Two Piece Drysuit

Abstract

Two-piece drysuit whereby the top is combined with the lower section by means of a series of overlapping flaps that combine to create a less bulky seal with greater flexibility and comfort to the wearer. The present invention also allows the use of materials in the seal between the 2 pieces that are more stable in ultraviolet light and salt water than those required by the inventions mentioned above thereby providing improved durability.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a dry or semi-dry suit intended for marine sports such as sailing, sail boarding, surfing, paddling diving and so on.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

It is known in the art to provide a dry suit or semi dry suit comprising a 1-piece garment constructed from a substantially watertight textile or rubber material or composite thereof. Whereby said garment features watertight seals around the neck, wrists and ankles or watertight fabric gloves and/or socks that are combined with the suit. In order to facilitate entry into said suits it is known in the art to incorporate a watertight zipper positioned on either the front or back of the garment. Said seals are generally bulky with little flexibility and therefore provide much discomfort to the user, said seals also require significant maintenance in order to function correctly and are a common cause of failure of the suit and also add significant cost to the its manufacture.

It is known to provide a two-piece dry suit comprising trousers and a jacket top which are interconnected at the waist by a so-called rolled seal. Annular rubber sealing flaps are attached to the waist of the trousers and to the bottom edge of the jacket and are adapted to lie one over the other when the two pieces of the suit are put on. To make the seal the two flaps are rolled up together from their free lower edges.

U.S. Pat. No. 2,570,019 discloses a method of applying a tight fitting belt or cummerbund around the waist over the rolled seal. The belt applies considerable pressure to the stomach region of the wearer, which does not constitute a serious disadvantage for divers operating at depths where substantial pressures are experienced. For others, however, such as sailors who spend their time at or above the water surface the pressure from the suit belt can cause much discomfort.

U.S. Pat. No. 4,535,477 discloses a 2-piece dry suit having sealing bands for producing a rolled seal between the two pieces at the waist of the suit. An additional overlying part, fastened to one piece of the suit extends across the rolled seal into co-operation with the other piece of the suit in order to secure to seal in the rolled condition. Whilst this invention provides less pressure around the waist of the wearer, considerable bulk and stiffness of the rolled seals still exists. Said sealing bands are also commonly manufactured from a latex rubber or similar material which is not durable to ultraviolet light or abrasion or puncture and is therefore easily damaged during the process of dressing the suit, during normal use or during storage and transport.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention aims to provide a solution to the problems mentioned above by providing a two-piece drysuit whereby the top is combined with the lower section by means of a series of overlapping flaps that combine to create a less bulky seal with greater flexibility and comfort to the wearer. The present invention also allows the use of materials in the seal between the 2 pieces that are more stable in ultraviolet light and salt water than those required by the inventions mentioned above thereby providing improved durability.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1a and FIG. 1b are the front view and rear view of the suit top piece of one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2a and FIG. 2b are the front view and rear view of the suit bottom piece of one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a front view of the suit top piece and suit bottom piece of one embodiment of the present invention worn together.

FIGS. 4a, 4b and 4c are cross-sectional views of one potential embodiment of the sealing system that combines the top piece and bottom piece of the present invention.

FIGS. 5a, 5b and 5c are cross-sectional views of another potential embodiment of the sealing system that combines the top piece and bottom piece of the present invention.

FIGS. 6a, 6b and 6c are cross-sectional views of another potential embodiment of the sealing system that combines the top piece and bottom piece of the present invention.

FIGS. 7a, 7b, 7c and 7d are cross-sectional views of another potential embodiment of the sealing system that combines the top piece and bottom piece of the present invention.

FIGS. 8a, 8b, 8c and 8d are cross-sectional views of another potential embodiment of the sealing system that combines the top piece and bottom piece of the present invention.

FIGS. 9a, 9b and 9c are cross-sectional views of another potential embodiment of the sealing system that combines the top piece and bottom piece of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The present invention discloses a two piece dry suit made from a substantially watertight textile or rubber material or composite thereof whereby the top piece of the suit combines with the bottom piece of the suit by means of a series of overlapping flaps made from a stretchable material that fit tightly around the wearers waist to form a substantially watertight seal.

