US20220304401A1 - Single-piece construction, full-body wader - Google Patents
Single-piece construction, full-body wader Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- US20220304401A1 US20220304401A1 US17/655,715 US202217655715A US2022304401A1 US 20220304401 A1 US20220304401 A1 US 20220304401A1 US 202217655715 A US202217655715 A US 202217655715A US 2022304401 A1 US2022304401 A1 US 2022304401A1
- Authority
- US
- United States
- Prior art keywords
- full
- wader
- pants
- torso portion
- sleeves
- 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
Links
- 238000010276 construction Methods 0.000 title claims abstract description 16
- 239000000463 material Substances 0.000 claims abstract description 116
- XLYOFNOQVPJJNP-UHFFFAOYSA-N water Substances O XLYOFNOQVPJJNP-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 claims abstract description 44
- 239000004744 fabric Substances 0.000 claims abstract description 20
- 229920001084 poly(chloroprene) Polymers 0.000 claims description 7
- 230000003014 reinforcing effect Effects 0.000 claims description 7
- 238000000034 method Methods 0.000 claims description 6
- 239000011248 coating agent Substances 0.000 claims description 5
- 238000000576 coating method Methods 0.000 claims description 5
- 239000012528 membrane Substances 0.000 claims description 5
- 239000004814 polyurethane Substances 0.000 claims description 5
- 229920002635 polyurethane Polymers 0.000 claims description 4
- 210000000707 wrist Anatomy 0.000 claims description 4
- 239000000853 adhesive Substances 0.000 claims description 3
- 230000001070 adhesive effect Effects 0.000 claims description 3
- 229920000295 expanded polytetrafluoroethylene Polymers 0.000 claims description 3
- 230000035515 penetration Effects 0.000 abstract description 14
- 210000002414 leg Anatomy 0.000 description 46
- 230000000694 effects Effects 0.000 description 8
- 229920000728 polyester Polymers 0.000 description 6
- 210000003127 knee Anatomy 0.000 description 5
- 239000004677 Nylon Substances 0.000 description 4
- 210000002683 foot Anatomy 0.000 description 4
- 210000004013 groin Anatomy 0.000 description 4
- 229920001778 nylon Polymers 0.000 description 4
- 238000012360 testing method Methods 0.000 description 4
- 125000000391 vinyl group Chemical group [H]C([*])=C([H])[H] 0.000 description 4
- 229920002554 vinyl polymer Polymers 0.000 description 4
- 241000272517 Anseriformes Species 0.000 description 3
- 230000008901 benefit Effects 0.000 description 3
- 239000004568 cement Substances 0.000 description 3
- 238000004519 manufacturing process Methods 0.000 description 3
- 229910000831 Steel Inorganic materials 0.000 description 2
- 239000004433 Thermoplastic polyurethane Substances 0.000 description 2
- -1 canvas Substances 0.000 description 2
- 239000013013 elastic material Substances 0.000 description 2
- 229920001971 elastomer Polymers 0.000 description 2
- 239000010410 layer Substances 0.000 description 2
- 239000010985 leather Substances 0.000 description 2
- 239000000203 mixture Substances 0.000 description 2
- 239000010959 steel Substances 0.000 description 2
- 229920002803 thermoplastic polyurethane Polymers 0.000 description 2
- 229920000742 Cotton Polymers 0.000 description 1
- 229920002334 Spandex Polymers 0.000 description 1
- 230000003247 decreasing effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000005499 meniscus Effects 0.000 description 1
- 239000002184 metal Substances 0.000 description 1
- 229910001092 metal group alloy Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- 230000000149 penetrating effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 229920003023 plastic Polymers 0.000 description 1
- 239000004033 plastic Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000004800 polyvinyl chloride Substances 0.000 description 1
- 238000005096 rolling process Methods 0.000 description 1
- 239000002356 single layer Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000004759 spandex Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000007921 spray Substances 0.000 description 1
- 238000010998 test method Methods 0.000 description 1
- 210000003813 thumb Anatomy 0.000 description 1
- 210000003371 toe Anatomy 0.000 description 1
- 230000000007 visual effect Effects 0.000 description 1
Images
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
- A41D13/02—Overalls, e.g. bodysuits or bib overalls
-
- 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
- A41D—OUTERWEAR; PROTECTIVE GARMENTS; ACCESSORIES
- A41D2600/00—Uses of garments specially adapted for specific purposes
- A41D2600/10—Uses of garments specially adapted for specific purposes for sport activities
- A41D2600/106—Fishing
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A41—WEARING APPAREL
- A41D—OUTERWEAR; PROTECTIVE GARMENTS; ACCESSORIES
- A41D2600/00—Uses of garments specially adapted for specific purposes
- A41D2600/10—Uses of garments specially adapted for specific purposes for sport activities
- A41D2600/108—Hunting
Definitions
- Waders can be worn during a variety of water activities, such as waterfowl hunting or fishing. Waders can be made from a water-proof material that protects a user from water. A full-body wader can be made as a single-piece construction to provide improved protection from water.
- FIG. 1A is a front perspective view of a full-body wader according to certain embodiments.
- FIG. 1B is a right-side perspective view of the full-body wader according to certain embodiments.
- FIG. 1C is a back perspective view of the full-body wader according to certain embodiments.
- FIG. 2 is a front perspective view of the full-body wader showing a torso portion in a closed, zipped position according to certain embodiments.
- FIG. 3 is a front perspective view of the full-body wader showing the torso portion in an opened, unzipped position according to certain embodiments.
- FIG. 4 is a left-side perspective view of the full-body wader showing details of the torso portion according to certain embodiments.
- FIG. 5 is a back perspective view of the full-body wader showing the torso portion and a portion of a pants portion according to certain embodiments.
- FIG. 6 is a front perspective view of the full-body wader showing a pants portion and boots according to certain embodiments.
- FIGS. 7A and 7B are a front perspective view of a left and right boot of the full-body wader showing an overlay of material for the right boot and the pants leg attached to the left boot according to certain embodiments.
- Waders are used for a variety of outdoor activities, such as waterfowl hunting and fishing. Waders are generally made from a water-resistant or water-proof material and come in a variety of styles offering different levels of protection from water.
- a hip wader generally includes boots and leg coverings that can be attached to user's belt.
- a waist wader generally includes boots and pant legs stopping at the waist, offering protection only to the lower half of the body.
- a waist wader often includes suspenders to keep the waders adorned during use.
- a chest wader commonly includes boots that are attached to a lower end of the pants legs and formed with a pants portion and a bib that partially covers the torso of a user—similar to overalls with boots. The bib commonly includes suspenders to keep the waders adorned during use.
- a wader When adorned, a wader can provide a bather between water and the user's skin and clothing that can be worn underneath the wader. In this manner, the user can engage in water activities and stand in water—oftentimes for extended periods of time—without getting wet.
- waterproof ratings are determined by the clothing manufacturer or fabric producer, with testing done either by independent laboratories or in-house. There are a number of different testing protocols that can be used.
- a “waterproof rating test” is performed using the hydrostatic-column test procedure as follows. A 1-inch diameter tube is placed directly over the fabric. A predetermined amount of water is then placed into the tube and measured in millimeters from the bottom of the tube to the meniscus of the water. The fabric is pulled tight, and the tube and fabric are suspended in the air for 24 hours to allow visual observation of water penetration through the fabric. If penetrates through the fabric, then the test should be repeated with a lesser amount of water until no penetration occurs.
- the waterproof rating is determined as the height in millimeters of the water in the tube that does not penetrate through the fabric. Common waterproof ratings and the related water resistance provided are shown in Table 1.
- Some of the disadvantages include: it is more expensive to purchase a jacket in addition to waders; it is easier to misplace one of the separate pieces; a jacket tied around a user's waist when not in use or even when adorned can interfere with mobility during the outdoor activity; a separate jacket does not provide full-body protection from water especially in the event of submersion or splashing; and areas of the jacket and wader that are not attached are susceptible to water penetration.
- Some waders have been designed as a one-piece wader outfit that includes boots, a pants portion, and a jacket. While these designs can help reduce water penetration into the interior of the wader outfit compared to traditional waders and a separate jacket, there are disadvantages to these designs.
- One disadvantage is the location and total number of seams that connect the jacket portion to the pants portion. An increased number of seams, especially horizontal seams along the waist or chest, can create a higher risk of water penetration into the interior of the wader outfit via the seams.
- each seam can create a weak area of the material whereby tearing of the material or expansion of the seam stitching can occur.
- Tearing of the material or expansion of the stitching can not only create an entry point for water but can also render the wader unusable and require purchase of a new wader outfit. Additionally, depending on the orientation of the seam in relation to the bias of the fabric, tearing of the material or expansion of the stitching can more easily occur.
- a seam that is located horizontally along a waist area is generally considered to be a weaker seam compared to a vertical seam. Thus, tearing or expansion can generally occur more easily adjacent to the horizontal seam.
- the wader outfit is made from different materials.
- a jacket portion made from one material that is attached with a seam to a pants portion made from a different material can be prone to leaks or tearing at the attachment seam because of the differences in material.
- a single-piece, full-body wader can provide improved performance and can be less prone to water penetration and/or tearing.
