Abstract:
A readily installed and rapidly detachable flexible sleeve system for belts, as well as a method for its manufacture, into which a belt having a buckle with a tongue can be inserted and secured by the tongue to cover the entire front surface of the belt with a variety of materials having different colors, textures, and designs, and thereby make it more versatile as a fashion accessory. The present invention comprises a reinforced aperture near to its anchored end, cooperating parts of a two-part quick-release fastener positioned on opposite sides of the aperture, a transverse opening for belt insertion, and at least one aperture through the distal end of the sleeve. Optionally, one of the fastener parts can be attached to the rear surface of the belt, instead of the sleeve. Each sleeve is further configured so that when it is in its usable position upon a belt, it will not interfere with the routine fastening and use of the belt during its garment support function. Applications of the present invention can include, but are not limited to, decorating a single belt on successive occasions with different materials relating to the same or different holiday celebrations, use at sporting events to show support of a specific school or professional sports team, and to alternatively change the look of a single belt from a casual appearance to one that is suitable for more formal occasions so as to make the belt more versatile as a fashion accessory.

Description:
BACKGROUND—FIELD OF INVENTION 
     This invention relates to belts used as clothing accessories, specifically to a readily installed and rapidly detachable flexible sleeve system for belts, as well as a method for its manufacture, into which a belt having a buckle with a tongue can be at least partially inserted and secured by the tongue to cover the entire front surface of the belt with a variety of materials having different colors, textures, and designs, and thereby make each belt used with the system more versatile as a fashion accessory. Each sleeve of the present invention has a reinforced aperture near to one of its ends for anchoring a belt buckle&#39;s tongue, and a two-part quick-release fastener with each fastener part located at an independent spaced-apart distance on opposite sides of the reinforced aperture, a first fastener part being located on the back surface of the sleeve close to the end of the sleeve adjacent to the reinforced aperture, and the second fastener part either being attached to the rear surface of the belt or to the back surface of the sleeve. Each sleeve also has a transverse opening through which the non-buckle end of the belt is secured and at least one aperture in the distal end of the sleeve adapted for facilitating alignment of the tongue with the holes in the non-buckle end of the belt. Each sleeve of the present invention is further configured so that when it is in its usable position upon a belt, it will not interfere with the routine fastening and use of the belt during its garment support function. Applications of the present invention can include, but are not limited to, decorating a single belt on successive occasions with different materials relating to the same or different holiday celebrations, use at sporting events to show support of a specific school or professional sports team, and to alternatively change the look of a single belt from a casual appearance to one that is suitable for more formal occasions so as to make the belt more versatile as a fashion accessory. 
     BACKGROUND—Description of Prior Art 
     Although primarily serving a functional purpose, belts worn with apparel are also used to accessorize a garment and make a fashion statement. Many people own a variety of belts to have a diversity of color, material, and design for casual as well as more formal occasions. Additional belts are often purchased to accessorize a specific outfit, and for special occasion use, such as belts with color combinations, designs, or attached hardware relating to a favorite sport, sports team, hobby, pet, or special interest. Although belts range widely in price according to the quality of the materials from which they are made and their design, the cost of creatively accessorizing a business or social wardrobe with a diverse selection of belts would be significant. Also, since belts can be bulky and their buckles sometimes make them difficult to store, a disadvantage to owning a large number of belts is the storage space needed to contain those not in use. The present invention offers a convenient, low in cost, and rapid means of changing the outer appearance of a belt so that a single belt could be used to accessorize an entire wardrobe. The belt sleeves of the present invention are also easy-to-use and more compactly stored than an identical number of belts, and since they can be produced in a nearly infinite variety of colors, textures, and patterns, they can cover a favorite belt to make its use suitable for every day as well as special occasion use. 
     The prior art believed to be most closely related to the present invention are the inventions disclosed in U.S. Pat No. 4,753,086 to Schmidt (1988), U.S. Pat. No. 2,087,620 to Lipton (1937), and U.S. Pat. No. 2,885,684 to Dye (1959). The Schmidt invention discloses a costume jewelry circlet having a variety of interchangeable tubular sleeves positioned over a string-like core that can be used as a bracelet, necklace, or belt. The Schmidt sleeve can be removed from the core by disengaging the ends of the core and simply pulling the sleeve off of the core. Both of the ends of the core in the Schmidt invention remain outside of its sleeve. In contrast, the non-buckle end of an underlying belt is positioned within the sleeve of the present invention during use. Also, the present invention has a transverse opening on the hidden surface of the sleeve and one or more openings through both the hidden and exposed surfaces of the sleeve on its distal end. Further, to maintain an optimum position relative to the underlying belt, the present invention is secured with a two-part quick-release fastener either to itself near the buckle or to the rear surface of the portion of the belt not covered by the sleeve. In contrast, the Schmidt invention discloses no fastener for securing its sleeve to its core. The present invention is also distinguishable from the Lipton invention which discloses a garter composed of elastic surrounded by a fabric sheath. The sheath of the Lipton invention has a cover flap for concealing an adjusting slide while also giving easy access to the slide when so needed for varying the length of the garter for the comfort of the wearer. Also, while the sheath of the Lipton invention does contain a transversely positioned buttonhole, it does not contain longitudinally positioned openings on the opposite end of the sheath. The present invention is also distinguishable from the Dye invention which discloses sheathes each configured for covering a belt to change the surface appearance thereof. Each Dye sleeve preferably has cross-stitching on each seam edge to eliminate bulging material and to facilitate turning the sheath inside out. The Dye sheath is also connected to a belt buckle via a clamping device rather than depending from its tongue. Further, the sheath of the Dye invention has no transverse opening, nor does the Dye invention have any longitudinal positioned openings on the opposite end of the sheath. It is not known to have a sleeve for changing the surface appearance of a belt with a tongue having the construction of the sleeve disclosed in the present invention, nor one with all of its advantages. 
     SUMMARY OF INVENTION—Objects and Advantages 
     The primary object of this invention is to provide simple, easy-to-use, rapidly installed and removed sleeves in a variety of colors, textures, and designs that can be used to vary the outward appearance of a belt with a tongue so that it is possible for a single belt to be decorated and used for a multitude of festive occasions, at various sporting events to show support of a specific school or professional sports team, and at events requiring either casual or formal attire. A further object of this invention is to provide belt sleeves from a widely diverse selection of materials and at a cost that is generally lower than belt replacement. It is a further object of this invention to provide belt sleeves in materials not routinely used to make the main body of a belt so as to offer more diverse fashion choices beyond those currently available to the public. It is also an object of this invention to provide belt sleeves that do not require the handling of small, easily lost parts, or special tools. A further object of this invention is to provide belt sleeves that can be retrofitted for use with existing belts as well as constructed for use with a belt having a fastener attached thereto for specific use with such sleeves. It is also an object of this invention to provide belt sleeves having a configuration that does not interfere with the garment support function of the underlying belt. 
     As described herein, properly manufactured and used, the present invention would provide sleeves that could be used with a favorite belt having a tongue to change its appearance to suit a variety of special occasions. In the alternative, a belt designed and manufactured for specific use with such sleeves could be used. The sleeves would be made from a variety of flexible materials, with opposite sides of the sleeve being made from the same or different materials. Having the hidden surface of the sleeve, or a part of the hidden surface, made from a second type of material could provide an advantage when the exposed surface of the sleeve is made from very bulky or expensive material. The sleeves are simple in construction having a reinforced aperture near to its buckle end to anchor the sleeve to the tongue of a belt buckle, as well as one part of a two-part quick-release fastener attached to the sleeve between the reinforced aperture and its buckle end. The second part of the two-part quick-release fastener may alternatively be attached to the hidden part of the sleeve or to the rear surface of the belt. It is contemplated that a secure and permanent means of connection be used to attach the fasteners to the sleeve or to the belt, such as stitching, bonding agents, adhesives, or a combination thereof. When a sleeve of the present invention is to be retrofitted onto an existing belt without permanent alteration to the belt, the sleeve would have a hidden surface with an elongated pocket that extends between the distal end of the sleeve and a transverse opening in the hidden surface of the sleeve that is close in position to the reinforced aperture used for insertion of the belt buckle&#39;s tongue. Also, the second part of a two-part quick-release fastener would be secured to the sleeve, and not to the belt, close to and distally positioned from the transverse opening used for insertion and withdrawal of the belt from the elongated pocket. In the alternative, a present invention sleeve could have a shortened hidden surface that would form a smaller pocket into which the non-buckle end of the belt is inserted during use. When a sleeve with a shortened pocket is used, the second part of the two-part quick-release fastener is attached to the belt. Attachment of the second fastener part to the belt can either be achieved during its manufacture, or retrofitted by the belt owner after manufacture. As a result, in a sleeve having a shortened pocket, instead of the belt being substantially encased within the sleeve&#39;s pocket, the central portion of the sleeve between the reinforced aperture and the pocket&#39;s opening would be pulled taut against the front surface of the belt. Sufficient lateral overlap of the exposed surface of the sleeve beyond the edges of the belt would prevent them from being visible to a casual observer. Other preferred embodiments could optionally comprise a selection of additional features, including but not limited to distal and proximal ends of various shapes, such as rounded, square, or tapered; various numbers and sizes of openings through both the hidden and exposed surfaces of the sleeve near to its distal end to facilitate rapid insertion of the buckle&#39;s tongue through both the sleeve and the belt during simultaneous closure of the belt and sleeve; and the openings through the distal end of the sleeve having configurations which are oval, round, square, or in the form of an elongated slot. 
