Patent Application
20240315368
The present disclosure is directed to garments (e.g., articles of apparel and clothing), protective coverings, and methods that provide sufficient skin and scalp protection against Ultraviolet (UVB and UVA) and High Energy Visible (HEV) irradiation while simultaneously allowing the user to obtain skin and scalp benefits from sun exposure of relevant wavelength ranges in the Visible (VIS) and Infrared (IR) regions.
The sun emits a constant stream of particles and energy. According to CIE (Commission Internationale de l'Eclairage), the spectral distribution of natural solar radiation at the earth's surface contains approximately 7% of Ultraviolet light (UV) consisting of UVB (290-320 nm) and UVA (320-400 nm), approximately 55% of Visible light (VIS) from about 400 to about 780 nm, and approximately 40% Infrared light (IR) from 780 nm to 1 mm. Thus, more than 90% of solar radiation spectrum is in the VIS-IR range; and the VIS spectrum comprises about 39% of sunlight when it reaches the surface of the earth. High Energy Visible Light (HEV) ranges from about 400 nm to 500 nm.
The various color ranges indicated in Table 1 below are an approximation; the visible spectrum is continuous, with no clear boundaries between one color and the next:
Near-infrared (NIR) applies to light in the approximately 720-860 nm range (slightly visible to most persons even at moderate intensities). Infrared (IR) applies to light in a range above 860 nm. The damaging effects of UV (UVA and UVB) radiation on skin are well-known. Unprotected exposure to the sun can cause skin sunburn, skin aging, and skin cancer. Additionally, the High Energy Visible Light, HEV (400-500 nm) is now recognized as a significant contributor to skin photo ageing and causing long-lasting skin hyperpigmentation.
Arguably, the spectral range from 290 to 1100 nm is the most biologically relevant for the skin. Light that people encounter in daily life is a mix of visible light, infrared, and ultraviolet. There are more precise categories, and certain wavelengths ranges can have specific effects. Different wavelengths of light can have different effects on health and appearance of skin and scalp. These effects also depend on the dose, examples of which are shown in Table 2 below:
The sunlight has all the beneficial wavelengths but is unbalanced because an exposure long enough to grant benefits from VIS and IRA light is also long enough to risk sunburn and skin aging from UVB and UVA. Modern sunlight protection is about avoiding harm, not gaining the benefits; and topical sunscreens are often improperly used and some have bad publicity. The use of sun-protective clothes, hats and umbrellas in conjunction with sun glasses and broad-spectrum sunscreen products is recommended by dermatologists and health care organizations.
Fabrics represent simple and effective protection against UV-induced erythema/sunburn; and sun-protective clothing provides a reliable, long lasting, durable wearable protection. The UV protection by fabrics (garments) is measured via the ultraviolet protection factor (UPF) that is similar to sun protection factor (SPF) used for topical sunscreen products. This metric was first standardized in Australia in 1996 (Standard AS/NZS 4399). It quantifies how effectively a fabric shields against the UV irradiation; it is determined by instrumental in vitro test methods based on the fabric transmission in UV range in conjunction with simulated solar UV spectrum and Mckinlay-Diffey erythemal action spectrum. UPF is the ratio of the erythemally weighted UV irradiance at the detector without fabric to the erythemally weighted UV irradiance at the detector with the fabric. Standard AS/NZS 4399 provides following UPF rating scheme: fabrics with UPFs in the range 15-24 are rated as UPF 15 or 20 (Good Protection Category); for UPF range of 25-39 rating would be UPF 25, 30 or 35 (Very Good Protection Category); for UPF range 40-50, and 50+ ratings are UPF 40, 45, 50 or 50+, respectively (Excellent Protection Category). AS/NZS 4399 lists a maximum limit of UPF 50+.
The methods for determining UPF values of fabrics (e.g. AATCC183-2010) are similar around the world. The UPF metric addresses the protective properties (attenuation) of fabrics only in the UV range, mainly against UVB.
Previously it was demonstrated that fabrics can protect skin beyond UV. The Grotthus-Draper law states that the light must be absorbed by skin in order to trigger biological responses in cells. The energy of the absorbed photon is transferred to the chromophore and the radiation penetration depth is affected by position and absorption spectrum of the chromophore. Skin's endogenous chromophores include urocanic acid, amino acids, porphyrin, melanin, hemoglobin, bilirubin, carotenoids, riboflavin, water, etc. Some chromophores absorb only in UV or in IR range, and others absorb throughout the UV-VIS.
The wavelength of the photons also impacts the depth of penetration into the skin and scalp—with VIS and IR light being large components of the sunlight energy penetrating deeper into the skin. The absorption of VIS by chromophores in the skin and scalp is the principle for its use in laser therapy, intense pulse light therapy, and photodynamic therapy. For the skin antiaging treatments, the wavelength range is 500-700 nm, for hair treatments 600-800 nm, for acne 400-500 nm, for alopecia 600-700 nm, for wound healing 620-700 nm, etc. However, laser and LED light sources may offer some disadvantages because of their dot shaped (punctiform) emission characteristics and narrow spectral bandwidths. Because the action spectra for tissue regeneration and repair consist of more than one wavelength, it might be beneficial to apply a polychromatic spectrum range covering a broader spectral region for skin rejuvenation and repair. In addition, most UV-protective fabrics block beneficial light too.
Thus, there is a need and it would be desirable to provide garments (articles of apparel/clothing) and protective coverings having sufficient skin and scalp protection against the UV (UVB and UVA) and HEV irradiation, while simultaneously allowing the user to obtain specific skin and scalp benefits from the sun exposure that are associated with relevant polychromatic wavelength ranges in the VIS and IR.
The present disclosure is directed to overcoming these and other deficiencies in the art.
The present disclosure generally relates to, inter alia, garments (e.g., articles of apparel and clothing) and protective coverings for providing sufficient skin and scalp protection against Ultraviolet (UVB and UVA) and High Energy Visible (HEV) irradiation while simultaneously allowing the user to obtain skin and scalp benefits from the sun exposure to relevant wavelength ranges in the Visible (VIS) and Infrared (IR) regions. The present disclosure also relates to methods of using and making the garments and protective coverings of the present disclosure.
In certain aspects, the present disclosure focuses on the use of UV (UVB and UVA), and HEV filtering garments enabling the simultaneous utilization of skin and scalp benefits from solar radiation. Offering sufficient protection from the UV and HEV when allowing user to receive the skin and scalp benefits from sun exposure could help positioning various protective garments as an integral step in people's daily routines.
Garments of this disclosure are safe for dermal contact and for the environment.
In one aspect, the present disclosure relates to a garment for blocking exposure of a subject to harmful solar irradiation while simultaneously permitting exposure of the subject to beneficial solar irradiation. The garment includes a fabric layer including a dual purpose material composition that, by itself, blocks harmful solar irradiation while simultaneously permitting beneficial solar irradiation to an area of skin of a subject covered by the fabric layer when exposed to solar light, where the harmful solar irradiation comprises ultraviolet A (UVA), ultraviolet B (UVB), and/or high-energy visible (HEV) light, and where the beneficial solar irradiation comprises visible (VIS) and/or infrared (IR) light. The present disclosure also relates to methods of using and making the garment, as well as a protective covering made from the dual purpose material composition fabric layer.
