U.S. patent application number 11/136548 was filed with the patent office on 2006-04-27 for bicycle riding apparel.
This patent application is currently assigned to Shimano Inc.. Invention is credited to Shinpei Okajima.
Application Number | 20060085889 11/136548 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 36201973 |
Filed Date | 2006-04-27 |
United States Patent
Application |
20060085889 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Okajima; Shinpei |
April 27, 2006 |
Bicycle riding apparel
Abstract
A bicycle jersey is described that includes a pair of front
panels, a back panel and a pair of left and right sleeve panels.
Each of the sleeve panel includes a sleeve edge and a neck edge. In
each of the sleeve panels, a first line is defined that extends
perpendicular to the sleeve edge and is a virtual perpendicular
bisector of the sleeve edge. In each of the sleeve panels, a second
line is defined that extends from neck edge and a neckline of the
bicycle jersey along a peak line corresponding to the top of a
shoulder of a cyclist wearing the bicycle jersey. A first angle is
defined by an intersection between the first line and the second
line that is between 30 and 90 degrees.
Inventors: |
Okajima; Shinpei; (Izumi,
JP) |
Correspondence
Address: |
SHINJYU GLOBAL IP COUNSELORS, LLP
1233 20TH STREET, NW, SUITE 700
WASHINGTON
DC
20036-2680
US
|
Assignee: |
Shimano Inc.
Sakai
JP
|
Family ID: |
36201973 |
Appl. No.: |
11/136548 |
Filed: |
May 25, 2005 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
2/77 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A41D 2600/104 20130101;
A41D 13/0015 20130101; A41D 31/18 20190201; A41D 1/04 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
002/077 |
International
Class: |
A41B 1/00 20060101
A41B001/00 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Oct 27, 2004 |
JP |
2004-312527 |
Claims
1. A cycling jersey having raglan sleeves, comprising: a front
panel formed with first sleeve mounting portions and first
front-rear mounting portions, each of the first sleeve mounting
portions having curved edges configured and arranged such that tops
of shoulders of a cyclist are not covered by the front panel, and
the first front-rear mounting portions extend downward from
respective first sleeve mounting portions; a back panel formed with
left and right second sleeve mounting portions and left and right
second front-rear mounting portions, the left and right second
sleeve mounting portions having sloping curved edges configured and
arranged that such that the tops of the shoulders of the cyclist
are not covered by the back panel, and the left and right second
front-rear mounting portions extend downward from the second sleeve
mounting portions and are coupled to respective ones of the first
front-rear mounting portions of the front panel; a pair of
symmetrical sleeve panels, one for the right side of the cycling
jersey and one for the left side of the cycling jersey, each of the
sleeve panels having a sleeve edge portion, first and second sleeve
forming portions, a first suture portion, a second suture portion
and a sleeve neck edge, the first and second sleeve portions
coupled to each other to at least partially define a sleeve of the
bicycle jersey, the first suture portion being located between the
first sleeve portion and the sleeve neck edge, the first suture
portion comprising a V-shaped cut portion that is cut from the
first sleeve forming portion, the first suture portion of each of
the sleeve panels being sutured to respective first sleeve mounting
portions of the front panel, the second suture portion of each of
the sleeve panels extending from the second sleeve forming portion
and being sutured to respective second sleeve mounting portions of
the back panel, and the sleeve neck edge extending between the
first and second suture portions, the sleeve neck edge of each of
the sleeve panels extending over the shoulder of a cyclist to cover
the shoulder portion; and wherein a first angle is defined by
respective portions of each of the pair of left and right sleeve
panels, the first angle being defined by a first line and a second
line, the first line extending perpendicularly from a center of the
sleeve edge portion of the sleeve panels, the second line extending
from the neck portion of the sleeve panels along a peak of the
shoulder such that the first angle is between 30 and 90
degrees.
2. The cycling jersey having raglan sleeves according to claim 1
wherein the V-shaped cut portion is formed with a small curving
portion and two large curving portions that extend from the small
curving portion, the small curving portion having a curvature
radius that is between 3 mm and 20 mm, and the two large curving
portions diverge extending away from the small curving portion, at
least one of the large curving portions having convex contour with
a curvature radius of greater than 200 mm but less than 600 mm.
3. The cycling jersey having raglan sleeves according to claim 2
wherein a second angle is defined between the two large curving
portions of the V-shaped cut portion of the sleeve panels having a
range of between 20 degrees to 80 degrees.
4. The cycling jersey having raglan sleeves according to claim 1
wherein a pair of left and right side members are sutured in place
between respective first front-rear mounting portions of the front
panel and the second front-rear mounting portion of the rear
panel.
5. The cycling jersey having raglan sleeves according to claim 2
wherein a pair of left and right side members are sutured in place
between respective first front-rear mounting portions of the front
panel and the second front-rear mounting portion of the rear
panel.
6. The cycling jersey having raglan sleeves according to claim 3
wherein a pair of left and right side members are sutured in place
between respective first front-rear mounting portions of the front
panel and the second front-rear mounting portion of the rear
panel.
7. The cycling jersey having raglan sleeves according to claim 1
wherein a pair of left and right bottom sleeve panels are sutured
in placed between the said first and second sleeve forming portions
of respective sleeve panels.
8. The cycling jersey having raglan sleeves according to claim 2
wherein a pair of left and right bottom sleeve panels are sutured
in placed between the said first and second sleeve forming portions
of respective sleeve panels.
