PROTECTIVE ARTICLE

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority to and the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63/705,122, entitled “PROTECTIVE ARTICLE,” filed Oct. 9, 2024, the disclosure of which is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Clothing and household articles, such as shirts and pillowcases, often include images and/or text disposed on exterior surfaces thereof. Such images and/or text, however, are visible to third-party observers. Since the content included in the designs and/or text may not be appropriate for all settings and/or may be content that a user prefers to keep private, a user of the article may not be permitted or may be not be sufficiently comfortable to use an article including the designs and/or text in a setting in which the user may benefit from being affected (e.g., encouraged, educated, calmed) by the content. Furthermore, designs and/or text disposed on exterior surfaces of articles prioritize the perspective of third-party observers, rather than the perspective of a user of the article.

A need exists for clothing and household articles that include private content disposed in one or more discreet locations so that a user can wear and/or otherwise engage with the content for the improvement of at least one health-related characteristic of the user.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In some embodiments, a method for improving at least one health-related characteristic of a user as a result of the user's awareness of a presence of indicia disposed on a protective article and not visible to a third-party observer includes physically engaging with the protective article when the protective article is in a configuration in which the indicia is not externally visible. The method further includes considering targeted content included in the indicia for a period of time while physically engaged with the protective article, the period of time beginning after the protective article is physically engaged with the user, the consideration resulting in improvement of the at least one health-related characteristic.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

FIGS. 1A-1D are schematic illustrations of various portions of an article, according to an embodiment. FIGS. 1A and 1B are schematic illustrations of a front exterior surface and a back exterior surface, respectively, of the article. FIGS. 1C and 1D are schematic illustrations of a front interior surface and a back interior surface, respectively, of the article.

FIG. 2 is a schematic illustration of a method, according to an embodiment.

FIGS. 3A-3J are schematic illustrations of various views of a protective article formed as a shirt, according to an embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Health-related benefits may be realized as a result of a person being presented with particular information. For example, improvements in mental, spiritual, psychological, and physical health and wellness can be achieved through a person's interaction with targeted content (e.g., an encouraging and/or educational message or instruction, a reminder of a guiding principle or spiritual declaration or belief). In addition to engaging in focused study of sources of content of interest (e.g., the Bible, health and wellness related books, sleep literature, meditation aids), people sometimes place imagery and/or text including targeted content related to their goals in their environment (e.g., in their home or vehicle) with the aim of increasing their attention to and engagement with such targeted content.

A greater improvement in a health-related characteristic of a person may be achieved if the amount of interaction with targeted content related to the health-related characteristic is increased. For example, if a person can increase their duration and/or consistency of engagement with the target content and/or can maintain an interaction with and attention to the targeted content regardless of setting, that person may see stronger benefits associated with their awareness and mindfulness of the targeted content compared to a person that engages with the targeted content for less time and in more limited circumstances.

Since not all circumstances and/or settings are conducive or appropriate for the publicization of targeted content desired by a particular individual, and since some individuals would prefer to keep their health-related goals and the targeted content associated therewith private, there is a need for articles (e.g., garments and household items such as bedding) that include the targeted content in discreet locations. In some embodiments, for example, targeted content can be included in private indicia disposed on an interior surface of an article. The article can be worn or otherwise engaged with by a user such that the user can benefit from the targeted content (e.g., mentally, spiritually, psychologically, physically, and/or through increased overall wellness) through interaction with and awareness of the targeted content. In some embodiments, in addition to including discreet targeted content, the article can also include, on an exterior surface of the article, publicly viewable targeted content and/or publicly viewable content unrelated to the targeted content (e.g., content of a secular and/or religious nature that may be associated with a function other than improving a health-related characteristic of the user, such as identifying a particular organization, school, or business).

In some embodiments, the targeted content described herein can be associated with sleep benefits such that the articles described herein can be used as sleep aids. The targeted content and/or interaction of the user with the targeted content can be configured to improve at least one characteristic associated with sleep health such as, for example, shortened duration of time to fall asleep, duration of time a user stays asleep, sleep efficiency, restorative effect of sleep, and/or ratio of time during a sleep session that a user spends awake, in light sleep, in deep sleep, and/or in rapid eye movement (REM) sleep.

In some embodiments, the targeted content described herein can be associated with mental health and wellness benefits such that the articles described herein can be used for improvement of a user's mental health and/or wellness. For example, the targeted content can be associated with treating mental illness of a user (e.g., anxiety, depression) and/or can be associated with promoting a sense of emotional balance and healthy perspective (e.g., through functioning to support meditation and/or a focus on healthy mantras).

In some embodiments, the targeted content described herein can be associated with spiritual and/or religious education, health, and/or encouragement. For example, the targeted content can include text and/or imagery related to spiritual and/or religious beliefs and/or principles, such as scripture and/or religious imagery.

In some embodiments, a protective article including targeted content as described herein can include an interior private surface, an exterior public surface, and at least one indicia including the targeted content disposed on the interior private surface and not visible on the exterior public surface when the article is in use. In some embodiments, the at least one indicia can include at least one number, word, and/or image. In some embodiments, the at least one number, word, and/or image can be raised (e.g., tactilely perceivable) relative to a portion of the interior private surface on which the at least one indicia is disposed. The protective article can be configured, as a result of a user's interaction with and awareness of the at least one indicia including the targeted content on the interior private surface, to function to increase a health-related characteristic of the user of the protective article. For example, as described above, the user may be educated, encouraged, and/or assisted in a meditative exercise via an interaction with the at least one indicia, resulting in a mental, spiritual, psychological, physical, and/or wellness benefit to the user.