- the wader can be constructed as a single piece using the same material for the pants portion and torso portion—similar to coveralls. This single piece construction can result in a fewer number of total seams, better placement of the seams, and reduce the number of weak areas on the wader susceptible to tearing or water leakage.
- a full-body wader can include: a torso section, wherein the torso section comprises an opening that converts from an open position to a closed position; two sleeves attached to the torso section; a pants portion comprising two legs; and two boots, wherein a bottom portion of the two legs are attached to an upper portion of the two boots, wherein the full-body wader is made from a material that has a waterproof rating of at least 6,000 millimeters, and wherein the full-body wader has a single-piece construction.
- FIGS. 1A-1C show perspective front, right, and back views, respectively, of a full-body wader.
- the full-body wader is manufactured as a single-piece construction.
- single-piece construction means the full-body wader is assembled from the same type of base material for the torso portion and pants portion with seams mostly spanning vertically and does not mean combining a separate pant portion to a jacket or other upper body piece to form the full-body wader.
- An example manufacturing process that is not considered to be single-piece construction is forming a separate torso portion and a separate pants portion and then combining the torso portion with the pants portion, for example, with a horizontal seam near the waist or chest of a user.
- the material used to form the pants portion and the torso portion does not include a horizontal seam.
- One example of a manufacturing process that is considered to be single-piece construction can include a first, single piece of material that forms the back of the torso portion and the back of the pants portion, a second, single piece of material that forms the front of the torso portion and the front of the pants portion, a third piece of material that forms the left sleeve, and a fourth piece of material that forms the right sleeve.
- a first seam in this example can span vertically from an area underneath a right armhole that attaches the right side of the front and back portions of the torso together to a lower edge of a right leg that forms an outer seam of the right leg and attaches the front and back of the pants portion together.
- a second seam can span vertically from an area underneath a left armhole that attaches the left side of the front and back portions of the torso together to a lower edge of a left leg that forms an outer seam of the left leg and attaches the front and back of the pants portion together.
- a third seam can span from the lower, inside edge of the right leg of the pants portion, up towards the torso portion, and down the inside of the left leg of the pants portion to form an inseam of the pants portion.
- a fourth and fifth seam can span across the top of the shoulder area to attach the top of the front and back of the torso portion together at a location around a user's neck.
- a sixth and seventh seam can span vertically down the inside of the third and fourth pieces of material to form the right and left sleeves.
- the sleeves can then be attached to the arm holes of the torso portion. It is to be understood that other seams may be included in the full-body wader, but these seams are optional and do not change the basic single-piece construction of the full-body wader as disclosed. Moreover, a “single-piece construction” is meant to exclude a horizontal seam around a waist or chest area that attaches a torso portion to a pants portion.
- a manufacturing process that is considered to be single-piece construction can include a first, single piece of material that forms the left side of the torso portion and the pants portion, a second, single piece of material that forms the right side of the torso portion and the pants portion, a third piece of material that forms the left sleeve, and a fourth piece of material that forms the right sleeve.
- a first seam in this example can span vertically from an area above a groin area of the pants portion and up the middle back of the torso portion.
- a second seam can span from the lower, inside edge of the right leg of the pants portion, up towards the groin area, and down the inside of the left leg of the pants portion to form an inseam of the pants portion.
- a third and fourth seam can span across the top of the shoulder area to attach the top of the front and back of the torso portion together at a location around a user's neck.
- a fifth and sixth seam can span vertically down the inside of the third and fourth pieces of material to form the right and left sleeves. The sleeves can then be attached to the arm holes of the torso portion.
- any reference to a “torso portion” and a “pants portion” is for illustrative purposes only and to more easily reference different areas of the full-body wader and do not mean that the torso portion is assembled separately from the pants portion.
- the full-body wader 10 includes a torso portion 100 .
- FIG. 2 is a front perspective view of the torso portion 100 .
- the torso portion 100 can include an opening configured to allow a user to adorn the full-body wader.
- FIG. 2 shows the opening in a closed position (e.g., after adorning), and
- FIG. 3 shows the opening in an open position (e.g., prior to adorning).
- the opening can span vertically on the front of the torso portion 100 from an area above a groin area to a neck opening.
- the opening can be opened and closed.
- the opening can include a zipper 101 .
- Any of the zippers according to any of the embodiments disclosed herein can be water resistant or waterproof.
- An example zipper that is water resistant or waterproof is sold by YKK®.
- the opening can also include a flap.
- the flap can cover the zipper.
- the zipper When the zipper is zipped to close the opening, the flap can also be closed.
- the flap can include a piece of material located on one side of the opening and a closure on the other side of the opening.
- a length of stiffened hooks can be located on the right side of the opening and a length of soft loops can be located on the left side of the opening (or vice versa)—commonly referred to as VELCRO®.
- a length of a piece of fabric can include a magnetic strip or a plurality of magnets can be located on the right side of the opening and a corresponding piece of fabric can include a magnetically opposing strip or a plurality of magnets located on the left side of the opening. In this manner, the magnets located on the right side will be attracted to the opposite poles on the left side when in proximity. This allows the flap to be closed in order to decrease water penetration through the zipper.
- the torso portion 100 can include a collar 102 .
- the collar 102 can be located wholly or partially around the neck opening. If a collar 102 is included, then the opening for the torso portion 100 can span to the top of the collar. For example, as shown in FIG. 2 , the zipper or the zipper and the flap 101 can extend all the way to the top of the collar 102 .
- the collar 102 can be permanently attached to the torso portion 100 or removable.
- the collar 102 can be removably attached to the neck opening via a zipper, VELCRO®, hooks and eyes, or other types of fasteners. In this manner, the collar 102 can be removed from the torso portion 100 when desired.
- the collar 102 can be made from a variety of materials.
- the collar 102 can be made from a material having a greater stiffness than the material of the full-body wader 10 . In this manner, the collar 102 can be more rigid and prone to stand upright and not fold over during use of the wader.
- the collar 102 can further include ribbing to assist the collar to stand upright during use.
- the collar 102 can be made from two different types of material, for example a first material for the outside of the collar and a second material such as a softer material (e.g., micro fleece) for the inside of the collar.
- Example collar materials include but are not limited to nylon, polyester, neoprene, canvas, leather, and combinations thereof.
- the torso portion 100 can also include a loop 103 .
- the loop 103 can be located near the neck opening.
- the loop 103 can be located on the front or back of the torso portion 100 .
- the loop 103 can be located on the inside or outside of the torso portion 100 .
- the loop 103 can be made from a variety of materials and can be attached at both ends to the torso portion 100 to form the loop.
- the loop 103 can be used to hang the wader on a hook, for example after use.
- the torso portion 100 can also include a yoke 104 .
- the yoke 104 can be a piece of material that is overlaid onto the torso portion 100 .
- a yoke can provide extra support to a part of the torso portion 100 .
- the material for the yoke 104 can be the same as or different from the material of the full-body wader 10 .
- the yoke 104 can be made from a stiffer material than the full-body wader 10 .
- Example yoke materials include but are not limited to nylon, polyester, neoprene, canvas, leather, and combinations thereof.
- the yoke 104 can be overlaid on an area of the torso portion 100 to extend from a neck opening towards a seam connecting each sleeve to the torso portion 100 across the top of a shoulder area.
- the yoke 104 can lie along the top of the shoulder area, for example as shown in FIG. 1A , or extend partially down the front of the torso portion 100 , for example as shown in FIG. 2 .
- the yoke 104 can have substantially straight edges and extend part way down a back side of the torso portion 100 , for example as shown in FIG. 5 , or can have curved edges and extend further down the back side of the torso portion 100 , for example as shown in FIGS. 1B and 1C .
- the full-body wader 10 includes two sleeves 110 .
- a first sleeve 110 can be permanently or removably attached to a right side of the torso portion 100 and a second sleeve can be permanently or removably attached to a left side of the torso portion 100 .
- the sleeves 110 can include a disattachment mechanism, for example a zipper, that allows the sleeves to be attached to and removed from the torso portion 100 . In this manner, a user can select whether protection from water on the user's arms is needed or desirable.
- the sleeves 110 can include a vent 112 located near the armpit area of the torso portion 100 .
- a section of the material making up the sleeves 110 can include a zipper or other fastener (shown in FIG. 2 as extending from a side of the torso portion 100 partially towards the elbow 111 of the sleeve) that allows a user to open the vent 112 via unzipping the zipper. It is to be understood that unlike removable sleeves, when the zipper of the vent is unzipped none of the material is disattached from the sleeves or the torso portion, but rather creates an opening in the sleeve material to allow air to enter the torso portion.
- the sleeves 110 can include a cuff 113 located at a bottom opening of the sleeves 110 .
- the cuffs 113 can be made from an elastic material and can be circumferentially attached to an inside of the bottom of the sleeves 110 such that water is inhibited from entering the sleeves 110 from the wrist area.
- the sleeves 110 can include a closure 118 , for example a strap 114 and hooks (not shown), to help keep water out of the sleeves.
- the closure 118 can be located on an outside portion near the bottom of the sleeves 110 . When closed, the closure 118 can cinch the material at the bottom of the sleeves 110 tighter.