9. The cycling jersey having raglan sleeves according to claim 3
wherein a pair of left and right bottom sleeve panels are sutured
in placed between the said first and second sleeve forming portions
of respective sleeve panels.
10. The cycling jersey having raglan sleeves according to claim 4
wherein a pair of left and right bottom sleeve panels are sutured
in placed between the said first and second sleeve forming portions
of respective sleeve panels.
11. The cycling jersey having raglan sleeves according to claim 5
wherein a pair of left and right bottom sleeve panels are sutured
in placed between the said first and second sleeve forming portions
of respective sleeve panels.
12. The cycling jersey having raglan sleeves according to claim 6
wherein a pair of left and right bottom sleeve panels are sutured
in placed between the said first and second sleeve forming portions
of respective sleeve panels.
13. A cycling jersey having raglan sleeves, comprising: a plurality
of textile panels dimensioned and sutured together to form the
cycling jersey, the plurality of textile panels including right and
left side sleeve panels, each of the right and left side sleeve
panels being arranged and configured in an unstretched state to
cover a top portion of shoulders of a cyclist and conform to the
shape of a cyclist's upper arms and torso with the cyclist in a
riding posture with hands griping handlebars of a bicycle.
14. The cycling jersey having raglan sleeves according to claim 13
wherein each of the left and right side sleeve panels having a
sleeve edge portion that extends forward from a front panel of the
cycling jersey in the unstretched state conforming to the cyclist
in the riding posture.
15. The cycling jersey having raglan sleeves according to claim 13
wherein each of the left and right side sleeve panels having a
sleeve edge portion, first and second sleeve forming portions, a
first suture portion, a second suture portion and a neck edge
portion, the first and second sleeve portions coupled to each other
to at least partially define a sleeve of the bicycle jersey, the
first suture portion being located between the first sleeve portion
and the sleeve neck edge, the first suture portion comprising a
V-shaped cut portion that is cut from the first sleeve forming
portion, the first suture portion of each of the sleeve panels
being sutured to respective first sleeve mounting portions of a
front panel of the cycling jersey, the second suture portion of
each of the sleeve panels extending from the second sleeve forming
portion and being sutured to respective second sleeve mounting
portions of a back panel of the cycling jersey, and the sleeve neck
edge extending between the first and second suture portions, the
sleeve neck edge of each of the sleeve panels extending over the
shoulder of a cyclist to cover the shoulder portion; and a first
angle defined by respective portions of each of the left and right
sleeve panels, the first angle being defined by a first line and a
second line, the first line extending perpendicularly from a center
of the sleeve edge portion of the sleeve panels, the second line
extending from the neck edge portion of the sleeve panels along a
peak of the shoulder such that the first angle is between 30 and 90
degrees.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application claims priority to Japanese Patent
Application No. 2004-312527. The entire disclosure of Japanese
Patent Application No. 2004-312527 is hereby incorporated herein by
reference.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] 1. Field of the Invention
[0003] This invention generally relates to a bicycle riding
apparel. More specifically, the present invention relates to a
cycling jersey with raglan sleeves that a cyclist wears when riding
a bicycle.
[0004] 2. Background Information
[0005] Cycling is becoming an increasingly more popular form of
recreation as well as a means of transportation. Moreover,
bicycling has become a very popular competitive sport for both
amateurs and professionals. Whether the bicycle is used for
recreation, transportation or competition, the bicycle industry is
constantly improving the various components of the bicycle as well
as the apparel worn by casual cyclists and serious cycling
enthusiasts alike.
[0006] Cycling apparel, such jerseys are well known. Cycling
jerseys are typically worn by cyclists when riding in both amateur
and professional competitions, such as a road race or an off-road
mountain trail course race. Many conventional cycling jerseys are
produced with designs that include raglan sleeves. Such jerseys
include a sleeve panel that extends from the neck of the cyclist
towards the wrist covering at least a portion of the top of the
shoulder of the cyclist. Such a jersey is disclosed in U.S. Pat.
No. 5,210,877.
[0007] The conventional jersey is constructed with a front panel
and a back panel that extend upward to just below the shoulders of
the cyclist. The front and back panels are configured with smooth
curved lines that join with a pair of left and right sleeve panels
that are positioned to cover the top of the shoulders on both sides
of the torso of the cyclist. Each of the sleeve panels is formed
with a sleeve edge, a neck portion, a pair of sleeve forming
portions and a pair of suture portions. The neck portion and the
sleeve edge are formed at opposite ends of the sleeve panel. The
pair of sleeve forming portions extend at least part way from the
sleeve edge and toward the neck portion. The pair of suture
portions extend from respective ones of the pair of the sleeves
forming portions to the neck portion and are sutured proximate the
neck portion to predetermined sections of the front panel and the
back panel. In the pair of sleeve panels, an angle is formed by the
intersection between a first line that is a virtual perpendicular
bisector extending from the sleeve edge and a second line that
extends from the neck to the shoulder along the peak of the
shoulder of the cyclist. This angle is between 0 and 15 degrees.
Further, in the conventional jersey, the sleeve edge of the sleeve
panel faces downward to the side in what appears to be an
unstretched state.
