Patent Publication Number: US-8523713-B2

Title: Leg gloves with downward diagonal facing pocket openings

Description:
RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application is a continuation-in-part of, and claims priority based on, U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/899,529, filed Sep. 6, 2007, now abandoned which is a continuation-in-part of, and claims priority based on, U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/800,356, filed May 4, 2007 now abandoned, which is a continuation-in-part of, and claims priority based on, U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/499,023, filed Aug. 3, 2006 now abandoned. 
     U.S. Pat. No. D594,604 was issued Jun. 16, 2009, based on U.S. patent application Ser. No. 29/307,510, filed Apr. 23, 2008. U.S. Pat. No. D594,604 disclosed a design for an embodiment for a leg glove, and is included herein by reference. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND 
     1. Field of the Invention 
     This invention relates to a leg glove, especially a leg device, such as a leg glove or leg mitten, with pockets for the hands of a lifter used when lifting a person who is jumping or being lifted, for example a jumper in a Rugby lineout. The leg glove pockets have downward diagonal facing pocket openings. 
     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:
         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&#39;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. One example is disclosed in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/255,399 (“Giacheri”). These also have several disadvantages such as:
         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       

     Rugby shorts have been modified to have baggy grasping material. For example, French patent application publication 2,754,679 A (“Rous”), filed Oct. 22, 1996, 24, attempts to improve the lineout lift by adding baggy or puffy grasping material to the front of regulation non-stretch cotton fabric shorts. Rous discloses three embodiments: 1) a baggy pouch sewn on all sides; 2) puffy shapes, cut into the fabric, which extends out like riding breeches; and 3) a false skirt canopy, sewn vertically into both side seams and held open with a strap which has each end sewn to the fabric of the shorts leg. These have similar disadvantages such as:
         Being too loose and sliding up during lifts   Sliding up to the groin during the lift, rather than remaining on the lower thigh   Not being removable, separate from the shorts, for use by other players during the same game       

     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 leg glove that provides an effective means of obtaining a sure grip that offers comfort and safety to the players involved. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     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 
     Accordingly, 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&#39;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&#39;s appearance.   14. To provide means of lifting that do not stretch and slide up the jumper&#39;s leg during the lift.   

    
    
     
       DRAWING FIGURES 
       In the drawings, closely related figures have the same number but different alphabetic suffixes. 
         FIG. 1A  and  FIG. 1B  show prior art techniques for lifting a jumper. 
         FIG. 2  shows the use of a leg glove. 
         FIG. 3A  through  FIG. 3D  illustrate leg glove or leg mitt embodiments. 
         FIGS. 4A and 4B  shows an alternate embodiment for a leg glove. 
         FIG. 5A  through  FIG. 5D  illustrate the leg glove of  FIG. 4B . 
         FIG. 6A  show exemplary use of a leg glove on each leg. 
         FIG. 6B  show exemplary use of two hands in one leg glove. 
         FIGS. 7A and 7B  illustrate an exemplary method of closing the base strap in a permanent closed loop. 
     
    
    
     REFERENCE NUMERALS IN DRAWINGS 
     
         
           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 
           700 ( a - b ) leg glove or mitt 
           705  alternate leg glove 
           710  pocket attachment 
           715  base attachment 
           720  V attachment 
           730  fold 
           740  base layer 
           750  pocket 
           760  question mark attachment 
           770  conical attachment 
           780 ( a - d ) edge 
           790 ( a - b ) pocket opening 
           810  base strap 
           990  lower thigh 
           992  knee 
           994  calf 
       
    
     SPECIAL DEFINITIONS 
     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 
     DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention comprises a leg glove or leg mitten comprising one or two pockets for the hands of a lifter, the pockets having downward diagonal facing pocket openings. When a person jumps, one or more other people can assist the jumper by putting their hands in the diagonal pockets. 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 
     
       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 . 
     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 ). As discussed above, the shorts slide up to the groin of the jumper, causing pain and potential injury, failing to lift the jumper to an optimum height, i.e. where the knees of the jumper are higher than the head of the lifter. 
     
