Layered cycling shirt with integrated magnetic closures for hidden pocket access

Abstract

This disclosure relates to an innovative solution for cyclists seeking both convenience and style. By combining a cycling jersey and a button-up shirt, the layered cycling garment with integrated magnetic closures for hidden pocket access provides a practical and aesthetically pleasing approach to cycling apparel, allowing quick access to essential storage while maintaining a casual appearance.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application, under 35 U.S.C. § 119, claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Serial No. 63 / 727,673, filed on December 04, 2024, and entitled “LAYERED CYCLING SHIRT WITH INTEGRATED MAGNETIC CLOSURES FOR HIDDEN POCKET ACCESS,” the contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference herein.FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE

[0002] This disclosure relates generally to athletic apparel. More particularly, this disclosure relates to a layered shirt designed for cycling.BACKGROUND

[0003] Traditional cycling jerseys typically include rear pockets for storing essentials while cycling such as keys, water bottles, phones and the like. However, typical cycling apparel is often made of skintight compression fabrics (e.g., elastic polyurethane fabric such as Lycra®) and is often not something that every body shape is comfortable wearing in public and some people often cover the compression fabric with a second, loose layer. However, a second layer can make the inner layer pockets inaccessible when worn with an additional outer layer, such as a casual button-up shirt. Other drawbacks, inconveniences, inefficiencies, and issues also exist with current apparel.SUMMARY

[0004] Accordingly, disclosed embodiments address the above and other drawbacks, inconveniences, inefficiencies, and issues with existing current apparel.

[0005] Disclosed embodiments combine a short-sleeve button-up shirt and a cycling jersey into a single garment, thereby providing both the functionality of compression fabrics and aesthetic appeal of the button-up shirt. Embodiments allow easy access to hidden cycling jersey pockets while maintaining the appearance of a casual short sleeve button up outer layer. up outer layer.

[0006] Embodiments of the layered cycling shirt may also include integrated magnetic closures for hidden pocket access that integrates a short-sleeve button-up shirt with a concealed cycling jersey underneath. In some embodiments the outer shirt features strategically placed openings on the side seams, allowing access to the inner jersey’s back pockets. In some embodiments these side seam openings are secured by integrated magnets, allowing the outer shirt to snap shut when access to the inner pockets is not desired. Some disclosed configurations provide cyclists with seamless access to their jersey pockets without needing to remove the outer shirt and enhance aesthetic versatility without compromising athletic performance.

[0007] Disclosed embodiments include a layered garment having an inner jersey, including an inner jersey closure, a gusset member attached to the inner jersey closure, an outer shirt attached to the gusset member, and an outer shirt closure.

[0008] In some embodiments the inner jersey may be a cycling jersey and may include at least one rear pocket. In further embodiments the outer shirt may include at least one selectively openable seam located substantially adjacent to the at least one rear pocket of the cycling jersey. In further embodiments the at least one selectively openable seam may include at least one magnetic closure.

[0009] In some embodiments the outer shirt may be a button front shirt, and the outer shirt closure further comprises buttons and buttonholes.

[0010] In some embodiments the outer shirt may include two selectively openable seams, each selectively openable seam located at a side seam of the outer shirt and substantially adjacent to the at least one rear pocket of the cycling jersey. In further embodiments the two selectively openable seams may include magnetic closures.

[0011] Also disclosed is a layered garment including an inner shirt that includes an inner shirt closure, a gusset member attached to the inner shirt closure, an outer shirt attached to the gusset member, and an outer shirt closure.

[0012] In some embodiments the inner shirt may be an athletic activity shirt that includes at least one pocket. In further embodiments the outer shirt may include at least one selectively openable seam located substantially adjacent to the at least one pocket of the athletic activity shirt.

[0013] In some embodiments the at least one selectively openable seam includes at least one magnetic closure.

[0014] In some embodiments the inner shirt may be an outdoor activity shirt that includes at least one pocket. In further embodiments the outer shirt may include at least one selectively openable seam located substantially adjacent to the at least one pocket of the outdoor activity shirt. In further embodiments, the at least one selectively openable seam includes at least one magnetic closure.

[0015] In some embodiments the outer shirt may be a button front shirt and the outer shirt closure further comprises buttons and buttonholes.

[0016] Other embodiments are also disclosed.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0017] FIGS. 1A-1D are schematic, partially transparent various views of a layered cycling shirt in accordance with disclosed embodiments.

[0018] FIGS. 2A-2F are various views of a layered cycling shirt in accordance with disclosed embodiments.

[0019] While the disclosure is susceptible to various modifications and alternative forms, specific embodiments have been shown by way of example in the drawings and will be described in detail herein. However, it should be understood that the disclosure is not intended to be limited to the particular forms disclosed. Rather, the intention is to cover all modifications, equivalents and alternatives falling within the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0020] While disclosed in the context of cycling herein the layered garment 100 is not limited to cycling and can be worn for other purposes, activities, and occasions.

