Bicycle riding apparel
A cycling jersey is described that includes a front panel, a back panel, symmetrical sleeve panels and a pair of non-stretching portions. The back panel is coupled to portions of the front panel. The symmetrical sleeve panels are coupled to respective portions of the front and back panels. Each sleeve panel defines a portion of a shoulder covering area of the cycling jersey. The non-stretching portions are fixed to respective sleeve panels. The non-stretching portions extend from the front panel toward the back panel and at least partially over the shoulder covering area of the cycling jersey. The front panel, the back panel and the sleeve panels are formed of respective materials having a first level of elasticity. The non-stretching portions have a second level of elasticity. The first level of elasticity is elastic and the second level of elasticity is generally non-elastic.
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1. Field of the Invention
This invention generally relates to a bicycle riding apparel. More specifically, the present invention relates to a cycling jersey with non-stretching portions provided in shoulder covering areas of the cycling jersey.
2. Background Information
Cycling is becoming an increasingly more popular form of recreation as well as a means of transportation. Moreover, cycling has become a very popular competitive sport for both amateurs and professionals. Whether a bicycle is used for recreation, transportation or competition, the bicycle industry is constantly improving the various components of the bicycle as well as the apparel worn by casual cyclists and serious cycling enthusiasts alike.
Cycling apparel, such cycling jerseys are well known. Cycling jerseys are typically worn by cyclists when riding in both amateur and professional competitions, such as a road race or an off-road mountain trail course race. Many conventional cycling jerseys are produced with designs that include raglan sleeves. Such jerseys include a sleeve panel that extends from the neck of the cyclist towards the wrist covering at least a portion of the top of the shoulder of the cyclist. Such a jersey is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,210,877.
The conventional jersey is constructed with a front panel and a back panel that extend upward to just below the shoulders of the cyclist. The front and back panels are configured with smooth curved lines that join with a pair of left and right sleeve panels that are positioned to cover the top of the shoulders on both sides of the torso of the cyclist. Each of the sleeve panels is formed with a sleeve edge, a neck portion, a pair of sleeve forming portions and a pair of suture portions.
Such cycling jerseys are typically made of a flexible, stretchable material or fabric. When the rider wears a bag or backpack, the cycling jersey stretches and wrinkles in the area around the shoulders. Such stretching can cause discomfort for the cyclist and increases wind or air resistance.
In view of the above, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art from this disclosure that there exists a need for an improved cycling jersey that reduces or eliminates the formation of wrinkles or rucks in the area of the shoulders in order to improve wind resistance characteristics of the jersey and to improve the comfort of the cyclist. This invention addresses this need in the art as well as other needs, which will become apparent to those skilled in the art from this disclosure.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTIONOne object of the present invention is to provide cycling jersey apparel with specific areas where the fabric is prevented from stretching.
Another object of the present invention is to improve the comfort level of a cyclist wearing cycling jersey with the cyclist carrying a backpack or small bag over the shoulder or shoulders.
In accordance with one aspect of the present invention, a cycling jersey includes a front panel, a back panel, a pair of symmetrical sleeve panels and a pair of non-stretching portions. The back panel is coupled to portions of the front panel. The symmetrical sleeve panels are coupled to respective portions of the front panel and the back panel, each sleeve panel defining at least a portion of a shoulder covering area of the cycling jersey. The non-stretching portions includes one non-stretching portion for a right side of the cycling jersey and one non-stretching portion for a left side of the cycling jersey. The non-stretching portions are fixed to at least the sleeve panels. Further each of the non-stretching portions extends in a direction generally from the front panel toward the back panel and extending at least partially over the shoulder covering area of the cycling jersey. As well, the front panel, the back panel and the sleeve panels are formed of respective materials having a first level of elasticity. The non-stretching portions have a second level of elasticity. The first level of elasticity is elastic, while the second level of elasticity is generally non-elastic.
The bicycle jersey of the present invention provides a greater level of comfort to the cyclist and reduced air resistance because of the inclusion of the non-stretching portions. Since the non-stretching portions extend to the top of the shoulder covering area of the cycling jersey, the fabric around the non-stretching portions does not stretch when a backpack or bag is worn. Since the fabric does not stretch, wrinkles and rucks are less likely to form, thereby reducing air resistance.
In accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, the non-stretching portions are stitching seams that fix respective portions of the sleeve panels to the respective portions of the front panel.
In accordance with another embodiment of the present invention, the non-stretching portions are non-stretching panels fixed to and overlaying portions of respective of ones of the sleeve panels.
In accordance with another embodiment of the present invention, the non-stretching portions are non-stretching panels having first and second sides. The first side of the non-stretching panels is fixed to respective portions of the sleeve panels. The second side of the non-stretching panels is fixed to respective portions of the front panel.
