WO2017087966A1 - Urination relief hatch for waterproof waders and foul weather gear - Google Patents
Urination relief hatch for waterproof waders and foul weather gear Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- WO2017087966A1 WO2017087966A1 PCT/US2016/063159 US2016063159W WO2017087966A1 WO 2017087966 A1 WO2017087966 A1 WO 2017087966A1 US 2016063159 W US2016063159 W US 2016063159W WO 2017087966 A1 WO2017087966 A1 WO 2017087966A1
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- Prior art keywords
- frame
- waders
- pants
- pair
- waterproof
- Prior art date
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Classifications
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A41—WEARING APPAREL
- A41D—OUTERWEAR; PROTECTIVE GARMENTS; ACCESSORIES
- A41D13/00—Professional, industrial or sporting protective garments, e.g. surgeons' gowns or garments protecting against blows or punches
- A41D13/02—Overalls, e.g. bodysuits or bib overalls
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- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A41—WEARING APPAREL
- A41B—SHIRTS; UNDERWEAR; BABY LINEN; HANDKERCHIEFS
- A41B9/00—Undergarments
- A41B9/02—Drawers or underpants for men, with or without inserted crotch or seat parts
- A41B9/026—Drawers or underpants for men, with or without inserted crotch or seat parts characterized by the opening
-
- 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
- A41D13/012—Professional, industrial or sporting protective garments, e.g. surgeons' gowns or garments protecting against blows or punches for aquatic activities, e.g. with buoyancy aids
-
- 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
- A41D2600/20—Uses of garments specially adapted for specific purposes for working activities
- A41D2600/202—Welding
Definitions
- the present invention generally relates to fishing waders. More particularly, the present invention relates to a water-tight urination relief hatch for fishing waders, foul weather gear, or aquatic sports wear.
- Waist and chest waders are commonly used worldwide by both fly fishermen, spin fishermen, hunters and the like. Modern waders typically have built-in feet and in many cases, these are built-in stocking feet or neoprene-type feet or boots. Similar equipment is worn by crab fishermen or other mariners in foul weather situations wherein chest-type rain pants with suspenders are used with a jacket over the top. In a fly or spin fishing application, a fishing vest is normally worn over the wader suspenders and also a foul weather jacket may be placed over top.
- a fisherman when a fisherman is in Alaska, it is not unusual for the fisherman to have on a pair of undergarments, such as jeans over a fleece, the chest waders and suspenders, a fly fishing vest, a rain proof over jacket, a wading safety belt, and another belt containing either a canister of pepper spray or a pistol for protection against bears and other wildlife.
- a pair of undergarments such as jeans over a fleece, the chest waders and suspenders, a fly fishing vest, a rain proof over jacket, a wading safety belt, and another belt containing either a canister of pepper spray or a pistol for protection against bears and other wildlife.
- the wader or rain protection garment may be worn for many hours or even an entire day.
- Hunting waders are also very popular. Hunting waders come in a variety of camouflage patterns and accommodate the hunter who is wading through bogs or tundra or even lakes (for example - duck hunters). Another name for these systems is "Waders With Bibs.”
- Fishing wader manufacturers include Cabela's®, Orvis®, Simms®, Redball®, Hodgman® and many others. Waders can either be simple waders or rain protection suits. Pants or chest high waders can be rubber or of modern high technical fabrics that breathe, such as Gore-tex®.
- United States Patent 5,444,898 illustrates another type of water resistant closure, involving a slide fastening assembly and a pair of stringer tapes integrated with waterproof fabric. In the field, this would be difficult to use and very difficult to close back up again.
- United States Patent 6,105,214 illustrates a water resistant slide fastener with gripper elements positioned along the edges. Again, this looks like it would be very difficult to use and is of dubious quality during long-term immersion.
- one or more wader belts 24 or 18 are worn to prevent such water ingress into the system. Even if the water was not life-threatening, it would certainly wet the undergarments and make the wearer very wet and uncomfortable for the remainder of the day.
- the access cover is provided with a convenient attachment mechanism so that it can be put up out of the way during the process. It is readily closed by snapping it back into place and once again forming a waterproof seal for the wader or garment.
- An exemplary embodiment of the present invention includes a waterproof pair of pants and/or waders including a sealable opening for relief of bodily fluids, comprising: a pair of pants and/or waders comprising a first and a second leg portion, wherein the first and the second leg portions are joined to a torso portion terminating generally at or between a waist and a neck of a wearer, wherein the pair of pants and/or waders comprise a substantially waterproof material; a rigid frame sealed in a waterproof manner to the pair of pants and/or waders disposed in a groin section of the pair of pants and/or waders, wherein the frame forms a frame aperture separating an outside of the pair of pants and/or waders from an inside of the pair of pants and/or waders; a rigid lid pivotably or movably connected to the frame disposed on the outside of the pair of pants and/or waders and configured to engage the frame aperture; a seal disposed between the frame and the lid forming
- the backing aperture may be at least as large in an aperture size as the frame aperture.
- the backing may comprise a raised edge along an inside perimeter of the backing aperture, wherein the raised edge is disposed within a perimeter undercut formed in a second raised edge of the frame along a second inside perimeter of the frame aperture.
- the lid may comprise a third raised edge extending towards the frame when the lid is in the closed position, wherein the third raised edge of the lid is aligned with the second raised edge of the frame and mutually capture at least a portion of the seal there between when the lid is in the closed position.
- the back side surface of the frame and/or the first surface of the backing may comprise a non-smooth surface.
- the non-smooth surface may comprise a series of grooves, a series of channels or a roughened surface texture.
- the series of grooves, the series of channels or the roughened surface texture may follow a contour of the back side surface of the frame and the first surface of the backing as they are disposed around the frame aperture and backing aperture.
- FIG. 28 Other embodiments may include a manually releasable latch connected to the frame and configured to retain the lid in the closed position.
- FIG. 29 Other embodiments may include a compression latch connected to either the lid or frame and configured to secure together the lid and frame.
- FIG. 30 Other embodiments may include a temporary attachment mechanism connected to the frame or pair of pants and/or waders and configured to retain the lid in an open position, wherein the temporary attachment mechanism comprises a magnet, a hook-and-loop fastener or a latch.
- FIG. 31 Other embodiments may include a cosmetic flap connected to the pair of pants and/or waders covering the frame and lid.
- the waterproof pair of pants may be configured to slip over a pair of waterproof or water resistant boots or shoes.
- the waterproof pair of waders may include a first and second foot or boot portion permanently or removably joined respectively to the first and the second leg portions.
- FIG. 34 Other embodiments may include a spring connected between the frame and the lid, the spring biasing the lid into an open position.
- the frame aperture and backing aperture may both comprise a shape of a larger circle at least partially overlapping a smaller circle, wherein the larger circle is disposed at a top of the apertures and the smaller circle is disposed at a bottom of the apertures.
- FIG. 36 Another exemplary embodiment of the present invention includes a waterproof pair of pants and/or waders including a sealable opening for relief of bodily fluids, comprising: a pair of pants and/or waders comprising a first and a second leg portion, wherein the first and the second leg portions are joined to a torso portion terminating generally at or between a waist and a neck of a wearer, wherein the pair of pants and/or waders comprise a substantially waterproof material; a rigid frame sealed in a waterproof manner to the pair of pants and/or waders disposed in a groin section of the pair of pants and/or waders, wherein the frame forms a frame aperture separating an outside of the pair of pants and/or waders from an inside of the pair of pants and/or waders; a rigid lid pivotably or movably connected to the frame and configured to engage the frame aperture on a front side of the frame; a seal disposed between the frame and the lid forming a waterproof closure of the frame aperture when
- FIG. 37 Another exemplary embodiment of the present invention includes a waterproof pair of pants and/or waders including a sealable opening for relief of bodily fluids, comprising: a pair of pants and/or waders comprising a first and a second leg portion, wherein the first and the second leg portions are joined to a torso portion terminating generally at or between a waist and a neck of a wearer, wherein the pair of pants and/or waders comprise a substantially waterproof material; a rigid frame sealed in a waterproof manner to the pair of pants and/or waders disposed in a groin section of the pair of pants and/or waders, wherein the frame forms a frame aperture separating an outside of the pair of pants and/or waders from an inside of the pair of pants and/or waders; a rigid lid pivotably or movably connected to the frame and configured to engage the frame aperture on a front side of the frame; a seal disposed between the frame and the lid forming a waterproof closure of the frame aperture when
- the non- smooth surface may comprise a series of grooves, a series of channels or a roughened surface texture.
