WO2011050238A1

WO2011050238A1 - Sun shield device

Info

Publication number: WO2011050238A1
Application number: PCT/US2010/053675
Authority: WO
Inventors: Johnathan Zumwalt; Betty Zumwalt; Russell Zumwalt
Original assignee: It's My Shade
Priority date: 2009-10-23
Filing date: 2010-10-22
Publication date: 2011-04-28
Also published as: US20110094013A1

Abstract

A sun shield device (100) includes a head engagement assembly (112) to facilitate coupling of the sun shield device (100) to the head of a wearer (180). A sun shield body (110) is formed from a flexible sheet material (114) that is joined to the head engagement assembly (112). The sun shield body (110) has a width sufficient to cover the neck and a majority of the shoulders of the wearer (180) and a length such that the sun shield body (110) extends to a position at or below the first thoracic (Tl) vertebra of the wearer (180) when wearing the sun shield device (100) with the head engagement assembly (112) being engaged with the wearer' s head.

Description

SUN SHIELD DEVICE

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

[0001] The present application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/254,318, filed October 23, 2009, which is incorporated herein by reference for all purposes.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

[0002] The present invention relates generally to the field of sun protection head gear and more specifically relates to a sun protection device worn to protect head, face, ears, neck, shoulders, and back from sunlight and to insulate its user from high temperatures.

2. Description of the Related Art

[0003] while sun exposure is a primary source of vitamin D, which helps us to absorb calcium for healthier bones, too long unprotected exposure to the sun's ultraviolet rays can cause skin damage, eye damage, immune system suppression, and skin cancer. Part of the sunlight consists of visible and invisible light, such ultraviolet UVA and UVB rays. While UVA rays cause skin aging, wrinkling and contribute to skin cancer, such as melanoma, UVB rays cause sunburns, cataracts, and immune system damage. Additionally, sunlight that is not reflected is absorbed and converted to heat, thus warming those directly exposed to the sunlight, making shade desirable.

[0004] Given the negative consequences of unprotected exposure to sunlight, it is important to provide appropriate sun protection. This protection is not only necessary in summer, but rather may be important all year round since ultraviolet (UV) rays can reach the earth on cloudy and hazy days, as well as on bright and sunny days. UV rays also reflect off of surfaces like water, cement, sand, and snow thereby endangering workers who work on or in such materials.

[0005] One of the ways to protect skin from sun damage is sunscreen. Unfortunately, sunscreen needs to be applied half an hour before going outdoors and even water-resistant sunscreen should be reapplied about every two hours or after swimming, due to drying off of the product or perspiring. Additionally, sunscreen needs to be applied generously and evenly so as not to miss any areas of sun-exposed skin and needs to be kept out of the eyes. Due to the limited protection provided by sunscreen, several clothing lines now offer clothing with maximized UV protection. Unfortunately, such specialty clothing lines tend to be quite expensive.

[0006] The most protection for the face and neck region may be achieved by wearing a hat with a brim that extends all the way around that shades face, ears, and the back of the neck. Unfortunately, this type of hat is not very popular. Most people prefer to wear baseball caps when they are outdoors or engage in outdoor sporting activities. The downside of this fashion trend is that when wearing a baseball cap there's virtually no protection for the ears, neck, shoulders and back.

[0007] In addition to persons who engage in outdoor sporting and social activities, workers on building sites may be subjected to significant sun exposure working outdoors. The commonly worn hard hat worn in many work environments also does not provide adequate protection against the sun leaving the ears, neck, shoulders and back exposed.

[0008] Therefore a need exists for an inexpensive and user friendly sun protection device which can be worn by itself or in conjunction with a baseball cap, a hard hat, or virtually any kind of hat or headwear and that provides sun protection for the face, ears, neck, shoulders and back.

[0009] Various attempts have been made to solve the above-mentioned problems such as those found in U.S. Pat. And Pub. Nos. 5,323,491, 6,260,204, 7,406,721, 5,701,609, 2006/0174396, and 6,481,021.

[0010] Ideally, a sun protection device worn to protect the head, face, ears, neck, shoulders, and back from sunlight and high temperatures should be lightweight, easy to put on, function reliably and effectively and be manufactured at a modest expense. Thus, a need exists for a reliable, effective and inexpensive sun protection device to protect the head, face, ears, neck, shoulders, and back from sunlight and high temperatures and to avoid the above- mentioned problems.

