Sleeve Accessory Device and Methods of Use

Abstract

The present invention provides an accessory device to be used for obfuscating or covering shirt sleeves which simply, effectively, and removably secures and accessorizes the wearer's sleeve, or otherwise exposes his or her forearm and/or bicep in order to make a fashion statement, or achieve comfort, flexibility, and movability, or otherwise expose a portion of the wearer's arm. The benefit of such a device is that it allows the wearer is that is can removably secure a rolled-up quickly and without altering the outer garment. It can be used in a purely utilitarian fashion, as an accessory, to make a statement or convey a message, or to expose the arms of the wearer's body for working purposes, for visual purposes, for causal purposes, or for comfort purposes.

Description

FIELD OF INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to clothing accessories, and more particularly a device for masking, covering and retaining shirt sleeves and/or fashionably drawing attention to the wearer, and/or the wearer's outer garments, and/or the outer garments of someone accompanying the wearer, and/or the pattern, print or design of said device.

BACKGROUND

Frequently, individuals who wear shirts often roll-up or otherwise gather outer garment sleeves in various professional activities as well as in various everyday non-professional activities. However, rolled-up or gathered sleeves may look unkempt or detract from an otherwise “buttoned-up” appearance. Additionally, as these wearers move about during the course of their activities, the rolled (or gathered) sleeves tend to come undone, slip, or slide down the participant's arm, thus creating an unsightly or unkempt appearance. Such occurrence dissuade a wearer from rolling-up (or gathering-up) sleeves and requires the participant to invest time re-rolling (or re-gathering) the sleeves to the desired position.

To date no solution exists for assisting in keeping rolled or gathered sleeves in their desired position. Furthermore, to date, no solution exists for providing an aesthetically pleasing accessory for covering rolled up or gathered sleeves. As a result, there remains an unmet need for a device which simply, effectively, and removably secures and accessorizes the wearer's sleeve, or otherwise exposes his or her forearm and/or bicep in order to make a fashion statement, or achieve comfort, flexibility, and movability, or otherwise expose a portion of the wearer's arm.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

For the present invention to be clearly understood and readily practiced, the present invention will be described in conjunction with the following figures, wherein like reference characters designate the same or similar elements, which figures are incorporated into and constitute a part of the specification, wherein:

FIG. 1 is the frontal view of the 100 sleeve accessory, depicting the 102 proximate end of the material, the 104 distal end of the material, the 210 snap cap and the 212 snap stud connecting means for connecting the ends of the sleeve accessory together.

FIG. 2 is a back view of the 100 sleeve accessory, depicting the 106 width the material 210 snap caps, and 212 snap studs, 400 liner and the 300 clips means for connecting the 100 sleeve accessory to the sleeve of an outer garment.

FIG. 3 is the frontal view of the back side of the 100 sleeve accessory, depicting the 210 snap caps and 212 snap studs connecting means snapped to each other connecting the distal and proximate ends of the material together.

FIG. 4 is the frontal view of the 100 sleeve accessory, depicting the 500 flaps for attaching the material to the rolled or gathered sleeve of the outer garment attached in a staggered pattern such that no two flaps overlap when wrapped around the outer garment.

FIG. 5 is the back side of the 100 sleeve accessory, depicting the 500 flaps for attaching the material to the rolled or gathered sleeve of the outer garment sewn to the material in a staggered pattern such that no two flaps overlap when wrapped around the outer garment.

FIG. 6 is the frontal view of the 100 sleeve accessory, depicting the 500 flaps for attaching the material to the rolled or gathered sleeve of the outer garment, whereby the flaps are integrated into the material 100 sleeve accessory.

FIG. 7 depicts one embodiment of a 100 sleeve accessory that is colored to blend in with the outer garment, attached to the sleeves of shirt with the sleeves rolled-up, fully covering the rolled-up sleeves, with 210 snap caps positioned to minimize their visibility.

FIG. 8 depicts one embodiment of a 100 sleeve accessory that is colored to accent the outer garment, attached to the sleeves of shirt with the sleeves rolled-up, partially covering the rolled-up sleeves, with 210 snap caps positioned to hide them from view, whereby body art is visible.

FIG. 9 depicts one embodiment of a 100 sleeve accessory that is colored to accent the outer garment, attached to the sleeves of shirt with the sleeves rolled-up, partially covering the rolled-up sleeves and 210 snap caps positioned to enhance their visibility.

FIG. 10 depicts one embodiment of a 100 sleeve accessory that incorporates an 1001 adjustable slide buckle for providing a sleeve accessory with an adjustable circumference.

FIG. 11 depicts one embodiment of a 100 sleeve accessory that incorporates an 1101 hook and eyelet fastener for connecting the 100 sleeve accessory to the sleeve of an outer garment.

