Shirt with UV Protection Collar

Abstract

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

Claims

1. A UV protection collar shirt comprising: a shirt; and a UV protection collar attached to the shirt, wherein the UV protection collar comprises a collar attached to a collar band and the collar is folded over the collar band creating a right folded edge length, a left folded edge length, and a center back folded distance on the folded collar, wherein the center back folded distance is greater than the right folded edge length and the left folded edge length.

2. The UV protection collar shirt of claim 1, wherein the UV protection collar is a made of a material that is made from a material having at least UPF 50 rating and moisture wicking capability.

3. The UV protection collar shirt of claim 2, wherein the collar includes two overlapping layers of the material and the collar band includes two overlapping layers of the material, wherein the UV protection collar has four overlapping layers of the material when the collar is folded over the collar band.

4. The UV protection collar shirt of claim 3, wherein the center back folded distance of the UV protection collar is 1.3 to 1.5 times taller than the right folded edge length and the left folded edge length.

5. The UV protection collar shirt of claim 3, wherein the UV protection collar covers 65 to 100 percent of a back of a human neck.

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

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

8. The UV protection collar shirt of claim 7, wherein the collar folded over the collar band provides four overlapping layers of the material for the UV protection collar.

9. The UV protection collar shirt of claim 8, wherein said collar further comprises a right collar stay panel attached to the under collar adjacent the collar right edge length and a left collar stay panel attached to the under collar adjacent the collar left edge length, wherein a right collar stay is inserted between the right collar stay panel and the under collar and a left collar stay is inserted between the left collar stay panel and the under collar to provide stiffness to the collar.

10. The UV protection collar shirt of claim 9, wherein the center back folded distance of the UV protection collar is 1.3 to 1.5 times taller than the right folded edge length and the left folded edge length.

11. The UV protection collar shirt of claim 9, wherein the UV protection collar covers more than 60 percent of a back of a human neck.

12. The UV protection collar shirt of claim 9, wherein the center back folded distance is 3 to 5 inches, the collar left edge length is 2 to 2.5 inches, and the collar right edge length equals the collar left edge length.

13. The UV protection collar shirt of claim 9, wherein the collar left edge length is 2.5 inches, the collar right edge length is 2.5 inches, and the collar center back distance 3.25 inches.

14. The UV protection collar shirt of claim 9, wherein the collar left edge length is 2.25 inches, the collar right edge length is 2.25 inches, and the collar center back distance 3.25 inches.

15. A method of simultaneously preventing sunburn and cooling a back of a neck of a person, the method comprising the steps of: providing a UV protection collar attached to a shirt, the UV protection collar comprises a collar attached to a collar band and the collar is folded over the collar band creating a right folded edge length, a left folded edge length, and a center back folded distance on the folded collar wherein the center back folded distance is greater than the right folded edge length and the left folded edge length, and wherein the UV protection collar is constructed of a material having at least UPF 50 rating and a moisture wicking capability; wearing the shirt with the attached UV protection collar on the person; positioning the center back folded distance on the folded collar at the center of the back of the neck of the person to cover a majority of the back of the neck of the person to block UV radiation from the back of the neck of the person; and placing the UV protection collar against the back of the neck of the person to provide evaporative cooling effects to the back of the neck of the person by absorbing and evaporating perspiration from the back of the neck of the person with the UV protection collar.

16. The method of simultaneously preventing sunburn and cooling a back of a neck of a person of claim 15, wherein the collar band comprises a top collar band attached to an under collar band and having a collar band left edge length, a collar band right edge length, and a collar band center back distance, wherein the collar band center back distance is greater than the collar band left edge length and the collar band right edge length.

17. The method of simultaneously preventing sunburn and cooling a back of a neck of a person of claim 16, wherein the collar comprises an under collar attached to a top collar and having a collar left edge length, a collar right edge length, and a collar center back distance, wherein the collar center back distance is greater than the collar left edge length and the collar right edge length.

18. The method of simultaneously preventing sunburn and cooling a back of a neck of a person of claim 17, wherein the top collar band, the under collar band, the top collar, and the under collar is made from a material having at least UPF 50 rating and a moisture wicking capability.

