DEVICE TO ASSIST PUTTING CLOTHES ON

Abstract

A device or apparatus for assisting a user in putting on an outer coat or other garment comprises a sleeve-like member that is made of a thin flexible material, with an enlarged opening at a first end, and at least two openings at a second end. In use, a user slides the apparatus over a sleeve of an inner garment, and positions one or more fingers in the openings at the second end of the device. The user then inserts his/her hand and arm into the sleeve of an outer garment, and the apparatus is then pulled off the user's hand and arm. The apparatus ensures that the sleeve of the inner garment remains in its proper position on the user's arm as the user's hand and arm are inserted into the sleeve of the outer garment.

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims the benefit under 35 U.S.C. §119(e) of U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/285,275, filed Dec. 10, 2009, entitled “DEVICE TO ASSIST PUTTING CLOTHES ON,” the entire contents of which are incorporated herein in their entirety.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

When an individual is putting an overcoat or other such outer garment over an inner garment, such as a shirt, blazer, or the like, the sleeves of the inner garment may be pushed up on the individual's arm as it is inserted into the sleeve of the outer garment. It may be possible in some cases for the user to grasp the end of the sleeve of the inner garment prior to inserting the arm into the sleeve of the outer garment. However, this may be difficult or impossible in some cases. Furthermore, when dressing young children, the child may not understand or cooperate, resulting in the sleeve of the inner garment being pushed up the child's arm as the arm is inserted into an outer garment.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

One aspect of the present invention is an apparatus that is configured to assist an individual in putting an outer garment over an inner garment. The apparatus may comprise an elongated member that is made of a thin flexible material that has a shape that is somewhat similar to a truncated cone. The apparatus may have an enlarged opening at a first end having sufficient size to receive a user's hand and arm, and at least two openings at a second end. Preferably, at least one of the openings at the second end is large enough to receive four of a user's fingers, and the other opening is at least large enough to receive a user's thumb therethrough. A strap or handle portion extends between the two openings.

During use, a user inserts his/her arm and hand through the enlarged opening at the first end of the apparatus, and pulls the apparatus up the user's arm over the sleeves of an inner garment being worn by the user. The apparatus is preferably made of a relatively low friction material, such that the end of the sleeve of the inner garment remains positioned adjacent the user's hand as the apparatus is positioned on the user's arm. The user positions at least one finger in each of the two openings at the second end of the apparatus, preferably with the user's thumb in a first opening, and the other four fingers in the second opening. The strap or handle portion of the second end is thereby positioned between the user's thumb and index finger. After the apparatus is positioned on a user's arm over the sleeve of the inner garment, the user then slides his/her hand and arm into the sleeve of the outer coat or garment until the user's hand protrudes from the end of the sleeve of the outer garment. Contact between the strap or handle portion at the second end of the apparatus and the user's hand ensures that the apparatus does not slide up the user's arm as it is inserted into the sleeve of the outer coat. After the user's arm is fully inserted into the sleeve of the outer coat or garment, the user grasps the second end of the apparatus and pulls the apparatus out of the end of the sleeve of the outer coat, leaving the sleeve of the inner shirt or other garment in its proper position.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a front elevational view of an apparatus according to a first aspect of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a bottom elevational view of the apparatus of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a partially fragmentary view of the apparatus of FIGS. 1 and 2, wherein the apparatus is positioned on a user's hand and arm over a sleeve of an inner garment;

FIG. 4 is a partially fragmentary view of the apparatus of FIG. 3 immediately after the user's hand and arm have been inserted into the sleeve of an outer garment such as a coat;

FIG. 5 is a perspective of an apparatus according to another aspect of the present invention;

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of an apparatus according to yet another aspect of the present invention;

FIG. 7 is a front elevational view of an apparatus according to another aspect of the present invention; and

FIG. 8 is a plan view of fabric that has been cut to form the apparatus of FIG. 7.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

For purposes of description herein, the terms “upper,” “lower,” “right,” “left,” “rear,” “front,” “vertical,” “horizontal,” and derivatives thereof shall relate to the invention as oriented in FIG. 1. However, it is to be understood that the invention may assume various alternative orientations and step sequences, except where expressly specified to the contrary. It is also to be understood that the specific devices and processes illustrated in the attached drawings and described in the following specification are simply exemplary embodiments of the inventive concepts defined in the appended claims. Hence, specific dimensions and other physical characteristics relating to the embodiments disclosed herein are not to be considered as limiting, unless the claims expressly state otherwise.

