Water Resistant Patents (Class 2/82)
  • Patent number: 6490734
    Abstract: A well styled, single layer shell jacket is resistant to inclement conditions, yet possesses the various characteristics of conventionally comfortable clothing, and permits the stitching of emblems thereon without impairing waterproof and windproof characteristics. Optionally, a liner is attachable to the interior of the jacket without disturbing the functionality of the shell jacket. Superposed on the waterproof and windproof fabric of each sleeve and forming a pocket thereon is a superposed upper patch, which appears to be a continuation of the yoke and the edges of which are joined to the sleeve by seams of stitching. In the patch is a zipper or other closure. This closure, when opened, permits entry into the pocket and sewing of an emblem or the like on the patch without affecting the waterproof and windproof construction of the remainder to the jacket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 6, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 10, 2002
    Assignee: Blauer Manufacturing Company, Inc.
    Inventors: Stephen J. Blauer, Mark A. Mordecai, Toufic G. Atallah
  • Publication number: 20020178484
    Abstract: A waders and jacket combination in which the waders and jacket are attached to each other. Because the waders and the jacket are attached to each other, the elements cannot get in between the waders and the jacket, i.e. above the waders and below the jacket. Further, the combination will prevent the separation of the waders and the jacket and the inconvenience which may occur (i.e. by misplacing one) from their separation. The instant invention insures that the waders and the jacket are always together. The attachment will preferably be made by heat sealing the waders and the jacket together. However, it is noted that any manner which accomplishes the attachment of the waders and the jacket is contemplated by this invention.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 10, 2002
    Publication date: December 5, 2002
    Inventors: Fred W. Rausch, Dennis J. Paskey
  • Patent number: 6484320
    Abstract: An apparatus for lessening the force exerted by the current as water flows past the legs of a user who is standing perpendicular with respect to the current. A V-shaped portion is disposed upstream and, preferably, a second V-shaped portion is disposed downstream over the lower portion of each of the legs. A detachable rigid strap-on version is described along with a flexible permanently attached version that is attached to each leg of a pair of waders.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 26, 2002
    Inventor: Michael John Grady
  • Patent number: 6438757
    Abstract: A waterproof relief outlet in a breathable chest wader consisting of a zipper having a zipper portion capable of movement from a closed position to an open position, wherein the zipper prevents water from entering the interior of the chest wader when the zipper portion is in said closed position. The wearer of the breathable chest wader thereby has means for relieving himself without having to substantially remove the waders and/or any undergarments. Further, this is accomplished in a highly simplified manner, wherein the wearer need only to grab a tab coupled to a slide fastener of the zipper portion in order to move the zipper portion from the closed position to the open position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 27, 2002
    Assignee: Fowl Play Clothing and Accessories, L.L.C.
    Inventor: Michael P. Quinn
  • Patent number: 6405375
    Abstract: Low density semifinished product for manufacturing buoyant products, comprising a plurality of layers of closed-cell expanded material, having a specific gravity lower than that of water, the said layers being flexible and elastic and being joined together by quilting spaced so as to define between them pockets of air, characterised in that the said quilting is preferably distributed in closed patterns.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 1999
    Date of Patent: June 18, 2002
    Assignee: Float S.r.l.