SUMMARY

[0011] A sun shield device is formed from a head engagement assembly that facilitates coupling of the sun shield device to the head of a wearer. A sun shield body formed from a flexible sheet material is joined to the head engagement assembly. The sun shield body has a width sufficient to cover the neck and a majority of the shoulders of the wearer and a length such that the sun shield body extends to a position at or below the first thoracic (Tl) vertebra of the wearer when wearing the sun shield device with the head engagement assembly being engaged with the wearer's head.

[0012] In certain embodiments the head engagement assembly is formed from a flexible sheet material that is provided with an opening for receiving the wearer's head. The sheet material of the head engagement assembly may extend outward from the sides of the opening to form a brim to facilitate shading of the wearer's ears. The head engagement assembly may include a head covering that is integrated into the opening in the sheet material of the head engagement assembly to facilitate coupling of the sun shield device to the wearer's head.

[0013] A sun shield body coupling device may be provided in some embodiments for securing the sun shield body to the wearer's torso. Examples of such coupling devices may include at least one of an arm strap configured for securing to one of the wearer's arms, a belt and a clothes attachment for attaching to the wearer's cloths. A combination of coupling devices may also be used.

[0014] In certain embodiments the surface of the sun shield body may be a reflective surface to facilitate reflecting of sunlight. The sun shield body may also be formed from an insulating material or a combination of these materials. The surface of the sun shield body may be metallic or mirrorized reflective surface.

[0015] The sun shield body may have a length in some embodiments such that the sun shield body extends to a position at or below the seventh thoracic (T7) vertebra of the wearer when wearing the sun shield device with the head engagement assembly being engaged with the wearer's head.

[0016] The sheet material of the head engagement assembly may extend forward from the opening to provide a forward brim. A bill pocket may be formed on the forward brim for receiving a bill of separate headgear worn by the wearer in certain embodiments.

[0017] The sun shield device may be invertible in certain cases to selectively expose opposite sides of the sun shield body, the opposite sides being different from one another. The bill pocket may be formed on the forward brim of such devices, if present, for receiving a bill of separate headgear worn by the wearer. The bill pocket may be a single bill pocket that is invertible for receiving the bill of the separate headgear worn by the wearer when the sun shield body is inverted. The bill pocket may also include two bill pockets, with one bill pocket being used for receiving the bill depending upon the side of the sun shield body that is selectively exposed upon. [0018] In some embodiments of the sun shield device the sun shield body may have a length of at least about 10 inches (25.4 cm) and a width at the greatest width dimension of least about 18 inches (45.7 cm).

[0019] The sun shield body and the head engagement assembly may be formed from the same sheet of flexible sheet material in some embodiments.

[0020] In a particular embodiment of a sun shield device, the sun shield device includes a head engagement assembly to facilitate coupling of the sun shield device to the head of a wearer. The head engagement assembly may be formed from a flexible sheet material that is provided with an opening for receiving the wearer's head. The sheet material of the head engagement assembly may extend forward and outward from the sides of the opening to form a brim to facilitate shading of the wearer's eyes and ears. A bill pocket is formed on the forward brim for receiving a bill of separate headgear worn by the wearer. The head engagement assembly may further include a head covering that is integrated into the opening in the sheet material of the head engagement assembly to facilitate coupling of the sun shield device to the wearer' s head.

[0021] A sun shield body formed from a flexible sheet material is joined to the head engagement assembly. The sun shield body has a width sufficient to cover a majority of the shoulders of the wearer and a length such that the sun shield body extends to a position at or below the seventh thoracic (T7) vertebra of the wearer when wearing the sun shield device with the head engagement assembly being coupled to the wearer's head. The sun shield body is formed from an insulating material and has at least one surface that is a metallic or mirrorized reflective surface. The sun shield body includes a coupling device for securing the sun shield body to the wearer's torso.

[0022] In specific embodiments, the coupling device may includes at least one of (1) an arm strap configured for securing to one of the wearer's arms, (2) a belt and (3) a clothes attachment for attaching to the wearer's cloths. The sun shield body and the head engagement assembly may be formed from the same sheet of flexible sheet material. The sun shield device may be invertible to selectively expose opposite sides of the sun shield body, the opposite sides being different from one another. When invertible, the bill pocket may be one of (A) and (B) wherein (A) the bill pocket is single bill pocket that is invertible for receiving the bill of the separate headgear worn by the wearer when the sun shield body is inverted, and (B) the bill pocket includes two bill pockets with one bill pocket being used for receiving the bill depending upon the side of the sun shield body that is selectively exposed. The sun shield body may have a length of at least about 10 inches (25.4 cm) and a width at the greatest width dimension of least about 18 inches (45.7 cm).