In one aspect of the present invention the said top suit piece is constructed from a textile composite that is substantially liquid impermeable and preferably water vapour permeable. Said suit top preferably features neck and wrist seals adhered to the said textile, said seals are made from a waterproof and stretchable material such as latex rubber, silicon, neoprene foam composite or other material that fits tightly around the wearers neck and wrists to provide a water tight seal. A tight fitting stretchable waist seal that combines with the bottom suit piece is also attached to the suit piece around the waist or torso area. Said suit top piece is preferably constructed by means of stitching with the addition of waterproof tape or glue applied over the seams to ensure a watertight seal. In an alternative embodiment, said composite fabric may be ultrasonically welded or glued or bonded without stitching to provide a watertight seal.

In a further aspect of the present invention, the bottom suit piece is constructed from a substantially liquid impermeable and stretchable rubber material or composite thereof. In one preferred embodiment said rubber material is a composite consisting of a rubber foam such as neoprene foam laminated to at least one textile fabric. It is preferred that said composite has good stretch to allow said garment to fit tightly around the wearers body. The said rubber foam composite material is preferably combined to form the said suit piece by means of seam taping, gluing or blind stitching or combinations thereof in order to ensure a watertight seal.

In an alternative embodiment of the present invention said top suit piece may be constructed from a substantially liquid impermeable and stretchable rubber material or composite thereof. In one preferred embodiment said rubber material is a composite consisting of a rubber foam such as neoprene foam laminated to at least one textile fabric. It is preferred that said composite has good stretch to allow said garment to fit tightly around the wearers body. The said rubber foam composite material is preferably combined to form the said suit piece by means of seam taping, gluing or blind stitching or combinations thereof in order to ensure a watertight seal

In an alternative embodiment of the present invention said bottom suit piece may be constructed from a textile composite that is substantially liquid impermeable and preferably water vapour permeable. Said suit bottom preferably features integrated watertight socks made form the same textile material or alternatively features ankle seals adhered to the said textile, said seals are made from a waterproof and stretchable material such as latex rubber, silicon, neoprene foam composite or other material that fits tightly around the wearers leg or ankle to provide a water tight seal. Said suit bottom piece is preferably constructed by means of stitching with the addition of waterproof tape or glue applied over the seams to ensure a watertight seal. In an alternative embodiment, said composite fabric may be ultrasonically welded or glued or bonded without stitching to provide a watertight seal.

In one aspect of the present invention the said suit bottom piece may be configured to have shoulder straps made of the same material or another material as to provide support for the bottom suit piece and prevent any movement of the garment during normal use.

In a further aspect of the present invention said stretchable sealing flaps are attached to the suit top and suit bottom pieces and fit tightly around the wearers waist or torso. Said sealing flaps are preferably made from a stretchable and watertight material. In a preferred embodiment, said flaps are constructed from a composite consisting of a foam rubber material such as neoprene laminated to at least one textile fabric. Said flaps preferably have at least one surface that is substantial smooth as to form a good watertight seal with adjacent smooth surfaces of combined sealing flaps.

In a preferred aspect of the present invention said sealing flaps are folded one or more times to improve the watertight seal between suit top and bottom pieces.

In a preferred aspect of the present invention additional fastening means may be added to connect said top suit piece and said bottom suit piece at the waist seal area to prevent said overlapping waist sealing flaps from disengaging during normal use. In one potential embodiment said fastening means is provided by hook and loop fastening tabs. In another potential embodiment said fastening means may be provided by plastic or metal snap buttons.

The suit top 10, shown in FIG. 1a and FIG. 1b comprises a body part 101, and sleeves 102, a neck seal 103, fastened to the body part around the neck opening and wrist seals 104, fastened to the ends of the sleeves. Attached and sealed to the waist opening of body 101 is an inner waist seal 105. A secondary outer waist seal 106 is also fastened and sealed to the bottom opening of body 101 and is positioned adjacent to inner waist seal 105. Outer waist seal 106 preferably features waist adjustment tabs 107 which can be used to tighten said waist seals. In place of the Velcro adjustment tabs an elasticised draw cord or tensioned belt could be utilised to increase the tightness of said waist seals.

