U.S. patent application number 12/150735 was filed with the patent office on 2009-11-05 for pocketed bicep cuff.
Invention is credited to Allen Craig.
Application Number | 20090272774 12/150735 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 41256446 |
Filed Date | 2009-11-05 |
United States Patent
Application |
20090272774 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Craig; Allen |
November 5, 2009 |
Pocketed bicep cuff
Abstract
The pocketed bicep cuff has retention on a bicep at a bulge
area. The bulge area is designed to bulge with a human bicep. The
bulging constricts the lower side and the upper side against the
bicep so that articles in a pocket section do not move when the arm
is moved. A zipper provides access to the pocket section. At the
upper side, hook and loop tape secure the upper periphery against
the muscle area where the bicep and tricep begin and are attached
at the tendons to the bone. Preferably, a looped tape sleeve with a
buttonhole provides adherence to hook tape which secures the upper
side to the bicep. The upper opening is substantially circular when
in use conforming to a bicep upper portion. The bulge area also
bulges downward at the tricep so that articles are held against the
bicep.
Inventors: |
Craig; Allen; (Lancaster,
CA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
LAW OFFICES OF CLEMENT CHENG
17220 NEWHOPE STREET #127
FOUNTAIN VALLEY
CA
92708
US
|
Family ID: |
41256446 |
Appl. No.: |
12/150735 |
Filed: |
April 30, 2008 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
224/222 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A45F 2005/008 20130101;
A45F 2003/006 20130101; A45F 5/00 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
224/222 |
International
Class: |
A45C 13/30 20060101
A45C013/30 |
Claims
1. A pocketed bicep cuff comprising: a. a pocket section defined
between a pair of stretch fabric layers, namely an upper stretch
fabric layer and a lower stretch fabric layer, wherein the upper
stretch fabric and the lower stretch fabric layer are substantially
made of polyester fabric with a smaller amount of elastane; b. a
lower side having a sleeve receiving an elastic band, wherein the
elastic band passes substantially around a lower side
circumference; c. an upper side opposite the lower side, wherein an
upper side circumference is larger than the lower side
circumference at a neutral position; d. a zipper opening for user
access to the pocket section, whereby the pocket section can retain
articles between the pair of stretch fabric layers; and e. a bulge
area between the lower side and the upper side, wherein stretching
of the bulge area creates a profile retaining the pocket section of
the bicep cuff against the skin of a user.
2. The pocketed bicep cuff of claim 1, further comprising an upper
side elastic band disposed between the hook tape strap and the loop
tape strap.
3. The pocketed bicep cuff of claim 1, further comprising a tighter
area which is above a midpoint on the pocketed bicep cuff.
4. The pocketed bicep cuff of claim 1, further comprising a wire
opening for an electrical wire which is at a zipper upper end,
wherein the zipper pulls up to close and pulls down to open.
5. The pocketed bicep cuff of claim 1, wherein the buttonhole is
rectangular shaped.
6. The pocketed bicep cuff of claim 1, wherein the zipper is
located near the upper pocket stitch, wherein the hook tape strap
is fixed to the upper side so that the hook tape strap faces upward
to receive the loop tape strap, wherein the zipper is to the side
of the bulge area, wherein the bulge area is configured so that
during normal use it bulges upward.
7. The pocketed bicep cuff of claim 6, further comprising an upper
loop tape sleeve partially retaining a loop tape strap within, and
a buttonhole opening from which the loop tape strap protrudes,
further comprising a hook tape strap disposed on the upper side for
receiving the loop tape strap which is elongated, whereby a user
may adjust tension of the loop tape against the hook tape for
optimal fit.
8. A pocketed bicep cuff comprising: a. a pocket section defined
between a pair of stretch fabric layers, namely an upper stretch
fabric layer and a lower stretch fabric layer; b. a lower side
having a sleeve receiving an elastic band, wherein the elastic band
passes substantially around a lower side circumference; c. an upper
side opposite the lower side, wherein an upper side circumference
is larger than the lower side circumference at a neutral position;
d. a zipper opening for user access to the pocket section, whereby
the pocket section can retain articles between the pair of stretch
fabric layers; and e. a bulge area between the lower side and the
upper side, wherein stretching of the bulge area creates a profile
retaining the pocket section of the bicep cuff against the skin of
a user; f. an upper loop tape sleeve partially retaining a loop
tape strap within, and a buttonhole opening from which the loop
tape strap protrudes, further comprising a hook tape strap disposed
on the upper side for receiving the loop tape strap which is
elongated, whereby a user may adjust tension of the loop tape
against the hook tape for optimal fit.
