GARMENT INCLUDING STRETCH PANELS

A garment including at least one stretch panel incorporated into the garment. The garment includes a torso portion having a front and back side, a right sleeve attached to the portion, and a left sleeve attached to the torso portion. The at least one stretch panel includes a stretch panel positioned at least partially on the back side of the torso portion adjacent to where the right or left sleeve is attached to the torso portion, or a stretch panel positioned at least partially on a forearm portion of the right or left sleeve.

BACKGROUND

Active sports such as golf require physical movements from athletes that may be constrained or hindered by the athlete's clothing. For example, while a golfer performs a golf swing, the golfer performs various movements with his arms and torso that cause tension in various regions of the golfer's upper garment. Upper garments typically worn by golfers are not designed to have high stretch properties, and thus, the upper garment may not sufficiently stretch during the golfer's swing to accommodate the golfer's movements. The golfer's swing and performance may be impaired by the garment.

SUMMARY

The technology generally relates to garments including a stretch panel incorporated into the garment.

In an aspect, the technology relates to a garment, including: a torso portion having a front side and a back side, the back side having at least one non-stretch back panel constructed from a first material; a right sleeve attached to the torso portion; a left sleeve attached to the torso portion; and a stretch panel, constructed from a second material having a greater stretch property than the first material, incorporated into the garment and including: a back portion positioned at least partially on the back side of the torso portion adjacent to where the right sleeve is attached to the torso portion, and an extension portion extending from the back portion and onto the front side of the torso portion.

In an example, the extension portion at least partially extends across a part of the torso portion that forms an armpit portion of the garment together with a part of the right sleeve. In another example, an edge of the stretch panel extends from the back side of the torso portion onto the front side of the torso portion along part of a boundary line between the torso portion and the right sleeve. In another example, the back portion of the stretch panel is positioned below, and spaced apart from, a top end of the torso portion. In another example, a maximum height of the back portion of the stretch panel, as measured from a bottom end of the torso portion toward a top end of the torso portion, is 80% to 96% of a maximum longitudinal length between the bottom end and the top end of the torso portion, and the back portion of the stretch panel is spaced apart from the bottom end by a minimum distance of 30% to 45% of the maximum longitudinal length. In another example, a side edge of the stretch panel facing a virtual back longitudinal center line extending along a longitudinal direction, and across a center, of the back side of the torso portion is curved convex towards the virtual back longitudinal center line. In another example, the right sleeve includes an upper arm portion coupled to the torso portion and a forearm portion coupled to the upper arm portion, and wherein the stretch panel is a first stretch panel and the garment further includes a second stretch panel incorporated into the garment, positioned at least partially on the forearm portion, and shaped and sized to extend circumferentially around at least part of the right sleeve. In another example, the stretch panel is a back-right stretch panel and the garment further includes a back-left stretch panel incorporated into the garment, spaced apart from the back-right stretch panel, and including: a back portion positioned at least partially on the back side of the torso portion adjacent to where the left sleeve is attached to the torso portion, and an extension portion extending from the back portion and onto the front side of the torso portion.

In an aspect, the technology relates to a garment, including: a torso portion having a front side and a back side; a right sleeve attached to the torso portion; a left sleeve attached to the torso portion; a back-right stretch panel incorporated into the garment and positioned at least partially on the back side of the torso portion adjacent to where the right sleeve is attached to the torso portion; and a back-left stretch panel incorporated into the garment, positioned at least partially on the back side of the torso portion adjacent to where the left sleeve is attached to the torso portion, and spaced apart from the back-right stretch panel in the garment.

In an example, the back-right and back-left stretch panels are symmetrical with respect to a virtual back longitudinal center line extending along a longitudinal direction, and across a center, of the back side of the torso portion. In another example, the torso portion has a top end defining a boundary between the front and back sides of the torso portion, and each of the back-right and back-left stretch panels are positioned to respectively cover part of the top end. In another example, each of the back-right and back-left stretch panels has a first edge facing, and being curved convex towards, a virtual back longitudinal center line extending along a longitudinal direction, and across a center, of the back side of the torso portion, and wherein a minimum distance between the first edges of the back-right and back-left stretch panels is 10% to 30% of a maximum lateral width between first and second sides of the torso portion. In another example, a bottom end of the torso portion defines a hem having a front portion corresponding to at least part of the front side of the torso portion and having: a first end; a second end; a middle region between the first and second ends; a first intermediate region between the first end and the middle region that extends farther downward along a longitudinal direction, relative to a virtual lateral line positioned on the front side of the torso portion between the bottom end and a top end of the torso portion, than each of the first end and the middle region; and a second intermediate region between the second end and the middle region that extends farther downward along the longitudinal direction, relative to the virtual lateral line, than each of the second end and the middle region.

In an aspect, the technology relates to a garment, including: a torso portion having a front side and a back side; a right sleeve including a right upper arm portion coupled to the torso portion and a right forearm portion coupled to the right upper arm portion; a left sleeve including a left upper arm portion coupled to the torso portion and a left forearm portion coupled to the left upper arm portion; a right-sleeve stretch panel incorporated into the garment, positioned at least partially on the right forearm portion, and shaped and sized to extend circumferentially at least partially around the right sleeve; and a left-sleeve stretch panel incorporated into the garment, positioned at least partially on the left forearm portion, and shaped and sided to extend circumferentially at least partially around the left sleeve.

