CN1846549A

CN1846549A - Bicycle riding apparel

Info

Publication number: CN1846549A
Application number: CNA2006100030568A
Authority: CN
Inventors: 冈岛伸平
Original assignee: Shimano Inc
Current assignee: Shimano Inc
Priority date: 2005-04-13
Filing date: 2006-01-26
Publication date: 2006-10-18
Also published as: DE102006017597A1; US20060230490A1; DE102006017597B4

Abstract

A cycling jersey is described that includes a front panel, a back panel, symmetrical sleeve panels and a pair of non-stretching portions. The back panel is coupled to portions of the front panel. The symmetrical sleeve panels are coupled to respective portions of the front and back panels. Each sleeve panel defines a portion of a shoulder covering area of the cycling jersey. The non-stretching portions are fixed to respective sleeve panels. The non-stretching portions extend from the front panel toward the back panel and at least partially over the shoulder covering area of the cycling jersey. The front panel, the back panel and the sleeve panels are formed of respective materials having a first level of elasticity. The non-stretching portions have a second level of elasticity. The first level of elasticity is elastic and the second level of elasticity is generally non-elastic.

Description

Bicycle riding sports garment

Technical Field

The invention mainly relates to a cycling sportswear for bicycles, in particular to a cycling sportswear, wherein the shoulder covering area of the cycling sportswear is provided with a non-stretching part.

Background

Bicycling is becoming increasingly popular as a means of entertainment and as a means of transportation. In addition, cycling has become a very popular item of amateur and professional competitive sports. Whether the bicycle is used for recreation, transportation or competition, the bicycle industry is constantly improving the various parts of the bicycle and the garments worn by casual riders and bicycle enthusiasts.

Cycling apparel, such as cycling jerseys, are well known. Cycling jerseys are typically worn by cyclists in both amateur and professional competitions, such as road or off-road mountain routing competitions. Many conventional cycling jerseys are products with a sleevelet design. Such jerseys include sleeve panels that extend from the neck to the wrist of the rider and cover at least a portion of the top of the rider's shoulders. U.S. patent 5210877 discloses such a jersey.

Conventional sweaters are constructed with front and rear panels that extend upward just below the shoulders of the rider. The front piece and the back piece are designed with a smooth curve to connect a pair of left and right sleeve pieces, and the sleeve pieces are arranged on the tops of shoulders covering two sides of the trunk of a rider. Each sleeve panel is formed with a sleeve edge, a collar, a pair of sleeve forming portions and a pair of suture (stitch) portions.

The cycling jersey is generally made of a flexible, stretchable material or fabric. When the rider wears the bag or backpack, the area around the shoulders of the cycling jersey can become stretched and crumpled, stretching causing discomfort to the rider and increasing wind or air resistance.

In view of the above, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that there exists a need for an improved cycling jersey that reduces or eliminates wrinkles or creases from the shoulder areas, thereby improving the wind resistance characteristics of the jersey and improving the comfort of the cyclist. This invention addresses this need in the art as well as other needs, which will become apparent to those skilled in the art from this disclosure.

Disclosure of Invention

One object of the present invention is to provide a cycling jersey in which the fabric is not pulled over a particular area.

Another object of the present invention is to improve the comfort of a cycling jersey worn by cyclists who have a backpack or pouch carried on their shoulders, either one or both.

In accordance with one aspect of the present invention, a cycling jersey includes a front panel, a back panel, a pair of symmetrical sleeve panels, and a pair of non-stretching portions. The rear panel is attached to the front panel at a location. The symmetrical sleeve panels are connected to corresponding portions of the front and rear panels. Each sleeve panel defines at least a portion of a shoulder covering area of the cycling jersey. The non-stretchable portions include one non-stretchable portion on the right side of the cycling jersey and one non-stretchable portion on the left side of the cycling jersey. The non-stretching portions are secured to at least the sleeve panels and each non-stretching portion extends generally in a direction from the front panel to the back panel and at least partially over a shoulder covering area of the cycling jersey. And, the front, back and sleeve panels are made of respective materials of a first level of elasticity. The non-stretchable portion is a second level of elasticity. The first level of elasticity is elastic and the second level of elasticity is substantially inelastic.

The cycling jersey of the present invention provides greater comfort to the cyclist and reduces air resistance because it includes a non-stretching portion. Since the non-stretching portion extends to the top of the shoulder covering area of the cycling jersey, the fabric around the non-stretching portion is not stretched when the cyclist wears a backpack or bag. Since the fabric is not stretched, the clothes are not easily wrinkled and wrinkled, so that air resistance can be reduced.

According to one embodiment of the present invention, the non-stretchable portion is a sewing seam (catching seam) fixing a corresponding portion of the sleeve panel to a corresponding portion of the front panel.

According to another embodiment of the present invention, the non-stretchable portion is a non-stretchable panel fixed to and overlapped with the corresponding sleeve panel.

According to another embodiment of the present invention, the non-stretchable portion is a non-stretchable panel having a first side and a second side. The first side of the non-stretchable panel is secured to a corresponding portion of the sleeve panel. The second side of the non-stretchable panel is secured to a corresponding portion of the front panel.

All such objects, features, aspects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art from the following detailed description. The following detailed description, in conjunction with the drawings, sets forth a preferred embodiment of the invention.

Drawings

Referring now to the attached drawings which form a part of this original disclosure:

FIG. 1 is a front perspective schematic view of a cycling jersey in accordance with a first embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a rear perspective schematic view of the cycling jersey depicted in FIG. 1 in accordance with the first embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 3 is a top plan view of a pattern layout of all of the cut pieces of fabric that will be subsequently assembled to form the cycling jersey depicted in FIGS. 1 and 2, in accordance with the first embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 4 is an enlarged view of one piece of cut fabric shown in FIG. 3, which corresponds to the right side sleeve panel of the cycling jersey in accordance with the first embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 5 is a side elevational view of the bicycle and rider with the rider in a riding position wearing the cycling jersey in accordance with the first embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 6 is a top plan view of the cycling jersey in accordance with the first embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 7 is a front perspective schematic view of a cycling jersey in accordance with the second embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 8 is a front perspective schematic view of a cycling jersey in accordance with the third embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 9 is a top plan view of a pattern layout of all of the cut pieces of fabric that will be subsequently combined to form the cycling jersey depicted in FIG. 8 in accordance with the third embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 10 is a top plan view of the cycling jersey in accordance with the third embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 11 is a front perspective schematic view of a cycling jersey in accordance with the fourth embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 12 is a top plan view of a pattern layout of all of the cut pieces of fabric that will be subsequently combined to form the cycling jersey depicted in FIG. 11 in accordance with the fourth embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 13 is a front perspective schematic view of a cycling jersey in accordance with the fifth and sixth embodiments of the present invention;

FIG. 14 is a top plan view of the cycling jersey in accordance with the fifth and sixth embodiments of the present invention;

FIG. 15 is a front perspective schematic view of a cycling jersey in accordance with the seventh and eighth embodiments of the present invention.

