WO2013024233A1

WO2013024233A1 - A garment

Info

Publication number: WO2013024233A1
Application number: PCT/GB2011/001218
Authority: WO
Inventors: Sari CAVANNA; Wendy Williams
Original assignee: Green Baby Trading Limited
Priority date: 2011-08-15
Filing date: 2011-08-15
Publication date: 2013-02-21

Abstract

The present application relates to a reversible garment (1; 101; 201) having a body portion (3; 103; 203). The body portion comprising at least first, second and third body panels (15, 17, 23, 25; 115, 117, 123, 125). The body panels can each be arranged so that each side of each body panel can be positioned on an exterior of the garment. The first and second body panels are joined together to form a first layer (A; A') and the third body panel is joined to the first layer by a first seam (10; 110). The first and third body panels extend from the first seam in a first direction and the second body panel extends from said first seam in a second direction. The first direction is opposite to the second direction. The application also relates to a garment having a joining tape (T) provided between first, second and third body panels (215, 217, 223, 225). The application also relates to methods of assembling a reversible garment.

Description

A GARMENT

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a reversible garment. In particular, the present invention relates to a garment which can be worn in a variety of different configurations. The present invention also relates to a method of manufacturing a reversible garment. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

It is known to provide reversible garments. Traditionally, these have taken the form of garments which can be turned outside to change their appearance. For example, it is known from US 2,890,460 to provide a reversible T-shirt having front and back panels each with a two-ply configuration. A similar two-ply reversible garment is known from GB 541,770.

US 3,574,237 discloses a garment made of a plurality of skirts have different patterns on each side positioned one inside the other. The skirts each have a series of loops provided at the waist portion and these are positioned on a belt. The order of the skirts can be changed or they can be reversed by turning the entire skirt inside out.

It is also known from US 4,078,265 and US 4,296,498 to provide athletic jerseys having a reversible panel. Also, a layered stage garment adapted to enable an actor to change their appearance is known from US 1,695,590.

US 5,029,344 discloses a pullover comprising two body panels joined along their bottom edges to provide a reversible garment.

A reversible garment which can be arranged in multiple configurations is known form International Patent Application No. PCT/IL2004/000708. The garment is made up of at least three body panels joined at the sides and the shoulders. The panels have different shapes and patterns. Thus, the shape and the appearance of the garment can be changed by turning it inside out.

Japanese patent application JP 2006-200053 discloses a reversible garment having first and second panels sewn to each other in layers to be reversibly wearable, and a third panel sewn up to a neckline. The obverse side of the garment can be selected from the three panels when the garment is put on.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Viewed from a first aspect, the present invention relates to a reversible garment having a body portion, the body portion comprising at least first, second and third body panels, each side of each body panel being selectively positionable on an exterior of the garment; the first and second body panels being joined together to form a first layer and the third body panel being joined to the first layer by a first seam; wherein the first and third body panels extend from said first seam in a first direction and the second body panel extends from said first seam in a second direction, the first direction being opposite to said second direction.

The configuration of the garment can be altered by turning it inside out and optionally also back to front. The outwardly facing (obverse) sides of the garment can be selected from each side of the first, second, third and fourth body panels. Thus, the appearance and/or functionality of the garment may be changed.

The third body panel is attached to the first layer by the first seam. The third body panel may be positioned adjacent either the first body panel or the second body panel. The first seam can have a low profile and may sit flush against the second and third body panels. The first seam may be a flat seam.

The first layer can be a substantially continuous ply of material. The first and second body panels could be formed integrally, for example from a single piece of material.

Alternatively, the first body panel may be joined to the second body panel by a second seam to form the first layer. The second seam can have a low profile and may sit flush against the first and second body panels. The second seam may be a flat seam such that the first and second body panels are arranged substantially co-planar.

The garment may comprise a fourth body panel. The third and fourth body panels could be formed integrally, for example from a single piece of material. Alternatively, the third body panel may be joined to the fourth body panel by a third seam to form a second layer. The second layer can be a substantially continuous ply of material. The third seam can have a low profile and may sit flush against the third and fourth body panels. The third seam may be a flat seam such that the third and fourth body panels are arranged substantially co-planar.