In an example, the right-sleeve stretch panel has a closed-ribbon shape extending circumferentially entirely around the right sleeve. In another example, the right-sleeve stretch panel has a first edge proximal to the torso portion and extending circumferentially at least partially around the right sleeve and a second edge distal to the torso portion and extending circumferentially at least partially around the right sleeve, and wherein an average width of the right-sleeve stretch panel, as measured along a longitudinal direction of the right sleeve between the first and second edges of the right-sleeve stretch panel, is 10% to 30% of a maximum length of the right sleeve. In another example, at least a portion of the right-sleeve stretch panel extends simultaneously circumferentially around the right sleeve and longitudinally along the right sleeve. In another example, a top line of the right sleeve extends between a distal end of the right sleeve and a top end of the torso portion, a bottom line of the right sleeve extends between the distal end of the right sleeve and a right armpit portion of the garment, and the right-sleeve stretch panel covers a portion of the top line and a portion of the bottom line. In another example, a distance along the top line between the distal end of the right sleeve and the right-sleeve stretch panel is 5% to 15% of a length of the top line, and a distance along the bottom line between the distal end of the right sleeve and the right-sleeve stretch panel is 30% to 40% of a length of the bottom line. In another example, the garment further includes: a back-right stretch panel incorporated into the garment and positioned at least partially on the back side of the torso portion adjacent to where the right sleeve is attached to the torso portion; and a back-left stretch panel incorporated into the garment, positioned at least partially on the back side of the torso portion adjacent to where the left sleeve is attached to the torso portion, and spaced apart from the back-right stretch panel in the garment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

As briefly discussed above, athletes participating in active sports perform various movements that cause tension in the garments worn by the athlete. Traditional garments use materials, such as woven materials, which have good water-protecting properties but which have poor stretch properties. Accordingly, traditional garments are unable to sufficiently stretch in the regions of tension to accommodate the athlete's movements, and thus, those traditional garments constrain the athlete's movement and impair his or her performance. As an example, in the sport of golf, the golf swing of an athlete requires a wide range of motion, such as motion of the torso and arms, that is hindered or restricted by a traditional woven-fabric garment, such as a traditional rain jacket.

The present technology alleviates the issues discussed above, among others, by incorporating stretch panels into an upper garment at strategically selected regions of the upper garment that have been determined by experimental data to correspond to regions that experience tension during a golf swing. The movements of a golfer wearing an upper garment according to an example of the present disclosure are therefore substantially unconstrained by the upper garment, and the golfer's performance is substantially improved.

FIG.1toFIG.3depict back views of an example garment1000, andFIG.4toFIG.6depict front views of the garment1000ofFIG.1toFIG.3. In this example, the garment1000includes four stretch panels1400,1500,1600, and1700incorporated into the garment1000. Although the garment1000is depicted as being a long-sleeve jacket, examples garments of the present disclosure may be of any suitable type, such as a jacket, long sleeve shirt, short sleeve shirt, no-sleeve shirt, sweater, hoodie, vest, etc., that is able to have incorporated into it at least one stretch panel as described herein. Furthermore, although the garment1000is depicted as having a full zipper and two pockets, the present disclosure is not limited thereto, and example garments according to the present disclosure may have no pockets or any suitable number of pockets, and may have a full zipper, no zipper, half zipper, buttons, hook-and-loop fasteners (e.g., Velcro®-brand fasteners), etc.

Although some features of the garment1000may be described with reference to a right side or a left side of the garment1000for convenience, it will be understood that such descriptions may similarly apply to features on the left side or the right side of the garment1000, respectively. In some examples, the right and left sides of the garment1000are symmetrical.

Referring collectively toFIGS.1-6, the garment1000may include a torso portion1100, a first sleeve1200attached to the torso portion1100, and a second sleeve1300attached to the torso portion1100. The torso portion1100may be adapted to cover at least part of a player's torso, and the first sleeve1200and the second sleeve1300may be adapted to cover at least part of the player's arms. The first sleeve1200may be referred to as a “right sleeve” and the second sleeve1300may be referred to as a “left sleeve.”

The garment1000includes a first stretch panel1400, a second stretch panel1500, a third stretch panel1600, and a fourth stretch panel1700, which are integrated into the garment1000. The stretch panels1400,1500,1600,1700are made from a material that is different from a material used to form an adjacent portion of the garment1000. The material of each of the first to fourth stretch panels1400,1500,1600, and1700respectively has greater stretch properties than the material of the adjacent portion of the garment1000. For example, each of the first to fourth stretch panels1400,1500,1600, and1700may include knit fabric, while the remainder of the garment1000may generally include woven fabric. In some examples, the first to fourth stretch panels1400,1500,1600, and1700may be constructed from the same type of material, but the present disclosure is not limited thereto. For example, one of the first to fourth stretch panels1400,1500,1600, and1700may be different in material than at least one of the remaining first to fourth stretch panels1400,1500,1600, and1700.

Each of the first to fourth stretch panels1400,1500,1600, and1700may respectively include a material having a higher stretch percentage than a stretch percentage of the adjacent portion of the garment. For example, the stretch percentage of a material of a stretch panel of the first to fourth stretch panels1400,1500,1600, and1700may be between 1.5 to 20 times the stretch percentage of a material of the portion of the garment adjacent to the stretch panel. In some examples, a stretch percentage in a lengthwise direction of a material of a stretch panel of the first to fourth stretch panels1400,1500,1600, and1700may be 2 to 4 times a stretch percentage in the lengthwise direction of a material of the portion of the garment1000adjacent to the stretch panel, and a stretch percentage in a widthwise direction of the material of the stretch panel may be 15 to 20 times a stretch percentage in the widthwise direction of the material of the portion of the garment1000adjacent to the stretch panel. In some examples, a material of a stretch panel of the first to fourth stretch panels1400,1500,1600, and1700may stretch 15% to 25% in a lengthwise direction, and 120% to 160% in the widthwise direction, more than a material of the portion of the garment1000adjacent to the stretch panel stretches. In some examples, the first to fourth stretch panels1400,1500,1600, and1700may be knit fabric having a stretch percentage determined according to, for example, the ASTM D2594 test, and the adjacent portions of the garment1000may include a woven fabric having a stretch percentage determined according to, for example, the D3107 test. In some examples, a material of a stretch panel of the first to fourth stretch panels1400,1500,1600, and1700may stretch by 15% to 45%, 20% to 40%, or 25% to 35% in a lengthwise direction, and may stretch by 100% to 200%, 120% to 180%, or 140% to 160% in a widthwise direction in an ASTM D3107-07 test of the material, wherein the gauge length is 250 mm, the applied tension is 1.8 kg, and the tension is applied for 30 minutes. In some examples, a material of the portion of the garment1000adjacent to the stretch panel may stretch by 4% to 12%, 5% to 11%, or 6% to 10% in a lengthwise direction, and may stretch by 4% to 12%, 5% to 11%, or 6% to 10% in a widthwise direction in an ASTM D3107-07 test of the material, wherein the gauge length is 250 mm, the applied tension is 1.8 kg, and the tension is applied for 30 minutes.