In another aspect, the present disclosure relates to a method for blocking exposure of a subject to harmful solar irradiation while simultaneously permitting exposure of the subject to beneficial solar irradiation. The method involves providing a garment according to the present disclosure to a subject, where the subject wears the garment so as to cover an area of skin of the subject during exposure to sun, thereby blocking harmful solar irradiation while simultaneously permitting beneficial solar irradiation to the area of skin of the subject covered by the fabric layer when exposed to solar light, where the harmful solar irradiation includes ultraviolet A (UVA), ultraviolet B (UVB), and/or high-energy visible (HEV) light, and where the beneficial solar irradiation includes visible (VIS) and/or infrared (IR) light.
In another aspect, the present disclosure relates to a method of making a garment as disclosed herein. This method involves providing at least one fabric layer including a dual purpose material composition that, by itself, blocks harmful solar irradiation while simultaneously permitting beneficial solar irradiation to an area of skin of a subject covered by the fabric layer when exposed to solar light, where the harmful solar irradiation includes ultraviolet A (UVA), ultraviolet B (UVB), and/or high-energy visible (HEV) light, and where the beneficial solar irradiation includes visible (VIS) and/or infrared (IR) light; and preparing a garment from the at least one fabric layer.
In another aspect, the present disclosure relates to a protective covering for blocking exposure of a subject to harmful solar irradiation while simultaneously permitting exposure of the subject to beneficial solar irradiation. The protective covering includes a fabric layer as described herein.
In another aspect, the present disclosure relates to a method for blocking exposure of a subject to harmful solar irradiation while simultaneously permitting exposure of the subject to beneficial solar irradiation. This method involves providing a protective covering as disclosed herein to a subject, where the subject uses the protective covering to cover an area of skin of the subject during exposure to sun, thereby blocking harmful solar irradiation while simultaneously permitting beneficial solar irradiation to the area of skin of the subject covered by the protective covering when exposed to solar light, where the harmful solar irradiation includes ultraviolet A (UVA), ultraviolet B (UVB), and/or high-energy visible (HEV) light, and where the beneficial solar irradiation includes visible (VIS) and/or infrared (IR) light.
In another aspect, the present disclosure provides a method of making a protective covering as disclosed herein. This method involves providing at least one fabric layer including a dual purpose material composition that, by itself, blocks harmful solar irradiation while simultaneously permitting beneficial solar irradiation to an area of skin of a subject covered by the fabric layer when exposed to solar light, where the harmful solar irradiation includes ultraviolet A (UVA), ultraviolet B (UVB), and/or high-energy visible (HEV) light, and where the beneficial solar irradiation includes visible (VIS) and/or infrared (IR) light; and preparing a protective covering from the at least one fabric layer.
The present disclosure generally relates to, inter alia, garments (e.g., articles of apparel and clothing) and protective coverings for providing sufficient skin and scalp protection against Ultraviolet (UVB and UVA) and High Energy Visible (HEV) irradiation while simultaneously allowing the user to obtain skin and scalp benefits from the sun exposure to relevant wavelength ranges in the Visible (VIS) and Infrared (IR) regions. The present disclosure also relates to methods of using and making the garments and protective coverings of the present disclosure.
In one aspect, the present disclosure provides a garment for blocking exposure of a subject to harmful solar irradiation while simultaneously permitting exposure of the subject to beneficial solar irradiation. The garment includes a fabric layer including a dual purpose material composition that, by itself, blocks harmful solar irradiation while simultaneously permitting beneficial solar irradiation to an area of skin of a subject covered by the fabric layer when exposed to solar light, where the harmful solar irradiation comprises ultraviolet A (UVA), ultraviolet B (UVB), and/or high-energy visible (HEV) light, and where the beneficial solar irradiation comprises visible (VIS) and/or infrared (IR) light.
In certain embodiments, the dual purpose material composition has an ultraviolet protection factor (UPF) that includes, without limitation, a UPF from about 10 to about 50+, from about 15 to about 45, from about 20 to about 40, from about 25 to about 35, and from about 30 to about 35.
As used herein, the term “significant” transmission of a wavelength or region of light refers to up to 50% transmission thereof, while the term “very significant” transmission of a wavelength or region of light refers to more than 50% transmission thereof.
In certain embodiments, the dual purpose material composition includes one fabric layer and blocks ultraviolet (UV) light to a UPF 10+ while simultaneously permitting “significant” (up to 50%) or “very significant” (more than 50%) transmission of VIS and IR regions having wavelengths that include, without limitation, wavelengths of 700-800 nm, 800-900 nm, and 900-1100 nm. In certain other embodiments, the dual purpose material composition includes one fabric layer and blocks ultraviolet (UV) light to a UPF 10+ while simultaneously permitting “significant” (up to 50%) or “very significant” (more than 50%) transmission of VIS and IR regions having wavelengths that include, without limitation, wavelengths of 700-800 nm (at 40-50%), 800-900 nm (at 55-65%), and 900-1100 nm (at 70-80%).
In certain embodiments, the dual purpose material composition further transmits about 25-35 percent of HEV (400-500 nm) and about 15-25 percent of green light (in the range of about 500-600 nm).
In certain embodiments, the dual purpose material composition includes two fabric layers and blocks ultraviolet (UV) light to a UPF 30+ and blocks up to about 90 percent of HEV while simultaneously permitting significant or very significant transmission of IR regions having wavelengths that include, without limitation, wavelengths of 800-900 nm and 900-1100 nm. In certain other embodiments, the dual purpose material composition includes two fabric layers and blocks ultraviolet (UV) light to a UPF 30+ and blocks up to about 90 percent of HEV while simultaneously permitting significant or very significant transmission of IR regions having wavelengths that include, without limitation, wavelengths of 800-900 nm (at 35-45%) and 900-1100 nm (at 50-60%).
In certain embodiments, the dual purpose material composition includes one fabric layer and blocks ultraviolet (UV) light to a UPF 7+ while simultaneously permitting very significant transmission of VIS and IR regions having wavelengths that include, without limitation, wavelengths of 600-700 nm, 700-800 nm, 800-900 nm, and 900-1100 nm. In certain other embodiments, the dual purpose material composition includes one fabric layer and blocks ultraviolet (UV) light to a UPF 7+ while simultaneously permitting very significant transmission of VIS and IR regions having wavelengths that include, without limitation, wavelengths of 600-700 nm (at 60-70%), 700-800 nm (at 80-90%), 800-900 nm (at 90-95%), and 900-1100 nm (at 85-95%).
In certain embodiments, the dual purpose material composition further transmits about 25-35 percent of HEV (about 400-500 nm) and about 15-25 percent of green light (about 500-600 nm).
In certain embodiments, the dual purpose material composition includes two fabric layers and blocks ultraviolet (UV) light to a UPF 30+ and more than 90 percent of HEV while simultaneously permitting significant, or very significant transmission of VIS and IR regions having wavelengths that include, without limitation, wavelengths of 600-700 nm, 700-800 nm, 800-900 nm, and 900-1100 nm.