Detailed Description

Selected embodiments of the present invention will now be described with reference to the drawings. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art from this disclosure that the following descriptions of the preferred embodiments are provided for illustration only and not for the purpose of limiting the invention as defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.

Referring initially to FIG. 1, there is shown a cycling jersey 10 in accordance with a first embodiment of the present invention, the cycling jersey 10 includes a non-stretching portion 12 that extends over a shoulder covering area 14 of the cycling jersey 10.

In the following description, the terms "inwardly" and "outwardly", "upper" and "lower" refer to positions on the cycling jersey 10 that are generally relative to the torso T of the cyclist C (see FIG. 5). Such as the upper region or upper region corresponding to the region of the upper portion of torso T that faces the neck of rider C. The inward region or direction generally corresponds to the center of the chest of the torso T or the center of the back of the torso T. The outward region or direction corresponds to the side of the torso T or a direction away from the side of the torso T. The shoulder covering areas 14 of the cycling jersey 10 correspond to those portions of the cycling jersey 10 that cover at least the tops of the shoulders of the cyclist C. The shoulder covering area 14 may also optionally include an area directly around the top of the shoulders of the rider C. It will further be appreciated that the terms "sewing" and "stitching" are used interchangeably and are common terms well known in the textile and clothing related arts.

One of the features of the cycling jersey 10 of the first embodiment of the present invention is its appearance, which is sized to conform to the shape of the cyclist C when in a riding posture. For example, FIG. 5 shows the rider C in a riding position with the body leaning forward on the bicycle 50, the upper arm 53 leaning downward relative to the bicycle (extending forward relative to the cycling jersey 10), and the rider's front arm 54 extending forward to grip the handlebars 51 of the bicycle 50. As discussed below, the various panels are sewn together to form the cycling jersey 10 of the present invention. The geometry of these panels, in an unstretched state, mimics and conforms to the riding posture of the cyclist C, as will be described in more detail below. The cycling jersey 10 is provided with the non-stretching portions 12 that extend over the shoulder covering areas 14 to limit stretching of the shoulder covering areas 14 when a rider C carries a backpack or rucksack (not shown) over the shoulder covering areas 14. In addition, each non-stretching portion 12 extends generally in a direction from the front 20 to the back panel 23, at least partially to and possibly over the shoulder covering areas 14 of the cycling jersey 10.

In FIGS. 1 and 2, the cycling jersey 10 of one embodiment of the present invention is a sportswear worn primarily by a cyclist C during an exercise or competition, such as a road or mountain biking race, riding a bicycle 50. The cycling jersey 10 includes symmetrical left and

right sleeve panels

24, 25 that extend from opposite sides of the neck of the rider C and over the shoulders of the rider. Each of the left and

right sleeve panels

24, 25 further comprises a sleeve, in the illustrated embodiment a short sleeve, having a crotch (pocket) at its front. In addition, as seen in FIGS. 1 and 2, the left and

right sleeve panels

24, 25 are sized and shaped so that when the rider C is in a riding position gripping the bicycle handlebar, the sleeves of the cycling jersey 10 have contours and contours that mimic the corresponding positions of the rider's arms, as explained in greater detail below.

The cycling jersey 10 illustrated in FIGS. 1, 2 and 6 is shown in an un-stretched condition. More specifically, the cycling jersey 10 depicted in FIGS. 1 and 2 is depicted in an undisturbed state in which the fabric is neither stretched nor wrinkled or folded. The orientation of the cycling jersey 10 in FIGS. 1 and 2 includes the desired contours with the sleeves extending forwardly and outwardly from the portion of the cycling jersey 10 that covers the torso T of the cyclist C.

The cycling jersey 10 basically includes a front panel 20, a back panel 23, the pair of left and

right sleeve panels

24 and 25, a pair of left and

right side panels

26 and 27, a pair of

bottom sleeve panels

28 and 29 and a neck panel 30. The front panel 20 is divided into two small panels, a left front panel 21 and a right front panel 22, which are mirror images of each other in their shapes, thereby forming the front panel 20.

As shown in fig. 1 and 2, the left and

right side panels

26, 27 are positioned between respective portions of the left and right

front panels

21, 22 and the rear panel 23. In addition, the

bottom sleeve panels

28, 29 are positioned below the respective left and

right sleeve panels

24, 25. The various panels of the cycling jersey 10 are joined together with stitching (i.e., garment sewing threads).

A pocket 31 is formed in the lower portion of the rear panel 23 for carrying items such as a water bottle. In addition, the

front panels

21 and 22 are each attached to a respective portion of the mechanical zipper 32 to connect and separate the

front panels

21 and 22.

Referring now specifically to FIG. 3, the various panels of the cycling jersey 10 are each illustrated. FIG. 3 shows the individual panels sewn together to form the cycling jersey 10 in a layout corresponding to the fabric cut segments. The panels of the cycling jersey 10 can be cut from any fabric or similar fabric, such as a polyester material, that includes a mesh structure that is capable of venting and transmitting moisture. The panels of the cycling jersey 10 are preferably cut using a predetermined pattern to obtain the panels as shown in FIG. 3. The panels of the cycling jersey 10 illustrated in FIG. 3 are arranged to show the outer sides of the cut material. In particular, the panels of the cycling jersey 10 illustrated in FIG. 3 subsequently form the outside of the garment. Those skilled in the art will also generally appreciate that the additional flaps (flaps) around the edges of the panels of the cycling jersey 10 and the corresponding lines that are spaced slightly from the edges of the panels represent lines of stitching, folding, or sewing, where adjacent panels of the cycling jersey 10 are joined. In particular, the lines that are slightly spaced from the edges of the panels represent preferred seam locations between adjacent panels of the cycling jersey 10.

As shown in the lower right portion of FIG. 3, the left and right

front panels

21, 22 are shaped to be mirror images of each other. Each of the left and right

front panels

21, 22 has a corresponding pair of left and right first sleeve

panel attachment portions

21a, 22a, first front and

rear attachment portions

21b, 22b,

first neckline portions

21c, 22c,

zipper attachment portions

21d, 22d, and front

lower hem portions

21e, 22 e.

The left and right first sleeve

panel mounting portions

21a, 22a are sloped curves positioned such that the tops of the shoulders of the rider C wearing the cycling jersey 10 are not covered by the left and right

front panels

21, 22. The first

sleeve mounting portions

21a, 22a are formed in an approximately S-shaped or serpentine shape, extend obliquely downward toward the respective outer sides thereof, are outwardly convex, and are inwardly concave.

The first front and rear mounting

portions

21b, 22b are located on respective sides of the left and right

front panels

21, 22 and extend below the first

sleeve mounting portions

21a, 22 a. The first front and rear mounting

portions

21b, 22b are folded downward from the first

sleeve mounting portions

21a, 22a to be constructed in a complex shape having a curved portion and a straight portion.

