U.S. patent application number 14/449919 was filed with the patent office on 2015-02-05 for sleeve accessory.
The applicant listed for this patent is Victoria D. Bradshaw. Invention is credited to Victoria D. Bradshaw.
Application Number | 20150033451 14/449919 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 52426280 |
Filed Date | 2015-02-05 |
United States Patent
Application |
20150033451 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Bradshaw; Victoria D. |
February 5, 2015 |
SLEEVE ACCESSORY
Abstract
A sleeve accessory includes a sleeve and a fastening system for
attaching the sleeve to a shoulder strap of another clothing item.
The sleeve accessory is preferably removable and replaceable, and
enables a user to adapt to changing environments or social
situations by attaching or detaching the sleeve accessories as
desired. Sleeve accessories may be provided in a variety of
designs, colors, or patterns, to permit coordination with other
clothing, or to permit mixing and matching of colors and patterns
to increase the versatility of a wardrobe. In some examples, the
sleeve accessory may include a decorative pattern, a logo, or other
distinctive markings.
Inventors: |
Bradshaw; Victoria D.;
(Lakewood, CO) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Bradshaw; Victoria D. |
Lakewood |
CO |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
52426280 |
Appl. No.: |
14/449919 |
Filed: |
August 1, 2014 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
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61861653 |
Aug 2, 2013 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
2/243.1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A41D 15/00 20130101;
A41D 27/10 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
2/243.1 |
International
Class: |
A41D 27/10 20060101
A41D027/10 |
Claims
1. A sleeve accessory, comprising: a sleeve configured to fit over
the arm of a wearer, the sleeve having an upper end configured to
be disposed at the shoulder of the wearer, a lower end opposite the
upper end, an inside configured to face the skin of the wearer, and
an outside opposite the inside; a fastening system configured to
removably fasten the sleeve accessory to a shoulder strap of
another clothing item.
2. The sleeve accessory of claim 1, wherein the sleeve further
includes a tab protruding from the upper end of the sleeve so as to
extend along the shoulder of a wearer, and wherein an end of the
tab is configured to extend beyond and around the shoulder strap of
the other clothing item.
3. The sleeve accessory of claim 2, wherein the fastening system is
disposed on the inside of the sleeve.
4. The sleeve accessory of claim 2, wherein the fastening system
comprises a hook and loop fastener.
5. The sleeve accessory of claim 2, wherein the fastening system
comprises a snap.
6. The sleeve accessory of claim 2, wherein the fastening system
comprises a snap having a decorative shape.
7. The sleeve accessory of claim 2, wherein the fastening system
comprise a button or a zipper.
8. The sleeve accessory of claim 2, wherein the sleeve and fastener
system are configured to fasten the sleeve accessory to a shoulder
strap of a brassiere.
9. The sleeve accessory of claim 2, wherein the sleeve and fastener
system are configured to fasten the sleeve accessory to a shoulder
strap of a sleeveless shirt.
10. The sleeve accessory of claim 2, wherein the outside of the
sleeve includes a decorative pattern.
11. The sleeve accessory of claim 10, wherein the decorative
pattern is a simulated tattoo.
12. The sleeve accessory of claim 2, wherein the lower end of the
sleeve defines an opening of a size, shape, and position to receive
a thumb of the wearer.
13. The sleeve accessory of claim 1, wherein the sleeve is a long
sleeve.
14. The sleeve accessory of claim 1, further comprising an insect
repellent incorporated into or onto the material of the sleeve
accessory.
15. The sleeve accessory of claim 1, wherein the sleeve is made
primarily of paper.
16. The sleeve accessory of claim 1, wherein the sleeve accessory
is disposable.
17. A method, comprising: placing a first article of clothing on a
person, the first article of clothing having a shoulder strap over
the shoulder of the person; placing a sleeve accessory over an arm
of the person, wherein the sleeve accessory includes a sleeve
having an upper end configured to be disposed at the shoulder of
the wearer, a lower end opposite the upper end, an inside
configured to face the skin of the wearer, and an outside opposite
the inside, and wherein the sleeve accessory further includes a
fastener system configured to removably fasten the sleeve accessory
to the shoulder strap; and fastening the sleeve accessory to the
shoulder strap using the fastener system.
18. The method of claim 17, further comprising placing a second
article clothing over the first article of clothing such that the
connection between the sleeve accessory and the shoulder strap is
hidden during wear of the first and second clothing articles and
the sleeve accessory.
