WO2023064175A1

WO2023064175A1 - Reflective garments

Info

Publication number: WO2023064175A1
Application number: PCT/US2022/046043
Authority: WO
Inventors: Youjun Liu
Original assignee: Reflective Apparel Factory, Inc.
Priority date: 2021-10-13
Filing date: 2022-10-07
Publication date: 2023-04-20
Also published as: US20240349824A1

Abstract

A garment can include a first fabric panel and a second fabric panel joined to the first fabric panel, the second fabric panel comprising reflective thread, the reflective thread defining a grid pattern including a plurality of first threads parallel to each other and a plurality of second threads parallel to each other and angled with respect to each of the plurality of first threads.

Description

REFLECTIVE GARMENTS

TECHNICAL FIELD

Field of Use

[0001] This disclosure relates to garments. More specifically, this disclosure relates to garments comprising reflective thread.

Related Art

[0002] Garments are useful, including in a work context, for protecting their wearers from surrounding environments and/or communicating to others. Even garments for use in a work context sometimes lack features that can keep a worker comfortable and visible to others, or the construction or functionality of those features is less than ideal.

SUMMARY

[0003] It is to be understood that this summary is not an extensive overview of the disclosure. This summary is exemplary and not restrictive, and it is intended to neither identify key or critical elements of the disclosure nor delineate the scope thereof. The sole purpose of this summary is to explain and exemplify certain concepts of the disclosure as an introduction to the following complete and extensive detailed description.

[0004] In one aspect, disclosed is a garment comprising: a first fabric panel; and a second fabric panel joined to the first fabric panel, the second fabric panel comprising reflective thread, the reflective thread defining a grid pattern comprising a plurality of first threads parallel to each other and a plurality of second threads parallel to each other and angled with respect to each of the plurality of first threads.

[0005] In another aspect, disclosed is a garment comprising: a first fabric panel; and a second fabric panel joined to the first fabric panel, the second fabric panel comprising a reflective material, the reflective material defining a grid pattern comprising: a plurality of first lines parallel to each other, adjacent first lines of the plurality of first lines separated by a first spacing; and a plurality of second lines parallel to each other and angled with respect to each of the plurality of first lines, adjacent first lines of the plurality of second lines separated by a second spacing.

[0006] Various implementations described in the present disclosure may comprise additional systems, methods, features, and advantages, which may not necessarily be expressly disclosed herein but will be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art upon examination of the following detailed description and accompanying drawings. It is intended that all such systems, methods, features, and advantages be included within the present disclosure and protected by the accompanying claims. The features and advantages of such implementations may be realized and obtained by means of the systems, methods, features particularly pointed out in the appended claims. These and other features will become more fully apparent from the following description and appended claims or may be learned by the practice of such exemplary implementations as set forth hereinafter.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0007] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate several aspects of the disclosure and together with the description, serve to explain various principles of the disclosure. The drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale. Corresponding features and components throughout the figures may be designated by matching reference characters for the sake of consistency and clarity.

[0008] Figure 1A is a front perspective view of a garment and, more specifically, a shortsleeve shirt in accordance with one aspect of the current disclosure.

[0009] Figure 1 B is a front view of the garment of Figure 1 A in accordance with another aspect of the current disclosure.

[0010] Figure 1C is a side elevation view of a right sleeve of the garment of Figure 1A in accordance with another aspect of the current disclosure.

[0011] Figure 1 D is a side elevation view of a left sleeve of the garment of Figure 1 A in accordance with another aspect of the current disclosure.

[0012] Figure 2A is a rear perspective view of the garment of Figure 1A.

[0013] Figure 2B is a rear view of the garment of Figure 1 B.

[0014] Figure 3 is a front detail view of collar and yoke areas of the garment of Figure 1 B taken from detail 3 of Figure 1 B.

[0015] Figure 4 is a front detail view of a breast area of the garment of Figure 1 B showing a pair of pockets taken from detail 4 of Figure 1 B.

[0016] Figure 5 is a rear detail view of shoulder and back areas of the garment of Figure 1 B showing back vents defined in the garment and showing also a reflective grid pattern of the garment and taken from detail 5 of Figure 2B.

