Abstract:
An attachable/detachable sleeve removably secured to the bra strap of the wearer before the wearer puts on the desired article of clothing. The sleeve can be constructed of a sheer fabric, such as, but not limited to, a chiffon-like material, that drapes over the shoulder and gives partial concealment or a veil like coverage as a short sleeve in a fashionable manner. With the article of clothing on the wearer, the sleeve appears as if it was always part of the original design of the clothing and the article of clothing covers the securement of the sleeve to the bra strap. The sleeve offers versatility as it can attach and remove easily from the bra strap and provides a unique fashion accessory that creates a comfortable solution to enhance and transform any outfit from daytime to evening.

Description:
This application claims priority to and the benefit of U.S. Application Ser. No. 61/504,191, filed Jul. 2, 2011, which application is incorporated by reference in its entirety. 
    
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The invention relates to an attachable mock sleeve which is preferably designed as a fashion accessory solution to give coverage to the shoulder and upper arm area for a person wearing sleeveless clothing. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     With the variety of fashions that are currently on the market, many clothes are designed to be sleeveless. Currently, for the mature woman who wants to find a fashionable solution that hides problem areas such as the upper arm area, they have no other accessory alternative except for the use of a wrap, scarf or cardigan. The present invention is directed to overcoming this problem currently associated with wearing sleeveless clothing. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention provides an attachable/detachable mock sleeve which is preferably designed to be secured to the bra strap of the wearer. In a preferred embodiment, the sleeve can be customized to clip on or otherwise attach to the strap of a bra before putting on the desired article of clothing. In a preferred non-limiting embodiment, the sleeve can be constructed of a sheer fabric, such as, but not limited to, a chiffon-like material, that drapes over the shoulder and gives partial concealment or a veil like coverage as a short sleeve in a fashionable manner. Once the article of clothing is put on over the mock sleeve, the sleeve can preferably appear as if it was always part of the original design of the clothing and the article of clothing can preferably cover the securement area or mechanisms used to attach the present invention sleeve to the bra strap. The mock sleeve offers versatility as it can attach and remove easily from the bra strap. Thus, the present invention provides a unique fashion accessory that creates a comfortable solution to enhance and transform any outfit from daytime to evening. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  is a top view of the mock sleeve (panel) in accordance with a first embodiment of the present invention shown in a flat position with non-limiting measurements provided that can be used in one embodiment; 
         FIG. 2  is a front elevational view of the mock sleeve (panel) of  FIG. 1  attached to the strap of the bra as it drapes over the shoulder and upper arm area; 
         FIG. 3  is a rear elevational view of the mock sleeve (panel) of  FIG. 1  attached to the strap of the bra as it drapes over the shoulder and upper arm area; 
         FIG. 4  is a top view of the mock sleeve (panel) in accordance with a second embodiment of the present invention shown in a flat position with non-limiting measurements provided that can be used in one embodiment; 
         FIG. 5  is a front elevational view of the mock sleeve (panel) of  FIG. 4  attached to the strap of the bra as it drapes over the shoulder and upper arm area; 
         FIG. 6  is a rear elevational view of the mock sleeve (panel) of  FIG. 4  attached to the strap of the bra as it drapes over the shoulder and upper arm area; 
         FIG. 7  is a front elevational view of the mock sleeve (panel) of  FIG. 4  shown in an open position prior to complete attachment to the strap of the bra as it drapes over the shoulder and upper arm area; 
         FIG. 8  a rear elevational view of the mock sleeve (panel) of  FIG. 4  shown in an open position prior to complete attachment to the strap of the bra as it drapes over the shoulder and upper arm area: 
         FIG. 9  is a top view of the mock sleeve (panel) in accordance with a third embodiment of the present invention shown in a flat position with non-limiting measurements provided that can be used in one embodiment; and 
         FIG. 10  is a front view illustrating the article of clothing covering the panel securement to the bra strap and showing the first fabric portion appearing as a sleeve for the article of clothing. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     As seen in  FIGS. 1-3  a first embodiment of a clip-on mock sleeve is shown and generally designated as reference numeral  10 . Sleeve  10  is preferably designed specifically for use with sleeveless clothing, to give coverage or partial concealment in a fashionable manner to the shoulder and upper arm area of the wear. In one non-limiting embodiment, the fabric used for sleeve  10  can be constructed of a sheer chiffon-like material for easy draping over the shoulder. However, such is not considered limiting and other materials can also be used. When using a sheer fabric for the material a veil like appearance can be created and coordinates to mix and match with other fabrics and patterns. Preferably, the fabric can be lightweight and fluid so that it will lay delicately over the shoulder for a flattering short sleeve design. The fabric can be comprised of a synthetic blend for care and cleaning. As best seen in  FIG. 1 , in one non-limiting embodiment, the pattern of sleeve  10  can be shaped as substantially a half moon panel. 
