US20060230490A1

US20060230490A1 - Bicycle riding apparel

Info

Publication number: US20060230490A1
Application number: US11/104,479
Authority: US
Inventors: Shinpei Okajima
Original assignee: Shimano Inc
Current assignee: Shimano Inc
Priority date: 2005-04-13
Filing date: 2005-04-13
Publication date: 2006-10-19
Also published as: DE102006017597B4; DE102006017597A1; CN1846549A

Abstract

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.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

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 INVENTION

One 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 DRAWINGS

Referring now to the attached drawings which form a part of this original disclosure:
FIG. 1 is a front side diagrammatic perspective view of a cycling jersey in accordance with a first embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 2 is a back side diagrammatic perspective view of the cycling jersey depicted in FIG. 1, in accordance with the first embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 3 is a top view showing a pattern layout of all panels of cut fabric that are subsequently assembled to form the cycling jersey depicted in FIGS. 1 and 2, in accordance with the first embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 4 is an enlarged view of one piece of the cut fabric shown in FIG. 3, the panel of the cut fabric corresponding to a right side sleeve panel of the cycling jersey, in accordance with the first embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 5 is a side elevational view of a bicycle and a cyclist with the cyclist in a riding posture wearing the cycling jersey in accordance with the first embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 6 is a top plan view of the cycling jersey in accordance with the first embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 7 is a front side diagrammatic perspective view of a cycling jersey in accordance with a second embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 8 is a front side diagrammatic perspective view of a cycling jersey in accordance with a third embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 9 is a top view showing a pattern layout of all panels of cut fabric that are subsequently assembled to form the cycling jersey depicted in FIG. 8, in accordance with the third embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 10 is a top plan view of the cycling jersey in accordance with the third embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 11 is a front side diagrammatic perspective view of a cycling jersey in accordance with a fourth embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 12 is a top view showing a pattern layout of all panels of cut fabric that are subsequently assembled to form the cycling jersey depicted in FIG. 11, in accordance with the fourth embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 13 is a front side diagrammatic perspective view of a cycling jersey in accordance with fifth and sixth embodiments of the present invention;
FIG. 14 is a top plan view of the cycling jersey in accordance with the fifth and sixth embodiments of the present invention; and
FIG. 15 is a front side diagrammatic perspective view of a cycling jersey in accordance with seventh and eighth embodiments of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