    Inventor: Gianluca Sardi
  • Patent number: 6397401
    Abstract: A two layer garment system having an outer layer and a trilaminate inner layer sewn together is used to manufacture fire retardant, or firefighting, textile products, e.g., jackets, pants, gloves, bags and totes. The layers of the trilaminate inner liner insulate, water proof, and provide a face cloth for the firefighting textile product. In the preferred embodiment, the outer layer comprises a woven melamine paraaramid fiber blend blend having a density of about 7.5 ounces per square yard. The inner liner comprises three layers laminated together. A first layer of the inner liner for insulating the firefighting textile product comprises about 6 ounces per square yard of melamine aramid fiber blend knit. A second layer of the inner liner for water proofing the firefighting textile product comprises a commercially available, vapor-permeable moisture membrane material,.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 4, 2002
    Inventor: Timothy A. Belcher
  • Patent number: 6389598
    Abstract: An outerwear system having sealable access through which objects can be transferred between the outside and the inside of the outerwear. Specifically, a wader system that allows the male wearer to urinate without having to remove the wader or to draw the wader down.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2002
    Inventors: John M. Westers, Elisabeth Higbee Westers
  • Patent number: 6363531
    Abstract: A waterproof relief outlet in a chest wader consisting of a zipper having a zipper portion capable of movement from a closed position to an open position, wherein the zipper prevents water from entering the interior of the chest wader when the zipper portion is in said closed position. The wearer of the chest wader thereby has a way for relieving himself without having to substantially remove the waders and/or any undergarments. Further, this is accomplished in a highly simplified manner, wherein the wearer need only to grab a tab coupled to a slide fastener of the zipper portion in order to move the zipper portion from the closed position to the open position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2002
    Inventor: Michael P. Quinn
  • Patent number: 6357050
    Abstract: An apparatus for facilitating the application and removal of wader boots including a torso portion, a first leg member and a second leg member all being formed of a porous spun high-density polyethylene fiber material having a rough interior surface and a slick exterior surface. The first and second leg members are attached to the bottom of the torso portion. The torso portion extends at least as high as the height of the wader boots on a human torso. The torso portion has an elastic section secured thereto above the leg members. First and second boots are affixed to the bottoms of the first and second leg members. The first and second boots are also formed of the porous spun high-density polyethylene fiber material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2002
    Inventor: Michael R. Thompson
  • Patent number: 6336221
    Abstract: A well styled, single layer shell jacket is waterproof and windproof, yet possesses the various characteristics of conventionally comfortable clothing, and permits the stitching of emblems thereon without impairing waterproof and windproof characteristics. A seam of stitching joins each pair of the contiguous edges of adjacent sections of this jacket. Superposed on the waterproof and windproof fabric of each sleeve and forming a pocket thereon is a superposed upper patch, which appears to be a continuation of the yoke and the edges of which are joined to the sleeve by seams of stitching. In the patch is a zipper or other closure. This closure, when opened, permits entry into the pocket and sewing of an emblem or the like on the patch without affecting the waterproof and windproof construction of the remainder to the jacket. This closure, when closed, permits easy access to gloves, eye wear, medicines, or other items stored in the pocket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 2000
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2002
    Assignee: Blauer Manufacturing Company, Inc.
    Inventors: Stephen J. Blauer, Mark A. Mordecai, Toufic G. Atallah
  • Patent number: 6317893
    Abstract: An improved liner system for uninsulated waders is disclosed. Pant-like liners of various weights and insulating properties are configured for operative insertion within a lightweight uninsulated wader shell, particularly of the breathable type. The wearer can select that liner having the proper insulating properties for the use to which the waders will be put. A simple fastening system allows the liners to be rapidly installed and/or replaced in the waders. The liner fasteners are preferably placed adjacent the upper peripheral edge and the lower legging edges of the liner and mate with corresponding fasteners secured to the inside of the wader shell.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 11, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2001
    Assignee: Stearns Inc.
    Inventor: Gerald Clayton Walton
  • Patent number: 6308344
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a garment construction comprising an outer waterproof/breatheable fabric layer to which is attached a reticulated foam to space the inner surface of the outer garment layer from the ordinary clothes of a wearer of the garment, which is suitably a jacket, to enable air flow within the garment to remove water vapour through vents provided in the garment. The garment thereby allows the user to perform strenuous activity whilst remaining dry.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 30, 2001
    Inventor: Andrew David Spink
  • Patent number: 6286145
    Abstract: A breathable composite barrier fabric for protective garments including a low-strength nonwoven web; a high-strength nonwoven web containing multicomponent fibers that have a first polyolefin component and a second polyamide component, the high-strength web having a grab tensile strength of at least 1.5 times the low strength web; and a water impermeable barrier layer positioned between the low-strength web and high-strength web, the webs and barrier layer being joined by thermal bonding. Protective garments may be constructed from the breathable composite barrier fabrics. The low-strength nonwoven web is on the bodyside of the garment and the high-strength nonwoven web is on the exterior of the garment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 1999
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2001
    Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.