These and other objects, features, aspects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art from the following detailed description, which, taken in conjunction with the annexed drawings, discloses a preferred embodiment of the present invention.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGSReferring now to the attached drawings which form a part of this original disclosure:
Selected embodiments of the present invention will now be explained with reference to the drawings. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art from this disclosure that the following descriptions of the embodiments of the present invention are provided for illustration only and not for the purpose of limiting the invention as defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.
Referring initially to
In the description below, the terms “inward” and “outward”, “upper” and “lower” are with reference to general locations on the cycling jersey 10 relative to a torso T of a cyclist C (see
One of the features of the cycling jersey 10 of the first embodiment of the present invention is its shape, which is dimensioned to conform to the shape of a cyclist C in a riding posture. For example,
In
The cycling jersey 10 depicted in
The cycling jersey 10 basically includes a front panel 20, a back panel 23, the above mentioned pair of the left and right sleeve panels 24 and 25, a pair of the left and right side panels 26 and 27, a pair of bottom sleeves panels 28 and 29 and a neck panel 30. The front panel 20 is split into two smaller panels, a left front panel 21 and a right front panel 22 that are symmetrically shaped being mirror images of one another thereby forming the front panel 20.
As is shown in
At a lower portion of the back panel 23, a pocket 31 is formed for carrying items such as a water bottle. Further, the front panels 21 and 22 are each attached to respective portions of a mechanical zipper 32 that allows joining and separation of the front panels 21 and 22.
The individual panels of the cycling jersey 10 are now described individually with specific reference to
As shown in the lower right in
The left and right first sleeve mounting portions 21a and 22a include sloping curved lines that are positioned such that the tops of the shoulders of the cyclist C wearing the cycling jersey 10 are not covered by the left and right front panels 21 and 22. The first sleeve mounting portions 21a and 22a are configured with an almost S-shaped curved contour or serpentine contour that extends obliquely downward toward outer respective sides thereof, and after curving outward in a convex fashion, curves in a concave fashion.
The first front-rear mounting portions 21b and 22b are located on respective sides of the left and right front panel 21 and 22 extending from and below the first sleeve mounting portions 21a and 22a. The first front-rear mounting portions 21b and 22b are formed to be folded downward from the first sleeve mounting portions 21a and 22a, and configured with a compound shape, having a curved portion and a straight portion.
The first neckline portions 21c and 22c extend inward from the first sleeve mounting portions 21a and 21b and have a curved contour that is generally semi-circular in shape. The first neckline portions 21c and 22c are configured with a circular-shaped curved edge that extends toward the inner side of the cycling jersey 10.
The zipper mounting portions 21d and 22d extend downward from the inside of the first neckline portions 21c and 22c. The zipper 32 (
The front lower hem portions 21e and 22e extend between the zipper mounting portions 21d and 22d and respective first front-rear mounting portions 21b and 22b. The front lower hem portions 21e and 22e are configured with curved edges that curve upward in a convex fashion toward the center of the cycling jersey 10. Even if a rider slouches, rucks hardly appear on the cycling jersey 10.
The back panel 23, as shown in the top middle in
The left and right second sleeve mounting portions 23a and 23b are each formed with a sloping curved contour that are dimensioned to extend just below the shoulders of the cyclist, such that the shoulders are not completely covered by the back panel 23. The left and right second front-rear mounting portions 23c and 23d extend downward from the left and right second sleeve mounting portions 23a and 23b, respectively, to rear lower hem portion 23e. The left and right second front-rear mounting portions 23c and 23d are fixed by sutures to respective ones of the first front-rear mounting portions 21b and 22b of the left and right front panels 21 and 22, and are also fixed by sutures to the side members 26 and 27.
The rear lower hem portion 23e of the back panel 23 extends between the bottom edges of the left and right second front-rear mounting portions 23c and 23d. The second neckline portion 23f is formed as a projection that extends upward between the upper ends of the left and right second front-rear mounting portions 23c and 23d.
The second sleeve mounting portions 23a and 23b are formed with a curving contour extending outward in a convex fashion, and going obliquely downward toward the left and right second front-rear mounting portions 23c and 23d. The second front-rear mounting portions 23c and 23d are configured with a curved line that is slightly concaved inward. The rear lower hem portion 23e is configured with a curved contour that swells circularly toward its center. Therefore, the back 23 is longer than the left and right front panels 21 and 22. Even with the rider or cyclist C slouching or leaning forward, the cycling jersey 10 can cover an upper portion of pants worn by the cyclist. The second neckline portion 23f projects upward and has a concave circular contour.
