Watersport Hiking Support System

• US 20150257461A1
• Filed: 05/27/2015
• Published: 09/17/2015
• Est. Priority Date: 07/27/2007
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Zhik Pty. Ltd.
• Original Assignee: Zhik Pty. Ltd.
• Inventors: Conolly, Brian John, Milczarczyk, Bartosz
• Granted Patent: US 9,763,484 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 1/1
• CPC Class Codes: A41D 13/0015 Sports garments other than provided for in groups A41D13/0007 - A41D13/088
• CPC Class Codes: A41D 13/015 with shock-absorbing means A41D13/05 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: A41D 13/0543 Legs knee or foot A41D13/06; protectors for the legs of players or sportmen A63B71/1225
• CPC Class Codes: A41D 2300/20 Inserts
• CPC Class Codes: A41D 2600/10 for sport activities
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 2071/1233 for the hip
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 2071/1241 for the thigh
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 2071/125 for the knee
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 2209/10 with adhesive type surfaces, i.e. hook and loop-type fastener
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 71/1225 for the legs, e.g. thighs, knees, ankles, feet

Abstract

A device that provides support for sailors while hiking from a sailing vessel is disclosed. The device is a pair of sleeves tailored with pockets under each thigh that allow for supporting pads to be inserted in various combinations. The pads are ergonomically designed and can be designed with internal fibreglass battens, or moulded plastic, and optionally in shapes that help apply torque to the boat dynamics. The sleeves are designed with one way stretch to optimise grip to the leg, and constructed in a choice of composite materials to aid durability and comfort.

Claims

1. A hiking support system, comprising:

a first sleeve portion having a pocket for receiving at least one resilient pad of predetermined stiffness;

wherein said sleeve portion, having said pad inserted, is adapted to be worn by a user for providing support to the user while hiking and;

said sleeve portion includes areas of high friction material on the inside of said sleeve to resist movement on the user'"'"'s leg.

2. A system as claimed in claim 1 wherein said high friction material is provided by printing or bonding a high friction polymeric or silicone material to the inside of the said sleeve.

3. A system as claimed in claim 1 wherein said sleeve portion includes a stretch gradient for restricting stretch in defined areas of said sleeve.

4. A system as claimed in claim 3 wherein said stretch gradient is provided by printing or bonding a regular or irregular pattern.

5. A system as claimed in claim 4 whereby said pattern is provided in bands, whereby said pattern also provides a high friction surface.

6. A system as claimed in claim 3, wherein said sleeve portion includes a nylon layer, wherein said nylon layer can be manufactured to incorporate said stretch gradient in its weave.

7. A system as claimed in claim 1, wherein said sleeve portion is further adapted to substantially only stretch in one-direction.

8. A system as claimed in claim 1, wherein said sleeve portion comprises a substantially planar panel, wherein opposite ends of said panel are releasably fastenable together to define said sleeve.

9. A system as claimed in claim 1, wherein said sleeve portion, having said pad inserted, is adapted to be worn by a user beneath a wetsuit for providing support to the user while hiking.

10. A system as claimed in claim 1, wherein said system is manufactured with said pad fixedly inserted in said pocket of said sleeve portion.

11. A system as claimed in claim 1, wherein said sleeve portion is further adapted as a compression garment for reducing fatigue and enhancing recovery of the users thigh muscles.

12. A system as claimed in claim 1, further comprising:

a second sleeve portion having a pocket for receiving a second pad, and having said second pad inserted;

wherein said first and second sleeve portion are attached to briefs such that said briefs can be worn by the user beneath said wetsuit.

13. A system as claimed in claim 1 wherein said pad is constructed from any one or more of the set comprising Ethlene Vinyl Acetate (EVA) sheeting, nylon laminated foam and neoprene, which is glued together over fibreglass battens.

14. A system as claimed in claim 1 wherein two or more pads are inserted in said pocket, wherein said pads are clipped together in their centre with Velcro to maintain flexibility while used in combination.

15. A system as claimed in claim 1, wherein said pocket has at least one drain holes to substantially avoid retaining water in said pocket when in use.

16. A system as claimed in claim 1 wherein said pocket has a stretchable opening to allow the pad to be inserted whilst also fixing said pad in place during use.

17. A method of providing improved hiking capabilities, the method including the steps of:

providing a hiking system according to claim 1 and

providing pads of various stiffness which can be inserted into said pockets in different combinations depending on sailing conditions.

18. A hiking support systems comprising:

a first substantially planar panel adapted to releasably fasten opposite ends of said panel together to define a first sleeve portion;

said panel including a pocket for receiving at least one resilient pad of predetermined stiffness;

wherein said sleeve portion, having said pad inserted, is adapted to be worn by a user for providing support to the user while hiking and;

said sleeve portion includes areas of gripping material on the inside of said sleeve

19. A system as claimed in claim 18, wherein said panel is adapted for wrapping around the thigh of said user and fastening in a fitted operative sleeved configuration.

20. A system as claimed in claim 18, wherein said system is manufactured with said pad fixedly inserted in said pocket.

21. A system as claimed in claim 18, wherein said fastening is achieved using a Velcro closure.

22. A system as claimed in claim 18 wherein said high friction material is provided by printing or bonding a high friction polymeric or silicone material to the inside of the said sleeve.

23. A system as claimed in claim 18 wherein said sleeve portion includes a stretch gradient for restricting stretch in defined areas of said sleeve.

24. A system as claimed in claim 18 wherein said stretch gradient is provided by printing or bonding a regular or irregular pattern.

25. A system as claimed in claim 18 whereby said pattern is provided in bands, whereby said pattern also provides a high friction surface.

26. A system as claimed in claim 18, wherein said sleeve portion includes a nylon layer, wherein said nylon layer can be manufactured to incorporate said stretch gradient in its weave.

35. A system as claimed in claim 26, wherein said sleeve portion, having said pad inserted, is adapted to be worn by a user beneath a wetsuit for providing support to the user while hiking.

36. A system as claimed in claim 26, wherein said sleeve portion is further adapted as a compression garment for reducing fatigue and enhancing recovery of the user'"'"'s thigh muscles.

27. A hiking support systems comprising:

a first sleeve portion containing a rigid supporting pad adapted to be worn by a user for providing support to the user while hiking and;

said sleeve portion includes areas of gripping material on the inside of said sleeve

28. A system as claimed in claim 27 wherein said gripping material is provided by printing or bonding a high friction polymeric or silicone material to the inside of the said sleeve.

29. A system as claimed in claim 27 wherein said sleeve portion includes a stretch gradient for restricting stretch in defined areas of said sleeve.

30. A system as claimed in claim 27 wherein said stretch gradient is provided by printing or bonding a regular or irregular pattern.

31. A system as claimed in claim 27 whereby said pattern is provided in bands, whereby said pattern also provides a high friction surface.

32. A system as claimed in claim 27, wherein said sleeve portion includes a nylon layer, wherein said nylon layer can be manufactured to incorporate said stretch gradient in its weave.

33. A system as claimed in claim 27, wherein said sleeve portion is further adapted to substantially only stretch in one-direction.

34. A system as claimed in claim 27, wherein said sleeve portion comprises a substantially planar panel, wherein opposite ends of said panel are releasably fastenable together to define said sleeve.