    Inventors: Debra Nell Welchel, Alan Edward Wright, Mary Lucille DeLucia
  • Patent number: 6272684
    Abstract: A method provided for manufacturing a waterproof and gas permeable jacket includes the following steps: (a) providing a lining, a gas permeable layer including a first side and a second side, a waterproof film, and an outer cover; (b) forming a plurality of vent holes through the gas permeable layer; (c) bonding the waterproof film onto the first side of the gas permeable layer; (d) bonding the outer cover to the water-proof film; (e) bonding the lining to the second side of the gas permeable layer to form a laminated layer including the lining, the gas permeable layer, the waterproof film, and the outer cover; (f) cutting the laminated layer so as to form a plurality of cut edges; (g) bonding the cut edges of the laminated layer together; (h) sewing up the bonded cut edges of the laminated layer to form a semi-finished jacket; and (i) attaching a zipper to the semi-finished jacket to form a finished jacket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 1999
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2001
    Inventor: Liang-Kun Shih
  • Patent number: 6243872
    Abstract: An outer collar part is permanently secured to the shell body portion and to an inner collar part. A first moisture barrier is disposed adjacent the inner collar part, and a second moisture barrier is disposed between the first moisture barrier and the outer collar part. A third moisture barrier is disposed between the second moisture barrier and the outer collar part. A plurality of spaced lines of stitching connect the third moisture barrier with the outer collar part to form air pockets. A liner includes a thermal barrier and a liner moisture barrier. Cooperating hook and loop fastening portions are supported on the thermal barrier of the liner and the inner collar part to removably secure the thermal barrier to the inner collar part. Further cooperating hook and loop fastening portions are supported on the second moisture barrier and the liner moisture barrier to removably secure the liner moisture barrier to the second moisture barrier and the outer collar portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2001
    Assignee: Globe Manufacturing Company
    Inventor: Julie A. Snedeker
  • Patent number: 6237152
    Abstract: A garment is provided having at least one pocket that is attached to the garment and accessible via a zipper or other fastener that provides access to an interior compartment formed by the pocket as well as a method for providing a garment with a waterproof compartment. The fastener is preferably a waterproof zipper that is attachable via a process requiring the pocket and the zipper to be attached by gluing, stitching and/or heat-sealing the same. As a result, a completely watertight and waterproof pocket is formed allowing the user of the garment to carry items therein that typically may not be exposed to water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 25, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2001
    Inventor: Kevin Gootrad
  • Patent number: 6223349
    Abstract: A closure device for slit openings of aquatic sport suits, in particular of suits made of chloroprene rubber, with zippers which close the slit opening arranged both on the outside and on the inside of the aquatic sport suit. Both halves of the zipper are secured along the slit opening in close proximity to the sides of the opening. Two mutually overlapping tabs which also overlap the slit opening may be arranged on the inside of the aquatic sport suit along both sides of the slit opening. At least one sealing device is provided between the zippers (4, 8) which are arranged on the outside (1) and the inside (5) of the aquatic sport suit (2). If necessary, the zipper (8) disposed on the inside (5) is attached to two strips (12, 13; 12′, 13′) which are disposed on the inside (5) of the aquatic sport suit (2) and extend lengthwise along the slit opening (3), with the zipper (8) closing an opening region (3′) formed between the two strips (12, 13; 12′, 13′).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 26, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2001
    Inventor: Erich Roiser
  • Patent number: 6154884
    Abstract: A composite wader (10) adapted to be worn by a fisherman includes a breathable upper section (12) together with a lower leg-receiving non-breathable section (14). The section (14) includes a pair of tubular legs (44, 46) each extending from a mid-thigh region of the wearer to the ankle region; in preferred forms, the legs (44, 46) include integral foot-receiving sections (60, 62). The upper section (12) is connected to the section (14) and extends upwardly to envelope the waist and trunk region of the user. Conventional suspenders (16) are used to maintain the waders in place. Provision of the breathable upper section (12) affords significant comfort to the wearer, while the lower non-breathable section (14) has superior durability qualities.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 1999
    Date of Patent: December 5, 2000
    Assignee: J.D. Industries, L.L.C.
