SUN PROTECTIVE CLOTHING SYSTEM

Abstract

A protective clothing system is disclosed and includes in one embodiment a short sleeve garment and right and left long-sleeves having a tubular shape so that the wearer can slide an arm into a respective one of each of the long-sleeves so that one end of the long-sleeve reaches the upper arm at a position above the hem of the short-sleeve, and the other end of the long-sleeve reaches to the wrist of the wearer, each of the long-sleeves hemmed at least on the other end. In another example embodiment the short-sleeve garment and long sleeves each constructed substantially of a sun-protective fabric having an Ultraviolet Protection Factor (UPF) of substantially 15 or greater, wherein the fabric used for the short-sleeve garment and long-sleeves matches or is compatible in color and pattern, and wherein the fabric used for the long-sleeves is a stretch fabric and the long-sleeves are sized to form-fit on at least a portion of the wearer's arm so that the long-sleeves stay in place on the wearer's upper arm when the user is engaging in physical activity involving the movement of the wearer's arm. Further, in another example embodiment, the sun-protective fabric further includes at least one UV blocking component selected from the group of: a chemical that diffuses, absorbs or blocks UV radiation or a particle that diffuses, absorbs or blocks UV radiation.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present technology relates generally to sun protective clothing and more particularly to sun protective garments that protect the upper body and arms from harmful UV radiation.

BACKGROUND

Skin cancer is the most prevalent form of all cancers in the U.S. and the number of cases continues to rise. It is the uncontrolled growth of abnormal skin cells that results in tumors that are either benign (noncancerous) or malignant (cancerous). There are three main types of skin cancer: basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma and melanoma. Basal cell and squamous cell cancers are less serious types and make up 95% of all skin cancers. Also referred to as non-melanoma skin cancers, they are highly curable when treated early. Melanoma, made up of abnormal skin pigment cells called melanocytes, is the most serious form of skin cancer and causes 75% of all skin cancer deaths. Left untreated, it can spread to other organs and is difficult to control. Cumulative sun exposure causes mainly basal cell and squamous cell skin cancer, while episodes of severe sunburns, usually before age 18, can cause melanoma later in life. Other less common causes are repeated X-ray exposure and occupational exposure to certain chemicals.

Ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun is the number one cause of skin cancer. Accordingly, the importance of avoiding excessive exposure to the sun is well understood. Protection from exposure is typically obtained by applying sunscreen with a sun protection factor (SPF) of 15 or greater, using cosmetic products and contact lenses that offer UV protection, wearing sunglasses with total UV protection, avoiding direct sun exposure as much as possible during peak UV radiation hours between 10:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m., and increasingly by wearing sun-protective clothing. While sunscreen is an effective protection to UV radiation, the protection it affords is limited in time due to the sunscreen being rubbed, washed off or evaporated from the skin. Accordingly, sun-protective clothing is a more reliable, long lasting and durable protection.

Sun protective clothing was originally popularized in Australia as an option or adjunct to sunscreen lotions and sunblock creams. Sun protective clothing and UV protective fabrics in Australia now follow a lab-testing procedure regulated by a federal agency: ARPANSA. This standard was established in 1996 after work by Australian swimwear companies. The British standard was established in 1998. The NRPB (National Radiological Protection Board) forms the basis of the British Standards Institute standard. Using the Australian method as a model, the USA standard was formally established in 2001, and now employs a similar testing protocol. UPF testing is now very widely used on clothing used for outdoor activities. Unlike SPF (Sun Protection Factor) that measures only UVB, UPF measures both UVA and UVB. This UPF standard was developed in 1998 by Committee RA106 of American Association of Textile Chemists and Colorists (AATCC). The testing standard for sun protective fabrics in the United States, also adopted by the AATCC, is the Test Method 183. This method is based on the original guidelines established in Australia in 1994. AATCC 183 method defines the UPF rating for a fabric/textile as the ratio of UV measured without the protection of the fabric (compared to) with protection of the fabric. For example, a fabric rated UPF 30 means that if 30 units of UV fall on the fabric only 1 unit will pass through. A UPF 30 fabric that diffuses, absorbs or blocks or absorbs 29 out of 30 units of UV is therefore blocking 96.7% UV. UPF tests are normally conducted in a laboratory with a spectrophotometer or a spectroradiometer.

