Upper body garment with enhanced flexibility portions

Abstract

The present invention relates to upper body garments designed to provide enhanced range of motion to the wearer's arms and shoulders. This is achieved by having a layered construction comprising different fabric / fabric materials where enhanced range of motion is desired. In various aspects, the upper body garment (100) comprises an inner sleeve (310a, 310b) and an outer sleeve (150a, 150b), wherein the garment is structured such that the outer sleeve is separated from the inner sleeve in one or more locations.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a garment that, when worn, provides an enhanced range of motion for the wearer's arms and shoulders. Background Art

[0002] Weather often requires people to wear extra layers of clothing when outdoors. The extra layers of clothing may be constricting and, for example, reduce the range of motion of the wearer's arms and shoulders, especially when engaging in athletic activities. Summary of the Invention

[0003] The following clauses represent example aspects of the concepts contemplated herein. Any of the following clauses may be combined in a multi-dependency manner to be dependent on one or more other clauses. Furthermore, any combination of dependent clauses (clauses that explicitly depend on previous clauses) may be combined while remaining within the scope of the various aspects contemplated herein. The following clauses are examples and not limitations.

[0004] Item 1. An upper body garment comprising: an outer front panel and an outer back panel forming an outer torso portion of the upper body garment, the outer front panel and the outer back panel including an outer sleeve opening edge; an inner front panel and an inner back panel forming an inner torso portion of the upper body garment, the inner front panel and the inner back panel including an inner sleeve opening edge; and a sleeve assembly, the sleeve assembly comprising: an inner sleeve having an inner sleeve proximal end and an inner sleeve distal end, the inner sleeve proximal end being attached to the inner sleeve opening edge, and an outer sleeve having an outer sleeve proximal end and an outer sleeve distal end, the outer sleeve proximal end being attached to the front upper edge of the outer front panel and the rear upper edge of the outer back panel, wherein the outer sleeve proximal end is detached from the outer sleeve opening edge.

[0005] Clause 2. The upper body garment of Clause 1, wherein the inner sleeve distal end is attached to the outer sleeve distal end.

[0006] Clause 3. An upper body garment as recited in any one of Clauses 1 to 2, wherein the inner sleeve includes a middle sleeve portion exhibiting stretch properties, wherein the middle sleeve portion is spaced apart from the inner sleeve proximal end and the inner sleeve distal end.

[0007] Clause 4. The upper body garment of Clause 3, wherein the intermediate sleeve portion comprises a stretch mesh material.

[0008] Clause 5. An upper body garment as recited in any one of Clauses 1 to 4, wherein the outer torso portion and the outer sleeves are made of a water-resistant or waterproof material.

[0009] Clause 6. The upper body garment of any one of Clauses 1 to 5, wherein the outer sleeve proximal end comprises a non-circumferential perimeter edge.

[0010] Item 7. An upper body garment according to any one of Items 1 to 6, wherein the proximal end of the outer sleeve includes an outer shoulder portion extension and an outer circumferential portion, wherein the outer shoulder portion extension is attached to the front upper edge of the outer front panel and the rear upper edge of the outer rear panel, and wherein the outer circumferential portion is detached from the outer sleeve opening edge.

[0011] Item 8. An upper body garment according to any one of Items 1 to 7, wherein the proximal end of the inner sleeve includes an inner shoulder portion extension and an inner circumferential portion, wherein the inner shoulder portion extension is attached to the front upper edge of the inner front panel and the rear upper edge of the inner back panel, and wherein the inner circumferential portion is attached to the edge of the inner sleeve opening.

[0012] Item 9. An upper body garment according to any one of Items 1 to 8, wherein the inner sleeve includes an upper sleeve portion extending from a proximal end of the inner sleeve, a lower sleeve portion extending from a distal end of the inner sleeve, and an intermediate sleeve portion located between the upper sleeve portion and the lower sleeve portion, wherein the intermediate sleeve portion has greater stretch properties than the upper sleeve portion.

[0013] Clause 10. The upper body garment of Clause 9, wherein the outer torso portion, the outer sleeve, and the upper sleeve portion of the inner sleeve are made of a water-resistant or waterproof material.

[0014] Item 11. An upper body garment comprising: a torso portion having a front panel and a back panel that cooperate to form a first sleeve opening, the first sleeve opening having a first sleeve opening edge; and a first sleeve assembly, the first sleeve assembly comprising: a first inner sleeve having a first inner sleeve proximal end and a first inner sleeve distal end, the first inner sleeve proximal end being attached to the first sleeve opening edge, and a first outer sleeve having a first outer sleeve proximal end and a first outer sleeve distal end, the first outer sleeve proximal end comprising a first outer shoulder portion extension and a first outer circumferential portion, the first outer shoulder portion extension being attached to the first shoulder region of the torso portion, and the first outer circumferential portion being completely free of the first sleeve opening edge.