With reference to FIGS. 1 and 2, an apparatus or device 1 according to one aspect of the present invention comprises an elongated sleeve-like member 2 having a first end 3 and a second end 4. The sleeve-like member 2 is preferably made of a thin flexible material 8, such as a thin sheet of polymer, fabric or other suitable material. Although the sleeve-like member 2 could be constructed from a wide variety of materials, it is presently preferred that the sleeve-like member 2 is constructed from a relatively low-friction material, such as Nylon taffeta or a recycled plastic sheet material that may also be biodegradable. The elongated sleeve-like member 2 includes an enlarged opening 5 at the first end, and at least a pair of openings 6 and 7 at the second end 4. The material 8 of the sleeve-like member 2 includes a portion 9 extending between the openings 6 and 7 to form a strap or handle 9.

The openings 6 and 7 of the apparatus 1 are shown as having the same size. However, as described in more detail below, the openings 6 and 7 could also be of a different size. The openings 6 and 7 are preferably both large enough to accommodate insertion of a user's index, middle, ring, and pinky finger therethrough, with the user's thumb being inserted through the other of the openings 6 and 7. In the illustrated example, the openings 6 and 7 both have a circumference of about 6-8 inches. However, it will be understood that the openings 6 and/or 7 could be smaller, with a circumference of, for example, 5 or 6 inches, or one or more of the openings 6 or 7 could be larger such as, for example, 9 or 10 inches in circumference, or even larger. Although the material 8 forming the sleeve-like member 2 is preferably not stretchable, the material 8 could comprise a stretchable material according to other aspects of the present invention. Also, a stretchable elastic band or the like (not shown) could be positioned around one or both of the openings 6 and 7, such that one or both of the openings 6 and/or 7 could have a relaxed circumference that is significantly smaller than the size that would otherwise be required to accommodate a user's index, middle, ring, and pinky finger.

The enlarged opening 5 at the first end 3 of the sleeve-like member 2 is sufficiently large to permit a user's hand and arm to be inserted therethrough when a sleeve of an inner garment is positioned on the user's arm. If the apparatus or device 1 is configured for an adult user, the opening 5 will generally have a circumference of at least about 12-14 inches, and more preferably at least about 18, 20, or 22 inches. In general, the opening 5 preferably has sufficient size to easily accommodate the upper portion of a sleeve of a garment such as a blazer or jacket that is positioned on the upper portion of an adult user's arm. Because some users may have relatively large arms and/or relatively bulky garments may be worn by a user, opening 5 may have a circumference that is substantially larger than the dimensions noted above to accommodate users having a wide range of sizes. For example, the opening 5 may have a circumference in the range of about 26-30 inches.

In the illustrated example, the circumference of the sleeve-like member 2 immediately adjacent the openings 6 and 7 along an imaginary cutting plane shown on line A-A (FIG. 1) is somewhat smaller than the opening 5, such that a main body portion 10 of the sleeve-like member 2 has a shape that is somewhat similar to a truncated cone having a length “L1” along axis X between opening 5 and line/plane A-A. It will be understood that sleeve-like member 2 will tend to collapse to a flat state due to the flexibility of the material used to form sleeve-like member 2. Thus, the main body portion 10 of sleeve-like member 2 has a truncated cone shape if the material is opened up, whereby the main body portion 10 has a circular cross-sectional shape about the axis X. In the illustrated example, the circumference of the sleeve-like member 2 at second end 4 (i.e., at line/plane A-A) is preferably at least about 10-12 inches, and more preferably at least about 16-18 inches to thereby readily accommodate the end portion of a sleeve of an inner garment positioned within the sleeve-like member 2. In the illustrated example, the overall length “L” of the device 1 is about 32-38 inches, and the length “L1” is about 29-35 inches, such that the first end 3 of device 1 may be positioned immediately adjacent an adult user's shoulder when the apparatus 1 is in a use position. However, it will be understood that the lengths “L” and “L1” could be significantly greater or smaller. For example, the length “L1” of apparatus 1 may be relatively small such that the first end 3 is positioned adjacent a user's elbow. It is nevertheless preferred that the apparatus 1 have a length “L1” sufficient to position the first end 3 directly adjacent a user's shoulder to thereby cover substantially the entire sleeve of an inner garment to ensure the sleeve is not pulled up as the outer coat or other garment is put on by the user.