[0021] Disclosed embodiments include a layered garment 100 combining a short-sleeve button-up shirt 104 and a fitted inner cycling jersey 102. The button-up shirt 104 serves as the visible, outer garment, while the inner sleeveless cycling jersey 102 provides functionality, such as storage in rear pockets 10x, commonly required during cycling activities. As shown in FIG. 1B, which is a front view of layered garment 100, embodiments of inner cycling jersey 102, shown in dotted lines through partially transparent outer shirt 104, may comprise elastic compression material (e.g., elastic polyurethane fabric such as Lycra® or the like) and may be sleeveless as shown. As shown in FIG. 1C, which is a rear-view of the layered garment 100 of FIG. 1B, one or more pouches or pockets 106 may be sewn or otherwise formed on the back of inner jersey 102. As shown in FIG. 1D, which is a front view of the layered garment 100 of FIG. 1B with the outer shirt 104 partially open, embodiments of inner jersey 102 may have an inner closure 108 such as a zipper or the like. Other embodiments of inner cycling jersey 102 may be short or long sleeved, may comprise other materials, may have different number, size, and configurations of pockets 106, may have different inner closures 108 (e.g., no closure (i.e., pull on), snaps, buttons, hook-and-loop closures, or the like) and may be shaped or fitted differently.

[0022] As also shown in FIGS. 1A-1D, embodiments of outer shirt 104 may comprise a short-sleeve, button-up closure 110 shirt made from lightweight, breathable materials suitable for casual wear and active use. Other embodiments may be long sleeved, sleeveless, have other outer closures 110 (e.g., zipper, pull on (e.g., T-Shirt), snaps, etc.) and be made from other materials (e.g., water resistant fabric, insulated fabric, or the like). Embodiments of outer shirt 104 may also include one or more outer pockets 112 in a variety of styles and locations.

[0023] As shown in FIG. 1A, which is a side view of the layered garment 100 of FIG. 1B, in some embodiments side seams 114 of the outer shirt 104 feature vertical openings aligned with the side seams 114. These openings form a rear flap 116 and allow access to the back pockets 106 of the inner cycling jersey 102. In some embodiments side seams 114 may be equipped with small, discreet magnets 118 embedded along the edges of the seams 114 in the outer shirt 104. These magnets 118 are strong enough to hold the seams 114 closed but allow easy, one-handed access to the inner jersey's 102 pockets 106 by pulling the seams 114 apart.

[0024] Embodiments of layered garment 100 may have the inner jersey 102 and outer shirt 104 connected with a gusset 120 or other member stitched between them (see, e.g., FIG. 2A) to allow for the outer shirt 104 to fall naturally away from the body and maintain the look of a traditional relaxed button up shirt or the like. As disclosed above, inner jersey 102 may have an inner closure 108 (e.g., a zipper) and the outer shirt may have a outer closure 110 that closes in the front traditionally with snap buttons or the like that are commonly found on this style of shirt.

[0025] In some embodiments, the magnets 118 are positioned to prevent accidental opening during normal movement but allow convenient access when needed. This setup maintains the outer shirt’s 104 appearance and prevents the inner jersey 102 from being visible when not accessed.

[0026] FIGS. 2A-2F are various views of a layered cycling shirt 100 in accordance with disclosed embodiments. FIG. 2A is a front view of the inside of the layered garment 100 with both layers 102, 104, open. As shown, seams 114 in outer shirt 104 form rear flap 116. As also visible in FIG. 2A gusset 120 or other member connects inner jersey 102 and outer shirt 104.FIG. 2B is a front view of the outside of layered shirt 100 with inner jersey 102 closed using closure 108 and outer shirt 104 partially open. FIG. 2C is a side view of the layered garment 100 showing side seams 114 open and allowing access to pockets 106 ininner jersey 102. FIG. 2D is a rear view of the layered garment 100 showing rear flap 116 fully open and allowing access to pockets 106. FIG. 2E is a rear view of the layered garment 100 showing rear flap 116 partially open (e.g., wearer’s right hand side) and allowing access to pockets 106. FIG. 2F is a partial, closeup, rear view of the layered garment 100 of FIG. 2E showing rear flap 116 partially open and a close up of an embodiment of magnets 118 sewn into side seam 114. As persons of ordinary skill in the art having the benefit of this disclosure would comprehend, other configurations of seams 114, magnets 118, pockets 106, and the like may also be used.

[0027] In some embodiments the inner layer 102 may comprise a fitted cycling jersey or the like made from moisture-wicking, stretchable fabric designed to contour to the cyclist’s body. In some embodiments the inner jersey 102 includes pockets 106 along the back, positioned in the standard location for easy access and storage of items during cycling. In some embodiments the outer shirt 104 side seam 114 openings are positioned to the outside of pockets 106 to allow quick access to items stored within, such as water bottles, snacks, or tools.