- a waterproof pair of pants and/or waders including a sealable opening for relief of bodily fluids comprising: a pair of pants and/or waders comprising a first and a second leg portion, wherein the first and the second leg portions are joined to a torso portion terminating generally at or between a waist and a neck of a wearer, wherein the pair of pants and/or waders comprise a substantially waterproof material; a rigid frame sealed in a waterproof manner to the pair of pants and/or waders disposed in a groin section of the pair of pants and/or waders, wherein the rigid frame forms a frame aperture separating an outside of the pair of pants and/or waders from an inside of the pair of pants and/or waders; a rigid lid pivotably or movably connected to the frame and configured to engage the frame aperture on a
- FIGURE 1 is a perspective view of a prior art wader
- FIGURE 2 is a perspective view of a wader with an exemplary relief hatch embodying the present invention
- FIGURE 3 is a close-up perspective view of the relief hatch in FIG. 2;
- FIGURE 4 is a view similar to FIG. 3 now showing the relief hatch in the open position
- FIGURE 5 is a view similar to FIG. 4 now showing a zippered pant underneath the wader;
- FIGURE 6 is a cross-sectional view of the structure of FIG. 3 taken along line 6-6;
- FIGURE 7 is a cross-sectional view of the structure of FIG. 4 taken along line 7-7;
- FIGURE 7A is an enlarged view of similar structure of section 7A-7A taken from FIGURE 7 now showing a spring mechanism
- FIGURE 7B is an enlarged view of similar structure of section 7B-7B taken from FIGURE 7 now showing a cam mechanism in the open position;
- FIGURE 7C is an enlarged view of similar structure of section 7C-7C taken from FIGURE 7 now showing a cam mechanism in the closed position;
- FIGURE 7D is an enlarged view of a similar structure of section 7D-D taken from FIGURE 7 now showing a new embodiment of a cam mechanism
- FIGURE 7E is an enlarged view of a similar structure of section 7D-D taken from FIGURE 7 now showing another new embodiment of a cam mechanism
- FIGURE 8 is a close-up view of the structure of FIG. 6 taken along line 8-
- FIGURE 9 is a view similar to FIG. 8, now with the lid slightly opened;
- FIGURE 10 is a close-up view of the structure of FIG. 7 taken along line 10-10;
- FIGURE 1 1 is a close-up view of the structure of FIG. 7 taken along line 10-10 now showing another embodiment
- FIGURE 12 is a close-up view of the structure of FIG. 7 taken along line 10-1 0 now showing yet another embodiment
- FIGURE 13 is a perspective view of another exemplary relief hatch embodying the present invention.
- FIGURE 14 is a view similar to FIG. 13 now showing the relief hatch in the open position
- FIGURE 15 is a cross-sectional view of the structure of FIG. 13 taken along line 15-15;
- FIGURE 17 is a close-up view of the structure of FIG. 15 taken along line 17-1 7;
- FIGURE 18 is a view similar to FIG. 17 now showing an alternative sealing arrangement
- FIGURE 19 is a perspective view of yet another embodiment of an exemplary relief hatch now showing the lid opening downwards;
- FIGURE 20 is a cross-sectional view of another exemplary relief hatch embodying the present invention.
- FIGURE 21 is a cross-sectional view of another exemplary relief hatch embodying the present invention.
- FIGURE 22 is a cross-sectional view of another exemplary relief hatch embodying the present invention.
- FIGURE 24 is similar to FIG. 23 now showing the relief hatch hidden;
- FIGURE 25 is a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a relief hatch retro-fit kit
- FIGURE 26 is a perspective view of a cut-out template and a cutting board
- FIGURE 27 is a perspective view of the cut-out template of FIG. 26 being cut along a wader with the cutting board behind;
- FIGURE 28 is a perspective view showing an exemplary embodiment of bonding the relief hatch of FIG 25. to the wader;
- FIGURE 29 is a perspective view of another exemplary embodiment of a relief hatch retro-fit kit
- FIGURE 30 is a perspective view of the cut-out template of FIG. 29 being cut along a wader with the cutting board behind;
- FIGURE 31 is an exploded perspective view of the structure of FIG. 29 being fixtured and sealed to the wader;
- FIGURE 32 is a perspective view of the finished assembly of FIG. 31 ;
- FIGURE 33 is a cross-sectional view of the structure of FIG. 32 taken along line 33-33 just before completion of fastening;
- FIGURE 34 is a cross-sectional view similar to FIG. 33 now showing the finished assembly being watertight;
- FIGURE 35 is a perspective view of another exemplary embodiment of a relief hatch
- FIGURE 36 is a sectional view of another exemplary embodiment of a relief hatch
- FIGURE 37 is a perspective view of another embodiment of a relief hatch now with chest high pants having suspenders;
- FIGURE 38 is a perspective view of another embodiment of a relief hatch now with waist high pants with suspenders
- FIGURE 39 is a perspective view of another embodiment of a relief hatch now with chest high pants having detachable booties;
- FIGURE 40 is a perspective view of another embodiment of a relief hatch now with waist high pants having detachable booties;
- FIGURE 41 is a perspective view of another embodiment of a relief hatch now with chest high pants having integrated all-weather boots;
- FIGURE 42 is a perspective view of another embodiment of a relief hatch now with waist high pants having integrated all-weather boots;
- FIGURE 43 is a perspective view of another exemplary embodiment of a relief hatch and groin protector of the present invention.
- FIGURE 44 is an enlarged perspective view of the structure of FIG. 43;
- FIGURE 45 is a perspective view of the base from the structure of FIG. 44;
- FIGURE 46 is a side view of the structure of FIG. 44;
- FIGURE 47 is an exploded side view of the structure of FIG. 46;
- FIGURE 48 is a front view of an exemplary embodiment of an aperture of the present invention.
- FIGURE 49 is a front view of another exemplary embodiment of an aperture of the present invention.
- FIGURE 50 is a front view of another exemplary embodiment of an aperture of the present invention.
- FIGURE 51 is similar to FIG. 45 showing another embodiment of an exemplary base now including left-side and right-side extensions;
- FIGURE 52 is a front view of another exemplary embodiment of an aperture of the present invention with an acorn-like shape
- FIGURE 53 is a female urination aid that may be used with the present invention.
- FIGURE 54 is an exploded sectional view taken generally from lines 54-54 of FIG. 44 now showing the wader material captured in castellation-like features;
- FIGURE 55 is a perspective view of another exemplary embodiment of a frame now with tab-like extensions for better bonding to the wader material;
- FIGURE 56 is an exploded sectional view taken generally from lines 56-56 of FIG. 55 now showing the tab-like extension and how it can pivot at the reduced thickness flexure;
- FIGURE 57 is a perspective view of another exemplary embodiment of a frame now with a continuous flexible extension for better bonding to the wader material;
- FIGURE 58 is an exploded sectional view taken generally from lines 58-58 of FIG. 55 now showing the continuous flexible extension and how it can be bonded to the frame;
- FIGURE 59 is an exploded side view similar to FIG. 47 now showing the latch facing the opposite direction for ease of molding;
- FIGURE 60 is a sectional view of one embodiment of the present invention with a double seal
- FIGURE 61 is a sectional view of another embodiment of the present invention with a single seal
- FIGURE 62 is a perspective view of a further advancement of the urinary relief hatch assembly
- FIGURE 63 is a perspective view of the structure of FIG. 62 now from an opposite direction;
- FIGURE 64 is a sectional view of an exemplary embodiment of a sealing area that could be used with structure of FIGS. 62 and 63;
- FIGURE 65 is a sectional view similar to 64 now showing another exemplary embodiment of a sealing area
- FIGURE 66 is a sectional view similar to 64 and 64 now showing yet another exemplary embodiment of a sealing area
- FIGURE 67 is an exploded view of the structure of FIG. 66;
- FIGURE 68 is an enlarged sectional view taken from the structure of FIG.
- FIGURE 69 is an enlarged sectional view very similar to FIG. 68, however now the roughened surface is formed as a series of triangular-shaped cutouts or channels that run along the perimeter edge of the frame;
- FIGURE 70 is an enlarged sectional view similar to FIGS. 68 and 69 now showing another embodiment that only has a single frame with a roughened surface as the backing plate has been eliminated;
- FIGURE 71 is a perspective view of a backing plate now showing the adhesion surfaces following the contour of the aperture;
- FIGURE 72 is a sectional view similar to FIGS. 68 and 70 now showing an exploded view and channels formed into a non-breathable wader material for increased bond strength;
- FIGURE 73 is a geometrical representation of the aperture of FIGS. 62 and 63. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
- FIGURE 1 illustrates prior art chest waders 100. These are also equivalent to prior art rain gear.