       FIG. 1B 
     
       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  192   a  and a lower strip of tape  192   b . 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. Some players use hard plastic or foam to create the bulge  194 ; however these do not comply with the Laws of Rugby. 
     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 
     
       FIG. 2  shows novel leg gloves,  700   a ,  700   b ,  700   c , and  700   d , respectively, being used to assist in jumping and lifting for the lineout. Each leg glove  700  comprises at least one diagonal pocket  750  configured to receive the hand ( 121 ,  122 ,  161 ,  162 ) of a lifter. 
     Prior to entering the game, each potential jumper (e.g. first jumper  110  and second jumper  150 ) applies one or more leg gloves  700  to one or more legs. When an opportunity to intercept the ball occurs, each jumper jumps. One or more players from the jumper&#39;s team are then able to insert their hands into the leg gloves  700 . For example, as shown in  FIG. 2 , the first jumper  110  jumps during a lineout. The first lifter  120  places his hands ( 121  and  122 ) diagonally in the pockets  750  of each leg glove  700   a  and  700   b , respectively. The second lifter  130  places his hands ( 131  and  132 ) on the back of the jumper&#39;s legs. Together, the first lifter  120  and the second lifter  130  are able to: a) lift the first jumper  110  to the full height of their extended arms, e.g. such that jumper&#39;s knees are higher than the lifters&#39; heads, 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 securely lift, sustain, and lower the second jumper  150  (shown wearing leg gloves  700   c  and  700   d , respectively), who is able to have a more competitive and safe attempt at the ball  140 . 
     Because the respective lifters can obtain a safe and secure grip on the leg gloves  700  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  FIG. 1A  to  FIG. 2  to see the increase in performance that may result from use of the present invention. 
     The increased safety and performance of various embodiments of the present invention allow lifters to support jumpers using the various embodiments. 
     Further, while the leg gloves  700  are shown as applied to Rugby, the leg gloves could be used in other sports that also require jumping, such as Volleyball (e.g. while spiking a set ball, etc.), Baseball (while jumping at the fence to stop a home run, etc.), Soccer (while jumping to receive a line out or to head the ball toward the goal), ice skating, or dance. 
       FIG. 3A  Through  FIG. 3D   
       FIG. 3A  through  FIG. 3C  illustrate an exemplary leg glove  700  (or leg mitt) embodiment. 
     As shown in  FIG. 3A , and the cross section shown in  FIG. 3B , the leg glove  700  is simply made from a single piece of flexible elastic material such as fabric or neoprene. Good results have been obtained by making the leg glove of elastic synthetic rubber (neoprene) sandwiched between thin layers of stretch nylon (spandex), having an actual thickness of two to two and one half millimeters. The fold  730  creates a base layer  740  and a partially overlapping pocket  750 . The pocket  750  is secured with a pocket attachment  710  (shown sewn) and base attachment  715 . 
     One advantage of using a flexible, elastic material is that the position of the leg glove may be adjusted to meet the needs of a specific condition, such as a particular play. Further, the leg glove can be quickly removed from one player and transferred to another player to accommodate substitutions. 
     The pocket attachment  710  is made by sewing with thread (as shown) and/or by gluing with an adhesive (not shown). Good results have been obtained by sewing with a wide zig-zag stitch (or similar stretch stitch). While the best results are obtained by sewing alone, Aquaseal brand (McNett Corporation) urethane repair adhesive and sealant has been found to be the best adhesive in embodiments that are glued, or sewn and glued. 
     The location of the pocket attachment  710  near to the top fold, as shown, creates a novel pocket  750 . As shown in  FIG. 3C , placing parts of the hand inside the pocket  750 , formed in this manner, results in a superior, more secure grip than can be achieved by abutting a flat ridge such as shown, for example, in Giacheri. The pocket openings  790  are configured to face downward on a diagonal. The diagonal is about forty-five degrees. The diagonal pocket  750  is also easier to grasp, for example, when the jumper is already in the air. 
     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 leg glove, it is easier to place the open hands in the pockets  750  of the leg gloves  700  until the palms of the hands rest against the pocket attachment  710  ( FIG. 3C ). In this way the lifter can quickly assess the location of at least one of the pockets  750  and immediately apply lifting pressure from within the leg glove  700 . 
