HK1237608B - Swimwear design and construction - Google Patents

Description

Swimsuit design and production

This application is a divisional application of the invention patent application with Chinese patent application number 201280058349.X (International Application No. PCT/US2012/066879) filed on November 28, 2012, and with the invention name “Swimsuit Design and Production”.

Cross-reference to related applications

This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/563,885 (Canaris et al.), filed November 28, 2011, entitled "Swimwear Design and Fabrication," which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

Technical Field

The present invention relates generally to swimming apparel, and more particularly to the design and manufacture of diving suits and other swimwear.

Background Art

A variety of wetsuits have been developed for different purposes. High-performance wetsuits are one such type, popular with triathletes and open-water swimmers. These wetsuits offer drag reduction through a slippery-than-skin surface coating, along with warmth and extra buoyancy. They are designed to enhance a swimmer's speed and agility through the water.

There are a variety of high-performance wetsuits available on the market today, including brands such as Blueserventy, De Soto, Xterra, TYR, and NeoSport. Many of the known wetsuits are primarily made of neoprene.

Summary of the Invention

In one aspect, the present invention provides a wetsuit comprising (a) a first central region comprising a first material and having a first thickness and (b) a second outer region comprising a second material and having a second thickness. The first region has a buoyancy per unit area that is greater than a buoyancy per unit area of the second region.

On the other hand, the present invention provides a diving suit, which includes (a) a first area located in the middle and (b) a second area located on the outside, wherein the first area located in the middle includes a first material having a first density p1, and the second area located on the outside includes a second material and has a second density p2, wherein p2>p1.

In another aspect, the present invention provides a wetsuit having a plurality of compartments, wherein each compartment is equipped with a thermal regulating device.

In another aspect, the present invention provides a method for retrofitting a thermal regulation device onto a wetsuit, comprising: (a) providing a wetsuit; and (b) attaching a plurality of thermal regulation devices to the wetsuit. In some embodiments, the thermal regulation devices can be connected to a system, such as goggles, a hat, a wristband, a watch, a heart rate monitor, or other such accessories.

On the other hand, the present invention provides a diving suit comprising a chest portion covering the user's chest, wherein the chest portion is equipped with a zipper. In a similar aspect, the present invention provides a diving suit comprising a back portion covering the user's back, wherein the back portion is equipped with a zipper.

On the other hand, the diving suit provided by the present invention includes (a) an elastic fabric portion, (b) a one-way valve and (c) an actuator, wherein the elastic fabric portion is suitable for wrapping the user's body to define an inner space at least partially occupied by the user's body and an outer space located outside the elastic fabric portion, the one-way valve provides liquid flow from the inner space to the outer space, and the actuator opens the one-way valve.

In another aspect, the present invention provides a wetsuit comprising (a) a vest and (b) pants integrally attached to the vest, wherein the vest and pants comprise a foamed polymeric material.

In another aspect, the present invention provides a sleeve for use in conjunction with a wetsuit, the sleeve comprising (a) a first portion having a first thickness covering an inner portion of a user's forearm, (b) a second portion having a second thickness covering an inner portion of a user's biceps, and (c) a third portion having a third thickness extending across an outer portion of the user's arm from the wrist toward the triceps, wherein the second and third portions comprise a foamed polymeric material, and wherein the third thickness is greater than the second thickness.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a front view of a first embodiment of a wetsuit according to the teachings of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a rear view of the wetsuit shown in FIG. 1 .

3 is a side (left side) view of the wetsuit shown in FIG. 1 with the left arm removed for greater clarity.

4 is a side (right side) view of the wetsuit shown in FIG. 1 with the right arm removed for greater clarity.

5 is a front view of a second embodiment of a wetsuit according to the teachings of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a rear view of the wetsuit shown in FIG. 5 .

7 is a side (right side) view of the wetsuit shown in FIG. 5 with the right arm removed for greater clarity.

8 is a side (left side) view of the wetsuit shown in FIG. 5 with the left arm removed for better illustration.

9 is a side view of the left arm of the wetsuit shown in FIG. 5 .

10 is a front view of a third embodiment of a wetsuit according to the teachings of the present invention.

FIG. 11 is a rear view of the wetsuit shown in FIG. 10 .

FIG. 12 is a side (left side) view of the wetsuit shown in FIG. 10 .

FIG. 13 is a side (right side) view of the wetsuit shown in FIG. 10 .

14 is a front view of a fourth embodiment of a wetsuit in accordance with the teachings of the present invention.

FIG. 15 is a rear view of the wetsuit shown in FIG. 14 .

FIG. 16 is a side (right side) view of the wetsuit shown in FIG. 14 .

16 is a side (right side) view of the wetsuit shown in FIG. 14 with the right arm removed for better illustration.

17 is a side (left side) view of the wetsuit shown in FIG. 14 with the left arm removed for clearer illustration.

18 is a series of illustrations showing (clockwise) front, back, and side (right arm) details of a first embodiment of a swimsuit sleeve.

19 is a front elevational view of a fifth embodiment of a wetsuit in accordance with the teachings of the present invention.

FIG. 20 is a rear view of the wetsuit shown in FIG. 19 .

21 is a side (left and right) view of the wetsuit shown in FIG. 19 with the arms removed for greater clarity.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

As used herein, "air-filled neoprene" refers to a neoprene comprising a plurality of laminated layers, wherein at least one of the laminated layers is perforated and cut such that the final product is a sealed neoprene having individual air pockets enclosed within the neoprene layers.

While known wetsuits may be adequate for their intended purposes, there remains a need for further improvements. This is particularly true for high-performance wetsuits designed for swimming and triathlon competitions, where even minor modifications can mean the difference between success and failure for the wearer. This is evident in recent triathlons, which often last over eight hours but are won by mere seconds. For example, the women's champion of the 2012 Ironman Cozumel triathlon won by seven seconds, with a total time of nine hours and fifteen minutes.

One area where wetsuits, particularly those designed for swimmers, need improvement involves the density and thickness of the foam polymer material (typically neoprene) used to make the suits. Specifically, some wetsuits, due to the density and thickness of the neoprene used in their construction, do not provide the wearer with maximum buoyancy. This causes the wearer to sink deeper into the water, slowing swimming speed and increasing energy expenditure. In some cases, suboptimal configurations can also cause the swimmer's chest to be too shallow in the water. This causes the legs to sink, again resulting in a suboptimal body position.

Other wetsuits incorporate low-density neoprene to improve buoyancy. However, the density distribution in these wetsuits is generally suboptimal, leading to increased heat storage and hindering proper swimming mechanics. For example, these designs often incorporate low-density material into the arms and hips of the wetsuit, which can prevent the swimmer's body from properly rotating along the longitudinal axis (rolling). Similarly, these designs often fail to ensure optimal body positioning along the transverse axis (rolling).

