FINGER SLEEVE

Abstract

A tubular sleeve that fits snuggly on a user's finger and is designed to publicize a theme, logo, school, sport, interest, message, or for some other purpose and is worn on a finger of a user in a manner that does not interfere with the use of a hand or finger, is easily stored, and can be used to express an interest, a desire, a preference, or to show support.

Claims

1. A device for displaying a user interest message on a finger of the user consisting of: a) a tubular sleeve having an open top and an open bottom designed of a size to fit snuggly on a single finger of a user by stretching the sleeve and sliding it on the finger of the user, wherein the sleeve can be placed on a finger starting with either the open top or the open bottom; b) wherein the tubular sleeve is made from a single piece of stretchable material and is sealed to form a tube by one of sewing, molding, binding and gluing; c) wherein the tubular sleeve single portion of stretchable material having an open top and an open bottom is made from a single stretchable material selected from the group consisting of neoprene, polychloroprene, stretchable cloth, and elastic; and d) a user interest message placed on the tubular sleeve.

2. The device for displaying a user interest message on a finger of the user according to claim 1, wherein the length is such that it fits between the fingernail and the first knuckle.

3. The device for displaying a user interest message on a finger of the user according to claim 1, wherein there is a plurality of user interest messages.

4. The device for displaying a user interest message on a finger of the user according to claim 1, wherein the device is placed on the finger of the user.

5. A method for displaying a user interest message on a finger of the user consisting of: a) selecting a tubular sleeve consisting of: i. a tubular sleeve having an open top and an open bottom designed of a size to fit snuggly on a single finger of a user by stretching the sleeve and sliding it on the finger of the user, wherein the sleeve can be placed on a finger starting with either the open top or the open bottom; ii. wherein the tubular sleeve is made from a single piece of stretchable material and is sealed to form a tube by one of sewing, molding, binding and gluing; iii. wherein the tubular sleeve single portion of stretchable material having an open top and an open bottom is made from a single stretchable material selected from the group consisting of neoprene, polychloroprene, stretchable cloth, and elastic; and iv. a user interest message placed on the tubular sleeve. b) placing the tubular sleeve on a single finger of the user.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0019] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the device of the present invention.

[0020] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the device of the present invention on a finger of a user.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0021] While this invention is susceptible to embodiment in many different forms, there is shown in the drawings, and will herein be described in detail, specific embodiments with the understanding that the present disclosure of such embodiments is to be considered as an example of the principles and not intended to limit the invention to the specific embodiments shown and described. In the description below, like reference numerals are used to describe the same, similar, or corresponding parts in the several views of the drawings. This detailed description defines the meaning of the terms used herein and specifically describes embodiments in order for those skilled in the art to practice the invention.

DEFINITIONS

[0022] The terms about and essentially mean 10 percent.

[0023] The terms a or an, as used herein, are defined as one or as more than one. The term plurality, as used herein, is defined as two or as more than two. The term another, as used herein, is defined as at least a second or more. The terms including and/or having, as used herein, are defined as comprising (i.e., open language). The term coupled, as used herein, is defined as connected, although not necessarily directly, and not necessarily mechanically.

[0024] The term comprising is not intended to limit inventions to only claiming the present invention with such comprising language. Any invention using the term comprising could be separated into one or more claims using consisting or consisting of claim language and is so intended.

[0025] Reference throughout this document to one embodiment, certain embodiments, an embodiment, or similar terms means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the present invention. Thus, the appearances of such phrases in various places throughout this specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment. Furthermore, the particular features, structures, or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments without limitation.

[0026] The term or, as used herein, is to be interpreted as an inclusive or meaning any one or any combination. Therefore, A, B, or C means any of the following: A; B; C; A and B; A and C; B and C; A, B, and C. An exception to this definition will occur only when a combination of elements, functions, steps, or acts are in some way inherently mutually exclusive.

[0027] The drawings featured in the figures are for the purpose of illustrating certain convenient embodiments of the present invention and are not to be considered as limitation thereto. The term means preceding a present participle of an operation indicates a desired function for which there is one or more embodiments, i.e., one or more methods, devices, or apparatuses for achieving the desired function and that one skilled in the art could select from these or their equivalent in view of the disclosure herein, and use of the term means is not intended to be limiting.

