Wetsuit System With Shark Deterrents

Abstract

A system for repelling sharks and protecting humans comprises a new wetsuit composition 100 made of a first layer 110 of neoprene, a weave 120 made of a plurality of layers comprising ultra high molecular weight polyethylene, the weave useful for stopping shark teeth. A layer of denatonium benzoate 130 may be placed between the weave 120 and a second layer 140 of neoprene and the second layer 140 of neoprene may have an outer surface 144 coated with pigment or material having a bright color, such as yellow, orange or pink. The new wetsuit composition is sometimes used with a new shark repellant 200 comprising three parts red wine vinegar to one part of a specially processed habanero pepper mixture. The new shark repellant may be stored and propelled by use of a variety of implements, including a disclosed squirt device 400.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a utility application based upon U.S. patent application Ser. No. 61/530,780 filed on Sep. 2, 2011. This related application is incorporated herein by reference and made a part of this application. If any conflict arises between the disclosure of the invention in this utility application and that in the related provisional application, the disclosure in this utility application shall govern. Moreover, the inventor incorporates herein by reference any and all patents, patent applications, and other documents hard copy, electronically cited or referenced to in this application.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

(1) Field of the Invention

The invention generally relates to means and methods of producing protective clothing for water activities such as surfing and diving. More particularly, embodiments of the invention relate to the construction of wetsuits with shark deterrent properties.

(2) The Related Art

Wetsuit systems are known in the related art. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 5,826,274 issued to Thompson on Oct. 27, 1998 discloses the use of spun high density polyethylene fiber material. U.S. Pat. No. 5,891,919 issued to Blum et al on Apr. 6, 1999 discloses a denatonium compound. U.S. Pat. No. 4,602,384 issued to Schneider on Jul. 29, 1986 discloses a protective wetsuit with cells containing a shark-repulsive chemical. U.S. Patent Publication 20060105652 by VanLancker and published on May 18, 2006 discloses a shark repelling wetsuit having striped patterns to mimic the look of a tiger shark.

Despite purported advancements in the field, the related art fails to provide effective and efficient means or methods of repelling a shark attack. Scuba divers and surfers are still frequently subjected to shark attacks which often result in serious bodily injury. The justified fear of shark attack prevents many outdoor enthusiasts from enjoying various sea water activates. Thus, there is long felt need in the art for the embodiments of the present invention that ignore the dogma of the prior art. In particular, the related art teaches the use of camouflage to mimic another shark or the natural surroundings of a shark's environment. The related art teaches away from the use of bright colors upon a wetsuit. The related art fails to provide an adequate chemical composition to repel a shark. The related prior art fails to provide a wetsuit with adequate trauma protection and shark repulsion.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Embodiments of the present invention overcome shortfalls in the related art by presenting an unobvious and unique combination and configuration of fabrics, weaves, wetsuits, chemical compositions, knife attachments and color to protect humans and to deter shark attacks.

Embodiments of the invention use bright colors upon an outside surface of a disclosed wetsuit and thus eschew the related art's penchant for using dark colors or strips. While the related art teaches the use of camouflage, the embodiments of the present invention use bright colors and colors that are not familiar to sharks. Some shark experts claim that sharks have excellent color perception, if such a claim is true, sharks will find the disclosed wetsuits to be unnatural, and hence not a food source.

If sharks or various species of sharks are in fact color blind, the use of bright colors will not be a factor in shark attacks, but the use of bright colors will assist in rescues attempts, or in worse case scenarios, recovery efforts.

A disclosed wetsuit composition includes an inner layer of neoprene, a weave comprising multiple layers of ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene, an outer layer of neoprene, the outer layer having an inside surface coated with denatonium benzoate and an outer surface coated with a bright color.

The middle layer weave of ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene provides penetration protection in the event of a shark bite. The placement of denatonium just below the outer surface of the wetsuit provides an offending shark with a distasteful experience incongruent with a natural food source.

Other embodiments of a disclosed system include the fabrication and use of a new shark repellant chemical composition, the composition comprising processed habanero pepper, water and red wine vinegar. The delivery of the new shark repellant may be executed via a squirt bottle or squirt tube, deployed within or above the water. A process of preparing the new shark repellant is disclosed.

In yet another embodiment, a knife attachment assembly provides a sea water user unfettered access to a knife, the knife suitable for use in fending off a shark attack.