19. The method of simultaneously preventing sunburn and cooling a back of a neck of a person of claim 18, wherein said collar further comprises a right collar stay panel attached to the under collar adjacent the collar right edge length and a left collar stay panel attached to the under collar adjacent the collar left edge length, wherein a right collar stay is inserted between the right collar stay panel and the under collar and a left collar stay is inserted between the left collar stay panel and the under collar to provide stiffness to the collar.

20. The method of simultaneously preventing sunburn and cooling a back of a neck of a person of claim 20, wherein the center back folded distance is 3 to 5 inches, the collar left edge length is 2 to 2.5 inches, and the collar right edge length equals the collar left edge length.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

[0012] The objects, features, and advantages of the invention will be more clearly perceived from the following detailed description, when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawing, in which:

[0013] FIG. 1 is a front view of a shirt with ultraviolet protection collar;

[0014] FIG. 2 is a back view of the shirt with ultraviolet protection collar;

[0015] FIG. 3 is a front view of the top collar of the ultraviolet protection shirt collar;

[0016] FIG. 4 is a front view of the top collar band of the ultraviolet protection shirt collar;

[0017] FIG. 5 is a front view of the under collar of the ultraviolet protection shirt collar;

[0018] FIG. 6 is a front view of the under collar band of the ultraviolet protection shirt collar;

[0019] FIG. 7 is a view of the UV protection collar showing the top collar and the top collar band;

[0020] FIG. 8 is a view of the UV protection collar showing the under collar and the under collar band;

[0021] FIG. 9 is a back view of a person wearing the shirt with ultraviolet protection collar;

[0022] FIG. 10 is a front view of a person wearing the shirt with ultraviolet protection collar;

[0023] FIG. 11a shows the UV Transmission characteristics of a fabric in dry conditions;

[0024] FIG. 11b shows the UV transmission characteristics of the fabric in FIG. 11a in wet conditions;

[0025] FIG. 12a shows the UV Transmission characteristics of an alternative fabric in dry conditions;

[0026] FIG. 12b shows the UV transmission characteristics of the fabric in FIG. 12a in wet conditions;

[0027] FIG. 13a shows the UV Transmission characteristics of another alternative fabric in dry conditions; and

[0028] FIG. 13b shows the UV transmission characteristics of the fabric in FIG. 13a in wet conditions.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0029] Referring initially to FIG. 1, the shirt with ultraviolet (UV) protection collar is shown and generally designated 10. The shirt with ultraviolet protection collar 10 includes the UV protection collar 100 and the shirt 300. The shirt 300, described in conjunction with FIG. 2, includes a body 302, sleeves 330, and placket 340. The body 302 includes two pieces of fabric sewn together to form a tubular shaped body 302 with a hem 314 with sweep 306, a neck opening 316 with neck width 318, and armholes 320 with armhole circumference 322. The body 302 has a chest width 304, sweep 306, a front length 308, a back length 310, and shoulder length 312. The neck opening 316 has a front neck drop 324 and a back neck drop 326. The slits 328 are formed on either side of the body 302 adjacent the hem 314 and extend a vent opening length 329.

[0030] Attached to each of the two armholes 320, are the sleeves 330. Sleeves 330 is a single piece of fabric sewn together to form a tubular shape with sleeve armhole circumference 332 (not shown) equal to armhole circumference 322 of the body 302 at one end and tapering to sleeve opening 334 at the opposite end. The sleeve 330 has sleeve length 336 and at approximately the midpoint of the sleeves 330 is bicep width 338. The placket 340 is attached to the front of the body 302 and includes an inner layer 342 (not shown) and an outer layer 344. The inner layer 342 and outer layer 344 of placket 340 has a length 346 and width 347. The outer layer 344 is formed with button holes 348 and buttons 349 are attached to the inner layer 342. Attached to the body 302 at the neck opening 316 is the UV protection shirt collar 100.