     The diagonal orientation of the pocket allows the lifter to lift the jumper&#39;s knees above the lifter&#39;s head while allowing the hands and arms of the lifter to maintain a strong and comfortable position. The lifter is also able to lower the jumper to the ground while allowing the hands and arms of the lifter to maintain a strong and comfortable position. The diagonal orientation results in superior performance, comfort, and safety. 
     In this embodiment, the overlapping area above the pocket attachment  710  is attached with a V attachment  720  forming a shaped grip. This provides a V-shape designed to match the location of the extended thumb and extended index finger of the hand (e.g.  122  as shown in  FIG. 3C ). The shape is designed to more closely fit the shape of the hand while gripping the thighs. For example, the shape may be designed to match the edge of extended thumb and extended index finger of each hand (see also  FIGS. 5C ,  6 A, and  6 B). 
     The layout shown in  FIG. 3C  allows the reverse side to have a mirror image, second pocket  750  (not visible, but shown in  FIGS. 4A ,  4 B,  6 A and  6 B). This allows one lifter to securely grasp one leg with both hands (e.g.  161  and  162 ), as shown in  FIG. 6B  and as poorly attempted by third lifter  160  in  FIG. 1A , with greater success. Alternatively, the back lifter (e.g. fourth lifter  170 ) could put one hand (e.g. left hand of fourth lifter  172 ) in the second pocket  750 , on the back, while the front lifter (e.g. third lifter  160 ) puts one hand (e.g. right hand of third lifter  162 ) in the front pocket  750 . 
     The leg glove  700  (or leg mitt) embodiments provide 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 diagonal facing pocket opening  790  is less likely to engage the hands or fingers of other players at other times, for example, while being tackled during open play. 
       FIG. 3D  shows another embodiment of a leg glove  700  with a base strap  810 . Base strap  810  is made of non-elastic material of a fixed circumference, preventing excess sliding and movement of the leg glove  700  (or leg mitt) during lifting and open play. 
     The base strap  810  is a non-elastic, flat strip or ribbon of flexible material. The base strap  810  is of a fixed circumference such that the leg glove  700  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,  FIG. 6A ). Good results have been obtained when the leg glove is configured to stop about four inches above the cap of the knee  992 , and base strap is about one or two inches in width. For high school and adult males, the base straps are about fifteen to eighteen inches. The base strap  810  encircles the leg of the jumper and prevents the leg glove from sliding up the thigh higher than about four inches above the knee. The base straps are permanently fixed in length. Good results have been obtained making different sized products for example, one size is configured to fit eighteen to twenty inch thighs, when the circumference is measured four inches above the cap of the knee  992 , and another size is configured to fit twenty-two to twenty-four inch thighs. Other smaller sizes are made for smaller youth. 
     During the lift, the leg glove  700  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 to the jumper&#39;s leg), the pocket attachment  710  and the base attachment  715  are best sewn with wide and broad zig-zag stitching (shown for example in  FIG. 4B ), or a similar stretch stitch. 
     The novel, non-elastic base strap  810  overcomes a disadvantage found with conventional leg sleeves, such as Giacheri, that continue to stretch during the lift and slide up the leg because they are elastic. Further, the use of smaller circumference sleeves only partially addresses this problem and adds to the discomfort and constriction of leg between lifts. 
     Further, by attaching the base strap  810  to the base layer  740 , it is more difficult for the opponents to use the base strap  810  disadvantageously. 
     Between lifts, it is preferable to keep the leg gloves on the legs of the jumper. When the leg glove  700  is properly sized, the elastic nature of the material will generally hold the leg glove  700  above the knee  992  without taping. If an extreme force is applied it can be slipped down to the ankle without adversely affecting the ability of the jumper to run and move about the field. The novel design reduces the chance of the jumper tripping by catching a cleat on the leg glove  700  in this situation. The leg gloves  700  can be easily repositioned during the break before the ball is thrown in on a line out. 
       FIG. 4A  and  FIG. 4B   
       FIG. 4A  and  FIG. 4B  illustrate a currently preferred embodiment of a leg glove  700  (or leg mitt), an alternate leg glove  705 . Alternate leg glove  705  is simply made from a single piece of flexible, elastic material, such as neoprene, configured to a predetermined shape and size. 