[0015] Item 12. The upper body garment according to Item 11 further includes: a second sleeve assembly, the second sleeve assembly including: a second inner sleeve having a second inner sleeve proximal end and a second inner sleeve distal end, the second inner sleeve proximal end being attached to the second sleeve opening edge of the second sleeve opening of the torso portion; and a second outer sleeve having a second outer sleeve proximal end and a second outer sleeve distal end, the second outer sleeve proximal end including a second outer shoulder portion extension and a second outer circumferential portion, the second outer shoulder portion extension being attached to the second shoulder area of ​​the torso portion, and the second outer circumferential portion being completely detached from the second sleeve opening edge.

[0016] Clause 13. An upper body garment as recited in any one of Clauses 11 to 12, wherein the first inner sleeve distal end is attached to the first outer sleeve distal end, and wherein the second inner sleeve distal end is attached to the second outer sleeve distal end.

[0017] Item 14. An upper body garment according to any one of Items 11 to 13, wherein the second inner sleeve includes a second upper sleeve portion extending from a proximal end of the second inner sleeve, a second lower sleeve portion extending from a distal end of the second inner sleeve, and a second intermediate sleeve portion located between the second upper sleeve portion and the second lower sleeve portion, wherein the second intermediate sleeve portion has greater stretch properties than the second upper sleeve portion.

[0018] Item 15. An upper body garment according to any one of Items 11 to 14, wherein the first inner sleeve includes a first upper sleeve portion extending from a proximal end of the first inner sleeve, a first lower sleeve portion extending from a distal end of the first inner sleeve, and a first intermediate sleeve portion located between the first upper sleeve portion and the first lower sleeve portion, wherein the first intermediate sleeve portion has greater stretch properties than the first upper sleeve portion.

[0019] Clause 16. The upper body garment of Clause 15, wherein the first intermediate sleeve portion comprises a stretch mesh material.

[0020] Clause 17. An upper body garment as recited in any one of Clauses 15 to 16, wherein the torso portion, the first outer sleeve, and the first upper sleeve portion comprise a water-impermeable or waterproof material.

[0021] Clause 18. An upper body garment as recited in any one of Clauses 11 to 17, wherein the front and back panels of the torso portion comprise two or more layers of material.

[0022] Item 19. An upper body garment according to any one of Items 11 to 18, wherein the proximal end of the first inner sleeve includes a first inner shoulder portion extension and a first inner circumferential portion, wherein the first inner shoulder portion extension is attached to the first shoulder region of the torso portion, and wherein the first inner circumferential portion is attached to the first sleeve opening edge.

[0023] Item 20. A method for manufacturing an upper body garment, comprising: attaching an outer front panel to an outer back panel to form an outer torso portion of the upper body garment, the outer torso portion including an outer sleeve opening edge; attaching an inner front panel and an inner back panel to form an inner torso portion of the upper body garment, the inner torso portion including an inner sleeve opening edge; attaching the inner sleeve proximal end of the inner sleeve to the inner sleeve opening edge; and attaching a shoulder portion extension of the outer sleeve proximal end of the outer sleeve to the front upper edge of the outer front panel and the rear upper edge of the outer back panel, wherein a circumferential portion of the outer sleeve proximal end is detached from the outer sleeve opening edge of the outer torso portion.

[0024] Clause 21. The method for manufacturing an upper body garment according to Clause 20, further comprising attaching the inner sleeve distal end to the outer sleeve distal end.

[0025] Clause 22. A method for manufacturing an upper body garment according to any one of Clauses 20 to 21, wherein the inner sleeve includes a middle sleeve portion exhibiting stretch properties, wherein the middle sleeve portion is spaced apart from the inner sleeve proximal end and the inner sleeve distal end.

[0026] Clause 23. The method for making an upper body garment according to Clause 22, wherein the intermediate sleeve portion comprises a stretch mesh material.

[0027] Clause 24. A method for manufacturing an upper body garment according to any one of Clauses 20 to 23, wherein the outer torso portion and the outer sleeves comprise a water-resistant or waterproof material.

[0028] Clause 25. A method for manufacturing an upper body garment according to any one of Clauses 20 to 24, wherein the outer sleeve proximal end comprises a non-circumferential perimeter edge.

[0029] Item 26. A method for manufacturing an upper body garment according to any one of Items 20 to 25, wherein the proximal end of the inner sleeve includes an inner shoulder portion extension and an inner circumferential portion, the method further comprising attaching the inner shoulder portion extension to the front upper edge of the inner front piece and the rear upper edge of the inner back piece, and attaching the inner circumferential portion to the edge of the inner sleeve opening.

[0030] Clause 27. A method for manufacturing an upper body garment according to any one of Clauses 20 to 26, wherein the outer torso portion, the outer sleeve, and the portion of the inner sleeve extending from the inner sleeve proximal end are made of a water-resistant or waterproof material. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0031] The present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0032] Figure 1A and Figure 1B showing front and back views, respectively, of an outer layer of an upper body garment according to aspects herein;

[0033] Figure 2A and Figure 2B The various aspects of this article are shown respectively. Figure 1A and Figure 1B front and back views of an upper body garment with one of the sleeves extended;

[0034] Figure 3A and Figure 3B The various aspects of this article are shown respectively. Figure 1A and Figure 1B front and back views of the inner layer of the upper body garment;

