EP3895573A1 - Connexion botte à pantalon imperméable - Google Patents

Connexion botte à pantalon imperméable Download PDF

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Publication number
EP3895573A1
EP3895573A1 EP20217924.8A EP20217924A EP3895573A1 EP 3895573 A1 EP3895573 A1 EP 3895573A1 EP 20217924 A EP20217924 A EP 20217924A EP 3895573 A1 EP3895573 A1 EP 3895573A1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
garment
annular
continuous
annular gasket
article
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.)
Pending
Application number
EP20217924.8A
Other languages
German (de)
English (en)
Inventor
Darrin Haugen
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
WL Gore and Associates Inc
Original Assignee
WL Gore and Associates Inc
Priority date (The priority date 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 date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by WL Gore and Associates Inc filed Critical WL Gore and Associates Inc
Publication of EP3895573A1 publication Critical patent/EP3895573A1/fr
Pending legal-status Critical Current

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Classifications

    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A41—WEARING APPAREL
    • A41D—OUTERWEAR; PROTECTIVE GARMENTS; ACCESSORIES
    • A41D13/00—Professional, industrial or sporting protective garments, e.g. surgeons' gowns or garments protecting against blows or punches
    • A41D13/0002—Details of protective garments not provided for in groups A41D13/0007 - A41D13/1281
    • A41D13/0005—Joints
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A44—HABERDASHERY; JEWELLERY
    • A44B—BUTTONS, PINS, BUCKLES, SLIDE FASTENERS, OR THE LIKE
    • A44B17/00—Press-button or snap fasteners
    • A44B17/0064—Details
    • A44B17/0076—Socket member
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A41—WEARING APPAREL
    • A41D—OUTERWEAR; PROTECTIVE GARMENTS; ACCESSORIES
    • A41D31/00—Materials specially adapted for outerwear
    • A41D31/04—Materials specially adapted for outerwear characterised by special function or use
    • A41D31/10—Impermeable to liquids, e.g. waterproof; Liquid-repellent
    • A41D31/102—Waterproof and breathable
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A41—WEARING APPAREL
    • A41F—GARMENT FASTENINGS; SUSPENDERS
    • A41F17/00—Means for holding-down garments
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A43—FOOTWEAR
    • A43B—CHARACTERISTIC FEATURES OF FOOTWEAR; PARTS OF FOOTWEAR
    • A43B23/00—Uppers; Boot legs; Stiffeners; Other single parts of footwear
    • A43B23/02—Uppers; Boot legs
    • A43B23/06—Waterproof legs
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A44—HABERDASHERY; JEWELLERY
    • A44B—BUTTONS, PINS, BUCKLES, SLIDE FASTENERS, OR THE LIKE
    • A44B17/00—Press-button or snap fasteners
    • A44B17/0064—Details
    • A44B17/007—Stud-member
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A41—WEARING APPAREL
    • A41D—OUTERWEAR; PROTECTIVE GARMENTS; ACCESSORIES
    • A41D1/00—Garments
    • A41D1/06—Trousers
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A41—WEARING APPAREL
    • A41D—OUTERWEAR; PROTECTIVE GARMENTS; ACCESSORIES
    • A41D17/00—Gaiters; Spats
    • A41D17/005—Fastening means for gaiters
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A41—WEARING APPAREL
    • A41D—OUTERWEAR; PROTECTIVE GARMENTS; ACCESSORIES
    • A41D2400/00—Functions or special features of garments
    • A41D2400/44—Donning facilities

