PROTECTIVE SHIRT

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Appl. No. 63/727,326, filed on Dec. 3, 2024, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

FIELD OF INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to protective garments, and more particularly to a puncture-resistant shirt.

BACKGROUND

Numerous activities and occupations involve an inherent risk of injury from cuts and punctures. For example, medical professionals regularly work with needles, scalpels, and other sharp tools, posing a risk of accidental injury. Although thick gloves and other protective gear are commonly used, they often restrict dexterity and limit natural movement. In general, garments offering higher resistance to cuts or abrasions tend to lack flexibility and pliability, especially affecting fine motor skills such as extension of the metacarpophalangeal (MCP) and proximal interphalangeal (PIP) joints.

Enhanced protection in garments often results in reduced comfort, increased bulk, and limited adaptability across different professional settings. Existing garments also tend to inadequately protect the forearms, cause discomfort due to tight elastic bands at joints, and appear visually unappealing, which may lead to social discomfort. Additionally, breathability and thermal regulation are frequent concerns in conventional protective garments.

Accordingly, there is a need for a protective garment that overcomes the limitations of current designs by offering cut and puncture resistance while maintaining comfort, flexibility, breathability, and aesthetic appeal.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The following summary provides a simplified overview of selected embodiments to facilitate a basic understanding of the invention. It is not an exhaustive overview and does not define the scope of the invention. Rather, it serves as an introduction to the more detailed description that follows.

The principal object of the present invention is therefore directed to a protective shirt that prevents puncture wounds from needles, bites, stabs, scratches, and similar hazards.

Another objective is to ensure that the protective shirt remains flexible and pliable.

Still another object is that the protective shirt may not be bulky.

Yet another object of the present invention is that the protective shirt is adaptable to various professions.

A further object of the present invention is that the protective shirt is breathable and suitable for year-round wear.

Still, a further object of the present invention is that the protective shirt can be camouflaged in any medical, educational, and professional setting.

Still, a further object of the present invention is that the protective shirt provides an aesthetic appearance.

Yet another object of the present invention is that the protective shirt may be skin-friendly.

In one aspect, a protective shirt is disclosed that is designed for individuals such as medical professionals, educators, mental health providers, and members of the autistic community—anyone at risk of puncture wounds in daily activities. The shirt features an athletic appearance and can seamlessly blend into professional environments.

In one aspect, the protective shirt includes a specialized sleeve with a custom thumb hole opening, integrated into a long-sleeved shirt.

In one aspect, the protective shirt is constructed from a combination of spacer fabric, puncture-resistant fabric (e.g., Kevlar®), and soft jersey knit fabric. The protective shirt may include strategically placed breathable mesh at the shoulders and armpits to wick away moisture and keep the wearer cool and comfortable.

In one aspect, disclosed is a protective shirt comprising a torso portion having a front side and a back side; a pair of long sleeves integral with the torso portion, each sleeve terminating in a hand opening; and breathable mesh portions integrated into at least underarm gusset regions of the protective shirt; wherein a major part of the torso portion and the pair of long sleeves are made of a multi-layer fabric structure. The multi-layer fabric structure comprising an outer layer of spacer fabric configured to provide cushioning and shock absorption; a middle layer made of a puncture-resistant fabric, the puncture-resistant fabric comprising para-aramid fibers; and an inner layer of jersey knit fabric configured to be skin-friendly and prevent chafing. The puncture-resistant fabric comprises Kevlar®. The torso portion has a neck opening, and a hem lining along a periphery of the neck opening. Each sleeve comprises an integral cuff configured to cover a wrist and a lower hand of the wearer. Each cuff comprises a reinforced thumb opening to secure the sleeve in place during use.

In one aspect, a method of protecting an individual against puncture wounds is disclosed. The method comprises providing a protective shirt comprising a torso portion having a front side and a back side; a pair of long sleeves integral with the torso portion, each sleeve terminating in a hand opening; and breathable mesh portions integrated into at least the underarm gusset regions of the protective shirt; wherein a major part of the torso portion and the pair of long sleeves are made of a multi-layer fabric structure. The multi-layer fabric structure comprises an outer layer of spacer fabric configured to provide cushioning and shock absorption, a middle layer made of a puncture-resistant fabric, the puncture-resistant fabric comprising para-aramid fibers; and an inner layer of jersey knit fabric configured to be skin-friendly and prevent chafing.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

The accompanying figures, which are incorporated herein, form part of the specification and illustrate embodiments of the present invention. Together with the description, the figures further explain the principles of the present invention and to enable a person skilled in the relevant arts to make and use the invention.

FIG. 1 is a front view of a protective shirt, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a rear view of the protective shirt, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the protective shirt, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a side view of the protective shirt, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is an enlarged view of the protective shirt, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a side view of the protective shirt having the arms lifted, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Subject matter will now be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, which form a part hereof, and which show, by way of illustration, specific exemplary embodiments. Subject matter may, however, be embodied in a variety of different forms and, therefore, covered or claimed subject matter is intended to be construed as not being limited to any exemplary embodiments set forth herein; exemplary embodiments are provided merely to be illustrative. Likewise, a reasonably broad scope for claimed or covered subject matter is intended. Among other things, for example, the subject matter may be embodied as methods, devices, components, or systems. The following detailed description is, therefore, not intended to be taken in a limiting sense.