In certain embodiments, the dual purpose material composition includes one fabric layer and blocks ultraviolet (UV) light to a UPF 15+ while simultaneously permitting very significant transmission of VIS and IR regions having wavelengths that include, without limitation, wavelengths of 600-700 nm, 700-800 nm, 800-900 nm, and 900-1100 nm.
In certain embodiments, the dual purpose material composition further transmits about 8-15 percent of HEV and about 20-25 percent of green light (500-600 nm).
In certain embodiments, the dual purpose material composition includes two fabric layers and blocks ultraviolet (UV) light to a UPF 35+ and blocks up to about 94 percent of HEV while simultaneously permitting significant transmission of VIS and IR regions having wavelengths that include, without limitation, wavelengths of 600-700 nm, 700-800 nm, 800-900 nm, and 900-1100 nm.
In certain embodiments, the dual purpose material composition can include, without limitation, Tencel, Lyocell, Cotton, Linen, Bamboo, Modal, Rayon, Wool, Silk, Polyester, Spandex, Nylon, Elastane, Supplex Nylon, Kevlar, Linen/Cotton blends, Polyester/Spandex blends, Cotton/Nylon blends, Cotton/Elastane blends, Kevlar/Nylon/Spandex blends, and combinations thereof.
In certain embodiments, the dual purpose material composition is free from UV blockers, such as p-aminobenzoic acid (PABA) and its esters, benzophenones such as, but not limited to, oxybenzone, also cinnamates, anthranilates, salicylates, and camphor derivatives.
In certain embodiments, the dual purpose material composition is free from benzoxazine organic ultraviolet absorbers, benzophenone organic ultraviolet absorbers, benzotriazole organic ultraviolet absorbers, and salicylic acid organic ultraviolet absorbers; and inorganic ultraviolet absorbing and/or reflecting agents, including titanium dioxide, zinc oxide, alumina, magnesium oxide, talc, calcium carbonate, and sodium carbonate.
In certain embodiments, the dual purpose material composition is free from graphene oxide nano particles.
In certain embodiments, the dual purpose material composition is free from fluorescent compounds (dyes) such as, but not limited to, perylene dye, a cyanine dye, a rhodamine dye, a coumarine dye, a dye belonging to the class of anthrapyridone dyes, thioxanthene dyes and thioindigoid dyes, wherein the dye includes one or more species of fluorescent dyes alone and/or in conjunction with titanium dioxide.
In certain embodiments, the garment of the present disclosure is configured to provide sufficient skin and scalp protection against Ultraviolet (UVB and UVA) and High Energy Visible (HEV) irradiation while simultaneously allowing a user to obtain skin and scalp benefits from sun exposure associated with relevant wavelength ranges in the Visible (VIS) and Infrared (IR) ranges.
In certain embodiments, the garment of the present disclosure is configured to have UPF values ranging from about 10 to about 50+ for protecting skin and scalp from at least two harmful/non-beneficial wavelength ranges (UV and HEV) from solar light, while allowing sufficient transmittance in at least two beneficial wavelength ranges, or at least three beneficial wavelength ranges, or at least four beneficial wavelength ranges, or more than four beneficial wavelength ranges. In certain embodiments, the garment of the present disclosure is configured to have UPF values ranging from about 10 to about 50+(preferably 30+) for protecting skin and scalp from at least two harmful/non-beneficial wavelength ranges (UV and HEV) from solar light, while allowing sufficient transmittance in at least two beneficial wavelength ranges (e.g., Red and Near IR, HEV and Near IR) or three beneficial wavelength ranges (e.g., Red, Green, and Near IR), or four beneficial wavelength ranges, or more than four beneficial wavelength ranges.
In certain embodiments, the garment of the present disclosure is in a form of an article of apparel and/or clothing.
In certain embodiments, the garment of the present disclosure is in a form of an article of apparel and/or clothing, where the article of apparel and/or clothing can include, without limitation, headwear, neckwear, bodywear, footwear, handwear, and the like.
In certain embodiments, the garment of the present disclosure is in a form of an article of apparel and/or clothing, where the article of apparel and/or clothing can include, without limitation, hats of any type or style, hoods, head coverings, caps, head bands, bandanas, scarfs, facial masks, bonnets, costumes, neck ties, covers for décolleté area, collars, pants, shorts, dresses, leotards, martial arts uniforms, uniforms, jackets, gloves, socks, slippers, shoes, and the like.
In certain embodiments, the garment of the present disclosure includes a combination of two or more fabric layers, where the two or more fabric layers each can be either identical or different types of dual purpose material compositions according to the present disclosure.
In another aspect, the present disclosure provides a method for blocking exposure of a subject to harmful solar irradiation while simultaneously permitting exposure of the subject to beneficial solar irradiation. The method involves providing a garment according to the present disclosure to a subject, where the subject wears the garment so as to cover an area of skin of the subject during exposure to sun, thereby blocking harmful solar irradiation while simultaneously permitting beneficial solar irradiation to the area of skin of the subject covered by the fabric layer when exposed to solar light, where the harmful solar irradiation includes ultraviolet A (UVA), ultraviolet B (UVB), and/or high-energy visible (HEV) light, and where the beneficial solar irradiation includes visible (VIS) and/or infrared (IR) light.
In certain embodiments of this method of the present disclosure, the area of skin covered by the garment is treated during exposure to the sun to achieve benefits that include, but are not limited to, improved collagen synthesis, improved natural skin cell growth, decreased incidences of acne and acne-causing bacteria, reduction of acne flare-ups and acne scarring, calming of skin redness, decreased skin inflammation, anti-aging of skin, rejuvenation of skin, improved hair growth, and the like.
In certain embodiments of this method of the present disclosure, the method further involves applying a topical sunscreen product. This can be done to achieve greater protection from harmful sun exposure, while still allowing for the benefits of beneficial sun exposure.
In another aspect, the present disclosure provides a method of making a garment as disclosed herein. This method involves providing at least one fabric layer including a dual purpose material composition that, by itself, blocks harmful solar irradiation while simultaneously permitting beneficial solar irradiation to an area of skin of a subject covered by the fabric layer when exposed to solar light, where the harmful solar irradiation includes ultraviolet A (UVA), ultraviolet B (UVB), and/or high-energy visible (HEV) light, and where the beneficial solar irradiation includes visible (VIS) and/or infrared (IR) light; and preparing a garment from the at least one fabric layer.
In certain embodiments of this method, the garment of the present disclosure is in a form of an article of apparel and/or clothing.
In certain embodiments of this method, the garment of the present disclosure is in a form of an article of apparel and/or clothing, where the article of apparel and/or clothing can include, without limitation, headwear, neckwear, bodywear, footwear, handwear, and the like.
In certain embodiments of this method, the garment of the present disclosure is in a form of an article of apparel and/or clothing, where the article of apparel and/or clothing can include, without limitation, hats of any type or style, hoods, head coverings, caps, head bands, bandanas, scarfs, facial masks, bonnets, costumes, neck ties, covers for décolleté area, collars, pants, shorts, dresses, leotards, martial arts uniforms, uniforms, jackets, gloves, socks, slippers, shoes, and the like.
In certain embodiments of this method, the garment of the present disclosure includes a combination of two or more fabric layers, where the two or more fabric layers each can be either identical or different types of dual purpose material compositions according to the present disclosure.