- the closure 118 can be used in addition to or instead of the cuffs 113 .
- a thumb loop 115 can be attached to a bottom portion of the sleeves 110 either directly on or adjacent to the cuffs 113 or the closure 118 .
- An opening 119 can vertically span partially up from of a bottom of the sleeves 110 .
- a zipper can be used to open and close the opening 119 . The zipper can be unzipped to open the opening and the sleeves can be rolled up towards the elbows if desired.
- a fastener (not shown), for example a button or hook, can be included on an inside of the sleeves 110 for engaging with a loop 116 that can be located above the elbows 111 . In this manner, once the sleeves 110 are rolled up, the fastener can be secured to the loop 116 to keep the sleeves rolled up.
- the fastener When it is desired to unroll the sleeves, the fastener can be disconnected from the loop and the sleeves can be rolled down.
- the opening 119 can then be closed, for example by zipping the zipper.
- Other means of opening and closing the opening 119 can be used, for example VELCRO®.
- the torso portion 100 can include one or more pleats 117 , such as an inverted pleat, in a variety of locations.
- the pleats 117 can be extra material that provides increased mobility to a user during activity.
- the pleats 117 can be an inverted pleat located around a back side of the torso portion 100 and around a portion of the armhole.
- the inverted pleat can also further extend from the armhole around a front side of the torso portion. In this manner increased mobility can occur when a user's arm moves forward and backward from the body, for example during fly fishing.
- the torso portion 100 can include one or more pieces of overlay material 120 that are placed exterior to the full-body wader 10 material.
- the exterior material can form a variety of components including, but not limited to, hand warmers 121 , pockets 122 , mesh liners 123 , drain holes 124 , holders 125 for equipment (e.g., shotgun shells), etc.
- One or more fasteners 126 such as a zipper or VELCRO®, can be used to open the pockets 122 and provide access to the pockets.
- the torso portion 100 can also include two or more belt loops 130 .
- the belt loops 130 can be permanently attached around a waist area of torso portion 100 .
- the belt loops 130 can have a desired height and width.
- the torso portion 100 can also include a belt 131 .
- the belt 131 can be placed through the belt loops 130 .
- the belt 131 can include a belt buckle (not labeled).
- the length and width of the belt 131 can vary and come in different sizes, such as small, medium, and large.
- the belt loops 130 and the belt 131 can have dimensions such that the belt 131 can be placed through the belt loops 130 .
- the belt 131 can be made from a variety of materials, such as nylon, polyester, spandex, neoprene, or a combination thereof.
- a ring 132 can be attached to a bottom of one or more of the belt loops 130 .
- the ring 132 can be made from a hardened plastic, metal, or metal alloy.
- the ring 132 can have a variety of geometric shapes, including but not limited to, D-shaped, U-shaped, or O-shaped.
- the ring 132 can be used to removably attach hunting or fishing equipment, for example a stringer.
- FIG. 6 shows a pants portion 200 of the full-body wader 10 .
- the pants portion 200 includes two pants legs 201 —namely a left pants leg and a right pants leg.
- the pants portion 200 is an integral part of the full-body wader 10 formed as a single unit with the torso portion 100 as discussed above.
- the pants portion 200 is made from the same material as the torso portion 100 as part of the single-piece construction.
- the two pants legs 201 can include a pants leg overlay material 210 .
- the pants leg overlay material 210 can provide another level of protection for added durability and to further prevent water penetration into the full-body wader 10 .
- the pants leg overlay material 210 can be attached at a variety of locations, for example closer to the groin or below the knees.
- One or more drain holes 211 can also be included near the seam 400 that attaches the pants leg overlay material 210 to the material of the two pants legs 201 .
- the pants leg overlay material 210 can also include a cuff 212 located at a bottom end of the pants leg overlay material 210 .
- the cuffs 212 can be made of an elastic material that helps keep the pants leg overlay material 210 taut against the boots 300 .
- a reinforcing overlay piece of material can be attached on top of the material forming the full-body wader 10 .
- the reinforcing overlay material can reinforce one or more areas of the full-body wader 10 , for example, the elbows 111 shown in FIGS. 2 and 4 , the seat 202 of the pants portion 200 shown in FIGS. 4 and 5 , the lower portion of the pants leg overlay material 210 shown in FIGS. 6 and 8 , or the knees of the two pants legs 201 (not shown).
- the reinforcing overlay material can provide improved durability to areas of the full-body wader 10 that are commonly subjected to more stress or wear during use.
- the reinforcing overlay material can be the same as or different from the material that forms the full-body wader 10 .
- the overlay material can have a waterproof rating ranging from 0 to 20,000 millimeters (mm) or more.
- the full-body wader 10 also includes two boots 300 —namely a left boot and a right boot. Although FIGS. 1A-1C do not show the boots, it is to be understood that the boots are an integral part of the full-body wader.
- FIG. 7 shows the two boots 300 and two pants legs 201 of the full-body wader 10 .
- a right boot 300 is shown with a pants leg overlay material 210
- the left boot 300 is shown without a pants leg overlay material 210 or where the pants leg overlay material 210 is rolled up towards the knee.
- the two boots 300 can be made from one or more materials that have a waterproof rating of at least 10,000 mm.
- the boots can be made from a number of materials, including, but not limited to, neoprene, rubber, polyvinyl chloride (PVC), or any combination thereof.
- the two boots 300 can include one or more of the following features: one or more pull tabs 302 on each boot (e.g., a front pull tab and a back pull tab); an adjustable strap 303 for decreasing the opening 301 of the boots; a reinforced rubber shell; an anti-slip sole 304 ; a heel kick tab 305 ; and a steel shank and/or steel toes.
- the pull tabs 302 can assist a user in placing a foot into the boot.
- each pants leg 201 is integrated into a top portion 301 of each boot 300 .
- the top portion 301 of each boot 300 can include a material that is attached to a lower end of the two pants legs 201 via a seam or a seamless design (e.g., via a heat bonding process or with the use of an adhesive). If a seam (not shown) is used, the seam can be covered with a heat-bonded material seam cover 203 .
- the seam cover 203 can be affixed over the seam to provide added protection from water penetrating into the full-body wader 10 and the boots 300 .
- the two pants legs 201 also include a pants leg overlay material 210
- the pants leg overlay material 210 can cover the pants leg material and the top of the boots.
- the full-body wader 10 is a single-piece construction and the boots, pants portion, and torso portion are formed as a single unit. Accordingly, the boots are an integral part of the full-body wader 10 and are not separate elements from the wader in which a user can insert feet into the boots and then adorn the wader.
- the material used to form the full-body wader can be water resistant, more preferably waterproof.
- the material can be, among others, a polyester, nylon, neoprene, a polyester/polyurethane laminate (PUL), a thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU), cotton, synthetic waterproof fabrics, or vinyl.
- the material can be a fabric coated with a durable water repellant (DWR), polyurethane (PU), or other waterproof coating or finish.
- the material can also include two or more layers of different materials, for example, an outer layer and a breathable, waterproof membrane, including, but not limited to, a PU laminate or an expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (ePTFE) membrane.
- the material can also be a laminate.
- the material can be constructed of a single layer including, but not limited to, neoprene or other similar material.
- the material used to form the full-body wader can have a waterproof rating of at least 6,000 millimeters (mm).
- the material used to form the full-body wader can have a waterproof rating of at least 10,000 mm.
- the material used to form the full-body wader can have a waterproof rating of at least 15,000 mm.
- the material used to form the full-body wader can have a waterproof rating of at least 20,000 mm.
- the waterproof rating of the material used to form the torso portion and the pants portion can be the same or different, so long as the same type of material (e.g., a polyester) is used for both the torso portion and the pants portion.
- the pants portion that would have more exposure to water can have a waterproof rating of 15,000 mm, while the torso portion can have a waterproof rating of 10,000 mm.
- seams 400 can be configured to be waterproof.
- the seams 400 can be stitched or welded. Stitched seams utilize thread to join pieces of material together. Welded seams is a process by which pieces of material are joined together via a heat and pressure treatment without the use of thread. Any of the seams can be sealed—either critically or fully. Critically means just some of the seams 400 or a portion of a given seam is waterproof, for example on areas of the full-body wader 10 that are most prone to water penetration and pulling of the fabric material during use. Fully means all of the seams are waterproof.
- seam tape can be used as a seam sealer.
- Ultra- or lightweight-seam tape can be used for lightweight fabrics, while activity-seam tape can be used for thicker fabrics.
- Seam tape can include a heat-activated adhesive on one side of the tape. Accordingly, seam tape can be placed over some or all of the seams 400 , and then heat can be applied to the seam tape to adhere the tape to the fabric and seal the seam against water penetration.
- vinyl cement can be used as a seam sealer. The vinyl cement can be applied, for example via a brush or spray application, to one or more areas of the seam 400 . The vinyl cement then dries and protects the seam against water penetration.
