Abstract: A wetsuit for aquatic activities may include a wetsuit material having a first surface and an opposite second surface. The wetsuit comprises one or more sipes on the first surface that extend from an upper portion of a chest region of the wetsuit to a lateral portion of the chest region of the wetsuit.

Abstract: A garment for the practice of water sports includes lumens for containing air. The garment is made of two superimposed neoprene sheets forming one or more lumens limited on their periphery by winding or angled welding lines.

Abstract: A self-inflating wetsuit includes two (2) air chambers within the chest area of the wetsuit. A canister of compressed air is attached to the wetsuit and in fluid communication with the air chambers. The wetsuit has an integrated thermometer capable of reading the temperature of the environment inside and outside the wetsuit. The wetsuit has a battery-operated warming feature and an integrated GPS system so that the wetsuit may be accurately located.

Abstract: A seal for a gas treatment hood assembly is disclosed. The hood assembly is placeable over a user's head for treating a user with a gas such as oxygen. The assembly may have a neck ring around a user's neck with an elastomeric, tubular neck seal with one end of the neck seal connected to the neck ring and the other end configured to fit around the user's neck. The neck seal may have a double sealing element construction and may also have variable thickness along a sidewall for enhanced structural properties and improved patient comfort. The seal and hood assembly may be used in providing oxygen to a patient in a hyperbaric chamber.

Abstract: A waterproof pair of pants and/or waders includes a sealable opening for relief of bodily fluids. A rigid frame is sealed in a waterproof manner to the pair of pants and/or waders forming a frame aperture. A rigid lid is pivotably connected to the frame. A seal is disposed between the frame and the lid forming a waterproof closure when the lid is in a closed position. An optional rigid backing forms a backing aperture, wherein a first surface of the backing and a back side surface of the frame capture there between the waterproof material. An optional roughened surface can be disposed on the first surface of the backing, on the back side surface of the frame or on the wader material itself. At least one adhesive bond is disposed between the back side surface of the frame and the waterproof material, and/or, between the first surface of the backing and the waterproof material. The backing aperture is equal to or greater in surface area in comparison to the frame aperture.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are conformable protection pads, which can be integrated into articles such as clothing and protective cases. In one embodiment, an exemplary cushioning pad includes a first channel comprising a thickness and a width. The first channel includes a continuous upper layer and a continuous lower layer, which is at least partially bonded to the continuous upper layer. The cushioning region is disposed adjacent to the first channel, and has a thickness greater than the thickness of the first channel. The cushioning region further includes a cushioning material disposed between and bonded to the continuous upper layer and the continuous lower layer. A groove may be defined in the upper surface of the cushioning region, with a thickness less than the thickness of the cushioning region and greater than the thickness of the first channel.

Abstract: A wetsuit is provided which comprises (a) a first central region comprising a first material and having a first thickness; and (b) a second lateral region comprising a second material and having a second thickness. The buoyancy per unit area of the first region is greater than the buoyancy per unit area of the second region.

Abstract: A polychloroprene-free wetsuit and material is described consisting of a class of copolymers or a physical mix of polymers consisting of materials with both thermoplastic and elastomeric properties to produce thermoplastic resin pellets. The non-toxic thermoplastic resin pellets are mixed with additives and a blowing agent to produce thermoplastic elastomer closed-cell foam for use in wetsuits. Depending on the wetsuit application, the density of the thermoplastic elastomer foam may vary. In many wetsuit applications low densities such as less than 0.25 grams/cubic centimeters are desirable.

Abstract: Diving dry suit including a watertight first part forming, in one piece from top to bottom, a chest portion, trousers, and socks, and a separate second part forming a watertight jacket comprising an interior layer being in watertight material and comprising a chest portion and long sleeves, the interior layer being also provided with cuffs at the neck and at the end of the sleeves, an exterior layer of the jacket also comprising a chest portion and long sleeves, the interior layer and the exterior layer being separate entities separably fastened together at the level of at least one valve, the suit being free of any zip opening/closing system, and in that the central portion of the first part and the lower portion of the interior layer of the jacket each comprise an elastic material skirt to produce a watertight connection between the jacket and the first part.

Abstract: A wetsuit for aquatic activities is disclosed below. The wetsuit includes a base layer and a backing layer. The base layer may be formed from a thermal insulation material, for example, and the base layer has a first surface and an opposite second surface. The backing layer is secured to the first surface of the base layer, and the backing layer has less stretch than the base layer. In addition, the wetsuit includes a plurality of sipes extending through at least the backing layer.