[0008] In the conventional bicycle jersey, the sleeve edge of the
sleeve panel is contoured to extend downward to the lower portion
of the cyclist's torso. More specifically, in the absence of
gravity, the sleeve edge of a conventional bicycle jersey is cut
and oriented to extend along the cyclist's side towards the waist
by virtue of the suturing and the shape of the sleeve panels. The
problem is that when a cyclist is riding, the cyclist assumes a
riding posture where the cyclist leans forward and holds the arms
out to engage the handlebar of the bicycle. In particular, drop
handlebars on a road racer or a straight handlebar in a mountain
bicycle require the cyclist's upper arms to extend outward about
perpendicular to the cyclist's torso and forearms extend forward
toward the handlebar. Hence, when the cyclist assumes the riding
posture, the sleeve edge of each the sleeve panels faces the front
of the bicycle. The conventional jersey must stretch in the upper
arm and shoulder areas to accommodate the riding posture of the
cyclist.
[0009] Therefore, in the riding posture where the cyclist holds the
handlebar of the bicycle, rucks (i.e., wrinkles or folds) appear on
the front and side of the sleeve panel proximate the shoulder areas
of the cyclist. These rucks have an adverse effect on air
resistance. Further, a backside of the shoulder section of the
sleeve panel is being stretched and is narrowed with the cyclist in
the riding posture, thus making the cyclist uncomfortable.
[0010] In view of the above, it will be apparent to those skilled
in the art from this disclosure that there exists a need for an
improved bicycle jersey that eliminates the formation of tucks in
order to improve wind resistance characteristics of the jersey.
This invention addresses this need in the art as well as other
needs, which will become apparent to those skilled in the art from
this disclosure.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0011] One object of the present invention is to provide bicycle
apparel with improved wind resistance characteristics.
[0012] Another object of the present invention is to improve the
comfort level of a cyclist wearing bicycle apparel with the cyclist
in a riding posture holding the handlebar of a bicycle.
[0013] In accordance with one aspect of the present invention,
bicycle jersey includes raglan sleeves that a cyclist wears when
riding a bicycle, and is formed with a pair of left and right front
panels, a back panel and a pair of left and right sleeve panels.
Each of the front panel is formed with first sleeve mounting
portions and first front-rear mounting portions. The first sleeve
mounting portions are formed with sloping curved contours that are
dimensioned such that the shoulders of the rider are exposed (not
covered) at the top by the front panels. The first front-rear
mounting portions are extend from the first sleeve mounting
portions. The back panel is formed with left and right second
sleeve mounting portions and left and right second front-rear
mounting portions. The second sleeve mounting portions are formed
with sloping curved contours that are dimensioned such that the
shoulders of the cyclist are exposed (not covered by the back
panel). The second front-rear mounting portions extend from the
second sleeve mounting parts and are coupled to the first
front-rear mounting portions. The sleeve panels are formed with a
sleeve edge, first and second sleeve forming portions, a first
suture portion, a second suture portion and a neck portion. The
first and second sleeve forming portions have curved concave
contours that are coupled to each other to form a sleeve of the
bicycle jersey. The first suture portion is a V-shaped cutout that
is cut from the first sleeve forming portion and is sutured to the
first sleeve mounting portion of a respective front panel. The
second suture portion extends from the second sleeve forming
portion and is sutured to the second sleeve mounting portion of the
back panel. The neck portion bridges the first and second suture
portions. The neck portion extends up over the shoulder of the
cyclist bridging a gap between the front and back panels. The
sleeve panels define first and second lines that intersect to form
a first angle. The first line extends perpendicularly from a center
of the sleeve edge portion of the sleeve panels and is a virtual
bisector of the sleeve edge portion. The second line extends from
the neck portion of the sleeve panels along a peak of the shoulder
such that the first angle is between 30 and 90 degrees.
[0014] The bicycle jersey of the present invention provides a
greater level of comfort to the cyclist and reduced wind resistance
because of the configuration and dimensions of the sleeve panel.
The first angle formed between the first line and the second line
in each of the sleeve panels is preferably between 30 and 90
degrees. The angle is possible in part due to the V-shaped cutout
established on a first suture portion and is a suture point with
the front of the sleeve panel. The first angle is located at the
intersection of the first and the second lines. Specifically the
first angle that is between 30 and 90 degrees and is formed where a
sleeve line (the first line) and a shoulder line (the second line)
intersect. The first angle is wider than in conventional jerseys.
As a result, the entire sleeve of the assembled bicycle jersey
extends forward and upward with respect to the vertical orientation
of the jersey. More specifically, the sleeve is angled toward the
front of the bicycle jersey by the size of the first angle.
Additionally, by setting a V-shaped cut part and suturing it to the
front panel, the sleeve edge portion faces forward and extends in
front beyond a vertical plane coinciding with the front most areas
of the front panel. As a consequence, since the sleeve edge portion
faces forward, the bicycle jersey of the present invention conforms
to the torso and arm orientation of a cyclist in a riding posture
riding a bicycle and gripping the handlebar with both hands. The
cyclist is able to maintain the riding posture with the bicycle
jersey conforming to his riding posture since the sleeves and torso
sections of the bicycle jersey have an overall shape that mimics
the cyclists riding posture. The cyclist's arms and shoulders are
fitted more comfortably within the bicycle jersey. Rucks, wrinkles
and folds are less likely to form in the front and side of areas
around the cyclist's shoulders. Therefore, the comfort level of the
cyclist is improved, and air resistance is reduced.
[0015] In another aspect of the present invention, the V-shaped cut
portion is formed with a small curving portion and two large
curving portions that extend from the small curving portion. The
small curving portion has a curvature radius that is between 3 mm
and 20 mm, and the two large curving portions diverge extending
away from the small curving portion. At least one of the large
curving portions has convex contour with a curvature radius of
greater than 200 mm but less than 600 mm.