In another aspect, the present disclosure provides a protective covering for blocking exposure of a subject to harmful solar irradiation while simultaneously permitting exposure of the subject to beneficial solar irradiation. The protective covering includes a fabric layer as described herein.
In certain embodiments, the protective covering can include, without limitation, beach blankets, other wearable coverings, umbrellas, parasols, awnings, canopies, curtains, shade cloths, window covers, tents, and other articles, materials, products, and the like.
In certain embodiments, the protective covering can include, without limitation, beach blankets and other wearable coverings, that is made using two or more layers of fabric combined.
In another aspect, the present disclosure provides a method for blocking exposure of a subject to harmful solar irradiation while simultaneously permitting exposure of the subject to beneficial solar irradiation. This method involves providing a protective covering as disclosed herein to a subject, where the subject uses the protective covering to cover an area of skin of the subject during exposure to sun, thereby blocking harmful solar irradiation while simultaneously permitting beneficial solar irradiation to the area of skin of the subject covered by the protective covering when exposed to solar light, where the harmful solar irradiation includes ultraviolet A (UVA), ultraviolet B (UVB), and/or high-energy visible (HEV) light, and where the beneficial solar irradiation includes visible (VIS) and/or infrared (IR) light.
In certain embodiments of this method of the present disclosure, the protective covering can include, without limitation, beach blankets, other wearable coverings, umbrellas, parasols, awnings, canopies, curtains, shade cloths, window covers, tents, and other articles, materials, products, and the like.
In certain embodiments of this method of the present disclosure, the protective covering can include, without limitation, beach blankets and other wearable coverings, that is made using two or more layers of fabric combined.
In certain embodiments of this method of the present disclosure, the method further involves applying a topical sunscreen product. This can be done to achieve greater protection from harmful sun exposure, while still allowing for the benefits of beneficial sun exposure.
In another aspect, the present disclosure provides a method of making a protective covering as disclosed herein. This method involves providing at least one fabric layer including a dual purpose material composition that, by itself, blocks harmful solar irradiation while simultaneously permitting beneficial solar irradiation to an area of skin of a subject covered by the fabric layer when exposed to solar light, where the harmful solar irradiation includes ultraviolet A (UVA), ultraviolet B (UVB), and/or high-energy visible (HEV) light, and where the beneficial solar irradiation includes visible (VIS) and/or infrared (IR) light; and preparing a protective covering from the at least one fabric layer.
In certain embodiments of this method of the present disclosure, the protective covering can include, without limitation, beach blankets, other wearable coverings, umbrellas, parasols, awnings, canopies, curtains, shade cloths, window covers, tents, and other articles, materials, products, and the like.
In certain embodiments of this method of the present disclosure, the protective covering can include, without limitation, beach blankets and other wearable coverings, that is made using two or more layers of fabric combined.
Further aspects, embodiments, and characteristics of the present disclosure are described below, without limitation.
In one embodiment, the garments are made from two layers of fabric that effectively protect from HEV and allow sufficient broadband polychromatic transmittance in the selected ranges of VIS and IR light that may accelerate the skin rejuvenation, while reducing hyper-pigmentation and age spots, while providing strong protection against Ultraviolet (UVB and UVA) with measured UPF 30-35+.
The garments, protective coverings, and methods of the present disclosure do not utilize fabrics coated or impregnated with UV blockers, such as p-aminobenzoic acid (PABA) and its esters, benzophenones such as oxybenzone, also cinnamates, anthranilates, salicylates, and camphor derivatives.
The garments, protective coverings, and methods of the present disclosure do not utilize fabrics containing benzoxazine organic ultraviolet absorbers, benzophenone organic ultraviolet absorbers, benzotriazole organic ultraviolet absorbers, and salicylic acid organic ultraviolet absorbers; and inorganic ultraviolet absorbing and/or reflecting agents, e.g. titanium dioxide, zinc oxide, alumina, magnesium oxide, talc, calcium carbonate, and sodium carbonate.
Fabrics of the present disclosure do not contain graphene oxide nano particles.
The fabrics of the present disclosure also do not contain fluorescent compounds (dyes), e.g., perylene dye, a cyanine dye, a rhodamine dye, a coumarine dye, a dye belonging to the class of anthrapyridone dyes, thioxanthene dyes and thioindigoid dyes, wherein the dye includes one or more species of fluorescent dyes alone and in conjunction with titanium dioxide.
The garments, protective coverings, and methods of the present disclosure are not related to the transformation of the incident light spectrum to the different emission spectrum generated by the certain fluorescent compound present in the fabric.
In operation, the garments of the present disclosure are suitable for all skin types and would protect user's skin and scalp from the negative impact of the sun irradiation while allowing to simultaneously access and utilize benefits from solar light.
In certain aspects, the present disclosure is directed to the garments (articles of apparel/clothing), in particular, providing sufficient skin protection against the Ultraviolet (UVB and UVA) and High Energy Visible (HEV) irradiation while simultaneously allowing user to receive specific skin and/or scalp benefits from the sun exposure. These garments of the present disclosure would block most of the incident solar light in the Ultraviolet and High Energy Visible ranges and pass the sufficient percentages of incident solar light in the beneficial spectral ranges, thereby producing filtered solar light allowing the effective intensity of solar light to reach the user's skin in the selective beneficial wavelength ranges: 500-600, 600-700, 700-800, 900-1000 and 1000-1100 nm.
These wavelengths ranges are beneficial for skin and scalp for different purposes. For example, a Red and Infrared light from sun may activate skin cells and accelerate the natural skin cell growth. In another example, a Green light range may be a non-irritating way to reduce hyper-pigmentation and age spots. Green light may also be used with moisturizers to improve hydration and effectiveness of the moisturizers. In addition, for persons with very photosensitive skin it would be beneficial to use garments with extremely low transmittances across not only UVB, UVA and HEV, but also in the VIS.
It should be noted that there are certain issues associated with textile-related contamination, e.g., dermal exposure and environmental release. The dermal exposure takes place by skin absorption of chemicals due to direct and prolonged contact with clothes, while the release of chemicals from textiles during laundering is a source of pollution of the aquatic environment.
Studies on health effects related to textile exposure have so far been mainly focused on contact allergy caused by dyes. Additionally, carcinogenic and mutagenic effects have also been demonstrated for a number of azo-dyes used in textile materials.
To avoid these problems, fabrics utilized in garments of the present disclosure are free from: UV blockers, such as p-aminobenzoic acid (PABA) and its esters, benzophenones such as oxybenzone, also cinnamates, anthranilates, salicylates, and camphor derivatives; benzoxazine organic ultraviolet absorbers, benzophenone organic ultraviolet absorbers, benzotriazole organic ultraviolet absorbers, and salicylic acid organic ultraviolet absorbers; and inorganic ultraviolet absorbing and/or reflecting agents, e.g. titanium dioxide, zinc oxide, alumina, magnesium oxide, talc, calcium carbonate, and sodium carbonate; graphene oxide nano particles; fluorescent compounds (dyes) e.g. perylene dye, a cyanine dye, a rhodamine dye, a coumarine dye, a dye belonging to the class of anthrapyridone dyes, thioxanthene dyes and thioindigoid dyes, wherein the dye includes one or more species of fluorescent dyes alone and in conjunction with titanium dioxide.