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0023] For a more complete understanding of the present invention, and the advantages thereof, reference is now made to the following descriptions taken in conjunction with the accompanying figures, in which:

[0024] FIGURE 1 is a perspective view illustrating a sun protection device being worn by a user and constructed in accordance with the invention;

[0025] FIGURE 2 is a front perspective view illustrating the sun protection device of FIGURE 1;

[0026] FIGURE 3 is a rear perspective view of another embodiment of a sun protection device being worn by a wearer and constructed in accordance with the invention;

[0027] FIGURE 4 is a perspective view illustrating the sun protection device of in a rolled up configuration; and

[0028] FIGURE 5 is a flowchart illustrating a method of use according to an embodiment of the present invention of FIGURES 1-4.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0029] As discussed above, embodiments of the present invention relate to sun protection head gear and more particularly to a sun shield device that may be worn to protect the head, face, ears, neck, shoulders, and back from exposure to sunlight. Referring to Figure 1, a perspective view illustrating sun shield device 100 in use and worn by a wearer.

[0030] It should be noted in the description, if a numerical value or range is presented, each numerical value should be read once as modified by the term "about" (unless already expressly so modified), and then read again as not so modified unless otherwise indicated in context. Also, in the description, it should be understood that an amount range listed or described as being useful, suitable, or the like, is intended that any and every value within the range, including the end points, is to be considered as having been stated. For example, "a range of from 1 to 10" is to be read as indicating each and every possible number along the continuum between about 1 and about 10. Thus, even if specific points within the range, or even no point within the range, are explicitly identified or refer to, it is to be understood that the inventor appreciates and understands that any and all points within the range are to be considered to have been specified, and that inventor possesses the entire range and all points within the range.

[0031] Referring to Figure 2, the sun shield device 100 includes a main sun shield body 110. The sun shield body 110 is joined to a head engagement assembly 112 that is configured to facilitate coupling the device 100 to a wearer's head. In the embodiment shown, the head engagement assembly may be formed at least in part from a layer of flexible sheet material 114 that has an opening 120 configured and sized for receiving the head of a wearer. In certain embodiments, the opening 120 may be configured as an oval having dimensions of about 8 to about 10 inches (20.3 cm to 25.4 cm) measured along its longest line of symmetry (e.g. 9 ½ inches [24.2 cm] front to back) and about 7 to about 9 inches (17.8 cm to 22.9 cm) measured at its shortest line of symmetry (e.g. 8 inches [20.3 cm] side to side).

[0032] The head engagement assembly 112 may include an optional head covering 130. The head covering 130 may be integrated into the opening 120 and be joined along its side edges along the perimeter of the opening 120. The head covering 130 may be configured as a thin flexible cap or covering configured to cover at least a portion of the upper portion of the wearer's head and that generally facilitates placement and securing of the sun protection device 100 on the head of user 180 during use and to prevent complete passage of the user's head through the opening 120. The head covering 130 may fit snugly when placed on the head of the user 180. Other configurations of the head engagement assembly 112 may also be employed to facilitate coupling of the main sun shield body 110 to a wearer in the manner described herein. Head covering 130 may be formed from a flexible fabric material, such as a thin stretchable air-permeable jersey fabric that may be provided with small apertures. The air-permeable jersey fabric allows air flow to and from the skin (surface) of user 180 and thereby provides wearing comfort. The stretch or spandex component in the fabric allows a user 180 to easily and comfortably place head covering 130 over his/her head or hat. Alternatively, head covering 130 may be made of a net or mesh fabric to provide air flow therethrough and thus wearing comfort in warm weather. The head covering 130 may be comprised of any suitable material, synthetic or natural, that provides wearing comfort in warm weather, such as cotton, etc. or wicking materials. In another embodiment, the head covering 130 may be formed from multiple straps connected in the center of opening 120 forming a net- or web-like structure. Such straps may be made of elastic polyester or any other suitable durable fabric or material.

[0033] As can be seen in Figure 2, the layer of flexible sheet material 114 of the head engagement assembly 112 extends outward a distance from the sides of the opening 120 to form side brim portions 116 to facilitate shading of the wearer's ears. The side brim portions 116 may extend from the opening 120 for a distance of about 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 inches (2.5, 5.1, 7.6, 10.2, 12.7, 15.2, 17.8, 20.3, 22.9 cm) or more.