In some examples, stretch percentage can be determined according to the following test. Two marks are made along a lengthwise direction of a rectangular piece of fabric, and the piece of fabric is hung along an upper edge of the piece of fabric so that the two marks are vertically separated relative to the ground. A first measurement of a vertical distance between the two marks is measured while the piece of fabric is hanging along its upper edge and without any weight hanging from a lower edge of the piece of fabric opposite to the upper edge. A set weight (e.g., 3 kg or 5 kg) is then hung along the lower edge of the piece of fabric, and a second measurement of the vertical distance between the two marks is measured after a set amount of time (e.g., 5 s or 10 s) has passed from when the weight is hung along the lower edge. In some examples, before the second measurement is made, the fabric may be subjected to a normalizing process whereby the weight is applied to the lower edge for a set amount of time (e.g., 5 s) and removed, and this process is repeated a set number (e.g., 4 or 5) of times. The stretch percentage is calculated to be 100 times a ratio of (i) the second measurement subtracted by the first measurement to (ii) the first measurement.

The garment1000may be a multi-layered garment, and the first to fourth stretch panels1400,1500,1600, and1700, and the respective adjacent portions of the garment1000may refer to an outermost layer of the garment1000or a main layer of the garment1000(e.g., a layer having a greatest thickness). Other layers in the garment1000may include, for example, a membrane layer designed to at least partially block wind and water, and which may be positioned behind the stretch panels and the respective adjacent portions of the garment1000.

The torso portion1100has a front side1110, which is depicted inFIGS.4-6, and a back side1120, which is depicted inFIGS.1-3. The torso portion1100may have an upper or top end1130, a lower or bottom end1140, a first side1150, and a second side1160. Each of the top end1130and the first and second side1150and1160may define a boundary between the front side1110and the back side1120of the torso portion1100, and the bottom end1140may define a hem of the garment1000. The bottom end1140may be configured to surround a person's waist when worn, and the top end1130may be positioned opposite to the bottom end1140and be configured to at least partially cover the person's shoulders when worn. The first and second side1150and1160may respectively extend between the bottom end1140and junctions defined by where the first and second side1150and1160meet the first and second sleeves1200and1300. The first side1150may be referred to as a “right side,” and the second side1160may be referred to as a “left side.”

The first sleeve1200and second sleeve1300may respectively be attached to the torso portion1100at the first sleeve boundary1170and the second sleeve boundary1180. In some examples the first sleeve boundary1170and the second sleeve boundary1180are boundary lines respectively between the first and second sleeves1200and1300and the torso portion1100, and the boundary lines may each be defined by at least one stitching line. The first sleeve boundary1170may be referred to as a “right sleeve boundary,” and the second sleeve boundary1180may be referred to as a “left sleeve boundary.”

The first sleeve1200may have a proximal end1210attached to the torso portion1100and a distal end1220opposite to the proximal end1210. The distal end1220may correspond to a cuff of the first sleeve1200, and the proximal end1210may correspond to the first sleeve boundary1170. The first sleeve1200may include a first upper arm portion1230coupled (e.g., attached) to the torso portion1100and a first forearm portion1240coupled (e.g., attached) to the first upper arm portion1230. For example, the first upper arm portion1230may extend from the torso portion1100, and the first forearm portion1240may extend from the first upper arm portion1230. The first upper arm portion1230may be configured to cover a person's right upper arm (e.g., the portion of the person's right arm between the person's right shoulder and the person's right elbow), and the first forearm portion1240may be configured to cover the person's right forearm (e.g., the portion of the person's right arm between the person's right elbow and the person's right hand). The second sleeve1300may have any corresponding features that the first sleeve1200may have. For example, the second sleeve1300may have a proximal end and a distal end, and may include a second upper arm portion and a second forearm portion.

The first stretch panel1400will now be described in more detail according to some examples of the present disclosure. The first stretch panel1400may be referred to as the back-right stretch panel1400because the first stretch panel1400is primarily located on the back side1120of the garment1000and on the right-hand side1150. The second stretch panel1500(e.g., the back-left stretch panel1400) may include any corresponding features (e.g., shape, size, position, and orientation) corresponding to the features of the first stretch panel1400. For example, the second stretch panel1500may be symmetrical to the first stretch panel1400with respect to a virtual back longitudinal center line1120C extending along a longitudinal direction, and through a center, of the back side1120of the torso portion1100. In some examples, a coordinate system is defined as being centered at a geometric center of the back side1120of the torso portion1100when the torso portion1100is smoothly spread out over a flat surface with the front side1110facing the flat surface and the back side1120facing away from the flat surface. A longitudinal axis extends along the back side1120of the torso portion1100and along a direction parallel to a line extending from a center of the bottom end1140to a center of a top end1130(which may correspond to a center of a portion of a collar of the garment1000that is attached to the torso portion1100). A lateral axis extends along the back side1120and along a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis.

The first stretch panel1400may have a top edge1420proximal to the top end1130of the torso portion1100, a bottom edge1410proximal to the bottom end1140of the torso portion1100, a first side edge1430proximal to the first sleeve1200, a second side edge1430distal to the first sleeve1200, and a front edge1450. The first stretch panel1400is positioned at least partially on the back side1120of the torso portion1100adjacent (e.g., immediately adjacent) to where the first sleeve1200is attached to the torso portion1100. The first stretch panel1400may be positioned partially on the back side1120of the torso portion1100and extend around the first side1150of the torso portion1100to be positioned partially on the front side1110of the torso portion1100. Thus, the first stretch panel1400may include a back-side portion1401positioned on the back side1120of the torso portion1100and an extension portion1402positioned on the front side1110of the torso portion1100.

