SHIRT WITH UV PROTECTION COLLAR AND COLLAR STAY

Abstract

The present invention is a shirt having an ultraviolet (“UV”) protection collar. The UV protection collar of the shirt covers the majority of the back of the neck to protect it from harmful UV radiation and cool the back of the neck. The UV protection collar includes a collar is attached to a collar band, which is attached to the shirt. The collar is tallest at the center to cover the majority of the back of the neck and tapers towards the edges. The shirt and the UV protection collar is constructed of fabric having at least UPF 50+ rating, four-way stretch capabilities, and moisture wicking properties. The UV protection collar is made up of multiple layers of the fabric to enhance its UV protection and cooling properties.

Description

RELATED APPLICATION

This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/674,893 filed on Aug. 11, 2017 entitled “Shirt with UV Protection Collar,” and currently co-pending, which claims the benefit of priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/374,608 entitled “Shirt with UV Protection Collar,” filed Aug. 12, 2016. This application also claims the benefit of priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/928,145 entitled “Shirt with UV Protection Collar and Collar Stay” filed on Oct. 30, 2019.

FIELD OF INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to sports apparel. The present invention relates particularly, though not exclusively, to ultraviolet radiation blocking sports apparel. The present invention relates more particularly, though not exclusively, with ultraviolet radiation blocking shirts.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Being outside has always been an essential part of life. People go outside to travel, people go outside as part of their jobs, and people go outside for leisure. Being outside allows people to enjoy the warmth of the sun and its health benefits. Vitamin D is activated in a person's body when their skin is exposed to sunlight. Recent medical studies suggest that just a half hour or more of exposure to sunlight will cause an enormous amount of the vitamin to circulate in your bloodstream, which is crucial for bone and immune system health. However, too much sunlight can be deadly.

As people spend more and more time outside, they are being exposed to sunlight for prolonged periods of time. Sunlight is a portion of the electromagnetic radiation given off by the Sun, in particular infrared, visible, and ultraviolet radiation. Prolonged exposure to ultraviolet radiation from the sun causes certain effects to the skin, the most common being a skin tan. Skin tans occurs when an increase in the dark pigment inside skin cells called melanocytes occurs, and is an automatic response mechanism of the body to sufficient exposure to ultraviolet radiation from the sun or from artificial sunlamps. Short-term overexposure of the skin to ultraviolet radiation causes a skin burn. However, long-term overexposure of the skin to ultraviolet radiation may have even more severe effects and is known to be associated with the development of skin cancer, skin aging, immune suppression, and eye diseases such as cataracts and macular degeneration.

Too much sun, either from cumulative daily exposure, or intermittent, intense exposure put people at extreme risk of permanently damaging their skin, causing skin cancer, even life-threatening versions. The damage caused by lying in the sun is cumulative, that's why cancers tend to occur later in life, and why overexposure to ultraviolet radiation beginning early in our lives can have such a dramatic impact on our chances of developing skin cancer. Melanoma is the sixth most common fatal skin malignancy in the United States, responsible for 4% of all cancer deaths and 6 of every 7 skin cancer-related deaths. One in five Americans will develop some form of skin cancer in their lifetimes, which means that each year there are at least one million new cases in the U.S. alone. Non-melanoma skin cancers, basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma are also on the rise, with two million new cases every year.

Even though there are harmful effects to prolonged exposure to sunlight, people are spending more and more time outdoors. Popular among people is tanning, where people purposefully expose themselves to prolonged periods of sunlight to achieve the darkening of their skin. People also spend time doing outdoor activities and as a result they are exposed to prolonged periods of sunlight. Outdoor sports such as baseball, soccer, football, and golf are played outdoors and require them to be in direct sunlight for prolonged periods of time; anywhere from an hour to six hours. Dependent on the sport being played, the uniform may help block some of the skins exposure from the sun. However, it is often that the uniforms do a poor job of protecting the skin. Particularly, uniforms do not adequately block ultraviolet radiation from reaching the skin. Additionally, uniforms are not made to protect the back of the neck. Shirts are made with neck openings that stop at the neckline leaving the entirety of the neck exposed. Shirts with collars do not provide any meaningful blocking of the sunlight from reaching the entirety of the neck.

In light of the above, it would be advantageous to provide apparel capable of blocking sunlight. It would further be advantageous to provide apparel capable of blocking sunlight from a user's neck without being obtrusive to the wearer. It would further be advantageous to provide a shirt capable of blocking sunlight from a user's neck.

SUMMARY OF INVENTION

The present invention is a shirt having an ultraviolet (“UV”) protection collar. The UV protection collar of the shirt is designed to protect the back of the neck of a user from harmful UV radiation. The UV protection collar includes a top collar, a top collar band, an under collar, and an under collar band. The top collar and the under collar together form the collar and the top collar band and under collar band together form the collar band. The collar is tallest at the center and tapers towards the edges. The collar is attached to the collar band to create the UV protection collar, which is attached to the shirt. The shirt and the UV protection collar is constructed of fabric having at least a UPF 50 rating, four-way stretch capabilities, and moisture wicking properties. The UV protection collar is made up of multiple layers of the fabric to enhance its UV protection properties.

As the UV protection collar is folded, the shape of the top collar allows the collar to make a substantially straight edge where the collar folds down from the collar band. The center of the collar is the tallest and allows the back portion of the collar to span the majority of the back of the neck of the person when folded down. The collar provides complete coverage of the back of the neck to protect the neck from UV radiation. As the collar is folded down, the collar overlaps the collar band. This provides four layers of UV protection: the top collar, the under collar, the top collar band, and the under collar band. Further, the material used for the top collar, the under collar, the top collar band, and the under collar band has at least a UPF 50 rating for sun blocking thereby providing unequalled UV radiation blocking when compared with a single layer of fabric.

The fabric utilized for the UV protection collar also has moisture wicking and four-way stretch capabilities. Since the UV protection collar covers the entirety of the back of the neck, the moisture wicking capabilities of the material will allow the perspiration to be absorbed by the UV protection collar and evaporate. The evaporation of the perspiration by the UV protection collar will cool the neck of the user due to evaporative cooling and also remove any discomfort caused by excess perspiration lingering on the skin. The four-way stretch capability of the fabric used in the UV protection collar provides a collar that is comfortable for the wearer. The UV protection collar is not overly stiff and allows for the uninhibited movement of the neck. Since the UV protection collar may lie on the back of the neck when the shirt with UV protection collar is worn, the stretch material will stretch or rotate with the neck when the person rotates their neck.

By having the collar being its tallest at the center and tapering towards the edges, the unique shape of the collar provides for a taller collar at the back and for edge dimensions similar to those of standard collars. The visuals of the collar from the front are visually similar to that of a shirt with regular sized collar without any defining indications of the taller back portion of the collar.

In an alternative embodiment of the present invention, the UV protection collar is formed with adjacent collar stay pockets on the under collar and the collar band on the left edge and the right edge. Inserted into the adjacent collar stay pockets on the under collar and the collar band is a formable collar stay that extends from the collar stay pocket on the under collar to the collar stay pocket on the collar band on the right edge and the left edge of the UV protection collar. The formable collar stay can bend to create the preferred shape of the folded edges of the UV protection collar.

In another embodiment of the present invention, the UV protection collar is fitted with an outside collar stay. The outside collar stay is attached to the left folded edge and the right folded edge of the UV protection collar and holds the edges of the UV protection collar in the preferred shape and prevents the UV protection collar from flattening, limping, and falling over. By holding the UV protection collar upright, the outside collar stays ensures that the UV protection collar provides its maximum UV protection to the neck.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

The objects, features, and advantages of the invention will be more clearly perceived from the following detailed description, when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawing, in which:

FIG. 1 is a front view of a shirt with ultraviolet protection collar;

FIG. 2 is a back view of the shirt with ultraviolet protection collar;

FIG. 3 is a front view of the top collar of the ultraviolet protection shirt collar;

FIG. 4 is a front view of the top collar band of the ultraviolet protection shirt collar;

FIG. 5 is a front view of the under collar of the ultraviolet protection shirt collar;

FIG. 6 is a front view of the under collar band of the ultraviolet protection shirt collar;

FIG. 7 is a view of the UV protection collar showing the top collar and the top collar band;

FIG. 8 is a view of the UV protection collar showing the under collar and the under collar band;

FIG. 9 is a back view of a person wearing the shirt with ultraviolet protection collar;

FIG. 10 is a front view of a person wearing the shirt with ultraviolet protection collar;

FIG. 11a shows the UV Transmission characteristics of a fabric in dry conditions;

FIG. 11b shows the UV transmission characteristics of the fabric in FIG. 11 a in wet conditions;

FIG. 12a shows the UV Transmission characteristics of an alternative fabric in dry conditions;

FIG. 12b shows the UV transmission characteristics of the fabric in FIG. 12a in wet conditions;

FIG. 13a shows the UV Transmission characteristics of another alternative fabric in dry conditions;

FIG. 13b shows the UV transmission characteristics of the fabric in FIG. 13a in wet conditions;

FIG. 14 is a front view of a top collar of an alternative embodiment of the UV protection collar;

FIG. 15 is a front view of a top collar band of the alternative embodiment of the UV protection collar;

