CA1312705C - Trunk restraint free wet suit - Google Patents
Trunk restraint free wet suitInfo
- Publication number
- CA1312705C CA1312705C CA000584546A CA584546A CA1312705C CA 1312705 C CA1312705 C CA 1312705C CA 000584546 A CA000584546 A CA 000584546A CA 584546 A CA584546 A CA 584546A CA 1312705 C CA1312705 C CA 1312705C
- Authority
- CA
- Canada
- Prior art keywords
- section
- suit
- wet suit
- integral
- trunk
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Expired - Fee Related
Links
Landscapes
- Professional, Industrial, Or Sporting Protective Garments (AREA)
Abstract
TRUNK RESTRAINT FREE WET SUIT
ABSTRACT OF THE DISCLOSURE
In a wet suit having a lower trunk portion, leg portions integral with said lower trunk portion, upper trunk and neck portions, and first and second arm portions integral with said upper trunk and neck portions, the improvement comprising:
a) said upper trunk and neck portions including a first section integral with the first arm portion and a second section integral with the second arm portion, the first section defining an opening to pass the second arm portion therethrough, the sections being relatively separble to provide access to space enabling user body entry relatively downwardly into the wet suit, b) one section overlapping the other section when the suit is worn by the user to seal off between the sections.
ABSTRACT OF THE DISCLOSURE
In a wet suit having a lower trunk portion, leg portions integral with said lower trunk portion, upper trunk and neck portions, and first and second arm portions integral with said upper trunk and neck portions, the improvement comprising:
a) said upper trunk and neck portions including a first section integral with the first arm portion and a second section integral with the second arm portion, the first section defining an opening to pass the second arm portion therethrough, the sections being relatively separble to provide access to space enabling user body entry relatively downwardly into the wet suit, b) one section overlapping the other section when the suit is worn by the user to seal off between the sections.
Description
~l3~27a~
BACKG~OUND OF THE INVENTION
This invention relates generally to wet suits as used by surfers, boardsailers, divers and swimmers and other aquatic sports; and more particularly it concerns such a suit the trunk of which is free of constraint as is normally imposed by a zipper or other connector.
Contemporary wet suits are constructed to have a vertical zipper at the suit back, to enable the wearer to easily step into or out of the suit when the zipper is down, i.e. unzipped; however, such zippers are not stretchable, and they impose undesired constraint when the wearer tries to bend over, forwardly, thus, the stretchable feature of such suits is defeated during such bending. There is need for a wet suit which overcomes this problem or difficulty, and which enables the wearer to freely move and bend, in all directions and which is of simple, unitary construction.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
It is a major object of the invention to provide an improved "zipperless" wet suit, which meets the above need, and is of simple, unitary construction. Basically, the wet suit of the invention has a lower trunk portion, leg portions integral with the lower trunk portion, upper trunk and neck portions, and first and second arm portions integral with the upper trunk and neck por~ions; further it lies in constructing the suit so that:
a~ said upper trunk and neck portions including a first section integral with the first arm portion and a -la-~ 3~27~
second section integral with the second arm portion, the first section d~fininy an opening to pass the second arm portion therethrough, the sections being relatively separable to provide access to a space enabling user body entry relatively downwardly in the wet suit, b) one section overlapping the other section when the suit is worn by the user to seal of~ between the sectionsO
As will appear, the neck portion defines a neck opening and is integral with one o~ said first and second sections; and the neck portion is typically annularly continuous, whereby no zipper i5 required to close the neck portion about the user's neck. Further, the lower trunk portion is also annularly continuous, whereby no zipper i5 required to close it. The trunk portions typically consist of stretchable insulative material, such as elastomer foam.
Further, a stretchable band or adjustable strap such as includes VELCR0 typically extends across the entry space and is stretchable to allow such body entry into the suit, the band connects front and rear uppermost extents of the second section, the band concealed by said sections when the suit is worn by the userO That band typically ~its over a shoulder of the wearer to hold the second trunk section in up position, since that second section is normally "shoulderless."