The

first neckline portions

21c, 22c extend inwardly from the first

sleeve mounting portions

21a, 22a and have a generally semicircular curved contour. The

first neckline portions

21c, 22c are configured to have rounded curved edges extending inwardly of the cycling jersey 10.

The

fastener attaching portions

21d, 22d extend downward from the inside of the

first neckline portions

21c, 22 c. The slide fastener 32 (fig. 1) is attached to the

fastener attaching portions

21d, 22d to detachably connect the left and right

front panels

21, 22.

The front

lower hem portions

21e, 22e extend between the

zipper mounting positions

21d, 22d and the respective first front-

rear mounting portions

21b, 22 b. The front

lower hem portions

21e, 22e are configured to have curved edges that curve in a convex manner upwardly toward the center of the cycling jersey 10. Even if the cyclist's riding posture is relaxed, little wrinkles appear on the cycling jersey 10.

As shown in the upper part of fig. 3, the rear panel 23 has a pair of left and right second

sleeve mounting portions

23a, 23b, a pair of left and right second front and rear mounting

portions

23c, 23d, a rear lower hem portion 23e, and a second neckline portion 23 f.

The left and right second sleeve

panel mounting portions

23a, 23b are each in the form of an oblique curved contour sized to extend just under the rider's shoulders so that the shoulders are not completely covered by the rear panel 23. The left and right second front and rear mounting

portions

23c, 23d extend downwardly from the left and right second

sleeve mounting portions

23a, 23b to the rear lower hem portion 23e, respectively. The left and right second front-

rear mounting portions

23c, 23d are respectively secured to the respective first front-

rear mounting portions

21b, 22b of the left and right

front panels

21, 22 with sewing threads, and to the side panels (side members) 26, 27 with sewing threads.

The rear lower hem portion 23e of the rear panel 23 extends between the lower edges of the left and right second front-

rear mounting portions

23c, 23 d. The second neckline portion 23f forms a protrusion extending upwardly between the upper ends of the left and right second front-

rear mounting portions

23c, 23 d.

The second

sleeve mounting portions

23a, 23b are formed with curved contours that extend outwardly in a convex manner and then extend obliquely downwardly toward the left and right second front and rear mounting

portions

23c, 23 d. The second front and rear mounting

portions

23c, 23d are configured to have a slightly inwardly concave curve. The rear lower hem portion 23e is configured to have a curved contour which bulges circularly toward the center thereof. The rear panel 23 is longer than the left and right

front panels

21 and 22. The cycling jersey 10 covers the top of the pair of pants worn by the cyclist C even if the cyclist or cyclist C is relaxed or leans forward. The second neckline portion 23f protrudes upward and has a concave circular contour.

As shown in the lower left portion of fig. 3, in the preferred embodiment, the left and

right sleeve panels

24 and 25 are symmetrical short sleeves (mirror images of each other). The

sleeve panels

24, 25 are sized and positioned to cover the shoulders of the rider or cyclist C together with the left and right

front panels

21, 22 and the rear panel 23.

The

sleeve panels

24 and 25 mainly 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 25 f. The first

sleeve forming portions

24b, 25b and the second

sleeve forming portions

24c, 25c are bent away from the

sleeve edges

24a, 25a and are connected to the

bottom sleeve panels

28, 29 with sewing threads to form sleeves of the cycling jersey 10. The first sewn

portions

24d, 25d have V-shaped

cut portions

33, 34 cut out at the first

sleeve forming portions

24b, 25 b. The

first suture portions

24d, 25d are sutured to the first

sleeve mounting portions

21a, 22a of the left and right

front panels

21, 22, respectively. The

second suture portions

24e and 25e extend from the second

sleeve forming portions

24c and 25c and are sutured to the second

sleeve mounting portions

23a and 23b on the respective sides of the rear panel 23. The sleeve neck edges 24f, 25f extend between the

first suture portions

24d, 25d and the

second suture portions

24e, 25e, respectively.

The sleeve edges 24a, 25a are configured as generally straight edges that form the ends of the sleeves of the cycling jersey 10. As shown in fig. 3, the first

sleeve forming portions

24b, 25b and the second

sleeve forming portions

24c, 25c are slightly recessed inward and extend from the other ends of the

respective sleeve edges

24a, 25 a. The first

sleeve forming portions

24b and 25b are located in front of the second

sleeve forming portions

24c and 25 c. The first

sleeve forming portions

24b, 25b are shorter than the second

sleeve forming portions

24c, 25 c. The difference in length between the first

sleeve forming portions

24b, 25b and the second

sleeve forming portions

24c, 25c is due to the

sleeve edges

24a, 25a being positioned toward the front of the cycling jersey 10 and forming the front edges of the sleeves.

The left and

right sleeve panels

24, 25 are generally mirror images of each other, and thus are functionally identical due to symmetry. The description of one applies both. Fig. 4 shows only the right sleeve panel 25 to illustrate it, and particularly, the first suture portion 25d will be described. Since the left and

right sleeve panels

24 and 25 are symmetrical and the other aspects are the same, the description of the first suture portion 24d is omitted for the sake of brevity.

The first suture portion 25d of the right sleeve panel 25 includes a V-shaped cut portion 34. The cut portion 34 includes a small bent portion 34a and a pair of large bent portions 34b, 34c extending from the small bent portion 34 a. The large curved portions 34b, 34c are spaced apart from each other with a spacing that gradually widens from both sides of the small curved portion 34 a. For example, the radius of curvature R1 at the center O1 of the relatively small curved portion 34a is set in the range from 3mm to 20mm, preferably in the range from 5mm to 10 mm. In the illustrated embodiment, the radius of curvature R1 is 7 mm. The large bending portion 34b extends from the first end of the small bending portion 34a to the first sleeve forming portion 25 b. The radius of curvature R2 of the center O2 of the relatively large curved portion 34b is set in the range of 200mm to 600mm, preferably in the range of 300mm to 400 mm. In the illustrated embodiment, the radius of curvature R2 is 333 mm. The large bending portion 34c extends from the other end of the small bending portion 34a to the sleeve neck edge 25 f. The radius of curvature R3 at the center O3 of the large curved portion 34c is set in the range of 200mm to 600mm, preferably in the range of 300mm to 400 mm. In the illustrated embodiment, the radius of curvature R3 is 333 mm. An angle α 2 is formed by the intersection between the tangents to the large bending regions 34b, 34 c. Specifically, a tangent line C2 drawn from the center of the large bend 34b at a radius R2 intersects another tangent line C3 drawn from the center of the large bend 34C at a radius R3 to form an angle α 2. The angle α 2 is preferably a small angle in the range of 20 degrees to 80 degrees. In the illustrated embodiment, the angle α 2 is approximately 45 degrees.