[0017] Figure 6 is a rear detail view (in front) and also a front detail view (in back) of the garment of Figures 1 B and 2B.

[0018] Figure 7 is a rear detail view showing the reflective grid pattern of Figure 5 taken from detail 7 of Figure 5. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0019] The present disclosure can be understood more readily by reference to the following detailed description, examples, drawings, and claims, and their previous and following description. However, before the present devices, systems, and/or methods are disclosed and described, it is to be understood that this disclosure is not limited to the specific devices, systems, and/or methods disclosed unless otherwise specified, as such can, of course, vary. It is also to be understood that the terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular aspects only and is not intended to be limiting.

[0020] The following description is provided as an enabling teaching of the present devices, systems, and/or methods in their best, currently known aspect. To this end, those skilled in the relevant art will recognize and appreciate that many changes can be made to the various aspects described herein, while still obtaining the beneficial results of the present disclosure. It will also be apparent that some of the desired benefits of the present disclosure can be obtained by selecting some of the features of the present disclosure without utilizing other features. Accordingly, those who work in the art will recognize that many modifications and adaptations to the present disclosure are possible and can even be desirable in certain circumstances and are a part of the present disclosure. Thus, the following description is provided as illustrative of the principles of the present disclosure and not in limitation thereof.

[0021] As used throughout, the singular forms “a,” “an” and “the” include plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Thus, for example, reference to a quantity of one of a particular element can comprise two or more such elements unless the context indicates otherwise. In addition, any of the elements described herein can be a first such element, a second such element, and so forth (e.g., a first widget and a second widget, even if only a “widget” is referenced).

[0022] Ranges can be expressed herein as from “about” one particular value, and/or to “about” another particular value. When such a range is expressed, another aspect comprises from the one particular value and/or to the other particular value. Similarly, when values are expressed as approximations, by use of the antecedent “about” or “substantially,” it will be understood that the particular value forms another aspect. It will be further understood that the endpoints of each of the ranges are significant both in relation to the other endpoint, and independently of the other endpoint.

[0023] For purposes of the current disclosure, a material property or dimension measuring about X or substantially X on a particular measurement scale measures within a range between X plus an industry-standard upper tolerance for the specified measurement and X minus an industry-standard lower tolerance for the specified measurement. Because tolerances can vary between different materials, processes and between different models, the tolerance for a particular measurement of a particular component can fall within a range of tolerances.

[0024] As used herein, the terms “optional” or “optionally” mean that the subsequently described event or circumstance may or may not occur, and that the description comprises instances where said event or circumstance occurs and instances where it does not.

[0025] The word “or” as used herein means any one member of a particular list and also comprises any combination of members of that list. The phrase “at least one of A and B” as used herein means “only A, only B, or both A and B”; while the phrase “one of A and B” means “A or B.”

[0026] To simplify the description of various elements disclosed herein, the conventions of “left,” “right,” “front,” “rear,” “top,” “bottom,” “upper,” “lower,” “inside,” “outside,” “inboard,” “outboard,” “horizontal,” and/or “vertical” may be referenced. Unless stated otherwise, “front” describes that end or side of a garment as worn by its wearer; “rear” is that end or side of the garment that is opposite or distal the front; “left” is that which is to the left of or facing left from the wearer; and “right” is that which is to the right of or facing right from the wearer. “Horizontal” or “horizontal orientation” describes that which is in a plane extending from left to right and aligned with the horizon. “Vertical” or “vertical orientation” describes that which is in a plane that is angled at 90 degrees to the horizontal.

[0027] In one aspect, a garment and associated methods, systems, devices, and various apparatuses are disclosed herein. In one aspect, the garment can comprise one or more fabric panels, one or more of which can comprise a reflective material.