[0031] The shirt 300 including the body 302, sleeves 330, and placket 340 are constructed of fabric having at least a UPF 50+ rating, four-way stretch capabilities, and moisture wicking properties. Ultraviolet Protection Factor or UPF represents the ratio of the average effective UV radiation irradiance transmitted and calculated through air to the average effect UV radiation irradiance transmitted and calculated through fabric. Standard summer fabrics have a UPF rating of approximately six and sun protective clothing typically have a UPF rating of approximately 30, which means that only 1 out of approximately 30 units of UV radiation will pass through (approximately 3%). The fabric material used for the shirt 300 including the body 302, sleeves 330, and placket 340, and collar 100 has at least a UPF rating of 50+, which is almost double the rating of standard sun protective clothing. By using the fabric with at least a UPF rating of 50+, only 1 out of approximately 50 units of UV radiation will pass through (approximately 2%).

[0032] The fabric also has moisture wicking and four-way stretch capabilities. Since the shirt 300 covers the entirety of the torso, the moisture wicking capabilities of the material will allow the perspiration of the torso to be absorbed by the fabric and evaporate. The evaporation of the perspiration will cool the torso of the user due to evaporative cooling and also remove any discomfort caused by excess perspiration lingering on the skin. The four-way stretch capability of the fabric provides a shirt that is comfortable for the wearer.

[0033] In a preferred embodiment, the fabric used in the shirt with UV protection collar 10 has a greater than UPF 50+ rating for UV protection. The fabric is a knitted fabric made of 87% polyester and 13% elastane. The fabric has a mean UPF of 920 with a standard deviation of 69.0 in dry conditions. In dry conditions the fabric has a UV-A percent transmittance of 0.31% and UV-A percent blocking of 99.69% with a UV-B percent transmittance of 0.08% and UV-B percent blocking of 99.92%. The fabric has a mean UPF of 861 with a standard deviation of 76.7 in wet conditions. In wet conditions the fabric has a UV-A percent transmittance of 0.32% and UV-A percent blocking of 99.68% with a UV-B percent transmittance of 0.09% and UV-B percent blocking of 99.91%. FIG. 11 a shows the UV Transmission characteristics in dry conditions and FIG. 11b shows the UV transmission characteristics in wet conditions.

[0034] Another fabric that may be used in the shirt with UV protection collar 10 is a knitted fabric made of 90.5% polyester and 9.5% elastane. The fabric has a mean UPF of 1898 with a standard deviation of 150.5 in dry conditions. In dry conditions the fabric has a UV-A percent transmittance of 0.03% and UV-A percent blocking of 99.97% with a UV-B percent transmittance of 0.05% and UV-B percent blocking of 99.95%. The fabric has a mean UPF of 1494 with a standard deviation of 185.2 in wet conditions. In wet conditions the fabric has a UV-A percent transmittance of 0.03% and UV-A percent blocking of 99.97% with a UV-B percent transmittance of 0.06% and UV-B percent blocking of 99.94%. FIG. 12a shows the UV Transmission characteristics in dry conditions and FIG. 12b shows the UV transmission characteristics in wet conditions.

[0035] Another fabric that may be used in the shirt with UV protection collar 10 is a knitted fabric made of 92% polyester and 8% elastane. The fabric has a mean UPF of 109 with a standard deviation of 12.8 in dry conditions. In dry conditions the fabric has a UV-A percent transmittance of 1.2% and UV-A percent blocking of 98.80% with a UV-B percent transmittance of 0.88% and UV-B percent blocking of 99.12%. The fabric has a mean UPF of 87 with a standard deviation of 0.7 in wet conditions. In wet conditions the fabric has a UV-A percent transmittance of 1.48% and UV-A percent blocking of 98.52% with a UV-B percent transmittance of 1.11% and UV-B percent blocking of 98.89%. FIG. 13a shows the UV Transmission characteristics in dry conditions and FIG. 13b shows the UV transmission characteristics in wet conditions.