FIG. 16 is a front view of an under collar of the alternative embodiment of the UV protection collar;

FIG. 17 is a front view of an under collar band of the alternative embodiment of the UV protection collar;

FIG. 18 is a front view of an alternative embodiment of the UV protection collar showing the top collar and the top collar band;

FIG. 19 is a back view of the alternative embodiment of the UV protection collar showing the under collar and the under collar band;

FIG. 20 is a front view a shirt with the alternative embodiment of the of the UV protection collar;

FIG. 21 is a back view of the shirt with the alternative embodiment of the of the UV protection collar;

FIG. 22 is a side view of the shirt with UV protection collar shown with the UV protection collar straightened;

FIG. 23 is a perspective view of a formable collar stay;

FIG. 24 is a front view of the shirt with UV protection collar with the collar folded inward from the collar band at a negative angle;

FIG. 25 is a perspective view of the formable collar stay bent at the negative angle;

FIG. 26 is a close-up view of the UV protection collar bent at a negative angle with the formable collar stay bent at the negative angle positioned over the collar stay pockets of the UV protection collar;

FIG. 27 is a close-up view of the UV protection collar bent at a negative angle with the formable collar stay inserted into the collar stay pockets of the UV protection collar;

FIG. 28 is a side view of the shirt with UV protection collar with formable collar stay inserted into the collar stay pockets of the UV protection collar and straightened;

FIG. 29 is a close-up view of the shirt with UV protection collar with formable collar stay inserted into the collar stay pockets of the UV protection collar at a positive angle;

FIG. 30 is a perspective view of an outer collar stay for use with the shirt with UV Protection Collar;

FIG. 31 is a top view of the outer collar stay;

FIG. 32 is a bottom view of the outer collar stay;

FIG. 33 is a front view of the shirt with UV protection collar with the outer collar stay;

FIG. 34 is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of the outer collar stay;

FIG. 35 is a top view of the alternative embodiment of the outer collar stay;

FIG. 36 is a side view of the alternative embodiment of the outer collar stay;

FIG. 37 is a front view of the shirt with UV protection collar with the alternative embodiment of the outer collar stay;

FIG. 38 is a front view of the shirt with UV protection collar with the alternative embodiment of the outer collar stay having a different exterior design;

FIG. 39 is a front-right-top perspective view of an alternative embodiment of the Shirt with UV Protection Collar with the UV protection collar in the up position;

FIG. 40 is a front view the alternative embodiment of the Shirt with UV Protection Collar with the UV protection collar in the up position;

FIG. 41 is a back view the alternative embodiment of the Shirt with UV Protection Collar with the UV protection collar in the up position;

FIG. 42 is a right view the alternative embodiment of the Shirt with UV Protection Collar with the UV protection collar in the up position;

FIG. 43 is a left view the alternative embodiment of the Shirt with UV Protection Collar with the UV protection collar in the up position;

FIG. 44 is a front-right-top perspective view of the Shirt with UV Protection Collar with the UV Protection Collar in the down position;

FIG. 45 is a front view the Shirt with UV Protection Collar with the UV Protection Collar in the down position;

FIG. 46 is a back elevation view the Shirt with UV Protection Collar with the UV Protection Collar in the down position;

FIG. 47 is a right view the Shirt with UV Protection Collar with the UV Protection Collar in the down position; and

FIG. 48 is a left view the Shirt with UV Protection Collar with the UV Protection Collar in the down position.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Referring initially to FIG. 1, the shirt with ultraviolet (“UV”) protection collar is shown and generally designated 10. The shirt with ultraviolet protection collar 10 includes the UV protection collar 100 and the shirt 300. The shirt 300, described in conjunction with FIG. 2, includes a body 302, sleeves 330, and placket 340. The body 302 includes two pieces of fabric sewn together to form a tubular shaped body 302 with a hem 314 with sweep 306, a neck opening 316 with neck width 318, and armholes 320 with armhole circumference 322. The body 302 has a chest width 304, sweep 306, a front length 308, a back length 310, and shoulder length 312. The neck opening 316 has a front neck drop 324 and a back neck drop 326. The slits 328 are formed on either side of the body 302 adjacent the hem 314 and extend a vent opening length 329.

Attached to each of the two armholes 320, are the sleeves 330. Sleeves 330 is a single piece of fabric sewn together to form a tubular shape with sleeve armhole circumference 332 (not shown) equal to armhole circumference 322 of the body 302 at one end and tapering to sleeve opening 334 at the opposite end. The sleeve 330 has sleeve length 336 and at approximately the midpoint of the sleeves 330 is bicep width 338. The placket 340 is attached to the front of the body 302 and includes an inner layer 342 (not shown) and an outer layer 344. The inner layer 342 and outer layer 344 of placket 340 has a length 346 and width 347. The outer layer 344 is formed with button holes 348 and buttons 349 are attached to the inner layer 342. Attached to the body 302 at the neck opening 316 is the UV protection shirt collar 100.

The shirt 300 including the body 302, sleeves 330, and placket 340 are constructed of fabric having at least a UPF 50+ rating, four-way stretch capabilities, and moisture wicking properties. Ultraviolet Protection Factor or UPF represents the ratio of the average effective UV radiation irradiance transmitted and calculated through air to the average effect UV radiation irradiance transmitted and calculated through fabric. Standard summer fabrics have a UPF rating of approximately six and sun protective clothing typically have a UPF rating of approximately 30, which means that only 1 out of approximately 30 units of UV radiation will pass through (approximately 3%). The fabric material used for the shirt 300 including the body 302, sleeves 330, and placket 340, and collar 100 has at least a UPF rating of 50+, which is almost double the rating of standard sun protective clothing. By using the fabric with at least a UPF rating of 50+, only 1 out of approximately 50 units of UV radiation will pass through (approximately 2%).

The fabric also has moisture wicking and four-way stretch capabilities. Since the shirt 300 covers the entirety of the torso, the moisture wicking capabilities of the material will allow the perspiration of the torso to be absorbed by the fabric and evaporate. The evaporation of the perspiration will cool the torso of the user due to evaporative cooling and, also remove any discomfort caused by excess perspiration lingering on the skin. The four-way stretch capability of the fabric provides a shirt that is comfortable for the wearer.

In a preferred embodiment, the fabric used in the shirt with UV protection collar 10 has a greater than UPF 50+ rating for UV protection. The fabric is a knitted fabric made of 87% polyester and 13% elastane. The fabric has a mean UPF of 920 with a standard deviation of 69.0 in dry conditions. In dry conditions the fabric has a UV-A percent transmittance of 0.31% and UV-A percent blocking of 99.69% with a UV-B percent transmittance of 0.08% and UV-B percent blocking of 99.92%. The fabric has a mean UPF of 861 with a standard deviation of 76.7 in wet conditions. In wet conditions the fabric has a UV-A percent transmittance of 0.32% and UV-A percent blocking of 99.68% with a UV-B percent transmittance of 0.09% and UV-B percent blocking of 99.91%. FIG. 11a shows the UV Transmission characteristics in dry conditions and FIG. 11b shows the UV transmission characteristics in wet conditions.

Another fabric that may be used in the shirt with UV protection collar 10 is a knitted fabric made of 90.5% polyester and 9.5% elastane. The fabric has a mean UPF of 1898 with a standard deviation of 150.5 in dry conditions. In dry conditions the fabric has a UV-A percent transmittance of 0.03% and UV-A percent blocking of 99.97% with a UV-B percent transmittance of 0.05% and UV-B percent blocking of 99.95%. The fabric has a mean UPF of 1494 with a standard deviation of 185.2 in wet conditions. In wet conditions the fabric has a UV-A percent transmittance of 0.03% and UV-A percent blocking of 99.97% with a UV-B percent transmittance of 0.06% and UV-B percent blocking of 99.94%. FIG. 12a shows the UV Transmission characteristics in dry conditions and FIG. 12b shows the UV transmission characteristics in wet conditions.

Another fabric that may be used in the shirt with UV protection collar 10 is a knitted fabric made of 92% polyester and 8% elastane. The fabric has a mean UPF of 109 with a standard deviation of 12.8 in dry conditions. In dry conditions the fabric has a UV-A percent transmittance of 1.2% and UV-A percent blocking of 98.80% with a UV-B percent transmittance of 0.88% and UV-B percent blocking of 99.12%. The fabric has a mean UPF of 87 with a standard deviation of 0.7 in wet conditions. In wet conditions the fabric has a UV-A percent transmittance of 1.48% and UV-A percent blocking of 98.52% with a UV-B percent transmittance of 1.11% and UV-B percent blocking of 98.89%. FIG. 13a shows the UV Transmission characteristics in dry conditions and FIG. 13b shows the UV transmission characteristics in wet conditions.