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 FIG. 1, a cycling jersey 10 is illustrated in accordance with a first embodiment of the present invention. The cycling jersey 10 includes non-stretching portions 12 that extend over shoulder covering areas 14 of the cycling jersey 10.
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 FIG. 5). For instance, an upper area or direction would correspond to the upper portion of the torso T toward the neck area of the cyclist C. An inward area or inward direction would generally correspond to the center of the chest or center of the back of the torso T. An outward area or direction would correspond to the sides of the torso T or in the direction away from the sides of the torso T. The shoulder covering areas 14 of the cycling jersey 10 correspond to those portions of the cycling jersey 10 that cover at least the top of shoulders of the cyclist C. Optionally, shoulder covering areas 14 can also include areas immediately around the tops of the shoulders of the cyclist C. It should further be understood that the terms sutures and stitching are used interchangeably and are conventional terms known in textile and garment related arts.
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, FIG. 5 shows the cyclist C in the riding posture, leaning forward on a bicycle 50 with upper arms 53 extending downward relative to the bicycle (forward relative to the cycling jersey 10), as the cyclist's forearms 54 extend forward to grip the handlebar 51 of the bicycle 50. As is described below, various panels are sutured together to form the cycling jersey 10 of the present invention. These panels are geometrically shaped to mimic and conform the riding posture of the cyclist C in an unstretched state, as is described in greater detail below. The cycling jersey 10 is provided with the non-stretching portions 12 that extend over the shoulder covering areas 14 to limit stretching of the shoulder covering areas 14 when the cyclist C carries a backpack or rucksack (not shown) over one or both of the shoulder covering areas 14. Further each of the non-stretching portions 12 extend in a direction generally from a front portion 20 toward a back panel 23 and extend at least partially to and possibly over the shoulder covering area 14 of the cycling jersey 10.
In FIGS. 1 and 2, the cycling jersey 10 in one embodiment of the present invention is a type of sports apparel that the cyclist C wears primarily when riding the bicycle 50 either for exercise or for racing, such as road racing or a mountain bicycle racing. The cycling jersey 10 includes symmetrical left and right sleeve panels 24 and 25 that extend from opposite sides of the neck area of the cyclist C and over the shoulders of the cyclist. Each of the left and right sleeve panels 24 and 25 also includes raglan sleeves that are short sleeves in the depicted embodiment, and has a placket in a front portion thereof. Further, as show in FIGS. 1 and 2, the left and right sleeve panels 24 and 25 are cut and fitted so that the shape and contour of the sleeves of the cycling jersey 10 mimic the relative position of a cyclists arms when the cyclist C is in a riding posture holding handlebars of a bicycle, as is described in greater detail below.
The cycling jersey 10 depicted in FIGS. 1, 2 and 6 is shown in an unstretched state. More specifically, the shape of the cycling jersey 10 shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 is an unmolested state in that the fabric is neither stretched nor is the fabric wrinkled or folded in any way. The orientation of the cycling jersey 10 in FIGS. 1 and 2 includes a desired contour, where the sleeves are extending forward and outward the portion of the cycling jersey 10 that covers the torso T of the cyclist C.
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 FIGS. 1 and 2, the left and right side panels 26 and 27 are positioned between respective portions of the left and right front panels 21 and 22 and the back panel 23. Further, the bottom sleeves panels 28 and 29 are positioned at a lower portion of respective ones of the left and right sleeve panels 24 and 25. The various panels of the cycling jersey 10 are joined together by sutures (i.e. garment sewing sutures).
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 FIG. 3. FIG. 3 shows each of the separate panels that are sutured together to form the cycling jersey 10 in a layout corresponding to cutouts from fabric. The panels of the cycling jersey 10 can be cut from any of a variety of fabric or fabric-like materials, such as a polyester material, that includes a mesh configuration that is able to breathe or vent moisture. The panels of the cycling jersey 10 are preferably cut out using a pre-configured pattern such that the panels shown in FIG. 3 are obtained. The panels of the cycling jersey 10 shown in FIG. 3 are laid out such that an outward side of the cut material is shown. Specifically, the panels of the cycling jersey 10 depicted in FIG. 3 subsequently form the outer side of the garment. It should be recognized by one of ordinary skill in the art that the additional flaps of material around the periphery of each panel of the cycling jersey 10 and the corresponding line spaced slightly apart from the periphery of each panel represents a suture line, a fold line or sewing line where adjacent panels of the cycling jersey 10 are joined. More specifically, the lines spaced slightly apart from the periphery of each panel represent preferred locations of seams between adjacent panels of the cycling jersey 10.