In putting on the wet suit, the user separates the two sections and steps into the suit at its top, past the stretchable band or adjustable strap. He then lifts the latter ovex his shoulder associated with the first arm portion, and he inserts his arms through the arm portion, taking care that the second arm portion of the suit is inserted through the opening provided by * Trademark ~ 3.~ 3 the first section of the upper trunk portion of the suit. He then slips his head though the neck opening.
All of these structures are stretchable, so that the task of entering and leaving the suit is minimized, and a very good protective fit of the suit to the wearer is achieved.
These and other objects and advantages of the invention, as well as the details o~ an illustrative embodiment, will be more fully understood from the following specification and drawings, in which:
~RAWING DESCRIPTION
Fig. 1 is a front elevat:ion showing a wet suit incorporating the invention;
Fig. 2 is a fragmentary front elevation showing the top of the wet suit, broken away to show interior construction; and Fig. 3 is a fragmentary front elevation showing further details.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
In the drawings, the wet suit 10 has a close fitting lower trunk portion 11, leg poxtions 12 and 13 integral with the lower trunk portion and protruding downwardly to grip the user's legs, and upper trunk portion 14 and neck portion 14a, and front and second arm gripping arm portions 15 and 16 integral with the upper trunk portion. The we~ suit typically consists of flexible, heat insulative material such as elastomer foam, one example being neoprene foam.
The upper trunk portion 14, in accordance with the 3~ invention, includes a first section, as at 17 integral with the first arm portion, and a eecond section, as at 18, integral with the second arm portion 17. The first section defines a side opening 19 to pass the second arm portion therethrough to the portion seen in Fig. 1, 3~ upon assembly o~ the sections 17 and 18 to the wearer's X
7~S
upper torso and arms. Opening l9 bordered at l9a is defined by a stretchable band 17a integral with section 17 and looping beneath the arm portion 16, close to the wall 14a o~ the upper trunk portion, and by the over the shoulder sxtent 17b of the section 17. Band 17a is typically stretchable to allow reception of the arm portion 16 through openiny 19, as the suit is put on or taken off the wearer. S ction 17 has an outer front panel 20 with a l~wer b~rder at 20a and is free o~ the inner ~ront panel 21 of the section 18, panel 20 overlapping panel 21, and the latter continues downwardly integrally with the front panel 22 of the suit. Panel 21 terminates at free side edge 21a and upper edge 21k, both concealed by the panel 20 upon full assembly. A seam 23 connects panel 20 with arm portion 15, and that seam extends downwardly at 23a toward leg portion 12. Such may be in different locations, or omitted. The rear of the suit has the same construction as described above with respect to the suit front. See opposite seam 123.
The sections are relatively separable as seen in Fig. 3, to provide access to space enabling user body entry relatively downwardly into the wet suit. Thus, for example, the section 17 is lifted and moved to the left relative to the section 18, arm portion 16 being withdrawn from and through opening 19, to provide such access to space 24 located between front and rear panels 21 of section 18.
The ~ree uppermost extents of the panels 21 proximate edges 2la and 21k are interconnected by a band 26 which loops upwardly to extend over the user's shoulder associated with arm portion 15. In this way, the concealed panels 21 are held up close to the user's chest and upper bac~, and supported by band 26 or adjustable strap. The latter is stretchable to enable 7 ~ !~
enlargement of space 24 as the user enters or exits the suit; and th~ band may consist o~ lightweight fabric, such as "LYCRA SPANDEX", for example, or an adjustabl~
strap such as V~LCRO section.
It will be noted that the neck portion ~4a is annularly continuous and is stretchable to allow entry and passage of the user's head as the section 17 is assembled to the user, from Fig. 3 to Fig. 1 condition.
