CYCLING GARMENT

Abstract

A cycling garment or bicycle jersey is provided with a front panel, a back panel, and a pair of sleeve sections. The back panel has a first back section at least partially made of a first fabric, and a pair of second back sections attached to the first back section in first and second regions being at least partially located outside of first and second areas corresponding to a wearer's shoulder blades when the cycling garment worn. The second back sections are made of a second fabric that is more flexible than the first fabric. The sleeve sections attached to the front and back panels.

Description

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 elevational view of a cycling garment for bicycle riding in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a back side elevational view of the cycling garment illustrated in FIG. 1 in accordance with the illustrated embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 3 is a back side elevational view, similar to FIG. 2, of the cycling garment illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2 with the arrangement of a second back section shown by diagonal lines;

FIG. 4 is a top plan view of the various sections of the cycling garment illustrated in FIGS. 1 to 3 after they have been cut from fabric using pattern paper and prior to being sewn together; and

FIG. 5 is a side elevational view of a bicycle and a cyclist with the cyclist in a riding posture wearing the bicycling jersey in accordance with the present invention; and

FIG. 6 is a back side elevational view, similar to FIG. 2, of a cycling garment for bicycle riding accordance with another embodiment 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 FIGS. 1 and 2, a cycling garment or bicycle jersey 10 of a bicycle riding outfit is illustrated in accordance with a first embodiment of the present invention. The bicycle jersey 10 is primarily an outfit to be worn for riding a bicycle for the purpose of sport riding, such as a road racer or a mountain bike. The bicycle jersey 10 is a short sleeve jersey with raglan sleeves extending down and opening at the cuff. The bicycle jersey 10 includes a pair of (right and left) front panel sections 21 and 22, a back panel 23, a pair of (right and left) sleeve sections 24 and 25, a pair of (right and left) side pieces or sections 26 and 27 arranged between the front panel sections 21 and 22 and the back panel 23, and a collar section 30. The side sections 26 and 27 are arranged between the front panel sections 21 and 22 and the back panel 23. Each of these sections and the panel 23 are attached together, typically by sewing.

At a lower portion of the back panel 23, a pocket 31 is formed for carrying items such as a water bottle, etc. Further, the front panel sections 21 and 22 are each attached to respective portions of a mechanical zipper or slide fastener 32 that allows joining and separation of the front panels 21 and 22.

Next, the shape of each section above, other than the fastener 32, will be explained with reference to FIG. 4. FIG. 4 illustrates the shape after the patterns are placed, for example, on the breathable and flexible polyester knit fabric to cut each section. In FIG. 4, the outer right side of each section is visible. A thin line on the outer circumference of each section is the sewing or folding line and the distance from the sewing or folding line to the outer circumference is the seam allowance or folding allowance.

Next, the individual panels of the bicycle jersey 10 will now described individually with specific reference to FIG. 4. FIG. 4 illustrates each of the separate panels that are sewn together to form the cycling jersey 10 in a layout corresponding to cutouts from fabric. The panels of the bicycle jersey 10 can be cut from any of a variety of fabric materials, such as a polyester material, that includes a mesh configuration that is able to breathe or vent moisture. The panels of the bicycle 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 bicycle jersey 10 shown in FIG. 4 are laid out such that an outward side of the cut material is shown. Specifically, the panels of the bicycle jersey 10 depicted in FIG. 4 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 bicycle 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 bicycle jersey 10 are joined. More specifically, the lines are spaced slightly apart from the periphery of each panel to provide seam allowance or folding allowance. Thus, these lines represent preferred locations of seams between adjacent panels of the bicycle jersey 10.

The front panel sections 21 and 22 are preferably made of fabric containing a polyester fiber with high tear-resistance blended with polyester elastic fiber (spandex). The front panel sections 21 and 22 are symmetrical pieces as illustrated on the lower section on both sides in FIG. 4. The front panel sections 21 and 22 has a first sleeve sewing edge 21a, a first front-back sewing edge 21b, a back panel sewing edge 21c, a first neckline section 21d, and a fastener sewing edge 21e, and a front bottom edge 21f. The front panel section 22 has a first sleeve sewing edge 22a, a first front-back sewing edge 22b, a back panel sewing edge 22c, a first neckline section 22d, a fastener sewing edge 22e, and a front bottom edge 21f. The first sleeve sewing edges 21a and 22a are formed to curve diagonally toward both outer upper sections and sewn to the sleeve sections 24 and 25. The first front-back sewing edges 21b and 22b are arranged under the first sleeve sewing edges 21a and 22a on both sides to be sewn to the side pieces 26 and 27. The back panel sewing edges 21c and 22c are arranged inside the first sleeve sewing edges 21a and 22a to be sewn to the back panel 23. Also, the first neckline sections 21d and 22d extend circularly from the back panel sewing edges 21c and 22c to be sewn to the collar section 30. The fastener sewing edges 21e and 22e extend downwardly from inside the first neckline sections 21d and 22d to link the front bottom edges 21f and 22f that join the fastener sewing edges 21e and 22e and the first front-back sewing edges 21b and 22b.