AATCC 183 is sometimes used in conjunction with other related standards including American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) D 6544 and ASTM D 6603. ASTM D 6544 specifies simulating the life cycle of a fabric so that a UPF test can be done at the end of a fabric's life cycle—which is when most fabrics provide the most reduced level of UV protection. This method includes fabric, longevity, sunlight exposure and washability. ASTM D 6603 is a consumer format recommended for visible hangtag and care labeling of sun protective clothing and textiles. A manufacturer may publish a test result to a maximum of UPF 50+.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIGS. 1, 2 3A and 3B illustrate an example embodiment of a sun-protective clothing system 100.

FIG. 4 illustrates an example embodiment of a clothing system 100 assembled for distribution and/or delivery to a wearer of the system 100.

FIGS. 5 through 10 illustrate alternate example embodiments of system 100.

DESCRIPTION

Described herein is a sun-protective garment system that is adapted for warm weather uses and that protects both a torso of user and in particular also the forearms, without the limitations of requiring a long-sleeve shirt. In addition, the sun-protective garment system is adapted to be used in sports requiring vigorous use of the arms such as tennis, golf, baseball, soccer, cricket and other outdoor sports involving running or throwing. This system offers those engaging in outdoor activities a superior alternative to use of sunscreen on the forearms and to wearing a long-sleeve shirt, which many resist due to the restraint of movement, over-heating discomfort and perhaps even more so due to fashion objections. As a result, the inventive system described herein offers both individuals and the health care system a greater opportunity to protect the forearms from sun damage and from the accompanying higher risk of cancer and other skin ailments resulting from excess UV exposure.

According to one example embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 1, 2, 3A and 3B, there is provided a sun-protective clothing system 100 including a short sleeve garment 110 having a first torso portion 112 to cover a wearer's torso 114 and right and left short-sleeves 120 and 122 to cover the wearer's upper arms 124 and 126. The short-sleeves 120 and 122 extend down from the shoulder 132 of the user to cover a substantial portion of the wearer's upper arm 134 and terminate in a hem 136. In one embodiment, the short sleeve 120/122 covers all or a portion of the wearer's bicep 135. Garment 110 further includes a collar 116.

Right and left long-sleeves 140 and 142 each have a tubular shape so that the wearer can slide an arm into a first end 144 of the long-sleeve 140 or 142 and so that one end of the long-sleeve reaches the upper arm 124/126 at a position above the hem 136 of the short sleeve garment 110, and the other end 146 of the long-sleeve 124/126 reaches to the wrist 148 of the wearer, wherein each of the long-sleeves have a hem 150 at least on the wrist end 146, but preferably on both ends. In one embodiment, sleeves 140/142 are sized to reach above the bicep of a wearer on end 144.

The sizes of short sleeve garment 110 and sleeves 140/142 are coordinated so that the sleeves 140/142 are of a length and diameter that will at least cover the wearer's expected arm size given any particular size of garment 110. For example, in one example embodiment, each of extra-large, large, medium and small (or other sizes) will have a sleeve that is correspondingly extra-large, large, medium and small (or other sizes) to accommodate the typical arm size of a person wearing each respective size of garment 110. In another embodiment, a single sleeve size may accommodate more than one arm size such as the extra-large and large, with another for medium and small, or alternatively there may be a one-size fits all. In any event, the sleeves are sized so that they will not stretch so much that they lose their rated UV protection due.

According to still another example embodiment, as illustrated in the plan view of FIG. 3B, long-sleeves 140/142 are tapered from end 144 to end 146 to accommodate the larger size of the upper arm compared to the lower arm, and includes a seam 137 wherein the fabric forming the sleeves is sewn together to form the tubular shape. As indicated elsewhere herein, the tapering and sizing of the sleeves 140/142 may be adjusted or modified to provide more “room” in the sleeve in elbow if desired to minimize binding when the wearer is engaging in sports activities, or to cause some portions of the sleeve to fit less snugly than other portions, for example the forearm portion may be sized for a relatively looser fit than the upper arm portion. As may be readily appreciated, because the short-sleeve garment and long-sleeves are not connected, the wearer's arms are not restricted by potential binding between the garment engaging the forearm and the garment engaging the upper arm, shoulder or torso.

According to one example embodiment, the short-sleeve garment 110 and long sleeves 140/142 are each constructed substantially of a sun-protective fabric having an Ultraviolet Protection Factor (UPF) of at least 50, wherein the fabric used for the short-sleeve garment and long-sleeves matches or is compatible in color and pattern, or is otherwise visually pleasing or compatible, for example with contrasting or fashion-compatible colors or patterns. In addition, the fabric used for the long-sleeves is in one example embodiment a stretch fabric or a fabric constructed with a stretchable weave. In one example embodiment, the long-sleeves 140/142 are sized to form-fit on the entire arm, including the forearm 125/127, elbow 128/129 and upper arm 124/126. In another alternate embodiment, only the end 144 that is positioned over the upper arm is constructed of stretch fabric to grip at least the upper arm 124/126 so that the long-sleeves stay in place on the wearer's upper arm when the user is engaging in physical activity involving the movement of the wearer's arm. In the case where stretch fabric is used for the entire or substantially all of the long-sleeves, the elasticity of the fabric is selected so that it is snug but not uncomfortably tight or substantially restrictive of arm movement, particularly at the elbow and wrist.