[0035] Figure 4 showing a front view of an alternative inner sleeve configuration for an upper body garment according to aspects herein;

[0036] Figure 5 Shown according to various aspects of this invention Figure 1A A partially deconstructed view of the upper body garment;

[0037] Figure 6A Shown according to various aspects of this invention Figure 2A The sleeve of the garment is shown in cross-section through the cut line 6A-6A;

[0038] Figure 6B Shown according to various aspects of this invention Figure 1A and Figure 1B A perspective view of an outer sleeve portion of an upper body garment;

[0039] Figure 7A and Figure 7B Various example upper body garments according to aspects herein are shown; and

[0040] Figure 8 A flow chart outlining the steps of a method of making an upper body garment according to aspects herein is shown. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0041] The subject matter of the present invention is described herein with specificity to satisfy statutory requirements. However, this description itself is not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure. Rather, the inventors have contemplated that the claimed or disclosed subject matter may also be embodied in other ways in conjunction with other current or future technologies, to include different steps or combinations of steps similar to those described in this document. Furthermore, although the terms "step" and / or "box" may be used herein to refer to different elements of the method employed, these terms should not be construed as implying any particular order among or between the various steps disclosed herein unless and except where the order of the individual steps is explicitly stated.

[0042] Weather often requires people to wear additional layers of clothing outdoors. Generally speaking, the additional layers of clothing may be constricting and, for example, reduce the range of motion of the wearer's arms and shoulders, especially when engaging in athletic activities. Various aspects herein provide an upper body garment that achieves enhanced range of motion around the shoulders and arms by using a sleeve configuration that includes an outer sleeve (which is typically separate from a stretchable inner sleeve). In addition to the enhanced range of motion, an additional advantage of the upper body garment is that it provides ventilation without compromising protection from the elements.

[0043] At a high level, the upper body garments described herein can have a layered construction, wherein different types of fabrics and / or materials can be used in different layers of the upper body garment to achieve a comfortable fit for the wearer without sacrificing the protective aspects of the upper body garment. In an exemplary embodiment, the upper body garment includes an outer front panel and an outer back panel forming the outer torso portion of the upper body garment, wherein the outer front panel and the outer back panel include the outer sleeve opening edge of each sleeve. In addition, the upper body garment includes an inner front panel and an inner back panel forming the inner torso portion of the upper body garment, wherein the inner front panel and the inner back panel include the inner sleeve opening edge of each sleeve. Each sleeve of the upper body garment includes an inner sleeve and an outer sleeve. The proximal end of the inner sleeve of each sleeve is attached to the inner sleeve opening edge of the inner torso portion. The proximal end of each outer sleeve is attached to the front upper edge of the outer front panel and the rear upper edge of the outer back panel and is detached from the corresponding outer sleeve opening edge. This described construction effectively separates the inner sleeve from the outer sleeve and enables the inner sleeve to move and stretch independently of the outer sleeve, thereby providing an enhanced range of motion in the wearer's shoulders and arms. Likewise, because the proximal end of the outer sleeve is free from the outer sleeve opening edge, a ventilation space is formed between the proximal end of the inner sleeve and the proximal end of the outer sleeve, which allows, for example, hot air to escape from the upper body garment.

[0044] In exemplary aspects, the outer front panel, the outer back panel, and each outer sleeve can be formed from a waterproof or water-resistant fabric suitable for protecting the wearer from weather elements (such as rain, wind, snow, fog, etc.). The fabric forming the outer front panel, the outer back panel, and the outer sleeves can, in exemplary aspects, have minimal stretchability or elasticity. In one aspect, the inner front panel and the inner back panel can be formed from a fabric similar to or the same as the fabric forming the outer front panel and the outer front panel. In other aspects, the inner front panel and the inner back panel can be formed from a comfort fabric, such as a cotton-based fabric or a moisture management fabric.

[0045] In an exemplary embodiment, each inner sleeve is divided into two or more parts. For example, in one aspect, each inner sleeve may include an upper sleeve portion and a lower sleeve portion. In another aspect, each inner sleeve may include an upper sleeve portion, a lower sleeve portion, and an intermediate sleeve portion located between the upper sleeve portion and the lower sleeve portion. In either aspect, the upper sleeve portion may be formed of the same waterproof or water-resistant material as the material forming the outer front panel, the outer back panel, and the outer sleeve. The intermediate sleeve portion and / or the lower sleeve portion (particularly when there is no intermediate sleeve portion) may be formed of a highly stretchable and / or breathable fabric (such as a stretch mesh material). The stretchable fabric may be a four-way stretchable fabric, a two-way stretchable fabric, a composite material, or the like. In other words, the elastic modulus of the upper sleeve portion is higher than that of the intermediate sleeve portion and / or the lower sleeve portion, thereby providing the inner sleeve, which is in closer contact with the wearer, with the freedom to stretch as needed according to the movement of the wearer's shoulders and arms.