The first sleeve sewing edges 21a and 22a each have a substantially expansive S-shaped convex curve extending diagonally downward to both sides and curving outward in the opposite direction. The first front-back sewing edges 21b and 22b each have a line formed to curve downward from the first sleeve sewing edges 21a and 22a, then slightly curved concavely and becoming a straight line. The back panel sewing edges 21c and 22c each have a slight curve. The first neckline sections 21d and 22d each have a circular inward curve. The fastener sewing edges 21e and 22e are attached with the slide fastener 32 (FIG. 1) to connect both the front panel sections 21 and 22. The attaching front bottom edges 21f and 22f each have a convex curve formed upward and outward to be joined to the center section. This makes the jersey 10 resist bunching when slumped over.

The back panel 23 as illustrated in FIG. 2 includes a first back section 40 and preferably a pair of (right and left) second back sections 41 and 42 attached to the first back section 40. The first back section 40 is made of a first fabric having polyester fibers with a high tear-resistance that are blended with polyester elastic fiber (spandex).

The first back section 40 is a piece that includes a main section of the back panel 23. The first back section 40 has a pair of second back panel sewing edges 40a and 40b and a pair of second front-back sewing edges 40c and 40d. The second back panel sewing edges 40a and 40b are arranged on the upper section on both sides to be sewn to the second back section 41 and 42. The second front-back sewing edges 40c, 40d are joined together via the first front-back sewing edges 21b and 22b and the side pieces 26 and 27. The second front-back sewing edges 40c and 40d are arranged on both outer sides below the second back panel sewing edges 40a and 40b. The second back section 40 also has a back bottom line section 40e, a second neckline section 40f, a neckline section 40f, and a pair of third front-back sewing edges 40g and 40h. The back bottom line section 40e is joined to the bottom end of the second front-back sewing edges 40c and 40d. The second neckline section 40f is formed to protrude from the center of the upper section. The third front-back sewing edges 40g and 40h are sewn to the back panel sewing edges 21c and 22c, and the sleeve sections 24 and 25.

The second back panel sewing edges 40a and 40b are substantially formed to curve convexly inward, extending diagonally down to both sides. The second front-back sewing edges 40c and 40d have a slightly swollen outward curve. The back bottom line section 40e has a circular curve extending to be joined to the center. Therefore, the back panel 23 is longer than the front panel sections 21 and 22. Consequently, the jersey 10 can cover the pants when slouched over. The second neckline section 40f is formed to be circularly concave. The third front-back sewing edges 40g and 40h are formed to gradually fall toward the first back panel sewing edges 40a and 40b on the outside to form a slight convex curve.

As illustrated in FIG. 3, the second back sections 41 and 42 are at least partially arranged in first and second regions R1 and R2 that are located outside of first and second positions S1 and S2 where the wearer's shoulder blades contact the inner edge of the seams between first back section 40 and the second back sections 40 and 41. Here, as illustrated in FIG. 3, the first and second regions R1 and R2 are regions covering the innermost position of the first and second positions S1 and S2. The second back sections 40 and 41 are pieces made of the second fabric having a higher count of polyester elastic fibers than the first fabric, i.e., a higher content, and therefore are more flexible. As illustrated in FIG. 2 the second fabric used in the second back sections 41 and 42 has a first mesh M1 preferably comprising a plurality of flat hexagonal mesh or ventilation holes. The second back sections 41 and 42 together with the first back section 40 have a similar shape as the back panel with an ordinary raglan sleeve. As illustrated in FIG. 4, the second back section 41 has a second sleeve sewing edge 41a and a first back panel sewing edge 41b, while the second back section 42 has a second sleeve sewing edge 42a and a first back panel sewing edge 42b. The second sleeve sewing edges 41a and 42a are arranged diagonally on the outside to be sewn to the sleeve sections 24 and 25. The first back panel sewing edges 41b and 42b are arranged inside and outside the positions where the shoulder blades contact and are sewn to the upper section on both sides of the first back section 40. The second sleeve sewing edges 41a and 42a are formed to curve convexly outward. The first back panel sewing edges 41b and 42b are formed to curve concavely inward.