     The sleeves of the present invention are easy to use and can be rapidly secured over and removed from an underlying belt when the width dimension of the belt is less than the width of the sleeve into which it is being inserted. Although not critical, typically for a preferred visual appearance the width dimension of a sleeve is no greater than approximately twice the width dimension of an underlying belt. In one preferred embodiment the non-buckle end of the belt is inserted into an elongated pocket through a transverse opening in the hidden side of the sleeve so that the hole in the non-buckle end of the belt needed for closure of the belt is accessible through longitudinal openings in the exposed and hidden surfaces in the distal end of the sleeve. It is important that the hidden surface of the sleeve is facing and aligned with the rear surface of the inserted belt. Also, when the underlying belt features a belt loop near its buckle, and particularly for small pocket embodiments, it is preferred that the buckle end of the sleeve is inserted through the belt loop, prior to being anchored to the belt buckle&#39;s tongue. Following insertion of the non-buckle end of the belt into the pocket in the distal end of the sleeve, and optional insertion of the buckle end of the sleeve through the belt loop or loops attached to the belt, the tongue of the belt buckle is angled forward into a position approximately perpendicular to the main body of the belt and inserted through the two reinforced apertures in the buckle end of the sleeve, one through the hidden surface of the sleeve and the other in an aligned position through the exposed surface of the sleeve. Optionally, the two reinforced apertures can be secured together through stitching or hardware (not shown) to form a single aperture for enhanced ease in insertion therethrough of the tongue. Subsequently, the buckle end of the sleeve is inserted through the central aperture of the belt buckle and brought behind the buckle to be fastened either to the hidden surface of the sleeve or to the rear surface of the portion of the belt exposed between the transverse opening and the reinforced aperture. Release of the belt from the sleeve would be rapid and simply require a parting of the two quick-release fastener parts, withdrawal of the buckle end of the sleeve backwards through the central opening in the belt buckle, removal of the tongue from the two optionally joined reinforced apertures in the buckle end of the sleeve, removal of the sleeve&#39;s buckle end from the belt loop when the belt loop is optionally used, and a sliding of the main body of the belt out and away from the pocket in the distal end of the sleeve. The removal process would therefore be quick and easy for a people having an average or greater than average level of coordination, and still manageable by those with some restriction in hand flexibility or movement, and children. Fasteners particularly suited for ease of use by children, such as hook-and-loop types of fasteners, could be used on all sleeves manufactured in sizes and with material designs appropriate for a child&#39;s belt. In most instances, except for the use of very expensive materials, use of the present invention sleeve to change the outward appearance of a belt would be lower in cost than the purchase of an entirely new belt. Also, although it is contemplated for the sleeves of the present invention to completely cover the front surface of an underlying belt during use, depending on the length of the pocket used in the sleeve, the rear surface of the belt can also be completely covered by the sleeve or varying portions of the rear surface can remain exposed. As a result, particularly in embodiments where a belt would be completed encased within a sleeve, frequent use of the present invention will reduce the amount of frictional contact applied to the side edges of the belt by the belt alignment loops of a garment, as well as by the belt buckle&#39;s tongue as the ends of the underlying belt are connected for use, and thereby protect the exterior surface of a favorite belt and extend its useful life. Further, the present invention has the advantage of using no separable small parts to attach the sleeve to the underlying belt that could become lost between uses, and requires no special tools to attach or detach a sleeve from an underlying belt. The sleeves of the present invention are further configured so that when each is in its optimum usable position upon an underlying belt, it will not interfere with the routine fastening of the belt or its garment support function. Thus the present invention can make any existing belt with a tongue and a width dimension slightly smaller than the width dimension of the sleeve into a more versatile fashion accessory. 
     The description herein provides preferred embodiments of the present invention but should not be construed as limiting the scope of the sleeves or their methods of construction. For example, variations in the type of material from which the sleeves are made; the number of pieces of sleeve material used during manufacture to construct each sleeve; the number of material layers used in each sleeve, such as the use of a contrasting panel to underlay a sheer or semi-sheer front sleeve panel or the use of interfacing; the color or type of reinforcement used around the transverse opening, the openings through the distal end of the sleeve, and the apertures used for insertion of the tongue to maintain the integrity of the surrounding material during repeated insertion and removal of the belt therefrom; the length dimension of the longitudinal openings on the distal end of the sleeve; the size of the pocket used for insertion and anchoring of the non-buckled end of the belt; the type of fastener used to secure the sleeve into its optimum usable position over a belt; the manner in which the fasteners are attached, connected, welded, adhered, or bonded to the sleeve and/or belt material; and the spaced-apart distance between the reinforced aperture and the transverse opening used for insertion of the belt, other than those shown and described herein, may be incorporated into the present invention. Thus the scope of the present invention should be determined by the appended claims and their legal equivalents, rather than being limited to the examples given. 
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
     FIG. 1 is a back view of the hidden surface of a first preferred embodiment of a sleeve of the present invention having a transverse opening for belt insertion, a reinforced aperture, two cooperating parts of a two-part fastener, all near to the buckle end of the sleeve, and one longitudinal opening through its distal end. 
     FIG. 2 is a front view of the exposed surface of a first preferred embodiment of a sleeve of the present invention having a reinforced aperture through its buckle end and one longitudinal opening through its distal end. 
     FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a belt being inserted through the transverse opening in the first embodiment sleeve of the present invention with the rear surface of the belt facing the hidden surface of the sleeve, the tongue not yet inserted through the reinforced aperture. 
     FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the first embodiment sleeve being inserted through the belt loop and buckle of an underlying belt, with the tongue of the buckle engaging the reinforced aperture, prior to connection of the cooperating parts of the two-part fastener. 
     FIG. 5 is a top view of the inside surfaces of a second embodiment of the sleeve of the present invention prior to being stitched and configured into its usable form, wherein the front and back members of the sleeve are made from a single piece of material having a longitudinal fold line, and wherein a second layer of fabric is attached to the inside surface of the sleeve&#39;s front member. 
     FIG. 6 is a back view of a belt with multiple holes through its non-buckle end being inserted into a sleeve of the present invention with the tongue of the belt&#39;s buckle inserted through the reinforced aperture prior to insertion of the buckle end of the sleeve through the central aperture of the buckle, and the belt loop and rivet becoming hidden within the sleeve when the two fasteners parts are secured to one another. 
     FIG. 7 is a back view of a belt with transverse slots being inserted into a sleeve of the present invention with the tongue of the belt&#39;s buckle inserted through the reinforced aperture and with the buckle end of the sleeve inserted through the central aperture of the buckle prior to connection of the two-part fastener that secures the sleeve in an optimum position relative to the underlying belt, the sleeve also being inserted through the belt loop of the belt. 
     FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a belt being inserted through the transverse opening in the third embodiment of the sleeve of the present invention wherein the second part of a two-part fastener is attached to the rear surface of the belt, with the rear surface of the belt facing the hidden surface of the sleeve. 
