Apparel – Hand or arm coverings – Wristlets
Reexamination Certificate
2001-07-10
2002-06-18
Lindsey, Rodney M. (Department: 3765)
Apparel
Hand or arm coverings
Wristlets
C002S016000, C002S159000, C002S161100
Reexamination Certificate
active
06405381
ABSTRACT:
BACKGROUND OF INVENTION
1. Field of the Invention
The present invention is concerned with expressive arm coverings adapted to be worn by sports fans or others for decorative purposes. Each arm covering includes an elongated, tubular fabric body with words or other indicia visible thereon so that, when the wearer's arms are raised, the indicia becomes visible. Additionally, each arm covering may include additional ornamental accessories or indicia which is visible when a wearer's arms are in a relaxed position. For example, a football fan may have the words “TOUCH” and “DOWN” on a matched pair of arm coverings worn on the right and left arms respectively. When the fan's team scores a touchdown, the fan may raise his arms in exultation and delight, signaling to others his joy about the touchdown.
2. Description of the Prior Art
A number of gloves, arm coverings and other wear items have been provided in the past for various purposes. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 4,843,653 describes a wrist band including a towel-like portion which can be used to blot off perspiration from a user's face or forehead. The wrist band can be provided with logos or other desired indicia. U.S. Pat. No. 4,499,741 describes a sweatband having a non-distortable portion which may bear logos, names or trademarks thereon. U.S. Pat. No. D404,677 illustrates a wrist band provided with a logo region.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,1 68,576 discloses a protective device including foam modules which protect a user against impacts during sporting events. The foam may be decorated with trademarks and/or logos. U.S. Pat. No. 5,878,435 to Kast et al. describes a hand and forearm protector extending from approximately the base of the fingers to the elbow. The inventors indicate that the forearm protector may be decorated as desired.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,974,586 pertains to a wearable sleeve for blocking sunlight, in order to protect a wearer's arm against sunburn. Finally, U.S. Pat. No. D94,712 illustrates a glove including a monogrammed portion at the wrist and a design portion along the lower forearm.
With respect to forms of expression utilized by fans at sporting events, concerts, and the like, fans and spectators often adorn themselves in a variety of ways. Conventional adornments include clothing Items such as t-shirts and jackets which contain the name or logo of their selected team, a particular player on that team, band, or the like. In some instances, fans or spectators have applied body paint or ink to clothing and exposed areas of skin while other fans wear elaborate costumes. At any rate, all of these forms of expression are designed to signify the wearer's support for their chosen team, band, player, or the like.
SUMMARY OF INVENTION
The present invention provides unique arm coverings which are especially designed for use by sports enthusiasts or others wishing to express emotion by arm raising. The present invention is useful at events where verbal forms of expression are used as well as at events where silence is preferred while the event is occurring. Additionally, fans with hearing impairment will be able to participate in and sense other fans” exultation and delight to the same extent as fans without hearing impairment as the arm coverings provide an entirely non-verbal form of expression which is easily sensed and understood.
Broadly speaking, a covering in accordance with the invention includes an elongated, tubular fabric body having an upper end and an opposed lower end, with the upper end presenting an upper opening sized to receive and envelop the upper arm of a user between the user's elbow and shoulders. The lower end includes a lower section dimensioned to envelop the wrist of the user, and may be provided with a variety of terminal arrangements, such as a full-glove or partial-glove design. In some forms, at least one coupler is provided to maintain the tubular body in place on the user's arm. This coupler may be located adjacent the upper opening of the covering, the lower end of the covering, at both ends of the covering, or even along the covering between the two ends. Very importantly, indicia is provided on the tubular body between the upper and lower ends thereof. In some forms, the indicia is positioned such that it is visible when a wearer has their arms in a downward position, thereby rendering the indicia visible to surrounding fans. In preferred forms, the indicia is positioned longitudinally along the underside of the tubular body such that, upon a wearer raising their arms, this indicia becomes immediately visible and is readable vertically from the lower end to the upper end. Other embodiments may include additional adornment on the fabric body such as flexible rubberized spikes on the full-glove or partial-glove design or any other ornamentation that a fan may choose to show support for his team.
A variety of coupling devices can be used with the arm coverings of the invention, e.g., elastic bands or velcro strips. These can be provided not only at the upper end of the covering, but also at or adjacent the lower end thereof. In other forms, a substantial portion of the tubular body is formed of elastic material thereby providing the tubular body with a desired amount of stability once it is pulled on and worn. The elastic portion of these forms of the invention comprises or is integrated into at least about 35% of the total area of the covering material. More preferably, at least 50% and more preferably at least 75% of the covering material comprises elastic or stretchable material or has such material integrated therein. Most preferably, this material comprises at least 98% of the covering material. The most preferable covering material of this form is elastic hose-like material.
Advantageously, arm coverings in accordance with the present invention can be worn next to the wearer's skin, with no underlying clothing or can be worn over the sleeves of another garment. These arm coverings can be provided with an amount of insulating material for use on cold days or can be formed of water repellant material for use on rainy or wet days. In some embodiments, the arm coverings will be sized to fit over other clothing items such as heavy winter coats. To facilitate the wearing of such arm coverings, the arm coverings may comprise material which is less elastic along the length thereof and have at least one coupler to maintain the arm covering's position on a wearer's arm. This could give the arm covering a loose-fitting appearance which is easily worn over other clothing items. In other embodiments the arm covering may comprise a material which is essentially transparent while the indicia located on the arm covering is opaque. This provides an arm covering which is not noticeable until a wearer positions their arms such that the indicia is visible to surrounding fans. For example, the indicia may be positioned on the underside of the arm covering so that it is only visible upon a wearer raising their arms. Thus, a variety of fabrics and materials can be used to construct these arm coverings and the particular choice of material may be influenced by weather conditions, style, and other clothing to be worn with the arm coverings.
Other advantages of the present invention include easy application and removal which is not possible with other types of adornment such as body paint or elaborate costumes. When a fan wishes to use the present invention, the arm covering is simply in pulled over the hand and into position. Removal of the arm covering is just as easy. Due to the simple construction of the present invention, it can be manufactured at a relatively low cost. This advantage is also in contrast to conventional forms of adornment.
It is understood that when the term “fans” or “spectators” is used, it is meant to embrace attendees at a variety of events including sporting events, concerts, ceremonies, and the like.
The term “coupler” includes elastic bands, various finger and hand openings, velcro straps, buttons, snaps, zippers, ties, and any othe
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