US20240284993A1

US20240284993A1 - Upper-body garment with open sleeve and vented back constructions

Info

Publication number: US20240284993A1
Application number: US18/585,682
Authority: US
Inventors: Rachel K. Dolphin; Caroline M. Donelan; Raegen A. Stauffer
Original assignee: Nike Inc
Current assignee: Nike Inc
Priority date: 2023-02-24
Filing date: 2024-02-23
Publication date: 2024-08-29

Abstract

An upper-body garment can include an open sleeve and vented back constructions. In at least some examples, the upper-body garment includes arm sleeves with elongated openings (e.g., on the bottom side of the sleeve), and the elongated openings transition into a vented back construction. Among other things, the upper-body garment can provide a sleeved garment that affords at least some benefits associated with arm sleeves, while also providing a breathable garment that is less restrictive of the wearer's movements (e.g., arm movements or other motion associated with the upper torso).

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application, having attorney docket number 409960/220083US02 and entitled “Upper-Body Garment with Open Sleeve and Vented Back Constructions,” claims the benefit of and priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 63/448,113, filed Feb. 24, 2023, entitled “Upper-Body Garment with Open Sleeve and Vented Back Constructions.” The entirety of the aforementioned application is incorporated by reference herein.

BACKGROUND

Conventional upper-body garments include a torso portion, and many also include arm sleeves. In many cases, an upper-body garment can comprise a variety of different features (e.g., material type, fit, construction, etc.) that make the upper-body garment more suitable for some wearing conditions and/or activities. For example, an upper-body garment suitable for colder temperatures can be made of a thicker, thermally insulative material, can be fitted to more tightly wrap around underlying body parts of a wearer, and/or can be constructed to more fully cover the wearer's torso and arms.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

The present articles for an upper-body garment with open sleeve and vented back constructions are described in detail below with reference to these figures.

FIG. 1 depicts a front view of an upper-body garment, in accordance with examples of this disclosure.

FIG. 2 depicts a back view of the upper-body garment of FIG. 1 , in accordance with examples of this disclosure.

FIG. 3 depicts a back view of the upper-body garment of FIG. 1 with a portion of a back panel that is hidden from view shown as dashed lines, in accordance with examples of this disclosure.

FIG. 4 depicts a front perspective view of the upper-body garment of FIG. 1 , in accordance with examples of this disclosure.

FIG. 5 depicts a perspective view of a sleeve of the upper-body garment of FIG. 1 , in accordance with examples of this disclosures.

FIG. 6 depicts a bottom view of the upper-body garment of FIG. 1 , in accordance

with examples of this disclosure.

FIG. 7 depicts a back view of a sleeve and a partial back torso portion of the upper-body garment of FIG. 1 , in accordance with examples of this disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