As shown in the lower right in FIG. 3, the left and right front panels 21 and 22 are symmetrically shaped being mirror images of one another. Each of the left and right front panels 21 and 22 is formed with a corresponding pair of left and right first sleeve mounting portions 21 a and 22 a, with first front- rear mounting portions 21 b and 22 b, first neckline portions 21 c and 22 c, zipper mounting portions 21 d and 22 d, and front lower hem portions 21 e and 22 e.
The left and right first sleeve mounting portions 21 a and 22 a 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 21 a and 22 a 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 21 b and 22 b are located on respective sides of the left and right front panel 21 and 22 extending from and below the first sleeve mounting portions 21 a and 22 a. The first front- rear mounting portions 21 b and 22 b are formed to be folded downward from the first sleeve mounting portions 21 a and 22 a, and configured with a compound shape, having a curved portion and a straight portion.
The first neckline portions 21 c and 22 c extend inward from the first sleeve mounting portions 21 a and 21 b and have a curved contour that is generally semi-circular in shape. The first neckline portions 21 c and 22 c are configured with a circular-shaped curved edge that extends toward the inner side of the cycling jersey 10.
The zipper mounting portions 21 d and 22 d extend downward from the inside of the first neckline portions 21 c and 22 c. The zipper 32 (FIG. 1) is mounted on the zipper mounting portions 21 d and 22 d releasably linking both the left and right front panels 21 and 22.
The front lower hem portions 21 e and 22 e extend between the zipper mounting portions 21 d and 22 d and respective first front- rear mounting portions 21 b and 22 b. The front lower hem portions 21 e and 22 e 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 FIG. 3, is provided with a pair of the left and right second sleeve mounting portions 23 a and 23 b, a pair of the left and right second front- rear mounting portions 23 c and 23 d, a rear lower hem portion 23 e and a second neckline portion 23 f.
The left and right second sleeve mounting portions 23 a and 23 b 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 23 c and 23 d extend downward from the left and right second sleeve mounting portions 23 a and 23 b, respectively, to rear lower hem portion 23 e. The left and right second front- rear mounting portions 23 c and 23 d are fixed by sutures to respective ones of the first front- rear mounting portions 21 b and 22 b 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 23 e of the back panel 23 extends between the bottom edges of the left and right second front- rear mounting portions 23 c and 23 d. The second neckline portion 23 f is formed as a projection that extends upward between the upper ends of the left and right second front- rear mounting portions 23 c and 23 d.
The second sleeve mounting portions 23 a and 23 b 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 23 c and 23 d. The second front- rear mounting portions 23 c and 23 d are configured with a curved line that is slightly concaved inward. The rear lower hem portion 23 e 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 23 f projects upward and has a concave circular contour.
As shown in the lower left in FIG. 3, in a preferred embodiment the left and right sleeve panels 24 and 25 are short sleeves that are symmetrical to one another (left and right hand mirror images of one another). The sleeve panels 24 and 25 are dimensioned and located to cover the shoulders of the rider/cyclist C along with the left and right front panels 21 and 22 and the back panel 23.
The sleeve panels 24 and 25 basically include sleeve edges 24 a and 25 a, first sleeve forming portions 24 b and 25 b, second sleeve forming portions 24 c and 25 c, first suture portions 24 d and 25 d, second suture portions 24 e and 25 e, and sleeve neck edges 24 f and 25 f. The first sleeve forming portions 24 b and 25 b and the second sleeve forming portions 24 c and 25 c bend and curve away from the sleeve edges 24 a and 25 a 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 24 d and 25 d are formed with V-shaped cutout portions 33 and 34, cut from the first sleeve forming portions 24 b and 25 b. The first suture portions 24 d and 25 d are sutured to the first sleeve mounting portions 21 a and 22 a of the left and right front panels 21 and 22, respectively. The second suture portions 24 e and 25 e extend from the second sleeve forming portions 24 c and 25 c and are sutured in the second sleeve mounting portions 23 a and 23 b at respective sides of the back panel 23. The sleeve neck edges 24 f and 25 f extend between the first suture portions 24 d and 25 d and the second suture portions 24 e and 25 e, respectively.