     In one non-limiting embodiment, the length of sleeve  10  can be approximately 19″ in length and approximately 10½″ in width. Sleeve  10  is preferably secured to the strap  52  of the bra  50  being worn by the wearer  40 . Sleeve  10  can be secured to bra strap  52  by various mechanisms in addition to the two embodiments illustrated and disclosed herein. In a first embodiment, a plurality of straps, such as elastic straps  20 , can be used. One end of each strap  20  is permanently or removably secured to sleeve  10 . Each strap is preferably provided with a securement mechanism, such as a mating snap mechanism  22 . Other securement mechanism&#39;s can also be used, and are considered within the scope of the invention, such as, hook and loop fasteners, button/button hole(s), hooks/eyelets, etc. 
     In a preferred embodiment, sleeve/panel  10  can be comprised of three elastic straps  20 , with snaps  22 , with each strap  20  approximately 3″ in length. Straps  20  line the diameter of the sleeve/panel  10  and are designed to snap for easy attachment and removal of sleeve  10 . The perimeter of sleeve can be reinforced with a border  18 , though such is not considered limiting. 
     Though not limiting, it is anticipated in most instances that a sleeve  10  will be worn over each shoulder/upper arm area of wearer  40 . 
     As seen in  FIGS. 4-6  a second embodiment for the clip-on mock sleeve invention is shown and generally designated as reference numeral  100 . Sleeve  100  is preferably designed specifically for use with sleeveless clothing, to give coverage or partial concealment in a fashionable manner to the shoulder and upper arm area of the wear. In one non-limiting embodiment, the fabric used for sleeve  100  can be constructed of a sheer chiffon-like material for easy draping over the shoulder. However, such is not considered limiting and other materials can also be used. When using a sheer fabric for the material a veil like appearance can be created and coordinates to mix and match with other fabrics and patterns. Preferably, the fabric can be lightweight and fluid so that it will lay delicately over the shoulder for a flattering short sleeve design. The fabric can be comprised of a synthetic blend for care and cleaning. As best seen in  FIG. 4 , in one non-limiting embodiment, the pattern of sleeve  100  can be shaped similar to a clam-shell shape. 
     In one non-limiting embodiment, the length of sleeve  100  can be approximately 18½″ in length and approximately 10½″ in width for its non panel portion. A portion  110 , which can be a panel, of sleeve  100  can be reinforced at areas  112  and  114 . Panel  110  can be attached by conventional means to portion  120  to form a one-piece clam-shell shape sleeve  100  or portions  110  and  120  can be monolithically formed or otherwise constructed from a single piece of material to form one-piece sleeve  100 . 
     Portion  110  can be rectangular in shape. However, in a preferred embodiment, though resembling a rectangle in shape, portion  110  can have an end  116  larger in length as compared to its opposite end  118  in view of the bra increasing in width at the front as compared to the bra strap length. In one non-limiting embodiment, the length of the panel or portion  110  can be approximately 12″ in horizontal length and approximately 3″ in length at end  116  and approximately 2½″ at end  118 . 
     Sleeve  100  is preferably secured to the strap  52  of the bra  50  being worn by the wearer  40 . In a second preferred securing embodiment for securing sleeve  100  to bra strap  52 , panel  110  is tucked underneath strap  52  ( FIGS. 7 and 8 ), with end  116  preferably in front ( FIG. 7 ). Panel  110  is then folded over and preferably attached to itself, such that reinforced area  112  is at least substantially overlapping or at least substantially aligned with reinforced area  114  ( FIGS. 5 and 6 ). In all embodiments using panel  110  or  110   a , when securing the sleeve to the bra strap the panel is disposed around at least a portion of a bra strap, being worn by a wearer such that fabric portion of the sleeve is positioned over an outer shoulder and upper arm area of the wearer. This can be accomplished by inserting an outer end of the panel through a space defined between the bra strap and the wearer such that a first portion of the panel is disposed on a first side of the bra strap and a second portion of the panel is disposed on a second side of the bra strap (See  FIGS. 7 and 8 ). As seen in  FIGS. 7 and 8 , the first fabric portion, drapes over the shoulder and at least the upper arm area of the wearer and the first fabric portion is open under the arm, which is evident by the space  300  (See  FIG. 10 ) seen between the wearer&#39;s arm and the first portion.  FIG. 10  also shows the article of clothing  310  covering or hiding the securement of the panel or straps around the bra strap, such that only the first fabric portion  100  is visible and appears as a sleeve for the article of clothing  310 . The first portion of the panel can be folded over the bra strap (See  FIGS. 5 and 6 ). As seen in  FIGS. 4 and 9 , the panel can have a top outer end where the first plurality of snaps are provided and a bottom end where the second plurality of snaps are provided. Further illustrated in  FIGS. 4 and 9 , the panel has a first side and a second side. The bottom end of the panel is positioned adjacent and along a bottom edge of the first portion (fabric material). As also seen in  FIGS. 4 and 9 , the top outer end and the bottom end of the panel are parallel to each other prior to securing the sleeve to the bra strap. The clamshell shape of the first fabric portion can be created by having an intermediate area of the first fabric portion being wider in width as compared to a top area of the first fabric portion and a bottom area of the first fabric portion and a top edge of the first fabric portion being curved and a bottom edge of the first fabric portion being straight. 