[0028] A reflective material can be any material that is configured to reflect light. In some aspects, the material or a surface thereof can be “retroreflective,” which means that it reflects substantial quantities of incident light — which light would otherwise be reflected elsewhere — back towards the light source. A material or a surface thereof that is “mirror reflective” reflects substantial quantities of incident light in a single direction away from the surface. While a reflective material and, more specifically, its surface generally appears brighter than a non-reflective material, a retroreflective material appears brighter than the mirror reflective material because the light returns in the same direction from which it came such as, for example and without limitation, in the case of an occupant of a car with headlights shining on a stop sign comprising a retroreflective surface on the side of a roadway in an area with little or no ambient light seeing the light reflect back towards the car. A material or a surface thereof that is “diffuse reflective” scatters light reflected off the surface and does not reflect substantial quantities of incident light in any single direction away from the surface. The term “reflective” includes that which is “retroreflective ” and “mirror reflective ” but not that which is “diffuse reflective.

[0029] Figure 1A is a front perspective view of a garment 100 and, more specifically, a short-sleeve shirt in accordance with one aspect of the current disclosure, and Figure 1 B is a front view of the garment 100 of Figure 1A in accordance with another aspect of the current disclosure. The garment 100 can comprise one or more panels 110, each of which can be a fabric panel. More specifically, the garment 100 can comprise a plurality of panels 110 such as, for example and without limitation, panels 110a,b,c. In some aspects, any one or more of the panels such as, for example and without limitation, the panels 110b,c can comprise a reflective material 170 or, more specifically, a reflective material 170a. In some aspects, any one or more of the panels such as, for example and without limitation, the panel 110a can be manufactured without any reflective material. Any of the panels 110 or, more specifically, the exemplary panels 110a,b,c can be joined to itself or to each other. As shown, the garment 100 can comprise sleeves 120a, b, a collar 130, a yoke 140, a closure seam 150, and/or a pocket or pockets 160a, b. The panel 110b can define some or all of the yoke 140, and the panels 110c can define some or all of a side seam or side seam portion of the garment 100. The collar 130 or the closure seam 150 can comprise one or more fasteners 190 such as, for example and without limitation, a button-and-slot combination or a snap assembly to connect one or more panels 110 to itself or to each other. As shown, one or more of the pockets 160a,b can comprise a reflective material 170b at respective upper ends, which can define openings of the respective pockets 160a, b. In some aspects, as shown, the garment 100 can be a shirt. In other aspects, the garment 100 can be another type of garment as desired.

[0030] In some aspects, the reflective materials 170a,b can be the same in appearance or in terms of other properties. In some aspects, the reflective materials 170a, b can be different. In some aspects, the reflective material 170a,b can be a reflective yarn or thread and can be woven into a fabric panel such as the fabric panels 110b,c, in some aspects together with non-reflective thread. In some aspects, the reflective materials 170a,b can be applied to a corresponding surface of the one or more panels 110. For example and without limitation, the reflective materials 170a,b can be applied to a corresponding surface of the one or more panels 110 the with an adhesive material. In some aspects, the reflective thread can be retroreflective thread.

[0031] Figure 1C is a side elevation view of the right sleeve 120a of the garment 100 of Figure 1 A in accordance with another aspect of the current disclosure, and Figure 1 D is a side elevation view of the left sleeve 120b of the garment 100 of Figure 1A in accordance with another aspect of the current disclosure. [0032] Figure 2A is a rear perspective view of the garment 100 of Figure 1A, and Figure 2B is a rear view of the garment 100 of Figure 1 B. The reflective material 170a, which can comprise or can be the aforementioned reflective thread, can define a pattern on a panel such as, for example and without limitation, the panel 110b. The pattern can result from use and positioning of the reflective thread together with non-reflective thread or, more generally, the positioning of the reflective material next to the non-reflective material. In some aspects, for example and without limitation, a color or overall appearance of the reflective thread can contrast with a color or overall appearance of the non-reflective thread. More specifically, for example and without limitation, the reflective thread or, more generally, a panel comprising any of the reflective material disclosed herein can be white or light gray in color, and the non-reflective thread or, more generally, a panel comprising any of the reflective material disclosed herein can be black or dark gray in color. In some aspects, the non-reflective thread can be any color, including the same color as the reflective thread but without the reflective properties. The pattern can comprise or can be a grid pattern defining square or, more generally, rectangular elements. As shown, a plurality of first threads, which can be oriented in a substantially horizontal direction, can be parallel to each other and a plurality of second threads parallel to each other and angled with respect to each of the plurality of first threads. In some aspects, the plurality of second threads can be angled at 90 degrees with respect to the plurality of first threads. In some aspects, as shown, the pattern comprising the reflective material 170a can continue across the panel 110b where the panel 110b is exposed from the perspective of one viewing the garment 100 from the outside.