The first seam can attach the first layer (consisting of the joined first and second body panels) to the second layer (consisting of the joined third and fourth body panels). The garment could be worn with three body panels positioned at the front to provide additional insulation, for example when worn under a jacket. The first and second body panels can be folded over each other to extend away from the first seam in said second direction. The third and fourth body panels can be folded over each other to extend away from the first seam in said first direction. This can render the garment more comfortable to wear. Also, the fit and/or the appearance of the garment may remain substantially unchanged when the different configurations are selected.

The first, second and/or third seams may be an overarm seam or a shoulder seam. An overarm seam may extend from a neck of the body portion to a cuff (or partway from the neck towards the cuff). In an exemplary embodiment, the first seam is an overarm seam and the second seam is a shoulder seam. If present, the third seam may also be a shoulder seam.

The seams could be offset from each other. Alternatively, the first seam can be substantially coincident with at least a portion of the second seam and/or at least a portion of the third seam. This arrangement can help to strengthen the join between the respective body panels. The first seam may partially or completely overlap the second seam and/or the third seam.

One or more of said first, second and third seams may be formed by stitching. The seam(s) may be three or four thread over locking, chain stitching, lock stitching and/or flat lock (also referred to as a cover seam) stitched seams. These seams have a relatively low profile and provide an acceptable appearance on both sides. The inventors have recognised that these types of seams are particularly well suited for the reversible garment according to the present invention.

To increase the number of wearable configurations, the shape of some or all of the body panels may be substantially identical. This allows the garment to be worn with each panel positionable at the front and back. Alternatively, the panels could be tailored for a particular orientation (so that each panel is intended to be worn specifically at either the front or back of the garment).

The body panels can each consist of a single ply of cloth forming a blank.

Alternatively, a tubular member can form pairs of the body panels. For example, a front section and a back section of a first tubular member can define the first and second body panels respectively; and/or a front section and a back section of a second tubular member can define the third and fourth body panels respectively. Alternatively, a front section and a back section of a first tubular member can define the first and third body panels respectively; and/or a front section and a back section of a second tubular member can define the second and fourth body panels respectively. The second seam and/or the third seam can be formed in a shoulder region of the garment and form overarm or shoulder seams to join the tubular members. The tubular members can be knitted cloth tubes. A combination of a tubular member to form first and second body panels and a separate ply of cloth to form one or more further body panel(s) is also contemplated.

Viewed from a further aspect, the present invention relates to a method of fabricating a reversible garment having a body portion, the body portion comprising at least first, second and third body panels, each side of each body panel being selectively positionable on an exterior of the garment; the first and second body panels being joined together to form a first layer and the third body panel being joined to the first layer by a first seam; the method comprising forming a first seam to join the third body panel to the first and second body panels; wherein the first and third body panels extend from said first seam in a first direction and the second body panel extends from said first seam in a second direction, the first direction being opposite to said second direction.

The first layer can be formed from a single ply of material defining the first and second body panels. Alternatively, the first and second body panels can be formed from separate pieces of material. The first layer can be formed by joining the first and second body panels along a second seam prior to forming the first seam.

The third body panel may be joined to a fourth body panel along a third seam to form a second layer. The method can comprise the step of substantially aligning the second and third seams and then forming said first seam to join the first, second, third and fourth body panels.

The first body panel can overlie the third body panel; and the second body panel can overlie the fourth body panel. The first and third body panels can extend in said first direction and the second and fourth body panels can extend in said second direction.

The first and second body panels can be folded over each other to extend away from the first seam in said second direction. The third and fourth body panels can be folded over each other to extend away from the first seam in said first direction. The first seam could be formed through the folded over portions of said first and second body panels and/or said third and fourth body panels. The first seam could secure folded over portions of the respective body panels.

The position of the first, second and third seams can be adjusted as required. For example, the seams can be offset in relation to each other. Alternatively, the first seam can be substantially coincident with at least a portion of the second seam and/or at least a portion of the third seam.

One or more of said first, second and third seams can be stitched seams. The seam(s) may be three or four thread over locking, chain stitching, lock stitching and/or flat lock (also referred to as a cover seam) stitched seams.

The first seam, second seam and/or third seam can form armhole, overarm or shoulder seams in the garment. In an exemplary embodiment, the first seam is an overarm seam and the second seam is a shoulder seam. If present, the third seam may also be a shoulder seam.

The body panels can each consist of a single ply of cloth. The body panels can then be joined by the second and third seams to form the first and second layers.