- a user can adorn the full-body wader 10 by performing any or all of the following steps—placing the opening 101 of the torso portion 100 in an open position, for example, by unzipping the zipper(s), then rolling the pants leg overlay material 210 of the two pants legs 201 (if included) up towards the knee area to expose the pull tabs 302 of the two boots 300 , inserting a leg into the corresponding pants leg of the wader and inserting a foot into the boot, pulling upwards on the pull tab(s) of the boot to position the foot within the boot, repeating this process with the other leg, inserting an arm into the corresponding sleeve, inserting the other arm into the corresponding sleeve, pulling the torso portion over each shoulder, and closing the closure, for example, by zipping the zipper.
- the full-body wader can include other components not shown in the drawings.
- Other components can include, without limitation, a hood, gloves, integrated gloves, an internal suspender system, and components specifically related to fishing activities, waterfowl hunting activities, and other activities where protection from the elements, including water, mud, ice, snow, and/or wind is desirable.
- the full-body wader can have a variety of dimensions.
- the dimensions can include but are not limited to an inseam length for the pants portion, sleeve lengths, and chest width.
- the full-body wader can have different sizes, for example, adult small, medium, large, extra-large, youth small, medium, large, etc.
- the sizes can also include long sizes or petite sizes, such as adult medium long or adult small petite. Long sizes can increase the inseam length for the pants portion and the sleeve lengths while petite sizes can decrease the inseam length and sleeve length compared to regular sizes.
- the boots of the full-body wader can also come in a variety of sizes, such as women's size 9 or men's size 11. Thus, the full-body wader can be used by people of all ages and genders.
- compositions, systems, and methods are described in terms of “comprising,” “containing,” or “including” various components or steps, the compositions, systems, and methods also can “consist essentially of” or “consist of” the various components and steps.
- first,” “second,” and “third,” are assigned arbitrarily and are merely intended to differentiate between two or more sleeves, pants legs, etc., as the case may be, and do not indicate any sequence.
- the mere use of the word “first” does not require that there be any “second,” and the mere use of the word “second” does not require that there be any “third,” etc.
Landscapes
- 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)
Abstract
Description
- Waders can be worn during a variety of water activities, such as waterfowl hunting or fishing. Waders can be made from a water-proof material that protects a user from water. A full-body wader can be made as a single-piece construction to provide improved protection from water.
- The features and advantages of certain embodiments will be more readily appreciated when considered in conjunction with the accompanying figures. The figures are not to be construed as limiting any of the embodiments.
-
FIG. 1A is a front perspective view of a full-body wader according to certain embodiments. -
FIG. 1B is a right-side perspective view of the full-body wader according to certain embodiments. -
FIG. 1C is a back perspective view of the full-body wader according to certain embodiments. -
FIG. 2 is a front perspective view of the full-body wader showing a torso portion in a closed, zipped position according to certain embodiments. -
FIG. 3 is a front perspective view of the full-body wader showing the torso portion in an opened, unzipped position according to certain embodiments. -
FIG. 4 is a left-side perspective view of the full-body wader showing details of the torso portion according to certain embodiments. -
FIG. 5 is a back perspective view of the full-body wader showing the torso portion and a portion of a pants portion according to certain embodiments. -
FIG. 6 is a front perspective view of the full-body wader showing a pants portion and boots according to certain embodiments. -
FIGS. 7A and 7B are a front perspective view of a left and right boot of the full-body wader showing an overlay of material for the right boot and the pants leg attached to the left boot according to certain embodiments. - Waders are used for a variety of outdoor activities, such as waterfowl hunting and fishing. Waders are generally made from a water-resistant or water-proof material and come in a variety of styles offering different levels of protection from water. A hip wader generally includes boots and leg coverings that can be attached to user's belt. A waist wader generally includes boots and pant legs stopping at the waist, offering protection only to the lower half of the body. A waist wader often includes suspenders to keep the waders adorned during use. A chest wader commonly includes boots that are attached to a lower end of the pants legs and formed with a pants portion and a bib that partially covers the torso of a user—similar to overalls with boots. The bib commonly includes suspenders to keep the waders adorned during use. When adorned, a wader can provide a bather between water and the user's skin and clothing that can be worn underneath the wader. In this manner, the user can engage in water activities and stand in water—oftentimes for extended periods of time—without getting wet.
- Generally, waterproof ratings are determined by the clothing manufacturer or fabric producer, with testing done either by independent laboratories or in-house. There are a number of different testing protocols that can be used. As used herein, a “waterproof rating test” is performed using the hydrostatic-column test procedure as follows. A 1-inch diameter tube is placed directly over the fabric. A predetermined amount of water is then placed into the tube and measured in millimeters from the bottom of the tube to the meniscus of the water. The fabric is pulled tight, and the tube and fabric are suspended in the air for 24 hours to allow visual observation of water penetration through the fabric. If penetrates through the fabric, then the test should be repeated with a lesser amount of water until no penetration occurs. The waterproof rating is determined as the height in millimeters of the water in the tube that does not penetrate through the fabric. Common waterproof ratings and the related water resistance provided are shown in Table 1.
-
TABLE 1 Waterproof Rating Water Resistance (mm) Provided Conditions 0-5,000 mm No resistance to some Light rain, dry snow, resistance to moisture. no pressure. 6,000-10,000 mm Rainproof and Light rain, average waterproof under snow, light pressure. light pressure. 11,000-15,000 mm Rainproof and Moderate rain, average waterproof except snow, light pressure. under high pressure. 16,000-20,000 mm Rainproof and Heavy rain, wet snow, waterproof under some pressure. high pressure. Think PNW. 20,000 mm+ Rainproof and Heavy rain, wet snow, waterproof under high pressure. very high pressure. - One disadvantage to traditional waders, such as those described above, is that the arms and other parts of the torso are not protected from water. Additionally, water can splash and enter the bib area or pants portion via the exposed areas of the torso. In instances when additional protection from water is desired, a user must place a separate, water-proof jacket over the waders. However, there are several disadvantages to using separate pieces. Some of the disadvantages include: it is more expensive to purchase a jacket in addition to waders; it is easier to misplace one of the separate pieces; a jacket tied around a user's waist when not in use or even when adorned can interfere with mobility during the outdoor activity; a separate jacket does not provide full-body protection from water especially in the event of submersion or splashing; and areas of the jacket and wader that are not attached are susceptible to water penetration.
- Some waders have been designed as a one-piece wader outfit that includes boots, a pants portion, and a jacket. While these designs can help reduce water penetration into the interior of the wader outfit compared to traditional waders and a separate jacket, there are disadvantages to these designs. One disadvantage is the location and total number of seams that connect the jacket portion to the pants portion. An increased number of seams, especially horizontal seams along the waist or chest, can create a higher risk of water penetration into the interior of the wader outfit via the seams. Moreover, each seam can create a weak area of the material whereby tearing of the material or expansion of the seam stitching can occur. Tearing of the material or expansion of the stitching can not only create an entry point for water but can also render the wader unusable and require purchase of a new wader outfit. Additionally, depending on the orientation of the seam in relation to the bias of the fabric, tearing of the material or expansion of the stitching can more easily occur. By way of example, a seam that is located horizontally along a waist area is generally considered to be a weaker seam compared to a vertical seam. Thus, tearing or expansion can generally occur more easily adjacent to the horizontal seam.
- Another disadvantage is if the wader outfit is made from different materials. By way of example, a jacket portion made from one material that is attached with a seam to a pants portion made from a different material can be prone to leaks or tearing at the attachment seam because of the differences in material. Thus, there is a need for improved waders that solve the problems associated with traditional waders and wader outfits.
- It has been discovered that a single-piece, full-body wader can provide improved performance and can be less prone to water penetration and/or tearing. The wader can be constructed as a single piece using the same material for the pants portion and torso portion—similar to coveralls. This single piece construction can result in a fewer number of total seams, better placement of the seams, and reduce the number of weak areas on the wader susceptible to tearing or water leakage.
- A full-body wader can include: a torso section, wherein the torso section comprises an opening that converts from an open position to a closed position; two sleeves attached to the torso section; a pants portion comprising two legs; and two boots, wherein a bottom portion of the two legs are attached to an upper portion of the two boots, wherein the full-body wader is made from a material that has a waterproof rating of at least 6,000 millimeters, and wherein the full-body wader has a single-piece construction.
- Turning to the figures,
FIGS. 1A-1C show perspective front, right, and back views, respectively, of a full-body wader. It is to be understood that the full-body wader is manufactured as a single-piece construction. As used herein, “single-piece construction” means the full-body wader is assembled from the same type of base material for the torso portion and pants portion with seams mostly spanning vertically and does not mean combining a separate pant portion to a jacket or other upper body piece to form the full-body wader. An example manufacturing process that is not considered to be single-piece construction is forming a separate torso portion and a separate pants portion and then combining the torso portion with the pants portion, for example, with a horizontal seam near the waist or chest of a user. According to any of the embodiments, the material used to form the pants portion and the torso portion does not include a horizontal seam. - One example of a manufacturing process that is considered to be single-piece construction can include a first, single piece of material that forms the back of the torso portion and the back of the pants portion, a second, single piece of material that forms the front of the torso portion and the front of the pants portion, a third piece of material that forms the left sleeve, and a fourth piece of material that forms the right sleeve. A first seam in this example can span vertically from an area underneath a right armhole that attaches the right side of the front and back portions of the torso together to a lower edge of a right leg that forms an outer seam of the right leg and attaches the front and back of the pants portion together. A second seam can span vertically from an area underneath a left armhole that attaches the left side of the front and back portions of the torso together to a lower edge of a left leg that forms an outer seam of the left leg and attaches the front and back of the pants portion together. A third seam can span from the lower, inside edge of the right leg of the pants portion, up towards the torso portion, and down the inside of the left leg of the pants portion to form an inseam of the pants portion. A fourth and fifth seam can span across the top of the shoulder area to attach the top of the front and back of the torso portion together at a location around a user's neck. A sixth and seventh seam can span vertically down the inside of the third and fourth pieces of material to form the right and left sleeves. The sleeves can then be attached to the arm holes of the torso portion. It is to be understood that other seams may be included in the full-body wader, but these seams are optional and do not change the basic single-piece construction of the full-body wader as disclosed. Moreover, a “single-piece construction” is meant to exclude a horizontal seam around a waist or chest area that attaches a torso portion to a pants portion.
