US20070028345A1

US20070028345A1 - Driving sleeve (Tanless Driver)

Info

Publication number: US20070028345A1
Application number: US11/486,573
Authority: US
Inventors: Larry McCarty
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2005-07-15
Filing date: 2006-07-14
Publication date: 2007-02-08

Abstract

Driving Sleeve (Tanless Driver) consists of at least some of the following: a sleeve with a cuff on one end and an elbow opening with an attaching mechanism on the other end. A user puts the Driving Sleeve (Tanless Driver) on his arm by placing a hand through the elbow opening and then the cuff, allowing the sleeve to cover the arm from the wrist to approximately the elbow of the user. The attaching mechanism can then be fastened to the seat belt if a user desires to further secure the sleeve in place. While the product is in use, it protects the user's arm from direct sunlight. When the user is finished with the product, he can either place it in the glove compartment or center console region of the vehicle.

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This Non-Provisional Patent Application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/699,572 entitled “Driving Sleeve (Tanless Driver)” filed on Jul. 15, 2005.

FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE

The disclosures made herein relate generally to both the medical accessory and vehicle accessory industries. The invention discussed herein is in the general classification of arm protectors.

BACKGROUND

Millions of people drive their cars everyday. Automobiles, trucks and other vehicles are used for long distance travel and everyday errands alike. While driving or riding in a vehicle, people are subject to sunrays that enter the vehicle through windows and the windshield of the vehicle. The sunlight can cause a variety of medical problems ranging from an uncomfortable and unsightly burn to cancer if an individual is subject to prolonged exposure. Truck drivers and individuals that travel long distances are particularly susceptible to these dangers. The arm of a vehicle operator or passenger closest to the window is of primary concern.
Many people choose to wear long-sleeved shirts to protect their arms. However, in summer months, these types of shirts make a user hot and uncomfortable. Once a user exits the vehicle, he often no longer desires to wear this type of shirt.
Others apply suntan lotion to protect exposed areas on their arms. However, this solution requires constant reapplication that can be difficult while an individual is operating a vehicle. This solution is also messy and leaves the user with a greasy and strong odor on his arm. Suntan lotions are also expensive to use as a long-term solution.
A variety of screens or visors have also been used on a windshield or window to shield a user from the sun. Unfortunately, these screens or visors usually do not completely protect a user and also reduce visibility for a driver, creating unsafe driving conditions.
Hence, there is a need in the art for an aesthetically pleasing, clean and odorless device to protect a user's arm from sunburn while also being safe, inexpensive and comfortable to use and easy to store in an automobile or other vehicle.

SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE

Driving Sleeve (Tanless Driver) consists of at least some of the following: a sleeve with a cuff on one end and an attaching mechanism on the end of the sleeve opposite the cuff. A user puts the Driving Sleeve (Tanless Driver) on his arm by placing a hand through the elastic cuff, allowing the sleeve to cover the arm from the wrist to approximately the elbow. The attaching mechanism can then be fastened to the seat belt if a user desires to further secure the sleeve in place. While the product is in use, it protects the user's arm from direct sunlight. When the user is finished with the product, he can either place it in the glove compartment or center console region of the vehicle or store it under a car seat.
The principal object of this invention is to provide a sleeve that protects a user's arm from sunburn while driving or riding in a vehicle.
Another object of this invention is to provide a sleeve for protecting the arm of a user from direct sunlight while not hindering the user's ability to safely operate a vehicle.
Another object of this invention is to provide an affordable sleeve to protect a driver or passenger in a vehicle from direct sunlight.
Another object of this invention is to provide an aesthetically pleasing product that will protect a user's arm from acquiring an unsightly burn.
Another object of this invention is to provide a sun protection device that does not require constant attention or reapplication once it is in place.
Yet another object of this invention is to provide a sun protection device that is easy to store after use.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 depicts a perspective view of the preferred embodiment of the invention.
FIG. 2 depicts a perspective view of the material used to make the preferred embodiment of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The preferred embodiment of Driving Sleeve (Tanless Driver) is comprised of at least some of the following: a sleeve with a cuff on one end and an attaching mechanism on the end of the sleeve opposite the cuff.
In the preferred embodiment of the invention, shown in FIG. 1, a sleeve 1 made of a fabric 2 has an elastic wrist opening (cuff) 3 on one end and an elastic elbow opening 4 on the other end. The elastic wrist opening 3 and elastic elbow opening 4 permit the sleeve to adjust to fit a variety of arm sizes. A seam 5 extends approximately the entire length of the sleeve 1. On one side of the sleeve 1, an attaching mechanism 6 consisting of a strap 7 with a velcro hook 8 and a velcro loop patch 9 permits a user to attach the sleeve 1 to a seat belt in a vehicle. The attaching mechanism 6 is located near the elastic elbow opening 4 of the sleeve 1.
The sleeve 1 has a tapered design such that the elastic elbow opening 4 is larger than the elastic wrist opening 3.
FIG. 2 depicts the preferred embodiment of the fabric utilized with the sleeve. A breathable fabric such as the cotton fabric 20 depicted in FIG. 2 will ideally be used. Almost any fabric could be utilized, including, but not limited to, vinyl, leather, and velvet.
In certain alternate embodiments of the invention, a ventilation pocket or slit can be present on the sleeve to permit better flow of air within the sleeve. The ventilation pocket could include a zipper and guide or button and loop arrangement to allow it to open or close when appropriate. In addition, a mesh style fabric similar to the type used in athletic jerseys may be used as an alternative to the cotton fabric design.
A user puts the Driving Sleeve (Tanless Driver) on his arm by placing a hand first through the elastic elbow opening and then through the elastic wrist opening, allowing the sleeve to cover the arm from the wrist to approximately the elbow of the user. The attaching mechanism can then be fastened to the seat belt if a user desires to further secure the sleeve in place. When the user is finished with the product, he can either place it in the glove compartment or center console region of the vehicle. Alternatively, a user could store the product under a car seat or leave it attached to a seat belt in the vehicle.
The components of Driving Sleeve (Tanless Driver) may vary widely but will likely include plastic, textiles, elastic, velcro and other components.
The plastic used in the production will ideally be selected for durability and longevity. Thermoplastics are commonly used in the manufacturing of components similar to those used in this invention. Polyethylene, polypropylene, and other similar thermoplastic materials would be among those with the necessary traits. Members of this family are recognized universally as being versatile and of high quality.
The plastic components of Driving Sleeve (Tanless Driver) can also be formed with the use of plastic molding techniques, such as injection molding or blow molding. Injection molding requires melted plastic to be forcefully injected into relatively cool molds. As the plastic begins to harden, it takes on the shape of the mold cavity. This technique is ideal for the mass production of products. Alternatively, blow molding, a form of extrusion, could be utilized. Blow molding involves a molten tube being pushed into a mold. Compressed air then forces the molten tube against the cold walls of the mold.
It should be obvious that the sleeve of the present invention can be of various shapes and sizes. The preferred embodiment of the sleeve is approximately twenty-eight inches in length and having a diameter of approximately six inches at the elbow opening and approximately three inches at the wrist opening. In alternative embodiments of the invention, the diameter of the sleeve can be adjusted via straps at the elbow opening to accommodate different sized arms.
It should also be obvious that the components of the invention can be made of different types of plastics or other suitable materials and can be of any color. The velcro hook and loop attaching mechanism utilized in the preferred embodiment could be replaced with alternative attaching mechanisms. For example, a hook and loop or a strap with a button and hole could be utilized.
The present invention will also come in both a right arm and left arm designs for use on both sides of the car. While this invention will most frequently be worn by a passenger or operator of a motor vehicle, it could be used for protection anytime a user is subject to sunlight.
It will be recognized by those skilled in the art that changes or modifications may be made to the above-described embodiments without departing from the broad inventive concepts of the invention. It should therefore be understood that this invention is not limited to the particular embodiments described herein, but is intended to include all changes and modifications that are within the scope and spirit of the invention as set forth in the claims.

Claims

1. An arm cover comprising:

(a) a sleeve made of a fabric; and

(b) a wrist opening on one end of the sleeve and an elbow opening on the other end of the sleeve.

2. The arm cover of claim 1 wherein the fabric is leather.

3. The arm cover of claim 1 wherein the fabric is cotton.

4. The arm cover of claim 1 wherein the fabric is vinyl.

5. The arm cover of claim 1 wherein the fabric is velvet.

6. The arm cover of claim 1 wherein the fabric is mesh.

7. The arm cover of claim 1 further comprising

a seam extending approximately from the wrist opening of the sleeve to the elbow opening of the sleeve.

8. The arm cover of claim 1 wherein the wrist opening is elastic.

9. The arm cover of claim 1 wherein the elbow opening is elastic.

10. The arm cover of claim 1 further comprising

an attaching mechanism on one side of the sleeve.

11. The arm cover of claim 10 wherein the attaching mechanism is a velcro hook on a strap that attaches to the sleeve and a velcro loop patch located on the sleeve.

12. The arm cover of claim 10 wherein the attaching mechanism is a hook attached to the sleeve and a loop located on the sleeve.

13. The arm cover of claim 10 wherein attaching mechanism is a button on a strap attached to the sleeve with a loop located on the sleeve.

14. The arm cover of claim 1 further comprising at least one strap operatively attached to the elbow opening.

15. The arm cover of claim 1 further comprising a ventilation pocket on the sleeve.

16. An arm cover comprising:

(a) a sleeve made of cotton;

(b) an elastic wrist opening on one end of the sleeve and an elastic elbow opening on the other end of the sleeve;

(c) a velcro hook on a strap attached to the sleeve and a velcro loop patch located on the sleeve; and

(d) a seam extending approximately from the elastic wrist opening on one end of the sleeve to the elastic elbow opening on the other end of the sleeve.