[0033] In some aspects, a coefficient of retroreflection of the reflective material 170a or a surface thereof can measure at least 100 candelas per lux per square meter (cd/lux/m²). In some aspects, a coefficient of retroreflection of the retroreflective surface can measure in a range of 100 to 800 cd/lux/m², though this range should not be considered limiting on the disclosure.

[0034] In some aspects, a coefficient of retroreflection of a panel such as the panel 110b comprising the reflective material 170a can be lower than that of the reflective material 170a itself when the reflective material 170a forms only a portion of the panel 110b. In some aspects, a coefficient of retroreflection of a panel such as the panel 110b can measure at least 10 cd/lux/m². In some aspects, a coefficient of retroreflection of a panel such as the panel 110b can measure at least 20 cd/lux/m². In some aspects, a coefficient of retroreflection of a panel such as the panel 110b can measure at least 30 cd/lux/m². In some aspects, a coefficient of retroreflection of a panel such as the panel 110b can measure at least 40 cd/lux/m². In some aspects, a coefficient of retroreflection of a panel such as the panel 110b can measure at least 50 cd/lux/m². In some aspects, a coefficient of retroreflection of a panel such as the panel 110b can measure in a range of any of the aforementioned values up to 100 cd/lux/m² and can be adjusted by adjusting the amount of the reflective material 170a in the panel of the garment 100 in which the reflective material 170a is defined. More specifically, the retro-reflectivity or, more specifically, the coefficient of retroreflection of the reflective material 170a as used in the garment 100 can be primarily based on a density of the reflective yarns on the garment 100. More specifically, the coefficient of retroreflection can be adjusted by adjusting a spacing 715 of lines 710, a spacing 725 of lines 720, respective widths 717,727 of the lines 710,720, and/or other parameters of the reflective material 170a (all shown in Figure 8), as described below. For example and without limitation, when each of the spacings 715,725 is 2.5 millimeters or even 3 millimeters, the coefficient of retroreflection can approach or exceed 100 cd/lux/m²; and when each of the spacings 715,725 is 10 millimeters, the coefficient of retroreflection can approach or fall below 25 cd/lux/m². In some aspects, a coefficient of retroreflection of a panel such as the panel 110b can measure at least 10 cd/lux/m² and less than or equal to 80 cd/lux/m². In some aspects, a coefficient of retroreflection of a panel such as the panel 110b can measure at least 10 cd/lux/m² and less than or equal to 60 cd/lux/m². Any of the aforementioned coefficients of retroreflection, which can be represented by the symbol RA, can be measured using testing procedures found in ASTM Standard E809 and ASTM Standard E810.

[0035] In some aspects, the panel 110b comprising the reflective material 170a can form at least X% of a total surface area of the garment 100 or any portion thereof. In some aspects, for example, a surface area of the panel 110b comprising the reflective material 170a can form at least 10% of a total surface area of the garment 100 or any portion thereof. In some aspects, a surface area of the panel 110b comprising the reflective material 170a can form at least 20% of a total surface area of the garment 100 or any portion thereof. In some aspects, a surface area of the panel 110b comprising the reflective material 170a can form at least 30% of a total surface area of the garment 100 or any portion thereof. In some aspects, a surface area of the panel 110b comprising the reflective material 170a can form at least 40% of a total surface area of the garment 100 or any portion thereof. In some aspects, a surface area of the panel 110b comprising the reflective material 170a can form at least 50% of a total surface area of the garment 100 or any portion thereof. In some aspects, a surface area of the panel 110b comprising the reflective material 170a can form at least 60% of a total surface area of the garment 100 or any portion thereof.

