CYCLING GARMENT
A cycling garment or bicycle jersey is provided with a front panel, a back panel, and a pair of sleeve sections. The back panel has a first back section at least partially made of a first fabric, and a pair of second back sections attached to the first back section in first and second regions being at least partially located outside of first and second areas corresponding to a wearer's shoulder blades when the cycling garment worn. The second back sections are made of a second fabric that is more flexible than the first fabric. The sleeve sections attached to the front and back panels.
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This application claims priority under 35 U.S.C. § 119 to Japanese Patent Application No. 2006-132618, filed May 11, 2006. The entire disclosure of Japanese Patent Application No. 2006-132618 is hereby incorporated herein by reference.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION1. Field of the Invention
This invention generally relates to sports clothing such as a cycling garment or bicycle jersey. More specifically, the present invention relates to a bicycle riding outfit for a rider to wear when riding a bicycle.
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 the bicycle is used for recreation, transportation or competition, the bicycle industry is constantly improving the apparel worn by casual cyclists and serious cycling enthusiasts alike.
Cycling apparel, such 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 a jersey is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,210,877. The conventional cycling jersey is constructed with front and back panels with a gentle curve on both upper sections, and a pair of right and left sleeves attached to the front and back panels. Each of the sleeve is formed by a sleeve panel or section having a cuff or sleeve edge, a neckline or edge, a pair of sleeve forming portions and a pair of suture or sewn portions. The neckline and the cuff of each of the sleeve sections are formed at opposite ends of the sleeve panel. The sleeve forming portions extend at least part way from the sleeve edge and toward the neck portion. The sewn portions extend from respective ones of the sleeve-forming sections to the neckline where they are sewn to the upper section of the front and back panels on both sides. The cuff of the sleeve section on each side faces downward.
On the conventional bicycle jersey, the cuffs of the sleeve sections face downward on the sides in an unstretched state. However, the problem is that when a cyclist is riding, the cyclist assumes a riding posture where the cyclist leans forward and the rider's arms are extended forward to grasp the handlebar of the bicycle. In particular, drop handlebars on a road racer or a straight handlebar in a mountain bicycle require the cyclist's upper arms to extend outward approximately perpendicular to the cyclist's torso and forearms extend forward toward the handlebar. Therefore, the cuffs face the front body. Consequently, the sleeves are pulled back towards the shoulder and become tight, thereby making it uncomfortable to wear.
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 garment. 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 a cycling garment that improves the comfort level of a cyclist wearing cycling garment when the cyclist is either in a riding posture holding a bicycle handlebar or walking.
In accordance with one aspect of the present invention, a cycling garment is provided that basically comprises a front panel, a back panel, and a pair of sleeve sections. The back panel includes a first back section at least partially made of a first fabric, and a pair of second back sections attached to the first back section in first and second regions being at least partially located outside of first and second areas corresponding to a wearer's shoulder blades when the cycling garment worn. The second back sections being made of a second fabric that is more flexible than the first fabric. The sleeves are attached to both the front and back panels.
This bicycle riding outfit uses the second fabric that is more flexible than the first fabric on the second back section, which is at least partially arranged in the first and second regions outside the first and second positions where the wearer's shoulder blades contact the inner edge. When the wearer's arms are extended forward or lowered down to the side, the second fabric moves more dynamically than that of the other sections since the edge of the shoulder blade moves more than other sections of the back. Since the second back section made of the flexible second fabric is arranged in the first and second regions outside the first and second positions where the shoulder blades contact the inner edge, when the arms are extended forward while riding, the second back section stretches more than the other sections, making it harder for the sleeves to be pulled back, thereby not feeling tight and making the outfit comfortable to wear. Also, when the arms are lowered down on the side as one walks, the second back section contracts and there is no slackness or tightness at the shoulder, thereby improving comfort. In this case, when the arms are extended forward while riding or lowered down on the sides while walking, the second back section stretches more than the other sections, preventing slackness or tightness, and thereby improving the comfort while riding or walking.
With regard to the cycling garment according to a second aspect of the present invention, at least the front panel is partially made of the first fabric in the cycling garment according to the first aspect of the present invention. In this case, since the front panel is not as flexible as the second back section, the front panel does not stretch when worn.