Since the V-shaped cut out 34 has an angle α 2 within a preferred range, the sleeve panel 25 is sized and connected to the other panels of the cycling jersey 10 such that the sleeve panel 25 extends outwardly to the side and forwardly from the right front panel 22 as viewed in FIGS. 1 and 2. More specifically, the first sleeve forming portions 25b of the sleeve panels 25 face downward but extend forward from the front panel 22. The sleeve neck edge 25f of the sleeve panel 25 faces upward and extends along the neckline of the cycling jersey 10. The first sleeve forming portion 25b and the sleeve neck edge 25f extend away from each other around the small curved portion 34a of the cycling jersey 10. Thus, the sleeve portion 25a does not face downward, but faces upward and forward. If the second angle α 2 is reduced, the extending directions of the sleeve forming portion 25b and the sleeve neck edge 25f become more obvious.

Referring again to fig. 4 (and fig. 1), the first angle α 1 is defined by a first line L1 and a second line L2. The first line L1 perpendicularly bisects the sleeve edge 25a of the sleeve panel 25. More specifically, the first line L1 extends from the midpoint of the sleeve edge 25a and is perpendicular to the sleeve edge 25 a. The second line L2 extends from the near midpoint of the sleeve neck edge 25f in the direction of the highest point of the shoulder when the corresponding cyclist wears the cycling jersey 10. The first angle α 1 is set in the range of 30 degrees to 90 degrees, and preferably in the range of 30 degrees to 60 degrees. In the illustrated embodiment, the first angle α 1 is 57 degrees. When the first angle α 1 exceeds 90 degrees, the rider C wearing the cycling jersey 10 can feel that the clothing is tight. In addition, when the first angle α 1 is less than 30 degrees, the sleeve panels 25 face sideways and are prone to wrinkles, which tend to be stretched when the cyclist wears the cycling jersey. By making the first and second lines L1, L2 intersect to form such a first angle α 1, the entire sleeve panel 25 faces inwardly toward the cloth vertical line, more specifically, the entire sleeve panel 25 faces forwardly according to the intersection angle, and the sleeve panel portion 25a also faces forwardly.

As shown in FIG. 3, the

second suture portions

24e and 25e are smoothly curved and are sutured to the second

sleeve mounting portions

23a and 23b of the rear panel 23. The seam lines of the

second suture portions

24e and 25e and the second

sleeve forming portions

24c and 25c intersect at an acute angle.

The

sleeve necklines

24f, 25f are bent toward the

first neckline portions

21c, 22c of the

front panels

21, 22 and the second neckline portion 23f of the rear panel 23. The collar 30 is sewn to the portions of these panels.

The left and

right side pieces

26, 27 are symmetrical to each other. The left and

right side panels

26, 27 have first connecting

portions

26a, 27a, second connecting

portions

26b, 27b,

first armhole portions

26c, 27c, side lower hem portions 26f, 27f, and third

sleeve mounting portions

26e, 27 e. The first connecting

portions

26a, 27a are sewn to the first front-

rear mounting portions

21b, 22b of the

front panels

21, 22. The second connecting

portions

26b, 27b are positioned facing the first connecting

portions

26a, 27a and sewn to the second front-

rear mounting portions

23c, 23d of the rear panel 23. The

first armhole portions

26c, 27c are located at the top and are recessed to form a circular shape. The lower side hem portions 26f, 27f are located at lower portions thereof and extend upwardly at an angle. The third

sleeve mounting portions

26e, 27e are curved in profile, extend from the second connecting

portions

26b, 27b, and intersect the

first armhole portions

26c, 27c at an acute angle. With the

side panels

26, 27 having the above-described characteristics, the cycling jersey 10 can be easily fitted to the body of the rider. Since the cycling jersey 10 conforms to the riding posture of the cyclist, the increased air resistance due to the formation of wrinkles, folds, or folds is avoided, and the

front panels

21, 22 and the back panel 23 are less likely to stretch. In addition, having the above features also improves the comfort of the rider C.

The left and right

bottom sleeve panels

28, 29 are mirror images of each other. The left and right

bottom sleeve panels

28, 29 include

bottom sleeve edges

28a, 29a, third connecting

portions

28b, 29b, fourth connecting

portions

28c, 29c,

second armhole portions

28d, 29d, and

third armhole portions

28e, 29 e.

Each end of the

bottom sleeve edges

28a, 29a is sewn to a corresponding end of the

sleeve edges

24a, 25a of the

sleeve panels

24, 25 such that the

bottom sleeve edges

28a, 29a form the sleeve bottoms of the cycling jersey 10. The third connecting

portions

28b, 29b extend from the front portions of the

bottom sleeve edges

28a, 29a along the first

sleeve forming portions

24b, 25b of the

sleeve panels

24, 25. The fourth connecting

portions

28c, 29c extend from the rear sides of the

bottom sleeve edges

28a, 29a along the second

sleeve forming portions

24c, 25c of the

sleeve panels

24, 25. The

second armhole portions

28d, 29d and the

third armhole portions

28e, 29e extend between the third connecting

portions

28b, 29b and the fourth connecting

portions

28c, 29c, respectively, and have a convex shape.

The third connecting

portions

28b and 29b are sewn to the first

sleeve forming portions

24b and 25 b. The fourth connecting

portions

28c, 29c are sutured to the second

sleeve forming portions

24c, 25c except for the armhole side. The

second armhole portions

28d, 29d are sutured to the

first armhole portions

26c, 27c of the

side panels

26, 27. The

third armhole portions

28e and 29e are sutured to the second

sleeve forming portions

24c and 25c of the

sleeve panels

24 and 25 on the armhole side. Further, the edge portions of the second

sleeve forming portions

24c and 25c are sewn to the third

sleeve mounting portions

26e and 27e of the

side members

26 and 27. With the

bottom sleeve panels

28, 29, the

sleeve panels

24, 25 readily conform to the shape of the upper arms, reducing air resistance due to reduced or eliminated wrinkling, preventing the

sleeve panels

24, 25 from being readily stretched, and improving the comfort of the rider C.

In the cycling jersey 10 in the first embodiment of the present invention with the above-stated construction, by forming the

sleeve panels

24 and 25 such that the first line L1 and the second line L2 have the preferred first angle α 1, when the

sleeve panels

24 and 25 are sewn to the

front panels

21 and 22 and the back panel 23, the entire portion faces inward toward the vertical line of the fabric, more specifically, the entire portion faces forward according to the first angle α 1 with the sleeve edge 25a facing forward. Further, by optimizing the V-shaped cut portion 34 intersecting at the second angle α 2 and sewing it to the

front panels

21, 22, the

front sleeve panels

24, 25 are further forward with respect to the left and right vertical lines of the jersey 10. Thus, as shown in FIG. 5, since the

sleeve panels

24, 25 face the front of the cycling jersey, even if the cyclist C is relaxed in body position while riding the bicycle 50, holds the handlebars 51 with both hands and extends the forearms 53 to the front of the cycling jersey 10, the back and sides of the shoulders of the cycling jersey remain loose (not stretched) and there is little wrinkling of the shoulders and sides. Thus, the comfort of the cycling jersey 10 is improved and the air resistance is reduced when the rider grips the handlebar 51.