Additionally, the present disclosure is not related to the transformation of the incident light spectrum to the different emission spectrum generated by the certain fluorescent compound in the fabric.
In sum, garments of the present disclosure would protect user's skin and scalp from the negative impact of the sun irradiation while allowing to simultaneously access and utilize solar light benefits.
Examples of articles of apparel may include, but are not limited to, head coverings/head gear (e. g. hats of any type or style, hoods, head coverings, caps, head bands, bandannas, scarfs, facial masks, bonnets, costumes, neck ties, covers for décolleté area, collars, pants, shorts, dresses, leotards, martial arts uniforms, uniforms, jackets, gloves, socks and footwear. It may also encompass beach blankets, and other wearable coverings. This approach of the disclosure may be incorporated in umbrellas, parasols, awnings, canopies, curtains, shade cloths, window covers, tents, and other articles, materials, and products.
In addition, the garments, protective coverings, and methods of the present disclosure may be used in conjunction with various artificial light sources.
UV protective garments are made from the fabric (e.g., a woven, knitted, or non-woven fabric) including natural and/or synthetic yarns. In certain embodiments, the yarns may be formed of Tencel, Lyoncell, nylon, polyester, rayon, cotton, linen, elastane, wool, silk, or a blend thereof.
Garments of the present disclosure strongly attenuate the erythemogenic UV radiation so the minimal erythema dose would not be reached even after prolonged sun exposure.
As discussed herein, there is a need and it is desirable to provide the garments (articles of apparel/clothing), in particular, providing skin and scalp protection against the Ultraviolet (UVA and UVB) and High Energy Visible (HEV) irradiation while simultaneously allowing user to obtain specific skin and scalp benefits from the sun exposure.
Therefore, the garments, protective coverings, and methods of the present disclosure address the need that exists for a user to be able to receive beneficial effects on skin and scalp from the sun irradiation while performing normal daily tasks or spending time on the beach without negative impact on the skin and scalp associated with UV and HEV portions of solar radiation.
In certain aspects, the present disclosure focuses on the use of UV and HEV filtering garments simultaneously enabling the utilization of skin and scalp benefits from solar radiation, e.g., anti-aging, anti-acne, anti-aging and antiacne combination, etc.
In certain aspects, the garments, protective coverings, and methods of the present disclosure allow user to receive the skin and scalp benefits from sun exposure, and could help positioning protective garments as an integral step in people's daily routines and create apparel brands using fabrics capable to balance the sunlight reaching skin.
In certain aspects, the garments, protective coverings, and methods of the present disclosure provide a safe way to do photobiomodulation of skin and/or scalp because these fabrics strongly protect against the harmful UVB, UVA, and HEV light, and the minimal erythemal dose (MED) would not be reached even after several hours of sun exposure.
In certain aspects, the garments, protective coverings, and methods of the present disclosure provide a sustainable, re-usable, durable platform with effects similar to phototherapy using normal sun exposure; it expands the options available to persons looking for non-drastic, gradual, mild and pleasant skin and scalp benefits—while enjoying time outdoors or on the beach; and provides an effortless way to help improve and maintain healthy skin; and to rejuvenate skin and improve its complexion and texture.
In addition, the garments and protective coverings may be made using fabric constructed to have one or more desired properties such as air permeability/breathability, anti-pollution, absorbance, moisture vapor transmission, and/or capillary action (to draw sweat away from the wearer), abrasion resistance, anti-static properties, anti-microbial activity, water repellence, flame repellence, bug repellence, hydrophilicity, hydrophobicity, wind resistance, resiliency, stain resistance, wrinkle resistance, etc.
The following examples are intended to illustrate particular embodiments of the present disclosure, but are by no means intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure.
Various materials and methods were used to test and analyze aspects of selected embodiments of the garments of the present disclosure. The materials and methods are described below. The results and characteristics of the selected embodiments of the garments tested are presented in Examples 1-6 below.
The outdoor evaluations of fabrics under solar irradiation were conducted in: Vero Beach, Florida (27.6386° N, 80.3973° W) in December 2021-March 2022, and in December 2022-March 2023 at clear sky; and in White Plains, New York (41.0340° N, 73.7629° W) in August-October 2023 at clear sky.
To assess the solar irradiation and fabrics transmittance in the spectral areas of interest the following equipment was utilized-in conjunction with SpectraWiz Software:
Silver-Nova Compact research grade spectrometer for 190-1100 nm range with 600 g/mm dual blaze grating, slit-25; UP5V power adaptor; F600-UVVIS-SR fiber optic cables; tripod; CR2 miniature UV-VIS-Near IR cosine receptor (all from StellarNet Inc. Tampa, Florida, USA).
The UPF factor of fabrics according to AATCC183-2010 measurement standard, the following equipment was utilized: SPF-290AS Analyzer System in conjunction with corresponding fabric holder (8-5091)—all from SolarLight Company, Inc. (PA, USA).
Various fabrics, e.g., Tencel (Lyoncell), Bamboo, Modal, Cotton, Linen, Rayon, Wool, Silk, blends of Linen and Cotton, were evaluated. These fabrics were not previously tested for their UPF.
Fabrics of the present disclosure are free from: UV blockers, such as p-aminobenzoic acid (PABA) and its esters, benzophenones such as oxybenzone, also cinnamates, anthranilates, salicylates, and camphor derivatives; benzoxazine organic ultraviolet absorbers, benzophenone organic ultraviolet absorbers, benzotriazole organic ultraviolet absorbers, and salicylic acid organic ultraviolet absorbers; and inorganic ultraviolet absorbing and/or reflecting agents, e.g. titanium dioxide, zinc oxide, alumina, magnesium oxide, talc, calcium carbonate, and sodium carbonate; graphene oxide nano particles; fluorescent compounds (dyes) e.g. perylene dye, a cyanine dye, a rhodamine dye, a coumarine dye, a dye belonging to the class of anthrapyridone dyes, thioxanthene dyes and thioindigoid dyes, wherein the dye includes one or more species of fluorescent dyes alone and in conjunction with titanium dioxide.
The light therapy systems described in prior art U.S. Pat. Nos. 10,322,297 and 11,129,429 by Hinds et al are about benefits to skin health/aesthetics effected by photons emitted by fluorescent compounds in the fabric when they are excited by higher-energy ambient light.
The garments, protective coverings, and methods of the present disclosure are not related to the transformation of the incident light spectrum to the different emission spectrum generated by the certain fluorescent compound in the fabric.
In accordance with the garments, protective coverings, and methods of the present disclosure, skin benefits are gained from photons from ambient light, with less-beneficial wavelengths being filtered by the fabric.
Fabrics were purchased from reputable distributors, including APC Fabrics (Los Angeles, CA) and Rockywoods.com (Loveland, CO).
Outdoor evaluations under the natural sun were conducted using the equipment described above to quantitatively measure the transmittance of natural sunlight irradiance in VIS-IR regions through fabrics. During outdoor measurements CR2 probe was aimed at the sun—for maximum irradiation intensity in the empty path.
