Patent Publication Number: US-6665876-B1

Title: Combination protective sleeve and head wear

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     1. Field of the Invention 
     The present invention relates to athletic apparel, and more particularly, to sleeves that can be worn by athletes or other individuals for added protection and comfort. 
     2. Description of the Prior Art 
     In the field of athletic apparel, the use of various types of clothing, pads, wraps, and head wear for protection, comfort, and warmth for an athlete engaged in a sport or other physical recreation are known in the art. A detachable or separate sleeve has long been recognized as an effective and efficient means for meeting an athlete&#39;s clothing needs during warm-up, actual competition, and rest periods between or after competing, without the athlete having to actually change clothing entirely when transitioning between these various periods of activity. 
     Some of the challenges faced by the various designs of detachable sleeves known in the art include functionality, style, and low cost. Typically, the more applications that a particular sleeve is designed to suit, the more likely it is that the sleeve does not suit any of the applications optimally. Particularly where both functionality and style are of concern, if both are to be met in a single design, it becomes all the more difficult for a single garment to fulfill with equal satisfaction, a variety of multiple uses. Thus, for many exacting athletes who demand the most from their athletic garments, clothing accessories are often required for each sport and for each level of performance that the athlete engages in. However, as such athletic apparel must generally incorporate higher quality, more durable materials and construction to hold up under the rigors of athletic activities, the cost of obtaining multiple garment accessories to optimally meet each of the athlete&#39;s intended uses becomes prohibitive. Such a need also exists in the non-athletic environment, wherein it is desirable for clothing accessories to perform multiple functions in order to meet several needs of the user. 
     Thus, there still exists a need for a multi-purpose detachable sleeve that is both stylish and well-suited to various uses and that can even be worn on more than one part of the body in order to meet very different needs for the user. The present invention is directed to just such a sleeve. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention provides a protective sleeve that can also be worn as head wear or around an individual&#39;s neck for protection and comfort. The sleeve is generally comprised of a tubular body having a notched, cuffed opening at a first upper end and a continuous cuff about the opening at a second and opposite lower end of the sleeve. At the sleeve&#39;s upper end, the cuff has two complementary radial cuff ties that generally extend from the opposite edges of the cuff adjacent the notch. Lengthwise cuff ties are provided in the inseams between the respective upper and lower cuffs and the sleeve body and are configured to lay flush with the inner surface of the sleeve, but can be pulled out to project away from the sleeve if desired to use the garment as a head piece or scarf. A Velcro®-type closure system is provided at the upper cuff notch so as to close the notch and secure the sleeve in place on a wearer&#39;s arm. In alternate embodiments of the sleeve, one or more lengthwise mesh fabric strips are disposed within the tubular body along its lengthwise inseam. Preferably, the sleeve body, cuffs, and cuff ties are constructed of a lightweight, breathable, and elastic synthetic material such as spandex or LYCRA®. 
     In use, the protective sleeve is prepared to be worn on an individual&#39;s arm by laying the two lengthwise cuff ties flat against the inside surface of the sleeve, opening the notch at the upper cuff, and inwardly folding the complementary radial cuff ties so that all cuff ties are positioned within the sleeve. Next, the wearer pulls the sleeve over his or her arm and secures the upper cuff about his or her upper arm by simply attaching the velcro closure, while the lower cuff is elastically fitted about the user&#39;s wrist. Because the sleeve is constructed of a breathable synthetic fabric, it allows moisture to evaporate away while regulating body temperature, thereby keeping the wearer&#39;s arm dry and comfortable during various athletic or non-athletic activities. Additionally, the sleeve provides protection against the sun and ultraviolet rays thereby providing protection against sunburn and other forms of sun damage to the skin. Alternatively, the sleeve may be worn on the head in the same manner as one would wear a hat by opening the cuff and placing the upper end over the head. The sleeve may be retained on the wearer&#39;s head by tying the radial cuff ties under the wearer&#39;s chin or at the back of the head. Or, the sleeve may be draped or wrapped about the wearer&#39;s neck and secured using the lengthwise cuff ties. As worn on any such body part, the sleeve provides protection and comfort for the wearer. Moreover, since a single sleeve is capable of multiple uses, the sleeve meets a variety of needs for different levels and types of activity without the cost of purchasing a different garment or accessory for each such use. 
    
    
     Other features and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the following detailed description, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, which illustrate, by way of example, the features of the invention. 
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
     FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a protective sleeve embodying the present invention; 
     FIG. 2 is a partial perspective view of the upper end of the protective sleeve shown in FIG. 