Abstract: A wet suit material includes a heat-reflective layer in combination with an insulative layer. In some embodiments, the heat-reflective layer is a metalized polymer film slitted to facilitate movement. In other embodiments, multiple panels of heat-reflective layer facilitate movement. In other embodiments, a reflective coating is incorporated in a stretchable liner.

Abstract: A thermal insulating garment for an underwater diving suit has an inner insulating layer or thermal core and an outer elastomeric layer. The inner thermal core layer is larger than the outer layer. The inner thermal core thermal layer is temporarily fixed to the outer elastomeric layer by fastening means such as a hook and loop system. A zipper may be disposed between the two shoulders of the garment and across the chest of the garment to permit the top portion of the garment to be removed and permit diver entry and egress into the dry suit. There is a lamination seal at the ankles, wrists and collar of the garment.

Abstract: A wetsuit for aquatic activities is disclosed below. The wetsuit includes a base layer and a backing layer. The base layer may be formed from a thermal insulation material, for example, and the base layer has a first surface and an opposite second surface. The backing layer is secured to the first surface of the base layer, and the backing layer has less stretch than the base layer. In addition, the wetsuit includes a plurality of sipes extending through at least the backing layer.

Abstract: Multi-layered taping materials, methods of making such materials, methods of using such materials and articles including such materials are disclosed.

Abstract: The invention includes compounds used to manufacture garments for use in water based activities that have a rubber, synthetic rubber, or neoprene compound. The compound is primarily polychloroprene or other suitable polymers and at least one metal of nanoparticle size. The compound composition includes a metal concentration that is sufficient to provide anti-bacterial properties that retard or eliminate bacterial growth on any surface of the composition used to produce the garment. The composition may include a sub-micron metal composition including sub-micron sized silver, zinc oxide, aluminum oxide and boron nitride particles as well as a polyol ester, wherein the thermal conductance of the aforementioned submicron composition is >350,000 W/m2° C. for a 0.001 inch layer of the aforementioned metal composition, the thermal resistance is <0.0045° C.-in2/Watt for a 0.001 inch layer of the aforementioned metal composition, and the average particle size is <0.49 microns for a <0.

Abstract: A drysuit for diving and other wet activities includes an outer waterproof layer and an inner insulating layer. On the inside of the outer waterproof layer, which can be butyl rubber or polyurethane, there is received a detachably attached three-dimensional polyester textile that is flexible and has air throughput capacity in two directions. Thus, a diving suit of the dry type is provided that has good properties for carrying away moisture and sweat from a diver and works well at all depths, and that above all feels pleasant and comfortable for the diver to use.

Abstract: A wetsuit includes an outer layer and an inner layer. The inner layer is attached to the outer layer and includes a plurality of fibers having wool and being configured in a plurality of clusters. The inner layer also includes a plurality of interconnected channels. At least a portion of each channel is defined by a space between adjacent clusters. The wetsuit also includes an opening that is disposed on a rear side of the wetsuit. The wetsuit additionally includes at least one fastener that is connected to the opening to open and close the opening.

Abstract: Articles of clothing with beads are described. According to one aspect, an article of clothing to be worn by an individual includes a clothing layer configured to cover at least a portion of the body of the individual when the article of clothing is worn by the individual and a plurality of beads attached to the clothing layer, wherein the beads are provided between an outermost surface of the clothing layer and skin of the individual when the article of clothing is worn by the individual.

Abstract: A hypoallergenic wetsuit and material is described that uses closed cell acrylonitrile butadiene rubber. Polyvinyl chloride (PVC) may also be blended with the acrylonitrile butadiene rubber. The density of the closed cell acrylonitrile butadiene rubber may vary depending on the hypoallergenic wetsuit application. Low densities such as less than 70 kg./m3, and preferably 50 to 61 Kg./m3, are desirable in many applications.

Abstract: A wetsuit has a trunk portion having a pair of arm openings and a neck opening that fits about the torso of a wearer. The neck opening includes an area of reduced thickness that is folded to form a soft flexible edge. The neck opening is made by forming a channel of reduced thickness in a piece of material to surround the neck opening in the wetsuit, and folding the material along a centerline of the channel to form the soft flexible edge.