Also, the lower trunk portion is annularly continuous about the body of the wearer. Thus, the suit is ~Izipperless~ and allows stretching in all directions, including vertically at the back, allowing free forward bending of the wearer. Overlap of the sections 17 and 18 e~fects sealing off and tight fits, to minimize body heat loss from the interior of the suit to the exterior. Opening 24 is completely covered by the neck portion 14a and shoulder portion 30 of outer section 17; thus, section 17 defines both outer shoulder portions 29 and 30, whereas section 18 defines only one shoulder portion 31, concealed by shoulder portion 30 (see Pig. 3).
Seams 23, 23a and 123 may be at different locations, and have various shapes, or can be omltted.
~ ~rademark
BACKG~OUND OF THE INVENTION
This invention relates generally to wet suits as used by surfers, boardsailers, divers and swimmers and other aquatic sports; and more particularly it concerns such a suit the trunk of which is free of constraint as is normally imposed by a zipper or other connector.
Contemporary wet suits are constructed to have a vertical zipper at the suit back, to enable the wearer to easily step into or out of the suit when the zipper is down, i.e. unzipped; however, such zippers are not stretchable, and they impose undesired constraint when the wearer tries to bend over, forwardly, thus, the stretchable feature of such suits is defeated during such bending. There is need for a wet suit which overcomes this problem or difficulty, and which enables the wearer to freely move and bend, in all directions and which is of simple, unitary construction.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
It is a major object of the invention to provide an improved "zipperless" wet suit, which meets the above need, and is of simple, unitary construction. Basically, the wet suit of the invention has a lower trunk portion, leg portions integral with the lower trunk portion, upper trunk and neck portions, and first and second arm portions integral with the upper trunk and neck por~ions; further it lies in constructing the suit so that:
a~ said upper trunk and neck portions including a first section integral with the first arm portion and a -la-~ 3~27~
second section integral with the second arm portion, the first section d~fininy an opening to pass the second arm portion therethrough, the sections being relatively separable to provide access to a space enabling user body entry relatively downwardly in the wet suit, b) one section overlapping the other section when the suit is worn by the user to seal of~ between the sectionsO
As will appear, the neck portion defines a neck opening and is integral with one o~ said first and second sections; and the neck portion is typically annularly continuous, whereby no zipper i5 required to close the neck portion about the user's neck. Further, the lower trunk portion is also annularly continuous, whereby no zipper i5 required to close it. The trunk portions typically consist of stretchable insulative material, such as elastomer foam.
Further, a stretchable band or adjustable strap such as includes VELCR0 typically extends across the entry space and is stretchable to allow such body entry into the suit, the band connects front and rear uppermost extents of the second section, the band concealed by said sections when the suit is worn by the userO That band typically ~its over a shoulder of the wearer to hold the second trunk section in up position, since that second section is normally "shoulderless."
In putting on the wet suit, the user separates the two sections and steps into the suit at its top, past the stretchable band or adjustable strap. He then lifts the latter ovex his shoulder associated with the first arm portion, and he inserts his arms through the arm portion, taking care that the second arm portion of the suit is inserted through the opening provided by * Trademark ~ 3.~ 3 the first section of the upper trunk portion of the suit. He then slips his head though the neck opening.
All of these structures are stretchable, so that the task of entering and leaving the suit is minimized, and a very good protective fit of the suit to the wearer is achieved.
These and other objects and advantages of the invention, as well as the details o~ an illustrative embodiment, will be more fully understood from the following specification and drawings, in which:
~RAWING DESCRIPTION
Fig. 1 is a front elevat:ion showing a wet suit incorporating the invention;
Fig. 2 is a fragmentary front elevation showing the top of the wet suit, broken away to show interior construction; and Fig. 3 is a fragmentary front elevation showing further details.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
In the drawings, the wet suit 10 has a close fitting lower trunk portion 11, leg poxtions 12 and 13 integral with the lower trunk portion and protruding downwardly to grip the user's legs, and upper trunk portion 14 and neck portion 14a, and front and second arm gripping arm portions 15 and 16 integral with the upper trunk portion. The we~ suit typically consists of flexible, heat insulative material such as elastomer foam, one example being neoprene foam.