In some embodiments, a method for improving at least one health-related characteristic of a user as a result of the user's awareness of a presence of indicia disposed on a protective article and not visible to a third-party observer (e.g., a person not engaged with the protective article who is capable of viewing the protective article) includes physically engaging with the protective article when the protective article is in a configuration in which the indicia is not externally visible. The method further includes considering targeted content included in the indicia for a period of time while physically engaged with the protective article, the period of time beginning after the protective article is physically engaged with the user, the consideration resulting in improvement of the at least one health-related characteristic.

In some embodiments, a protective article can include at least two panels, each having indicia including targeted content disposed thereon. For example, FIGS. 1A-1D are schematic illustrations of various portions of an article 100. The article 100 includes a front panel 102 (also referred to as a “first panel”) and a back panel 104 (also referred to as a “second panel”). The front panel 102 has a front surface 102A and a back surface 102B. The back panel 104 has a front surface 104A and a back surface 104B. The back surface 102B of the front panel 102 faces the front surface 104A of the back panel 104. FIGS. 1A and 1B are schematic illustrations of the front surface 102A of the front panel 102 and the back surface 104B of the back panel 104, respectively. FIGS. 1C and 1D are schematic illustrations of the back surface 102B of the front panel 102 and the front surface 104A of the back panel 104, respectively.

In some embodiments, the front surface 102A of the front panel 102 and the back surface 104B of the back panel 104 can be referred to individually and/or collectively as an “exterior surface,” an “exterior-facing surface,” an “outer surface,” a “public surface,” and/or a “public-facing surface.” In some embodiments, the back surface 102B of the front panel 102 and the front surface 104A of the back panel 104 can be referred to individually and/or collectively as an “interior surface,” an “inner surface,” a “private surface,” or an “inner-facing surface.” In some embodiments, such as when the article 100 is a garment to be worn by a user, each of the back surface 102B of the front panel 102 and the front surface 104A of the back panel 104 can be referred to as user-facing surfaces.

In some embodiments, the front panel 102 and the back panel 104 are coupled to each other such that the article 100 defines an interior space in at least one configuration of the article 100. For example, in some embodiments, the front panel 102 and the back panel 104 can each include a pair of opposing edges, and each edge can be configured to be coupled to an edge of the other pair (e.g., via one or more seams, elongated side strips, and/or additional panels or portions of material). In some embodiments, the front panel 102 and the back panel 104 can be coupled along one, two, three, four, or more adjacent edges of the front panel 102 and the back panel 104. In some embodiments, the front panel 102 and the back panel 104 can define an interior space that is partially enclosed along one or more edges and/or that defines one or more openings for passage between the interior space and an exterior of the article 100. For example, the front panel 102 and the back panel 104 can be coupled together such that the front panel 102 and the back panel 104 collectively define an interior space configured to receive a torso of a user, as well as a neck opening, a waist opening, and a pair of arm openings providing access to the interior space (i.e., the article 100 can be formed as or include a garment such as a shirt). As another example, the front panel 102 and the back panel 104 can be coupled together to define an interior space configured to receive a portion of a user's head (i.e., the article 100 can be formed as or include a hat). As another example, the front panel 102 and the back panel 104 can be coupled to collectively define an interior space having only one opening via which the interior space can be accessed (e.g., the article 100 can be formed as a pillowcase and the opening can be accessed for placement of a bedding article such as a pillow insert within the interior space).

In some embodiments, the front panel 102 and/or the back panel 104 can be formed of one, two, three, or more pieces of material. In some embodiments, the front panel 102 and/or the back panel 104 can have any suitable shape (e.g., rectangular, circular, symmetrical or asymmetrical about a central plane or axis, garment panel-shaped). In some embodiments, the article 100 can be at least partially formed as a monolithic or unitary structure so that no seams are formed between the front panel 102 and the back panel 104. For example, the front panel 102 and the back panel 104 can be formed as portions of a single solid and/or continuous piece of material.

In some embodiments, the article 100 can be transitioned between a non-use configuration and a use configuration. In some embodiments, the front panel 102 and the back panel 104 can be disposed closer to each other in the non-use configuration than in the use configuration. In some embodiments, at least a portion of the back surface 102B of the front panel 102 can be in contact with the front surface 104A of the back panel 104 in the non-use configuration. For example, at least a central portion of each of the back surface 102B and the front surface 104A spaced from outermost edges of the front panel 102 or the back panel 104, respectively, can be disposed in contact in the non-use configuration. In some embodiments, the article 100 can have a flat shape in the non-use configuration such that the front panel 102 is disposed in a first plane and the back panel 104 is not disposed in the first plane and is disposed in a second plane lying parallel to the first plane. In some embodiments, the article 100 can be configured to receive and/or at least partially cover and/or envelope a portion of a user (also referred to as a “wearer”) or an object in the use configuration. For example, in some embodiments, in the use configuration of the article 100, a user's torso, a user's head, or a pillow insert can be disposed in an interior of the article 100.

The article 100 can include an indicia 110 disposed on the back surface 102B of the front panel 102, as shown in FIG. 1C, and an indicia 112 disposed on the front surface 104A of the back panel 104, as shown in FIG. 1D. Thus, the indicia 110 and the indicia 112 can each be disposed on an interior surface of the article 100 and can be hidden from external view (e.g., by the front panel 102 and the back panel 104). In some embodiments, the indicia 110 and the indicia 112 can be disposed such that the indicia 110 faces the indicia 112. In some embodiments, at least a portion of the indicia 110 can be vertically and/or horizontally aligned with at least a portion of the indicia 112. In some embodiments, the indicia 110 can be disposed in contact with the indicia 112 in the non-use configuration of the article 100.

