US20230038344A1 - Protective sleeve - Google Patents
Protective sleeve Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- US20230038344A1 US20230038344A1 US17/942,280 US202217942280A US2023038344A1 US 20230038344 A1 US20230038344 A1 US 20230038344A1 US 202217942280 A US202217942280 A US 202217942280A US 2023038344 A1 US2023038344 A1 US 2023038344A1
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- US
- United States
- Prior art keywords
- adjustable sleeve
- forearm
- wrist
- user
- hand
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Abandoned
Links
- 230000001681 protective effect Effects 0.000 title claims abstract description 116
- 210000000245 forearm Anatomy 0.000 claims abstract description 49
- 210000000707 wrist Anatomy 0.000 claims abstract description 31
- 239000004744 fabric Substances 0.000 claims abstract description 24
- 230000000844 anti-bacterial effect Effects 0.000 claims abstract description 12
- 239000002356 single layer Substances 0.000 claims abstract description 8
- 241000700605 Viruses Species 0.000 claims description 18
- 201000010099 disease Diseases 0.000 claims description 17
- 208000037265 diseases, disorders, signs and symptoms Diseases 0.000 claims description 17
- 239000000463 material Substances 0.000 claims description 6
- 229920002334 Spandex Polymers 0.000 claims description 3
- 239000004759 spandex Substances 0.000 claims description 3
- 239000004677 Nylon Substances 0.000 claims description 2
- 229920000690 Tyvek Polymers 0.000 claims description 2
- 239000003562 lightweight material Substances 0.000 claims description 2
- 229920001778 nylon Polymers 0.000 claims description 2
- 229920000728 polyester Polymers 0.000 claims description 2
- 239000004775 Tyvek Substances 0.000 claims 1
- -1 and a pliable Substances 0.000 claims 1
- 230000000694 effects Effects 0.000 description 13
- 239000010410 layer Substances 0.000 description 9
- 230000000845 anti-microbial effect Effects 0.000 description 4
- 239000011248 coating agent Substances 0.000 description 4
- 238000000576 coating method Methods 0.000 description 4
- 229920000298 Cellophane Polymers 0.000 description 3
- 239000004599 antimicrobial Substances 0.000 description 3
- 210000004247 hand Anatomy 0.000 description 3
- 238000000034 method Methods 0.000 description 3
- 229920003023 plastic Polymers 0.000 description 3
- 239000004033 plastic Substances 0.000 description 3
- 208000025721 COVID-19 Diseases 0.000 description 2
- 229920001474 Flashspun fabric Polymers 0.000 description 1
- 229920002396 Polyurea Polymers 0.000 description 1
- 230000004075 alteration Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000000386 athletic effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 235000009120 camo Nutrition 0.000 description 1
- 244000213578 camo Species 0.000 description 1
- 239000003086 colorant Substances 0.000 description 1
- 238000010276 construction Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000005034 decoration Methods 0.000 description 1
- 239000004751 flashspun nonwoven Substances 0.000 description 1
- 230000014509 gene expression Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000007774 longterm Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000000116 mitigating effect Effects 0.000 description 1
Images
Classifications
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A41—WEARING APPAREL
- A41D—OUTERWEAR; PROTECTIVE GARMENTS; ACCESSORIES
- A41D13/00—Professional, industrial or sporting protective garments, e.g. surgeons' gowns or garments protecting against blows or punches
- A41D13/05—Professional, industrial or sporting protective garments, e.g. surgeons' gowns or garments protecting against blows or punches protecting only a particular body part
- A41D13/08—Arm or hand
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A41—WEARING APPAREL
- A41D—OUTERWEAR; PROTECTIVE GARMENTS; ACCESSORIES
- A41D31/00—Materials specially adapted for outerwear
- A41D31/04—Materials specially adapted for outerwear characterised by special function or use
- A41D31/30—Antimicrobial, e.g. antibacterial
Definitions
- Embodiments of the present disclosure relate to protective apparel, and more particularly to arm and hand protective sleeves.
- Embodiments of the protective sleeves described herein are used to protect its wearer when the wearer is touching surfaces, items, or bodily parts.
- diseases or viruses may be at least partially transmitted to a person by the person touching surfaces, items, or bodily parts that have been exposed to the diseases or viruses with their hands.
- the diseases or viruses may be further transmitted to the person by the contaminated hands of the person further infecting the person.
- an anti-bacterial device to mitigate the spread of diseases and viruses; including COVID-19 is of particular attention.
- Existing protective devices do not protect the hand and/or are in the form of a glove that only covers a hand and may also include sleeves that cover the forearm and the wrist attached to gloves.
- the protective sleeves described herein are easily accessible and concealed and can be worn in the extended or the retractable position on the arm which eliminates the need to continually place and remove gloves from the hand.
- a protective sleeve device for an arm and hand is provided.
- the protective sleeve is worn on the forearm attached by an open elastic end which can be extended to protect the hand.
- the protective sleeve is worn on the forearm attached by an open elastic end which can be retracted and/or concealed when not in use thus protecting the forearm.
- Embodiments of the protective sleeves described herein provide protection to the arm and hand that has been unachievable with previous protective sleeves.
- protective sleeves normally cover the arm, forearm and wrist and do not cover the hand.
- hand gloves are worn to protect hands but must be worn intermittently.
- the protective sleeves described herein allow for easy accessibility for protection while constantly wearing the device in the extended or retractable position so the device can be worn long term.
- FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the protective sleeve being worn on a wearer's arm with the wearer's arm illustrated in phantom lines.
- FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the protective sleeve in an extended position on a wearer's arm with the wearer's arm illustrated in phantom lines and showing the wearer's hand holding onto a chair and being covered by the protective sleeve.
- FIG. 3 is another perspective view of the protective sleeve in a retracted position on a wearer's arm showing the wearer's hand holding onto a chair.
- FIG. 4 is another perspective view of the protective sleeve on a wearer's arm showing the wearer holding a can while the wearer's hand is covered with the protective sleeve.
- FIGS. 1 - 4 Embodiments of a protective sleeve configured to protect an arm and hand of a wearer are illustrated in FIGS. 1 - 4 .
- the protective sleeve shown in FIG. 1 is configured to be attached to a forearm of the wearer and extend over a wrist 14 and cover a hand of the wearer.
- the protective sleeve holds the device on the forearm with an open ended elastic band 12 .
- the protective sleeve can be extended over the hand as shown in FIG. 2 with an opening in the lower end 15 covering the hand and used to hold any item or touch any surface.
- the protective sleeve can be worn in a retractable position as shown in FIG. 3 with the lower end 15 to the wrist 14 of the wearer.
- the protective sleeve may be constructed so that the forearm device includes an open upper or first end 13 and an open lower end 15 .
- the upper end 13 can be higher up on the forearm of the wearer than the lower end 15 .
- the protective sleeve and its components also extend upwardly on the medial and lateral sides of the wearer's forearm to provide protection thereto.
- the protective sleeve may be constructed of one piece of fabric to be sewn with one lateral forearm seam 10 and an elastic thread inserted into a hem 11 to form the elastic band 12 .
- the protective sleeve is constructed of one piece of fabric.
- the protective sleeve may be constructed of multiple pieces of fabric.
- the elastic band 12 is formed with a single elastic thread inserted into the hem 11 .
- the elastic band 12 may be formed of a plurality of threads inserted into the hem 11 to tune or modify the elasticity of the elastic band 12 and the holding force the elastic band 12 exerts on the forearm of the wearer.
- the sleeve With the one elastic thread inserted into the hem 11 the sleeve can be considered to be substantially free from attachment to the upper end 13 of the forearm and the lower end 15 of the wrist and hand.
- the protective sleeves shown in FIGS. 1 - 4 are being shown without a hem on the lower end 15 . In alternative embodiments, a hem may be added to the lower end of 15 .
- the wearer may choose to retract the protective sleeve as shown in FIG. 3 .
- the protective sleeve is shown in an extended position in FIG. 2 and may be used to hold an item 17 as shown in FIG. 4 or touch any surface to help mitigate the spread of diseases and/or viruses such as COVID-19.
- the protective sleeve can be extended to any degree along the forearm while being securely fastened to the wrist 14 .
- the protective sleeve may be a tubular configuration as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 .
- the sleeve in the present form of a tube, can extend along the forearm, wrist and hand as shown in FIGS. 1 , 2 , and 4 .
- the protective sleeve may have any configuration that enables the protective sleeve to operate as described herein.
- the protective sleeve may be constructed of a single layer fabric that is anti-bacterial, washable, printable, reusable, and/or discardable.
- the device can be constructed from a fabric, knitted, woven or non-woven such as a plastic, cellophane, a synthetic flashspun high-density polyethylene fiber (TyvekTM), a polyether-polyurea copolymer (LycraTM or Spandex TM), polyester, nylon, a combination of TyvekTM and plastic, a combination of TyvekTM and cellophane, a combination of fabric and TyvekTM, a combination of fabric and plastic, a combination of fabric and cellophane, and/or some other generally soft, pliable, lightweight material.
- the protective sleeve could be glued, stitched, cemented or otherwise secured with fasteners to provide acceptable functionality.
- the protective sleeve may be constructed of multiple fabrics.
- the protective sleeve may include a plurality of layers of fabric each configured for a specific purpose.
- the protective sleeve may include an outer layer that includes an anti-bacterial material and an inner layer that is configured to be more comfortable than the anti-bacterial layer to be touching the user's skin.
- the inner layer may be insulating to keep the user warm. Accordingly, a layered protective sleeve may protect the user from viruses and diseases as described herein and may be comfortable for a user to wear in a variety of environments.
- the protective sleeve has a length 21 and a diameter 22 .
- the length 21 is configured to enable the wearer to comfortably wear the protective sleeve in both the extended and retracted positions.
- the length 21 is about 12 inches to about 24 inches and is configured to enable the lower end 15 of the protective sleeve to extend a predetermined distance 23 beyond the hand of the wearer in the extended configuration such that the protective sleeve does not unnecessarily interfere with normal activities. That is, the length 21 can be designed to be long enough to cover the hand of most wearers but short enough not to become unduly burdensome in the course of normal activities.
- the length 21 may be any length that enables the protective sleeve to operate as described herein.
- the diameter 22 is configured to enable the wearer to comfortably wear the protective sleeve in both the extended and retracted positions. Specifically, in the illustrated embodiment, the diameter 22 is about 10 inches to about 12.5 inches for adults and about 8 inches for children and is configured to enable the lower end 15 of the protective sleeve to extend a predetermined distance 24 beyond the hand of the wearer in a radial direction in the extended configuration such that the protective sleeve does not unnecessarily interfere with normal activities. That is, the diameter 22 is designed to be long enough to cover the hand of most wearers but short enough not to become unduly burdensome in the course of normal activities. In alternative embodiments, the diameter 22 may be any length that enables the protective sleeve to operate as described herein.