9. The pocketed bicep cuff of claim 8, further comprising a tighter
area which is above a midpoint on the pocketed bicep cuff.
10. The pocketed bicep cuff of claim 8, further comprising a wire
opening for an electrical wire which is at a zipper upper end,
wherein the zipper pulls up to close and pulls down to open.
11. The pocketed bicep cuff of claim 10, further comprising an
upper side elastic band disposed between the hook tape strap and
the loop tape strap.
12. The pocketed bicep cuff of claim 8, wherein the buttonhole is
rectangular shaped.
13. The pocketed bicep cuff of claim 8, wherein the zipper is
located near the upper pocket stitch, wherein the hook tape strap
is fixed to the upper side so that the hook tape strap faces upward
to receive the loop tape strap, wherein the zipper is to the side
of the bulge area, wherein the bulge area is configured so that
during normal use it bulges upward.
14. A pocketed bicep cuff comprising: a. a pocket section defined
between a pair of stretch fabric layers, namely an upper stretch
fabric layer and a lower stretch fabric layer; b. a lower side
having a sleeve receiving an elastic band, wherein the elastic band
passes substantially around a lower side circumference; c. an upper
side opposite the lower side, wherein an upper side circumference
is larger than the lower side circumference at a neutral position;
d. a zipper opening for user access to the pocket section, whereby
the pocket section can retain articles between the pair of stretch
fabric layers; and e. a bulge area between the lower side and the
upper side, wherein stretching of the bulge area creates a profile
retaining the pocket section of the bicep cuff against the skin of
a user; f. an upper loop tape sleeve partially retaining a loop
tape strap within, and a buttonhole opening from which the loop
tape strap protrudes, further comprising a hook tape strap disposed
on the upper side for receiving the loop tape strap which is
elongated, whereby a user may adjust tension of the loop tape
against the hook tape for optimal fit; and g. an upper side elastic
band disposed between the hook tape strap and the loop tape
strap.
15. The pocketed bicep cuff of claim 1, further comprising a
tighter area which is above a midpoint on the pocketed bicep
cuff.
16. The pocketed bicep cuff of claim 1, further comprising a wire
opening for an electrical wire which is at a zipper upper end,
wherein the zipper pulls up to close and pulls down to open.
17. The pocketed bicep cuff of claim 1, wherein the buttonhole is
rectangular shaped.
18. The pocketed bicep cuff of claim 1, wherein the zipper is
located near the upper pocket stitch, wherein the hook tape strap
is fixed to the upper side so that the hook tape strap faces upward
to receive the loop tape strap, wherein the zipper is to the side
of the bulge area, wherein the bulge area is configured so that
during normal use it bulges upward.
Description
DISCUSSION OF RELATED ART
[0001] During exercise and workouts many people opt to use audio
players for enjoyment and thus need a product to safely and
comfortably attach the device to their body or clothing. People
also have keys and loose articles that they need to stow. There are
various products on the market ranging from waistband attachment
clips to armband audio player holders. Most of the bands are
advertised as lightweight with an open face to provide easy access
to the audio player's controls. Some products are made of
stretchable fabric such as neoprene, while others are made of
leather. The actual size of these bands may vary since they are
often customized for specific audio player models. Often the bands
are adjustable in size so that consumers can adjust the product
according to their needs. Some bands have zippered pocket
enclosures to store the audio player securely, however this does
not allow the user to access the audio player controls easily. In
some cases, the audio player holder contains additional accessory
pockets for storage of such things as keys and batteries, etc. The
more common types of band closures are adjustable fasteners or hook
and loop closures.
[0002] Currently, many people use a variety of workout style
clothing for keeping articles. However the clothes frequently have
drawbacks. Being able to use a cheap pair of shorts and an old
T-shirt is commonly preferred. Using old clothes during workouts
typically is not compatible with having secure storage of articles.
Especially for exercises such as aerobics or active sports, storage
of articles during aerobic motions becomes difficult.
[0003] A variety of cuff structures for retaining articles or
clothing are described in the prior art. The Sleevelet-purse by T.