[0046] As used herein, positional terms such as "proximal," "distal," "inside," "outside," "front," "back," and the like will be given their customary meaning relative to an upper body article of clothing of appropriate size as intended and as shown and described herein to be worn by an upright standing wearer. Thus, the front portion of the upper body article of clothing and / or sleeves is configured to be positioned adjacent to the front torso region of the wearer and / or the front portion of the wearer's arms, respectively, and the back portion of the upper body article of clothing and / or sleeves is configured to be positioned adjacent to the back torso region of the wearer and / or the back portion of the wearer's arms, respectively. For example, the proximal end of the sleeve is configured to be positioned closer to the midline (or torso) of the wearer than the distal end of the sleeve. The inner piece or sleeve is configured to be closer to the wearer's body surface than the outer piece or sleeve. In exemplary aspects, the outer piece or sleeve is configured to be exposed to the external environment.

[0047] As used herein, the term "sheet" generally refers to a patterned sheet having one or more terminal edges, one or more of which may be free edges or may be fixed or attached to one or more edges of a different sheet. The terms "edge" or "peripheral edge" refer to the terminal edge of a fabric or material. As used herein, the terms "stretch properties" or "stretch and recovery properties" refer to the ability of a material to stretch in one or more directions in response to a tensile force and return to its resting state when the tension is released or removed. The stretch properties of one material or structure may be described herein relative to the stretch properties of another material or structure. Thus, when a first material has greater stretch properties than a second material, this means that the first material is able to stretch more in a particular direction in response to a tensile force than the second material. As used herein, the term "stretch mesh material" refers to a material with stretch properties that includes a large number of closely spaced pores or openings, which are formed through a carefully arranged knitted or woven construction or by forming the pores in a post-construction step. As used herein, stretch mesh materials can exhibit a relatively high degree of breathability compared to non-mesh materials. As used herein, unless otherwise indicated, the terms "attach," "secure," or "attach" generally refer to permanent attachment such as by stitching, bonding, adhesives, and the like.

[0048] Unless otherwise indicated, all measurements provided herein were taken with the upper body garment at standard ambient temperature and pressure (25 degrees Celsius or 298.15 K and 1 bar) and in a static or untensioned state.

[0049] Figure 1A and Figure 1B A front view and a rear view of the outer layer of upper body garment 100 are depicted with sleeve assembly 149a and sleeve assembly 149b, respectively. Sleeve assembly 149a includes outer sleeve 150a (as described with respect to FIG. Figures 1A to 2B shown and discussed) and inner sleeve 310a (as with respect to Figure 3A and Figure 3B), and the sleeve assembly 149b includes an outer sleeve 150b (as shown and discussed with respect to Figures 1A to 2B shown and discussed) and inner sleeve 310b (as with respect to Figure 3A and Figure 3B As shown and discussed). Figure 1A As further shown, upper body garment 100 may be a full zipper jacket having a slider mechanism 110 extending from a waist opening 120 to a neck opening 130. Although depicted and described as a zipper jacket, it is also contemplated herein that upper body garment 100 may be in the form of a pullover, hoodie, or the like.

[0050] The front portion of the upper body garment 100 includes an outer front panel 140a and an outer front panel 140b. Figure 1B As shown, upper body garment 100 also includes an outer back panel 170, which, when attached to outer front panels 140a and 140b, forms an outer torso portion 180 of upper body garment 100. Upper body garment 100 also includes outer sleeves 150a and 150b. In exemplary aspects, outer torso portion 180 and outer sleeves 150a and 150b can be formed from a tightly woven material to help provide wind resistance to upper body garment 100. It is also contemplated herein that outer torso portion 180 and outer sleeves 150a and 150b can be treated with, for example, a durable water repellent to impart water-resistant and / or waterproof properties to the material, thereby helping to protect the wearer from, for example, rain, sleet, snow, and the like.

[0051] Each outer sleeve 150a and 150b includes a respective proximal end 152a and 152b and a respective distal end 153a and 153b. Each of the proximal ends 152a and 152b of the respective outer sleeves 150a and 150b includes a respective shoulder portion extension 154a and 154b that extends continuously from the respective proximal end 152a and 152b in a direction toward the neck opening 130. The front edge 156a of the shoulder portion extension 154a is adjacent to and attached to the front upper edge 142a of the outer front panel 140a, and the front edge 156b of the shoulder portion extension 154b is adjacent to and attached to the front upper edge 142b of the outer front panel 140b. Terminal edge 158a of shoulder portion extension 154a can abut and be attached to collar 160 of upper body garment 100, and similarly, terminal edge 158b of shoulder portion extension 154b can also abut and be attached to collar 160 of upper body garment 100. It is also contemplated herein that terminal edges 158a and 158b can form a portion of neck opening 130 of upper body garment 100 when upper body garment 100 does not include collar 160.

[0052] In a rear view of upper body garment 100, rear edge 157a of shoulder portion extension 154a abuts and is attached to rear upper edge 172a of outer back panel 170, and rear edge 157b of shoulder portion extension 154b abuts and is attached to rear upper edge 172b of outer back panel 170. Outer sleeve 150a includes armhole perimeter 151a, and outer sleeve 150b includes armhole perimeter 151b. In exemplary aspects, armhole perimeters 151a and 151b are completely detached from outer torso portion 180 of upper body garment 100. Thus, in exemplary aspects, each outer sleeve 150a and 150b is attached to the outer torso portion 180 solely by shoulder portion extensions 154a and 154b, which are attached to the outer torso portion 180 of the upper body garment 100 by at least the front edges 156a and 156b and the back edges 157a and 157b, thereby leaving the armhole perimeters 151a and 151b completely free of the outer torso portion 180 of the upper body garment 100.