[0034] Additionally, the sheet material 114 of the head engagement assembly 112 may extend forward a distance (e.g. from about 1 to about 3, 4, 5 inches [2.5 cm to 7.6, 10.2, 12.7 cm] or more) from the opening 120 to provide a forward brim portion 118 to facilitate shading of the face and eyes. The forward brim portion 118 may join and smoothly converge with the side brim portions 116 to provide a generally continuous brim that extends around the wearer's head.

[0035] As can be seen in Figure 2, the width of the brim portions 116, 118 may be generally the same about the perimeter of the opening 120 or may vary. As shown, the width of the side brim portions 116 may gradually increase in width towards the rear of the opening 120 towards the dashed line 122, as shown.

[0036] The sun shield body 110 is joined to the head engagement assembly 112. As described herein, the sun shield body 110 extends rearward from the head engagement assembly 112, as indicated by the transverse dashed line 122 that passes just to the rear of the opening 120 of the head engagement assembly 112. It should be noted, however, that the sun shield body 110 may be formed from the same flexible sheet material that forms the brim portions 116, 118 of the head engagement assembly 112 and may be contiguous or continuous with these portions. Thus, the designation of the sun shield body 110 as extending from the dashed line 122 is made merely for purposes of this description as the shield body 110 as well as the brim portions 116, 118 may collectively constitute a sun shield or sun shield body. Generally, however, the sun shield body 110 may be defined as that portion that extends to the rear of the opening 120. In certain embodiments, the sun shield body 110 may be formed from a different sheet material or be separately formed from the sheet material forming the brim portions 116, 118 of the head engagement portion 112.

[0037] As can be seen in Figure 2, the sun shield body 110 may taper outward in width from the line 122 along at least a portion of its length. The degree of outward taper may be sufficient to provide a width wherein the sun shield body 110 substantially covers or completely cover's wearer's shoulders or a majority (i.e. greater than 50%, 60%, 70%, 80%, 90%, etc.) of the width of the wearer's shoulders when the head engagement assembly 112 is engaged and coupled to the user's head. The expression "width" as it is used and relates to the width of the user's shoulders is meant to refer to the transverse distance as measured across the user's shoulders from shoulder to shoulder, unless it is otherwise stated or is apparent from its context. In certain embodiments, the width of the sun shield body 110 may exceed the width of the wearer's shoulders a distance, with the distance ranging from as much as from about 1 to about 5 inches (2.5 cm to 12.7 cm) on either side of the wearer's shoulders. Furthermore, the length of the sun shield body 110 may be such that the sun shield body 110 extends to a position at or below the first thoracic (Tl) vertebra of the wearer when wearing the sun shield device with the head engagement assembly being engaged with the wearer's head. In other embodiments, the sun shield body 110 has a length such that the sun shield body extends to a position at or below the first (Tl), second (T2), third (T3), fourth (T4), fifth (T5), sixth (T6), seventh (T7), eighth (T8), ninth (T9), tenth (T10), eleventh (Ti l) or twelfth (T12) thoracic vertebrae of the wearer, as well as the lumbar vertebrae in certain embodiments, when wearing the sun shield device 100 with the head engagement assembly 112 being engaged with the wearer's head. The sun shield body 110 may have a length such that it extends at or just past the wearer's shoulder blades.

[0038] The forward end of the sun shield body 110 may converge smoothly with the side brim portions 116. The width of the rearward end (i.e. the lower end as shown in Figure 2) of the sun shield body 110 may also taper inward along the rearward length of the sun shield body 110 to provide an overall tear-shaped or diamond- shaped configuration with respect to the device 100, as is shown in Figure 2. The rearward end of the sun shield body 110 may be non-tapered as well. Other configurations of the shield body 110 may also be used. The sun shield body 110 may have a length of at least about 10 inches (25.4cm) from the line 122. In certain embodiments, the width at the greatest width dimension of the shield body 110 may be least about 18, 19 or 20 inches (48.3, 50.8 or 53.4 cm) or more. In certain embodiments, the greatest width dimension of the shield body 110 may be located at a distance of from about 4 to about 12 inches (10.2 cm to 30.5 cm) from the line 122. The entire sun shield device 100 in one embodiment may comprise a bulbous or tear-dropped shape having a total length of about 28 to about 32 inches (71.1 cm to 81.3 cm) and total width along a perpendicular or transverse orientated line at its widest point of about 20 to about 24 inches (50.8 cm to 61.0 cm). The sun shield body 110 may be of various lengths, alternatively covering only the shoulder region, half of the back, or the whole back, as indicated in Figure 3 by the dotted lines 124.