According to one example embodiment, the sun-protective fabric(s) used for the short-sleeve garment or long-sleeves is one of the following fabrics (or combinations thereof) having a minimum UPF of 15, and in one example embodiment at least a UPF of 50:

1) microfiber fabrics—for example tightly woven;

2) microfiber fabrics containing enhanced titanium dioxide (an UV diffuser);

3) microfiber fabrics optionally combined with a mesh fabric such as CoolMax®, (in one embodiment a four-channel polyester fiber construction where the fibers are structured to provide consistent air permeability and do not require chemical treatments to maintain this function), for ventilation and moisture management;

4) a plaited fabric in which the weave and cover factor of the cotton exterior provides protection, optionally combined with CoolMax® fabric (interior wicks away moisture, keeping the skin dry);

5) a knitted polyester/Lycra blend fabric that has a high cover factor, moisture management, and some stretch;

6) tightly knitted synthetics that provide UV protection, stretch well, and are chlorine and salt water resistant;

7) a natural cotton canvas with a tight weave that creates a good cover factor;

8) optionally fabrics are treated with the UV-absorbent compound TINOSORB™FD (a constitution of two UV-B-absorbing moieties bound to a UV-A absorbing structure), developed by Ciba Specialty Chemicals Corporation, applied to the fabric as an invisible dye that permeates the cloth's fibers so it does not block clothing porosity or change the fabric's texture;

9) fabrics incorporating nanocrystalline zinc oxide particles in a polymer matrix;

10) fabrics having added chemicals or particles such as UV absorbers or UV diffusers; and

11) any other fabrics with a weave that diffuses, absorbs or blocks sun.

According to another example embodiment; the sun-protective fabric(s) 162 used for the long-sleeve garment is constructed of one or more of the above fabrics constructed to allow the fabric to stretch and form-fit on the wearer's arm. Further, according to one example embodiment, a combination of the above-listed fabrics 160 or 162 may be used to construct garment 110 or sleeves 140/142. According to still another example embodiment, the fabrics for the garment and/or sleeves are selected both to provide the desired UV-blocking level and also for their properties to provide ventilation, breathability, cooling, and/or moisture wicking.

According to another example embodiment, the fabrics for the garment or sleeves may be formed from fabrics with no additional UV-blocking enhancement if the fabrics achieve the desired UV-blocking based on their inherent fiber structure, density of weave, and dye components—especially darker colors and indigo dyes. Examples of these fabrics contain full percentages and/or blends of heavy weight natural fibers like cotton, linen and hemp or light-weight synthetics such as polyester, nylon, Lycra and polypropylene, Natural or synthetic indigo dyed denim, twill weaves and canvas are other examples.

According to one example embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2, short-sleeve garment 110 is a tennis shirt, also called a polo shirt or a golf shirt. More particularly, garment 110 is a T-shaped shirt with a collar and two or three buttons down a slit below the collar. Alternatively, the slit may be outfitted with a zipper as opposed to buttons. Garment 110, in another example embodiment, may also include two small slits 111 on the bottom of either side of the garment, and an optional pocket.

As illustrated in FIG. 4, sun protection system 100 is packaged for distribution in a package 300 wherein the garment 110 and sleeves 140/142 are folded and positioned inside the package 300. Package 300 optionally includes a printed label 310 either affixed on the outside of the package and/or the printed label 310 is inserted in the package, or both. Alternatively, labels are provided sewn into or attached to the short sleeve garment 110 or sleeves 140/142. Label 310 (or the labels in the garment or sleeves) includes, in one example embodiment, a human-understandable depiction of the system 100 informing a prospective user of the system as to how the garment 110 is used in combination with the sleeves 140/142 to obtain sun protection for the torso and arms, and also a size for the system, such as men's or women's sizes in US, European or other size standards, and the UPF rating (or other sun-protective rating) of the garment system and/or fabric used in the garment system. Further, in one example embodiment, the package 310 is transparent at least enough in whole or in part to allow a prospective user of the system to see the design of the garment 110, and optionally the sleeves 140/142. In another example embodiment, system 100 is fastened together with pins, clips or other fasteners, or hung on a hanger, with the short sleeved garment 110 and sleeves 140/142 tethered, fastened or otherwise kept together as a system for distribution to a wearer. Optionally, system 100 is fastened together with fasteners 320 and includes one or more labels 310 but is not placed in a package 300.

