FIELD There is described a convertible seal developed originally for use in dry suits to facilitate the comfort of the wearer when a dry seal configuration was not required.
BACKGROUND There are many types of garments available that provide protection from harmful elements including cold water and harsh chemicals. In the marine environment these exposure garments are commonly referred to as dry suits.
A dry suit incorporates sealed seams and scaling devices such as tight fitting seals at the wrists, ankles and neck to stop water entry. The garments are typically made with water impervious materials such as film or liquid coated nylons, natural or synthetic rubber materials and closed cell foams such as neoprene are used to protect the user. To allow the user easy donning of offing the garment, element proof zippers are used.
Dry suits are typically one piece, however recent innovations in zipper technologies have allow dry suits to be separated into jackets and pants when not worn in on piece dry suit mode. This new zipper technology is making dry-suit cross over into two piece garments. Once separated, usually at the waist or torso, the top portion can be used as a dry top for sports such a sailing and kayaking, while the bottom portion can be used as yachting pants or fishing waders.
If the jacket or pant is being used in other than marine exposure conditions, the attached gloves, boots or socks that are required to keep water from entering the suit while in use as a dry suit, are unnecessary. Attempts have been made to fully separate wrist seals, ankles seals, neck seals, dry gloves, dry boots and dry hoods from garments via interlocking separating ring systems.
SUMMARY There is provided a convertible seal for a suit used in and around water, which includes a body having at least one of a collar, a sleeve or a pant leg that must be sealed to prevent water entry during use. The collar, sleeve or pant leg is equipped with a permanently attached seal configuration that has an operative position is in axial alignment with the collar, sleeve or pant leg and a stored position out of axial alignment with the collar, sleeve or pant leg. The seal configuration is placed into the stored position when not required.
With the convertible use dry seal, as described above, the dry seal configuration can be moved into the stored position to convert a dry suit jacket worn by a mariner into a normal jacket when the mariner is on land. Similarly, hip-waders worn by a fisherman, can be converted to regular pants when the fisherman is no longer wading in water.
There will hereinafter be described two approaches to moving the seal configuration to the stored position out of axial alignment with the collar, sleeve or pant leg.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS These and other features will become more apparent from the following description in which reference is made to the appended drawings, the drawings are for the purpose of illustration only and are not intended to be in any way limiting, wherein:
FIG. 1 is a front elevation view of a person wearing a dry suit that has dry seals at collar, wrist portion of sleeve and ankle portion of pant legs.
FIG. 2 is a rear elevation view of a sleeve of the dry suit of FIG. 1, have a first embodiment of convertible seal with an outer cuff covering the dry seal at the wrist.
FIG. 3 is a rear elevation view of the sleeve of the dry suit of FIG. 1, with the outer cuff pulled back, exposing the dry seal at the wrist and a dry zipper.
FIG. 4 is a front elevation view of the sleeve of the dry suit of FIG. 1, with outer cuff pulled back, exposing the dry seal at the wrist and a dry zipper.
FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the sleeve of FIG. 3 and FIG. 4, showing the dry zipper unzipped.
FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the sleeve of FIG. 5, showing a pocket on an inside surface of the sleeve.
FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the sleeve of FIG. 6, showing the dry seal being tucked into the pocket on the inside surface of the sleeves.
FIG. 8 is a front elevation view of the sleeve of FIG. 6, showing the outer cuff pulled back down to cover up the dry-zipper.
FIG. 9 is a front. elevation view of an alternative embodiment of sleeve of a dry suit having a dry glove integrally connected to the sleeve of the dry suit.
FIG. 10 is a rear elevation view of the sleeve of FIG. 9, with an outer cuff pulled back, exposing a dry-zipper on the sleeve attaching to the dry-glove.
FIG. 11 is a front elevation view of the sleeve of FIG. 9, with an outer cuff pulled back, exposing a dry-zipper on the sleeve attaching to the dry-glove.
FIG. 12 is a perspective view of the sleeve of FIG. 10 and FIG. 11, with the dry-zipper unzipped.
FIG. 13 is a perspective view of the sleeve of FIG. 12, showing a pocket on the inside surface of the sleeve.