[0039] The sun shield body 110 covers the neck, shoulders, and back of user 180 from sunlight. In this way the present invention serves to facilitate protecting the wearer from the sun and heat. The sheet material forming the sun shield body 110, as well as the brim portions 116, 118, may have sufficient flexibility such that it may be rolled, bent or otherwise deformed for storage, etc., but have sufficient resiliency and/or rigidity such that it may generally return to and hold its shape in an expanded configuration during use. The flexibility of the sheet material may also be provided by or further facilitated by folds or creases that may be formed or provided in the sheet material. In certain embodiments the shield body 110 and brim portions 116, 118 are formed from a single continuous sheet.

[0040] The flexible sheet material that forms the sun shield body 110, as well as the sheet material 114 forming the brim portions 116, 118, may be provided on at least one side with a reflective surface on all or portions thereof. The reflective surface may be a metallic or mirrorized reflective surface to facilitate the reflection of sunlight. The metallic or mirrorized reflective surface of the sheet material may be distinguished from night reflective materials that are designed to glow when subjected light and that may not efficiently facilitate cooling or protection from sunlight as do metallic or mirrorized reflective materials, although in certain embodiments such night reflective materials may be used as well. The sheet material of the sun shield body 110 and brim portions 116, 118 may be formed from a thin sheet or sheets of metal foil or a metalized film layer(s) (e.g. mylar), that may be coupled to or laminated to a thin layer of backing material (e.g. fabric, plastic, paper, etc.). The sheet material may be a foil material, which may be a woven or non-woven foil fabric, a bubble foil or foam foil. The backing material may constitute an insulating layer to facilitate further protection from the heat of the sun. Two or more layers of foil or non-foil material may be used for the sheet material, with air pockets being formed or provided between the layers to provide insulation. In one particular embodiment, the sheet material forming the sun shield body 110 and brim portions 116, 118 may be formed from about 3mm to about 5mm thick flexible sheet of aluminum foil laminated to expanded polyethylene foam that serves as an insulation layer. However, the sun shield body 110 may be alternately made of other insulating and reflective materials and combinations thereof with suitable insulating and reflective properties. The sheet materials may block 99% or more of UVA and UVB rays from sunlight. The sheet materials and other components of the device 100 may also be flame retardant. An example of a suitable flexible sheet material that may be used for the sun shield body 110, as well as the sheet material 114 forming the brim portions 116, 118, is that described in U.S. Patent No. 5,267,599, which is herein incorporated by reference in its entirety.

[0041] In certain embodiments, the sun protection device 100 may be invertible, with opposite surfaces of the shield body 110, and optionally the brim portions 116, 118, being different so that the user may selectively expose opposite sides of the sun shield body 110. The opposite sides of the shield body 110 and brim portions 116, 118 may be different from one another. Thus, in one configuration one side of the shield may have a metallic or mirrored surface and the other side may be a non-metallic or non-mirrored surface. The non- metallic or non-mirrored surfaces may still be somewhat reflective, however, such as white or light colored surfaces that may also be reflective in nature when subjected to bright sunlight.

[0042] The device 100 further may include a sun shield body coupling device for securing the sun shield body to the wearer's torso. Referring to Figure 2, the coupling device may include a clothes attachment or tail piece 140. The clothes attachment 140 includes a first end 150 that is coupled to the sun shield body 110, such as along the perimeter at the lower or rearward end, as shown. A second end 160 of the tail piece 140 is provided with a fastener 170 that is used to secure the end 160 to belt, belt loop, waist band or other article of clothing worn by the user 180. The fastener 170 may be any type of fastener that facilitates fastening the coupling device to an article of clothing of the wearer. Non-limiting examples of such fasteners may include clips, clamps, pins, snaps, buttons, hook and loop (Velcro ) fasteners, ties, etc. The fastener 170 may also include a length of the tail piece itself. In one particular embodiment, a mitten- suspender clip # 10-35 has been found to be suitable as the fastener 170. In this way the shield body 110 is secured to the user's torso or lower body to retain the sun protection device 100 in place or from being blown about by the wind or otherwise prevent unwanted movement of the shield body 110. In one specific embodiment, the tail piece 140 is formed from an elastic band, such as woven, non-roll polyester elastic, which may be ½ to 1 inch (1.3 cm to 2.5 cm) wide and 8 to 12 inches (20.3 cm to 30.5 cm) in length. Examples of other materials for the piece 140 may include durable stretch or non- stretch fabric, such as nylon, cotton, etc. In certain embodiments, a separate weight may be secured to the tail piece 140 or otherwise incorporated with the shield body 110 to hold the shield body 110 in place instead of securing it the wearer's clothing.

