WO2017147650A1 - Garment - Google Patents

Abstract

A garment (10) comprising a main body (9) which includes a torso section (13) having an interior (8) with an inner surface (14), the torso section (13) further including a front side (15), a rearside (16), shoulder portions (18,19) and a neck portion (17), the neck portion 5 (17) having a neck opening (26) therein, an entry opening (30) having a seal (37) associated therewith, the torso section (13) further including a first part (11) and a second part (12), the first part (11) including an end region (29) having a free edge (33) which is adjacent the entry opening (30), the garment further including an inner panel (40) having an access opening (47) therein, and an outer edge (42) which, at least in part is secured to 10 the inner surface (14) of the torso section (13), and a sealing section (45) which extends to the second part (12) of the torso section (13), the garment (10) further including a flap (50) secured to the second part (12) of the torso section (13) and configured so that in a first position it overlies the free edge (33) and end region (29) of the first part (11) of the torso section (13) and the sealing section (45), the free edge (33) and the end region (29) being 15 located between the flap (50) and the sealing section (45).

Description

GARMENT

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to a garment suitable for use in an aquatic environment including but not limited to wetsuits, dry suits and the like. Garments of this type are often worn by persons engaged in water pursuits such as surfing, diving and swimming by way of example. Garments such as wetsuits can provide for thermal insulation, buoyancy and abrasion resistance.

[0002] Garments of this type generally comprise a main body formed of a flexible material such as neoprene which is worn by the user. The garment may include a torso covering portion and may be in the form of a sleeveless vest, a jacket having sleeves, or a full body suit including pants. The sleeves and legs of the garment may be short or long. The garments are generally a close or snug fit on the wearer.

[0003] A problem associated with garments of this type is that because of their close fit they can be difficult to put on and take off. Zippers and like closures are often provided to ease this difficulty but such devices can often lead to sealing problems.

Summary of the Disclosure

[0004] In a first aspect embodiments are disclosed of a main body which includes a torso section having an interior with an inner surface, the torso section further including a front side, a rearside, shoulder portions and a neck portion, the neck portion having a neck opening therein, an entry opening having a seal associated therewith, the torso section further including a first part and a second part, the first part including an end region having a free edge which is adjacent the entry opening, the garment further including an inner panel having an access opening therein, and an outer edge which, at least in part is secured to the inner surface of the torso section, the outer edge including a section which extends from the second part, the garment further including a flap secured to the second part and configured so that in a first position it overlies the free edge and end region of the first part of the torso section and the sealing section, the free edge and the end region being located between the flap and the sealing section.

[0005] In certain embodiments the free edge extends from the front side over one of the shoulder portions to the rear side of the torso section.

[0006] In certain embodiments the torso section includes an upper region and a lower region, the neck portion being at the upper region, the main body of the garment further including a pants section at the lower region of the torso section.

[0007] In certain embodiments the torso section includes an arm opening at each shoulder portion, the sealing section of the inner panel being at one of the shoulder portions and extending at least partially around the arm opening.

[0008] In certain embodiments the outer edge of the inner panel includes a section attached to the inner surface at the front side, a further section attached to the inner surface of the rear side, the panel having an inner edge being a substantially free edge at least partially surrounding the access opening.

[0009] In certain embodiments the first edge section at the shoulder portion provides for a continuous panel from the shoulder portion of the torso section and that part of the inner panel terminating at the inner edge. One or more releasable fasteners may be provided to releasably assist in holding the flap in said one position.

[0010] Other aspects, features, and advantages will become apparent from the following detailed description when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, which are a part of this disclosure and which illustrate, by way of example, principles of inventions disclosed. Description of the Figures

[0011] The accompanying drawings facilitate an understanding of the various embodiments.

[0012] Figure 1 is a partial front view of a garment according to one embodiment in a first position;

[0013] Figure 2 is a partial rear view of the garment shown in figure 1 in the first position;

[0014] Figure 3 is a partial front view of the garment shown in figures 1 and 2 in a second position;

[0015] Figure 4 is a partial rear view of the garment shown in figures 1 to 3 in the second position;

[0016] Figure 5 is a partial sectional view of the garment shown in figures 1 to 4 in the second position;

[0017] Figure 6 is a top plan view of the garment shown in figures 1 to 5 in the first position; and

[0018] Figure 7 is a top plan view of the garment shown in figures 1 to 6 in the second position.