[0016] In another aspect of the invention, a second angle is
defined between the two large curving portions of the V-shaped cut
portion of the sleeve panels having a range of between 20 degrees
to 80 degrees. Since the second angle is formed where both the
large curving portions, it becomes easy for the front area of the
sleeve portion to face the front bicycle jersey. The smaller the
second angle is, the more the sleeve portion faces the front of the
cloth. The second angle is preferably smaller for the apparel used
by a cyclist riding a bicycle in the riding posture.
[0017] In another aspect of the invention, a pair of left and right
side members are sutured in place between respective first
front-rear mounting portions of the front panels and the second
front-rear mounting portion of the rear panel. By including a pair
of left and right side members, the bicycle jersey more comfortably
fits the a human body, in particular a cyclist in the riding
posture. Air resistance is reduced by elimination of rucks, folds
and wrinkles and the comfort level of the cyclist in the riding
posture is improved.
[0018] In yet another aspect of the present invention, a pair of
left and right bottom sleeve panels are sutured between the first
and second sleeve forming portions of respective sleeve panels.
Inclusion of the pair of the left and right bottom sleeve members
makes it easier to conform the sleeve panel of the bicycle jersey
to the upper arm of a cyclist in the riding posture. Air resistance
is reduced by elimination of rucks, folds and wrinkles and the
comfort level of the cyclist in the riding posture is improved.
[0019] According to the present invention, by adjusting the first
angle at the intersection of the first and second lines,
specifically between 30 and 90 degrees where the shoulder and the
sleeve intersect, the angle is larger than the corresponding angle
in conventional jerseys. As a result, the entire sleeve part
extends forward from a front vertical plane defined by the front of
the torso area of the bicycle jersey. In addition, by adjusting the
V-shaped cutout and suturing it with the front panel, the sleeve
portion faces outward and of a torso section of the bicycle jersey.
As a consequence, the sleeve portion extends forward of the front
of the bicycle jersey, in particular when a cyclist rides a bicycle
and holds the handlebar with both hands. The cyclist's arms extend
toward the front of the bicycle jersey and since the bicycle jersey
conforms to the cyclists shape, the back panel and areas around the
cyclist's shoulder are snug but not tight. Rucks, folds and
wrinkles are less likely to appear in the sleeve panel at the front
and side areas around the cyclist's shoulder. Therefore, air
resistance is reduced by elimination of rucks, folds and wrinkles
and the comfort level of the cyclist in the riding posture is
improved.
[0020] These and other objects, features, aspects and advantages of
the present invention will become apparent to those skilled in the
art from the following detailed description, which, taken in
conjunction with the annexed drawings, discloses a preferred
embodiment of the present invention.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0021] Referring now to the attached drawings which form a part of
this original disclosure:
[0022] FIG. 1 is a front side diagrammatic perspective view of a
bicycling jersey in accordance with one embodiment of the present
invention;
[0023] FIG. 2 is a back side diagrammatic perspective view of the
bicycling jersey depicted in FIG. 1, in accordance with the present
invention;
[0024] FIG. 3 is a top view showing a pattern layout of all panels
of cut fabric that are subsequently assembled to form the bicycling
jersey depicted in FIGS. 1 and 2, in accordance with the present
invention;
[0025] FIG. 4 is an enlarged view of one piece of the cut fabric
shown in FIG. 3, the panel of the cut fabric corresponding to a
right side sleeve panel of the bicycling jersey, in accordance with
the present invention;
[0026] 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.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0027] 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.
[0028] Referring initially to FIG. 1, a cycling jersey 10 is
illustrated in accordance with a first embodiment of the present
invention. In the description below, the terms "inward" and
"outward", "upper" and "lower" are with reference to general
locations on the cycling jersey 10 relative to a cyclist's C torso
T (see FIG. 5). For instance, an upper area or direction would
correspond to the upper portion of the torso T toward the neck area
of the cyclist C. An inward area or inward direction would
generally correspond to the center of the chest or center of the
back of the torso T. An outward area or direction would correspond
to the sides of the torso T or in the direction away from the sides
of the torso T.
[0029] The cycling jersey 10 of the present invention is
dimensioned to conform to the shape of a cyclist C in a riding
posture. For example, FIG. 5 shows the cyclist C in the riding
posture, leaning forward on a bicycle 50 with upper arms 53
extending downward relative to the bicycle (forward relative to the
cycling jersey 10), as the cyclist's forearms 54 extend forward to
grip the handlebar 51 of the bicycle 50. As is described below,
various panels are sutured together to form the cycling jersey 10
of the present invention. These panels are geometrically shaped to
mimic and conform the riding posture of the cyclist C in an
unstretched state, as is described in greater detail below.
[0030] In FIGS. 1 and 2, the cycling jersey 10 in one embodiment of
the present invention is a type of sports apparel that a cyclist C
wears primarily when riding a bicycle either for exercise or for
racing, such as road racing or a mountain bicycle racing. The
cycling jersey 10 includes symmetrical left and right sleeve panels
24 and 25 that extend from opposite sides of the neck area of the
cyclist C and over the shoulders of the cyclist. Each of the left
and right sleeve panels 24 and 25 also includes raglan sleeves that
are short sleeves in the depicted embodiment, and has a placket in
a front portion thereof. Further, as show in FIGS. 1 and 2, the
left and right sleeve panels 24 and 25 are cut and fitted so that
the shape and contour of the sleeves of the cycling jersey 10 mimic
the relative position of a cyclists arms when the cyclist C is in a
riding posture holding handlebars of a bicycle, as is described in
greater detail below.