Normally, the rider's shoulder blades move to protrude from other areas of the back. As illustrated in FIG. 3, in the second back sections 41 and 42, the fabric moves more than the other parts when the rider's arms are extended forward or lowered down to the side. The highly flexible second fabric is used for the second back sections 41 and 42 at least partially arranged in the first and second regions R1 and R2. Therefore, when the rider's arms are extended forward or lowered down to the side, the second back sections 41 and 42 stretch to make the jersey comfortable to wear.

The right and left sleeve sections 24 and 25 are shaped like raglan sleeves that are attached to the front panel sections 21 and 22 and the back panel 23 to cover the shoulders. As illustrated in FIG. 4, the sleeve sections 24 and 25 are symmetrical right to left. Each of the sleeve sections 24 and 25 comprises the main sleeve sections 44 and 45, as well as the side-connecting sections 46 and 47, which are sewn to the main sleeve sections 44 and 45 under the armpit.

The main sleeve sections 44 and 45 are preferably a piece of the first fabric, comprising first cuff sections 44a and 45a, first sleeve forming portions 44b and 45b, and the second sleeve forming portions 44c and 45c curving sharply on both sides and extending to be joined via the side-connecting sections 46 and 47, wherein the first sewing edges 44d and 45d extend diagonally upward from the first sleeve forming portions 44b and 45b, as in FIG. 4, to be sewn to the first sleeve sewing edges 21a and 22a, and the second sewing edges 44e and 45e extend diagonally upward from the second sleeve forming portions 44c and 45c to be sewn to the second sleeve sewing edges 40a and 41a and the third front-back sewing edges 42g, 42h.

The first cuff sections 44a and 45a form a substantially straight line. The first sleeve forming portions 44b and 45b and the second sleeve forming portions 44c and 45c extend from both ends of the concave first cuff sections 44a and 45a. The first sleeve forming portions 44b and 45b are arranged in front of the second sleeve forming portions 44c and 45c. The first sleeve forming portions 44b and 45b are shorter than the second sleeve-forming section 44c and 45c.

The side-connecting sections 46 and 47 made of pieces of the flexible second fabric are preferably formed as a unit with the upper side pieces 48 and 49 on the side pieces 26 and 27 to be described later. The second fabric used in the side-connecting sections 46 and 47, as illustrated in FIG. 2, has a second mesh M2 preferably comprising a plurality of flat hexagonal mesh holes. The second mesh M2 has larger holes than those of the first mesh M1. This improves breathability in the armpit section, which tends to perspire.

As illustrated in FIG. 4, the side-connecting sections 46 and 47 comprise the second cuff sections 46a and 47a, linked to the first cuff sections 44a and 45a, comprising the cuffs 24a and 25a (refer to FIGS. 1 and 2) on the sleeve sections 24 and 25, the third sleeve forming portions 46b and 47b curved to extend from one end of the second cuff sections 46a and 47a to be sewn to the first sleeve forming portions 44b and 45b, and the fourth sleeve forming portions 46c, 47c curved to extend from the other end of the second cuff sections 46a and 47a to be sewn to the second sleeve forming portions 44c and 45c. These side-connecting sections 46 and 47 help to fit the sleeve sections 24 and 25 to the upper arm easily, and assist in reducing air resistance caused by bunching of the fabric. Additionally, the sleeve sections 24 and 25 resist being pulled back during the ride, thereby improving comfort.

The right and left side pieces 26 and 27 are partially curved, the shape of the left and right pieces being symmetrical. The side pieces 26 and 27 preferably comprise upper side pieces 48 and 49 made of the flexible second fabric to be formed together with the side-connecting sections 46 and 47 as a unit, with the lower sides pieces 50 and 51 preferably made of the first fabric arranged below the upper side pieces 48 and 49.

The upper side pieces 48 and 49 comprise first attaching sections 48a and 49a and the second attaching sections 48b and 49b. The first attaching sections 48a and 49a are sewn to the upper section of the first front-back sewing edges 21b and 22b on the front panel sections 21 and 22. The second attaching sections 48b and 49b are joined to the first attaching sections 48a and 49a to be sewn to the upper section of the second front-back sewing edges 42c, 42d on the second back section 42 and the lower side pieces 50 and 51. The second attaching sections 48b and 49b bordering on the upper side pieces 48 and 49 and the lower side pieces 50 and 51 are formed to curve slightly inward, extending diagonally downward from both sides of the back panel 23 toward the front panel sections 21 and 22.