FIG. 14 is a perspective view of the sleeve of FIG. 13, showing an outer section of the sleeve with dry-glove being tucked into the pocket on the inside surface of the sleeve.
FIG. 15 is a front elevation view of the sleeve of FIG. 14, with the outer cuff pulled back down to cover up the dry-zipper.
FIG. 16 is a front elevation view of a collar of the dry suit of FIG. 1, showing a dry seal attached to the dry suit at the collar by a dry-zipper.
FIG. 17 is a side elevation view of the dry seal of FIG. 14 partially unzipped from the dry suit.
FIG. 18 is a front elevation view showing the dry seal rolled up and stuffed into pocket in the interior of a chest portion of the dry suit.
FIG. 19 is a front elevation view showing a dry suit hood attached to a dry suit by a dry-zipper.
FIG. 20 is a side elevation view showing the dry suit hood partially unzipped from the dry suit.
FIG. 21 is a front elevation view showing the collar of the dry suit with the hood rolled up and stuffed into a pocket in the interior of a chest portion of the dry suit.
FIG. 22 is a side elevation view of a pant leg of the dry suit of FIG. 1, have a first embodiment of convertible seal with an outer cuff covering the dry seal at the ankle.
FIG. 23 is a side elevation view of a pant leg of the dry suit of FIG. 1, with the outer cuff pulled back, exposing the dry seal at the ankle and a dry zipper.
FIG. 24 is a perspective view of the pant leg of FIG. 22, showing the dry-zipper unzipped and. an interior pocket on an inside surface of the pant leg.
FIG. 25 is a perspective view of the pant leg of FIG. 22, showing the dry seal being tucked into the pocket on the inside surface of the pant leg.
FIG. 26 is a side elevation view of the pant leg of FIG. 22, showing the outer cuff pulled back down to cover up the dry-zipper.
FIG. 27 is a side elevation view of a pant leg of the dry suit of FIG. 1, have a first embodiment of convertible seal with an outer cuff partially covering the drysock/boot on the foot.
FIG. 28 is a side elevation view of a pant leg of the dry suit of FIG. 1, with the outer cuff pulled back, exposing the drysock/boot on the foot and a dry zipper.
FIG. 29 is a perspective view of the pant leg of FIG. 27, showing the dry-zipper unzipped and an interior pocket on an inside surface of the pant leg.
FIG. 30 is a perspective view of the pant leg of FIG. 27, showing the drysock/boot being tucked into the pocket on the inside surface of the pant leg.
FIG. 31 is a side elevation view of the pant leg of FIG. 27, showing the outer cuff pulled back down to cover up the dry-zipper.
FIG. 32 is a top plan view of a sleeve with a wrist seal having a second embodiment of convertible seal.
FIG. 33 is a top plan view of the sleeve of FIG. 32, with a first branch of the sleeve having the wrist seal in an operative position and a second branch having wrist cuff extended from a zippered opening in the sleeve.
FIG. 34 is a top plan view of the sleeve, with a first branch of the sleeve having a glove in an operative position and a second branch of the sleeve having a wrist seal extended from a zippered opening in the sleeve.
FIG. 35 is a top plan view of the sleeve, with a first branch of the sleeve having a wrist seal in an operative position and a second branch of the sleeve having a glove extended from a zippered opening in the sleeve.
FIG. 36 is a top plan view of an alternative to the sleeve of FIG. 32, with a first branch of the sleeve having a wrist cuff in an operative position and a second branch having a wrist seal extended from a sealed storing position where it had been tied to an exterior surface of the sleeve by straps or ties.
FIG. 37 is a top plan view of the sleeve of FIG. 36, with the first branch of the sleeve having a wrist cuff still in the operative position and the second branch sealed, rolled up, and secured to an exterior surface of the sleeve by straps or ties.
FIG. 38 is a side elevation view of a pant leg with an ankle seal and wrap around dry-zipper closure.
FIG. 39 is a side elevation view of the pant leg of FIG. 38, with an ankle seal in an operative position on a first branch and a second branch with a regular cuff extending from a zippered opening in the pant leg.
FIG. 40 is a side elevation view of the pant leg, with a dry sock/boot in an operative position on a first branch and a second branch having an ankle seal extending from a zippered opening positioned vertically on the pant leg.
