Sleeve Accessories and Related Methods

Abstract

A sleeve accessory having an elongate band and a display element is configured for connection with the band forming a closed loop. The band and display element are configured to generally encircle a garment sleeve on a wearer's arm such that the display element is partially covered by opposed edge portions of a sleeve end portion that is folded over the band. The display element has a concavity for receiving and holding the opposed edge portions of the sleeve end portion so as to retain a portion of the display element in a visible position between the opposed edge portions. This accessory holds a shirt cuff in a desired position on the forearm and also provides a fashionable appearance.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/656,719 filed on Oct. 21, 2012. The entire disclosure of the above application is incorporated herein by reference.

FIELD

The present disclosure relates to sleeve accessories and related methods.

BACKGROUND

This section provides background information related to the present disclosure which is not necessarily prior art.

Both men and women tend to look stylish and professional when wearing dress shirts that have collars and cuffed sleeves. People wearing dress shirts often prefer to fold or roll the cuffs back onto their forearms, sometimes with multiple folds or rolls.

SUMMARY

This section provides a general summary of the disclosure, and is not a comprehensive disclosure of its full scope or all of its features.

Various embodiments in accordance with the present disclosure are directed to a sleeve accessory having an elongate band and a display element configured for connection with the band forming a closed loop. The accessory is configured to be worn over a garment sleeve on a forearm of a wearer such that at least a portion of the display element is displayed when at least a substantial portion of the band is covered by an end portion of the sleeve.

In various embodiments, the disclosure is directed to a sleeve accessory including a band at least a portion of which is stretchable. The band has two end portions. A display element is connected and/or is connectible to the end portions of the band. The band is configured with the display element to retain a garment sleeve substantially at a selected location on a forearm of a wearer of the garment when a cuff of the sleeve is positioned to cover at least a substantial portion of the band and to display at least a portion of the display element.

In some aspects, the disclosure is directed to a method of holding a garment sleeve in a selected position on a forearm of a wearer of the garment. The method includes the steps of: placing a sleeve accessory onto and around the sleeve. The accessory includes a band and a display element. The method further includes turning an end portion of the sleeve back onto the sleeve to cover a portion of the accessory on the sleeve, the turning performed to expose the display element at an opening in the turned-back sleeve end portion; and selectively positioning the turned-back sleeve end portion on a forearm of the wearer.

In various embodiments, the disclosure is directed to a sleeve accessory including an elongate band and a display element configured for connection with the band forming a closed loop. The band and display element are configured to generally encircle a garment sleeve on an arm of a wearer such that the display element is partially covered by opposed edge portions of a sleeve end portion that is folded over the band. The display element has a concavity for receiving and holding the opposed edge portions of the sleeve end portion so as to retain a portion of the display element in a visible position between the opposed edge portions.

In yet another aspect, the disclosure is directed to a display element for use in a sleeve accessory. The display element includes one or more connection portions connectible with a band to form a sleeve accessory for encircling a garment sleeve on an arm of a wearer such that the display element is partially covered by opposed edge portions of a sleeve portion that is folded over the band. A concavity of the display element is for receiving opposed edge portions of the folded sleeve end portion. The concavity is configured to, when the display element is connected with the band and the sleeve portion is folded over the band, hold the opposed edge portions so as to retain a portion of the display element in a visible position between the opposed edge portions.

In still another aspect, the disclosure is directed to a method of holding a garment sleeve in a selected position on a forearm of a wearer of the garment. The method includes placing a sleeve accessory onto and around the sleeve. The accessory includes a band and a display element. The method also includes turning an end portion of the sleeve back over the sleeve to substantially cover the band. The turning is performed so as to hold opposed edge portions of the sleeve end portion in the display element so that a bottom portion of the display element is visible between the opposed edge portions. The method also includes selectively positioning the turned-back sleeve end portion on a forearm of the wearer.

Further areas of applicability will become apparent from the description provided herein. The description and specific examples in this summary are intended for purposes of illustration only and are not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure.