     FIG. 9 is a perspective view of the sleeve of the present invention secured over an underlying belt with a fastened buckle. 
     FIG. 10 is a front view of the exposed surface of a fourth preferred embodiment of a sleeve of the present invention having a rounded end and an opposed tapered end, an anchoring panel made from fabric that is different from the material used for the remainder of the exposed surface of the sleeve, and the reinforced aperture on the exposed surface of the sleeve being positioned through the anchoring panel. 
     FIG. 11 is a rear view of a fifth preferred embodiment of a sleeve of the present invention with the non-buckle end of a belt inserted into a small pocket on the distal end of the sleeve, with the side edges of the sleeve as well as the edge on the buckle end of the sleeve being folded back upon themselves and stitched, in addition to one part of a two-part quick-release fastener being attached to the back side of the belt and several enlarged square openings on the hidden side of the sleeve pocket to facilitate insertion of the belt buckle&#39;s tongue through both the belt and the sleeve. 
     FIG. 12 is a top view of a sixth embodiment of the sleeve of the present invention prior to stitching wherein the front and back surfaces of the sleeve are made from a single piece of material having a central transverse fold line, and wherein the front and back surfaces of the sleeve are substantially similar in length. 
     FIG. 13 is a top view of a seventh embodiment of the sleeve of the present invention prior to stitching wherein the front and back surfaces of the sleeve are made from a single piece of material having an offset transverse fold line, and further wherein the back surface of the sleeve has a shorter length dimension than the front surface of the sleeve. 
     FIG. 14 is a perspective view of the sixth embodiment of the sleeve of the present invention prior to stitching, wherein the sleeve material is folded so that the front and back surfaces of the sleeve are in positions of near alignment with one another. 
     FIG. 15 is a perspective view of the seventh embodiment of the sleeve of the present invention, wherein prior to stitching the front and back surfaces of the sleeve are in the process of being folded and aligned. 
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
     FIG. 1 shows the hidden surface of a first preferred embodiment of a belt sleeve  2  of the present invention with a narrow longitudinal opening  6  near to its distal end  36 , the second part  12   b  of a two-part fastener attached to the sleeve material  4  near to the buckle end  34  of sleeve  2 , a reinforced aperture  10  at a spaced-apart distance from the second fastener part  12   b,  the first part  12   a  of the two-part fastener being at an independent spaced-apart distance from reinforced aperture  10 , and a transverse opening  8  positioned between first fastener part  12   a  and reinforced aperture  10 . The exposed surface of sleeve  2  is visible through transverse opening  8 . Although not critical, in the preferred embodiment it is contemplated for the two-part fastener comprising first fastener part  12   a,  and second fastener part  12   b  to be a secure fastener that is quickly attached and rapidly releasable, such as a hook-and-loop type of fastener or a large snap. The spaced-apart distances between first fastener part  12   a,  transverse opening  8 , reinforced aperture  10 , and second fastener part  12   b  are not fixed and would depend upon the size of the belt buckle on the underlying belt contemplated for use, such as belt buckle  18  and underlying belt  14  shown in FIG.  3 . Reinforced aperture  10  is used for insertion therethrough of the tongue of a belt buckle, as shown by the tongue  20  in FIG. 4, to anchor sleeve  2  in an optimum position relative to an underlying belt during use, such as belt  14  shown in FIG.  3 . In the preferred embodiment it is contemplated that reinforced aperture  10  should be sufficiently large for easy insertion therethrough of tongue  20 , however, reinforced aperture  10  should not be so overly large as to allow a lot of movement between reinforced aperture  10  and tongue  20  during use of sleeve  2 . Transverse opening  8  is used to insert the underlying belt, such as belt  14  shown in FIG. 3, into sleeve  2 . Transverse opening  8  should extend nearly the full width of sleeve material  4  and be somewhat narrow, however, not so narrow as to restrict movement of belt  14  as it is inserted into and withdrawn from the pocket formed between the exposed and hidden surfaces of sleeve  2 . Depending upon the type of belt  14  used and its width relative to sleeve material  4 , belt loop  22  could become inserted between the exposed and hidden surfaces of sleeve  2  during use and hidden from view, or conversely, sleeve material  4  could be inserted through belt loop  22  prior to the fastening of second fastener part  12   b  to first fastener part  12   a,  leaving belt loop  22  outside of sleeve  2  and ready for use in anchoring the distal end  36  of sleeve  2  after closure of belt  14  into the circular configuration shown in FIG.  9 . For proper alignment of tongue  20  with reinforced aperture  10 , the back surface of belt  14  should be facing and aligned with the hidden surface of sleeve  2 . Narrow longitudinal opening  6  is used for closure of belt  14  into its usable circular configuration shown in FIG.  9 . The tongue  20  of underlying belt  14  is inserted through narrow longitudinal opening  6 , as shown in FIG. 9, the extended configuration of which allows easy location and alignment of tongue  20  with the belt hole most appropriate for closure, such as belt hole  30  shown in FIG.  6 . Although not limited thereto, in the preferred embodiment it is contemplated for longitudinal opening  6  to have a maximum length dimension of approximately two inches and for longitudinal opening  6  to be sufficiently narrow so that a minimum amount of underlying belt  14  is visible therethrough. It is contemplated for narrow longitudinal opening  6 , reinforced aperture  10 , and transverse opening  8  all to have a reinforced edge to keep sleeve material  4  from becoming frayed or visibly worn with repeated use, such as, but not limited to, reinforcement through any of several common methods of hand or machine stitching used to bind buttonholes, the use of hardware such as a grommet or eyelet, the use of a combination of iron-on seam binding and stitching, or the use of overlapping material such as that used to make a tailored buttonhole. If hardware is used, in the preferred embodiment such hardware (not shown) would be made from durable, corrosion-resistant materials that resist oxidation and deterioration when exposed to commonly used laundry detergents, such as a rigid, durable plastic material or metal having a corrosion-resistant outer coating. The reinforcement means used for the edges of narrow longitudinal opening  6 , reinforced aperture  10 , and transverse opening  8  can be selected to have a color similar to that used in sleeve material  4  so that the reinforcement is not distinct from sleeve material  4 . In the alternative, the reinforcement means can be selected to have a color contrasting to that used in sleeve material  4  to provide a fashion accent where desired. Further, the type and configuration of two-part fastener used for first fastener part  12   a  and second fastener part  12   b  is not critical, as long as it is an easy-to-use, quick-release fastener, to include but not be limited to various types of hook-and-loop fasteners, large two-part snaps, large hooks and eyes; magnetic fasteners, and the type of flat U-shaped skirt hooks used with a coordinating fiat bar having a width dimension sufficiently small for easy insertion into and release from the U-shaped part of the skirt hook. Although a hook-and-loop type of fastener is shown in FIG. 1 as first fastener part  12   a  and second fastener part  12   b,  the square configuration shown thereof in FIG. 1 is not critical and first fastener part  12   a  and second fastener part  12   b  could as easily have a circular, triangular, hexagonal, pentagonal, octagonal, or other perimeter configuration. The means used for attachment of first fastener part  12   a  and second fastener part  12   b  to sleeve material  4  will depend upon the type of fastener selected for use. However, it is contemplated for the attachment means used to securely and permanently connect first fastener part  12   a  and second fastener part  12   b  to sleeve material  4  to include but not be limited to stitching, adhesives, and bonding materials, or any combination thereof. Also, the number of two-part fasteners used is not critical, and particularly for the sleeves  2  used over very wide belts  14  or for bulky materials such as crushed velvet and fake fur, two or even three two-part part fasteners may be required for optimum use. However, in all preferred embodiments the number of first fastener parts  12   a  and second fastener parts  12   b  would be kept to a minimum to reduce manufacturing cost. Further, if more than two first fastener parts  12   a  and second fastener parts  12   b  are used, it is not required that all two-part fasteners used be identical in type, size, or configuration. 