The method can comprise the step of substantially aligning the second and third seams and then forming said first seam to join the first, second, third and fourth body panels. The first layer can be positioned inside the second layer and the first seam formed to join the layers together. Alternatively, the first layer can be positioned so as to overlie the second layer and the first seam formed to join them together. In a further alternative, the first and second layers can be arranged with the second and third seams juxtaposed (for example arranged shoulder-to-shoulder) before forming the first seam.

The method can optionally comprise the further step of forming one or more side seams to join the first and second tubular members.

A releasable fastener, such as a zip or a hook and loop fastener could be used to join the sides of the body panels. Alternatively, one or more side seams can be formed to join the body panels. The one or more side seams can be formed using three or four thread over locking, chain stitching, lock stitching and/or flat lock stitched seams.

In an alternate embodiment, a tubular member can form pairs of the body panels. For example, a front section and a back section of a first tubular member can define the first and second body panels respectively; and/or a front section and a back section of a second tubular member can define the third and fourth body panels respectively. The second and third seams can be shoulder seams which join the fronts and backs of each tubular member. The method can optionally further comprise the step of attaching a pair of arms to each tubular member by forming respective armhole seams.

Viewed from a further aspect, the present invention relates to a reversible garment having a body portion, the body portion comprising a first tubular member defining first and second body panels, and a second tubular member defining third and fourth body panels, each side of each body panel being selectively positionable on an exterior of the garment; wherein the first and second tubular members are joined by at least a first seam. The first seam can be, for example, an overarm seam, a shoulder seam or a side seam.

Viewed from a yet further aspect, the present invention relates to a method of fabricating a reversible garment having a body portion, the body portion comprising a first tubular member defining first and second body panels, and a second tubular member defining third and fourth body panels, each side of each body panel being selectively positionable on an exterior of the garment; the method comprising forming a first seam to join the first and second tubular members. The first seam can be an overarm seam, a shoulder seam or a side seam.

The first tubular member can be positioned inside the second tubular member. Alternatively, the first tubular member can be positioned so as to overlie the second tubular member. Alternatively, the first and second tubular members can be juxtaposed along a common edge (for example shoulder-to-shoulder) and the first seam formed to join them together.

The first and second tubular members can be conventional knitted cloth tubes.

The body portion of the garment described herein operatively covers at least a portion of a torso of a wearer. The garment could have a single shoulder, but typically has two shoulders. The shoulder seams are located at the respective shoulders of the garment and typically may help define the profile of the garment. The body panels can be formed from a knitted or woven cloth or fabric.

Viewed from a further aspect, the present invention relates to a reversible garment having a body portion, the body portion comprising at least first, second and third body panels, each side of each body panel being selectively positionable on an exterior of the garment; the first and second body panels being attached to a joining member by a first seam to form a first layer, and the third body panel being attached to said joining member by a second seam; wherein the first and second seams are offset from each other. The first seam and the second seam may be side seams or shoulder seams.

Viewed from a yet further aspect, the present invention relates to a method of fabricating a reversible garment having a body portion, the body portion comprising at least first, second and third body panels, each side of each body panel being selectively positionable on an exterior of the garment; the method comprising forming a first seam to attach a first side of each of the first and second body panels to a first joining member to form a first layer; and forming a second seam to attach a first edge of the third body panel to the joining member; wherein the first and second seams are offset from each other.

The method can further include the step of attaching a fourth body panel to the first joining member. The third and fourth body panels may both be attached to the first joining member by said second seam.

The method can include the step of turning the first layer inside out to expose a length of the first joining member. The third body panel and/or the fourth body panel can be attached to the first joining member by said second seam after the first layer has been turned inside out.

The first and second body panels could be formed integrally, for example from a single ply of material. Alternatively, the first and second body panels can be separate panels. A second edge of each of the first and second body panels can be attached to a second joining member by a third seam. A second edge of the third body panel can be attached to the second joining member by a fourth seam. The third and fourth seams may be offset from each other.

The method can include the further step of turning the first layer inside out to expose a length of the second joining member. The third body panel can be attached to the second joining member by said fourth seam after the first layer has been turned inside out.

The joining member employed in the garment or the method of fabricating a garment can, for example, be an elongate strip, a tape or a length of piping.