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to a fastening device that creates a waterproof seal between garments, fabrics and other materials.
  • Exemplary embodiments of this disclosure relate to an article including a first garment, a second garment, and a waterproof fastener system configured to join the first garment to the second garment.
  • the waterproof fastener system includes a first annular gasket coupled to the first garment, the first annular gasket including a flexible substrate and at least one continuous groove. The at least one continuous groove projects radially into the first flexible substrate such that an engagement direction of the at least one continuous groove is oriented perpendicular to a longitudinal direction of the first garment.
  • the waterproof fastener system also include a second annular gasket coupled to the second garment, the second annular gasket including a second flexible substrate and at least one continuous rib.
  • the at least one continuous rib projects radially from the second flexible substrate such that an engagement direction of the at least one continuous rib is oriented perpendicular to a longitudinal direction of the second garment.
  • the at least one continuous groove is configured to receive the at least one continuous rib to form a waterproof interference fit.
  • the second annular gasket comprises a pull tab extending from a portion thereof, the pull tab being configured to decouple the first and second annular gaskets when a pull force is applied.
  • one of the first garment or the second garment comprises an inner liner and an outer portion.
  • the second annular gasket is coupled to the inner liner of the second garment.
  • the outer portion is configured to cover and extend past the waterproof fastener system when the first and second annular gaskets are engaged.
  • the first annular gasket comprises a first annular flange coupled thereto by a first flexible section, the first annular flange extending from the first flexible section to a first free end
  • the second annular gasket comprises a second annular flange coupled thereto by a second flexible section, the second annular flange extending from the second flexible section to a second free end, wherein the at least one continuous groove is positioned on the first annular flange and the at least one continuous rib is positioned on the second annular flange.
  • the first annular gasket comprises a tab extending from a lateral surface thereof, the tab and the lateral surface of the first annular gasket forming a locking space therebetween, wherein in an engaged configuration in which the at least one continuous rib is received within the at least one continuous groove to seal the first and second annular flanges, the locking space is configured to receive an end portion of the sealed first and second annular flanges.
  • the first annular flange has a first pull tab coupled to the first free and the second annular flange has a second pull tab coupled to the second free end, the first and second pull tabs configured to disconnect the first and second annular flanges upon application of outwardly opposing forces.
  • At least a portion of the first and second garments comprises at least one of waterproof materials, waterproof breathable materials, thermally protective waterproof breathable materials or materials that provide protection against chemical and/or biological threats.
  • the first and the second garments comprise waterproof breathable laminates.
  • the fastener system does not include a slider, or any mechanism configured to mate the at least one continuous rib with the at least one continuous groove around the circumference of the at least one continuous rib and/or at least one continuous groove.
  • the first annular gasket comprises a locator including a proximal surface, the locator positioned on the first annular gasket such that when a distal end of the second annular gasket abuts the proximal surface, the at least one continuous rib and the at least one continuous groove are aligned.
  • the first and second annular gaskets are configured such that the at least one continuous rib is received in the at least one continuous groove via an applied radial force, wherein the applied radial force is perpendicular to a tensile force applied to the waterproof fastener system by the first garment and the second garment during use.
  • Exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure also relate to a system including a first garment, a second garment, and a waterproof fastener system configured to join the first garment to the second garment.
  • the waterproof fastener system includes a first annular gasket coupled to the first garment, the first annular gasket including a flexible substrate and at least one continuous groove. The at least one continuous groove projects radially into the first flexible substrate such that an engagement direction of the at least one continuous groove is oriented perpendicular to a longitudinal direction of the first garment.
  • the waterproof fastener system also includes a second annular gasket coupled to the second garment, the second annular gasket comprising a second flexible substrate and at least one continuous rib.
  • the at least one continuous rib projects radially from the second flexible substrate such that an engagement direction of the at least one continuous rib is oriented perpendicular to a longitudinal direction of the second garment.
  • the at least one continuous groove is configured to receive the at least one continuous rib to form a waterproof interference fit.