     FIG. 3 is a partial perspective view of the lower end of the protective sleeve shown in FIG. 1; 
     FIG. 4 is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of a protective sleeve embodying the present invention; 
     FIG. 5 is a partial perspective view of the upper end of the protective sleeve shown in FIG. 4; 
     FIG. 6 is a partial perspective view of the lower end of the protective sleeve shown in FIG. 4; 
     FIG. 7 is a partial left side view, in reduced scale, of a woman wearing the protective sleeve shown in FIG. 4 on her left arm; 
     FIG. 8 is a partial perspective view, in reduced scale, of a woman wearing the protective sleeve shown in FIG. 4 on her head; and 
     FIG. 9 is a partial perspective view, in reduced scale, of a woman wearing the protective sleeve shown in FIG. 4 around her neck. 
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
     As shown in the drawings for purpose of illustration, the present invention provides for an improved detachable sleeve that is capable of being worn both on the arm and on other body parts such as the head and neck. While the present invention is described and depicted in detail as a tubular sleeve of generally constant diameter and of a size to fit a typical adult woman, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the invention can be used by males and children, as well as in conjunction with many other sleeves having shapes and configurations to suit a variety of functional uses, style preferences, and sizes. 
     Referring to FIG. 1, the present invention is generally directed to a detachable protective sleeve  10  having a generally elongated tubular body  12  made of any one of clothing fabrics known to those skilled in the art such as cotton, cotton blends, polyester material or, in a preferred embodiment, a somewhat elastic, breathable synthetic material such as LYCRA® or spandex and having a first, or upper, end  28  and a second, or lower, end  38 . In the embodiment shown, the tubular body is essentially formed from a single substantially rectangular piece  14  of material that is joined together along its longer sides while being curved along its length to form a generally arcuate configuration. Because the piece is substantially rectangular, and thus has a generally constant width, when such piece of material is curved to form the tubular body as described above, the body has a substantially uniform cross-section and diameter. With this construction, it will be appreciated that the lengthwise edges  16  and  18  of the rectangular piece of material are generally parallel and can be aligned lengthwise and joined along the lengthwise edges, as by sewing them together, to form a lengthwise inseam in order to complete the tubular body. Alternatively, a zipper mechanism or snaps or Velcro® fastener means may be employed to join the two lengthwise edges  16  and  18  together. 
     In one embodiment of the present invention shown, two strips  22  and  24  of mesh fabric are sewn adjacent to each other along their respective inside edges on either side of the inseam  20  to form a strip portion wherein the first lengthwise strip  22  is joined with the lengthwise edge  16  of the rectangular piece  14  and a second lengthwise strip  24  is joined with the opposite lengthwise edge  18  of the rectangular piece. The mesh strips are constructed of an open-pored, highly-breathable fabric known in the art to provide ventilation and comfort for active athletes. Strips  22  and  24  are then joined together to form inseam  20 . As shown, each of the strips is approximately one inch wide and spans the length of the tubular body  12 . It will be appreciated that the strip width and the pore-size and spacing within the mesh fabric itself may be of any suitable configuration known in the art and effective for the particular use the protective sleeve is intended to serve. In the embodiment shown, both the pore size and the spacing between pores are approximately ⅛″. 
     With continued reference to FIG. 1, a V-notch  26  is formed at the upper end  28  of the sleeve tubular body  12  approximately one-quarter of the way down the inseam  20  to allow the upper end to open wider than if the inseam was joined together along the body&#39;s entire length. V-notch  26  may be formed by the simple method of not joining edges  16  and  18  together along their entire length but rather leaving them separated a predetermined distance towards upper end  28  of the sleeve  10 . The V-notch is reinforced with a ¼″ topstitch  30  around its perimeter. A first, or upper, radial cuff  32  is sewn circumferentially about the upper end of the tubular body along an upper inseam such that a longitudinal discontinuity, or opening, in the upper cuff is aligned with the tubular body inseam V-notch  26  so as to further facilitate the providing of an enlarged opening at the upper end  28  of the sleeve. Along the opening in the upper cuff, adjacent and generally parallel lengthwise first and second edges  33  and  35  are thus formed. 