It has been found that using a foam polymer material with a non-fixed density and thickness to make a diving suit can solve the above problems. Specifically, the configuration, density and/or thickness of the neoprene or other foam polymer material can be changed to optimize the buoyancy distribution (for example, by making the buoyancy of the middle part of the diving suit greater than the buoyancy of the outer part to assist in rotating or rolling along the longitudinal axis) and the user's transverse axis body position (flip). This method can effectively improve the appropriate swimming mechanism, including the swimmer's body performing appropriate rotation along the longitudinal axis. This improvement has specific value because the appropriate swimming technique requires rotation up to 40 degrees in all directions of the longitudinal axis. Similarly, suitable alignment along the transverse axis (flip) will result in reduced resistance. Therefore, this method can assist in the reasonable rotation of the longitudinal axis while assisting in optimizing the swimmer's buoyancy along the transverse axis.

Another area where improvements are needed in known wetsuits, particularly those designed for swimmers, relates to the sleeve design. Currently, many wetsuit designs treat the shoulders and sleeves the same as the rest of the suit. Consequently, these two areas are typically made from the same neoprene material as the rest of the suit, resulting in a consistent type, density, and thickness of neoprene across the suit as a whole and within these individual areas.

However, there is no understanding in the art that using neoprene in the shoulders of wetsuits is neither necessary nor rational, as using neoprene in this area only heats the muscles that do the primary work during swimming while restricting the swimmer's range of motion. Some companies, such as Quintana Roo (Chattanooga, Tennessee), already sell "speed sleeves" (see http://www.wetsuitrental.com/quintana-roo-speedsleeve.html), which are separate devices that leave the shoulders bare. Such solutions are consistent in terms of neoprene type, density, and thickness, and therefore do not consider the impact of the distribution of neoprene thickness and density on proper stroke technique and buoyancy.

It has now been discovered that the thickness of neoprene or other foamed polymer materials commonly used in wetsuit manufacturing can be manipulated to create sleeves that optimize proper paddling technique and buoyancy. In a preferred embodiment, the sleeve comprises: (a) a first thickness (preferably 1-2 mm) of fabric or thin neoprene located in the inner forearm region, laminated with one or more layers of silicone or other fabric material to increase resistance during the "catch" and "pull" phases of the swimming stroke; (b) a first thickness of fabric or thin neoprene located in the elbow or flexion region or in a hinged panel design; (c) a second thickness (preferably 3-5 mm) of neoprene located in the biceps region; and (d) a third thickness (preferably at least about 5 mm and in the form of air-filled or open-cell neoprene) of the strip located in the outer forearm region, extending from the wrist toward the triceps. The sleeves may also preferably be constructed of neoprene or fabric laminates obtained through muscle compression technology (most commonly in the form of a special fabric weave) in the forearm and/or bicep and triceps regions in order to reduce fatigue and promote venous blood flow during exercise.

In addition, the maximum neoprene thickness allowed by various triathlon and swimming management agencies (currently 5mm) is preferably used for the wetsuit along the midline and inside the legs to improve the buoyancy of the swimmer's body along the transverse axis (turnover) and enhance the rotation of the swimmer's body along the longitudinal axis (tumble). The neoprene selected for this part is preferably an inflatable neoprene, such as the product sold by Yamamoto Chemical Industry Co., Ltd. under the trademark AERODOME™. Selecting this type of neoprene can help optimize buoyancy while meeting relevant thickness regulations. Because some inflatable neoprenes cannot fully conform to the natural curvature of the lower back, in some specific implementations, inflatable neoprene is preferably only used for the front side of the wetsuit.

Strips of coated fabric or another thin material with low buoyancy, approximately 2-3 inches wide, are used along the outside of the wetsuit to promote rotation along the longitudinal axis of the user's body and to allow heat to be removed from the wetsuit. This feature also makes donning and removing the wetsuit easier and faster, which is important in timed events such as triathlons, where athletes must exit the water and quickly remove their swimsuits before moving on to the next event, the bicycle. Non-air-repellent 5mm closed-cell neoprene may also be used in the middle of the midline. From the navel upward (excluding the midline, which is preferably 5mm thick or the maximum thickness allowed by the governing body), a lesser thickness of neoprene, preferably about 2mm to about 3mm, is used to create and compensate for the buoyancy difference between the chest and legs in the transverse axis (rollover). Using harder neoprene in the torso also provides structural support for the abdominals and other core muscles, which can fatigue prematurely during swimming. Preferably, the most elastic neoprene is used for the chest, back, shoulders, and arm panels, which require the greatest range of motion.

From the foregoing, it will be appreciated that some of the wetsuits disclosed herein utilize a non-constant stiffness to optimize certain characteristics of the wetsuit. Specifically, in some embodiments, the wetsuits disclosed herein have a certain stiffness in specific locations, such as along the midline or along the sides of the torso. Some embodiments of these wetsuits may further include one or more straps that are mounted directly on the sides of the torso between the hips and the mid-ribcage and have a higher stiffness to prevent "snaking" during swimming. Additionally, certain embodiments may include a relatively more elastic or stiffer neoprene on the back of the wetsuit to prevent the swimmer from overextending their arms during the entry and extension phases of freestyle, while also assisting in improving the rationality of the technique.

In some variations of the above embodiments, various types of "texture" can be employed in the forearm region to optimize the swimmer's "catch" and "feel" of the water during the stroke. Preferably, these include "gradient" grip panels that create additional surface area to enhance thrust and forearm drag. Furthermore, the aforementioned features can be implemented in a full wetsuit (with sleeves) or a "long john" wetsuit (sleeveless) with separate sleeves in a "hybrid" configuration.

Another area where improvements are needed in known wetsuits and swimsuits, particularly those designed for triathletes and competitive swimmers, is the user's body temperature. Conventional wetsuits are typically made of neoprene and other insulating materials. Consequently, even when swimming at less than full effort (i.e., below the lactate threshold or aerobic threshold), a user can overheat (or feel overheated) in such a wetsuit. Such overheating can lead to premature fatigue and dehydration. Fabric-based wetsuits or other swimsuits can suffer from similar problems.

It has been found that this problem can be solved by integrating cooling packs or other thermal regulation devices into the wetsuit or swimsuit. In addition to effectively cooling and regulating the temperature of muscles and blood vessels, providing such a device can also relax the mind and nervous system.

In a preferred embodiment, the thermal regulation device may take the form of a thin neoprene or fabric storage bag containing cooling, freezing, or instant gel packs (the latter of which may be automatically or manually activated before or during exercise) and attached to (or otherwise secured to) the inside of the wetsuit or other swimsuit. The gel packs may come in various shapes and sizes, depending on their placement on the swimsuit.

In some variations, the gel pack can be laminated to the swimsuit or configured to be used within the swimsuit without providing a storage pouch, pocket, or compartment. Specifically, the thermal regulation device can be manufactured as a separate, removable structure and sold as an extension to a swimsuit that does not include a thermal regulation device. In some implementations, the swimsuit can incorporate systems that monitor temperature, circulate fluid, or create specific temperature regulation points in specific areas of the swimsuit to achieve the desired temperature regulation effect.