[0031] The cycling jersey 10 depicted in FIGS. 1 and 2 is shown in
an unstretched state. More specifically, the shape of the cycling
jersey 10 shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 is an unmolested state in that the
fabric is neither stretched nor is the fabric wrinkled or fold in
any way. The orientation of the cycling jersey 10 in FIGS. 1 and 2
includes a desired contour, where the sleeves are extending forward
and outward of the torso portion of the cycling jersey 10.
[0032] The cycling jersey 10 basically includes a pair of separate
left and right front panels 21 and 22, a back panel 23, the above
mentioned pair of the left and right sleeve panels 24 and 25, a
pair of the left and right side panels 26 and 27, a pair of bottom
sleeves panels 28 and 29 and a neck panel 30. As is shown in FIGS.
1 and 2, the left and right side panels 26 and 27 are positioned
between respective portions of the left and right front panels 21
and 22 and the back panel 23. Further, the bottom sleeves panels 28
and 29 are positioned at a lower portion of respective ones of the
left and right sleeve panels 24 and 25. The various panels of the
cycling jersey 10 are joined together by sutures (i.e. garment
sewing sutures).
[0033] At a lower portion of the back panel 23, a pocket 31 is
formed for carrying items such as a water bottle. Further, the
front panels 21 and 22 are each attached to respective portions of
a mechanical zipper 32 that allows joining and separation of the
front panels 21 and 22.
[0034] The individual panels of the cycling jersey 10 are now
described individually with specific reference to FIG. 3. FIG. 3
shows each of the separate panels that are sutured together to form
the cycling jersey 10 in a layout corresponding to cutouts from
fabric. The panels of the cycling jersey 10 can be cut from any of
a variety of fabric materials, such as a polyester material, that
includes a mesh configuration that is able to breath or vent
moisture. The panels of the cycling jersey 10 are preferably cut
out using a pre-configured pattern such that the panels shown in
FIG. 3 are obtained. The panels of the cycling jersey 10 shown in
FIG. 3 are laid out such that an outward side of the cut material
is shown. Specifically, the panels of the cycling jersey 10
depicted in FIG. 3 subsequently form the outer side of the garment.
It should be recognized by one of ordinary skill in the art that
the additional flaps of material around the periphery of each panel
of the cycling jersey 10 and the corresponding line spaced slightly
apart from the periphery of each panel represents a suture line, a
fold line or sewing line where adjacent panels of the cycling
jersey 10 are joined. More specifically, the lines spaced slightly
apart from the periphery of each panel represent preferred
locations of seams between adjacent panels of the cycling jersey
10.
[0035] As shown in the lower right in FIG. 3, the left and right
front panels 21 and 22 are symmetrically shaped being mirror images
of one another. Each of the left and right front panels 21 and 22
is formed with a corresponding pair of left and right first sleeve
mounting portions 21a and 22a, with first front-rear mounting
portions 21b and 22b, first neckline portions 21c and 22c, zipper
mounting portions 21d and 22d, and front lower hem portions 21e and
22e.
[0036] The left and right first sleeve mounting portions 21a and
22a include sloping curved lines that are positioned such that the
tops of the shoulders of the cyclist C wearing the cycling jersey
10 are not covered by the left and right front panels 21 and 22.
The first sleeve mounting portions 21a and 22a are configured with
an almost S-shaped curved contour or serpentine contour that
extends obliquely downward toward outer respective sides thereof,
and after curving outward in a convex fashion, curves in a concave
fashion.
[0037] The first front-rear mounting portions 21b and 22b are
located on respective sides of the left and right front panel 21
and 22 extending from and below the first sleeve mounting portions
21a and 22a. The first front-rear mounting portions 21b and 22b are
formed to be folded downward from the first sleeve mounting
portions 21a and 22a, and configured with a compound shape, having
a curved portion and a straight portion.
[0038] The first neckline portions 21c and 22c extend inward from
the first sleeve mounting portions 21a and 21b and have a curved
contour that is generally semi-circular in shape. The first
neckline portions 21c and 22c are configured with a circular-shaped
curved edge that extends toward the inner side of the cycling
jersey 10.
[0039] The zipper mounting portions 21d and 22d extend downward
from the inside of the first neckline portions 21c and 22c. The
zipper 32 (FIG. 1) is mounted on the zipper mounting portions 21d
and 22d releasably linking both the left and right front panels 21
and 22.
[0040] The front lower hem portions 21e and 22e extend between the
zipper mounting portions 21d and 22d and respective first
front-rear mounting portions 21b and 22b. The front lower hem
portions 21e and 22e are configured with curved edges that curve
upward in a convex fashion toward the center of the cycling jersey
10. Even if a rider slouches, rucks hardly appear on the cycling
jersey 10.
[0041] The back panel 23, as shown in the top middle in FIG. 3, is
provided with a pair of the left and right second sleeve mounting
portions 23a and 23b, a pair of the left and right second
front-rear mounting portions 23c and 23d, a rear lower hem portion
23e and a second neckline portion 23f.
[0042] The pair of the left and right second sleeve mounting
portions 23a and 23b are each formed with a sloping curved contour
that are dimensioned to extend just below the shoulders of the
cyclist, such that the shoulders are not completely covered by the
back panel 23. The pair of the left and right second front-rear
mounting portions 23c and 23d extend downward from the left and
right second sleeve mounting portions 23a and 23b, respectively, to
rear lower hem portion 23e. The left and right second front-rear
mounting portions 23c and 23d are fixed by sutures to respective
ones of the first front-rear mounting portions 21b and 22b of the
left and right front panels 21 and 22, and are also fixed by
sutures to the side members 26 and 27.