  • the second annular gasket comprises a pull tab extending from a portion thereof, the pull tab being configured to decouple the first and second annular gaskets when a pull force is applied.
  • the first garment is an article of footwear and the second garment is a pair of pants including two pant legs.
  • the first garment is a glove and the second garment is a jacket or shirt.
  • the first garment is a pair of pants and the second garment is a jacket or a shirt.
  • the first garment is a vest and the second garment is a sleeve.
  • the first garment is a part of a pair of pants and the second garment is another part of the pair of pants.
  • the first garment is a boot, wherein the boot comprises a gaiter, and wherein each pant leg includes an inner liner and an outer shell.
  • the gaiter is coupled to the first annular gasket and the inner liner is coupled to the second annular gasket.
  • Exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure also relate to an article including a first garment, a second garment, and a waterproof fastener system configured to join the first garment to the second garment.
  • the waterproof fastener system includes a first annular gasket coupled to the first garment, the first annular gasket comprising a flexible substrate and at least one continuous groove. The at least one continuous groove projects radially into the first flexible substrate such that an engagement direction of the at least one continuous groove is oriented perpendicular to a longitudinal direction of the first garment.
  • the waterproof fastener system also includes a second annular gasket coupled to the second garment, the second annular gasket comprising a second flexible substrate and at least one continuous rib.
  • the at least one continuous rib projects radially from the second garment such that an engagement direction of the at least one continuous rib is oriented perpendicular to a longitudinal direction of the second garment.
  • the at least one continuous groove is configured to receive the at least one continuous rib to form a waterproof interference fit.
  • first and second annular gaskets are welded to form a permanent seal.
  • the first and second annular gaskets are one of thermally or ultrasonically welded.
  • the first and second annular gaskets are configured such that the at least one continuous rib is received in the at least one continuous groove via an applied radial force, wherein the applied radial force is perpendicular to a tensile force applied to the waterproof fastener system by the first garment and the second garment during use.
  • proximal and distal are intended to refer to a direction toward (proximal) and away from (distal) a user of the invention.
  • article refers to any article of clothing comprising at least one garment.
  • the term "flexible” as used herein refers to a substrate that can be bent without breaking, cracking or permanently deforming.
  • groove refers to a concave geometry with an undercut, such as a channel, configured to mate with and receive a rib via an interference fit.
  • the term "interference fit” as used herein refers to a fit between two parts in which the external dimension of one part is similar to (no more than +/-5%, or no more than +/- 10%) the internal dimension of the part into which it has to fit.
  • rib refers to a raised portion of a surface or structure configured to mate with and be inserted into a groove.
  • waterproof refers to the waterproofness of at least the fastener system described herein, where the fastener system is subjected to the Suter test as known in the art and described herein.
  • the sample tested and described below includes a portion of the any fabric adjacent to the fastener and at least a portion of the fastener, including intersections wherein the fabric is attached to the fastener system.
  • the Suter test is based generally on ISO 811-1981. This procedure provides a low pressure challenge to a sample being tested and observing the other side for indication of water penetration through the sample.
  • a portion of the fastener system (in a sealed or water-tight configuration) is clamped and sealed between rubber gaskets in a fixture that holds the sample so that water can be applied to an area of the sample about 7.62 centimeters (cm) in diameter.
  • the water is applied under air pressure of about 0.21 bar to one side of the sample.
  • water is applied to the face or outer side of the sample and the opposite side is observed for leaks, either by wicking or by the appearance of droplets) for 3 minutes. If no water is observed, the sample has passed the test and the sample is considered to have a water entry pressure of greater than 0.21 bar.
  • a fastener system for creating a waterproof seal between garments.
  • the fastener system includes two interlocking gaskets having mating profiles forming an interference fit between the two garments.
  • the fastener system of the present disclosure provides several means of creating a substantially water- resistant, waterproof, thermally protective, and/or breathable seal.
  • one or more pull tabs are provided for decoupling of the gaskets after use.
  • the fastener system may include a locator providing an indication that the two gaskets are aligned and can be engaged to provide the interference fit.
  • the fastener system is waterproof and, as such, eliminates the need for coverings over the gaskets of the garments.
