U.S. patent application number 14/827218 was filed with the patent office on 2016-02-18 for sun shield garment.
The applicant listed for this patent is Zachary Norman, Natalie Youn. Invention is credited to Zachary Norman, Natalie Youn.
Application Number | 20160044979 14/827218 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 55301125 |
Filed Date | 2016-02-18 |
United States Patent
Application |
20160044979 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Norman; Zachary ; et
al. |
February 18, 2016 |
SUN SHIELD GARMENT
Abstract
A sun shield garment having a shoulder cover portion and two
sleeve portions, leaving certain areas such as the underarms and
torso uncovered to maximize breathability and comfort while
maximizing sun protection of key areas. A hood, thumbholes and a
zippered stuff sack or pocket can also be provided in the garment
for additional sun protection and utility.
Inventors: |
Norman; Zachary; (Venice,
CA) ; Youn; Natalie; (Venice, CA) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Norman; Zachary
Youn; Natalie |
Venice
Venice |
CA
CA |
US
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
55301125 |
Appl. No.: |
14/827218 |
Filed: |
August 14, 2015 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
62037857 |
Aug 15, 2014 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
2/410 ;
2/455 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A41D 2200/20 20130101;
A41D 27/28 20130101; A41D 2400/26 20130101; A41D 31/14 20190201;
A41D 31/04 20190201; A41D 13/0012 20130101; A41D 15/007
20130101 |
International
Class: |
A41D 31/00 20060101
A41D031/00; A41D 27/28 20060101 A41D027/28; A41D 13/00 20060101
A41D013/00 |
Claims
1. A sun shield garment, comprising: a shoulder cover portion; and
two sleeve portions extending from said shoulder cover portion;
wherein the garment, when worn by a user, does not cover the torso
area of the user.
2. The sun shield garment of claim 1, wherein the garment, when
worn by the user, does not cover the under arm area of the
user.
3. The sun shield garment according to claim 1, wherein the garment
comprises UV protective fabric.
4. The sun shield garment according to claim 1, wherein each sleeve
has a thumbhole.
5. The sun shield garment according to claim 1, wherein the garment
further comprises a hood portion.
6. The sun shield garment according to claim 5, wherein the hood
further comprises a visor.
7. The sun shield garment according to claim 1, wherein the garment
further comprises mesh ventilation elements.
8. The sun shield garment according to claim 1, wherein the garment
comprises a pocket.
9. The sun shield garment according to claim 8, wherein the pocket
includes a zipper.
10. The sun shield garment of claim 8, wherein the garment can be
stuffed into said pocket.
11. A sun shield garment, comprising: a front shoulder cover
portion adapted to extend only to a user's chest area; a rear
shoulder cover portion adapted to extend only to an upper portion
of a user's back; and two sleeve portions extending from said front
and rear shoulder cover portions.
12. The sun shield garment according to claim 11, wherein the
garment comprises UV protective fabric.
13. The sun shield garment according to claim 11, wherein each
sleeve has a thumbhole.
14. The sun shield garment according to claim 11, wherein the
garment further comprises a hood portion.
15. The sun shield garment according to claim 14, wherein the hood
further comprises a visor.
16. The sun shield garment according to claim 11, wherein the
garment further comprises mesh ventilation elements.
17. The sun shield garment according to claim 11, wherein the
garment comprises a pocket.
18. The sun shield garment according to claim 17, wherein the
pocket includes a zipper.
19. The sun shield garment of claim 17, wherein the garment can be
stuffed into said pocket.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional
Application No. 62/037,857 filed Aug. 15, 2014, entitled, "SUN
SHIELD GARMENT," which is hereby incorporated by reference in its
entirety.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The present invention relates generally to sun protection
devices, and more particularly, but not by way of limitation, to
sun protective garments that protect the head, neck, shoulders,
arms, and hands of the user from harmful ultraviolet (UV)
radiation.
[0003] In recent years, it has become known that ultraviolet
radiation causes damage to human skin and contributes to skin
cancer. Prolonged exposure to direct sunlight carries with it an
exposure to UV radiation. Thus, many people have been forced to
either limit their exposure to direct sunlight or use sunscreen if
they wish to minimize their exposure to UV radiation.
[0004] Unfortunately, many persons cannot limit their exposure to
direct sunlight without some element of personal cost. For example,
those who work outside cannot perform their work and avoid direct
sunlight at the same time. Active individuals, who enjoy outdoor
activities, such as hiking, cycling, running, roller-skating,
mountain biking, may find it difficult to avoid direct sunlight.