- Another example of a manufacturing process that is considered to be single-piece construction can include a first, single piece of material that forms the left side of the torso portion and the pants portion, a second, single piece of material that forms the right side of the torso portion and the pants portion, a third piece of material that forms the left sleeve, and a fourth piece of material that forms the right sleeve. A first seam in this example can span vertically from an area above a groin area of the pants portion and up the middle back of the torso portion. A second seam can span from the lower, inside edge of the right leg of the pants portion, up towards the groin area, and down the inside of the left leg of the pants portion to form an inseam of the pants portion. A third and fourth seam can span across the top of the shoulder area to attach the top of the front and back of the torso portion together at a location around a user's neck. A fifth and sixth seam can span vertically down the inside of the third and fourth pieces of material to form the right and left sleeves. The sleeves can then be attached to the arm holes of the torso portion.
- It is to be understood that any reference to a “torso portion” and a “pants portion” is for illustrative purposes only and to more easily reference different areas of the full-body wader and do not mean that the torso portion is assembled separately from the pants portion.
- The full-
body wader 10 includes atorso portion 100.FIG. 2 is a front perspective view of thetorso portion 100. Thetorso portion 100 can include an opening configured to allow a user to adorn the full-body wader.FIG. 2 shows the opening in a closed position (e.g., after adorning), andFIG. 3 shows the opening in an open position (e.g., prior to adorning). The opening can span vertically on the front of thetorso portion 100 from an area above a groin area to a neck opening. Although shown with one opening located near the middle of the front of the torso portion, it is to be understood that the opening and/or more than one opening can be positioned in a different location on the torso portion, such as the shoulders, side, or back, so long as the opening(s) allows a user to adorn the full-body wader. The opening can be opened and closed. The opening can include azipper 101. Any of the zippers according to any of the embodiments disclosed herein can be water resistant or waterproof. An example zipper that is water resistant or waterproof is sold by YKK®. - As shown in
FIG. 2 , the opening can also include a flap. The flap can cover the zipper. When the zipper is zipped to close the opening, the flap can also be closed. The flap can include a piece of material located on one side of the opening and a closure on the other side of the opening. By way of a first example, a length of stiffened hooks can be located on the right side of the opening and a length of soft loops can be located on the left side of the opening (or vice versa)—commonly referred to as VELCRO®. By way of a second example, a length of a piece of fabric can include a magnetic strip or a plurality of magnets can be located on the right side of the opening and a corresponding piece of fabric can include a magnetically opposing strip or a plurality of magnets located on the left side of the opening. In this manner, the magnets located on the right side will be attracted to the opposite poles on the left side when in proximity. This allows the flap to be closed in order to decrease water penetration through the zipper. - The
torso portion 100 can include acollar 102. Thecollar 102 can be located wholly or partially around the neck opening. If acollar 102 is included, then the opening for thetorso portion 100 can span to the top of the collar. For example, as shown inFIG. 2 , the zipper or the zipper and theflap 101 can extend all the way to the top of thecollar 102. Thecollar 102 can be permanently attached to thetorso portion 100 or removable. For a removable collar, thecollar 102 can be removably attached to the neck opening via a zipper, VELCRO®, hooks and eyes, or other types of fasteners. In this manner, thecollar 102 can be removed from thetorso portion 100 when desired. Thecollar 102 can be made from a variety of materials. Thecollar 102 can be made from a material having a greater stiffness than the material of the full-body wader 10. In this manner, thecollar 102 can be more rigid and prone to stand upright and not fold over during use of the wader. Thecollar 102 can further include ribbing to assist the collar to stand upright during use. Thecollar 102 can be made from two different types of material, for example a first material for the outside of the collar and a second material such as a softer material (e.g., micro fleece) for the inside of the collar. Example collar materials include but are not limited to nylon, polyester, neoprene, canvas, leather, and combinations thereof. - The
torso portion 100 can also include aloop 103. Theloop 103 can be located near the neck opening. Theloop 103 can be located on the front or back of thetorso portion 100. Theloop 103 can be located on the inside or outside of thetorso portion 100. Theloop 103 can be made from a variety of materials and can be attached at both ends to thetorso portion 100 to form the loop. Theloop 103 can be used to hang the wader on a hook, for example after use. - The
torso portion 100 can also include ayoke 104. Theyoke 104 can be a piece of material that is overlaid onto thetorso portion 100. A yoke can provide extra support to a part of thetorso portion 100. The material for theyoke 104 can be the same as or different from the material of the full-body wader 10. By way of example, theyoke 104 can be made from a stiffer material than the full-body wader 10. Example yoke materials include but are not limited to nylon, polyester, neoprene, canvas, leather, and combinations thereof. - The
yoke 104 can be overlaid on an area of thetorso portion 100 to extend from a neck opening towards a seam connecting each sleeve to thetorso portion 100 across the top of a shoulder area. Theyoke 104 can lie along the top of the shoulder area, for example as shown inFIG. 1A , or extend partially down the front of thetorso portion 100, for example as shown inFIG. 2 . Theyoke 104 can have substantially straight edges and extend part way down a back side of thetorso portion 100, for example as shown inFIG. 5 , or can have curved edges and extend further down the back side of thetorso portion 100, for example as shown inFIGS. 1B and 1C . - The full-
body wader 10 includes twosleeves 110. Afirst sleeve 110 can be permanently or removably attached to a right side of thetorso portion 100 and a second sleeve can be permanently or removably attached to a left side of thetorso portion 100. Thesleeves 110 can include a disattachment mechanism, for example a zipper, that allows the sleeves to be attached to and removed from thetorso portion 100. In this manner, a user can select whether protection from water on the user's arms is needed or desirable. As shown inFIG. 2 , thesleeves 110 can include avent 112 located near the armpit area of thetorso portion 100. A section of the material making up thesleeves 110 can include a zipper or other fastener (shown inFIG. 2 as extending from a side of thetorso portion 100 partially towards theelbow 111 of the sleeve) that allows a user to open thevent 112 via unzipping the zipper. It is to be understood that unlike removable sleeves, when the zipper of the vent is unzipped none of the material is disattached from the sleeves or the torso portion, but rather creates an opening in the sleeve material to allow air to enter the torso portion. - With reference to
FIGS. 2 and 4 , thesleeves 110 can include acuff 113 located at a bottom opening of thesleeves 110. Thecuffs 113 can be made from an elastic material and can be circumferentially attached to an inside of the bottom of thesleeves 110 such that water is inhibited from entering thesleeves 110 from the wrist area. Thesleeves 110 can include aclosure 118, for example astrap 114 and hooks (not shown), to help keep water out of the sleeves. Theclosure 118 can be located on an outside portion near the bottom of thesleeves 110. When closed, theclosure 118 can cinch the material at the bottom of thesleeves 110 tighter. Theclosure 118 can be used in addition to or instead of thecuffs 113. - A
thumb loop 115 can be attached to a bottom portion of thesleeves 110 either directly on or adjacent to thecuffs 113 or theclosure 118. Anopening 119 can vertically span partially up from of a bottom of thesleeves 110. A zipper can be used to open and close theopening 119. The zipper can be unzipped to open the opening and the sleeves can be rolled up towards the elbows if desired. A fastener (not shown), for example a button or hook, can be included on an inside of thesleeves 110 for engaging with aloop 116 that can be located above theelbows 111. In this manner, once thesleeves 110 are rolled up, the fastener can be secured to theloop 116 to keep the sleeves rolled up. When it is desired to unroll the sleeves, the fastener can be disconnected from the loop and the sleeves can be rolled down. Theopening 119 can then be closed, for example by zipping the zipper. Other means of opening and closing theopening 119 can be used, for example VELCRO®. - As can be seen in
FIGS. 4 and 5 , thetorso portion 100 can include one ormore pleats 117, such as an inverted pleat, in a variety of locations. Thepleats 117 can be extra material that provides increased mobility to a user during activity. According to any of the embodiments, thepleats 117 can be an inverted pleat located around a back side of thetorso portion 100 and around a portion of the armhole. The inverted pleat can also further extend from the armhole around a front side of the torso portion. In this manner increased mobility can occur when a user's arm moves forward and backward from the body, for example during fly fishing. - As seen in
FIG. 2 , thetorso portion 100 can include one or more pieces ofoverlay material 120 that are placed exterior to the full-body wader 10 material. The exterior material can form a variety of components including, but not limited to,hand warmers 121, pockets 122,mesh liners 123, drain holes 124,holders 125 for equipment (e.g., shotgun shells), etc. One or more fasteners 126, such as a zipper or VELCRO®, can be used to open thepockets 122 and provide access to the pockets. - The