- the diameter 22 is substantially constant over the length 21 of the protective sleeve except for a portion of the protective sleeve proximate the upper end 13 .
- the elastic thread inserted into the hem 11 cause the elastic band 12 of the upper end 13 to constrict such that the upper end 13 has a diameter 25 that is less than the diameter 22 .
- the diameter 25 is configured to enable the wearer to comfortably wear the protective sleeve in both the extended and retracted positions.
- the diameter 25 is about 10 inches (with elastic) to about 12 inches (with elastic) for adults and 6.5 inches for children and is configured to enable the upper end 13 of the protective sleeve to constrict around the wearer's forearm such that the protective sleeve remains on the wearer's forearm during normal activities. That is, the diameter 25 is designed to be long enough to not be to too constricting on the wearer's forearm but short enough to form a substantial friction fit on the wearer's forearm such that the protective sleeve remains on the wearer's forearm during normal activities. In alternative embodiments, the diameter 25 may be any length that enables the protective sleeve to operate as described herein.
- the number of threads of elastic inserted into the hem 11 and the diameter 25 may be modified, tuned, and/or configured to provide greater or lesser friction fits on the wearer's forearm.
- the wearer may be working in a physically demanding environment and the friction fit may need to be greater to ensure the protective sleeve remains on the wearer's forearm during these physically demanding activities.
- the wearer may be at leisure and may not require a substantial friction fit.
- the number of threads of elastic inserted into the hem 11 and the diameter 25 may be modified to suit any environment and activity.
- the fabric of the protective sleeve has a thickness 26 that is configured to enable the wearer to comfortably wear the protective sleeve in both the extended and retracted positions.
- the thickness 26 is about 0.0019 inches (approximate standard paper thickness) to about 1/16 inches and is configured to enable the wearer to at least partially feel objects or items 17 through the lower end 15 when the protective sleeve is in the extended position.
- the thickness 26 is configured to be thin enough to reduce unnecessary bunching of the lower end 15 when the protective sleeve is in the retracted position.
- the thickness 26 is designed to be long enough to ensure the protective sleeve is substantial and does not easily tear but short enough not to bunch and become unduly burdensome in the course of normal activities.
- the thickness 26 may be any length that enables the protective sleeve to operate as described herein.
- the thickness 26 and the material of the fabric may be modified, tuned, and/or configured for the wearer's activity or environment.
- the wearer may be working in a physically demanding environment and the thickness 26 and the material of the fabric may need to be more substantial to ensure the protective sleeve remains intact during these physically demanding activities.
- the wearer may be at leisure and may not require thick, robust materials.
- the thickness 26 and the material of the fabric may be modified to suit any environment and activity.
- the protective sleeve may include an anti-bacterial/anti-microbial coating on at least one of an interior and an exterior surface of the protective sleeve.
- the protective sleeve includes an anti-bacterial/anti-microbial coating on the exterior surface of the protective sleeve.
- the anti-bacterial/anti-microbial coating may include a clear coating on the protective sleeve that mitigates diseases and/or viruses that may contact the protective sleeve.
- the protective sleeve may include advertisements, logos, and/or other marketing devices 31 printed or sewed onto the protective sleeve.
- the advertisements, logos, and/or other marketing devices 31 may only cover a portion of the protective sleeve.
- the advertisements, logos, and/or other marketing devices 31 may cover the entire protective sleeve.
- the advertisements, logos, and/or other marketing devices 31 may be modified for the wearer or the purchasing entity. For example, a business may order many protective sleeves with their logo on them for their employees to wear.
- the fabric may have decorative designs and/or colors that suit the wearer.
- the protective sleeve may have a decorative design and/or color printed or sewed onto the fabric.
- the decorative design and/or color may only cover a portion of the protective sleeve.
- the decorative design and/or color may cover the entire protective sleeve.
- the decorative design and/or color may be modified for the wearer or the purchasing entity.
- the decorative design and/or color may include a Burberry(R) design, a single color design, a camo design, a printed picture design, and/or any other picture, color, or design.
- the protective sleeve may include multiple layers of fabric that each have a different purpose and when combined provide for increased functionality.
- the protective sleeve may include a decorative outer layer that includes decorations, designs, and/or advertisements as described above.
- the protective sleeve may also include a friction layer proximate the lower end 15 that increases the friction between the protective sleeve and the item 17 .
- the protective sleeve may further include an antibacterial/antimicrobial layer as described above.
- the protective sleeve may also include an insulative layer to warm the wearer.
- a protective sleeve configured to protect an arm and hand of a wearer.
- the protective sleeve is configured to be attached to the forearm of the wearer and extend over the wrist and cover the hand of the wearer.
- the protective sleeve holds the device on the forearm with an open ended elastic band and can be extended over the hand to mitigate the spread of diseases and viruses.
- the protective sleeve can be worn in a retractable position to enable the wearer to use their hand in normal activities.
- the protective sleeves described herein enable a wearer to selectively protect themselves from the spread of diseases and viruses using a convenient, light weight protective sleeve.