This detailed description is related to an upper-body garment with open sleeve and vented back constructions. That is, in at least some examples, the upper-body garment includes arm sleeves with elongated openings (e.g., on the bottom side of the sleeve), and the elongated openings transition into a vented back construction. Among other things, the upper-body garment can provide a sleeved garment that affords at least some benefits associated with arm sleeves, while also providing a breathable garment that is less restrictive of the wearer's movements (e.g., arm movements or other motion associated with the upper torso).
In contrast to the subject matter of the present disclosure, conventional techniques and/or features associated with sleeved upper-body garments can make the upper-body garments less suitable and/or less desirable for wearing conditions. For example, conventional upper-body garments that include sleeves can sometimes restrict the wearer's range of motion, such as when portions of the upper-body garment pull on the wearer when the wearer moves in a certain direction or manner. In some examples, an upper back portion of a conventional garment can pull on an upper-back region of the wearer, such as when the wearer stretches their arms forward, which can in turn limit mobility of the wearer's arms, chest, and back. In some examples, shoulder and/or rear deltoid potions of conventional garments can similarly pull on the wearer, and again, this pulling and/or catching can limit range of motion. In addition, some conventional upper-body garments can be too insulating and lack breathability, which can decrease comfort associated with the garment due to the wearer being too hot.
As indicated, examples of this disclosure include an upper-body garment comprising open sleeve and vented back constructions. The disclosed upper-body garment(s) comprises a variety of features designed to make the upper-body garment suitable for multiple wearing conditions. For example, the upper-body garment can cover underlying body parts of a wearer in a manner that provides sufficient warmth and protection against cold temperatures, while simultaneously affording ventilation and enhanced range of motion for a wearer's arms, shoulders, and back full range of motion. As such, on account of these features, the upper-body garment is suitable to be worn while the wearer is subject to a variety of environmental forces and/or engaged in a numerous activities, such as exercise activities in outdoor, cold temperature environments.
In at least some examples, the upper-body garment can include a front panel, a back panel, a back vent panel, and a sleeve that have features (e.g., pattern, shape, and/or size of the panels and/or sleeve, an opening of the sleeve, and the like) and/or an arrangement (e.g., attachments and/or detachments among the panels and the sleeve proximate portions of their respective edges, positions of the panels and/or the sleeve, and the like) that contribute to a formation of the open sleeve and vented back constructions. For example, the front panel and the back panel can be affixed proximate their respective side edges (e.g., a front side edge and a back side edge), and the front panel and the back vent panel can be affixed proximate their respective top edges (e.g., a front top edge and a back vent top edge). The back vent panel can extend over a portion of the back panel and be coupled thereto such that a plurality of vents are formed between an inner-facing surface of the back vent panel and an outer-facing surface of the back panel.
Staying with this example, a proximal end of the sleeve can be affixed to both the front and back vent panels proximate their respective sleeve edges (e.g., a front sleeve edge and a back vent sleeve edge), and at least a portion of an underside of the sleeve can include an opening that extends through the proximal end such. The opening of the sleeve and/or a manner in which the proximal end of the sleeve is affixed to the front and back vent panels can, at least in part, contribute to a formation of an open sleeve construction in the upper-body garment. Further, the plurality of vents, a manner in which the proximal end of the sleeve is affixed to the back vent panel, and/or an alignment of an opening back edge of the sleeve with a back vent bottom edge of the back vent panel can, at least in part, contribute to a formation of a vented back construction in the upper-body garment. Further still, any of the panels and/or the sleeve can include a pattern, shape, and/or size that can also partially contribute to the open sleeve and vented back constructions (e.g., dolmen style sleeve, width of the back vent panel greater than that of the back panel, and the like). In addition, these aspects of the panels and/or the sleeve, as well as any other aspects discussed herein, can afford features to the upper-body garment (e.g., ventilation, enhanced range of motion for a wearer's arms, shoulders, and back full range of motion, and the like), which make the upper-body garment suitable for multiple wearing conditions (e.g., cold temperatures and exercise).
As described, certain aspects of the present disclosure relate to upper-body garments or aspects thereof that are at least partially formed from one or more panels. As used herein, the term “panel” generally refers to a pattern piece having one or more terminal edges, which can include an edge that is free and/or an edge that is attached to a different panel. Further, a panel can have a non-rigid, planar structure and can be formed from one or more materials that provide an upper-body garment desirable characteristics, such as breathable materials, materials with a desired drape or hand, wicking materials, stabilizing components, and/or elastic elements for comfort and/or tailoring a fit of an upper-body garment.
In example aspects, a panel can include a textile and/or can be a textile panel. Such aspects contemplate that a panel can include any type of textile construction, including but not limited to, knit, woven, non-woven, braided, and the like. In further aspects, a panel can include any type of pliable cloth or fabric that can have textile construction and that be used to produce upper-body garments. In at least some examples, a material used to construct a panel can include natural fibers, artificial fibers, or combinations thereof. In other aspects, a panel can be constructed by traditional methods such as weaving, knitting, crocheting, knotting, felting, and the like, and such aspects contemplate that a panel may comprise materials, such as polyester, nylon, cotton, spandex, rayon, cellulose, and blends thereof that may be included in a panel in certain amounts. For example, a panel may be constructed into a fabric comprising a blend of cotton and polyester, and in another example, the fabric may comprise 100% polyester. Any and all aspects, and any variation thereof, are contemplated as being within aspects herein.
As used herein, the terms “attach,” “secure,” or “affix” as used herein generally means a permanent attachment achieved through, for instance, stitching, bonding, adhesives and the like unless indicated otherwise. As used herein, the term “perimeter” refers to an area forming the boundary of the object referred to. For example, a perimeter of a panel is the area that extends along the boundary of that structure. The “outer perimeter” may refer to portions of a perimeter of a panel and/or a sleeve that, once formed into an upper-body garment, are secured to one or more other panels and/or sleeves or form a seam between two ends of the outer perimeter. In contrast, an “inner perimeter” may refer to portions of the perimeter of a panel and/or sleeve that, once formed into an upper-body garment, define openings, such as an opening in an underside portion of a sleeve. The perimeter (outer perimeter or inner perimeter) may refer to an edge of the panel and/or sleeve or to a peripheral area adjacent the edge.
Positional terms as used herein such as top, bottom, front, sides, back, superior, inferior, lateral, medial, right, left, inner, outer, interior, exterior, inner-facing, outer-facing, interior-facing, and exterior-facing and the like are used with respect to the upper-body garment being worn as intended with the wearer standing in an upright position such that the front of the upper-body garment is positioned adjacent to a front torso area of the wearer and the back of the upper-body garment is positioned adjacent to a back torso area of the wearer. For example, an “upper portion” of an panel refers to the portion oriented in the “superior” anatomical direction (i.e., toward the head of a wearer) when the upper-body garment is being worn by the wearer. Similarly, the directional terms “downwardly” and/or “lower” refer to the anatomical direction “inferior” (i.e., toward the ground and away from the head of the wearer). “Front” or “forward” means “anterior” (e.g., toward the chest), and “rear” means “posterior” (e.g., toward the back). “Medial” means “toward the midline of the body,” and “lateral” means “away from the midline of the body.” It should be understood, however, that use of positional terms do not depend on the actual presence of a human being for interpretative purposes.