The indicia 110 and the indicia 112 can each include targeted content configured to improve a health-related characteristic of a user of the article 100. In some embodiments, the indicia 110 can be different from the indicia 112. For example, the indicia 110 can have or include a different appearance, content, color, text, message, image, and/or targeted content than the indicia 112. In some embodiments, the indicia 110 can include a first image and/or a first text and the indicia 112 can include a second image and/or a second text different from the first image and/or the first text, respectively.

In some embodiments, such as when the article 100 is a shirt or shirt-like garment, the indicia 110 can be disposed on the back surface 102B of the front panel 102 such that the indicia 110 contacts and/or aligns with a chest of the user in a use configuration. In some embodiments, such as when the article 100 is a shirt or shirt-like garment, the indicia 112 can be disposed on the front surface 104A of the back panel 104 such that the indicia 112 contacts and/or aligns with a back of the user in a use configuration. In some embodiments, the indicia 110 can be disposed on the back surface 102B to contact and/or align with, for example, a portion of a torso of the user below the user's rib cage, a portion of a torso of the user below the user's chest, a user's stomach, a portion between a user's hips, and/or a lower half, a lower third, or a lower quarter of a user's torso. In some embodiments, the indicia 112 can be disposed on the front surface 104A to contact and/or align with, for example, a portion of a torso of the user below the user's rib cage, a portion of a torso of the user below the user's shoulder blades, a user's lower back, a portion between a user's hips, and/or a lower half, a lower third, or a lower quarter of a user's torso.

In some embodiments, the indicia 110 and/or the indicia 112 can be disposed on the back surface 102B of the front panel 102 and the front surface 104A of the back panel 104, respectively, such that the indicia 110 is closer to a top edge of the article 100 (e.g., a top edge of the front panel 102 and the back panel 104 than to a bottom edge of the front panel 102 or the back panel 104). In some embodiments, the indicia 110 and/or the indicia 112 can be disposed on the back surface 102B of the front panel 102 and the front surface 104A of the back panel 104, respectively, such that the indicia 110 is closer to a bottom edge of the article 100 (e.g., a bottom edge of the front panel 102 and the back panel 104 than to a top edge of the front panel 102 or the back panel 104). In some embodiments, the indicia 110 is disposed farther from the top edge of the article 100 and/or from the top edge of the front panel 102 than the indicia 112 is disposed from the top edge of the article 100 and/or to the top edge of the back panel 104. In some embodiments, the indicia 110 can be at least about 8 inches wide and/or at least about 10 inches tall. In some embodiments, such as when the article 100 is formed as a garment (e.g., a shirt), the indicia 110 can be configured to extend from about a collar bone area of a wearer to at least a bottom of a rib cage area of a wearer in a user-worn configuration of the article 100. In some embodiments, the indicia 110 can be shaped and sized such that the indicia 110 extends across a surface area that is at least about 30%, 40%, 50%, 60%, 70% or more of the back surface 102B of the front panel 102. In some embodiments, the indicia 112 can be shaped and sized such that the indicia 112 extends across a surface area that is at least about 20%, 30%, 40%, 50%, 60%, 70% or more of the front surface 104A of the back panel 104. In some embodiments, the indicia 110 and/or the indicia 112 can be shaped and sized such that the respective indicia 110, 112 extends across a surface area that is between about 10%-20%, 20%-30%, 30%-40%, 40%-50%, 50%-60%, 10%-30%, 10%-40%, 10%-50%, 20%-40%, 20%-50%, 30%-50%, 30%-60%, 60%-100%, 60%-80%, and/or 50%-90% of the surface of the respective panel. In some embodiments, the indicia 110 and/or the indicia 112 can be disposed on a bottom half, third, quarter, fifth, sixth, seventh, or eighth of the front panel 102 and the back panel 104, respectively.

In some embodiments, the indicia 110 can include one or more characteristics (e.g., content, text, message, image) associated with a first subject and/or a first targeted content and the indicia 112 can include one or more characteristics (e.g., content, text, message, image) associated with a second subject and/or a second targeted content. For example, in some embodiments, the first subject can be a first portion of a user's anatomy (e.g., a chest of the user) that aligns with and/or contacts the indicia 110 in a user-worn configuration of the article 100 and the second subject can be a second portion of a user's anatomy (e.g., a back or upper back of the user) that aligns with and/or contacts the indicia 112 in a user-worn configuration of the article 100. In some embodiments, the indicia 110 can include an image and/or text associated with protection of the first portion of the user's anatomy (e.g., a chest of the user), such as an image (e.g., outline) of a shield and/or text associated with armor and/or a shield. For example, in some embodiments, the indicia 110 can include an image of an outline of a shield surrounding text including “I put on the full Armor of God . . . Belt of Truth; Breastplate of Righteousness; Shoes of the Gospel of Peace; Shield of Faith; Helmet of Salvation; Sword of the Spirit so that I will be able to resist the enemy and stand firm and pray. Eph 6:10-18.” In some embodiments, the indicia 112 can include an image and/or text associated with protection of the second portion of the user's anatomy (e.g., a back of the user), such as an image (e.g., outline) of an angel (e.g., a guardian angel) and/or text associated with protection by one or more angels. For example, in some embodiments, the indicia 112 can include an image of a guardian angel carrying a sword and text including “Lord, please command your angels to protect me wherever I go . . . Psalm 91:11.”