[0036] The panel 110b comprising the reflective material 170a can form Y% or less of a total surface area of the garment 100 or any portion thereof. In some aspects, for example, a surface area of the panel 110b comprising the reflective material 170a can form 90% or less of a total surface area of the garment 100 or any portion thereof. In some aspects, a surface area of the panel 110b comprising the reflective material 170a can form 80% or less of a total surface area of the garment 100 or any portion thereof. In some aspects, a surface area of the panel 110b comprising the reflective material 170a can form 70% or less of a total surface area of the garment 100 or any portion thereof. In some aspects, a surface area of the panel 110b comprising the reflective material 170a can form 60% or less of a total surface area of the garment 100 or any portion thereof. In some aspects, a surface area of the panel 110b comprising the reflective material 170a can form 50% or less of a total surface area of the garment 100 or any portion thereof. In some aspects, a surface area of the panel 110b comprising the reflective material 170a can form 40% or less of a total surface area of the garment 100 or any portion thereof. As desired, a surface area of the panel 110b comprising the reflective material 170a can form any combination of X and Y, i.e., any range of X% to Y% of a total surface area of the garment 100 or any portion thereof. For example and without limitation, a surface area of the panels 110b,c comprising the reflective material 170a can be in a range of 20% to 30%, inclusive, i.e., at least 20% and 30% or less, of a total surface area of the garment 100. As shown, a surface area of the panels 110b,c comprising the reflective material 170a can be 25% of a total surface area of the garment 100.

[0037] In some aspects, as shown, the panel 110b comprising the reflective material 170a can extend down a rear side of the garment 100 and can extend from the collar downward to below an attachment of the sleeves 120a, b with the remaining portion of the garment 100. As shown, the panel 110c comprising the reflective material 170a can extend down one or both of a left side and a right side of the garment 100.

[0038] In some aspects, as shown also in Figure 2B, a top end of the panel 110c can align with a bottom end of the panel 110b. In some aspects, as also shown in Figure 5, a left end of the panel 110b can align with a rear end of the panel 110c positioned on a left side of the garment 100, and a right end of the panel 110b can align with a rear end of the panel 110c positioned on a right side of the garment 100. In some aspects, the top end of the panel 110c can overlap a bottom end of the panel 110b, and a left end or a right end of the panel 110b can overlap a rear end of the panel 110c positioned on a corresponding left end or right end side of the garment 100. In some aspects, such overlap, where present, can equal to one, two, three, or four grid “cell” widths or less.

[0039] Figure 3 is a front detail view of collar and yoke areas of the garment 100 of Figure 1 B taken from detail 3 of Figure 1 B. As shown, the yoke 140 can comprise a moisture- wicking mesh material, which can define an exposed inner surface of the yoke 140. Such an exposed inner surface can be positioned to contact or at least be nearest to a wearer of the garment 100 during use. [0040] Figure 4 is a front detail view of a breast area of the garment 100 of Figure 1B showing a pair of the pockets 160a, b taken from detail 4 of Figure 1B. As shown, each of the pockets 160a, b can be double-layered. As also shown, each of the pockets 160a, b can comprise or define an eyelet for cooling. One or more of the pockets can be configured to receive a cell phone and/or a writing instrument such as a pencil or pen. As shown, the pockets can define reflective accents at a top end.

[0041] Figure 5 is a rear detail view of shoulder and back areas of the garment 100 of Figure 1 B and taken from detail 5 of Figure 2B. The garment 100 can define rear vents 510a, b, which can be vented openings, and can define also a reflective grid or “check” pattern. The rear vents 510a, b can be defined between the panel 110b and mating panels 110d on each of the left side and the right side of the garment 100. Each of the panel 110b and the corresponding panel 110d can overlap on the left side and the right side of the garment 100. More specifically, where shown by the arrows or further up or down as desired, the panel 110b can be joined to each of the panels 110d to define upper and lower ends of the side vents. In some aspects, the garment 100 can define one or more vents at an underarm area of the garment 100, which can themselves facilitate cooling and comfort. In some aspects, the garment 100 can define vents at the yoke 140 of the garment 100, which can themselves facilitate cooling and comfort.