Referring now to FIG. 3, the top collar 110 is shown. The top collar 110 is a top collar fabric panel 112 having a top edge 114 formed with a top edge curvature 116, a bottom edge 118 formed with a bottom edge curvature 120, a right edge 122 and a left edge 126. The top edge 114 has a top edge length 130 extending from edge to edge of the top edge 114. The bottom edge 118 has a bottom edge length 132 extending from edge to edge of the bottom edge 118. The right edge 122 extends between the top edge 114 and the bottom edge 118 and has a right edge length 124. The left edge 126 extends between the top edge 114 and the bottom edge 118 and has a left edge length 128. At the center of the top collar fabric panel 112, the top edge 114 and bottom edge 118 is separated by a top collar center back distance 134. The top collar center back distance 134 is larger than the right edge length 124 and the left edge length 128, where the right edge length 124 and the left edge length 128 are equal. The bottom edge curvature 120 is larger than the top edge curvature 116. The top collar fabric panel 112 is tallest at the center and tapers towards the edges. In the preferred embodiment of the top collar 110, the top collar center back distance 134 is 3.25 inches, the right edge length 124 is 2.5 inches, the left edge length is 2.5 inches, and the top edge length 130 and bottom edge length 132 may vary. Alternatively, the top collar center back distance 134 is 3.25 inches, the right edge length 124 is 2.25 inches, the left edge length 128 is 2.25 inches, and the top edge length 130 and bottom edge length 132 may vary.

Referring now to FIG. 4, the top collar band 140 is shown. The top collar band 140 is a top collar band fabric panel 142 having a top edge 144 formed with a top edge curvature 146, a bottom edge 148 formed with a bottom edge curvature 150, a right edge 152 and a left edge 156. The top edge 144 has a top edge length 160 extending from edge to edge of the top edge 144. The bottom edge 148 has a bottom edge length 162 extending from edge to edge of the bottom edge 148. The right edge 152 extends between the top edge 144 and the bottom edge 148 and has a right edge length 154. The right edge 152 includes a slight curvature 153 adjacent the bottom edge 148. The left edge 156 extends between the top edge 144 and the bottom edge 148 and has a left edge length 158. The left edge 156 includes a slight curvature 157 adjacent the bottom edge 148. At the center of the top collar band fabric panel 142, the top edge 144 and bottom/edge 148 is separated by a top collar band center back distance 164. The top collar band center back distance 164 is larger than the right edge length 154 and the left edge length 158, where the right edge length 154 and the left edge length 158 are equal. The top collar band fabric panel 142 is tallest at the center and tapers towards the edges. The bottom edge curvature 150 and the top edge curvature 146 are oriented opposite to one another. In the preferred embodiment of the top collar band 140, top collar band center back distance 164 is 2.5 inches.

Referring now to FIG. 5, the under collar 210 is shown. The under collar 210 is a under collar fabric panel 212 having a top edge 214 formed with a top edge curvature 216, a bottom edge 218 formed with a bottom edge curvature 220, a right edge 222 and a left edge 226. The top edge 214 has a top edge length 230 extending from edge to edge of the top edge 214. The bottom edge 218 has a bottom edge length 232 extending from edge to edge of the bottom edge 218. The right edge 222 extends between the top edge 214 and the bottom edge 218 and has a right edge length 224. The left edge 226 extends between the top edge 214 and the bottom edge 218 and has a left edge length 228. At the center of the top collar fabric panel 212, the top edge 214 and bottom edge 218 is separated by a top collar center back distance 234. The top collar center back distance 234 is larger than the right edge length 224 and the left edge length 228, where the right edge length 224 and the left edge length 228 are equal. The bottom edge curvature 220 is larger than the top edge curvature 216. The under collar fabric panel 212 is tallest at the center and tapers towards the edges.

Attached to the under collar fabric panel 212 are collar stay facings. Adjacent to the right edge 222 of the under collar fabric panel 212, right collar stay panel 238 with length 235 is attached. The right collar stay panel 238 is attached to the under collar fabric panel 212 with a constructed opening for a right collar stay slit 239. Adjacent to the left edge 226 of the under collar fabric panel 212, left collar stay panel 236 with a length equal to length 235 is attached. The left collar stay panel 236 is attached to the under collar fabric panel 212 with a constructed opening for a right collar stay slit 237.

The under collar fabric panel 212 is substantially similar to the top collar fabric panel 112 and may be sized smaller or larger than the top collar fabric panel 112. The under collar fabric panel 212 and the top collar fabric panel 112 are attached together to form the collar 180. The double layer of fabric allows for the construction of a stiff and flexible collar 180. The additional collar stay panels 238 and 236 adjacent the right edge 222 and left edge 226, respectively, further stiffens the edges of the collar 180. The addition of collar stays 270 in the collar stay slits 237 and 239 further stiffens the edges and prevents them from curling up. Additionally, the double layer of material used to form the collar 180 provides double the protection against UV radiation. In the preferred embodiment of the under collar 210, the under collar center back distance 234 is 3.25 inches, the right edge length 224 is 2.5 inches, the left edge length 228 is 2.5 inches, and the top edge length 230 and bottom edge length 230 may vary. Alternatively, the under collar center back distance 234 is 3.25 inches, the right edge length 224 is 2.25 inches, the left edge length 228 is 2.25 inches, and the top edge length 230 and bottom edge length 230 may vary.

Referring now to FIG. 6, the under collar band 240 is shown. The under collar band 240 is a under collar band fabric panel 242 having a top edge 244 formed with a top edge curvature 246, a bottom edge 248 formed with a bottom edge curvature 250, a right edge 252, and a left edge 256. The top edge 244 has a top edge length 260 extending from edge to edge of the top edge 244. The bottom edge 248 has a bottom edge length 262 extending from edge to edge of the bottom edge 248. The right edge 252 extends between the top edge 244 and the bottom edge 248 and has a right edge length 254. The right edge 252 includes a slight curvature 253 adjacent the bottom edge 248. The left edge 256 extends between the top edge 244 and the bottom edge 248 and has a left edge length 258. The left edge 256 includes a slight curvature 257 adjacent the bottom edge 248. At the center of the under collar band fabric panel 242, the top edge 244 and bottom edge 248 is separated by a under collar band center back distance 264. The under collar band center back distance 264 is larger than the right edge length 254 and the left edge length 258, where the right edge length 254 and the left edge length 258 are equal. The under collar fabric panel 212 is tallest at the center and tapers towards the edges. The bottom edge curvature 250 and the top edge curvature 246 are oriented opposite to one another.

The under collar band fabric panel 242 is substantially similar to the top collar band fabric panel 142 and may be sized smaller or larger than the top collar band fabric panel 142. The under collar band fabric panel 242 and the top collar band fabric panel 142 are attached together to form the collar band 280. The double layer of fabric allows for the construction of a stiff and flexible collar band 280. In the preferred embodiment of the under collar band 240, under collar band center back distance 264 is 2.5 inches.

Referring now to FIG. 7, the UV protection shirt collar 100 showing the top collar 110 and the top collar band 140 is shown. The UV protection collar 100 includes a collar 180 and a collar band 280. The collar 180 is constructed with the top collar 110 and the under collar 210 where the top collar fabric panel 112 is attached to the under collar fabric panel 240 through stitching located adjacent the edges. The collar band 280 is constructed with the top collar band 140 and the under collar band 240 where the top collar band fabric panel 142 is attached to the under collar band fabric panel 242 through stitching located adjacent the edges.

The bottom edge 118 of the top collar fabric panel 112 is attached adjacent to the top edge 144 of the top collar band fabric panel 142, in between the top collar band fabric panel 142 and the under collar band fabric panel 242 of the collar band 280. The top edge length 160 and the bottom edge length 162 of the top collar band fabric material 142 is longer than the top edge length 130 and the bottom edge length 132 of the top collar fabric material 112, leaving the right edge 152 and the left edges 156 of the top collar band fabric material 142 free of the top collar fabric material 112 where a button hole 172 can be formed adjacent the left edge 156 and a button 174 to be attached adjacent the right edge 152. The double layer of material used to form the collar 180 provides double the protection against UV radiation.

Referring now to FIG. 8, the UV protection shirt collar 100 is shown with the under collar 210 and the under collar band 240. The bottom edge 218 of the under collar fabric panel 212 is attached adjacent to the top edge 244 of the under collar band fabric panel 242, in between the top collar band fabric panel 142 and the under collar band fabric panel 242 of the collar band 280. The top edge length 260 and the bottom edge length 262 of the under collar band fabric material 242 is longer than the top edge length 230 and the bottom edge length 232 of the under collar fabric material 212, leaving the right edge 252 and the left edges 256 of the under collar band fabric material 242 free of the under collar fabric material 212 where the button hole 172 can be formed adjacent the right edge 252 and the button 174 to be attached adjacent the left edge 256.

Referring now to FIG. 9, a back view of a person 20 wearing the shirt with UV protection collar 10 is shown. As shown the collar 180 of the UV protection shirt collar 100 is folded down over the collar band 280 exposing the top collar 110 and hiding the under collar 210. The shape of the collar 180 is dictated by the curvature of the fabric panels (top collar 110 and under collar 210) making up the collar 180, which allows the collar 180 to make a substantially straight edge where the collar 180 folds down from the collar band 280. The top collar band center back distance 164 of the top collar band 140 and the under collar band center back distance 264 of the under collar band 240 allows the collar band 280 to span the majority of the back of the neck 22 of the person 20. The top collar center back distance 134 of the top collar 110 and the under collar center back distance 234 of the under collar 210 allows the collar 180 to span the majority of the back of the neck 22 of the person 20 when the collar 180 is folded down. When folded down a portion of the collar 180 is dedicated to forming the bend, which allows only a portion of the collar 180 to be exposed. The length of the exposed collar 180 when folded is referred to as a top collar center back folded distance 134A. The top collar center back folded distance 134A of the collar 180 provides almost complete coverage of the back of the neck 22 of the person 20 and protects the neck 22 from UV radiation. The collar band 280 and the collar 180 when folded over the collar band 280 provide four layers of protection against the sun for the neck area of the person 20.