As shown in the lower left in
The sleeve panels 24 and 25 basically include sleeve edges 24a and 25a, first sleeve forming portions 24b and 25b, second sleeve forming portions 24c and 25c, first suture portions 24d and 25d, second suture portions 24e and 25e, and sleeve neck edges 24f and 25f. The first sleeve forming portions 24b and 25b and the second sleeve forming portions 24c and 25c bend and curve away from the sleeve edges 24a and 25a and are coupled by suture with the bottom sleeve panels 28 and 29 to form sleeves for the cycling jersey 10. The first suture portions 24d and 25d are formed with V-shaped cutout portions 33 and 34, cut from the first sleeve forming portions 24b and 25b. The first suture portions 24d and 25d are sutured to the first sleeve mounting portions 21a and 22a of the left and right front panels 21 and 22, respectively. The second suture portions 24e and 25e extend from the second sleeve forming portions 24c and 25c and are sutured in the second sleeve mounting portions 23a and 23b at respective sides of the back panel 23. The sleeve neck edges 24f and 25f extend between the first suture portions 24d and 25d and the second suture portions 24e and 25e, respectively.
The sleeve edges 24a and 25a are configured with generally straight edges to form the end of the sleeves of the cycling jersey 10. The first sleeve forming portions 24b and 25b and the second sleeve forming portions 24c and 25c are slightly concaved, as shown in
The left and right sleeve panels 24 and 25 are generally mirror images of one another and are therefore functionally the same due to their symmetry. Therefore, description of one applies to both.
The first suture portion 25d of the left sleeve panel 25 includes a V-shaped cut portion 34. The cut portion 34 includes a small curving portion 34a and a pair of large curving portions 34b and 34c that extend from the small curving portion 34a. The large curving portions 34b and 34c diverge away from one another such that the space defined therebetween becomes gradually wider from both edges of the small curving portion 34a. The curvature radius R1 from the center O1 of the small curving portion 34a is, for example, set in the range of 3 mm to 20 mm, which is in the preferred range of 5 mm to 10 mm. In the depicted embodiment, the curvature radius R1 is 7 mm. The large curving portion 34b extends toward the first sleeve forming portion 25b curving from a first end of the small curving portion 34a. The curvature radius R2 from the center O2 of the large curving portion 34b is set in the range of 200 mm to 600 mm, which is in the preferred range of 300 mm to 400 mm. In the depicted embodiment, the curvatures radius R2 is 333 mm. In addition, the large curving portion 34c extends toward the sleeve neck edge 25f curving from the other end of the small curving portion 34a. The curvature radius R3 from the center O3 of the large curving portion 34c is in the range of 200 mm to 600 mm, which is in the preferred range of 300 mm to 400 mm. In the depicted embodiment the curvature radius R3 is 333 mm. An angle α2 is defined by an intersection between tangent lines of the large curving portions 34b and 34c. Specifically, a tangent line C2 of the radius R2 drawn from the center of the large curving portion 34b, and another tangent line C3 of the radius R3 drawn from the center of the large curving portion 34c intersect to define the angle α2. The angle α2 is preferably a small angle in the range of between 20 degrees to 80 degrees. In the depicted embodiment, the angle α2 is approximately 45 degrees.
With the V-shaped cut portion 34 formed with the angle α2 within the preferred range, the sleeve panel 25 is cut and sized to join with other panels of the cycling jersey 10 such that the sleeve panel 25 extends outwardly to the side and forward from the right front panel 22, as shown in
Referring again to
The second suture portions 24e and 25e, as shown in
The sleeve neck edges 24f and 25f are curved toward the first neckline portions 21c and 22c of the front panels 21 and 22 and the second neckline portions 23f of the back panel 23. The neck panel 30 is sutured to couple to these portions of the panels.
The the left and right side members 26 and 27 are symmetrical to one another. The left and right side members 26 and 27 are formed with first connecting portions 26a and 27a, second connecting portions 26b and 27b, first armhole portions 26c and 27c, side lower hem portions 26f and 27f and third sleeve mounting portions 26e and 27e. The first connecting portions 26a and 27a are sutured to the first front-rear mounting portions 21b and 22b of the front panels 21 and 22. The second connecting portions 26b and 27b are placed facing the first connecting portions 26a and 27a and sutured to the second front-rear mounting portions 23c and 23d of the back panel 23. The first armhole portions 26c and 27c are placed at the top and concaved to be circular. The side lower hem portions 26f and 27f are placed at a lower portion thereof, but are angled extending upward. The third sleeve mounting portions 26e and 27e are shaped with a curved contour extending from the second connecting portions 26b and 27b and intersect the first armhole portions 26c and 27c at a sharp angle. By forming the side members 26 and 27 with the above features, it is easy for the cycling jersey 10 to fit a cyclist's body. Increases in air resistance by formation of rucks, wrinkles or folds is prevented and stretching of the front panels 21 and 22 and the back panel 23 is less likely since the cycling jersey 10 confirms to the riding posture of the cyclist. Further, the comfort of the cyclist C is improved by inclusion of these features.
The left and right bottom sleeve panels 28 and 29 are symmetrical mirror images of one another. The left and right bottom sleeve panels 28 and 29 are formed with bottom sleeve edges 28a and 29a, third connecting portions 28b and 29b, fourth connecting portions 28c and 29c, second armhole portions 28d and 29d and third armhole portions 28e and 29e.
