U.S. patent application number 12/220841 was filed with the patent office on 2010-02-04 for uv protected arm sleeves.
This patent application is currently assigned to Changing Weighs Co, Inc.. Invention is credited to Shannon Griefer.
Application Number | 20100024088 12/220841 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 41606752 |
Filed Date | 2010-02-04 |
United States Patent
Application |
20100024088 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Griefer; Shannon |
February 4, 2010 |
UV protected arm sleeves
Abstract
An arm sleeve comprising an upper arm portion, a lower arm
portion, and a pocket, wherein the arm sleeve provides protection
against harmful ultraviolet rays. The arm sleeve may be made out of
spandex or a combination of spandex and any one or more of bamboo,
polyester, nylon, hemp, maize, lyocell, or other wood pulp based
fabric, or other synthetic or natural knitted or woven fabric. The
arm sleeve may also have a fastener to attach two or more arm
sleeves together.
Inventors: |
Griefer; Shannon;
(Calabasas, CA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
Cislo & Thomas LLP
1333 2nd Street, Suite #500
Santa Monica
CA
90401-4110
US
|
Assignee: |
Changing Weighs Co, Inc.
|
Family ID: |
41606752 |
Appl. No.: |
12/220841 |
Filed: |
July 29, 2008 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
2/16 ; 2/163;
2/167; 2/247 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A41D 13/08 20130101;
A41D 27/10 20130101; A41D 2400/26 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
2/16 ; 2/163;
2/167; 2/247 |
International
Class: |
A41D 13/08 20060101
A41D013/08; A41D 19/00 20060101 A41D019/00; A41D 27/20 20060101
A41D027/20 |
Claims
1. An arm sleeve, comprising: a. an upper arm portion having a
first end; b. a lower arm portion having a second end, opposite the
upper arm portion and the first end, respectively; and c. a pocket
located on the arm sleeve, wherein the arm sleeve is made of an
elastic material.
2. The arm sleeve of claim 1, wherein the pocket is positioned on
the upper arm portion.
3. The arm sleeve of claim 1, wherein the elastic material
comprises at least 3% spandex by weight.
4. The arm sleeve of claim 3, wherein the elastic material
comprises approximately 3% to approximately 30% spandex by
weight.
5. The arm sleeve of claim 4, wherein the arm sleeve further
comprises a second material comprising approximately 70% to
approximately 97% bamboo by weight.
6. The arm sleeve of claim 5, wherein a. the elastic material
comprises approximately 8% spandex by weight; and b. the second
material comprises approximately 92% bamboo by weight.
7. The arm sleeve of claim 4, wherein the arm sleeve further
comprises a second material comprising approximately 70% to
approximately 97% polyester by weight.
8. The arm sleeve of claim 7, wherein a. the elastic material
comprises approximately 12% spandex by weight; and b. the second
material comprises approximately 88% polyester by weight.
9. The arm sleeve of claim 7, wherein a. the elastic material
comprises approximately 17% spandex by weight; and b. the second
material comprises approximately 83% polyester by weight.
10. The arm sleeve of claim 4, wherein the arm sleeve further
comprises a second material comprising approximately 70% to
approximately 97% nylon by weight.
11. The arm sleeve of claim 10, wherein a. the elastic material
comprises approximately 20% spandex by weight; and b. the second
material comprises approximately 80% nylon by weight.
12. The arm sleeve of claim 4, further comprising a fingerless
glove portion extending from the lower arm portion.
13. The arm sleeve of claim 4, further comprising a fastener to
reversibly fasten the arm sleeve together with a second arm sleeve
for ease of storing and sorting.
14. An arm sleeve, comprising: a. an upper arm portion having a
first end; b. a lower arm portion having a second end, opposite the
upper arm portion and the first end, respectively; and c. a pocket
located on the upper arm portion of the arm sleeve, wherein the arm
sleeve is made of an elastic material comprising approximately 3%
to approximately 30% spandex by weight and a second material
selected from the group consisting of bamboo, polyester, and
nylon.