    Inventor: James B. Dehner
  • Patent number: 6094745
    Abstract: This invention relates to an article of clothing or device which is worn on the body, and specifically to a hydrodynamically shaped device which fits over the lower extremity to diminish noise, sound waves, or pressure waves caused by walking within a body of water. The device will also protect the submerged body part from contact or penetration by underwater plants, animals, or objects.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 1998
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2000
    Assignee: Richard E. Fulton
    Inventor: Richard Eustis Fulton
  • Patent number: 6041437
    Abstract: A waterproof thermal insert for outdoor sport pants which is sewn into the rear of a pair of pants from the belt line to the region between the middle of the thigh to the back of the knee, from each outside seam to inside seam, and from the inside seam to the crotch. The insert is composed of three layers: (1) an outside layer of water repellant, closed cell foam neoprene; (2) a middle layer of a synthetic, thermal insulating fabric, such as Outlast.RTM. Zermatt; and (3) a soft, flexible material, such as polar fleece. The three layers are sewn together. If additional protection is desired at the sewn seams, the seams may be heat sealed with an overlay of thermoplastic tape. Alternatively, the insert may be composed of two layers: (1) an outside layer of water repellant, closed cell foam neoprene; and (2) an inner layer of a composite fabric combining a synthetic, thermal insulating material with a soft, flexible material, viz., Outlast.RTM. Glacier or Outlast.RTM. Glenpile.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 1999
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2000
    Inventors: Edward C. Barker, Brian L. Gay, John D. Brenner
  • Patent number: 6038700
    Abstract: A firefighting garment including: an outer shell of abrasion, flame and heat resistant material selected from a group consisting of an aramid material, a blend of aramid materials, PBI material, and a blend of aramid and PBI materials; a thermal liner, positioned within the outer shell and including a batting of needlepunch or nonwoven aramid material, or a blend of such aramid materials stitched to a first face cloth layer of aramid material, a knit collar and arms having knit wristlets; and a second face cloth layer of aramid material, positioned within the thermal liner; where the material of the outer shell, the thermal liner including the collar and wristlets, and the second face cloth layer are all treated with a durable, water repellant finish.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 1998
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2000
    Assignee: Lion Apparel, Inc.
    Inventors: Donald Aldridge, Nicholas J. Curtis
  • Patent number: 6018819
    Abstract: A garment (20) for inhibiting relatively moving air from contacting a portion of a person wearing the garment. The garment (20) comprises a first panel (22) for inhibiting relative air movement contact against a portion of the body of the person. The first panel (22) includes a first fabric layer (62), a second fabric layer (64) and a first membrane (66) located between the first and second the first fabric layers. The first membrane (66) is water-resistant. The first panel (22) has an air permeability of not more than 3 CFM/ft.sup.2 and a moisture vapor transmission rate of at least 800 gm/m.sup.2 .multidot.day. The garment (20) also comprises a second panel (24) connectable with the first panel (22). The second panel (24) includes a third fabric layer (62a), a fourth fabric layer (64a) and a second membrane (66a) located between the third and fourth fabric layers. The second membrane (66a) is water-resistant. The second panel (24) has an air permeability of at least 6 CFM/f.sup.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 1998
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2000
    Assignee: BHA Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: James C. King, Frederic T. Wilson
  • Patent number: 5996122
    Abstract: A firefighting garment including: an outer shell of abrasion, flame and heat resistant material selected from a group consisting of an aramid material, a blend of aramid materials, PBI material, and a blend of aramid and PBI materials; a thermal liner, positioned within the outer shell, the thermal liner including a batting, needlepunch or nonwoven aramid material or a blend of such aramid materials stitched to a first face cloth layer of aramid material; and a second face cloth layer of aramid material, positioned within the thermal liner; where the material of the outer shell, the thermal liner, and the second face cloth layer are all treated with a durable, water repellant finish.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 1998
    Date of Patent: December 7, 1999
    Assignee: Lion Apparel, Inc.
    Inventors: Donald Aldridge, Nicholas J. Curtis
  • Patent number: 5983409
    Abstract: A protective garment, such as a firefighting garment, is provided that is relatively lightweight, possesses relatively high resistance to liquid water absorption, and also possesses high moisture vapor transport characteristics when compared to conventional firefighter garments. The garment of the present invention comprises at least an outer shell, and thermal liner positioned within the outer shell. A discrete moisture barrier layer is not required, but is utilized in certain embodiments. At least the insulating material of the thermal liner is treated with a durable, water repellant finish to reduce the amount of moisture absorbed by the thermal liner. Preferably, the outer shell, and optionally, the fabric substrate of the thermal liner may also be treated with a durable, water repellant finish to minimize liquid transfer therethrough.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 1999
    Date of Patent: November 16, 1999
    Assignee: Lion Apparel, Inc.