Referring now to FIGS. 5 through 10 there is illustrated alternate embodiments for garment 110. In alternate embodiment 110A shown in FIG. 5, the garment 110A is a T-shirt with no collar. In FIG. 6, the shirt 11013 has a slit for the neck but no collar. In FIG. 7, the garment 110C is a crew-neck, and in FIG. 8, the garment 110D is a turtle neck. Further, other alternate embodiments of the short-sleeve garment 110 are also possible, including a collared button-down garment 110E as show in FIG. 9. In another example embodiment shown in FIG. 10, system 100 includes a swim shirt or one-piece swimsuit 110F with short sleeves.

According to yet another example embodiment, the fabrics described herein for garment 110 and sleeves 140/142 are tested in accordance with AATCC 183. In addition, these fabrics are also lifecycle tested in accordance with a standard at least as rigorous the ASTM D 6544, Further, the garment 110 and sleeves 140/142 may be labeled in accordance with ASTM D 6603.

Further, according to still another example embodiment, the fabrics used for the garment or sleeves may have a UV rating greater or lesser than substantially 50, and in particular may have a rating of substantially 15 or greater, or in another example embodiment at least substantially great enough to meet one or more of any minimum standard established by a Government body or a trade organization for clothing that can claim sun-protective properties according to such standard.

Accordingly, the inventive technology described above provides a sun-protective garment system that is adapted for warm weather uses and that protects both a torso of user and in particular also the forearms, without the limitations of requiring a long-sleeve shirt. In addition, the sun-protective garment system is adapted to be used in sports requiring vigorous use of the arms such as tennis, golf, baseball, soccer, cricket and other outdoor sports involving running or throwing. This system offers those engaging in outdoor activities a superior sun-protective alternative to use of sunscreen on the forearms (that can wear or wash off) and to wearing a long-sleeve shirt, which may result in unwanted restraint of arm movement, over-heating discomfort and perhaps even more so appear odd to wear on a hot, sunny day. As a result, the inventive system described herein offers both individuals and the health care system a greater opportunity to protect the forearms from sun damage and from the accompanying higher risk of cancer and other skin ailments resulting from excess UV exposure.

It is understood that the above description is intended to be illustrative, and not restrictive. Many other embodiments will be apparent to those of skill in the art upon reviewing the above description. The scope of the inventive subject matter should, therefore, be determined with reference to the appended claims, along with the full scope of equivalents to which such claims are entitled.

Claims

1. A protective clothing system comprising:

a short sleeve garment having a first torso portion to cover a wearer's torso and right and left short-sleeves to cover the wearer's upper arms, the short-sleeves extending down from the shoulder of the user to cover a substantial portion of the wearer's upper arm and terminating in a hem, the short sleeve garment having a polyester fiber construction where the fibers are structured to provide air permeability for ventilation and moisture management;

right and left long-sleeves having a tubular shape so that the wearer can slide an arm into a respective one of each of the long-sleeves so that one end of the long-sleeve reaches the upper arm at a position above the hem of the short-sleeve, and the other end of the long-sleeve reaches to the wrist of the wearer, each of the long-sleeves hemmed at least on the other end, the long-sleeves tailored so that a portion is sized to cover the wearer's upper arm and is relatively greater in diameter than a portion is sized to cover the wearer's forearm;

the short-sleeve garment and long sleeves each constructed substantially of a sun-protective fabric having an Ultraviolet Protection Factor (UPF) of substantially 15 or greater, wherein the fabric used for the short-sleeve garment and long-sleeves is substantially the same fabric and matches or is compatible in color and pattern, and wherein the fabric used for the long-sleeves is a stretch fabric and the long-sleeves are sized to form-fit on at least a portion of the wearer's arm so that the long-sleeves stay in place on the wearer's upper arm when the user is engaging in physical activity involving the movement of the wearer's arm;

the short sleeve garment and long-sleeves having a coordinated size so that the long-sleeves are sized to substantially fit an expected arm size for a wearer of the corresponding short-sleeve garment size;

the sun-protective fabric further including at least one UV-blocking component selected from the group of: (i) a chemical that diffuses, absorbs or blocks UV radiation or (ii) a particle that diffuses, absorbs or blocks UV radiation; and

the UPF rating for the sun-protective fabric being determined for the fabric according to a test that determines compliance with a sun-protective rating system established by a standards body.