FIG. 41 is a side elevation view of a pant leg of FIG. 40, with an ankle seal in an operative position on a second branch and a first branch in a stored position rolled and secured by straps of ties to an exterior surface of the pant leg.
FIG. 42 is a side view of a pant leg, with an ankle seal in an operative position on a first branch and a second branch having a drysock/boot extending from a zippered opening on the pant leg.
FIG. 43 is a side elevation view of a pant leg, with a dry sock/boot in an operative position on a first branch and a second branch having a regular cuff extending from an externally stored position where it is secured by straps or ties to an exterior surface of the pant leg.
FIG. 44 is a side view of a pant leg, with an ankle seal in an operative position on a first branch and a second branch in a stored position rolled and secured by straps or ties to an exterior surface of the pant leg.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION A convertible seal will now be described. A first embodiment, generally identified by reference numeral 10, will be described with reference to FIG. 1 through 31 with various seal positions and seal configurations. A second embodiment, generally identified by reference numeral 100, will be described with reference to FIG. 32 through 44 with various seal positions and seal configurations.
There will hereafter be referred to as various “seal configurations”. In order to ensure that there is no confusion by what is meant by this term, it is intended to include neck seals and hoods, wrist seals and gloves, ankle seals and dry socks or boots. Broadly speaking, it includes any configuration that serves to exclude or at the very least limit entry of water. A common aspect will be that a wearer, may not necessarily wish to continue wearing the “seal configuration” when water entry is no longer of concern.
There will hereinafter be referred to as various “alternative configurations”. In order to ensure that there is no confusion by what is meant by this term, this term is intended to include any alternative. It is anticipated that for the comfort of the wearer, the “alternative configuration” would normally be a regular neck collar, a regular shirt cuff or a regular pant cuff. However, it is not intended to exclude situations in which the “seal configuration” is a hood, with the “alternative configuration” being a dry neck seal. Similarly, it is not intended to exclude situations in which the “seal configuration” is a glove, with the “alternative configuration” being a dry wrist seal. Similarly, it is not intended to exclude situations in which the “seal configuration” is a boot or dry sock, with the “alternative configuration” being a dry ankle seal.
Referring to FIG. 1, regardless of the embodiment hereinafter described, there will always be a body 12 having at least one of a collar 14, a sleeve 16 or a pant leg 18 that must be sealed to prevent water entry during use. Of course, if body 12 is in the form of a jacket it will have a collar 14 and sleeves 16, but no pant legs. Conversely, if body 12 is in the form of pant, it will have pant legs 18 but not collar. Each collar 14, sleeve 16 or pant leg 18 to be sealed has a permanently attached seal configuration. Referring to FIG. 1, there is illustrated a neck seal 20 on collar 14, a wrist seal 22 on sleeve 16 and an ankle seal 24 on pant leg 18. It will be appreciated that in place of neck seal 20, there could be an alternative seal configuration in the form of a hood 26, as illustrated in FIG. 19. It will also be appreciated that in place of wrist seal 22, there could be an alternative seal configuration in the form of gloves 28, as illustrated in FIG. 9 through FIG. 12. It will also be appreciated that in place of ankle seal 24, there could be an alternative seal configuration in the form of boots 30, as illustrated in FIG. 29.
Convertible seals 10 and 100, which will hereinafter be described, both have an operative position that is in axial alignment with the collar, sleeve or pant leg and a stored position that is out of axial alignment with the collar, sleeve or pant leg. The seal configuration, regardless of its form, is placed into the stored position when not required. Convertible seals 10 and 100 differ only in the manner in which they move the seal configuration in and out of axial alignment.
Structure and Relationship of Parts of Convertible Seal 10:
Referring to FIG. 4 and FIG. 5, there is illustrated wrist seal 22 permanently attached to sleeve 16 by a dry-zipper 32 that extends substantially, but not entirely, around sleeve 16, leaving an attachment portion 34. Whether dry-zipper is zipped closed as illustrated in FIG. 4 or unzipped open as illustrated in 5, wrist seal 22 is always permanently attached to sleeve 16. Referring to FIG. 6, there is a pocket 36 positioned on an interior surface 38 of sleeve 16.