SUMMARY OF INVENTION

The present invention provides an accessory device to be used for obfuscating or covering shirt sleeves which simply, effectively, and removably secures and accessorizes the wearer's sleeve, or otherwise exposes his or her forearm and/or bicep in order to make a fashion statement, or achieve comfort, flexibility, and movability, or otherwise expose a portion of the wearer's arm. The inventive accessory device provides a means to quickly and easily accessorize business casual clothes, much like a necktie. The inventive accessory device is quickly and removably attached over the rolled-up sleeve of a variety of outer garments including, but not limited to a shirt, sweatshirt, blazer or wind breaker. At the end of the event or evening, the inventive accessory device is easily removed by the wearer for washing and or reuse. It is appreciated that such accessory device may be used with multiple different sleeved garments, and materials may be selected to achieve various aesthetics.

The color and/or patterns of the inventive accessory device may be used for accenting the clothing of the wearer or the wearer's features (like eyes or hair color) or those of a person who is accompanying the wearer. In addition the inventive accessory device may be used for identification purposes of a group or family in a specific setting, or may be used to convey a message such as supporting a political party or performer.

The benefit of such a device is that it allows the wearer is that is can removably secure a rolled-up quickly and without altering the outer garment. It can be used in a purely utilitarian fashion, as an accessory, to make a statement or convey a message, or to expose the arms of the wearer's body for working purposes, for visual purposes, for causal purposes, or for comfort purposes. The present invention differs from what currently exists, because there are no similar inventions to date.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The present invention provides for methods and devices for obfuscating and retaining a rolled shirt sleeve in place. The present invention provides solves the problem of unkempt shirt sleeves as result of daily movement, as well as provides an aesthetically pleasing, and clean look to the wearer.

The following detailed description is merely exemplary in nature and is in no way intended to limit the scope of the invention, its application, or uses, which may vary. It is to be understood that in instances where a range of values are provided that the range is intended to encompass not only the end point values of the range but also intermediate values of the range as explicitly being included within the range and varying by the last significant figure of the range. By way of example, a recited range of from 1 to 4 is intended to include 1-2, 1-3, 2-4, 3-4, and 1-4.

The invention is described with relation to the non-limiting definitions and terminology included herein. These definitions and terminology are not designed to function as a limitation on the scope or practice of the invention, but are presented for illustrative and descriptive purposes only. Various terms used throughout the specification and claims are defined as set forth below as it may be helpful to an understanding of the invention.

As used herein, “wearer” shall mean those individuals who are wearing a shirt and are either desiring a device for maintaining their rolled sleeves in an intact position, or those individuals seeking an aesthetically pleasing accessory to obfuscate their existing sleeves, rolled or unrolled.

Generally

The present invention provides a shirt accessory device for masking, covering, or securing a shirt sleeve. The device includes a length and width of material having a front side and a back side. The material is further defined by two ends, a proximal end and a distal end. It is intended that the length of the material (the distance between the proximal end and the distal end) is sufficient for the proximal end and the distal end to touch, or even overlap, when worn circumferentially about a shirt sleeve of a wearer. The present invention further provides a means of connecting the material to the shirt sleeve in order to hold the material about the shirt sleeve when worn. The inventive accessory device, when worn, covers or masks the sleeve or cuffed portion of a garment. It should be appreciated that the inventive accessory device may be used in conjunction with a plurality of coupling means and fasteners to aid in the overall function of the device for securing and obfuscating the cuff of a shirt sleeve or a partially rolled shirt sleeve.

Materials

In at least one embodiment the inventive 100 sleeve accessory device is constructed of a flexible fabric suitable for clothing and outer garments. The inventive 100 sleeve accessory device consists of material having a front side or a back side. In some embodiments, the edges of the material are folded over and sewn to achieve a clean and finished look for the material. In some embodiments, the back side of the material may further include an additional material for functional or aesthetic use. Although not depicted in the drawings, in some embodiments, an interfacing material, such as batting, is used to give additional strength, support or shape to the material of the 100 sleeve accessory device. Thus in at least one embodiment, the length of material includes a composite layer of material which includes a top layer of material to be work on the outside, an intermediate layer of material to assist with structural support, such as betting, and a bottom layer of material. It is appreciated that some embodiments, the top layer and the bottom layer of materials may be selected such that the inventive accessory device is reversible. In at least one embodiment, the inventive accessory device includes two or more materials which may be shortened within each other or extended from each other to accommodate for multiple sizes.

