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.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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

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.

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

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

The garment can have, but does not require, mesh ventilation elements.

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.

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®), 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.

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.

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.