With regard to the cycling garment according to a third aspect of the present invention, at least the sleeves are partially made of the first fabric in the cycling garment according to the first or second aspect of the present invention. In this case, since the sleeves are not as flexible as the second back section, the sleeves do not stretch when worn.
With regard to the cycling garment according to a fourth aspect of the present invention, the second back sections are each attached to the upper section of the first back section respectively, in the cycling garment according to the first to third aspects of the present invention. In this case, the stretchable section is positioned outside the first and second positions where the shoulder blades contact the inner edge, thereby making it comfortable to wear for riders with a variety of body frames.
With regard to the cycling garment according to a fifth aspect of the present invention, the cycling garment according to the first to fourth aspects of the present invention further comprises a pair of side pieces being at least partially made of the second fabric, with the side pieces joining the front and back panels together downward from along positions corresponding to armpits, respectively. In this case, the side pieces arranged between the front and back panels are flexible when the arms are extended forward or lowered down to the side, and at least the side pieces partially stretch, thereby further improving comfort.
With regard to the cycling garment according to a sixth aspect of the present invention, the sleeves comprise a main sleeve section made of the first fabric and the side-connecting section made of the second fabric to connect the main sleeve section under the armpit in the cycling garment according to the first to fifth aspects of the present invention. In this case, the armpit end of the sleeve stretches easily and the sleeve resists being pulled back, thereby further improving comfort.
With regard to the cycling garment according to a seventh aspect of the present invention, the side piece in the outfit according to according to the sixth aspect of the present invention comprises upper side pieces made of the second fabric that are integrated with the side-connecting sections, and lower side pieces made of the first fabric arranged under and sewn to the upper side pieces. In this case, when the arms are moved, as with the section covering the shoulder blade, the section extending from the armpit on the side moves dynamically and stretches easily, thereby further improving comfort.
With regard to the cycling garment according to an eighth aspect of the present invention, the second fabric comprises the mesh in the cycling garment according to the fifth to seventh aspects of the present invention. In this case, breathability is improved in the side pieces or the sleeve sections arranged in the armpit sections, which tend to perspire.
With regard to the cycling garment according to a ninth aspect of the present invention, the mesh holes in the second fabric used for the second back section are smaller than the mesh holes in the second fabric used for the upper side pieces in the cycling garment according to the eighth aspect of the present invention. In this case it is possible to improve breathability of the upper side pieces due to having larger mesh holes than those of the second back section.
With regard to the cycling garment according to a tenth aspect of the present invention, the front panel is divided into right and left sections, which further comprise a fastener arranged at the dividing edged to selectively join and separate the dividing edged of the front panel of the cycling garment according to the first to ninth aspects of the present invention. In this case, even in an outfit wherein the front opens to make it easy to put on and take off, the fastener-joined section resists stretching and the second back section stretches easily, thereby improving comfort while riding or walking.
With regard to the cycling garment according to an eleventh aspect of the present invention, the first and second fabrics are fabric wherein a polyester fiber having high tear-resistance is blended with a flexible polyester elastic fiber (spandex), the second fabric having a higher count of higher polyester elastic fibers than the second fabric in the cycling garment according to the first to tenth aspects of the present invention. In this case, it is possible to obtain the advantageous effect of the present invention without greatly changing the materials of the first and second fabrics.
According to the present invention, when the arms are extended forward while riding or lowered down to the sides while walking, the second back section stretches more than the other sections, resisting slackness or tightness and thereby improving comfort while riding or walking.
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.
Referring 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
At a lower portion of the back panel 23, a pocket 31 is formed for carrying items such as a water bottle, etc. Further, the front panel sections 21 and 22 are each attached to respective portions of a mechanical zipper or slide fastener 32 that allows joining and separation of the front panels 21 and 22.