[0028] Among other things, the herein disclosed layered cycling garment 100 provides the benefits of accessibility, allowing the wearer to access inner jersey 102 pockets 106 without removing or lifting the outer shirt104, offering ease of use during cycling; the benefit of enhanced appearance, providing the functionality of a cycling jersey 102 while maintaining the casual, versatile look of a button-up shirt 104; allows the benefit of secure storage where the magnetic closures 118 ensure the outer layer 104 remains securely shut, preserving the outer shirt’s 104 appearance and preventing accidental openings.

[0029] As persons of ordinary skill in the art having the benefit of this disclosure would comprehend, alternative embodiments also exist. For example, the magnetic closures 118 may be replaced with other fastening mechanisms, such as snap buttons or hook-and-loop closures, to achieve similar functionality. Additionally, the outer layer 104 could be made in various styles (e.g., long-sleeve, different fabric weights) to suit different climates and rider preferences. Other embodiments also exist.

[0030] The following is a process of using the layered garment 100 in accordance with disclosed embodiments.

[0031] 1. Put on layered cycling shirt 100;

[0032] 2. Close inner jersey 102 closure 108, in some embodiments the inner jersey enclosure 108 closes the inner compression jersey layer 102 and is attached to the outer layer 104;

[0033] 3. Close the outer shirt 104 enclosure 110 (e.g., button the front buttons of the outer layer 104) to completely hide the inner jersey 102;

[0034] 4. When desired, slide hands in the side-seam 114 gaps of the outer layer 104 to release the magnets 118 and gain access to the rear cycling jersey pockets 106;

[0035] 5. Place or retrieve items from the rear cycling jersey pockets 106;

[0036] 6. Remove hands;

[0037] 7. The integrated magnets 118 on the outer layer 104 automatically snap into place hiding the inner compression jersey 102 and rear pockets 106.

[0038] Although various embodiments have been shown and described, the present disclosure is not so limited and will be understood to include all such modifications and variations would be apparent to one skilled in the art.

Claims

1. A layered garment comprising:an inner jersey further comprising an inner jersey closure;a gusset member attached to the inner jersey closure;an outer shirt attached to the gusset member; andan outer shirt closure.

2. The layered garment of claim 1 wherein the inner jersey further comprises a cycling jersey further comprising at least one rear pocket.

3. The layered garment of claim 2 wherein the outer shirt further comprises at least one selectively openable seam located substantially adjacent to the at least one rear pocket of the cycling jersey.

4. The layered garment of claim 3 wherein the at least one selectively openable seam comprises at least one magnetic closure.

5. The layered garment of claim 1 wherein the outer shirt further comprises a button front shirt and the outer shirt closure further comprises buttons and buttonholes.

6. The layered garment of claim 2 wherein the outer shirt further comprises two selectively openable seams each selectively openable seam located at a side seam of the outer shirt and substantially adjacent to the at least one rear pocket of the cycling jersey.

7. The layered garment of claim 6 wherein the two selectively openable seams further comprise magnetic closures.

8. A layered garment comprising:an inner shirt further comprising an inner shirt closure;a gusset member attached to the inner shirt closure;an outer shirt attached to the gusset member; andan outer shirt closure.

9. The layered garment of claim 8 wherein the inner shirt further comprises an athletic activity shirt, further comprising at least one pocket.

10. The layered garment of claim 9 wherein the outer shirt further comprises at least one selectively openable seam located substantially adjacent to the at least one pocket of the athletic activity shirt.

11. The layered garment of claim 10 wherein the at least one selectively openable seam comprises at least one magnetic closure.

12. The layered garment of claim 8 wherein the inner shirt further comprises an outdoor activity shirt, further comprising at least one pocket.

13. The layered garment of claim 12 wherein the outer shirt further comprises at least one selectively openable seam located substantially adjacent to the at least one pocket of the outdoor activity shirt.

14. The layered garment of claim 13 wherein the at least one selectively openable seam comprises at least one magnetic closure.

15. The layered garment of claim 8 wherein the outer shirt further comprises a button front shirt and the outer shirt closure further comprises buttons and buttonholes.

16. A method of making a layered garment comprising:providing an inner shirt further comprising an inner shirt closure;attaching a gusset member to the inner shirt closure;attaching an outer shirt to the gusset member; andproviding an outer shirt closure.

17. The method of claim 16 wherein the step of providing an inner shirt further comprises providing an athletic activity shirt, further comprising at least one pocket.

18. The method of claim 17 wherein the outer shirt further comprises at least one selectively openable seam located substantially adjacent to the at least one pocket of the athletic activity shirt.

19. The method of claim 18 wherein the at least one selectively openable seam comprises at least one magnetic closure.

20. The method of making a layered garment of claim 16 wherein the outer shirt further comprises a button front shirt and the outer shirt closure further comprises buttons and buttonholes.

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