By having the top collar 110 and under collar 210 being its tallest at the center and tapering towards the edges, the collar 180 is also tallest at the center and tapering towards the edges. The unique shape of the collar 180 resulting from the dimensions of the top collar 110 and under collar 210 being its tallest at the center and tapering towards the edges provides for a taller collar 180 at the center and provides for edge dimensions that are similar to those of standard collars. The visuals of the collar 180 from the front (shown in FIG. 10) are visually similar to that of a regular sized collar without any defining indications of the taller back portion of the collar 180 at the top collar center back folded distance 134A.

As the collar 180 is folded down, the collar 180 overlaps the collar band 280. Due to the shorter back neck drop 226 which brings the shirt body 202 higher up the back, the collar band 280 also covers the majority of the neck with the portion of the collar 180 dedicated to forming the bend covering the remaining exposed area of the neck. This provides four layers of UV protection: the top collar 110, the under collar 210, the top collar band 140, and the under collar band 240. Further, with the material used for the top collar 110, the under collar 210, the top collar band 140, and the under collar band 240 has at least a UPF 50+ rating for sun blocking thereby providing unequalled blocking when compared with a single layer of fabric. By having four overlapping layers of UPF 50+ rated fabric, only 1 out of approximately 200 units of radiation will pass through (approximately 0.5%) whereas a single layer of UPF 50+ rated fabric will allow 1 out of approximately 50 units of UV radiation will pass through (approximately 2%).

The fabric utilized for the UV protection collar 100 also has a moisture wicking capability. Since the UV protection collar 100 covers the majority of the back of the neck and is in contact with the neck, the moisture wicking capabilities of the material will allow the perspiration to be absorbed by the UV protection collar 100 and evaporate. Due to the UV protection collar 100 having the collar 180 and the collar band 180, the volume of material available to absorb the perspiration of the neck is at least doubled compared to a single layer of material. Additionally, the exposed surface area of the UV protection collar 100 available for the absorbed perspiration to evaporate is at least double the surface area of the neck that it is in contact with. This provides for quicker evaporation of the perspiration compared to the neck alone, or with a material that has an exposed surface area only equal to the surface area of the neck. The evaporation of the perspiration by the UV protection collar 100 will cool the neck of the user due to evaporative cooling and also remove any discomfort caused by excess perspiration lingering on the skin. Since the carotid arteries are located in the neck close to the surface of the skin, cooling the back of the neck will cool the blood circulating through the carotid arteries. The cooled blood in the carotid arteries is then circulated throughout the body providing a cooling affect for the entire body. Due to the minimal decrease in its UV blocking capabilities when wet and the use of multiply layers of material, the UV protection collar 100 still provides UPF 50+ protection.

The fabric utilized for the UV protection collar 100 also has a four-way stretch capability. The four-way stretch capability of the fabric used in the UV protection collar 100 provides a collar that is comfortable for the wearer. The UV protection collar 100 is not overly stiff and allows for the uninhibited movement of the neck 22. Since the UV protection collar 100 may lie on the back of the neck 22 when the shirt with UV protection collar 10 is worn, the stretch material will stretch or rotate with the neck 22 when the person 20 rotates their neck 22.

The UV protection collar 100 of the shirt with UV protection collar 10 is designed to cover the majority of the back of the neck 22 of the person 20 wearing the shirt with UV protection collar 10. The average length of a human neck is 3.9-4.7 inches. The UV protection collar 100 covers 67-84 percent of the back of a human neck. It is contemplated that the UV protection collar 100 can cover up to 100 percent of the back of the neck of a person. In a preferred embodiment of the UV protection collar 100, the top collar center back distance 134 is 3.25 inches, the right edge length 124 is 2.5 inches, and the left edge length is 2.5 inches. Alternatively, the top collar center back distance 134 is 3.25 inches, the right edge length 124 is 2.25 inches, and the left edge length 128 is 2.25 inches. Correspondingly, the top collar center back folded distance 134A may be 3.15 inches depending on the folded area of the collar 180. It is contemplated that the top collar center back folded distance 134A may be between 3.00 inches and 5.00 inches, depending on the length of the top collar center back distance 134 and the folded area of the collar 180. The UV protection collar 100 provides almost complete coverage of the back of the neck 22 of the person 20 and protects the neck 22 from UV radiation.

The collar band 280 and the collar 180 when folded over the collar band 280 provide four layers of protection against the sun for the neck 22 of the person 20. The shorter right edge length 124 and left edge length 128 provides for front edge dimensions and visuals that are similar to those of standard collars without any defining indications of the taller back portion of the UV protection collar 100. The UV protection collar 100 provides a visual illusion of a regular sized collar when viewed from the front, while providing almost full coverage of the majority of the back of the neck 22 of the person 20 to protect from harmful UV radiation.

Referring now to FIG. 10, a front view of a person wearing the shirt with UV protection collar 10 is shown. The top collar center back folded distance 134A of the collar 180 provides almost complete coverage of the back of the neck of the person 20 and protects the neck from UV radiation. As the UV protection collar 100 wraps around the neck of the person 20, the UV protection collar 100 tapers from the top collar center back folded distance 134A to a right folded edge 122A with right folded edge length 124A and to a left folded edge 126A with left folded edge length 128A. The unique shape of the UV protection collar 100 resulting from the dimensions of the collar 180 and collar band 280 provides for front edge dimensions that are similar to those of standard collars, also visually similar to that of a regular sized collar, without any defining indications of the taller back portion of the UV protection collar 100. The UV protection collar 100 provides an illusion of a regular sized collar when viewed from the front, while providing almost full coverage of the majority of the back of the neck of the person 20.

Referring now to FIGS. 11A and 11B, FIGS. 12A and 12B, and FIGS. 13A and 13B, graphs showing the dry and wet UV transmission characteristics of three particular materials are shown. As shown, the UV transmissions characteristics of the three materials are marginally affected by the presence of water. This allows the UV protection collar 100 to maintain its UV transmission characteristics while it cools down the neck of a wearer of the shirt with UV protection collar 10. The use of the three particular materials are not meant to be limiting and it is contemplated that other types of materials with similar dry and wet UV transmission characteristics may be used for the shirt with UV protection collar 10.

Referring now to FIG. 14, a top collar of an alternative embodiment of the UV protection collar is shown and generally designated 410. The top collar 410 is a top collar fabric panel 412 having a top edge 414 formed with a top edge curvature 416, a bottom edge 418 formed with a bottom edge curvature 420, a right edge 422, and a left edge 426. The top edge 414 has a top edge length 430 extending from edge to edge of the top edge 414. The bottom edge 418 has a bottom edge length 432 extending from edge to edge of the bottom edge 418. The right edge 422 extends between the top edge 414 and the bottom edge 418 and has a right edge length 424. The left edge 426 extends between the top edge 414 and the bottom edge 418 and has a left edge length 428. At the center of the top collar fabric panel 412, the top edge 414 and bottom edge 418 is separated by a top collar center back distance 434. The top collar center back distance 434 is larger than the right edge length 424 and the left edge length 428, where the right edge length 424 and the left edge length 428 are equal. The bottom edge curvature 420 is larger than the top edge curvature 416. The top collar fabric panel 412 is tallest at the center and tapers towards the edges. In the preferred embodiment of the top collar 410, the top collar center back distance 434 is 3.25 inches, the right edge length 424 is 2.5 inches, the left edge length is 2.5 inches, and the top edge length 430 and bottom edge length 432 may vary. Alternatively, the top collar center back distance 434 is 3.25 inches, the right edge length 424 is 2.25 inches, the left edge length 428 is 2.25 inches, and the top edge length 430 and bottom edge length 432 may vary.

Referring now to FIG. 15, a top collar band of the alternative embodiment of the UV protection collar is shown and generally designated 440. The top collar band 440 is a top collar band fabric panel 442 having a top edge 444 formed with a top edge curvature 446, a bottom edge 448 formed with a bottom edge curvature 450, a right edge 452 and a left edge 456. The top edge 444 has a top edge length 460 extending from edge to edge of the top edge 444. The bottom edge 448 has a bottom edge length 462 extending from edge to edge of the bottom edge 448. The right edge 452 extends between the top edge 444 and the bottom edge 448 and has a right edge length 454. The right edge 452 includes a slight curvature 453 adjacent the bottom edge 448. The left edge 456 extends between the top edge 444 and the bottom edge 448 and has a left edge length 458. The left edge 456 includes a slight curvature 457 adjacent the bottom edge 448. At the center of the top collar band fabric panel 442, the top edge 444 and bottom edge 448 is separated by a top collar band center back distance 464. The top collar band center back distance 464 is larger than the right edge length 454 and the left edge length 458, where the right edge length 454 and the left edge length 458 are equal. The top collar band fabric panel 442 is tallest at the center and tapers towards the edges. The bottom edge curvature 450 and the top edge curvature 446 are oriented opposite to one another. In the preferred embodiment of the top collar band 440, top collar band center back distance 464 is 2.5 inches.

