Abstract:
The present invention is a system and method for inhibiting, reducing or eliminating a pruritic effect of clothing accomplished by a main body fabric article contiguously formed to surround an inner cavity, said inner cavity constructed and arranged to encircle and envelope a particular body region of a wearer, said main body formed of at least one material being substantially permeable to ambient air.

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0001]    There are many persons that wish to wear certain garments, but are faced with a dilemma regarding comfort. Certain garments elicit a sensation known as pruritus or “itch.” The problem is, not everyone experiences the same level of itch and some may have partial or total immunity. 
         [0002]    It is well known that sensitivity to pruritic stimuli is evenly distributed across the skin. Why then, do certain garments, for example, wool sweaters, aggravate pruritus in many people? The answer is not clear. But, with the lack of clarity, there is a problem. 
         [0003]    How do clothing manufacturers, and consumers address and eliminate this problem? The present invention is one solution. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0004]    The present invention relates to an article of clothing, and in particular, to an adjustable and convertible garment worn around the neck which prevents individuals with irritable skin to wear turtle necks, scarves and coats containing wool and other fibers that might otherwise irritate the skin. 
         [0005]    Pure wool protects against cold and looks great—but it may also cause itching, as a single fiber of wool is covered with coarse scales that prick and curl outwards. Wool characteristics may also trigger pain receptors in the skin to feel prickly and itchy. Fabric layers between the skin and wool fibers can prevent irritation to the neck. 
         [0006]    The present invention acts as a smooth barrier between the skin and coarse fibers. The smooth and soft texture comforts sensitive skin. The breathable fabric with a natural temperature regulator that helps the body stay warm in cold weather. It is also hypoallergenic and has a natural ability to ward off environmental allergens such as dust mites, mold and fungus, which helps lessen asthma and other allergies. 
         [0007]    In one embodiment, the present invention is a system for inhibiting, reducing or eliminating a pruritic effect of clothing, said system comprising: 
         [0000]    a main body fabric article contiguously formed to surround an inner cavity, said inner cavity constructed and arranged to encircle and envelope a particular body region of a wearer, said main body formed of at least one material being substantially permeable to ambient air. 
         [0008]    As used herein, the term “substantially permeable to ambient air” refers to a concept commonly called breathability. That is, fabric materials are called “breathable” meaning they allow most ambient air to pass through and provide circulation of ambient air between the garment being worn and the wearer. 
         [0009]    In one embodiment, the inner cavity is formed to encircle and envelope the neck of a wearer. By referring to encircle and envelope the neck of a wearer, it is understood, as in the drawing to be constructed and arranged with a neck size that wraps around the neck and is held in a substantially fixed position based on the size in relation to the neck, much in the same way a turtleneck stays in position. 
         [0010]    In one embodiment, the inner cavity is formed to encircle and envelope the wrist of a wearer. In this configuration, when there is formed an article to address pruritic effects on the wrists of a wearer. 
         [0011]    In one embodiment, the inner cavity is formed to encircle and envelope the arm of a wearer. This embodiment addresses pruritic effects on any part, or the entire arm of a wearer. 
         [0012]    In one embodiment, the inner cavity is formed to encircle and envelope the neck of a wearer. This embodiment addresses pruritic effects on any part, or the entire neck of a wearer. 
         [0013]    The present invention also includes a method of inhibiting, preventing or eliminating pruritic effect imparted by primary clothing article, said method comprising the steps of:
       determining a material composition of a primary clothing article;   selecting a material to counteract pruritic effect based on said determining;   forming a main body fabric article, according to any embodiment of the invention disclosed herein from at least one material of said selecting; and   placing said main body fabric article on a user between said primary clothing article and said user.       
 
         [0018]    In one embodiment, the determining further includes acquiring information about said material composition of a primary clothing article, whereby said acquiring includes at least one of information about fiber size, fiber weave, fiber coarseness, or combinations thereof. 
         [0019]    In one embodiment, the present invention further includes an article and method that hides neck imperfections and has a fashion element. 
         [0020]    In one embodiment the present invention is configured to adapt and contour to form of the wearer&#39;s neck. 
         [0021]    In one embodiment the present invention is formed of a material providing an anti-pilling article. 
         [0022]    In one embodiment the present invention is either formed of material that imparts an anti-itch (barrier between irritable fabrics) characteristic, or includes one or more substances incorporated with the article to achieve the anti-itch result. 
         [0023]    The article further acts as warm/cool agent for the wearer. 
         [0024]    In one embodiment the present invention hides and soothes neck imperfections with and is configured to provide therapy with a therapeutic agent associated therewith. Therapeutic agents include, but are not limited to elements of silver, copper, aloe, or combinations thereof. 
         [0025]    The present invention provides all the novel features disclosed herein in a creative fashion design 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0026]      FIG. 1  shows a perspective view of the main body fabric article of one embodiment of the present invention worn by a user under a primary article of clothing. 
           [0027]      FIG. 2  shows a perspective view of the main body fabric article of one embodiment of the present invention held in a hand to demonstrate relative size and width. 
           [0028]      FIG. 3  shows a perspective view of the main body fabric article of one embodiment of the present invention positioned within a shirt collar. 