15. The arm sleeve of claim 14, wherein the second material
comprises approximately 70% to approximately 97% bamboo by
weight.
16. The arm sleeve of claim 15, wherein a. the elastic material
comprises approximately 8% spandex by weight; and b. the second
material comprises approximately 92% bamboo by weight.
17. The arm sleeve of claim 14, wherein the second material
comprises approximately 70% to approximately 97% polyester by
weight.
18. The arm sleeve of claim 17, wherein a. the elastic material
comprises approximately 12% spandex by weight; and b. the second
material comprises approximately 88% polyester by weight.
19. The arm sleeve of claim 17, wherein a. the elastic material
comprises approximately 17% spandex by weight; and b. the second
material comprises approximately 83% polyester by weight.
20. The arm sleeve of claim 14, wherein the second material
comprises approximately 70% to approximately 97% nylon by
weight.
21. The arm sleeve of claim 20, wherein a. the elastic material
comprises approximately 20% spandex by weight; and b. the second
material approximately 80% nylon by weight.
22. The arm sleeve of claim 14, further comprising a fastener to
reversibly fasten the arm sleeve to together with a second arm
sleeve for ease of storing and sorting.
Description
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] This invention relates to garments to protect the limbs from
harmful ultraviolet rays.
BACKGROUND
[0002] Those who enjoy the great outdoors are constantly battling
the harmful ultraviolet ("UV") rays of the sun. Current protection
includes covering up or applying sunscreen. Sunscreen leaves the
hands and body feeling sticky and uncomfortable. It also requires
reapplication from time to time. Covering up usually means wearing
long sleeve shirts which can be bulky, get hot, and retain
water.
[0003] An alternative to wearing long sleeve shirts are arm
sleeves. Current arm sleeves, however, still utilize fabric
material that can be bulky, trap heat, and/or retain water.
Furthermore, the arm sleeves are plain and do not meet the needs of
our current high paced, digital society.
[0004] Outdoor enthusiasts are now able to listen to music, news,
and books on digital recording devices, such as the iPod, without
carrying bulky electronic devices. Accessories or pockets, however,
are still required to carry such items. Some outdoor enthusiasts
try to minimize the amount of accessories they carry.
[0005] Thus, there is still a need for protective arm sleeves that
provide protection from the dangerous UV rays, while providing
comfort and versatility to meet the demands of society.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0006] The present invention is directed to an arm sleeve with
pockets that provides protection from the harmful UV rays of the
sun, is made of a unique blend of material that is elastic,
comfortable and light, and has a pocket to hold various
accessories.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
[0007] FIG. 1A shows a perspective view of an embodiment of the
present invention;
[0008] FIG. 1B shows a side view of another embodiment of the
present invention;
[0009] FIG. 2 shows a side view of another embodiment of the
present invention in use; and
[0010] FIG. 3 shows a front view of two flattened arm sleeves
connected together with a fastener.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0011] The detailed description set forth below in connection with
the appended drawings is intended as a description of
presently-preferred embodiments of the invention and is not
intended to represent the only forms in which the present invention
may be constructed or utilized. The description sets forth the
functions and the sequence of steps for constructing and operating
the invention in connection with the illustrated embodiments. It is
to be understood, however, that the same or equivalent functions
and sequences may be accomplished by different embodiments that are
also intended to be encompassed within the spirit and scope of the
invention.
[0012] With reference to FIG. 1A, an arm sleeve 100 of the present
invention is tubular in shape and comprises an upper arm portion
102 having a first end 104; a lower arm portion 106 having a second
end 108, opposite the upper arm portion 102 and the first end 104,
respectively; and a pocket 110 located anywhere on the arm sleeve
100, wherein the arm sleeve 100 is made of an elastic material. The
arm sleeve 100 tapers from the first end 104 of the upper arm
portion 102 to the second end 108 of the lower arm portion 106. Due
to the elasticity, the arm sleeve 100 does not require bends or
curves to conform to the shape of an arm.