19. The method of claim 17, wherein fastening the sleeve accessory
to the shoulder strap includes positioning a tab of the sleeve
accessory over the shoulder strap, and folding an end portion of
the tab under the shoulder strap.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. patent
application Ser. No. 61/861,653, filed Aug. 2, 2013 and titled
"Sleeve Accessory", which application is hereby incorporated by
reference in its entirety.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] A wide variety of clothing types and styles are available.
However, individual clothing items are often designed to be worn in
particular environments and social situations, and may be
uncomfortable or inappropriate at other times. For example, a shirt
or blouse designed for daytime summer wear may have short sleeves,
and may not be comfortable for wear on a cool evening or at other
times of year.
[0003] Additionally, a person may encounter varying environments,
in which different kinds of clothing may be desirable. For example,
a person working outdoors may wish to adapt his or her clothing to
changing temperatures throughout the day.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0004] According to one aspect, a sleeve accessory includes a
sleeve configured to fit over the arm of a wearer. The sleeve has
an upper end configured to be disposed at the shoulder of the
wearer, a lower end opposite the upper end, an inside configured to
face the skin of the wearer, and an outside opposite the inside.
The sleeve accessory further includes a fastener system configured
to removably fasten the sleeve accessory to a shoulder strap of
another clothing item. In some embodiments, the sleeve further
includes a tab protruding from the upper end of the sleeve so as to
extend along the shoulder of a wearer, and an end of the tab is
configured to extend beyond and around the shoulder strap of the
other clothing item. The fastening system may be disposed on the
inside of the sleeve. The fastening system may include a hook and
loop fastener. The fastening system may include a snap. The
fastening system may include a snap having a decorative shape. The
fastening system may include a button or a zipper. In some
embodiments, the sleeve and fastener system are configured to
fasten the sleeve accessory to a shoulder strap of a brassiere. In
some embodiments, the sleeve and fastener system are configured to
fasten the sleeve accessory to a shoulder strap of a sleeveless
shirt. The outside of the sleeve may include a decorative pattern.
The decorative pattern may be a simulated tattoo. In some
embodiments, the lower end of the sleeve defines an opening of a
size, shape, and position to receive a thumb of the wearer. The
sleeve may be a long sleeve.
[0005] According to another aspect, a method includes placing a
first article of clothing on a person, the first article of
clothing having a shoulder strap over the shoulder of the person.
The method further includes placing a sleeve accessory over an arm
of the person. The sleeve accessory includes a sleeve having an
upper end configured to be disposed at the shoulder of the wearer,
a lower end opposite the upper end, an inside configured to face
the skin of the wearer, and an outside opposite the inside. The
sleeve accessory further includes a fastener system configured to
removably fasten the sleeve accessory to the shoulder strap. The
method further includes fastening the sleeve accessory to the
shoulder strap using the fastener system. In some embodiments, the
method further includes placing a second article clothing over the
first article of clothing such that the connection between the
sleeve accessory and the shoulder strap is hidden during wear of
the first and second clothing articles and the sleeve accessory. In
some embodiments, fastening the sleeve accessory to the shoulder
strap includes positioning a tab of the sleeve accessory over the
shoulder strap, and folding an end portion of the tab under the
shoulder strap.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0006] FIGS. 1A-1C illustrate the use of a sleeve accessory in
accordance with an embodiment of the invention.
[0007] FIG. 2 illustrates an example of a pattern for a sleeve
accessory in accordance with embodiments of the invention.
[0008] FIG. 3 illustrates a completed sleeve accessory in
accordance with embodiments of the invention.
[0009] FIGS. 4A-4D illustrate the process of attaching a sleeve
accessory to a shoulder strap of another garment in accordance with
embodiments of the invention.
[0010] FIG. 5 illustrates a partial view of a sleeve accessory
having a hole for receiving the user's thumb, in accordance with
embodiments of the invention.
[0011] FIG. 6 shows a sleeve accessory in accordance with other
embodiments, including a simulated tattoo.
[0012] FIGS. 7A-7C illustrate a decorative design of a snap feature
and its use to attach a sleeve accessory to another garment, in
accordance with embodiments of the invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0013] Embodiments of the invention provide a clothing accessory in
the form of a sleeve that may be removable and replaceable, so that
it can be used with a variety of other clothing items. The
accessory may be used for a number of reasons, for example to add
long sleeves to accompany a short-sleeved top for added warmth, for
protection from the sun, for modesty, simply to achieve a new
"look", or for other reasons such as those discussed below.
