CA2847784A1 - Reversible sports jersey and methods of making and using the same - Google Patents

Abstract

There is provided a reversible athletic jersey, Comprising a first panel having a body, a first sleeve and a second sleeve, the first panel having at least one color; and a second panel having a body, a first sleeve and a second sleeve connected to the first panel, the second panel having at least one color different than the at least one color of the first panel.

Description

REVERSIBLE SPORTS JERSEY AND =
METHODS OF MAKING AND USING SAME
[0001] The present disclosure relates generally to an athletic jersey for use by an individual in a sport, and more particularly, but not by way of limitation, to an improved reversible jersey for use by an individual in a sport and methods of making and using the reversible jersey.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS

[0002] FIG. 1 is a front view of a first side of one embodiment of a reversible jersey constructed in accordance with the present disclosure.

[0003] FIG. 2 is a front view of a second side of the reversible jersey of FIG. 1.

[0004] FIG. 3 is a back view of the reversible jersey of FIG. 1.

[0005] FIG. 4 is a back view of the reversible jersey of FIG. 2.

[0006] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of one embodiment of a hexi collar of the reversible jersey.

[0007] FIG. 6 is a perspective view of one embodiment of a lace up collar of the reversible jersey.

[0008] FIGS. 7-8 show front, side and back views of body vents and vent panels positioned in various places about another embodiment of a reversible jersey constructed in accordance with the present disclosure.

[0009] FIG. 9 shows a first side and a second side of another embodiment of a reversible jersey having a fight strap.

[0010] FIG. 10 shows another embodiment of a reversible jersey to be utilized in baseball/softball.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0011] Referring now to the drawings, and more particularly to FIGS. 1-4, a reversible jersey constructed in accordance with the present disclosure is shown. Broadly, the jersey includes a first panel and a second panel. Each panel is provided with a different color(s) and/or design. By way of example, the reversible jersey is shown to be used in hockey.
However, it should be understood by one of ordinary skill in the art that the reversible jersey may be constructed to be utilized by athletes in other sports as well, for example, including, but not limited to, football, baseball, softball, basketball, soccer, etc. Further, it should be understood that the reversible jersey may be constructed to be utilized for various events, concerts, etc.

[0012] In one embodiment, the reversible jersey is made of a flat knit polyester material, such as 120-140 gsnn polyester, or some other washable and durable fabric. However, the garment may be formed of virtually any material. Additionally, it will be understood that various colors may be utilized. For example, a first and second color may be provided on one side of the reversible jersey, where the first color is predominant, and on another side of the reversible jersey, where the second color is predominant (and sports indicia to identify a sports team on both); could be mirrored image (blue becomes white and white becomes blue on other side, etc.). Also, various forms of identification may be used on the reversible jersey, for example: identifying indicia such as numbers; names; colors; advertising legends, etc.

[0013] In one embodiment, Italian dyes and a sublimation process to dye the design and colors directly into the material is utilized. However, it should be understood that any method known for placing a color on a material may be utilized, so long as the method functions in accordance with the present disclosure. The reversible jersey can be two completely different designs or even two completely different teams on opposite sides.

[0014] Example 1: Home jersey and away jersey. Each jersey is also individually customizable where the players name is placed on the back and or front sleeves, etc.

[0015] Example 2: The Allen Americans are a farm team of the Dallas Stars, a Dallas Stars jersey may be constructed with favorite player's name and number on one side, and an exact Allen Americans Design with a player from that team and put it on the the flip side. So, an individual can have both teams and two different players. One is not limited to inverse colors.
The design of one side of the jersey is completely independent of the second side of the jersey.

[0016] In one embodiment, a flat knit polyester material is used for most of the jersey. A sublimation dye process is utilized for the design and graphics. Each panel (front, back, yolk, right sleeve, and/or left sleeve) is layered, essentially two pieces back to back with design on it. The two sublimated sides are sewn together with coordinating custom graphics to give the two designs. The panels are joined at the neck with a universal collar made of heavy spandex (300 gsm). The design can be sublimated into the collar as well and doubled over to give different looks on each side as well. Different designs can be placed on the collar, such as for example, a team logo, sponsor, etc. At least three different types of universal collars are utilized for the reversible jersey, the "V" neck as shown in FIGS. 1-4, and the "hex' collar as shown in FIG. 5.

[0017] Referring to FIG. 6, in another embodiment, a lace up collar is utilized for various design reasons. On regular lace up jersey collars, there is an insert behind the laces. In the case of the reversible jersey, the eyelets go from one side to the other and the insert is removed allowing the jersey to have the vintage lace up look. The tie would just be flipped to the outside when jersey is in reverse position and vise versa. It looks the same no matter which way you flip it.