Typical examples of measured sun irradiance in VIS-IR (400-1100 nm) in specific wavelength ranges are shown in Table 3 below:
Power Density is amount of power delivered per unit area.
Measured transmittance values of fabrics were obtained by passing irradiation in a direction perpendicular to the fabric, which minimizes the scattering.
The transmittance of solar light irradiation by fabrics was calculated as a percentage of direct irradiance transmitted through in the respective wavelength ranges—assuming that the irradiance data recorded for the empty light path is 100%.
It was unexpectedly found that a few fabrics are effectively attenuating in UV and HEV range while simultaneously transmitting significant portions of sun irradiation in the selected VIS and IR wavelength ranges that are beneficial for the skin and scalp.
Optimal and rather rare combinations of the relevant fabric's parameters, e.g., composition, color, thickness, weave densities, space between fibers, geometrical arrangements of the fibers, weave gap size and construction allowed to achieve sufficient fabric's transmission in the beneficial wavelength ranges of interest.
Data presented in Examples 1-6 demonstrate that certain fabrics can effectively attenuate in UV and HEV regions while allowing sufficient transmittance in the specific VIS and IR portions of natural sun irradiation that are beneficial for various skin and scalp conditions.
Depending on the solar irradiation intensity—the duration of the sun exposure allowing these benefits could be as little as 30 min.
The use of garments of the present disclosure provides a safe photobiomodulation of skin and scalp, and can extend the spectrum of options available to persons looking for non-drastic, gradual, mild and pleasant skin and scalp benefits. In certain aspects, the garments, protective coverings, and methods of the present disclosure could be used for full-body treatment modalities for skin rejuvenation and improvements in skin complexion and texture.
Material: 100% Tencel (Lyocell); Weave: Georgette; Pattern: Solid; Made: USA; Weight: 4.5 oz per square yard; color: ocean blue.
It was tested as one layer of fabric.
It blocks moderate amount of UV (UPF 10+), and allows significant transmission in certain VIS and IR regions (700-800 nm, 800-900 nm, and 900-1100 nm), which could be beneficial for collagen synthesis and natural skin cell growth.
It transmits about 29% of HEV and 20% of Green light that could be especially useful for acne prone skin. It could help to destroy acne-causing bacteria, combating existing acne. It may reduce future acne flare-ups and potential scarring and calm redness and inflammation providing the anti-aging and acne benefits at once.
Material: 100% Tencel (Lyocell); Weave: Georgette; Pattern: Solid; Made: USA; Weight: 4.5 oz per square yard; color: ocean blue.
It was tested as two layers of fabric.
It effectively protects against UV with measured UPF 30+ and blocks about 90% of HEV. It allows transmittance of significant portions of IR light that helps to rejuvenate skin. Additionally, it could provide hair growth benefits.
Material: 100% Tencel (Lyocell); Weave: Georgette; Pattern: Solid; Made: USA; Weight: 4.5 oz per square yard; color: red.
It was tested as one layer of fabric.
It blocks moderate amount of UV (UPF 7+).
It transmits about 20% of HEV and 23% of Green light that could be especially useful for acne prone skin. It could help to destroy acne-causing bacteria, combating existing acne. It may reduce future acne flare-ups and potential scarring and calm redness and inflammation providing the anti-aging and acne benefits at once. It allows very significant transmission in VIS and IR regions (600-700 nm, 700-800 nm, 800-900 nm, and 900-1100 nm), which could be beneficial for collagen synthesis and natural skin cell growth.
Material: 100% Tencel (Lyocell); Weave: Georgette; Pattern: Solid; Made: USA;
Weight: 4.5 oz per square yard; color: red.
It was tested as two layers of fabric.
It effectively protects against UV (UPF 30+). It blocks more than 90% of HEV; and transmits significant portions of VIS and IR light (600-700 nm, 700-800 nm, 800-900 nm, and 900-1100 nm), which ultimately supports skin rejuvenation.
Material: 55% Linen 45% Cotton; Pattern: Solid; Made: Lithuania; Weight: 5 oz per square yard; color orange.
It was tested as one layer of fabric.
It blocks moderate amount of UV (UPF 15+). It transmits about 11% of HEV and 23% of Green light that could be especially useful for acne prone skin. It could help to destroy acne-causing bacteria, combating existing acne. It may reduce future acne flare-ups and potential scarring and calm redness and inflammation providing the anti-aging and acne benefits at once, and allows very significant transmission in VIS and IR regions (600-700 nm, 700-800 nm, 800-900 nm, and 900-1100 nm), which could be beneficial for collagen synthesis and skin rejuvenation.
Material: 55% Linen 45% Cotton; Pattern: Solid; Made: Lithuania; Weight: 5 oz per square yard; color orange.
It was tested as two layers of fabric.
It effectively blocks UV (UPF 35+). It transmits less than 6% of HEV and allows significant transmission in VIS and IR regions (600-700 nm, 700-800 nm, 800-900 nm, and 900-1100 nm), which could be beneficial for collagen synthesis and skin rejuvenation.
Experimental data collected for the embodiments of the garment tested of the present disclosure are presented in Table 4 and Table 5 below.
Citation of a reference herein shall not be construed as an admission that such reference is prior art to the present disclosure. All references cited herein are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety. Below is a listing of various references cited with respect to this example:
Various aspects of the present disclosure are also addressed by the following Paragraphs 1-40 and in the noted combinations thereof, as follows:
Paragraph 1: A garment for blocking exposure of a subject to harmful solar irradiation while simultaneously permitting exposure of the subject to beneficial solar irradiation, said garment comprising: a fabric layer comprising a dual purpose material composition that, by itself, blocks harmful solar irradiation while simultaneously permitting beneficial solar irradiation to an area of skin of a subject covered by the fabric layer when exposed to solar light, wherein the harmful solar irradiation comprises ultraviolet A (UVA), ultraviolet B (UVB), and/or high-energy visible (HEV) light, and wherein the beneficial solar irradiation comprises visible (VIS) and/or infrared (IR) light.
Paragraph 2: The garment according to Paragraph 1, wherein the dual purpose material composition comprises an ultraviolet protection factor (UPF) selected from the group consisting of from about 10 to about 50+, from about 15 to about 45, from about 20 to about 40, from about 25 to about 35, and from about 30 to about 35.
Paragraph 3: The garment according to Paragraph 1, wherein the dual purpose material composition comprises one fabric layer and blocks ultraviolet (UV) light to a UPF 10+ while simultaneously permitting significant or very significant transmission of VIS and IR regions having wavelengths selected from the group consisting of 700-800 nm, 800-900 nm, and 900-1100 nm.
Paragraph 4: The garment according to Paragraph 3, wherein the dual purpose material composition further transmits about 25-35 percent of HEV (400-500 nm) and about 15-25 percent of green light (in the range of about 500-600 nm).
Paragraph 5: The garment according to Paragraph 1, wherein the dual purpose material composition comprises two fabric layers and blocks ultraviolet (UV) light to a UPF 30+ and blocks up to about 90 percent of HEV while simultaneously permitting significant or very significant transmission of IR regions having wavelengths selected from the group consisting of 800-900 nm and 900-1100 nm.