The sleeve edges 24 a and 25 a are configured with generally straight edges to form the end of the sleeves of the cycling jersey 10. The first sleeve forming portions 24 b and 25 b and the second sleeve forming portions 24 c and 25 c are slightly concaved, as shown in FIG. 3, and extend from opposite ends of respective sleeve edges 24 a and 25 a. The first sleeve forming portions 24 b and 25 b are placed in front by the second sleeve forming portions 24 c and 25 c. The first sleeve forming portions 24 b and 25 b are shorter than the second sleeve forming portions 24 c and 25 c. The difference in length between the first sleeve forming portions 24 b and 25 b and the second sleeve forming portions 24 c and 25 c is due to the sleeve edges 24 a and 25 a being positioned toward the front of the cycling jersey 10 forming the front edge of the sleeves.
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. FIG. 4 shows only the right sleeve panel 25 in order to provide a description thereof, and in particular, a description of the first suture portion 25 d. Since the left sleeve panel 24 is symmetrical to but otherwise the same as the right sleeve panel 25, the description of the first suture portion 24 d is omitted for the sake brevity.
The first suture portion 25 d of the left sleeve panel 25 includes a V-shaped cut portion 34. The cut portion 34 includes a small curving portion 34 a and a pair of large curving portions 34 b and 34 c that extend from the small curving portion 34 a. The large curving portions 34 b and 34 c diverge away from one another such that the space defined therebetween becomes gradually wider from both edges of the small curving portion 34 a. The curvature radius R1 from the center O1 of the small curving portion 34 a 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 34 b extends toward the first sleeve forming portion 25 b curving from a first end of the small curving portion 34 a. The curvature radius R2 from the center O2 of the large curving portion 34 b 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 34 c extends toward the sleeve neck edge 25 f curving from the other end of the small curving portion 34 a. The curvature radius R3 from the center O3 of the large curving portion 34 c 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 34 b and 34 c. Specifically, a tangent line C2 of the radius R2 drawn from the center of the large curving portion 34 b, and another tangent line C3 of the radius R3 drawn from the center of the large curving portion 34 c 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 FIGS. 1 and 2. More specifically, the first sleeve forming portion 25 b of the sleeve panel 25 faces downward but extends forward from the front panel 22. The sleeve neck edge 25 f of the sleeve panel 25 faces upward extending along the neckline of the cycling jersey 10. The first sleeve forming portion 25 b and the sleeve neck edge 25 f extend away from one another about the small curving portion 34 a of the jersey 10. Hence, the sleeve portion 25 a does not face downward but rather faces upward and forward. The separate extending directions of the sleeve forming portion 25 b and the sleeve neck edge 25 f becomes more apparent when the second angle α2 is reduced.
Referring again to FIG. 4 (and FIG. 1), a first angle α1 is defined between and first line L1 and a second line L2. The first line L1 is perpendicular bisector for the sleeve edge 25 a of the sleeve panel 25. More specifically, the first line L1 extends from a central of the sleeve edge 25 a and perpendicular to the sleeve edge 25 a. The second line L2 extends from a point proximate the center of the sleeve neck edge 25 f in the direction corresponding to the peak of a cyclist's shoulder when wearing the cycling jersey 10. The first angle α1 is set in the range of 30 to 90 degrees, which is in the preferred range of 30 to 60 degrees. In the depicted embodiment, first angle α1 is set to 57 degrees. When the first angle α1 exceeds 90 degrees, the cyclist C wearing the cycling jersey 10 may have the feeling of tightness from the garment. Further, when the first angle α1 is below 30 degrees, the sleeve panel 25 faces the side, rucks easily appear, and it becomes easy for it to be stretched when a rider wears it. By making the first and second lines L1 and L2 cross in this first angle α1, the entire sleeve panel 25 faces the inward of a vertical line of the cloth, specifically the front according to the crossing angle, and the sleeve portion 25 a faces the front.
The second suture portions 24 e and 25 e, as shown in FIG. 3, are formed with a smooth curvature that is sutured in the second sleeve mounting portions 23 a and 23 b of the back panel 23. The seam line part of the second suture portions 24 e and 25 e and the second sleeve forming portions 24 c and 25 c intersect at a sharp angle.