With further reference to FIG. 3, in use, a sleeve 12 of a shirt, blazer, or other inner garment is first positioned on a user's arm 13. The user then inserts his/her hand 13 and arm 14 into the opening 5 of apparatus 1, and slides the apparatus 1 over the sleeve 12 and inserts his/her index, middle, ring, and pinky fingers 15-18, respectively, through one of the openings 6 or 7. The user also positions his/her thumb 19 in the other of the openings 6 and 7. The strap or handle portion 9 of apparatus 1 is thereby positioned between the user's index finger 15 and thumb 19. Because the sleeve-like member 2 is made from a relatively low friction material, and because it has sufficient size to fit loosely around sleeve 12, end 20 of sleeve 12 remains positioned directly adjacent the user's hand 13.

With further reference to FIG. 4, after positioning the device 1 as shown in FIG. 3, a user then inserts his/her hand 13 and arm 14 into a sleeve 22 of a coat or other garment such that the user's hand 13 and end 4 of apparatus 1 protrude from the end of sleeve 22. After the outer coat is put on, the user than grasps the end 9 of apparatus 1 and pulls it in the direction of the arrow “B”, thereby pulling it off the user's hand 13 and arm 14, leaving the sleeve 12 in its proper position relative to the user's hand 13 and arm 14. In general, a user can grasp the strap or handle portion 9, or any other portion of apparatus 1 to pull it out from under the sleeve 22 of the outer garment. The apparatus 1 may be used for a right hand/arm, or a left hand/arm, and the apparatus 1 may be stored and re-used as necessary. Alternately, the apparatus 1 may be made from a very low-cost material, such as a very thin biodegradable polymer, and it may simply be disposed of after use thereof

The apparatus 1 may be dimensioned for use by an adult user as discussed above. Alternately, the apparatus 1 may be made smaller such that it is suitable for use by children. The dimensions discussed above for the openings 5-7, as well as the length of the apparatus 1 can be reduced as required to ensure that the apparatus 1 is compatible with individuals of various sizes, including infants or very young children, up through adults. Also, the apparatus 1 may include decorative prints or logos to thereby encourage use of the apparatus 1 by young children. For example, designs or motifs of super heroes, movie characters, toys, or the like (not shown) may be printed on the apparatus 1.

With reference to FIG. 5, an apparatus 1A according to another aspect of the present invention includes an elongated sleeve-like member 2A, and first and second ends 4A. The apparatus 1 also includes an enlarged opening 5A at first end 3A which is substantially similar to the opening 5 described in more detail above in connection with FIGS. 1-4. However, in contrast to apparatus 1, apparatus 1A includes first and second openings 6A and 7A, respectively, that are not equal in size to one another. In the illustrated example, the opening 6A is substantially larger than the opening 7A. The opening 6A is configured to receive the fingers 15-18 of a user, and the opening 7A is configured to receive a thumb 19 of a user. In general, the opening 6A may be dimensioned as discussed above for openings 6 and 7 of the apparatus 1 of FIGS. 1-4. However, opening 7A is significantly smaller, with a circumference of at least about 3-4 inches, and more preferably about 5-6 inches. In use, a user's fingers 15-18 are positioned in opening 6A, and a user's thumb 19 is positioned in opening 7A. The apparatus 1A is then utilized to assist in putting on an outer coat or garment in substantially the same manner as described above in connection with FIGS. 3 and 4.

With further reference to FIG. 6, yet another embodiment 1B of an apparatus according to a present invention includes an elongated sleeve-like member 2B that is made of a thin flexible material that may be substantially the same as described in more detail above in connection with the apparatus 1 of FIGS. 1-4. Apparatus 1B includes first and second ends 3B and 4B, respectively, and an enlarged opening 5B. Apparatus 1B includes an opening 6B at end 4B, and a smaller opening 7B adjacent end 4B. The material 8B of apparatus 1B forms a shape similar to a truncated cone, and smaller opening 7B is formed in a side portion 25 of sleeve-like member 2B, forming a strap or handle 9B between openings 6B and 7B. The material 8B may include a seam 26 formed by stitching that holds edges of material 8B together, and the opening 7B may be positioned along the seam 26. In use, a user inserts his/her thumb 19 into opening 7B, and inserts fingers 15-18 into opening 6B. Apparatus 1B is then used in substantially the same manner as described in more detail above in connection with FIGS. 3 and 4.