  • the fastener system may be formed from non-metallic materials, therefore making the fastener lightweight and inexpensive. As such, these materials provide a fastener that has less tendency to jam or create unwanted noise.
  • the gaskets of the present fastener system are sealed by the application of pressure, not by a slider. This sealing technique thus provides improved accessibility and a closer fit between the two gaskets, as compared to a slider seal system.
  • a conventional protective article 10 is shown to include a protective boot 12, a protective pant leg 14, and a gasket system 16.
  • the gasket system 16 includes a first annular gasket 18 coupled to the protective pant leg 14, and a second annular gasket 20 coupled to the protective boot 12.
  • the first and second annular gaskets 18, 20 include engageable first and second annular interlocks 22, 24, respectively, that maintain engagement of the first and second annular gaskets 18, 20.
  • the interlocks 22, 24 encircle the wearer's leg and engage each other to form a seal, with the first annular interlock 22 having a downwardly opening annular channel 26 and the second annular interlock 24 having an upwardly directed annular bead 28 that received in and interlocked with the channel 26.
  • an engagement direction E of the first annular interlock 22 with the second annular interlock 24 is parallel to a longitudinal direction L of the gasket system 16. Because of this axial orientation of the first and second annular interlocks 22, 24, when the conventional protective article 10 is worn by the wearer, tensile is applied to the first and second annular interlocks 22, 24 along the engagement direction E. As a result, this tensile on the first and second annular interlocks 22, 24, may cause the first and second annular interlocks 22, 24 to inadvertently disengage during use.
  • a protective article 100 of the current disclosure provides an improved fastener system 140 that is not affected by the tensile applied along the longitudinal direction L during use.
  • the protective article 100 includes a first protective garment 101, a second protective garment 104, and a waterproof fastener system 140.
  • the fastener system 140 is configured to join the first protective garment 101 to the second protective garment 104.
  • the first protective garment 101 is a protective boot 102 while the second protective garment 104 includes two pant legs 106, the waterproof fastener system 140 associating each pant leg 106 with a boot 102.
  • the second protective garment 104 may be any of a pair of protective pants, a pair of protective overalls, waders, and/or a pair of protective coveralls.
  • the fastener system may be used to join any two garments.
  • the first protective garment is a pair of gloves while the second protective garment is a jacket or a shirt.
  • the first protective garment is a pair of pants while the second protective garment is a jacket or a shirt.
  • the first protective garment is a vest while the second protective garment is a sleeve.
  • the first protective garment can be a portion of a pair of pants while the second protective garment is another portion of the pair of pants.
  • a portion of the pant legs can be replaceable.
  • the portion of the pant legs can be a lower portion (e.g., below a knee region of the pants) or an upper portion (e.g., above the knee region of the pants).
  • Such an embodiment may enable replacement of parts of the pair of pants that wear out over time, for example.
  • each pant leg 106 includes an outer shell 108 and an inner liner 110.
  • the outer shell and the inner liner 110 comprise a material that is waterproof, breathable, thermally protective, chemically protective (e.g., capable of preventing direct skin contact and contamination), biologically protective (e.g., capable of protecting from biological agents), or a combination thereof.
  • the inner liner 110 comprises materials or laminates including, but not limited to, textiles, for example, wovens, knits, nonwovens and films.
  • the inner layer may also be a laminate comprising one or more textile layers and one or more waterproof, breathable layers, for example, Gore-Tex® films, expanded polytetrafluoroethylene, polyolefins, expanded polyolefins, polyethylene, expanded polyethylene, polypropylene, expanded polypropylene, fluoropolymers, expanded fluoropolymers or a combination thereof.
  • the inner liner 110 is a laminate and, more specifically, a waterproof, breathable laminate.
  • the inner liner 110 is a 3-layer laminate comprising two textile layers and a waterproof, breathable layer sandwiched in between the textile layers.
  • one or both of protective garments 101 and 104 can also include a thermally insulative liner made of any suitable thermal insulating material or construction.
  • the boot 102 includes a lower foot portion 112 and a gaiter 114 attached to an extending proximally from a proximal end of the lower foot portion 112.
  • the lower foot portion 112 is a typical footwear material and construction and can be made of any suitable footwear material or footwear laminates including, but not limited to, one or more layers of natural or synthetic leather, rubberized fabric and/or a suitable rubber material, textiles, wovens, knits, nonwovens, insulation materials, expanded polytetrafluoroethylene, polyolefins, expanded polyolefins, polyethylene, expanded polyethylene, polypropylene, expanded polypropylene, fluoropolymers, expanded fluoropolymers or a combination thereof, or any other suitable material that will be resistant to the passage of liquid through the exterior of the boot to contact the wearer.