Another area where known wetsuits—particularly those designed for swimmers—need improvement is the way they are secured around the user's body. Conventional wetsuits achieve this by providing a zipper on the back. Zippers are convenient, allowing the user to quickly and easily don and doff the suit. However, the placement of zippers on the back of wetsuits originated with stand-up surfing and bodyboarding wetsuits, which require minimal chest wear caused by repeated contact with the board or bodyboard.

It has been discovered that wetsuits used by competitive swimmers can be enhanced by placing the zipper at the front of the wetsuit (or in some embodiments at the side or angled from the front to the side). This zipper configuration makes donning and doffing the wetsuit easier, faster, and less energy consuming, which is a huge advantage in competitive events such as triathlons, where the transition from the swimming portion to the cycling portion typically takes several minutes. Such a configuration also allows for easier access to thermal storage pockets in the chest and any electronics that may be integrated into the wetsuit. While stand-up and bodyboarding wetsuits need to minimize any wear and tear on the chest caused by repeated contact with the surfboard, swimming equipment does not have this limitation.

Additionally, positioning the zipper at the front of the wetsuit reduces bunching of fabric at or near the base of the neck. Such bunching can occur when, for example, a swimmer looks up to view a guideline while swimming, a common occurrence in competitions like triathlons, which include polygonal swimming courses defined by multiple buoys. This problem is particularly acute in the swimming events of triathlons, as bunching causes water and air to enter, causing discomfort and potentially altering body position and buoyancy properties, as well as causing neck abrasions.

Some companies have tried to address this problem by overdesigning large neoprene cuffs in this area and using releasable fasteners, such as the hook-and-loop fasteners marketed under the trademark VELCRO™, but neither of these approaches completely solves the problem. In fact, this approach causes more bunching and can actually make it more difficult for the swimmer to lift their head due to the extra mass introduced by the cuffs. Additionally, adding the cuffs and extra material to the back of the neck increases drag and further limits performance. Furthermore, the cuffs introduce significant drag into a wetsuit that often has expensive special coatings to slightly reduce the coefficient of drag. In contrast, when the zipper is located at the front of the wetsuit, the bunching is reduced, the water/air seal is improved, drag is reduced, and the swimmer can more easily lift their head to see buoys, the shoreline, or other reference points needed for navigation.

Another area where known wetsuits, particularly those designed for swimmers, require improvement is the formation or presence of air bubbles or water within the suit during use. Specifically, air bubbles often form in the lower back of the suit. A wetsuit can also allow water or air to enter due to the natural curvature of the user's back or suboptimal neoprene panel design.

It has been discovered that the above problems can be solved by providing a one-way air and/or water release valve in a wetsuit. The valve provides a way to remove air or water that has trapped in the wetsuit without causing more air or water to enter. The valve can be manually activated by the user or automatically activated by a monitoring system or other means. A simple valve can be made of two layers of neoprene with offset holes, allowing air to pass through a set of internal holes into a chamber with only one exhaust hole. Alternatively, an engineered valve can be built into or integrated into the wetsuit. The valve preferably has a low profile and is relatively flat to reduce drag in the water. One or more valves can be placed in the wetsuit to remove one or more air pockets. For example, two valves can be placed on either side of the back zipper. Alternatively, a single valve can be placed directly below the back zipper. In wetsuit embodiments that include a front zipper instead of a back zipper, one or more valves can be placed directly on the back centerline of the wetsuit.

Another area where wetsuits and swimsuits are known to need improvement involves proper hydration of the wearer. Many athletic events that feature a significant swimming component require competitors to spend significant time in the water. For example, the swim portion of an Ironman race is a 2.4-mile race. Even for elite swimmers, completing this distance can take an hour or more. Furthermore, many races take place in relatively warm waters and warm ambient temperatures, where dehydration becomes a concern. Dehydration and malnutrition are the primary nemesis of triathletes, and swimming is the starting point for these hours of effort. Swimming in warm waters or while wearing a thermal wetsuit or other overheating swimsuit can significantly increase the chances of dehydration.

It has now been discovered that this problem can be solved by providing a storage pouch that can accommodate a water bag, a nutrition tank, or both. The pouch can be located along the midline of the chest or back panel. In some variations, the water bag can be laminated to the swimsuit or configured to be used within the swimsuit without providing a storage pouch, pocket, or compartment. Specifically, the water bag can be made into a separate, detachable structure and sold as an add-on to a swimsuit that does not include a water bag or storage pouch.

In some embodiments, the water bag or nutrient tank can be equipped with a one-way valve or other such device to prevent the entrapment of air and thereby provide supplemental buoyancy. This will allow the device to comply with USAT and WTC regulations prohibiting the use of floats or other devices that provide supplemental buoyancy, as the valve is used to maintain the buoyancy of the water bag in a neutral equilibrium state by keeping it full or empty. Of course, it should be understood that such devices are not necessary in some cases, such as when the swimsuit is used solely as a "training" garment.

Another area where wetsuits and other swimwear are known to need improvement involves integrating technology into swimsuits, particularly GPS technology. Triathletes frequently use GPS to track their performance in various events, including the swim, bike, and run portions of a triathlon. However, many athletes prefer not to wear a bulky watch or attach an external extension device while swimming. Additionally, GPS tracking can serve as a safety and early warning device during competition, training, and recreational swimming. Existing GPS technology has limitations on the accuracy of swim data. Specifically, while some pioneers have used software to mitigate the significant fluctuations in GPS swim readings caused by signal loss, this is achieved through computational guesswork and may not reflect the swimmer's actual progress in the water. Some swimmers have tried placing their GPS watches inside their latex or silicone swim caps to keep them above water and improve reception. However, bulky watches can shift inside the caps, making them both conspicuous and uncomfortable.

It has now been discovered that this problem can be solved by integrating a GPS antenna/receiver into the swimsuit during the swimsuit manufacturing process or using a storage pouch. The GPS antenna/receiver can be connected or paired with a tracking device to improve GPS signal reception. The antenna/receiver (which may include, for example, a wire that runs across or along the back surface of the swimsuit and a waterproof hard-wired cable connector that can interface with the GPS device) can be designed as a dedicated device, but can also be configured to be compatible with third-party receivers through the use of appropriate wired or wireless adapters. The antenna/receiver can also connect to the receiver via wireless transmission using various commercial protocols, including but not limited to ANT+ and Bluetooth™.

Another area where improvements are needed in known wetsuits and other swimwear relates to the swimmer's stroke rhythm. Maintaining a consistent rhythm and stroke length is crucial when swimming long distances. This issue is particularly important in multi-hour events, such as long-distance triathlons or open-water swimming competitions, which often require aerobic fitness levels. Furthermore, in competitive swimming events like triathlons, it's easy for attention to wander, causing swimmers to lose their rhythm or stroke length and become fatigued.