    Inventors: Donald Aldridge, Nicholas J. Curtis
  • Patent number: 5960475
    Abstract: A protective suit 1 comprises a trouser portion 2 which is formed from a fluid-impermeable barrier material, and an upper body portion 3 of which part 8 at least is formed from a breathable barrier material. The fluid-impermeable barrier material may be a closed plastic film or a laminate thereof, and the breathable barrier material may be a microporous film or a non-woven laminate material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 1998
    Date of Patent: October 5, 1999
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventor: James Fewtrell
  • Patent number: 5921976
    Abstract: A disposable protective undergarment for sufferers of incontinence including an absorbent pad constructed of three layers including and liquid penetrable inner layer, an absorbent core and a liquid impervious outer layer. The pad further includes a pair of oppositely placed front panels attached to a back panel and further includes a waistband to secure the pad to the human body. The undergarment is open vertically along the front between the panels creating a pair of confronting edges. A further embodiment of the present invention may include a longitudinally extending slit approximately half-way up from the bottom edge of the back panel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 1997
    Date of Patent: July 13, 1999
    Assignee: Vergie E. Seymore
    Inventor: Vergie E. Seymore
  • Patent number: 5918314
    Abstract: A body suit liner is removably attachable to an outer body suit. Glove liners are removably attachable to outer gloves. Foot cover liners are removably attachable to outer foot covers. A hood liner is removably attachable to an outer hood. The outer gloves are removably attachable to distal ends of outer body suit sleeves. The outer glove can be attached to the outer body suit sleeve whether or not the glove liner has been attached to the outer glove. The outer foot covers are removably attachable to distal ends of outer body suit legs. The outer foot cover can be attached to the outer body suit leg whether or not the foot cover liner has been attached to the outer foot cover. The outer hood is removably attachable to the outer body suit. The outer hood can be attached to the outer body suit whether or not the hood liner has been attached to the outer hood. The body suit liner, glove liner, foot cover liner and hood liner are constructed of material which is insulative and absorbent.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 1998
    Date of Patent: July 6, 1999
    Inventor: Melodie A. Moses
  • Patent number: 5901374
    Abstract: A garment which eliminates the need for additional inseam material by using a panel of stretch material such as spandex, rubber or rubber compounds, or synthetic rubber, such as neoprene or neoprene sponge in the knee area where bending takes place to allow the knee to bend freely. The panel of stretch material used at knee portion of the garment fills an opening formed in the rigid woven fabric material making up the rest of the garment. The panel of stretch material is sewn in place covered with a waterproof tape which overlaps the edges of the stretch material panel and the woven fabric material. Stitching secures the stretch material in place, which overlaps the woven fabric material. The stretch material panel includes waterproof properties as does the remainder of the woven fabric material garment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 1998
    Date of Patent: May 11, 1999
    Assignee: Hodgman, Inc.
    Inventor: Ronald W. Foster
  • Patent number: 5896583
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a protective pad which may be used in a protective garment such as firefighter's garment. The pad of the present invention is designed to provide both insulation to the area covered by the pad, and dispersal of heated vapors and/or liquids away from this area. The pad of the present invention comprises an insulating construction that features a plurality of channels which allow the pad to accept and disperse heated vapors and/or liquids. The present invention also includes a firefighter's garment containing such a protective pad.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 1995
    Date of Patent: April 27, 1999
    Assignee: Morning Pride Manufacturing, L.L.C.
    Inventors: William L. Grilliot, Mary I. Grilliot
  • Patent number: 5896582
    Abstract: An outerwear garment such as pants or coveralls has a waterproof seamless seat insert. The insert made of waterproof fabric and is attached to the garment to cover at least the seat portion and the adjacent rear leg portions of the garment. The waterproof insert is attached to the garment inside of the outer layer, and if the garment has an inner liner, preferably between the outer layer and the inner liner. The seamless seat waterproof insert is attached to the garment along its periphery so that the seamless seat is substantially free of the seat portion of the outer layer. The waterproof seamless seat insert eliminates the need to waterproof a back rise seam in the insert. The insert preferably continues under the crotch and towards the waist to provide a seamless crotch as well. The insert is preferably made of a relatively lightweight, stretch material so that the insert does not compromise the fit of the garment that is defined by the other textile layers of the garment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 20, 1998
    Date of Patent: April 27, 1999
    Assignee: Fox Point Sportswear, Inc.