Each end of the bottom sleeve edges 28a and 29a is sutured respective ends of the sleeve edges 24a and 25a of the sleeve panels 24 and 25 such that the bottom sleeve edges 28a and 29a form the bottom of sleeves of the cycling jersey 10. The third connecting portions 28b and 29b extend from the front of the bottom sleeve edges 28a and 29a along the first sleeve forming portions 24b and 25b of the sleeve panels 24 and 25. The fourth connecting portions 28c and 29c extend from the back side of the bottom sleeve edges 28a and 29a along the second sleeve forming portions 24c and 25c of the sleeve panels 24 and 25. The second armhole portions 28d and 29d and the third armhole portions 28e and 29e extend between the third connecting portions 28b and 29b and the fourth connecting portions 28c and 29c, respectively and have a convex shape.
The third connecting portions 28b and 29b are sutured to the first sleeve forming portions 24b and 25b. The fourth connecting portions 28c and 29c are sutured to portions of the second sleeve forming portions 24c and 25c except for the armhole side. The second armhole portions 28d and 29d are sutured to the first armhole portions 26c and 27c of the side members 26 and 27. The third armhole portions 28e and 29e are sutured on the armhole side of the second sleeve forming portions 24c and 25c of the sleeve panels 24 and 25. In addition, the edge part of the second sleeve forming portions 24c and 25c are sutured to the third sleeve mounting portions 26e and 27e of the side members 26 and 27. By including the bottom sleeve panels 28 and 29, it becomes easy for the sleeve panels 24 and 25 to fit the upper arm, air resistance is reduced by a reduction or elimination of rucks, the sleeve panels 24 and 25 are not likely to be stretched, and the comfort of the cyclist C is improved.
In the cycling jersey 10 by the first embodiment of this invention with a configuration as described above, by forming the sleeve panels 24 and 25 for the first line L1 and the second line L2 to with the preferred the first angle α1, when the sleeve panels 24 and 25 are sutured to the front panels 21 and 22 and the back panel 23, the entire part faces inward of the vertical line of the cloth, specifically the front according to the first angle α1, and the sleeve edge 25a faces forward. Moreover, by optimizing the V-shaped cut portion 34 intersecting the second angle α2, and suturing it to the front panels 21 and 22, the front sleeve panels 24 and 25 face further forward with respect to left and right vertical lines of the jersey 10. Thereby, as shown in
As a result of the specific configuration of the V-shaped cut portion 34 in the left and right sleeve panels 24 and 25, the sleeves of the cycling jersey 10 extend forward from the torso T of the cyclist C, as indicated in
The various panels of the cycling jersey 10 are preferably made from fabric that is able to stretch in a conventional manner. For example, the cycling jersey 10 is designed to fit comfortably onto a variety of bodily shapes and sizes, within a certain size range. More specifically, the front panels 21 and 22, the back panel 23, the sleeve panels 24 and 25, the side panels 26 and 27, the bottom sleeves panels 28 and 29, the neck panel 30 and the pocket 31 are all cut from a somewhat elastic fabric or materials that has a first level of elasticity that can be resiliently stretched such that the cycling jersey 10 returns approximately to its original size and shape. However, the cycling jersey 10 is fitted with the non-stretching portions 12 having a second level of elasticity. The non-stretching portions 12 are fabric panels preferably made of a material that does not easily stretch, and more preferably a material that does not stretch at all under cycling conditions. Further, the first level of elasticity is elastic and the second level of elasticity is generally non-elastic.
There are two non-stretching portions 12 in the embodiment depicted in
As used herein to describe the present invention, the following directional terms “forward, rearward, above, downward, vertical, horizontal, below and transverse” as well as any other similar directional terms refer to those directions of a cyclist using the present invention. Accordingly, these terms, as utilized to describe the present invention should be interpreted relative to a cyclist and the cyclist's apparel that includes the present invention.
Second EmbodimentA second embodiment will now be explained. In view of the similarity between the first embodiment and the second embodiment, the parts of the second embodiment that are identical to the parts of the first embodiment will be given the same reference numerals as the parts of the first embodiment. Moreover, the descriptions of the parts of the second embodiment that are identical to the parts of the first embodiment may be omitted for the sake of brevity. The parts of the second embodiment that differ from the parts of the first embodiment will be indicated with a single prime (′).
As shown in
A third embodiment will now be explained. In view of the similarity between the various embodiments, the parts of the third embodiment that are identical to the parts of the first embodiment will be given the same reference numerals as the parts of the first embodiment. Moreover, the descriptions of the parts of the third embodiment that are identical to the parts of the first embodiment may be omitted for the sake of brevity. The parts of the third embodiment that differ from the parts of the first embodiment will be indicated with a single prime (′), or will be provided with a new reference numeral.