Apparatus 1B may also include a self-storage pocket 32 formed by a piece of material 33 having edges 34-36 secured to the material 8B to form an opening 37. Apparatus 1B may be rolled or folded and positioned inside pocket 32 for storage. It will be understood that the apparatus 1 and the apparatus 1A described above may also include a storage pocket 32.

With further reference to FIG. 7, a sleeve 1C according to another aspect of the present invention includes an elongated sleeve-like member 2C that is made of a thin flexible material. In a preferred embodiment, the sleeve-like member 2C is made of a 100 percent Nylon taffeta material that provides a low friction surface to facilitate insertion of the apparatus or device 1C into a sleeve of an outer garment. The low friction material also facilitates removal of the apparatus or device 1C after the outer garment is put on.

The apparatus or device 1C is shown in FIG. 7 in a substantially flat configuration, wherein a generally linear first crease or fold 42 forms an upper edge 43 of main body portion 10C, and a generally linear second crease or fold 44 forms a lower edge 45 of main body portion 10C. Fabric 46 comprises two layers that are flat, and in contact with one another. Peripheral edge 50 extends about opening 5C, and forms a substantially straight edge when sleeve 1C is folded flat as shown in FIG. 7. In contrast, the sleeves 1, 1A, and 1B are shown in FIGS. 1-6 in an expanded configuration in which the sleeves 1, 1A, and 1B have a generally tubular configuration, and form generally circular cross-sections along the main body portion 10. It will be understood that the sleeves 1, 1A, 1B, and 1C are preferably capable of taking on different shapes due to the flexibility of the material forming the sleeves. Nevertheless, sleeves according to other aspects of the present invention could be made from somewhat stiffer, semi-rigid materials, or even rigid materials.

Dimension “D1” of peripheral edge 50 (FIG. 7) is one-half the circumference of opening 5C when sleeve 1C is configured in a tubular/circular expanded configuration. In a preferred embodiment, the dimension “D1” is about 11½ inches, corresponding to a circumference of 23 inches. In general, the circumference of opening 5C may be larger or smaller than 23 inches, and preferably falls in a range from about 19 inches to about 27 inches. However, the circumference of opening 5C could be significantly smaller if sleeve 1C is to be used by an individual having an upper arm that is relatively slim. For example, if sleeve 1C is designed for use by children, the circumference of opening 5C could be as small as 6 or 8 inches. If sleeve 1C is configured to be used by a relatively slender adult or an older child, the circumference of opening 5C could be in the range of about 10 inches to about 14 inches. Upper edge 43 of sleeve 1C has a length “L2” of about 20½ inches, and lower edge 45 has a length “L3” of about 19 inches.

When sleeve 1C is in a flat configuration as shown in FIG. 7, opening 6C is defined by peripheral edge 51 of the fabric. Dimension “D2” corresponds to one-half the circumference of opening 6C defined by peripheral edge 51 of the fabric. In a preferred embodiment, the dimension “D2” is about 4.375 inches. However, the dimension “D2” could be larger or smaller as required, and could be in the range of about 3.375 inches to about 5.375 inches. The opening 6C could be smaller if sleeve 1C is configured for use by a child or an adult having relatively small hands. In general, opening 6C has a circumference that is large enough to permit a user's index finger, middle finger, ring finger, and pinkie to be simultaneously inserted therethrough.

Opening 7C is defined by a peripheral edge 52 of the fabric. Opening 7C has a dimension “D3” corresponding to one-half the circumference of opening 7C. The dimension “D3” is preferably about 2.875 inches, but the dimension “D3” could be in the range of about 1.875 inches to about 3.875 inches. In general, the dimension “D3” is selected to permit a user's thumb to be readily extended through opening 7C. Peripheral edge 52 defining opening 7C may have a somewhat concave contour having a radius “R” in the range of about 2 inches to 4 inches, and more preferably about 3 inches. Alternatively, peripheral edge 52 could be substantially linear.

The intersection between edge 48 of handle or strap 9C and peripheral edge 52 of opening 7C defines a first point 53, and an intersection between peripheral edge 52 of opening 7C and lower edge 45 of sleeve 1C defines a second point 54. An imaginary line 55 passing through points 53 and 54 defines an angle θ relative to edge 44 that is preferably in the range of about 0 degrees to about 20 degrees. Angle θ is more preferably about 10 degrees. Edge 48 of handle or strap 9C and lower edge 44 of sleeve 1C define an angle θ1 that is preferably in the range of about 30 degrees to about 50 degrees, and more preferably is about 40 degrees. Peripheral edge 51 of opening 6C and upper edge 43 of sleeve 1C form an angle θ2 that is preferably in the range of about 30 degrees to about 50 degrees, and more preferably about 40 degrees.