[0014] FIGS. 1A-1C illustrate the use of a sleeve accessory in
accordance with an embodiment of the invention. In this example,
person 100 is wearing a sleeveless top 101, which has shoulder
straps 102a and 102b. For the purposes of this disclosure, a
"shoulder strap" includes any narrow portion of a garment passing
over the shoulder of the wearer. Shoulder straps may be made of
fabric strips, elastic bands, cords, or other materials. A shoulder
strap may have an appreciable width such as is shown in FIG. 1A,
may be a very narrow "spaghetti strap", or may have another
suitable width and shape.
[0015] FIG. 1B, shows the addition of two sleeve accessories 103a
and 103b, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention, to the
ensemble worn by person 100. Example sleeve accessories 103a and
103b are described in more detail below, and are configured to fit
over the arms of person 100. Each sleeve accessory 103a, 103b
includes a fastening system 104a, 104b configured to removably
attach the sleeve accessory to the respective shoulder strap 102a,
102b.
[0016] In FIG. 1C, person 100 has put on T-shirt 105 over
sleeveless top 101 and over sleeve accessories 103a, 103b.
Conveniently, fastening systems 104a and 104b are hidden, so that
the ensemble appears complete and coordinated. While two sleeve
accessories 103a and 103b are shown in this example, it will be
recognized that only a single sleeve accessory could be used.
[0017] There may be many reasons why a user may wish to use sleeve
accessories according to embodiments of the invention. For example,
the user may wish to adapt to a changing environment. For example,
a hiker may put sleeve accessories such as accessories 103a and
103b in place in the morning at the beginning of a hike, and remove
them as the day warms up in order to remain comfortable. In another
example, a gardener may prefer to wear short sleeves in the
morning, but cover her arms during the heat of the day to protect
them from the sun.
[0018] In another example, a wearer may simply wish to alter the
"look" of a particular garment, for example, to add the appearance
of long sleeves to a shirt or top such as T-shirt 105. It will be
appreciated that sleeve accessories according to embodiments of the
invention may be of any suitable style and color, for example a
color, print, and style matching the garment worn over them,
coordinating with the garment worn over them, or even contrasting
with the garment worn over them. Different colors and styles of
sleeve accessories may be used with different garments in a "mix
and match" manner, so that a wide variety of looks and styles can
be achieved with a small number of garments and sleeve
accessories.
[0019] Sleeve accessories according to embodiments of the invention
may also be used for purposes of modesty. For example, a wearer may
feel comfortable wearing a short sleeved garment in private, but
may wish to cover his or her arms before going out in public or
receiving visitors, for example to cover scars or tattoos, or
simply to be more completely covered.
[0020] In some embodiments, sleeve accessories may be removable and
replaceable without removing the outer garment, allowing the user
to quickly and conveniently adapt to changing environments or
social situations. One advantage of sleeve accessories embodying
the invention is that they are washable separately from the
garments with which they may be worn. A user may prefer to wear the
sleeve accessories while gardening, for example, because they can
be washed without having to wash the shirt with which they were
worn. The shirt may continue to be worn after gardening, without
the sleeve accessories or with different sleeve accessories. This
may be an advantage in other situations where frequent cleaning may
be needed, for example with medical scrubs and the like.
[0021] Another advantage of sleeve accessories according to
embodiments of the invention may be that they can be independent of
other clothing, and usable with existing clothing without requiring
modification of the other clothing. For example, no fasteners need
be provided on the other clothing. A single sleeve accessory or set
of sleeve accessories may be used with different items in a user's
wardrobe, providing an economical way to achieve a variety of
different looks or to provide other benefits of the sleeve
accessories with a variety of clothing.
[0022] A sleeve accessory in accordance with embodiments of the
invention may be made of any suitable material. In many
embodiments, the sleeve accessory will be made of a fabric such a
fabric made of cotton, polyester, or another fiber material or a
combination of fiber materials. In other embodiments, sleeve
accessories may be made primarily (other than fasteners, thread,
and the like) of paper or other low-cost materials, so that the
sleeve accessories can be disposable after use. Disposable sleeve
accessories may be especially attractive for applications in which
cleaning of the sleeve accessories is difficult, for example in
medical, food service, or outdoor uses. In another example, sleeve
accessories could be made of thin plastic sheet, making them
waterproof. Other materials may also be used, for example.
Tyvek.RTM., Gore-tex.RTM., or other natural or synthetic
materials.