[0036] Referring now to FIG. 3, the top collar 110 is shown. The top collar 110 is a top collar fabric panel 112 having a top edge 114 formed with a top edge curvature 116, a bottom edge 118 formed with a bottom edge curvature 120, a right edge 122 and a left edge 126. The top edge 114 has a top edge length 130 extending from edge to edge of the top edge 114. The bottom edge 118 has a bottom edge length 132 extending from edge to edge of the bottom edge 118. The right edge 122 extends between the top edge 114 and the bottom edge 118 and has a right edge length 124. The left edge 126 extends between the top edge 114 and the bottom edge 118 and has a left edge length 128. At the center of the top collar fabric panel 112, the top edge 114 and bottom edge 118 is separated by a top collar center back distance 134. The top collar center back distance 134 is larger than the right edge length 124 and the left edge length 128, where the right edge length 124 and the left edge length 128 are equal. The bottom edge curvature 120 is larger than the top edge curvature 116. The top collar fabric panel 112 is tallest at the center and tapers towards the edges. In the preferred embodiment of the top collar 110, the top collar center back distance 134 is 3.25 inches, the right edge length 124 is 2.5 inches, the left edge length is 2.5 inches, and the top edge length 130 and bottom edge length 132 may vary. Alternatively, the top collar center back distance 134 is 3.25 inches, the right edge length 124 is 2.25 inches, the left edge length 128 is 2.25 inches, and the top edge length 130 and bottom edge length 132 may vary.

[0037] Referring now to FIG. 4, the top collar band 140 is shown. The top collar band 140 is a top collar band fabric panel 142 having a top edge 144 formed with a top edge curvature 146, a bottom edge 148 formed with a bottom edge curvature 150, a right edge 152 and a left edge 156. The top edge 144 has a top edge length 160 extending from edge to edge of the top edge 144. The bottom edge 148 has a bottom edge length 162 extending from edge to edge of the bottom edge 148. The right edge 152 extends between the top edge 144 and the bottom edge 148 and has a right edge length 154. The right edge 152 includes a slight curvature 153 adjacent the bottom edge 148. The left edge 156 extends between the top edge 144 and the bottom edge 148 and has a left edge length 158. The left edge 156 includes a slight curvature 157 adjacent the bottom edge 148. At the center of the top collar band fabric panel 142, the top edge 144 and bottom edge 148 is separated by a top collar band center back distance 164. The top collar band center back distance 164 is larger than the right edge length 154 and the left edge length 158, where the right edge length 154 and the left edge length 158 are equal. The top collar band fabric panel 142 is tallest at the center and tapers towards the edges. The bottom edge curvature 150 and the top edge curvature 146 are oriented opposite to one another. In the preferred embodiment of the top collar band 140, top collar band center back distance 164 is 2.5 inches.

[0038] Referring now to FIG. 5, the under collar 210 is shown. The under collar 210 is a under collar fabric panel 212 having a top edge 214 formed with a top edge curvature 216, a bottom edge 218 formed with a bottom edge curvature 220, a right edge 222 and a left edge 226. The top edge 214 has a top edge length 230 extending from edge to edge of the top edge 214. The bottom edge 218 has a bottom edge length 232 extending from edge to edge of the bottom edge 218. The right edge 222 extends between the top edge 214 and the bottom edge 218 and has a right edge length 224. The left edge 226 extends between the top edge 214 and the bottom edge 218 and has a left edge length 228. At the center of the top collar fabric panel 212, the top edge 214 and bottom edge 218 is separated by a top collar center back distance 234. The top collar center back distance 234 is larger than the right edge length 224 and the left edge length 228, where the right edge length 224 and the left edge length 228 are equal. The bottom edge curvature 220 is larger than the top edge curvature 216. The under collar fabric panel 212 is tallest at the center and tapers towards the edges.

[0039] Attached to the under collar fabric panel 212 are collar stay facings. Adjacent to the right edge 222 of the under collar fabric panel 212, right collar stay panel 238 with length 235 is attached. The right collar stay panel 238 is attached to the under collar fabric panel 212 with a constructed opening for a right collar stay slit 239. Adjacent to the left edge 226 of the under collar fabric panel 212, left collar stay panel 236 with a length equal to length 235 is attached. The left collar stay panel 236 is attached to the under collar fabric panel 212 with a constructed opening for a right collar stay slit 237.