  • the gaiter 114 may comprise a material that is waterproof, breathable, thermally protective, chemically protective, biologically protective, or a combination thereof.
  • the gaiter 114 comprises materials or laminates including, but not limited to textiles, for example, wovens, knits, nonwovens and films.
  • the gaiter 114 may also be a laminate comprising one or more textile layers and one or more waterproof, breathable layers, for example, Gore-Tex® films, expanded polytetrafluoroethylene, polyolefins, expanded polyolefins, polyethylene, expanded polyethylene, polypropylene, expanded polypropylene, fluoropolymers, expanded fluoropolymers or a combination thereof.
  • the gaiter 114 is a laminate and, more specifically, a waterproof, breathable laminate. In other embodiments, the gaiter 114 is a 3-layer laminate comprising two textile layers and a waterproof, breathable layer sandwiched in between the textile layers. The gaiter 114, in some embodiments, is sufficiently flexible so as to be rolled down when the fastener system 140 is not in use.
  • the fastener system 140 for joining garments includes a first annular gasket 116 coupled to the gaiter 114 of each boot 102 and a second annular gasket 118 coupled to the inner liner 110 of each pant leg 106 of the protective garment 104.
  • the first and second annular gaskets 116, 118 are configured to engage with each other to form a closed loop vapor and moisture barrier seal when the leg of a wearer is received in the corresponding pant leg 106 and boot 102.
  • the first and second annular gaskets 116, 118 may be attached to the boot 102 and pant leg 106, respectively, by any known technique.
  • first and second annular gaskets 116, 118 may be sewn, welded, glued, taped, etc. to the respective pant leg 106 or boot 102.
  • the boot of the present embodiment includes a gaiter, in other exemplary embodiments, a boot without a gaiter may be used.
  • the first annular gasket 116 is directly attached to the lower foot portion at, for example, a collar of the boot.
  • the first annular gasket 116 includes a first annular flange 126 extending substantially laterally from a proximal end of the first annular gasket 116 to a free end 117.
  • first annular flange 126 and the first annular gasket 116 substantially form an L-shape relative to each other.
  • the first annular flange 126 extends longitudinally and continuously about an entire circumference of the first annular gasket 116 and is coupled to the first annular gasket 116 via a flexible section 130 or living hinge.
  • the second annular gasket 118 includes a second annular flange 128 extending substantially laterally from a distal end of the second annular gasket 118 to a free end 119.
  • the second annular flange 128 and the second annular gasket 118 substantially form an L-shape relative to each other.
  • the second annular flange 128 extends longitudinally and continuously about the entire circumference of the second annular gasket 118 and is coupled to the second annular gasket 118 via a flexible section 132 or living hinge.
  • first and second annular flanges 126, 128 may, if desired, incorporate a multitude of constructions.
  • the first and second annular flanges 126, 128 may include grooves 120 and ribs 122 which facilitate the interlocking of the first annular flange 126 with the second annular flange 128.
  • the grooves and ribs may form female and male shapes to aid in the interlocking of the first and second annular flanges 126, 128.
  • the first annular flange 126 includes at least one continuous channel or groove 120 extending longitudinally along an entire circumference of the first annular flange 126, forming a receiving portion of the waterproof seal.
  • the second annular flange 128 includes at least one continuous rib 122 extending longitudinally along an entire circumference of the second annular flange 128.
  • the second annular flange 128 is adapted for operatively engaging the first annular flange 126 to facilitate the formation of a waterproof seal.
  • the rib 122 of the second annular flange 128 is adapted to engage the groove 120 of the first annular flange 126 when the first and second annular flanges 126, 128 are operatively engaged.
  • the groove 120 and the rib 122 are positioned such that, in use, each of the groove 120 and the rib 122 project radially about the fastener system 140.
  • the groove 120 projects radially into the first annular flange 126 such that an engagement direction E9 of the groove 120 is oriented perpendicular to a longitudinal direction L b of the boot 102 on which the first annular flange 126 is positioned.
  • the rib 122 projects radially from the second annular flange 128 such that an engagement direction E r of the rib 122 is oriented perpendicular to a longitudinal direction L p of the pant leg 106 on which the second annular flange 128 is located.
  • the force applied to mate and unmate the groove 120 and rib 122 is a radial force.
  • the force that is generally applied to the fastener system during wearing is a tensile force that is parallel to the longitudinal axes of the boot 102 and pant leg 106 and perpendicular to the force required to seal and unseal the fastener system 140 when joining garments. Therefore, the tensile force is not applied in such a direction that it acts to unmate the rib 122 from the groove 120.