[0023] In some embodiments, a sleeve accessory may be impregnated,
coated, or otherwise treated with an insect repellant or
insecticide. Any of a wide variety of treatments may be used. For
example, sleeve accessories according to embodiments may be coated
or impregnated with citronella, neem oil, permethrin, or another
insect-repellant substance or a combination of insect repellant
substances.
[0024] FIG. 2 illustrates an example of a pattern 200 for a sleeve
accessory in accordance with embodiments of the invention. For
example, pattern 200 may be used to make sleeve accessories 103a
and 103b. Pattern 200 may be in the form of a typical sewing
pattern, made of thin paper with an outline 201 of a flat precursor
of a sleeve accessory, and also indicating seam and hem allowances
202 and the like. Example pattern 200 also indicates the locations
203 for patches of hook and loop fastening material such as
Velcro.RTM. to be applied for fastening the resulting sleeve
accessory to a shoulder strap of another clothing item. Patch
locations 203 are on a protruding tab 204 formed by the
pattern.
[0025] In a typical process, pattern 200 would be traced onto a
piece of fabric or other material from which a sleeve accessory is
to be made. The traced area would then be cut out and assembled
into the shell of the sleeve accessory. Fasteners such as hook and
loop fastener material patches would be added to complete the
sleeve accessory. Decorative touches such as embroidery, iron-on
patches, buttons, sequins, spangles, or other decorative items
could be added as desired.
[0026] While pattern 200 is shown for making a sleeve accessory of
a particular size, other patterns may include markings for making
sleeves of many different sizes. Preferably, each user selects a
size of sleeve accessory commensurate with his or her body size.
Sleeve accessories according to embodiments of the invention may be
of any desired length. For example, pattern 200 is adapted for
making a full length sleeve, but other embodiments may include
short sleeves, half sleeves, three-quarter sleeves, or sleeves of
another suitable length.
[0027] FIG. 3 illustrates completed sleeve accessory 103b,
indicating some example construction details. Sleeve accessory 103b
is closed at a bottom seam 301, which is preferably sewn with the
sleeve accessory in an "inside out" state. The edges 302 at the
upper (shoulder) end of the sleeve accessory may be finished in any
suitable manner, for example using an overlock stitch as shown.
Other kinds of edge finishes may be used if desired, for example a
blanket stitch, a full hem, or another kind of finish depending on
the material used to make the sleeve accessory, durability
requirements, and the like. The edges could be left unfinished if
desired. Patches 303 of a hook and loop fastener are added to tab
204 and are affixed using stitching, an adhesive, or another
suitable method.
[0028] In the example of FIG. 3, the lower (wrist) end of sleeve
accessory 103a is finished with a hem 304, but it will be
recognized that many other kinds and styles of finishes may be
used, for example cuffs. In some embodiments, no finish at all may
be used.
[0029] FIGS. 4A-4D illustrate the process of attaching a sleeve
accessory to a shoulder strap of another garment in accordance with
embodiments of the invention. In this example as shown in FIG. 4A,
person 100 may wish to add sleeve accessory 103b to an ensemble
including shirt 401, by attaching sleeve accessory 103b to a
shoulder strap 402 of a brassiere. In FIG. 4A, shirt 401 is shown
as partially cutaway to show the attachment. It will be recognized
that embodiments of the invention may be used with many different
kinds of garments having shoulder straps, for example, in addition
the sleeveless top and brassiere illustrated, camisoles and other
kinds of garments.
[0030] FIG. 4B shows sleeve accessory 103b in position under shirt
401. Tab 204 is positioned over shoulder strap so that patches 303
of hook and loop fastener material straddle shoulder strap 402.
Sleeve accessory 103b may be positioned before putting on shirt
401, or may be positioned after shirt 401 is already being worn.
The end portion of tab 204 is then folded under shoulder strap 402,
so that patches 303 of hook and loop fastener meet each other and
attach shoulder accessory 103b securely to shoulder strap 402, as
shown in FIG. 4C. FIG. 4D shows the installation without the
cutaway view of shirt 401. A second sleeve accessory such as
accessory 103a could be placed on the user's other arm in a similar
way.