In some embodiments, the article 100 can optionally include additional indicia and/or sets of indicia. For example, in some embodiments, an indicia 116 can be disposed on at least one of the back surface 102B of the front panel 102 and on the front surface 104A of the back panel 104. The indicia 116 can be disposed to at least partially encircle an opening defined between the front panel 102 and the back panel 104, such as an opening to an interior of a pillowcase formed by the article 100 or a neck opening of a garment (e.g., shirt) formed by the article 100. In some embodiments, the indicia 116 can be disposed entirely on the front surface 104A of the back panel 104. In some embodiments, the indicia 116 can be disposed on a neck panel (not shown) coupled to the back panel 104 (e.g., directly or via another panel, such as a collar panel). In some embodiments, the neck panel can be formed of an elongated strip of material having a different color than at least a color of the front panel 102, the back panel 104, or the collar panel. In some embodiments, the neck panel can be red. In some embodiments, the indicia 116 can be printed directly on at least one of the front panel 102, the back panel 104, or the collar panel.

In some embodiments, the indicia 116 can be different from the indicia 110 and/or the indicia 112. For example, the indicia 116 can have or include a different appearance, content, color, text, message, image and/or targeted content than the indicia 110 and/or the indicia 112. In some embodiments, the indicia 116 can include a first text different from text included in the indicia 110 and the indicia 112. In some embodiments, the indicia 116 can include one or more characteristics (e.g., content, text, message, image) associated with a third subject different from the first subject and the second subject. For example, in some embodiments, the third subject can be a third portion of a user's anatomy (e.g., a neck, collar-area, and/or head portion of the user) that aligns with and/or contacts the indicia 116 and/or to which the indicia 116 is the closest indicia of the article 100 or of the indicia 110, indicia 112, and indicia 116 in a user-worn configuration of the article 100. In some embodiments, the indicia 116 can include an image and/or text associated with protection of and/or encouragement related to actions of the third portion of the user's anatomy (e.g., a neck or head of the user), such as text associated with speech or testimony of the user. For example, in some embodiments, the indicia 116 can include text including “I conquer by the blood of the Lamb and word of my testimony . . . Revelations 12:11.”

In some embodiments, the article 100 can optionally include an indicia 118 on an exterior surface of the article 100 that is visible to a third-party observer when the article 100 is in use. In some embodiments, the indicia 118 can be disposed on at least one of the front surface 102A of the front panel 102 or the back surface 104B of the back panel 104. For example, in some embodiments, the indicia 118 can be disposed on or near a seam or intersection of the front panel 102 and the back panel 104. In embodiments in which the article 100 forms a garment (e.g., a shirt), for example, the indicia 118 can be configured to be disposed on or near a left hip of a user in a user-worn configuration of the article 100. The indicia 118 can be different from the indicia 110, the indicia 112, and/or the indicia 116 (e.g., can have or include a different appearance, content, color, text, message, image, and/or targeted content than the indicia 110, the indicia 112, and/or the indicia 116). In some embodiments, the indicia 118 can include one or more characteristics (e.g., content, text, message, image) associated with a fourth subject different from the first subject, the second subject, and the third subject. For example, in some embodiments, the fourth subject can be a fourth portion of a user's anatomy (e.g., a waist or hip portion of the user) that aligns with the indicia 118 and/or to which the indicia 118 is the closest indicia of the article 100 or of the indicia 110, indicia 112, indicia 116, and indicia 118 in a user-worn configuration of the article 100. In some embodiments, the indicia 118 can include an image and/or text associated with protection of and/or encouragement related to actions of or tools typically associated with (e.g., carried on or near) the fourth portion of the user's anatomy (e.g., a waist or hip of the user), such as an image of a dagger and/or an image of a dagger optionally stylized to represent the numeral “1.” Thus, in some embodiments, the indicia 118 can include one or more characteristics and be disposed near the waist and/or on the hip of a user in a user-worn configuration such that the indicia 118 is configured to remind the user of guidelines and/or encouraging principles or beliefs rooted in religious scripture and associated with tools typically worn on a hip, and thus to function to improve a health-related characteristic of the user. For example, the indicia 118 can include an image of a dagger and/or an image of a dagger stylized to represent the numeral “1,” which can be configured to direct the user's attention (e.g., remind the user) of the scriptural verse of Hebrews 4:12 referencing a sword (i.e., “For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edge sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart.”) Additionally, in some embodiments, the article 100 can include a hem (e.g., a blue hem) and/or side slits or vents (e.g., formed of a blue material or having a blue border material) (e.g., configured to be disposed on opposing hips of the user when the article 100 is configured as a garment in a user-worn configuration), which can, optionally in combination with the image of the dagger stylized to represent the numeral “1” optionally included in the indicia 118, be configured to function similarly to the use of blue hems and/or tassels described in the Old Testament to remind the wearer to remember and obey the Commandments, so that the indicia 118 and/or blue hem reminds the user of the article 100 of the New Testament concept of “First Love.” Thus, in some embodiments, the publicly-viewable indicia 118 can be devoid of text and include only referential imagery and/or colors, which may be more discreet than text, and the private indicia (e.g., indicia 110, indicia 112, and indicia 116) can optionally include text.

In some embodiments, a set including the indicia 110, the indicia 112, and, optionally, the indicia 116 can be referred to as a “private set of indicia” and/or a “hidden set of indicia.” In some embodiments, a set including the indicia 110, the indicia 112, the optional indicia 116, and the optional indicia 118 can be referred to as a “protective set of indicia,” an “educational set of indicia,” a “mindfulness set of indicia,” a “wellness set of indicia,” a “spiritual set of indicia,” a “mental health set of indicia,” an “encouragement set of indicia,” and/or a “targeted content set of indicia.” The protective set of indicia can include each of the indicia included in the private set of indicia, as well as any publicly viewable indicia, such as optional indicia 118, that is related to a protective, personally beneficial, and/or educational theme (e.g., targeted content) common to at least one characteristic (e.g., content or substance) of each of the indicia included in the protective set of indicia.