[0013] To don the arm sleeve 100, the user inserts her hand through
the sleeve 100 at the first end 104 and pulls the upper arm portion
102 towards her shoulder until the hand exits the lower arm portion
106 at the second end 108. The upper arm portion 102 substantially
covers the upper arm of the user and the lower arm portion 106
substantially covers the lower arm of the user. In addition, since
the arm sleeve 100 only covers the arm and not the entire body, the
arm sleeve 100 can easily be taken off.
[0014] Due to the elasticity of the arm sleeve 100, the arm sleeve
100 provides a skin tight feel. The skin tight feel provides
comfort while reducing excess weight and wind drag and minimizing
any interference with surrounding objects. Furthermore, due to the
elasticity, additional material such as elastic cuffs, straps,
belts, and other means for securing the arm sleeve 100 to an arm is
not required, further simplifying the design and ease of use.
However, these additional materials or features may be used for
other purposes. Thus, the entire arm sleeve 100 can be manufactured
as a one-piece material.
[0015] In some embodiments, the arm sleeve 100 may further comprise
a fingerless glove portion 200 as a continuous extension of the
lower arm portion 106 as shown in FIG. 2. The fingerless glove
portion 200 covers the rest of the hand of the user and portions of
the finger. For example, the fingerless glove portion 200 may cover
up to the proximal or middle phalanges of the fingers. Thus, the
fingerless glove portion 200 leaves at least the fingertips open to
allow for full finger control during any activity in which the
fingertips are of great importance. For example, rock climbers and
football players would want their fingertips readily available. In
some embodiments, the arm sleeve 100 may comprise a full glove
portion in which the entire hands and fingers are covered like a
glove.
[0016] The pocket 110 may be located anywhere on the arm sleeve
100. For example, the pocket 110 may be on the upper arm portion
102 or the lower arm portion 106. Preferably, the pocket 110 is on
the upper arm portion 102 with the opening 112 of the pocket 110
oriented so as to be proximal to the first end 104. In this
orientation, under most conditions, any object placed inside the
pocket 110 is less likely to fall out. The pocket 110, however, may
be oriented with the opening 112 in any position.
[0017] In some embodiments, the pocket 110 may is positioned with
the opening 112 of the pocket 110 adjacent to the upper arm portion
102 or the lower arm portion 106. In either orientation, the arm
sleeve 100 may be rolled up from the opposite end towards the base
114 of the pocket 110. The pocket 110 may then be inverted so as to
envelope the rolled up arm sleeve 100. The pocket 110 thereby
functions as a storage pouch to store the arm sleeve 100 in a
compact configuration for easy carrying and storage when not in
use.
[0018] The pocket 110 may come in a variety of sizes. In some
embodiments, the pocket 110 may be small to carry small items, such
as credit cards, money, identification cards, and small electronic
devices, such as an iPod or small mobile phone, for the outdoor
enthusiast who wants to travel light. In some embodiments, the
pocket 110 may be the full length of the arm sleeve 100. In some
embodiments, the pocket 100 may wrap partially or completely around
the circumference of the arm sleeve 100. The arm sleeve 100 may
have a single pocket or a plurality of pockets. The plurality of
pockets may be uniform or of various shapes and sizes.
[0019] In some embodiments, the pocket 110 may further comprise a
fastening means, such as a hook-and-loop fastener, buttons,
zippers, or the like. The fastening means may allow the opening 112
to fasten directly to the arm sleeve 100 or a flap may be used to
close the opening.
[0020] The pocket 110 may be made of the same material as the arm
sleeve 100. Thus, a single material may be used to create the
entire arm sleeve 100, including the pockets 110. As such, the
pocket 110 may be elastic or inelastic. The elasticity of the
pocket 110 also facilitates the inversion of the pocket 110 for
storage, as well as maintaining items inside the pocket 110.
[0021] In some embodiments, the arm sleeve 100 may comprise a
fastener 300 and a reciprocal fastener 300', such as snaps,
hook-and-loop fasteners, ribbons, ties, buttons, magnets, and other
types of fasteners to keep pairs of arm sleeves 100 together and
facilitate sorting and storing. The fastener 300 and reciprocal
fastener 300' may be located on the upper portion 102 or the lower
portion 106 of the arm sleeve 100. Preferably the fastener 300 and
reciprocal fastener 300' are designed and positioned to maintain an
aesthetically pleasing appearance of the arm sleeve 100 when worn.