[0031] Example sleeve accessories 103a and 103b include hook and
loop fastener materials on the inside of the sleeve accessory
(toward the user's skin) so that tab 204 folds downward and under
the shoulder strap of the clothing item to which the sleeve
accessories are attached. It will be appreciated that many other
arrangements are possible. For example in some embodiments, the
hook and loop fastener materials could be placed on the outside of
the sleeve accessory, so that tab 204 would be passed under the
shoulder strap and would be folded over the shoulder strap to make
the connection. In other embodiments, other kinds of fasteners
could be used instead of hook and loop fasteners, for example
snaps, buttons, zippers, or other suitable fasteners. In some
embodiments, the fasteners may add a decorative touch, as is
explained in more detail below. The example fastening system shown
in the figures, in which hook and loop fasteners are used and tab
204 folds under the shoulder strap, may have the advantages that it
can be conveniently engaged using only one hand, and is relatively
smooth and thin so that the attachment need not be obvious under
the user's other clothing.
[0032] While the illustrated embodiments show relatively casual
clothing, if will be recognized that the invention is not limited
to use with casual clothing, and that embodiments may be used with
clothing of many styles. For example, a wedding dress having a
sleeveless bodice may be offered with sleeve accessories of
different styles, so that a bride may customize the look of her
wedding dress without the expense of extensive alterations to the
dress. Such an arrangement may provide additional flexibility in
the wear of the dress as well. For example, the sleeve accessories
may be worn during the wedding ceremony for a more formal look, and
might be removed during a wedding dance later in the day for
comfort and freedom of movement.
[0033] Many other stylistic details may be included as well. For
example, a sleeve accessory in accordance with an embodiment of the
invention may extend past the user's wrist and may include an
opening of a size and shape to receive the user's thumb. FIG. 5
illustrates a partial view of a sleeve accessory 501 having a hole
502 for receiving the user's thumb 503. Only the lower (wrist) end
of sleeve accessory 501 is shown, but it will be understood that
the upper end includes a fastening system for attaching sleeve
accessory to a shoulder strap of another clothing item. The
inclusion of a thumb hole may facilitate the wearing of gloves or
mittens, as the thumb can pull the sleeve accessory into a glove or
mitten.
[0034] In other embodiments, sleeve accessories may include a
decorative pattern. For example, FIG. 6 shows a sleeve accessory
601 in accordance with other embodiments. Sleeve accessory 601 may
be made of a form-fitting material such as elastane (Spandex.RTM.),
and may be decorated with one or more simulated tattoos 602. Such a
sleeve accessory may be generally flesh-toned, to enhance the
effect of the simulated tattoo, and it may not be immediately
noticeable that tattoos 602 are simulated but for the exposed end
603 of sleeve accessory 601.
[0035] In other embodiments, sleeve accessories embodying the
invention may be adorned with one or more sports team logos,
company logos, or a similar designs that identify the wearer as
being affiliated with a particular organization. Such accessories
may be officially licensed, and may represent a revenue opportunity
for the organization owning the logo.
[0036] FIGS. 7A-7C illustrate the use of a decorative snap for
fastening a sleeve accessory to another garment, in accordance with
embodiments of the invention. FIG. 7A is a partial upper view of a
sleeve accessory 700 that includes a decorative snap 701. In this
example, decorative snap 701 has the shape of butterfly wings, but
it will be appreciated that other shapes may be used, for example
heart shapes, diamond shapes, flower shapes, geometric shapes, or
other workable shapes. The shapes may be selected to reflect a
brand or trademark of the sleeve accessories. The snap may be
colored to coordinate with the color of the sleeve accessory, in
accordance with a brand or trademark, or for other purposes. For
example, butterfly-shaped snap 701 could be painted or otherwise
colored to realistically look like a particular butterfly
species.
[0037] A receiving portion 702 of snap 701 is placed near the
protruding end of tab 703, such that when tab 703 is folded under a
strap of another garment, receiving portion 702 meets snap 701 to
attach sleeve accessory 701 to the strap. FIG. 7B is a partial
underside view of sleeve accessory 700, showing that snap 701 may
include a protruding stud 704 and receiving portion 702 may include
a complementary socket 705, into which stud 704 can engage to snap
the portions together. It will be recognized that the locations of
stud 704 and socket 705 may be reversed, if desired. FIG. 7C
illustrates a pair of sleeve accessory 700 in use, before an outer
garment is placed over sleeve accessories 700. Decorative snaps 700
are visible as epaulets on sleeve accessories 700, at least until
they may be covered by another garment. The snaps may be made of
metal, plastic, or another suitable material, and may be of any
suitable size. For example, the "wingspan" of butterfly-shaped snap
701 could be about 3/8 inch, about 1/2 inch, about 3/4 inch, or
another suitable size.
[0038] The invention has now been described in detail for the
purposes of clarity and understanding. However, those skilled in
the art will appreciate that certain changes and modifications may
be practiced within the scope of the appended claims.
* * * * *