It has been discovered that this problem can be solved by integrating one or more cadence sensors into a swimsuit, which transmit cadence information to the swimmer. In a wetsuit, this can take the form of, for example, an accelerometer sensor built into the forearm of the wetsuit, which can transmit cadence data to a central computing system (which may or may not be integrated into the wetsuit) using a suitable wireless signal or hard wiring. In some embodiments, the wetsuit can include an LED panel that uses colors or light patterns to warn the swimmer when a predefined cadence target is reached. Other embodiments can include a vibration device to warn the swimmer when a specific target is not reached or when the swimmer's cadence deviates. Another embodiment can use LEDs to display the distance completed, especially when working in conjunction with a GPS system. Such a configuration is very valuable because it is difficult for a swimmer to know where they are in a 2.4-mile race. A variation of this embodiment can use an audio prompt, which can be used alone or in addition to the LED signal. In other embodiments, a cadence sensor can be installed at the ankle of the wetsuit to monitor the force of the kick, because a steady kick is important for both stability and propulsion. Of course, it should be understood that the above technical features can also be used for other types of swimsuits besides diving suits.

Another area where improvements in wetsuits and other swimwear are known to be needed relates to a swimmer's heart rate. In competitive swimming events like triathlons, it's easy to become excited or agitated and swim too fast or too hard at certain points during the competition. For example, many triathlons feature a "mass swim start" phase, where hundreds of athletes begin swimming in a group. This can cause heart rates to increase prematurely, leading to unintended fatigue. This problem is particularly significant in long-distance triathlons, which often require multiple hours of aerobic conditioning to complete.

It has now been discovered that this problem can be solved by integrating a heart rate monitor into a wetsuit or other swimsuit to provide the swimmer with feedback about their heart rate in the water. This can be achieved by, for example, using known heart rate monitoring chest straps, ear straps, and/or wrist strap technology to monitor heart rate indicators and send the data to a central computing system (which may or may not be integrated into the wetsuit). The swimsuit may be adapted to warn the swimmer by vibrating or otherwise when a predefined heart rate target is reached, lost, or deviated. In some embodiments, the heart rate monitor may be integrated with an LED, optical fiber, or other visual prompting system to provide a visual warning, or integrated with an audio system to provide an audio warning.

Another area where wetsuits and other swimwear are known to need improvement relates to swimmer performance metrics, such as heart rate. Tracking overall performance and metrics while swimming, especially during competition, is very difficult.

It has been discovered that this problem can be solved by integrating a performance feedback monitoring system into the swimsuit, allowing athletes to easily view key performance and health data during training and competition. Such data may include, but is not limited to, heart rate, cadence, distance, direction, speed, and body temperature. This can be achieved by using a thin hydrodynamic wristband unit that communicates with various sensors and monitoring systems built into the swimsuit, earbuds for audio communication, or a heads-up display goggle unit. The system can be integrated with a swim cap, which is a must-have for triathlon competitions, and can serve as a storage location and a "bridge" between the goggle system and the wetsuit.

Figures 1-4 illustrate a first specific, non-limiting embodiment of a wetsuit according to the teachings of the present invention. The wetsuit 101 shown includes a top portion 103, a middle portion 105, and a bottom portion 107. The top portion 103 extends around the wearer's shoulders and chest and includes sleeve portions 109 that extend along the wearer's arms. Each sleeve portion 109 terminates in a cuff 111. The top portion 103 terminates at one end in a collar 113 that extends around the wearer's neck and at the other end in the middle portion 105.

The bottom portion 107 includes a waist portion 115 that extends around the wearer's waist, a leg portion 117 that extends along the wearer's legs, and a crotch portion 119.

As shown in Figure 2, the wetsuit 101 is provided with a zipper 121 that extends along the back of the wetsuit 101 from the collar 113 to the bottom portion 107. Straps 123 allow the wearer to open and close the wetsuit without assistance.

The front of the wetsuit 101 has a first buoyancy-increasing portion 125 (see FIG. 1 ) in the form of a strip extending from the collar 113 to the crotch 119. Similarly, the back of the wetsuit 101 has a second buoyancy-increasing portion 127 (see FIG. 2 ) in the form of a strip extending from the junction of the top portion 103 and the middle portion 105 to the crotch 119. In some embodiments, the second buoyancy-increasing portion 127 can comprise a different (and preferably more elastic) material than the first buoyancy-increasing portion 125 to allow the wetsuit to better conform to the curvature of the lower back.

In use, the buoyancy-increasing portions 125 and 127 provide additional buoyancy in the center of the wetsuit 101 along the longitudinal axis of the wearer's body. While not wishing to be bound by theory, we believe that the additional buoyancy causes the wearer's body to float higher in the water while swimming, thereby reducing the drag experienced by the wearer by reducing the amount of surface area of the wearer's body in contact with the water. Reducing the buoyancy on either side of the midline of the chest and back panels reduces the mass of the chest. When combined with the relatively greater buoyancy of the legs, the wetsuit places the swimmer's body in a neutral body position. Without this balance, the body's natural source of flotation (the lungs) would cause the swimmer's chest to float too high relative to the hips and legs, resulting in body drag. A proper neutral body position when swimming is commonly known as a "downhill stroke" because it creates a sensation of swimming downward. This position is actually an ideal state that results in the least amount of body drag.

Additionally, placing additional buoyancy along the longitudinal axis of the wearer's body is believed to provide greater rotational stability, reduce drag during a normal swimming stroke (e.g., a traditional freestyle stroke), and improve balance. In contrast, some existing swimsuits with increased buoyancy have these components located along the hips and/or arms and legs of the wetsuit. Such designs can lead to imbalance and rotational instability during a normal swimming stroke. Furthermore, such designs increase the drag experienced by the user as they move through the water due to the added buoyancy in the user's arms and legs.

5-9 illustrate a second specific, non-limiting embodiment of a wetsuit according to the teachings of the present invention. The wetsuit 201 shown includes a top portion 203, a middle portion 205, and a bottom portion 207. The top portion 203 extends around the wearer's shoulders and chest and includes sleeve portions 209 that extend along the wearer's arms. Each sleeve portion 209 terminates in a cuff 211. The top portion 203 terminates at one end in a collar 213 that extends around the wearer's neck and at the other end in the middle portion 205.

The bottom portion 207 includes a waist portion 215 that extends around the wearer's waist, a leg portion 217 that extends along the wearer's legs, and a crotch portion 219.

As shown in Figure 6, the wetsuit 201 is equipped with a zipper 221 that extends along the back of the wetsuit 201 from the collar 213 to the bottom portion 207. Straps 223 allow the wearer to open and close the wetsuit without assistance.

