Patent Application
20080033335
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.
The present invention comprises a leg sleeve comprising a sleeve material and a means for gripping. When a player jumps, one or more other players 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.
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.
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).
The one-time-use thigh wrap also has many disadvantages including, for example, difficulty in applying consistently, requiring application by coach or other player during the critical pre-game preparation time, discomfort, waste of materials, and debris often left behind.
One 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 conditions, such as a particular play. Further, the leg sleeve can be quickly removed from one player and transferred to another player to accommodate substitutions.
When 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.
Although 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.
In yet another embodiment (not shown), for each means for gripping 210 the sleeve material 230 is folded forming an S-shaped fold. The S-shaped fold is held with an attachment 220, such as being sewn with thread. The S-shape fold in effect creates two extra layers 330 from the same material as the sleeve material 230 (similar to
Prior 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 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.).
For 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.
Because 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.
This 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.
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, or other sports.
The leg sleeve of the present invention offers comfort to the jumping player. The sleeve does not apply pressure to the thigh or 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.
The leg sleeve of the present invention is 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.
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.
The present invention is simple to make and use. The present invention requires little time to put on.
The present invention is easy to use. To install, the potential jumper simply pulls one sleeve 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.
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.
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.
The present invention offers higher performance in jumping than conventional methods. The quality of grip maintained allows stronger and higher lift, for example during Rugby lineouts. 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.
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 sleeve. 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.
The present invention can easily be adjusted to different heights and positions on the leg. This easy adjustment enables the sleeve 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.
The 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.
The 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.
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 sleeve material may also be used to bear a team logo, national insignia, or advertising.
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.
Because the leg sleeve can be made relatively inexpensively, is reusable, and eliminates waste the present invention is cost effective.
Accordingly, 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, the leg sleeves 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.