When sleeve 1C is in a flat configuration as shown in FIG. 7, the strap of material defining handle 9C is folded or creased to form a substantially linear edge 48. Edge 48 preferably has a dimension D4 in the range of about ½ inch to about 2½ inches, and the dimension D4 is more preferably about 1½ inches.

The peripheral edges 50, 51, and 52 of openings 6C and 7C, respectively, include stitching 57, 58, and 59 along the edges 50, 51, and 52 to prevent fraying, degradation, or the like.

With further reference to FIG. 8, the sheet of material 46 utilized to form the sleeve 1C includes first and second halves 46A and 46B, that are mirror images of one another about the line 42A. Dashed line 42A of FIG. 8 corresponds to the first crease 42 forming upper edge 43 of sleeve 1C in FIG. 7. The material 46 includes flaps or tabs 60 and 61. Flap 60 is defined by the area between dashed line 44A and edge 62, and flap 61 is defined by the area between dashed line 44B and edge 63. During fabrication of sleeve 1C, flaps 60 and 61 are stitched together, such that the flaps 60 and 61 extend inwardly as shown in dashed lines in FIG. 7. Seam 64 (FIG. 7) is positioned at second crease 44, which corresponds to the dashed lines 44A and 44B of FIG. 8. Similarly, tabs 65 and 66 are folded inwardly and stitched along lines 48A and 48B (FIG. 8) corresponding to the folded edge 48 (FIG. 7) of strap or handle 9C. The edges 51A and 51B (FIG. 8) form peripheral edge 51 of opening 6C (FIG. 7). The edges 51A and 51B (FIG. 8) are generally V-shaped, with a corner 67 having a small radius. The peripheral edges 52A and 52B (FIG. 8) form the peripheral edge 52 (FIG. 7) of opening 7C. Similarly, edge 50A (FIG. 8) of fabric 46 forms peripheral edge 50 (FIG. 7) of sleeve 1C.

The apparatus 1 of the present invention greatly assists a user in putting an outer garment over an inner garment, and reduces or eliminates the tendency for the sleeve of the inner garment to be shifted upwardly on the user's arm. As discussed above, the device may be configured/sized for use by either adults or children, and it may be made from a very inexpensive and/or biodegradable material.

In the foregoing description, it will be readily appreciated by those skilled in the art that modifications may be made to the invention without departing from the concepts disclosed herein. Such modifications are to be considered as included in the following claims, unless these claims by their language expressly state otherwise.

Claims

1. An apparatus for assisting in putting on clothing, the apparatus comprising:

a sleeve comprising thin flexible material, the sleeve defining first and second opposite ends and first and second openings at the second end, and a third opening at the first end, the sleeve defining a passageway extending from the first and second openings at the second end to the third opening at the first end, and wherein:

the second opening is at least about one-half inch across to permit a user to insert a thumb of a first hand through the second opening;

the first opening is at least about two and three quarters inches across to permit a user to simultaneously position an index finger, middle finger, ring finger, and little finger of the first hand in the first opening while the thumb of the user's first hand is in the second opening; and

the third opening is at least about three inches across whereby a user can position an arm in the third opening and through the passageway with the second end of the sleeve disposed adjacent the user's upper arms while the user's index finger, middle finger, ring finger, and little finger simultaneously extend through the first opening, and while the user's thumb simultaneously extends through the second opening.

2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein:

the first opening has a circumference in the range of about 7 inches to about 11 inches, the second opening has a circumference in the range of about 3 inches to about 7 inches, and the third opening has a circumference in the range of about 19 inches to about 27 inches.

3. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein:

the sleeve defines a main body portion having the shape of a truncated cone when the material of the sleeve is positioned in an open configuration, wherein the main body portion has a circular cross-sectional shape, and wherein the truncated cone defines a center axis, and wherein a peripheral edge of the thin flexible material extending about the third opening defines an enlarged first end of the truncated cone, and wherein a second end of the truncated cone is defined by an imaginary cutting plane extending through the sleeve perpendicular to the center axis.

4. The apparatus of claim 3, wherein:

the truncated cone has a length that is defined by a distance along the center axis between the peripheral edge of the thin flexible material extending about the third opening and the imaginary cutting plane, and wherein the length is in the range of about 29 inches to about 35 inches.