       FIG. 4A  shows a pattern view of the single piece of flexible, elastic material.  FIG. 4B  is a perspective view of the leg glove  705  after it is sewn in accordance with the method described below. Good results have been obtained by using synthetic rubber (neoprene) sandwiched between thin layers of stretch nylon (spandex). The pattern view of  FIG. 4A  shows four edges  780 . A fold  730  creates a base layer  740  and a partially overlapping pocket  750 . Edge  780   a  becomes the outside layer of the pocket  750  layer. Edge  780   b  becomes the inside base layer  740 . In this embodiment, the fold  730  is not half way between edge  780   a  and  780   b , but is closer to edge  780   b , resulting in excess material in the pocket  750  layer, causing pocket openings  790   a  and  790   b  to naturally be held open when sewn as shown in  FIG. 4B . When sewn, edge  780   a  is folded over and aligned with edge  780   b , and permanently held together with base attachment  715 . Next, edge  780   c  and  780   d  are brought together and sewn with conical attachment  770  ( FIG. 7B ), resulting in a conical section configured to fit the lower thigh  990  of the jumper. Next, the pocket  750  layer is secured with an embodiment of the pocket attachment  710 , namely “question mark” attachment  760 . The question mark attachment  760  is shown having two curves resembling a question mark and its minor image. As shown in  FIGS. 4B ,  5 C,  6 A, and  6 B), the question mark attachment  760 , forms two diagonal pocket openings, one pocket opening  790   a  which receives the fingers and palm of a lifter&#39;s hand, and a second pocket opening  790   b  which receives the thumb of the lifter&#39;s hand. The first pocket opening  790   a  is configured to be on about a forty-five degree angle diagonal. The diagonal of the second pocket opening  790   b  is configured to be about ninety degrees, or orthogonal, to the first diagonal. 
     In some embodiments the predetermined shape of the single piece of flexible, elastic material has the design claimed in U.S. Pat. No. D594,604. 
       FIG. 5A  Through  FIG. 5D   
       FIG. 5A  through  FIG. 5D  illustrate alternate leg glove  705  embodiments. 
     As shown in  FIG. 5A , and the cross section shown in  FIG. 5B , the leg glove  700  embodiment, alternate leg glove  705 , is simply made from a single piece of flexible material such as fabric or neoprene. The location of the pocket attachment  710 , shown in this embodiment as a question mark attachment  760 , near to the top fold, as shown, creates a novel pocket  750 . As shown in  FIG. 5C , placing the fingers and palm inside the first pocket opening  790   a , and placing the thumb inside the second pocket opening  790   b , formed in this manner, results in a superior, more secure grip than can be achieved by abutting a flat ridge such as shown, for example, in Giacheri. The pocket openings  790  are configured to face downward on a diagonal. The diagonal is about forty-five degrees. The diagonal pocket  750  is also easier to grasp, for example, when the jumper is already in the air. 
     In this embodiment, the overlapping area above the pocket attachment  710  is attached with the question mark attachment  760  forming a lazy question mark shaped grip. This shape is designed to match the location of the extended thumb and extended index finger of the hand (e.g.  122  as shown in  FIG. 5C ). The shape is designed to more closely fit the shape of the hand while gripping the thighs. For example, the shape may be designed to match the edge of extended thumb and extended index finger of each hand (see also  FIGS. 5C ,  6 A, and  6 B). The question mark attachment  760  results in superior results over the V attachment  720 , in the second pocket opening  790   b  allows the thumb to enter inside the pocket opening  790   b . Further, the question mark attachment  760  distributes the forces more smoothly on the leg glove  705  and is less likely to tear when hundred pound forces are applied during a lift. Thus, it provides a better match for the hand and distributes the forces more evenly. 
     The layout shown in  FIG. 5C  allows the reverse side to have a mirror image, second pocket  750   c  (not visible, but shown in  FIGS. 4A ,  4 B,  6 A and  6 B). This allows one lifter to securely grasp one leg with both hands (e.g.  161  and  162 ), as shown in  FIG. 6B  and as poorly attempted by third lifter  160  in  FIG. 1A , with greater success. Alternatively, the back lifter (e.g. fourth lifter  170 ) could put one hand (e.g. left hand of fourth lifter  172 ) in the second pocket  750 , on the back, while the front lifter (e.g. third lifter  160 ) puts one hand (e.g. right hand of third lifter  162 ) in the front pocket  750 . 