torso portion 100 can also include two ormore belt loops 130. Thebelt loops 130 can be permanently attached around a waist area oftorso portion 100. Thebelt loops 130 can have a desired height and width. Thetorso portion 100 can also include abelt 131. Thebelt 131 can be placed through thebelt loops 130. Thebelt 131 can include a belt buckle (not labeled). The length and width of thebelt 131 can vary and come in different sizes, such as small, medium, and large. Thebelt loops 130 and thebelt 131 can have dimensions such that thebelt 131 can be placed through thebelt loops 130. Thebelt 131 can be made from a variety of materials, such as nylon, polyester, spandex, neoprene, or a combination thereof. Aring 132 can be attached to a bottom of one or more of thebelt loops 130. Thering 132 can be made from a hardened plastic, metal, or metal alloy. Thering 132 can have a variety of geometric shapes, including but not limited to, D-shaped, U-shaped, or O-shaped. Thering 132 can be used to removably attach hunting or fishing equipment, for example a stringer. -
FIG. 6 shows apants portion 200 of the full-body wader 10. As shown, thepants portion 200 includes twopants legs 201—namely a left pants leg and a right pants leg. Thepants portion 200 is an integral part of the full-body wader 10 formed as a single unit with thetorso portion 100 as discussed above. Thepants portion 200 is made from the same material as thetorso portion 100 as part of the single-piece construction. - The two
pants legs 201 can include a pantsleg overlay material 210. The pantsleg overlay material 210 can provide another level of protection for added durability and to further prevent water penetration into the full-body wader 10. Although shown with the pantsleg overlay material 210 being attached to the twopants legs 201 at a location above the knees, the pantsleg overlay material 210 can be attached at a variety of locations, for example closer to the groin or below the knees. One or more drain holes 211 can also be included near theseam 400 that attaches the pantsleg overlay material 210 to the material of the twopants legs 201. The pantsleg overlay material 210 can also include acuff 212 located at a bottom end of the pantsleg overlay material 210. Thecuffs 212 can be made of an elastic material that helps keep the pantsleg overlay material 210 taut against theboots 300. - A reinforcing overlay piece of material can be attached on top of the material forming the full-
body wader 10. The reinforcing overlay material can reinforce one or more areas of the full-body wader 10, for example, theelbows 111 shown inFIGS. 2 and 4 , theseat 202 of thepants portion 200 shown inFIGS. 4 and 5 , the lower portion of the pantsleg overlay material 210 shown inFIGS. 6 and 8 , or the knees of the two pants legs 201 (not shown). The reinforcing overlay material can provide improved durability to areas of the full-body wader 10 that are commonly subjected to more stress or wear during use. The reinforcing overlay material can be the same as or different from the material that forms the full-body wader 10. The overlay material can have a waterproof rating ranging from 0 to 20,000 millimeters (mm) or more. - The full-
body wader 10 also includes twoboots 300—namely a left boot and a right boot. AlthoughFIGS. 1A-1C do not show the boots, it is to be understood that the boots are an integral part of the full-body wader.FIG. 7 shows the twoboots 300 and twopants legs 201 of the full-body wader 10. Aright boot 300 is shown with a pantsleg overlay material 210, and theleft boot 300 is shown without a pantsleg overlay material 210 or where the pantsleg overlay material 210 is rolled up towards the knee. The twoboots 300 can be made from one or more materials that have a waterproof rating of at least 10,000 mm. The boots can be made from a number of materials, including, but not limited to, neoprene, rubber, polyvinyl chloride (PVC), or any combination thereof. The twoboots 300 can include one or more of the following features: one ormore pull tabs 302 on each boot (e.g., a front pull tab and a back pull tab); anadjustable strap 303 for decreasing theopening 301 of the boots; a reinforced rubber shell; an anti-slip sole 304; aheel kick tab 305; and a steel shank and/or steel toes. Thepull tabs 302 can assist a user in placing a foot into the boot. - As can also be seen in
FIG. 7 , a bottom portion of each pantsleg 201 is integrated into atop portion 301 of eachboot 300. In this manner, water is prevented from entering the inside of the boots. Thetop portion 301 of eachboot 300 can include a material that is attached to a lower end of the twopants legs 201 via a seam or a seamless design (e.g., via a heat bonding process or with the use of an adhesive). If a seam (not shown) is used, the seam can be covered with a heat-bondedmaterial seam cover 203. Theseam cover 203 can be affixed over the seam to provide added protection from water penetrating into the full-body wader 10 and theboots 300. As can also be seen, if the twopants legs 201 also include a pantsleg overlay material 210, then the pantsleg overlay material 210 can cover the pants leg material and the top of the boots. It is to be understood that that the full-body wader 10 is a single-piece construction and the boots, pants portion, and torso portion are formed as a single unit. Accordingly, the boots are an integral part of the full-body wader 10 and are not separate elements from the wader in which a user can insert feet into the boots and then adorn the wader. - The material used to form the full-body wader can be water resistant, more preferably waterproof. The material can be, among others, a polyester, nylon, neoprene, a polyester/polyurethane laminate (PUL), a thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU), cotton, synthetic waterproof fabrics, or vinyl. The material can be a fabric coated with a durable water repellant (DWR), polyurethane (PU), or other waterproof coating or finish. The material can also include two or more layers of different materials, for example, an outer layer and a breathable, waterproof membrane, including, but not limited to, a PU laminate or an expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (ePTFE) membrane. The material can also be a laminate. The material can be constructed of a single layer including, but not limited to, neoprene or other similar material.
- The material used to form the full-body wader can have a waterproof rating of at least 6,000 millimeters (mm). The material used to form the full-body wader can have a waterproof rating of at least 10,000 mm. The material used to form the full-body wader can have a waterproof rating of at least 15,000 mm. The material used to form the full-body wader can have a waterproof rating of at least 20,000 mm. The waterproof rating of the material used to form the torso portion and the pants portion can be the same or different, so long as the same type of material (e.g., a polyester) is used for both the torso portion and the pants portion. By way of example, the pants portion that would have more exposure to water can have a waterproof rating of 15,000 mm, while the torso portion can have a waterproof rating of 10,000 mm.
- Any of the
seams 400 can be configured to be waterproof. By way of example, theseams 400 can be stitched or welded. Stitched seams utilize thread to join pieces of material together. Welded seams is a process by which pieces of material are joined together via a heat and pressure treatment without the use of thread. Any of the seams can be sealed—either critically or fully. Critically means just some of theseams 400 or a portion of a given seam is waterproof, for example on areas of the full-body wader 10 that are most prone to water penetration and pulling of the fabric material during use. Fully means all of the seams are waterproof. By way of example, seam tape can be used as a seam sealer. Ultra- or lightweight-seam tape can be used for lightweight fabrics, while activity-seam tape can be used for thicker fabrics. Seam tape can include a heat-activated adhesive on one side of the tape. Accordingly, seam tape can be placed over some or all of theseams 400, and then heat can be applied to the seam tape to adhere the tape to the fabric and seal the seam against water penetration. By way of another example, vinyl cement can be used as a seam sealer. The vinyl cement can be applied, for example via a brush or spray application, to one or more areas of theseam 400. The vinyl cement then dries and protects the seam against water penetration. - In practice, a user can adorn the full-
body wader 10 by performing any or all of the following steps—placing theopening 101 of thetorso portion 100 in an open position, for example, by unzipping the zipper(s), then rolling the pantsleg overlay material 210 of the two pants legs 201 (if included) up towards the knee area to expose thepull tabs 302 of the twoboots 300, inserting a leg into the corresponding pants leg of the wader and inserting a foot into the boot, pulling upwards on the pull tab(s) of the boot to position the foot within the boot, repeating this process with the other leg, inserting an arm into the corresponding sleeve, inserting the other arm into the corresponding sleeve, pulling the torso portion over each shoulder, and closing the closure, for example, by zipping the zipper. - The full-body wader can include other components not shown in the drawings. Other components can include, without limitation, a hood, gloves, integrated gloves, an internal suspender system, and components specifically related to fishing activities, waterfowl hunting activities, and other activities where protection from the elements, including water, mud, ice, snow, and/or wind is desirable.
- The full-body wader can have a variety of dimensions. The dimensions can include but are not limited to an inseam length for the pants portion, sleeve lengths, and chest width. The full-body wader can have different sizes, for example, adult small, medium, large, extra-large, youth small, medium, large, etc. The sizes can also include long sizes or petite sizes, such as adult medium long or adult small petite. Long sizes can increase the inseam length for the pants portion and the sleeve lengths while petite sizes can decrease the inseam length and sleeve length compared to regular sizes. The boots of the full-body wader can also come in a variety of sizes, such as women's size 9 or men's size 11. Thus, the full-body wader can be used by people of all ages and genders.