Referring now to FIG. 16, an under collar of the alternative embodiment of the UV protection collar is shown and generally designated 510. The under collar 510 is an under collar fabric panel 512 having a top edge 514 formed with a top edge curvature 516, a bottom edge 518 formed with a bottom edge curvature 520, a right edge 522 and a left edge 526. The top edge 514 has a top edge length 530 extending from edge to edge of the top edge 514. The bottom edge 518 has a bottom edge length 532 extending from edge to edge of the bottom edge 518. The right edge 522 extends between the top edge 514 and the bottom edge 518 and has a right edge length 524. The left edge 526 extends between the top edge 514 and the bottom edge 518 and has a left edge length 528. At the center of the top collar fabric panel 512, the top edge 514 and bottom edge 518 is separated by a top collar center back distance 534. The top collar center back distance 534 is larger than the right edge length 524 and the left edge length 528, where the right edge length 524 and the left edge length 528 are equal. The bottom edge curvature 520 is larger than the top edge curvature 516. The under collar fabric panel 512 is tallest at the center and tapers towards the edges.

Formed into the under collar fabric panel 512 are under collar left collar stay pocket 536 and under collar right collar stay pocket 538. The under collar right collar stay pocket 538 is formed adjacent to the right edge 522 of the under collar fabric panel 512 and has an opening to accommodate a collar stay. The length of the under collar right collar stay pocket 538 is slightly shorter than the right edge length 524. The under collar left collar stay pocket 536 is formed adjacent to the left edge 526 of the under collar fabric panel 512 and has an opening to accommodate a collar stay. The length of the under collar left collar stay pocket 536 is slightly shorter than the left edge length 528. A formable collar stay 570 is inserted into the under collar left collar stay pocket 536 and the under collar right collar stay pocket 538.

The formable collar stay 570 has a length 572 and a width 574. The length 572 of the formable collar stay 570 is longer than the length of the under collar left collar stay pocket 536 and the under collar right collar stay pocket 538. The width 574 of the formable collar stay 570 is less than the opening of the under collar left collar stay pocket 536 and the under collar right collar stay pocket 538. The formable collar stay 570 is made of a material that is ductile and pliable, such as copper, aluminum, and steel. The ductile material allows for the formable collar stay to be manipulated into any desired angle and maintain that desired angle. The formable collar stay may be bent from 180 degrees to −180 degrees. Alternatively, it is contemplated that the formable collar stay 570 may be a multiple component part that provides the formable collar stay 570 to be manipulated into any desired angle and maintain that desired angle.

The under collar fabric panel 512 is substantially similar to the top collar fabric panel 412 and may be sized smaller or larger than the top collar fabric panel 412. The under collar fabric panel 512 and the top collar fabric panel 412 are attached together to form a collar 480 (shown in FIG. 18). The double layer of fabric allows for the construction of a stiff and flexible collar 480. It is contemplated that the under collar left collar stay pocket 536 and under collar right collar stay pocket 538 may be made of separate panels attached to the under collar fabric panel 512 or a single fabric panel attached to the under collar fabric panel 512. In either case, the additional fabric panel(s) further stiffens the edges of the collar 480. The addition of formable collar stays 570 in the under collar left collar stay pocket 536 and under collar right collar stay pocket 538 further stiffens the edges and prevents them from curling up. Additionally, the double or triple layer of material used to form the collar 480 provides double or triple the protection against UV radiation. In the preferred embodiment of the under collar 510, the under collar center back distance 534 is 3.25 inches, the right edge length 524 is 2.5 inches, the left edge length 528 is 2.5 inches, and the top edge length 530 and bottom edge length 530 may vary. Alternatively, the under collar center back distance 534 is 3.25 inches, the right edge length 524 is 2.25 inches, the left edge length 528 is 2.25 inches, and the top edge length 530 and bottom edge length 530 may vary.

Referring now to FIG. 17, an under collar band of the alternative embodiment of the UV protection collar is shown and generally designated 540. The under collar band 540 is a under collar band fabric panel 542 having a top edge 544 formed with a top edge curvature 546, a bottom edge 548 formed with a bottom edge curvature 550, a right edge 552, and a left edge 556. The top edge 544 has a top edge length 560 extending from edge to edge of the top edge 544. The bottom edge 548 has a bottom edge length 562 extending from edge to edge of the bottom edge 548. The right edge 552 extends between the top edge 544 and the bottom edge 548 and has a right edge length 554. The right edge 552 includes a slight curvature 553 adjacent the bottom edge 548. The left edge 556 extends between the top edge 544 and the bottom edge 548 and has a left edge length 558. The left edge 556 includes a slight curvature 557 adjacent the bottom edge 548. At the center of the under collar band fabric panel 542, the top edge 544 and bottom edge 548 is separated by a under collar band center back distance 564. The under collar band center back distance 564 is larger than the right edge length 554 and the left edge length 558, where the right edge length 554 and the left edge length 558 are equal. The under collar fabric panel 512 is tallest at the center and tapers towards the edges. The bottom edge curvature 550 and the top edge curvature 546 are oriented opposite to one another.

Formed into under collar band fabric panel 542 are under collar band left collar stay pocket 537 and under collar band right collar stay pocket 539. The under collar right collar band stay pocket 539 is formed adjacent to the right edge 552 of the under collar band fabric panel 542 and has an opening to accommodate the formable collar stay 570. The length of the under collar band right collar stay pocket 539 is slightly shorter than the right edge length 554. The under collar band right collar stay pocket 539 is formed to be in alignment with the under collar right collar stay pocket 538 so that the formable collar stay 570 may be inserted flat and straight into the under collar band right collar stay pocket 539 and the under collar right collar stay pocket 538. The under collar band left collar stay pocket 537 is formed adjacent to the left edge 556 of the under collar band fabric panel 542 and has an opening to accommodate the formable collar stay 570. The length of the under collar band left collar stay pocket 537 is slightly shorter than the left edge length 558. The under collar band left collar stay pocket 537 is formed to be in alignment with the under collar left collar stay pocket 536 so that the formable collar stay 570 may be inserted flat and straight into the under collar band left collar stay pocket 536 and the under collar left collar stay pocket 538.

The under collar band fabric panel 542 is substantially similar to the top collar band fabric panel 442 and may be sized smaller or larger than the top collar band fabric panel 442. The under collar band fabric panel 542 and the top collar band fabric panel 442 are attached together to form a collar band 580 (shown in FIG. 18). The double layer of fabric allows for the construction of a stiff and flexible collar band 580. In the preferred embodiment of the under collar band 540, under collar band center back distance 564 is 2.5 inches.

Referring now to FIG. 18, an alternative embodiment of the UV protection shirt collar is shown and generally designated 400. The UV protection collar 400 includes the collar 480 and the collar band 580. The collar 480 is constructed with the top collar 410 and the under collar 510 where the top collar fabric panel 412 is attached to the under collar fabric panel 440 through stitching located adjacent the edges. The collar band 580 is constructed with the top collar band 440 and the under collar band 540 where the top collar band fabric panel 442 is attached to the under collar band fabric panel 542 through stitching located adjacent the edges.

The bottom edge 418 of the top collar fabric panel 412 is attached adjacent to the top edge 444 of the top collar band fabric panel 442. The top edge length 460 and the bottom edge length 462 of the top collar band fabric material 442 is longer than the top edge length 430 and the bottom edge length 432 of the top collar fabric material 412, leaving the right edge 452 and the left edges 456 of the top collar band fabric material 442 free of the top collar fabric material 412 where a button hole 472 can be formed adjacent the left edge 456 and a button 474 to be attached adjacent the right edge 452. The double layer of material used to form the collar 480 provides double the protection against UV radiation.

Referring now to FIG. 19, the UV protection shirt collar 400 is shown with the under collar 510 and the under collar band 540. The bottom edge 518 of the under collar fabric panel 512 is attached adjacent to the top edge 544 of the under collar band fabric panel 542. The top edge length 560 and the bottom edge length 562 of the under collar band fabric material 542 is longer than the top edge length 530 and the bottom edge length 532 of the under collar fabric material 512, leaving the right edge 552 and the left edges 556 of the under collar band fabric material 542 free of the under collar fabric material 512 where the button hole 472 can be formed adjacent the right edge 552 and the button 474 to be attached adjacent the left edge 556.

As shown in the formable collar stays 570 are inserted into the under collar band right collar stay pocket 539 and the under collar right collar stay pocket 538 and into the under collar band left collar stay pocket 537 and the under collar left collar stay pocket 536. The formable collar stays 570 are shown straight and flat against the UV protection shirt collar 400 and in alignment with the under collar band right collar stay pocket 539 and the under collar right collar stay pocket 538 and the under collar band left collar stay pocket 537 and the under collar left collar stay pocket 536, respectively. The formable collar stays 570 increases the stiffness of the right edge 522 and the left edge 526 of the collar 480.