These and other objects and advantages will be made apparent when considering the following detailed specification when taken in conjunction with the drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 depicts components of a wetsuit

FIG. 2 depicts components and portions comprising a new repellant composition

FIG. 3 depicts components of a knife retention system

FIG. 4 depicts a flexible band attachment assembly securing a knife sheath and knife to a user's calf

FIG. 5 depicts a squirting implement sometimes used to store and propel the disclosed shark repellant composition

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION

The following detailed description is directed to certain specific embodiments of the invention. However, the invention can be embodied in a multitude of different ways. In this description, reference is made to the drawings wherein like parts are designated with like numerals throughout.

Unless the context clearly requires otherwise, throughout the description and the claims, the words “comprise,” “comprising” and the like are to be construed in an inclusive sense as opposed to an exclusive or exhaustive sense; that is to say, in a sense of “including, but not limited to.” Words using the singular or plural number also include the plural or singular number, respectively. Additionally, the words “herein,” “above,” “below,” and words of similar import, when used in this application, shall refer to this application as a whole and not to any particular portions of this application.

The above detailed description of embodiments of the invention is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise form disclosed herein. While specific embodiments of, and examples for, the invention are described above for illustrative purposes, various equivalent modifications are possible within the scope of the invention, as those skilled in the relevant art will recognize. For example, while steps are presented in a given order, alternative embodiments may perform routines having steps in a different order. The teachings of the invention provided herein can be applied to other systems, not only the systems described herein. The various embodiments described herein can be combined to provide further embodiments. These and other changes can be made to the invention in light of the detailed description.

Any and all the above references and U.S. patents and applications are incorporated herein by reference. Aspects of the invention can be modified, if necessary, to employ the systems, functions and concepts of the various patents and applications described above to provide yet further embodiments of the invention.

Reference Numbers

100 a disclosed wetsuit composition in general

110 a first layer of neoprene material

112 an inner surface of a first layer 110 of neoprene material

114 an outer surface of a first layer 110 of neoprene material

120 a weave layer comprising a plurality of layers comprising ultra high molecular weight polyethylene, the weave layer sometimes called a middle layer

122 an inner surface of a weave layer 120

124 an outer surface of a weave layer 120

130 a layer of denatonium benzoate sometimes applied to the inside surface 142 of a second neoprene layer 140

140 a second layer of neoprene having an inside surface 142 and an outside surface 144

142 an inside surface of a second layer 140 of neoprene

144 an outside surface of a second layer 140 of neoprene

150 pigment or coloring material sometimes applied to the outside surface 144 of a second layer 140 of neoprene

200 an embodiment of a new shark repellant

210 red wine vinegar, sometimes used to make shark repellant 200

220 water infused with chopped habanero pepper

300 a disclosed knife retention system in general

310 a sheath for a knife

320 a knife

330 flexible bands used to retain the sheath 310 to the calf of a diver or surfer

400 a device to deliver shark repellant 200 to a shark

FIG. 1 depicts a wetsuit 100 composition comprising a first layer 110 sometimes comprised of 2 mm to 5 mm of neoprene, this first or inner layer will be closest to the skin of a user. The first layer has an inside surface 112 that may be in contact with a user. The first layer 110 has an outside surface 114 that may be in contact with a middle layer or weave 120 comprising a plurality of layers of ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE). A weave layer 120 may have an inner surface 122 and an outer surface 124, with the outer surface sometimes in contact with a layer of denatonium benzoate 130. The denatonium benzoate 130 may be applied to an inside surface 142 of a second neoprene layer 140. The second neoprene layer 140 having an outer layer 144, the outer layer sometimes coated or treated with color pigment 150. The second layer of neoprene 140 may comprise a thickness of 2 mm to 6 mm.

The pigment or color coating 150 may be comprised of colorations such as orange, yellow or pink. The added color to the second neoprene layer may comprise colored fabric, colored neoprene and other material.

Referring to FIG. 2, a shark repellant composition comprises three parts red wine vinegar to one part of the disclosed habanero pepper mixture, the mixture, in the best mode known to date processed by:

Brining two cups of water to a boil;

Adding three chopped habanero peppers

Boiling the chopped habanero peppers until one cup of mixture remains;

Straining the remaining one cup of water or to remove solids from the mixture;

Adding the one cup of strained mixture to three cups of red wine vinegar.

FIG. 3 depicts components of a knife retention system, the system comprising a sheath 310, a knife 320 and flexible bands 330 used to secure a sheath to a user's calf area. The retention system allows a user quick access to a knife as a further defense from shark attack.