Operation of Convertible Seal 10:
Referring to FIG. 2, there is illustrated wrist seal 22 as it would appear in an operative position during normal usage. In this operative position, wrist seal 22 is in axial alignment with sleeve 16 and functions to prevent water from entering sleeve 16. An outer cuff 40 covers a portion of wrist seal 22. Referring to FIG. 3 and FIG. 4, when wrist seal 22 is not required, outer cuff 40 is pushed back to reveal dry-zipper 32. Referring to FIG. 5 and FIG. 6, dry zipper 32 is then moved to an open unzipped position. Referring to FIG. 7, this enables wrist seal 22 to be folded back into sleeve 16 into a stored position out of axial alignment with sleeve 16. it is preferred that wrist seal 22 be inserted into pocket 36. This is primarily fur the comfort of the wearer and to keep wrist seal 22 out of the way as the wearer inserts and removes his or her arm from sleeve 16. Referring to FIG. 8, outer cuff 40 is then placed back into an overlying position to conceal dry-zipper 32.
Variations of Convertible Seal 10:
In order to make it abundantly clear that the same principles apply with other seal configurations, there will now be described use when the seal configuration is a glove 28. Referring to FIG. 9, there is illustrated glove 28 as it would appear in an operative position during normal usage. In this operative position, glove 28 is in axial alignment with sleeve 16 and functions to prevent water from entering sleeve 16. An outer cuff 40 covers a portion of glove 28. Referring to FIG. 10 and FIG. 11, when glove 28 is not required, outer cuff 40 is pushed back to reveal dry-zipper 32. Referring to FIG. 12 and FIG. 13, dry zipper 32 is then moved to an open unzipped position. Referring to FIG. 14, this enables glove 28 to be folded back into sleeve 16 into a stored position out of axial alignment with sleeve 16. It is preferred that glove 28 be inserted into pocket 36. This is primarily for the comfort of the wearer and to keep glove 28 out of the way as the wearer inserts and removes his or her arm from sleeve 16. Referring to FIG. 15, outer cuff 40 is then placed back into an overlying position to conceal dry-zipper 32.
In order to make is abundantly clear that the same principles described with respect to wrist seal 22 apply equally to a neck seal or ankle seal, there will hereinafter be described use in relation to neck seal 20. Referring to FIG. 16, there is illustrated neck seal 20 as it would appear in an operative position during normal usage. In this operative position, neck seal 20 is in axial alignment with collar 14 and functions to prevent water from entering body 12 through collar 14. Referring to FIG. 17, when neck seal 20 is not required, dry zipper 32 is moved to an open unzipped position. Referring to FIG. 18, this enables neck seal 20 to be folded back through collar 14 into a stored position out of axial alignment with collar 14. It is preferred that neck seal 20 be inserted into pocket 42 on interior surface 38 of body 12.
In order to make it abundantly clear that the same principles apply with other seal configurations that may be used with collar 14, there will now he described use when the seal configuration is a hood 26. Referring to FIG. 19, there is illustrated hood 26 as it would appear in an operative position during normal usage. In this operative position, hood 26 is in axial alignment with collar 14 and functions to prevent water from entering body 12 through collar 14. Referring to FIG. 20, when hood 26 is not required, dry zipper 32 is moved to an open unzipped position. Referring to FIG. 21, this enables hood 26 to be folded back through collar 14 into a stored position out of axial alignment with collar 14. It is preferred that hood 26 be inserted into pocket 42 on interior surface 38 of body 12.
In order to make it abundantly clear that the same principles apply with other seal configurations that may be used with pant leg 18, there will now be described use when the seal configuration is an ankle seal 24. Referring to FIG. 22 there is illustrated an ankle seal 24 as it would appear in an operative position during normal usage. In this operative position, ankle seal 24 is in axial alignment with pant leg 18 and functions to prevent water from entering pant leg 18. An outer cuff 46 covers a portion of ankle seal 24. Referring to FIG. 23, when ankle seal 24 is not required, outer cuff 46 is pushed back to reveal dry-zipper 32. Referring to FIG. 24, dry zipper 32 is then moved to an open unzipped position. Referring to FIG. 25, this enables ankle seal 24 to be folded back into pant leg 18 into a stored position out of axial alignment with pant leg 18. It is preferred that ankle seal 24 be inserted into pocket 44. This is primarily for the comfort of the wearer and to keep ankle seal 24 out of the way as the wearer inserts and removes his or her leg from pant leg 18. Referring to FIG. 26, outer cuff 46 is then placed back into an overlying position to conceal dry-zipper 32.