As seen in FIGS. 1 and 2, due to the particular configuration of the V-shaped cutouts 34 in the left and

right sleeve panels

24, 25, the sleeves of the cycling jersey 10 extend forward from the torso T of the rider C. Thus, when the rider C is in the riding position as shown in FIG. 5, the rider's torso T is generally inclined horizontally and the rider C grips the handlebars 51 of the bicycle 50 with the sleeves of the cycling jersey 10 extending downward.

The various panels of the cycling jersey 10 are preferably made of fabric that can be stretched in a conventional manner. For example, the cycling jersey 10 is adapted to comfortably fit a range of different body shapes and body sizes. More specifically, the

front panels

21, 22, the back panel 23, the

sleeve panels

24, 25, the

side panels

26, 27, the

bottom sleeve panels

28, 29, the neck panel 30 and the pocket 31 are all cut from a slightly elastic fabric or a first level of elasticity, resiliently stretchable material so as to return the cycling jersey 10 to substantially its original size and shape. However, the cycling jersey 10 is provided with the non-stretching portions 12 having the second level of elasticity. The non-stretching portion 12 is preferably a fabric sheet made of a material that does not stretch easily, and more preferably is made of a material that is not stretchable at all under cycling conditions. Additionally, the first level of elasticity is referred to as elastic and the second level of elasticity is referred to as substantially inelastic.

In the embodiment shown in fig. 1 there are 2 non-stretching portions 12. One of the non-stretching portions 12 is located on the right side of the cycling jersey 10 and the other non-stretching portion 12 is located on the left side of the cycling jersey 10. The non-stretching portions 12 overlie respective portions of the

sleeve panels

24, 25. As shown in fig. 1 and 6, the non-stretching portions 12 are fixed to the

sleeve panels

24 and 25 and extend from the

front panels

21 and 22 in the upward direction toward the rear panel 23. The non-stretching portions 12 generally extend from the small curved portions 34a of the

respective sleeve panels

24, 25 to the back panel 23, covering the shoulder covering areas 14 of the cycling jersey 10. As shown in fig. 1 and 2, the non-stretchable portion 12 extends to the backsheet 23. It should be understood, however, that the non-stretchable portion 12 may be elongated so as to extend over the upper portion of the backsheet 23.

As the terms are used herein to describe the present invention, the following directional terms "forward, rearward, above, downward, vertical, horizontal, below, transverse" as well as any other similar directional terms refer to those directions of a rider in the present invention. Accordingly, these terms, as utilized to describe the present invention should be interpreted relative to a rider and a cycling jersey that incorporates the present invention.

Second embodiment

A second embodiment will now be explained. In view of the similarity between the first and second embodiments, the parts of the second embodiment that are identical to the parts of the first embodiment will be given the same reference numerals as the parts of the first embodiment. In addition, the descriptions of the parts of the second embodiment that are identical to the parts of the first embodiment may be omitted for the sake of brevity. The parts of the second embodiment that differ from the parts of the first embodiment will be indicated with a single prime (').

As seen in FIG. 7, the cycling jersey 10 'is generally identical to the cycling jersey 10, except that the front panel 20' is made of a single piece of material or fabric. More specifically, the front panel 20' does not include a mechanical zipper, such as the zipper 32 of the first embodiment shown in FIG. 1. In addition, all other aspects of the cycling jersey 10' are identical to the cycling jersey 10 illustrated in FIG. 1. More specifically, in addition to the front panel 20 ', the cycling jersey 10' includes the non-stretching portions 12, the back panel 23, the

sleeve panels

24, 25, the

side panels

26, 27, the

bottom sleeve panels

28, 29, and the neck panel 30 that extend over at least a portion of the sleeve covering area 14 as described in the first embodiment.

Third embodiment

A third embodiment will now be explained. In view of the similarity between the various embodiments, the parts of the third embodiment that are identical to the parts of the first embodiment will be given the same reference numerals as the parts of the first embodiment. In addition, the descriptions of the parts of the third embodiment that are identical to the parts of the first embodiment may be omitted for the sake of brevity. The parts of the third embodiment that differ from the parts of the first embodiment will be indicated with a single prime (') or will be designated with a new reference numeral.

FIGS. 8, 9 and 10 illustrate aspects of a cycling jersey 110 in accordance with a third embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the cycling jersey 110, and FIG. 9 shows a basic layout of an exemplary fabric panel that is sewn or seamed together to form the cycling jersey 110. FIG. 9 shows the individual panels cut from fabric prior to being sewn together to form the cycling jersey 110. The panels of the cycling jersey 110 can be cut from a variety of different fabric or fabric-like materials, such as polyester, that have a mesh structure that is breathable and moisture permeable. The panels of the cycling jersey 110 are preferably cut using a pre-constructed pattern to obtain the panels shown in FIG. 9. The panels of the cycling jersey 110 are arranged in FIG. 9, showing the outside of the material after cutting. As will be generally appreciated by those skilled in the art, additional side panels around the panels of the cycling jersey 110 are used to connect the panels together. Further, the respective lines that are spaced slightly from the periphery of each panel represent stitching, seam line, or sewing line where adjacent panels of the cycling jersey 110 are preferably stitched together. More specifically, the lines that are slightly spaced from the edges of the panels represent preferred seam locations for adjacent panels of the cycling jersey 110.

As seen in FIG. 8, the cycling jersey 110 includes two non-stretching portions 112, a front portion 120, a back panel 123, a pair of

symmetrical sleeve panels

124, 125, a pair of

side panels

126, 127 and a neck panel 130. In addition, the cycling jersey 110 optionally includes a pocket (not shown) attached to the back panel 123.

The front portion 120 is divided into two small pieces, a left front piece 121 and a right front piece 122, which are mirror images of each other in shape, thereby constituting the front piece 120. The left and right

front panels

121 and 122 each have respective left and right first

sleeve mounting portions

121a, 122a (which form a pair), first front and rear mounting

portions

121b, 122b,

first neckline portions

121c, 122c, zipper mounting portions 121d, 122d, and front

lower flaps

121c, 122 e.

The left and right first sleeve

panel mounting portions

121a, 122a include oblique curves positioned so that the tops of the shoulders of a rider C wearing the cycling jersey 110 are partially covered by the left and right

front panels

121, 122. The first

sleeve mounting portions

121a, 122a have an almost S-shaped curved or serpentine profile which slopes downwardly toward their respective outer sides and curves concavely from the upper end to the lower end after curving convexly outwardly.

The first front-

rear mounting portions

121b, 122b are located on respective sides of left and right

front panels

121, 122 extending from below the first

sleeve mounting portions

121a, 122 a. The first front and rear mounting

portions

121b, 122b extend downward from the first

sleeve mounting portions

121a, 122a and are configured in a complex shape having a curved portion and a straight portion.

The

first neckline portion

121c, 122c extends inwardly from the first

sleeve mounting portion

121a, 122a and has a generally semicircular curved profile. The

first neckline portions

121c, 122c are configured to have rounded curved edges extending toward the inside of the cycling jersey 110.