In other examples, “interior” of an upper-body garment refers to portions at a space occupied by a wearer's torso and/or arms when the upper-body garment is worn as intended. “Inner side” refers to the side or surface of the component that is oriented toward the interior of the upper-body garment. “Outer side” or “exterior” refers to the side or surface that is oriented away from the interior of the upper-body garment. Further, the terms “inward” and “inwardly” shall refer to the direction toward the interior of the upper-body garment, and the terms “outward” and “outwardly” shall refer to the direction toward the exterior of the upper-body garment. In addition, the term “proximal” refers to a direction that is nearer a center of an upper-body garment, or is closer to a midline (or to the torso) of the wearer when the upper-body garment is worn as intended. Likewise, the term “distal” refers to a relative position that is further away from a center of the upper-body garment, or is further from a midline (or from the torso) of the wearer when the upper-body garment is worn as intended. Thus, the terms proximal and distal may be understood to provide generally opposing terms to describe relative spatial positions. For example, a “proximal end” of, for instance, a sleeve is configured to be positioned closer to a midline (or to the torso) of the wearer as compared to a distal end of the sleeve.
The term “transverse,” as possibly used throughout this detailed description and in the claims, refers to a direction extending across a width of a component. For example, a transverse direction of an upper-body garment extends from a left side toward a right side of the garment, or vise-versa. The transverse direction or axis may also be referred to as a lateral direction or axis or a mediolateral direction or axis.
The terms “comprising,” “including,” and “having” are inclusive and therefore specify the presence of stated materials, features, steps, operations, elements, or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other materials, features, steps, operations, elements, or components. Orders of steps, processes, and operations may be altered when possible, and additional or alternative steps may be employed. As used in this specification, the term “or” includes any one and all combinations of the associated listed items. The term “any of” is understood to include any possible combination of referenced items, including “any one of” the referenced items. The term “any of” is understood to include any possible combination of referenced claims of the appended claims, including “any one of” the referenced claims.
The phrases “formed from” and “formed of” are also intended throughout this disclosure and the accompanying claims to be inclusive, and to specify the presence of stated materials, features, steps, operations, elements, or components, but to not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other materials, features, steps, operations, elements, or components unless otherwise indicated.
Various aspects are described below with reference to the drawings in which like elements generally are identified by like numerals. The relationship and functioning of the various elements of the aspects may better be understood by reference to the following detailed description. However, aspects are not limited to those illustrated in the drawings or explicitly described below. It also should be understood that the drawings are not necessarily to scale, and in certain instances details may have been omitted that are not necessary for an understanding of aspects disclosed herein, such as conventional assembly. Additionally, there are various measurements provided herein. Unless indicated otherwise, the term “about” or “substantially” with respect to a measurement means within +10% of the indicated value.
FIGS. 1-3 show an upper-body garment 10 and its components, according to examples of the present disclosure. FIG. 1 depicts a front view, and while FIGS. 2 and 3 depict a same back view, FIG. 3 includes dashed lines to illustrate portions of the upper-body garment 10 that are hidden from view. The upper-body garment 10 comprises a front panel 110, a back panel 120, a back vent panel 131, a first sleeve 161 a (e.g., right arm sleeve), and a second sleeve 161 b (e.g., left arm sleeve), which are configured to have features and/or attachments with one another that, at least in part, contribute to a formation of open sleeve and vented back constructions.
Throughout this disclosure, the front panel 110, the back panel 120, the back vent panel 131, each of the sleeves 161 a, 161 b, and/or their respective features can be referenced in different manners. In some examples, numerical terms may be included when referring to the front, back, and back vent panels 110, 120, 131, each of the sleeves 161 a, 161 b, and/or their respective features. For instance, the front panel 110 can be referred to as a “first panel,” the back panel 120 can be referred to as a “second panel”, and the back vent panel 131 can be referred to as a “third panel.” Similarly, the sleeve 161 a can be referred to as a “first sleeve” and the sleeve 161 b can be referred to as a “second sleeve.” In other examples, any of the front, back, and back vent panels 110, 120, 131 can be referred to as a “textile panel.” Additionally, the back panel 120 can be referred to as a “lower back panel” or an “inner layer” or a “base layer” and the back vent panel 131 can be referred to as an “upper back panel” or the “outer layer.” Some examples can refer to a multi-layer back portion or construction, in which the back panel 120 (or a similar back panel) can include an inner layer or a base layer, and the back vent panel 131 (or a similar panel) can include an outer layer. In some examples, the sleeve 161 a can be referred to as a “right sleeve” and the sleeve 161 b can be referred to as a “left sleeve.” These different manners of reference are not intended to impart a specific configuration of features and/or components to the front, back, and back vent panels 110, 120, 131, the sleeves 161 a, 161 b, and/or their respective features but, rather, are intended to represent general aspects to aid in understanding the various descriptions provided herein. Unless stated otherwise, the front panel 110, the back panel 120, the back vent panel 131, and the sleeves 161 a, 161 b can include any combination of features and/or components discussed herein, even when referenced in a different manner. In at least some examples, an upper-body garment can include additional panels or gussets in various locations. In some examples, two or more of the panels can be combined into a single panel.
In FIGS. 1 and 2 (and FIGS. 3-8 ), the first and second sleeves 161 a, 161 b are depicted in an extended position to more clearly show their respective features and their relationship with other components of the upper-body garment 10, as well as features related to the front panel 110, the back panel 120, the back vent panel 131, the open sleeve constructions 160 a, 160 b, and the vented back construction 130. In addition, the first and second sleeves 161 a, 161 b are mirror images, and while the first sleeve 161 a corresponds to a wearer's right arm and the second sleeve 161 b corresponds the wearer's left arm, the first and second sleeves 161 a, 161 b include the same, corresponding features, unless stated otherwise. Similarly, the front panel 110, the back panel 120, and the back vent panel 131 each include two, opposing sides, one that generally corresponds to the wearer's right side and another that generally corresponds to the wearer's left side. Moreover, the respective sides of each of the front panel 110, the back panel 120, and the back vent panel 131 are mirror images of one another and thus, include the same, corresponding features, unless stated otherwise.