     The length of sleeve material  4  is not critical, however in the preferred embodiment it would extend no longer than approximately four inches beyond the length of the underlying belt  14  contemplated for use therewith. Also, in the preferred embodiment the width of sleeve material  4  can vary between a width dimension only slightly larger that the width dimension of the underlying belt, such as belt  14  shown in FIG. 3, or it can have a width dimension up to approximately twice the width dimension of underlying belt  14  without adversely affecting the appearance or function of either underlying belt  14  or sleeve  2 . However, in the most preferred embodiment of the present invention it is contemplated for the width dimension of sleeve  2  to exceed the width dimension of underlying belt  14  by approximately one-fourth of an inch. When sleeve  2  is worn with a garment (not shown) having no belt alignment loops, the thickness of sleeve material  4  will be of minimal concern. However, when sleeve  2  is to be worn with a garment having belt alignment loops, the thickness of sleeve material  4  used should be taken into consideration, particularly that used for the hidden surface of sleeve  2 , as shown in FIG.  1 . The combined thickness of the sleeve material  4  used for the hidden and exposed surfaces of sleeve  2  should allow sleeve  2  and its underlying belt  14  to easily move through any belt alignment loops present in the garment (not shown) with which it is contemplated for sleeve  2  to be worn. When sleeve material  4  has a thin to moderate thickness dimension, both the hidden and exposed surfaces of sleeve  2  can be made from the same type of material  4 , and even made from a single piece of material as shown in FIGS. 5,  12 , and  13 , if desired. Conversely, when the sleeve material  4  selected for the exposed surface of sleeve  2  is thick and/or bulky, such as crushed velvet or a fur-like material, in the preferred embodiment the hidden surface of sleeve  2  would generally be made from a less bulky material. A different fabric would also generally be used for the hidden surface of sleeve  2  when the material  4  selected for the exposed surface of sleeve  2  is expensive, hard to manipulate, or would otherwise be too delicate to be used alone in making a sleeve  2 . Further, the exposed and hidden surfaces of sleeve  2  can be made from one piece of sleeve material  4  folded approximately in half longitudinally as shown in FIG. 5, one piece of sleeve material  4  folded end-to-end approximately in half as shown in FIGS. 12-15, two separate pieces of sleeve material  4  having identical dimensions as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, or two or more separate pieces of sleeve material  4  having different overall dimensions as shown in FIGS. 5,  10 , and  11 . One option, when using two separate pieces of sleeve material  4  having different dimensions that form a small pocket between the exposed and hidden surfaces of sleeve material  4 , is to provide a piece of sleeve material  4  for the exposed surface of sleeve  2  that is larger than the piece of sleeve material  4  provided for the hidden surface of sleeve  2  and then fold under and stitch the raw edges of the piece of sleeve material  4  provided for the exposed surface of sleeve  2  to the piece of sleeve material  4  provided for the hidden surface of sleeve  2  by using only two stitching lines. This would save manufacturing cost over an assembly process comprising the steps of placing a line of stitching on the reverse side of sleeve material  4 , turning sleeve material  4  inside-out, and adding an additional line of stitching to the outside of sleeve  2  to close the remaining unseamed edge used for fabric reversal. The embodiment of sleeve  2  shown in FIG. 1 is comprised of exposed and hidden surfaces each having substantially similar overall dimensions. Although not shown in FIG. 1, top-stitching could be optionally added to sleeve  2  adjacent to its perimeter to strengthen the seams when loosely woven sleeve material  4  is used, seams less than one-half inch in width dimension are used, or for color contrast. 
     FIG. 2 shows the exposed surface of a first preferred embodiment of sleeve  2  having reinforced aperture  10  at a spaced-apart distance from the buckle end  34  of sleeve material  4  and narrow longitudinal opening  6  positioned near to the distal end  36  of sleeve material  4 . Both reinforced aperture  10  and longitudinal opening  6  are positioned so as to become aligned with the reinforced aperture  10  and longitudinal opening  6  on the mated hidden surface of sleeve  2 . Optionally, in place of longitudinal opening  6 , several centered and longitudinally aligned apertures  10  could be positioned through sleeve material  4 , similar to the four apertures  10  shown in FIG. 10 on the distal end  36  of sleeve  2 . In the first preferred embodiment, the spaced-apart distance of reinforced aperture  10  from the buckle end  34  of sleeve material  4  is not fixed and would depend upon several factors including the size of the buckle  18  attached to the underlying belt  14 , such as that shown in FIG. 3, and whether first fastener part  12   a  is attached to sleeve material  4 , as in FIG. 1, or whether in the alternative first fastener part  12   a  is attached to the main body  16  of belt  14 , as in FIG.  8 . Since no part of belt  14  is inserted within sleeve  2  between transverse opening  8  and its buckle end  34 , the two reinforced apertures  10  through the respective buckle ends  34  of the exposed and hidden surfaces of sleeve  2  could be joined together with a grommet (not shown) or stitching. In fact the joining of the two reinforced apertures  10  adjacent to buckle end  34  of sleeve  2  is preferred for easy one-step insertion of tongue  20  through both the exposed and hidden surfaces of sleeve  2 . In contrast, the two longitudinal openings  6  through the distal ends  36  of the exposed and hidden surfaces of sleeve  2  cannot be joined, and must remain separated from one another so that the non-buckle end of underlying belt  14  can be placed therebetween to allow tongue  20  to become inserted through one of the holes in the non-buckle end of the underlying belt  14 , such as holes  30  in FIG. 6, to connect the opposing ends of the underlying belt  14  to one another to form the circular usable configuration of belt  14  and sleeve  2  shown in FIG.  9 . Although not shown, it is also contemplated for the front surface of sleeve  2  to comprise more than one layer of fabric, such as but not limited to instances in which the outermost layer of the exposed surface of sleeve  2  would be made from sheer or semi-sheer material  4  and it is desired to place a contrasting layer of sleeve material  4  directly beneath the sheer or semi-sheer layer to accentuate it. 
     FIG. 3 shows a belt  14  being inserted through transverse opening  8  on the hidden surface of a sleeve  2  in the first embodiment of the present invention. The rear surface of belt  14  is facing and aligned with the hidden surface of sleeve  2 . FIG. 3 shows first fastener part  12   a  attached to the hidden surface of sleeve material  4  near to transverse opening  8  and in a position distally from transverse opening  8 . Second fastener part  12   b  is also attached to the hidden surface of sleeve material  4  near to its buckle end  34 . FIG. 3 further shows belt  14  having a buckle  18 , a tongue  20  connected centrally and longitudinally across buckle  18 , the main body  16  of belt  14 , a belt loop  22  connected transversely across main body  16  near to the pivoting end of tongue  20 , and the end of main body  16  being folded back upon itself and secured by a centrally positioned rivet  24 . When belt  14  has a belt loop  22 , as shown in FIG. 3, unless the width of belt  14  is substantially less than transverse opening  8 , the portion of main body  16  containing belt loop  22  generally does not become inserted into transverse opening  8  and remains extending beyond transverse opening  8  where it can be used to anchor the distal end  36  of sleeve material  4  during use, if desired, as shown in FIG.  4 . However, even though a portion of main body  16  may not be inserted between the exposed and hidden surfaces of sleeve  2  during use, that portion becomes covered by the buckle end  34  of sleeve  2  as buckle end  34  is pulled through the central opening  48  in buckle  18  and folded back toward the hidden surface of sleeve  2  to allow second fastener part  12   b  to become aligned with and connected to first fastener  12   a.    
     FIG. 4 shows reinforced aperture  10  of the first preferred embodiment of the present invention being engaged with the tongue  20  of a belt buckle  18 . Second fastener part  12   b  is poised for attachment to first fastener part  12   a.  When second fastener part  12   b  becomes attached to first fastener part  12   a,  sleeve material  4  will completely cover the main body  16  of the underlying belt  14 , including the portion of main body  16  having rivet  24 . As shown in FIG. 4, belt loop  22  would preferably remain outside of sleeve  2 . However, when the width dimension of belt  14  is sufficiently smaller than the width dimension of sleeve material  4 , belt loop  22  and rivet  24  can be inserted within the pocket formed between the hidden and exposed surfaces of sleeve  2 , as shown in FIG.  6 . While not visible in FIG. 4, but more clearly shown in FIG. 7, as the buckle end  34  of sleeve material  4  containing second fastener part  12   b  is drawn through opening  48  in buckle  18 , buckle end  34  becomes slightly gathered as the width of sleeve material  4  is made sufficiently narrow to pass through the central opening  48  of buckle  18 . The gathered portion of sleeve material  4  would remain only in the immediate area of tongue  20 , as the portion of sleeve material  4  extending behind belt loop  22  and rivet  24  would need to be spread out laterally for a secure and non-bulky connection to the hidden surface of sleeve  2 . 