Abstract: A neck-protective member for preventing chafe encountered when wearing a wetsuit is provided that fits snugly around the wearer's neck, with its lower edge under the edge of the neck opening in the wetsuit. The edge of the neck opening in the wetsuit bears against the protective member rather than the skin of the wearer's neck, preventing painful chafing that can be experienced around a wearer's neck upon prolonged wetsuit use. In a particularly preferred embodiment of the invention, the neck-protective member of the invention comprises a generally conical neck portion, which fits around the wearer's neck, and a skirt portion, which fits over the wearer's shoulders, under the wetsuit. The neck portion may be formed of a single band-like member cut from a sheet of flat material, preferably “smoothskin” neoprene rubber material, oriented such that the smooth surface of the “smoothskin” neoprene rubber material is to the inside and contacts the wearer's neck.

Abstract: The submarine escape suit has a hood (14) covering the head of a wearer during ascent from a submarine. In order to allow the wearer to expose his/her face, the hood (14) is provided with a portion (21) overlying the face of a wearer that is releasable from the remainder of the hood (14). The releasable portion (21) may be re-attachable.

Abstract: A wetsuit includes an outer layer and an inner layer. The inner layer is attached to the outer layer and includes a plurality of fibers having wool and being configured in a plurality of clusters. The inner layer also includes a plurality of interconnected channels. At least a portion of each channel is defined by a space between adjacent clusters. The wetsuit also includes an opening that is disposed on a rear side of the wetsuit. The wetsuit additionally includes at least one fastener that is connected to the opening to open and close the opening.

Abstract: The invention relates to the provision of a suit for use to be worn by a person when immersed in water or in contact with water and may be provided, for example, as a wetsuit construction or a dry suit construction. The suit includes an outer intermediate layer typically of a knitted or woven material and in accordance with the invention there is provided on the inner side of said layer, at least one portion of the suit, an inner layer of wool blended with other material. This inner wool containing layer typically lies in contact with the wearer. In one embodiment the wool used is that obtained from Merino sheep which is found to be particularly well suited.

Abstract: A suit for use to be worn by a person when immersed in water or in contact with water and may be provided, for example, as a wetsuit construction or a dry suit construction. The suit includes an outer layer typically of a rubber foam construction and in accordance with the invention there is provided on the inner side of said layer, at least one portion of the suit, a layer of wool (8) or wool blended with other material. This inner wool (8) containing layer typically lies in contact with the wearer. In one embodiment the wool used is that obtained from Merino sheep which is found to be particularly well suited.

Abstract: A wetsuit includes an outer layer and an inner layer. The inner layer is attached to the outer layer and includes a plurality of fibers having wool and being configured in a plurality of clusters. The inner layer also includes a plurality of interconnected channels. At least a portion of each channel is defined by a space between adjacent clusters. The wetsuit also includes an opening that is disposed on a rear side of the wetsuit. The wetsuit additionally includes at least one fastener that is connected to the opening to open and close the opening.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device (1) in dry-suit (2) for diving and other wet activities and comprises an outer waterproof layer (3) and an inner insulating layer (4). According to the invention, on the inside (5) of the outer waterproof layer (3), which consists of butyl rubber or polyurethane, there is received a detachably attached three-dimensional textile consisting of polyester and that is flexible and has air throughput capacity in two directions (6, 7).

Abstract: Garments that utilize complex panel shapes to minimize the to number of panels used, the number of seams, and total seam length. Increasing the complexity of panel shapes tends to make the cutting of panels more difficult and often results in more wastage of material, but the reduction of the number of panels and reduction in the number of seams and total seam length will actually simplify garment production and result in improved garments. Simplifying garment production will in turn generally result in an increase in the rate of production. Reducing seam length and the number of seams also reduces the chances of seams wearing out or splitting.

Abstract: A convertible wet suit system is provided that includes a torso fitting portion having tubular, partial limb coverings that terminate in first end portions, extended limb coverings having second end portions, and a coupling assembly for detachably connecting the first and second end portions. The coupling assembly includes a slide fastener that only partially circumscribes the first and second end portions, and at least one VELCRO® or snap-type fastener that detachably connects only part of the region between the first and second end portions that is uncircumscribed by the slide fastener such that some areas of the end portions remain unconnected when the coupling assembly is joined. Such unconnected areas between the first and second end portions advantageously maintain the elastomeric flexibility of the wet suit in the area of the coupling assembly.