The upper-body garment 10 comprises a first open sleeve construction 160 a associated with the first sleeve 161 a, a second open sleeve construction 160 b associated with the second sleeve 161 b, and a vented back construction 130, which are generally identified by brackets in FIGS. 1 and/or 2 (and FIGS. 6 and 7 ). In examples, the first open sleeve construction 160 a is generally included in the first sleeve 161 a and is at least partially formed by features of the first sleeve 161 a and attachments (e.g., selective and/or partial attachment) of the first sleeve 161 a to the front panel 110 and the back vent panel 131. Similarly, the second open sleeve construction 160 b is generally included in the second sleeve 161 b and is at least partially formed by features of the second sleeve 161 b and attachments (e.g., selective and/or partial attachment) of the second sleeve 161 b to the front panel 110 and the back vent panel 131. The vented back construction 130 is at least partially least formed by the back panel 120, the back vent panel 131, features thereof, and their attachments to one another, to the front panel 110, and to the sleeves 161 a, 161 b. The open sleeve constructions 160 a, 160 b and the vented back construction 130 are discussed in more detail below.
In some examples, the upper-body garment 10 can include various finishings, trims, etc., and in FIGS. 1 and 2 , the upper-body garment 10 includes a collar 12, a waist hem 14, a cuff 16 a (e.g., right sleeve cuff), and a cuff 16 b (left sleeve cuff). The collar 12 can be a discrete component and can form a neck opening in the upper-body garment 10. As discussed in more detail below, the collar 12 is attached to one or more of the front panel 110, the back panel 120, and the back vent panel 131. In other examples, the collar 12 can be an extension or integrated portion of the front panel 110 and/or the back vent panel 131. In such examples, the collar 12 can form or include an edge of the front panel 110 and/or the back vent panel 131.
The waist hem 14 encircles a waist opening and is cooperatively formed of portions of the front panel 110 and the back panel 120. Each of the cuffs 16 a, 16 b is attached to a respective distal end of the sleeves 161 a, 161 b. In at least some examples, the collar 12, the waist hem 14, the cuffs 16 a, 16 b, and/or any of their respective features can be excluded from the upper-body garment 10. In other examples, the upper-body garment 10 may include other finishings and/or similar features, which may be in addition to or in place of the collar 12, the waist hem 14, and the cuffs 16 a, 16 b, such as a ribbed collar, ribbed cuffs, ornamental stitching, printed components, a hood, releasable fasteners (e.g., zippers, hook-and-loop, snaps, etc.) and the like. Relatedly, while the example of FIGS. 1 and 2 depict the upper-body garment 10 as pullover shirt, in other examples, the upper-body garment 10 can be a pullover fleece, a pullover sweat shirt, a zip-up jacket, a hoodie (e.g., pullover or zip-up), and the like.
The upper-body garment 10 (and/or its components) can include one or more portions (which can also be referred to as “areas” or “regions”) that are generally located near or along a perimeter, periphery, outer margins, etc. of the front panel 110 (e.g., a front torso portion of the upper-body garment 10). In examples, the upper-body garment 10 includes an upper portion 22, a lower portion 24, a first lower side portion 25 a (e.g., on the right side), a second lower side portion 25 b (e.g., on the left side), a first underarm area 26 a (e.g., on the right side), a second underarm area 26 b (e.g., on the left side), a first upper side portion 27 a (e.g., on the right side), a second upper side portion 27 b (e.g., on the left side), a first overarm area 28 a or shoulder area (e.g., on the right side), and a second overarm area 28 b or shoulder area (e.g., on the left side).
In examples, the upper portion 22 can correspond to superior portions of the torso, including trapezius muscles and portions of the chest superior to the clavicle, and the lower portion 24 can correspond to inferior portions of the torso, waist, and/or superior portions of the legs. The lower side portion 25 a can correspond to a right, lateral portion of the torso between the lower portion 24 and the underarm area 26 a, which corresponds to right, lateral portion of the torso immediately below the right arm, including superior portions of the external oblique muscle. Similarly, the lower side portion 25 b can correspond to a left, lateral portion of the torso between the lower portion 24 and the underarm area 26 b, which corresponds to a left, lateral portion of the torso immediately below the left arm, including superior portions of the external oblique muscle. The upper side portion 27 a can correspond to a right, lateral portion of the torso and proximal portion of the right arm between the underarm area 26 a and the overarm area 28 a, which corresponds to lateral, uppermost portions of the right shoulder immediately above the right arm. Likewise, the upper side portion 27 b can correspond to a left, lateral portion of the torso and/or a proximal portion of the left arm between the underarm area 26 b and the overarm area 28 b, which corresponds to lateral, uppermost portions of left right shoulder immediately above the left arm. These portions and areas (e.g., 22, 24, 25 a, 25 b, 26 a, 26 b, 27 a, 27 b, 28 a, and 28 b) are intended to represent general areas of the upper-body garment 10 as an aid in understanding the various descriptions provided herein.
The front panel 110 corresponds to an anterior portion of the torso and forms a front torso portion of the upper-body garment 10. At the upper portion 22 of the upper-body garment 10, the front panel 110 includes a front top edge 112 that abuts and is attached to a back vent top edge 132 of the back vent panel 131. In addition, the front top edge 112 can be affixed to the collar 12 (e.g., see also FIG. 4 ). The front panel 110 includes a front side edge 116 a (e.g., FIG. 1 ) at the lower side portion 25 a that abuts and is attached to a back side edge 126 a of the back panel 120, and similarly, at the lower side portion 25 b, the front panel 110 includes a front side edge 116 b that abuts and is attached to a back side edge 126 b of the back panel 120 (e.g., see also FIG. 4 ). In addition, the front panel 110 includes a front right sleeve edge 118 a extending between the underarm and overarm areas 26 a, 28 a and a front left sleeve edge 118 b extending between the underarm and overarm areas 26 b, 28 b. The front right sleeve edge 118 a is attached to a proximal end 168 a of the sleeve 161 a, and likewise, the front left sleeve edge 118 b is attached to a proximal end 168 b of the sleeve 161 b. In at least some examples, aside from the attachments proximate the top front edge 112 and the front side edges 116 a, 116 b, the front panel 110 is not directly attached to any other portions and/or edges of the back vent panel 131 and the back panel 120. For example and as discussed below, the back vent panel 131 and the back panel 120 both include at least one free or terminal edge (e.g., back vent bottom edge 134, back upper edges 128 a, 128 b) that is detached from the front panel 110 (e.g., free from direct attachment to the front panel 110).
In at least some examples, the front panel 110 can include a textile and/or can be a textile panel and can be referred to as a “front textile panel” or a “first textile panel.” When such reference is made to the front panel 110, similar reference can be made to edges of the front panel 110. For instance, the front top edge 112 can be referred to as a “first top edge,” the front side edges 116 a, 116 b can be referred to as “first side edges,” and the front sleeve edges 118 a, 118 b can be referred to as “first sleeve edges.” In some examples, the textile of the front panel 110 can be a comfort textile, such as a cotton based textile and/or can be a textile that is formed of a material with heat retention properties. In other examples, the front panel 110 can include a pattern, size, and/or shape that affords a loose and/or oversized fit to the upper-body garment 10. For example, the front panel 110 may have a width that, in cooperation with a width of the back panel 120, forms a torso portion of the upper-body garment 10 that has a greater size than a torso of a wearer, thereby providing a loose, relaxed fit. In another example, a length of the front and back panels 110, 120 can be such that the lower portion 24 of the upper-body garment 10 extends over an intermediate portion of a wearer's thighs.
As shown in FIG. 2 , the back vent panel 131 corresponds to an upper, posterior portion of the torso and partially forms a back torso portion of the upper-body garment 10. The back vent panel 131 includes the back vent top edge 132, a back vent bottom edge 134, a first back vent sleeve edge 138 a (on the right side), and a second back vent sleeve edge 138 b (on the left side), which collectively form a perimeter of the back vent panel 131. As discussed, at the upper portion 22 of the upper-body garment 10, the back vent top edge 132 is affixed to the front panel 110 proximate the front top edge 112. In addition, the back vent top edge 132 can be affixed to the collar 12. Thus, the back vent panel 131 and the front panel 110 are joined along the upper portion 22 of the upper-body garment 10 between the collar 12 and each of the overarm areas 28 a, 28 b.