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- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Textile Engineering (AREA)
- Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
- General Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
- Physical Education & Sports Medicine (AREA)
- Professional, Industrial, Or Sporting Protective Garments (AREA)
Abstract
A protective apparatus includes an adjustable sleeve made of a single layer of antibacterial fabric configured to be independently worn to enclose a forearm, a wrist, and a hand of a user during use. The adjustable sleeve includes an open upper end of the adjustable sleeve and an open lower end of the adjustable sleeve. The open upper end of the adjustable sleeve is configured for placement on the forearm or the wrist of the user. The open upper end of the adjustable sleeve includes elastic that secures the open upper end of the adjustable sleeve into place onto the forearm or the wrist of the user. The open lower end of the adjustable sleeve is configured for compressible movement of the adjustable sleeve to a desired position along the forearm, the wrist, and the hand of the user.
Description
- This application is related to and claims priority under 35 U.S.C. § 119 from U.S. Pat. Application No. 16/890,640 filed Jun. 2, 2020, entitled "Protective Sleeve," which claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63/000,715 filed Mar. 27, 2020, entitled "Protective Sleeve," the entire contents of which are fully incorporated by reference herein for all purposes.
- Embodiments of the present disclosure relate to protective apparel, and more particularly to arm and hand protective sleeves. Embodiments of the protective sleeves described herein are used to protect its wearer when the wearer is touching surfaces, items, or bodily parts. Specifically, diseases or viruses may be at least partially transmitted to a person by the person touching surfaces, items, or bodily parts that have been exposed to the diseases or viruses with their hands. The diseases or viruses may be further transmitted to the person by the contaminated hands of the person further infecting the person. As such, there is a need for an anti-bacterial device to mitigate the spread of diseases and viruses; including COVID-19 is of particular attention. Existing protective devices do not protect the hand and/or are in the form of a glove that only covers a hand and may also include sleeves that cover the forearm and the wrist attached to gloves. In contrast, the protective sleeves described herein are easily accessible and concealed and can be worn in the extended or the retractable position on the arm which eliminates the need to continually place and remove gloves from the hand.
- A protective sleeve device for an arm and hand is provided. In one embodiment, the protective sleeve is worn on the forearm attached by an open elastic end which can be extended to protect the hand.
- In another embodiment, the protective sleeve is worn on the forearm attached by an open elastic end which can be retracted and/or concealed when not in use thus protecting the forearm.
- Embodiments of the protective sleeves described herein provide protection to the arm and hand that has been unachievable with previous protective sleeves. For example, protective sleeves normally cover the arm, forearm and wrist and do not cover the hand. Furthermore, hand gloves are worn to protect hands but must be worn intermittently. The protective sleeves described herein allow for easy accessibility for protection while constantly wearing the device in the extended or retractable position so the device can be worn long term. This freedom can be helpful where the arm device wearer is holding any item or touching any surface; including and not limited to, handrails, door handles, shopping carts, athletic equipment, car handles, credit card machines, ATM machines, cans, mail, boxes, paper items, gas tank handles, face, eyes and body, or any other persons or items which is especially important when mitigating the spread of viruses like COVD-19.
- These and other objects, advantages, and features of the invention will be more fully understood and appreciated by reference to the description of the current embodiment and the drawings.
- There are other novel aspects and features of this disclosure. They will become apparent as this specification proceeds. Accordingly, this brief summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts in a simplified form that are further described below in the detailed description. The summary and the background are not intended to identify key concepts or essential aspects of the disclosed subject matter, nor should they be used to constrict or limit the scope of the claims. For example, the scope of the claims should not be limited based on whether the recited subject matter includes any or all aspects noted in the summary and/or addresses any of the issues noted in the background.
- The preferred and other embodiments are disclosed in association with the accompanying drawings in which:
-
FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the protective sleeve being worn on a wearer's arm with the wearer's arm illustrated in phantom lines. -
FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the protective sleeve in an extended position on a wearer's arm with the wearer's arm illustrated in phantom lines and showing the wearer's hand holding onto a chair and being covered by the protective sleeve. -
FIG. 3 is another perspective view of the protective sleeve in a retracted position on a wearer's arm showing the wearer's hand holding onto a chair. -
FIG. 4 is another perspective view of the protective sleeve on a wearer's arm showing the wearer holding a can while the wearer's hand is covered with the protective sleeve. - Embodiments of a protective sleeve configured to protect an arm and hand of a wearer are illustrated in
FIGS. 1-4 . The protective sleeve shown inFIG. 1 is configured to be attached to a forearm of the wearer and extend over awrist 14 and cover a hand of the wearer. The protective sleeve holds the device on the forearm with an open endedelastic band 12. The protective sleeve can be extended over the hand as shown inFIG. 2 with an opening in thelower end 15 covering the hand and used to hold any item or touch any surface. The protective sleeve can be worn in a retractable position as shown inFIG. 3 with thelower end 15 to thewrist 14 of the wearer. - With Reference to
FIGS. 1-2 the protective sleeve may be constructed so that the forearm device includes an open upper orfirst end 13 and an openlower end 15. Theupper end 13 can be higher up on the forearm of the wearer than thelower end 15. With this construction, the protective sleeve and its components also extend upwardly on the medial and lateral sides of the wearer's forearm to provide protection thereto. - The protective sleeve may be constructed of one piece of fabric to be sewn with one