[0040] The under collar fabric panel 212 is substantially similar to the top collar fabric panel 112 and may be sized smaller or larger than the top collar fabric panel 112. The under collar fabric panel 212 and the top collar fabric panel 112 are attached together to form the collar 180. The double layer of fabric allows for the construction of a stiff and flexible collar 180. The additional collar stay panels 238 and 236 adjacent the right edge 222 and left edge 226, respectively, further stiffens the edges of the collar 180. The addition of collar stays 270 in the collar stay slits 237 and 239 further stiffens the edges and prevents them from curling up. Additionally, the double layer of material used to form the collar 180 provides double the protection against UV radiation. In the preferred embodiment of the under collar 210, the under collar center back distance 234 is 3.25 inches, the right edge length 224 is 2.5 inches, the left edge length 228 is 2.5 inches, and the top edge length 230 and bottom edge length 230 may vary. Alternatively, the under collar center back distance 234 is 3.25 inches, the right edge length 224 is 2.25 inches, the left edge length 228 is 2.25 inches, and the top edge length 230 and bottom edge length 230 may vary.

[0041] Referring now to FIG. 6, the under collar band 240 is shown. The under collar band 240 is a under collar band fabric panel 242 having a top edge 244 formed with a top edge curvature 246, a bottom edge 248 formed with a bottom edge curvature 250, a right edge 252, and a left edge 256. The top edge 244 has a top edge length 260 extending from edge to edge of the top edge 244. The bottom edge 248 has a bottom edge length 262 extending from edge to edge of the bottom edge 248. The right edge 252 extends between the top edge 244 and the bottom edge 248 and has a right edge length 254. The right edge 252 includes a slight curvature 253 adjacent the bottom edge 248. The left edge 256 extends between the top edge 244 and the bottom edge 248 and has a left edge length 258. The left edge 256 includes a slight curvature 257 adjacent the bottom edge 248. At the center of the under collar band fabric panel 242, the top edge 244 and bottom edge 248 is separated by a under collar band center back distance 264. The under collar band center back distance 264 is larger than the right edge length 254 and the left edge length 258, where the right edge length 254 and the left edge length 258 are equal. The under collar fabric panel 212 is tallest at the center and tapers towards the edges. The bottom edge curvature 250 and the top edge curvature 246 are oriented opposite to one another.

[0042] The under collar band fabric panel 242 is substantially similar to the top collar band fabric panel 142 and may be sized smaller or larger than the top collar band fabric panel 142. The under collar band fabric panel 242 and the top collar band fabric panel 142 are attached together to form the collar band 280. The double layer of fabric allows for the construction of a stiff and flexible collar band 280. In the preferred embodiment of the under collar band 240, under collar band center back distance 264 is 2.5 inches.

[0043] Referring now to FIG. 7, the UV protection shirt collar 100 showing the top collar 110 and the top collar band 140 is shown. The UV protection collar 100 includes a collar 180 and a collar band 280. The collar 180 is constructed with the top collar 110 and the under collar 210 where the top collar fabric panel 112 is attached to the under collar fabric panel 240 through stitching located adjacent the edges. The collar band 280 is constructed with the top collar band 140 and the under collar band 240 where the top collar band fabric panel 142 is attached to the under collar band fabric panel 242 through stitching located adjacent the edges.

[0044] The bottom edge 118 of the top collar fabric panel 112 is attached adjacent to the top edge 144 of the top collar band fabric panel 142, in between the top collar band fabric panel 142 and the under collar band fabric panel 242 of the collar band 280. The top edge length 160 and the bottom edge length 162 of the top collar band fabric material 142 is longer than the top edge length 130 and the bottom edge length 132 of the top collar fabric material 112, leaving the right edge 152 and the left edges 156 of the top collar band fabric material 142 free of the top collar fabric material 112 where a button hole 172 can be formed adjacent the left edge 156 and a button 174 to be attached adjacent the right edge 152. The double layer of material used to form the collar 180 provides double the protection against UV radiation.

[0045] Referring now to FIG. 8, the UV protection shirt collar 100 is shown with the under collar 210 and the under collar band 240. The bottom edge 218 of the under collar fabric panel 212 is attached adjacent to the top edge 244 of the under collar band fabric panel 242, in between the top collar band fabric panel 142 and the under collar band fabric panel 242 of the collar band 280. The top edge length 260 and the bottom edge length 262 of the under collar band fabric material 242 is longer than the top edge length 230 and the bottom edge length 232 of the under collar fabric material 212, leaving the right edge 252 and the left edges 256 of the under collar band fabric material 242 free of the under collar fabric material 212 where the button hole 172 can be formed adjacent the right edge 252 and the button 174 to be attached adjacent the left edge 256.