In some embodiments, the fastener 300 and reciprocal fastener 300'
may be hidden inside the pocket 110 so as not to be seen when worn.
Depending on the type of fastener 300 utilized, when ready for
storage the fastener 300 and reciprocal fastener 300' may be pulled
out, or in some embodiments, the pocket 110 may be inverted or
pulled down to expose the fastener 300 and reciprocal fastener
300'.
[0022] In some embodiments, the pocket 110 may be irreversibly
attached to the arm sleeve at one end, for example, the base 114,
and reversibly attached at the sides 202, 204, for example, with
pocket fasteners 302, 304, such as hook-and-loop fasteners,
allowing the pocket 110 to be detached from the arm sleeve 100
except at the base 114. This provides for easy removal of the
contents of the pocket 110 as well as exposing any potential
fastener 300 and reciprocal fastener 300' that may be inside the
pocket 110. Alternatively, the fastener 300 and reciprocal fastener
300' used to fasten two separate arm sleeves 100, 100' may also be
the same fastener used to keep the pocket 110 closed.
[0023] In some embodiments, such as those utilizing snap buttons,
hook-and-loop fasteners, magnets and the like, the fastener 300 and
the reciprocal fastener 300' may be positioned next to each other
so that one arm sleeve has both the fastener 300 and the reciprocal
fastener 300'. This eliminates the requirement of manufacturing two
different arm sleeves, one with the fastener 300 and one with the
reciprocal fastener 300'. Placing the fastener 300 next to the
reciprocal fastener 300' allows the fastener 300 and the reciprocal
fastener 300' to mate when the same sides of the arm sleeves 100,
100' are positioned face to face as shown in FIG. 3. FIG. 3 is not
drawn to scale, but rather is drawn to clearly show the proper
configuration of an embodiment of the present invention.
[0024] In some embodiments, a second set of fastener 300 and
reciprocal fastener 300' may be present on the same arm portion but
on opposite sides of the arm sleeve 100 so that a plurality of arm
sleeves can be attached in series.
[0025] The arm sleeve 100 may be made of any type of elastic
material that provides a lightweight, skin tight, comfortable feel
while blocking out the harmful UV rays, such as UVA and UVB rays.
In addition, the arm sleeve may be made from a combination of
elastic material and any one or more of a wood pulp based fabric or
other synthetic or natural knitted or woven fabrics. Some examples
of wood pulp based fabric are bamboo, polyester, nylon, hemp,
maize, and lyocell.
[0026] Preferably, the arm sleeve 100 comprises at least
approximately 3% spandex by weight. More preferably, the arm sleeve
100 comprises approximately 5% to approximately 30% spandex by
weight. The arm sleeve 100 may further comprise at least a second
material, such as bamboo, polyester, or nylon, or any combination
thereof to provide added durability, protection, and comfort.
Additional material may also be added.
[0027] In some embodiments, the arm sleeve 100 comprises
approximately 70% to approximately 97% bamboo by weight, and
preferably approximately 70% to approximately 95% bamboo by weight.
In bamboo containing arm sleeves 100, the arm sleeve 100 preferably
comprises approximately 8% spandex by weight and approximately 92%
bamboo by weight. The use of bamboo improves the environmental
friendliness of manufacturing the arm sleeve 100 because bamboo is
(1) petroleum-free, (2) biodegradable in soil, (3) only requires
low impact chemical process to breakdown fibers (caustic soda), (4)
does not require pesticides to grow, (5) improves the quality of
the soil, and (6) grows, regenerates, and spreads rapidly compared
to other trees (3 years versus 70 years for most trees). In
addition, bamboo inherently contains an agent called bamboo kuhn,
which is a natural anti-microbial agent, thereby making the arm
sleeves 100 containing bamboo inherently anti-microbial.