[0018] The jersey's panels are hemmed on the cuffs and then hemmed together. The jersey's panels are hemmed the same way on the bottom of the back and front panels.

[0019] Referring to FIGS. 7-8, another embodiment of a reversible hockey jersey is shown constructed in accordance with the present disclosure. The reversible hockey jersey has standard gussets under each arm that is made of Air mesh. This gusset is a single universal piece that acts as the basic body vent which may be placed in the reversible jersey.
Where most jersey gussets are closed mesh and the primary idea behind it is to allow more width for movement under the arm, the body vent is not only that but an air mesh to keep the body cool. Multiple body vents which are universal pieces of air mesh may be placed down the entire side of the reversible jersey. This is a side vent panel. Front and back vents are placed in the jersey for performance reasons. For example, as the player skates ahead, air will pass through cooling the athlete. Typically, in traditional reversible jerseys, moisture somewhat becomes trapped between layers.
The body vents in the reversible jersey limit the amount of moisture, as well as speeding up the drying process. The jersey is designed perform exactly the same or better than a regular game jersey.

[0020] Although the air mesh body vents are discussed herein being located on the side of the reversible jersey, the body vents can be placed anywhere.

[0021] Referring to FIG. 9, in another embodiment, a professional NHL
regulated fighting strap is placed on the jersey so this can be used at levels where all jersey's must have a "Tie down."

(0022] On one panel, at the bottom, an opening is placed between the two layers anywhere from 10-12 inches depending on the size of the jersey.
It should be understood by one of ordinary skill in the art that the opening may be adjusted to other sizes and dimensions depending on the jersey design, so long as the opening function in accordance with the present disclosure.
[00233 The reversible jersey mat be provided with dual layered elbows for extra durability with older players and provides a little extra padding for youth. These layers are stitched in place and never move.
[0024] The jersey may be constructed in multiple sizes to fit multiple sizes of individuals (i.e., at least nineteen sizes for infant, toddler, youth, men's women's to the largest standard hockey jersey size which is a 4 x-large). The reversible jersey may also be constructed in Goalie cuts with larger arms and a wider torso.
[0025] In the past, reversible jerseys were used for practice and identification, or were cut and sewn solid colored fabric that only offered the inverse of the jersey on the other side. The present concept provides the ability to customize and add the vents and tie down for game reasons. The uses/designs of the present jersey eliminates teams and players from buying two sets of jerseys for game play. One can have home and away jerseys of their favorite team with two different players numbers on each side, or two favorite teams, one on each side of the jersey. The jersey may be personalized with one's own name and number.
[0026] Referring to FIG. 10, an embodiment of a baseball/softball jersey is shown. All of the same methods as the hockey jersey are used to make the baseball jersey. The dye process is the same, the fabric's are also the same. Design capabilities and customization is also the same as above.
Two totally different jerseys with unlimited design possibilities.
[0027] All the body vent options are the same as well. Body vents can be placed anywhere on the baseball jersey.
[0028] The baseball/softball jersey is provided, by way of example, in at least four different styles. However, it should be understood by one of ordinary skill in the art that various styles may be provided so long as the jersey functions in accordance with the present disclosure as described herein.
1. Traditional Style jersey with button down front. This jersey can be two completely different designs as well. On the button down jersey, the front will have a left and right panel that will join using buttons. Each side of the jersey will have its own set of buttons. The buttons of the jersey are on back to back panels. The buttons will share a set of opposing holes on the opposite panel, the holes are universal. When the buttons on the outside are on the left front panel, and then the jersey is reversed they are on the right panel on the outside of the other side. Button holes will be flipped also.
2. Sleeveless traditional baseball/softball jersey with button down front. This is the exact same as above with all the same concepts. This jersey is sleeveless.
3. Universal collar baseball/softball jersey. This jersey does not have a button down front. The collar is very much the same as the hockey jersey. We can make v-neck, round and hexi collars for this jersey.
4. Sleeveless universal collar baseball/softball jersey. Same as above without sleeves.
[0029] From the above description, it is clear that the present disclosure is well adapted to carry out the objects and to attain the advantages mentioned herein as well as those inherent in the invention. While presently preferred embodiments of the invention have been described for purposes of this disclosure, it will be understood that numerous changes may be made which will readily suggest themselves to those skilled in the art and which are accomplished within the spirit of the invention disclosed.

Claims

What is claimed is:

1. A reversible athletic jersey, comprising:
a first panel having a body, a first sleeve and a second sleeve, the first panel having at least one color, and a second panel having a body, a first sleeve and a second sleeve connected to the first panel, the second panel having at least one color different than the at least one color of the first panel.