The sleeve neck edges 24 f and 25 f are curved toward the first neckline portions 21 c and 22 c of the front panels 21 and 22 and the second neckline portions 23 f 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 26 a and 27 a, second connecting portions 26 b and 27 b, first armhole portions 26 c and 27 c, side lower hem portions 26 f and 27 f and third sleeve mounting portions 26 e and 27 e. The first connecting portions 26 a and 27 a are sutured to the first front- rear mounting portions 21 b and 22 b of the front panels 21 and 22. The second connecting portions 26 b and 27 b are placed facing the first connecting portions 26 a and 27 a and sutured to the second front- rear mounting portions 23 c and 23 d of the back panel 23. The first armhole portions 26 c and 27 c are placed at the top and concaved to be circular. The side lower hem portions 26 f and 27 f are placed at a lower portion thereof, but are angled extending upward. The third sleeve mounting portions 26 e and 27 e are shaped with a curved contour extending from the second connecting portions 26 b and 27 b and intersect the first armhole portions 26 c and 27 c 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 28 a and 29 a, third connecting portions 28 b and 29 b, fourth connecting portions 28 c and 29 c, second armhole portions 28 d and 29 d and third armhole portions 28 e and 29 e.
Each end of the bottom sleeve edges 28 a and 29 a is sutured respective ends of the sleeve edges 24 a and 25 a of the sleeve panels 24 and 25 such that the bottom sleeve edges 28 a and 29 a form the bottom of sleeves of the cycling jersey 10. The third connecting portions 28 b and 29 b extend from the front of the bottom sleeve edges 28 a and 29 a along the first sleeve forming portions 24 b and 25 b of the sleeve panels 24 and 25. The fourth connecting portions 28 c and 29 c extend from the back side of the bottom sleeve edges 28 a and 29 a along the second sleeve forming portions 24 c and 25 c of the sleeve panels 24 and 25. The second armhole portions 28 d and 29 d and the third armhole portions 28 e and 29 e extend between the third connecting portions 28 b and 29 b and the fourth connecting portions 28 c and 29 c, respectively and have a convex shape.
The third connecting portions 28 b and 29 b are sutured to the first sleeve forming portions 24 b and 25 b. The fourth connecting portions 28 c and 29 c are sutured to portions of the second sleeve forming portions 24 c and 25 c except for the armhole side. The second armhole portions 28 d and 29 d are sutured to the first armhole portions 26 c and 27 c of the side members 26 and 27. The third armhole portions 28 e and 29 e are sutured on the armhole side of the second sleeve forming portions 24 c and 25 c of the sleeve panels 24 and 25. In addition, the edge part of the second sleeve forming portions 24 c and 25 c are sutured to the third sleeve mounting portions 26 e and 27 e 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 25 a 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 FIG. 5, since the sleeve panels 24 and 25 face the front of the cycling jersey 10, even if a cyclist C slouches while the cyclist C rides the bicycle 50, and holds with both hands the handlebar such as the handlebar 51, and the forearms 53 go to the front of the cycling jersey 10, it remains loose in the back and side of shoulders (does not stretch), and rucks hardly appear in the front and side of the shoulder. Therefore, the comfort of the cycling jersey 10 is improved while the cyclist C holds the handlebar 51, and air resistance is also reduced.
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 FIGS. 1 and 2. As a result, when the cyclist C assumes the riding posture shown in FIG. 5, the cyclist's torso T is generally horizontally inclined and the sleeves of the cycling jersey 10 extend downward with the cyclist C holding on to the handlebars 51 of the bicycle 50.
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 FIG. 1. There is one non-stretching portion 12 on a right side of the cycling jersey 10 and one non-stretching portion 12 on a left side of the cycling jersey 10. The non-stretching portions 12 overlay respective portions of the sleeve panels 24 and 25. Further, the non-stretching portions 12 are fixed to the sleeve panels 24 and 25 and extend in an upward direction from the front panels 21 and 22 toward the back panel 23, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 6. The non-stretching portions 12 extend from approximately the small curving portion 34 a of respective sleeve panels 24 and 25, over the shoulder covering areas 14 of the cycling jersey 10 to the back panel 23. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the non-stretching portions 12 extend to the back panel 23. However, it should be understood that the non-stretching portions 12 can be lengthened so that they extend over an upper portion of the back panel 23.
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 Embodiment