Detailed Description

[0019] Referring to the drawings there is shown a garment generally indicated at 10 in the form of a wet suit which comprises a main body 9 including a torso section 13 which has an upper region 20 and a lower region 21. The garment is formed from a flexible material such as polychloroprene (also known as neoprene). The torso section 13 includes a front side 15, a rear side 16, a neck portion 17 and shoulder portions 18 and 19 and an interior 8 with inner surface 14 (figure 5). The neck portion 17 has a neck opening 26 therein for receiving the head and neck of the wearer when being worn. The neck opening 26 is sized to provide a close fit to the neck of the wearer. The neck portion 17 can be stretched to facilitate passage of the wearer's head therethrough but when it returns to its original state it forms a seal around the users neck.

[0020] Arm openings 27 and 28 (Figure 5) are provided in the torso section 13 adjacent the shoulder portions 18 and 19 through which the arms of the wearer can pass. In the embodiment shown sleeves 24 and 25 are connected to the arm openings 27 and 28 the sleeves having hand openings 22 and 23 for the passage of the hands of the wearer. The hand openings 22 and 23 are illustrated in figures 1 and 2. The wet suit further includes a pants or trouser portion at the lower region of the torso section. In the embodiment illustrated the sleeves are in the form of long sleeves but could be short sleeves or no sleeves at all. The pants portion (not shown) may include long or short legs.

[0021] The main body 12 may be formed in any suitable manner. For example it may comprise a number of panels which are secured together in a substantially watertight fashion. The panels may for example be sewn together such as by what is known as blind stitching or may be glued for example.

[0022] The torso section 13 includes a first part 11 and a second part 12. The first part 11 includes an end region 29 (Figure 5) having a free edge 33, the end region 29 forming part of a seal 37 (Figure 5) which will hereinafter be described. The free edge 33 extends from the front side 15 over the shoulder portion 18 and along the rear side 16 terminating at ends 35 and 36. The first part 11 is separate from the second part 12 in the region of the free edge 33 so that by pulling or displacing the free edge 33 away from the second part 12 an entry opening 30 can be opened or revealed. Two positions of the first part 11 of the torso section 13 and its associated end region 29 and free edge 33 are shown in figures 1 to 4. In the first position as shown in figures 1 and 2 the end region 21 and free edge 33 are displaced or pulled back or away relative to the second part 12 of the torso section 13 so as to reveal the entry opening 30. It is in this position the wearer can commence putting the wetsuit on. This will be described in more detail later. In the second positon shown in figures 3, 4 and 5 the entry opening 30 is closed and the wetsuit is fitted and ready for use. As mentioned earlier the torso section 13 has an entry opening 30 therein which can adopt an open position or a closed position and which is sized so that in the open position the wearer can put on or don the wetsuit. The entry opening 30 has a seal 37 associated therewith which when the wetsuit is being worn can inhibit the passage of the liquid through the entry opening 30. In the open position the wetsuit can be manoeuvred to enable the wearer to put the wetsuit on. This will be described in some detail later. In the second position shown in figures 3, 4 and 5 the wetsuit is closed and it is this position the wetsuit is in when worn by the wearer and ready for use. In the closed position the free edge 33 is close to the second part 12 the entry opening 30 being closed to form a slit 32.

[0023] The garment further includes an inner panel or layer 40 which includes an access opening 47, the panel or layer 40 extending from an inner edge 49 of the access opening 47 to an outer edge 42. The outer edge 42 includes a plurality of edge sections at least some of which are secured to the inner surface 14 of the main body 12. The attachment of the edge sections to the inner surface 14 of the main body 12 provides a series of seams at the attachment regions of the edge sections to the main body inner surface. As used herein reference to seams is not limited to attachment techniques such as sewing but also includes fusing and the like.

[0024] The access opening 47 may be totally surrounded or bordered by the inner edge 49 or may be only partially surrounded with part of the opening 47 enclosed by part of the inner surface 14 of the main body 12. The inner edge 49 which substantially borders the access opening 47 is substantially free from attachment providing for a free inner edge.