  • the rib 122 Upon sealing of the first and second annular flanges 126, 128, the rib 122, which may be of similar or same size, shape, and configuration as the groove 120, will be adapted to fit snugly inside the groove 120. Thus, upon insertion of the rib 122 into the groove 120, the first and second annular flanges 126, 128 will be forced to be aligned properly (e.g., in order to form a seal). If the rib 122 does not fit properly into the groove 120 this indicates that the first and second annular flanges 126, 128 are not aligned properly. Thus, the rib 122 and groove 120 act as a safeguard against improper operation of the fastener system 140.
  • the groove 120 and the rib 122 have cross-sectional shapes that define conforming surfaces that engage against each other to form the waterproof seal.
  • the rib 122 has an enlarged head 134 with a rounded cross-sectional shape.
  • the enlarged head 134 narrows to a neck 136, forming rounded shoulders 138.
  • the groove 120 has an interior surface that conforms to the surface of the rib 122.
  • the groove 120 has an enlarged portion 154 with a rounded cross-sectional shape that tapers to a mouth 156 configured to receive the enlarged head 134 of the rib 122.
  • the tapering of the enlarged portion 154 to the mouth 156 forms shoulders 158 that engage with the shoulders 138 of the rib 122 to retain the rib 122 within the groove 120 via an interference fit. That is, the mouth 156 of the groove 120 has a sufficient resiliency to allow the rib 122 to be inserted into the groove 120 and interlocked therein when the enlarged head 134 is snapped therein by, for example, application of pressure by the user's finger. While the present embodiment describes a substantially rounded cross-sectional shape of the rib 122 and groove 120, the rib 122 and groove 120 may have any other cross-sectional shape so long as the two components have mating shapes that provide an interference fit when engaged.
  • multiple grooves 120 and multiple ribs 122 may be used along the length of the first and second annular flanges 126, 128.
  • the use of multiple grooves 120 and ribs 122 may help to further ensure prevention of pullout of the first and second annular flanges 126, 128.
  • the first annular flange 126 includes a plurality of continuous grooves 120 extending longitudinally along an entire circumference thereof and the second annular flange 128 includes a plurality of continuous ribs 122 extending longitudinally along an entire circumference thereof.
  • the fastener system 140 may include any number of ribs 122 and grooves 120.
  • the plurality of grooves 120 are substantially parallel to one another and the plurality of ribs 122 are substantially parallel to one another.
  • the grooves 120 may be spaced equally or at different distances from one another along the first annular flange 126.
  • the ribs 122 may be spaced equally or at different distance from one another along the second annular flange 128.
  • the plurality of ribs 122 and the plurality of grooves 120 should be spaced so that the ribs 122 and the grooves 120 align with one another when the first and second annular flanges 126, 128 are engaged.
  • rib(s) and groove(s) a variety of geometries may be used for the rib(s) and groove(s).
  • Non-limiting examples include the shape of a circle, trapezoid, triangle, square, rhombus, rectangle, or combinations thereof.
  • the groove is a series of repeating geometries and/or repeating alternating geometries. It is also contemplated that the groove(s) and rib(s) may also relate to each other in planar or linear relation as well as non-planar and non-linear relations.
  • the fastener system 140 is free from a slider or any similar mechanism configured to mate the rib 122 with the groove 120.
  • the rib 122 and the groove 120 are welded together to form a permanent waterproof seal.
  • the rib 122 and the groove 120 may be welded by any known method including, but not limited to, thermal welding, ultrasonic welding, etc. Permanently welding the first garment to the second garment when the rib and the groove are engaged, can provide a garment that provides enhanced protection against water ingress or enhanced protection against chemical or biological threats.
  • the first and second annular gaskets 116, 118 are formed by injection molding. In other embodiments, the first and second annular gaskets 116, 118 are formed by 3-dimensional printing. In still further embodiments, the first and second annular gaskets are formed by extrusion or welding. According to some embodiments, the first and second annular gaskets 116, 118 are not formed by extrusion so that the first and second annular gaskets 116, 118 are seamless. In some embodiments, the first and second annular gaskets 116, 118 are formed from a flexible substrate.
  • the flexible substrate material can include, but is not limited to, thermoplastic polyurethane, polyurethane, polyolefin, polyolefin copolymer, polyethylene, polypropylene, thermoplastic elastomers, styrene ethylene butylene styrene rubber, or a combination thereof.
  • the first and second annular flanges 126, 128 are integrally formed with the first and second annular gaskets 116, 118 through injection molding.
  • the first and second annular gaskets 116, 118 and the first and second annular flanges 126, 128 comprise the same material.
  • the fastener system 140 includes a shroud or tab 164 positioned on a portion of the first annular gasket 116 distal to the flexible section, as depicted in FIGS. 3-4 .
  • the tab 164 extends from a lateral surface of the first annular gasket 116 in a proximal direction at an angle relative to the lateral surface of the first annular gasket 116.
  • the tab 164 and the first annular gasket 116 form a locking space 160 therebetween that corresponds or approximates the shape of the annular flange 126, especially the free end 117 of the annular flange 126.