DRAWINGS

The drawings described herein are for illustrative purposes only of selected embodiments and not all possible implementations, and are not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a sleeve accessory in accordance with one embodiment of the disclosure;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a sleeve accessory positioned around a sleeve in accordance with one embodiment of the disclosure;

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a sleeve accessory positioned around a sleeve in accordance with one embodiment of the disclosure;

FIG. 4 is a side perspective view of a sleeve accessory in accordance with one embodiment of the disclosure;

FIG. 5 is an exploded view of a display element in accordance with one embodiment of the disclosure;

FIG. 6 is a top perspective partial view of the sleeve accessory shown in FIG. 4;

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a sleeve accessory positioned around a sleeve in accordance with one embodiment of the disclosure; and

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a sleeve accessory positioned around a sleeve in accordance with one embodiment of the disclosure.

Corresponding reference numerals indicate corresponding parts throughout the several views of the drawings.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Example embodiments will now be described more fully with reference to the accompanying drawings.

The inventor has observed that people wearing cuffed shirts often fold and/or roll back the shirt cuffs onto theft forearms, only to have the cuff and sleeves slip back down. Sometimes only slight movement of the arms can be sufficient to cause sleeves and cuffs to slip. The inventor has observed that many people feel compelled to repeatedly refold and push their fallen cuffs back up onto theft forearms, an exercise that can be both annoying and uncomfortable.

The inventor has also noticed that when shirt cuffs are rolled and folded back multiple times, the cuff itself often becomes scrunched and bunched together, creating a displeasing look as opposed to a crisp, neat, full-cuffed look. Also, when the folded cuffs are unrolled, it is common for the sleeves to have become extremely wrinkled. Such wrinkled sleeves and cuffs would need to be pressed before being re-buttoned and worn formally again.

Accordingly, in some aspects of the present disclosure, a sleeve accessory is provided that includes an elongate band and a display element. The display element is configured for connection with the band so as to form a closed loop. The accessory can be worn over a sleeve of a garment such as a shirt. When a wearer of the shirt has placed the sleeve and accessory in a desired position on his/her forearm, at least a portion of the display element is displayed when at least a substantial portion of the band is covered by an end portion of the sleeve, e.g., by a shirt cuff.

Although various embodiments of the disclosure are discussed in connection with shirts having cuffs at the wrist, the disclosure is not so limited. It should be noted that embodiments of the disclosure may be implemented in relation to many different type of garments, including but not limited to dresses, sweaters, jackets, coats, and/or other or additional types of garments having sleeves that can reveal a sleeve accessory display element when ends of the sleeves are turned back to cover at least a substantial portion of the band of the accessory. In various aspects, a sleeve accessory can be used in relation to a garment sleeve that does not have a sewn-on cuff. For example, a sleeve accessory may be used in relation to a woman's blouse to hold a sleeve that has a slit or other opening analogous to the opening of a typical shirt sleeve cuff. Embodiments also may be provided in relation to sleeves that terminate before meeting a wearer's wrists.

One embodiment of a sleeve accessory is indicated generally in FIGS. 1 through 3 by reference number 20. The accessory 20 includes a stretchable and/or flexible band 28 having two end portions 34. The band 28 shown in FIGS. 1-3 is made of elastic, although in other embodiments a band may have various lengths, widths, thicknesses and/or contours and may be made of various materials consistent with the functionality described herein and in the claims, e.g., elastic, plastic, synthetic and/or real rubber, leather, woven materials, combinations of the foregoing, etc.

In the present example embodiment, a display element 40 is connected with and between the end portions 34 of the band 28. The display element 40 shown in FIGS. 1-3 is elongate, although in various aspects of the disclosure a display element could have any shape and/or size consistent with the functionality described herein and in the claims. The display element 40 shown in FIGS. 1-3 is made of metal. Additionally or alternatively, a display element could be made, e.g., of plastic, ceramic, wood, bone, real and/or synthetic rubber, leather, woven materials, combinations of any of the foregoing, etc. The display element 40 includes a design 44, e.g., a logo. In various aspects a display element design may include graphic designs, appliques, insets, initials and/or other writings, cutouts, etc. The range of materials from which a display element may be made in accordance with principles of the disclosure is very broad, as is the range of designs that may be incorporated in a display element. Display element embodiments may include any and all material(s) and/or designs consistent with the functionality described herein and in the claims.