[0043] Other coupling devices may also be used with the device 100 to secure the sun shield body 110 to the wearer's torso. This may include an arm strap or straps 242 (Fig. 2) configured for securing to the wearer's arms. The straps 242 may be in the form of flexible loops that are joined at each end to the shield body 110. The straps 242 may be located at an appropriate position on the shield body 110, such as the area the shield body 110 that immediately overlays the wearer's shoulders, which might otherwise cause bunching or stretching of the sun shield body 110 when worn. The straps 242 may be permanent loops with the user passing their arms through the loops. Alternatively, the straps 242 may be releasable, with one or both ends of the straps 242 being selectively releasable from the shield body 110.

[0044] The coupling device may also include a belt 244 (Fig. 2) that secures around the waist or upper torso of the wearer to secure the sun shield body 110 to the wearer's torso. One or a combination of the coupling devices described may be used for secure the sun shield body 110 to the wearer's torso. The coupling devices further facilitate coupling of the device to the user, and may be particularly useful while engaging in sporting activities such as bike riding, hiking, etc. In other embodiments, no coupling devices for securing the device 100 to the wearer's torso may be employed.

[0045] Sun protection device 100 may be worn in conjunction with a hard hat or other headwear 195, as shown. User 180 may place hard hat 195 over the head covering 130 and on the head of user 180 and insert a visor of the hard hat or other headwear 195 having a forward projecting bill that is received within front a bill pocket 210 that is formed on the forward brim 118 for receiving a bill of the separate headgear 195 worn by the wearer 180. The bill pocket 210 may be formed from an additional layer of sheet material 220 that is coupled to the bill portion and sized and configured to receive the bill of a hard hat or other headwear. The layer of material 220 may be same sheet material or a different material as that used for the shield body 110 and brim portions 116, 118. The bill pocket 210 may follow the rounded contour of the bill portion 118 along its outer perimeter. Examples of suitable dimensions for the bill pocket 210 are approximately 1 to 3 inches (2.5 cm to 7.6 cm) deep and 6 to 10 inches (15.2 cm to 25.4 cm) wide.

[0046] In certain embodiments, a bill pocket 210 is provided on both opposite surfaces of the brim portion 118 to be selectively utilized when the shield device 100 is inverted, as previously discussed. In such cases, the exposed surface of the bill pocket flap 220 on each side may be the same material (e.g. reflective or non-reflective) as that of the underlying material of the bill portion 118.

[0047] Alternatively, the bill pocket 210 itself may be invertible. This may be accomplished by folding the bill pocket 210 so that the inner face of the flap 220 faces outward and locates inside on the opposite side of the brim portion 118. Other bill engaging and coupling devices may also be provided for engaging and coupling to a bill or brim of a user's headwear or hat, such as a clip, clamp, hook and loop fastener, etc.

[0048] With the use of the bill pocket, 210, the hard hat or headwear 195 contributes to a secure and snug-fit of the sun protection device 100 on the head of the user 180. The head covering 130 facilitates the easy placement of various kinds of head gear over head covering 130. Furthermore, the sun protection device 100 may be worn by itself without any other head gear or may be situated on top of various kinds of head gear in certain circumstances.

[0049] The sun shield device 100 may further comprise a fabric border 200 that extends around the entire or a portion of the outer perimeter of the shield body 110 and optionally the brim portions 116, 118. The fabric border may be formed by a ¼ to 1 inch (0.6 cm to 2.5 cm) wide double fold bias tape that may sewn, glued or otherwise secured around the perimeter. An example of a suitable material for fabric border 200 is ½ inch (1.3 cm) wide double fold bias tape, available as WRIGHTS^® Extra Wide Double Fold Bias Tape. The fabric border 200 may be black or any desired color. The fabric border 200 may include any type of single fold or double fold bias tape or other strips of fabric in various widths and colors to suit user-preferences. In this way the present invention may be made more aesthetically appealing to a host of users 180, by for example providing pink border 200 as an option for female wearers. A fabric border may also be provided on the flap 220 forming the bill pocket 210.