Referring now to FIG. 20, a front view of a shirt with the UV protection collar 40 is shown. A top collar center back folded distance 434A of the collar 480 provides almost complete coverage of the back of the neck of a person and protects the neck from UV radiation. As the UV protection collar 400 wraps around the neck of a person, the UV protection collar 400 tapers from the top collar center back folded distance 434A to a right folded edge 422A with right folded edge length 424A and to a left folded edge 426A with left folded edge length 428A. The unique shape of the UV protection collar 400 resulting from the dimensions of the collar 480 and collar band 580 provides for front edge dimensions that are similar to those of standard collars, also visually similar to that of a regular sized collar, without any defining indications of the taller back portion of the UV protection collar 400. The formable collar stays 570 (shown in dashed lines) provide a stiff right folded edge 422A and left folded edge 426A. The UV protection collar 400 with formable collar stays 570 provides an illusion of a regular sized collar when viewed from the front that is aesthetically pleasing, while providing almost full coverage of the majority of the back of the neck of the person.

Referring now to FIG. 21, a back view of the shirt with UV protection collar 40 is shown. As shown the collar 480 of the UV protection shirt collar 400 is folded down over the collar band 580 exposing the top collar 410 and hiding the under collar 510. The shape of the collar 480 is dictated by the curvature of the fabric panels (top collar 410 and under collar 510) making up the collar 480, which allows the collar 480 to make a substantially straight edge where the collar 480 folds down from the collar band 580. The top collar band center back distance 464 of the top collar band 440 and the under collar band center back distance 564 of the under collar band 440 allows the collar band 580 to span the majority of the back of the neck of the person. The top collar center back distance 434 of the top collar 410 and the under collar center back distance 534 of the under collar 510 allows the collar 480 to span the majority of the back of the neck of the person when the collar 480 is folded down. When folded down a portion of the collar 480 is dedicated to forming the bend, which allows only a portion of the collar 480 to be exposed. The length of the exposed collar 480 when folded is referred to as the top collar center back folded distance 434A. The top collar center back folded distance 434A of the collar 480 provides almost complete coverage of the back of the neck of the person and protects the neck from UV radiation. The collar band 580 and the collar 480 when folded over the collar band 580 provide four layers of protection against the sun for the neck area of the person.

Referring to FIG. 22, a side view of the shirt with UV protection collar 40 is shown with the UV protection collar 400 straightened. The UV protection collar 400 is straightened with the collar 480 and the under collar band 580 parallel with one another. By straightening the UV protection collar 400, the under collar 510 and the under collar band 540 are exposed showing the under collar right collar stay pocket 538 and the under collar band right collar stay pocket 539. As shown in FIG. 22, the under collar right collar stay pocket 538 is formed by attaching an under collar right collar stay panel 538A to the under collar 510. Additionally, as shown in FIG. 22, the under collar band right collar stay pocket 539 is formed by attaching an under collar band right collar stay panel 539A to the under collar band 540.

Referring now to FIG. 23, the formable collar stay 570 is initially flat. Since the formable collar stay 570 is straight and the UV protection collar 400 is also straightened, the formable collar stay 570 cannot be inserted into the collar stay pockets. As a result, both the formable collar stay 570 and the UV protection collar 400 must be manipulated so that the formable collar stay may be inserted into the respective collar stay pockets and to hold the UV protection collar 400 at the desired angle.

In order to place the formable collar stays 570 within its respective collar stay pockets of the UV protection collar 400, step 1 (illustrated in FIG. 24) is to fold the UV protection shirt collar inward forming a negative angle. Step 2 (illustrated in FIG. 25) would be to bend the formable collar stays 570 to approximately the same negative angle as the folded UV protection collar 400. By folding the UV protection shirt collar 400 and bending the formable collar stays 570, the collar stay pockets are exposed and in a position where the formable collar stays 570 may be inserted. Step 3 (illustrated in FIG. 26) is to position the formable collar stay 570 with the appropriate collar stay pockets. Step 4 (illustrated in FIG. 27) is to insert the bent formable collar stays 570 into the appropriate collar stay pockets of the folded UV protection collar 400, e.g., the bent formable collar stay 570 is inserted into the under collar band right collar stay pocket 538 and the under collar right collar stay pocket 539. Step 5 (illustrated in FIG. 28) is to bend the formable collar stays 570 and the UV protection collar 400 straight. Since the formable collar stays 570 is inserted into the collar stay pockets of the UV protection collar 400, the formable collar stays 570 dictates the folded angle of the UV protection collar 400. Step 6 (illustrated in FIG. 29) is to bend is to bend the formable collar stays 570 and the UV protection collar 400 to the desired positive angle. The formable collar stays 570 holds the UV protection shirt collar 400 at the desired angle, providing an aesthetically pleasing UV protection shirt collar 400. Step 1 illustrated in FIG. 24, step 2 is illustrated in FIG. 25, step 3 illustrated in FIG. 26, step 4 illustrated in FIG. 27, step 5 illustrated in FIG. 28, and step 6 illustrated in FIG. 29 are described in further detail below.

Referring now to FIG. 24, the shirt with UV protection collar 40 is shown with the collar 480 folded inward from the collar band 580. The collar 480 is folded inward from the collar band 580 at a negative angle 590. By folding the UV protection shirt collar 400 inward at negative angle 590, the collar stay pockets are exposed and in a position where the formable collar stay 570 may be inserted. The under collar right collar stay pocket 538, the under collar band right collar stay pocket 539, under collar left collar stay pocket 536, and the under collar band left collar stay pocket 537 are all exposed. As shown in FIG. 22, the under collar left collar stay pocket 536 is formed by attaching an under collar left collar stay panel 536A to the under collar 510 and the under collar band left collar stay pocket 537 is formed by attaching an under collar band left collar stay panel 537A to the under collar band 540.

Referring now to FIG. 25, the formable collar stay 570 is shown bent at negative angle 590. In order to place the formable collar stays 570 within its respective collar stay pockets, the formable collar stay 570 must be bent from straight (shown in dashed lines) to negative angle 590 at approximately the center of the length 572 of the formable collar stay 570. The UV protection shirt collar 400 is folded to approximately the same negative angle 590 as the formable collar stay 570.

Referring now to FIG. 26, the formable collar stay 570 bent at negative angle 590 is positioned over the folded UV protection collar 400 to be inserted into the under collar right collar stay pocket 538 and the under collar band right collar stay pocket 539. By folding the UV protection shirt collar 400 inward at negative angle 590, the collar stay pockets are exposed and in a position where the formable collar stay 570 bent at negative angle 590 may be inserted in direction 596. The formable collar stay 570 is inserted into the under collar left collar stay pocket 536 and the under collar band left collar stay pocket 537 in a similar manner.

Referring now to FIG. 27, the formable collar stay 570 is inserted into the under collar right collar stay pocket 538 and the under collar band right collar stay pocket 539 of the UV protection collar 400 is shown.

Referring now to FIG. 28, the UV protection collar 400 with inserted formable collar stay 570 is shown in a straight position. The formable collar stay 570 is bent, within the under collar right collar stay pocket 538 and the under collar band right collar stay pocket 539, straight from the negative angle 590. Since the formable collar stay 570 is within the under collar right collar stay pocket 538 and the under collar band right collar stay pocket 539 of the UV protection collar 400, the collar 480 is also moves straight with the collar band 580 from the negative angle. Since the formable collar stay 570 is within the under collar right collar stay pocket 538 and the under collar band right collar stay pocket 539, the formable collar stay 570 provides structure to the UV protection collar 400 ensuring that the UV protection collar stays straight.

Referring now to FIG. 29, the UV protection collar 400 with inserted formable collar stay 570 is shown bent to a positive angle 592. The formable collar stay 570 is bent, within the under collar right collar stay pocket 538 and the under collar band right collar stay pocket 539, to the positive angle 592 from straight. Since the formable collar stay 570 is within the under collar right collar stay pocket 538 and the under collar band right collar stay pocket 539 of the UV protection collar 400, the collar 480 also moves to the positive angle 592 with the collar band 580. Since the formable collar stay 570 is within the under collar right collar stay pocket 538 and the under collar band right collar stay pocket 539, the formable collar stay 570 provides structure to the UV protection collar 400 ensuring that the UV protection collar stays at the positive angle 592. The formable collar stay 570 inserted into the under collar left collar stay pocket 536 and the under collar band left collar stay pocket 537 is bent in a similar manner. The formable collar stays 570 may be bent into any desired angle while within the collar stay pockets. The formable collar stay 570 holds the UV protection shirt collar 400 at the desired angle, providing an aesthetically pleasing UV protection shirt collar 400.

Referring now to FIG. 30, a perspective view of an outside collar stay is shown and generally designated 600. The outside collar stay 600 includes an exterior member 610 connected to an interior member 630 by a central member 620. The exterior member 610 and the interior member 630 may move relative to each other about the central member 620 to create distance between the exterior member 610 and the interior member 630. The exterior member 610 is flat to provide an aesthetically pleasing exterior surface and the interior member 630 is formed with a plurality of ridges 640 to increase the grip of the outside collar stay 600 on a soft surface. In the preferred embodiment of the outside collar stay 600, the interior member 610, the central member 620, and the interior member 630 is manufactured as a single component. The material of the outside collar stay 600 allows the interior member 610 and the interior member 630 flex about the central member 620 to create distance between each other.