  • the tab 164 is configured such that an end portion 162 of the sealed first and second annular flanges 126, 128 may be received within or snapped into a locking space 160 formed between the tab 164 and the first annular gasket 116.
  • the mated first and second annular flanges 126, 128 may be releasably locked within the locking space 160 by frictional fit with the tab 164, providing further protection against liquids or other environmental factors.
  • the first and second annular flanges 126, 128 are able to rotate distally about the first and second flexible sections 130, 132 to be inserted in the locking space 160.
  • the pull tab 166 in some embodiments, may be an extension at an end of the second annular flange 128.
  • the pull tab 166 is integrally formed with the second annular flange 128.
  • the pull tab 166 is attached or formed by, for example, welding, injection molding or other suitable methods to the second annular flange 128. In some embodiments, the pull tab 166 is not a continuous annular tab.
  • the pull tab 166 does not extend about the entire length of the second annular flange 128.
  • the pull tab 166 is configured to pull the mated first and second annular flanges 126, 128 from the locking space 160 when a pull force is applied. Additionally, the pull tab 166 can be used decouple the first and second annular flanges 126, 128, thereby unfastening the pant leg 106 from the boot 102.
  • the pull tab 166 includes an open central portion or hole (not shown) configured to facilitate grasping by a finger or a thumb of the user.
  • the first force i.e., a radial force
  • the force is generally a tensile force that is oriented axial to or approximately 90 degrees to the radial force.
  • the tensile force during wearing and use does not seek to unmate the mated flanges. 126, 128.
  • the force required to unmate the flanges 126, 128 in the radial direction is less than half the force required to unmate the flanges 126, 128 through tension in the axial direction.
  • each of the first and second annular flanges 126, 128 can include a pull tab.
  • first annular flange 126 includes a pull tab 168 and the second annular flange 128 includes the pull tab 166.
  • the pull tab 168 includes a central hole 170 which is sized and shaped so that the tab 164 is positioned therethrough when the first and second annular flanges 126, 128 are inserted into the locking space 160.
  • the pull tab 168 does not prevent or interfere with the positioning of the first and second annular flanges 126, 128 in the locking space 160.
  • the pull tab 168 is sufficiently flexible so as to simply be proximally deflected by the tab 164 when the first annular flange 126 is positioned within the locking space 160.
  • FIG. 3 depicts an exemplary sequence of operation of the fastener system 140.
  • the first and second annular flanges 126, 128 are positioned opposite one another.
  • proper alignment is indicated by the abutment of flexible section 130 with flexible section 132.
  • the first and second annular flanges 126, 128 are sealed together with finger pressure at one point along the circumference of the fastener system 140. Pressure may then be applied continuously around the circumference of the first and second annular flanges 126, 128 to fully seal the fastener system 140.
  • the sealed first and second annular flanges 126, 128 are rotated distally about the flexible sections 130, 132 to snap into the locking space 160 between the tab 164 and the first annular gasket 116.
  • one or both of the pull tabs 166, 168 are pulled to remove the sealed first and second annular flanges 126, 128 from the locking space 160.
  • the pull tabs 166, 168 are pulled apart (e.g., in outwardly opposing directions) to break the seal and disconnect the first and second annular flanges 126, 128.
  • each pant leg 106 may be configured as a cuff that extends downwardly to overlay (e.g., cover) the gaiter 114 and, in some embodiments, a portion of the lower foot portion 112.
  • the outer shell 108 of each pant leg 106 includes, for example, a hook 115 or loop to attach the outer shell 108 to the lower foot portion 112, providing further protection from liquid or other environmental elements.
  • the hook 115 hooks onto laces of the boot 102.
  • the outer shell 108 when pulled down over the gaiter 114, also protects the fastener system 140 from damage due to external factors. It is noted however, that the hook 115 does not function to maintain the engagement of the fastener system 140 (not shown in FIG. 6 ).
  • the article is free from a hook 115 on one or more portions of the pants leg and/or the boot.
  • the present disclosure also relates to a kit, wherein the kit comprises two or more first garments and two or more second garments, wherein each of the first garments comprises a first sized garment, a second sized first garment and a subsequently sized first garment (if present) and each second garment comprises a first sized second garment and a second sized second garment and a subsequently sized second garment; and a waterproof fastener system configured to join at least one of the first garments to at least one of the second garments, wherein the waterproof fastener system is the same as described herein. Since persons come in multiple sizes, the kit allows the wearer to choose the correctly sized first and second garments in order to provide a fit to the overall garment that corresponds to the wearer's individual needs or requirements.