    Inventors: Dennis R. Baacke, Sharon A. Flashinski
  • Patent number: 5875492
    Abstract: A water-resistant combination blanket and coat is disclosed comprising a fabric sheet having a water-resistant outer surface. The fabric sheet may be spread on the ground as a blanket with the water-resistant outer surface down, thereby providing a place for a user to sit, even on wet, dirty, and/or muddy ground. Two points on the top edge of the fabric sheet may be reversibly connected to the right and left edges, thereby forming sleeves. A user may use the fabric sheet as a coat by placing his/her arms through the sleeves and wrapping the fabric sheet around him/herself. Reversibly connecting two points along the top edge of the fabric sheet to each other may further provide a hood while the fabric sheet is used as a coat. Alternatively, a detachable hood may be reversibly connected to the top edge of the fabric sheet while the fabric sheet is used as a coat. The detachable hood may comprise a pocket with two adjacent open sides.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 1997
    Date of Patent: March 2, 1999
    Inventor: Jennifer E. Moss
  • Patent number: 5867828
    Abstract: A pair of waders includes a gas permeable layer having a first side and a second end, a water-proof film fixedly mounted on the first side of the gas permeable layer, an outer cover fixedly mounted on the water-proof film, and a lining fixedly mounted on the second side of the gas permeable layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 1998
    Date of Patent: February 9, 1999
    Assignee: Pacific Eagle Enterprise Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Liang-Kun Shih
  • Patent number: 5806097
    Abstract: A protective garment, and preferably a protective garment for firefighters, utilizing two strips of moisture impermeable, wick resistant material adjacent one or more openings of the garment in which the wick resistant materials form a shingle effect to prevent transmission of toxic liquids through seams of the garment for contamination of the wearer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 1995
    Date of Patent: September 15, 1998
    Inventors: William L. Grilliot, Mary I. Grilliot
  • Patent number: 5711031
    Abstract: A wader for use in fishing, and other activities in which a person wades through water, is provided with gussets on opposed sides in an upper portion of the wader. The gussets are foldable and a VELCRO strip, or a belt or the like, is utilized to maintain the gussets in a foldable condition thereby providing for a wader for use by wearers of different girth sizes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 1996
    Date of Patent: January 27, 1998
    Assignee: LaCrosse Footwear, Inc.
    Inventor: Norma Clement
  • Patent number: 5638547
    Abstract: An outer shell is stitched to an outer collar part which is in turn stitched to an inner collar part. A moisture barrier is stitched to and disposed between the inner and outer collar parts. A separate liner has an upper edge portion having fastening means thereon which cooperate with fastening means on the inner collar part and the moisture barrier for removably securing the upper edge portion of the liner to the inner collar part and the moisture barrier. The moisture barrier extends above and below the upper edge portion of the liner when the collar is in an upright position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 1995
    Date of Patent: June 17, 1997
    Assignee: Globe Manufacturing Company
    Inventor: Joyce A. Hewitt
  • Patent number: 5608916
    Abstract: An inserted pocket system for use with a waterproof garment having a face fabric is provided and includes a waterproof bag-shaped pocket insert having a waterproof bag, an inner pocket part located at the backing of the garment face fabric and an outer pocket part which projects from an insertion opening and a pocket flap which covers the insertion opening. The pocket system is installed within the garment in such a way as to keep contents within the pocket free from moisture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 1996
    Date of Patent: March 11, 1997
    Inventor: Hans Aumann
  • Patent number: 5532037
    Abstract: A collar connection device is provided for use with a garment having a double-layer collar, the device having a first functional layer strip connected to sections of the garment by openable closures and a second functional layer strip also connected to sections of the garment by additional openable closures and where the two functional layer strips are attached in a line by a waterproof adhesive seam.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 1994
    Date of Patent: July 2, 1996
    Inventor: Johann Aumann
  • Patent number: 5526532
    Abstract: The invention is a sweatshirt-type garment that is designed to be breathable and substantially waterproof. The garment does not have any upwardly facing seams and is formed from a two-layer material. The inner layer of the material is a continuous, plastic film of waterproof material. The outer layer is a mesh material that functions to prevent sheeting of any water that impinges on the exterior of the garment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 1994
    Date of Patent: June 18, 1996
    Assignee: Gates-Mills, Inc.