[0053] Figure 2A and Figure 2B The upper body garment 100 is depicted with the outer sleeve 150b in an extended position to more clearly illustrate that the armhole perimeter 151b is completely separated from the outer torso portion 180 of the upper body garment 100. More specifically, the outer front panels 140a and 140b and the outer back panel 170 define outer sleeve opening edges 200a and 200b, respectively. In the exemplary aspect, the armhole perimeters 151a and 151b are completely separated from the respective outer sleeve opening edges 200a and 200b.

[0054] The front view of the inner layer of the upper body garment 100 is as follows Figure 3A As shown, and the rear view of the inner layer of the upper body garment 100 is as shown Figure 3B As shown. The front portion of the upper body garment 100 includes an inner front panel 300a and an inner front panel 300b, and the rear portion of the upper body garment 100 includes an inner back panel 340. When the inner back panel 340 and the inner front panels 300a and 300b are attached, they form the inner torso portion 380 of the upper body garment 100. The inner front panels 300a and 300b and the inner back panel 340 can be formed of a tightly woven or knitted material (similar to the material used for the outer torso portion 180 to enhance the wind resistance of the upper body garment 100). Alternatively, the inner front panels 300a and 300b can be formed of a comfortable knitted or woven fabric, such as a cotton-based fabric or a moisture management knitted or woven fabric. Depending on the type of material used for the inner front panels 300a and 300b and the inner back panel 340, the inner front panels 300a and 300b can exhibit some stretch properties. In other words, in some exemplary aspects, the inner front panels 300 a and 300 b and the inner back panel 340 can have a higher degree of stretch than the outer front panels 140 a and 140 b and the outer back panel 170 .

[0055] The upper body garment 100 also includes an inner sleeve 310a and an inner sleeve 310b. Each inner sleeve 310a and 310b includes a respective proximal end 312a and 312b and a respective distal end 313a and 313b. In one exemplary aspect, each of the proximal ends 312a and 312b of the respective inner sleeves 310a and 310b does not include a respective shoulder portion extension, thereby forming a generally circumferential peripheral edge 322a and 322b as shown. In another exemplary aspect, each of the proximal ends 312a and 312b of the respective inner sleeves 310a and 310b includes a shoulder portion extension (not shown), thereby forming a generally non-circumferential peripheral edge (similar to the outer sleeves 150a and 150b). In either exemplary aspect, the peripheral edges 322a and 322b are adjacent to and completely attached to the corresponding inner sleeve opening edges 324a and 324b that are formed when the inner front panels 300a and 300b are attached to the inner back panel 340. In exemplary aspects, the peripheral edges 322a and 322b of the respective proximal ends 312a and 312b are also adjacent to and completely attached to the corresponding outer sleeve opening edges 200a and 200b that are formed when the outer front panels 140a and 140b are attached to the outer back panel 170, as shown. Figure 2A and Figure 2B shown.

[0056] The inner sleeves 310a and 310b may each comprise multiple parts. Figure 3A and Figure 3B In the particular example shown, each of the inner sleeves 310a and 310b includes an upper sleeve portion 314a and 314b, a lower sleeve portion 318a and 318b, and an intermediate sleeve portion 316a and 316b positioned between the upper sleeve portions 314a and 314b and the lower sleeve portions 318a and 318b.

[0057] In exemplary aspects, the upper sleeve portions 314a and 314b are formed from the same material as the outer sleeves 150a and 150b, such that the upper sleeve portions 314a and 314b provide the wearer with the same protection from environmental elements as provided by the outer sleeves 150a and 150b. For example, the upper sleeve portions 314a and 314b can be formed from a woven material having waterproof and / or water-resistant properties. This can be important because, for example, Figure 2A and Figure 2B As shown, when the wearer extends his or her arms to the front, side, back, or raises his or her arms, for example, the upper sleeve portions 314a and 314b of the inner sleeves 310a and 310b may be exposed. Figure 2A and Figure 2BIn the example aspect, outer sleeve 150a is positioned downward to minimally expose upper sleeve portion 314a, and outer sleeve 150b extends laterally to expose a larger area of upper sleeve portion 314b.

[0058] Intermediate sleeve portions 316a and 316b are positioned between and contiguous with upper sleeve portions 314a and 314b and lower sleeve portions 318a and 318b. In other words, distal ends of upper sleeve portions 314a and 314b are attached to proximal ends of intermediate sleeve portions 316a and 316b at seams 302a and 302b. Distal ends of intermediate sleeve portions 316a and 316b are attached to proximal ends of lower sleeve portions 318a and 318b at seams 304a and 304b. In example aspects, intermediate sleeve portions 316a and 316b can be formed of a stretch material, such as spandex, stretch mesh, or the like, having higher stretch properties than other portions of upper body garment 100. The stretch properties of intermediate sleeve portions 316a and 316b allow inner sleeves 310a and 310b to accommodate wearer shoulder and arm movements, which are not restricted by outer sleeves 150a and 150b, as outer sleeves 150a and 150b disengage from outer sleeve opening edges 200a and 200b (see Figure 2A and Figure 2B ). In other words, when the wearer is engaged in an activity that requires movement of her shoulders, intermediate sleeve portions 316a and 316b provide inner sleeves 310a and 310b with the necessary room to stretch, independent of outer sleeves 150a and 150b.