- the chest wader 100 may be of rubber, various breathable membranes, such as Gortex® neoprene or any other fabric.
- a safety belt 102 is typically worn. This is a tightly or snugly fitting belt which prevents the rapid ingress of water into the lower part of the waders if one should, for example, slip into a deep pool in a river.
- the suspenders 104 are worn over the shoulders and keep the waders held up in place.
- the waders can actually include an entire family of similar garments.
- the term "wader” includes chest high waders, waste high waders, foul weather or rain suits, exposure suits, ice rescue suits, survival suits and water rescue dry suits.
- the term “wader” is also extendable to any type of scuba diving gear, whether they be wet or dry suits. In the broadest sense, the term “wader” as used herein refers to any type of waterproof clothing. In one
- the "wader” could be rain gear where the feet 106, instead of being sealed to the wader pants, are actually a separate boot and the garment 100 is slipped down over the boots thereby keeping water from entering the boot.
- a rain jacket would be worn (not shown) over the wader along with a built-in hood or a hat.
- [Para 1 21 ] Applications for waders 100 with built-in feet 106 include both traditional and fly fishermen as well as duck hunters and many other types of outdoor sports.
- the present inventors have used waders extensively in Alaska where one not only wears the waders, but also a rain-type jacket over which (or under) is also placed a fly fishing vest.
- another belt typically disposed somewhat below the safety belt 102, which can contain a firearm, pepper spray, a knife or similar items.
- the present inventors also wore hand-held radios, for example, on a belt clip.
- FIGURE 2 is very similar to FIG. 1 , but illustrates the present invention of a urinary relief hatch assembly 108 including a lid 1 10 as shown.
- This urinary relief hatch 108 can come in many forms as will be shown in subsequent drawings. In general, it has a hermetic watertight seal and a hinge 1 16 so that it can be easily raised up. In this case, there is either a hook-and-loop fastener patch, a snap, a magnet or the like 1 12 which holds the urinary relief lid conveniently up in place.
- the present invention is best worn with the correct undergarments, such as a fleece with a large flap instead of a zipper so one may easily access the penis.
- FIG. 1 As will be shown in an alternative embodiment in FIG.
- the urinary relief lid 150 it is also possible for the urinary relief lid 150 to fold downward and simply hang by gravity below the opening in the waders. It is also important that the urinary relief lid 1 1 0 be sufficiently large in diameter cross-section to easily access the undergarments. This also makes it easy for a female to use the system along with a complimentary urination device, such as the GoGirlTM.
- the GoGirlTM is a flexible and soft rubber-like structure that allows women to urinate while standing up. It is a hygienic, portable discrete and reusable device that can be used in concert with the present invention. It would be easy for a female to use a device, such as the GoGirlTM by opening the lid 1 10 of the present invention and then inserting the GoGirlTM such that it channels bodily fluid out through the open lid 1 10.
- FIGURE 3 is taken from section 3-3 from FIG. 2 and shows the urinary relief lid 1 10 in an enlarged view. Shown is a quick and convenient release snap 1 14 which is activated by simply pushing down with one's thumb. The lid 1 1 0 automatically flaps open as it is compressed against a rubber O-ring seal (gasket, compressible washer) or the like attached to the base 105, which naturally acts as a spring to keep it firmly seated, but also make it open on its own. Also shown is the hinge 1 1 6 which in this embodiment, is shown on top of the urinary relief hatch.
- a rubber O-ring seal gasket, compressible washer
- FIGURE 4 is the same as FIG. 3, but it shows the relief lid 1 10 in the open position away from the base 105.
- the snap 1 14 has been pushed down so that it disengages from the snap retainer 128 thereby allowing the entire relief lid 1 1 0 to pivot on its hinge assembly 1 1 6.
- a garment 1 18 is shown through the relief hatch. In this case, the garment is some sort of a long underwear or fleece.
- Some types of similar garments do not have such a flap, however, during experimentation the inventors found it very easy to pull down such a garment from its elastic band and still easily access the penis.
- a seal of silicone rubber or similar flexible material is shown 124 which could also be an O-ring.
- FIGURE 5 is very similar to FIG. 4 except that the undergarment 1 1 8' has a zipper 122. This would be analogous say to a simple pair of jeans. With the relief lid 1 10 in the open position, one can see that it would be very easy to pull down the zipper 122 to access the penis for urination. It is also noted that the present invention is intended to be used for males, but could also be used for females. Auxiliary devices may be used by females to aid in the use of the present invention. For instance, a hygienic funnel, such as the GoGirlTM may be used by females that help capture and direct urination out through the present invention.
- GoGirlTM may be used by females that help capture and direct urination out through the present invention.
- FIGURE 6 is taken from section 6-6 from FIG. 3.
- the urinary relief lid 1 10 is shown seated closed by virtue of the snap assembly 1 14, 132. There is a
- a seal joint 1 30 is shown which makes a connection between the wader or rain gear garment 100 and the urinary relief hatch assembly 1 08. As will be shown, this joint can be of a thermal-setting adhesive, a glue, a rubber bond, a stitch, a thermal bond, a weld, a rivet or any other type of joint that would be waterproof and strong.
- FIGURE 7 was taken from section 7-7 from FIG. 4 and shows the urinary relief hatch assembly 1 08 in FIG. 6 in the open position.
- the watertight deformable seal material 124 is no longer indented since it is no longer pressed against the seal compressor 1 26.
- this relief hatch retainer 1 12a and 1 1 2b can be accomplished by a variety of designs. The idea of having the relief hatch in this embodiment open upwards is to provide maximum access to the penis for urinating and taking advantage of gravity so that one does not splash the lid 1 10 or any of its components with urine.
- FIGURE 7A is an enlarged view of similar structure of section 7A-7A taken from FIGURE 7 now showing a spring 107.
- the spring 107 is biasing the lid 1 1 0 to remain open and not fall down and close against the base 1 05. This prevents the lid 1 10 from unwantingly close against the base 105.
- FIGURE 7B is an enlarged view of similar structure of section 7B-7B taken from FIGURE 7 now showing a cam mechanism 109, 1 1 1 in the open position.
- the cam 109 has a raised portion that interferes with protrusion 1 1 1 .
- FIGURE 7C is an enlarged view of similar structure of section 7C-7C taken from FIGURE 7 now showing the cam mechanism 109,1 1 1 in the closed position.
- the raised portion of the cam 109 has passed the protrusion 1 1 and is no longer being held open.
- the cam 109 and protrusion 1 1 1 could be placed in different locations and different positions. This example merely illustrates that a wide variety of friction joints can be used to keep the lid 1 10 in the open position so it does not unwantingly close against the base 105.
- FIGURE 8 is an enlarged view taken from section 8-8 from FIG. 6. Shown is a portion of the urinary relief lid 1 10 and the flexible seal 124.
- the flexible seal retainer is the sandwich between structures 134a and 134b.
- the seal 124 is press fit in a way that is held securely or snugly while the relief lid 1 1 0 is swung up or down. Also shown is the seal compressor assembly 1 26. In the closed position, the deformable or compressible seal 124 is firmly seated against the seal compressor 126 in order to form a water-tight seal.
- FIGURE 9 is very similar to FIG. 8 and simply shows the urinary relief lid 1 10 in the process of being swung open. At this point, one can see that the seal material 124 is no longer indented or compressed.
- FIGURE 10 is taken from section 10-10 from FIG. 7. This is a retainer mechanism so that when the lid is in the upward position, it is held up while one goes about their business of urinating. In the case of FIG. 10, this would be opposite polarity magnets so that the lid is held up magnetically in place.
- FIGURE 1 1 is taken from section 1 1 -1 1 from FIG. 7 and shows a male and female snap assembly.
- the female snap 1 12a is affixed to handle 1 32 and is pressed over the male snap portion 1 1 2b as shown.
- the male and female portions of the snap may be used on either side.
- FIGURE 12 is taken from section 12-12 from FIG. 7 and is very similar to FIG. 10. Shown are a hook-and-loop style attachments, which in the industry are also known as Velcro®. In a preferred embodiment, the part of the hook-and-loop
- attachment system that is attached to the wader 100 would be larger in diameter or size. This would allow for dimensional misalignments as material stretches or wrinkles.
- FIGURE 13 is very similar to FIG. 3 except that the urinary relief hatch assembly 108 has more of a triangular shape and also has a different type of container and catch mechanism.
- the hinge 1 16 is shown full width.
- a compression latch 136 is used to compress the lid 1 1 0 against an O-ring seal 140 (gasket, seal, compressible washer).
- the O-ring seal 140 is fitted into a groove 141 , which is better shown in FIG. 14.