In some embodiments, the indicia 110 can be referred to as a “first indicia” and/or a “first private indicia,” the indicia 112 can be referred to as a “second indicia” and/or a “second private indicia,” and the third indicia 116 can be referred to as a “third indicia” and/or a “third private indicia.” In some embodiments, the indicia 118 can be referred to as a “fourth indicia” and/or a “public indicia.” Although the article 100 is described as including both the indicia 110 and the indicia 112, in some embodiments, the article 100 includes only one of the indicia 110 and the indicia 112.

In some embodiments, the article 100 can optionally include one or more additional indicia which may be included in a set referred to as a “public set of indicia.” The indicia included in the public set of indicia can be externally viewable (e.g., disposed on the front surface 102A of the front panel 102 and/or the back surface 104B of the back panel 104), be mutually exclusive from indicia included in the protective set of indicia, and can lack an association with a protective, personally beneficial, and/or educational theme (e.g., targeted content) with which the indicia included in the protective set of indicia are associated. For example, in some embodiments, the article can include an indicia 120 disposed on the front surface 102A of the front panel 102 and an indicia 122 which can be disposed on the back surface 104B of the back panel 104. Each of the indicia 120 and the indicia 122, which can be different from each other in at least one characteristic, can differ from each of the indicia included in the protective set of indicia with respect to at least one of content, substance, text, image, and/or color. Thus, the public set of indicia can include indicia associated with a business, school, organization, sports team, etc. (e.g., one or more names or logos) that are distinct from the functional purpose of the protective set of indicia relative to the user of the article 100. In some embodiments, the public set of indicia can include secular content that can be unrelated to the targeted content included in the protective set of indicia, which can include, for example, spiritual and/or religious targeted content. In some embodiments, the article 100 can allow for a user to have a preferred external appearance (e.g., style or public-facing content) while secretly or discreetly including the targeted content (e.g., spiritual and/or religious elements such as scripture) in the article 100 for the benefit of the user.

The indicia described herein (e.g., the indicia 110, the indicia 112, the indicia 116, the indicia 118, the indicia 120, and/or the indicia 122) can be coupled to the front panel 102 and/or the back panel 104 via any suitable method. For example, the indicia can be directly printed or embroidered on the front panel 102 or the back panel 104 or can be printed or embroidered on a separate layer of material that is coupled to the front panel 102 or the back panel 104. In some embodiments, for example, the indicia 110 and the indicia 112 can be printed on the front panel 102 and the back panel 104, respectively, the neck portion can be printed on a neck portion of material that is coupled to the back panel, and the indicia 118 can be embroidered onto the front panel 102 and/or the back panel 104.

In some embodiments, the indicia from the private set of indicia (e.g., the indicia 110, the indicia 112, optionally the indicia 116) can include or entirely include content (e.g., images and/or text) that cannot be seen through the article 100 when worn by a user. In some embodiments, one, some, or all of the indicia from the private set of indicia can included (e.g., be printed or embroidered in) a color that does not show through the front panel 102 or the back panel 104. In some embodiments, the color can be the same or similar in color to the color of the front panel 102 or the back panel 104 such that the indicia does not significantly contrast from the front panel 102 or the back panel 104 material to which the indicia is coupled. In some embodiments, any or all of the indicia from the private set of indicia color can be the same or substantially the same color (e.g., same Pantone color) as the panel material to which the indicia is coupled. In some embodiments, the indicia can have a different level of shine or matte than the panel material to which the indicia is coupled. In some embodiments, any or all of the indicia from the private set of indicia can have a color that is different or contrasts from the color of the respective panel material to which the indicia is attached. In some embodiments, the indicia from the public set of indicia (e.g., the indicia 120 and the indicia 122) can include color that is different from the color of the panel material to which the indicia from the public set of indicia is coupled.

In some embodiments, one or more of the indicia from the private set of indicia can be raised and/or have a different texture relative to the surface of the panel to which that indicia is coupled. Thus, as a result of the indicia projecting from a plane including the surface of the panel to which the indicia is coupled and/or having a different texture than the surface of the respective panel, a user can engage with the indicia tactilely and/or can feel the indicia while using the article 100, causing and/or assisting in the maintenance of awareness of the indicia and the substance (e.g., message including targeted content) included therein, even when the user is not viewing the indicia.

In some embodiments, one, some, or all of the indicia from the private set of indicia (e.g., the indicia 110, the indicia 112, optionally the indicia 116) can be coupled (e.g., applied or affixed) to the front panel 102 and/or the back panel 104 via a method and/or substance results in the indicia not being observable (e.g., visually and/or tactilely perceptible) from an exterior of the article 100 when the private set of indicia is disposed on interior-facing surfaces of the article 100 (e.g., when in a use configuration relative to, such as worn by, a user). Such a method and/or substance can also allow for the indicia to be stretched (e.g., stretched with the front panel 102 and/or the back panel 104), allow for the indicia and respective panel portions to which the indicia is applied to be soft and flexible, and allow the indicia to be fade resistant for extended washings. For example, in some embodiments, a silicone layer (e.g., a silicone coating) can be applied to a surface of a panel (e.g., front panel 102 or back panel 104) of the article 100, such as an area having the same or similar shape, surface area, and/or perimeter as the indicia to be coupled thereto. The silicone layer (and panel surface coupled thereto) can be heat treated, and, after the heat treatment, an ink solution can be applied to the silicone layer to form the indicia. In some embodiments, therefore, the indicia includes a layer of ink solution and a heat-treated silicone layer disposed between the layer of ink solution and the surface of the panel of the article 100 to which the indicia is coupled. In some embodiments, the indicia can be applied to a respective panel before the panel is assembled (e.g., coupled to other panels) to form the article 100. In some embodiments, the indicia can be applied to a respective panel after assembly of the panel (e.g., with other panels) to form the article 100. In some embodiments, one or more indicia from the public set of indicia can be formed through a similar or different process, and include the same or different layers, than that described above with respect to the one or more indicia from the private set of indicia.