The word “exemplary” is used herein to mean “serving as an example, instance, or illustration.” Any embodiment described herein as “exemplary” is not necessarily to be construed as preferred or advantageous over other embodiments. Likewise, the term “embodiments of the present invention” does not require that all embodiments of the invention include the discussed feature, advantage or mode of operation.

The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of embodiments of the invention. As used herein, the singular forms “a”, “an” and “the” are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It will be further understood that the terms “comprises”, “comprising,”, “includes” and/or “including”, when used herein, specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements, and/or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and/or groups thereof.

The following detailed description includes the best currently contemplated mode or modes of carrying out exemplary embodiments of the invention. The description is not to be taken in a limiting sense but is made merely to illustrate the general principles of the invention, since the scope of the invention will be best defined by the allowed claims of any resulting patent.

The invention described pertains to a protective shirt designed to protect the wearer from puncture injuries. The protective shirt is particularly suitable for individuals exposed to risks from biting, scratching, stabbing, or needle sticks, such as healthcare providers, therapists, and educators in special needs environments. The shirt may also be worn by individuals with sensory or behavioral conditions, such as autism, who may engage in self-injury. The protective shirt may prevent puncturing of the skin on the dorsal and ventral surfaces of the hand, wrist, and forearm due to human-inflicted injuries. Such injuries include, but are not limited to, biting, pinching, scratching, hitting, needle puncture, and stabbing. The protective shirt may be used by medical staff taking care of psychiatric patients, recreational drug users, or aggressive patients and their family members. The disclosed protective shirt may also be used in schools and colleges for children, adolescents, adults/adults on the autism spectrum who engage in self-harm, such as biting, pinching, picking, scratching, or hitting, or for teachers and therapists who are at the risk of receiving violence during tantrums and meltdowns. The protective shirt may also be used for educators and educational staff in special educational classrooms and schools with high incidents of violence against staff.

The protective shirt includes three layers of different fabric materials for the intended protection and comfort. The first layer of spacer fabric provides cushioning, buffering, and shock absorption. The second layer is made from puncture-resistant material, such as para-aramid fibers. Examples of para-aramid fibers include Kevlar®. The third layer is made of soft jersey fabric for comfort and skin protection. The protective garment further includes strategically positioned breathable mesh portions for wicking moisture and aeration. This allows wearing the protective shirt in all seasons, with or without other clothing. The protective shirt can be worn for extended periods of time without overheating. The inner soft jersey fabric may be ideal for skin-sensitive people. Also, the soft jersey fabric may maintain skin integrity and prevent chaffing or skin breakdown.

Also, the protective shirt may be manufactured in a range of sizes, including those for children and adults, and can be styled to fit formal, semi-formal, or casual dress codes. The style of the protective shirt can be easily adapted to the needs of a user. The protective shirt can be easily adapted to changing fashion trends. The socially weak population, such as those with autism, can benefit from the protective shirt by using it as an appropriate dress that looks nice and comfortable. The sleek, athletic design allows for natural movement and offers a figure-flattering fit, making it ideal for diverse users.

Referring to FIGS. 1-6, which show different views of the disclosed protective shirt 100. The protective shirt may be long-sleeved with a custom thumb hole opening. The protective shirt 100 includes a front side 105 and a back side 110. A continuous hem lining 115 is along the lower periphery of the front and back sides. The protective shirt has a neck opening and a neck band 120 along the periphery of the neck opening. The protective shirt 100 has a pair of long sleeves 125 that may fully cover the arms of the wearer up to the hands. Each sleeve has a hand opening for the hands to pass through, and a continuous hem lining 130 running along the periphery of the hand opening. The end portion of each sleeve has a thumb opening 135.

The upper portion of the front side may have a front yoke 140. Similarly, an upper portion of the rear side may have a back yoke 145. Underarm gussets 150 can be provided to cover the underarms of a wearer. The underarm gussets can be made of breathable mesh to enhance flexibility and airflow. These underarm gussets extend between portions of the respective sleeve, the left side, and the right side. The neck opening may be enlarged by providing a cutout that extends from the neck opening, traversing the front yoke. This enlarged neck opening may allow wearing the disclosed protective shirt 100 by passing through the head of the wearer. A zipper 155 can be provided along the periphery of the cutout in the front yoke.

The protective shirt may have strategically positioned breathable mesh at the shoulders and armpits, which wicks away moisture and keeps the wearer cool and comfortable. The underarm gussets 150 and the back yoke 145 may be made from breathable mesh material. The zipper 155 may be made from molded plastic material. FIG. 5 shows an enlarged view of the zipper and the zipper in an open position. FIG. 6 shows the zipper gusset 160, which can also be made from breathable mesh. The other portions of the protective shirt may be made from three layers, i.e., an outer layer of a spacer fabric for cushioning and shock absorption, a middle layer of puncture-proof Kevlar®, and a bottom layer of soft jersey fabric for comfort and skin protection.

The end portion of each sleeve may include an integral cuff 165 that may protect the hands from puncture wounds. The cuff 165 may have the thumb opening 135 for the thumb to pass through. The thumb opening may be made in the cuff through a cut and strengthened by a cuff seam.

While the foregoing written description of the invention enables one of ordinary skill to make and use what is considered presently to be the best mode thereof, those of ordinary skill will understand and appreciate the existence of variations, combinations, and equivalents of the specific embodiment, method, and examples herein. The invention should therefore not be limited by the above-described embodiment, method, and examples, but by all embodiments and methods within the scope and spirit of the invention as claimed.