Sleeve and/or cuff holder apparatus and methods of using the same

A sleeve and/or cuff holder apparatus is configured to prevent a sleeve or cuff of a shirt or other wearable garment from covering the face of a wearable device on a user's wrist, such as a watch, smart watch, wrist band, medical device, and/or other wrist accessory. Methods of using the same are further provided.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to a sleeve and/or cuff holder apparatus. Specifically, the sleeve and/or cuff holder apparatus is configured to prevent a sleeve or cuff of a shirt or other wearable garment from covering the face of a wearable device on a user's wrist, such as a watch, smart watch, wrist band, medical device, and/or other wrist accessory. Methods of using the same are further provided.

BACKGROUND

Many individuals wear devices on their wrists. For example, wristwatches have been known and used by individuals for hundreds of years. Indeed, the first known wristwatch can be traced back to the 16thcentury. At first, wristwatches were worn mainly by women, while men tended to use pocket watches until the early 20thcentury. During the 20thcentury, wristwatches improved greatly in quality, driven because of the need for synchronization of war maneuvers during World War I and World War II.

Technological improvements occurred throughout until the mid-20thcentury with the introduction of the battery-powered quartz watch, followed by electric watches, and now digital timepieces. Now, in the digital age, many different kinds of devices are worn on an individual's wrist, such as smartwatches, health monitors, such as heartbeat monitors, step-measuring devices, and other like medical devices, sometimes all contained in a single device. Smart devices are further connected to the Internet, and allow for monitoring and communication.

Sleeves and cuffs of wearable garments interfere with the use of wearable wrist devices. Generally, in the normal course of use, a sleeve or cuff can variously cover and uncover the wearable wrist device, oftentimes preventing a user from viewing the face thereof. It is often difficult to maintain the sleeve or cuff in a position that allows a user to view the face of the wrist device at all times, thereby causing the user to continuously move the sleeve or cuff from over the wrist device for viewing the same. Such a situation can lead to annoyance and the prevention or difficulty of the proper use of the wrist device.

A need, therefore, exists for an improved device for maintaining a sleeve or cuff from interfering with the proper use of a wearable wrist device. Specifically, a need exists for an improved device for holding the sleeve or cuff in a desired position relative to the sleeve or cuff. More specifically, a need exists for an improved device for clipping or other attaching to a sleeve or cuff and maintaining the sleeve or cuff in a position to allow for the proper viewing of a wearable wrist device.

Moreover, a need exists for an improved device for holding a sleeve or cuff adjacent a wearable wrist device to prevent covering of the same. A need exists for an improved device for holding a sleeve or cuff that is stylish, fashionable, and provides an additional accoutrement to the user. Alternatively, a need exists for an improved device for holding a sleeve or cuff that is unnoticeable to others.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a sleeve and/or cuff holder apparatus. Specifically, the sleeve and/or cuff holder apparatus is configured to prevent a sleeve or cuff of a shirt or other wearable garment from covering the face of a wearable device on a user's wrist, such as a watch, smart watch, wrist band, medical device, and/or other wrist accessory. Methods of using the same are further provided.

To this end, in an embodiment of the present invention, a cuff and/or sleeve holder apparatus is provided. The cuff and/or sleeve holder apparatus comprises a cuff holding element comprising a first leg, a second leg, and a bend between the first leg and the second leg, wherein the first leg and the second leg are biased toward each other via the bend.

In an embodiment, the cuff or sleeve holder apparatus further comprises: a first holding element disposed on an end of the first leg; a second holding element disposed on an end of the second leg, wherein the first and second holding elements are configured to hold the ends of the first and second legs together on the cuff or the sleeve.

In an embodiment, the first holding element is a first magnet and the second holding elements is a second magnet.

In an embodiment, the end of the first leg and the end of the second leg are biased together via the first magnet and the second magnet, configured to hold the cuff or sleeve between the first magnet and the second magnet.

In an embodiment, the first magnet and the second magnet having opposite poles facing each other.

In an embodiment, the cuff or sleeve holder apparatus further comprises a first protective element disposed on an inside surface of the first leg, wherein the first protective element is configured to contact the watch band.

In an embodiment, the first protective element is selected from the group of a cloth material and an elastomeric material.

In an embodiment, the cuff or sleeve holder apparatus further comprises a second protective element disposed on an inside surface of the second leg, wherein the second protective element is configured to contact the watch band.

In an embodiment, the second protective element is selected from the group of a cloth material and an elastomeric material.

In an alternate embodiment of the present invention, a system for holding a cuff or sleeve adjacent to a watch band worn on a wrist is provided. The system comprises: the cuff or sleeve holder apparatus; a cuff or sleeve between the first extended leg and the second extended leg; and a watch band disposed between the first extended leg and the second extended leg positioned adjacent the cuff or sleeve.