In some embodiments, the article 100 can be manufactured in a first stage to include a subset of the indicia (e.g., private indicia) described herein, and then manufactured to include additional indicia (e.g., public indicia) described herein in a second stage after the first stage (e.g., by a different entity at a different place and/or time). For example, the article 100 can be initially manufactured to include the indicia 110 and/or the indicia 112 on the interior-facing surfaces of the respective panels 102, 104. At a later time, and optionally by a different manufacturer or supplier at a different location, indicia 120 and/or indicia 122 can be added to exterior-facing surfaces of the respective panels 102, 104. To avoid damage to the indicia (e.g., private indicia) added during the first stage that may be caused during addition of the indicia (e.g., public indicia) during the second stage, the indicia added to the interior-facing surfaces can be disposed on portions of the respective surfaces that are vertically unaligned (e.g., vertically separated) from portions of the exterior-facing surfaces to which indicia is to be added during the second stage.

In some embodiments, for example, the indicia 110 can be disposed on a portion of the back surface 102B that is non-overlapping (e.g., vertically separated) with a portion of the front surface 102A on which the indicia 120 is disposed. For example, the indicia 110 can be disposed below a vertical threshold of the front panel 102 and the indicia 120 can be disposed on the opposite side of the front panel 102 and above the vertical threshold, such that the bottommost portion of the indicia 120 is above the uppermost portion of the indicia 110. In some embodiments, the vertical threshold can be about halfway between the top and bottom edges of the front panel 102. In some embodiments, the vertical threshold can be located about 10%, 15%, 20%, 25%, 30%, 35%, 40%, 45%, 50%, 55%, 60%, 65%, or 70% of the distance from the bottom edge to the top edge of the front panel 102. In some embodiments, the indicia 112 can be disposed on a portion of the front surface 104A that is non-overlapping (e.g., vertically separated) with a portion of the back surface 105B on which the indicia 122 is disposed, with similar optional arrangements as described with respect to the indicia 110 and the indicia 120.

In some embodiments, the article 100 can include or be formed as a shirt or shirt-like garment such that the front panel 102 is or forms at least a portion of a front panel of the shirt and the back panel 104 is or forms at least a portion of a back panel of the shirt. In some embodiments, the article 100 can be formed as any suitable type of shirt, such as a short sleeve or long sleeve t-shirt, a night shirt, an undershirt, a golf shirt, a vest, a hooded, crew neck, or v-neck sweater or sweatshirt, a quarter-zip, half-zip, or full-zip sweatshirt or sweater, a button-closable sweatshirt or sweater, a button-down short or long-sleeve shirt, a coat, a poncho, a jacket, and/or overalls. In some embodiments, the article 100 can be formed as or include any other suitable type of garment, such as a hat (e.g., a baseball hat, knitted winter hat, wide-brimmed hat, bucket hat, visor). In some embodiments, the article 100 can be formed as any suitable article associated with sleeping, such as a bedding article. For example, in some embodiments, the article 100 can be formed as a pillowcase such that the front panel 102 forms a first side or layer of the pillowcase, the back panel 104 forms a second side or layer of the pillowcase, and an interior space configured to receive a pillow insert is defined between the front panel 102 and the back panel 104 via a side opening (e.g., defined between the front panel 102 and the back panel 104 or through one of the front panel 102 or the back panel 104).

FIG. 2 is a flow chart illustrating a method 200. The method 200 can include, for example, a method for improving at least one health-related characteristic of a user as a result of the user's awareness of a presence of indicia disposed on a protective article and not visible to a third-party observer. The protective article can be the same or similar in structure and/or function to any of the protective articles described herein, such as the protective article 100 described above. The method 200 includes, at 202, physically engaging with the protective article when the protective article is in a configuration in which the indicia is not externally visible. The method 200 further includes, at 204, considering targeted content included in the indicia for a period of time while physically engaged with the protective article, the period of time beginning after the protective article is physically engaged with the user, the consideration resulting in improvement of the at least one health-related characteristic.

In some embodiments, the method 200 can optionally include, for example prior to the physically engaging, viewing the indicia. In some embodiments, the at least one health-related characteristic includes a sleep-related characteristic of the user. In some embodiments, the protective article can be a garment and the physically engaging can include transitioning the garment from a non-worn configuration to a worn-configuration relative to the user such that the indicia is disposed on an interior surface of the garment and facing a body surface of the user. In some embodiments, the protective article can be a pillowcase and the physically engaging can include disposing the user's head on the pillowcase. In some embodiments, the protective article can include a pillowcase and the physically engaging can include touching the indicia with a finger of the user.

In some embodiments, the protective article can include a garment (e.g., a shirt or a hat). The physically engaging can include transitioning garment from a non-worn configuration to a worn configuration. In some embodiments, such as when the garment is a shirt, the physically engaging can include transitioning the garment from a non-worn configuration to a worn configuration such that a front interior surface of the shirt is facing a chest of the user, a back interior surface of the shirt is facing a back of the user, and the indicia is not externally visible (and, optionally, contacts the chest or back of the user).