The front side of the wetsuit 201 has a first buoyancy-increasing portion 225 (see FIG. 5 ) in the form of a strip, extending from the collar 213 to the crotch 219. Similarly, the back of the wetsuit 201 has a second buoyancy-increasing portion 227 (see FIG. 6 ) in the form of a strip, extending from the junction of the top portion 203 and the middle portion 205 to the crotch 219. The buoyancy-increasing portions 225 and 227 of this embodiment have similar functions to the buoyancy-increasing portions 125 and 127 of the embodiment shown in FIG. 1-4 .

Although the diving suit 201 shown in Figures 5-9 is very similar to the diving suit 101 shown in Figures 1-4 in many aspects (leaving aside the decorative aspects), the diving suit 201 shown in Figures 5-9 has some additional features. Specifically, the diving suit 201 shown in Figures 5-9 is equipped with areas 251, 255 and 257, in which the diving suit 201 uses a material with greater elasticity to enable greater freedom of movement in these areas. This can be achieved by, for example, inserting thinner, more elastic material panels in these areas. The thinner material can be, for example, a foam polymer material. Preferably, the majority of the diving suit comprises neoprene having a first thickness, the areas 251, 255 and 257 comprise neoprene having a second thickness less than the first thickness, and the buoyancy enhancing portions 225 and 227 comprise neoprene having a third thickness greater than the second thickness. Most preferably, the buoyancy increasing portions 225 and 227 are made of a material having a density of d ₁ , the majority of the wetsuit is made of a material having a density of d ₂ , and the regions 251 , 255 and 257 are made of a material having a density of d ₃ , wherein d ₁ < d ₂ ≤ _{d 3} .

The diving suit 201 shown in Figures 5-9 is further equipped with a resistance band 253 on the inner side of the forearm. These resistance bands 253 are used to increase the resistance of this part on the diving suit 201, thereby improving the power and energy efficiency of the wearer's stroke when paddling downwards (such as traditional freestyle stroke). In a preferred embodiment, the resistance band includes a plurality of rib-like protrusions, the longitudinal axis of which is roughly perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the wearer's forearm (and the longitudinal axis of the sleeve 209). These bands can also provide better proprioception or "water sense", which is very important for swimming. It is towards making the resistance band "catch" water, thereby assisting in propelling the wearer in the water. In some specific embodiments, a part of suitable fabric can be used at this position of the diving suit to improve proprioception.

The wetsuit 201 shown in Figures 5-9 further includes straps 259 on the sides of the leg portion 217. The straps 259 help reduce drag on the wearer's movement through the water by covering the seams at the opposing edges of the fabric of the leg portion 217. In some embodiments, the straps 259 may also comprise a low-density material to further improve the wearer's buoyancy. Thus, for example, in some embodiments, the majority of the leg portion may comprise a foamed polymeric material (e.g., neoprene) having a thickness ranging from about 3 mm to about 6 mm, more preferably from about 4 mm to about 5 mm, and the straps 259 preferably have a thickness ranging from about 0.5 mm to about 2.5 mm, more preferably from about 1 mm to about 2 mm. In some variations, the terminal portion of the leg portion extends around the wearer's ankle and may also have a thickness ranging from about 0.5 mm to about 2.5 mm, more preferably from about 1 mm to about 2 mm, to facilitate doffing the wetsuit. The terminal portion is preferably less than 2 inches in length, more preferably from about 0.5 inches to about 1 inch in length.

Figures 10-13 illustrate a first specific, non-limiting embodiment of a swimsuit according to the teachings of the present invention. The swimsuit 301 shown includes a waist portion 315, a waistband 361, and a crotch portion 319. The waist portion extends around the wearer's waist, and the waistband 361 secures the waist portion 315 to the wearer (and may include, for example, suitable elastic material, a drawstring, or both, or any other suitable means for securing the waist portion 315 to the wearer). The front of the swimsuit 301 includes a first, strip-shaped, buoyancy-enhancing portion 325 extending from the waistband 361 to the crotch portion 319. Similarly, the back of the swimsuit 301 includes a second, strip-shaped, buoyancy-enhancing portion 327 (see Figure 11) extending from the waistband 361 to the crotch portion 319. The buoyancy-enhancing portions 325 and 327 of this embodiment function similarly to the buoyancy-enhancing portions 125 and 127 of the embodiment shown in Figures 1-4.

The swimsuit 301 shown in Figures 10-13 is further provided with a belt 359 on the side of the waist portion 315. The belt 359 in this embodiment has a similar function to the belt 259 of the specific embodiment shown in Figures 5-9.

14-17 illustrate a fourth specific, non-limiting embodiment of a wetsuit according to the teachings of the present invention. The wetsuit 401 shown includes a top portion 403, a middle portion 405, and a bottom portion 407. The top portion 403 extends around the wearer's shoulders and chest. Unlike the embodiment of wetsuit 101 shown in FIGs. 1-4, the wetsuit in this embodiment lacks sleeves, but instead provides openings 463 through which the wearer's arms extend. The top portion 403 terminates at one end in a collar 413 that extends around the wearer's neck and at the other end in the middle portion 405. The bottom portion 407 includes a waist portion 415 that extends around the wearer's waist, leg portions 417 that extend along the wearer's legs, and a crotch portion 419.

As shown in Figure 15, the wetsuit 401 is equipped with a zipper 421 that extends along the back of the wetsuit 401 from the collar 413 to the bottom portion 407. Straps 423 allow the wearer to open and close the wetsuit without assistance.

The front side of the wetsuit 401 has a first buoyancy-increasing portion 425 (see FIG. 14 ) in the form of a strip, extending from the collar 413 to the crotch 419. Similarly, the back of the wetsuit 401 has a second buoyancy-increasing portion 427 (see FIG. 15 ) in the form of a strip, extending from the junction of the top portion 403 and the middle portion 405 to the crotch 419. The buoyancy-increasing portions 425 and 427 in this embodiment have similar functions to the buoyancy-increasing portions 125 and 127 of the embodiment shown in FIG. 1-4 .

The wetsuit 401 shown in Figures 14-17 further includes straps 459 on the sides of the leg portions 417. The straps 459 help reduce friction when the wearer moves through the water by covering the seams at the opposite edges of the fabric of the leg portions 417. In some embodiments, the straps 459 may also include a low-density material to further improve the wearer's buoyancy, which may also help the wearer's body rotate properly while swimming.

FIG18 shows a specific non-limiting embodiment of a swimsuit sleeve according to the teachings of the present invention. The swimsuit sleeve 509 shown is a right-handed swimsuit sleeve and is shown from the front, back, and right-hand sides (clockwise from top to bottom). For each figure, the corresponding left-hand version of the swimsuit sleeve 509 is a mirror image.

The sleeve 509 terminates at a cuff 511. The sleeve 509 further includes a resistance band 553, which functions similarly to resistance band 253 of wetsuit 201 in Figures 5-9. The sleeve 509 also includes an area 563, where a material with increased elasticity is used to allow for greater freedom of movement in these areas. This is similar to areas 251, 255, and 257 of wetsuit 201 in Figures 5-9.