The display element 40 is connected with and between the band end portions 34 by connectors referred to generally by reference number 50, e.g., by band ends 54 looped through slots 58 of the display element 40 and affixed to the band 28 by rivets 62. Many types of connectors could be used, dependent at least in part on the types of band and display elements provided. For example, a display element may be connected with a band, e.g., by clasps, rivets, sewn seams, buckles, screws, links, etc. Additionally or alternatively, a band may be configured with adjustable clamps to alter the diameter of a sleeve accessory to fit various sizes of forearms. In some embodiments, a connector may be or include one or more prongs, glue, cement, etc. For example, a band may include a bezel in which a display element may be mounted. In some embodiments a band may form a closed loop independent of connection of the display element with the band. In various embodiments, a band and display element may be provided as an integral unit. For example, an accessory may have a band and display element that have been molded or otherwise made as a single piece.

The accessory 20 can be worn over a garment sleeve on a wearer's forearm such that at least a portion of the display element is displayed when at least a substantial portion of the band is covered by an end portion of the sleeve. As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, user wearing, e.g., a cuffed shirt may use the sleeve accessory 20 in relation to a sleeve 200 of his/her shirt in the following exemplary manner. Referring to FIG. 2, when the user's sleeve 200 is fully extended and buttoned at the cuff 204, the user may stretch the accessory 20 and place the accessory 20 over his/her hand onto the cuff 204 past and adjacent a seam 208 between the cuff 204 and the rest of the sleeve 200. In some other embodiments, instead of stretching a sleeve accessory, a user may use one or more connectors to open and close a sleeve accessory to place it around and onto a cuff.

When the accessory 20 is in place adjacent the seam 208, the user may unfasten the cuff 204, e.g., by unfastening a fastener 212, e.g., a button or snap, on the cuff 204. A fastener 216 past the cuff 204 may be left closed. The user may adjust the accessory 20 to position the display element 40 over an opening 220 in the sleeve 200 near the seam 208. As shown in FIG. 3, the user folds the cuff 204 back onto the sleeve 200 so that the cuff 204 covers at least a substantial portion of the band 28 and at least a portion of the display element 40 is displayed at the opening 220. The user may pull back on or otherwise adjust the sleeve 200 to position the cuff 204 at a desired location of the user's forearm 230. As the sleeve 200 is adjusted up and/or down, the accessory 20 may be at least partially stretched and/or restored. When the cuff 204 has been placed at the desired forearm location, the sleeve accessory maintains the cuff 204 at that location. To remove the accessory 20, the user may pull it off over the cuff 204. In some other embodiments, instead of stretching a sleeve accessory to remove it, a user may use one or more connectors to open the sleeve accessory.

In various example embodiments, a sleeve accessory includes a display element configured with an elongate band to generally encircle a wearer's sleeve such that the display element is partially covered by opposed edge portions of, e.g., the sleeve's cuff that is folded over the band. In some embodiments the display element has a concavity for receiving the opposed edge portions of the cuff. The concavity is configured to hold the opposed edge portions so as to retain a portion of the display element in a visible position between the opposed edge portions.

One example embodiment of a sleeve accessory is shown in FIGS. 4 through 8. An example sleeve accessory 320 includes a stretchable and/or flexible band 328 having two end portions 334. The band 328 is made, e.g., of elastic. In various embodiments, a band may have various lengths, widths, thicknesses and/or contours and may be made of various materials consistent with the functionality described herein and in the claims, e.g., elastic, plastic, synthetic and/or real rubber, leather, woven materials, combinations of the foregoing, etc.

In the present example embodiment, a display element 340 is connected with and between the end portions 334 of the band 328. The example display element 340 is at least partly made, e.g., of metal. Additionally or alternatively, a display element could be made, e.g., of plastic, ceramic, wood, bone, real and/or synthetic rubber, leather, woven materials, combinations of any of the foregoing, etc. The display element 340 may include a design 344, e.g., a logo centered in a bottom portion 346 of the display element. In various aspects a display element design may include graphic designs, appliques, insets, initials and/or other writings, cutouts, etc. For example, in some embodiments in which at least the bottom portion 346 is made of metal(s) such as silver, gold, etc. and/or other materials appropriate for being engraved, a wearer's initials could be engraved in the metal. Embodiments also are possible in which no logo or other design is provided.