FIGS. 3A-3J are schematic illustrations of various views of a protective article 300 formed as a shirt. The protective article 300 can be the same or similar in structure and/or function to any of the protective articles described herein, such as the protective article 100 described above. For example, the protective article 300 includes a front panel 302 and a back panel 304. The front panel 302 has a front surface 302A and back surface 302B. The back panel 304 has a front surface 304A and a back surface 304B. The protective article 300 also includes a first indicia 310, a second indicia 312, a third indicia 316, and a fourth indicia 318 which can each be the same or similar in structure and/or function as the indicia 110, the indicia 112, the indicia 116, and the indicia 118 described above. Additionally, the protective article 300 can be used with respect to any of the methods described herein, such as the method 200.

FIG. 3A is a perspective exterior view of the protective article 300. FIGS. 3B and 3C are a front exterior view and a back exterior view, respectively, of the protective article 300. FIGS. 3D and 3E are a left exterior side view and a right exterior side view, respectively, of the protective article 300. FIGS. 3F and 3G are a perspective front view and a front view, respectively, of the protective article 300 in an inside-out configuration so that the back surface 302B of the front panel 302 of the protective article 300 is visible. FIG. 3H is a back view of the protective article 300 in the inside-out configuration so that the front surface 304A of the back panel 304 of the protective article 300 is visible. FIGS. 3I and 3J are a left view and a right view, respectively, of the protective article 300 in the inside-out configuration. Thus, FIGS. 3A-3E are views of the protective article 300 in a normal configuration (i.e., a configuration in which the protective article 300 may be worn) with the front surface 302A of the front panel 302 and the back surface 304B of the back panel 304 forming exterior surfaces of the protective article 300, and FIGS. 3F-3J are views of the protective article 300 in an inside-out configuration in which the back surface 302B of the front panel 302 and the front surface 304A of the back panel 302 are disposed on an exterior surface of the protective article 300.

Although the first indicia 310, the second indicia 312, the third indicia 316, and the fourth indicia 318 are shown as including particular characteristics and content in FIGS. 3A-3J, in some embodiments one or more of the first indicia 310, the second indicia 312, the third indicia 316, and/or the fourth indicia 318 can include any suitable characteristics and/or content, and/or one or more of the first indicia 310, the second indicia 312, the third indicia 316, and/or the fourth indicia 318 may be included or not included in the protective article 300. In some embodiments, although the protective article 300 is shown as a shirt, the protective article 300 can be formed as or include any suitable article, such as any article described herein (e.g., a pillowcase or hat).

In some embodiments, the disclosure of this patent application, such as the disclosure included in FIGS. 3A-3J, may also include one or more ornamental designs for a protective article (e.g., a garment such as a shirt or bedding such as a pillowcase), as shown and described.

In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a protective article for improving at least one health-related characteristic of a user as a result of the user's awareness of a presence of indicia disposed on the protective article and not visible to a third-party observer, the protective article including: a first panel having an exterior surface and an interior surface; a second panel having an exterior surface and an interior surface, the second panel coupled to the first panel such that the interior surface of the second panel faces the interior surface of the first panel and the first panel and the second panel collectively define an interior space; a first indicia disposed on the interior surface of the first panel, the first indicia including a first targeted content associated with increasing the at least one health-related characteristic of the user; a second indicia disposed on the interior surface of the second panel, the second indicia including a second targeted content associated with increasing the at least one health-related characteristic of the user, the first targeted content being different from the second targeted content, the first indicia and the second indicia being disposed such that neither are visible to a third-party observer when the protective article is in a use configuration relative to the user.

In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a protective article, further including a third indicia disposed on the interior surface of the second panel and partially encircling an opening defined between the first panel and the second panel, the third indicia including a third targeted content associated with the at least one health-related characteristic of the user, the third content being different from the second targeted content.

In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a protective article, wherein the at least one health-related characteristic of the user is a sleep-related characteristic of the user.

In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a protective article, wherein each of the first targeted content and the second targeted content include content associated with spiritual wellness.

In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a protective article, wherein the article is a pillowcase.

In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a protective article, wherein the article is a garment, the first panel is configured to be disposed on a first side of the user's torso, and the second panel is configured to be disposed on a second side of the user's torso.

In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a protective article, wherein the first indicia is configured to face the first side of the user's torso and the first content is associated with protection of the first side of the user's torso, and the second indicia is configured to face the second side of the user's torso and the second content is associated with protection of the second side of the user's torso.

In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a protective article, wherein the second indicia is disposed closer to a top edge of the article than the first indicia is disposed.

In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a protective article, wherein the first indicia and the interior surface of the first panel are the same color.

In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a protective article, wherein the first indicia is raised relative to the interior surface of the first panel.

In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a protective article, further including at least one public-facing indicia disposed on at least one of an exterior surface of the first panel or an exterior surface of the second panel, the at least one public-facing indicia visible to a third-party observer.

In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a protective article, wherein the first indicia includes a layer of ink solution and a heat-treated silicone layer disposed between the layer of ink solution and the interior surface of the first panel.

In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a method for improving at least one health-related characteristic of a user as a result of the user's awareness of a presence of indicia disposed on a protective article and not visible to a third-party observer, the method including: physically engaging with the protective article when the protective article is in a configuration in which the indicia is not externally visible; and considering targeted content included in the indicia for a period of time while physically engaged with the protective article, the period of time beginning after the protective article is physically engaged with the user, the consideration resulting in improvement of the at least one health-related characteristic.