lateral forearm seam 10 and an elastic thread inserted into ahem 11 to form theelastic band 12. In the illustrated embodiment, the protective sleeve is constructed of one piece of fabric. In alternative embodiments, the protective sleeve may be constructed of multiple pieces of fabric. Additionally, in the illustrated embodiment, theelastic band 12 is formed with a single elastic thread inserted into thehem 11. In alternative embodiments, theelastic band 12 may be formed of a plurality of threads inserted into thehem 11 to tune or modify the elasticity of theelastic band 12 and the holding force theelastic band 12 exerts on the forearm of the wearer. With the one elastic thread inserted into thehem 11 the sleeve can be considered to be substantially free from attachment to theupper end 13 of the forearm and thelower end 15 of the wrist and hand. The protective sleeves shown inFIGS. 1-4 are being shown without a hem on thelower end 15. In alternative embodiments, a hem may be added to the lower end of 15. Once installed on the forearm, the wearer may choose to retract the protective sleeve as shown inFIG. 3 . The protective sleeve is shown in an extended position inFIG. 2 and may be used to hold anitem 17 as shown inFIG. 4 or touch any surface to help mitigate the spread of diseases and/or viruses such as COVID-19. The protective sleeve can be extended to any degree along the forearm while being securely fastened to thewrist 14. - With reference to
FIGS. 1-4 and as mentioned above, the protective sleeve may be a tubular configuration as shown inFIGS. 1 and 2 . The sleeve, in the present form of a tube, can extend along the forearm, wrist and hand as shown inFIGS. 1, 2, and 4 . In alternative embodiments, the protective sleeve may have any configuration that enables the protective sleeve to operate as described herein. - The protective sleeve may be constructed of a single layer fabric that is anti-bacterial, washable, printable, reusable, and/or discardable. The device can be constructed from a fabric, knitted, woven or non-woven such as a plastic, cellophane, a synthetic flashspun high-density polyethylene fiber (Tyvek™), a polyether-polyurea copolymer (Lycra™ or Spandex ™), polyester, nylon, a combination of Tyvek™ and plastic, a combination of Tyvek™ and cellophane, a combination of fabric and Tyvek™, a combination of fabric and plastic, a combination of fabric and cellophane, and/or some other generally soft, pliable, lightweight material. The protective sleeve could be glued, stitched, cemented or otherwise secured with fasteners to provide acceptable functionality.
- In alternative embodiments, the protective sleeve may be constructed of multiple fabrics. For example, in some embodiments, the protective sleeve may include a plurality of layers of fabric each configured for a specific purpose. Specifically, in some embodiments, the protective sleeve may include an outer layer that includes an anti-bacterial material and an inner layer that is configured to be more comfortable than the anti-bacterial layer to be touching the user's skin. Additionally, in some embodiments, the inner layer may be insulating to keep the user warm. Accordingly, a layered protective sleeve may protect the user from viruses and diseases as described herein and may be comfortable for a user to wear in a variety of environments.
- As shown in
FIG. 1 , the protective sleeve has alength 21 and adiameter 22. In the illustrated embodiment, thelength 21 is configured to enable the wearer to comfortably wear the protective sleeve in both the extended and retracted positions. Specifically, in the illustrated embodiment, thelength 21 is about 12 inches to about 24 inches and is configured to enable thelower end 15 of the protective sleeve to extend apredetermined distance 23 beyond the hand of the wearer in the extended configuration such that the protective sleeve does not unnecessarily interfere with normal activities. That is, thelength 21 can be designed to be long enough to cover the hand of most wearers but short enough not to become unduly burdensome in the course of normal activities. In alternative embodiments, thelength 21 may be any length that enables the protective sleeve to operate as described herein. - Additionally, in the illustrated embodiment, the
diameter 22 is configured to enable the wearer to comfortably wear the protective sleeve in both the extended and retracted positions. Specifically, in the illustrated embodiment, thediameter 22 is about 10 inches to about 12.5 inches for adults and about 8 inches for children and is configured to enable thelower end 15 of the protective sleeve to extend apredetermined distance 24 beyond the hand of the wearer in a radial direction in the extended configuration such that the protective sleeve does not unnecessarily interfere with normal activities. That is, thediameter 22 is designed to be long enough to cover the hand of most wearers but short enough not to become unduly burdensome in the course of normal activities. In alternative embodiments, thediameter 22 may be any length that enables the protective sleeve to operate as described herein. - In the illustrated embodiment, the
diameter 22 is substantially constant over thelength 21 of the protective sleeve except for a portion of the protective sleeve proximate theupper end 13. The elastic thread inserted into thehem 11 cause theelastic band 12 of theupper end 13 to constrict such that theupper end 13 has adiameter 25 that is less than thediameter 22. Thediameter 25 is configured to enable the wearer to comfortably wear the protective sleeve in both the extended and retracted positions. Specifically, in the illustrated embodiment, thediameter 25 is about 10 inches (with elastic) to about 12 inches (with elastic) for adults and 6.5 inches for children and is configured to enable theupper end 13 of the protective sleeve to constrict around the wearer's forearm such that the protective sleeve remains on the wearer's forearm during normal activities. That is, thediameter 25 is designed to be long enough to not be to too constricting on the wearer's forearm but short enough to form a substantial friction fit on the wearer's forearm such that the protective sleeve remains on the wearer's forearm during normal activities. In alternative embodiments, thediameter 25 may be any length that enables the protective sleeve to operate as described herein. - Additionally, in the illustrated embodiment, the number of threads of elastic inserted into the
hem 11 and thediameter 25 may be modified, tuned, and/or configured to provide greater or lesser friction fits on the wearer's forearm. For example, in some embodiments, the wearer may be working in a physically demanding environment and the friction fit may need to be greater to ensure the protective sleeve remains on the wearer's forearm during these physically demanding activities. Alternatively, the wearer may be at leisure and may not require a substantial friction fit. The number of threads of elastic inserted into thehem 11 and thediameter 25 may be modified to suit any environment and activity. - The fabric of the protective sleeve has a