[0025] As shown the outer edge 42 includes an edge section 43 which forms a seam which extends from one side of the front side 15 of the torso section to the other. A further edge section 44 forms a seam extending from one side of the rear side to the other. The inner panel 40 further includes a seal section 45 in the region of the free edge 33 of end region 21 of the first part 11 of the torso section 13 which is secured to or integral with the second part 12 of the torso section 13. As shown in the embodiment of figure 5 the seal section 45 is in effect an extension of the second part 12 of the torso section 13. This seal section 45 is about the same length as the length of the free edge 30 of end region 21 of the first part 11 of the torso section 13 Thus the inner panel in this region provides for an uninterrupted impervious or continuous extension from the second part 12 of the torso section to the edge of the access opening 47. Edge sections of the panel are also secured in the region of the other arm opening. The inner edge 49 is not secured to the main body 12 but provides for a flexible region at least partially surrounding the access opening 47. The access opening 47 is sized so that the wearer's body can pass through the access opening when the suit is being put on or taken off. This can be achieved by stretching the inner panel.

[0026] The garment 10 further includes a sealing flap 50 secured to the second part of the torso section 13. The flap 50 is in the form of an elongated strip 51 having opposed longitudinal edges 52 and 53. Edge 53 is attached to torso section at stitched seam 34. Edge 52 is a free edge and extends towards the neck section so that in one position the strip overlies edge 33 and part of the inner panel. As shown the flap 50 is about the same length as the edge 33. As best seen in figure 5 when the garment is in the position shown in figures 3 and 4 the end region 29 is sandwiched between the seal section 45 of the inner panel and the flap so as to provide a seal 37 which inhibits the ingress of excess water inside the suit. One or more releasable fasteners may be provided to assist in retaining the flap 50 in the position shown in figures 3 to 5. The fasteners may for example be in the form a of press stud 62 as shown or strips of hook and eye material (Velcro). As shown raised ribbing 61 is formed on the outer surface of the torso section in the region where the flap 50 overlies the torso section. In this section of the flap a smooth skin neoprene 63 is provided which bears against the ribbing when in the seamed or closed position. The ribbing and smooth skin enhances the sealing properties of the seal. The raised ribbing 61 may be in the form of a silicone rubber print 60 includes a series of raised ribbing 61. The raised silicone elastometric print is a screen printing technique where the raised silicone print is directly screened, such as silk screening onto the surface. In addition a draw cord 55 may be inserted into the edge of flap 50 so as to able to be drawn tight by toggle 56. The draw cord, and ribbing further improve the sealing in this region.

[0027] The following is a description of how a wearer puts the wetsuit on. Firstly the entry opening 30 is opened by separating or pulling apart the free edge 33 from the second part 12. This is illustrated in figures 1 and 2. This step enables access to the inner access opening 47 in the inner panel 40. The wearer's body can then slip through the two openings 30 and 47 which are sized to facilitate this. The arms of the wearer can be inserted into the sleeves 24 and 25 and legs into the pants portion. The neck opening and associated part of the torso section is then pulled over the head of the wearer so that the wearers head passes through the opening 26. The stretchable material from which the wetsuit is made assists in this procedure. Once the wearer is correctly within the suit the flap is pulled back and the free wetsuit the edge 33 and end region 29 is positioned so that it is sandwiched between seal section 45 of the inner panel 40 and the flap in which it is relatively closer to the stitched seam 34. This position is shown in figures 3 to 5. As shown in figure 5 the inner surface of the flap 50 in the region 57 which is adjacent edge 52 is formed with a smooth skin neoprene 58 which enhances the sealing characteristics providing for a seal in this region. The draw cord is tightened and the two parts of the press stud 62 are snap fitted together.

[0028] In the foregoing description of preferred embodiments, specific terminology has been resorted to for the sake of clarity. However, the invention is not intended to be limited to the specific terms so selected, and it is to be understood that each specific term includes all technical equivalents which operate in a similar manner to accomplish a similar technical purpose. Terms such as "front" and "rear", "inner" and "outer", "above", "below", "upper" and "lower" and the like are used as words of convenience to provide reference points and are not to be construed as limiting terms.

[0029] The reference in this specification to any prior publication (or information derived from it), or to any matter which is known, is not, and should not be taken as, an acknowledgement or admission or any form of suggestion that prior publication (or information derived from it) or known matter forms part of the common general knowledge in the field of endeavour to which this specification relates. [0030] In this specification, the word "comprising" is to be understood in its "open" sense, that is, in the sense of "including", and thus not limited to its "closed" sense, that is the sense of "consisting only of. A corresponding meaning is to be attributed to the corresponding words "comprise", "comprised" and "comprises" where they appear.

