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Neck closure system for a wetsuit

a technology of wetsuits and closure systems, applied in waterborne vessels, transportation and packaging, underwater equipment, etc., can solve the problems of not providing specific force to seals, more difficult openings at which to obtain closures,

Inactive Publication Date: 2007-03-29
HUNTER JOHN D +1
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  • Summary
  • Abstract
  • Description
  • Claims
  • Application Information

AI Technical Summary

Problems solved by technology

The neck and shoulder area of a wetsuit is often the entry point for a wetsuit, and thus is usually a more difficult opening at which to obtain closure.
Further, these closure systems rely upon the inherent compression of the wetsuit interior, and do not provide forces specific to the seal between the closure and the wetsuit.

Method used

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  • Neck closure system for a wetsuit
  • Neck closure system for a wetsuit
  • Neck closure system for a wetsuit

Examples

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Embodiment Construction

[0033]FIG. 1A shows a front view of a wetsuit 100 with a non-sealing neck 105 in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. The wetsuit 100 may be a wetsuit with coverage of the legs. Alternatively, the wetsuit 100 may be a jacket that may be used with a longjohn. The non-sealing neck 105 lacks a collar or other reinforcement, and thus is susceptible to water entry under turbulent conditions in an aquatic environment.

[0034]FIG. 1B shows a back view of the wetsuit 100 of FIG. 1A. An outer flap 110a overlaps an inner flap 110b. The flaps provide an expandable opening for entry into the wetsuit 100. A back zipper may also be used in place of the overlapping flaps 110a and 110b.

[0035] Although the non-sealing neck 105 lacks the reinforcement or tight fit necessary for a good seal, the non-sealing neck 105 typically provide better elasticity and a larger initial opening for entry than a sealing neck. This allows for the use of a shorter zipper 110.

[0036]FIG. 2A shows a fr...

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Abstract

A flexible neck closure that is coupled to specific anchor points on the exterior back and front of a wetsuit by releasable fasteners such that a tensile force is generated in the closure when the wetsuit is worn. The back-to-front tensile forces produce a compressive seal between the flexible neck closure and the wetsuit exterior. The body of the neck closure may have an elongation that is greater or less than the elongation of the fastener. The inner surface of the neck closure and / or the exterior surface of the wetsuit may have one or more rib features for producing a localized seal.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0001] 1. Field of the Invention [0002] The present invention relates to systems for restricting the entry of water through the neck opening of a wetsuit. [0003] 2. Description of Related Art [0004] Wetsuits are close fitting garments that are typically worn for insulation against cold temperatures in aquatic environments. The thermal insulation provided by a wetsuit derives from the close fit and the foam structure. Wetsuits used in aquatic sports are typically fabricated from foamed neoprene rubber with a thickness of about 1 to 6 millimeters. [0005] The thickness of a wetsuit and the degree of body coverage offered are generally determined by the expected temperature of the aquatic environment in which it is to be used. Wetsuits used in colder environments usually offer a degree of lower body coverage and are donned by stepping into the wetsuit. [0006] Although wetsuits permit a limited amount of water to enter, it is desirable to avoid a continuous fl...

Claims

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Application Information

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Patent Type & Authority Applications(United States)
IPC IPC(8): B63C11/04
CPCB63C9/087B63C11/04B63C9/093
Inventor HUNTER, JOHN D.O'NEILL, PATRICK F.
Owner HUNTER JOHN D
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