FIG. 4 depicts a user using flexible bands to secure a sheath and knife to the user's calf area.

FIG. 5 depicts one contemplated embodiment of a squirt bottle or delivery system sometimes used to deliver the disclosed shark repellant 200 to the eyes or other parts of a shark. The disclosed shark repellant 200 may be administered to a shark by a dispenser located below or above the surface of the water.

In the best mode known to date, a wetsuit embodiment is made from a first layer of 2 mm high quality neoprene and is attached to multiple layers of ultra high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) which is attached to a second 2 mm layer of denatonium benzoate coated neoprene. The denatonium benzoate rests between the UHMWPE layer and the outer layer or neoprene, thus, the denatonium benzoate does not wash off during use but yet is available for tasting if a shark should bite into the wetsuit. Denatonium benzoate is known for having an extremely bad taste to both human and animals.

UHMWPE is known for having penetration resistant properties. A shark biting into a disclosed wetsuit will disagree with the taste of the denatonium benzoate and the metallic texture of the UHMWPE.

A disclosed system includes a new shark repellent composition that may be stored in a container attached to the forearms of a user. The new shark repellent uses natural ingredients but yet will highly irritate the skin and membranes of a shark. There is some danger that use of the disclosed shark repellant will result in a injury to the user as high winds or water current conditions may place the shark repellant into the face of the user. But, in the event of a shark attack a user will want all means available to deter the shark.

Embodiments of the invention include the following items.

Item 1. A system to protect humans from shark bite and to deter sharks, the system comprising a wetsuit composition 100 comprising: a) a first layer 110 of neoprene having a thickness of between 2 mm to 5 mm and having an inside surface 112 and an outside surface 114, the outside surface in contact with a weave layer 120, the weave layer comprising a layers comprising ultra high molecular weight polyethylene and the weave layer having a thickness of between 2 mm to 5 mm and having an inside surface 122 and an outside surface 124, the outside surface of the weave layer in contact with a coating of denatonium benzoate 130, the coating of denatonium benzoate attached to an inner surface 142 of a second layer 140 of neoprene.

Item 2. The system of item 1 including a coating of color 150 to an outer surface 144 of the second layer 140 of neoprene.

Item 3. The system of item 2 wherein the coating of color 150 is comprised of a bright color, selected from the group comprising, yellow, orange and pink.

Item 4. The system of item 3 further comprising a dispensing device 400 containing shark repellent 200, the shark repellent comprising three parts red wine vinegar to one part water, the water infused with habanero pepper.

Item 5. The system of item 4 further including a knife 320, sheath 310 and one or more flexible bands 330, configured to secure the sheath to a user's calf section, FIG. 4.

Item 6. A method of protecting humans from shark bite and to deter shark, the method comprising the steps of:

using a wetsuit composition 100, comprising a first layer 110 of neoprene having a thickness of between 2 mm to 5 mm and having an inside surface 112 and an outside surface 114, the outside surface in contact with a weave layer 120, the weave layer comprising a layers comprising ultra high molecular weight polyethylene and the weave layer having a thickness of between 2 mm to 5 mm and having an inside surface 122 and an outside surface 124, the outside surface of the weave layer in contact with a coating of denatonium benzoate 130, the coating of denatonium benzoate attached to an inner surface 142 of a second layer 140 of neoprene.

Item 7. The method of item 6 further comprising the step of applying a coating of color 150 to an outer surface 144 of the second layer 140 of neoprene.

Item 8. The method of item 7 further comprising the step of using a coating of color, selected from the group of colors comprising yellow, orange and pink.

Item 9. The method of item 8 further comprising the step of using a dispensing device 400 to contain shark repellent 200 and the steps of making the shark repellent by mixing three parts of red wine vinegar to one part of water infused with habanero pepper.

Item 10. The method of item 9 further comprising the steps of making the infused water by:

a) boiling two parts of water;

b) adding chopped habanero peppers;

c) boiling the resulting mixture until one part of mixture remains;

d) straining the mixture to remove solids;

e) and then mixing the mixture to the three parts of red wine vinegar.

Item 11. The method of item 10 including the steps of using a knife 320, sheath 310 and one or more flexible bands 330, to secure the sheath to a user's calf section, FIG. 4, and using the sheath to store the knife.

