Sleeve for warming or cooling an arm

Abstract

A sleeve for use by baseball or softball pitchers is provided. The sleeve covers the entirety of the arm and shoulder and is easily slipped on and off. Pitchers can thereby keep their pitching arm warm by wearing the sleeve between innings. Alternatively, pockets or other securing means are provided whereby a wearer can add a heating or cooling pad or bag so that the arm can be warmed or cooled. The sleeve is also useful for purposes other than keeping a pitching arm warm. For example, an arm that is sore from muscle strain or after an operation can be cooled by using cold packs in the sleeve so that swelling is minimized.

1 . A device that slips on an arm to cover the arm and at least a portion of the shoulder, comprising a fabric sleeve, wherein the device does not extend past the shoulder. 
   
   
       2 . The device of  claim 1  further comprising a fastening feature to prevent the device from sliding off the arm. 
   
   
       3 . The device of  claim 2  wherein the fastening feature comprises a strip of hooks, one or more clips, one or more straps, one or more buckles, a drawstring, an elastic strip, a friction strip, an adhesive strip, a weight, or a combination thereof. 
   
   
       4 . The device of  claim 3  wherein the fastening feature is situated above the bicep when the device is worn. 
   
   
       5 . The device of  claim 3  wherein the fastening feature is situated on or near the shoulder. 
   
   
       6 . The device of  claim 1  further comprising a cuff comprising an elastic strip, a drawstring, a snap, a button, a clip, a strap, a strip of fabric, a hook and loop type closure, or a combination thereof. 
   
   
       7 . The device of  claim 1  comprising one or more pockets. 
   
   
       8 . The device of  claim 7  wherein the one or more pockets is configured to hold a cold pack, a hot pack, a music player, a cell phone, a wallet, an identification card, a credit card, cash, a beverage bottle, or a radio. 
   
   
       9 . The device of  claim 1  wherein the sleeve has an interior and an exterior, the interior comprising loops, wherein the loops can be engaged by hooks. 
   
   
       10 . The device of  claim 1  wherein the sleeve comprises a fabric comprising nylon, cotton, polyester, polyolefin, wool, satin, acetate, silk, a polyolefin, or copolymers or blends thereof. 
   
   
       11 . The device of  claim 10  wherein the fabric is a nonwoven fabric. 
   
   
       12 . The device of  claim 1  wherein the sleeve comprises more than one layer of fabric. 
   
   
       13 . The device of  claim 10  wherein the sleeve comprises microfiber fabric, sweatshirt fabric, fleece fabric, polo shirt fabric, terrycloth type fabric, or a combination thereof. 
   
   
       14 . The device of  claim 1  further comprising a treatment on an exterior surface. 
   
   
       15 . The device of  claim 14  wherein the treatment imparts a property comprising waterproofing, water resistance, soil resistance, ultraviolet protection, fabric softness, flame retardancy, resistance to microbial growth, or antiperspirant. 
   
   
       16 . The device of  claim 1  wherein the sleeve further comprises one or more dyes, pigments, decorations, indicia, patterns, or a combination thereof. 
   
   
       17 . The device of  claim 16  wherein the sleeve is decorated to coordinate with a sports uniform. 
   
   
       18 . The device of  claim 16  wherein the printed indicia is a sports team logo. 
   
   
       19 . The device of  claim 1  comprising one or more absorbent articles. 
   
   
       20 . The device of  claim 19  wherein the absorbent article absorbs odors, waterbased liquids, or both. 
   
   
       21 . The device of  claim 1  wherein the device is stored in a pocket or pouch between uses. 
   
   
       22 . The device of  claim 21  wherein the device is rolled into a cylindrical shape. 
   
   
       23 . The device of  claim 1  wherein the device is sized to fit a child, an adult female, or an adult male.