Patent Document

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    This is a Continuation-in-Part Application of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/673,260, entitled “Freedom Of Movement Jacket/Coat,” filed on Nov. 9, 2012. The entirety of the aforementioned application is incorporated by reference herein. 
     
    
     STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT 
       [0002]    Not applicable. 
       TECHNICAL FIELD 
       [0003]    The present invention relates to jackets and/or coats with enhanced range of motion. The present invention offers several practical applications in the technical arts, not limited to athletic wear, casual wear, etc. More particularly, the present invention relates to outer wear apparel that affords freedom of movement around the shoulders and arms of a wearer, especially when engaged in a physically demanding activity or any activity benefitting from a wide range of movement by the wearer&#39;s arms and shoulders. 
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0004]    Weather often requires a person wear extra layers of clothing when outdoors. The extra layers of clothing may be constrictive, especially when engaging in an athletic activity, or any other type of physical activity. For example, golf is a sport that requires considerable range of motion in order to properly swing a club, but precipitation or cold weather may require extra clothing that can reduce the range of motion needed. A jacket/coat is a popular layering garment because it is versatile and usually has a loose fit, has a closable opening so it can be easily worn or taken off, and is usually made of a material that provides protection from environmental elements such as rain, wind, snow, temperature fluctuations, etc. The downside of using materials such as leather, or synthetic fabrics treated with materials to make them water repellent and/or wind repellent, may be that these materials may not have enough stretchability and/or breathability, or if they do have stretchability and/or breathability, the stretchability and/or breathability may be minimal. Such limited stretchability may render a garment impractical for activities requiring a higher degree of flexibility than is compatible with the garment. Further, for a sport such as golf, the potential fabrics to use for such a jacket may be limited by considerations such as the desire to limit the noise made by a garment during movement. 
       BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0005]    An object of the present invention is to provide a comfortable jacket/coat that is protective from environmental elements such as rain, wind, etc. The jacket/coat in accordance with the present invention may have a layered construction, where different types of fabrics and or materials may be used in the different layers of the jacket/coat to achieve a comfortable wear for the wearer, without sacrificing the level of protection offered by the jacket/coat. 
         [0006]    In a first example, the jacket/coat may comprise a first partial shrug-like portion (without the front pieces covering the chest) with a core, and with sleeves attached to the core. The sleeves may be long sleeves, short sleeves, three-quarter sleeves, or any other length desired for the particular style and use for the jacket. The first partial shrug-like portion may be constructed from an elastic and/or partially elastic type of material. The partial shrug-like portion and the sleeves may be made from a continuous piece of material, or the sleeved may be sewn onto the partial shrug-like portion at a given position below the shoulders to avoid having shoulder seams that may cause strain. 
         [0007]    The partial shrug-like portion may optionally have a strain-relieving cutout on its back portion. The cutout may be triangular, for example, and may optionally have an elastic stabilizer to stabilize the cutout. For example, the cutout may be downwards pointing triangular shape with a stabilizing elastic band across the wide end of the triangle closer to the collar of the jacket/coat. 
         [0008]    Further, the jacket/coat may comprise a vest portion that is longer than the partial shrug-like portion, layered on top of the partial shrug-like portion. The partial shrug-like portion may then be attached to the vest portion at a seam located at the bottom edge of the shrug-like portion, at the collar seam of the partial shrug-like portion and the vest portion, and at a front edge of each armhole to the corresponding front area of each respective sleeve, in other words, there may be no seams attaching the partial shrug-like portion and the vest portion on the back side of the jacket so that the sleeves may essentially be free-floating so that when a wearer may need to stretch his/her back pulling his/her arms forward or in any other direction, this motion may be performed freely. 
         [0009]    The vest portion may be constructed from the same material as the partial shrug-like portion, or alternatively, may be constructed from a different material, which may be elastic and/or stretchable. A stretchable material may be a four-way stretchable textile, a two-way stretchable textile, a composite material, a sheet-type material, etc. Both the partial shrug-like portion and the vest portion may water-resistant or waterproof either inherently or due to a waterproofing treatment. Alternatively, an elastic and waterproof layer of a polymer material may be applied to the inner face of the material prior to making the jacket/coat, if waterproofing is desired. 