[0050] Surfaces of the sun shield 100 and components thereof may be provided with indicia to attract users of various generations and backgrounds and/or to generate income made from advertising. For example the device 100 may have company logos or other indicia displayed on the back portion of the device. Different indicia may be provided on opposite surfaces of the device 100 that can be selectively exposed or hidden by inverting the device, as previously described.

[0051] Referring now to Figure 4, a perspective view illustrating the sun protection device 100 in a rolled up condition 400 according to an embodiments of the present invention of Figure 1-3. The coupling device 140 or a separate device may be used to fix the sun protection device 100 in a convenient rolled-up configuration 400. The sun protection device 100 may be rolled up, tail piece 140 may be wrapped around sun protection device 100 and fastener 170 may be clamped to tail piece 140, thereby maintaining sun protection device 100 in the rolled up condition 400 and allowing sun protection device 100 to be conveniently stored.

[0052] The sun protection device 100 may be sold as kit 300 (Fig. 2) including the components that have been described herein and optionally at least one set of printed instructions 302 that provide an indication of the purpose and use of the kit 300. The instructions 302 may be provided as printed instructions provided on a package insert or may be provided as a label, tag or other device on the packaging used for the kit 300 or the device 100 itself. The instructions 302 may also be audio or video instructions that may be provided on a device included with the kit 300 that can be played back by a user of the kit 300.

[0053] The device 100 may be used according to methods and instructions 302 that may generally direct a user of the kit 300 to follow the procedure set forth in the flowchart 550 of Figure 5. The flowchart 550 illustrates a method of use 500 according to the embodiments of the present invention of Figures 1-4. In accordance with the embodiments of the present invention a method of use may include step one 501 wherein the device 100 is positioned by placing the head covering 130 on the user's head with the user's head being received in the opening 120. Step two 502 includes securing the coupling device (e.g. using the clothes attachment or tail piece 140, straps 242, belt 244) to the user's torso. Step three 503 includes placing a hat over or under head covering 130 and on user's head. And step four 504 includes inserting any visor or bill of a hat into the front pocket component 210. It should be noted that step three 503 and step four 504 may be optional steps and may not be implemented in all cases. Optional steps of method of use 500 are illustrated using dotted lines in Figure 5 so as to distinguish them from the other steps of method of use 500.

[0054] The sun protection device 100 may be manufactured and provided for sale in a wide variety of sizes and shapes for a wide assortment of applications. Upon reading this specification, it should be appreciated that, under appropriate circumstances, considering such issues as design preference, user preferences, marketing preferences, cost, structural requirements, available materials, technological advances, etc., other kit contents or arrangements such as, for example, including more or less components, customized parts, different color combinations, parts may be sold separately, etc., and may be utilized.

[0055] It should be noted that the steps described in the method of use can be carried out in many different orders according to user preference. Upon reading this specification, it should be appreciated that, under appropriate circumstances, considering such issues as design preference, user preferences, marketing preferences, cost, structural requirements, available materials, technological advances, etc., other methods of use arrangements such as, for example, different orders within above-mentioned list, elimination or addition of certain steps, including or excluding certain maintenance steps, etc., may be utilized.

[0056] While the invention has been shown in only some of its forms, it should be apparent to those skilled in the art that it is not so limited, but is susceptible to various changes and modifications without departing from the scope of the invention. Accordingly, it is appropriate that the appended claims be construed broadly and in a manner consistent with the scope of the invention.

Claims

CLAIMS We claim:

1. A sun shield device comprising: a head engagement assembly to facilitate coupling of the sun shield device to the head of a wearer; and a sun shield body formed from a flexible sheet material that is joined to the head engagement assembly, the sun shield body having a width sufficient to cover the neck and a majority of the shoulders of the wearer and a length such that the sun shield body extends to a position at or below the first thoracic (Tl) vertebra of the wearer when wearing the sun shield device with the head engagement assembly being engaged with the wearer's head.

2. The sun shield device of claim 1, wherein: the head engagement assembly is formed from a flexible sheet material that is provided with an opening for receiving the wearer's head, the sheet material of the head engagement assembly extending outward from the sides of the opening to form a brim to facilitate shading of the wearer's ears.