thickness 26 that is configured to enable the wearer to comfortably wear the protective sleeve in both the extended and retracted positions. Specifically, in the illustrated embodiment, thethickness 26 is about 0.0019 inches (approximate standard paper thickness) to about 1/16 inches and is configured to enable the wearer to at least partially feel objects oritems 17 through thelower end 15 when the protective sleeve is in the extended position. Additionally, thethickness 26 is configured to be thin enough to reduce unnecessary bunching of thelower end 15 when the protective sleeve is in the retracted position. That is, thethickness 26 is designed to be long enough to ensure the protective sleeve is substantial and does not easily tear but short enough not to bunch and become unduly burdensome in the course of normal activities. In alternative embodiments, thethickness 26 may be any length that enables the protective sleeve to operate as described herein. - In some embodiments, the
thickness 26 and the material of the fabric may be modified, tuned, and/or configured for the wearer's activity or environment. For example, in some embodiments, the wearer may be working in a physically demanding environment and thethickness 26 and the material of the fabric may need to be more substantial to ensure the protective sleeve remains intact during these physically demanding activities. Alternatively, the wearer may be at leisure and may not require thick, robust materials. Thethickness 26 and the material of the fabric may be modified to suit any environment and activity. - In some embodiments, the protective sleeve may include an anti-bacterial/anti-microbial coating on at least one of an interior and an exterior surface of the protective sleeve. In the illustrated embodiment, the protective sleeve includes an anti-bacterial/anti-microbial coating on the exterior surface of the protective sleeve. The anti-bacterial/anti-microbial coating may include a clear coating on the protective sleeve that mitigates diseases and/or viruses that may contact the protective sleeve.
- As shown in
FIG. 1 , the protective sleeve may include advertisements, logos, and/orother marketing devices 31 printed or sewed onto the protective sleeve. In some embodiments, the advertisements, logos, and/orother marketing devices 31 may only cover a portion of the protective sleeve. In other embodiments, the advertisements, logos, and/orother marketing devices 31 may cover the entire protective sleeve. Additionally, the advertisements, logos, and/orother marketing devices 31 may be modified for the wearer or the purchasing entity. For example, a business may order many protective sleeves with their logo on them for their employees to wear. - Additionally, the fabric may have decorative designs and/or colors that suit the wearer. For example, the protective sleeve may have a decorative design and/or color printed or sewed onto the fabric. In some embodiments, the decorative design and/or color may only cover a portion of the protective sleeve. In other embodiments, the decorative design and/or color may cover the entire protective sleeve. Additionally, the decorative design and/or color may be modified for the wearer or the purchasing entity. For example, the decorative design and/or color may include a Burberry(R) design, a single color design, a camo design, a printed picture design, and/or any other picture, color, or design.
- In some embodiments, the protective sleeve may include multiple layers of fabric that each have a different purpose and when combined provide for increased functionality. For example, the protective sleeve may include a decorative outer layer that includes decorations, designs, and/or advertisements as described above. The protective sleeve may also include a friction layer proximate the
lower end 15 that increases the friction between the protective sleeve and theitem 17. The protective sleeve may further include an antibacterial/antimicrobial layer as described above. Finally, the protective sleeve may also include an insulative layer to warm the wearer. - As described above, embodiments of a protective sleeve configured to protect an arm and hand of a wearer are illustrated in the present disclosure. The protective sleeve is configured to be attached to the forearm of the wearer and extend over the wrist and cover the hand of the wearer. The protective sleeve holds the device on the forearm with an open ended elastic band and can be extended over the hand to mitigate the spread of diseases and viruses. Additionally, the protective sleeve can be worn in a retractable position to enable the wearer to use their hand in normal activities. As such, the protective sleeves described herein enable a wearer to selectively protect themselves from the spread of diseases and viruses using a convenient, light weight protective sleeve.
- Directional terms, such as "horizontal", "upper", "lower", "Medial", "Lateral" are used to assist in describing the invention based on the orientation of the embodiment shown in the illustrations. The use of directional terms should not be interpreted to limit the invention to any specific orientation(s).
- The above description is that of current embodiments of the invention. Various alterations and changes can be made without departing from the spirit and broader aspects of the invention as defined in the appended claims, which are to be interpreted in accordance with the principles of patent law including the doctrine of equivalents. This disclosure is presented for illustrative purposes and should not be interpreted as an exhaustive description of all embodiments of the invention or to limit the scope of the claims to the specific elements illustrated or described in the connection of this embodiment. For example, and without limitation, any individual element(s) of the described invention may be replaced by alternative elements that provide substantially similar functionality or otherwise provide adequate operation. This includes, for example, presently known alternative elements, such as those that might be currently known to one skilled in the art, an alternative element that may be developed in the future, such as those that one skilled in the art might, upon development, recognize as an alternative. Further, the disclosed embodiments include a plurality of features that are described in concert and that might cooperatively provide a collection of benefits. The present invention is not limited to only those embodiments that include all of these features or that provide all of the stated benefits, except to otherwise expressly set forth in the issued claims. Any reference to claim elements in the singular, for example, using the articles "a", "an", "the", or "said" is not to be construed as limiting the elements to the singular.
- Any methods described in the claims or specification should not be interpreted to require the steps to be performed in a specific order unless stated otherwise. Also, the methods should be interpreted to provide support to perform the recited steps in any order unless stated otherwise.