         [0010]    Conceivably, in the case of rain or other environmental precipitation, or other water source, water could potentially enter through the gap on the back created where the sleeves are free-floating, and may accumulate in between the partial shrug-like portion and the vest portion. Therefore, the jacket/coat in accordance with the present invention may be provided with a plurality of perforations on the vest portion, slightly above the bottom edge seam between the partial shrug-like portion and the vest portion to allow the water to drain out without actually accumulating. Further, the bottom-edge of the partial shrug-like portion forming the seam, instead of being completely horizontal, may be slightly angled to guide any water present towards the plurality of perforations more efficiently in the water draining process. Depending on where the plurality of perforations is to be placed, the seam angle may be adjusted accordingly, for aesthetic and/or functional reasons. For example, if the perforations are in the middle of the back of the jacket/coat, the seam may form a slight semi-circular, or slight flat “V” shape angled just enough to guide the water toward the center, where gravity may work to pull the water down and be drained out of the jacket. The “V” shape may be maintained with a strap, a mesh insert, rigid or semi-rigid edges, etc., if such a structure is used. 
         [0011]    In a different example of the jacket/coat in accordance with the present invention, the jacket/coat may comprise a shrug-like portion made out of a strong and flexible mesh-type material, or any other desired breathable material. The material forming the shrug-like portion may be made from synthetic and/or natural fibers, and additionally, may contain elastic fibers to add elasticity to the material. The sleeves of the jacket/coat may be attached to the shrug-like portion at the armholes of the shrug-like portion. The sleeves may be of any length desired for the jacket/coat, such as short, three-quarter, long, etc., and may be pieced together from different types of materials with differing properties such as elasticity, resiliency, etc. 
         [0012]    The jacket/coat may further comprise a stiffer and longer vest portion over the shrug-like portion. The shrug-like portion may be free-floating inside the vest portion except for the seams at the collar, the bottom edge, and the front edges of the shrug-like portion. Since in this jacket/coat construction, the sleeves are free-floating from the stiffer vest portion at the shoulders, this construction may provide ventilation as well as enhanced range of motion, particularly when a wearer pulls his/her arms forward, or when a wearer lifts his/her arms above the shoulders. 
         [0013]    In an additional example in accordance with the present invention, a garment formed from a shrug component and a partial vest component may be provided. In accordance with the present example, the shrug component may comprise at least one front panel, at least one back panel, a right sleeve, and a left sleeve. The vest component may comprise at least one front panel and at least one back panel, wherein the front and back panels may be affixed or attached to each other at left and right side seams, to form in part a right sleeve opening or armhole and a left sleeve opening or armhole. In the alternative, the at least one front panel and the at least one back panel may be formed from a single piece of material. As used throughout this disclosure, the terms affixed or attached mean permanently joined to one another using affixing technologies known in the art such as stitching, bonding, welding, and the like. Continuing, the shoulder seams of the vest component may not be attached to each other but rather, they may be attached/seamed to front and back shoulder portions of the right sleeve and left sleeve of the shrug component when the vest component and the shrug component are assembled together to form the garment. Further attachment points between the shrug component and the vest component may include the garment collar, a bottom edge of the shrug component, and in the case that the garment is a front opening jacket, at front edges of the garment where a releasable closing mechanism for the jacket may be provided. However, the shrug component and the vest component may not be attached to each other at portions where the right sleeve and the left sleeve of the shrug component meet the armhole edges of the vest component. 
         [0014]    Yet, in a different example of the jacket/coat in accordance with the present invention, a thick winter jacket/coat may be provided. Since winter jackets tend to be bulky for insulating purposes, inevitably, they may have limited breathability and may be restrictive and not allow a user full range of motion. Therefore, in the jacket/coat in accordance with the present invention, a composite sleeve may be provided, which may provide breathability and/or enhanced range of motion without compromising insulation from cold weather. In other words, the sleeve may comprise three different sections: a lower sleeve, an upper sleeve and a cover sleeve. The lower sleeve may be constructed in the same way and with the same materials as the rest of the jacket/coat including the insulating fibers, and may cover an arm anywhere from the wrist up to the elbow. Then, the upper sleeve comprising a flexible and resilient mesh-type, or any other breathable type of material, may be attached to the lower sleeve by a seam, and may cover the arm up to the shoulder and be attached to the jacket/coat at the seam around the armhole. Finally, the cover sleeve may also be constructed from the same materials as the rest of the jacket/coat, including the insulating fibers, and may be attached to the jacket/coat by a seam connecting it to the armhole of the jacket, just as the upper sleeve. The cover sleeve may extend from the shoulder to slightly below the upper sleeve in order to completely conceal the upper sleeve when the arms of a wearer are in a rest position parallel to the wearer&#39;s body. It may be noted that the length ratios of the upper and lower sleeves may be other than the one described above, and the length of the cover sleeve may also change accordingly. 