Abstract: A wetsuit includes an outer layer and an inner layer. The inner layer is attached to the outer layer and includes a plurality of fibers having wool and being configured in a plurality of clusters. The inner layer also includes a plurality of interconnected channels. At least a portion of each channel is defined by a space between adjacent clusters. The wetsuit also includes an opening that is disposed on a rear side of the wetsuit. The wetsuit additionally includes at least one fastener that is connected to the opening to open and close the opening.

Abstract: A convertible wet suit system is provided that includes a torso fitting portion having tubular, partial limb coverings that terminate in first end portions, extended limb coverings having second end portions, and a coupling assembly for detachably connecting the first and second end portions. The coupling assembly includes a slide fastener that only partially circumscribes the first and second end portions, and at least one VELCRO® or snap-type fastener that detachably connects only part of the region between the first and second end portions that is uncircumscribed by the slide fastener such that some areas of the end portions remain unconnected when the coupling assembly is joined. Such unconnected areas between the first and second end portions advantageously maintain the elastomeric flexibility of the wet suit in the area of the coupling assembly.

Abstract: A sealing device for a body suit and a sealing method utilize a reactive seal that incorporates a swelling polymer activated upon contact with a fluid medium, such as water. The reactive seal can be embodied in a neck seal, wrist seal, or ankle seal of the body suit, where the reactive seal is designed to be loose and comfortable to wear, only exerting sealing pressure when needed. The swelling polymer can be a superabsorbent hydrogel such as a blend of polyacrylate polymer with poly-anionic beads (PAB). In one application, a 50/50 blend of polyacrylate and PAB is used, such that the reactive seal can autonomously tighten within about 10 to 15 seconds. The device and method can be used in various other applications to form a seal for preventing the passage of fluid from one volume to another.

Abstract: A self contained heated underwater diving suit having an inner liquid impervious yieldable sheet. An outer liquid impervious yieldable sheet is connected to the inner sheet. The inner sheet to the outer sheet forming a cavity therebetween. A silicon gel heating element is disposed within the cavity. A heating controller is electrically connected to the silicon gel heating element for controlling the heating of the silicon gel heating element.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a wetsuit that may be worn by a user for providing torso support when user is lying prone on a board while engaging in aquatic sports. The wetsuit includes a torso wedge, which is generally aligned proximal the width of a costal arch of the user lower rib cage, critical in supporting the torso of the user. In general, the torso wedge is configured to provide a wedge-like angle between the board and the user's chest when the user is in a prone position on the board, thereby elevating the torso of the user.

Abstract: Composite gel articles shaped in the form of a body shaped suit for diving made by injection molding, extruding, spinning, casting, or dipping.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a composite insulation material. The composite insulation material includes a syntactic foam component and a plurality of aerogel inserts. The present invention also relates to a method of making a composite insulation material. The present invention further relates to a method for enhancing the flexibility of a solid material.

Abstract: A diver's suit, survival suit, or a suit worn to protect a worker from hazardous materials is provided with releasable water-tight seals around the wrists, ankles and/or neck. Each releasable water-tight seal includes first and second complementary shaped annular interlocking seal members preferably extruded from a first polymeric material. Gaskets made of a second softer polymeric material may be co-extruded with the first polymeric material and are compressed when the seal members are mated in order to enhance the impermeability of the resulting seal to liquids or gases.

Abstract: The thermal foot cover is an article of footwear to be worn when the wearer's foot is subjected to cold temperatures. The thermal foot cover has an upper cover portion attached to a bottom panel to define a cavity for insertion of a wearer's shoe-encased or boot-encased foot or a wearer's foot. The upper cover portion and the bottom panel are made from a material comprising an outer covering, a radiant barrier and a inner covering where the radiant barrier is sandwiched between the outer cover and the inner cover. The radiant barrier is the insulation system of the thermal foot cover, which reflects the wearer's body heat back inside the footwear and keeps the wearer's feet warm. The thermal foot cover is flexible, lightweight and readily washable due to the use of the radiant barrier as the insulation system.

Abstract: An aquatic sports garment having an outer layer, provided with at least one multi-layered zone including at least the outer layer and an underlying layer which, in a protective zone, lines the skin in an elastically deformable manner so as to protect it from contact with the outer layer, in that the underlying layer has a fixing zone, whereby it is fixed directly or indirectly to the outer layer, and wherein, at least in the protective zone, the two layers are free from one another.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for metabolic cooling and insulation of a user in a cold environment. In its preferred embodiment the apparatus is a highly flexible composite material having a flexible matrix containing a phase change thermal storage material. The apparatus can be made to heat or cool the body or to act as a thermal buffer to protect the wearer from changing environmental conditions. The apparatus may also include an external thermal insulation layer and/or an internal thermal control layer to regulate the rate of heat exchange between the composite and the skin of the wearer.