In the present example embodiment and as best shown in FIGS. 4 and 7, a top portion 348 of the display element 340 has a curved profile 350 that interrupts what is a substantially straight edge profile 352 of the band 328. Specifically and for example, the display element top portion 348 includes a concavity 360, e.g., a notch, indentation, hollow, etc., configured to receive opposed edge portions 402 of a sleeve end portion, e.g., opposed edge portions 402 adjacent a shirt cuff 404. Such a concavity may have a “V” shaped profile as shown in FIGS. 4-8, a “U” shaped profile and/or other shape(s) that cooperate(s) with a user's sleeve as further described below.

A display element may be shaped in various ways for functional and/or decorative purposes. For example, the display element 340 includes a pair of opposed protrusions 364 that are decorative and that also cooperate with the concavity 360 in stabilizing a shirt cuff relative to the display element 340. In various embodiments, protrusions and/or other decorative features may be provided in various display element locations and may or may not be functional. Various display element locations that might not be visible when a sleeve accessory is being worn could nevertheless have decorative features. Referring again to the display element 340, the concavity 360 is capable of providing sufficient stabilization of a cuff or other sleeve end portion to retain the logo 344 in view, with or without the protrusions 364.

The display element 340 is shown in greater detail in FIGS. 5 and 6. A backing 368 is provided beneath the display element 340. The backing 368 may be made of, e.g., leather, suede, cotton, other woven material(s), synthetic materials, combinations of any of the foregoing, etc. In the present example embodiment, the backing 368 has a shape and size matching that of the display element 340. In various embodiments, however, a backing may be provided that has a shape and/or size different from the shape and/or size of a display element to which the backing is attached. For example, a backing could be provided that is slightly smaller than the corresponding display element, e.g., to ensure that the backing is not visible from behind the display element. In other embodiments, a decorative backing could be provided that is partially visible from behind a display element, e.g., to provide a decorative/style element in addition to or instead of a design such as the logo 344. In some embodiments a backing may have perforations, openings, etc. Various embodiments also are possible in which no backing is provided.

Referring to FIGS. 6 through 8, the example display element 340 has a slight curvature 356, e.g., to generally match a curvature of a wearer's forearm 430 when worn over the user's sleeve. The curvature 356 can contribute to the wearer's comfort and can help keep the sleeve accessory 320 in place over the wearer's sleeve while allowing sides 406, e.g., of a shirt cuff to rest against the user's forearm with few if any noticeable protrusions. The display element 340 is connected with and between the band end portions 334 by connectors, e.g., rivets 370 through holes 372 in the display element 340 and backing 368.

The sleeve accessory 320 can be worn over a garment sleeve on a wearer's forearm such that at least a portion of the display element 340 is displayed when at least a portion of the band is covered by an end portion of the sleeve. As shown in FIGS. 7 and 8, a user wearing, e.g., a cuffed shirt may use the sleeve accessory 320 in relation to a sleeve 400 of his/her shirt in the following exemplary manner. Referring to FIG. 7, when the user's sleeve 400 is fully extended and buttoned at the cuff 404, the user may stretch the accessory 320 and place the accessory 320 over his/her hand onto the cuff 404 past and adjacent a seam 408 between the cuff 404 and the rest of the sleeve 400. In some other embodiments, instead of stretching a sleeve accessory, a user may use one or more connectors to open and close a sleeve accessory to place it around and onto a cuff. The sleeve accessory 320 is placed onto the sleeve 400 so that the concavity 360 of the display element 340 faces the cuff 404 and the logo 344 faces outwardly.