         [0015]    The jacket/coat with the composite sleeve in accordance with the present invention, may allow for improved airflow between the inside and outside of the jacket/coat and may provide enhanced flexibility for a user due to the flexibility provided by the upper sleeve material, keeping the wearer more comfortable. In other words, the composite sleeve construction in accordance with the present invention may provide enhanced temperature regulation, as well as an enhanced range of motion for the user, by stretching (lengthening) the sleeve as required by the motions performed by the wearer. 
         [0016]    Additional objects, advantages, and novel features of the invention will be set forth in part in the description which follows, and in part will become apparent to those skilled in the art upon examination of the following, or may be learned by practice of the invention. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0017]    The present invention is described in detail below with reference to the attached drawing figures, wherein: 
           [0018]      FIG. 1  is a deconstructed view of an exemplary jacket/coat in accordance with the present invention; 
           [0019]      FIG. 2  is a layered front view of the exemplary jacket/coat shown in  FIG. 1 ; 
           [0020]      FIG. 3  is a layered back view of the exemplary jacket/coat shown in  FIG. 1 ; 
           [0021]      FIGS. 4-6  are different views of the exemplary jacket/coat shown in  FIG. 1  as worn by an individual; 
           [0022]      FIG. 7  is a front view of a different constructed exemplary jacket/coat in accordance with the present invention; 
           [0023]      FIGS. 8A and 8B  are deconstructed views of exemplary jacket/coat in  FIG. 7 ; 
           [0024]      FIGS. 9 and 10  are different views of the exemplary jacket/coat shown in  FIG. 7 , as worn by an individual; 
           [0025]      FIG. 11  is a view of a different jacket/coat in accordance with the present invention showing the construction of the sleeve comprising a lower sleeve and an upper sleeve; 
           [0026]      FIGS. 12 and 13  are different views of the exemplary jacket/coat shown in  FIG. 11 , as worn by an individual; 
           [0027]      FIGS. 14 and 15  illustrate examples of alternative strain-relieving cutouts for jackets/coats in accordance with the present invention; 
           [0028]      FIG. 16  is a deconstructed view of an exemplary garment in accordance with the present invention; 
           [0029]      FIG. 17  is an open view of the assembled garment shown in  FIG. 16  in accordance with the present invention; 
           [0030]      FIG. 18  is a closed view of the assembled garment shown in  FIGS. 16 and 17  in accordance with the present invention; 
           [0031]      FIG. 19  is a cross-sectional view of the garment shown in  FIG. 18  along the line  19 - 19  in accordance with the present invention; and 
           [0032]      FIG. 20  is a flow chart of an exemplary method of manufacturing the garment shown in  FIGS. 16-19 . 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
       [0033]    The present invention provides a jacket/coat with enhanced range of motion around the shoulders and the arms. In addition to enhanced range of motion, an additional advantage of the jacket/coat in accordance with the present invention is that it provides ventilation without compromising protection from the environmental elements. 
         [0034]    Referring to  FIG. 1 , a deconstructed jacket/coat  100  in accordance with the present invention is shown. As shown in  FIG. 1 , the jacket/coat  100  comprises two main components, a partial shrug-like portion (only covering the back)  120  comprising the sleeves  126 , and a vest portion  110  comprising the full length of the jacket/coat  100 . 
         [0035]    The partial shrug-like portion  120  may comprise a more elastic material than the vest portion  110 . Further, the partial shrug-like portion  120  may comprise a strain-relieving cutout  130  extending, for example approximately 0.5 to 5 inches above the lower rounded edge  122  of the partial shrug-like portion  120 , up to and including the collar edge  124  of the partial shrug-like portion  120 . The strain-relieving cutout  130 , may be stabilized by an elastic stabilizer  132  located approximately 0.5 to 5 inches below the cutout collar edge  124 , where the collar seam would have been. The strain-relieving cutout  130  may be shaped like a “V” as shown, or any other shape suitable for its intended purpose. Elastic stabilizer  132  may be omitted or replaced, for example with a mesh. Examples of some alternative strain-relieving cutouts are depicted in  FIGS. 14 and 15 .  FIG. 14  shows a V-shaped strain-relieving cutout  1430  with an edge  1424  stabilized with a mesh insert  1432 , which may be stretchable.  FIG. 15  shows a V-shaped strain-relieving cutout  1530  with a reinforced edge  1524  that maintains its form during use. Reinforced edge  1524  may be formed using layering, laminates, plastic inserts, metal inserts, seam tape, elastomers, etc. While the examples of strain-relieving cutouts suitable for use in a jacket/coat in accordance with the present invention have been illustrated with a V-shape, other shapes, such as a U-shape, may be used. 