A 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 FIG. 7, a cycling jersey 10′ is depicted that is generally the same as the cycling jersey 10′ except that a front panel 20′ is formed as a single piece of material or fabric. More specifically, the front panel 20′ does not include a mechanical zipper, such as the mechanical zipper 32 in the first embodiment depicted in FIG. 1. Otherwise, all aspects of the cycling jersey 10′ are the same as the cycling jersey 10 depicted in FIG. 1. More specifically, the cycling jersey 10′, in addition to the front panel 20′, also includes non-stretching portions 12 that extend over at least a portion of the sleeve covering areas 14, the back panel 23, the sleeve panels 24 and 25, the side panels 26 and 27, the bottom sleeve panels 28 and 29 and the neck panel 30 as described in the first embodiment.

Third Embodiment

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 FIGS. 8, 9 and 10. FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the cycling jersey 110 and FIG. 9 is a basic layout showing an example of cut out panels of fabric sutured or stitched together to form the cycling jersey 110. FIG. 9 shows each of the separate panels cutout from fabric prior to their being sutured together to form the cycling jersey 110. The panels of the cycling jersey 110 can be cut from any of a variety of fabric or fabric-like materials, such as a polyester material, that includes a mesh configuration that is able to breathe or vent moisture. The panels of the cycling jersey 110 are preferably cut out using a pre-configured pattern such that the panels shown in FIG. 9 are obtained. The panels of the cycling jersey 110 shown in FIG. 9 are laid out such that an outward side of the cut material is shown. It should be recognized by one of ordinary skill in the art that the additional flaps of material around the periphery of each panel of the cycling jersey 110 are used to join the various panels together. Further, the corresponding line spaced slightly apart from the periphery of each panel represents a suture line, stitching line or sewing line where adjacent panels of the cycling jersey 10 are preferably sewn together. More specifically, the lines spaced slightly apart from the periphery of each panel represent preferred locations of seams between adjacent panels of the cycling jersey 10.
As shown in FIG. 8, the cycling jersey 110 includes two non-stretching portions 112, a front portion 120, a back panel 123, a pair of symmetrical sleeve panels 124 and 125, a pair of side panels 126 and 127 and a neck panel 130. Further, the cycling jersey 110 can optionally include a pocket (not shown) attached to the back panel 123.
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 121 a and 122 a, first front- rear mounting portions 121 b and 122 b, first neckline portions 121 c and 122 c, zipper mounting portions 121 d and 122 d, and front lower hem portions 121 e and 122 e.
The left and right first sleeve mounting portions 121 a and 122 a 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 121 a and 122 a 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 121 b and 122 b are located on respective sides of the left and right front panel 121 and 122 extending from and below the first sleeve mounting portions 121 a and 122 a. The first front- rear mounting portions 121 b and 122 b extend downward from the first sleeve mounting portions 121 a and 122 a, and configured with a compound shape, having a curved portion and a straight portion.
The first neckline portions 121 c and 122 c extend inward from the first sleeve mounting portions 121 a and 121 b and have a curved contour that is generally semi-circular in shape. The first neckline portions 121 c and 122 c are configured with a circular-shaped curved edge that extends toward the inner side of the cycling jersey 10.
The zipper mounting portions 121 d and 122 d extend downward from the inside of the first neckline portions 121 c and 122 c. The zipper 132 (FIG. 8) is mounted on the zipper mounting portions 121 d and 122 d releasably linking both the left and right front panels 121 and 122.
The front lower hem portions 121 e and 122 e extend between the zipper mounting portions 121 d and 122 d and respective first front- rear mounting portions 121 b and 122 b. The front lower hem portions 121 e and 122 e 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 FIG. 9, is provided with a pair of the left and right second sleeve mounting portions 123 a and 123 b, a pair of the left and right second front- rear mounting portions 123 c and 123 d, a rear lower hem portion 123 e and a second neckline portion 123 f.
The left and right second sleeve mounting portions 123 a and 123 b 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′ (FIGS. 8 and 10) are not completely covered by the back panel 123. The left and right second front- rear mounting portions 123 c and 123 d extend downward from the left and right second sleeve mounting portions 123 a and 123 b, respectively, to rear lower hem portion 123 e. The left and right second front- rear mounting portions 123 c and 123 d are fixed by sutures to respective ones of the first front- rear mounting portions 121 b and 122 b of the left and right front panels 121 and 122, and are also fixed by sutures to the side panels 126 and 127.