[0043] The rear lower hem portion 23e of the back panel 23 extends
between the bottom edges of the left and right second front-rear
mounting portions 23c and 23d. The second neckline portion 23f is
formed as a projection that extends upward between the upper ends
of the left and right second front-rear mounting portions 23c and
23d.
[0044] The second sleeve mounting portions 23a and 23b are formed
with a curving contour extending outward in a convex fashion, and
going obliquely downward toward the left and right second
front-rear mounting portions 23c and 23d. The second front-rear
mounting portions 23c and 23d are configured with a curved line
that is slightly concaved inward. The rear lower hem portion 23e is
configured with a curved contour that swells circularly toward its
center. Therefore, the back 23 is longer than the left and right
front panels 21 and 22. Even with the rider or cyclist C slouching
or leaning forward, the cycling jersey 10 can cover an upper
portion of pants worn by the cyclist. The second neckline portion
23f projects upward and has a concave circular contour.
[0045] As shown in the lower left in FIG. 3, in a preferred
embodiment the left and right sleeve panels 24 and 25 are short
sleeves that are symmetrical to one another (left and right hand
mirror images of one another). The sleeve panels 24 and 25 are
dimensioned and located to cover the shoulders of the rider/cyclist
C along with the left and right front panels 21 and 22 and the back
panel 23.
[0046] The sleeve panels 24 and 25 basically include sleeve edges
24a and 25a, first sleeve forming portions 24b and 25b, second
sleeve forming portions 24c and 25c, first suture portions 24d and
25d, second suture portions 24e and 25e, and sleeve neck edges 24f
and 25f. The first sleeve forming portions 24b and 25b and the
second sleeve forming portions 24c and 25c bend and curve away from
the sleeve edges 24a and 25a and are coupled by suture with the
bottom sleeve panels 28 and 29 to form sleeves for the cycling
jersey 10. The first suture portions 24d and 25d are formed with
V-shaped cutout portions 33 and 34, cut from the first sleeve
forming portions 24b and 25b. The first suture portions 24d and 25d
are sutured to the first sleeve mounting portions 21a and 22a of
the left and right front panels 21 and 22, respectively. The second
suture portions 24e and 25e extend from the second sleeve forming
portions 24c and 25c and are sutured in the second sleeve mounting
portions 23a and 23b at respective sides of the back panel 23. The
sleeve neck edges 24f and 25f extend between the first suture
portions 24d and 25d and the second suture portions 24e and 25e,
respectively.
[0047] The sleeve edges 24a and 25a are configured with generally
straight edges to form the end of the sleeves of the cycling jersey
10. The first sleeve forming portions 24b and 25b and the second
sleeve forming portions 24c and 25c are slightly concaved, as shown
in FIG. 3, extend from opposite ends of respective sleeve edges 24a
and 25a. The first sleeve forming portions 24b and 25b are placed
in front by the second sleeve forming portions 24c and 25c. The
first sleeve forming portions 24b and 25b are shorter than the
second sleeve forming portions 24c and 25c. The difference in
length between the first sleeve forming portions 24b and 25b and
the second sleeve forming portions 24c and 25c is due to the sleeve
edges 24a and 25a being positioned toward the front of the cycling
jersey 10 forming the front edge of the sleeves.
[0048] The left and right sleeve panels 24 and 25 are generally
mirror images of one another and are therefore functionally the
same due to their symmetry. Therefore, description of one applies
to both. FIG. 4 shows only the right sleeve panel 25 in order to
provide a description thereof, and in particular, a description of
the first suture portion 25d. Since the left sleeve panel 24 is
symmetrical to but otherwise the same as the right sleeve panel 25,
the description of the first suture portion 24d is omitted for the
sake brevity.
[0049] The first suture portion 25d of the left sleeve panel 25
includes a V-shaped cut portion 34. The cut portion 34 includes a
small curving portion 34a and a pair of large curving portions 34b
and 34c that extend from the small curving portion 34a. The large
curving portions 34b and 34c diverge away from one another such
that the space defined therebetween becomes gradually wider from
both edges of the small curving portion 34a. The curvature radius
R1 from the center O1 of the small curving portion 34a is, for
example, set in the range of 3 mm to 20 mm, which is in the
preferred range of 5 mm to 10 mm. In the depicted embodiment, the
curvature radius R1 is 7 mm. The large curving portion 34b extends
toward the first sleeve forming portion 25b curving from a first
end of the small curving portion 34a. The curvature radius R2 from
the center O2 of the large curving portion 34b is set in the range
of 200 mm to 600 mm, which is in the preferred range of 300 mm to
400 mm. In the depicted embodiment, the curvatures radius R2 is 333
mm. In addition, the large curving portion 34c extends toward the
sleeve neck edge 25f curving from the other end of the small
curving portion 34a. The curvature radius R3 from the center O3 of
the large curving portion 34c is in the range of 200 mm to 600 mm,
which is in the preferred range of 300 mm to 400 mm. In the
depicted embodiment the curvature radius R3 is 333 mm. An angle
.alpha.2 is defined by an intersection between tangent lines of the
large curving portions 34b and 34c. Specifically, a tangent line C2
of the radius R2 drawn from the center of the large curving portion
34b, and another tangent line C3 of the radius R3 drawn from the
center of the large curving portion 34c intersect to define the
angle .alpha.2. The angle .alpha.2 is preferably a small angle in
the range of between 20 degrees to 80 degrees. In the depicted
embodiment, the angle .alpha.2 is approximately 45 degrees.