- Therefore, the various embodiments are well adapted to attain the ends and advantages mentioned as well as those that are inherent therein. The particular embodiments disclosed above are illustrative only, as the various embodiments may be modified and practiced in different but equivalent manners apparent to those skilled in the art having the benefit of the teachings herein. Furthermore, no limitations are intended to the details of construction or design herein shown, other than as described in the claims below. It is, therefore, evident that the particular illustrative embodiments disclosed above may be altered or modified and all such variations are considered within the scope and spirit of the present invention.
- As used herein, the words “comprise,” “have,” “include,” and all grammatical variations thereof are each intended to have an open, non-limiting meaning that does not exclude additional elements or steps. While compositions, systems, and methods are described in terms of “comprising,” “containing,” or “including” various components or steps, the compositions, systems, and methods also can “consist essentially of” or “consist of” the various components and steps. It should also be understood that, as used herein, “first,” “second,” and “third,” are assigned arbitrarily and are merely intended to differentiate between two or more sleeves, pants legs, etc., as the case may be, and do not indicate any sequence. Furthermore, it is to be understood that the mere use of the word “first” does not require that there be any “second,” and the mere use of the word “second” does not require that there be any “third,” etc.
- Whenever a numerical range with a lower limit and an upper limit is disclosed, any number and any included range falling within the range is specifically disclosed. In particular, every range of values (of the form, “from about a to about b,” or, equivalently, “from approximately a to b,” or, equivalently, “from approximately a-b”) disclosed herein is to be understood to set forth every number and range encompassed within the broader range of values. Also, the terms in the claims have their plain, ordinary meaning unless otherwise explicitly and clearly defined by the patentee. Moreover, the indefinite articles “a” or “an,” as used in the claims, are defined herein to mean one or more than one of the elements that it introduces. If there is any conflict in the usages of a word or term in this specification and one or more patent(s) or other documents that may be incorporated herein by reference, the definitions that are consistent with this specification should be adopted.
Claims (20)
Priority Applications (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US17/655,715 US20220304401A1 (en) | 2021-03-24 | 2022-03-21 | Single-piece construction, full-body wader |
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US202163165326P | 2021-03-24 | 2021-03-24 | |
US17/655,715 US20220304401A1 (en) | 2021-03-24 | 2022-03-21 | Single-piece construction, full-body wader |
Publications (1)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
US20220304401A1 true US20220304401A1 (en) | 2022-09-29 |
Family
ID=83362736
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US17/655,715 Pending US20220304401A1 (en) | 2021-03-24 | 2022-03-21 | Single-piece construction, full-body wader |
Country Status (1)
Country | Link |
---|---|
US (1) | US20220304401A1 (en) |
Cited By (1)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
USD1030239S1 (en) * | 2022-03-28 | 2024-06-11 | Shangqing Guan | Jumpsuit |
Citations (44)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US2343103A (en) * | 1942-05-02 | 1944-02-29 | White Lillian | Sleeve construction |
US3086215A (en) * | 1960-10-26 | 1963-04-23 | Reliance Mfg Company | Jacket |
US5081718A (en) * | 1990-06-29 | 1992-01-21 | Life-Link International, Inc. | Pants type garment having a seamless crotch |
US5511246A (en) * | 1994-07-29 | 1996-04-30 | Vallen Safety Supply Company | Low lint protective garment |
US5526533A (en) * | 1994-02-16 | 1996-06-18 | Plemmons, Sr.; Ronald J. | Hunting suit having an attached interior vest |
US5826274A (en) * | 1996-07-25 | 1998-10-27 | Thompson; Michael | Method and apparatus for facilitating the application and removal of a wet suit |
US5896581A (en) * | 1996-08-19 | 1999-04-27 | Wong; Lavinia C. | Unitary clothing with an improved drop-seat |
US5896582A (en) * | 1998-01-20 | 1999-04-27 | Fox Point Sportswear, Inc. | Outerwear garment having a waterproof seat |
US5991921A (en) * | 1996-12-03 | 1999-11-30 | Toyo Lint Free Co., Ltd. | Dustproof suit for clean room |
US6032285A (en) * | 1994-09-27 | 2000-03-07 | Densen; Larry | Protective garment having expandable hood and feet portions |
US6167571B1 (en) * | 1999-07-08 | 2001-01-02 | Hsien-Hsiung Cheng | Waders for fishing or hunting |
US20010025383A1 (en) * | 1999-02-11 | 2001-10-04 | Thompson Michael R. | Apparatus for facilitating the application and removal of waders |
US20020178484A1 (en) * | 2001-06-01 | 2002-12-05 | Rausch Fred W. | Hunting waders and jacket combination |
US20030028949A1 (en) * | 2000-03-13 | 2003-02-13 | Kerr Andrew Robert England | Protective garment |
US20040133960A1 (en) * | 2001-06-01 | 2004-07-15 | Rausch Fred W. | Hunting waders and jacket combination |
US20040187185A1 (en) * | 2002-01-04 | 2004-09-30 | Steve David | Wader having removable insulation |
US20050028251A1 (en) * | 2003-08-08 | 2005-02-10 | Walsh Kenneth C. | Foot-covering component of a stocking foot wader including gravel guard and method for manufacturing |
US20070082189A1 (en) * | 2005-10-11 | 2007-04-12 | Gillette William J | Waterproof, breathable composite material |
US20080040832A1 (en) * | 2006-08-15 | 2008-02-21 | Robison's, Inc. | Ventilated garment |
US20090282602A1 (en) * | 2008-05-19 | 2009-11-19 | The Orvis Company, Inc. | Waterproof breathable fishing wader |
US20100083429A1 (en) * | 2007-03-22 | 2010-04-08 | Carraro S.R.L. | Engineered textile yarn |
US20100132089A1 (en) * | 2008-11-25 | 2010-06-03 | Michael Myers | Modular wading system |
US20100205717A1 (en) * | 2009-02-17 | 2010-08-19 | The Coleman Company, Inc. | Wader boot |
US20100306897A1 (en) * | 2009-06-08 | 2010-12-09 | Michael Tate Wood | Hunting wader |
US20110067159A1 (en) * | 2009-09-24 | 2011-03-24 | Wayne Tracy Smith | Chaps for wading and wader protection |
US20110307993A1 (en) * | 2010-06-16 | 2011-12-22 | Mcafee Donn | Wader with quick-release system for evacuation of water |
US20150082509A1 (en) * | 2009-09-12 | 2015-03-26 | Carol Ann Davis | Easy access individual needs one piece garment |
US20150342272A1 (en) * | 2014-05-28 | 2015-12-03 | Patagonia, Inc. | Dropseat waders and suspension system |
US20160183615A1 (en) * | 2014-12-30 | 2016-06-30 | Rasco Manufacturing Inc. | Fire-retardant garment with improved fastening |
US20170013891A1 (en) * | 2015-07-13 | 2017-01-19 | Arthur R. Olvera | Bib overalls |
US20170071266A1 (en) * | 2013-02-18 | 2017-03-16 | Robert A. Stevenson | Urination relief hatch for waterproof waders and foul weather gear |
US20180249769A1 (en) * | 2017-03-02 | 2018-09-06 | Christine Elina Reppa | One-piece physical exercise garment for women that incorporates a bra, torso piece, and pant, has the appearance of multiple pieces of clothing, does not require adjustment as a result of the user moving or exercising, and can be put on or taken off by the user in a manner similar to a one-piece swimsuit |
US20180295904A1 (en) * | 2017-04-13 | 2018-10-18 | Lee Looper | Chest Waders with Lighting Feature |
US10154696B1 (en) * | 2017-06-14 | 2018-12-18 | Lance Price | Buoyant waders |
US20190069613A1 (en) * | 2017-06-14 | 2019-03-07 | Lance Price | Buoyant waders |
US20190150533A1 (en) * | 2017-11-21 | 2019-05-23 | Tuxy Inc. | Unitary article of clothing with overlapping warming joiner band defining a double waistband |
US20190174843A1 (en) * | 2016-08-19 | 2019-06-13 | Gabriel Da Silva Ribeiro | Fastening system for motorcycle riding suit |
US20190174844A1 (en) * | 2016-06-16 | 2019-06-13 | Ocean Rodeo Sports Inc. | Lower back entry body suit |
US20190216143A1 (en) * | 2017-10-03 | 2019-07-18 | Lion Group, Inc. | Particulate resistant garment |
US20190357603A1 (en) * | 2017-06-14 | 2019-11-28 | Lance Price | Buoyant outdoor garment |
US20190387812A1 (en) * | 2018-06-20 | 2019-12-26 | Brian Chaney | Wader Sock |