In examples, the back vent bottom edge 134 is a free or terminal edge that extends transversely across the torso portion of the upper-body garment 10 between the sleeves 161 a, 161 b.
In examples, the back vent bottom edge 134 is at least partially detached from the back panel 120, which can increase airflow between the back vent panel 131 and the back panel 120 and can allow for the back vent panel 131 to move relative to the back panel 120 (e.g., to decrease the likelihood that the garment restrictions motion of the wearer). The back vent sleeve edge 138 a is generally positioned between, or extends between, the underarm and overarm areas 26 a, 28 a and is attached to the proximal end 168 a of the sleeve 161 a. Similarly, the back vent sleeve edge 138 b is generally positioned between, and extends between, the underarm and overarm areas 26 b, 28 b and is attached to the proximal end 168 b of the sleeve 161 b.
In examples, the back vent panel 131 can include a textile and/or can be a textile panel and can be referred to as a “back vent textile panel” or a “third textile panel.” When such reference is made to the back vent panel 131, similar reference can be made to edges and/or other respective components of the back vent panel 131. For instance, the back vent top edge 132 can be referred to as a “second top edge,” the back vent sleeve edges 138 a, 138 b can be referred to as “second sleeve edges.” In some examples, the textile of the back vent panel 131 can be a comfort textile, such as a cotton based fabric, can be a textile that is formed of a material with heat retention properties, and/or can be a textile that is the same as a textile of the front panel 110. In other examples, the back vent panel 131 can include a pattern, size, and/or shape that promotes formation of the open sleeve constructions 160 a, 160 b and/or the vented back construction 130 in the upper-body garment 10. For example, the back vent panel 131 can have a size and/or shape that allows the back vent panel 131 and the back panel 120 to be spaced apart in a manner that forms vents and/or openings in the upper-body garment 10 along the back vent bottom edge 134 and between the back vent panel 131 and the back panel 120. In another example, the back vent panel 131 may have a width that is greater than a width of the back panel 120, which can also contribute to a formation of vents and/or openings in the upper-body garment 10 along the back vent bottom edge 134 and between the back vent panel 131 and the back panel 120. In another example, a length of the back vent panel 131 can be such that the back vent panel 131 extends over a portion of the back panel 120 and/or the back vent bottom edge 134 extends over an intermediate portion of a wearer's back, as discussed in more detail below.
The back panel 120 corresponds to a posterior portion of the torso and forms part of the back torso portion of the upper-body garment 10, and in examples, the back panel 120 and the back vent panel 131 cooperatively form the back torso portion of the upper-body garment 10 and are configured to overlap and/or be secured to one another in a manner that contributes to a formation of the vented back construction 130, as discussed in more detail below. The back panel 120 can be conceptually divided into (and/or include) a back lower portion 124 and a back upper portion 125, which are meant to refer to general regions that are relative to one another. The back lower portion 124 generally corresponds to a portion of the back panel 120 that does not overlap with (is not covered by/is not positioned interior to) the back vent panel 131 and can include portions of the back torso positioned at least partially inferior to the shoulder blades and/or the arms. The back upper portion 125 generally corresponds to a portion of the back panel 120 that overlaps with (is covered by/is positioned interior to) the back vent panel 131.
In examples, the back vent panel 131 can be attached to the back upper portion 125 of the back panel 120 at one or more locations. For example, a first attachment 29 a (e.g., tack coupling via stitch(es), adhesive, hot melt, etc.) can couple the back vent panel 131 proximate a first location 129 a of the back upper portion 125, and a second attachment 29 b (e.g., tack coupling via stitch(es), adhesive, hot melt, etc.) can couple the back vent panel 131 to a second location 129 b of the back upper portion 125.
The back panel 120 includes the back side edges 126 a, 126 b, which have at least some portions or segments that are below the underarm areas 26 a, 26 b and at least some portions or segments proximate the underarm areas 26 a, 26 b (that are illustrated as dashed lines in FIG. 3 since they are hidden from view by the back vent panel 131). The right back side edge 126 a is positioned proximate the lower side portion 25 a of the upper-body garment 10 and extends between the lower portion 24 and the underarm area 26 a. Similarly, the left back side edge 126 b is positioned proximate the lower side portion 25 b of the upper-body garment 10 and extends between the lower portion 24 and the underarm area 26 b. As such, the back side edges 126 a, 126 b are predominately included at the back lower portion 124 of the back panel 120. In addition and as previously discussed, the right back side edge 126 a is coupled to the front panel 110 proximate the front side edge 116 a, and the left back side edge 126 b is affixed to the front panel 110 proximate the front side edge 116 b. As such, the back panel 120 and the front panel 110 are joined to one another along the lower side portions 25 a, 25 b of the upper-body garment 10.
The back panel 120 further includes a back top edge 122, a right back upper edge 128 a, a left back upper edge 128 b, all of which all of which can be at least partially obscured from view by the back vent panel 131 and thus, are illustrated as dashed lines in FIG. 3 . The back top edge 122 can be affixed to the collar 12 at the upper portion 22 of the upper-body garment 10. The right back upper edge 128 a extends between the back side edge 126 a and the back top edge 122, and likewise, the left back upper edge 128 b extends between the back side edge 126 b and the back top edge 122. As such, the back top edge 122 and the back upper edges 128 a, 128 b are included at the back upper portion 125 of the back panel 120. In examples, as the back upper edges 128 a, 128 b extend from the back side edges 126 a, 126 b to the back top edge 122, a width of the back panel 120 decreases. In examples, the back upper edges 128 a, 128 b can extend in a curved and/or narrowing manner, which can contribute to a formation of different configurations of the back panel 120 (e.g., racer back style or configuration shown in FIG. 3 , tank back configuration (not shown), or the like). Additionally, each of the back upper edges 128 a, 128 b is a free or terminal edge that is detached from the front panel 110, the back vent panel 131, and the sleeves 161 a, 161 b, which contributes to a formation of the vented back construction 130, as discussed in more detail below.
The back panel 120 can include a textile and/or can be a textile panel and can be referred to as a “back textile panel” or a “second textile panel,” and when referred to in this manner, similar reference can be made to edges and/or other respective components of the back panel 120. In examples, the textile of the back panel can be a permeable textile, such as a mesh fabric, and/or can be formed from a material with breathable properties. In other examples, the textile of the back panel 120 can be a comfort textile, such as a cotton based fabric, can be a textile that is formed of a material with heat retention properties, and/or can be a textile that is the same as a textile of the front panel 110 and/or a textile of the back vent panel 131. In still other examples, the textile of the back panel 120 can include elastic elements for comfort and/or tailoring a fit. In additional examples, the back panel 120 can include at least two, different textiles and/or can be formed of at least two, different textile panels. In such examples, a first textile and/or a first textile panel can be included at the back lower portion 124 and a second textile and/or a second textile panel that is different than the first can be included at the back upper portion 125. For example, the first textile of the back lower portion 124 can be a comfort textile, such as a cotton based fabric, can be a textile that is formed of a material with heat retention properties, and/or can be a textile that is the same as a textile of the front panel 110 and/or a textile of the back vent panel 131. Staying with this example, the second textile of the upper back portion 125 can be a permeable textile, such as a mesh fabric, and/or can be formed from a material with breathable properties.