- FIG. 14 shows the urinary relief hatch 108 of FIG. 13 in the open position. One can see the compression latch 136 and the compression latch retainer 138.
- the compression latch when pushed down, compresses the edge of the lid 1 10 firmly against the O-ring 140 which ratchet seals it and makes it water tight. It will be obvious to those skilled in the art that any number of alternative dimensions could be used to provide convenient access for urination. It will also be obvious to those skilled in the art that any of the retention devices as previously illustrated in FIGS. 10, 1 1 and 1 2 may be adapted to the mechanism as illustrated in FIG. 13 and 14.
- FIGURE 15 is a sectional view taken from section 15-1 5 from FIG. 13. It shows the lid 1 1 0 in the closed position with the compression latch 136 firmly seated in place, which is compressing O-ring 140 in both the axial and side load directions. This forms a very tight water-tight seal.
- Item 142 is a very rigid seating assembly for the O- ring, which also holds it firmly in place. It is really hard to visualize how the O-ring 140 is seated while it is compressed like this.
- FIGURE 16 which is taken from section 16-16 from FIG. 14. This shows the urinary relief lid 1 10 in the open position. With this in the open position, one can now clearly see the O-ring 140 in its uncompressed state.
- FIGURE 17 is taken from section 17-17 from FIG. 15 and shows an enlarged view of the compression latch 136 firmly seated against its retainer 138. This firmly compresses the O-ring 140 (gasket, seal, and compressible washer) as shown, forming a water-tight seal.
- O-ring 140 gasket, seal, and compressible washer
- FIGURE 18 is very similar to FIG. 17 except in this case, the O-ring is in straight compression when the lid 1 10 is seated. That is, the edge of lid 1 10 presses straight down against the O-ring, which causes it to change shape from a circle to more of an oval. Again, this forms a solid water-tight seal.
- FIGS. 15, 16, 17 and 18 one can also see that there is a joint 146 between the wader or rain gear material and a groove that is formed in the urinary retention device 108. The material 100 is held firmly in this groove 146 by compression, by glues or cements, by thermal- setting adhesives or the like.
- FIGURE 19 is very similar to FIGS. 2, 13 and 14 except that in this case, the hinge 1 16 has been inverted so that it appears towards the bottom. In this case, there is no need for any type of retention device as previously illustrated in FIGS. 10, 1 1 and 12. In this case, the lid 1 10 flaps down and is held simply in place by gravity while one goes about the process of urination.
- One advantage of this assembly as illustrated in FIG. 19 is its simplicity and reduced costs. Cost is reduced by not needing to provide for a retention device to hold the lid in the upward position. There are also some geometry advantages to the structure as illustrated in FIG. 19 as this provides a more open access through the undergarment.
- FIGURE 20 illustrates a different type of O-ring compression assembly (gasket, seal, compressible washer) and is similar to those previously described in FIGS. 15 through 18.
- O-ring compression assembly gasket, seal, compressible washer
- FIGS. 15 through 18 In the case of FIG. 20, one simply pushes downward on latch mechanism 1 14 while at the same time, pulls up on the handle mechanism 132. This allows one to swing the lid 1 1 0 into its opening position 1 1 0'.
- the O-ring 140 is in direct compression.
- FIG. 21 An alternative to FIG. 20 is shown in FIG. 21 and is very similar except that the O-ring is in both side and axial compression.
- FIGURE 22 is yet another type of latch retainer mechanism 148 which pivots on a hinge. One can see that by applying their thumb to location 1 14, it is easy to rotate this latch so that the lid 1 10 can be swung into its open position 1 10'.
- FIGURE 23 is an alternative view of the wader relief mechanism 108 as previously illustrated in FIGS. 2, 19 and any alternative thereof.
- a flap 150 which covers over the urinary relief mechanism 108, but preserves a better cosmetic look for the garment.
- the flap 1 50 may be of the same material as the wader itself. It may be held down by hook-and-loop type closures.
- FIGURE 24 is the same as FIG. 23 which illustrates the flap 1 50 without the dash lines showing the present invention 108 underneath. One can see by looking at FIG. 24 that this does provide a better cosmetic appearance.
- glue/adhesive processes can be used to join the wader material 1 00 to a flange 1 30, which is part of the urinary relief mechanism 108.
- glue/adhesive processes can be used to join the wader material 1 00 to a flange 1 30, which is part of the urinary relief mechanism 108.
- there is a very important aftermarket Many people already own very expensive waders and would like to retrofit their waders to add the urinary relief mechanism 108.
- FIGURE 25 illustrates a kit which may be sold as an aftermarket assembly.
- the kit would contain the urinary relief hatch 108 of the present invention along with a template 152 which would come with instructions and in a preferred embodiment, a sticky adhesive 1 58 so that this could be placed on the garment.
- a convenient cutting board 156 may be optionally supplied which can be placed inside and behind where the cutting is to take place. This backing board 156 is very important because it would destroy the waders to cut through both the front and back sides at the same time.
- FIGURE 26 illustrates placing the backing or cutting board 156 inside the wader in the appropriate location and roughly centered over template 152. Also shown, are a number of glues, adhesives or even epoxies 158 which may be used. There would be a variety of bonding agents 158 supplied in the kit along with instructions so that the user can properly identify which type of wader they have and what type of material it has and therefore what kind of sealant it will be compatible with.
- FIGURE 27 illustrates the use of the template 152 and the cutting tool 154 to make the primary opening in the front of the waders 100.
- FIGURE 28 shows the opening 160 into which the urinary relief assembly 108 is fitted into place.
- the appropriate adhesive material 158 is first applied and then the urinary relief hatch is placed into the hole 160. This can be done through the inside as shown or from the outside (not shown).
- FIGURE 29 is a kit very similar to FIG. 25 and is used in very much the same way.
- two compressible rubber or neoprene or the like gaskets 1 62 and 164 there is also a cutting template 152 and a backing board 156 along with the appropriate adhesives 158 as previously described in FIG. 25.
- a pop rivet tool 166 may be provided along with the appropriate number of pop rivets 168 so that one can literally sandwich the wader material 100 (not shown) between the two gaskets 162 and 164 and then pop rivet everything in place. Pop rivets can press together solidly as they are tightened by compressing the two gaskets 162 and 164, which are flexible. This provides a water-tight seal all around the periphery of the urinary retention device 1 08. It will be obvious to one skilled in the art that any other type of fastener, such as screws and small bolt heads and the like may be used.
- FIGURE 30 is an enlarged view showing the use of the template 152 and backing plate 156 previously described in FIG. 29.
- FIGURE 31 the various components of the assembly are lined up. An adhesive, sealant or glue 158 is optionally applied prior to the seating of the components.
- the pop rivet gun 166 is used to place pop rivets 168 through each of the holes.
- the completed assembly as shown in FIGURE 32, forms a water-tight urinary relief hatch of the present invention.
- a backing plate 170 is provided for which to place the pop rivets. It is important that the backing plate 170 be of a rigid material and that the pop rivet holes or screw holes be placed close enough apart so that the gaskets 162 and 164 are uniformly compressed in a way that water cannot ingress.
- FIGURE 33 is a sectional view taken from section 33-33 from FIG. 32. Shown is the pop rivet 168 along with the cross-sectional view of the flange of the urinary retention device of wader material 100 along with the two gaskets 162 and 1 64. In a preferred embodiment, only one gasket 162 or 1 64 is needed to form a reliable seal.
- FIGURE 33 shows the male end of the rivet 168a being inserted through the flange of the urinary retention block 172, through sealing gasket 1 62, through a pre-punched hole in the wader material 100 and through the secondary gasket 164 lined up with the holes in the retention flange 170.
- FIGURE 34 is very similar to FIG. 33 showing the rivet in its compressed state. As can be seen, gaskets 162 and 164 have been firmly compressed against the wader material or rain gear material 100. In an optional embodiment, an adhesive 158 may be placed over both ends of each of the pop rivets to make sure that they do not leak water.
- FIGURE 35 is an alternative form of the invention with a twist cap lid 1 10 with taper engagement slots 176 which are designed to engage pins 174.
- a twist cap lid 1 10 With the cap is twisted, it is compressed against gasket seat 126.
- the gasket As the twist cap 1 10 is tightened, the gasket (not shown) is compressed against the gasket seat 126 in order to affect a water-tight seal.
- There is an optional tether 178 which can be of any suitable material which prevents the cap 1 10 from getting lost.
- the tether 1 78 may be attached to the side of the wader such that when the lid 1 1 0 is opened, the lid 1 1 0 will be out of the way during urination.