         [0036]    The sleeves  126  of the jacket/coat in accordance with the present invention may optionally be an integral and continuous part of the partial shrug-like portion  120 . The sleeves  126  may comprise the same elastic material as the partial shrug-like portion, at least up to the region of the sleeves  126  covering the upper arm above the elbow, and the elbow region (as shown). In a different example, the sleeves  126  may comprise the same elastic material as the partial shrug-like portion all the way to the wrist potion. In yet a different example of the present invention, the sleeves  126  may be convertible between a short sleeve and a long sleeve, for example by having a zipper with a zipper flap covering the zipper, dividing the sleeves  126 , just above the elbow, into an upper sleeve and lower sleeve. The zipper may be used to attach or detach the lower-sleeve portion from the upper-sleeve portion of the jacket/coat  100 , at the convenience of the user. 
         [0037]    Moving on to the construction of the jacket/coat  100  in accordance with the present invention, the vest portion  110  comprising the full-length of the jacket/coat  100 , may be placed over and attached to the partial shrug-like portion  120  at the bottom rounded edge  122 , and side edges  123  of the partial shrug-like portion  120 . Only the front edge  127  of the sleeves  126  may be attached to the front edge  113  of the armhole  112  in the vest portion  110 . In other words, there may be no seams on the back and shoulders of the jacket/coat  100  in accordance with the present invention. Therefore, since essentially, a “pocket” (accessible at the shoulders from the back) is formed between the partial shrug-like portion  120  and the vest portion  110 , perforations  114  are provided on the vest portion  110  slightly above the seam with the bottom rounded edge  122  of the partial shrug-like portion  120 . The perforations  114  may serve as a water-draining mechanism in case water slips into the “pocket” in the event that the jacket/coat is worn during rainy weather. 
         [0038]    The jacket/coat  100  in accordance with the present invention may be made from a combination of water-resistant fabrics that may have additional differing properties such as added elasticity. Elasticity in such a fabric may be substantially multi-directional or may be operative only in some directions. For example, one or more material used in constructing a garment in accordance with the present invention may comprise a four-way stretch textile, a two-way stretch textile, or other materials with desired properties. Textiles used may provide desired stretch properties based upon material selection, such as spandex and/or spandex blends, and/or structural properties, such as knits providing a degree of mechanical stretch. If a textile with predominantly two-way stretch along a single axis is chosen, that axis may be oriented substantially horizontally when the jacket is worn, as indicated at  160 , or at any bias to horizontal, as indicated at  162  and  164 . Optionally, different textile portions used in constructing a jacket in accordance with the present invention may have different stretch properties and/or different orientations. Further, the fabrics may comprise an elastomer water-proofing coating material, optionally with at least the same elastic characteristics as the fabrics themselves. The different seams for constructing the jacket/coat  100  in accordance with the present invention may be formed by stitching, welding (using adhesive materials), or a combination of both. 
         [0039]      FIGS. 2 and 3  show front and back views, respectively, of the constructed jacket/coat  100  in accordance with the present invention.  FIG. 3 , in particular, shows how the partial shrug-like portion  120  and the vest portion  110  align with each other in the jacket/coat in accordance with the present invention. Further,  FIGS. 4-6  show the jacket/coat  100  in accordance with the present invention as worn by a user. As observed from  FIGS. 4-6 , the jacket/coat  100  in accordance with the present invention provides an enhanced range of motion for the arms and back of a user by providing an elastic partial shrug-like portion  120  with a strain-relieving cutout  130  and, and by eliminating the shoulder and sleeve seams. Therefore, the jacket/coat construction in accordance with the present invention, may allow the back of the garment to expand and contract as needed with any type of movement by the user. 
         [0040]    Since the vest portion  110  of the jacket/coat in accordance with the present invention determines the length of the jacket/coat, the vest portion may have any length desired for the particular style of jacket/coat desired. For example, the vest portion  110  may have any desired length, for example waist- length, hip-length, thigh-length, or any other length in between, or longer. 