The first and second directions as defined herein refer to the positioning of a major surface of the respective body panels in relation to the first seam.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Preferred embodiments of the present invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the following drawings: Figures 1A and IB show front and side views of a reversible garment accord to a first embodiment of the present invention.

Figures 2A and 2B show the front and back respectively of a first layer of the reversible garment according to the present invention;

Figures 3A and 3B show the front and back respectively of a second layer for combination with the first layer illustrated in Figure 2;

Figure 4 shows the first layer positioned over the second layer during fabrication of the reversible garment according to the first embodiment;

Figure 5A is a schematic illustrating the arrangement of the first and second layers in the reversible garment according to the first embodiment;

Figure 5B is a schematic illustrating a modified arrangement of the first and second layers in the reversible garment according to the first embodiment;

Figure 6A shows a reversible garment according to a second embodiment;

Figures 6B and 6C are schematics illustrating the shoulder and side seams respectively of the garment according to the second embodiment;

Figures 7A-C show the steps for assembling a first layer of the reversible garment according to the second embodiment;

Figures 8A-C show the steps for assembling a second layer of the reversible garment according to the second embodiment;

Figures 9A-E show the steps for assembling a reversible garment according to a third embodiment; and

Figure 10 shows a table illustrating a selection of the seams that can be employed in the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

A reversible garment 1 according to a first embodiment of the present invention will now be described with reference to Figures 1 to 5. In the present embodiment the garment 1 is a T-shirt but it will be appreciated that the invention can be applied to other types of garments, including long-sleeve T-shirts, T-shirt dresses, shirts and pullovers.

As shown in Figures 1A and IB, the garment 1 comprises a body portion 3, a left arm 5 and a right arm 7. In use, the body portion 3 is positioned over the torso of the wearer. A neck 9 is provided in the body portion 3, and a cuff 11, 13 is formed at the end of each arm 5, 7. The neck 9 could comprise a rib, a binding, a trim or a raw edge, for example The garment 1 is made up of first and second layers A_; B of knitted cloth joined together by a pair of (layer joining) overarm seams 10, and a pair of (layer joining) side seams 12. The overarm seams 10 each comprise a shoulder seam and an arm seam extending along the centre of the arm 5, 7 to the cuff 11, 13. The arrangement of the first and second layers A, B to produce the garment 1 is described herein.

As illustrated in Figures 2A and 2B, the first layer A comprises a first body panel 15, a second body panel 17 and a pair of first arm panels 19. A first neck 9A is formed by the first and second body panels 15, 17 in conventional manner. The first arm panels 19 each have conventional cuffs 11A, 13A. The first body panel 15 and the second body panel 17 are joined along two first (panel joining) shoulder seams 20.

The arm panels 19 are attached to the first and second body panels 15, 17 by two armhole seams 21. A pair of first (panel joining) intermediate side seams 22 joins the first and second body panels 15, 17 along their sides. The first shoulder seams 20, and optionally also the first armhole seams 21 and the first side seams 22, are stitched flatlock seams (also referred to as a cover seam) or overlocked seams.

The first body panel 15 has a first side Al and a second side A2 (as shown in Figure 2A); and the second body panel 17 has a first side A3 and a second side A4 (as shown in Figure 2B). The first and second body panels 15, 17 can be made from the same material or from different materials. Furthermore, different decorative designs, such as prints and embroidery, can be applied to the first and second body panels 15, 17. For example, a print could be applied to the first side Al of the first body panel 15 and this would be partially visible through the cloth on the second side A2 (so-called bleed-through). Equally, the first and second body panels 15, 17 could be made of cloths having different colours or patterns.

As illustrated in Figures 3A and 3B, the second layer B comprises a third body panel

23, a fourth body panel 25 and a pair of second arm panels 27. A second neck 9B is formed by the third and fourth body panels 23, 25 in conventional manner. The second arm panels 27 each have conventional cuffs llB, 13B. The third body panel 23 and the fourth body panel 25 are joined along two second (panel joining) shoulder seams 28.

The second arm panels 27 are attached to the third and fourth body panels 23, 25 by second armhole seams 29. A pair of second (panel joining) intermediate side seams 30 join the third and fourth body panels 23, 25 along their sides. The second shoulder seams 28, and optionally also the second armhole seams 29 and the second side seams 30 are stitched flatlock seams.