Next, the shape of each section above, other than the fastener 32, will be explained with reference to
Next, the individual panels of the bicycle jersey 10 will now described individually with specific reference to
The front panel sections 21 and 22 are preferably made of fabric containing a polyester fiber with high tear-resistance blended with polyester elastic fiber (spandex). The front panel sections 21 and 22 are symmetrical pieces as illustrated on the lower section on both sides in
The first sleeve sewing edges 21a and 22a each have a substantially expansive S-shaped convex curve extending diagonally downward to both sides and curving outward in the opposite direction. The first front-back sewing edges 21b and 22b each have a line formed to curve downward from the first sleeve sewing edges 21a and 22a, then slightly curved concavely and becoming a straight line. The back panel sewing edges 21c and 22c each have a slight curve. The first neckline sections 21d and 22d each have a circular inward curve. The fastener sewing edges 21e and 22e are attached with the slide fastener 32 (
The back panel 23 as illustrated in
The first back section 40 is a piece that includes a main section of the back panel 23. The first back section 40 has a pair of second back panel sewing edges 40a and 40b and a pair of second front-back sewing edges 40c and 40d. The second back panel sewing edges 40a and 40b are arranged on the upper section on both sides to be sewn to the second back section 41 and 42. The second front-back sewing edges 40c, 40d are joined together via the first front-back sewing edges 21b and 22b and the side pieces 26 and 27. The second front-back sewing edges 40c and 40d are arranged on both outer sides below the second back panel sewing edges 40a and 40b. The second back section 40 also has a back bottom line section 40e, a second neckline section 40f, a neckline section 40f, and a pair of third front-back sewing edges 40g and 40h. The back bottom line section 40e is joined to the bottom end of the second front-back sewing edges 40c and 40d. The second neckline section 40f is formed to protrude from the center of the upper section. The third front-back sewing edges 40g and 40h are sewn to the back panel sewing edges 21c and 22c, and the sleeve sections 24 and 25.
The second back panel sewing edges 40a and 40b are substantially formed to curve convexly inward, extending diagonally down to both sides. The second front-back sewing edges 40c and 40d have a slightly swollen outward curve. The back bottom line section 40e has a circular curve extending to be joined to the center. Therefore, the back panel 23 is longer than the front panel sections 21 and 22. Consequently, the jersey 10 can cover the pants when slouched over. The second neckline section 40f is formed to be circularly concave. The third front-back sewing edges 40g and 40h are formed to gradually fall toward the first back panel sewing edges 40a and 40b on the outside to form a slight convex curve.
As illustrated in
Normally, the rider's shoulder blades move to protrude from other areas of the back. As illustrated in
The right and left sleeve sections 24 and 25 are shaped like raglan sleeves that are attached to the front panel sections 21 and 22 and the back panel 23 to cover the shoulders. As illustrated in
The main sleeve sections 44 and 45 are preferably a piece of the first fabric, comprising first cuff sections 44a and 45a, first sleeve forming portions 44b and 45b, and the second sleeve forming portions 44c and 45c curving sharply on both sides and extending to be joined via the side-connecting sections 46 and 47, wherein the first sewing edges 44d and 45d extend diagonally upward from the first sleeve forming portions 44b and 45b, as in
The first cuff sections 44a and 45a form a substantially straight line. The first sleeve forming portions 44b and 45b and the second sleeve forming portions 44c and 45c extend from both ends of the concave first cuff sections 44a and 45a. The first sleeve forming portions 44b and 45b are arranged in front of the second sleeve forming portions 44c and 45c. The first sleeve forming portions 44b and 45b are shorter than the second sleeve-forming section 44c and 45c.
The side-connecting sections 46 and 47 made of pieces of the flexible second fabric are preferably formed as a unit with the upper side pieces 48 and 49 on the side pieces 26 and 27 to be described later. The second fabric used in the side-connecting sections 46 and 47, as illustrated in
As illustrated in
The right and left side pieces 26 and 27 are partially curved, the shape of the left and right pieces being symmetrical. The side pieces 26 and 27 preferably comprise upper side pieces 48 and 49 made of the flexible second fabric to be formed together with the side-connecting sections 46 and 47 as a unit, with the lower sides pieces 50 and 51 preferably made of the first fabric arranged below the upper side pieces 48 and 49.
The upper side pieces 48 and 49 comprise first attaching sections 48a and 49a and the second attaching sections 48b and 49b. The first attaching sections 48a and 49a are sewn to the upper section of the first front-back sewing edges 21b and 22b on the front panel sections 21 and 22. The second attaching sections 48b and 49b are joined to the first attaching sections 48a and 49a to be sewn to the upper section of the second front-back sewing edges 42c, 42d on the second back section 42 and the lower side pieces 50 and 51. The second attaching sections 48b and 49b bordering on the upper side pieces 48 and 49 and the lower side pieces 50 and 51 are formed to curve slightly inward, extending diagonally downward from both sides of the back panel 23 toward the front panel sections 21 and 22.