2. A protective clothing system according to claim 1 wherein the fabric is a micro-fiber fabric.

3. A protective clothing system according to claim 1 wherein the short sleeve garment is selected from the group of a T-shirt, a tennis shirt, a swim shirt, a button down shirt, a crew neck shirt or a turtle-neck shirt.

4. A protective clothing system comprising:

a short sleeve garment having a first torso portion to cover a wearer's torso and right and left short-sleeves to cover the wearer's upper arms, the short-sleeves extending down from the shoulder of the user to cover a substantial portion of the wearer's upper arm and terminating in a hem;

right and left long-sleeves having a tubular shape so that the wearer can slide an arm into a respective one of each of the long-sleeves so that one end of the long-sleeve reaches the upper arm at a position above the hem of the short-sleeve, and the other end of the long-sleeve reaches to the wrist of the wearer, each of the long-sleeves hemmed at least on the other end;

the short-sleeve garment and long sleeves each constructed substantially of a sun-protective fabric having an Ultraviolet Protection Factor (UPF) of substantially 15 or greater, wherein the fabric used for the short-sleeve garment and long-sleeves matches or is compatible in color and pattern, and wherein the fabric used for the long-sleeves is a stretch fabric and the long-sleeves are sized to form-fit on at least a portion of the wearer's arm so that the long-sleeves stay in place on the wearer's upper arm when the user is engaging in physical activity involving the movement of the wearer's arm;

the sun-protective fabric further including at least one UV-blocking component selected from the group of: (i) a chemical that diffuses, absorbs or blocks UV radiation or (ii) a particle that diffuses, absorbs or blocks UV radiation;

the short sleeve garment and long-sleeves having a coordinated size so that the long-sleeves are sized to substantially fit an expected arm size for a wearer of the corresponding short-sleeve garment size;

one or more fasteners and/or a package to hold the short sleeve garment and the long-sleeves together for distribution to wearers;

one or more labels on the short-sleeve garment and/or the package to indicate the size of the garment system to enable a prospective wearer of the system to select the correct sized system for their use; and

the UPF rating for the sun-protective fabric being determined for the fabric according to a test that determines compliance with a sun-protective rating system established by a standards body, and further wherein the one or more labels includes indicia specifying the UPF rating for the fabric or garment.

5. A protective clothing system according to claim 4 wherein the fabric includes titanium dioxide.

6. A protective clothing system according to claim 4 wherein the short sleeve garment is selected from the group of a T-shirt, a tennis shirt, a swim shirt, a button down shirt, a crew neck shirt or a turtle-neck shirt.

7. A protective clothing system comprising:

a short sleeve garment having a first torso portion to cover a wearer's torso and right and left short-sleeves to cover the wearer's upper arms, the short-sleeves extending down from the shoulder of the user to cover a substantial portion of the wearer's upper arm and terminating in a hem;

right and left long-sleeves having a tubular shape so that the wearer can slide an arm into a respective one of each of the long-sleeves so that one end of the long-sleeve reaches the upper arm at a position above the hem of the short-sleeve, and the other end of the long-sleeve reaches to the wrist of the wearer, each of the long-sleeves hemmed at least on the other end;

the short-sleeve garment and long sleeves each constructed substantially of a sun-protective fabric having an Ultraviolet Protection Factor (UPF) of substantially 15 or greater, wherein the fabric used for the short-sleeve garment and long-sleeves matches or is compatible in color and pattern, and wherein the fabric used for the long-sleeves is a stretch fabric and the long-sleeves are sized to form-fit on at least a portion of the wearer's arm so that the long-sleeves stay in place on the wearer's upper arm when the user is engaging in physical activity involving the movement of the wearer's arm;

the sun-protective fabric further including at least one UV-blocking component selected from the group of: (i) a chemical that diffuses, absorbs or blocks UV radiation or (ii) a particle that diffuses, absorbs or blocks UV radiation;

the short sleeve garment and long-sleeves having a coordinated size so that the long-sleeves are sized to substantially fit an expected arm size for a wearer of the corresponding short-sleeve garment size; and

one or more fasteners and/or a package to hold the short sleeve garment and the long-sleeves together for distribution to wearers.

8. A protective clothing system according to claim 7 wherein the fabric is a micro-fiber.

9. A protective clothing system according to claim 7 wherein the short sleeve garment is selected from the group of a T-shirt, a tennis shirt, a swim shirt, a button down shirt, a crew neck shirt or a turtle-neck shirt.