The third body panel 23 has a first side Bl and a second side B2 (as shown in Figure 3A); and the fourth body panel 25 has a first side B3 and a second side B4 (as shown in Figure 3B). The third and fourth body panels 23, 25 can be made from the same material or from different materials. Furthermore, different decorative designs, such as prints and embroidery, can be applied to each side of the first and second body panels 23, 25. For example, a print could be applied to the first side Bl of the third body panel 23 and this would be partially visible through the cloth on the second side B2. Equally, the third and fourth body panels 21, 23 could be made of cloths having different colours or patterns.

The garment 1 is assembled by positioning the first layer A over the second layer B, as shown in Figure 4. The overarm seams 10 are then formed to join the first layer A to the second layer B. The overarm seams 10 are lock stitch, chain stitch or cover seams and each extend from the neck 9 across the shoulder region of the garment 1 and along the arms 5, 7 to the cuffs 11, 13. The overarm seams 10 are substantially coincident with and may overlap the first and second shoulder seams 20, 28. Thus, the first overarm seams 10 can help to reinforce the first and second shoulder seams 20, 28.

The overarm seams 10 do not extend around the neck 9 or the armhole seams 21, 29. Thus, three adjacent openings are formed at the neck 9 and the cuffs 11 between the adjacent body panels 15, 17, 23, 25.

To complete the garment 1, the side seams 12 are formed from the lower edge of the cuffs 11, 13 to a bottom edge (hem) of the garment 1. A lock stitch, chain stitch or twin needle flatlock stitched seam is used to form the first side seams 12.

A tag or a fold-over label 37 can optionally be provided on the garment 1. The fold- over label 37 could, for example, display a logo or branding.

The garment 1 can be worn in multiple configurations. By turning the garment 1 inside out, each side of each of the body panels 15, 17, 23, 25 can be selectively positioned on the outside of the garment 1. Employing different designs for the body panels 15, 17, 23, 25 (for example, different colours and/or patterns) allows the appearance of the garment 1 to be altered. The fold-over label 37 remains visible in at least two of said configurations. The four body panels 15, 17, 23, 25 of the present embodiment can be arranged in a total of four different configurations by turning the garment 1 inside out through each of the different openings formed in the neck. The number of configurations can be doubled if the body panels 15, 17, 23, 25 are each shaped to allow them to be worn at the front or back of the garment 1 so the garment can be turned round in each configuration. Similarly, adding more body panels 15, 17, 23, 25 will increase the total number of possible variations.

The first and second shoulder seams 20, 28 are overlocked or flatlock stitched seams.

This arrangement may reduce the cumulative thickness of the seams and help improve the wearability of the garment. Moreover, the appearance of the flatlock stitched seams is similar from both sides so would not differ considerably when the garment 1 is reversed.

As shown in Figure 5A, the first and third body panels 15, 23 extend in a first direction away from the overarm seam 10, and the second and fourth body panels 17, 25 extend away from the first overarm seam in a second direction opposite to the first direction. The first and second body panels 15, 23 are folded within the first shoulder seam 20 to extend away from the overarm seam 10 in said second direction. Conversely, the third and fourth body panels 23, 25 are folded within the second shoulder seam 30 to extend away from the overarm seam 10 in said first direction. This arrangement can help to reduce the overall thickness of the overarm seam 10.

It will be understood that the orientation of the body panels 15, 17, 23, 25 may change when the garment 1 is being worn since they can be folded back on themselves.

However, the arrangement of the body panels 15, 17, 23, 25 in relation to the seam remains unchanged.

The seam 10 is illustrated by a dashed line in Figure 5A which represents the centreline of the seam. If the seam is formed using a plurality of needles (for example two or three needles), stitches will be formed on each side of the illustrated centreline. This approach for illustrating the seams is used throughout the present application.

A modification of the garment 1 according to the first embodiment would be to omit the first body panel 15. The resulting seam arrangement is illustrated in Figure 5B.

A garment 101 according to a second embodiment of the present invention is illustrated in Figures 6A-C, 7A-C and 8. The garment 101 is a T-shirt but the features may be employed in other types of garment. As shown in Figure 6A₍ the garment 101 comprises a body portion 103, a left arm 105 and a right arm 107. A neck 109 is provided in the body portion 103, and a cuff 111, 113 is formed at the end of each arm 105, 107. The body portion 103 of the garment 101 comprises a first layer A' formed by a first tube of knitted cloth; and a second layer B' formed from a second tube of knitted cloth. The first and second layers A', B' within are joined together by a pair of (layer joining) overarm seams 110 and a pair of (layer joining) side seams 112. The arrangement of the first and second layers A', B' will now be described in greater detail. As shown in Figures 7A-C, the first layer A' comprises integrally formed first and second body panels 115, 117 which form a first layer. Two first arm panels 119 are attached to the first layer A'.