The lower sides pieces 50 and 51 has first attaching sections 50a and 51a, fourth attaching sections 50b and 51b; fifth attaching sections 50c, 51c and attaching bottom edges 50d and 51d. The first attaching sections 50a and 51a are sewn to the lower section of the third front-back sewing edges 21b and 22b on the front panel sections 21 and 22. The fourth attaching sections 50b and 51b are arranged opposite to the third attaching sections 50a and 51a and are sewn to the lower section of the second front-back sewing edges 42c and 42d in the back panel 23. The fifth attaching sections 50c, 51c extend diagonally upward and are sewn to the first attaching sections 48a and 49a. The attaching bottom edges 50d and 51d link the front bottom edges 21f and 22f and the back bottom line section 42e.
These side pieces 26 and 27 help to fit the jersey 10 to the human body easily, and assist in reducing air resistance caused by bunching of the fabric. Additionally, the front panel sections 21 and 22 and the back panel 23 resist being pulled back on either side of the body, thereby improving comfort. The side-connecting section 47 and the upper side piece 49 made of the second fabric comprising the second mesh M2, in between which the armpit is located, are formed as a unit, and thereby improve breathability as well as flexibility in this area.
The collar section 30 is sewn to the first and second neckline sections 21d and 22d and 42f folded over lengthwise along the center. The pocket 31 is formed along the entire width of the back panel 23 and divided into 3 sections.
In the bicycle jersey 10 in one embodiment configured in this manner according to the present invention, the second back sections 41 and 42 stretch more than other sections when the arm faces forward while riding or when the arms are lowered to the sides while walking. Consequently, as illustrated in
When the arms are lowered down on the side as one walks, the second back sections 41 and 42 shrink, resisting both slackness and tightness, thereby improving comfort for both walking or riding.
If the side-connecting sections 46 and 47 and the upper side pieces 48 and 49 as well as the second back sections 41 and 42 are made of the flexible second fabric, when the arms are extended while riding or when the arms are lowered to the sides while walking, the side-connecting sections 46 and 47 or the upper side pieces 48 and 49 stretch, thereby further improving comfort.
OTHER EMBODIMENTS(a) In the previous embodiment, the second back sections 41 and 42 are arranged outside the first and second positions S1 and S2 where the shoulder blades contact the inner edge of the. It is also acceptable to partially arrange the second back sections 41 and 42 in the first and second regions R1 and R2 outside the first and second positions S1 and S2. In
(b) In the previous embodiment, the front panel is divided into two sections for ease of putting on and taking off. It is also acceptable to form the front panel with one piece of cloth such as the back panel. In this case, for ease of putting on/taking off, it is preferable to provide a fastener on the upper section.
(c) In the previous embodiment, essentially the fabric of the first back section 40 and the second back section 41 and 42 that comprise the back panel 23 were be described. However, considering the strength of the garment with regard to the fabric making up not only the first back section 40 but also the front panel 23, the collar section 30, and the pocket 31, it is preferable to use a fabric with tear resistance and less flexibility than the second fabric comprising the second back sections 41 and 42. Particularly, if the first fabric is used for the front panel, the collar section, and the pocket such as the first back section 40, it is possible to reduce the number of materials used, thereby reducing the production cost.
The side-connecting sections 46 and 47 of the sleeve sections 24 and 25 and the upper side pieces 48 and 49 of the side pieces 26 and 27 are made of the second fabric. However, it is acceptable to use the first fabric as well.
Further, it is acceptable to divide the side-connecting sections 46 and 47 and the upper side pieces 48 and 49. Further, it is acceptable to form the upper side pieces 48 and 49 and the lower sides pieces 50 and 51 as a unit. In these cases, the material may be either the first fabric or the second fabric.
(d) In the previous embodiment, a bicycle riding jersey for a road racer is illustrated as an example. The bicycle riding outfit according to the present invention may be used for riding mountain bikes or other bicycles.