Paragraph 6: The garment according to Paragraph 1, wherein the dual purpose material composition comprises one fabric layer and blocks ultraviolet (UV) light to a UPF 7+ while simultaneously permitting very significant transmission of VIS and IR regions having wavelengths selected from the group consisting of 600-700 nm, 700-800 nm, 800-900 nm, and 900-1100 nm.
Paragraph 7: The garment according to Paragraph 6, wherein the dual purpose material composition further transmits about 25-35 percent of HEV (about 400-500 nm) and about 15-25 percent of green light (about 500-600 nm).
Paragraph 8: The garment according to Paragraph 1, wherein the dual purpose material composition comprises two fabric layers and blocks ultraviolet (UV) light to a UPF 30+ and more than 90 percent of HEV while simultaneously permitting significant, or very significant transmission of VIS and IR regions having wavelengths selected from the group consisting of 600-700 nm, 700-800 nm, 800-900 nm, and 900-1100 nm.
Paragraph 9: The garment according to Paragraph 1, wherein the dual purpose material composition comprises one fabric layer and blocks ultraviolet (UV) light to a UPF 15+ while simultaneously permitting very significant transmission of VIS and IR regions having wavelengths selected from the group consisting of 600-700 nm, 700-800 nm, 800-900 nm, and 900-1100 nm.
Paragraph 10: The garment according to Paragraph 9, wherein the dual purpose material composition further transmits about 8-15 percent of HEV and about 20-25 percent of green light (500-600 nm).
Paragraph 11: The garment according to Paragraph 1, wherein the dual purpose material composition comprises two fabric layers and blocks ultraviolet (UV) light to a UPF 35+ and blocks up to about 94 percent of HEV while simultaneously permitting significant transmission of VIS and IR regions having wavelengths selected from the group consisting of 600-700 nm, 700-800 nm, 800-900 nm, and 900-1100 nm.
Paragraph 12: The garment according to Paragraph 1, wherein the dual purpose material composition is selected from the group consisting of Tencel, Lyocell, Cotton, Linen, Bamboo, Modal, Rayon, Wool, Silk, Polyester, Spandex, Nylon, Elastane, Supplex Nylon, Kevlar, Linen/Cotton blends, Polyester/Spandex blends, Cotton/Nylon blends, Cotton/Elastane blends, Kevlar/Nylon/Spandex blends, and combinations thereof.
Paragraph 13: The garment according to Paragraph 1, wherein the dual purpose material composition is free from UV blockers, such as p-aminobenzoic acid (PABA) and its esters, benzophenones such as oxybenzone, also cinnamates, anthranilates, salicylates, and camphor derivatives.
Paragraph 14: The garment according to Paragraph 1, wherein the dual purpose material composition is free from benzoxazine organic ultraviolet absorbers, benzophenone organic ultraviolet absorbers, benzotriazole organic ultraviolet absorbers, and salicylic acid organic ultraviolet absorbers; and inorganic ultraviolet absorbing and/or reflecting agents, including titanium dioxide, zinc oxide, alumina, magnesium oxide, talc, calcium carbonate, and sodium carbonate.
Paragraph 15: The garment according to Paragraph 1, wherein the dual purpose material composition is free from graphene oxide nano particles.
Paragraph 16: The garment according to Paragraph 1, wherein the dual purpose material composition is free from fluorescent compounds (dyes) such as perylene dye, a cyanine dye, a rhodamine dye, a coumarine dye, a dye belonging to the class of anthrapyridone dyes, thioxanthene dyes and thioindigoid dyes, wherein the dye includes one or more species of fluorescent dyes alone and/or in conjunction with titanium dioxide.
Paragraph 17: The garment according to Paragraph 1, wherein said garment is configured to provide sufficient skin and scalp protection against Ultraviolet (UVB and UVA) and High Energy Visible (HEV) irradiation while simultaneously allowing a user to obtain skin and scalp benefits from sun exposure associated with relevant wavelength ranges in the Visible (VIS) and Infrared (IR) ranges.
Paragraph 18: The garment according to Paragraph 1, wherein said garment is configured to have UPF values ranging from about 10 to about 50+ for protecting skin and scalp from at least two harmful/non-beneficial wavelength ranges (UV and HEV) from solar light, while allowing sufficient transmittance in at least two beneficial wavelength ranges or three beneficial wavelength ranges, or four beneficial wavelength ranges, or more than four beneficial wavelength ranges.
Paragraph 19: The garment according to Paragraph 1, wherein said garment is in a form of an article of apparel and/or clothing.
Paragraph 20: The garment according to Paragraph 19, wherein the article of apparel and/or clothing is selected from the group consisting of headwear, neckwear, bodywear, footwear, and handwear.
Paragraph 21: The garment according to Paragraph 19, wherein the article of apparel and/or clothing is selected from the group consisting of hats of any type or style, hoods, head coverings, caps, head bands, bandanas, scarfs, facial masks, bonnets, costumes, neck ties, covers for décolleté area, collars, pants, shorts, dresses, leotards, martial arts uniforms, uniforms, jackets, gloves, socks, slippers, shoes, and the like.
Paragraph 22: The garment according to Paragraph 1, wherein the garment comprises a combination of two or more fabric layers, wherein the two or more fabric layers each comprise either identical or different types of dual purpose material compositions.
Paragraph 23: A method for blocking exposure of a subject to harmful solar irradiation while simultaneously permitting exposure of the subject to beneficial solar irradiation, said method comprising: providing a garment according to any one of Paragraphs 1-22 to a subject, wherein said subject wears the garment so as to cover an area of skin of the subject during exposure to sun, thereby blocking harmful solar irradiation while simultaneously permitting beneficial solar irradiation to the area of skin of the subject covered by the fabric layer when exposed to solar light, wherein the harmful solar irradiation comprises ultraviolet A (UVA), ultraviolet B (UVB), and/or high-energy visible (HEV) light, and wherein the beneficial solar irradiation comprises visible (VIS) and/or infrared (IR) light.
Paragraph 24: The method according to Paragraph 23, wherein the area of skin covered by the garment is treated during exposure to the sun to achieve benefits selected from the group consisting of improved collagen synthesis, improved natural skin cell growth, decreased incidences of acne and acne-causing bacteria, reduction of acne flare-ups and acne scarring, calming of skin redness, decreased skin inflammation, anti-aging of skin, rejuvenation of skin, and improved hair growth.
Paragraph 25: The method according to Paragraph 23 further comprising: applying a topical sunscreen product.
Paragraph 26: A method of making a garment according to any one of Paragraphs 1-22, said method comprising: providing at least one fabric layer comprising a dual purpose material composition that, by itself, blocks harmful solar irradiation while simultaneously permitting beneficial solar irradiation to an area of skin of a subject covered by the fabric layer when exposed to solar light, wherein the harmful solar irradiation comprises ultraviolet A (UVA), ultraviolet B (UVB), and/or high-energy visible (HEV) light, and wherein the beneficial solar irradiation comprises visible (VIS) and/or infrared (IR) light; and preparing a garment from the at least one fabric layer.
Paragraph 27: The method according to Paragraph 26, wherein the garment is in a form of an article of apparel and/or clothing.