- Spatial or directional terms, such as "left," "right," "front," "back," and the like, relate to the subject matter as it is shown in the drawings. However, it is to be understood that the described subject matter may assume various alternative orientations and, accordingly, such terms are not to be considered as limiting.
- Articles such as "the," "a," and "an" can connote the singular or plural. Also, the word "or" when used without a preceding "either" (or other similar language indicating that "or" is unequivocally meant to be exclusive - e.g., only one of x or y, etc.) shall be interpreted to be inclusive (e.g., "x or y" means one or both x or y).
- The term "and/or" shall also be interpreted to be inclusive (e.g., "x and/or y" means one or both x or y). In situations where "and/or" or "or" are used as a conjunction for a group of three or more items, the group should be interpreted to include one item alone, all the items together, or any combination or number of the items.
- The terms have, having, include, and including should be interpreted to be synonymous with the terms comprise and comprising. The use of these terms should also be understood as disclosing and providing support for narrower alternative embodiments where these terms are replaced by "consisting" or "consisting essentially of."
- Unless otherwise indicated, all numbers or expressions, such as those expressing dimensions, physical characteristics, and the like, used in the specification (other than the claims) are understood to be modified in all instances by the term "approximately." At the very least, and not as an attempt to limit the application of the doctrine of equivalents to the claims, each numerical parameter recited in the specification or claims which is modified by the term "approximately" should be construed in light of the number of recited significant digits and by applying ordinary rounding techniques.
- All disclosed ranges are to be understood to encompass and provide support for claims that recite any and all subranges or any and all individual values subsumed by each range. For example, a stated range of 1 to 10 should be considered to include and provide support for claims that recite any and all subranges or individual values that are between and/or inclusive of the minimum value of 1 and the maximum value of 10; that is, all subranges beginning with a minimum value of 1 or more and ending with a maximum value of 10 or less (e.g., 5.5 to 10, 2.34 to 3.56, and so forth) or any values from 1 to 10 (e.g., 3, 5.8, 9.9994, and so forth).
- All disclosed numerical values are to be understood as being variable from 0-100% in either direction and thus provide support for claims that recite such values or any and all ranges or subranges that can be formed by such values. For example, a stated numerical value of 8 should be understood to vary from 0 to 16 (100% in either direction) and provide support for claims that recite the range itself (e.g., 0 to 16), any subrange within the range (e.g., 2 to 12.5) or any individual value within that range (e.g., 15.2).
- The terms recited in the claims should be given their ordinary and customary meaning as determined by reference to relevant entries in widely used general dictionaries and/or relevant technical dictionaries, commonly understood meanings by those in the art, etc., with the understanding that the broadest meaning imparted by any one or combination of these sources should be given to the claim terms (e.g., two or more relevant dictionary entries should be combined to provide the broadest meaning of the combination of entries, etc.) subject only to the following exceptions: (a) if a term is used in a manner that is more expansive than its ordinary and customary meaning, the term should be given its ordinary and customary meaning plus the additional expansive meaning, or (b) if a term has been explicitly defined to have a different meaning by reciting the term followed by the phrase "as used in this document shall mean" or similar language (e.g., "this term means," "this term is defined as," "for the purposes of this disclosure this term shall mean," etc.). References to specific examples, use of "i.e.," use of the word "invention," etc., are not meant to invoke exception (b) or otherwise restrict the scope of the recited claim terms. Other than situations where exception (b) applies, nothing contained in this document should be considered a disclaimer or disavowal of claim scope.
- The subject matter recited in the claims is not coextensive with and should not be interpreted to be coextensive with any embodiment, feature, or combination of features described or illustrated in this document. This is true even if only a single embodiment of the feature or combination of features is illustrated and described in this document.
Claims (22)
1. A protective apparatus comprising:
an adjustable sleeve made of a single layer of antibacterial fabric configured to be independently worn to enclose a forearm, a wrist, and a hand of a user during use, the adjustable sleeve including:
an open upper end of the adjustable sleeve and an open lower end of the adjustable sleeve,
the open upper end of the adjustable sleeve configured for placement on the forearm or the wrist of the user, wherein the open upper end of the adjustable sleeve includes elastic that secures the open upper end of the adjustable sleeve into place onto the forearm or the wrist of the user; and
the open lower end of the adjustable sleeve configured for compressible movement of the adjustable sleeve to a desired position along the forearm, the wrist, and the hand of the user, wherein the open lower end of the adjustable sleeve is configured not to be secured to the forearm, the wrist, and the hand of the user.
2. The protective apparatus of claim 1 ,
wherein the elastic is sewn into a band of the open upper end of the adjustable sleeve and configured to be the only point of securing attachment on the forearm, the wrist, and the hand of the user.
3. The protective apparatus of claim 1 , further comprising:
a longitudinal axis of the adjustable sleeve having a medial side and a lateral side opposing one another across the longitudinal axis, wherein the open upper end edge and the open lower end edge are attached via a sewn hem on the lateral side and an elastic thread sewn into a hem on the open upper end of the adjustable sleeve.
4. The protective apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the adjustable sleeve is configured to cover the forearm, the wrist, and the hand of the user in an extended position-to mitigate spread of diseases and viruses.
5. The protective apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the adjustable sleeve can be retracted from the open lower end of the adjustable sleeve toward the open upper end of the adjustable sleeve to a desired position.
6. The protective apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the adjustable sleeve is configured to a forearm and the wrist of the user in an extended position to mitigate spread of diseases and viruses.
7. The protective apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the adjustable sleeve is tubular.
8. The protective apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the adjustable sleeve is not attached to any other garment or device to mitigate spread of diseases and viruses.