D. Cimino U.S. Pat. No. 2,459,992 shows a sleevelet-purse designed
for wear on one's forearm with the pockets to hold coins,
cosmetics, etc., the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by
reference. The sleevelet has a zipper and button for removal and
closure. In Effle's powder cuff U.S. Pat. No. 4,856,112; the cuff
is designed as protective clothing for cold temperatures and also
has a lengthwise zipper for removal and closure along with a pocket
for storage, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by
reference. In U.S. Pat. No. 6,472,590 B1 Kulik's Arm sheath for use
with a stringed instrument is a tube shaped elastic cuff for guitar
players, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by
reference. The cuff extends from the wrist area to below the elbow
of the user and functions to hold guitar picks. Many of these
sleeve devices have been fashioned in the past for specific
purposes, but have not been widely adopted because of their
cumbersome nature or inefficient design.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0004] The pocketed bicep cuff has retention on a bicep at a bulge
area. The bulge area is designed to bulge with a human bicep. The
bulging constricts the lower side and the upper side against the
bicep so that articles in a pocket section do not move when the arm
is moved. A zipper provides access to the pocket section. At the
upper side, hook and loop tape secure the upper periphery against
the muscle area where the bicep and tricep begin and are attached
at the tendons to the bone. Preferably, a looped tape sleeve with a
buttonhole provides adherence to hook tape which secures the upper
side to the bicep. The upper opening is substantially circular when
in use conforming to a bicep upper portion. The bulge area also
bulges downward at the tricep so that articles are held against the
bicep.
[0005] Articles are placed in the pocket section. The pocket
section has an opening which is a zipper. The zipper travels
downward from a closed position to an open position. The lower
opening also has a constriction where the constriction secures to
the lower portion of a bicep. The lower stitch on the lower side
provides a secure connection to the bicep. The pocketed bicep cuff
is made of a pair of layers, a lower layer and an upper layer. The
lower layer and the upper layer form a hollow area for retaining
articles within. When stretched, a portion of the bulge area can be
stretched outward.
[0006] The material is preferably a thin nylon expandable material
that has sufficient elasticity to be worn tight against the skin.
The thin nylon expandable material can also be of a microfiber or
other type of stretch fiber fabric. The stretch fabric panel
material provides skintight securing of articles against the skin,
preventing shifting of articles. Thus, it is the present object of
this invention to provide a cuff device that has minimal
interference with arm motion.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0007] FIG. 1 is a pattern view of the present invention.
[0008] FIG. 2 is a closed view of the present invention.
[0009] FIG. 3 is an expanded view of the preferred embodiment.
[0010] FIG. 4 is a top view of the preferred embodiment.
[0011] FIG. 5 is a stretched view of the present invention.
[0012] FIG. 6 is an environmental diagram of the present
invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
[0013] FIG. 1 provides a pattern view of the present invention. In
the pattern, the main body of the pocketed bicep cuff is made as a
trapezoidal piece of fabric with a bicep upper side 40 and a lower
side 140. The fabric best mode is about 81% polyester and 19%
elastane. A bulge area 88 receives the bulge of a bicep or tricep.
The upper side 40 has a strip of hook tape 42 meeting with a strip
of loop tape 44. The hook and loop tape is secured and bounded by
an upper stitch 48. The orientation of the hook and loop tape can
be reversed so that disclosed and drawn loop tape sections could
also be hook tape sections that receive loop tape sections.
[0014] A zipper 52 zips downward to open a secure articles in
pocket section 50. The upper pocket stitch 53 defines the top edge
of the pocket section 50. The lower edge of the pocket section 50
is defined by the lower stitch 148. The upper stitch 40 defines the
upper edge of the pocket section 50. The pocket section 50 is
formed between a pair of layers. A top layer and a bottom layer are
stitched together at the upper stitch 48, lower stitch 40, upper
pocket stitch 53 and bottom pocket stitch 51. Opening the zipper 52
provides access to the hollow area of the pocket section 50. Thus,
as shown in the first figure, the pocket section 50 is defined as a
trapezoidal area which is approximately half of the total pattern.
During construction, the top part of the pattern is stitched to the
bottom portion of the pattern.
[0015] The elastic band 146 is permanently disposed in a lower side
140 area that has a sleeve for receiving the elastic band. On the
upper side, the bicep upper side 40 area may receive an elastic
band also, but only running half of the template, with the hook
tape 42 formed as a strap taking up the top half of the template.