     The alternate leg glove  705  embodiments provide improved, more secure grip. The hand (shown as  122 ) is easily slipped inside the pocket openings  790   a  and  790   b  during the lift and is easily removed as the jumper comes down. The downward diagonal facing pocket openings  790  are less likely to engage the hands or fingers of other players at other times, for example, while being tackled during open play. 
       FIG. 5D  shows another embodiment of an alternate leg glove  705  with a base strap  810 . Base strap  810  is made of non-elastic material of a fixed circumference, preventing excess sliding and movement of the leg glove  700  (or leg mitt) during lifting and open play. 
     The base strap  810  is a non-elastic, flat strip or ribbon of flexible material. The base strap  810  is of a fixed circumference such that the leg glove  700  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,  FIG. 6A ). Good results have been obtained when the leg glove is configured to stop about four inches above the cap of the knee  992 . For high school and adult males, the base straps are about fifteen to eighteen inches. The base strap  810  encircles the leg of the jumper and prevents the leg glove from sliding up the thigh higher than about four inches above the knee. The base straps are permanently fixed in length. Good results have been obtained making different sized products for example, one size is configured to fit eighteen to twenty inch thighs, when the circumference is measured four inches above the cap of the knee  992 , and another size is configured to fit twenty-two to twenty-four inch thighs. Other smaller sizes are made for smaller youth. 
     During the lift, the leg glove  700  could have over one hundred pounds of force applied to it. To prevent tearing of the base layer  740  material, and to more evenly distribute the force to the base strap  810  (and then to the jumper&#39;s leg), the pocket attachment  710  (question mark attachment  760 ), the base attachment  715 , and the conical attachment  707  are best sewn with wide and broad zig-zag stitching (shown for example in  FIG. 4B ). 
     The novel, non-elastic base strap  810  overcomes a disadvantage found with conventional leg sleeves, such as Giacheri, that continue to stretch during the lift and slide up the leg because they are elastic. Further, the use of smaller circumference sleeves only partially addresses this problem and adds to the discomfort and constriction of leg between lifts. 
     Further, by attaching the base strap  810  to the base layer  740 , it is more difficult for the opponents to use the base strap  810  disadvantageously. 
       FIG. 6A  and  FIG. 6B   
     The novel structure allows the leg glove  700  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 glove  700  could be carried in the jumper&#39;s pocket between jumps and quickly put only just before a jump. Alternatively, the leg strap could be thrown in from the sideline as needed or exchanged by players on a substitution. 
       FIG. 6A  shows the general operation of leg gloves  700 . In particular, the operation of alternate leg gloves  705 ( a - b ) during a lift will be described. One leg glove  705  is placed above the knee  992  on the lower thigh  990 . Preferably, the base strap  810  is sized to be placed about four inches above the knee  992 . During the lift, the lifter (or lifters) places a hand in one or more diagonal pockets  750 . The fingers of the hand enter the pocket opening  790  at a diagonal and the thumb enters a thumb pocket opening  790   b  (in the alternate leg glove  705 ) at a diagonal ninety degrees to the first diagonal (see thumb pocket opening  790   b  in  FIG. 5C ). 
     The pockets  750  are easily grasped before or during each jump or lift, and are easily released after the lift. 
     Leg Glove Methods 
     Method aspects of the present invention is now described. Using  FIGS. 4A ,  4 B, and  FIG. 5D  as references, an exemplary method of making a leg glove is explained. 
     A first step is providing a single piece of flexible, elastic material, such as neoprene, configured to a predetermined shape and size. 
     For the embodiment shown in  FIG. 5D , an optional second step is providing and attaching a base strap  810  comprising a non-elastic, flat strip or ribbon of flexible material. The length of the base strap  810  is preferably about two inches longer than the circumference of a lower thigh of a jumper. 
     In a novel embodiment of this base strap  810  attaching step, the single piece of flexible, elastic material is temporarily stretched to a predetermined size corresponding to the circumference of a lower thigh of a jumper, the non-elastic base strap  810  is placed over the temporarily stretched elastic material (e.g. base layer  740 ) and sewn with an appropriate stretch stitch as discussed above. After the base strap  810  is sewn to the temporarily stretched elastic material, the elastic material is released from the stretch allowing the base strap  810  to crinkle without any opening large enough for another players finger to enter. 