The sleeves 509 can be used as a standalone device to increase the wearer's swimming speed. Alternatively, the sleeves 509 can be used in conjunction with a sleeveless wetsuit (such as wetsuit 401 shown in Figures 14-17 or swimsuit 301 shown in Figures 10-13). This combination allows the wearer to benefit from the sleeves while also allowing for a degree of freedom of shoulder movement.

In other embodiments, the swimsuit sleeves 509 can be detachably attached to a short-sleeved wetsuit, allowing the user to choose between using a long-sleeved or short-sleeved wetsuit. In these embodiments, the swimsuit sleeves 509 and/or the wetsuit can be equipped with suitable means to detachably attach the swimsuit sleeves 509 to the wetsuit.

Figures 19-21 illustrate a specific, non-limiting embodiment of a wetsuit equipped with electronic packaging according to the teachings of the present invention. The wetsuit 601 shown includes a top portion 603, a middle portion 605, and a bottom portion 607. The top portion 603 extends around the wearer's shoulders and chest and includes sleeve portions 609 that extend along the wearer's arms. Each sleeve portion 609 terminates in a cuff 611. The top portion 603 terminates at one end in a collar 613 that extends around the wearer's neck, and the other end of the top portion 603 terminates in the middle portion 605.

The bottom portion 607 includes a waist portion 615 that extends around the wearer's waist, a leg portion 617 that extends along the wearer's legs, and a crotch portion 619.

As shown in Figure 20, the wetsuit 601 is equipped with a zipper 621 that extends along the back of the wetsuit 601 from the collar 613 to the bottom portion 607. Straps 623 allow the wearer to open and close the wetsuit without assistance.

The front side of the wetsuit 601 has a first buoyancy-increasing portion 625 (see FIG. 19 ) in the form of a strip, extending from the collar 613 to the crotch 619. Similarly, the back of the wetsuit 601 has a second buoyancy-increasing portion 627 (see FIG. 20 ) in the form of a strip, extending from the junction of the top portion 603 and the middle portion 605 to the crotch 619. The buoyancy-increasing portions 625 and 627 in this embodiment have similar functions to the buoyancy-increasing portions 125 and 127 of the embodiment shown in FIG. 1-4 .

The illustrated wetsuit 601 is further equipped with a central processing unit (CPU) 651 or other suitable controller to communicate with a first set of accelerometers 653, a second set of accelerometers 655, and a third set of accelerometers 657 or other suitable sensors via suitable cables 659 in this particular embodiment. The first set of accelerometers 653 is preferably located in the waist portion 615 of the wetsuit 601 so that they are located above the wearer's hips. The second set of accelerometers 655 is preferably located in the arm portion 609 of the wetsuit 601 and preferably adjacent to the cuffs 611. The third set of accelerometers 657 is preferably located in the leg portion 617 of the wetsuit 601 and preferably adjacent to the wearer's feet.

One or more displays 661 may be provided on either or both arms 609 of the wetsuit 601 (and preferably positioned above the wearer's waist) which communicate with the CPU 651 and/or accelerometers 653, 655, 657 and enable the wearer of the wetsuit 601 to view data or control wetsuit features.

In use, the first set of accelerometers 653 can be used to collect information, such as the distance the wearer has swum and the angle and speed of the wearer's rotation (preferably as a function of time). The second set of accelerometers 655 and the third set of accelerometers 657 can be used to collect information, such as the wearer's swimming cadence and the energy expended by the user (preferably over a period of time or as a function of time).

The wetsuit 601 shown in Figures 19-21 provides many potential advantages and can have multiple uses. For example, in order to win in endurance competition events such as triathlons, contestants must develop a reasonable swimming mechanism, such as a rhythm that achieves a reasonable balance between maximizing speed and minimizing energy expenditure. The activities of the swimmer's buttocks, arms and legs and the forces generated by these activities are important aspects of the above-mentioned mechanism. The wetsuit 601 shown in Figures 19-21 can be used to collect information about these mechanisms, thereby helping swimmers confirm the defects in their swimming mechanism, or detecting deviations from a reasonable swimming mechanism over time (for example, the wearer becomes tired).

In some embodiments, the wetsuit can be equipped with a suitable device to generate a visual or audio marker or prompt whenever the wearer deviates from a reasonable swimming mechanism, thereby helping the wearer to improve the mechanism, avoid deviations from a reasonable swimming mechanism, and make the wearer more aware of when they deviate from a reasonable mechanism. Therefore, in addition to being a competition wetsuit (where permitted by relevant regulations), the wetsuit 601 shown in Figures 19-21 can also be used as a training device.

Various variations or modifications may be made to the wetsuits shown in Figures 19-21. For example, the wetsuits of the present invention may be equipped with a GPS, which may be independent of or integrated with the CPU or other control unit. The GPS or one or more antennas associated therewith are preferably located on the back of the wetsuit or in an associated swim cap. The GPS may have a variety of uses, including tracking the wearer's location to collect data or notifying the wearer if the wearer deviates from a desired course. Thus, the functionality of the GPS may be used, for example, to prevent an open water swimmer from straying from their lane, regardless of interference, currents, or other factors that could cause the swimmer to stray from their lane.

The diving suits shown in Figures 19-21 can be equipped with various other expansion products. For example, the diving suit can be equipped with goggles that can interact with a CPU or GPS to provide a heads-up display of performance or location data. The diving suit can also be equipped with a heart rate monitor or adapted to interact with a heart rate monitor worn by the user. The heart rate monitor can be, for example, a strap-on unit that is secured to the user's chest by one or more straps, or an adhesive unit that is secured to the user's chest by a removable adhesive. The diving suit can also be equipped with a suitable transceiver for transmitting data collected, for example, by sensors mounted on the diving suit or for receiving data from an external source. The diving suit can also be equipped with onboard memory (in the form of a memory card or other suitable media) to store data when necessary or desired.

Additionally, while the wetsuit shown in Figures 19-21 has three sets of two accelerometers per set, those skilled in the art will appreciate that various other types of sensors may be used in place of or in addition to the accelerometers described. Furthermore, a wetsuit constructed in accordance with the teachings of the present invention may utilize any suitable number of accelerometers or other sensors, and the placement of these accelerometers or other sensors may vary.

In addition, while the description of the wetsuit shown in Figures 19-21 incorporates examples of using wires to provide a communication channel between the sensor and the CPU or GPS, it should be understood that various types of cables, optical fibers, wireless signals or other suitable communication devices may be used to achieve communication between such elements in a wetsuit made in accordance with the teachings of the present invention.

It should be understood that the features associated with the wetsuit 601 shown in Figures 19-21 can be incorporated into other wetsuits and swimsuits disclosed herein with appropriate modifications. For example, in a sleeveless wetsuit embodiment, any electronic device that would typically be mounted in the sleeve portion of the wetsuit can be moved to another portion of the wetsuit, or can be placed in a separate swimsuit sleeve and wirelessly communicate with other components of the wetsuit.