The first body panel 115 and the second body panel 117 are formed by the front and back of the first tube forming the first layer A'. A pair of first (panel joining) shoulder seams 120 is formed to join the first and second body panels 115, 117 along their shoulders. The first arm panels 119 are attached by armhole seams 121. The first shoulder seams 120 and optionally also the first armhole seams 121 are stitched lock stitch, chain stitch or flatlock seams.

As shown in Figures 8A-C, the second tube B' comprises integrally formed third and fourth body panels 123, 125 which form a second layer. Two second arm panels 127 are attached to the first tube A'

The third body panel 123 and the fourth body panel 125 are formed by the front and back of the second tube forming the second layer B'. A pair of second (panel joining) shoulder seams 128 is formed to join the third and fourth body panels 123, 125 along their shoulders. The first arm panels 127 are attached by armhole seams 129. The second shoulder seams 128 and optionally also the armhole seams 129 are stitched overlock, lock stitched or flatlock seams.

The completed second layer B' is positioned inside the completed first layer A'. The first body panel 115 lies over the third body panel 123; and the second body panel 117 lies over the fourth body panel 125. The overarm seams 110 are then formed to join the first layer A' to the second layer B'. The overarm seams 110 each extend from the neck 109 across the shoulder region of the garment 101 and along the arms 105, 107 to the cuffs 111, 113. The overarm seams 110 are substantially coincident with and overlap the first and second shoulder seams 120, 128. A cross-sectional view of the overarm seam 110 is shown in Figure 6B and a corss- sectional view of the side seam 112 is shown in Figure 6C.

The overarm seams 110 do not extend around the neck 109 or the armhole seams 121, 129. Thus, three adjacent openings are formed at the neck 109 and the cuffs 111 between the adjacent body panels 115, 117, 123, 125.

To complete the garment 101, the side seams 112 are formed. The side seams 112 are under arm seams and extend from the lower edge of the cuffs 111, 113 to a bottom edge of the garment 101. The side seams 112 can be lock stitched or chain stitched or coverstitch seams.

The garment 101 can be worn in multiple configurations in the same way as the garment 1 according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

A reversible garment 201 according to a third embodiment of the present invention will now be described with reference to Figures 9A-E. The garment 201 is a modified version of the garment 1 according to the first embodiment. The illustrated garment 201 is a T-shirt but it could be a different garment.

The garment 201 comprises a body portion 203, a left arm 205 and a right arm 207. A neck 209 is provided in the body portion 203, and a cuff 211, 213 is formed at the end of each arm 205, 207. The garment 1 is made up of first and second layers A", B" of knitted cloth joined together by a pair of (layer joining) overarm seams 210. The overarm seams 210 each comprise a shoulder seam and an arm seam extending along the length of the respective arms 205, 207. The arrangement of the first and second layers A", B" to fabricate the garment 201 will now be described.

As shown in Figure 9A, the first layer A" comprises a first body panel 215, a second body panel 217 and two first arm panels 219. The first body panel 215 and the second body panel 217 are joined by two first (panel joining) shoulder seams 221.

The garment 201 according to the present embodiment differs from the earlier embodiments insofar as a strip of tape T is provided down each side of the first layer A" between the first and second body panels 215, 217. Rather than attach the first and second body panels 215, 217 directly to each other, each side of the body panels 215, 217 is attached to the tape T by a first intermediate side seam 222, as shown in the cross- sectional view in Figure 9B. The first side seam 222 can be overlocked, lockstitch or chainstitch. When the first side seams 222 have been formed, a section of the tape T projects inwardly towards the inside of the first layer A". As shown in Figure 9C, the first layer A" is then turned inside out to expose the tape T for attaching the second layer B" (as described below).

5 As shown in Figure 9D, the second layer B" comprises a third body panel 223, a fourth body panel 225 and two second arm panels 227. The third body panel 223 and the fourth body panel 225 are joined by two second (panel joining) shoulder seams 229. The third and fourth body panels 223, 225 are not joined along their sides at this stage.