     Various closure devices known in the art may be configured on the upper cuff  32  to allow for selective closure of the V-notch  26  such as hooks, buttons or snaps. In the embodiment shown, a high-pile fabric swatch  34  is sewn on the outside surface of the upper cuff adjacent to the first edge  33  using a conventional cross-stitch  46  or other such stitch known in the art. Adjacent to the opposite second edge  35 , but on the inside surface of the upper cuff, a mating hook or Velcro® swatch  36  is sewn, again using a stitch known in the art. In this way, the V-notch  26  may be detachably closed using a conventional velcro fastener system, as when the sleeve  10  is to be worn on the individual&#39;s arm. At the opposite lower end  38  of the sleeve tubular body  12 , a continuous lower cuff  40  is sewn along a lower end of the sleeve. Because both the upper and lower cuffs are constructed of the same somewhat elastic, breathable synthetic material that the tubular body is made of, it will be appreciated that the lower cuff, though not slitted or notched, will be able to stretch sufficiently to pass over the wearer&#39;s hand and wrist as the sleeve is put on a wearer&#39;s arm. More will be said below about the sleeve in use. 
     Referring now to FIG. 2, the upper cuff  32  of the protective sleeve  10  of the present invention is configured with two radial cuff ties  42  and  44  that can be used in securing the sleeve onto the wearer&#39;s head, as a chin strap or the like. The first cuff tie  42  is sewn directly into the cross-stitch  46  on the inside surface of the upper cuff opposite the high-pile fabric swatch  34  adjacent the first edge  33 . The complimentary second radial cuff tie  44  is sewn into the stitch that attaches the Velcro® swatch  36  and is there positioned such that it is secured between the Velcro® swatch and the inside surface of the upper cuff. The radial cuff ties are configured and attached thusly such that they are pointing in generally the same direction, so that when the sleeve is worn on the arm and the Velcro® closure is attached, both radial cuffties will naturally be positioned inside the sleeve, rather than outside, thereby being more functionally and aesthetically suitable. 
     Furthermore, with reference to FIGS. 2 and 3, lengthwise first and second, or upper and lower, cuff ties  48  and  50  are sewn into the inseams where the upper cuff  32  and lower cuff  40 , respectively, are attached to the respective upper end  28  and lower end  38  of the sleeve tubular body  12  such that the ties natural tendency is to lay flush along the inside surface of the tubular body and point into, rather than out of, the sleeve  10 , as best shown in FIG. 1 for the upper lengthwise cuff tie  48 . The lengthwise cuff ties allow the detachable protective sleeve  10  of the present invention to be tied about the wearer&#39;s head or neck as a scarf or neck-warmer. All four cuff ties generally taper from a wide base at the respective seam to a narrow tip at the free end and are reinforced about their perimeters using an overlock stitch for optimal tying and untying of the ties while in use. Moreover, the four cuff ties are preferably made of the same material as the tubular cuff body. 
     As the protective sleeve  10  of the present invention is thus fully configured, the exemplary embodiment has an overall length of approximately 23 inches, wherein the tubular body  12  is approximately 19 inches and the upper and lower cuffs  32  and  40  are each approximately 2 inches wide. The overall diameter of the sleeve tubular body and the upper cuff is roughly 5 inches, while the diameter of the lower cuff is approximately 3 inches. It will be appreciated that because of the sleeve&#39;s relatively small size and the lightweight materials from which the sleeve is constructed, the sleeve may be comfortably worn on most any body appendage. Moreover, because the preferred material is a breathable material such as LYCRA® or spandex, the sleeve is capable of moving moisture from the wearer&#39;s skin to the fabric for more rapid evaporation and drying. Thus, the sleeve regulates moisture and body temperature to keep the wearer&#39;s arm dry and comfortable in all activities. The sleeve also provides protection to the wearer from exposure to the sun and ultraviolet radiation as well as protection from wind. Thus the sleeve can be worn during athletic endeavors to provide warmth and protection to the athlete and can also be worn by an individual engaged in normal activity simply desiring additional protection for the arms. 
     Referring now to FIGS. 4-6, an alternative embodiment of the protective sleeve of the present invention incorporates a variation on the radial cuff ties and Velcro® fastener system previously discussed. The alternative sleeve  60  is similarly constructed of a tubular body  62 , lengthwise parallel mesh strips  64  and  66  about the lengthwise inseam  68 , a V-notch  70 , a continuous lower cuff  72 , and lengthwise cuff ties  74  and  76  configured to point into the sleeve. However, in the alternative sleeve shown, the upper cuff and the radial cuff ties are not separate components, but one continuous strip of fabric. 