[0042] Figure 6 is a rear detail view (in front) and a front detail view (in back) of the garment 100 of Figure 1 showing snaps 610 on sleeves 120a, b of the garment 100. The snaps 610, which are also visible in other figures, can be used to adjust an opening of the sleeves 120a, b.

[0043] Figure 7 is a rear detail view showing the reflective grid pattern of Figure 5 taken from detail 7 of Figure 5. The reflective grid can define the first spacing 715, which can be a horizontal spacing, between adjacent first lines 710 of reflective material oriented in a first direction, which can be a vertical direction as shown. Similarly, the reflective grid can define the second spacing 725, which can be a vertical spacing, between adjacent second lines 720 or reflective material oriented in a second direction, which can be a horizontal direction as shown. In some aspects, each of the first spacing 715 and the second spacing 725 can be 5 millimeters or at least 5 millimeters. In some aspects, each of the first spacing 715 and the second spacing 725 can be 10 millimeters or at least 10 millimeters. In some aspects, each of the first spacing 715 and the second spacing 725 can be at least 3 millimeters and less than or equal to 50 millimeters. In some aspects, at least a portion of the garment 100 can define only parallel lines oriented in the first direction and defining the first spacing 715. In some aspects, at least a portion of the garment 100 can define only parallel lines oriented in the second direction and defining the second spacing 725. Again, in some aspects, each of the first spacing 715 and the second spacing 725 can be at least 3 millimeters and less than or equal to 50 millimeters. In some aspects, more generally, the first spacing 715 can equal the second spacing 725. In other aspects, the first spacing 715 can be greater than or less than the second spacing 725, or vice versa.

[0044] Reflective material such as the reflective material 170a and, more specifically, each of the first lines 710 and the second lines 720 can define respective thicknesses or widths 717 and 727. In some aspects, the widths 717,727 — or the corresponding average widths, if one or both of the widths 717,727 are not constant — can measure 15% or less of the corresponding spacings 715,725. In some aspects, the widths 717,727 can be measure 10% or less of the corresponding spacings 715,725. In some aspects, the widths 717,727 can be measure 8% or less of the corresponding spacings 715,725. In some aspects, a resulting surface area of the reflective material or, more specifically, the retroreflective material in a particular repeating pattern on a portion the garment 100 can measure 2.3% or less of the surface area of that portion. In some aspects, a resulting surface area of the reflective material in a particular repeating pattern on a portion the garment 100 can measure 1% or less of the surface area of that portion. In some aspects, a resulting surface area of the reflective material in a particular repeating pattern on a portion the garment 100 can measure 0.7% or less of the surface area of that portion.

[0045] Each of the plurality of first lines of reflective material 170a and the plurality of second lines of reflective material 170a can be defined by a reflective thread such as that readily available on the market. The reflective thread can comprise a plurality of minute glass beads. The reflective thread can be formed by slitting a wider roll of laminated reflective film into thin rectangular strips, which can be woven into any of the panels 110.

[0046] For example and without limitation, the reflective material 170a can be reflective on one or both sides and can define a width of 1/69 inch, 1/32 inch, or 1/23 inch. In some aspects, at an entrance angle of -4.0 degrees and an observation angle of 0.2 degrees, a minimum RAOf the reflective material 170a can measure 330 cd/lux/m² and a typical RA can measure 500 cd/lux/m². In some aspects, at an entrance angle of +5.0 degrees and an observation angle of 0.33 degrees, a minimum RA of the reflective material 170a can measure 250 cd/lux/m² and a typical RAcan measure 330 cd/lux/m². The entrance angle refers to the angle at which a beam of light enters a sheet of the reflective material 170a. The entrance angle is calculated with a perpendicular line from the sheet being zero degrees. The observation angle refers to the difference between the entrance angle and the eyes of an observer viewing the reflective material 170a, which typically is an angle measured between the beam of light extending from the light source and a beam of light returning to the eyes of the observer. Thus, the observation angle can vary with the position of the observer relative to positions of the light source and the reflective material 170a. In some aspects, an elongation of the reflective material 170a can measure between 10% and 70%, a breaking strength can measure between 140 grams and 2.4 kilograms, and a yield point can measure between 15 grams and 100 grams. The reflective materials 170a,b can be washable.