US20210196007A1 (en) * | 2019-12-30 | 2021-07-01 | W. L. Gore & Associates, Inc. | Waterproof boot to pant connection |
US20220061412A1 (en) * | 2020-08-26 | 2022-03-03 | II Robert E. Culver | Multipurpose and multifunctional garment |
US20220287394A1 (en) * | 2021-03-11 | 2022-09-15 | Shane Elliff | Waterproof thermal flotation suit system and methods of use |
-
2022
- 2022-03-21 US US17/655,715 patent/US20220304401A1/en active Pending
Patent Citations (44)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US2343103A (en) * | 1942-05-02 | 1944-02-29 | White Lillian | Sleeve construction |
US3086215A (en) * | 1960-10-26 | 1963-04-23 | Reliance Mfg Company | Jacket |
US5081718A (en) * | 1990-06-29 | 1992-01-21 | Life-Link International, Inc. | Pants type garment having a seamless crotch |
US5526533A (en) * | 1994-02-16 | 1996-06-18 | Plemmons, Sr.; Ronald J. | Hunting suit having an attached interior vest |
US5511246A (en) * | 1994-07-29 | 1996-04-30 | Vallen Safety Supply Company | Low lint protective garment |
US6032285A (en) * | 1994-09-27 | 2000-03-07 | Densen; Larry | Protective garment having expandable hood and feet portions |
US5826274A (en) * | 1996-07-25 | 1998-10-27 | Thompson; Michael | Method and apparatus for facilitating the application and removal of a wet suit |
US5896581A (en) * | 1996-08-19 | 1999-04-27 | Wong; Lavinia C. | Unitary clothing with an improved drop-seat |
US5991921A (en) * | 1996-12-03 | 1999-11-30 | Toyo Lint Free Co., Ltd. | Dustproof suit for clean room |
US5896582A (en) * | 1998-01-20 | 1999-04-27 | Fox Point Sportswear, Inc. | Outerwear garment having a waterproof seat |
US20010025383A1 (en) * | 1999-02-11 | 2001-10-04 | Thompson Michael R. | Apparatus for facilitating the application and removal of waders |
US6167571B1 (en) * | 1999-07-08 | 2001-01-02 | Hsien-Hsiung Cheng | Waders for fishing or hunting |
US20030028949A1 (en) * | 2000-03-13 | 2003-02-13 | Kerr Andrew Robert England | Protective garment |
US20020178484A1 (en) * | 2001-06-01 | 2002-12-05 | Rausch Fred W. | Hunting waders and jacket combination |
US20040133960A1 (en) * | 2001-06-01 | 2004-07-15 | Rausch Fred W. | Hunting waders and jacket combination |
US20040187185A1 (en) * | 2002-01-04 | 2004-09-30 | Steve David | Wader having removable insulation |
US20050028251A1 (en) * | 2003-08-08 | 2005-02-10 | Walsh Kenneth C. | Foot-covering component of a stocking foot wader including gravel guard and method for manufacturing |
US20070082189A1 (en) * | 2005-10-11 | 2007-04-12 | Gillette William J | Waterproof, breathable composite material |
US20080040832A1 (en) * | 2006-08-15 | 2008-02-21 | Robison's, Inc. | Ventilated garment |
US20100083429A1 (en) * | 2007-03-22 | 2010-04-08 | Carraro S.R.L. | Engineered textile yarn |
US20090282602A1 (en) * | 2008-05-19 | 2009-11-19 | The Orvis Company, Inc. | Waterproof breathable fishing wader |
US20100132089A1 (en) * | 2008-11-25 | 2010-06-03 | Michael Myers | Modular wading system |
US20100205717A1 (en) * | 2009-02-17 | 2010-08-19 | The Coleman Company, Inc. | Wader boot |
US20100306897A1 (en) * | 2009-06-08 | 2010-12-09 | Michael Tate Wood | Hunting wader |
US20150082509A1 (en) * | 2009-09-12 | 2015-03-26 | Carol Ann Davis | Easy access individual needs one piece garment |
US20110067159A1 (en) * | 2009-09-24 | 2011-03-24 | Wayne Tracy Smith | Chaps for wading and wader protection |
US20110307993A1 (en) * | 2010-06-16 | 2011-12-22 | Mcafee Donn | Wader with quick-release system for evacuation of water |
US20170071266A1 (en) * | 2013-02-18 | 2017-03-16 | Robert A. Stevenson | Urination relief hatch for waterproof waders and foul weather gear |
US20150342272A1 (en) * | 2014-05-28 | 2015-12-03 | Patagonia, Inc. | Dropseat waders and suspension system |
US20160183615A1 (en) * | 2014-12-30 | 2016-06-30 | Rasco Manufacturing Inc. | Fire-retardant garment with improved fastening |
US20170013891A1 (en) * | 2015-07-13 | 2017-01-19 | Arthur R. Olvera | Bib overalls |
US20190174844A1 (en) * | 2016-06-16 | 2019-06-13 | Ocean Rodeo Sports Inc. | Lower back entry body suit |
US20190174843A1 (en) * | 2016-08-19 | 2019-06-13 | Gabriel Da Silva Ribeiro | Fastening system for motorcycle riding suit |
US20180249769A1 (en) * | 2017-03-02 | 2018-09-06 | Christine Elina Reppa | One-piece physical exercise garment for women that incorporates a bra, torso piece, and pant, has the appearance of multiple pieces of clothing, does not require adjustment as a result of the user moving or exercising, and can be put on or taken off by the user in a manner similar to a one-piece swimsuit |
US20180295904A1 (en) * | 2017-04-13 | 2018-10-18 | Lee Looper | Chest Waders with Lighting Feature |
US10154696B1 (en) * | 2017-06-14 | 2018-12-18 | Lance Price | Buoyant waders |
US20190069613A1 (en) * | 2017-06-14 | 2019-03-07 | Lance Price | Buoyant waders |
US20190357603A1 (en) * | 2017-06-14 | 2019-11-28 | Lance Price | Buoyant outdoor garment |
US20190216143A1 (en) * | 2017-10-03 | 2019-07-18 | Lion Group, Inc. | Particulate resistant garment |
US20190150533A1 (en) * | 2017-11-21 | 2019-05-23 | Tuxy Inc. | Unitary article of clothing with overlapping warming joiner band defining a double waistband |
US20190387812A1 (en) * | 2018-06-20 | 2019-12-26 | Brian Chaney | Wader Sock |
US20210196007A1 (en) * | 2019-12-30 | 2021-07-01 | W. L. Gore & Associates, Inc. | Waterproof boot to pant connection |
US20220061412A1 (en) * | 2020-08-26 | 2022-03-03 | II Robert E. Culver | Multipurpose and multifunctional garment |
US20220287394A1 (en) * | 2021-03-11 | 2022-09-15 | Shane Elliff | Waterproof thermal flotation suit system and methods of use |
Cited By (1)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
USD1030239S1 (en) * | 2022-03-28 | 2024-06-11 | Shangqing Guan | Jumpsuit |
Similar Documents
Publication | Publication Date | Title |
---|---|---|
US7832022B1 (en) | Pants apparatus and method of use | |
US4912860A (en) | Dual-height wader | |
US6317893B1 (en) | Breathable waders with interchangeable insulated linings | |
US5022096A (en) | Waterproof breathable wader | |
US8918915B2 (en) | Garment with tethering system | |
US5182812A (en) | Layered reducing garment | |
US9572381B2 (en) | Convertible shorts/skirt/leggings | |
CA2690810A1 (en) | Convertible garments | |
US20080092273A1 (en) | Convertible athletic running pants | |
US20110067159A1 (en) | Chaps for wading and wader protection | |
US4497071A (en) | Exercise garment | |
US6357050B2 (en) | Apparatus for facilitating the application and removal of waders | |
US9398778B2 (en) | Water-resistant waders incorporating a waist lock system | |
US20130205465A1 (en) | Insulated Breathable Wader | |
US20160360804A1 (en) | Clothing System for Water Sports | |
US20050132464A1 (en) | Pre-curved wader with front and back seams | |
US20220304401A1 (en) | Single-piece construction, full-body wader | |
US20220369739A1 (en) | Multipurpose garment configuration and methods | |
KR101440541B1 (en) | Outdoor trousers for layer on top | |
US20230371620A1 (en) | Modest swimsuit system | |
US1285444A (en) | Combination-garment. | |
CZ25074U1 (en) | Suit, especially for service purposes | |
AU2004100754A4 (en) | Protective chaps | |
AU2006299752A1 (en) | Protective pants | |
GB2549766A (en) | Garments |
Legal Events
Date | Code | Title | Description |
---|---|---|---|
AS | Assignment |
Owner name: CANVASBACK WATERFOWL, LLC, TEXAS Free format text: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST;ASSIGNORS:NELSON, CHAD;WALTON, SAMUEL HUNTER;REEL/FRAME:059328/0530 Effective date: 20210323 |
|
STPP | Information on status: patent application and granting procedure in general |
Free format text: DOCKETED NEW CASE - READY FOR EXAMINATION |
|
STPP | Information on status: patent application and granting procedure in general |
Free format text: NON FINAL ACTION MAILED |
|
STPP | Information on status: patent application and granting procedure in general |
Free format text: RESPONSE TO NON-FINAL OFFICE ACTION ENTERED AND FORWARDED TO EXAMINER |
|
STPP | Information on status: patent application and granting procedure in general |
Free format text: NON FINAL ACTION MAILED |
|
STPP | Information on status: patent application and granting procedure in general |
Free format text: RESPONSE TO NON-FINAL OFFICE ACTION ENTERED AND FORWARDED TO EXAMINER |
|
STPP | Information on status: patent application and granting procedure in general |
Free format text: FINAL REJECTION MAILED |