[0046] Referring now to FIG. 9, a back view of a person 20 wearing the shirt with UV protection collar 10 is shown. As shown the collar 180 of the UV protection shirt collar 100 is folded down over the collar band 280 exposing the top collar 110 and hiding the under collar 210. The shape of the collar 180 is dictated by the curvature of the fabric panels (top collar 110 and under collar 210) making up the collar 180, which allows the collar 180 to make a substantially straight edge where the collar 180 folds down from the collar band 280. The top collar band center back distance 164 of the top collar band 140 and the under collar band center back distance 264 of the under collar band 240 allows the collar band 280 to span the majority of the back of the neck 22 of the person 20. The top collar center back distance 134 of the top collar 110 and the under collar center back distance 234 of the under collar 210 allows the collar 180 to span the majority of the back of the neck 22 of the person 20 when the collar 180 is folded down. When folded down a portion of the collar 180 is dedicated to forming the bend, which allows only a portion of the collar 180 to be exposed. The length of the exposed collar 180 when folded is referred to as a top collar center back folded distance 134A. The top collar center back folded distance 134A of the collar 180 provides almost complete coverage of the back of the neck 22 of the person 20 and protects the neck 22 from UV radiation. The collar band 280 and the collar 180 when folded over the collar band 280 provide four layers of protection against the sun for the neck area of the person 20.

[0047] By having the top collar 110 and under collar 210 being its tallest at the center and tapering towards the edges, the collar 180 is also tallest at the center and tapering towards the edges. The unique shape of the collar 180 resulting from the dimensions of the top collar 110 and under collar 210 being its tallest at the center and tapering towards the edges provides for a taller collar 180 at the center and provides for edge dimensions that are similar to those of standard collars. The visuals of the collar 180 from the front (shown in FIG. 10) are visually similar to that of a regular sized collar without any defining indications of the taller back portion of the collar 180 at the top collar center back folded distance 134A.

[0048] As the collar 180 is folded down, the collar 180 overlaps the collar band 280. Due to the shorter back neck drop 226 which brings the shirt body 202 higher up the back, the collar band 280 also covers the majority of the neck with the portion of the collar 180 dedicated to forming the bend covering the remaining exposed area of the neck. This provides four layers of UV protection: the top collar 110, the under collar 210, the top collar band 140, and the under collar band 240. Further, with the material used for the top collar 110, the under collar 210, the top collar band 140, and the under collar band 240 has at least a UPF 50+ rating for sun blocking thereby providing unequalled blocking when compared with a single layer of fabric. By having four overlapping layers of UPF 50+ rated fabric, only 1 out of approximately 200 units of radiation will pass through (approximately 0.5%) whereas a single layer of UPF 50+ rated fabric will allow 1 out of approximately 50 units of UV radiation will pass through (approximately 2%).

[0049] The fabric utilized for the UV protection collar 100 also has a moisture wicking capability. Since the UV protection collar 100 covers the majority of the back of the neck and is in contact with the neck, the moisture wicking capabilities of the material will allow the perspiration to be absorbed by the UV protection collar 100 and evaporate. Due to the UV protection collar 100 having the collar 180 and the collar band 180, the volume of material available to absorb the perspiration of the neck is at least doubled compared to a single layer of material. Additionally, the exposed surface area of the UV protection collar 100 available for the absorbed perspiration to evaporate is at least double the surface area of the neck that it is in contact with. This provides for quicker evaporation of the perspiration compared to the neck alone, or with a material that has an exposed surface area only equal to the surface area of the neck. The evaporation of the perspiration by the UV protection collar 100 will cool the neck of the user due to evaporative cooling and also remove any discomfort caused by excess perspiration lingering on the skin. Since the carotid arteries are located in the neck close to the surface of the skin, cooling the back of the neck will cool the blood circulating through the carotid arteries. The cooled blood in the carotid arteries is then circulated throughout the body providing a cooling affect for the entire body. Due to the minimal decrease in its UV blocking capabilities when wet and the use of multiply layers of material, the UV protection collar 100 still provides UPF 50+ protection.