Coupling Means

In at least one embodiment the inventive 100 sleeve accessory device include one or more coupling means for securing the 102 proximate end of the 100 sleeve accessory to the 104 distal end of the sleeve accessory. On example is provided in FIG. 1 and FIG. 2. In at least one embodiment the 102 proximate end of the 100 sleeve accessory is connected to the 104 distal end by means of cooperating snaps, including at least one 210 snap cap and at least one 212 snap post. In other embodiments the 102 proximate end and 104 distal end of the 100 sleeve accessory are connected by means of hooks and loops, clips, hook and eyelet, hasps or stretchable bands, or other coupling means known in the art. Without being bound to any particular theory, it is believed that by including a coupling means the inventive accessory is better secured about the sleeve, and prevents the 102 proximate end and 104 distal end of the 100 sleeve accessory from becoming unkempt though ordinary motion. Furthermore, incorporating one or more coupling means allows for size adjustment, or the ability for the inventive device to be worn by wearers of multiple bicep widths.

In at least one embodiment, the coupling means is an 1001 adjustable slide buckle or ring for connecting the 102 proximate end and 104 distal end of the 100 sleeve accessory, and allowing for the adjustment of its circumference about a user's arm to accommodate for users of multiple sizes. FIG. 10, provides at least one example of the inventive sleeve accessory using a 1001 adjustable slide buckle or ring.

Connecting Means

It is appreciated that the inventive 100 accessory device further includes a means for securing the material portion about the sleeve of the wearer. Incorporating the connecting means preferably provides the necessary force to maintain the rolled sleeves in their rolled state, and prevents them from slipping or unrolling down the wearer's arm. Nothing herein is intended to limit the connection means to a particular embodiment, and it is appreciated that many forms of buttons, snaps, hasps, or other means are known in the art to achieve this function.

In at least one embodiment, the connection means is a plurality of 300 clips. FIG. 2 illustrated one embodiment of the inventive accessory device which incorporated the use of a plurality of clips. As illustrated here, the clips fasten over the rolled material proximate to the users bicep to apply necessary force to keep the sleeve rolled in place, while fastening the material of the inventive accessory circumferentially about the about the arm of the wearer.

In other embodiments the connecting means is a series of 500 flaps which can be rolled under both ends of the rolled sleeve (the rolled end proximate to the wearer's bicep, and the other end of the rolled sleeve proximate to the wearers forearm). FIG. 4 and FIG. 5 illustrate one example of an embodiment of the inventive device incorporating 500 flaps in a “sawtooth” pattern such that the 500 flaps are on opposite sides of the material are offset. FIG. 6 illustrates another example of an embodiment of the invention where the 500 flaps are opposite each other.

It is appreciated that, where used, the one or more flaps should extend from the width of the material used for the inventive 100 accessory device. In at least one embodiment, the 500 flaps are sewn on to the 100 sleeve accessory as an external attachment as depicted in FIG. 5. In other embodiments the 500 flaps are incorporated into the overall shape of the invention as depicted in FIG. 6. In at least one embodiment, magnets or other securing means are used to join the interfacing 500 flaps of the 100 sleeve accessory to provide additional support to maintain the position of the 100 sleeve accessory around the rolled up outer garment sleeve.

EXAMPLES

It is to be understood that while the invention has been described in conjunction with the detailed description thereof, the foregoing description is intended to illustrate and not limit the scope of the invention, which is defined by the scope of the appended claims. Other aspects, advantages, and modifications are within the scope of the following claims.

Example 1

An inventive sleeve cuff accessory device is provided and as illustrated in FIGS. 1-3. A desired wearer of the accessory device unbuttons the sleeve from their writ and rolls the shirt sleeve up to their bicep by folding the sleeve at the seam of the cuff up until it touches the sleeve and repeating the process until the sleeve is rolled-up to a point of the wearer's bicep. The length of the inventive sleeve cuff is sufficient to circumferentially wrap about the sleeve of the wearer. On the 400 backside of the accessory device is a plurality of 300 fasteners for securing the material about the sleeve. As the material is wrapped about the rolled sleeve, the fasters are clipped to the rolled sleeve proximal to the wearer's bicep. Once all the 300 fasteners are secured, the 102 proximal end and the 104 distal end of the accessory device are connected via the coupling means. As illustrated in FIG. 1 and FIG. 2, the 210, 212 coupling means is a snap cap and post. The installed sleeve circumferentially about the sleeve of the wearer resembles FIG. 3 when fastened and coupled to achieve the result provided in FIGS. 8-9.

Example 2

An inventive sleeve cuff accessory device is provided and as illustrated in FIG. 4 and FIG. 5. A desired wearer of the accessory device unbuttons the sleeve from their writ and rolls the shirt sleeve up to their bicep by folding the sleeve at the seam of the cuff up until it touches the sleeve and repeating the process until the sleeve is rolled-up to a point of the wearer's bicep. The length of the inventive sleeve cuff is sufficient to circumferentially wrap about the sleeve of the wearer. As shown in FIG. 4 and FIG. 5, a plurality of 500 fins extends from the width of the material of the accessory device for securing the material about the sleeve. As the material is wrapped about the rolled sleeve, the fins are folded under the material of the rolled sleeve both proximal and distal to the wearer's bicep. Once all the 500 fins are folded under the shirt sleeve, the 102 proximal end and the 104 distal end of the accessory device overlap and, the sleeve accessory is rotated to obscure the overlap under the armpit of the wearer. The installed sleeve circumferentially about the sleeve of the wearer achieves the result provided in FIG. 7.