- the tether 178 may be made of an elastic material such that the lid 1 10 is retracted further away from the aperture when opened. Referring once again to FIG. 35, one can see that this design offers a number of advantages, in that it is very quick and easy to use. Only a slight rotation of the cap lid 1 10 is required to engage the pins 174 and properly seat the gasket structure.
- FIGURE 36 is another type of round cap 1 10, but in this case, it has female threads 180 which are designed to engage male threads 182 of the O-ring seat 126.
- O-ring 124 gasket, seal, compressible washer
- tether 1 78 shown for the same purposes as previously described in FIG. 35. The tether 178 is rotatively attached to the center of the cap 1 10 so that it does not get tangled up as the cap 1 10 is screwed in place.
- FIGURE 37 is very similar to FIG. 2 showing the previously described urinary relief hatch 1 08.
- this is more of a foul weather gear or a rain pant 100', which is designed to go over high top boots 103.
- Lower top boots could also be used, but in a preferred embodiment, high top boots 103 are used so that, in an extremely wet environment and perhaps with waves sloshing across a deck with high wind, the wearer will not get water up over the boot tops and down into his socks.
- the boots 1 03 come in a variety of sizes and shapes and sole types. A popular boot used in Alaska waters is the Bogs Boot made by the Bogs Company®.
- the other commonly used boot in Alaska is known as a Tuffy Boot made by the Baxter Company®.
- Another boot is known as TheTUF or XTRATUF® boot. All of these types of boot styles are extensively used by commercial fishermen.
- FIG. 37 many survival suits and mariner's ocean passage suits, have a similar pant, which goes over the boot 103. These include, suits made by Helly Hansen®, Musto®, Henri®, Lloyd®, West Marine®, Grundens® and Gill®.
- the waterproof pants come well above the waist area above belt 1 02 and include
- FIGURE 38 is very similar to FIG. 37, except in this case, the pants 100" terminate at the waist typically with a belt 102 and can include the suspenders 104. In this case, a jacket (not shown) would come down well below the waist so that rain would run off rather than go into the waist and make one's undergarments wet.
- the boots 103 are not attached, sealed, welded in any way to the pant 100' or 100". In other words, water resistance is achieved by the overlap of the pants over the boots 103.
- leg zippers to facilitate ease of pulling them on and off over a boot or Velcro closure straps, which allow the bottom of the pant to be drawn tightly around the boot. This is important, for example, if one is on the deck of a boat and an ocean wave comes through so that the wave does not splash up inside the pant and come down over the top of the boot. This kind of a closure feature has also helped during hiking, for example, if one temporarily steps in a puddle or mud hole.
- FIGURE 39 and FIGURE 40 are very similar to FIGS. 37 and 38, except that in this case, there is a detachable booty 106' and 106" that may be affixed and sealed to the pant 100' or 100". In this case, after the booties were joined to the pant, one would then put on an overboot, also known as a wading boot (not shown).
- an overboot also known as a wading boot (not shown).
- these boots are either laced up or closed by Velcro and the booty 1067106", in a preferred embodiment, would be of insulative material such as neoprene.
- the material of 1067106" could be of any waterproof material, including rubber, breathable fabric, such as Gortex® and the like.
- the booties 106' or 1 06" could include a heel and a sole and various types of treads, such that a boot could be integrated and sealed to the pant 1 00' and 100".
- FIGURE 41 and FIGURE 42 are very similar to FIGS. 37 and 38, except that in this case, the boot 103 has been sealed to at location 1 1 3 and becomes an integral piece of either the chest wader 100' or the pants 1 00".
- the boots 103 can be of a wide variety of material and have a wide variety of different sole types.
- the boot 103 is seam-sealed, glued, bonded or welded 1 13 to the material of the wader or bib 100' or the pants 100".
- the pant 1 00 as described in FIG. 38, FIG. 40 and FIG. 42, can also be integrated with suspenders 104 as previously shown for the full chest height pant or wader.
- FIGURE 43 is very similar to FIG. 2, except that the urinary relief hatch 108 has been substantially re-designed to add a number of important new features.
- the inventors again spent several weeks in Alaska's inside passage both on boats and fishing in rivers.
- the inventors have tried a number of undergarments underneath the wader or rain suit 100. These undergarments include Levis and a variety of sweats, thermal pants and the like. In general, the inventors found that wearing a fleece undergarment with the crotch access overlay facilitated the easiest access.
- testicles men all know that even a slight knock in the testicles really hurts; however, the inventors did not fully understand until doing some research, that a hard smack down there could cause a person to pass out completely from the pain, and it is even possible to die from circulatory problems caused by damage to the testicles. Furthermore, the inventors learned that unlike some organs in your body, such as bones or your liver, which will always auto-repair over time, the testicles, once injured, are not capable of repairing themselves completely. The testicles are much more fragile and even small injuries can end up in life-long problems, including loss of one or both of the testicles.
- urinary relief hatch 200 is not just a good idea for convenience in urination, but it is also vital, particularly in commercial environments for crotch protection.
- the crotch protection offered by urinary relief hatch 200 must be properly located in order to provide protection to the testicles. Rain gear and fishing waders are often loose fitting. Therefore, having the crotch protector have a unique shape and size so that it fits against the stomach and self-locates, becomes very important.
- the urinary relief-crotch protector 200 saves significant time for a user to quickly and efficiently urinate without the need to completely undress or leave a work area. For example, a user working on the deck of a ship can easily urinate directly into the ocean thereby saving significant down time normally required to go below deck to use the bathroom.
- FIGURE 44 is an enlarged view of the urinary relief-crotch protector 200 previously shown in FIG. 43.
- the top of the hinge 212a and 21 2b would typically be above the belt line, button line, buckle line (or in the case of sweat pants or the like, above the draw string line).
- the cup shape 216 serves a number of purposes and that is to provide enough room to comfortably fit over the genitalia and also provide enough room for one to access the penis through different types of undergarments.
- the dashed line 21 7 illustrates generally where a normal cup would stop.
- the curved dome structure 216 is desirably stiffer in comparison to a flatter profile which then aids in properly sealing an o- ring, seal or gasket while also providing increased impact protection.
- FIGURE 45 illustrates the frame 204 without the cover 202 as reference is made to FIG. 44 and in this case, the hinged lid 202 and integrated cup shape 216 have been removed so that just the frame part can be observed.
- the mating half of the hinge 212b is shown and that there is an aperture 21 8.
- the flexible latch assembly is shown as 206.
- the latch 206 can be simple due to the inherent flexibility of the plastic materials used.
- the aperture 218 is much wider at the top and then narrows down. This facilitates opening up a belt or untying a drawstring or accessing a cover slot in a pair of fleece undergarments.
- the shape of the frame 204 has been
- FIGURE 46 is a side view of urinary relief hatch-crotch protection device 200.
- the cup shape 216 as previously described, can be more readily observed in this view. This takes generally the same shape as athletic protection cups as used in baseball, football and other contact sports. In the present invention, the cup area 216 has been enlarged over typical athletic cups and strengthened.
- One of the reasons for this is that a sliding crab pot skidding across a wet boat deck in a high sea can create huge impact forces in comparison to a contact sport. Accordingly, in some
- very high strength plastics are used and even plastics that are reinforced with fibers or other materials.
- plastics that are reinforced with fibers or other materials are used and even plastics that are reinforced with fibers or other materials.
- Those skilled in the art can also made the cup area 216 or other parts from metals, composites, polymers, fiberglass or any other suitable material.
- foam material 210 This would typically be a closed cell foam.
- the foam helps absorb the impact and prevents skin bruising from a high impact.
- the foam 210 also assists in comfort as one wears this all day.
- Foam 210 can be formed from any other stress absorbing pliant material such as EVA foam or the like.
- FIGURE 47 is taken from FIG. 46 with the various parts exploded.
- the urinary relief hatch cup structure 216 is shown on the left separated from hinge 212a and 21 2b.
- a hinge pin 203 has been removed.
- the frame structure is shown in two pieces: frame front 204 and frame backing 208. This is so they can be sandwiched around a wader or foul weather gear pant 1 00, which is thereby
- frame 208 forms the function of a backing plate.
- FIG. 1 71 There are various fasteners 219 that can be used to join the backing plate 208 to the frame 204, including a screw and lock nut as shown, rivets as previously described or even adhesives 158.
- the frame is one piece without the need for the backing plate 208 at all.
- the wader or foul weather suit material would be directly bonded to the frame through gluing, adhesive, or welding processes.
- FIGURE 48 shows an aperture 218 generally conforming to the cup area and has a cross-sectional area of 20 square inches. This is considered to be a minimum in the present invention to accomplish all of the objectives of being able to readily access the penis and to also provide sufficient coverage to a forward impact protection to the penis and testicles.