     With reference now to FIG. 5, an integral upper cuff  78  is formed from a single, continuous piece of elongated fabric material such that the central section  80  of the cuff has a generally constant width and a length substantially equivalent to the circumferential length about the upper end  82  of the sleeve tubular body  62 . The opposite ends of the central section of the upper cuff  78  then terminate in respective tapered radial cuff ties  84  and  86  that point generally radially outwardly and can again be used when the sleeve is worn on the head to tie under the wearer&#39;s chin. On the outside surface of the upper cuff in the region where the central section transitions to the first cufftie  84  and generally proximally adjacent to a first edge  94  of the V-notch  70 , a high-pile fabric swatch  88  is sewn, again using a conventional cross-stitch  90  or other stitch known in the art. On the outside surface of the upper cuff in the region where the central section transitions to the second cuff tie  86  and generally distally adjacent to the second edge  96  of the V-notch, a Velcro® swatch  92  as known in the art is sewn permanently in place. 
     With reference to FIG. 4, it will be appreciated that when the alternative embodiment protective sleeve  60  is placed onto a wearer&#39;s arm, the lengthwise cuff ties  74  and  76  naturally lay flush against the inside surface of the tubular body  62 , while the radial cuff ties  84  and  86 , because they are oriented generally radially outwardly, must be folded back on themselves and inwardly so as to generally point into the sleeve as it is put on the wearer&#39;s arm. It will be further appreciated that because the Velcro® swatch  92  is positioned on the outside of the upper cuff  78  distal of the second edge  96  of the V-notch  70 , when the second radial cuff tie  86  is folded back on itself inwardly essentially about the second edge, the Velcro® swatch will then be oriented facing inwardly. Thus, the Velcro® swatch can detachably engage the high-pile fabric swatch  88  on the opposite first radial cuff tie  84  so as to effectively close the V-notch and secure the upper end  82  of the sleeve about the wearer&#39;s upper arm. As thus configured, all cuff ties are directed into the sleeve such that the sleeve is both aesthetic and functional when worn on the user&#39;s arm. 
     Referring now to FIGS. 7-9, in use, the protective sleeve of the present invention is optimally configured to be worn both on an individual&#39;s arm and on other parts of the body such as the head and neck. With specific reference to FIG. 7, the alternative embodiment sleeve  60  having the integral upper cuff  78  may be worn on an individual&#39;s arm with the upper end  82  positioned about the biceps area of the arm just below the armpit and the lower cuff  72  positioned about the wrist. To secure the sleeve thusly, the sleeve is first prepared for placement on the arm by positioning the lengthwise cuff ties  74  and  76  such that they are laying flush along the inside surface of the tubular body  62  and generally pointed toward one another. Next, the radial cuff ties  84  and  86  are folded back on themselves inwardly so as to be pointed generally into the sleeve, with the Velcro® swatch  92  now facing inwardly but without yet being attached to the opposite high-pile fabric swatch  88  so that the V-notch  70  remains open. It will be appreciated that the LYCRA® or spandex material from which the sleeve is constructed is a low-pile fabric to which Velcro® does not readily attach, so that the V-notch will only close when the Velcro® and high-pile fabric swatches are brought into contact. With the sleeve thus configured, the individual inserts her hand into the upper end of the sleeve and begins to slide the sleeve up her arm using her free hand until the upper cuff is around her upper arm and the lower cuff is around her wrist. Then, using one or both hands, the Velcro® swatch and the high-pile fabric swatch are pulled toward one another and joined by simply pressing them together to detachably close the V-notch opening and secure the sleeve about the wearer&#39;s arm. To take the sleeve off, the Velcro® closure is pulled apart, and the sleeve is slid down the arm and off the hand. 
     It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the sleeve of the present invention can thus be taken on and off easily and conveniently as required based on the level and type of activity that the wearer is engaged in. Moreover, because of the upper cuff design and the simple operation of the Velcro® closure system, the wearer is able to take the sleeve on and off without any assistance from others. It will also be appreciated that the sleeve can be oriented in many ways on the individual&#39;s arm to best suit the need of the moment. For example, if optimal protection is required for the type of activity in which the individual is participating, the sleeve may be oriented such that the continuous tubular body is about the outer arm facing away from the wearer&#39;s torso, and particularly adjacent to and away from the elbow, with the mesh strips oriented along the inner arm facing toward the wearer&#39;s torso. Or, if protection is not necessarily critical and ventilation is most desired, the sleeve can be oriented about the individual&#39;s arm just the opposite, wherein the mesh strips would be positioned on the individual&#39;s outer arm facing away from the torso for maximum communication of air in and out of the sleeve through the openings in the mesh fabric, as shown in FIG.  7 . It will also be appreciated that if the individual is interested in only keeping the biceps area warmed or protected or if the forearm area is best left uncovered, the lower cuff may simply be pushed up the arm until just above the elbow. The relatively thin, breathable and elastic fabric from which the sleeve is constructed will allow the lower cuff to stretch circumferentially over the elbow and be positioned about the larger part of the arm, while the entire sleeve will comfortably bunch up around the biceps area only. 