When the accessory 320 is in place adjacent the seam 408, the user may unfasten the cuff 404, e.g., by unfastening a fastener 412, e.g., a button or snap, on the cuff 404. A fastener 416 past the cuff 404 may be left closed. The user may adjust the sleeve accessory 320 to position the display element 340, e.g., over an area 420 in the sleeve 400 near the seam 408. On many shirts, the opposed edge portions 402 of the sleeve 400 past the cuff 404 typically tend to overlap in the area 420. As shown in FIG. 8, the user folds the cuff 404 back over the sleeve 400 so that the cuff 404 covers at least a substantial portion of the band 328. The opposed edge portions 402 tend to fall into the concavity 360 and partially cover the display element 340 when the cuff 404 is folded back. The folded edge portions 402 also tend to be held in the concavity 360 such that the bottom portion 346 of the display element 340 is retained in a visible position between the edge portions 402. The user may pull back on or otherwise adjust the sleeve 400 to position the cuff 404 at a desired location of the user's forearm 430. As the sleeve 400 is adjusted up and/or down, the accessory 320 may be at least partially stretched and/or restored. When the cuff 404 has been placed at the desired forearm location, the sleeve accessory maintains the cuff 404 substantially at that location. To remove the accessory 320, the user may pull it off over the cuff 404. In some other embodiments, instead of stretching a sleeve accessory to remove it, a user may use one or more connectors to open the sleeve accessory.

When the sleeve accessory 320 is in use and the cuff 404 is folded back over the band 328 at the seam 408, both unbuttoned cuff sides 406 naturally tend to fall into the concavity 360, e.g., between left and right sides of a “V” or “U” shaped concavity. In some embodiments, the sleeve edge portions 402 may cover approximately eighty percent (80%) of the display element 340, leaving the logo/design 344 visible beneath the concavity 360. The falling of the edge portions 402 into the concavity 360 and over the display element 340 can create a natural locking mechanism. This can prevent the display element 340 from sliding out of view under the sides 406 of the cuff. In some embodiments, such a locking mechanism can be strong enough to prevent even a manual movement of the display element 340 out of view under the cuff sides 406.

The slight curve 356 of the display element 340 can provide comfort, e.g., when the sleeve accessory 320 is in use and resting against the forearm of a user. The curve 356 also can provide aesthetic benefits when the sleeve accessory 320 is in use, e.g., by preventing the sides 406 of the unbuttoned cuff 404 from protruding slightly outwardly when the sleeve accessory 320 is in use. When the display element 340 is curved, the display element can mimic a curve of a forearm and allows the sides 406 of the cuff 404, e.g., to rest against the user's forearms with no noticeable protrusions.

The backing 368 can serve at least two functions, a first one being an aesthetic function when the sleeve accessory 320 is not in use, and a second one being to provide comfort when the sleeve accessory 320 is in use. It should be noted, e.g., that a metal or other rigid display element, while in use, may be pressed against a wearer's forearm over the sleeve due to the force, e.g., of an elastic band around the user's forearm. The backing 368 can provide comfort and cushioning when held against the user's sleeve. In various embodiments a display element may be aligned directly over opposed sleeve edge portions that may move apart from each other when, e.g., the wearer makes aggressive arm movements. Thus there is a possibility that the wearer's skin may come into contact with the display element. In such event, the backing 368 can provide comfort and cushioning and may prevent most if not all discomfort or irritation that might occur if a rigid display element were to contact the skin. Also, the backing 368 can provide comfort and cushioning, e.g., when the wearer is resting a forearm on a table, e.g., while eating a meal or typing at a computer. The backing 368 can easily be attached to the back of a metal display element by snaps, rivets, buttons, glue, adhesive, etc. It also should be noted, however, that embodiments are possible in which a display element may be flexible at least in part.

An elastic band such as the band 328 can include substantially any elastic material, including but not limited to a fabric such as spandex, nylon, cotton, and/or a blend of any of the foregoing that provides elasticity, synthetic and/or non-synthetic elastic polymers such as rubber, silicone, latex, and/or a blend of any of the foregoing that provides elasticity. Where a band is elastic, a sleeve accessory can expand and contract as the wearer slides and adjusts a sleeve to the desired position on the forearm. In various embodiments, different band lengths may be provided to accommodate forearm sizes of various users, who may include men, women, and/or children. Band widths also may vary in accordance with degrees of elasticity of component materials. In various embodiments the width of a band may be ¼ inch or less, in order to maximize elasticity of the band. A wider band may be possible where its component material(s) provide adequate elasticity for comfortable wear on, and movement along, a wearer's forearm. An elastic band can be connected into a sleeve accessory through the use of rivets, snaps, clasps, adhesive, screw, sewn seam, or link. A band can be attached in front of, behind, or in between a display element and/or backing. An elastic band can be adjustable in length through the use, e.g., of clasps and a small tri-glide buckle and/or any device with a similar function.