- FIGURE 49 illustrates another redesigned version opening 218, which has a full 40 square inches of aperture opening. In this case, as previously described, there is enough access to undo a belt or untie drawstrings so that an underlying garment may be opened up or pulled down.
- FIGURE 50 illustrates another embodiment that has a size of
- FIG. 51 is very similar to FIG. 45, however now FIG. 51 includes extensions 220a and 220b that are integrally formed as part of the frame 204.
- the extensions 220 allow for a greater amount of surface area for an impact to be distributed into the user's body, such as the impact is not localized around the edge of the frame as in FIG. 45, but instead is now distributed over a larger surface area as shown in FIG. 51 . It is understood by those skilled in the art that these extensions 220 can be strategically placed around the perimeter of the frame 204 and other locations not shown.
- FIGURE 52 shows the dimensions on just one embodiment of the shape the aperture 218 may take.
- the width at the top is about 6.8 inches.
- the sides come down about 1 .8 inches.
- the sides transition to a curved shape that has a width of about 4.2 inches and a height of about 7 inches. Therefore, the overall height of the aperture is about 8.8 inches.
- This embodiment described herein shows how the aperture 218 has been improved in comparison to the prior versions originally disclosed.
- the top half of the aperture comprises a larger amount of surface area as compared to the bottom half of the aperture if a middle line 222 was to be drawn about 4.4 inches from either the top or the bottom. It will be understood by those skilled in the art that the structures and shapes could be sized down to fit smaller and/or younger users.
- FIGURE 53 depicts a urinary device 224 which, as one example, is called the GoGirlTM.
- GoGirlTM a urinary device 224 which, as one example, is called the GoGirlTM.
- GoGirlTM One is referred to their website go-girl. com to see what the GoGirlTM looks like. As one can see, it is a soft rubber structure that is placed against the female body so that the female can, for example, urinate through a zipper.
- the redesigned and enlarged hatch described in FIGS. 43 and on, is also particularly designed to accommodate and receive the device 224 or an equivalent device.
- FIGURE 7D shows the lid 1 10 pivoting above the base 1 05.
- a slider 123 moves within the lid 1 1 0.
- a spring 1 21 forces the slider into abutment with the base 105.
- the lid 1 10 pivots about the base 1 05, the slider 123 goes from abutting the flat 126a to then abutting the corner 125 and forced away from the corner 1 25 to then abutting the second flat 126b. In this way, the lid 1 10 is held open as the slider 1 23 abuts a flat surface 126 of the base 1 05.
- FIGURE 7E is another embodiment similar to that shown in FIG. 7D, where now, the spring 121 pulls the base 105 and the lid 1 1 0 closer together.
- the spring 121 is shown schematically for simplicity.
- the slider 1 23 is integrated into the lid 1 10 and the slider 123 engages the flats 126a and 126b while it is forced by the spring 121 away from the corner 125 as it pivots about the base 1 05.
- the lid 1 1 0 is in an open position, it will remain so as the slider 1 23 is against the flat surface 126 of the base 105.
- the present invention has applications both in fresh water and salt water fishing wader environments, as well as all kinds of foul weather gear application.
- this includes foul weather gear for marine applications, including commercial fishing and long-range cruisers.
- the materials must all be such that they will not corrode in a salt water or high salt spray environment.
- the plastic structures 1 05 and 1 1 0 inherently will not corrode.
- the slider mechanism 123 could be of plastic as well or it could be of a suitable non-corrosive metal, such as titanium or various alloys of stainless steel and the like.
- Spring 1 21 could be of stainless steel-type 302 or alloy 316 will also work well in marine environments.
- FIGURE 54 is a sectional view taken generally from section 54-54 from FIG. 44.
- One is also referred to FIG. 6 specifically, where the water-tight joint is made between the wader or fishing garment material 100 and the urinary relief hatch frame 130.
- the frame 204 and lid 202 are relatively narrow. This is important for comfort and fit particularly while somebody is hiking, walking or moving about. This does present challenges in order to seal the urinary relief hatch frame 204 to the wader or fishing pant material 100.
- FIG. 54 illustrates a methodology in which a very narrow and strong water-tight joint can be made between the wader/pant material 100 and the frame 204.
- An important feature here is the torturous path provided by castellations 226a and 227a and their female mating features 226b and 227b in the backing plate 208. When the backing plate 208 is firmly compressed against the frame 204, the wader-pant material 100 is sandwiched between this torturous path area and firmly held in place.
- an adhesive or bonding material 1 58 is used in conjunction with the compressing of the wader/pant material between these castellation surfaces 226/227.
- Two castellations 226 and 227 are shown, however, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that any number of castellations (one, two, three or ...n) can be used.
- the structure shown in FIG. 54 pinches and grabs a hold of the wader material 100 in such a way that has enormous sheer strength and increased mechanical strength, particularly in the area of the urinary relief hatch where it is quite slender.
- FIGURE 55 is very similar to frame FIG. 45 except that the flexible plastic/polymer tabs 228 have been co-bonded to become an integral part of the frame 204.
- These tabs 228 could be used in conjunction with the simple waterproof joint previously illustrated in FIG. 6, which is the joint between the wader/pant material 100 and the frame 130; or, referring to FIGURE 56, which is taken from section 56-56 in FIG. 55, one can incorporate the castellation features with the increased surface area of the tabs 228 to further improve the sheer strength and overall mechanical strength of the bond between the wader/pant material 100 and the frame 204.
- FIGURE 56 is a sectional view taken generally from section 56-56 of FIG. 55 and better illustrates the tabs 228.
- the tabs can be formed as an integral part of the frame 204 or can be attached in a secondary process such as in an over molding step.
- the tabs 228 could also be located on the backing plate 208.
- the tabs 228 can also include an area 230 of reduced cross sectional area that then operates as a living hinge. The reduced area 230 increases the flexibility and movement of the tabs 228.
- FIGURE 57 is very similar to FIG. 55 except that the flexible tabs 228 have been made into a continuous surface / flexible extension 232, which surrounds the entire perimeter of the base frame 204 of the urinary relief hatch.
- FIGURE 58 is a sectional view taken generally from section 58-58 of FIG. 57 and better illustrates the continuous surface 232.
- the backing plate 208 is no longer needed as a sufficient amount of surface area is created for a proper water-tight bond between the flexible extension 232 and the wader material 100.
- An adhesive 158 is used to create such a bond that is water-tight and also mechanically strong.
- the flexible extension can be of the same material as the frame 204 or made from a more flexible and resilient material that is then over molded to the frame 204. Plastic molding and thermal bonding processes may be used as alternatives to adhesive 158.
- FIGURE 59 is similar to FIG. 47 now showing that the latch 206 may be reversed such that the lid 202 may be made from a simple two-part mold. Additionally, the frame 204 may also be made from a two-part mold. These designs simplify the structure of the invention and allow it to be manufactured at a lower cost.
- FIGURE 60 is a sectional view of another embodiment of the present invention.
- the lid 202 and the frame 204 have been designed to be made from a simple two-part mold.
- the seal / gasket 214 may create a double circumferential sealing structure as the lid 202 engages the seal / gasket 214 at two circumferential locations to increase the reliability of the sealing mechanism.
- the wader 100 is bonded to the frame 204 with adhesive 158 with any of the previously taught methods or structures, such as with adhesives, fabric seam welding, heat sealing or mechanical clamps and fasteners.
- the hinge pin area 203 of each of the lid 202 and frame 204 can be slotted on respective sides to facilitate the two-part mold but still function to capture the hinge 203 properly.
- the spring 107 would be placed around the hinge 203 to keep the lid 202 in the open position for ease of urination while in use.
- FIGURE 61 is a sectional view of another embodiment of the present invention.
- the lid 202 now has the curved section 21 6.
- the lid 202 engages the seal / gasket 214 at just one location around the circumference.
- the wader 1 00 is bonded to the frame 204 with adhesive 158.
- the lid 202 and frame 204 of FIG. 61 can be manufactured with a simple two-part mold.
- all of the embodiments shown and described herein can be simplified to be made from a simple two-part mold that doesn't require the use of perpendicularly moving sliders or pull outs. These cost saving features reduce the upfront mold costs and lead to less parts which lowers overall cost of production.
- the wader 100 can be fabric welded to the frame 204.
- Fabric welding is the process of joining pieces of fabrics using heat and pressure.
- Thermoplastic coatings such as polyvinylchloride (PVC), polyurethane (PU), polyethylene fabric (PE) and polypropylene (PP) are used for heat sealing. Once done, fabric welding reduces maintenance cost as there is no need of threads, sewing machines, seam tapes or any other such material.