Various aspects of a cycling jersey 110 in accordance with the third embodiment of the present invention are shown in
As shown in
The front portion 120 is split into two smaller panels, a left front panel 121 and a right front panel 122 that are symmetrically shaped being mirror images of one another thereby forming the front portion 120. Each of the left and right front panels 121 and 122 is formed with a corresponding pair of left and right first sleeve mounting portions 121a and 122a, first front-rear mounting portions 121b and 122b, first neckline portions 121c and 122c, zipper mounting portions 121d and 122d, and front lower hem portions 121e and 122e.
The left and right first sleeve mounting portions 121a and 122a include sloping curved lines that are positioned such that the tops of the shoulders of the cyclist C wearing the cycling jersey 10 are partially covered by the left and right front panels 121 and 122. The first sleeve mounting portions 121a and 122a are configured with an almost S-shaped curved contour or serpentine contour that extends obliquely downward toward outer respective sides thereof, and after curving outward in a convex fashion, curves in a concave fashion from upper end to lower end.
The first front-rear mounting portions 121b and 122b are located on respective sides of the left and right front panel 121 and 122 extending from and below the first sleeve mounting portions 121a and 122a. The first front-rear mounting portions 121b and 122b extend downward from the first sleeve mounting portions 121a and 122a, and configured with a compound shape, having a curved portion and a straight portion.
The first neckline portions 121c and 122c extend inward from the first sleeve mounting portions 121a and 121b and have a curved contour that is generally semi-circular in shape. The first neckline portions 121c and 122c are configured with a circular-shaped curved edge that extends toward the inner side of the cycling jersey 10.
The zipper mounting portions 121d and 122d extend downward from the inside of the first neckline portions 121c and 122c. The zipper 132 (
The front lower hem portions 121e and 122e extend between the zipper mounting portions 121d and 122d and respective first front-rear mounting portions 121b and 122b. The front lower hem portions 121e and 122e are configured with slightly curved edges that curve upward in a convex fashion toward the center of the cycling jersey 10.
The back panel 123, as shown in the top middle in
The left and right second sleeve mounting portions 123a and 123b are each formed with a sloping curved contour that are dimensioned to extend just below the shoulders of the cyclist, such that shoulder covering areas 14′ (
The rear lower hem portion 123e of the back panel 123 extends between the bottom edges of the left and right second front-rear mounting portions 123c and 123d. The second neckline portion 123f is formed as a projection that extends upward between the upper ends of the left and right second front-rear mounting portions 123c and 123d.
The second sleeve mounting portions 123a and 123b are formed with a curving contour extending outward in a convex fashion, and going obliquely downward toward the left and right second front-rear mounting portions 123c and 123d. The second front-rear mounting portions 123c and 123d are configured with a curved line that is slightly concaved inward. The rear lower hem portion 123e is configured with a curved contour that swells circularly downward from a central portion thereof. Therefore, the back panel 123 is longer than the left and right front panels 121 and 122. Even with the rider or cyclist C slouching or leaning forward, the cycling jersey 110 can cover an upper portion of pants worn by the cyclist. The second neckline portion 123f projects upward and has a concave circular contour.
As shown in the lower left in
The sleeve panels 124 and 125 basically include sleeve edges 124a and 125a, first sleeve forming portions 124b and 125b, second sleeve forming portions 124c and 125c, back connecting suture portions 124d and 125d, and front connecting suture portions 124e and 125e.
The first sleeve forming portions 124b and 125b and the second sleeve forming portions 124c and 125c extend and curve away from the sleeve edges 124a and 125a. The first sleeve forming portions 124b and 125b and the second sleeve forming portions together with portions of the pair of side panels 126 and 127 form sleeves for the cycling jersey 110, as is described in greater detail below.
The back connecting suture portions 124d and 125d extend from the second sleeve forming portions 124c and 125c and are sutured to the second sleeve mounting portions 123a and 123b at respective sides of the back panel 123. The front connecting suture portions 124e and 125e extend between the first sleeve forming portions 124b and 125b and the back connecting suture portions 124d and 125d, respectively.
The sleeve edges 124a and 125a are configured with generally straight edges to partially form the end of the sleeves of the cycling jersey 110. The first sleeve forming portions 124b and 125b and the second sleeve forming portions 124c and 125c are slightly concaved, as shown in
The front connecting suture portions 124e and 125e are curved to conform to the sleeve mounting portions 121a and 122b of the front panels 121 and 122.
The left and right side members 126 and 127 are symmetrical to one another. The left and right side members 126 and 127 are formed with first connecting portions 126a and 127a, second connecting portions 126b and 127b, third sleeve bottom portions 126c and 127c, fourth sleeve bottom portions 126d and 127d, bottom sleeve edges 126e and 127e and side lower hem portions 126f and 127f.
