart 20 being tacked down
with a dart attachment. This prevents the sharp point of the dart
from irritating other players.
FIG. 3D
[0070] FIG. 3D shows a top, cross sectional view of an embodiment
of leg strap with horizontal handle 100. This embodiment has a
horizontal handle 10a on one side and horizontal handle 10b on the
opposite side. This arrangement allows for one lifter to grip both
sides of the leg of a jumper or can be used by two lifters at once.
The handles 10 (a-b) are shown shorter in length than the
corresponding section of the strap 80 between the handle
attachments 12. This provides the advantageous features of a) a
tighter, somewhat elastic fit when placed on the legs and b) more
difficulty for an opposing to grasp the handles 10 while the wearer
is running. On the other hand, the lifters (120 and 130) are able
to grasp the handles 10 while the jumper is jumping or preparing to
jump.
[0071] FIG. 3D also is used to illustrate an alternate, adjustable
embodiment which instead of a permanent strap attachment 11, uses
hook and loop fasteners comprising attachment hooks 50 which
temporarily connect to the attachment loops 40. One end of the
strap has attachment loops 40 and the other end of the strap has
attachment hooks 50.
[0072] The embodiment show also uses a second strap 16, attached by
the second strap attachment 14. The Y-shaped end with the two
straps 80 and 16 have attachment hooks 950 which receive the other
adjustable free end of strap 80 and attach temporarily to
attachment loops 940 on both sides of the free end. Embodiments
with this adjustable arrangement can be sold as "one size fits
all."
FIG. 4
[0073] FIG. 4 shows the improved leg strap with horizontal handles
100, being used to assist in jumping and lifting for the
lineout.
[0074] Prior to entering the game, each potential jumper (e.g.
first jumper 110 and second jumper 150) applies one or more leg
straps 100 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
straps 100. For example, as shown in FIG. 4, the first jumper 110
jumps during a lineout. The first lifter 120 places his hands (121
and 122) on the back of each leg straps 100a and 100b,
respectively. The second lifter 130 places his hands (131 and 132)
on the front of each leg straps 100a and 100b, respectively.
Together, the first lifter 120 and the second lifter 130 are able
to: a) lift the first jumper 110 higher, b) sustain the first
jumper 110 at the height of the jump until the first jumper 110 is
able to intercept the ball 140, and c) lower the first jumper 110
safely to the ground. Likewise, the third lifter 160 and the fourth
lifter 170 are able to secure lift, sustain, and lower the second
jumper 150 (shown wearing leg straps 100c and 100d, respectively),
who is able to have a more competitive and safe attempt at the ball
140.
[0075] Because the respective lifters can obtain a safe and secure
grip on leg straps 100 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.
[0076] Compare the height and stability of the jumpers in FIG. 1A
to FIG. 4 to see the increase in performance that may result from
use of the present invention.
[0077] 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 using the various embodiments.
[0078] Further, while the leg straps 100 of the present invention
are shown as applied to Rugby, 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.).
Other Uses
[0079] 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
[0080] The leg straps of the present invention offer comfort to the
jumping player. The 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.
Effective
[0081] The leg straps 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
[0082] Because of the effectiveness of 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
[0083] The present invention is simple to make and use. The present
invention requires little time to put on.
Easy to Use
[0084] The 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.
[0085] 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.
Reusable
[0086] The 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.
[0087] 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 Performance
[0088] 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.
Quick
[0089] 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 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.
Adjustable
[0090] 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
[0091] The conventional method of taping is wasteful. Trash is
created after every game, and more taping and wrap materials need
to be replaced and bought, adding to expenses. The present
invention requires little or no trash.
Better Appearance
[0092] Conventional methods of lifting worsen the look of players.
The present invention has a smooth, professional look. While
conventional 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.
Can be Used with Compression Shorts
Cost Effective
[0093] Because the leg straps can be made relatively inexpensively,
are reusable, and reduce waste, the present invention is cost
effective. In particular, the leg strap with horizontal handles can
be made very inexpensively, providing a larger market and
encouraging less waste.
CONCLUSION, RAMIFICATION, AND SCOPE
[0094] Accordingly, the present invention provides an easy to use,
simple, safe, comfortable, reusable, and effective means for
lifting a jumper.
[0095] 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.
[0096] Accordingly, the scope of the invention should be determined
not by the illustrated embodiments, but by the appended claims and
their legal equivalents.
* * * * *