     FIG. 5 shows a second preferred embodiment of the present invention, prior to stitching, wherein the exposed and hidden surfaces of sleeve  2  are made from a single piece of sleeve material  4 . A longitudinally oriented central fold line  26  is shown separating the exposed and hidden surfaces of sleeve  2 , with the hidden surface shown in a position above the exposed surface. FIG. 5 also shows seam lines  28  adjacent to the entire perimeter edge of sleeve material  4 . Although not critical, in the most preferred embodiment seam lines  28  would be positioned approximately one-half inch from the perimeter edge of sleeve material  4 . Also, for most purposes the minimum distance between seam lines  28  and the perimeter edge of sleeve material  4  would be approximately one-fourth of an inch. When sleeve  2  is constructed from the sleeve material  4  shown in FIG. 5, several stitching options are possible. One preferred stitching option would leave sleeve  2  with stitched seam lines  28  on three of its four edges, with the remaining top or bottom edge of sleeve  2  being simply folded instead of stitched. It is not critical whether the folded edge becomes the top or bottom edge of sleeve  2  during use. In the first preferred stitching option, two edges of sleeve  2  could have traditional seams stitched on the reverse side of the fabric, with the third edge being top-stitched. To accomplish this, sleeve material  4  would be reverse folded so that right sides of sleeve material  4  are facing one another. Then the seam lines  28  opposed to fold line  26  and the seam lines  28  on one end of sleeve material  4  would be stitched together to join the hidden and exposed surfaces of sleeve  2  to one another. Sleeve material  4  would then be turned right-side-out, followed by the folding under of the remaining raw edge used for reversal of sleeve material  4 , after which the folded sleeve material  4  would be top-stitched close to the perimeter edge of sleeve  2 . In the alternative, the three stitched edges could all be top-stitched. To accomplish this, the raw edges of sleeve material  4  adjacent to the seam lines  28  on the three stitched edges could be folded to the inside of sleeve  2  prior to stitching, and then top-stitched close to the perimeter edge of sleeve  2 . This procedure is preferred as the intermediate step of turning sleeve material  4  right-side-out is omitted. Although not critical, when two edges of sleeve material  4  have traditionally stitched seams and one edge is top-stitched, in the most preferred embodiment buckle end  34  would be selected for top-stitched closure since it remains hidden from view during use. Another preferred stitching option for the preferred embodiment shown in FIG. 5, and which provides additional stability to the construction of sleeve  2 , prior to stitching the perimeter seams on seam lines  28  by one of the methods previously disclosed, center line  26  would be reverse folded and stitched while the two outside surfaces of sleeve material  4  are facing one another. Thereafter, when seam lines  28  on remaining three edges are stitched, all four of the edges of the finished sleeve  2  would appear to comprise a traditionally stitched seam. For decorative purposes, or as a further option for providing additional stability to the construction of sleeve  2 , particularly when loosely woven sleeve materials  4  are used, and to help prevent the exposed and hidden surfaces of sleeve  2  from becoming misaligned with one another during repeated use and laundering, top-stitching could be added to any of the four perimeter edges of sleeve  2  after the initial attachment of the exposed and hidden surfaces of sleeve  2  to one another. In the most preferred embodiment, top-stitching would be positioned approximately one-fourth of an inch from each finished edge of sleeve  2 . 
     FIG. 5 also shows the two longitudinal openings  6  through the distal end  36  of sleeve material  4 , each having the same length dimension and being aligned with one another. One of the longitudinal openings  6  is centered between the side edges of the exposed surface of sleeve  2 , while the other is centered the between the side edges of the hidden surface of sleeve  2 . Reinforcement of both longitudinal openings  6  would be separately provided prior to the stitching of seam lines  28 . FIG. 5 further shows one transverse opening  8  positioned near to the buckle end  34  of sleeve material  4  on the hidden surface of sleeve  2  and extending substantially across the hidden surface between seam line  28  and fold line  26 . Reinforcement of transverse opening  8  would also be provided prior to stitching seam lines  28 . In addition FIG. 5 shows a two-part fastener, with first fastener part  12   a  positioned near to transverse opening  8  between longitudinal opening  6  and transverse opening  8 , while second fastener part  12   b  is positioned near to the buckle end  34  of sleeve material  4 . Since FIG. 5 shows the inside surface of sleeve material  4 , while the right side of sleeve material  4  remains in an opposed hidden position and first fastener part  12   a  and second fastener part  12   b  would be attached to the right side of sleeve material  4 , first fastener part  12   a  and second fastener part  12   b  are shown in FIG. 5 with broken lines to indicate their concealment from view. Both first fastener part  12   a  and second fastener part  12   b  are centered between seam line  28  and fold line  26  on the hidden surface of sleeve material  4 . In the alternative, and particularly contemplated for wider sleeves  2  although not limited thereto, multiple two-part quick-release fasteners could be used. Additional first fastener parts  12   a  and second fasteners parts  12   b,  need not be the same size, type, or configuration as those in the other two-part fasteners used. FIG. 5 also shows the two reinforced apertures  10  near the buckle end  34  of sleeve material  4 , close to transverse opening  8  and positioned proximally from transverse opening  8 . Both of the reinforced apertures  10  shown in FIG. 5 are approximately the same size and aligned with one another on sleeve material  4 . Although both reinforced apertures  10  must be aligned, it is not critical that they be identical in size or shape, and the reinforced aperture  10  through the hidden surface of sleeve material  4  could be larger and square, similar to the large square openings  46  shown in FIG.  11 . One of the reinforced apertures  10  is centered between the side edges of the exposed surface of sleeve  2 , while the other reinforced aperture  10  is centered the between the side edges of hidden surface of sleeve  2 . Reinforcement of both reinforced apertures  10  could be separately provided prior to stitching seam lines  28  or provided subsequent to the stitching of seam lines  28 . Providing the reinforcement for both reinforced apertures  10  simultaneously after stitching seam lines  28 , so that the two reinforced apertures  10  become joined to one another, although not critical, would facilitate insertion of tongue  20  through reinforced apertures  10  by making it a one-step process rather than requiring two separate insertion steps, a first step comprising insertion of tongue  20  through the hidden surface of sleeve material  4 , with a second step of blindly finding the second reinforced aperture  10  and subsequent insertion of the tongue  20  through the exposed surface of sleeve material  4 . Although distal end  36  and buckle end  34  are shown in FIG. 5 to have a square configuration, it is also contemplated for distal end  36  and buckle end  34  to have other configurations, such as but not limited to a rounded or tapered configuration, as shown in FIG.  10 . Also, interfacing, facing, or other means of stiffening sleeve material  4  or the providing of a contrasting liner for sheer or semi-sheer sleeve materials  4  for color accent can be optionally used, as shown by the number  40  in FIG.  5 . It would not be required for fabric  40  to extend completely between distal end  36  and buckle end  34 , although fabric  40  should at least extend between distal end  36  and reinforced aperture  10 . 
     FIG. 6 shows a belt  14  having two holes  30  on the non-buckle end of main body  16  exposed through longitudinal opening  6  for engagement with tongue  20  to allow belt  14  to achieve the usable circular configuration shown in FIG. 9 after belt  14  is inserted into transverse opening  8  in sleeve  2 . Tongue  20  is inserted through the reinforced aperture  10  near to the buckle end  34  of sleeve  2 . In FIG. 6, the sleeve material  4  under buckle  18  is shown in an extended flat configuration, prior to insertion of buckle end  34  through the central opening  48  in buckle  18 . First fastener part  12   a  remains unattached to second fastener part  12   b.  Although not critical to the present invention, FIG. 6 shows the width dimension of sleeve material  4  sufficiently larger than the width dimension of belt  14  to allow belt loop  22  and rivet  24  to become inserted through transverse opening  8  and positioned in the pocket formed between the hidden and exposed surfaces of sleeve  2 . In FIG. 6, the length dimension of longitudinal opening  6  allows two of five belt holes  30  in belt  14  to be available for engagement with tongue  20 . Although the length of longitudinal opening  6  and the number of exposed belt holes  30  are not critical, in the most preferred embodiment of the present invention the length of longitudinal opening  6  would be sufficient to allow no more than two belt holes  30  to be exposed therethrough. 