The first connecting portions 126a and 127a are sutured to the first front-rear mounting portions 121b and 122b of the front panels 121 and 122. The second connecting portions 126b and 127b are sutured to the second front-rear mounting portions 123c and 123d of the back panel 123. The third sleeve bottom portions 126c and 127c are sutured to respective first sleeve forming portions 124b and 125b of the sleeve panels 124 and 125. The fourth sleeve bottom portions 126d and 127d are sutured to respective second sleeve forming portions 124c and 125c of the sleeve panels 124 and 125, thereby forming sleeves of the cycling jersey 110. The bottom sleeve edges 126e and 127e along with the sleeve edges 124a and 125a of the sleeve panels 124 and 125 form a sleeve edge or cuff of the cycling jersey 110.
The side lower hem portions 126f and 127f along with the front lower hem portions 121e and 122e of the front panels 121 and 122 and the rear lower hem portion 123e of the back panel 123 forms a lower hem of the cycling jersey 110.
The various panels of the cycling jersey 110 are preferably made from fabric that is able to stretch in a conventional manner. For example, the cycling jersey 110 is designed to fit comfortably onto a variety of bodily shapes and sizes, within a certain size range. More specifically, the front panels 121 and 122, the back panel 123, the sleeve panels 124 and 125, the side panels 126 and 127, the neck panel 130 and the pocket (not shown) are all cut from a somewhat elastic fabric or materials that has a first level of elasticity that can be resiliently stretched such that the cycling jersey 110 returns approximately to its original size and shape.
The cycling jersey 110 is formed with the non-stretching portions 112 having a second level of elasticity. In the third embodiment, the non-stretching portions 112 includes stitching between the front connecting suture portions 124e and 125e of the sleeve panels 124 and 125 and the first sleeve mounting portions 121a and 122a of the front panels 121 and 122. In other words, the non-stretching portions 112 are the stitching in the seam between portions of the sleeve panels 124 and 125 and the front panels 121 and 122. As such, the non-stretching portions 112 are connected to respective ones of the front panels 121 and 122 and respective ones of the sleeve panels 124 and 125. More specifically, there is one non-stretching portion 112 on the right side of the cycling jersey 110 located between a portion of the front panel 121 and a portion of the sleeve panel 124. Similarly, there is a second non-stretching portion 112 on the left side of the cycling jersey 110 located between a portion of the front panel 122 and a portion of the sleeve panel 125, as shown in
The stitching of the non-stretching portions 112 can be any of a variety of stitching patterns or stitching material that restricts or prevents stretching of the non-stretching portions 112. Preferably stitching of the non-stretching portions 112 does not easily stretch, and more preferably does not stretch at all under cycling conditions. Further, the first level of elasticity is elastic and the second level of elasticity is generally non-elastic.
As indicated in
A fourth embodiment will now be explained. In view of the similarity between the various embodiments, the parts of the fourth embodiment that are identical to the parts of the third embodiment will be given the same reference numerals as the parts of the third embodiment. Moreover, the descriptions of the parts of the fourth embodiment that are identical to the parts of the third embodiment may be omitted for the sake of brevity. The parts of the fourth embodiment that differ from the parts of the earlier embodiments will be indicated with a single prime (′), or will be provided with a new reference numeral.
The fourth embodiment is depicted in
The front panel 120′ includes a left and right sleeve mounting portions 121a′ and 122a′, first front-rear mounting portions 121b′ and 122b′, neckline portion 121c′ and front lower hem portion 121e′. The various portions of the front panel 120′ serve similar functions as in the third embodiment. For instance, the left and right sleeve mounting portions 121a′ and 122a′ are sutured or stitched to respective ones of the front connecting suture portions 124e and 125e of the sleeve panels 124 and 124. The first front-rear mounting portions 121b′ and 122b′ are sutured or stitched to respective ones of the first connecting portions 126a and 127a of the side panels 126 and 127. The neckline portion 121c′ is sutured to the neck panel 130. The front lower hem portion 121e′ along with the side lower hem portions 126f and 127f and the rear lower hem portion 123e of the back panel 123 form a lower hem of the cycling jersey 110′.
Otherwise, the cycling jersey 110′ has generally the same features as the third embodiment, including the non-stretching portions 112 formed between portions of the front panel 120′ and the sleeve panels 124 and 125.
Fifth EmbodimentA fifth embodiment will now be explained. In view of the similarity between the various embodiments, the parts of the fifth embodiment that are identical to the parts of the third embodiment will be given the same reference numerals as the parts of the third embodiment. Moreover, the descriptions of the parts of the fifth embodiment that are identical to the parts of the third embodiment may be omitted for the sake of brevity. The parts of the fifth embodiment that differ from the parts of the earlier embodiments will be indicated with a single prime (′), or will be provided with a new reference numeral.
A cycling jersey 210 is shown in
The first side 212a of the non-stretching panels 212 are fixed or sutured to respective front connecting suture portions 124e and 125e of the sleeve panels 124 and 125. The second side 212b of the non-stretching panels 212 are fixed or sutured to respective sleeve mounting portions 121a and 122a of the front panels 121 and 122.