Referring now to FIG. 31, a top view of the outside collar stay 600 is shown. The exterior member 610 has a right edge length 612, a width 614, and a left edge length 616. The central member 620 is formed at an angle 622, which forms an angled top edge 618 on the exterior member 610. It is contemplated that the angle 622 may be any angle, including zero, without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. The angle 622 is configured to match the angle of the UV protection collar 400 to provide a smooth transition between the outside collar stay 600 and the UV protection collar 400. The right edge length 612 corresponds with the right folded edge length 124A and the left edge length 616 corresponds with the folded edge length of the folded collar at a distance equal to the width 614 away from the right folded edge 122A.

Referring now to FIG. 32, a bottom view of the outside collar stay 600 is shown. The interior member 630 has a right edge length 632, a width 634, and a left edge length 636, which is equal to the right edge length 612, the width 614, and the left edge length 616 of the exterior member 610, respectively. The interior member 630 is formed with ridges 640. The central member 620 is formed at angle 622, which forms an angled top edge 638 on the interior member 630.

It is contemplated that the dimensions of the outside collar stay 600 may be modified to match the left side folded edge 126A of the UV protection collar 400. The dimensions of the outside collar stay matches the dimensions of the UV protection collar 400 when folded and is attached to the edges of the UV protection collar 400 when folded to increase the stiffness of the folded edges while providing an aesthetically pleasing look. It is contemplated that the interior member 630 may be of a different length than the interior member 610. The interior member 630 may be shorter than the exterior member 610 to reduce contact area of the outside collar stay 600 to a person wearing the shirt with the outside collar stay 600. The interior member 630 may be longer than the exterior member 610 to increase the gripping area of the outside collar stay 600 to the collar of the shirt.

Referring now to FIG. 33, the shirt with UV protection collar 10 is shown with the outside collar stay 600 removably attached to the right side folded edge 122A of the UV protection collar 100 and a second outside collar stay 600A removably attached to the left side folded edge 124A of the UV protection collar 100. The outside collar stay 600 and the second outside collar stay 600A is not drawn to scale and is exaggerated to show details. The second outside collar stay 600A is dimensioned to correspond with the left side folded edge 126A of the UV protection collar 100. The outside collar stay 600 and the second outside collar stay 600A pinches the right side folded edge 122A and the left side folded edge 126A, respectively. The outside collar stay 600 and the second outside collar stay 600A provides stiffness and prevents the edges from flattening, limpness, and falling over. It is contemplated that the outside collar stay 600 may be thin and clear to reduce the visibility of the outside collar stay 600.

A user may removably attach the outside collar stay 600 and the second outside collar stay 600A to the UV protection collar 100 with the shirt with UV protection collar 10 on or off of the user. To removably attach the outside collar stay 600 (and the second outside collar stay 600A) to the right side folded edge 122A, the exterior member 610 and the interior member 630 are pulled in opposite directions to create a gap. The folded UV protection collar 100 is placed within the gap and the outside collar stay 600 is adjusted until the folded UV protection collar 100 is fully within the outside collar stay 600. The outside collar stay 600 is then adjusted until the edge 612 of the outside collar stay 600 is flush with the right sided folded edge 122A.

When flattened, limped, or fallen over, the coverage of the UV protection collar 100 on the neck is reduced. The UV protection collar may sag lower on the neck, thereby leaving more exposed neck skin. The UV protection collar 100 is dimensioned to cover the majority of the neck to block UV radiation. The right folded edge length 124A and a left folded edge length 128A is dimensioned so the UV protection collar 100 covers a majority of the front and side portions of the neck while the top collar center back folded distance 134A is dimensioned so the UV protection collar 100 covers the majority of the back and side portions of the neck. When flattened, the folded lengths of the UV protection collar 100 changes reducing the coverage area of the neck. When sagging, the folded lengths of the UV protection collar 100 also changes reducing the coverage area of the neck. When limp or fallen over, the UV protection collar 100 coverage area is reduced as it tilts away.

The outside collar stay 600 and the second outside collar stay 600A provides a stiff edge and ensures that the right folded edge 122A and the left folded edge 126A UV protection collar 100 maintains the full right folded edge length 124A and the left folded edge length 128A, respectively. The outside collar stay 600 and the second outside collar stay 600A also provides stiffness to the UV protection collar 100 and prevents the edges of the UV protection collar 100 from flattening, limpness, and falling over. This ensures that the UV protection collar 100 is held up by the outside collar stay 600 and the second outside collar stay 600A to increase the effectiveness of the UV protection collar 100 by providing maximum coverage of the neck by the UV protection collar 100.

It is contemplated that the benefits of using the outside collar stay 600 may be applicable to standard collar shirts as well. Although the standard collar shirts do not have the same amount of UV radiation protection, the outside collar stay 600 can ensure that the standard collar shirt provides the maximum UV protection it is capable of. Standard collar shirts are also susceptible to flattening, limpness, and falling over that reduces the standard collar shirt's coverage area of the neck. The outside collar stay 600 applied to the standard collar shirt will provide it with and prevents the edges of the collar of the standard collar shirt from flattening, limpness, and falling over. The dimensions of the outside collar stay 600 may be modified to fit the standard collar shirts as discussed above.

Referring now to FIG. 34, a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of the outside collar stay is shown and generally designated 602. The outside collar stay 602 is substantially similar to the outside collar stay 600. The outside collar stay 602 includes an exterior member 650 connected to an interior member 660 by a central member 670. The exterior member 650 and the interior member 670 may move relative to each other about the central member 660 to create distance between the exterior member 650 and the interior member 670. The exterior member 650 is flat to provide an aesthetically pleasing exterior surface and the interior member 670 is formed with a plurality of ridges 680 to increase the grip of the outside collar stay 602 on a soft surface. A graphical layer 690 is applied on the surface of the outside collar stay 602. The graphical layer 690 may have any graphics desired, such as the graphical mimicry of a shirt that the outside collar stay 602 is to be used on to decrease the visual perception of the outside collar stay 602.

Referring now to FIG. 35, a top view of the outside collar stay 602 is shown. The exterior member 650 has a right edge length 652, a width 654, and a left edge length 656. The central member 660 is formed at an angle 662, which forms an angled top edge 658 on the exterior member 650. It is contemplated that the angle 662 may be any angle, including zero, without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. The angle 662 is configured to match the angle of the UV protection collar 400 to provide a smooth transition between the outside collar stay 602 and the UV protection collar 400. The right edge length 652 corresponds with the right folded edge length 124A and the left edge length 656 corresponds with the folded edge length of the folded collar at a distance equal to the width 654 away from the right folded edge 122A. The graphical layer 690 includes stitching on the edges to mimic the right side folded edge 122A of the UV protection collar 100.

Referring now to FIG. 36, a bottom view of the outside collar stay 602 is shown. The interior member 670 has a right edge length 672, a width 674, and a left edge length 676, which is equal to the right edge length 652, the width 654, and the left edge length 656 of the exterior member 650, respectively. The interior member 670 is formed with ridges 680. The central member 660 is formed at angle 662, which forms an angled top edge 678 on the interior member 670. The graphical layer 690 extends to the interior member 670 and covers the entire exterior surface of the outside collar stay 602. It is contemplated that the graphical layer may cover only certain portions of the outside collar stay 602 without departing form the spirit and scope of the invention.

Referring now to FIG. 37, the shirt with UV protection collar 10 is shown with the outside collar stay 602 removably attached to the right side folded edge 122A of the UV protection collar 100 and a second outside collar stay 602A removably attached to the left side folded edge 124A of the UV protection collar 100. The outside collar stay 602 and the second outside collar stay 602A is not drawn to scale and is exaggerated to show details. The second outside collar stay 602A is dimensioned to correspond with the left side folded edge 126A of the UV protection collar 100. The outside collar stay 602 and the second outside collar stay 602A pinches the right side folded edge 122A and the left side folded edge 126A, respectively. The outside collar stay 602 and the second outside collar stay 602A provides stiffness and prevents the edges from flattening, limpness, and falling over. The graphical layer 690 and 690A of the outside collar stay 602 and 602A, respectively, mimics the design of the UV protection collar 100. Specifically, the graphical layer 690 and 690A includes stitching that matches the stitching of the UV protection collar 100. It is contemplated that the outside collar stay 602 may be thin to reduce the visibility of the outside collar stay 602.

It is contemplated that the benefits of using the outside collar stay 602 may be applicable to standard collar shirts as well. Although the standard collar shirts do not have the same amount of UV radiation protection, the outside collar stay 602 can ensure that the standard collar shirt provides the maximum UV protection it is capable of. Standard collar shirts are also susceptible to flattening, limpness, and falling over that reduces the standard collar shirt's coverage area of the neck. The outside collar stay 602 applied to the standard collar shirt will provide it with and prevents the edges of the collar of the standard collar shirt from flattening, limpness, and falling over.