[0050] With the V-shaped cut portion 34 formed with the angle
.alpha.2 within the preferred range, the sleeve panel 25 is cut and
sized to join with other panels of the cycling jersey 10 such that
the sleeve panel 25 extends outwardly to the side and forward from
the right front panel 22, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2. More
specifically, the first sleeve forming portion 25b of the sleeve
panel 25 faces downward but extends forward from the front panel
22. The sleeve neck edge 25f of the sleeve panel 25 faces upward
extending along the neckline of the cycling jersey 10. The first
sleeve forming portion 25b and the sleeve neck edge 25f extend away
from one another about the small curving portion 34a of the jersey
10. Hence, the sleeve portion 25a does not face downward but rather
faces upward and forward. The separate extending directions of the
sleeve forming portion 25b and the sleeve neck edge 25f becomes
more apparent when the second angle .alpha.2 is reduced.
[0051] Referring again to FIG. 4 (and FIG. 1), a first angle
.alpha.1 is defined between and first line L1 and a second line L2.
The first line L1 is perpendicular bisector for the sleeve edge 25a
of the sleeve panel 25. More specifically, the first line L1
extends from a central of the sleeve edge 25a and perpendicular to
the sleeve edge 25a. The second line L2 extends from a point
proximate the center of the sleeve neck edge 25f in the direction
corresponding to the peak of a cyclist's shoulder when wearing the
cycling jersey 10. The first angle .alpha.1 is set in the range of
30 to 90 degrees, which is in the preferred range of 30 to 60
degrees. In the depicted embodiment, first angle .alpha.1 is set to
57 degrees. When the first angle .alpha.1 exceeds 90 degrees, the
cyclist C wearing the cycling jersey 10 may have the feeling of
tightness from the garment. Further, when the first angle .alpha.1
is below 30 degrees, the sleeve panel 25 faces the side, rucks
easily appear, and it becomes easy for it to be stretched when a
rider wears it. By making the first and second lines L1 and L2
cross in this first angle .alpha.1, the entire sleeve panel 25
faces the inward of a vertical line of the cloth, specifically the
front according to the crossing angle, and the sleeve portion 25a
faces the front.
[0052] The second suture portions 24e and 25e, as shown in FIG. 3,
are formed with a smooth curvature that is sutured in the second
sleeve mounting portions 23a and 23b of the back panel 23. The seam
line part of the second suture portions 24e and 25e and the second
sleeve forming portions 24c and 25c intersect at a sharp angle.
[0053] The sleeve neck edges 24f and 25f are curved toward the
first neckline portions 21c and 22c of the front panels 21 and 22
and the second neckline portions 23f of the back panel 23. The neck
panel 30 is sutured to couple to these portions of the panels.
[0054] The pair of the left and right side members 26 and 27 are
symmetrical to one another. The pair of the left and right side
members 26 and 27 are formed with first connecting portions 26a and
27a, second connecting portions 26b and 27b, first armhole portions
26c and 27c, side lower hem portions 26d and 27d and third sleeve
mounting portions 26e and 27e. The first connecting portions 26a
and 27a are sutured to the first front-rear mounting portions 21b
and 22b of the front panels 21 and 22. The second connecting
portions 26b and 27b are placed facing the first connecting
portions 26a and 27a and sutured to the second front-rear mounting
portions 23c and 23d of the back panel 23. The first armhole
portions 26c and 27c are placed at the top and concaved to be
circular. The side lower hem portions 26d and 27d are placed at a
lower portion thereof, but are angled extending upward. The third
sleeve mounting portions 26e and 27e are shaped with a curved
contour extending from the second connecting portions 26b and 27b
and intersect the first armhole portions 26c and 27c at a sharp
angle. By forming the side members 26 and 27 with the above
features, it is easy for the cycling jersey 10 to fit a cyclist's
body. Increases in air resistance by formation of rucks, wrinkles
or folds is prevented and stretching of the front panels 21 and 22
and the back panel 23 is less likely since the cycling jersey 10
confirms to the riding posture of the cyclist. Further, the comfort
of the cyclist C is improved by inclusion of these features.
[0055] The pair of the left and right bottom sleeve panels 28 and
29 are symmetrical mirror images of one another. The pair of the
left and right bottom sleeve panels 28 and 29 are formed with
bottom sleeve edges 28a and 29a, third connecting portions 28b and
29b, fourth connecting portions 28c and 29c, second armhole
portions 28d and 29d and third armhole portions 28e and 29e.
[0056] Each end of the bottom sleeve edges 28a and 29a is sutured
respective ends of the sleeve edges 24a and 25a of the sleeve
panels 24 and 25 such that the bottom sleeve edges 28a and 29a form
the bottom of sleeves of the cycling jersey 10. The third
connecting portions 28b and 29b extend from the front of the bottom
sleeve edges 28a and 29a along the first sleeve forming portions
24b and 25b of the sleeve panels 24 and 25. The fourth connecting
portions 28c and 29c extend from the back side of the bottom sleeve
edges 28a and 29a along the second sleeve forming portions 24c and
25c of the sleeve panels 24 and 25. The second armhole portions 28d
and 29d and third armhole portions 28e and 29e extend between the
third connecting portions 28b and 29b and the fourth connecting
portions 28c and 29c, respectively and have a convex shape.