3. The sun shield device of claim 2, wherein: the head engagement assembly includes a head covering that is integrated into the opening in the sheet material of the head engagement assembly to facilitate coupling of the sun shield device to the wearer' s head.

4. The sun shield device of claim 1, further comprising: a sun shield body coupling device for securing the sun shield body to the wearer's torso.

5. The sun shield device of claim 4, wherein: the coupling device includes at least one of (1) an arm strap configured for securing to one of the wearer's arms, (2) a belt and (3) a clothes attachment for attaching to the wearer's cloths.

6. The sun shield device of claim 1, wherein: at least one of (A) and (B), wherein:

(A) the surface of the sun shield body is a reflective surface to facilitate reflecting of sunlight; and

(B) the sun shield body is formed from an insulating material.

7. The sun shield device of claim 1, wherein: a surface of the sun shield body is metallic or mirrorized reflective surface.

8. The sun shield device of claim 1, wherein: the sun shield body has a length such that the sun shield body extends to a position at or below the seventh thoracic (T7) vertebra of the wearer when wearing the sun shield device with the head engagement assembly being engaged with the wearer's head.

9. The sun shield device of claim 2, wherein: the sheet material of the head engagement assembly extends forward from the opening to provide a forward brim.

10. The sun shield device of claim 9, further comprising: a bill pocket is formed on the forward brim for receiving a bill of separate headgear worn by the wearer.

11. The sun shield device of claim 1, wherein: the sun shield device is invertible to selectively expose opposite sides of the sun shield body, the opposite sides being different from one another.

12. The sun shield device of claim 11, further comprising: a bill pocket is formed on the forward brim for receiving a bill of separate headgear worn by the wearer, the bill pocket being one of (A) and (B) wherein (A) the bill pocket is single bill pocket that is invertible for receiving the bill of the separate headgear worn by the wearer when the sun shield body is inverted, and (B) the bill pocket includes two bill pockets with one bill pocket being used for receiving the bill depending upon the side of the sun shield body that is selectively exposed.

13. The sun shield device of claim 1, wherein: the sun shield body has a length of at least about 10 inches (25.4 cm) and a width at the greatest width dimension of least about 18 inches (45.7 cm).

14. The sun shield device of claim 2, where the sun shield body and the head engagement assembly are formed from the same sheet of flexible sheet material.

15. A sun shield device comprising: a head engagement assembly to facilitate coupling of the sun shield device to the head of a wearer, the head engagement assembly being formed from a flexible sheet material that is provided with an opening for receiving the wearer's head, the sheet material of the head engagement assembly extending forward and outward from the sides of the opening to form a brim to facilitate shading of the wearer's eyes and ears, and having a bill pocket formed on the forward brim for receiving a bill of separate headgear worn by the wearer, the head engagement assembly further including a head covering that is integrated into the opening in the sheet material of the head engagement assembly to facilitate coupling of the sun shield device to the wearer' s head; and a sun shield body formed from a flexible sheet material that is joined to the head engagement assembly, the sun shield body having a width sufficient to cover a majority of the shoulders of the wearer and a length such that the sun shield body extends to a position at or below the seventh thoracic (T7) vertebra of the wearer when wearing the sun shield device with the head engagement assembly being coupled to the wearer's head, the sun shield body being formed from an insulating material and having at least one surface that is a metallic or mirrorized reflective surface; and a sun shield body coupling device for securing the sun shield body to the wearer's torso.

16. The sun shield device of claim 15, wherein: the coupling device includes at least one of (1) an arm strap configured for securing to one of the wearer's arms, (2) a belt and (3) a clothes attachment for attaching to the wearer's cloths.

17. The sun shield device of claim 15, wherein: the sun shield body and the head engagement assembly are formed from the same sheet of flexible sheet material.

18. The sun shield device of claim 15, wherein: the sun shield device is invertible to selectively expose opposite sides of the sun shield body, the opposite sides being different from one another.

19. The sun shield device of claim 18, wherein: the bill pocket is one of (A) and (B) wherein (A) the bill pocket is single bill pocket that is invertible for receiving the bill of the separate headgear worn by the wearer when the sun shield body is inverted, and (B) the bill pocket includes two bill pockets with one bill pocket being used for receiving the bill depending upon the side of the sun shield body that is selectively exposed.

20. The sun shield device of claim 15, wherein: the sun shield body has a length of at least about 10 inches (25.4 cm) and a width at the greatest width dimension of least about 18 inches (45.7 cm).