The first stretch panel1400may extend from the back side1120to the front side1110across a portion of the first side1150adjacent (e.g., immediately adjacent) to the first sleeve1200. For example, the first side edge1430may at least partially extend along a portion of the first sleeve boundary1170that extends from the back side1120across the first side1150and onto the front side1110. A portion of the first stretch panel1400extending from the back side1120to the front side1110may at least partially extend across and cover a part of the torso portion1100that forms a first armpit portion1840together with a part of the first sleeve1200. The first armpit portion1840includes a junction point defined by where the first side1150meets the first sleeve1200and an adjacent region (e.g., a region within 1 inch, 2 inches, or 3 inches of the junction point in all directions along the garment1000). The garment1000may further include a second armpit portion1850on the opposite side of the garment1000.

The first stretch panel1400may be spaced apart from the top end1130by a set distance. For example, a minimum distance along the longitudinal direction between the first stretch panel1400and the top end1130may be 2% to 10% or 4% to 8% of a maximum longitudinal length D11, which is measured from a bottom of the collar of the garment1000to a bottommost point of the garment1000in the longitudinal direction. For instance, the garment1000may include a first shoulder portion1820including a portion of the top end1130adjacent (e.g., immediately adjacent) to the first sleeve1200and extending downward from the portion of the top end1130along a portion of each of the front and back sides1110and1120by a set distance. The first stretch panel1400may be adjacent (e.g., immediately adjacent) to the first shoulder portion1820without covering the first shoulder portion1820. The garment1000may also include a second shoulder portion1830on the opposite side of the garment1000. In some examples, the top edge1420may be a straight line parallel to the top end1130and spaced apart from the top end1130along a direction perpendicular to the straight line of the top edge1420by a distance D45, which may be 2% to 10% or 4% to 8% of the maximum longitudinal length D11.

In some examples, the first stretch panel1400is spaced apart from the virtual back longitudinal center line1120C and from the bottom end1140. The first stretch panel1400and the second stretch panel1500may be symmetrically positioned (e.g., mirrored) about the longitudinal center line1120C. In such examples, the point of the first stretch panel1400positioned closest to the longitudinal center line1120C located a distance from the center line1120C is the same distance as the center line1120C to the point of the second stretch panel1500positioned closest to the longitudinal center line1120C.

The top edge1420of the first stretch panel1400may have a first end1421proximal to the first sleeve1200(e.g., on the first sleeve boundary1170) and a second end1422distal to the first sleeve1200. A height D41(FIG.2), as defined along the longitudinal direction from the bottom end1140to the first end1421may be 75% to 95% or 80% to 90% of the maximum longitudinal length D11. A height D43of the second end1422may be 80% to 98% or 86% to 94% of the maximum longitudinal length D11. For instance, the first end1421may be higher (e.g., closer to the top end1130) than the second end1422.

In some examples, the height D43is a maximum height of the first stretch panel1400. In other examples, the height D41of the first end1421or a height of an intermediate region of the top edge1420between the first and second ends1421and1422is the maximum height of the first stretch panel1400. The height D41may also be minimum height of the top edge1420of the first stretch panel1400.

The second side edge1440of the first stretch panel1400has a first end1441proximal to the top end1130of the garment1000. The second side edge1440also has a second end1442distal to the top end1130(e.g., located closer to the bottom end1140). An intermediate region1443of the second side edge1440exists between the first end1441and the second end1442that is a closest region of the second side edge1440to the second stretch panel1500.

In some examples, the first end1441of the second side edge1440coincides with the second end1422of the top edge1420(e.g., at an upper, interior corner of the first stretch panel1400). A lateral distance D50(FIG.3) between the first end1441and the first sleeve1200(e.g., the first sleeve boundary1170) may be 15% to 35% or 20% to 30% of a maximum lateral width D12between the first and second sides1150and1160. A lateral distance D51between the first end1441and the second stretch panel1500may be 30% to 50% or 35% to 45% of the maximum lateral width D12.

In some examples, a height D44(FIG.2) of the interior-most point of the intermediate region1443(e.g., the point of the first stretch panel1400closest to the longitudinal center line1120C) is 60% to 80% or 65% to 75% of the maximum longitudinal length D11. A lateral distance D48(FIG.3) between the intermediate region1443and the first sleeve1200may be 15% to 35% or 20% to 30% of the maximum lateral width D12. A lateral distance D49between the interior-most point of the intermediate region1443and the interior-most point of the second stretch panel1500may be 10% to 30% or 15% to 25% of the maximum lateral width D12. In some examples, the lateral distance D49is a minimum distance between the first and second stretch panels1400and1500. In some other examples, the first and second stretch panels1400and1500may be closest to each other at the first end1441or at the second end1442of the second side edge1440.

A height D42(FIG.2) of a bottom edge1410of the second end1442of the first stretch panel1400above the bottom end1140may be 25% to 45% or 30% to 40% of the maximum longitudinal length D11. In some examples, the height D42is a minimum distance between the first stretch panel1400and the bottom end1140. A lateral distance D46(FIG.3) between the second end1442and the first side1150(or, in some other examples, the first sleeve1200) may be 10% to 30% or 15% to 25% of the maximum lateral width D12. A lateral distance D47between the second end1442and the second stretch panel1500may be 50% to 70% or 55% to 65% of the maximum lateral width D12. In some examples, the lateral distance D47is, at least on the back side1120, a maximum distance between interior edges of the first and second stretch panels1400and1500.

The bottom edge1410of the first stretch panel1400may have a first end1411, a second end1412, and an intermediate region1413between the first and second ends1411and1412. In some examples, the first end1411is on the back side1120, the second end1412is on the front side1110, and the intermediate region1413wraps around the first side1150between the front and back sides1110and1120. The first end1411of the bottom edge1410may coincide with the second end1442of the second side edge1440(e.g., at a lower-interior corner of the of the first stretch panel1400). A height D54(FIG.5) of the second end1412may be 40% to 60% or 45% to 55% of the maximum longitudinal length D11. A lateral distance D55(FIG.5) between the first side1150and the second end1412may be 5% to 25% or 10% to 20% of the maximum lateral width D12. A height D52of the midpoint of the intermediate region1413may be 35% to 55% or 40% to 50% of the maximum longitudinal length D11. In some examples, the height D52of the intermediate region1413is greater than the height D42of the first end1411and is less than the height D54of the second end1412. In some other examples, the first stretch panel1400is closest to the bottom end1140at the first end1411, the second end1412, or the intermediate region1413.