     In one securement configuration, mating magnetic closures  120   a  and  120   b  and  122   a  and  122   b  can be attached or otherwise secured, by conventional means, to designated areas (i.e. preferably a respective corner of panel  110 ) of either reinforced member  112  or reinforced member  114  and a mating snap closure  124   a  and  124   b  can be secured to a designated area (i.e. preferably middle area) of either reinforced member  112  or reinforced member  114 . 
     As seen in  FIG. 9  a third embodiment for the clip-on mock sleeve invention is shown and generally designated as reference numeral  100   a . Sleeve  100   a  is preferably designed specifically for use with sleeveless clothing, to give coverage or partial concealment in a fashionable manner to the shoulder and upper arm area of the wear. In one non-limiting embodiment, the fabric used for sleeve  100   a  can be constructed of a sheer chiffon-like material for easy draping over the shoulder. However, such is not considered limiting and other materials can also be used. When using a sheer fabric for the material a veil like appearance can be created and coordinates to mix and match with other fabrics and patterns. Preferably, the fabric can be lightweight and fluid so that it will lay delicately over the shoulder for a flattering short sleeve designs. The fabric can be comprised of a synthetic blend for care and cleaning. As best seen in  FIG. 9 , in one non-limiting embodiment, the pattern of sleeve  100   a  can be shaped similar to a clam-shell shape. 
     In one non-limiting embodiment, the length of sleeve  100   a  can be approximately 18″ in length and approximately 10″ in width for its non-panel portion. A portion  110   a , which can be a panel, of sleeve  100   a  can be reinforced at areas  112   a  and  114   a . Panel  110   a  can be attached by conventional means to portion  120   a  to form a one-piece clam-shell shape sleeve  100   a  or portions  110   a  and  120   a  can be monolithically formed or otherwise constructed from a single piece of material to form one-piece sleeve  100   a.    
     Portion  110   a  can be rectangular in shape and can have a first end  116   a  and a second end  118   a . End  116   a  can be larger in length than end  118   a  or they can be of the same or substantially the same length. In one non-limiting embodiment, the length of the panel or portion  110   a  can be approximately 11″ in horizontal length and approximately 3″ in length at end  116   a  and end  118   a.    
     Sleeve  100   a  is preferably secured to the strap  52  of the bra  50  being worn by the wearer  40 . In a third preferred securing embodiment for securing sleeve  100   a  to bra strap  52 , panel  110   a  is tucked underneath strap  52 , similar to panel  110  in  FIGS. 7 and 8 , with end  116   a  preferably in front, though such is not considered limiting, and end  119   a  can be in front. Panel  110   a  is then folded over and preferably attached to itself, such that reinforced area  112   a  is at least substantially overlapping or at least substantially aligned with reinforced area  114   a , similar to the reinforced areas of panel  110  shown in  FIGS. 5 and 6 . 
     In the securement configuration shown in  FIG. 9 , a first piece of fabric tape such as, but not limited to, snap tape  117   a  can be disposed over and secured to reinforced area  112   a  or a first side portion of panel  110   a  if the area is not reinforced and similarly, a second piece of fabric tape, such as, but not limited to, snap tape  119   a  can be disposed over and secured to reinforced area  114   a  or a second side portion of panel  110   a  if the area is not reinforced. 