[0047] Any one or more of the panels 110 of the garment 100 can comprise a rayon material. Any one or more of the panels 110 can comprise a woven material. Any one or more of the panels 110 and, more specifically, panels comprising the reflective material 170a such as, for example and without limitation, the panels 110b,c can comprise a polyester material. In some aspects, the garment 100 can comprise 75% rayon and 25% polyester. The material forming the garment 100 can be moisture-wicking. In some aspects, a weight of the panels and, more generally, the material forming the garment 100 can be, for example and without limitation, 4.25 ounce per square yards (oz/yd²) or 145 grams per square meter (gsm). In some aspects, the material forming the garment 100 can be greater than 4.25 oz/yd² or 145 gsm. In some aspects, the material forming the garment 100 can be less than 4.25 oz/yd² or 145 gsm. As with many garments generally, the garment 100 can be produced in any number of sizes, proportions, colors, and other configurations. The garment 100 can comprise or define flat felled seams.

[0048] The garment 100 disclosed can be manufactured using any standard textile machinery and processes and, more generally, other standard manufacturing machinery and processes.

[0049] Use of the reflective materials and, more specifically, one or both of the reflective materials 170a,b can result in the garment 100 providing, for others in low light conditions, greater visibility of the wearer.

[0050] Any feature described herein such as, for example and without limitation, the reflective pattern(s) or their relative positions on the garment 100 with respect to each other, and other components of the garment 100 and their arrangement, can comprise both functional and aesthetic elements, and any feature described as having functional aspects can have or define any one of several aesthetic designs without altering the respective parts’ functions. If aesthetic elements are shown in the drawings or possibly fall within the scope of broader claim elements without being directly claimed, such disclosure or claims should not be interpreted as assigning any function to such aesthetic elements which may therefore be separately protectable.

[0051] One should note that conditional language, such as, among others, “can,” “could,” “might,” or “may,” unless specifically stated otherwise, or otherwise understood within the context as used, is generally intended to convey that certain aspects include, while other aspects do not include, certain features, elements and/or steps. Thus, such conditional language is not generally intended to imply that features, elements and/or steps are in any way required for one or more particular aspects or that one or more particular aspects necessarily comprise logic for deciding, with or without user input or prompting, whether these features, elements and/or steps are included or are to be performed in any particular aspect.

[0052] It should be emphasized that the above-described aspects are merely possible examples of implementations, merely set forth for a clear understanding of the principles of the present disclosure. Any process descriptions or blocks in flow diagrams should be understood as representing modules, segments, or portions of code which comprise one or more executable instructions for implementing specific logical functions or steps in the process, and alternate implementations are included in which functions may not be included or executed at all, may be executed out of order from that shown or discussed, including substantially concurrently or in reverse order, depending on the functionality involved, as would be understood by those reasonably skilled in the art of the present disclosure. Many variations and modifications may be made to the above-described aspect(s) without departing substantially from the spirit and principles of the present disclosure. Further, the scope of the present disclosure is intended to cover any and all combinations and sub-combinations of all elements, features, and aspects discussed above. All such modifications and variations are intended to be included herein within the scope of the present disclosure, and all possible claims to individual aspects or combinations of elements or steps are intended to be supported by the present disclosure.