The loop tape 44 formed as a strap would protrude from the top half
of the template. The loop tape 44 may also be placed within the
sleeve. The hook tape and loop tape are preferably formed as a pair
of straps that connect together so that a user may adjust tension
between the pair of straps.
[0016] Upon assembly FIG. 2, the pocketed bicep cuff shows a bulge
area 88 at the pocket section 50 and elastic band 146 at a lower
side 140. Furthermore, the bicep upper side 40 has elastic on a
portion of the sleeve 47. The loop tape 44 formed as a strap can
also comprised a bottom portion of the cuff. In the neutral
position, the pocketed bicep cuff defines a trapezoid shape with
the bicep upper side being larger than the bicep lower side.
Additionally, the hook tape and the loop tape have an elastic band
disposed between. The elastic band is the upper side elastic band
at FIG. 1, at the area denoted by callout 40.
[0017] In the preferred embodiment of the present invention FIG. 3,
a buttonhole 46 allows the loop tape to protrude from the loop tape
sleeve 47. The loop tape in the lower portion of the loop tape
sleeve 47 can also be made elastic. Alternatively, elastic can be
put in the lower portion of the loop tape sleeve 47. A user pulls
the loop tape out of the buttonhole 46 extending it over the hook
tape 42 which is disposed on a top surface of the bicep upper side
40. The preferred embodiment further includes an upper opening 22
opposing a lower opening 21, wherein the upper opening 22 is larger
than the lower opening 21. The bulge area 88 receives a bicep upon
wearing, and the pocket section 50 receives articles when the
zipper 52 is open. The lower side 140 preferably has an elastic
band 146 in circumferential disposition around lower opening
21.
[0018] The preferred embodiment may also have a shorter hook tape
section 42 that is less than a quarter of the total circumference
of the upper opening 22. The loop tape 44 as usual protrudes from
buttonhole 46, and the loop tape 44 has a free end that adjustably
attaches to hook tape 42. The hook tape 42 is preferably placed at
an apex of the bicep facing up during normal wear. The zipper area
is preferably to the right of the apex of the bicep. The buttonhole
is preferably rectangular in shape for accommodating the elongated
loop strap. The other end of loop tape 44 can be attached to upper
pocket stitch 53, FIG. 1 at the area near where the zipper is
located. Alternatively, the other end of loop tape 44 can be
attached to loop tape sleeve 47 at the bottom pocket stitch 51. In
the neutral position shown in FIG. 4, the pocketed bicep cuff as
laid flat provides a substantial trapezoidal profile.
[0019] In the stretched configuration FIG. 5, such as when a bicep
these placed in the cuff, or when there are articles placed in the
cuff such the audio player, a bulge area 88 protrudes from the
ordinarily substantially trapezoidal profile. FIG. 5 shows the cuff
on the arm of a person such that the lower section 20 and upper
more tight section 288 defines a midpoint that is approximately
halfway between the lower side elastic band 146 and the upper side
40. The arm of FIG. 5 is extended in this situation with the bulge
area 88 bulge substantially due to articles placed within the
pocket area 50. The zipper 52 further includes an area above
defining an opening which is a wire opening 188. A wire for an
audio player can protrude from a wire opening 188. The wire opening
is for an electrical wire such as headphone or power wire.
Preferably, the zipper pulls up to close and pulls down to open
with the zipper upper end having the wire opening 188. A tighter
area 288 above the midsection further retains articles and keeps
them from slipping down the arm in normal usage. The zipper is to
the side of the bulge area 88. The bulge area 88 bulges upward and
the zipper is to the side of the bulge area. The arm of FIG. 5
shows a bulge on the right side of the zipper, however the bulge
can also be on the left side of the zipper so that the pocket area
50 is on the left side of the zipper.
[0020] When a user makes a bicep muscle as seen in the pose of FIG.
6, the bicep bulges upward adding to the bulge area 88 and still
providing a pocket area 50 located within easy reach. The upper
side 40 retains tightly against the skin and the lower side 140
also retains tightly against the skin. The upper side and lower
side both are wrapped around the tendons of the bicep muscle. The
articles placed within the pocket area 50 and the bicep or tricep
all contribute to bulging in the middle which provide for relative
construction at the upper side 40 and lower side 140 which
increases article retention against the skin. The articles are
pulled down from an upper layer onto the lower layer and the upper
layer and the lower layer are both stretched skin tight against the
skin. The elastic skintight pocket 50 and bulge area 88 are
substantially improved over the prior art.
* * * * *