In the fifth embodiment the front panels 121 and 122 and the sleeve panels 124 and 125 can be slightly alerted or resized to accommodate the panels of the non-stretching panels 212, but such alterations are not necessarily required.
Sixth EmbodimentA sixth embodiment will now be explained. In view of the similarity between the various embodiments, the parts of the sixth embodiment that are identical to the parts of the fifth embodiment will be given the same reference numerals as the parts of the fifth embodiment. Moreover, the descriptions of the parts of the sixth embodiment that are identical to the parts of the fifth embodiment may be omitted for the sake of brevity. The parts of the sixth embodiment that differ from the parts of the earlier embodiments will be indicated with a single prime (′), or will be provided with a new reference numeral.
As should be understood from the description and the drawings, the depiction of a cycling jersey 210′ of sixth embodiment is identical to depiction of the cycling jersey 210 of the fifth embodiment. Therefore, the sixth embodiment is also described with specific reference to
A seventh embodiment will now be explained. In view of the similarity between the various embodiments, the parts of the seventh embodiment that are identical to the parts of the fifth embodiment will be given the same reference numerals as the parts of the fifth embodiment. Moreover, the descriptions of the parts of the seventh embodiment that are identical to the parts of the fifth embodiment may be omitted for the sake of brevity. The parts of the seventh embodiment that differ from the parts of the earlier embodiments will be indicated with a single prime (′), a double prime (″) or will be provided with a new reference numeral.
As shown in
Further, the non-stretching panels 212 are the same as in the fifth embodiment. Specifically, the first side 212a of the non-stretching panels 212 are fixed or sutured to respective front connecting suture portions 124e and 125e of the sleeve panels 124 and 125. The second side 212b of the non-stretching panels 212 are fixed or sutured to respective sleeve mounting portions 121a and 122a of the front panels 121 and 122.
Eighth EmbodimentAn eighth embodiment will now be explained. In view of the similarity between the various embodiments, the parts of the eighth embodiment that are identical to the parts of the seventh embodiments will be given the same reference numerals as the parts of the seventh embodiment. Moreover, the descriptions of the parts of the eighth embodiment that are identical to the parts of the seventh embodiment may be omitted for the sake of brevity. The parts of the eighth embodiment that differ from the parts of the earlier embodiments will be indicated with a single prime (′), a double prime (″), a triple prime (′″) or will be provided with a new reference numeral.
As should be understood from the description and the drawings, the depiction of a cycling jersey 210′″ of eighth embodiment is identical to depiction of the cycling jersey 210″of the seventh embodiment. Therefore, the eighth embodiment is also described with specific reference to
As shown in
In an alternative embodiment, the cycling jerseys can be used for activities other than cycling.
In another alternative embodiment, the cycling jerseys can be adapted for use with attached pants. Specifically, a one piece article of clothing or apparel can be constructed that includes a pants portion and a jersey portion sutured together, with the one piece article of clothing having the design considerations and configuration of the sleeve panels as described above incorporated therein.
In another alternative embodiment, the cycling jerseys described above can be constructed with long sleeves instead of short sleeves.
In yet another embodiment, the back panel 23 (123) can have a shorter profile in that in can alternatively rise up to a level that is farther spaced apart from the shoulder covering areas 14 (14′) of the various embodiments described above. Consequently, the non-stretching portions 12, 112, 212 and 212′ can be slightly longer than in the depicted embodiments.
In understanding the scope of the present invention, the term “comprising” and its derivatives, as used herein, are intended to be open ended terms that specify the presence of the stated features, elements, components, groups, integers, and/or steps, but do not exclude the presence of other unstated features, elements, components, groups, integers and/or steps. The foregoing also applies to words having similar meanings such as the terms, “including”, “having” and their derivatives. Also, the terms “member” or “element” when used in the singular can have the dual meaning of a single part or a plurality of parts. Finally, terms of degree such as “substantially”, “about” and “approximately” as used herein mean a reasonable amount of deviation of the modified term such that the end result is not significantly changed. These terms of degree should be construed as including a deviation of at least ±5% of the modified term if this deviation would not negate the meaning of the word it modifies.
While only selected embodiments have been chosen to illustrate the present invention, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art from this disclosure that various changes and modifications can be made herein without departing from the scope of the invention as defined in the appended claims. Furthermore, the foregoing descriptions of the embodiments according to the present invention are provided for illustration only, and not for the purpose of limiting the invention as defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.