         [0041]    In reference to  FIG. 7 , another example jacket/coat  200  in accordance with the present invention is shown. As shown in  FIG. 7 , the jacket/coat  200  may have a vest portion  210  over a vest shrug-like portion  220  (not shown), with the sleeves  226  attached to it. The jacket/coat  200  may be thinly quilted with thermal fibers (synthetic or down), to provide some insulation in cold weather. Further, the outer shell of the jacket/coat  200  may be constructed from water-resistant or water-proof fabrics in combination with elastic fabrics that may or may not be waterproof. 
         [0042]    The vest shrug-like portion  220  is shown in  FIG. 8A . The vest shrug-like portion  220  may comprise a resilient, yet flexible mesh-type material. The vest shrug-like portion  220  has two armholes  240  where the sleeves  226  are attached. Further, the vest shrug-like portion  220  comprises a bottom edge  221 , collar edges  222 , and two front edges  223 , which represent the points of connection with the outer vest portion  210  when the jacket/coat  200  is constructed. In  FIG. 8B , the vest shrug-like portion  220  with sleeves  226  attached is shown. As it can be clearly seen in  FIG. 8B , the sleeves  226  have the same thinly quilted construction as the vest portion  210  and thus provide the same level of insulation as the vest portion  210 . Further, the sleeves  226  may comprise a flexible and stretchable fabric material under the arm extending to the elbow region to provide enhanced flexibility in this region, especially when lifting the arms and bending the elbows. 
         [0043]    Additionally, as it can be seen in  FIGS. 9 and 10 , when a user is wearing the jacket/coat  200  in accordance with the present invention, the jacket/coat  200  not only protects the wearer from cold weather, but it does not impede the range of motion for the user because there are no seams at the sleeves and shoulders between the vest shrug-like portion  220  and the vest portion  210 . Also, because of the flexible mesh construction of the vest shrug-like portion  220 , temperature regulation is enhanced due to the possible airflow between the inside and the outside of the jacket/coat  200 . 
         [0044]    As the jacket/coat  100  presented in  FIG. 1 , the length of the jacket/coat  200  in  FIG. 7  is determined by the length of the vest portion  210 . Thus, the vest portion  210  may be of any length desired for the particular style or need for the jacket. For example, the vest portion  210  may be waist-length, hip-length, thigh-length, knee-length, or any other length in between, or longer. 
         [0045]    In yet a further example of the jacket/coat in accordance with the present invention, a thick winter jacket/coat  300  is shown in  FIGS. 11-13 . Since winter jackets tend to be bulky for insulating against cold weather, inevitably, they may have limited breathability and, may be restrictive and not allow a user full range of motion for his/her arms and shoulders. Therefore, in the jacket/coat  300  in accordance with the present invention, a composite sleeve  330  is provided, which may provide breathability and enhanced range of motion without compromising insulation from cold weather. In other words, the sleeves  330  may comprise three different sections: a lower sleeve  332 , an upper sleeve  334  and a cover sleeve  336 . The lower sleeve  332  may be constructed in the same way as the rest of the jacket/coat  300  using the same materials, including the insulating fibers, and may cover an arm from the wrist up to and including the elbow. Then, the upper sleeve  334  comprising a flexible and resilient mesh-type material, may be attached to the lower sleeve  332  by a seam above the elbow, and may cover the arm up to the shoulder, and be attached to the jacket/coat  300  at the seam around the armhole  320 . 
         [0046]    Finally, the cover sleeve  336  may also be constructed from the same materials as the rest of the jacket/coat  300 , including the insulating fibers. The cover sleeve  336  may be attached to the rest of the jacket/coat  300  by a seam  320  connecting it to the armhole of the jacket/coat  300 . The cover sleeve  336  may extend from the shoulder to slightly below the upper sleeve  334 , completely concealing the upper sleeve  334  when the arm of a user is in a rest position parallel to the user&#39;s body. It may be noted that the length ratios of the upper sleeve  334  and lower sleeve  332  may be other than the one described above. Also, the length of the cover sleeve  336  may also change accordingly, to conceal the upper sleeve  334 . 
         [0047]      FIG. 12  shows the jacket/coat  300  as worn by a person with his arms in a rest position. As it can be observed, the upper sleeve  334  of the sleeve  330  is completely concealed by the cover sleeve  336 .  FIG. 13  shows how the mesh-type material comprising the upper sleeve  334  may stretch when the wearer bends his/her arms, therefore relieving strain on the garment. 