Paragraph 28: The method according to Paragraph 26, wherein the article of apparel and/or clothing is selected from the group consisting of headwear, neckwear, bodywear, footwear, and handwear.
Paragraph 29: The method according to Paragraph 26, wherein the article of apparel and/or clothing is selected from the group consisting of hats of any type or style, hoods, head coverings, caps, head bands, bandanas, scarfs, facial masks, bonnets, costumes, neck ties, covers for décolleté area, collars, pants, shorts, dresses, leotards, martial arts uniforms, uniforms, jackets, gloves, socks, slippers, shoes, and the like.
Paragraph 30: The method according to Paragraph 26, wherein at least two or more fabric layers are provided, wherein the two or more fabric layers each comprise either identical or different types of dual purpose material compositions
Paragraph 31: A protective covering for blocking exposure of a subject to harmful solar irradiation while simultaneously permitting exposure of the subject to beneficial solar irradiation, said protective covering comprising: a fabric layer according to any one of Paragraphs 1-22.
Paragraph 32: The protective covering according to Paragraph 31, wherein said protective covering is selected from the group consisting of beach blankets, other wearable coverings, umbrellas, parasols, awnings, canopies, curtains, shade cloths, window covers, tents, and other articles, materials, and products.
Paragraph 33: The protective covering according to Paragraph 31, wherein said protective covering is selected from the group consisting of beach blankets, other wearable coverings, that is made using two or more layers of fabric combined.
Paragraph 34: A method for blocking exposure of a subject to harmful solar irradiation while simultaneously permitting exposure of the subject to beneficial solar irradiation, said method comprising: providing a protective covering according to Paragraph 31 to a subject, wherein said subject uses the protective covering to cover an area of skin of the subject during exposure to sun, thereby blocking harmful solar irradiation while simultaneously permitting beneficial solar irradiation to the area of skin of the subject covered by the protective covering when exposed to solar light, wherein the harmful solar irradiation comprises ultraviolet A (UVA), ultraviolet B (UVB), and/or high-energy visible (HEV) light, and wherein the beneficial solar irradiation comprises visible (VIS) and/or infrared (IR) light.
Paragraph 35: The method according to Paragraph 34, wherein said protective covering is selected from the group consisting of beach blankets, other wearable coverings, umbrellas, parasols, awnings, canopies, curtains, shade cloths, window covers, tents, and other articles, materials, and products.
Paragraph 36: The method according to Paragraph 34, wherein said protective covering is selected from the group consisting of beach blankets, other wearable coverings, that is made using two or more layers of fabric combined.
Paragraph 37: The method according to Paragraph 34 further comprising: applying a topical sunscreen product.
Paragraph 38: A method of making a protective covering according to Paragraph 31, said method comprising: providing at least one fabric layer comprising a dual purpose material composition that, by itself, blocks harmful solar irradiation while simultaneously permitting beneficial solar irradiation to an area of skin of a subject covered by the fabric layer when exposed to solar light, wherein the harmful solar irradiation comprises ultraviolet A (UVA), ultraviolet B (UVB), and/or high-energy visible (HEV) light, and wherein the beneficial solar irradiation comprises visible (VIS) and/or infrared (IR) light; and preparing a protective covering from the at least one fabric layer.
Paragraph 39: The method according to Paragraph 38, wherein said protective covering is selected from the group consisting of beach blankets, other wearable coverings, umbrellas, parasols, awnings, canopies, curtains, shade cloths, window covers, tents, and other articles, materials, and products.
Paragraph 40: The method according to Paragraph 38, wherein said protective covering is selected from the group consisting of beach blankets, other wearable coverings, that is made using two or more layers of fabric combined.
The terms “a,” “an,” “the” and similar referents used in the context of describing the invention (especially in the context of the following claims) are to be construed to cover both the singular and the plural, unless otherwise indicated herein or clearly contradicted by context. Recitation of ranges of values herein is merely intended to serve as a shorthand method of referring individually to each separate value falling within the range. Unless otherwise indicated herein, each individual value is incorporated into the specification as if it were individually recited herein. All methods described herein can be performed in any suitable order unless otherwise indicated herein or otherwise clearly contradicted by context. The use of any and all examples, or exemplary language (e.g., “such as”) provided herein is intended merely to better illuminate the invention and does not pose a limitation on the scope of the invention otherwise claimed. No language in the specification should be construed as indicating any non-claimed element essential to the practice of the invention.
As used herein, numerical ranges (e.g., 90-99 weight percent, wt %) include all numbers and fractions thereof included within the range, as well as the numbers defining the lower and upper limits of the range. For example, the range of 90-99 would include the 90 (lower limit), 99 (upper limit), and all numbers and fractions of the numbers contained within 90 (lower limit) and 99 (upper limit). As used herein, the term “between” when defining a given range of numbers includes in that range the number at the lower and upper limits. As used herein, the term “up to” when used to define the upper limit is meant to include all, without limitation, that the functionality or feature being described is achieve at least to the number used with the term “up to”. For example, if a given function is described as being effective “up to about 12 hours,” it is meant to be effective at least up to 10 hours, but it could also be effective beyond 10 hours and/or less than 10 hours, depending on the context.
Groupings of alternative elements or embodiments of the invention disclosed herein are not to be construed as limitations. Each group member may be referred to and claimed individually or in any combination with other members of the group or other elements found herein. It is anticipated that one or more members of a group may be included in, or deleted from, a group for reasons of convenience and/or patentability. When any such inclusion or deletion occurs, the specification is deemed to contain the group as modified thus fulfilling the written description of all Markush groups used in the appended claims.
Certain embodiments of this invention are described herein, including the best mode known to the inventors for carrying out the invention. Of course, variations on these described embodiments will become apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art upon reading the foregoing description. The inventor expects skilled artisans to employ such variations as appropriate, and the inventors intend for the invention to be practiced otherwise than specifically described herein. Accordingly, this invention includes all modifications and equivalents of the subject matter recited in the claims appended hereto as permitted by applicable law. Moreover, any combination of the above-described elements in all possible variations thereof is encompassed by the invention unless otherwise indicated herein or otherwise clearly contradicted by context.
Furthermore, numerous references have been made to patents and printed publications throughout this specification. Citation of a reference herein shall not be construed as an admission that such reference is prior art to the present invention. All references cited herein are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety.
In closing, it is to be understood that the embodiments of the invention disclosed herein are illustrative of the principles of the present invention. Other modifications that may be employed are within the scope of the invention. Thus, by way of example, but not of limitation, alternative configurations of the present invention may be utilized in accordance with the teachings herein. Accordingly, the present invention is not limited to that precisely as shown and described.
Illustrative embodiments of the processes, methods, and products of the present disclosure are described herein. It should be understood, however, that the description herein of the specific embodiments is not intended to limit the present disclosure to the particular forms disclosed but, on the contrary, the intention is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the spirit and scope of the invention by the appended claims. Thus, although the present invention has been described for the purpose of illustration, it is understood that such detail is solely for that purpose and variations can be made by those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention which is defined by the following claims.
This application claims priority benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 63/453,425, filed Mar. 20, 2023, the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 63453425 | Mar 2023 | US |