In other examples, the back panel 120 can include a pattern, size, and/or shape that promotes a formation of the open sleeve constructions 160 a, 160 b and the vented back construction 130 in the upper-body garment 10 in the upper-body garment 10. Additionally, the back panel 120 can include a pattern, size, and/or shape that promotes formation of forms a wave throughout the back vent panel 131 and/or along the back vent bottom edge 134 as is transversely extends across the upper-body garment 10. In one example, the back vent panel 131 may have a width that is greater than a width of the back panel 120, which can contribute to a formation of vents (e.g., vents 135 in FIG. 5 ) and/or openings in the upper-body garment 10 between the back panel 120 and the back vent panel 131. In another example, a length of the back vent panel 131 can be such that the back vent panel 131 extends over a portion of the back panel 120 and/or the back vent bottom edge 134 extends over an intermediate portion of a wearer's back.
Referring to FIG. 5 , an example associated with a sleeve 161 a is depicted, and it is understood that the sleeve 161 b can include a mirror image and/or be symmetrical to the sleeve 161 a. The sleeve 161 a is depicted decoupled from the upper-body garment 10 to help illustrate at least some features. FIG. 5 depicts a perspective view of a back side of the sleeve 161 a (e.g., as it might appear when viewed from behind the garment 10, as depicted by FIGS. 2 and 3 ).
The sleeve 161 a includes a tubular body, which can comprise one or more textile panels 164 that are bent or curved around a central axis 166 to form a wall around, and at least partially enclose, a space 167 for receiving an arm of the wearer. The sleeve 161 a generally includes a sleeve proximal end 168 that is generally oriented towards, and at least partially affixed to, a torso portion of the upper-body garment 10. For example, the sleeve proximal end 168 can include a sleeve proximal edge 170 having an anterior or front portion 172 and a posterior or back portion 174. In at least some examples, the front portion 172 of the proximal edge 170 is coupled to the front torso at the front sleeve edge 118 a, and the back portion 174 of the proximal edge 170 is affixed to the back vent panel 131 at the back vent sleeve edge 138 a. In addition, the sleeve 161 a can include a distal end 176 with a cuff 16 b that is opposite the proximal end 168.
In at least some examples, the tubular body of the sleeve 161 a includes a slit 178 that extends from the proximal end 170 and towards the distal end 176. The slit 178 can, in some instances, contribute to increased breathability and airflow associated with the upper-body garment 10.
The slit 178 can include various elements. In at least some examples, the one or more textile panels 164 can include a front edge 180 (e.g., slit front edge) and a back edge 182 (e.g., slit back edge) that are at least partially decoupled from one another to form the slit 178. In at least some examples, the front edge 180 and the back edge 182 can join at an intermediary portion 184 that is between the slit 178 and the distal end 176. Among other things, the joined intermediary portion 184 can help retain the panel(s) 164 in the tubular form associated with the sleeve 161 a . In some examples, the intermediary portion 184 can comprise a portion of the cuff 16 a. In some examples, the intermediary portion 184 can comprises a segment of the sleeve 161 a that is between the slit 178 and the cuff 16 a. The front edge 180 and the back edge 182 can join at the intermediary portion 184 in various manners. In some examples, the front edge 180 and the back edge 182 can be joined along a seam, such as by stitching, seam tape, or one or more other seaming structures. In some examples, the one or more textile panels 164 can be integrally knit (e.g., circular knit), such that the tubular structure of the sleeve 161 a with the front edge 180 and the back edge 182 are integrally formed without a seam in the intermediary portion 184.
In at least some examples, the slit 178 can include a slit length. A length of the slit 178 can be determined in various manners, such as by measuring a length 186 of the front edge 180 from the proximal edge 170 (e.g., where front edge 180 joins to the torso) to a junction or intersection with the back edge 182; by measuring a length 188 of the back edge 182 from the proximal edge 170 (e.g., where the back edge 182 joins to the torso) to the junction with the front edge 180; and/or by averaging the length 186 and the length 188. The slit length associated with the slit 178 can include various lengths, which can contribute to the functionality of the sleeve to impart venting and mobility. For example, in at least some examples, the length of the slit 178 can be at least half of the length of the sleeve. In another example, the length of the slit 178 can be less than a length from the back edge 182 to an anticipated position of a wearer's elbow when the garment is donned. Thus, in this example, the intermediary portion 184 extends from the distal end 176 past the anticipated position of a wearer's elbow when the garment is donned. In another example, the length of the slit 178 can be ⅙ of the length of the sleeve, such that the length of the intermediary portion 184 is ⅚ of the length of the sleeve. Aspects where the intermediary portion 184 is longer may assist a wearer don the garment and/or the sleeve while still imparting venting and mobility (e.g., vertical mobility when the wearer raises their arms in a vertical direction). The length of the sleeve can be determined based on a distance measured from the proximal edge 170 to the terminal edge of the distal end 176, and at a position aligned with the slit length. For example, if the slit length is based on the front edge 180, then the sleeve length can likewise be determined by measuring from where the front edge 180 joins the torso to the terminal edge of the distal end 176.
In at least some examples of the present disclosure, the back edge 182 is continuous with the back vent bottom edge 134. For example, referring also to FIG. 6 , when the back portion 174 of the proximal edge 170 is coupled to the back vent sleeve edge 138 a, in at least some instances, the back edge 182 associated with the slit 178 can be aligned with the back vent bottom edge 134 of the back vent sleeve edge 138 b. In some examples in which the sleeves 161 a and 161 b are similar, the back edges (e.g., 182 and 183) of each sleeve are both aligned with the bottom edge 134, such that a continuous free edge extends from one cuff 16 a to the other cuff 16 b (or from one intermediary portion to the other intermediary portion). For example, FIG. 6 depicts a bottom view of the garment 10, in which a continuous edge extends from the intermediary portion 184 on the right arm to a corresponding intermediary portion 185 on the left arm. The free edge can include the back edge 182 of the right arm sleeve 161 a, the back vent bottom edge 134 of the back vent panel 131, and the back edge 183 of the left arm sleeve 161 b. In some examples in which the back vent panel 131 is affixed via attachments 29 a and 29 b to the back panel 120, the bottom edge 134 can still be considered a free edge. In some examples, based at least partially on the continuous free edge, the open sleeve constructions 160 a and 160 b, and the open back construction 130, the garment 10 can include enhanced venting associated with the slits 178 and 179 and the vents 135. In addition, the panels of the garment associated with these various parts of the garment are less restrictive of movement and mobility.
Referring now to FIG. 7 (and FIGS. 1, 3, and 5 ), the sleeve 161 a is depicted (again from a rear perspective) coupled to the torso. FIG. 7 depicts the back panel 120 and the back vent panel 131, and edges of the garment (e.g., the back slit edge 182 and the bottom edge 134) are turned up to reveal at least some additional examples. For example, the garment 10 can include one or more seams that can couple the proximal edge 170 of the sleeve 161 a to the torso. In some examples, the seam 190 can attach the back portion 174 of the proximal edge 170 to the back vent sleeve edge 138 a (e.g., FIG. 3 ). In addition, the seam 192 can attach the front portion 172 of the proximal edge 170 to the front sleeve edge 118 a.
FIG. 7 illustrates at least some other examples. For instance, in some cases the back upper edge 128 a of the back panel 120 is detached from the sleeve 161 a. In some examples, the back upper edge 128 a forms at least part of a back strap of a racer-back style configuration. In addition, as described in other portions, in at least some examples, the back slit edger 182 is continuous with the bottom edge 134 of the back vent panel 131.