         [0048]    The jacket/coat  300  with the composite sleeves  330  in accordance with the present invention, may allow for improved airflow between the inside and outside of the jacket/coat  300  and enhanced flexibility for a user due to the flexibility provided by the mesh material comprising the upper sleeve  334 , keeping the user more comfortable. In other words, the composite sleeve construction in accordance with the present invention may provide enhanced temperature regulation, as well as an enhanced range of motion for the user. 
         [0049]    Further, just like the jackets presented above, the jacket/coat  300  in accordance with the present invention may be of different lengths according to the style and coverage desired. For example, the jacket/coat  300  may be waist-length, hip-length, thigh-length, knee-length, or any other length in between, or longer. 
         [0050]    In yet a different example in accordance with the present invention, a deconstructed view of a garment  1600  is shown in  FIG. 16 . Garment  1600  comprises a shrug component  1610  and a vest component  1620 , where the vest component  1620  is configured to extend over or overlay the shrug component  1610 . The shrug component  1610  comprises one or more front panels  1611 / 1613 , one or more back panels  1614 , and two sleeves  1616  and  1618 , wherein the sleeves  1616 / 1618  may be long sleeves (as shown), ¾ sleeves, or short sleeves. The vest component  1620  comprises one or more front panels  1621 / 1623  and one or more back panels  1624 . The one or more front panels  1621 / 1623  may be affixed to the one or more back panels  1624  at side seams  1740  and  1750  as shown in  FIG. 17  to form in part two armholes or partial U-shaped armholes  1626  and  1628  having armhole perimeters  1634  and  1636  respectively. In the alternative, the vest component  1620  may be formed from a single piece of textile material cut into the respective shape needed to form the vest component  1620  seamlessly. When the shrug component  1610  and the vest component  1620  are assembled together to form garment  1600 , a right sleeve  1616  extends through the right armhole  1626 , and the left sleeve  1618  extends through the left armhole  1628 . 
         [0051]    The garment  1600  is assembled by affixing front shoulder portion  1681  of the vest component  1620  to a front shoulder portion  1671  of the shrug component  1610 , affixing a back shoulder portion  1682  of the vest component  1620  to a back shoulder portion  1672  of the shrug component  1610 , affixing a front shoulder portion  1683  of the vest component  1620  to a front shoulder portion  1673  of the shrug component  1610 , and affixing a back shoulder portion  1684  of the vest component  1620  to a back shoulder portion  1674  of the shrug component  1610 . The front and back shoulder portions  1681 ,  1682 ,  1683 , and  1684  of the vest component  1620  may be affixed to the front and back shoulder portions  1671 ,  1672 ,  1673 , and  1674  of the shrug component  1610  by stitching, heat pressing, adhesive bonding, or any other suitable means or combination of means to form a permanent bond in accordance with the present invention. 
         [0052]    Further, the garment  1600  may be assembled by affixing the shrug component  1610  to the vest component  1620  at a collar portion  1640  of the shrug component  1610  and collar portions  1690   a, b , and  c  of the vest component  1620 . The shrug component  1610  may be further affixed to vest component  1620  by affixing a bottom edge/margin  1670  of the shrug component  1610  to an interior surface of the front and back panels  1621 ,  1623 , and  1624  of the vest component  1620  at a distance above the bottom edge/margin  1680  of the vest component  1620 . To put it another way, a distance  1650  from the collar  1640  to the bottom edge/margin  1670  of the shrug component  1610  may be less than a distance  1660  between the collar portions  1690   a, b , and  c  to the bottom edge  1680  of the vest component  1620 . The bottom edge  1670  of the shrug component  1610  may be affixed to the vest component  1620  by stitching, heat pressing, adhesive bonding, or any other suitable means, or combination of means to form a permanent bond in accordance with the present invention. 
         [0053]    However, in accordance with the present invention, the bottom/inferior sleeve portions  1630  and  1632  of the shrug component  1610  are not affixed to the armhole perimeters  1634  and  1636  of the vest component  1620 . This allows a wearer of the garment  1610  to have full mobility when, for example, the wearer reaches his/her arms forward, backward, and/or upward. In other words, by not affixing the bottom/inferior sleeve portions  1630  and  1632  of the shrug component  1610  to the armhole perimeters  1634  and  1636  of the vest component  1620 , the vest component  1620  does not impede or restrain movement of the sleeves  1616 / 1618  of the shrug component  1610  when the garment  1600  is worn. 