The front edge1450of the first stretch panel1400, which connects the bottom edge1410and the first side edge1430, has a first end1451and a second end1452. In some examples, the first end1451of the front edge1450coincides with the second end1412of the bottom edge1410. The second end1452may be on the first sleeve boundary1170. A height D53(FIG.5) of the second end1452may be 45% to 65% or 50% to 60% of the maximum longitudinal length D11.

The first side edge1430of the first stretch panel1400has a first end1431proximal to the top end1130and a second end1432distal to the top end1130. In some examples, the first end1431of the first side edge1430coincides with the second end1452of the front edge1450(e.g., at an upper-front corner). In some other examples, the front edge1450is omitted, and the first end1431of the first side edge1430coincides with the second end1412of the bottom edge1410. In some examples, the second end1432of the first side edge1430coincides with the first end1421of the top edge1420(e.g., at an upper, arm-side corner of the first stretch panel1400).

The top edge1420and the bottom edge1410may be straight lines, each having a length of 10% to 40% or 15% to 35% of the maximum lateral width D12. In some examples, the top edge1420and the bottom edge1410may be the same or different in length. For example, the bottom edge1410may be greater than the top edge1420in length. The top edge1420and the bottom edge1410may be parallel or non-parallel to each other. For example, virtual lines tangent to the top edge1420and the bottom edge1410may cross each other in a back plan view at a crossing region spaced apart from the first stretch panel1400. For example, the crossing region may be spaced apart to the right of the first stretch panel1400such that the first stretch panel1400is between the crossing region and the second sleeve1300in the back plan view.

In some examples, the first side edge1430and the second side edge1440are arced lines convex to the virtual back longitudinal center line1120C. The first side edge1430and the second side edge1440may have a variable radius of curvature, and each of the first and second side edges1430and1440may have a minimum radius of curvature of 20% to 40% or 25% to 35% of the maximum lateral width D12. The minimum radius of curvature of the second side edge1440may be in the intermediate region1443and may occur at the interior-most point of the intermediate region1443. For instance, the minimum radius of curvature may occur at a height that is greater than 50% of the maximum longitudinal length D11. In some examples, each of the first and second side edges1430and1440may have an average radius of curvature of 30% to 100% of the maximum lateral width D12. An average distance between the first and second side edges1430and1440may be 10% to 40% or 15% to 35% of the maximum lateral width D12.

The garment1000may also include a stretch panel on each of the sleeves. The left sleeve1300may include a left-sleeve stretch panel1700, and the right sleeve1200may include a right-sleeve stretch panel1600. The right-sleeve stretch panel1600may be referred to as the third stretch panel1600, and the left-sleeve stretch panel1700may be referred to as the fourth stretch panel1700. The third stretch panel1600will now be described in more detail according to some examples of the present disclosure, and the fourth stretch panel1700may include any corresponding features (e.g., shape, size, position, and orientation) that the third stretch panel1600may have but for inclusion on the left sleeve1300. For instance, in some examples, the left-sleeve stretch panel1700is symmetric or a mirror image of the right-sleeve stretch panel1600.

The third stretch panel1600is positioned at least partially on the first forearm portion1240of the first sleeve1200. The third stretch panel1600may be shaped and sized to extend circumferentially at least partially around the first sleeve1200. In some examples, the third stretch panel1600is positioned entirely on the first forearm portion1240. For instance, no portion of the third stretch panel1600extends past the elbow and onto first upper arm portion1230. In some other examples, the third stretch panel1600extends partially onto the first upper arm portion1230. The third stretch panel1600may extend circumferentially around the entire first sleeve1200. For example, the third stretch panel1600may have a closed-ribbon shape surrounding the first sleeve1200.

The third stretch panel1600has a first edge1610proximal to the torso portion1100and a second edge1620distal to the torso portion1100. Each of the first and second edges1610and1620extend circumferentially at least partially around the first sleeve1200and may be positioned at least partially on the first forearm portion1240. In some examples, the first and second edges1610and1620are both positioned entirely on the first forearm portion1240. In some other examples, the second edge1620is positioned entirely on the first forearm portion1240, and the first edge1610is positioned partially on the first forearm portion1240and partially on the first upper arm portion1230.

The third stretch panel1600may extend both (e.g., simultaneously) circumferentially around the first sleeve1200and along a longitudinal direction of the first sleeve1200. The longitudinal direction of the first sleeve1200may be defined as a direction extending between the proximal and distal ends1210and1220of the first sleeve1200. Accordingly, the first and second edges1610and1620of the third stretch panel1600may also extend both (e.g., simultaneously) circumferentially around the first sleeve1200and along the longitudinal direction of the first sleeve1200. As an example, as the third stretch panel1600wraps around the first sleeve1200, the third stretch panel1600moves towards and/or away from the torso portion1100. For instance, the portion of the third stretch panel1600on the underside of the first sleeve1200is positioned closest to the torso portion1100, and the portion of the third stretch panel1600on the upper side of the first sleeve1200is positioned furthest from the torso portion1100(e.g., closest to the cuff). In such examples, the first edge1610and the second edge1620may have a substantially “S” shape.

The first sleeve1200has a top line1250extending from the distal end1220(e.g., the cuff) of the first sleeve1200to the top end1130of the torso portion1100. The first sleeve1200also has a bottom line1260extending from the distal end1220of the first sleeve1200to the armpit portion1840. The top and bottom lines1250and1260may be defined such that they substantially do not extend circumferentially around the first sleeve1200. In some examples, the third stretch panel1600covers one or both of a portion of the top line1250and a portion of the bottom line1260.