     Referring now to FIG. 8, the protective sleeve  60  of the present invention may also be worn about a person&#39;s head as a hat or bonnet. To wear the sleeve on the head in this manner, the individual would first prepare the sleeve as if it were going to be placed on the arm by laying the lengthwise cuff ties  74  and  76  flat on the inside surface of the tubular body  62  and opening the V-notch  70  as wide as possible. Only rather than folding the radial cuff ties inwardly, they are pulled radially outwardly. Next, the wearer would hold the sleeve by taking one radial cuff tie in each hand and then place the upper end  82  of the sleeve over the head such that the central section  80  of the upper cuff is generally centered across the top of the head and the V-notch is generally adjacent the back of the head near the base of the skull. Thus positioned on the head, the radial cuff ties will naturally hang down both sides of the head generally over the temples and in front of the ears. Then, the wearer would simply tie the two cuff ties under the chin to secure the sleeve on the head. Worn in this way, the lower end of the sleeve would cover the back of the neck and hang partway down the wearer&#39;s back. It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the sleeve may also be worn on the head in a number of other ways, including positioning the upper cuff about the wearer&#39;s head as a head band so that the central section is generally centered on the forehead and the V-notch and radial cuff ties are both positioned at the back of the head. As such, the sleeve is worn more as a Tam O&#39;Shanter or similar style hat. By being worn on the head, it will be appreciated that the sleeve serves to keep the individual&#39;s hair and sweat out of her face and may also serve to keep the head warm if the individual is participating in a winter sport or in cold weather generally. Again, because the sleeve is made of a breathable fabric such as LYCRA® or spandex, it can serve as a regulator to keep the head at a comfortable temperature while allowing moisture to evaporate away. 
     Now with reference to FIG. 9, the protective sleeve of the present invention may also, among other things, be worn around the wearer&#39;s neck as a scarf or neck-warmer. To wear the sleeve in this manner, the wearer would fold the radial cuff ties  84  and  86  inwardly and close the V-notch  70  by pressing the fabric and Velcro® swatches  88  and  92  together. Next, the lengthwise cuff ties  74  and  76  would be pulled out of the tubular body  62  so that they are pointing away from one another and the sleeve itself. Then, the individual would simply drape the body of the sleeve about her neck and tie the lengthwise cuff ties loosely across her chest to hold the sleeve in place. In this way the sleeve serves to keep the neck cool and dry by wicking moisture away from the skin. Alternatively, the sleeve could be wrapped around the neck twice and then tied in place for a snugger fit, as when the individual is involved in cold-weather activities and warmth and dryness is most important. 
     Based on th e above, it will be appreciated that a wide variety of sleeve shapes and sizes can be employed with this invention to best suit the particular activities and the individual athlete who will be participating in those activities while still allowing the sleeve to serve its intended multiple purposes. Moreover, the sleeve can be constructed of fabrics of any color or aesthetic pattern to suit the various tastes and preferences of athletes and people in general and may even be customized after market, as for a sports team or the like, by having the team name and each player&#39;s respective number stitched, silk screened, or otherwise placed on the sleeve by a process known in the art. 
     Because individuals, and particularly athletes, often demand the best materials and construction for their garments, purchasing multiple garments and accessories for the athlete&#39;s various activities becomes prohibitive due to the increased cost associated with the higher quality garments. Therefore, it will also be appreciated that since a single sleeve according to the present invention is capable of multiple uses, the sleeve meets a variety of needs for different levels and types of activity without the cost of purchasing a different garment or accessory for each such use. For example, an athlete could wear the present invention sleeve on her pitching arm between innings in the early spring to keep her arm warm and on her head or neck while she snow skis in the winter for extra warmth and dryness. Thus, the same garment can affordably serve multiple and varied activities for the same athlete without any sacrifice of comfort, performance, or style. 
     Although the subject invention has been illustrated and described in the context of being worn by a female it is to be understood that the subject invention can be utilized by males. Similarly, the invention is not limited to use by adults but may also be utilized by children. 
     Various modifications and changes may be made with regard to the foregoing detailed description without departing from the spirit of the invention. Accordingly, the subject invention is not to be limited to the specific embodiments disclosed herein but is to be accorded the full scope and protection of the accompanying claims.