Claims
1. A cycling jersey comprising:
- a front panel;
- a back panel coupled to portions of the front panel;
- a pair of symmetrical sleeve panels coupled to respective portions of the front panel and the back panel, each sleeve panel defining at least a portion of a shoulder covering area of the cycling jersey; and
- a pair of non-stretching portions, one non-stretching portion for a right side of the cycling jersey and one non-stretching portion for a left side of the cycling jersey, the non-stretching portions being fixed to at least the sleeve panels, the non-stretching portions extending in a direction generally from the front panel toward the back panel and extending at least partially over the shoulder covering area of the cycling jersey;
- wherein
- the front panel, the back panel and the sleeve panels are formed of respective materials having a first level of elasticity, the non-stretching portions having a second level of elasticity, the first level of elasticity being elastic and the second level of elasticity being generally non-elastic.
2. The cycling jersey as set forth in claim 1, wherein
- the non-stretching portions comprise respective stitching seams that fix respective portions of the sleeve panels to the respective portions of the front panel.
3. The cycling jersey as set forth in claim 1, wherein
- the non-stretching portions comprise respective non-stretching panels fixed to and overlaying portions of respective of ones of the sleeve panels.
4. The cycling jersey as set forth in claim 1, wherein
- the non-stretching portions comprise respective non-stretching panels having first and second sides, a first side of the non-stretching panels being fixed to respective portions of the sleeve panels and the second side of the non-stretching panels being fixed to the respective portions of the front panel.
5. The cycling jersey as set forth in claim 1, wherein
- the front panel is formed with respective first sleeve mounting portions and first front-rear mounting portions, each of the first sleeve mounting portions having curved edges, and the first front-rear mounting portions extend downward from respective first sleeve mounting portions;
- the back panel is formed with left and right second sleeve mounting portions and left and right second front-rear mounting portions, the second sleeve mounting portions each having sloping curved edges, and the second front-rear mounting portions each extend downward from respective ones of the second sleeve mounting portions and are coupled to respective ones of the first front-rear mounting portions of the front panel; and
- the sleeve panels further each include a sleeve edge portion, first and second sleeve forming portions, a first stitching portion and a second stitching portion, the first and second sleeve forming portions coupled to each other to at least partially define a sleeve of the bicycle jersey, the first stitching portion being located between the first forming sleeve portion and the second stitching portion, the first stitching portion of each of the sleeve panels being coupled to respective first sleeve mounting portions of the front panel, the second stitching portion of each of the sleeve panels extending from the second sleeve forming portion and being stitched to respective second sleeve mounting portions of the back panel.
6. The cycling jersey as set forth in claim 5, wherein
- the non-stretching portions comprise stitching seams that couple respective ones of the first stitching portion of each of the sleeve panels to respective ones of the first sleeve mounting portions of the front panel.
7. The cycling jersey as set forth in claim 5, wherein
- the non-stretching portions comprise non-stretching panels, each non-stretching panel having first and second stitching portions, the first stitching portion of the non-stretching panel being fixed to the first stitching portion a respective one of the sleeve panels, and the second stitching portion of the non-stretching panel being fixed to the first sleeve mounting portion of the front panel.
8. The cycling jersey as set forth in claim 5, wherein
- the non-stretching portions comprise non-stretching panels fixed to and overlaying respective portions of the sleeve panels.
9. The cycling jersey according to claim 6, further comprising:
- a pair of side panels, each panel having a back panel attachment portion and a front panel attachment portion, respective back panel attachment portions of the side panels being connected to respective second front-rear mounting portions of the back panel, and respective front panel attachment portions being connected to respective first front-rear mounting portions of the front panel, the side panels coupling the back panel to the front panel.
10. The cycling jersey according to claim 9, wherein
- each of the side panels further includes sleeve forming portions, respective sleeve forming portions of the side panels being connected to respective first and second sleeve forming portions of the sleeve panels.
11. The cycling jersey according to claim 7, further comprising:
- a pair of side panels, each panel having a back panel attachment portion and a front panel attachment portion, respective back panel attachment portions of the side panels being connected to respective second front-rear mounting portions of the back panel, and respective front panel attachment portions being connected to respective first front-rear mounting portions of the front panel, the side panels coupling the back panel to the front panel.
12. The cycling jersey according to claim 11, wherein
- each of the side panels further includes sleeve forming portions, respective sleeve forming portions of the side panels being connected to respective first and second sleeve forming portions of the sleeve panels.
13. The cycling jersey according to claim 8, further comprising:
- a pair of side panels, each panel having a back panel attachment portion and a front panel attachment portion, respective back panel attachment portions of the side panels being connected to respective second front-rear mounting portions of the back panel, and respective front panel attachment portions being connected to respective first front-rear mounting portions of the front panel, the side panels coupling the back panel to the front panel.
14. The cycling jersey according to claim 13, wherein
- each of the side panels further includes sleeve forming portions, respective sleeve forming portions of the side panels being connected to respective first and second sleeve forming portions of the sleeve panels.
Type: Application
Filed: Apr 13, 2005
Publication Date: Oct 19, 2006
Applicant: Shimano Inc. (Sakai)
Inventor: Shinpei Okajima (Izumi City)
Application Number: 11/104,479
International Classification: A41B 1/00 (20060101);