         [0054]    In embodiments in accordance with the present invention where the garment  1600  is a front opening jacket (as shown in  FIGS. 16-18 ), the shrug component  1610  may further be affixed to the vest component  1620  at a location where a closing mechanism extending from the collar  1640 / 1690  to the bottom edge  1680 , or a garment bottom edge  1691  of the vest component  1620 , is provided. As shown in  FIG. 17 , the closing mechanism  1710  may serve to releasably affix the front right panel  1730  of the garment  1600  to the left front panel  1720  of the garment  1600 . The closing mechanism  1710  may comprise for example, a zipper, buttons, hook-and-loop type mechanisms, or any other suitable means for providing an easy open and close function to the garment  1600 . 
         [0055]    In exemplary aspects, the shrug component  1610  may comprise a first textile material that is more elastic than a second textile material comprising the vest component  1620 . For example, the shrug component  1610  may comprise elastane, Lycra®, elastic polyester, elastic nylon, or any other suitable textile material, in accordance with the present invention. The vest component  1620  may comprise a material that is less elastic than the shrug component  1610 . The vest component may comprise natural and/or synthetic fibers such as cotton, hemp, bamboo, polyester, nylon, plastic, thermoplastic polyurethane, or any other suitable material. The material of the vest component may be a material that is treated to be or is naturally waterproof, water resistant, and/or water repellent. Further, the sleeves  1616 / 1618  of the shrug component  1610  may comprise the same textile material as the shrug component  1610 , the same textile material as the vest component  1620 , or in the alternative, the sleeves  1616 / 1618  may comprise sleeve portions of the first textile material of the shrug component  1610  (where higher elasticity would be advantageous for better comfort and higher range of mobility), and other sleeve portions of the second textile material of the vest component  1620  (where the properties of the textile material of the vest component  1620  would be more desirable, such as the forearm portion of the sleeves in a long sleeve embodiment, as shown). For example, superior sleeve portions  1631 / 1633  of the shrug component  1610  may comprise the second textile material of the vest component  1620  and inferior sleeve portions  1630 / 1632  of the shrug component  1610  may comprise the first textile material of the shrug component  1610 . Additionally, the sleeves  1616 / 1618  may comprise additional structural, functional, and/or decorative features to complement the garment  1600 . 
         [0056]    In different aspects in accordance with the garment  1600 , the shrug component  1610  may comprise a first material having a first color, the first material having a first elasticity. The first color of the first material may be a single color, a combination of colors, a patterned textile material, a textile material having different designs such as a team logo, favorite character, landscape, etc. The vest component  1620  may comprise a second material having a second color, the second material having a second elasticity. The second color of the second material may be a single color, a combination of colors, a patterned textile material, a textile material having different designs, etc. The second textile material may or may not be transparent or see-through. If see-through, a design/pattern on the vest component  1620  may be configured to be complementary to a design/pattern on the shrug component  1610 . 
         [0057]    The garment  1600  may be a long jacket (extending substantially below the waistline of a wearer when worn), a short jacket (extending above the waistline of a wearer when worn), or a waist length jacket (extending around the waistline of a wearer when worn), as shown. The garment  1600  may further comprise cuffs  1617  and  1619  and a waistband  1627  of a third material, wherein the third material comprises an elasticity that is greater than or equal to the elasticity of the first material forming the shrug component  1610 . The cuffs  1617 / 1619  and the waistband  1627  may aid in providing a comfortable fit of the garment  1600  when the jacket is worn. For example, the cuffs  1617 / 1619  and the waistband  1627  may aid in keeping the garment in place, as desired by the wearer, when the jacket is worn. 
         [0058]      FIG. 17  shows an open configuration  1700  of the garment  1600  in accordance with the present invention. As described above, superior sleeve portions  1631 / 1633  of sleeves  1616 / 1618  of the shrug component  1610  may comprise a material that is equal to or similar to the material of the vest component  1620 , and the material of inferior sleeve portions  1630 / 1632  may comprise a material that is the same as or similar to the material of the shrug component  1610 , where the material of the shrug component  1610  is more elastic than the material of the vest component  1620 . 
         [0059]      FIG. 18  shows a closed configuration  1800  of the garment  1600  in accordance with the present invention. As seen in  FIG. 18 , the vest component  1620  and the shrug component  1610  are affixed at the front shoulder portions  1671 / 1681  and the back shoulder portions  1672 / 1682  (not shown) of the vest component  1620  and the shrug component  1610 , but the inferior sleeve portions  1630 / 1632  of the shrug component  1610  are not affixed to the arm hole perimeter portions  1634 / 1636  of the vest component. This feature of the present invention is described in more detail below in relationship to  FIG. 19 . 