The rear lower hem portion 123 e of the back panel 123 extends between the bottom edges of the left and right second front- rear mounting portions 123 c and 123 d. The second neckline portion 123 f is formed as a projection that extends upward between the upper ends of the left and right second front- rear mounting portions 123 c and 123 d.
The second sleeve mounting portions 123 a and 123 b 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 123 c and 123 d. The second front- rear mounting portions 123 c and 123 d are configured with a curved line that is slightly concaved inward. The rear lower hem portion 123 e 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 123 f projects upward and has a concave circular contour.
As shown in the lower left in FIGS. 8, 9 and 10, the left and right sleeve panels 124 and 125 are short sleeves that are symmetrical to one another (left and right hand mirror images of one another). The sleeve panels 124 and 125 are dimensioned to at least partially define the shoulder covering areas 14′ of the cycling jersey 110. Specifically, the sleeve panels 124 and 125 at least partially cover shoulders of the cyclist C along with the left and right front panels 121 and 122 and the back panel 23.
The sleeve panels 124 and 125 basically include sleeve edges 124 a and 125 a, first sleeve forming portions 124 b and 125 b, second sleeve forming portions 124 c and 125 c, back connecting suture portions 124 d and 125 d, and front connecting suture portions 124 e and 125 e.
The first sleeve forming portions 124 b and 125 b and the second sleeve forming portions 124 c and 125 c extend and curve away from the sleeve edges 124 a and 125 a. The first sleeve forming portions 124 b and 125 b 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 124 d and 125 d extend from the second sleeve forming portions 124 c and 125 c and are sutured to the second sleeve mounting portions 123 a and 123 b at respective sides of the back panel 123. The front connecting suture portions 124 e and 125 e extend between the first sleeve forming portions 124 b and 125 b and the back connecting suture portions 124 d and 125 d, respectively.
The sleeve edges 124 a and 125 a are configured with generally straight edges to partially form the end of the sleeves of the cycling jersey 110. The first sleeve forming portions 124 b and 125 b and the second sleeve forming portions 124 c and 125 c are slightly concaved, as shown in FIG. 8 and extend from opposite ends of respective sleeve edges 124 a and 125 a. The first sleeve forming portions 124 b and 125 b are shorter than the second sleeve forming portions 124 c and 125 c.
The front connecting suture portions 124 e and 125 e are curved to conform to the sleeve mounting portions 121 a and 122 b 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 126 a and 127 a, second connecting portions 126 b and 127 b, third sleeve bottom portions 126 c and 127 c, fourth sleeve bottom portions 126 d and 127 d, bottom sleeve edges 126 e and 127 e and side lower hem portions 126 f and 127 f.
The first connecting portions 126 a and 127 a are sutured to the first front- rear mounting portions 121 b and 122 b of the front panels 121 and 122. The second connecting portions 126 b and 127 b are sutured to the second front- rear mounting portions 123 c and 123 d of the back panel 123. The third sleeve bottom portions 126 c and 127 c are sutured to respective first sleeve forming portions 124 b and 125 b of the sleeve panels 124 and 125. The fourth sleeve bottom portions 126 d and 127 d are sutured to respective second sleeve forming portions 124 c and 125 c of the sleeve panels 124 and 125, thereby forming sleeves of the cycling jersey 110. The bottom sleeve edges 126 e and 127 e along with the sleeve edges 124 a and 125 a of the sleeve panels 124 and 125 form a sleeve edge or cuff of the cycling jersey 110.
The side lower hem portions 126 f and 127 f along with the front lower hem portions 121 e and 122 e of the front panels 121 and 122 and the rear lower hem portion 123 e 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 124 e and 125 e of the sleeve panels 124 and 125 and the first sleeve mounting portions 121 a and 122 a 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 FIGS. 8 and 10.
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 FIG. 8, the non-stretching portions 112 do not necessarily need to extend the entire length of the seam between respective ones of the front panels 121 and 122 and respective ones of the sleeve panels 124 and 125. As shown in FIG. 8, the non-stretching portions 112 extends from at least the top of the shoulder covering areas 14′ of the cycling jersey 110 (from the back panel 123) to approximately a mid-point in the seam between the front connecting suture portions 124 e and 125 e of the sleeve panels 124 and 125 and first sleeve mounting portions 121 a and 122 a of the front panels 121 and 122. The non-stretching portions 112 are not limited to the length depicted. Depending upon the fabric used and the desired cycling jersey requirements, the non-stretching portions 112 can be longer or shorter than shown in FIG. 8. The remainder of the seams between the front panels 121 and 122 and the sleeve panels 124 and 125 have stitching that is more flexible and stretchable in accordance with stitching or sutures in the other seams between the various panels of the cycling jersey 110.