[0028] As used herein, the term displaying refers to positioning the device on a single finger of a user in a manner that the user interest message placed thereon can easily be seen. For example, positioning it with the user interest message on the upper part of the finger sleeve as shown in the Figures, as opposed to positioning the user interest message on the underside of the finger sleeve where it can't be seen. Of course, where a user has an open hand, the palm side may be preferred. In one embodiment, there are 2 or more messages placed on the sleeve. In other words, placement depends on the user and how the user moves his or her hand.

[0029] As used herein, the term user interest message refers to a message (word, phrase, logo, and the like) that represents the user/wearer's interest or support in a particular subject. An individual observing the device would be aware of a user's likes, dislikes, interests, or preferences. As used herein, the user's interest message does not include advertisements to sell a product or service for a business or entity or transactional information. Embodiments include a particular theme, logo, school, charity, sport, person, message, reminder, and the like which expresses a preference, interest, or support of the message.

[0030] As used herein, the term single finger of a user refers to the design of the device being such that it will only fit on one finger at a time. It is not designed to be used on toes and is not medicated. The device, in general, has a height from about 0.5 to about 3.5 inches and of a length to be placed between the fingernail and the first knuckle of the finger. The functionality of this design is so the device does not interfere with use of the hand, unlike devices that attach to two or more fingers or that cover the tip of the finger. It fits on a select user's finger (e.g., the pinky finger) and is sized to fit snuggly on a single finger. The sleeve can be placed on a finger starting with either the top or bottom opening, to be placed between the fingernail and first knuckle and be wide enough to display the desired message.

[0031] As used herein, the term snuggly refers to the sleeve fitting in a close-fitting manner or a manner so as to not fall off a finger. The sleeve can be elastomeric, or the like. The sleeve can be placed on a single finger starting with either the open top or the open bottom.

[0032] As used herein, the term selecting a user interest message finger sleeve refers to the user choosing a device with the user interest message placed thereon (normally on the outside). However, if the sleeve can be turned inside out, a message could be placed on both the inside and/or outside of the finger sleeve.

[0033] As used herein, the term placing the finger sleeve refers to the method of taking the finger sleeve and sliding it on the selected finger. The sleeve will either expand upon putting the sleeve on or it can be expanded in a manner that allows the user to slip the sleeve onto a finger. In one embodiment, the finger is the pinky finger.

[0034] As used herein, the term tubular sleeve refers to a tubular shaped item made from a single piece of stretchable material that can have a message, image, or the like placed upon and fit snuggly on the finger (and not toes). It is made from a single piece of stretchable material. In one embodiment, it is an elastomer, such as neoprene, polychloroprene, elastic, or it can be made of stretchable cloth. In general, the material will be a cloth type material which is sewn, bound, molded, glued, or the like, together to form a tube. The sleeve could also be molded where needed. In one embodiment, the sleeve is sized to fit about between the first and third knuckle of the finger (just underneath the fingernail). In one embodiment, it is approximately from about 0.5 to about 3.5 inches in height.

[0035] As used herein, the term placed on the sleeve refers to using normal printing or sewing techniques to put the desired user interest message on the surface of the sleeve. Such printing methods are well within the skill in the art, in view of this disclosure. As an example, a red sleeve can be created and the message Go NC State placed thereon or sewn/created/printed on the fabric.

DRAWINGS

[0036] Now referring to the drawings, FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the device of the present invention. In this view, user interest message finger sleeve 1 and a message 2 is placed thereon. It can expand 3 due to the material's ability to stretch and be sized to fit without being too tight or too loose on the finger. It has a height 4. It has seam 5 to form a tube by one of sewing, molding, binding and gluing. While the message 2 is printed directly on the tubular sleeve 1, an attached message is also contemplated e.g. sewn on or glued on.

[0037] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the device 1 on the finger of a user's hand 20. As shown, it is on the pinky finger, but any single finger could be selected as long as the stretch, size, and length are such that it fits snuggly on the selected finger, or as desired. It is a length that essentially fits between the first knuckle 21 and the fingernail 22.

[0038] Those skilled in the art to which the present invention pertains may make modifications resulting in other embodiments employing principles of the present invention without departing from its spirit or characteristics, particularly upon considering the foregoing teachings. Accordingly, the described embodiments are to be considered in all respects only as illustrative, and not restrictive, and the scope of the present invention is, therefore, indicated by the appended claims rather than by the foregoing description or drawings. Consequently, while the present invention has been described with reference to particular embodiments, modifications of structure, sequence, materials, and the like apparent to those skilled in the art still fall within the scope of the invention as claimed by the applicant.