In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a method, wherein the at least one health-related characteristic includes a sleep-related characteristic of the user.

In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a method, wherein the protective article is a garment and the physically engaging includes transitioning the garment from a non-worn configuration to a worn-configuration relative to the user such that the indicia is disposed on an interior surface of the garment and facing a body surface of the user.

In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a method, wherein the protective article is a pillowcase and the physically engaging includes disposing the user's head on the pillowcase.

In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a method, wherein the protective article is a pillowcase and the physically engaging includes touching the indicia with a finger of the user.

In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a method, further including, prior to the physically engaging, viewing the indicia.

In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a method, wherein the indicia is a first indicia, and the protective article includes: a first panel having an exterior surface and an interior surface; a second panel having an exterior surface and an interior surface, the second panel coupled to the first panel such that the interior surface of the second panel faces the interior surface of the first panel and the first panel and the second panel collectively define an interior space; the first indicia disposed on the interior surface of the first panel, the first indicia including a first targeted content associated with increasing the at least one health-related characteristic of the user; and a second indicia disposed on the interior surface of the second panel, the second indicia including a second targeted content associated with increasing the at least one health-related characteristic of the user, the first targeted content being different from the second targeted content, the configuration in which indicia is not externally visible being a configuration in which neither of the first indicia nor the second indicia are externally visible.

In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a protective article including: an interior private surface, and an exterior public surface; and raised number, words, and/or a raised image on the interior private surface, wherein the raised numbers, words and/or image are not visible on the exterior public surface when the article is in use.

In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a protective article, wherein a color of the raised numbers, words and/or image and a color of the interior private surface are the same.

In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a protective article, wherein a color of the raised numbers, words and/or image is blue.

In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a protective article, wherein the raised numbers, words and/or image include a numeral 1.

In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a protective article, wherein the raised numbers, words and/or image are contained within an outline of a shield.

In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a protective article, wherein a color of the outline of the shield and a color of the interior private surface are the same.

In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a protective article, wherein the inside private surface further includes an outline of an angel.

In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a protective article, wherein a color of the outline of the angel and a color of the interior private surface are the same.

In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a protective article, further including numbers, words and/or an image on the outer public surface.

In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a protective article, wherein the article includes at least one of sports caps, hats, headbands bathing caps, berets, cap peaks, toboggan hats hat frames, mantillas, shower caps, skull caps, clothing head wraps, veils, ear muffs, top hats, turbans, visors being headwear, wimples, clothing, aprons, ascots, pants for babies, bandanas, bath robes, bathing trunks, drawers as clothing, bathing suits, swimsuits, beach coverups, belts for clothing, bib overalls, boas, bodices, brassieres, breeches, camisoles, chasubles, clothing, clothing belts made from imitation leather, coats, collar protector pads, collars, shoulder wraps, combinations being one-piece undergarments, corsets, cuffs, cyclists' jerseys, detachable collars, dress shields, dresses, dressing gowns, ear muffs, fishing vests, footmuffs, fur stoles, furs muffs, gabardines, garters, shapewear, gloves, heelpieces for stockings, hoods, hosiery, sports jackets, rain jackets, jerseys, jumper dresses, knitwear, clothing layettes, leggings, leg warmers, liveries, maniples, masquerade costumes, mittens, money belts, neckties, overalls, smocks, overcoats, topcoats, pants, drawers, parkas, pelerines, pelisses, petticoats, pocket squares, pockets for clothing, ponchos, pullovers, pajamas, ready-made linings, saris, sarongs, sashes, scarves, shawls, shirt yokes, long sleeved shirts, short-sleeved shirts, singlets, sports jerseys, ski gloves, skirts, sleep masks, slips, sock suspenders, socks, spats, stocking suspenders, stockings, sweat-absorbent stockings, stuff jackets, suits, suspenders, sweat-absorbent underclothing, anti-sweat underclothing, anti-sweat underwear, sweaters, teddies being underclothing, tee-shirts, tights, togas, trouser straps, trousers, underpants, underwear, uniforms, veils, vests, waistcoats, waterproof jackets, wet suits, phone case, purse, wallet, tote bag, lunchbox, cooler, mug, bowl, shoes, glasses, ring, bracelet, watch, and playing cards.

In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a protective article, wherein the article is clothing.

In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a protective article, wherein the article is bedding.

In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a protective article, wherein the raised numbers, words and/or image are on inside seam thereof.

In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a method, wherein the protective article is clothing and using the clothing is wearing the clothing.

In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a method, wherein the protective article is bedding and using the bedding is sleeping on the bedding.

In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a method, wherein the protective article is clothing and using the clothing is wearing the clothing while sleeping.

In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a method, wherein the protective article is bedding and using the bedding is sleeping on the bedding.

As used herein, the singular forms “a,” “an” and “the” include plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. While various embodiments of the invention have been described above, it should be understood that they have been presented by way of example only, and not limitation. Where methods described above indicate certain events occurring in certain order, the ordering of certain events may be modified. Additionally, certain of the events may be performed concurrently in a parallel process when possible, as well as performed sequentially as described above. Although various embodiments have been described as having particular features and/or combinations of components, other embodiments are possible having a combination of any features and/or components from any of the embodiments where appropriate.

Where schematics and/or embodiments described above indicate certain components arranged in certain orientations or positions, the arrangement of components may be modified. While the embodiments have been particularly shown and described, it will be understood that various changes in form and details may be made. Any portion of the apparatus and/or methods described herein may be combined in any combination, except mutually exclusive combinations. The embodiments described herein can include various combinations and/or sub-combinations of the functions, components, and/or features of the different embodiments described.