[0057] The third connecting portions 28b and 29b are sutured to the
first sleeve forming portions 24b and 25b. The fourth connecting
portions 28c and 29c are sutured to portions of the second sleeve
forming portions 24c and 25c except for the armhole side. The
second armhole portions 28d and 29d are sutured to the first
armhole portions 26c and 27c of the side members 26 and 27. The
third armhole portions 28e and 29e are sutured on the armhole side
of the second sleeve forming portions 24c and 25c of the sleeve
panels 24 and 25. In addition, the edge part of the second sleeve
forming portions 24c and 25c are sutured to the third sleeve
mounting portions 26e and 27e of the side members 26 and 27. By
including the bottom sleeve panels 28 and 29, it becomes easy for
the sleeve panels 24 and 25 to fit the upper arm, air resistance is
reduced by a reduction or elimination of rucks, the sleeve panels
24 and 25 are not likely to be stretched, and the comfort of the
cyclist C is improved.
[0058] In the cycling jersey 10 by the first embodiment of this
invention with a configuration as described above, by forming the
sleeve panels 24 and 25 for the first line L1 and the second line
L2 to with the preferred the first angle .alpha.1, when the sleeve
panels 24 and 25 are sutured to the front panels 21 and 22 and the
back panel 23, the entire part faces inward of the vertical line of
the cloth, specifically the front according to the first angle
.alpha.1, and the sleeve edge 25a faces forward. Moreover, by
optimizing the V-shaped cut portion 34 intersecting the second
angle .alpha.2, and suturing it to the front panels 21 and 22, the
front sleeve panels 24 and 25 face further forward with respect to
left and right vertical lines of the jersey 10. Thereby, as shown
in FIG. 5, since the sleeve panels 24 and 25 face the front of the
cycling jersey 10, even if a cyclist C slouches while he rides the
bicycle 50, and holds with both hands the handlebar such as the
handlebar 51, and the forearms 53 go to the front of the cycling
jersey 10, it remains loose in the back and side of shoulders (does
not stretch), and rucks hardly appear in the front and side of the
shoulder. Therefore, the comfort of the cycling jersey 10 is
improved while the cyclist C holds the handlebar 51, and air
resistance is also reduced.
[0059] As a result of the specific configuration of the V-shaped
cut portion 34 in the left and right sleeve panels 24 and 25, the
sleeves of the cycling jersey 10 extend forward from the torso T of
the cyclist C, as indicated in FIGS. 1 and 2. As a result, when the
cyclist C assumes the riding posture shown in FIG. 5, the cyclist's
torso T is generally horizontally inclined and the sleeves of the
cycling jersey 10 extend downward with the cyclist C holding on to
the handlebars 51 of the bicycle 50.
[0060] As used herein to describe the present invention, the
following directional terms "forward, rearward, above, downward,
vertical, horizontal, below and transverse" as well as any other
similar directional terms refer to those directions of a bicycle
equipped with the present invention. Accordingly, these terms, as
utilized to describe the present invention should be interpreted
relative to a bicycle equipped with the present invention.
Alternative Embodiments
[0061] Alternative embodiments will now be explained. In view of
the similarity between the first embodiment and the alternative
embodiments, the parts of the alternative embodiments that are
identical to the parts of the first embodiment will be given the
same reference numerals as the parts of the first embodiment.
Moreover, the descriptions of the parts of the alternative
embodiments that are identical to the parts of the first embodiment
may be omitted for the sake of brevity.
[0062] In one alternative embodiment, the side panels 26 and 27 and
the bottom sleeve panels 28 and 29 are further improved to make the
cycling jersey 10 more comfortable. For instance, in the first
embodiment, the side panels 26 and 27 and the bottom sleeve panels
28 and 29 are preferably made of a material that has some
elasticity. However, in order to improve comfort, the zipper 32
between the front panels 21 and 22 can be eliminated and
alternative zippers (not shown) may be installed at the side panels
26 and 27 and/or the bottom sleeve panels 28 and 29.
[0063] In another alternative embodiment, the cycling jersey 10 can
be used for activities other than cycling.
[0064] In another alternative embodiment, the cycling jersey 10 can
be adapted for use with attached pants. Specifically, a one piece
article of clothing or apparel can be constructed that includes a
pants portion and a jersey portion sutured together, with the one
piece article of clothing having the design considerations and
configuration of the sleeve panels 24 and 24 as described above
incorporated therein.
[0065] In another alternative embodiment, the cycling jersey 10
described above can be constructed with long sleeves instead of
short sleeves.
[0066] In understanding the scope of the present invention, the
term "comprising" and its derivatives, as used herein, are intended
to be open ended terms that specify the presence of the stated
features, elements, components, groups, integers, and/or steps, but
do not exclude the presence of other unstated features, elements,
components, groups, integers and/or steps. The foregoing also
applies to words having similar meanings such as the terms,
"including", "having" and their derivatives. Also, the terms
"member" or "element" when used in the singular can have the dual
meaning of a single part or a plurality of parts. Finally, terms of
degree such as "substantially", "about" and "approximately" as used
herein mean a reasonable amount of deviation of the modified term
such that the end result is not significantly changed. These terms
of degree should be construed as including a deviation of at least
.+-.5% of the modified term if this deviation would not negate the
meaning of the word it modifies.
[0067] 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.
* * * * *