In an alternate embodiment of the present invention, a method of holding a cuff or sleeve adjacent a watch is provided. The method comprises the steps of: providing a watch on a wrist; providing a cuff or sleeve of a shirt adjacent the watch on the wrist; providing a cuff or sleeve holder apparatus comprising a first leg, a second leg, and a bend between the first leg and the second leg, wherein the first leg and the second leg are biased toward each other via the bend; and holding a watch band of the watch adjacent to the cuff or sleeve between the first leg and the second leg.

In an embodiment, the cuff or sleeve holder apparatus further comprises a first holding element disposed on an end of the first leg; a second holding element disposed on an end of the second leg, wherein the first and second holding elements are configured to hold the ends of the first and second legs together on the cuff or sleeve.

In an embodiment, the first holding element is a first magnet and the second holding elements is a second magnet.

In an embodiment, the end of the first leg and the end of the second leg are biased together via the first magnet and the second magnet further comprising the step of holding the cuff or sleeve between the first magnet and the second magnet.

In an embodiment, the first magnet and the second magnet having opposite poles facing each other.

In an embodiment, the method further comprising the steps of: providing a first protective element disposed on an inside surface of the first leg; and contacting the watch band with the first protective element.

In an embodiment, the first protective element is selected from the group of a cloth material and an elastomeric material.

In an embodiment, the method further comprises the steps of: providing a second protective element disposed on an inside surface of the second leg; and contacting the watch band with the second protective element.

In an embodiment, the second protective element is selected from the group of a cloth material and an elastomeric material.

In an embodiment, the bend between the first and second extended legs is curved.

In another alternate embodiment of the present invention, the second leg pivotally extends from a pivoting element on an end of the bend, and a handle extends from the pivoting element to move the end of the second leg away from the first leg. In an embodiment the end of the second leg has ridges that are configured to hold a cuff in position when disposed between the first and second legs.

In another alternate embodiment, a pair of cuff and/or sleeve holder apparatuses are disposed side-by-side with a bridging plate disposed therebetween, wherein the pair of cuff and/or sleeve holder apparatus are configured to hold a watch band and a cuff of a sleeve in place with a watch face configured to rest on the plate.

In another alternate embodiment of the present invention, a cuff and/or sleeve holder apparatus comprises a band and a plate disposed extending from the band, and a hinged holding element extending from the band, wherein the plate is configured to be disposed beneath a watch face and a cuff of a sleeve, and holding element is configured to fold over a top of the cuff and engage the holding element beneath the cuff.

In yet another alternate embodiment of the present invention a cuff and/or sleeve holder apparatus comprises a band configured to be worn around a user's wrist, a first plate extending from the band, a second plate adjacent the first plate, and a hinge disposed therebetween, wherein the first plate is configured to be disposed beneath a cuff and the second plate is configured to be disposed above a cuff to hold a cuff in place adjacent a watch.

It is, therefore, an advantage and objective of the present invention to provide an improved device for maintaining a sleeve or cuff from interfering with the proper use of a wearable wrist device.

Specifically, it is an advantage and objective of the present invention to provide an improved device for holding the sleeve or cuff in a desired position relative to the sleeve or cuff.

More specifically, it is an advantage and objective of the present invention to provide an improved device for clipping or other attaching to a sleeve or cuff and maintaining the sleeve or cuff in a position to allow for the proper viewing of a wearable wrist device.

Moreover, it is an advantage and objective of the present invention to provide an improved device for holding a sleeve or cuff adjacent a wearable wrist device to prevent covering of the same.

Further, it is an advantage and objective of the present invention to provide an improved device for holding a sleeve or cuff that is stylish, fashionable, and provides an additional accoutrement to the user.

Alternatively, it is an advantage and objective of the present invention to provide an improved device for holding a sleeve or cuff that is unnoticeable to others.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PRESENTLY PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

The present invention relates to a sleeve and/or cuff holder apparatus. Specifically, the sleeve and/or cuff holder apparatus is configured to prevent a sleeve or cuff of a shirt or other wearable garment from covering the face of a wearable device on a user's wrist, such as a watch, smart watch, wrist band, medical device, and/or other wrist accessory. Methods of using the same are further provided.

FIGS.1and2illustrate a cuff and/or sleeve holder apparatus10in an embodiment of the present invention. The apparatus10comprises a first extended leg12and a second extended leg14running roughly parallel to each other, and connected via a bend16. The bend16generally biases legs12and14toward each so that the ends thereof pinch or otherwise come together. A first magnet24may be at or within end13of first extended leg12and a second magnet25maybe at or within end15of second extended leg14, having opposite poles facing each other so that the magnets draw the ends13,15together when in contact. A space between the first and second extended legs12,14may have a distance d that is sufficient to hold both sides of the watch band21, minimizing movement of the apparatus10on the watch band21.

As illustrated inFIG.2, the apparatus10is disposed so that a watch band21of a watch20fits within and between first and second legs12,14. Likewise, the apparatus10is disposed so that a cuff22of a sleeve of a shirt (not shown) also fits between first and second legs12,14immediately adjacent the watch band21. As noted above, in one embodiment, the bend16may bias legs12,14toward each other to pinch or otherwise allow the ends13,15, thereby holding the apparatus10on the cuff22. Preferably, as illustrated inFIG.1, magnets24,25may be disposed on the ends13,15of the legs12,14, respectively, and may hold the ends13,15of the legs12,14, respectively, together via magnetic attraction, through the cuff22.