[0031] In addition, the foregoing describes only some embodiments of the invention(s), and alterations, modifications, additions and/or changes can be made thereto without departing from the scope and spirit of the disclosed embodiments, the embodiments being illustrative and not restrictive.

[0032] Furthermore, invention(s) have been described in connection with what are presently considered to be the most practical and preferred embodiments, it is to be understood that the invention is not to be limited to the disclosed embodiments, but on the contrary, is intended to cover various modifications and equivalent arrangements included within the spirit and scope of the invention(s). Also, the various embodiments described above may be implemented in conjunction with other embodiments, e.g., aspects of one embodiment may be combined with aspects of another embodiment to realize yet other embodiments. Further, each independent feature or component of any given assembly may constitute an additional embodiment.

[0033] The reference numerals in the following claims do not in any way limit the scope of the respective claims.

Table of Parts

Garment 10

Main body 9

Torso section 13

First part 11

Second part 12

Interior 8

Inner surface 14

Upper region 20

Lower region 21

Front side 15

Rear side 16

Neck portion 17

Head/neck receiving opening 26

Shoulder portion 18/19

Seal 37

Hand openings 22, 23

Arm openings 27/28

Arms or sleeves 24/25

Entry opening 30

Slit 32

End region 29

Free edge 33

Seam 34

Terminating ends 35/36

Inner panel or layer 40

Access opening 47

Inner edge 49

Outer edge 42

Edge sections 43, 44

Sealing flap 50

Seal section 45 Strip 51

Edges 52/53

Draw string 55

Toggle 56

Raised silicone print 60

Ribbing 61

Press stud 62

Smooth skin 63

Claims

CLAIMS:

1. A garment (10) comprising a main body (9) which includes a torso section (13) having an interior (8) with an inner surface (14), the torso section (13) further including a front side (15), a rearside (16), shoulder portions (18,19) and a neck portion (17), the neck portion (17) having a neck opening (26) therein, an entry opening (30) having a seal (37) associated therewith, the torso section (13) further including a first part (11) and a second part (12), the first part (11) including an end region (29) having a free edge (33) which is adjacent the entry opening (30), the garment further including an inner panel (40) having an access opening (47) therein, and an outer edge (42) which, at least in part is secured to the inner surface (14) of the torso section (13), and a sealing section (45) which extends to the second part (12) of the torso section (13), the garment (10) further including a flap (50) secured to the second part (12) of the torso section (13) and configured so that in a first position it overlies the free edge (33) and end region (29) of the first part (11) of the torso section (13) and the sealing section (45), the free edge (33) and the end region (29) being located between the flap (50) and the sealing section (45).

2. A garment according to claim 1 wherein the free edge (33) extends from the front side (15) over one of the shoulder portions (18) to the rear side (16) of the torso section (13).

3. A garment according to claim 1 or 2 wherein the torso section (13) includes an upper region (20) and a lower region (21), the neck portion (17) being at the upper region (20), the main body of the garment further including a pants section at the lower region (21) of the torso section (13).

4. A garment according to any one of claims 1 to 3 wherein the torso section includes an arm opening (22), (23) at each shoulder portion (18), (19), the sealing section (45) of the inner panel (40) being at one of the shoulder portions (18) and extending at least partially around the arm opening (22).

5. A garment according to claim 4 wherein the outer edge (42) of the inner panel (40) includes a section (43) attached to the inner surface at the front side (15), a further section (44) attached to the inner surface of the rear side (16), the panel (40) having an inner edge (49) the inner edge (49) being a substantially free edge at least partially surrounding the access opening (47).

6. A garment according to claim 4 or claim 5 wherein the sealing section (45) at the shoulder portion (18) provides for a continuous panel from the shoulder portion (18) of the torso section (13) to that part of the inner panel (40) terminating at the inner edge (49).

7. A garment according to any one of claims 1 to 6 wherein the flap (50) is in the form of an elongated strip having opposed longitudinal edges (52, 53), one edge (53) being attached to the second part of the torso section (13) and the other edge (52) being a free edge.

8. A garment according to any one of claims 1 to 7 including one or more releasable fasteners for assisting in retaining the flap (50) in said one position.

9. A garment according to any one of claims 1 to 7 including raised ribbing 61 on an outer surface of the end region 29 of the first part 11 of the torso section 13 and an inner surface of the flap 50 has a smooth skin neoprene 63 configured to bear against the ribbing when in the second position.