EXAMPLE CLAUSES

Clause 1: An upper-body garment comprising: a front panel comprising a front sleeve edge and a front side edge; a back panel comprising a back side edge and a back upper portion, the back side edge attached to the front panel proximate the front side edge; a back vent panel extending over the back upper portion of the back panel and coupled to the back panel at one or more locations of the back upper portion, the back vent panel comprising a back vent sleeve edge and a back vent bottom edge, the back vent bottom edge at least partially detached from the back panel; and a sleeve comprising a distal end, a proximal end, and a slit along an underside of the sleeve, the proximal end attached to the front sleeve edge of the front panel and the back vent sleeve edge of the back vent panel, the slit extending from the proximal end and towards the distal end.
Clause 2. The upper-body garment of Clause 1, wherein the slit comprises a first length and the sleeve comprises a second length, and wherein the first length is at least half of the second length.
Clause 3. The upper-body garment of Clause 1 or Clause 2, wherein the back panel comprises a back panel top edge and the back vent panel comprises a back vent top edge, which is attached directly to the back panel top edge.
Clause 4. The upper-body garment of Clause 3, wherein the back panel top edge and the back vent top edge are coupled to each other proximate a collar of the upper-body garment.
Clause 5. The upper-body garment of any of Clauses 1 through 4, wherein the back panel comprises a racer-back configuration.
Clause 6. The upper-body garment of claim 1, wherein: the sleeve comprises a cuff at the distal end; the sleeve comprises a first slit edge and a second slit edge that are detached along the underside of the sleeve to form the slit; and the first slit edge and the second slit edge are affixed along a seam proximate the cuff.
Clause 7. The upper-body garment of any of Clauses 1 through 6, wherein: the sleeve comprises a first slit edge and a second slit edge that are detached along the underside of the sleeve to form the slit; and the second slit edge is continuous with the back vent bottom edge.
Clause 8. The upper-body garment of any of Clauses 1 through 7, wherein: the back panel comprises a back panel top edge; the front panel comprises a front panel top edge; and the back panel top edge is free from any direct attachment to the sleeve or to the front panel top edge.
Clause 9. An upper-body garment comprising: a torso portion comprising a front and a back; a sleeve comprising: a proximal end coupled to the torso portion; a distal end that is opposite the proximal end; a slit extending from the proximal end and towards the distal end, the slit comprising a slit front edge and a slit back edge that are detached from one another to form the slit, the slit terminating at a position between the proximal end and the distal end; and the back of the torso portion comprising a back base-layer panel and a back vent panel that overlays a upper region of the back base-layer panel, wherein the back vent panel comprises a bottom edge that is at least partially detached from the back base-layer panel and that is continuous with the slit back edge.
Clause 10. The upper-body garment of Clause 9, wherein the slit comprises a slit length and the sleeve comprises a sleeve length, and wherein the slit length is at least half the sleeve length.
Clause 11. The upper-body garment of Clause 9 or Clause 10, wherein the upper region of the back base-layer panel comprises a racer-back style panel.
Clause 12. The upper-body garment of any of Clauses 9 through 11, wherein the slit back edge is free from direct attachment to the back base-layer panel.
Clause 13. The upper-body garment of any of Clauses 9 through 13, wherein the back base-layer panel comprises a first top edge and the back vent panel comprises a second top edge, which is coupled directly to the first top edge proximate at least one of a collar of the upper-body garment or a base of a hood of the upper-body garment.
Clause 14. The upper-body garment of any of Clauses 9 through 13 further comprising: a second sleeve comprising: a second proximal end coupled to the torso portion; a second distal end that is opposite the second proximal end; a second slit extending from the second proximal end and towards the second distal end, the second slit comprising a second slit front edge and a second slit back edge that are detached from one another to form the second slit, the second slit back edge being continuous with the bottom edge of the back venting panel and with the back edge of the slit.
Clause 15. An upper-body garment comprising: a torso portion comprising a multi-layer back portion; the multi-layer back portion comprising an inner layer and an outer layer, wherein the outer layer comprises a bottom edge that is at least partially detached from the inner layer; and a sleeve comprising: a proximal end coupled to the torso portion; a distal end that is opposite the proximal end; a slit extending from the proximal end and towards the distal end.
Clause 16. The upper-body garment of Clause 15, wherein the slit comprises a slit front edge and a slit back edge that are detached from one another to form the slit.
Clause 17. The upper-body garment of Clause 16, wherein the slit front edge and the slit back edge are connected at an intermediate portion proximate the distal end.
Clause 18. The upper-body garment of Clause 16 or Clause 17, wherein the slit back edge aligns with the bottom edge of the outer layer.
Clause 19. The upper-body garment of any of Clauses 15 through 18, wherein the inner layer comprises an inner-layer top edge and the outer layer comprises an outer-layer top edge, which is attached directly to the inner-layer top edge.
Clause 20. The upper-body garment of any of Clauses 15 through 19, wherein the slit comprises a slit length and the sleeve comprises a sleeve length, and wherein the slit length is in a range between one-third and two-thirds the sleeve length.
As used herein, a recitation of “and/or” with respect to two or more elements should be interpreted to mean only one element, or a combination of elements. For example, “element A, element B, and/or element C” may include only element A, only element B, only element C, element A and element B, element A and element C, element B and element C, or elements A, B, and C. In addition, “at least one of element A or element B” may include at least one of element A, at least one of element B, or at least one of element A and at least one of element B. Further, “at least one of element A and element B” may include at least one of element A, at least one of element B, or at least one of element A and at least one of element B.
This detailed description is provided in order to meet statutory requirements. However, this description is not intended to limit the scope of the invention described herein. Rather, the claimed subject matter may be embodied in different ways, to include different steps, different combinations of steps, different elements, and/or different combinations of elements, similar or equivalent to those described in this disclosure, and in conjunction with other present or future technologies. The examples herein are intended in all respects to be illustrative rather than restrictive. In this sense, alternative examples or implementations can become apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art to which the present subject matter pertains without departing from the scope hereof.