It should also be understood that materials of various thicknesses, densities, and sizes may be used in the wetsuits and swimsuits of the present invention. For example, the first buoyancy-increasing portion (e.g., 125 of FIG. 1 and 325 of FIG. 10 ) of the wetsuits and swimsuits of the present invention preferably has a width ranging from about 1 inch to about 7 inches, and more preferably from about 4 inches to about 6 inches. The second buoyancy-increasing portion (e.g., 127 of FIG. 2 and 327 of FIG. 11 ) of the wetsuits and swimsuits of the present invention preferably has the same or similar width as the first buoyancy-increasing portion. However, while the first buoyancy-increasing portion preferably includes an inflatable polymeric material, the second buoyancy-increasing portion preferably does not contain an inflatable polymeric material because non-inflatable polymeric materials are generally more elastic and conform better to the wearer's lower back.

The width range of the cuff (e.g., 111 in FIG. 1 ) is preferably about 1 inch to about 2 inches. In the swimsuit sleeve shown in FIG. 18 , the width range of the cuff 511 is preferably about 1 inch to about 3 inches. The width range of the band (e.g., 259 in FIG. 8 , 359 in FIG. 10 , and 459 in FIG. 16 ) is preferably about 1 inch to about 3 inches. The width range of the waistband (e.g., 361 in FIG. 10 ) is preferably about 1 inch to about 2 inches. The width range of the area 563 of the swimsuit sleeve 509 shown in FIG. 18 is preferably about 4 inches to about 6 inches. The maximum width of the area occupied by the resistance band 553 of the swimsuit sleeve 509 shown in FIG. 18 is preferably about 6 inches to about 8 inches.

The swimsuit of the present invention can also be equipped with or used in conjunction with a heart rate monitor. Preferably, the heart rate monitor is a pre-made plastic module (a heart rate module compatible with ANT+ and Bluetooth ^™ , powered by a replaceable battery and a removable battery door) coupled to an adhesive tape that is adhered to the chest or other area where the heart rate can be accurately measured. The use of adhesive tape can avoid the use of uncomfortable cloth tape. In some embodiments, the device can be molded with a female adapter for removably attaching the heart rate module (e.g., clamping it in a fixed position). This method is similar to the adhesive tape used for injection sites for patients with type 1 diabetes, which is manufactured by, for example, Medtronic Inc. (Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA). The adhesive tape can be sold as a single-use tape in a box or packaged with an alcohol wipe for removing excess adhesive. This type of heart rate monitor can be paired with a computer or watch for the cycling and running portions of a triathlon without having to worry about movement or displacement during exercise.

The swimsuits of the present invention may also be equipped with or used in conjunction with various heads-up displays, which can be integrated into, for example, swimming goggles. In some embodiments, the heads-up display may utilize a fiber optic or liquid crystal display, be laminated to portions of the goggles, or be a separate module permanently or semi-permanently attached. Such embodiments may be equipped with an operating system that receives information (e.g., performance data) from a CPU and generates light, vibration, or audio cues (or a combination of one or more thereof) to inform the user of the status or characteristics of the performance data. The heads-up display may include manual, automatic, or voice controls, allowing the user to switch display areas or types, navigate a graphical user interface (GUI), and operate other such functions. Preferably, the aforementioned systems are waterproof, shockproof, resistant to grease and sweat, and are generally very lightweight and durable. In some embodiments, the swimsuits of the present invention may also be equipped with or used in conjunction with a device for releasing odors known to cause adverse physiological reactions.

The above description of the present invention is merely illustrative and not intended to be limiting. It should be understood that various additions, substitutions, and modifications may be made to the above-described specific embodiments without departing from the scope of the present invention. Therefore, the scope of the present invention should be interpreted in accordance with the claims.

Claims (41)