- Dielectric welding is the older of the two types of welding.
- a die is lowered onto the two fabric pieces that are supported by an underlying base plate.
- a timed pulse of radio frequency energy is sent between the die and the base plate.
- the fabric between the die and base plate gets heated enough so as to melt the thermoplastic coating on a temporary basis. With the melting of this coating, both pieces of fabric are fused together.
- the die is then lifted and new pieces of fabric move into position, and the whole process is repeated again.
- Rotary welding is a continuous process where the fabric pieces move continuously through the welding area, usually pulled along by a pair of drive wheels. Heat is sent through any of the sources like heated metal wedge or hot air, just before the fabric passes between the drive wheels. On the drive wheels, the welding pressure is applied which seals the fabric permanently. Rotary welding is faster than dielectric welding. The speed increases with the length of the products and seams. Welding speeds of up to 20 feet (6 meters) per minute and even higher can be achieved through it. However, rotary heat sealing requires a skilled and well trained operator to achieve full speed and flexibility. It is also capable of producing three dimensional finished products (products that do not lie flat) like garments, inflatable boats, bags, and luggage.
- FIGURE 62 is a perspective view of a further advancement of the urinary relief hatch assembly 1 08.
- aperture 21 8 is smaller directed toward the downside (bottom). Accordingly, it is also much larger in cross-sectional area toward the upside. This was as previously described in FIG. 52.
- the latch 1 14, the hinge assembly 1 16 and a spring 107 which also may be combined so that the lid 1 10, 202 is kept in a convenient open position while one is urinating.
- a formable seal 124, 214 is shown, which in the closed position, is designed to form a water tight seal against the raised portion 205 of the base plate 204 (frame, frame base).
- the base plate 204 is also known as a frame or frame element, as these terms have been used interchangeably in this description.
- FIGURE 63 is very similar to FIG. 62 except that the urinary relief hatch assembly 108 has been rotated so that we are now looking at the back side of it.
- the opening/aperture 218 is as previously described in FIG. 62. In this case, one can see the reverse side of the urinary relief hatch 1 10, 202.
- a backing plate 208 is shown, which in an embodiment may somewhat flexible or in a different embodiment may be rigid. The backing plate 208 is used to sandwich the wader or pant material 100 between the backing plate and the frame 204.
- FIG. 54 shows how the wader material 100 can be sandwiched between the backing plate 208 and frame element 204 through the use of castellations 226 and 227 which are optional.
- An adhesive 158 can be placed on one side or both sides of the wader material 100 that is sandwiched between the frame element and the backing plate.
- FIGURE 64 is a cross-sectional view of one exemplary embodiment of the sealing area. It shows the wader material 100 sandwiched between the backing plate 208 and the frame element 204. It will be appreciated that adhesives 158 (not shown) would be disposed on one or both sides of the wader material 100 as it is sandwiched between the frame element 204 and the backing plate 208.
- the urinary relief hatch (also known as "the lid") 1 10, 202 is configured to hold a forcible O-ring material 1 24, 214, which in one embodiment would be a silicone O-ring or specially shaped seal material.
- FIGURE 65 illustrates an attempt at an improved version of the urinary relief hatch assembly prototypes.
- the structure is no longer depending on the backing plate 208 to form the seal against the flexible O-ring material 124, 214. This means that variations in the wader thickness 1 00 do not matter.
- some inexpensive waders are made of simply a sheet of rubber.
- Other more expensive waders could be made of Gortex, PTFE or multi-layer fabrics. Referring to the Simms® online website, we will see that their higher end waders have 3 layers and their highest end guide waders have 5 layers (thereby making them substantially thicker).
- neoprene waders are in the art, which are even thicker than traditional fishing waders.
- the wader material 100 was thicker, it would simply move the backing plate downward, but would have no effect on the sealing area between the upper portion 213 of the frame plate 204 and a reversed image seal area 21 1 , which is an integral part of lid assembly 1 1 0, 202.
- sealing area 21 3 of frame 204 pinches against a mirror image sealing area 21 1 , improves the overall sealing ability. This creates a reliable amount of compression in the seal area, such that, it is guaranteed to stay water tight.
- protrusion or tooth area 21 1 Another advantage to the protrusion or tooth area 21 1 is that this captures the O-ring seal 1 24, 214 such that it will not fall out. In other words, there are a lot of friction surfaces that hold it nicely in place between the inside surface of the lid 202 and the seal 124, 214 itself.
- FIG. 65 has a very significant disadvantage in a reduction in the opening side aperture 218. Referring back to FIG. 62, one can see open area 218 which is very important to access the penis or to place a GoGirlTM device, as previously described (reference FIG. 53).
- the gap 21 5' should be no greater than 200,000th of an inch (0.20 inches). In another embodiment, the gap should be no greater than 100,000th of an inch (0.10 inches) and in another embodiment, no greater than 50,000th of an inch (0.050 inches).
- FIG. 66 After considerable development and experimentation, the design of FIGURE 66 offers a number of very significant advantages.
- the backing plate 208 has the configuration very similar to that previously described in FIG. 65. In both FIGS. 65 and 66, backing plate 208 is not part of the pinch seal against O- ring structure 124, 214.
- What is very unique about the frame element 204 shown in section in FIG. 66 is that, as it is directed upward at 219, it is designed to fit above the upper part 221 of frame element 208. This novel structure preserves the very important pinch feature between tooth-type features 21 3 and 21 1 previously described in FIG. 65 and are also shown in FIG. 66.
- the frame element 204 jog over at 219 and be above backing plate 208, the full maximum aperture 218, as previously described in FIG. 62, has been preserved. In other words, the upper part of the frame element 213 would not extend beyond the surface 223 of the underlying backing plate 208.
- This unique design does involve a tradeoff and that is, the radius curve 203 may be a steeper radius than the radius curve 21 1 previously described in FIGS. 64 and 65. However, this design tradeoff has been found to be acceptable and wearer comfort has been preserved.
- FIGURE 67 is an exploded view of the structure of FIG. 66. It is now easier to see how the parts are combined to form a water tight seal.
- the frame aperture 218f is the same size as the backing aperture 218b. This means the overall aperture 21 8 has been maximized to allow for greater ease of the user being able to manipulate various garments and body parts through the aperture thereby facilitating ease of urination.
- a first surface 226 of the backing 208 and a back side surface 225 of the frame 204 capture there between the waterproof material 100.
- At least one adhesive bond 158 are disposed between the back side surface 225 of the frame and the waterproof material 100, and/or, between the first surface 226 of the backing 208 and the waterproof material 100.
- the backing aperture 218b and frame aperture 218f are substantially aligned.
- the backing aperture 218b is equal to or greater in surface area in comparison to the frame aperture 218f because the backing aperture is as large or some embodiments larger than the frame aperture. In other words, the backing aperture may be at least as large in an aperture size as the frame aperture.
- the backing also has a raised edge 221 along an inside perimeter 223 of the backing aperture, wherein the raised edge is disposed within a perimeter undercut 229 formed in a second raised edge 219 of the frame 204 along a second inside perimeter 231 of the frame aperture 218f.
- the undercut 229 allows the raised edge 221 of the backing to nest inside, thereby maximizing the aperture 218.
- the lid 202 has the third raised edge 21 1 extending towards the frame when the lid is in the closed position, wherein the third raised edge 21 1 of the lid is aligned with the second raised edge 221 of the frame and mutually capture at least a portion of the seal 214 there between when the lid is in the closed position.
- FIGURE 68 is an enlarged sectional view taken from the structure of FIG. 66.
- the inside surface 225 of the frame (i.e. base) 204 and the inside surface 226 of the backing plate are roughened to help facilitate a strong mechanical bond between the wader material 100 and the surfaces 225, 226.
- an adhesive 158 may be placed on one side or both sides of the wader material 100 before it is sandwiched between the frame 204 and backing plate 208.
- the adhesives can be from a number of glues, adhesives, epoxies or bonding agents suitable to securely attach the wader material 100 to the frame 204 and backing plate 208.
- the waders tested were of breathable GoretexTM type material which has many micro pores. It became apparent that an adhesive such as AquaSealTM bonds and forms a watertight seal extremely well to such breathable fabric surfaces 100.
- the inventor discovered that a roughened surface 225 and 226 allowed the adhesives 158 to bond significantly better.
- the roughened surface could be applied after the parts (204, 208) were made, however, it is preferable if the roughened surface 225 and 226 can be designed into the mold that would create the frame 204 and backing plate 208. In this manner the roughened surface is part of the mold and is consistently created for all parts 204 and 208.
