Methods and means for lifting jumper

Abstract

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.

Description

RELATED APPLICATIONS[0001]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.BACKGROUND[0002]1. Field of the Invention[0003]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.[0004]2. Description of Prior Art[0005]There is a need to jump high in order to intercept a ball in many sports, such as Rugby, volleyball, or baseball.[0006]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...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

"The present invention provides an improved and effective means of lifting a jumper that offers safety, comfort, and ease of use. The invention offers a lightweight, low-cost, easy-to-manufacture, and quick-to-use solution that can be quickly applied and removed, and adjusted to varying conditions. Additionally, the invention is minimal in cost and waste, does not interfere with the wearing of compression shorts, and improves the user's appearance during the lift."

Problems solved by technology

The use of such techniques has several disadvantages such as:Being ineffective, as a good grip is often still difficult to maintainBeing unsafe, as jumping players that are dropped because of poor grip can fall up to 10 feet and land in an awkward positionDamage to or tearing of clothing, especially if the proper shorts are not wornExtreme discomfort to the jumperTaking time to apply during the critical stages of pre-match preparationRequiring help to apply, as taping one's own leg is often difficult to do satisfactorilyNeeding to be taped before every gameRequiring special skill of the lifter in the case where only one lifter is used

These also have several disadvantages such as:Being constricting during the activity between liftsBeing too elastic and sliding up during liftsBeing hot, causing excessive sweating and odorHaving material break downBeing relatively heavyExpensive 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.

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