     FIG. 7 shows the main body  16  of a belt  14  having transverse slots  32  therethrough inserted into transverse opening  8  in sleeve  2  with the non-buckle end of main body  16  extending beyond longitudinal opening  6  to a position in close proximity to the distal end  36  of sleeve  2 . The central portions of two transverse slots  32  near to the non-buckle end of main body  16  are exposed through narrow longitudinal opening  6 . Use of a belt  14  with transverse slots  32  as a means for securing belt  14  in its usable circular configuration permits easier and faster insertion of tongue  20  successively through sleeve material  4  and belt  14  than would be accomplished through use of a belt  14  having small belt holes  30 , as shown in FIG.  6 . Although the length of longitudinal opening  6  and the number of transverse slots  32  exposed therethrough are not critical, in the most preferred embodiment of the present invention the length of longitudinal opening  6  would be sufficient to allow only two transverse slots  32  to be easily accessible for engagement of tongue  20 . Also, although FIG. 7 shows main body  16  having uniformly spaced-apart transverse slots  32  substantially along its entire length to provide an aesthetically pleasing design for main body  16 , for use with sleeve  2  only two or three transverse slots  32  would be needed on main body  16  as long as they were positioned near to the non-buckle end of main body  16  for accessibility through longitudinal slot  6  and possible engagement with tongue  20 . FIG. 7 shows tongue  20  inserted through reinforced aperture  10  and the buckle end  34  of sleeve material  4  inserted through opening  48  in buckle  18 , ready for the folding of buckle end  34  toward the hidden surface of sleeve  2  and connection of second fastener part  12   b  to first fastener part  12   a.  When second fastener part  12   b  is firmly positioned against first fastener part  12   a,  sleeve  2  will become securely placed into its optimum position relative to belt  14 . Although not critical to the present invention, FIG. 7 shows the width dimension of sleeve material  4  substantially larger than the width dimension of belt  14 , with belt loop  22  and rivet  24  remain outside of transverse opening  8  and not positioned within the pocket formed between the hidden and exposed surfaces of sleeve  2 . In FIG. 7, as the buckle end  34  of sleeve material  4  containing second fastener part  12   b  is drawn through the central opening  48  in buckle  18 , buckle end  34  becomes slightly gathered as the width of sleeve material  4  is narrowed to allow it to easily pass through the central opening  48  of buckle  18 . The gathered portion of sleeve material  4  would remain only in the immediate area of tongue  20 , as the portion of sleeve material  4  extending beyond belt loop  22  and rivet  24  would need to be spread out laterally for a secure, flat, and non-bulky connection to the hidden surface of sleeve  2 . 
     FIG. 8 shows belt  14  being inserted through transverse opening  8  on the hidden surface of a sleeve  2  in the third embodiment of the present invention. The rear surface of belt  14  is facing and aligned with the hidden surface of sleeve  2 . FIG. 8 also shows first fastener part  12   a  attached to the rear surface of belt  14  instead of being attached to sleeve material  4 . Second fastener part  12   b  is attached to sleeve material  4  near to its buckle end  34 . Such positioning of first fastener part  12   a  to belt  14  allows a more secure attachment between sleeve  2  and belt  14 . The connection means for securing first fastener part  12   a  to the rear surface of belt  14  is not critical and can be accomplished by adhesives, bonding agents, stitching, or a combination thereof. Also the type of two-part quick-release fastener used for first fastener part  12   a  and second fastener part  12   b  in the third embodiment of the present invention is not critical. However, in the preferred embodiment shown in FIG. 8, first fastener part  12   a  would be the looped member of a hook-and-loop type of fastener, and the attachment means to connect first fastener  12   a  to main body  16  would be an adhesive or bonding agent. FIG. 8 further shows belt  14  having a buckle  18 , a tongue  20  connected centrally within buckle  18 , the main body  16  of belt  14 , a belt loop  22  connected transversely across the front surface of main body  16  near to tongue  20 , and the end of main body  16  folded back upon itself and secured by a centrally positioned rivet  24 . 
     FIG. 9 shows sleeve  2  of the present invention secured in a circular configuration by fastened buckle  18  with tongue  20  being inserted through longitudinal opening  6 . The underlying belt  14  is completely hidden from view by sleeve material  4 . In the alternative, buckle end  34  could be inserted through belt loop  22  to have belt loop  22  in plain view and available for securing distal end  36 . FIG. 9 also shows buckle end  34  being folded back behind sleeve material  4 . The distal end  36  of sleeve material  4  extends through buckle  18  and is shown extending toward the same side of buckle  18  where buckle end  34  is located. When the present invention is worn with a garment (not shown) having belt alignment loops, such belt alignment loops can be used to position distal end  36  into an approximately parallel position with buckle end  34  during use. When the present invention is worn with a garment not having belt alignment loops, (not shown), such as a shirt, dress, or coat, distal end  36  can optionally be secured in front of buckle end  34  in a position approximately parallel thereto during use with one or more snaps, small hooks and eyes, small magnetic fasteners, or other similar types of fastener. 
     FIG. 10 shows the hidden surface of a fourth preferred embodiment of the present invention having an anchoring panel  38  made from a different fabric than the sleeve material  4  used for the remainder of sleeve  2 . FIG. 10 also shows four reinforced apertures  10  positioned near to the distal end  36  of sleeve material  4  for use in engaging tongue  20  of buckle  18 , as shown in FIG. 11, to close belt  14  and sleeve  2  into their usable circular configurations, with one additional reinforced aperture  10  positioned within anchoring panel  38  close to the interface between anchoring panel  38  and sleeve material  4 . In the preferred embodiment it is contemplated for anchoring panel  38  to be made from a thin flexible fabric and used when sleeve material  4  comprises thick, bulky, or expensive fabrics. When an anchoring panel  38  made from a thin fabric is used with thick or bulky sleeve materials  4 , anchoring panel  38  enhances the comfort of wearing sleeve  2 . When an anchoring panel  38  is used with expensive sleeve materials  4 , anchoring panel  38  helps to reduce the overall cost of sleeve  2 . Since as shown in FIG. 9 distal end  36  would overlap the portions of sleeve  2  adjacent to longitudinal opening  6 , no part of anchoring panel  38  would not be visible to a casual observer of sleeve  2  while it is in use. 
     FIG. 11 shows a fifth preferred embodiment of the present invention as a short-pocketed sleeve  50 , with the non-buckle end of belt  14  inserted into a small pocket  52  formed in the distal end  36  of sleeve  50 . The remaining sleeve material  4  extending beyond small pocket  52  toward buckle end  34  contains folded edges  42  secured with stitching  44 . Although not shown, when the buckle end  34  and distal end  36  of sleeve  50  are rounded or tapered, or otherwise have an arcuate configuration, it is contemplated that folded edges  42  on the arcuate portions will have to be clipped in several places perpendicular to seam line  28 , but not beyond seam line  28 , to ease the curvature of sleeve material  4  during the application of stitching  44  and provide a neat appearance on the exposed surface of sleeve  50 . FIG. 11 also shows the rear surface of belt  14  being aligned with the hidden side of pocket  52 , and first fastener part  12   a  attached to the rear surface of belt  14  instead of being attached to sleeve material  4 . Second fastener part  12   b  is attached to the inside surface of sleeve material  4  near to its buckle end  34 . This allows sleeve  50  to become directly attached to belt  14  when tongue  20  is inserted through reinforced aperture  10  for a more stable and secure connection therebetween. The attachment means for securing first fastener part  12   a  to the back surface of belt  14  is not critical and can be accomplished by adhesives, bonding agents, stitching, or a combination thereof. Also the number, size, and type of fastener used for first fastener part  12   a  is not critical. FIG. 11 further shows belt  14  having a buckle  18 , a tongue  20  connected centrally within buckle  18 , an opening  48  through buckle  18 , a belt loop  22  connected transversely across the front surface of belt  14  near to the pivotal connection of tongue  20 , and the end of belt  14  folded back upon itself and secured by a centrally positioned rivet  24 . In addition, although not critical, FIG. 11 shows distal end  36  and buckle end  34  having a square configuration, with pocket  52  having three spaced-apart square holes  46  each centrally positioned longitudinally on pocket  52 , and each being shown larger than the underlying belt holes  30  aligned therewith. The configuration of holes  46  is not critical and holes  46  could also have a round or oval shape as long as each remained larger than belt holes  30  to facilitate rapid insertion of tongue  20  through both holes  46  and belt holes  30 . The number of holes  46  used is also not critical but would depend at least in part on the length of pocket  52 . For most purposes three holes  46  would be adequate for ease of use and preferred to simplify manufacture. Although not shown in FIG. 11, three reinforced apertures  10  would be present in the exposed surface of sleeve material  4 , also each being aligned with a different one of the belt holes  30  and a different hole  46 . As with the other preferred embodiments described hereinabove, although a portion of the rear surface of belt  14  is not contained between opposing surfaces of sleeve  50 , when sleeve  50  is fully attached to belt  14  and in its usable position, the main body of belt  14  is entirely hidden from view with only a portion of buckle  18  and tongue  20  remaining visible. Belt loop  22  can also remain visible when used to anchor sleeve material  4 . Also, although not shown in FIG. 11, belt  14  could be made from a metallic material and magnetic strips could be secured to the back surface of sleeve material  4  to enhance the attachment of sleeve  50  to belt  14 . 