- FIGURE 69 is an enlarged sectional view very similar to FIG. 68, however now the surface 225 is formed as a series of triangular-shaped cutouts 227 that run along the perimeter edge of the frame 204.
- the triangular-shaped cutouts 227 help dig into the wader material 100 thereby increasing the mechanical pull strength.
- the surface 226 is shown as a series of channels 228 that run along the perimeter edge of the frame 204. Again, the adhesives 158 would flow into these cutouts 227 and/or channels 228 increasing the overall pull strength before failure.
- the wader or pant material 100 may also be roughened (either during manufacturing or in a secondary sanding type operation). As is understood by those skilled in the art, there are a multitude of shapes, surface contours, roughenings and textures that could be applied and/or formed into the surfaces 225, 226 as these specific descriptions are not intended to be fully inclusive of all possible embodiments.
- FIGURE 70 is an enlarged sectional view similar to FIGS. 68 and 69 now showing another embodiment that only has a single frame 204 with a roughened surface 225, 227 as previously described.
- the backing plate 208 has been eliminated because the bonding between the wader material 100 and the frame 204 is so strong from the combination of the correct adhesive 158 and the cutouts 227 that the backing plate 208 is no longer needed. Testing in the field has validated that the backing plate 208 may be eliminated, particularly when the wader or pant material 100 is either a breathable fabric or is also roughened in the bonding area.
- the frame 204 could be placed either on the inside of the waders 100, as shown here, or on the outside of the waders - as long as the bond and seal between the waders and frame is strong and waterproof either design configuration will be acceptable.
- FIGURE 71 is a perspective view of the front surface 226 of the backing plate 208 where the roughened surface can be in the form of the triangular-shaped cutouts 227 and/or the channels 228. As shown in FIG. 71 , it is understood that these features can follow the shape of the aperture 218 as they curve around the surface 226. It is understood by those skilled in the art that the features 227 and 228 could be equally applied to the surfaces 225 of the frame 204.
- FIGURE 72 is a sectional view similar to FIGS. 68-70 now showing an exploded view of a new embodiment where the wader 1 00 is made of a non-breathable material such as rubber or various elastomers but now has channels 234 integrated into the wader material 1 00 itself.
- the channels 234 help allow the adhesives 158 to grip and properly adhere to the wader material 100.
- the same channels 227 and 228 can be applied to the frame 204 and backing plate 208.
- FIGURE 73 is a geometrical representation of the aperture 218 of FIGS. 62 and 63. The inventors spent much time trying through trial and error trying to determine the best shape for the aperture 218.
- the aperture 218 now easily conforms to the human body and also allows ease of access through the aperture.
- the specific circular shapes shown herein could also be non-circular shapes such as ovals or various square or triangular shapes with highly rounded corners and still encompass the spirit of the inventive aperture 21 8 having a larger aperture at the top with a similarly shaped smaller aperture at the bottom.
- the frame aperture could be made as the shape of a larger contoured aperture at least partially overlapping a similarly shaped smaller contoured aperture, where the larger contoured aperture is disposed at a top of the frame aperture and the smaller contoured aperture is disposed at a bottom of the frame aperture.
- the contoured aperture 218 shown in FIG. 73 happens to be circular, but as discussion above could take on many other contours as this teaching is not limited to just circular arcs.
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- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Textile Engineering (AREA)
- Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
- General Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
- Physical Education & Sports Medicine (AREA)
- Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
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- Professional, Industrial, Or Sporting Protective Garments (AREA)
Abstract
Description
Claims
Priority Applications (5)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
EP16867344.0A EP3376889A4 (en) | 2015-11-22 | 2016-11-21 | Urination relief hatch for waterproof waders and foul weather gear |
CA3005888A CA3005888C (en) | 2015-11-22 | 2016-11-21 | Urination relief hatch for waterproof waders and foul weather gear |
JP2018545571A JP6974339B2 (en) | 2015-11-22 | 2016-11-21 | Urine drain hatch for waterproof waders and bad weather gear |
AU2016355724A AU2016355724B2 (en) | 2015-11-22 | 2016-11-21 | Urination relief hatch for waterproof waders and foul weather gear |
AU2022206773A AU2022206773A1 (en) | 2015-11-22 | 2022-07-21 | Urination relief hatch for waterproof waders and foul weather gear |
Applications Claiming Priority (6)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US14/948,378 US9380814B2 (en) | 2013-02-18 | 2015-11-22 | Urination relief hatch for waterproof waders and foul weather gear |
US14/948,378 | 2015-11-22 | ||
US15/184,119 US9532609B2 (en) | 2013-02-18 | 2016-06-16 | Urination relief hatch for waterproof waders and foul weather gear |
US15/184,119 | 2016-06-16 | ||
US15/355,580 US9808037B2 (en) | 2013-02-18 | 2016-11-18 | Urination relief hatch for waterproof waders and foul weather gear |
US15/355,580 | 2016-11-18 |
Publications (1)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
WO2017087966A1 true WO2017087966A1 (en) | 2017-05-26 |
Family
ID=58719275
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
PCT/US2016/063159 WO2017087966A1 (en) | 2015-11-22 | 2016-11-21 | Urination relief hatch for waterproof waders and foul weather gear |
Country Status (5)
Country | Link |
---|---|
EP (1) | EP3376889A4 (en) |
JP (1) | JP6974339B2 (en) |
AU (2) | AU2016355724B2 (en) |
CA (1) | CA3005888C (en) |
WO (1) | WO2017087966A1 (en) |
Citations (6)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
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US3107408A (en) * | 1961-05-22 | 1963-10-22 | Scovill Manufacturing Co | Plastic stud and socket with common rivet |
US5865820A (en) * | 1997-04-07 | 1999-02-02 | Myello Peter J. | Water resistant protection sealing apparatus for ileostomy or urostomy appliance |
US20090163886A1 (en) * | 2005-11-24 | 2009-06-25 | Henning Therkelsen | Coupling Assembly |
US20130261577A1 (en) * | 2012-04-02 | 2013-10-03 | Andre Gene Brazeau | Ostomy belt |
US8887757B2 (en) * | 2012-03-12 | 2014-11-18 | Hayward Industries, Inc. | Wafer check valve assembly and related methods of use |
US20150230523A1 (en) * | 2013-02-18 | 2015-08-20 | Robert A. Stevenson | Urination relief hatch for waterproof waders and foul weather gear |
Family Cites Families (2)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
KR101106883B1 (en) * | 2011-05-09 | 2012-01-25 | 김영수 | Fishing garment for waterproof |
JP5719061B1 (en) * | 2014-05-21 | 2015-05-13 | 株式会社小久保工業所 | Exit lid for wet sheet packaging |
-
2016
- 2016-11-21 AU AU2016355724A patent/AU2016355724B2/en active Active
- 2016-11-21 CA CA3005888A patent/CA3005888C/en active Active
- 2016-11-21 WO PCT/US2016/063159 patent/WO2017087966A1/en active Application Filing
- 2016-11-21 EP EP16867344.0A patent/EP3376889A4/en active Pending
- 2016-11-21 JP JP2018545571A patent/JP6974339B2/en active Active
-
2022
- 2022-07-21 AU AU2022206773A patent/AU2022206773A1/en active Pending
Patent Citations (6)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US3107408A (en) * | 1961-05-22 | 1963-10-22 | Scovill Manufacturing Co | Plastic stud and socket with common rivet |
US5865820A (en) * | 1997-04-07 | 1999-02-02 | Myello Peter J. | Water resistant protection sealing apparatus for ileostomy or urostomy appliance |
US20090163886A1 (en) * | 2005-11-24 | 2009-06-25 | Henning Therkelsen | Coupling Assembly |
US8887757B2 (en) * | 2012-03-12 | 2014-11-18 | Hayward Industries, Inc. | Wafer check valve assembly and related methods of use |
US20130261577A1 (en) * | 2012-04-02 | 2013-10-03 | Andre Gene Brazeau | Ostomy belt |
US20150230523A1 (en) * | 2013-02-18 | 2015-08-20 | Robert A. Stevenson | Urination relief hatch for waterproof waders and foul weather gear |
Non-Patent Citations (1)
Title |
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See also references of EP3376889A4 * |
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
AU2016355724B2 (en) | 2022-05-12 |
JP6974339B2 (en) | 2021-12-01 |
AU2016355724A1 (en) | 2018-06-07 |
EP3376889A1 (en) | 2018-09-26 |
JP2018534447A (en) | 2018-11-22 |
CA3005888C (en) | 2020-07-07 |
CA3005888A1 (en) | 2017-05-26 |
EP3376889A4 (en) | 2019-06-12 |
AU2022206773A1 (en) | 2022-08-18 |
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