1. A high-performance swimsuit, comprising: The trousers portion extends from a waist region (315) surrounding the wearer's waist along the wearer's legs to below the wearer's hip region (319), the trousers portion including a front middle section (325) and a rear middle section (327), the front middle section (325) extending from the waist region (315) to the hip region (319) on the front side of the wearer, the rear middle section (327) extending from the waist region (315) to the hip region (319) on the rear side of the wearer, wherein each of the front middle section (325) and the rear middle section (327) is an elastic buoyancy enhancement portion, the elastic buoyancy enhancement portion comprising a first material having a first thickness and a first density _ρ1 ; A first outer region and a second outer region are located between the front middle region (325) and the rear middle region (327), the second outer region being opposite to the first outer region, the first outer region and the second outer region being disposed on the hip region of the torso and longitudinally positioned from the waist region (315) to below the hip region (319). The first outer region and the second outer region include a second material having a second thickness and a second density _ρ2 ; Where _ρ2 >_ρ1; and The buoyancy per unit area of the front middle zone (325) and the rear middle zone (327) is greater than that per unit area of the first outer zone and the second outer zone, so as to enhance the wearer's body rotation along the central longitudinal axis. 2. The swimsuit as claimed in claim 1, wherein the first material and the second material are polymeric materials. 3. The swimsuit of claim 1, wherein the first material and the second material are the same, and wherein the first thickness is greater than the second thickness. 4. The swimsuit as claimed in claim 1, wherein the leg portion extends from the waist region (315) to the thigh region. 5. The swimsuit of claim 1, wherein the leg portion extends to the area above the knee of the wearer's leg. 6. The swimsuit as claimed in claim 1, wherein the leg portion extends from the waist region (315) to the shin region of the wearer's leg. 7. The swimsuit of claim 1, wherein the front center section (325) and the rear center section (327) have a maximum width in the range of 1 inch to 7 inches, the maximum width being measured in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the front center section and the rear center section. 8. The swimsuit of claim 1, wherein the first outer region and the second outer region comprise coated fabric. 9. The swimsuit as claimed in any one of claims 1-3 and 7-8, further comprising a first outer strap (359) and a second outer strap (359), the first outer strap (359) being disposed on a first side above a first hip region on a first outer region of the wearer's torso, and the second outer strap (359) being disposed on a side opposite to the first outer strap (359) above a second hip region on a second outer region of the wearer's torso, the first outer strap (359) and the second outer strap (359) comprising a third material such that the first outer strap (359) and the second outer strap (359) extend longitudinally from the waist region (315) to below the hip region (319). 10. The swimsuit of claim 9, wherein the third material is a polymeric material. 11. The swimsuit of claim 9, wherein the first outer strap and the second outer strap (359) each have a thickness less than that of the front middle section (325) and the rear middle section (327). 12. The swimsuit of claim 9, wherein the first outer strap and the second outer strap have a thickness less than that of the first outer region and the second outer region. 13. The swimsuit of claim 9, wherein the first material, the second material, and the third material are the same. 14. The swimsuit as claimed in claim 9 further includes a third strap and a fourth strap, the third strap being disposed on a first side above the first hip region on the first outer region of the wearer's torso, and the fourth strap being disposed on a side opposite to the third strap on the second hip region on the second outer region of the wearer's torso, the third strap and the fourth strap comprising a fourth material such that the third strap and the fourth strap extend longitudinally from the waist region (315) to below the hip region (319). 15. The swimsuit of claim 9, wherein the first outer strap and the second outer strap are 1.0 to 3.0 inches wide. 16. The swimsuit of claim 14, wherein the third and fourth straps are 1.0 to 3.0 inches wide. 17. The swimsuit of claim 9, wherein the first outer strap and the second outer strap cover the seam between the opposite edges of the material of the leg portion on the first side above the first hip area in the first outer region and on the side opposite to the first outer region in the second outer region above the second hip area. 18. The swimsuit of claim 14, wherein the third strap and the fourth strap cover the seam between the opposite edges of the material of the leg portion on the first side above the first hip area in the first outer region and on the side opposite to the first outer region in the second outer region above the second hip area. 19. The swimsuit of claim 1, wherein the waist region includes a band (361) with a width between 1.0 inch and 2.0 inches. 20. The swimsuit of claim 1, wherein the front center section (325) and the rear center section (327) comprise the same material. 21. The swimsuit of claim 1, wherein the front middle section (325) and the rear middle section (327) comprise different materials. 22. The swimsuit of claim 21, wherein the front middle section (325) comprises an inflatable polymeric material and the rear middle section (327) comprises a non-inflatable polymeric material. 23. The swimsuit of claim 9, wherein the first outer strap and the second outer strap (359) have a thickness in the range of 0.5 mm to 2.5 mm. 24. The swimsuit as claimed in any one of claims 10-13, wherein the first outer strap and the second outer strap (359) are between 1.0 inch wide and 3.0 inch wide. 25. The swimsuit of claim 1, wherein the leg portion extends to the ankle area of the wearer's leg. 26. The swimsuit of claim 1, further comprising a detachable sleeveless top portion as a separate accessory for covering a portion of the wearer's upper torso, the sleeveless top portion comprising: The top portion (403) terminates at one end at the collar area (413), which extends around the wearer's neck, and the other end of the top portion (403) terminates at the middle portion (405), which covers the chest area and the back area. The middle portion (405) has one end ending in the chest area, which extends around the wearer's abdominal and lower back areas, and the other end ending in the waist area. A front middle section (425) and a back middle section (427), the front middle section (425) extending from the collar area (413) to the abdominal area on the front side of the wearer, and the back middle section (427) extending from the collar area (413) to the abdominal area on the back side of the wearer, wherein each of the front middle section (425) and the back middle section (427) of the sleeveless top portion is an elastic buoyancy-enhancing portion comprising a first material having a first thickness and a first density _ρ1 ; and A first outer region and a second outer region are located between the front middle region (425) and the rear middle region (427) of the sleeveless top portion. The first outer region and the second outer region are disposed on the thoracic region of the torso and are longitudinally positioned below the axillary region and extend to the periphery of the hip region. The first outer region and the second outer region of the sleeveless top portion include a second material having a second thickness and a second density _ρ2 . Where _ρ2 >_ρ1; The buoyancy per unit area of the front middle area (425) and the rear middle area (427) of the sleeveless top portion is greater than the buoyancy per unit area of the first outer area and the second outer area of the sleeveless top portion. The top portion extends beyond the top of the wearer's shoulder area; and The top portion is provided with an opening (463) through which the wearer's arm extends. 27. The swimsuit of claim 9, wherein the leg portion extends from the waist region (315) to the thigh region. 28. The swimsuit of claim 9, wherein the leg portion extends to the area above the knee of the wearer's leg. 29. The swimsuit of claim 9, wherein the leg portion extends from the waist region (315) to the shin region of the wearer's leg. 30. A high-performance swimsuit, comprising: The trousers portion extends from the wearer's waist region (315) along the wearer's legs to below the wearer's hip region (319), the waist region (315) extending around the wearer's waist, the trousers portion including a front middle section (325) and a rear middle section (327), the front middle section (325) extending from the waistband (361) to the hip region (319) on the front side of the wearer, the rear middle section (327) extending from the waistband (361) to the hip region (319) on the rear side of the wearer, wherein each of the front middle section (325) and the rear middle section (327) includes a first material having a first thickness and a first density _ρ1 ; A first outer region located between the front middle region (325) and the rear middle region (327) is provided on a first side above the hip area of the wearer's torso and is longitudinally positioned from the waist belt (361) to below the hip area (319). A second outer region is located between the front middle region (325) and the rear middle region (327). The second outer region is disposed on the side opposite to the first outer region above the relative hip area of the wearer's torso and longitudinally positioned from the waist belt (361) to below the hip area (319). The first outer region and the second outer region include a second material having a second thickness and a second density _ρ2 ; Where _ρ2 >_ρ1; and The buoyancy per unit area of the front middle area (325) and the rear middle area (327) is greater than that per unit area of the first outer area and the second outer area. 31. The swimsuit of claim 30, wherein the first material and the second material are the same, and wherein the first thickness is greater than the second thickness. 32. The swimsuit of claim 30, wherein the leg portion extends from the waistband (361) to the thigh area of the wearer's leg. 33. The swimsuit of claim 30, wherein the leg portion extends from the waist region (315) to the shin region of the wearer's leg. 34. The swimsuit of claim 30, wherein the leg portion extends to the ankle region of the wearer's leg. 35. The swimsuit of claim 30, wherein the front middle section (325) and the rear middle section (327) comprise the same polymeric material. 36. The swimsuit of claim 30, wherein the front middle section (325) and the rear middle section (327) comprise different polymeric materials. 37. The swimsuit of claim 36, wherein the polymeric material of the front middle section (325) comprises an inflatable polymeric material, and the polymeric material of the rear middle section (327) comprises a non-inflatable polymeric material. 38. The swimsuit of claim 30, wherein the first material and the second material are the same. 39. The swimsuit of claim 30, wherein the thickness of the first material is greater than the thickness of the second material. 40. The swimsuit of claim 30, wherein the front center section (325) and the rear center section (327) have a width in the range of 1 inch to 7 inches. 41. The swimsuit as claimed in claim 1 or 30, further comprising a swimsuit sleeve (509) as a separate accessory for covering the wearer's arm, wherein the swimsuit sleeve comprises: The biceps region is located above the elbow region and below the shoulder region. The highly elastic region (563) in the elbow area; The resistance zone (553) in the lateral forearm region; and The cuff in the wrist area (511); The biceps region has a third material thickness of 2.0 mm to 4.0 mm. The highly elastic region (563) in the elbow area has a first material thickness of 1.0 mm to 2.0 mm and a width between 4.0 inches and 6.0 inches. The resistance band area of the outer forearm region has a circumferential width ranging from 6.0 to 8.0 inches, and the second material thickness of the inner forearm material is 0.5 mm to 3.0 mm. The cuffs have a width between 1.0 inch and 3.0 inches.