[0028] In some embodiments, the arm sleeve 100 further comprises
approximately 70% to approximately 97% polyester by weight, and
preferably approximately 70% to approximately 95% polyester by
weight. In polyester containing arm sleeves 100, the arm sleeve 100
preferably comprises approximately 88% polyester by weight and
approximately 12% spandex by weight. More preferably, the arm
sleeve 100 comprises approximately 83% polyester by weight and
approximately 17% spandex by weight. The polyester may be a
recycled polyester fabric to improve the eco-friendliness of the
arm sleeve 100.
[0029] In some embodiments, the arm sleeve 100 comprises
approximately 70% to approximately 97% nylon by weight, and
preferably approximately 70% to approximately 95% nylon by weight.
In nylon containing arm sleeves 100, the arm sleeve 100 comprises
approximately 80% nylon by weight and approximately 20% spandex by
weight.
[0030] Other materials that may be used in manufacturing the arms
sleeves are hemp, lyocell, and polyester-type fabrics derived from
corn/maize. Hemp textiles offer superior strength and durability,
insulative qualities, and natural UV protection. Additionally, hemp
fiber products are naturally mildew-resistant, making hemp an ideal
choice for activewear. Hemp is also eco-friendly as it biodegrades
in soil and has a low-impact manufacturing process to make.
[0031] Lyocell, such as that manufactured under the trademark
TENCEL.RTM. is another natural fiber that may be used to
manufacture the arm sleeves 100. Lyocell is petroleum-free (made
from wood pulp) and is naturally anti-microbial and
mildew-resistant.
[0032] Polyester-type fabrics derived from corn/maize are also an
option, such as those marketed under the trademark INGEO.TM. by
Natureworks LLC. It has all of the properties of petroleum-based
polyester with the added benefits of: (1) being petroleum-free; (2)
having naturally flame resistant properties, thereby reducing or
eliminating the need for the addition of brominated chemicals or
other harmful chemicals; and (3) being biodegradable. Furthermore,
corn grows well naturally without pesticides or herbicides.
[0033] In embodiments that are not inherently anti-microbial, the
arm sleeves 100 may be treated with anti-microbial agents.
[0034] The material used to manufacture the arm sleeves 100
provides additional features besides UV protection. For example, in
some embodiments, the arm sleeves 110 may be used for cold weather
to retain body heat and provide some protection from the wind. In
other embodiments, the arm sleeves 100 may be used in the heat to
wick away moisture from the body. In addition, since the material
used does not retain water well, the arm sleeves 100 may be worn in
the water without creating excess weight. Also, once out of the
water, the arm sleeves dry quickly.
[0035] Due to the comfort and versatility of the arm sleeve 100,
the arm sleeve 100 can be used in an unlimited number of
applications outdoors and indoors. For example, children who have a
tendency to wipe their mouths on the clothes rather than their
napkins can comfortably wear the arm sleeves 100 on their arms to
wipe their mouths without a napkin and without getting their
clothes dirty. In some embodiments, the arm sleeves 100 may be
filled with ice and used as an ice pack by tying the ends of the
sleeves or tying the ends of the sleeves together around the
injured part of the body. In embodiments in which the pockets
extend along the length or circumference of the arm sleeve, ice
packs can be inserted into the pockets for icing purposes.
[0036] In some embodiments, the arm sleeves 100 may be filled with
a heat pack to generate heat to certain parts of the body. The arm
sleeve 100 thus provides an easy way of changing the application of
heat or cold to a particular part of the body.
[0037] The arm sleeves 100 can be used for numerous other
applications. In addition, the arm sleeves can come in sizes to be
worn on the legs. In other words, they can be used as leg
sleeves.
[0038] The foregoing description of the preferred embodiment of the
invention has been presented for the purposes of illustration and
description. It is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the
invention to the precise form disclosed. Many modifications and
variations are possible in light of the above teaching. It is
intended that the scope of the invention not be limited by this
detailed description, but by the claims and the equivalents to the
claims appended hereto. In addition, the pockets may be filled with
ice to serve as an ice pack.
* * * * *