[0059] In example aspects, lower sleeve portions 318a and 318b can be formed of the same material as the material forming inner front panels 300a and 300b and inner back panel 340. In other example aspects, lower sleeve portions 318a and 318b can be formed of a material having intermediate stretch properties, meaning that they are less stretchable than intermediate sleeve portions 316a and 316b, but more stretchable than inner front panels 300a and 300b and / or inner back panel 340. In other example aspects, lower sleeve portions 318a and 318b can have the same stretch properties as intermediate sleeve portions 316a and 316b, or even can extend continuously from intermediate sleeve portions 316a and 316b (i.e., there is no seam between the distal ends of intermediate sleeve portions 316a and 316b and the proximal ends of lower sleeve portions 318a and 318b), as shown in Figure 4 Figure 4 ​, upper body garment 400 includes inner sleeves 400a and 400b. Each of the inner sleeves 400a and 400b includes an upper sleeve portion 402a and 402b and a lower sleeve portion 404a and 404b, respectively, wherein the proximal ends of the lower sleeve portions 404a and 404b are adjacent to and attached to the distal ends of the upper sleeve portions 402a and 402b at seams 406a and 406b and extend continuously to the distal ends 410a and 410b of the inner sleeves 400a and 400b. In this example, the entire lower sleeve portions 404a and 404b can have greater stretchability than other portions of the upper body garment 400.

[0060] Figure 5 A semi-exploded view of an upper body garment 100 is depicted having sleeve assemblies 149a and 149b. As shown, inner sleeves 310a and 310b of sleeve assemblies 149a and 149b, respectively, extend completely through outer sleeves 150a and 150b of sleeve assemblies 149a and 149b, respectively. In an exemplary aspect, distal ends 313a and 313b of inner sleeves 310a and 310b are secured or attached to distal ends 153a and 153b of outer sleeves 150a and 150b, respectively, as shown by attachment 500.

[0061] As further shown, various other inner portions of the upper body garment 100 are secured to various other outer portions. For example, the inner back panel 340, the outer back panel 170, the inner front panels 300a and 300b, and the outer front panels 140a and 140b can be secured to one another at attachment 502, which defines the waist opening 120 of the upper body garment 100. The inner back panel 340, the outer back panel 170, the inner front panels 300a and 300b, and the outer front panels 140a and 140b can also be secured to one another at attachments 506a and 506b, which define the neck opening 130. Reference numerals 510a and 510b indicate the attachment of the proximal ends 312a and 312b of the inner sleeves 310a and 310b to the inner sleeve opening edges 324a and 324b and the outer sleeve opening edges 200a and 200b on both the front and back of the upper body garment 100.

[0062] like Figure 5 As further shown, for each of outer sleeves 150a and 150b, only the distal edges 158a and 158b of shoulder portion extensions 154a and 154b are attached to collar 160 via attachment 524, only the front edges 156a and 156b of shoulder portion extensions 154a and 154b are attached to outer front panels 140b and 140b via attachment 526, and only the corresponding rear edges 157a and 157b of shoulder portion extensions 154a and 154b are attached to outer front panels 140b and 140b via corresponding attachments (not shown here, but shown in FIG. Figure 1B153a and 153b of the outer sleeves 150a and 150b are attached to the outer back panel 170. In summary, therefore, the outer sleeves 150a and 150b of the upper body garment 100 are attached to the remainder of the upper body garment 100 only by the respective shoulder portion extensions 154a and 154b and the respective attachment members 500 at the respective distal ends 153a and 153b of the outer sleeves 150a and 150b. The attachment members 500 serve to keep the respective inner sleeves 310a and 310b and the respective outer sleeves 150a and 150b longitudinally aligned when the wearer is donning or doffing the upper body garment 100, when the wearer is engaging in activities requiring movement, and in any other circumstances, such as when the wearer desires to pull their sleeves up or down. In other words, the attachment members 500 prevent the inner sleeves 310a and 310b from being "pulled up" or pulled proximally during various wearer movements.

[0063] Figure 6A Depicts the Figure 2A 6A-6A in FIG. 6A shows a cross-sectional view 600 of the outer sleeve 150b taken along line 6A-6A in FIG. 6A, which shows how the outer sleeve 150b wraps around the inner sleeve 310b. Reference numerals 602 and 604 indicate attachments where the shoulder portion extensions 154b are attached to the outer front panel 140 at the front upper edge 142b and to the outer back panel 170 at the back upper edge 172b. Figure 6B A perspective view of the proximal end 152b of the outer sleeve 150b is depicted. The proximal end 152b of the outer sleeve 150b (and similarly for the outer sleeve 150a) generally defines a non-circumferential peripheral edge 606. In other words, the non-circumferential peripheral edge 606 includes a perimeter 608 of the shoulder portion extension 154b and a circumferential perimeter 610 defining an armhole opening 612. The arrangement of the outer sleeves 150a and 150b with the corresponding inner sleeves 310a and 310b provides a structural element that enhances flexibility for the wearer's arms and shoulders when the upper body garment 100 is worn.