     A third step is folding the single piece of flexible, elastic material at fold  730  and aligning edge  780   a  with edge  780   b  such that a base layer  740  and a partially overlapping pocket  750  layer are formed, wherein diagonal pocket openings  790  are formed. 
     A fourth step is attaching the base layer  740  and the pocket  750  layer with a base attachment  715 . 
     A fifth step is forming a conical shape by attaching the other edges with a conical attachment  770 , wherein a conical shape is configured to match the shape of the lower thigh of the jumper. 
     For the embodiment shown in  FIG. 5D , an optional sixth step is closing the base strap  810  into a permanently closed loop, having a circumference the same as the predetermined size. 
     In a novel embodiment of this base strap  810  closing step, as shown in detail in  FIGS. 7A and 7B , the ends of the base strap  810  are folded and overlapped such that the ends meet under a top layer and over a bottom layer. Preferable a box and X stitch is sewn over this arrangement ( FIG. 7B ) forming a strong, permanently closed loop. An advantage of the arrangement of  FIGS. 7A and 7B  is that the sharp and hard corner of a polypropolene strap which has been cut and sealed with a hot knife is covered by a layer of relatively soft polypropolene ribbon. 
     A seventh step is holding open the pocket openings by forming a pocket attachment  710 . In the  FIG. 3A  embodiment, the pocket attachment  710  comprises a V attachment  720 . In the  FIG. 5A  embodiment, pocket attachment  710  comprises a question mark attachment  760 . 
     In some method embodiments the predetermined shape of the single piece of flexible, elastic material has the design claimed in U.S. Pat. No. D594,604. 
     Other Uses 
     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, Association Football (soccer), International Rules Football, Australian Rules Football, Baseball, ice skating, dance, or other sports. 
     ADVANTAGES 
     Comfortable 
     Leg gloves offer comfort to the jumping player. The leg gloves 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 
     Leg gloves are effective. A lifter has much better odds for obtaining and maintaining a sure grip with the leg gloves than with conventional methods. Thus, the jumper is more consistently able to obtain an optimum jump. 
     Safe 
     Because of the effectiveness of the leg gloves in allowing lifters to have a sure grip, the leg gloves 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. 
     Simple 
     Leg gloves are simple to make and use. A leg glove requires little time to put on. 
     Easy to Use 
     Leg gloves are easy to use. To install, the potential jumper simply applies, or pulls over, one leg glove over each leg. The lifters easily can find the diagonal pocket 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, leg gloves are easily put on by one person and gives consistent results. 
     Leg gloves are easily removed or applied and thus may be exchanged between players during a game without removing shorts or boots. 
     Reusable 
     Leg gloves 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 Performance 
     Leg gloves offer 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 leg gloves gives teams more options on plays to be run during the lineout. The use of leg gloves does not hinder agility or running, as conventional taping sometimes does. 
     Quick 
     Leg gloves can be quickly applied and removed. Time from warm-up and pre-game training need not be taken to apply leg gloves. 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 
     Leg gloves can easily be switched from player to player to accommodate substitutions. 
     Empowering 
     Leg gloves 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. 
     Efficient 
     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. Leg gloves do not produce additional garbage or cost on repeated uses. 
     Better Appearance 
     Conventional methods of lifting worsen the look of players. Leg gloves have a smooth, professional look. While conventional taping has limited options, the leg gloves can easily be manufactured in a variety of colors to match the team color or the individual preference of the wearer. Space on the leg glove material may also be used to bear a team logo, national insignia, or advertising. 
     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. Leg gloves enables players to wear compression shorts and in combination with the means for lifting. 
     Cost Effective 
     Because leg gloves can be made relatively inexpensively, are reusable, and eliminate waste the present invention is cost effective. In particular, the leg gloves embodiments can be made very inexpensively, providing a larger market and encouraging less waste. 
     Conclusion, Ramification, and Scope 
     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, different widths of strap could be used. Additionally, the leg gloves 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.