In order to make it abundantly clear that the same principles apply with other seal configurations that may be used with pant leg 18, there will now be described use when the seal configuration is a drysock/boot. Referring to FIG. 27, there is illustrated a drysock/boot 30 as it would appear in an operative position during normal usage. In this operative position, drysock/boot 30 is in axial alignment with pant leg 18 and functions to prevent water from entering pant leg 18. An outer cuff 46 covers a portion of drysock/boot 30. Referring to FIG. 28, when drysock/boot 30 is not required, outer cuff 46 is pushed back to reveal du-zipper 32. Referring to FIG. 29, dry zipper 12 is then moved to an open unzipped position. Referring to FIG. 30, this enables drysock/boot 30 to be folded back into pant leg 18 into a stored position out of axial alignment with pant leg 18. It is preferred that drysock/boot 30 be inserted into pocket 44. This is primarily for the comfort of the wearer and to keep drysock/boot 30 out of the way as the wearer inserts and removes his or her leg from pant leg 18. Referring to FIG. 31, outer cuff 46 is then placed back into an overlying position to conceal dry-zipper 32.
Structure and Relationship of Parts of Convertible Seal 100:
Convertible seal 100 came into being when consideration was given to what alternative configuration could be used to selectively move a seal configuration into and out of alignment with the collar, sleeve or pant leg. Referring to FIG. 33, an extremity of sleeve 16 is bifurcated into a first branch 102 and a second branch 104. First branch 102 has a seal configuration, which in this case is a wrist seal 22. Second branch 104 has an alternative configuration, which in this case is a regular cuff 106. Exterior surface 108 of sleeve 16 has an opening 110 closed by a zipper closure 112. It is preferred that zipper closure 112 be a dry-zipper. It will be understood that it need not be a dry-zipper, if other means have been used to prevent water entry through the branch that is in the stored position.
Operation of Convertible Seal 100:
Referring to FIG. 32, there is illustrated sleeve 16 with wrist seal 22 as it would appear in an operative position during normal usage. In this operative position, branch 102 with wrist seal 22 is in axial alignment with sleeve 16 and functions to prevent water from entering body 12 through sleeve 16. Branch 104 is not visible in this view, as it is hidden within opening 110 which is closed by zipper closure 112. Referring to FIG. 33, when wrist seal 22 is not required, zipper closure 112 is moved to an open unzipped position and second branch 104 is pulled from opening 110. The wearer may then select second branch 104 in order to place wrist seal 22 out of axial alignment with sleeve 16 and first branch 102 can be placed into a stored position by rolling and securing with straps 114. When wrist seal 22 is required again, the wearer selects first branch 102 to place wrist seal 22 back into axial alignment with sleeve 16.
Variations of Convertible Seal 100
Referring to FIG. 34, in order to make it abundantly clear that the same principles apply with other seal configurations, there has been illustrated a first branch 102 that has as a seal configuration is a glove 28 and a second branch 104 that has a wrist seal 22.
Referring to FIG. 35, in order to make it abundantly clear that the same principles apply with other seal configurations, there has been illustrated a first branch 102 that has as a seal configuration is a wrist seal 22 and a second branch 104 that has a glove 28.
Referring to FIG. 36 and FIG. 37, in order to make it abundantly clear that it is not essential for there to be an opening closed by a zipper closure or any substitute form of closure, there are straps or ties 114 provided to secure first branch 102 or second branch 104 to exterior surface 108 of sleeve 16. Referring to FIG. 37, branch 104 is shown formed into a roll and secured to exterior surface 108 of sleeve 16 by straps or ties 114. It is to be noted that water can enter into branch 104 though wrist seal 22, when branch 104 is not in use.
For that reason, a dry seal clamp 120 is used to prevent water from entering sleeve 16 through branch 104. It will be understood that dry seal clamp 120 is not required, if the branch 104 that is being stored in an opening having a city-zipper for closure.