Abstract: A method of fabricating an articulated joint for a pressure vessel, especially a pressure suit, by separately forming a structural fabric and a gas barrier layer into a series of alternating peaks and valleys. The structural fabric can be formed into the three dimensional shape by patterning or heat shrinkage. The resulting articulated joint, pressure vessels and pressurized suits are also described.

Abstract: A high-elasticity wet suit fabric is made of fine count artificial fibers with fine denier counts and elastic yams with high elongation and recovery capabilities, having a texture designed on the basis of elastic features, knitted with a high-speed circular knitting machine and treated in a dyeing and finishing process. Such a high-elasticity wet suit fabric is laminated with an artificial rubber sponge in a laminating process to form a high-elastic wet suit fabric piece. The high-elasticity wet suit fabric of the present invention is better in elasticity than the conventional single-directional and low-elastic wet suit fabric, and capable to improve the comfort, flexibility and elongation of wet suits.

Abstract: A diver's suit, survival suit, or a suit worn to protect a worker from hazardous materials is provided with releasable water-tight seals around the wrists, ankles and/or neck. Each releasable water-tight seal includes first and second complementary shaped annular interlocking seal members preferably extruded from a first polymeric material. Gaskets made of a second softer polymeric material may be co-extruded with the first polymeric material and are compressed when the seal members are mated in order to enhance the impermeability of the resulting seal to liquids or gases.

Abstract: A wetsuit with a close fitting portion above the waist and a loose fitting portion below the waist is disclosed. The close fit of the upper portion provides thermal insulation and coverage in the manner of a conventional wetsuit, whereas the lower portion provides maximum freedom of movement. The wetsuit provides protection against irritation and ultraviolet radiation that is superior to the typical combination of jacket and trunks.

Abstract: An article of insulation includes a plurality of containers supported by at least one support layer. Each of the containers have rigid walls which enclose either a vacuum or a gas. When in water, the rigid-wall containers provide insulation and buoyancy which makes the insulation ideal for clothing and wet suits. These properties may be enhanced by making the support layer from thermal insulation material and/or one which itself exhibits a desired buoyancy. The containers may be formed as beads which are spherical or non-spherical in shape, or the containers may have a tubular shape. Further, the beads may all be of the same size or the sizes may be varied to achieve desired buoyancy and/or insulation properties. A wet suit made from this insulation outperforms conventional wet suits in terms of insulation, buoyancy, comfort, safety, thinness, and functionality. An article of clothing made from this insulation may be used to keep a wearer afloat until help arrives.

Abstract: A buoyancy compensator jacket includes a cushion pad lying inside a backplate of the jacket and the cushion pad is water-impervious on its surface and formed in a plurality of regions with dome-shaped swellings being convex toward the back of a wearer. The jacket including such cushion pad can prevent water permeation into the pad from occurring and a weight of the pad from increasing due to the water permeation during diving.

Abstract: A low-temperature thermal insulation garment is proposed for low-energy requirement, self-sustaining body temperature maintenance. The proposed garment uses the body's expired respiratory gases and natural thermal production capabilities to insulate and maintain a comfortable skin temperature. The garment provides a constant re-supply of heated air with each exhaled breath. The garment has a mouthpiece with a check-valve that shunts exhaled air into a network of channels and bladders that cover the entire body. The garment also consists of a heat reflective lining to reduce radiant heat loss and a neoprene outer layer providing conductive insulation, durability, and waterproofing. Inhaled air is heated prior to entering the mouthpiece due to heat exchange with warmer areas of the garment. This allows residual heat from the exhalant to be transferred to incoming air. The garment can be fitted with artificial air supply, worn as is, or under a pressurized suit.

Abstract: An article of apparel designed to be worn by divers and swimmers which is formed by placing a prefabricated male mold inside a prefabricated female mode. Then a polymeric material is injected into a gap formed between the male mold placed inside the female mold. Also included is a built-in air bladder system to change a buoyancy of the diver and swimmer.

Abstract: Novel gels and gel composites for direct contact with the body and capable of substantially preventing the generation moisture from said body in extreme cold weather use.