5. The apparatus of claim 4, wherein:

the sleeve has a circumference in the range of about 8 inches to about 12 inches at the imaginary cutting plane.

6. The apparatus of claim 5, wherein:

the thin flexible material comprises fabric, and wherein the fabric includes a first peripheral edge defining the first opening, and a second peripheral edge defining the second opening.

7. The apparatus of claim 6, wherein:

the sleeve can be collapsed to a flat state having two substantially flat layers of the fabric in contact with one another and forming substantially linear creases extending along upper and lower edges of the sleeve, and wherein the first peripheral edge of the first opening forms a substantially straight line defining an angle in the range of about 30 degrees to about 50 degrees relative to the upper edge.

8. The apparatus of claim 7, wherein:

the second peripheral edge has a concave curved shape when the sleeve is collapsed.

9. The apparatus of claim 8, wherein:

the sleeve includes a band of material disposed between the first and second openings, and wherein the band of material has opposite edges formed by portions of the first and second peripheral edges defining the first and second openings, respectively, and wherein the band of material forms a substantially linear crease extending between the first and second openings when the sleeve is in the collapsed state, and wherein the crease formed by the band defines an angle in the range of about 30 degrees to about 50 degrees relative to the lower edge of the sleeve.

10. The apparatus of claim 9, wherein:

the second peripheral edge defines a first point at an intersection of the crease formed by the band and the second peripheral edge, and a second point at an intersection of the crease at the lower edge of the sleeve, and wherein an imaginary line passing through the first and second points defines an angle in the range of about 0 degrees to about 20 degrees relative to the lower edge of the sleeve.

11. The apparatus of claim 10, wherein:

the first opening has a circumference of about 9 inches;

the second opening has a circumference of about 5 inches;

the third opening has a circumference of about 22 inches;

the truncated cone has a length of about 32 inches; and

the sleeve has a circumference of about 10 inches at the imaginary cutting plane.

12. The apparatus of claim 11, wherein:

the first peripheral edge of the first opening defines an angle relative to the upper edge of the sleeve of about 40 degrees;

the crease formed by the band of material defines an angle of about 40 degrees relative to the lower edge of the sleeve; and

the imaginary line passing through the first and second points defines an angle of about 10 degrees relative to the lower edge of the sleeve.

13. The apparatus of claim 12, wherein:

the crease formed by the band of material is about 1 inch to about 2 inches long.

14. The apparatus of claim 13, wherein:

the crease formed by the band of material is about 1½ inches long.

15. The apparatus of claim 14, wherein:

the sleeve is made from a single piece of fabric having a pair of first edge portions that are connected together to form a first seam extending from the second opening to the third opening.

16. The apparatus of claim 15, wherein:

the fabric includes a pair of second edge portions that are connected together to form a second seam extending between the first and second openings.

17. The apparatus of claim 16, wherein:

the fabric comprises Nylon taffeta;

the first and second seams are substantially linear; and

the seams comprise stitching.

18. A method of putting an outer garment having long sleeves over an inner garment having long sleeves, the method comprising:

providing a sleeve member comprising thin flexible material, the sleeve defining first and second opposite ends and first and second openings at the second end, and a third opening at the first end, the sleeve member defining a passageway extending from the first and second openings to the third opening;

positioning the inner garment on an individual with the ends of the sleeves of the inner garment disposed adjacent the wrists of the individual;

inserting a hand of the individual into the third opening, and through the passageway;

inserting the index finger, middle finger, ring finger, and little finger through the first opening;

inserting a thumb of the hand through the second opening whereby at least an end portion of the thumb is disposed outside of the sleeve member;

simultaneously positioning at least an end portion of the index finger, middle finger, ring finger, and little finger outside of the sleeve member;

inserting the hand into a sleeve of an outer garment and positioning the hand outside an open end of the sleeve of the outer garment;

grasping the first end of the sleeve member and pulling the sleeve member to slide the sleeve member out of the open end of the sleeve of the outer garment and off the individual's hand and arm.

19. The method of claim 18, wherein:

providing a sleeve member includes forming a sleeve member with a band of material extending between the first and second openings;

grasping the sleeve member comprises grasping the band of material.

20. The method of claim 19, including:

positioning the band of material against an individual's hand while the user's index finger, middle finger, ring finger, and little finger extend outwardly through the first opening, and while an individual's thumb extends outwardly through the second opening.