[0064] Figure 7A and Figure 7BAn alternative example upper body garment 700 is depicted. Upper body garment 700 has a pullover configuration in which an optional closure mechanism 710 extends only partially along the length of a front panel 720, wherein the front panel 720 extends from a neck opening 740 to a waist opening 750. Aside from the type of garment construction (e.g., pullover versus jacket), the construction of upper body garment 700 can be the same as upper body garment 100, particularly with respect to the sleeve configuration. Upper body garment 700 includes a front panel 720 and a back panel 730 that together form a torso portion 790. Upper body garment 700 also includes a pair of sleeves 792a and 792b, wherein each of the sleeves 792a and 792b includes outer sleeves 760a and 760b and inner sleeves 780a and 780b. In addition, each inner sleeve 780a and 780b includes an upper sleeve portion 782a and 782b, an optional intermediate sleeve portion 784a and 784b, and a lower sleeve portion 786a and 786b, wherein the optional intermediate sleeve portion 784a and 784b and / or the lower sleeve portion 786a and 786b (when the sleeve is Figure 4 has greater elasticity or stretchability than other portions of the upper body garment 700 when configured as in FIG.

[0065] In addition, although not shown, it is contemplated that the trunk portion of upper body garment 100 or upper body garment 700 can be formed of a single layer of material, rather than having an outer layer and an inner layer. In other words, the outer trunk portion 180 of upper body garment 100 will only include outer front panels 140a and 140b and outer back panel 170, rather than having inner front panels 300a and / or 300b and inner back panel 340. Similarly, upper body garment 700 will only include front panel 720 and back panel 730 in trunk portion 790. In addition, it is also contemplated that upper body garment 100 and / or 700 can include thermal insulation between inner panel and outer panel for colder weather conditions. Equally, in addition to the trunk portion of upper body garment 100 or upper body garment 700, outer sleeves can also optionally include thermal insulation.

[0066] Figure 8 It is manufactured Figures 1A to 7BAn example method of making the upper body garment is illustrated by the flowchart and generally represented by reference numeral 800. At step 802, the outer front panel is attached to the outer back panel to form an outer torso portion of the upper body garment according to aspects herein. At step 804, the inner front panel and the inner back panel are attached to form an inner torso portion of the upper body garment. At step 806, a pair of inner sleeves are attached to the inner torso portion of the upper body garment by attaching a proximal end of each inner sleeve to a corresponding inner sleeve opening edge of the inner torso portion. The proximal end of each inner sleeve can also be attached to a corresponding outer sleeve opening edge of the outer torso portion. At step 808, each outer sleeve is attached to the outer torso portion of the upper body garment by attaching a shoulder portion extension of each outer sleeve proximal end to a corresponding front upper edge of the outer front panel and a corresponding back upper edge of the outer back panel such that a circumferential portion of each outer sleeve proximal end is detached from a corresponding outer sleeve opening edge of the outer torso portion.

[0067] Aspects of the disclosure have been described with the intention of being illustrative rather than restrictive. Alternative aspects will become apparent to those skilled in the art without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. Alternative means of implementing the improvements described above will become apparent to those skilled in the art without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

[0068] It should be appreciated that certain features and subcombinations are of utility and can be employed without reference to other features and subcombinations and are contemplated within the scope of the claims. Not all of the steps listed in each of the figures is required, nor is there a particular order required in which the steps are carried out.

Claims

1. An upper body garment comprising: an outer front panel and an outer back panel forming an outer torso portion of the upper body garment, the outer front panel and the outer back panel including outer sleeve opening edges; an inner front panel and an inner back panel forming an inner torso portion of the upper body garment, the inner front panel and the inner back panel including inner sleeve opening edges; as well as A sleeve assembly, comprising: an inner sleeve having an inner sleeve proximal end and an inner sleeve distal end, the inner sleeve proximal end being permanently attached to the inner sleeve opening edge and the outer sleeve opening edge, and An outer sleeve has an outer sleeve proximal end and an outer sleeve distal end, wherein the outer sleeve proximal end is attached to the front upper edge of the outer front panel and the rear upper edge of the outer back panel, wherein the outer sleeve proximal end is completely separated from the outer sleeve opening edge.

2. The upper body garment of claim 1 , wherein the inner sleeve distal end is attached to the outer sleeve distal end.

3. The upper body garment according to any one of claims 1 to 2, wherein the inner sleeve includes a middle sleeve portion exhibiting stretch properties, wherein the middle sleeve portion is spaced apart from the inner sleeve proximal end and the inner sleeve distal end.