    Inventor: Ellery T. Willard
  • Patent number: 5509142
    Abstract: Disclosed is a disposable protective coverall formed from a high strength barrier fabric, the coverall being composed of a body portion having a neck opening in a shoulder line at its top; two sleeve portions extending from the body portion in which each sleeve portion has an inner edge and an outer edge; and two leg portions extending from the body portion. The outer edge of each sleeve portion extends upward from the shoulder line at an angle ranging from about 10.degree. to about 90.degree. and the inner edge of each sleeve extends upward from the body portion below the shoulder line so that arm movement is permitted without significant pulling or stressing of other portions of the coverall. The high strength barrier fabric can be a laminate containing at least one nonwoven web and at least one film layer. Desirably, the film layer has a thickness of at least about 1 mil and has a peak energy of at least 6 inch.cndot.pounds force per square inch in both the machine and cross-machine directions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 1993
    Date of Patent: April 23, 1996
    Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Corporation
    Inventors: Cynthia A. Connell, Kimberly S. Houchens, Leslie H. Van Hout
  • Patent number: 5461724
    Abstract: An article of clothing for the medical or chemical field for protection against liquids and/or micro-organisms comprises at least three layers. The outer layer (1) is formed of a hydrophobic fabric which forms a liquid barrier and a micro-organism barrier. The inner layer (22) comprises at least one carrier material (24) having a net-like, apertured or open mesh structure secured to said outer layer at a non-critical position at which the danger of passage of liquids and/or micro-organisms through the outer layer is low. At least one membrane (26) is secured to the carrier material (24) at the aforementioned critical position at which the danger exists of the passage of liquid and/or micro-organisms through the outer layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 1993
    Date of Patent: October 31, 1995
    Assignee: Rotecno AG
    Inventors: Guenther Wiedner, John A. Duncan, Suresh R. Patel
  • Patent number: 5458516
    Abstract: An atmospheric air pressure inflatable garment has an inner layer and outer layer define a confined space with a compressible material therein. The compressible material has resiliency and strength characteristics so that it compresses under atmospheric conditions when the air pressure in the confined space is reduced to sub-atmospheric pressure and an air passage adapted to permit passage of air into and out of the confined space but not water when a seal for sealing the passage is released. The garment is stored with the air removed and permitting atmospheric air to fill the space when the seal is opened raise the pressure in the space to atmospheric and causes the compressible material to expand separating the inner and outer layers and forming an insulation therebetween.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 1994
    Date of Patent: October 17, 1995
    Assignee: M.E.T.A. Research Inc.
    Inventors: Wendell V. Uglene, Brian Farnworth
  • Patent number: 5454744
    Abstract: Rain pants with life saving device is provided which consists of waterproof overalls worn by a fisherman. A structure on the overalls extends about the chest of the fisherman, for buoying the fisherman in water to float in an upright position. A mechanism is for activating the buoying structure, so that the fisherman will float in the upright position in the water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 1994
    Date of Patent: October 3, 1995
    Inventor: Mark T. Seiler
  • Patent number: 5388270
    Abstract: A liner sleeve is disposed within a shell sleeve, and a wrister is permanently and inseparably secured directly to the open lower end of a liner sleeve by stitching which extends along the liner sleeve to connect the wrister and liner circumferentially so that undesired material cannot enter between the wrister and the liner sleeve. A sleeve well is defined by a first annular member secured to a shell sleeve and a second annular member secured to a liner sleeve. The first and second annular members have annular arrays of interengaging hooks and loops and also interengaging diametrically opposite snap connectors for detachably connecting the annular members to one another. A further annular band of material disposed between the shell sleeve and the first annular member is formed of thermal protective moisture barrier material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 1993
    Date of Patent: February 14, 1995
    Assignee: Globe Manufacturing Company
    Inventor: Joyce A. Hewitt
  • Patent number: 5359735
    Abstract: A process for coating a surface includes preparing a coating mixture by mixing a selected solvent with a silicone rubber adhesive sealant and applying the mixture to the surface. The mixture may be applied as a very thin layer to a woven fabric so that the coating layer has pore spaces corresponding to gaps in the weave of the fabric, so as to provide a semipermeable membrane. In another arrangement, the coating material includes hollow microspheres or capillary tubing of various types, so as to provide improved insulation without adding substantial weight to the surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 1992