In order to make is abundantly clear that the same principles described with respect to wrist seal 22 apply equally to a neck seal or ankle seal, there will hereinafter be described use in relation to ankle seal 24. Referring to FIG. 39, there an extremity of pant leg 18 is bifurcated into a first branch 102 and a second branch 104. First branch 102 has a seal configuration, which in this case is an ankle seal 24. Second branch 104 has an alternative configuration, which in this case is a regular cuff 116. Exterior surface 108 of pant leg 18 has an opening 110 closed by a zipper closure 112. It is preferred that zipper closure 112 be a dry-zipper. It will be understood that it need not be a dry-zipper, if other means have been used to prevent water entry through the branch that is in the stored position. Referring to FIG. 38, there is illustrated pant leg 18 with ankle seal 24 as it would appear in an operative position during normal usage. In this operative position, branch 102 with ankle seal 24 is in axial alignment with pant leg 18 and functions to prevent water from entering body 12 through pant leg 18. Branch 104 is not visible in this view, as it is hidden within opening 110 which is closed by dry-zipper closure 112. Referring to FIG. 39, when ankle seal 24 is not required, zipper closure 112 is moved to an open unzipped position and second branch 104 is pulled from opening 110. The wearer may then select second branch 104 in order to place ankle seal 24 out of axial alignment with pant leg 18. First branch 102 can then be placed into a stored position by rolling up the first branch 102 and sealing with the dry seal clamp 120 before strapping first branch 102 to the exterior surface of the pant leg 108 using the straps and ties 114. When ankle seal 24 is required again, the wearer selects first branch 102 to place ankle seal 24 back into axial alignment with pant leg 18.
Referring to FIG. 40, in order to make is abundantly clear that there may be seal configurations on both first branch 102 and second branch 104, there is illustrated a configuration of convertible seal 100 that has a drysock/boot 30 on first branch 102 and a seal configuration in the form of an ankle seal 24 on second branch 104.
FIG. 41 shows the seal configuration of FIG. 40 with the wearer using the ankle seal 24 of the second branch 104 and the dry sock/boot on first branch 102 rolled and contained with straps 114 on exterior surface 108 of pant leg 18.
Referring to FIG. 42 in order to make is abundantly clear that there may be seal configurations on both first branch 102 and second branch 104, there is illustrated a configuration of convertible seal 100 that has an ankle seal 24 on first branch 102 and a seal configuration in the form of a dry sock/boot 30 on second branch 104.
Referring to FIG. 43 and FIG. 44, having a first branch 102 and second branch 104 on a collar, sleeve or pant leg is counter-intuitive, as it creates an additional entry point for water. FIG. 43 and FIG. 44 provide an example relating to pant leg 18. There is illustrated a dry seal clamp 120 which clamps onto the branch that is not in use, in this ease branch 104, to prevent water from entering pant leg 18. Straps or ties 114 are provided to secure first branch 102 or second branch 104 to exterior surface 108 of pant leg 18. Referring to FIG. 44, branch 104 is shown formed into a roll and secured to exterior surface 108 of pant leg 18 by straps or ties 114.
Advantages Over Ring Systems:
1. Ring systems have molded rings that add bulk and a large profile. The rings create catch points and are not practical for comfort over prolonged periods. The conversion seal, as described above, does not require the user to sacrifice comfort.
2. With ring systems, there is a risk that once the wrist seals, ankles seals, neck seals, dry gloves, dry boots and dry hoods are removed they can be lost which leaves the suit unusable as a dry suit. In contrast, the conversion seal, as described above, cannot be lost.
3. Ring systems are not ideal for action water sports due to their potential for failure under the pressure associated with high speed water sports. The performance of the conversion seal, as described above, is not effected by the pressure associated with high speed water sports.
In this patent document, the word “comprising” is used in its non-limiting sense to mean that items following the word are included, but items not specifically mentioned are not excluded. A reference to an element by the indefinite article “a” does not exclude the possibility that more than one of the element is present, unless the context clearly requires that there be one and only one of the elements.
The scope of the claims should not be limited by the illustrated embodiments set forth as examples, but should be given the broadest interpretation consistent with a purposive construction of the claims in view of the description as a whole.