The zipper mounting portions 121d, 122d extend downward from the inside of the

first neckline portions

121c, 122 c. A zipper 132 (fig. 8) is attached to the zipper attachment portions 121d, 122d to detachably connect the left and right

front panels

121, 122.

The front

lower hem portions

121e, 122e extend between the zipper connecting portions 121d, 122d and the respective first front-

rear mounting portions

121b, 122 b. The front

lower hem portions

121e and 122e are slightly curved and convex upward toward the center of the cycling jersey 110.

As shown in the upper part of fig. 9, the rear panel 123 has a pair of left and right second

sleeve mounting portions

123a, 123b, a pair of left and right second front and rear mounting

portions

123c, 123d, a rear lower hem portion 123e, and a second neckline portion 123 f.

The left and right second sleeve

panel mounting portions

123a, 123b are each formed with an oblique curved contour sized to extend just under the rider's shoulders such that the shoulder covering areas 14' (fig. 8 and 10) are not completely covered by the rear panel 123. The left and right second front and rear mounting

portions

123c, 123d extend downwardly from the left and right second

sleeve mounting portions

123a, 123b to the rear lower hem portion 123e, respectively. The left and right second front-

rear mounting portions

123c, 123d are fixed to the respective first front-

rear mounting portions

121b, 122b of the left and right

front panels

121, 122 by sewing threads, and are also fixed to the

side panels

126, 127 by sewing threads.

The rear lower hem portion 123e of the rear panel 123 extends between the lower edges of the left and right second front-

rear mounting portions

123c, 123 d. The second neckline portion 123f is formed to protrude upwardly between the upper ends of the left and right second front-

rear mounting portions

123c, 123 d.

The second

sleeve mounting portions

123a, 123b are formed with curved contours that extend outwardly in a convex manner and then extend obliquely downward to the left and right second front and rear mounting

portions

123c, 123 d. The second front and rear mounting

portions

123c, 123d are configured to have a slightly inwardly concave curve. The rear lower hem portion 123e is configured to have a curved profile, bulging circularly downward from a central portion thereof. The rear panel 123 is longer than the left and right

front panels

121 and 122. The cycling jersey 110 covers the top of the pair of pants worn by the cyclist C even if the cyclist or cyclist C is relaxed or leans forward. The second neckline portion 123f protrudes upward and has a concave circular contour.

As shown in fig. 8, 9 and 10, the left and

right sleeve pieces

124 and 125 are short sleeves which are symmetrical to each other (mirror images of each other). The

sleeve panels

124, 125 are sized to at least partially define the shoulder covering area 14' of the cycling jersey 110. Specifically, the

sleeve panels

124, 125 together with the left and right

front panels

121, 122 and the rear panel 123 at least partially cover the shoulders of the rider C.

The

sleeve panels

124, 125 basically include

sleeve edges

124a, 125a, first sleeve forming portions 124b, 125b, second

sleeve forming portions

124c, 125c, back connecting

suture portions

124d, 125d, and front connecting

suture portions

124e, 125 e.

The first sleeve forming portions 124b, 125b and the second

sleeve forming portions

124c, 125c extend away from the

sleeve edges

124a, 125a in a curved manner. The first sleeve forming portions 124b, 125b, the second sleeve forming portions, and portions of the pair of

side panels

126, 127 together form sleeves of the cycling jersey 110, as will be described in more detail below.

The back connecting

suture portions

124d and 125d extend from the second

sleeve forming portions

124c and 125c and are sutured to the second

sleeve mounting portions

123a and 123b on the corresponding side of the back panel 123. The front connecting

seam portions

124e and 125e extend between the first sleeve forming seam portions 124b and 125b and the back connecting

seam portions

124d and 125d, respectively.

The sleeve edges 124a, 125a are configured to have substantially straight edges that partially form the ends of the sleeves of the cycling jersey 110. As shown in fig. 8, the first sleeve forming portions 124b, 125b and the second

sleeve forming portions

124c, 125c are slightly recessed and extend from opposite ends of the

respective sleeve edges

124a, 125 a. The first sleeve forming portions 124b and 125b are shorter than the second

sleeve forming portions

124c and 125 c.

The anterior connecting

suture portions

124e, 125e are curved to conform to the

sleeve mounting portions

121a, 122b of the

front panels

121, 122.

The left and

right side panels

126, 127 are symmetrical to each other. The left and

right side panels

126, 127 include first connecting

portions

126a, 127a, second connecting

portions

126b, 127b, third

sleeve bottom portions

126c, 127c, fourth

sleeve bottom portions

126d, 127d,

bottom sleeve edges

126e, 127e, and side lower hem portions 126f, 127 f.

The first connecting

portions

126a, 127a are sewn to the first front-

rear mounting portions

121b, 122b of the

front panels

121, 122. The second connecting

portions

126b, 127b are sewn to the second front-

rear mounting portions

123c, 123d of the rear panel 123. The third

sleeve bottom portions

126c, 127c are sutured to the respective first sleeve forming portions 124b, 125b of the

sleeve panels

124, 125. The fourth

sleeve bottom portions

126d and 127d are sewn to the corresponding second

sleeve forming portions

124c and 125c of the

sleeve panels

124 and 125 to form sleeves of the cycling jersey 110. The

bottom sleeve edges

126e, 127e cooperate with the

sleeve edges

124a, 125a of the

sleeve panels

124, 125 to form sleeve edges or cuffs of the cycling jersey 110.

The side lower hem portions 126f, 127f together with the front

lower hem portions

121e, 122e of the

front panels

121, 122 and the rear lower hem portion 123e of the rear panel 123 form the lower hem of the cycling jersey 110.

The panels of the cycling jersey 110 are preferably made of fabric that can be stretched in a conventional manner. For example, the cycling jersey 110 is designed to comfortably fit a range of body shapes and body sizes. More specifically, the

front panels

121, 122, the back panel 123, the

sleeve panels

124, 125, the

side panels

126, 127, the neck panel 130 and the pocket (not shown) are all cut from a slightly elastic fabric or a first level of elasticity, resiliently stretchable material so that the cycling jersey 110 can return to approximately its original size and shape.

The cycling jersey 110 includes a non-stretching portion 112 having a second level of elasticity. In the third embodiment, the non-stretching portion 112 includes the seam between the first

attachment seam portion

124e, 125e of the

sleeve panels

124, 125 and the first

sleeve mounting portion

121a, 122a of the

front panels

121, 122. In other words, the non-stretching portion 112 is the stitching structure (tacking) in the seam (seam) of the portions of the

sleeve panels

124, 125 and the

front panels

121, 122. In this way, the non-stretching portions 112 are connected to the respective

front panels

121, 122 and the

respective sleeve panels

124, 125. More specifically, as seen in FIGS. 8 and 10, the cycling jersey 110 has a non-stretching portion 112 on the right side thereof that is located between portions of the front panel 121 and the sleeve panel 124. Similarly, the cycling jersey 110 has a second non-stretching portion 112 on the left side, which is located between a portion of the front panel 122 and the sleeve panel 125.