Referring now to FIG. 38, the shirt with UV protection collar 10 is shown with the outside collar stay 602 removably attached to the right side folded edge 122A of the UV protection collar 100 and a second outside collar stay 602A removably attached to the left side folded edge 124A of the UV protection collar 100. The outside collar stay 602 and the second outside collar stay 602A is not drawn to scale and is exaggerated to show details. The second outside collar stay 602A is dimensioned to correspond with the left side folded edge 126A of the UV protection collar 100. The outside collar stay 602 and the second outside collar stay 602A pinches the right side folded edge 122A and the left side folded edge 126A, respectively. The outside collar stay 602 and the second outside collar stay 602A provides stiffness and prevents the edges from flattening, limpness, and falling over. The graphical layer 690 and 690A of the outside collar stay 602 and 602A, respectively, does not mimic the design of the UV protection collar 100, but instead includes a monogramed initial. The graphical layer 690 may have any design, including advertisement, branding, slogans, favorite sport team, and etc. The outside collar stay 602 ensures that the UV protection collar 100 provides maximum UV radiation protection while also maintaining its aesthetic appeal.

Referring now to FIGS. 39-43, an alternative embodiment of the present invention, a Shirt with UV Protection Collar, is shown and generally designated 70. The Shirt with UV Protection Collar 70 includes an alternative embodiment of the UV Protection Collar 700. The UV Protection Collar 700 combines the separate components of the UV protection shirt collar 100 into a single component. More specifically, the UV Protection Collar 700 combines together the top collar 110 and the under collar 210 of the collar 100 with the top collar band 140 and the under collar band 240 of the collar band 280. The UV Protection Collar 700 combines the separate components together to reduce material, simplify manufacturing, and reduce overall cost while still providing the protection against UV radiation and the ability to cool the neck.

The UV Protection Collar 700 includes an outer surface 702 and an inner surface 704. The UV Protection Collar 700 is attached to a shirt 300 as described herein with methods known in the art, such as stitching and sewing. The UV Protection Collar 700 has a right edge 712 and a left edge 714. The right edge 712 has a right height 722 and the left edge 714 has a left height 724. Extending between the right edge 712 and the left edge is a top curved edge 716 and a bottom curved edge 718. Adjacent the right edge 712 is a button hole 726 and adjacent the left edge is a button 728. The top curved edge 716 and the bottom curved edge 718 has its corresponding apex at a midpoint 720 of the UV Protection Collar 700. The midpoint 720 is the tallest point on the outer collar 710 and has a midpoint height 730. The right edge 712 and the left edge 714 are the same, whereas the midpoint height 730 is taller than both. In a particular embodiment, the midpoint height 730 is at least 1.2 times taller.

As shown in FIGS. 39-43, the UV Protection Collar 700 is in the up position. With the UV Protection Collar 700 in the up position, the midpoint 720 with the taller midpoint height 730 would be located at the back of the neck of a person wearing the Shirt with UV Protection Collar 70. The taller midpoint height 730 is designed to cover the majority of the back of the neck of the person wearing the Shirt with UV Protection Collar 70, while the curved top edge 716 taper to the shorter right edge 712 and the shorter left edge 714. The taller back portion of the UV Protection Collar 700 provides coverage to the back of the neck to protect the neck for UV radiation exposure and moisture wicking capabilities to cool the neck. The shorter front edges provide dimensions that are similar to those of standard collars. The visuals of the UV Protection Collar 700 from the front (shown in FIG. 40) are visually similar to that of a regular sized collar without any defining indications of the taller back portion of the UV Protection Collar 700 at the midpoint 720. The shorter front edges of the UV Protection Collar 700 also provide less constriction for more freedom of movement, even when buttoned together.

As shown in FIGS. 44-48, the UV Protection Collar 700 is in the down position. With the UV Protection Collar 700 in the down position, the midpoint 720 would still be located at the back of the neck of a person wearing the Shirt with UV Protection Collar 70. However, with the UV Protection Collar 700 in the down position the UV Protection Collar 700 is folded in half at the midpoint 720 and the fold tapering to the attachment point of the UV Protection Collar 700 and the shirt 300. At the midpoint 720, the folded UV Protection Collar 700 has a folded height 732. At the right edge 512 and the left edge 514, the UV Protection Collar is folded below the attachment point of the UV Protection Collar 700 and the shirt 300. The right edge 512 and the left edge 514 lies flat against the shirt 300. In the down position, the UV Protection Collar 700 provides a different look when UV protection is not needed.

While the present invention as herein shown and disclosed in detail is fully capable of obtaining the objects and providing the advantages herein before stated, it is to be understood that it is merely illustrative of embodiments of the invention and that no limitations are intended to the details of construction or design herein shown other than as described in the appended claims.

Claims

1. A UV protection collar shirt comprising:

a shirt with a neck opening; and

a UV protection collar having a right edge, a left edge, a top curved edge, a bottom curved edge, and a midpoint taller than the left edge and the right edge, wherein the UV protection collar is attached to the neck opening of the shirt; and

wherein the midpoint is configured to cover the majority of a back of a human to provide UV radiation protection.

2. The UV protection collar shirt of claim 1, wherein the UV protection collar covers 65 to 100 percent of the back of the human neck.

3. The UV protection collar shirt of claim 2, further comprising a first collar stay attached to the UV protection collar adjacent the left edge and a second collar stay attached to the UV protection collar adjacent the right edge.

4. The UV protection collar shirt of claim 3, wherein the first collar stay comprises a first collar stay straight exterior member, a first collar stay curved interior member and a first collar stay central member connecting the first collar stay straight exterior member to the first collar stay curved interior member and the second collar stay comprises a second collar stay straight exterior member, a second collar stay curved interior member, and a second collar stay central member connecting the second collar stay straight exterior member to the second collar stay curved interior member.

5. A UV protection collar shirt comprising:

a shirt with a neck opening; and

a UV protection collar permanently attached to the neck opening of the shirt, wherein the UV protection collar comprises a collar attached to a collar band and the collar is folded over the collar band creating a right folded edge length, a left folded edge length, and a center back folded distance on the folded collar, wherein the center back folded distance is greater than the right folded edge length and the left folded edge length.

6. The UV protection collar shirt of claim 5, wherein the UV protection collar is a made of a material that is made from a material having at least UPF 50 rating and moisture wicking capability.

7. The UV protection collar shirt of claim 6, wherein the collar includes two overlapping layers of the material and the collar band includes two overlapping layers of the material, wherein the UV protection collar has four overlapping layers of the material when the collar is folded over the collar band.

8. The UV protection collar shirt of claim 7, wherein the center back folded distance of the UV protection collar is 1.3 to 1.5 times taller than the right folded edge length and the left folded edge length.

9. The UV protection collar shirt of claim 8, wherein the UV protection collar covers 65 to 100 percent of a back of a human neck.

10. A UV protection collar shirt comprising:

a shirt with a neck opening; and

a UV protection collar configured to simultaneously prevent sunburn and cool a neck of a person sewn to the neck opening of the shirt, wherein the UV protection collar comprises a top collar band attached to an under collar band creating a collar band having a collar band left edge length, a collar band right edge length, and a collar band center back distance, wherein the collar band center back distance is greater than the collar band left edge length and the collar band right edge length, an under collar attached to a top collar creating a collar attached to the collar band, said collar having a collar left edge length, a collar right edge length, and a collar center back distance, wherein the collar center back distance is greater than the collar left edge length and the collar right edge length, and wherein the collar is folded over the collar band creating a left folded edge length, a right folded edge length, and a center back folded distance on the folded collar, wherein the center back folded distance is greater than the left folded edge length and the right folded edge length.

11. The UV protection collar shirt of claim 10, wherein the top collar band, the under collar band, the top collar, and the under collar is made from a material having at least UPF 50 rating and a moisture wicking capability.

12. The UV protection collar shirt of claim 13, wherein the collar folded over the collar band provides four overlapping layers of the material for the UV protection collar.

13. The UV protection collar shirt of claim 12, wherein said collar further comprises a right collar stay panel attached to the under collar adjacent the collar right edge length and a left collar stay panel attached to the under collar adjacent the collar left edge length, wherein a right collar stay is inserted between the right collar stay panel and the under collar and a left collar stay is inserted between the left collar stay panel and the under collar to provide stiffness to the collar.

14. The UV protection collar shirt of claim 13, wherein the center back folded distance of the UV protection collar is 1.3 to 1.5 times taller than the right folded edge length and the left folded edge length.

15. The UV protection collar shirt of claim 13, wherein the UV protection collar covers more than 60 percent of a back of a human neck.

16. The UV protection collar shirt of claim 13, wherein the center back folded distance is 3 to 5 inches, the collar left edge length is 2 to 2.5 inches, and the collar right edge length equals the collar left edge length.

17. The UV protection collar shirt of claim 13, further comprising a first collar stay attached to the UV protection collar adjacent the left edge and a second collar stay attached to the UV protection collar adjacent the right edge.

18. The UV protection collar shirt of claim 17, wherein the first collar stay comprises a first collar stay straight exterior member, a first collar stay curved interior member and a first collar stay central member connecting the first collar stay straight exterior member to the first collar stay curved interior member and the second collar stay comprises a second collar stay straight exterior member, a second collar stay curved interior member, and a second collar stay central member connecting the second collar stay straight exterior member to the second collar stay curved interior member.

19. The UV protection collar shirt of claim 18, wherein the first collar stay further comprises a first collar stay graphical layer applied onto the first collar stay straight exterior member and the second collar stay further comprises a second collar stay graphical layer applied onto the second collar stay straight exterior member.

20. The UV protection collar shirt of claim 19, wherein the first collar stay graphical layer and the second collar stay graphical layer match the visual appearance of the UV protection collar.