The suit bottom 20 shown in FIG. 2a and FIG. 2b is preferably made from a stretchable substantially watertight material that conforms to the wearers body and comprises a body section 201, legs 202 and optional shoulder straps 203. Waist seal 204 is attached and sealed to the body section 201 and is used in combination with waist seals 105 and 106 to form a water tight seal between suit top 10 and suit bottom 20. Leg openings 205 of legs 202 are preferably constructed to fit tightly around the wearers ankles and provide a watertight seal. Shoulder straps 203 extend from the body section 201 and prevent the suit bottom from moving on the wearers body during normal use. Large armholes 206 and rear cut-away 207 are provided to maximise breathability of the complete suit.

The complete 2-piece dry suit is shown in FIG. 3 whereby suit top 10 is worn over suit bottom 20. Waist seals 105, 106 on the top suit piece overlap with waist seal 204 on the bottom suit piece to form a water-tight seal between each piece whilst neck seal 103, wrist seals 104 and tight leg openings 205 provide water tight seals around external parts of the wearers body.

A preferred embodiment of waist seal system is shown in cross sectional view in FIG. 4a, FIG. 4b and FIG. 4c. FIG. 4a shows Inner waist seal 105 and outer waist seal 106 attached at top edge 401 to body section 101 of the top suit piece 10. Bottom edge 402 of Lower waist seal 204 is attached to body section 201 of bottom suit piece 20. Inner waist seal 105 of top suit piece 10 has outer surface 403, Outer waist seal 106 has inner surface 404. Lower waist seal 204 of bottom suit piece 20 has inner surface 405 and outer surface 406.

FIG. 4b and FIG. 4c show the arrangement of waist seals when Top suit piece 10 is combined with bottom suit piece 20. Inner waist seal 105 of top suit piece 10 fits tightly around body section 201 of bottom suit piece 20. Lower waist seal 204 is then positioned over waist seal 105 and outer waist seal 106 positioned over lower waist seal 204.

It is preferable that outer surface 403 of inner waist seal 105 and adjacent inner surface of lower waist seal 204 feature a smooth or finely textured rubber surface that promotes a watertight seal and also provides some friction when pressed together to prevent movement between each seal. Outer surface 406 of lower waist seal and adjacent inner surface 404 of outer waist seal 106 may also feature a smooth rubber surface to provide an improved seal.

Another preferred embodiment of waist seal system is shown in cross sectional view in FIG. 5a, FIG. 5b and FIG. 5c. Lower waist seal 204 is attached to bottom suit piece 20 at top edge 501. The user positions inner waist seal 105 of top suit piece 10 over lower waist seal 204. Inner waist seal 105 is then folded together with lower waist seal 204 to form an improved watertight seal between top suit piece 10 and bottom suit piece 20 as shown in FIG. 5b. Outer waist seal 106 is then positioned over seal 105 and 204 as an extra sealing layer. It is preferable that inner surface 502 of inner waist seal 105 and adjacent outer surface 503 of lower waist seal 204 feature a smooth or finely textured rubber surface that promotes a watertight seal and also provides some friction when pressed together to prevent movement between each seal.

In another preferred embodiment of the present invention shown in cross sectional view in FIG. 6a, FIG. 6b and FIG. 6c, lower waist seal 204 is attached to bottom suit piece 20 at bottom edge 601 thereby reduce the number of layers in the folded seal.

In other preferred embodiments of the present invention shown in cross sectional view in FIG. 7a, FIG. 7b, FIG. 7c, FIG. 7d and FIG. 8a, FIG. 8b, FIG. 8c, FIG. 8d, lower waist seal 204 and inner waist seal 105 are folded 2 times or more to improve the seal between tops suit piece 10 and bottom suit piece 20.

In another preferred embodiment of the present invention shown in cross sectional view in FIG. 9a, FIG. 9b and FIG. 9c, lower waist seal 204 and inner waist seal 105 are folded towards the inside of the garment.

Other systems, methods, features and advantages of the invention will be, or will become apparent to one with skill in the art upon examination of the following figures and detailed description. It is intended that all such additional systems, methods, features and advantages be included within this description, be within the scope of the invention, and be protected by the following claims.