The stitching structure of the non-stretchable portion 112 may be any stitching pattern and stitching material to limit or prevent stretching of the non-stretchable portion 112. Preferably, the seams of the non-stretchable portion 112 are not easily stretched, and more preferably are not stretched at all under cycling conditions. Additionally, the first level of elasticity refers to elasticity and the second level of elasticity refers to substantially no elasticity.

As shown in fig. 8, the non-stretchable portion 112 does not necessarily extend the entire length of the seam between the respective

front panels

121, 122 and the

respective sleeve panels

124, 125. As shown in FIG. 8, the non-stretching portion 112 extends at least from the top of the shoulder covering region 14' of the cycling jersey 110 (from the back panel 123) to approximately the midpoint of the seam between the front connecting

seam locations

124e and 125e of the

sleeve panels

124 and 125 and the first sleeve

panel mounting locations

121a and 122a of the

front panels

121 and 122. The non-stretchable portion 112 is not limited to the length. The non-stretching portions 112 may be longer or shorter than shown in FIG. 8 depending on the fabric used and the desired cycling jersey requirements. The stitching of the remaining seams between the

front panels

121, 122 and the

sleeve panels

124, 125 may be as flexible and stretchable as the stitching or seams in the other seams between the panels of the cycling jersey 110.

Fourth embodiment

A fourth embodiment will now be explained. In view of the similarity between the various embodiments, the parts of the fourth embodiment that are identical to the parts of the third embodiment will be given the same reference numerals as the parts of the third embodiment. In addition, the descriptions of the parts of the fourth embodiment that are identical to the parts of the third embodiment may be omitted for the sake of brevity. The parts of the fourth embodiment that differ from the parts of the previous embodiments will be indicated with a single prime (') or will be designated with a new reference numeral.

Fig. 11 and 12 show a fourth embodiment. In this fourth embodiment, the cycling jersey 110' is shown to include the back panel 123, the

sleeve panels

124, 125, the

side panels

126, 127, and the neck panel 130, as described above with respect to the third embodiment in connection with FIGS. 8, 9, and 10. In the fourth embodiment, however, the front panel 120' is a single piece of fabric, and no mechanical zipper is present.

The front panel 120 ' includes left and right sleeve mounting portions 121a ', 122a ', first front and rear mounting portions 121b ', 122b ', a neckline portion 121c ', and a front lower hem portion 121e '. The front panel 120' functions in various parts similar to those of the third embodiment. For example, the left and right sleeve mounting portions 121a ', 122 a' are sewn or stitched to the front connecting

suture portions

124e, 125e of the

respective sleeve panels

124, 125. The first front and rear mounting regions 121b ', 122 b' are sewn or stitched to the first connecting

regions

126a, 127a of the

respective side panels

126, 127. The neckline portion 121 c' is sewn to the neckline 130. The front lower hem portion 121e ', the side lower hem portions 126f and 127f, and the rear lower hem portion 123e of the rear panel 123 together form the lower hem of the cycling jersey 110'.

In addition, the cycling jersey 110 'has substantially the same features as the third embodiment, including the non-stretching portions 112 formed between the front panel 120' and the

sleeve panels

124 and 125.

Fifth embodiment

A fifth embodiment will now be explained. In view of the similarity between the various embodiments, the parts of the fifth embodiment that are identical to the parts of the third embodiment will be given the same reference numerals as the parts of the third embodiment. In addition, the descriptions of the parts of the fifth embodiment that are identical to the parts of the third embodiment may be omitted for the sake of brevity. The parts of the fifth embodiment that differ from the parts of the previous embodiments will be indicated with a single prime (') or will be designated with a new reference numeral.

The cycling jersey 210 illustrated in FIGS. 13 and 14 is very similar to the cycling jersey 110 in the third embodiment. For example, the cycling jersey 210 includes the front portion 120 (front panels 121, 122), the back panel 123, the

sleeve panels

124, 125, the

side panels

126, 127, and the neck panel 130 shown in FIGS. 8, 9, and 10 with respect to the third embodiment. In the fifth embodiment, however, the non-stretchable portion is a non-stretchable sheet 212. Each non-stretching tab 212 includes a first side 212a and a second side 212 b. As shown in fig. 13, first side 212a defines a first stitch location and second side 212b defines a second stitch location.

The first side 212a of the non-stretchable panel 212 is fixed or sewn to the front connecting

suture portions

124e, 125e of the

respective sleeve panels

124, 125. The second side 212b of the non-stretchable panel 212 is fixed or sewn to the

sleeve mounting portions

121a, 122a of the respective

front panels

121, 122.

In the fifth embodiment, the

front panels

121, 122 and

sleeve panels

124, 125 can be slightly altered or resized to accommodate the respective non-stretchable panels 212, but such alteration is not necessarily required.

Sixth embodiment

A sixth embodiment will now be explained. In view of the similarity between the various embodiments, the parts of the sixth embodiment that are identical to the parts of the fifth embodiment will be given the same reference numerals as the parts of the fifth embodiment. In addition, the descriptions of the parts of the sixth embodiment that are identical to the parts of the fifth embodiment may be omitted for the sake of brevity. The parts of the fifth embodiment that differ from the parts of the previous embodiments will be indicated with a single prime (') or will be designated with a new reference numeral.

It should be understood from the description and drawings that the depiction of the cycling jersey 210' in the sixth embodiment is identical to the depiction of the cycling jersey 210 in the fifth embodiment. Therefore, the sixth embodiment will also be described with particular reference to fig. 13 and 14. In the sixth embodiment, the non-stretchable secondary sheet 212' is not inserted into the seam between the

front sheets

121 and 122 and the

sleeve sheets

124 and 125, but is superposed on the seam between the

front sheets

121 and 122 and the

sleeve sheets

124 and 125. Further, non-stretchable sheet 212' is also superposed on at least one or the other of portions of

front panels

121, 122 and

sleeve panels

124, 125. The non-stretchable panel 212' should be sewn to the respective portions of the

front panels

121 and 122 and the

sleeve panels

124 and 125 at a minimum.

Seventh embodiment

A seventh embodiment will now be explained. In view of the similarity between the various embodiments, the parts of the seventh embodiment that are identical to the parts of the fifth embodiment will be given the same reference numerals as the parts of the fifth embodiment. In addition, the descriptions of the parts of the seventh embodiment that are identical to the parts of the fifth embodiment may be omitted for the sake of brevity. The parts of the seventh embodiment that differ from the parts of the previous embodiments will be indicated with a single prime ('), double prime ("), or will be designated with a new reference numeral.

As seen in FIG. 15, the cycling jersey 210 "includes the non-stretchable panels 212 described above in the fifth embodiment. However, the front panel 120' of the cycling jersey 210 "is constructed from a single piece of fabric and thus has no mechanical zipper. All other panels of the cycling jersey 210 "are the same as in the fifth embodiment.