     FIGS. 12 and 14 show a sixth embodiment of the present invention wherein the exposed and hidden surfaces of sleeve material  4  have a common distal end  36 . The identity of the connected end is not critical, and although not shown, it is also contemplated for the exposed and hidden surfaces of sleeve material  4  to alternatively have a common buckle end  34 . FIG. 12 shows sleeve material  4  in a flattened orientation prior to stitching, while FIG. 14 shows the two buckle ends  34  of sleeve material  4  in close alignment with one another, the exposed surface of sleeve material  4  positioned behind the hidden surface of sleeve material  4 , and the exposed and hidden surfaces substantially aligned with one another prior to stitching along seam lines  28 . It is not critical whether the edges of sleeve material  4  are folded under and stitched along seam lines  28  with the right sides of sleeve material  4  facing outward, or whether the right sides of sleeve material  4  are reversed and positioned facing one another during stitching, with sleeve material  4  being turned inside out after stitching to expose the right sides of the exposed and hidden surfaces of sleeve material  4 , followed by application of stitching to close the portion of seam line  28  left previously unstitched for reversal so that sleeve material  4  is turned right-side-out. FIGS. 12 and 14 also show one reinforced aperture  10  at a space-apart distance from buckle end  34  and a second reinforced aperture  10  positioned at a nearly identical spaced-apart distance from the opposed buckle end  34 . Three additional reinforced apertures  10  having a slightly oval configuration are shown in FIG. 12 positioned near to the distal end  36  of the exposed surface of sleeve material  4 . The orientation of sleeve material  4  in FIG. 14 does not permit viewing of the three additional reinforced oval apertures  10 . FIGS. 12 and 14 each show three square openings  46  positioned near to distal end  36  on the hidden surface of sleeve material  4 , with each square opening  46  aligned with a different one of the three additional reinforced oval apertures  10 . Fold line  26  shown in FIG. 12 is positioned equidistant between the two buckle ends  34  of sleeve material  4 . FIGS. 12 and 14 each also show one centrally positioned two-part fastener close to the buckle end  34  of the hidden surface of sleeve material  4  with first fastener part  12   a  and second fastener part  12   b  positioned on opposite sides of reinforced aperture  10 . FIGS. 12 and 14 also show a transverse opening  8  positioned near to distal end  34  through the hidden surface of sleeve material  4  between reinforced aperture  10  and first fastener part  12   a.    
     FIGS. 13 and 15 show a seventh embodiment of the present invention wherein the exposed and hidden surfaces of sleeve material  4  also have a common distal end  36 . The identity of distal end  36  as the common end is critical in the seventh preferred embodiment as the hidden surface of sleeve material  4  has a shortened end  54 , making the hidden surface of sleeve material  4  shorter than the exposed surface of sleeve material  4 . In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 13 and 15, sleeve material  4  would necessarily extend through belt loop  22  prior to attachment of second fastener part  12   b  to first fastener part  12   a,  so that belt loop  22  could be used as an additional anchoring point to secure the distal end  36  of sleeve  2  during use. FIG. 13 shows sleeve material  4  in a flattened orientation prior to stitching, while FIG. 15 shows the shortened end  54  positioned for attachment to the exposed surface of sleeve material  4  near to cutting lines  58 . The seam lines  28  marked between cutting lines  58  and shortened end  54  would be used to attach the exposed and hidden surfaces of sleeve material  4  to one another. Conversely, the seam lines  28  between cutting lines  58  and buckle end  34  would be used to provide a folded and top-stitched edge on sleeve material  4 . It is not critical whether the edges of sleeve material  4  between cutting lines  58  and shortened end  54  are folded under and stitched along seam lines  28  with the right sides of sleeve material  4  facing outward, or whether the right sides of sleeve material  4  are positioned facing one another during stitching, with sleeve material  4  being subsequently turned right-side-out for use. FIGS. 13 and 15 also show one reinforced aperture  10  at a spaced-apart distance from buckle end  34  for use in engagement with the tongue  20  of a belt buckle  18 . Three additional reinforced apertures  10  shown in FIGS. 13 and 15 are positioned near to the distal end  36  of the exposed surface of sleeve material  4 . The reinforced apertures  10  in FIG. 13 are each shown with a slightly oval configuration, however, the configuration of such reinforced apertures  10  is not critical. FIGS. 13 and 15 each further show three enlarged round openings  56  positioned near to distal end  36  on the hidden surface of sleeve material  4 , with each enlarged round opening  56  aligned with a different one of the three reinforced apertures  10 . Fold line  26  shown in FIG. 12 is not positioned equidistant between the buckle end  34  and shortened end  54 , but offset to make the hidden surface of sleeve material  4  shorter than the exposed surface of sleeve material  4  so that the reinforced aperture  10  adjacent to buckle end  34  remains available for use in securing tongue  20 , as shown in FIG.  11 . FIGS. 13 and 15 also show one two-part fastener attached to sleeve material  4  with first fastener part  12   a  attached to the right side of the hidden surface of sleeve material  4  close to shortened end  54 , with second fastener part  12   b  attached on the opposite side of sleeve material  4 , to the inside of the exposed surface of sleeve material  4  close to buckle end  34 . When shortened end  54  becomes aligned with cutting lines  58 , first fastener part  12   a  and second fastener part  12   b  become positioned on opposite sides of reinforced aperture  10 . Although not shown in FIG. 15, the connection of shortened end  54  to the exposed surface of sleeve material  4  near to cutting lines  58  would create an opening similar to transverse opening  8  shown in FIG. 12 for use in inserting the non-buckle end of belt  14  into the pocket between the exposed and hidden surfaces of sleeve  2  or  50 . Cutting lines  58  are clipped with scissors, a razor blade, or other sharp tool (not shown) after stitching of the hidden and exposed surfaces of sleeve material  4  to one another along seam lines  28  and used to make the transition between the two-layer distal, pocketed portion of the present invention and the one-layered buckle end  34 . 