The upper trunk portion 14, in accordance with the 3~ invention, includes a first section, as at 17 integral with the first arm portion, and a eecond section, as at 18, integral with the second arm portion 17. The first section defines a side opening 19 to pass the second arm portion therethrough to the portion seen in Fig. 1, 3~ upon assembly o~ the sections 17 and 18 to the wearer's X
7~S
upper torso and arms. Opening l9 bordered at l9a is defined by a stretchable band 17a integral with section 17 and looping beneath the arm portion 16, close to the wall 14a o~ the upper trunk portion, and by the over the shoulder sxtent 17b of the section 17. Band 17a is typically stretchable to allow reception of the arm portion 16 through openiny 19, as the suit is put on or taken off the wearer. S ction 17 has an outer front panel 20 with a l~wer b~rder at 20a and is free o~ the inner ~ront panel 21 of the section 18, panel 20 overlapping panel 21, and the latter continues downwardly integrally with the front panel 22 of the suit. Panel 21 terminates at free side edge 21a and upper edge 21k, both concealed by the panel 20 upon full assembly. A seam 23 connects panel 20 with arm portion 15, and that seam extends downwardly at 23a toward leg portion 12. Such may be in different locations, or omitted. The rear of the suit has the same construction as described above with respect to the suit front. See opposite seam 123.
The sections are relatively separable as seen in Fig. 3, to provide access to space enabling user body entry relatively downwardly into the wet suit. Thus, for example, the section 17 is lifted and moved to the left relative to the section 18, arm portion 16 being withdrawn from and through opening 19, to provide such access to space 24 located between front and rear panels 21 of section 18.
The ~ree uppermost extents of the panels 21 proximate edges 2la and 21k are interconnected by a band 26 which loops upwardly to extend over the user's shoulder associated with arm portion 15. In this way, the concealed panels 21 are held up close to the user's chest and upper bac~, and supported by band 26 or adjustable strap. The latter is stretchable to enable 7 ~ !~
enlargement of space 24 as the user enters or exits the suit; and th~ band may consist o~ lightweight fabric, such as "LYCRA SPANDEX", for example, or an adjustabl~
strap such as V~LCRO section.
It will be noted that the neck portion ~4a is annularly continuous and is stretchable to allow entry and passage of the user's head as the section 17 is assembled to the user, from Fig. 3 to Fig. 1 condition.
Also, the lower trunk portion is annularly continuous about the body of the wearer. Thus, the suit is ~Izipperless~ and allows stretching in all directions, including vertically at the back, allowing free forward bending of the wearer. Overlap of the sections 17 and 18 e~fects sealing off and tight fits, to minimize body heat loss from the interior of the suit to the exterior. Opening 24 is completely covered by the neck portion 14a and shoulder portion 30 of outer section 17; thus, section 17 defines both outer shoulder portions 29 and 30, whereas section 18 defines only one shoulder portion 31, concealed by shoulder portion 30 (see Pig. 3).
Seams 23, 23a and 123 may be at different locations, and have various shapes, or can be omltted.
~ ~rademark
Claims (16)
1. In a wet suit having a lower trunk portion, leg portions integral with said lower trunk portion, upper trunk and neck portions, and first and second arm portions integral with said upper trunk and neck portions, the improvement comprising:
(a) said upper trunk and neck portions including a first section integral with the first arm portion and a second section integral with the second arm portion, the first section defining an opening to pass the second arm portion therethrough, the sections being relatively separable to displace said first section relatively away from the second arm portion to provide access to space associated with the second section enabling user body entry relatively downwardly into the wet suit, (b) said first section thereafter being returnable relatively toward the second arm portion so that one section overlaps the other section when the suit is worn by the user to seal off between the sections.
(a) said upper trunk and neck portions including a first section integral with the first arm portion and a second section integral with the second arm portion, the first section defining an opening to pass the second arm portion therethrough, the sections being relatively separable to displace said first section relatively away from the second arm portion to provide access to space associated with the second section enabling user body entry relatively downwardly into the wet suit, (b) said first section thereafter being returnable relatively toward the second arm portion so that one section overlaps the other section when the suit is worn by the user to seal off between the sections.