4. The upper body garment of claim 3, wherein the intermediate sleeve portion comprises a stretch mesh material.

5. An upper body garment according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the outer torso portion and the outer sleeves are made of a water-resistant or waterproof material.

6. An upper body garment according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the outer sleeve proximal end includes a non-circumferential perimeter edge.

7. An upper body garment according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the proximal end of the outer sleeve includes an outer shoulder portion extension and an outer circumferential portion, wherein the outer shoulder portion extension is attached to the front upper edge of the outer front panel and the rear upper edge of the outer rear panel, and wherein the outer circumferential portion is separated from the outer sleeve opening edge.

8. An upper body garment according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the proximal end of the inner sleeve includes an inner shoulder portion extension and an inner circumferential portion, wherein the inner shoulder portion extension is attached to the front upper edge of the inner front panel and the rear upper edge of the inner back panel, and wherein the inner circumferential portion is attached to the inner sleeve opening edge.

9. The upper body garment according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the inner sleeve comprises an upper sleeve portion extending from a proximal end of the inner sleeve, a lower sleeve portion extending from a distal end of the inner sleeve, and an intermediate sleeve portion located between the upper sleeve portion and the lower sleeve portion, wherein the intermediate sleeve portion has greater stretch properties than the upper sleeve portion.

10. The upper body garment of claim 9, wherein the outer torso portion, the outer sleeve, and the upper sleeve portion of the inner sleeve are made of a water-resistant or waterproof material.

11. An upper body garment comprising: a torso portion having a front panel and a back panel cooperating to form a first sleeve opening having a first sleeve opening edge; as well as A first sleeve assembly, the first sleeve assembly comprising: a first inner sleeve having a first inner sleeve proximal end and a first inner sleeve distal end, the first inner sleeve proximal end being permanently attached to the first sleeve opening edge, and A first outer sleeve has a first outer sleeve proximal end and a first outer sleeve distal end, the first outer sleeve proximal end including a first outer shoulder portion extension and a first outer circumferential portion, the first outer shoulder portion extension is attached to the first shoulder area of ​​the torso portion, and the first outer circumferential portion is completely free of the first sleeve opening edge.

12. The upper body garment according to claim 11, further comprising: a second sleeve assembly comprising: a second inner sleeve having a second inner sleeve proximal end and a second inner sleeve distal end, the second inner sleeve proximal end being attached to a second sleeve opening edge of the second sleeve opening of the torso portion; and a second outer sleeve having a second outer sleeve proximal end and a second outer sleeve distal end, the second outer sleeve proximal end comprising a second outer shoulder portion extension and a second outer circumferential portion, the second outer shoulder portion extension being attached to the second shoulder region of the torso portion, and the second outer circumferential portion being completely free of the second sleeve opening edge.

13. The upper body garment of claim 12, wherein the first inner sleeve distal end is attached to the first outer sleeve distal end, and wherein the second inner sleeve distal end is attached to the second outer sleeve distal end.

14. The upper body garment according to any one of claims 12 to 13, wherein the second inner sleeve includes a second upper sleeve portion extending from a proximal end of the second inner sleeve, a second lower sleeve portion extending from a distal end of the second inner sleeve, and a second middle sleeve portion located between the second upper sleeve portion and the second lower sleeve portion, wherein the second middle sleeve portion has greater stretch properties than the second upper sleeve portion.

15. The upper body garment according to any one of claims 11 to 14, wherein the first inner sleeve comprises a first upper sleeve portion extending from a proximal end of the first inner sleeve, a first lower sleeve portion extending from a distal end of the first inner sleeve, and a first intermediate sleeve portion located between the first upper sleeve portion and the first lower sleeve portion, wherein the first intermediate sleeve portion has greater stretch properties than the first upper sleeve portion.

16. The upper body garment of claim 15, wherein the first intermediate sleeve portion comprises a stretch mesh material.

17. An upper body garment according to any one of claims 15 to 16, wherein the torso portion, the first outer sleeve and the first upper sleeve portion comprise a water-impermeable or waterproof material.

18. An upper body garment according to any one of claims 11 to 17, wherein the front and back panels of the torso portion comprise two or more layers of material.

19. An upper body garment according to any one of claims 11 to 18, wherein the first inner sleeve proximal end includes a first inner shoulder portion extension and a first inner circumferential portion, wherein the first inner shoulder portion extension is attached to the first shoulder area of ​​the torso portion, and wherein the first inner circumferential portion is attached to the first sleeve opening edge.

20. A method for manufacturing an upper body garment, comprising: attaching the outer front panel to the outer back panel to form an outer torso portion of the upper body garment, the outer torso portion including outer sleeve opening edges; attaching an inner front panel and an inner back panel to form an inner torso portion of the upper body garment, the inner torso portion including an inner sleeve opening edge; as well as permanently attaching the inner sleeve proximal end of the inner sleeve to the inner sleeve opening edge and the outer sleeve opening edge; as well as attaching the shoulder portion extensions of the outer sleeve proximal ends of the outer sleeves to the front upper edge of the outer front panel and the rear upper edge of the outer back panel, The circumferential portion of the proximal end of the outer sleeve is completely separated from the outer sleeve opening edge of the outer torso portion.

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