A length L1250(FIG.6) of the top line1250of the first sleeve1200may be the sum of a distance D61along the top line1250between the distal end1220of the first sleeve1200and the second edge1620of the third stretch panel1600, a distance D62along the top line1250between the second edge1620and the first edge1610of the third stretch panel1600, and a distance D63along the top line1250between the first edge1610of the third stretch panel1600and the proximal end1210of the first sleeve1200. The distance D61may be 3% to 23% or 8% to 15% of the length L1250, the distance D62may be 10% to 30% or 15% to 25% of the length L1250, and the distance D63may be 60% to 80% or 65% to 75% of the length L1250.

A length L1260of the bottom line1260may be the sum of a distance D64along the bottom line1260between the distal end1220of the first sleeve1200and the second edge1620of the third stretch panel1600, a distance D65along the bottom line1260between the second edge1620and the first edge1610of the third stretch panel1600, and a distance D66along the bottom line1260between the first edge1610of the third stretch panel1600and the proximal end1210of the first sleeve1200. The distance D64may be 25% to 45% or 30% to 40% of the length L1260, the distance D65may be 20% to 40% or 25% to 35% of the length L1260, and the distance D66may be 20% to 40% or 25% to 35% of the length L1260.

In some examples, each of the first and second edges1610and1620may be closest to the proximal end1210at the bottom line1260and may be furthest from the proximal end1210at the top line1250. For example, the distance D66may be smaller than the distance D63, and the sum of the distances D65and D66may be smaller than the sum of the distances D62and D63. The sum of the distances D61and D62may be smaller than the sum of the distances D64and D65, and the distance D61may be smaller than the distance D64.

An average distance between the first and second ends1610and1620along the longitudinal direction of the first sleeve1200may be 10% to 30% or 15% to 25% of the length L1250, or 20% to 40% or 25% to 35% of the length L1260. In some examples, the lengths L1250and1260are respectively maximum and minimum lengths of the first sleeve1200along the longitudinal direction of the sleeve. In some examples, the distance between the first and second ends1610and1620along the longitudinal direction of the first sleeve1200may be constant. In some other examples, the distance between the first and second ends1610and1620along the longitudinal direction of the first sleeve1200may vary along a circumferential direction. For example, the distance D65may be greater than the distance D62.

The non-stretching portions (e.g., woven material portions) of the garment1000may be referred to as a non-stretch panels. For instance, for the garment1000depicted, the back side1120of the torso portion1100includes a central non-stretch panel1901at least partially between the first stretch panel1400and the second stretch panel1500. The central non-stretch panel1901covers the central part of the back side1120and may be substantially hourglass shaped. In the example depicted, the central non-stretch panel1901also extends partially to the front side1110of the torso portion1100. The first stretch panel1400and the second stretch panel1500may be joined (e.g., stitched) to the central non-stretch panel1901. For example, the first stretch panel1400may be joined to the central non-stretch panel1901along its second side edge1440. Two shoulder non-stretch panels1902and1903may also be provided (e.g., one shoulder non-stretch panel for each side of garment). The shoulder non-stretch panels1902and1903may be incorporated to provide additional rain protection for the garment. The first stretch panel1400may be joined (e.g., along the top edge1420of the first stretch panel1400) to one shoulder non-stretch panel1902, and the second stretch panel1500may be joined to the other shoulder non-stretch panel1903. Two lower-back non-stretch panels1904and1905may also be incorporated that are positioned below the first stretch panel1400and the second stretch panel1500, respectively. The two lower-back non-stretch panels are also positioned outside (e.g., away from the center) of the central non-stretch panel1901. The two lower-back non-stretch panels1904and1905may extend around the front side1110of the torso portion1100as well. For instance, each lower-back non-stretch panel1904and1905may extend from the central non-stretch panel1901to a zipper on the front side1110of the torso portion1100. In some examples, the first stretch panel1400is joined to one of the lower-back non-stretch panel1904along the bottom edge1410of the first stretch panel1400.

The front side1110of the torso portion1100may also include a right-chest non-stretch panel1906and a left-chest non-stretch panel1907that are positioned on the respective sides of the chest portion of the front side1110. As an example, the right-chest non-stretch panel1906may be joined (e.g., stitched) to the first stretch panel1400, the right shoulder panel1902, the central non-stretch panel1901, a lower-back non-stretch panel1904, the zipper, the collar, and the right sleeve1200.

In some examples, the garment1000includes two upper-arm non-stretch panels1908and1909respectively positioned on the right and left sleeves1200and1300. The upper-arm non-stretch panel1908positioned on the right sleeve1200may be positioned at least partially on the upper arm portion1230of the right sleeve1200. The upper-arm non-stretch panel1908and may be joined (e.g., stitched) to the torso portion1100along the first sleeve boundary1700and joined (e.g., stitched) to the third stretch panel1600, for example, along the first edge1610of the third stretch panel1600. The garment1000may include two forearm non-stretch panels1910and1911respectively positioned on the right and left sleeves1200and1300. The forearm non-stretch panel1910positioned on the right sleeve1200may be positioned at least partially on the forearm portion1240of the right sleeve1200. The forearm non-stretch panel1910may be joined (e.g., stitched) to the third stretch panel1600, for example, the second edge1620of the third stretch panel1600.

The positioning of the stretch panels1400,1500,1600, and1700have been described herein based on experimental tests on upper garments, which revealed unexpected data regarding which regions of upper garments are subjected to high levels of tension during a golf swing. By incorporating stretch panels into an upper garment at positions coinciding with these high-tension regions, the upper garment's constraint on the golfer's movements during a golf swing can be reduced, and thus, the golfer's performance can be improved. For example, based on the tension analysis, which is discussed further below, the stretch panels are able to be configured such that areas of high tension during a golf swing may be directly targeted. By directly targeting the high-tension areas, the remainder of the upper garment may be constructed from a substantially waterproof or water-resistant material, which results in a garment that not only provides less resistance to a golf swing but also provides weather-resistant properties as well. Although some examples of garments have been described with reference toFIGS.1-6, the present disclosure is not limited thereto. For example, the number of stretch panels and the shape, size, position, and orientation of each of the stretch panels may be suitably varied.