2. The wet suit of claim 1 wherein the neck portion defines a neck opening and is integral with one of said first and second sections.
3. The wet suit of claim 1 including a band extending across said space and connecting front and rear uppermost extents of the second section, the band concealed by said sections when the suit is worn by the user.
4. The wet suit of claim 3 wherein the band is stretchable and is adapted to fit over the shoulder of the wearer.
5. The wet suit of claim 1 wherein the lower trunk portion is continuous, about an internal zone to be occupied by the lower trunk of the user.
6. The wet suit of claim 1 wherein the trunk of the suit is zipperless, and consists of stretchable, insulative material.
7. The wet suit of claim 5 wherein the wet suit consists of stretchable elastomeric material.
8. The wet suit of claim 3 wherein the band is exposed when the second arm section is withdrawn through said opening and the sections are relatively separated.
9. The wet suit of claim 2 wherein said neck portion is annularly continuous.
10. In a wet suit having a lower trunk portion, leg portions integral with said lower trunk portion, upper trunk and neck portions, and first and second arm portions integral with said upper trunk and neck portions, the improvement comprising:
(a) said upper trunk and neck portions including a first section integral with the first arm portion and a second section integral with the second arm portion, the first section defining an opening to pass the second arm therethrough, the sections being relatively separable to displace said first section relatively away from the second arm portion to provide access to space associated with the second section enabling user body entry relatively downwardly into the wet suit, (b) said first section thereafter being returnable relatively toward the second arm portion so that one section overlaps the other section when the suit is worn by the user to seal off between the sections, (c) and including a band extending across said space and connecting front and rear uppermost extents of the second section, the band concealed by said sections when the suit is worn by the user.
(a) said upper trunk and neck portions including a first section integral with the first arm portion and a second section integral with the second arm portion, the first section defining an opening to pass the second arm therethrough, the sections being relatively separable to displace said first section relatively away from the second arm portion to provide access to space associated with the second section enabling user body entry relatively downwardly into the wet suit, (b) said first section thereafter being returnable relatively toward the second arm portion so that one section overlaps the other section when the suit is worn by the user to seal off between the sections, (c) and including a band extending across said space and connecting front and rear uppermost extents of the second section, the band concealed by said sections when the suit is worn by the user.
11. The wet suit of claim 10 wherein the band is stretchable and is adapted to fit over the shoulder of the wearer.
12. The wet suit of claim 5 wherein the lower trunk portion is continuous, about an internal zone to be occupied by the lower trunk of the user.
13. The wet suit of claim 10 wherein the band is exposed when the second arm section is withdrawn through said opening and the sections are relatively separated.
14. The wet suit of claim 12 wherein said neck portion is annularly continuous.
15. The wet suit of claim 10 wherein the wet suit consists of stretchable insulative material.
16. The wet suit of claim 15 wherein said material is elastomeric.
Priority Applications (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA000584546A CA1312705C (en) | 1988-11-30 | 1988-11-30 | Trunk restraint free wet suit |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA000584546A CA1312705C (en) | 1988-11-30 | 1988-11-30 | Trunk restraint free wet suit |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA1312705C true CA1312705C (en) | 1993-01-19 |
Family
ID=4139201
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA000584546A Expired - Fee Related CA1312705C (en) | 1988-11-30 | 1988-11-30 | Trunk restraint free wet suit |
Country Status (1)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| CA (1) | CA1312705C (en) |
Cited By (1)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| WO2014066993A1 (en) * | 2012-11-05 | 2014-05-08 | Whites Manufacturing Ltd. | Zipperless entry thermal drysuit undergarment |
-
1988
- 1988-11-30 CA CA000584546A patent/CA1312705C/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
Cited By (1)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| WO2014066993A1 (en) * | 2012-11-05 | 2014-05-08 | Whites Manufacturing Ltd. | Zipperless entry thermal drysuit undergarment |
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Legal Events
| Date | Code | Title | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| MKLA | Lapsed |