These persons are faced with essentially four options. First, they
could stay out of the sun altogether, but this might cost them
their livelihood or personal enjoyment. Second, they could wear
garments that cover as much exposed skin as possible, including
long sleeves, turtleneck or other such clothing item to cover the
neck, and a broad hat. However, this causes discomfort to the
wearer because of the layering of fabrics. Third, they could cover
their exposed skin with sunscreen. This option can create
discomfort by leaving the wearer with sticky skin. Sunscreen also
has the problem of being applied unevenly by the user, thereby not
adequately protecting the skin. Furthermore, sunscreen wears off
and does not last, especially during activities causing a user to
sweat, requiring constant reapplication. Sun protective garments
are another option that provides UV protection. However, many of
these garments' poor designs cause the user discomfort, are
difficult to manipulate, or perform poorly.
[0005] One such device is shown by U.S. Patent Application
Publication 2012/0047624, which is hereby incorporated by reference
in its entirety. This patent generally discloses sleeves of various
lengths designed to be worn on the upper arms and forearms.
However, one drawback of this device is that it requires a tight
fit on the upper arm to stay in place, which can cause discomfort
and reduced blood flow. Alternatively, it could slip out of place
if the tight band were to loosen over time.
[0006] Another such device is shown by U.S. Pat. No. 6,029,278,
which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety. This
patent generally discloses a multiplicity of attachments that
utilize hook and loop fasteners to attach various sun shields to a
crown element designed to be worn around the user's head at the
hairline or under a hat. However, two drawbacks of this device are
that the shields could be easily blown about by the wind while the
wearer is outside, and that this device does not cover the user's
forearms.
[0007] Another such device is shown by U.S. Pat. No. 8,689,362,
which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety. This
patent generally discloses a sun-protective neck-sleeve designed to
be pulled over the head. However, some drawbacks of this device are
that its one-size-fits-all option may not provide an adequate fit
for all wearers, it fails to protect the user's head or forearms,
and its wraparound design could trap heat, to name a few.
[0008] With careful use of protective clothing, it is understood
that skin damage can be reduced. Indeed, medical experts frequently
recommend the use of clothing for protection from ultraviolet
radiation. The sun shield garment in accordance with the present
invention addresses this problem, among others, while allowing the
user to remain cool and comfortable by providing fabric in the
areas most readily exposed to radiation from the sun and foregoing
fabric in unnecessary areas. The sun shield garment in accordance
with the present invention allows the user to wear the garment with
a T-shirt, for example, with minimal overlap of fabric, keeping the
user as cool and comfortable as possible, while enjoying protection
from harmful UV rays.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0009] In accordance with the present invention, various
embodiments of a sun protective garment are disclosed. In various
embodiments, not limited to any particular design, the present
disclosure provides for a one-piece sun shield garment that covers
the head, neck, shoulders, arms, and back-of-the-hands of the user,
while leaving the user's torso and under arm area uncovered and
unobstructed.
[0010] The sun shield garment can be made of UV protective and
breathable fabric to maximize venting and airflow to the user.
Overlap of fabric is also minimized to allow the user to enjoy the
comfort and benefits of a single-layer of fabric.
[0011] The above summary is not intended to represent each
embodiment or every aspect of the present invention. Particular
embodiments may include one, some, or none of the listed
advantages.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0012] A more complete understanding of the present invention may
be obtained by reference to the Detailed Description when taken in
conjunction with the accompanying Drawings.
[0013] FIG. 1A is an illustration of an embodiment of a sun shield
garment showing a front view of the present disclosure's sun shield
garment; and
[0014] FIG. 1B is an illustration of an embodiment of a sun shield
garment showing a back view of the present disclosure's sun shield
garment.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0015] Referring now to FIG. 1A, an embodiment of a sun shield
garment showing a front view of the garment is shown. In the
embodiment shown in FIG. 1A, the sun shield garment 101 has a
one-piece construction to be worn by a person to protect the person
from sun exposure. Sun shield garment 101 includes hood portion 104
that generally covers the user's head and neck. Sun shield garment
101 also includes a shoulder portion 102 that covers the user's
shoulders. In the embodiment shown, the shoulder portion 102 is
wide enough to cover the user's shoulders and an upper portion of
the user's chest, but does not extend below this upper portion. Sun
shield garment 101 also includes at least two sleeve portions 103
that extend from shoulder portion 102. Each sleeve portion 103
extends down each of the user's arms, each sleeve portion 103
terminating at an optional thumbhole 106. In the embodiment shown,
the thumbhole 106 serves to secure sun shield garment 101 in place
when the user inserts a thumb through thumbhole 106.
[0016] The sun shield garment 101 also includes an optional open
underarm area 105 located on the underside of the sun shield
garment between the shoulder portion 102 and the sleeve portion
103. In the embodiment shown, the user may wear the sun shield
garment 101 by inserting the user's thumbs into the thumbholes 106,
then inserting the user's head through the hood portion 104, or may
put it on in reverse order.