The lower sides pieces 50 and 51 has first attaching sections 50a and 51a, fourth attaching sections 50b and 51b; fifth attaching sections 50c, 51c and attaching bottom edges 50d and 51d. The first attaching sections 50a and 51a are sewn to the lower section of the third front-back sewing edges 21b and 22b on the front panel sections 21 and 22. The fourth attaching sections 50b and 51b are arranged opposite to the third attaching sections 50a and 51a and are sewn to the lower section of the second front-back sewing edges 42c and 42d in the back panel 23. The fifth attaching sections 50c, 51c extend diagonally upward and are sewn to the first attaching sections 48a and 49a. The attaching bottom edges 50d and 51d link the front bottom edges 21f and 22f and the back bottom line section 42e.

These side pieces 26 and 27 help to fit the jersey 10 to the human body easily, and assist in reducing air resistance caused by bunching of the fabric. Additionally, the front panel sections 21 and 22 and the back panel 23 resist being pulled back on either side of the body, thereby improving comfort. The side-connecting section 47 and the upper side piece 49 made of the second fabric comprising the second mesh M2, in between which the armpit is located, are formed as a unit, and thereby improve breathability as well as flexibility in this area.

The collar section 30 is sewn to the first and second neckline sections 21d and 22d and 42f folded over lengthwise along the center. The pocket 31 is formed along the entire width of the back panel 23 and divided into 3 sections.

In the bicycle jersey 10 in one embodiment configured in this manner according to the present invention, the second back sections 41 and 42 stretch more than other sections when the arm faces forward while riding or when the arms are lowered to the sides while walking. Consequently, as illustrated in FIG. 5, while riding a bicycle such as a road racer 60 with a slouching posture and holding the handles such as a drop handle 61 with both hands 62 with the arms 63 extended in front of the jersey 10, the back sections 41 and 42 arranged on the outside of the shoulder blade on the shoulder's back rear section are extended, thereby the jersey does not become tight and resists bunching at the sleeve sections 24 and 25 on the front of the shoulder. Consequently, it is more comfortable to wear when one holds the drop handle 61, and the air resistance is reduced as well.

When the arms are lowered down on the side as one walks, the second back sections 41 and 42 shrink, resisting both slackness and tightness, thereby improving comfort for both walking or riding.

If the side-connecting sections 46 and 47 and the upper side pieces 48 and 49 as well as the second back sections 41 and 42 are made of the flexible second fabric, when the arms are extended while riding or when the arms are lowered to the sides while walking, the side-connecting sections 46 and 47 or the upper side pieces 48 and 49 stretch, thereby further improving comfort.

OTHER EMBODIMENTS

(a) In the previous embodiment, the second back sections 41 and 42 are arranged outside the first and second positions S1 and S2 where the shoulder blades contact the inner edge of the. It is also acceptable to partially arrange the second back sections 41 and 42 in the first and second regions R1 and R2 outside the first and second positions S1 and S2. In FIG. 6, the second back section 141 made of the second fabric of the back panel 123 in the bicycle jersey 110 is formed by connecting the outer part of the first and second positions S1 and S2 to the inner part thereof as a unit. Consequently, the first back section 140 made of the second fabric consists of the section other than the second back section 141 of the back panel 123.

(b) In the previous embodiment, the front panel is divided into two sections for ease of putting on and taking off. It is also acceptable to form the front panel with one piece of cloth such as the back panel. In this case, for ease of putting on/taking off, it is preferable to provide a fastener on the upper section.

(c) In the previous embodiment, essentially the fabric of the first back section 40 and the second back section 41 and 42 that comprise the back panel 23 were be described. However, considering the strength of the garment with regard to the fabric making up not only the first back section 40 but also the front panel 23, the collar section 30, and the pocket 31, it is preferable to use a fabric with tear resistance and less flexibility than the second fabric comprising the second back sections 41 and 42. Particularly, if the first fabric is used for the front panel, the collar section, and the pocket such as the first back section 40, it is possible to reduce the number of materials used, thereby reducing the production cost.

The side-connecting sections 46 and 47 of the sleeve sections 24 and 25 and the upper side pieces 48 and 49 of the side pieces 26 and 27 are made of the second fabric. However, it is acceptable to use the first fabric as well.