    Date of Patent: November 1, 1994
    Inventor: Gregg M. Stockwell
  • Patent number: 5282277
    Abstract: A body cover, or clothing, for athletes is disclosed. The body cover is comprised of a first material portion adapted to be placed over the anterior portion of the body of the athletes. The first material portion is comprised of a plurality of longitudinal, attached panels of "NEOPRENE" having a thickness of preferably from about 1 to 3 millimeters. The first material portion is waterproofed, provides insulation and wind protection, and is adapted to hold liquid against the anterior portion of the athlete's body such that the liquid absorbs body thermal energy. A second material portion adapted to be placed over the posterior portion of the body of the athlete is comprised of a plurality of longitudinal, attached panels of "LYCRA". The second material portion allows evaporation of liquid on the posterior portion of the body of the athlete and radiation of thermal energy therethrough. Third material portions attach the first material portion and the second material portion to form the body covering.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 1992
    Date of Patent: February 1, 1994
    Inventor: Shoji Onozawa
  • Patent number: 5210879
    Abstract: Fishing waders equipped with opening and closing means so as to allow a fisherman to urinate without having to draw the garment down. The opening is in the form of a tubular member which may be coiled to return the garment to a water impervious mode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 6, 1991
    Date of Patent: May 18, 1993
    Inventor: Glenn W. Miller
  • Patent number: 5208919
    Abstract: A firefighter coat of the type having an outer shell, a moisture barrier and a thermal barrier includes a reservoir cuff which prevents liquid moisture from entering the open sleeve end of the coat and flowing between the moisture barrier and outer shell, and between the moisture barrier and thermal barrier. The reservoir cuff includes a reservoir member which is attached by a waterproof seal to the moisture barrier sleeve and extends to the end of the thermal barrier; the connections between the reservoir member, thermal barrier and moisture barrier being permanent and waterproof. The moisture barrier sleeve extends beyond the reservoir member and is attached to the outer shell at a hem which extends about the outer end of the shell.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 1992
    Date of Patent: May 11, 1993
    Assignee: Lion Apparel, Inc.
    Inventor: Ronald L. Fields
  • Patent number: 5196240
    Abstract: A seamless bodysuit and the method for fabricating same, including a process for preparing a textile coating compound. The seamless, one-piece bodysuit for a person consists of a textile foundation fitted to a mannequin that is then sealed with a coating compound prepared in accordance with a novel process. The bodysuit includes sealing means at wrist, ankle, and neck openings for mating with suitable gloves, boots, and helmet or hood and can be fabricated for use as a wet suit, a dry suit, a biohazard suit, or in other similar applications. The textile coating compound is colorized and can support decorative inclusions, permitting fabrication of bodysuits having a variety of patterns in different colors that will remain undiminished for the life of the bodysuit. The coating compound is substantially inert and suitable for use in corrosive environments.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 1991
    Date of Patent: March 23, 1993
    Inventor: Gregg M. Stockwell
  • Patent number: RE34662
    Abstract: Disclosed is a wader for use in fishing and other activities having a body portion covering the lower body (including the legs, feet, hips, and waist of the wearer), and a chest portion normally folded inside the body portion but extendable upward about the chest, but not the shoulders of the wearer. The chest portion is preferably held about the chest by a drawstring, such as an elastic drawstring, and is advantageously biased into the lowered position inside the body portion by mans of a seam joining the two portions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 3, 1992
    Date of Patent: July 19, 1994
    Inventor: Robert W. Keller
  • Patent number: RE35682
    Abstract: A firefighter coat of the type having an outer shell, a moisture barrier and a thermal barrier includes a reservoir cuff which prevents liquid moisture from entering the open sleeve end of the coat and flowing between the moisture barrier and outer shell, and between the moisture barrier and thermal barrier. The reservoir cuff includes a reservoir member which is attached by a waterproof seal to the moisture barrier sleeve and extends to the end of the thermal barrier; the connections between the reservoir member, thermal barrier and moisture barrier being permanent and waterproof. The moisture barrier sleeve extends beyond the reservoir member and is attached to the outer shell at a hem which extends about the outer end of the shell.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 1995
    Date of Patent: December 9, 1997
    Assignee: Lion Apparel, Inc.
    Inventor: Ronald L. Fields