9. The protective apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the adjustable sleeve acts as a hand covering of the user to mitigate spread of diseases and viruses.
10. The protective apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the adjustable sleeve is configured to cover the forearm, the wrist, and the hand of the user to prevent the forearm, the wrist, and the hand of the user from directly contacting a surface to mitigate spread of diseases and viruses.
11. The protective apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the adjustable sleeve is configured to cover the forearm of the user in an extended position to mitigate spread of diseases and viruses.
12. The protective apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the adjustable sleeve is configured to adjust to cover any of the forearm, the wrist, and the hand of the user.
13. The protective apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the adjustable sleeve is made of a single layer fabric.
14. The protective apparatus of claim 13 , wherein the single layer fabric is at least one of anti-bacterial, washable, printable, and reusable.
15. The protective apparatus of claim 13 , wherein the single layer fabric is at least one of knitted, woven, and non-woven.
16. The protective apparatus of claim 13 , wherein the single layer fabric is at least one of Tyvek, Lycra, Spandex, polyester, nylon, and a pliable, lightweight material.
17. The protective apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the adjustable sleeve is glued, stitched, cemented, or secured with fasteners.
18. The protective apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the open lower end of the adjustable sleeve is configured to adjust in an extended position to cover the forearm, the wrist, and the hand of the user to mitigate or prevent spread of diseases and viruses.
19. The protective apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the open lower end of the adjustable sleeve is configured to adjust in a retracted position to cover less than the entirety of the forearm, the wrist, and the hand of the user.
20. The protective apparatus of claim 1 , wherein an interior surface of the adjustable sleeve and an exterior surface of the adjustable sleeve is the same layered material.
21. The protective apparatus of claim 1 , further comprising:
an elastic thread sewn into a hem on the open upper end of the adjustable sleeve.
22. An apparatus comprising:
a tubular adjustable sleeve made of a single layer of non-woven and antibacterial fabric configured to be independently worn to enclose a forearm, a wrist, and a hand of a user during use, wherein the tubular adjustable sleeve is configured to cover the forearm, the wrist, and the hand of the user in an extended position to mitigate spread of diseases and viruses, the tubular adjustable sleeve including:
an open upper end of the tubular adjustable sleeve and an open lower end of the tubular adjustable sleeve, wherein the open upper end of the adjustable sleeve and the open lower end of the tubular adjustable sleeve are substantially the same width,
the open upper end of the tubular adjustable sleeve configured for placement on the forearm or the wrist of the user, wherein the open upper end of the tubular adjustable sleeve includes an elastic band that secures the open upper end of the tubular adjustable sleeve into place onto the forearm or the wrist of the user and configured to be the only point of securing attachment on the forearm, the wrist, and the hand of the user; and
the open lower end of the tubular adjustable sleeve configured for compressible movement of the tubular adjustable sleeve to a desired position along the forearm, the wrist, and the hand of the user.
Priority Applications (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US17/942,280 US20230038344A1 (en) | 2020-03-27 | 2022-09-12 | Protective sleeve |
Applications Claiming Priority (3)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US202063000715P | 2020-03-27 | 2020-03-27 | |
US16/890,640 US20210298373A1 (en) | 2020-03-27 | 2020-06-02 | Protective Sleeve |
US17/942,280 US20230038344A1 (en) | 2020-03-27 | 2022-09-12 | Protective sleeve |
Related Parent Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US16/890,640 Continuation-In-Part US20210298373A1 (en) | 2020-03-27 | 2020-06-02 | Protective Sleeve |
Publications (1)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
US20230038344A1 true US20230038344A1 (en) | 2023-02-09 |
Family
ID=85152267
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US17/942,280 Abandoned US20230038344A1 (en) | 2020-03-27 | 2022-09-12 | Protective sleeve |
Country Status (1)
Country | Link |
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US (1) | US20230038344A1 (en) |
Citations (5)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US1284536A (en) * | 1917-04-09 | 1918-11-12 | Beatrice J Yaeger | Sleeve-protector. |
US2326422A (en) * | 1942-05-22 | 1943-08-10 | Durma Gard Inc | Arm protector or the like |
US7141122B2 (en) * | 2003-02-21 | 2006-11-28 | Rebecca McKenzie | Cylindrically configured cleaning cloth |
US20170127740A1 (en) * | 2015-04-08 | 2017-05-11 | The Sneeve Llc | Antimicrobial Arm Sleeve |
US20220369732A1 (en) * | 2019-12-29 | 2022-11-24 | Dana Kristina Durrant | Extensible Sleeve For Direct Contact Prevention |
-
2022
- 2022-09-12 US US17/942,280 patent/US20230038344A1/en not_active Abandoned
Patent Citations (5)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US1284536A (en) * | 1917-04-09 | 1918-11-12 | Beatrice J Yaeger | Sleeve-protector. |
US2326422A (en) * | 1942-05-22 | 1943-08-10 | Durma Gard Inc | Arm protector or the like |
US7141122B2 (en) * | 2003-02-21 | 2006-11-28 | Rebecca McKenzie | Cylindrically configured cleaning cloth |
US20170127740A1 (en) * | 2015-04-08 | 2017-05-11 | The Sneeve Llc | Antimicrobial Arm Sleeve |
US20220369732A1 (en) * | 2019-12-29 | 2022-11-24 | Dana Kristina Durrant | Extensible Sleeve For Direct Contact Prevention |
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