     To make the first embodiment of sleeve  2 , wherein the hidden and exposed surfaces of sleeve  2  are separate from one another, identical longitudinal openings  6  would be made through each near to its distal end  36 . Although the length of longitudinal openings  6  is not critical, in most preferred embodiments the maximum length dimension of each longitudinal opening  6  would be approximately two inches. A two-inch length would usually provide convenient access to approximately two or three belt holes  30  or transverse slots  32 . Also, it is contemplated for the width of longitudinal openings  6  to be somewhat narrow so as to minimally expose underlying belt  14  therethrough. Although longitudinal openings  6  could be either cut first and then reinforced, in the preferred embodiment longitudinal openings  6  would generally be reinforced first with stitching or appropriate hardware (not shown) and later cut to form a pass-through opening in sleeve material  4 . Only in the hidden surface of sleeve  2  and at a designated distance from its buckle end  34 , usually four inches in the preferred embodiment, a transverse opening  8  would be made for insertion of a belt  14  into the pocket formed between the exposed and hidden surfaces of sleeve  2 . The length of transverse opening  8  would substantially span across the width of the hidden surface of sleeve  2 . Again as with longitudinal opening  6 , transverse opening  8  could be either cut first and then reinforced, or reinforced first with stitching or appropriate hardware (not shown) and later cut to form a pass-through opening in sleeve material  4 . In the preferred embodiment of the present invention, preliminary reinforcement of transverse opening  8  is favored. The hidden surface of sleeve  2  would also have a first fastener part  12   a  secured to sleeve material  4  near to transverse opening  8 , between transverse opening  8  and longitudinal opening  6 , and a second fastener part  12   b  secured to sleeve material  4  near to the buckle end  34  of the hidden surface of sleeve  2 . Both first fastener part  12   a  and second fastener part  12   b  are centered between the side edges of the hidden surface of sleeve  2 . Further, an identically positioned reinforced aperture  10  would be made in both the hidden and exposed surfaces of sleeve  2  near to the end of the strips intended to be the buckle end  34  of sleeve  2 . In the hidden surface of sleeve  2 , the reinforced aperture  10  would be positioned near to transverse opening  8 , between transverse opening  8  and second fastener part  12   b.  The diameter of reinforced apertures  10  should be sufficient in dimension to allow insertion therethrough of the tongue  20  of underlying belt  14 , however reinforced apertures  10  should not be unduly large so as to allow a large amount of movement between tongue  20  and sleeve material  4 . Although reinforced apertures  10  could be either cut first and then reinforced, in the preferred embodiment reinforced apertures  10  would generally be reinforced first with stitching or appropriate hardware (not shown) and later cut to form a pass-through opening in sleeve material  4 . Reinforced apertures  10  near to buckle end  34  could also be joined to one another to bind the exposed and hidden surface of sleeve  2  to each other and to facilitate insertion of tongue  20  through both the hidden and exposed surfaces of sleeve material  4 . 
     Once longitudinal openings  6 , transverse opening  8 , reinforced apertures  10 , first fastener part  12   a,  and second fastener part  12   b  are properly positioned, the right sides of the hidden and exposed surfaces of sleeve  2  would be placed against one another and stitched with durable thread, leaving one small unstitched opening for use in turning sleeve material  4  right-side-out. In the preferred embodiment it is contemplated for the width dimension of the seams connecting the hidden and exposed surfaces of sleeve  2  to range between approximately one-fourth inches and five-eighths inches. The two connected strips would then be turned right-side-out and the raw edges of the small unstitched opening used to reverse sleeve material  4  would be tucked inward and stitched to prevent them from becoming frayed during laundering and use. Optionally, in place of other stitching, or in addition thereto, all four of the edges can be top-stitched to further secure them or provide a color accent. If, instead of comprising separate exposed and hidden surfaces, sleeve  2  is formed from a single strip of sleeve material  4 , the sleeve material  4  would first be centrally folded along fold line  26  to properly align longitudinal openings  6  and reinforced apertures  10 . Although the folded edge of sleeve material  4  along fold line  26  would not need to be stitched, in the preferred embodiment stitching close to fold line  26  would be used to help the folded edge remain in a flattened non-twisted configuration during use. Optionally, if sleeve material  4  is thick, bulky, or expensive, an anchoring panel  38  made from a thinner or less expensive material could be used to form the buckle end  34  of the exposed surface of sleeve  2 . During use the distal end  36  of sleeve  2  would cover anchoring panel  38  to hide it from a casual observer. Reinforced aperture  10  would be positioned through anchoring panel  38 , when it is used. Optionally also, second fastener part  12   b  can be either attached to sleeve material  4  by stitching, adhesives, bonding agents, or a combination thereof, or attached directly to the main body  16  of underlying belt  14  by similar attachment means. 
     To use sleeve  2 , a person (not shown) would insert underlying belt  14  into transverse opening  8  on the hidden side of sleeve  2 , aligning the hidden side of sleeve  2  with the back surface of belt  14 , as shown in FIGS. 3 and 8. In the alternative when sleeve  50  is used, the distal end of belt  14  would be inserted into pocket  52 , also while aligning the hidden side of sleeve  2  with the back surface of belt  14 . Depending upon the length and width dimensions of belt  14 , belt loop  22  and rivet  24  might also become inserted through transverse opening  8 . If the front portion of belt loop  22  is to remain visible during use of sleeve  2  or sleeve  50 , the buckle end  34  of sleeve  2  or  50  would next be slightly gathered and inserted through belt loop  22  being careful not to fold or twist sleeve material  4 , after which buckle end  34  would again be opened substantially flat for easy connection of tongue  20  with reinforced aperture  10 . With at least the non-buckle end of belt  14  inserted between the exposed and hidden surfaces of sleeve  2  or  50 , and belt loop  22  optionally engaged, tongue  20  is then moved into a position substantially perpendicular to main body  16  and buckle  18 , and thereafter inserted through reinforced aperture  10 . While holding tongue  20  within reinforced aperture  10 , buckle end  34  of sleeve material  4  would then be slightly gathered and forced through the central aperture in buckle  18 . Sleeve material  4  is then pulled taut and the buckle end  34  of sleeve material  4  is opened again into a substantially flat configuration. While again securing tongue  20  within reinforced aperture  10 , buckle end  34  is folded back upon itself until first fastener part  12   a  becomes positioned directly over second fastener part  12   b.  First fastener part  12   a  and second fastener part  12   b  are then securely joined. When tongue  20  is again moved into a position substantially parallel to sleeve material  4  and buckle  18 , sleeve  2  becomes completely assembled over belt  14  with distal end  36  completely covering belt  14 , except the front surface of belt loop  22  when it is purposefully left exposed. If sleeve material  4  must be substantially narrowed to allow it to pass through the central opening  48  of buckle  18 , several small folds or gathers may develop and remain in the portion of sleeve material  4  adjacent to reinforced aperture  10  during use. To then place belt  14  and sleeve  2  in use, the non-buckle end of belt  14  covered by the distal end of sleeve  2  would then be positioned adjacent to the rear surface of belt buckle  18 , and subsequently inserted through the central opening  48  in belt buckle  18 , until the belt hole  30  or transverse slot  32  in the non-buckle end of belt  14  needed to close belt  14  and sleeve  2  into their circular usable configurations becomes aligned with tongue  20 . Using two hands and opposing fingers and thumbs, the person (not shown) fastening belt  14  would then flatten tongue  20  against belt buckle  18  and press the distal end  36  of sleeve material  4  against the front surface of the adjacent portion of the exposed surface of sleeve  2 . If the front surface of belt loop  22  remains outside of sleeve material  4 , distal end  36  could then be inserted through and further anchored by belt loop  22 . In addition, if the garment (not shown) intended for use with belt  14  and sleeve  2  contains belt alignment loops, such alignment loops could be further used to anchor distal end  36 . 
     To remove belt  14  from within sleeve  2  or  50 , one would first pull distal end  36  out of any belt alignment loops (not shown) used, and belt loop  22  if also used. One would then hold buckle  18  with one hand and with the fingers and thumb on the other hand lift distal end  36  into an approximately perpendicular orientation relative to buckle  18 . As distal end  36  is lifted, tongue would also become oriented into a position substantially perpendicular to buckle  18 , whereby the belt hole  30  used to close belt  14  and sleeve  2  into their usable circular configurations can then be removed and lifted away from tongue  20 . Thereafter, distal end  36  would be drawn backwards through buckle  18 . When buckle end  34  and distal end  36  of sleeve  2  or  50  thus become separated from one another, sleeve  2  or  50  can be turned over to expose its hidden surface. First fastener part  12   a  would then be separated from second fastener part  12   b  and the buckle end  34  of sleeve  2  or  50  lifted away from the remainder of sleeve material  4  to expose the uppermost rear surface of main body  16 . With one hand holding buckle  18 , the operator&#39;s other hand can be used to pull the buckle end  34  of sleeve material  4  backwards through buckle  18 , while at the same time sliding reinforced aperture  10  upward and off of tongue  20 . After buckle end  34  has been completely removed from buckle  18  and with one hand holding sleeve  2  or  50  by its distal end, the other hand can use buckle  18  to pull belt  14  from within sleeve material  4 . Belt  14  is then available for independent use, or for later insertion into the same or a different sleeve  2  or  50 .