     Snap tape  117   a  can be provided with one or more snaps, preferably constructed from plastic, though such is not considered limiting. Preferably, a plurality of snaps can be provided on snap tape  117   a . As seen in  FIG. 9 , in one non-limiting embodiment four snaps  130   a ,  132   a ,  134   a  and  136   a  can be provided, though such amount is not considered limiting and more or less snaps can be provided on snap tape  117   a . Similarly, snap tape  119   a  can be provided with one more snaps, preferably constructed from plastic, though such is not considered limiting. Preferably, a plurality of snaps can be provided on snap tape  119   a . As seen in  FIG. 9 , in one non-limiting embodiment four snaps  130   b ,  132   b ,  134   b  and  136   b  can be provided, though such amount is not considered limiting and more or less snaps can be provided on snap tape  119   a . Preferably, an equal amount of snaps are provided on both snap tape  117   a  and  119   a , though such is not considered limiting, and each snap on snap tape  117   a  mates with a corresponding designated snap on snap tape  119   a , when sleeve  110   a  is secured to the bra strap in accordance with the present invention. For the embodiment shown in  FIG. 9 , snaps  130   a  and  130   b  mate together, snaps  132   a  and  132   b  mate together, snaps  134   a  and  134   b  mate together and snaps  136   a  and  136   b  mate together. Similar to the securement of sleeve  100 , when securing sleeve  110   a , panel  100  still folds over the bra strap when mating the corresponding snaps together. 
     In all embodiments, other securement mechanisms can also be used, and are considered within the scope of the invention, such as, hook and loop fasteners, clips, hooks, button/button hole(s), hooks/eyelets, all snaps, all magnetic closures, etc., as well as any combination of any of the various securement mechanisms. 
     Panel  110  or  110   a  used for attaching sleeve  100  or sleeve  100   a , respectively, to bra  50  is designed for easy attachment and removal of sleeve  100  or  100   a.    
     Preferably the material selected for sleeve  10 , sleeve  100  and/or sleeve  100   a  can be a washable fabric. Sleeve  10 , sleeve  100  and sleeve  100   a  are not considered limited to any specific size or color and various colors and sizes can be used and all are considered within the scope of the invention. 
       FIGS. 7 and 8  illustrating an open position for sleeve prior to attaching back to itself, would also work similar for the first embodiment of the present invention shown in  FIGS. 1-3  or the embodiment shown in  FIG. 9 , with the straps being tucked underneath and then folded over instead of panel  110 . 
     In a preferred embodiment, the present invention sleeve is independent and separate from any article clothing and not permanently secured to any article of clothing, including the bra strap. However, it is also considered within the scope of the invention to permanently secure the sleeve to the bra strap by any conventional means. 
     Though in a preferred embodiment, a short sleeve appearance is provided with the present invention, the present invention is not considered limited to any particular length and the design of the exposed portion of the sleeve can be of a longer or long sleeve configuration. 
     Preferably the panel  110  and/or  110   a  is either rectangular/substantially rectangular or square/substantially square in shape, though such is not considered limiting. Panel  110  and/or  110  can be permanently or removably secured to the remaining first portion of sleeve  100  and/ 100   a . Similarly, straps  20  can be permanently or removably secured to the remaining first portion of sleeve  10 . 
     Features or components discussed for one embodiment of the present invention sleeve are also considered to be used in other embodiments for the present invention sleeve even if not specifically discussed above. 
     All measurements, dimensions, amounts, sizes, shapes, percentages, configurations, securement or attachment mechanisms, numbers, ranges, values, percentages, materials, orientations, methods of manufacture, etc. discussed above or shown in the drawing figures are merely by way of example and are not considered limiting and other measurements, dimensions, amounts, sizes, shapes, percentages, configurations, securement or attachment mechanisms, numbers, ranges, values, percentages, materials, orientations, methods of manufacture, etc. can be chosen and used and all are considered within the scope of the invention. 
     Dimensions of certain parts as shown in the drawings may have been modified and/or exaggerated for the purpose of clarity of illustration and are not considered limiting. Component values shown in the drawings, including the electrical schematics, are merely examples of component values and part numbers that can be used and the present invention is not considered limited to these specific component values and part numbers. 
     Unless feature(s), part(s), component(s), characteristic(s) or function(s) described in the specification or shown in the drawings for a claim element, claim step or claim term specifically appear in the claim with the claim element, claim step or claim term, then the inventor does not considered such feature(s), part(s), component(s), characteristic(s) or function(s) to be included for the claim element, claim step or claim term in the claim for examination purposes and when and if the claim element, claim step or claim term is interpreted or construed. Similarly, with respect to any “means for” elements in the claims, the inventor considers such language to require only the minimal amount of features, components, steps, or parts from the specification to achieve the function of the “means for” language and not all of the features, components, steps or parts describe in the specification that are related to the function of the “means for” language. 
     While the invention has been described and disclosed in certain terms and has disclosed certain embodiments or modifications, persons skilled in the art who have acquainted themselves with the invention, will appreciate that it is not necessarily limited by such terms, nor to the specific embodiments and modification disclosed herein. Thus, a wide variety of alternatives, suggested by the teachings herein, can be practiced without departing from the spirit of the invention, and rights to such alternatives are particularly reserved and considered within the scope of the invention.