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  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Textile Engineering (AREA)
  • Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
  • General Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
  • Physical Education & Sports Medicine (AREA)
  • Professional, Industrial, Or Sporting Protective Garments (AREA)
EP20217924.8A 2019-12-30 2020-12-30 Connexion botte à pantalon imperméable Pending EP3895573A1 (fr)

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US201962955021P 2019-12-30 2019-12-30

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EP (1) EP3895573A1 (fr)

Families Citing this family (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US20220240601A1 (en) * 2019-07-12 2022-08-04 Si Tech Ab Sealing arrangement for a garment
US11641891B2 (en) * 2020-05-22 2023-05-09 Kathryn Marie Prushiek Garment with integrated socks
US20210393000A1 (en) * 2020-06-18 2021-12-23 Battelle Memorial Institute Selectively Attachable Garment-To-Appendage Interface
US20220304401A1 (en) * 2021-03-24 2022-09-29 Canvasback Waterfowl, LLC Single-piece construction, full-body wader

Citations (3)

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US4558467A (en) * 1984-02-09 1985-12-17 The United States Of America As Represented By The Secretary Of The Army Gastight seals for rubber suits
WO1997005797A2 (fr) * 1995-08-08 1997-02-20 Peter Anthony Manning Bottes reliees a un pantalon
DE20118891U1 (de) * 2000-11-22 2002-02-28 Salomon Sa Anti-Rutsch-System für überlappende Kleidungsstücke und andere Artikel

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Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US3744158A (en) * 1971-10-21 1973-07-10 F Walker Boot and detachable extension therefor
US5090057A (en) * 1990-08-09 1992-02-25 Lion Apparel, Inc. Combined boots/turnout pant
US5351369A (en) * 1992-06-16 1994-10-04 Illinois Tool Works, Inc. Moisture-resistant fastener
US6760982B2 (en) * 2002-10-08 2004-07-13 Eddie Chen Waterproof shoe having an elastic top open end
GB0308667D0 (en) * 2003-04-15 2003-05-21 Gore W L & Ass Uk Seam
US7370438B2 (en) * 2004-12-01 2008-05-13 The Timberland Company Removable or reversible lining for footwear

Patent Citations (3)

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Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US4558467A (en) * 1984-02-09 1985-12-17 The United States Of America As Represented By The Secretary Of The Army Gastight seals for rubber suits
WO1997005797A2 (fr) * 1995-08-08 1997-02-20 Peter Anthony Manning Bottes reliees a un pantalon
DE20118891U1 (de) * 2000-11-22 2002-02-28 Salomon Sa Anti-Rutsch-System für überlappende Kleidungsstücke und andere Artikel

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US20210196007A1 (en) 2021-07-01

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