Claims

1. A two piece substantially watertight dry suit including a substantially watertight rubber or textile or composite thereof which comprises a top piece and bottom piece wherein said top piece is combinable with said bottom piece by overlapping at least two sealing flaps to form a watertight seal.

2. The invention according to claim 1 wherein said top piece comprises a substantially liquid impermeable and water vapour permeable textile.

3. The invention according to claim 1 wherein said bottom piece comprises a substantially liquid impermeable and water vapour permeable textile.

4. The invention according to claim 1 wherein said bottom piece comprises a substantially liquid impermeable rubber material.

5. The invention according to claim 4 wherein said rubber material comprises a stretchable rubber or rubber foam.

6. The invention according to claim 1 wherein said top piece comprises a substantially liquid impermeable rubber material.

7. The invention according to claim 6 wherein said rubber material comprises a stretchable rubber or rubber foam.

8. The invention according to claim 1 wherein said sealing flaps are made from a stretchable and watertight rubber foam.

9. The invention according to claim 8 wherein said sealing flaps comprise a stretchable and watertight composite of neoprene foam combined with at least one textile fabric.

10. The invention according to claim 8 wherein at least two adjacent surfaces of said sealing flaps comprise a smooth or embossed mesh neoprene surface.

11. The invention according to claim 1 wherein at least one of saidsealing flaps comprises at least one hook and loop adjustment tab to apply pressure over said sealing flaps.

12. The invention according to claim 1 wherein at least one sealing flap comprises an adjustable cord to apply pressure over said sealing flaps.

13. The invention according to claim 1 wherein said sealing flaps comprise a stretchable and watertight material selected from the group comprising rubber, latex, and silicon.

14. The invention according to claim 1 wherein said top piece comprises at least one watertight seal around the neck and/or wrists.

15. The invention according to claim 1 wherein said top piece comprises integrated watertight gloves.

16. The invention according to claim 1 wherein said bottom piece comprises at least one watertight seal around an ankle or leg.

17. The invention according to claim 14 wherein said seals comprise a stretchable and watertight material selected from the group consisting of rubber, latex, and silicon.

18. The invention according to claim 1 wherein said bottom piece comprises integrated watertight socks.

19. The invention according to claim 15 wherein said watertight gloves comprise a stretchable and watertight material selected from the group consisting of rubber, latex, and silicon.

20. The invention according to claim 15 wherein said gloves comprise a substantially waterproof textile.

21. The invention according to claim 1 wherein said bottom piece comprises shoulder straps to support the top piece.

22. The invention according to claim 1 wherein said bottom piece comprises shoulder straps to support the bottom piece.

23. The invention according to claim 1 wherein said bottom piece is tightly fitable and conformable to a wearer's body.

24. The invention according to claim 1 wherein said top piece is tightly fitable and conformable to a wearer's body.

25. The invention according to claim 1 wherein a said top piece and said bottom piece are connectable using a fastener to prevent said overlapping sealing flaps from disengaging during normal use.

26. The invention according to claim 25 wherein said fastener comprises a hook and loop fastener.

27. The invention according to claim 25 wherein said fastener is comprises snap buttons.

28. The invention according to claim 16 wherein said seals comprise a stretchable and watertight material selected from the group consisting of rubber, latex, and silicon.

29. The invention according to claim 18 wherein said watertight socks comprise a stretchable and watertight material selected from the group consisting of rubber, latex, and silicon.

30. The invention according to claim 18 wherein said socks comprise a substantially waterproof textile.

31. The invention according to claim 1, further comprising a layer which is layerable over said sealing flaps and which comprises at least one hook and loop adjuster for applying pressure over said sealing flaps.

32. The invention according to claim 1, further comprising a layer which is layerable over said sealing flaps and which comprises a cord adjuster for applying pressure over said sealing flaps.

33. The invention according to claim 1, wherein said sealing flaps are foldable together at least one time to form the watertight seal.

34. The invention according to claim 1, wherein said sealing flaps are overlapable near the waist of a wearer to form the watertight seal.