FIGS.7A to7Idepict perspective views of stretched regions of a garment being worn by a player at various times while the player performs golf swings, andFIG.8depicts front and back views of regions of a garment subjected to tension when a player performs a golf swing while wearing the garment. In particular, stretched regions2001-2012identified during testing are depicted inFIGS.7A to7I. The testing included acquiring imaging of a golfer during a golf swing while wearing a stretchable garment. The imaging techniques utilized allowed for areas of high tension or high stretching to be visually identified in the resultant images. Those areas of high tension have been identified as stretched regions2001-2012in the Images reproduced inFIGS.7A-7I. InFIG.7A, a front view of a right-handed golfer during his backswing is depicted. During the backswing, a first stretched region2001that extends over the shoulder of the golfer was identified as well as a second stretched region2002that extends across the back of the golfer in a direction from the top of the golfer towards the waist of the golfer.FIG.7Bdepicts a front view of the golfer during a follow through of the golf swing. During the follow through, a third stretched region2003on the golfer's back was identified along with a fourth stretched region2004that is primarily located on the shoulder of the golfer.FIG.7Cdepicts a left-side view of the golfer (e.g., from the perspective of the golf target) at or near impact of the golf ball. At this position, a fifth stretched region2005was identified under the shoulder and near the armpit of the golfer.FIG.7Ddepicts a front view at the end of the follow through of the golf swing. At this position, a sixth stretched region2006that extended from the shoulder and down the back of the golfer was identified.FIG.7Edepicts another front view of the golfer during a backswing of the golfer.FIG.7Efurther captures the left arm of the golfer. During the backswing, a seventh stretched region2007along the forearm of the golfer was identified. An eighth stretched region2008on the shoulder was also identified. The eighth stretched region2008is consistent with the first stretched region2001of the shoulder identified inFIG.7A.FIG.7Fdepicts a left-side (e.g., target-side) view of the golfer during a backswing. During the backswing, a ninth stretched region2009was identified that encompassed a larger portion of the golfer's upper back and shoulder.FIG.7Gdepicts a right-side view of the golfer during a backswing. A tenth stretched region2010was identified inFIG.7Galong the forearm of the golfer.FIG.7Hdepicts another front view of the golfer during a follow through. An eleventh stretched region2011was identified along the golfer's back and shoulder.FIG.7Iis a front view of the golfer during a follow through.FIG.7Ifocuses on the golfer's arms, and a twelfth stretched region2012was identified on the forearm of the golfer.

Based on the identified stretched regions2001-2012identified across the images ofFIGS.7A to7I, the stretch panels of the present technology discussed above inFIGS.1-6were developed. For instance, the stretch panels were developed to capture and substantially match portions of the stretched regions2001-2012to specifically target areas of high tension that occur during the golf swing. To still provide for weather resistance properties of the garment, however, the size and position of the stretch panels were not developed to identically match the stretched regions2001-2012. Instead, the stretch panels were developed to encompass a majority of the stretched regions2001-2012to reduce the resistance the garment produces to the golf swing while still accounting for feasible construction of the garment among other considerations. For instance, in the example garment1000discussed above, the shoulder panels of the garment may be constructed from a water-resistant material rather than a stretchable material despite the shoulder of the golfer being identified as a high-tension area of the golfer. Because the shoulders of the golfer are directly exposed to rain falling from the sky, the shoulders are a high-exposure area for rain-related moisture. As such, the extra weather resistance at the shoulders may be desired over additional flexibility where the garment is intended to be a weather-resistant garment, such as a rain jacket.

FIG.8depicts additional views or representations of stretched regions3001-3022that may be adapted into stretch panels of a garment. For instance, the regions3001-3022that may be subjected to tension when being worn by a person swinging a golf club. A garment according to examples of the present disclosure may include a stretch panel encompassing any portion of one or more of the stretched regions2001-2012and the regions3001-3022when the perspective views ofFIGS.7A to7Iand the front and back views ofFIG.8are to-scale as depicted. For example, a garment may include a stretch panel that extents over the shoulder and down the back in a direction towards the waist and the center of the back, similar to the region3002, region3011, region3013, and region3015. A garment may also include a stretch panel wrapped around the upper arm of the sleeve, similar to region3001and region3005. A garment may also include a stretch panel that extends across a back and a sleeve of a garment, similar to region3015. Such a stretch panel may substantially wrap around the sleeve of the garment as well.

FIG.9depicts two partially exploded back views4000A and4000B of another example garment4000, each of the two partially exploded back views4000A and4000B illustrating some of the stretch panels of the example garment4000.FIG.10depicts two perspective views of a golfer performing golf swings while wearing the example garment4000ofFIG.9. The garment4000primarily differs from the garment1000discussed above in that the stretch panels on the back of the garment extend over the shoulder portions of the garment4000.

The garment4000includes a torso portion4100, first and second sleeves4200and4300respectively attached to the torso portion4100, first and second shoulder portions4820and4830, and first, second, third, and fourth stretch panels4400,4500,4600, and4700incorporated into the garment4000. The garment4000and the first to fourth stretch panels4400,4500,4600, and4700may include some features of garments and stretch panels described herein, and thus, differences will may be mainly described and redundant descriptions may not be repeated.

The first and second stretch panels4400and4500are positioned at least partially on a back side of the torso portion4100and respectively adjacent to the first and second sleeves4200and4300. The first and second stretch panels4400and4500respectively cover at least part (e.g., all) of the first and second shoulder portions4820and4830, and thus, may extend across a top end of the torso portion4100and onto a front side of the torso portion4100. As indicated in the perspective views ofFIG.7and the front and back views ofFIG.8, the garment4000may be subject to tension in regions corresponding to the first and second shoulder portions4820and4830. Accordingly, by positioning the first and second stretch panels4400and4500respectively to at least partially cover the first and second shoulder portions4820and4830, constraint of the golfer's movements during a golf swing by the garment4000may be further reduced compared to when the first and second stretch panels4400and4500do not cover the first and second shoulder portions4820and4830. However, because the first and second stretch panels4400and4500may be made from knit fabric, which is more susceptible to water penetration than other materials (e.g., woven fabric) that may cover the first and second shoulder portions4820and4830when the first and second stretch panels4400and4500do not cover the first and second shoulder portions4820and4830, water may more easily penetrate into the inside of the garment4000through the first and second shoulder portions4820and4830during rain.