To assemble the garment 201, the first layer A" is turned inside out to expose the

10 tape T (as outlined above). The second layer B" is then placed over the first layer A" such that the first and third body panels 215, 223 overlap, and the second and fourth body panels 217, 225 overlap. The first overarm seams 210 are then formed to join the first layer A" to the second layer B". Each side of the third and fourth body panels 223, 225 is then attached to the exposed section of the tape T by a second intermediate side seam

15 230, as shown in the cross-sectional view in Figure 9D. Thus, the sides of the third and fourth body panels 223, 225 are attached to the tape T rather than directly to each other. The second intermediate side seams 230 can be overlocked, lock stitched or twin needle chainstitch seams.

As illustrated in the cross-sectional view of Figure 9E, the tape T in the assembled 20 garment 201 acts as an intermediary between the first and second layers A", B". It will be appreciated that a length of piping or other elongate member may be employed in place of the tape T.

The garment 201 according to the third embodiment can be reversed and inverted in the same way as the garments 1, 101 according to the first and second embodiments.

25 A variety of different techniques can be used to form the seams incorporated into the present invention. A selection of these seams are illustrated in Table A shown in Figure 10. The referenced seam types are consistent with the standards (i) BS 3870-1:1991, ISO 4915:1991, "Stitches and seams. Classification and terminology of stitch types", Status: Current, Published: November 1991; and (ii) BS 3870-2:1991, ISO 4916:1991, "Stitches and

30 seams. Classification and terminology of seam types", Status: Current, Under review,

Published: November 1991. It will be appreciated that various changes and modifications can be made to the garments described herein without departing from the scope of the claimed invention. For example, to increase the functionality of the garments, one or more high visibility or reflective panels (not shown) could be provided on one or more of the body panels. The garments could be configured selectively to display the high visibility of reflective panels and increase the garment's visibility, for example when the wearer is cycling or jogging.

Furthermore, if different materials are used for the body panels the physical characteristics of the garments can be changed. For example, an athletic or performance garment could contain first and second body panels made from a wicking material and third and fourth body panels made from a thermal insulating material. The desired properties of the garment could then be changed to meet the wearer's needs at a particular time.

Alternately, one or more body panels could be formed from one or more of the following material categories: windproof, waterproof or breathable. For example, the first and second body panels could be formed from a waterproof material to allow the garments to be selectively transformed into a waterproof garment. The seams may be welded or bonded together (in addition to, or instead of stitching) to provide a waterproof join.

Also, to further enhance the differences between the various configurations, contrasting colours of thread can be employed for forming the seams in each layer and/or to join the layers.

One or more of the body panels could be openable. A releasable fastener, such as a zip, button, or hook and loop fastener could be provided to allow the body panels to be opened.

There is also an alternative method for assembling a garment according to the present invention. The assembled first and second layers can be arranged next to each other with the first and second (panel joining) shoulder seams juxtaposed. The (layer joining) overarm seams can then be formed to join the first and second layers together. One of the layers can then be turned inside out so as to encompass the other layer. The side seams may then be formed to complete the garment.

Claims

CLAIMS:

1. A reversible garment having a body portion, the body portion comprising at least first, second and third body panels, each side of each body panel being selectively positionable on an exterior of the garment; the first and second body panels being joined together to form a first layer and the third body panel being joined to the first layer by a first seam; wherein the first and third body panels extend from said first seam in a first direction and the second body panel extends from said first seam in a second direction, the first direction being opposite to said second direction.

2. A reversible garment as claimed in claim 1, wherein the first body panel is joined to the second body panel by a second seam to form said first layer; and/or the third body panel is joined to a fourth body panel by a third seam to form a second layer.

3. A reversible garment as claimed in claim 2, wherein the first seam is substantially coincident with at least a portion of the second seam and/or at least a portion of the third seam.

4. A reversible garment as claimed in any one of claims 1, 2 or 3, wherein the first and second body panels are folded over each other to extend away from the first seam in said second direction; and/or the third and fourth body panels are folded over each other to extend away from the first seam in said first direction.

5. A reversible garment as claimed in claim 1, wherein a front section and a back section of a first tubular member define the first and second body panels respectively; and/or a front section and a back section of a second tubular member define the third body panel and a fourth body panel respectively.