Fourth Embodiment

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 FIGS. 11 and 12. In the fourth embodiment, a cycling jersey 110′ is depicted that includes the back panel 123, sleeve panels 124 and 125, side panels 126 and 127 and neck panel 130 as described above with respect to the third embodiment depicted in FIGS. 8, 9 and 10. However, in the fourth embodiment, the front panel 120′ is a single piece of fabric and has no mechanical zipper.
The front panel 120′ includes a left and right sleeve mounting portions 121 a′ and 122 a′, first front-rear mounting portions 121 b′ and 122 b′, neckline portion 121 c′ and front lower hem portion 121 e′. 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 121 a′ and 122 a′ are sutured or stitched to respective ones of the front connecting suture portions 124 e and 125 e of the sleeve panels 124 and 124. The first front-rear mounting portions 121 b′ and 122 b′ are sutured or stitched to respective ones of the first connecting portions 126 a and 127 a of the side panels 126 and 127. The neckline portion 121 c′ is sutured to the neck panel 130. The front lower hem portion 121 e′ along with the side lower hem portions 126 f and 127 f and the rear lower hem portion 123 e 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 Embodiment

A 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 FIGS. 13 and 14 that very similar to the cycling jersey 110 of the third embodiment. For example, the cycling jersey 210 includes the front portion 120 (front panels 121 and 122), the back panel 123, the sleeve panels 124 and 125, the side panels 126 and 127 and the neck panel 130 as described above with respect to the third embodiment depicted in FIGS. 8, 9 and 10. However, in the fifth embodiment the non-stretching portions are non-stretching panels 212. Each non-stretching panel 212 includes a first side 212 a and a second side 212 b. The first side 212 a defines a first stitching portion and the second side 212 b defines a second stitching portion, as shown in FIG. 13.
The first side 212 a of the non-stretching panels 212 are fixed or sutured to respective front connecting suture portions 124 e and 125 e of the sleeve panels 124 and 125. The second side 212 b of the non-stretching panels 212 are fixed or sutured to respective sleeve mounting portions 121 a and 122 a 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 Embodiment

A 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 FIGS. 13 and 14. In the sixth embodiment, non-stretching panels 212′ are not inserted into the seams between the front panels 121 and 122 and the sleeve panels 124 and 125. Rather, the non-stretching panels 212′ overlay a portion of the seam between the front panels 121 and 122 and the sleeve panels 124 and 125. Further, the non-stretching panels 212′ also overlay at least one or the other of a portion of the front panels 121 and 122 and the sleeve panels 124 and 125. At the very least, the non-stretching panels 212′ are sutured to the respective portions of the front panels 121 and 122 and the sleeve panels 124 and 125.

Seventh Embodiment

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 FIG. 15, a cycling jersey 210″ is shown that includes the non-stretching panels 212 as set forth in the fifth embodiment described above. However, a front panel 120′ of the cycling jersey 210″ is formed from a single piece of fabric and is therefore without a mechanical zipper. All other panels of the cycling jersey 210″ are otherwise the same as in the fifth embodiment.
Further, the non-stretching panels 212 are the same as in the fifth embodiment. Specifically, the first side 212 a of the non-stretching panels 212 are fixed or sutured to respective front connecting suture portions 124 e and 125 e of the sleeve panels 124 and 125. The second side 212 b of the non-stretching panels 212 are fixed or sutured to respective sleeve mounting portions 121 a and 122 a of the front panels 121 and 122.

Eighth Embodiment

An 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 FIG. 15.
As shown in FIG. 12, a cycling jersey 210′″ is shown that includes the non-stretching panels 212′ as set forth in the sixth embodiment described above and the front panel 120′ of the seventh embodiment, formed from a single piece of fabric without a mechanical zipper. All other panels of the cycling jersey 210′″ are otherwise the same as in the seventh embodiment except that the non-stretching panels 212′ are not inserted into the seams between the front panel 120′ and the sleeve panels 124 and 125. Rather, the non-stretching panels 212′ overlay a portion of the respective seams between the front panel 120 and the sleeve panels 124 and 125 and are sutured to the respective portions of the front panel 120 and the sleeve panels 124 and 125.
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:

12. The cycling jersey according to claim 11, wherein

13. The cycling jersey according to claim 8, further comprising:

14. The cycling jersey according to claim 13, wherein