The apparatus10, therefore, holds the cuff22adjacent the watch band21and thus prevents the cuff22from moving and covering the watch face26of the watch as the user moves his or her arm. A cloth material, a rubbery elastomeric material, or other soft element may be disposed on inside surfaces of the first and second legs12,14to prevent damage to the watch band20and/or the cuff22.

Referring now toFIG.3, a cuff and/or sleeve holder apparatus50is illustrated in an alternate embodiment of the present invention. The apparatus50comprises a first elongated leg52having a bend54on one end thereof. The bend54terminates to a pivoting element56that may be attached to a second leg58. The second leg58may pivot about pivoting element56. A spring60may bias the second leg58toward the first leg52. A handle62may extend from the pivoting element56, and may be utilized top press, thereby moving second leg58away from the first leg52. Thus, in use, a user may press the handle62to move the second leg58from the first leg52and dispose a watch band (not shown) and, adjacent to the watch band, a cuff of a sleeve (not shown) between the first leg52and the second leg58in the same manner as shown inFIG.1. Ridges64may be disposed on an end of the second leg58, disposed toward the first leg52to hold the second leg58in position on the cuff of the sleeve when disposed thereon.

FIG.4illustrates yet another embodiment of a cuff and/or sleeve holder apparatus100having a first cuff and/or sleeve engagement element102and a second cuff and/or sleeve engagement element104disposed roughly parallel to each other. The first element102and the second element104may each be cuff and/or sleeve holder apparatuses10or cuff and/or sleeve holder apparatuses50, as disclosed above. Each of the elements102,104may have parallel extending legs, and may be connected via a bridging plate106disposed between the two elements102,104. When in use, the first and second elements102may be disposed such that a watch band (not shown) on opposite sides of a watch face may be disposed between the parallel legs of the elements102,104, and the watch face may rest upon the bridging plate106. A watch face stopper bar108may also bridge between the first and second elements102,104, and may engage the side of the watch face closest to the user's hand. Thus, the watch may be held in place via the apparatus100. A cuff or sleeve may be disposed between the parallel legs of the elements102,104and held adjacent the watch. Thus, the apparatus100may hold the cuff or sleeve adjacent the watch face, preventing the same from covering the watch face.

FIGS.5and6illustrate yet another embodiment of the present invention of a cuff and/or sleeve holder apparatus150. The apparatus150may include a band152that may be disposed around a user's wrist to hold the apparatus150in place in position thereof. The band may be adjustable to accommodate different sizes wrists. A plate154may extend beneath a top portion of the band152. A roughly triangular holding element156may pivotally extend from the band152. The holding element156may have a clasp or other engagement element158on an end thereof for engaging a user's cuff160, as shown inFIG.6. The clasp or other engagement element158may engage a corresponding receiving element162on the plate154that may be disposed beneath the user's cuff160. The clasp may be magnetic, thereby holding the holding element156adjacent the plate154with the cuff160disposed therebetween.

The plate154, therefore, extending beneath the cuff160and watch164thereby holding the cuff160adjacent the watch164. A watch face stopper bar166may extend from the plate154, thereby abutting the face of the watch164and preventing movement of the watch164and cuff160.

FIGS.7,8and9illustrate a still further embodiment of a cuff and/or sleeve holder apparatus200.FIG.7illustrates a side view thereof andFIG.8illustrates a top view thereof. The apparatus200may include a band202extending from a first plate204. A second plate206may be disposed adjacent the first plate204having a hinge208disposed therebetween. As illustrated inFIG.7, the plates204,206may have a curve thereby fitting over and under an end of a cuff210, as shown inFIG.9, which shows first plate204disposed beneath cuff210before the second plate206is folded via hinge208to cover over the cuff210. The strap202may therefore hold the cuff210in position where desired so that the same does not cover a watch (not shown).

Each of the aforementioned apparatuses are configured to hold a cuff and/or sleeve in position on a user's arm relative to a watch to prevent the cuff and/or sleeve from covering the watch. Each are shown in various configurations and various sizes, and it should be noted that each element can be any size or proportion and should not be limited as described herein. In addition, each element may be made from any known material useful for the same, such as metal, plastic, wood, leather, or any other like material. Moreover, various exposed elements of each of the embodiments may have stylish designs and may be made from suitable materials that may be pleasing, such as precious metals or the like.

It should further be noted that various changes and modifications to the presently preferred embodiments described herein will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Such changes and modifications may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention and without diminishing its attendant advantages. Further, references throughout the specification to “the invention” are nonlimiting, and it should be noted that claim limitations presented herein are not meant to describe the invention as a whole. Moreover, the invention illustratively disclosed herein suitably may be practiced in the absence of any element which is not specifically disclosed herein.