In addition, the non-stretchable sheet 212 is the same as in the fifth embodiment. Specifically, the first side 212a of the non-stretchable panel 212 is fixed or sewn to the respective front connecting

suture portions

124e, 125e of the

sleeve panels

sleeve mounting portions

121a, 122a of the respective

front panels

121, 122.

Eighth embodiment

An eighth embodiment will now be explained. In view of the similarity between the various embodiments, the parts of the eighth embodiment that are identical to the parts of the seventh embodiment will be given the same reference numerals as the parts of the seventh embodiment. In addition, the descriptions of the parts of the eighth embodiment that are identical to the parts of the seventh embodiment may be omitted for the sake of brevity. The parts of the eighth embodiment that differ from the parts of the previous embodiments will be indicated with a single prime ('), double prime ("), triple prime (*), or with a new reference numeral.

It should be understood from the description and drawings that the cycling jersey 210 * is depicted in the eighth embodiment exactly as the cycling jersey 210 "is depicted in the seventh embodiment. Therefore, the eighth embodiment will also be described with particular reference to fig. 15.

As shown in FIG. 15, the cycling jersey 210 * includes the non-stretch panels 212 'described above in the sixth embodiment and the front panel 120' described in the seventh embodiment, which is constructed from a single piece of fabric without a mechanical zipper. All other panels of the cycling jersey 210 * are the same as in the seventh embodiment, except that the non-stretch panel 212 'is not a seam interposed between the front panel 120' and the

sleeve panels

124 and 125. More suitably, the non-stretchable panel 212 ' is superposed over a portion of the respective seam between the front panel 120 ' and the

sleeve panels

124 and 125 and is sewn to the respective portions of the front panel 120 ' and the

sleeve panels

124 and 125.

In an alternative embodiment, the cycling jersey can also be used for activities other than cycling.

In another alternative embodiment, the cycling jersey can be adapted for use with the attached sport pants. Specifically, the pant portion and the jersey portion can be sewn together to form a single garment or garment that incorporates the sleeve panel design and construction described above.

In another alternative embodiment, the cycling jersey described above can be constructed with long sleeves rather than short sleeves.

In an alternative embodiment, the rear panel 23(123) may also have a shorter profile, which may optionally be raised to a height that is further away from the shoulder covering area 14 (14') in the embodiments described above. Thus, the

non-stretchable portions

12, 112, 212 and 212' may be slightly longer than in those embodiments described.

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. Furthermore, 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 having a deviation of at least 5% of the modified term if this deviation would not negate the meaning of the word it modifies. The term "site" can also be understood and interpreted as "portion".

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, and further, that the foregoing description of the specific embodiments according to the present invention is provided for illustration only and not for the purpose of limiting the invention as defined in the appended claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. A cycling jersey, comprising:

a front panel;

a rear panel attached to a portion of the front panel;

a pair of symmetrical sleeve panels connected to respective portions of said front panel and said back panel, each sleeve panel defining at least a portion of a shoulder covering area of said cycling jersey; and

a pair of non-stretchable portions comprising one non-stretchable portion on a right side of the cycling jersey and one non-stretchable portion on a left side of the cycling jersey, the non-stretchable portions being secured to at least the sleeve panels, the non-stretchable portions extending in a direction generally from the front panel to the back panel and extending at least partially over a shoulder covering area of the cycling jersey;

wherein,

said front panel, said back panel and said sleeve panel are made of respective materials having a first level of elasticity, said non-stretchable portion having a second level of elasticity, said first level of elasticity being elastic and said second level of elasticity being substantially inelastic.

2. A cycling jersey in accordance with claim 1, wherein

The non-stretchable portions include respective sewn seams for securing respective portions of the sleeve panels to respective portions of the front panel.

3. A cycling jersey in accordance with claim 1, wherein

The non-stretchable portion includes respective non-stretchable panels fixed to the overlapping portions of the respective sleeve panels.

4. A cycling jersey in accordance with claim 1, wherein

The non-stretchable portion comprises respective non-stretchable panels having first and second sides, the first sides of the non-stretchable panels being secured to respective portions of the sleeve panels, and the second sides of the non-stretchable panels being secured to respective portions of the front panel.

5. A cycling jersey in accordance with claim 1, wherein

Said front panel being formed with respective first sleeve mounting portions and first front and rear mounting portions, each of said first sleeve mounting portions having a curved edge, said first front and rear mounting portions extending downwardly from respective first sleeve mounting portions;

said rear panel defining left and right second sleeve mounting portions and left and right second front and rear mounting portions, each said second sleeve mounting portion having a beveled edge, each said second front and rear mounting portion extending downwardly from a respective said second sleeve mounting portion and being connected to a respective said first front and rear mounting portion of said front panel; and

each of the sleeve panels further includes a sleeve edge portion, first and second sleeve forming portions interconnected to at least partially define sleeves of the cycling jersey, a first suture portion between the first sleeve forming portion and the second suture portion, the first suture portion of each of the sleeve panels being connected to the first sleeve panel mounting portion of the respective front panel, and the second suture portion of each of the sleeve panels extending from the second sleeve forming portion and being sutured to the second sleeve panel mounting portion of the respective back panel.

6. A cycling jersey in accordance with claim 5, wherein

The non-stretching portions include a seam joining the respective first seam portion of each of the sleeve panels to the corresponding first sleeve panel mounting portion of the front panel.

7. A cycling jersey in accordance with claim 5, wherein

The non-stretchable portion includes non-stretchable panels each having first and second suture portions, the first suture portion of the non-stretchable panel being fixed to the first suture portion of a corresponding one of the sleeve panels, the second suture portion of the non-stretchable panel being fixed to the first sleeve panel mounting portion of the front panel.

8. A cycling jersey in accordance with claim 5, wherein

The non-stretchable portion includes a non-stretchable panel fixed to a corresponding portion of the sleeve panel and superposed thereon.

9. A cycling jersey in accordance with claim 6, further comprising

A pair of side panels, each having a rear panel attachment portion and a front panel attachment portion, the respective rear panel attachment portions of the side panels being attached to the respective second front-to-rear mounting portions of the rear panel, the respective front panel attachment portions of the side panels being attached to the respective first front-to-rear mounting portions of the front panel, the side panels attaching the rear panel to the front panel.

10. A cycling jersey in accordance with claim 9, wherein

Each of the side panels further includes a sleeve forming portion, the respective sleeve forming portion of the side panel being connected to the respective first and second sleeve forming portions of the sleeve panel.

11. A cycling jersey in accordance with claim 7, further comprising:

a pair of side panels, each having a rear panel attachment portion and a front panel attachment portion, the respective rear panel attachment portion of the side panel being attached to the respective second front-to-rear mounting portion of the rear panel and the respective front panel attachment portion being attached to the respective first front-to-rear mounting portion of the front panel, the side panels attaching the rear panel to the front panel.

12. A cycling jersey in accordance with claim 11, wherein

13. A cycling jersey in accordance with claim 8, further comprising:

14. A cycling jersey in accordance with claim 13, wherein