         [0060]      FIG. 19  is a cross section along the line  19 - 19  in  FIG. 18  in accordance with aspects herein. As seen in more detail in  FIG. 19 , the right sleeve  1616  of the shrug component  1610  comprises a superior sleeve portion  1631  and an inferior sleeve portion  1630 . The vest component  1620 , as described above, is fixedly or permanently attached at front shoulder portions  1671 / 1681  and back shoulder portions  1673 / 1683  of the shrug component  1610  and the vest component  1620 . The attachment points or area on the front shoulder portions  1671 / 1681  and back shoulder portions  1673 / 1683  may be defined by a back seam  1910  and a front seam  1920 . Further, in accordance with the present invention, in  FIG. 19  it can be seen that the superior sleeve portion  1631  is depicted as a single layer of material, and the vest component  1620  forms a partial armhole  1626  that has a U-shaped armhole perimeter  1634  as defined by the front panel  1621  and the back panel  1624  of the vest component  1620 , where the inferior sleeve portion  1630  of the shrug component  1610  is not attached to the U-shaped perimeter  1634  of the armhole  1626  of the vest component  1620 . The superior sleeve portion  1631  of the shrug component  1610 , however, is shared with the vest component  1620  when the garment  1600  is assembled. Similarly, as described above, the left sleeve  1618  may be constructed in the same way as the right sleeve, forming a U-shaped armhole perimeter  1636  as defined by the front panel  1623  and the back panel  124  of the vest component  1620 , where the inferior sleeve portion  1632  of the shrug component  1610  is not attached to the U-shaped perimeter  1636 . In a different embodiment in accordance with the present invention (not shown,) the vest component may comprise a full armhole, defined by an enclosed perimeter, where the shrug component and the vest component may be attached along a top shoulder seam of both the vest component and the shrug component, and detached at remainder portions of the armhole perimeter of the vest component and sleeve portions of the shrug component. 
         [0061]    Although garment  1600  is depicted in  FIGS. 16-19  as being an openable jacket with a front zipper, the garment  1600  may be a pullover garment with a crew neck, V-neck, or a zippered collar, a hoodie, a t-shirt, a shirt type, or any other type of garment that would benefit from the improved range of motion provided by the configuration of garment  1600  described herein. 
         [0062]      FIG. 20  depicts a flow chart outlining a method  2000  for manufacturing a garment, such as the garment  1600  shown in  FIGS. 16-19  in accordance with aspects herein. The method  2000  starts by the step  2010  of providing a shrug component of a first material, which depending on the configuration of the garment, may comprise, one or more front panels, one or more back panels, a right sleeve, and a left sleeve. The sleeves may be formed continuously with the one or more front and back panels, or may be formed from separate panels attached to the shrug component by seams. The seams for forming the shrug component may be formed by stitching, adhesive bonding, heat pressing, or any other suitable method for forming seams in a garment. The sleeves of the shrug component may comprise the same material of the shrug component, or in the alternative, may comprise two or more materials with different physical properties. Next, the method comprises the step  2020  of providing a vest component of a second material, which depending on the configuration of the garment, may comprise, one or more front panels and one or more back panels that form in part a right armhole and a left armhole. Then, the method continues with the step  2030  of extending the vest component over the shrug component so that the right sleeve of the shrug component extends through the right armhole of the vest component and the left sleeve of the shrug component extends through the left armhole of the vest component. Subsequently, the method continues with the step  2040  of assembling the garment by affixing the vest component to discrete portions of the shrug component while not affixing the shrug component to the vest component at inferior sleeve portions of the shrug component. And, construction of the garment is finalized at step  2050  by providing finishing touches to the garment such as cuffs, waistbands, and zippers. 
         [0063]    From the foregoing, it will be seen that this invention is one well adapted to attain all the ends and objects hereinabove set forth together with other advantages, which are obvious and inherent to the structure. 
         [0064]    It will be understood that certain features and subcombinations are of utility and may be employed without reference to other features and subcombinations. This is contemplated by and is within the scope of the claims. 
         [0065]    Since many different garment styles may be made of the invention without departing from the scope thereof, it is to be understood that all matter herein set forth or shown in the accompanying drawings is to be interpreted as illustrative and not in a limiting sense.

Technology Category: a