           [0029]      FIG. 4  shows a partial side view of the main body fabric article of one embodiment of the present invention wherein the article has a releasable attachment on two opposite ends. 
           [0030]      FIG. 5  shows a side view of the main body fabric article of one embodiment of the present invention wherein the article. 
           [0031]      FIG. 6  shows a side view of the main body fabric article of one embodiment of the present invention wherein the article. 
           [0032]      FIG. 7  shows a perspective view of the main body fabric article of one embodiment of the present invention worn by a user about the neck. 
           [0033]      FIG. 8  shows a perspective view of the main body fabric article of one embodiment of the present invention worn by a user about the head. 
           [0034]      FIG. 9  shows a perspective view of the main body fabric article of one embodiment of the present invention worn by a user about the neck. 
           [0035]      FIG. 10  shows a perspective view of the main body fabric article of one embodiment of the present invention worn by a user about the head. 
           [0036]      FIG. 11  shows a perspective view of the main body fabric article of one embodiment of the present invention worn by a user about the neck. 
           [0037]      FIG. 12  shows a perspective view of the main body fabric article of one embodiment of the present invention worn by a user about the neck. 
           [0038]      FIG. 13  shows a perspective view of the main body fabric article of one embodiment of the present invention worn by a user under a primary article of clothing. 
           [0039]      FIG. 14  is an embodiment of the present invention configured for surrounding substantially all of the neck length. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT 
       [0040]    As discussed above, the present invention provides a system and method for addressing pruritus. A barrier article  10 A is worn by a wearer between primary clothing article  12  and the wearer. The figures demonstrate embodiments that include: barrier article  10 A, as a single contiguous piece; barrier articles  10 B and  10 C as a single contiguous piece that detaches; and barrier article  10 C as a single piece that opens to reveal two opposing ends and is subsequently releasable attached on said opposing ends. Article  12 , although demonstrated in the figures in a configuration to wrap around the neck of a wearer, is contemplated as being configurable as desired. In the embodiment demonstrated, article  12  forms a physical barrier between primary clothing article  10 A and the wearer. Informing this physical barrier, the physical contact and sauce primary stimulus imparted by barrier article  10 A,  10 B, or  10 C is reduced and or eliminated. Article  10  should not be trivialized as merely an undershirt, dickey, because there is additional consideration present informing barrier article  10 A,  10 B, or  10 C of the present invention. 
         [0041]    In one embodiment, as shown in  FIG. 1 , barrier article  10 A is formed of material that is elastically deformable. A user will elastically deform barrier article  10 A by stretching and placing it over their head and subsequently around their neck. In this embodiment, once the barrier article  10 A is positioned around the neck, the user will release and the elasticity will position barrier article  10 A in a taut configuration about the neck of the wearer. As generally understood, article  10 A,  10 B,  10 C, are configured to position a portion above the collar and a portion below the upper edge of the collar of a shirt worn by a user of articles of the present invention. 
         [0042]    In one embodiment, as demonstrated in  FIG. 4 , barrier article  10 B includes at least one fastening structure  14  that releasably holds barrier article  10 B in position. The fastening structure, in one embodiment, is a hook and loop fastener such as Velcro®. 
         [0043]    In another embodiment, as shown in  FIG. 6 , the fastening structure is positioned to close barrier article  10 C upon itself. In this configuration, it is not necessary to stretch the article over the user&#39;s head. A user will open the article, encircle about the neck, and close the article upon itself. 
         [0044]    The material comprising barrier article  10 A,  10 B, or  10 C is customizable and selected based on the material forming primary clothing article  12  in order to effectively counteract any pruritic effect imparted on the wearer. For example, primary garment  10  is formed of a particular type of wool. Although wool is given by way of example, the present invention is not limited to counteracting the effects of garments only formed of one or more wools. Several common types of wool include, Lodenwool, Meltonwool, lambswool, shetland wool, alpaca wool, mohair, cashmere, angora, merino, and combinations thereof. Additionally the physical geometry of the wool fibers contributes to the degree of pruritic effect imparted. 
         [0045]    Based on the composition of primary garment  10 , an appropriate fabric is selected to form barrier article  12  and thus counteract any adverse pruritic effect. There are materials that will counteract the effects of one type of wool that will not counteract the effects of another type of wool. AS stated above, the present invention cannot be trivialized as merely a protective undergarment as the material composition is critical based on selection in relation to a contemplated paired primary garment. 
         [0046]    By way of example, cotton is effective in providing the desired pruritic effect of some fine wools, but could be less than completely effective on certain coarse wools. Additionally, there are materials effective on coarse wools that interfere with the wearing of finer fiber wools. 
         [0047]    The present invention provides for providing the barrier article  12  only in regions where it is contemplated that aggravating pruritic effects will be demonstrated. Thus, a common area for pruritic effect is the neck of the wearer, and the drawings in the subject application address this area. If it is contemplated that other areas will be subject to an adverse pruritic effect, 
         [0048]    While the invention has been described in its preferred form or embodiment with some degree of particularity, it is understood that this description has been given only by way of example and that numerous changes in the details of construction, fabrication, and use, including the combination and arrangement of parts, may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.