In various embodiments a sleeve accessory expands and contracts as it is adjusted up or down the forearm and, once set, can cause a folded-back cuff to sit at substantially any chosen point on the forearm. Even with aggressive arm movement the cuff may move only minimally (if at all) up and/or down the forearm. In various embodiments the only visible part of a sleeve accessory may be a portion of the display element, which can be seen in a split at the end of the sleeve underneath the cuff. The display element can cooperate with a sleeve, not only to hide a band used to hold the cuff but also to display a logo or other design while creating a fashionable look, somewhat similar to the look of a cufflink. A wearer need not worry about the display element or logo sliding out of view, since its concavity can hold the sleeve to lock the display element into view.

The foregoing sleeve accessory embodiments make it possible for people to wear full cuffs that rest at the locations of theft choice on their forearms, that move little or not at all, and that are comfortable and fashionable. Once a sleeve has been placed at a desired forearm location, the sleeve accessory causes the cuff to remain there. or to move only minimally in response to aggressive arm movement. The result is a comfortable, stylish look, in that the accessory provides a crisp, folded-back cuff that sits precisely on the forearm. In various embodiments, the only visible part of the accessory is the display element, which can be seen below the cuff, at the opening of the split in the sleeve above the cuff. The display element of a sleeve accessory can display a logo or other design, and create a fashionable look much like a cuff link, while the band at least for the most part is concealed. If, for example, someone wearing a shirt and the foregoing accessories desires to re-button his/her cuffs and wear the shirt with the sleeves fully extended, he/she only needs to unfold the cuffs, remove the accessories, and extend the sleeves and cuffs back to their formal length. Advantageously, the sleeves and cuffs typically have very few if any wrinkles after having been held in place by the accessories.

Example embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough, and will fully convey the scope to those who are skilled in the art. Numerous specific details are set forth such as examples of specific components, devices, and methods, to provide a thorough understanding of embodiments of the present disclosure. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that specific details need not be employed, that example embodiments may be embodied in many different forms and that neither should be construed to limit the scope of the disclosure. In some example embodiments, well-known processes, well-known device structures, and well-known technologies are not described in detail.

The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular example embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting. As used herein, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” may be intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. The terms “comprises,” “comprising,” “including,” and “having,” are inclusive and therefore specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements, and/or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and/or groups thereof. The method steps, processes, and operations described herein are not to be construed as necessarily requiring their performance in the particular order discussed or illustrated, unless specifically identified as an order of performance. It is also to be understood that additional or alternative steps may be employed.

When an element or layer is referred to as being “on,” “engaged to,” “connected to,” or “coupled to” another element or layer, it may be directly on, engaged, connected or coupled to the other element or layer, or intervening elements or layers may be present. In contrast, when an element is referred to as being “directly on,” “directly engaged to,” “directly connected to,” or “directly coupled to” another element or layer, there may be no intervening elements or layers present. Other words used to describe the relationship between elements should be interpreted in a like fashion (e.g., “between” versus “directly between,” “adjacent” versus “directly adjacent,” etc.). As used herein, the term “and/or” includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items.

Although the terms first, second, third, etc. may be used herein to describe various elements, components, regions, layers and/or sections, these elements, components, regions, layers and/or sections should not be limited by these terms. These terms may be only used to distinguish one element, component, region, layer or section from another region, layer or section. Terms such as “first,” “second,” and other numerical terms when used herein do not imply a sequence or order unless clearly indicated by the context. Thus, a first element, component, region, layer or section discussed below could be termed a second element, component, region, layer or section without departing from the teachings of the example embodiments.

Spatially relative terms, such as “inner,” “outer,” “beneath,” “below,” “lower,” “above,” “upper,” and the like, may be used herein for ease of description to describe one element or feature's relationship to another element(s) or feature(s) as illustrated in the figures. Spatially relative terms may be intended to encompass different orientations of the device in use or operation in addition to the orientation depicted in the figures. For example, if the device in the figures is turned over, elements described as “below” or “beneath” other elements or features would then be oriented “above” the other elements or features. Thus, the example term “below” can encompass both an orientation of above and below. The device may be otherwise oriented (rotated 90 degrees or at other orientations) and the spatially relative descriptors used herein interpreted accordingly.