6. A reversible garment as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein one or more of said first, second and third seams comprises: a three or four thread over locking seam; a chain stitching seam; a lock stitching seam; or a flat lock seam.

7. A reversible garment as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the first seam is an over arm seam; and the second seam is a shoulder seam.

8. A method of fabricating a reversible garment having a body portion, the body portion comprising at least first, second and third body panels, each side of each body panel being selectively positionable on an exterior of the garment; the first and second body panels being joined together to form a first layer and the third body panel being joined to the first layer by a first seam; the method comprising forming a first seam to join the third body panel to the first and second body panels; wherein the first and third body panels extend from said first seam in a first direction and the second body panel extends from said first seam in a second direction, the first direction being opposite to said second direction.

9. A method as claimed in claim 8, wherein the first layer is formed by joining the first and second body panels along a second seam prior to forming the first seam.

10. A method as claimed in claim 9, wherein the third body panel is joined to a fourth body panel along a third seam to form a second layer; the method comprising the step of positioning the second layer inside the first layer or positioning the first layer over the second layer and then forming said first seam to join the first, second, third and fourth body panels.

11. A method of forming a reversible garment as claimed in claim 9 or claim 10, wherein the first seam is substantially coincident with at least a portion of the second seam and/or at least a portion of the third seam.

12. A method of forming a reversible garment as claimed in any one of claims 9 to 12, wherein the first and second body panels are folded over each other to extend away from the first seam in said second direction; and/or the third and fourth body panels are folded over each other to extend away from the first seam in said first direction.

13. A method of forming a reversible garment as claimed in any one of claims 9 to 13, wherein a front section and a back section of a first tubular member define the first and second body panels respectively; and/or a front section and a back section of a second tubular member define the third and fourth body panels respectively.

14. A method of forming a reversible garment as claimed in any one of claims 9 to 13, wherein one or more of said first, second and third seams comprises: a three or four thread over locking seam; a chain stitching seam; a lock stitching seam; or a flat lock seam.

15. A reversible garment having a body portion, the body portion comprising a first tubular member defining first and second body panels, and a second tubular member defining third and fourth body panels, each side of each body panel being selectively positionable on an exterior of the garment; wherein the first and second tubular members are joined by at least a first shoulder seam or a first overarm seam.

16. A method of fabricating a reversible garment having a body portion, the body portion comprising a first tubular member defining first and second body panels, and a second tubular member defining third and fourth body panels, each side of each body panel being selectively positionable on an exterior of the garment; the method comprising forming a first shoulder seam or a first overarm seam to join the first and second tubular members.

17. A reversible garment having a body portion, the body portion comprising at least first, second and third body panels, each side of each body panel being selectively positionable on an exterior of the garment; the first and second body panels being attached to a joining member by a first seam to form a first layer, and the third body panel being attached to said joining member by a second seam; wherein the first and second seams are offset from each other.

18. A method of fabricating a reversible garment having a body portion, the body portion comprising at least first, second and third body panels, each side of each body panel being selectively positionable on an exterior of the garment; the method comprising forming a first seam to attach a first side of each of the first and second body panels to a first joining member to form a first layer; and forming a second seam to attach a first edge of the third body panel to the joining member; wherein the first and second seams are offset from each other.

5

19. A method as claimed in claim 18 further comprising the step of attaching a fourth body panel to the first joining member, wherein the third and fourth body panels are both attached to the first joining member by said second seam.

10 20. A method as claimed in claim 18 or claim 19 further comprising the step of turning the first layer inside out to expose a length of the first joining member, the third body panel and/or the fourth body panel being attached to the first joining member by said second seam after the first layer has been turned inside out.

15 21. A method as claimed in any one of claims 18, 19 or 20, wherein a second edge of each of the first and second body panels is attached to a second joining member by a third seam; and a second edge of the third body panel is attached to the second joining member by a fourth seam; the third and fourth seams being offset from each other.

20 22. A method as claimed in claim 21 further comprising the step of turning the first layer inside out to expose a length of the second joining member, the third body panel being attached to the second joining member by said fourth seam after the first layer has been turned inside out.

25 23. A reversible garment as claimed in claim 17 or a method of forming fabricating a reversible garment as claimed in any one of claims 18 to 22, wherein said joining member is an elongate strip, a tape or a length of piping.