Further, it is acceptable to divide the side-connecting sections 46 and 47 and the upper side pieces 48 and 49. Further, it is acceptable to form the upper side pieces 48 and 49 and the lower sides pieces 50 and 51 as a unit. In these cases, the material may be either the first fabric or the second fabric.

(d) In the previous embodiment, a bicycle riding jersey for a road racer is illustrated as an example. The bicycle riding outfit according to the present invention may be used for riding mountain bikes or other bicycles.

(e) In the previous embodiment, the bicycle jersey without pants is illustrated as an example. The present invention can be applied to an all-in-one bicycle riding outfit including pants. Also, the embodiment is explained using the example of a short sleeve; however, the present invention can be applied to a long sleeved bicycle riding outfit as well.

While only selected embodiments have been chosen to illustrate the present invention, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art from this disclosure that various changes and modifications can be made herein without departing from the scope of the invention as defined in the appended claims. Furthermore, the foregoing descriptions of the embodiments according to the present invention are provided for illustration only, and not for the purpose of limiting the invention as defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. A cycling garment comprising: a front panel;a back panel including a first back section at least partially made of a first fabric, and a pair of second back sections attached to the first back section in first and second regions being at least partially located outside of first and second areas corresponding to a wearer's shoulder blades when the cycling garment worn, the second back sections being made of a second fabric that is more flexible than the first fabric; anda pair of sleeve sections attached to the front and back panels.

2. The cycling garment according to claim 1, wherein the front panel is at least partially made of the first fabric.

3. The cycling garment according to claim 1, wherein the sleeve sections are at least partially made of the first fabric.

4. The cycling garment according to claim 1, wherein the second back sections are attached to an upper section of the first back section, respectively.

5. The cycling garment according to claim 1, further comprising a pair of side pieces being at least partially made of the second fabric, with the side pieces joining the front and back panels together downward from along positions corresponding to armpits, respectively.

6. The cycling garment according to claim 5, wherein each of the sleeve sections includes a main sleeve part made of the first fabric, and a side-connecting part made of the second fabric, with the side-connecting parts connecting the main sleeve parts under the armpits, respectively.

7. The cycling garment according to claim 6, wherein each of the side pieces includes an upper side piece made of the second fabric integrated with the side-connecting section, and a lower side piece made of the first fabric, with the lower side pieces arranged under and sewn to the upper side pieces, respectively.

8. The cycling garment according to claim 5, wherein the second fabric includes a mesh material with ventilation holes.

9. The cycling garment according to claim 8, wherein the ventilation holes in the second fabric of the second back section are smaller than the mesh holes in the second fabric of the upper side piece.

10. The cycling garment according to claim 1, wherein the front panel includes right and left sections with a slide fastener arranged at dividing edges of the right and left sections of the front panel to selectively join and separate the right and left sections with respect to each other.

11. The cycling garment according to claim 1, wherein the first and second fabrics are made of blended polyester fibers having a high tear-resistance and flexible polyester elastic fibers, with a polyester elastic fiber count of the second fabric being higher than that of the first fabric.

12. The cycling garment according to claim 2, wherein the sleeve sections are at least partially made of the first fabric.

13. The cycling garment according to claim 2, wherein the second back sections are attached to an upper section on both sides of the first back section.

14. The cycling garment according to claim 2, further comprising a pair of side pieces being at least partially made of the second fabric, with the side pieces joining the front and back panels together downward from along positions corresponding to armpits, respectively.

15. The cycling garment according to claim 14, wherein each of the sleeve sections includes a main sleeve part made of the first fabric, and a side-connecting part made of the second fabric, with the side-connecting parts connecting the main sleeve parts under the armpits, respectively.

16. The cycling garment according to claim 15, wherein each of the side pieces includes an upper side piece made of the second fabric integrated with the side-connecting section, and a lower side piece made of the first fabric, with the lower side pieces arranged under and sewn to the upper side pieces, respectively.

17. The cycling garment according to claim 14, wherein the second fabric includes a mesh material with ventilation holes.

18. The cycling garment according to claim 17, wherein the ventilation holes in the second fabric of the second back section are smaller than the mesh holes in the second fabric of the upper side piece.

19. The cycling garment according to claim 2, wherein the front panel includes right and left sections with a slide fastener arranged at dividing edges of the right and left sections of the front panel to selectively join and detach the right and left sections with respect to each other.

20. The cycling garment according to claim 2, wherein the first and second fabrics are made of blended polyester fibers having a high tear-resistance and flexible polyester elastic fibers, with a polyester elastic fiber count of the second fabric being higher than that of the first fabric.