[0017] Hood portion 104 optionally can have a visor portion (not
shown) to aid in further protecting the user's face. Hood portion
104 may be removed from the head if the user does not require head
protection. The sun shield garment can also be constructed without
hood portion 104. Instead, an optional collar portion can extend
from shoulder portion to protect the user's neck.
[0018] Referring now to FIG. 1B, an embodiment of a sun-protective
garment showing a back view of the garment is shown. In the
embodiment shown in FIG. 1B, the sun shield garment 101 is a
one-piece fabric device, having a upper-side that faces the sun and
an underside that is in contact with the user's person or clothes,
that can be worn by a human user outdoors. The sun shield garment
101 includes a hood portion 104 that covers the user's head and
neck. The sun shield garment 101 also includes a shoulder portion
102 that covers the user's shoulders. In the embodiment shown, the
shoulder portion 102 is wide enough to cover the user's shoulders
and several inches of the user's upper back, but does not extend
below the user's upper back, such as, for example, but not by way
of limitation, as not extending below the area of the user's back
generally located at the midpoint of the user's shoulder blades.
The sun shield garment 101 also includes at least two sleeve
portions 103 that extend from the edge of the shoulder portion 102
down each of the user's arms, each sleeve portion 103 terminating
at an optional thumbhole 106. In the embodiment shown, the
thumbhole 106 serves to anchor the sun shield garment 101 in place
when the user inserts a thumb through the thumbhole 106.
[0019] The sun shield garment 101 also includes an open underarm
area 105 located on the underside of the sun shield garment between
the shoulder portion 102 and the sleeve portion 103. In the
embodiment shown, the user may wear the sun shield garment 101 by
inserting the user's thumbs into the thumbholes 106, then inserting
the user's head through the hood portion 104, or may put it on in
reverse order.
[0020] Sunshield garment 101 can be made from a variety of
materials, including, but not limited to, cotton, wool,
satin-finished silk, polyester, or any tightly-woven fabric, having
a high Ultraviolet Protection Factor (UPF) rating. A rating of UPF
25, for example, indicates that only 4% of the UV rays pass through
the garment, giving it a 96% protective value.
[0021] Sun shield garment can be a variety of sizes and lengths to
accommodate various-sized users and different genders. For example,
a length of a sun shield garment may be longer for women, who may
wear lower cut shirts than men.
[0022] Sun shield garment may also come in a variety of colors.
There is evidence to suggest that darker colored fabrics offer more
protection than light colored fabrics. However, light colors tend
to be cooler as they reflect light instead of absorbing UV rays as
darker colored garments do.
[0023] Sun shield garment 101 can also further comprise at least
one pocket 107 provided in either the sleeve, shoulder portion, or
hood area of the garment to hold personal items, such as cell
phone, keys, etc. Moreover, the pocket can be made to fold in on
itself providing a stuff sack for the sun shield garment, making
the garment easy to store in a backpack or purse, for example.
Pocket 107 has a zipper 108 or other fastener to allow for easy
opening and closing of the pocket, and storing of the sun shield
garment 101 therein.
[0024] The garment can have, but does not require, mesh ventilation
elements.
[0025] These mesh ventilation elements can be made of an open-mesh
fabric, for example, that keeps the fit of the garment yet allows
air to circulate freely through the garment. The mesh ventilation
element can be provided under the full length of the arms, for
example, from the under arm area to the wrist to allow for
ventilation. The mesh's placement here works because it is out of
the direct sun, being provided under the length of the arm. Mesh
ventilation elements can also be provided across portions of the
back and chest and down the arms (to short sleeve length, for
example), in portions that would coincide or overlap with the
general area that an underlying tee shirt would already cover. The
mesh can be the same or different color as the non-mesh fabric and
can have holes of various sizes.
[0026] Sun shield garment 102 can also be constructed to be fitted
to the body of the user. For example, if a user is engaging in a
sport in which aerodynamics is a factor (e.g., running, cycling,
etc.) a more fitted sun shield garment 102 may be desired. In such
a fitted construction, various fasteners such as zippers, hook and
fastener type means (e.g., Velcro.RTM.), buttons may be provided
vertically along the front portion of the sun shield garment 102 to
allow for easy wear and removal of the garment.
[0027] Although various embodiments of the sun-protective garment
have been illustrated in the accompanying Drawings and described in
the foregoing Detailed Description of the Drawings, it will be
understood that the invention is not limited to the embodiments
disclosed, but is capable of numerous rearrangements,
modifications, and substitutions without departing from the spirit
and scope of the invention.
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