Claims

What is claimed is:

1. An upper-body garment comprising:

a front panel comprising a front sleeve edge and a front side edge;

a back panel comprising a back side edge and a back upper portion, the back side edge attached to the front panel proximate the front side edge;

a back vent panel extending over the back upper portion of the back panel and coupled to the back panel at one or more locations of the back upper portion, the back vent panel comprising a back vent sleeve edge and a back vent bottom edge, the back vent bottom edge at least partially detached from the back panel; and

a sleeve comprising a distal end, a proximal end, and a slit along an underside of the sleeve, the proximal end attached to the front sleeve edge of the front panel and the back vent sleeve edge of the back vent panel, the slit extending from the proximal end and towards the distal end.

2. The upper-body garment of claim 1, wherein the slit comprises a first length and the sleeve comprises a second length, and wherein the first length is at least half of the second length.

3. The upper-body garment of claim 1, wherein the back panel comprises a back panel top edge and the back vent panel comprises a back vent top edge, which is attached directly to the back panel top edge.

4. The upper-body garment of claim 3, wherein the back panel top edge and the back vent top edge are coupled to each other proximate a collar of the upper-body garment.

5. The upper-body garment of claim 1, wherein the back panel comprises a racer-back configuration.

6. The upper-body garment of claim 1, wherein:

the sleeve comprises a cuff at the distal end;

the sleeve comprises a first slit edge and a second slit edge that are detached along the underside of the sleeve to form the slit; and

the first slit edge and the second slit edge are affixed along a seam proximate the cuff.

7. The upper-body garment of claim 1, wherein:

the second slit edge is continuous with the back vent bottom edge.

8. The upper-body garment of claim 1, wherein:

the back panel comprises a back panel top edge;

the front panel comprises a front panel top edge; and

the back panel top edge is free from any direct attachment to the sleeve or to the front panel top edge.

9. An upper-body garment comprising:

a torso portion comprising a front and a back;

a sleeve comprising:

a proximal end coupled to the torso portion;

a distal end that is opposite the proximal end;

a slit extending from the proximal end and towards the distal end, the slit comprising a slit front edge and a slit back edge that are detached from one another to form the slit, the slit terminating at a position between the proximal end and the distal end; and

the back of the torso portion comprising a back base-layer panel and a back vent panel that overlays a upper region of the back base-layer panel, wherein the back vent panel comprises a bottom edge that is at least partially detached from the back base-layer panel and that is continuous with the slit back edge.

10. The upper-body garment of claim 9, wherein the slit comprises a slit length and the sleeve comprises a sleeve length, and wherein the slit length is at least half the sleeve length.

11. The upper-body garment of claim 9, wherein the upper region of the back base-layer panel comprises a racer-back style panel.

12. The upper-body garment of claim 9, wherein the slit back edge is free from direct attachment to the back base-layer panel.

13. The upper-body garment of claim 9, wherein the back base-layer panel comprises a first top edge and the back vent panel comprises a second top edge, which is coupled directly to the first top edge proximate at least one of a collar of the upper-body garment or a base of a hood of the upper-body garment.

14. The upper-body garment of claim 9 further comprising:

a second sleeve comprising:

a second proximal end coupled to the torso portion;

a second distal end that is opposite the second proximal end;

a second slit extending from the second proximal end and towards the second distal end, the second slit comprising a second slit front edge and a second slit back edge that are detached from one another to form the second slit, the second slit back edge being continuous with the bottom edge of the back venting panel and with the back edge of the slit.

15. An upper-body garment comprising:

a torso portion comprising a multi-layer back portion;

the multi-layer back portion comprising an inner layer and an outer layer, wherein the outer layer comprises a bottom edge that is at least partially detached from the inner layer; and

a sleeve comprising:

a proximal end coupled to the torso portion;

a distal end that is opposite the proximal end;

a slit extending from the proximal end and towards the distal end.

16. The upper-body garment of claim 15, wherein the slit comprises a slit front edge and a slit back edge that are detached from one another to form the slit.

17. The upper-body garment of claim 16, wherein the slit front edge and the slit back edge are connected at an intermediate portion proximate the distal end.

18. The upper-body garment of claim 16, wherein the slit back edge aligns with the bottom edge of the outer layer.

19. The upper-body garment of claim 15, wherein the inner layer comprises an inner-layer top edge and the outer layer comprises an outer-layer top edge, which is attached directly to the inner-layer top edge.

20. The upper-body garment of claim 15, wherein the slit comprises a slit length and the sleeve comprises a sleeve length, and wherein the slit length is in a range between one-third and two-thirds the sleeve length.