FIG.11depicts a front and back view of another example garment5000. The garment5000includes a torso portion5100having a front side5110and a back side5120, first and second sleeves5200and5300attached to the torso portion5100, and first, second, third, and fourth stretch panels5400,5500,5600, and5700that are incorporated into the garment5000. The garment5000is illustrated as a hooded sweatshirt. The garment5000and the first to fourth stretch panels5400to5700may include any features of garments and stretch panels as described herein.

FIG.12depicts a partial front view of another example garment6000.FIG.13depicts a partial back view of the garment6000ofFIG.12.FIG.14depicts a partial side view of the garment6000ofFIG.12.FIG.15Adepicts a partial side view of the garment6000ofFIG.12being worn by a person when standing upright.FIG.15Bdepicts a partial side view of the garment6000ofFIG.12being worn by a person when bending forward. The garment6000includes a torso portion6100, a first sleeve attached to the torso portion6100, and a second sleeve attached to the torso portion6100. The torso portion6100has a front side6110, a back side6120, a top end, a bottom end6140opposite to the top end, a first side6150, and a second side6160. In some examples, the garment6000may further include stretch panels incorporated into the garment6000. In some other examples, the garment6000does not include stretch panels. The garment6000and the stretch panels of the garment6000may include any features of garments and stretch panels as described herein.

The bottom end6140may form a hem of the garment6000having a unique shape and design configured to move with a person wearing the garment6000as he or she bends forward, for example, to take a golf swing. This reduces the amount by which the front side6110of the torso portion6100(e.g., by which a zipper on the front side6110) bulges forward when the person bends forward. As shown inFIGS.15A and15B, the hem of the garment6000moves with the person wearing the garment6000when bending forward from an upright position (as shown inFIG.15A) to a bent forward position (as shown inFIG.15B) such that the front side6110of the torso portion6100does not substantially bulge forward when the person is in the bent forward position. The bulging of a garment may obstruct the golfer's movements when taking a golf swing, and thus, reducing this bulging will reduce the garment's negative impact on the golfer's swing and improve the golfer's performance.

The bottom end6140has a front portion6141corresponding to at least part of the front side of the torso portion6100and a back portion6142corresponding to at least part of the back side of the torso portion6100. The front portion6141may have a W-shape. For example, the front portion6141may have a first periphery region6144, a second periphery region6148, a middle region6146(e.g., a region corresponding to an end of a zipper) between the first periphery region6144and the second periphery region6148, a first intermediate region6145between the first periphery region6144and the middle region6146, and a second intermediate region6147between the second periphery region6148and the middle region6146. In some examples, the first periphery region6144is at (e.g., defines a bottom end of) the first side6150, and the second periphery region6148is at (e.g., defines a bottom end of) the second side6160.

Relative to a virtual lateral line VLL extending across the front side6110of the torso portion6100and positioned between the bottom end6140of the torso portion6100and the top end of the torso portion6100, the first intermediate region6145may extend farther downward along a longitudinal direction than each of the first end6144and the middle region6146, and the second intermediate region6147may extend farther downward along the longitudinal direction than each of the second end6148and the middle region6146. In some examples, the middle region6146extends farther downward along the longitudinal direction than each of the first end6144and the second end6148. In some other examples, each of the first end6144and the second end6148extend farther downward along the longitudinal direction than the middle region6146. The back portion6142may extend downward along the longitudinal direction as the back portion6142respectively extends away from the first and second periphery regions6144and6148.

The front and back portions6141and6142of the bottom end6140may cross each other at the first and second periphery regions6144and6148. At each of the first and second periphery regions6144and6148, the front portion6141may further extend at least partially onto the back side6120to an end6141E, and the back portion6142may further extend at least partially onto the front side6110to an end6142E. The front and back portions6141and6142may overlap with, and be disconnected (e.g., not stitched together) from, each other at each of the first and second periphery regions6144and6148.

In some examples, the hem of the garment6000is stiffer than adjacent portions of the garment6000. For example, the hem may be different in material than the adjacent portions of the torso portion6100, or the hem may be the same in material as the adjacent portions of the torso portion6100and the material at the hem may be folded over on itself one or more times, rolled, or arranged in another manner that increases the stiffness of the hem. In some examples, the hem may include a strip of relatively stiff material compared to the adjacent portions of the torso portion and that extends along the bottom end6140. The strip may include plastic, metal, etc.

Garments according to some examples of the present disclosure may include a hem having any features described herein and one or more stretch panels having any features described herein. Using the stretch panels and the hem in combination further reduces negative impacts of the garment on the movements of a golfer wearing the garment while taking a golf swing and improves the golfer's performance.

This disclosure describes some embodiments of the present technology with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which only some of the possible embodiments were shown. Other aspects may, however, be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein. Rather, these embodiments were provided so that this disclosure was thorough and complete and fully conveyed the scope of the possible embodiments to those skilled in the art. Further, one having skill in the art will understand the degree to which terms such as “about” or “substantially” convey in light of the measurement techniques utilized herein. Also, any numerical range recited herein is intended to include all sub-ranges of the same numerical precision subsumed within the recited range. Accordingly, Applicant reserves the right to amend this specification, including the claims, to expressly recite any sub-range subsumed within the ranges expressly recited herein.

Although specific embodiments are described herein, the scope of the technology is not limited to those specific embodiments. Moreover, while different examples and embodiments may be described separately, such embodiments and examples may be combined with one another in implementing the technology described herein. One skilled in the art will recognize other embodiments or improvements that are within the scope and spirit of the present technology. Therefore, the specific examples are disclosed only as illustrative embodiments. The scope of the technology is defined by the following claims and any equivalents thereof.