[0050] The fabric utilized for the UV protection collar 100 also has a four-way stretch capability. The four-way stretch capability of the fabric used in the UV protection collar 100 provides a collar that is comfortable for the wearer. The UV protection collar 100 is not overly stiff and allows for the uninhibited movement of the neck 22. Since the UV protection collar 100 may lie on the back of the neck 22 when the shirt with UV protection collar 10 is worn, the stretch material will stretch or rotate with the neck 22 when the person 20 rotates their neck 22.

[0051] The UV protection collar 100 of the shirt with UV protection collar 10 is designed to cover the majority of the back of the neck 22 of the person 20 wearing the shirt with UV protection collar 10. The average length of a human neck is 3.9-4.7 inches. The UV protection collar 100 covers 67-84 percent of the back of a human neck. It is contemplated that the UV protection collar 100 can cover up to 100 percent of the back of the neck of a person. In a preferred embodiment of the UV protection collar 100, the top collar center back distance 134 is 3.25 inches, the right edge length 124 is 2.5 inches, and the left edge length is 2.5 inches. Alternatively, the top collar center back distance 134 is 3.25 inches, the right edge length 124 is 2.25 inches, and the left edge length 128 is 2.25 inches. Correspondingly, the top collar center back folded distance 134A may be 3.15 inches depending on the folded area of the collar 180. It is contemplated that the top collar center back folded distance 134A may be between 3.00 inches and 5.00 inches, depending on the length of the top collar center back distance 134 and the folded area of the collar 180. The UV protection collar 100 provides almost complete coverage of the back of the neck 22 of the person 20 and protects the neck 22 from UV radiation.

[0052] The collar band 280 and the collar 180 when folded over the collar band 280 provide four layers of protection against the sun for the neck 22 of the person 20. The shorter right edge length 124 and left edge length 128 provides for front edge dimensions and visuals that are similar to those of standard collars without any defining indications of the taller back portion of the UV protection collar 100. The UV protection collar 100 provides a visual illusion of a regular sized collar when viewed from the front, while providing almost full coverage of the majority of the back of the neck 22 of the person 20 to protect from harmful UV radiation.

[0053] Referring now to FIG. 10, a front view of a person wearing the shirt with UV protection collar 10 is shown. The top collar center back folded distance 134A of the collar 180 provides almost complete coverage of the back of the neck of the person 20 and protects the neck from UV radiation. As the UV protection collar 100 wraps around the neck of the person 20, the UV protection collar 100 tapers from the top collar center back folded distance 134A to a right folded edge 122A with right folded edge length 124A and to a left folded edge 126A with left folded edge length 128A. The unique shape of the UV protection collar 100 resulting from the dimensions of the collar 180 and collar band 280 provides for front edge dimensions that are similar to those of standard collars, also visually similar to that of a regular sized collar, without any defining indications of the taller back portion of the UV protection collar 100. The UV protection collar 100 provides an illusion of a regular sized collar when viewed from the front, while providing almost full coverage of the majority of the back of the neck of the person 20.

[0054] Referring now to FIGS. 11A and 11B, FIGS. 12A and 12B, and FIGS. 13A and 13B, graphs showing the dry and wet UV transmission characteristics of three particular materials are shown. As shown, the UV transmissions characteristics of the three materials are marginally affected by the presence of water. This allows the UV protection collar 100 to maintain its UV transmission characteristics while it cools down the neck of a wearer of the shirt with UV protection collar 10. The use of the three particular materials are not meant to be limiting and it is contemplated that other types of materials with similar dry and wet UV transmission characteristics may be used for the shirt with UV protection collar 10.

[0055] While the shirt with UV protection shirt collar 10 of the present invention as herein shown and disclosed in detail is fully capable of obtaining the objects and providing the advantages herein before stated, it is to be understood that it is merely illustrative of embodiments of the invention and that no limitations are intended to the details of construction or design herein shown other than as described in the appended claims.