(e) In the previous embodiment, the bicycle jersey without pants is illustrated as an example. The present invention can be applied to an all-in-one bicycle riding outfit including pants. Also, the embodiment is explained using the example of a short sleeve; however, the present invention can be applied to a long sleeved bicycle riding outfit as well.
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 garment comprising:
- a front panel;
- a back panel including a first back section at least partially made of a first fabric, and a pair of second back sections attached to the first back section in first and second regions being at least partially located outside of first and second areas corresponding to a wearer's shoulder blades when the cycling garment worn, the second back sections being made of a second fabric that is more flexible than the first fabric; and
- a pair of sleeve sections attached to the front and back panels.
2. The cycling garment according to claim 1, wherein
- the front panel is at least partially made of the first fabric.
3. The cycling garment according to claim 1, wherein
- the sleeve sections are at least partially made of the first fabric.
4. The cycling garment according to claim 1, wherein
- the second back sections are attached to an upper section of the first back section, respectively.
5. The cycling garment according to claim 1, further comprising
- a pair of side pieces being at least partially made of the second fabric, with the side pieces joining the front and back panels together downward from along positions corresponding to armpits, respectively.
6. The cycling garment according to claim 5, wherein
- each of the sleeve sections includes a main sleeve part made of the first fabric, and a side-connecting part made of the second fabric, with the side-connecting parts connecting the main sleeve parts under the armpits, respectively.
7. The cycling garment according to claim 6, wherein
- each of the side pieces includes an upper side piece made of the second fabric integrated with the side-connecting section, and a lower side piece made of the first fabric, with the lower side pieces arranged under and sewn to the upper side pieces, respectively.
8. The cycling garment according to claim 5, wherein
- the second fabric includes a mesh material with ventilation holes.
9. The cycling garment according to claim 8, wherein
- the ventilation holes in the second fabric of the second back section are smaller than the mesh holes in the second fabric of the upper side piece.
10. The cycling garment according to claim 1, wherein
- the front panel includes right and left sections with a slide fastener arranged at dividing edges of the right and left sections of the front panel to selectively join and separate the right and left sections with respect to each other.
11. The cycling garment according to claim 1, wherein
- the first and second fabrics are made of blended polyester fibers having a high tear-resistance and flexible polyester elastic fibers, with a polyester elastic fiber count of the second fabric being higher than that of the first fabric.
12. The cycling garment according to claim 2, wherein
- the sleeve sections are at least partially made of the first fabric.
13. The cycling garment according to claim 2, wherein
- the second back sections are attached to an upper section on both sides of the first back section.
14. The cycling garment according to claim 2, further comprising
- a pair of side pieces being at least partially made of the second fabric, with the side pieces joining the front and back panels together downward from along positions corresponding to armpits, respectively.
15. The cycling garment according to claim 14, wherein
- each of the sleeve sections includes a main sleeve part made of the first fabric, and a side-connecting part made of the second fabric, with the side-connecting parts connecting the main sleeve parts under the armpits, respectively.
16. The cycling garment according to claim 15, wherein
- each of the side pieces includes an upper side piece made of the second fabric integrated with the side-connecting section, and a lower side piece made of the first fabric, with the lower side pieces arranged under and sewn to the upper side pieces, respectively.
17. The cycling garment according to claim 14, wherein
- the second fabric includes a mesh material with ventilation holes.
18. The cycling garment according to claim 17, wherein
- the ventilation holes in the second fabric of the second back section are smaller than the mesh holes in the second fabric of the upper side piece.
19. The cycling garment according to claim 2, wherein
- the front panel includes right and left sections with a slide fastener arranged at dividing edges of the right and left sections of the front panel to selectively join and detach the right and left sections with respect to each other.
20. The cycling garment according to claim 2, wherein
- the first and second fabrics are made of blended polyester fibers having a high tear-resistance and flexible polyester elastic fibers, with a polyester elastic fiber count of the second fabric being higher than that of the first fabric.
Type: Application
Filed: May 8, 2007
Publication Date: Nov 29, 2007
Applicant: Shimano Inc. (Osaka)
Inventor: Shinpei Okajima (Osaka)
Application Number: 11/745,742