Item 12. A kit to protect humans from shark bite and to deter sharks, the kit comprising a wetsuit composition 100 comprising: a) a first layer 110 of neoprene having a thickness of between 2 mm to 5 mm and having an inside surface 112 and an outside surface 114, the outside surface in contact with a weave layer 120, the weave layer comprising a layers comprising ultra high molecular weight polyethylene and the weave layer having a thickness of between 2 mm to 5 mm and having an inside surface 122 and an outside surface 124, the outside surface of the weave layer in contact with a coating of denatonium benzoate 130, the coating of denatonium benzoate attached to an inner surface 142 of a second layer 140 of neoprene.

Item 13. The kit of item 12 further comprising a coating of color 150 to an outer surface 144 of the second layer 140 of neoprene.

Item 14. The kit of item 13 further comprising a coating of color 150, the color selected from the group of colors comprising yellow, orange and pink.

Item 15. The kit of item 14 further comprising a dispensing device 400 containing shark repellant 200, the shark repellant including three parts red wine vinegar and one part water infused with habanero peppers.

Item 16. The kit of item 15 including a knife, sheath and flexible bands.

Claims

1. A system to protect humans from shark bite and to deter sharks, the system comprising a wetsuit composition comprising:

a) a first layer of neoprene having a thickness of between 2 mm to 5 mm and having an inside surface and an outside surface, the outside surface in contact with a weave layer, the weave layer comprising a layers comprising ultra high molecular weight polyethylene and the weave layer having a thickness of between 2 mm to 5 mm and having an inside surface and an outside surface, the outside surface of the weave layer in contact with a coating of denatonium benzoate, the coating of denatonium benzoate attached to an inner surface of a second layer of neoprene.

2. The system of claim 1 including a coating of color to an outer surface of the second layer of neoprene.

3. The system of claim 2 wherein the coating of color is comprised of a bright color, selected from the group comprising, yellow, orange and pink.

4. The system of claim 3 further comprising a dispensing device containing shark repellent, the shark repellent comprising three parts red wine vinegar to one part water, the water infused with habanero pepper.

5. The system of claim 4 further including a knife, sheath and one or more flexible bands configured to secure the sheath to a user's calf section.

6. A method of protecting humans from shark bite and to deter shark, the method comprising the steps of:

using a wetsuit composition, comprising a first layer of neoprene having a thickness of between 2 mm to 5 mm and having an inside surface and an outside surface, the outside surface in contact with a weave layer, the weave layer comprising a layers comprising ultra high molecular weight polyethylene and the weave layer having a thickness of between 2 mm to 5 mm and having an inside surface and an outside surface, the outside surface of the weave layer in contact with a coating of denatonium benzoate, the coating of denatonium benzoate attached to an inner surface of a second layer of neoprene.

7. The method of claim 6 further comprising the step of applying a coating of color to an outer surface of the second layer of neoprene.

8. The method of claim 7 further comprising the step of using a coating of color, selected from the group of colors comprising yellow, orange and pink.

9. The method of claim 8 further comprising the step of using a dispensing device to contain shark repellent and the steps of making the shark repellent by mixing three parts of red wine vinegar to one part of water infused with habanero pepper.

10. The method of claim 9 further comprising the steps of making the infused water by:

a) boiling two parts of water;

b) adding chopped habanero peppers;

c) boiling the resulting mixture until one part of mixture remains;

d) straining the mixture to remove solids;

e) and then mixing the mixture to the three parts of red wine vinegar.

11. The method of claim 10 including the steps of using a knife, sheath and one or more flexible bands, to secure the sheath to a user's calf section and using the sheath to store the knife.

12. A kit to protect humans from shark bite and to deter sharks, the kit comprising a wetsuit composition comprising:

a) a first layer of neoprene having a thickness of between 2 mm to 5 mm and having an inside surface and an outside surface, the outside surface in contact with a weave layer, the weave layer comprising a layers comprising ultra high molecular weight polyethylene and the weave layer having a thickness of between 2 mm to 5 mm and having an inside surface and an outside surface, the outside surface of the weave layer in contact with a coating of denatonium benzoate, the coating of denatonium benzoate attached to an inner surface of a second layer of neoprene.

13. The kit of claim 12 further comprising a coating of color to an outer surface of the second layer of neoprene.

14. The kit of claim 13 further comprising a coating of color, the color selected from the group of colors comprising yellow, orange and pink.

15. The kit of claim 14 further comprising a dispensing device containing shark repellant, the shark repellant including three parts red wine vinegar and one part water infused with habanero peppers.

16. The kit of claim 15 including a knife, sheath and flexible bands.