Claims

That which is claimed is: A garment comprising: a first fabric panel; and a second fabric panel joined to the first fabric panel, the second fabric panel comprising reflective thread, the reflective thread defining a grid pattern comprising: a plurality of first threads parallel to each other; and a plurality of second threads parallel to each other and angled with respect to each of the plurality of first threads. The garment of claim 1 , wherein the garment is a shirt comprising the first fabric panel and the second fabric panel, the shirt further comprising a collar and a yoke. The garment of claim 2, wherein the yoke comprises a moisture-wicking mesh material, defining an exposed inner surface of the yoke, the exposed inner surface positioned to contact or face a wearer of the garment during use. The garment of claim 1 , wherein the reflective thread is retroreflective. The garment of claim 4, wherein the reflective thread comprises glass beads. The garment of claim 4, wherein: an elongation of the reflective thread measures between 10% and 70%; a breaking strength of the reflective material measures between 140 grams and 2.4 kilograms; and a yield point measures between 15 grams and 100 grams. The garment of claim 4, wherein a coefficient of retroreflection of the reflective thread is at least 250 cd/lux/m² when the reflected light defines an entrance angle of +5.0 degrees and an observation angle of 0.33 degrees. The garment of claim 4, wherein a coefficient of retroreflection of the reflective thread is at least 330 cd/lux/m² when the reflected light defines an entrance angle of -4.0 degrees and an observation angle of 0.2 degrees. The garment of claim 4, wherein a coefficient of retroreflection of the second fabric panel is: at least 10 cd/lux/m²; and less than or equal to 100 cd/lux/m², the coefficient of retroreflection measured using testing procedures found in ASTM Standards E809 and E810. The garment of claim 9, wherein the coefficient of retroreflection of the second fabric panel is: at least 10 cd/lux/m²; and less than or equal to 80 cd/lux/m². The garment of claim 9, wherein the coefficient of retroreflection of the second fabric panel is: at least 10 cd/lux/m²; and less than or equal to 60 cd/lux/m². The garment of claim 9, wherein the coefficient of retroreflection of the second fabric panel is: at least 20 cd/lux/m²; and less than or equal to 100 cd/lux/m². The garment of claim 9, wherein the coefficient of retroreflection of the second fabric panel is: at least 30 cd/lux/m²; and less than or equal to 100 cd/lux/m². The garment of claim 9, wherein the coefficient of retroreflection of the second fabric panel is: at least 40 cd/lux/m²; and less than or equal to 100 cd/lux/m². The garment of claim 9, wherein the coefficient of retroreflection of the second fabric panel is: at least 50 cd/lux/m²; and less than or equal to 100 cd/lux/m². The garment of claim 1 , wherein a surface area of the second fabric panel forms between 10% and 90%, inclusive of the end points, of a total surface area of the garment. The garment of claim 16, wherein a surface area of the second fabric panel forms between 10% and 70%, inclusive of the end points, of a total surface area of the garment. The garment of claim 16, wherein a surface area of the second fabric panel forms between 10% and 50%, inclusive of the end points, of a total surface area of the garment. The garment of claim 16, wherein a surface area of the second fabric panel forms between 10% and 30%, inclusive of the end points, of a total surface area of the garment. The garment of claim 16, wherein a surface area of the second fabric panel forms between 20% and 30%, inclusive of the end points, of a total surface area of the garment. The garment of claim 4, wherein the reflective thread is one of white and light gray in color. The garment of claim 21, wherein the second fabric panel comprises non-reflective thread, the non-reflective thread being one of black and dark gray in color. A garment comprising: a first fabric panel; and a second fabric panel joined to the first fabric panel, the second fabric panel comprising a reflective material, the reflective material defining a grid pattern comprising: a plurality of first lines parallel to each other, adjacent first lines of the plurality of first lines separated by a first spacing; and a plurality of second lines parallel to each other and angled with respect to each of the plurality of first lines, adjacent first lines of the plurality of second lines separated by a second spacing. The garment of claim 23, wherein a surface area of the reflective material in a particular repeating pattern on a portion of the garment measures 2.3% or less of the surface area of the portion. The garment of claim 23, wherein each of the first spacing and the second spacing is constant. The garment of claim 25, wherein: at least one of a width and an average width of each of the plurality of first lines measures 15% or less of the first spacing; and

15 at least one of a width and an average width of each of the plurality of second lines measures 15% or less of the second spacing. The garment of claim 25, wherein each of the first spacing and the second spacing measures at least 3 millimeters and less than or equal to 50 millimeters. The garment of claim 25, wherein each of the first spacing and the second spacing measures at least 5 millimeters and less than or equal to 50 millimeters. The garment of claim 25, wherein each of the first spacing and the second spacing measures at least 10 millimeters and less than or equal to 50 millimeters. The garment of claim 23, further comprising at least one of a rayon material and a polyester material.

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