The foregoing description of the embodiments has been provided for purposes of illustration and description. It is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the disclosure. Individual elements or features of a particular embodiment are generally not limited to that particular embodiment, but, where applicable, are interchangeable and can be used in a selected embodiment, even if not specifically shown or described. The same may also be varied in many ways. Such variations are not to be regarded as a departure from the disclosure, and all such modifications are intended to be included within the scope of the disclosure.

Claims

1. A sleeve accessory comprising:

an elongate band; and

a display element configured for connection with the band forming a closed loop;

the band and display element configured to generally encircle a garment sleeve on an arm of a wearer such that the display element is partially covered by opposed edge portions of a sleeve end portion that is folded over the band;

the display element having a concavity for receiving and holding the opposed edge portions of the sleeve end portion so as to retain a portion of the display element in a visible position between the opposed edge portions.

2. The sleeve accessory of claim 1, further configured to retain the sleeve substantially at a selected position on the forearm.

3. The sleeve accessory of claim 1, wherein the concavity comprises one or more of the following: a “U” shaped profile, and a “V” shaped profile.

4. The sleeve accessory of claim 1, wherein at least a portion of at least one of the band and the display element is stretchable and/or flexible.

5. The sleeve accessory of claim 1, wherein the display element is reversibly connectible with one or more end portions of the band.

6. The sleeve accessory of claim 5, further comprising at least one connector configured to connect the display element and an end portion of the band.

7. The sleeve accessory of claim 6, wherein the at least one connector comprises one or more of the following: a clasp, a rivet, a sewn seam, a buckle, a screw, and a link.

8. The sleeve accessory of claim 1, wherein the closed loop is formed independently of connection of the display element with the band.

9. A display element for use in a sleeve accessory, the display element comprising:

one or more connection portions connectible with a band to form a sleeve accessory for encircling a garment sleeve on an arm of a wearer such that the display element is partially covered by opposed edge portions of a sleeve portion that is folded over the band; and

a concavity for receiving opposed edge portions of the folded sleeve end portion, the concavity configured to, when the display element is connected with the band and the sleeve portion is folded over the band, hold the opposed edge portions so as to retain a portion of the display element in a visible position between the opposed edge portions.

10. The display element of claim 9, wherein the concavity comprises one or more of the following: a “U” shaped profile, and a “V” shaped profile.

11. The display element of claim 9, wherein the one or more connection portions comprise at least one connector configured to connect the display element and an end portion of a band.

12. The display element of claim 11, wherein the at least one connector comprises one or more of the following: a clasp, a rivet, a sewn seam, a buckle, a screw, and a link.

13. The display element of claim 9, comprising one or more of the following: plastic, ceramic, wood, bone, real rubber, synthetic rubber, leather, woven material, a logo, a graphic design, an applique, an inset, an initial, a writing, and a cutout.

14. The display element of claim 9, further comprising a backing.

15. The display element of claim 9, curved to generally fit a forearm of a wearer of a sleeve accessory including the display element.

16. A method of holding a garment sleeve in a selected position on a forearm of a wearer of the garment, the method comprising the steps of:

placing a sleeve accessory onto and around the sleeve, the accessory including a band and a display element;

turning an end portion of the sleeve back over the sleeve to substantially cover the band, the turning performed so as to hold opposed edge portions of the sleeve end portion in the display element so that a bottom portion of the display element is visible between the opposed edge portions; and

selectively positioning the turned-back sleeve end portion on a forearm of the wearer.

17. The method of claim 16, wherein the sleeve end portion includes a cuff.

18. The method of claim 16, further comprising connecting the display element and an end portion of the band, the connecting performed using at least one connector.

19. The method of claim 18, wherein the connecting is performed reversibly.

20. The method of claim 16, wherein placing the sleeve accessory onto and around the sleeve comprises one or more of the following: connecting the band and display element to form a closed loop, and stretching a closed loop formed by at least the band.