Example 3

The inventive sleeve cuff accessory device of Example 2 is provided, but similar to Example 1, includes a coupling means for connecting the 102 proximal end and the 104 distal circumferentially about the sleeve of the wearer.

Other Embodiments

While at least one exemplary embodiment has been presented in the foregoing detailed description, it should be appreciated that a vast number of variations exist. It should also be appreciated that the exemplary embodiment or exemplary embodiments are only examples, and are not intended to limit the scope, applicability, or configuration of the described embodiments in any way. Rather, the foregoing detailed description will provide those skilled in the art with a convenient road map for implementing the exemplary embodiment or exemplary embodiments. It should be understood that various changes can be made in the function and arrangement of elements without departing from the scope as set forth in the appended claims and the legal equivalents thereof.

Claims

1. A device for masking , covering, or securing a shirt sleeve, the device comprising: a length and width of material having a front side and a back side, said length having a proximal and a distal end, and said length being sufficient for said proximal and said distal end to touch when worn circumferentially about a shirt sleeve;a means of connecting said material to the shirt sleeve in order to hold said material about the shirt sleeve.

2. The device of claim 1 wherein said material further comprises a coupling means for connecting said proximate and said distal ends of said material when worn circumferentially about a shirt sleeve.

3. The device of claim 1 wherein said means for connecting said material to said sleeve is a fastener or one or more flaps.

4. The device of claim 3 wherein said fastener is one or more clips, hasps, pins, buttons, hooks and loops, hook and eyelet, adjustable slide buckles, or combinations thereof.

5. The device of claim 3 wherein said fastener is attached to the back side of said material.

6. The device of claim 3 wherein said one or more flaps extends from the width of said material, whereby when folded under or within the sleeve, or rolled portion of the sleeve, the material is secured about the sleeve.

7. The device of claim 6 wherein said flaps are secured to said material in a saw-tooth pattern such that when said flaps are folded over said sleeve no two flaps overlap.

8. The device of claim 1 wherein said width of material is sufficient such that it completely covers and masks said shirt sleeve.

9. The device of claim 1 wherein said coupling means for connecting said proximate and said distal ends of said material when worn circumferentially about a shirt sleeve is a button, a hasp, a hook and loop, hook and eyelet, a pin, or combinations thereof.

10. A device for masking , covering, or securing a shirt sleeve, the device comprising: a length and width of material having a front side and a back side, said length having a proximal and a distal end, and said length being sufficient for said proximal and said distal end to touch when worn circumferentially about a shirt sleeve;one or more fasteners secured to the back of said material for connecting said material to the shirt sleeve in order to hold said material about the shirt sleeve; anda coupling means for connecting said proximate and said distal ends of said material when worn circumferentially about a shirt sleeve.

11. The device of claim 10 wherein said fastener is one or more clips, hasps, pins, buttons, hooks and loops, hook and eyelet, adjustable slide buckles, or combinations thereof.

12. The device of claim 10 wherein said coupling means for connecting said proximate and said distal ends of said material when worn circumferentially about a shirt sleeve is a button, a hasp, a hook and loop, hook and eyelet, a pin, or combinations thereof.

13. The device of claim 10 wherein said width of material is sufficient such that it completely covers and masks said shirt sleeve.

14. A device for masking , covering, or securing a shirt sleeve, the device comprising: a length and width of material having a front side and a back side, said length having a proximal and a distal end, and said length being sufficient for said proximal and said distal end to touch when worn circumferentially about a shirt sleeve;one or more flaps for connecting said material to the shirt sleeve in order to hold said material about the shirt sleeve, said one or more flaps extending from the width of said material, whereby when said one or more flaps is folded under or within the sleeve, or rolled portion of the sleeve, the material is secured about the sleeve; anda coupling means for connecting said proximate and said distal ends of said material when worn circumferentially about a shirt sleeve.

15. The device of claim 14 wherein said coupling means for connecting said proximate and said distal ends of said material when worn circumferentially about a shirt sleeve is a button, a hasp, a hook and loop, hook and eyelet, a pin, or combinations thereof.

16. The device of claim 14 wherein said flaps are secured to said material in a saw-tooth pattern such that when said flaps are folded over said sleeve no two flaps overlap.

17. The device of claim 14 wherein said width of material is sufficient such that it completely covers and masks said shirt sleeve.