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Wetsuit and associated method of manufacture

a technology of wetsuits and manufacturing methods, applied in the field of wetsuits, can solve problems such as internal stresses and unsatisfactory stiffness, and achieve the effects of reducing drag, improving performance characteristics, and reducing constricting pressure on lung expansion

Inactive Publication Date: 2007-12-27
K 2 CORP
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  • Summary
  • Abstract
  • Description
  • Claims
  • Application Information

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0005]The present invention aims to provide an improved wetsuit, particularly a wetsuit where stiffness and internal stresses are reduced. Concomitantly, the present invention aims to provide a wetsuit wherein sports performance is enhanced relative to existing wetsuit construction. The present invention aims to provide a related method of manufacture that facilitates wetsuit improvement.
[0020]A wetsuit in accordance with the present invention has improved performance characteristics, while conforming to triathlon rules pertaining to wetsuit construction and specifications. The disposition of gaps between adjacent ancillary panels along longitudinal directions results in corresponding channels along the outer surface of the wetsuit, which provide paths for water flow and thereby reduce drag. The multiple parallel panel construction in the chest the wetsuit also serves to reduce constrictive pressure on lung expansion, while the multiple panel construction in the thigh and calf regions serves to reduce constrictive pressure on muscle contraction.

Problems solved by technology

This structure and method of manufacture can give rise to undesired stiffness and internal stresses that detract from the wearer's performance in such sports as triathlon contests.

Method used

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  • Wetsuit and associated method of manufacture
  • Wetsuit and associated method of manufacture
  • Wetsuit and associated method of manufacture

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Embodiment Construction

[0025]As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, a wetsuit 10 has a torso 12, arms 14 and 16 and legs 18 and 20. A zipper 22 extends along a posterior or back side of the torso 12, as shown in FIG. 2. Wetsuit 10 comprises a continuous, but not necessarily unitary, outer layer 24 extending over torso 12, arms 14 and 16 and legs 18 and 20. Outer layer 24 has a substantially uniform thickness of approximately 2 mm throughout torso 12, arms 14 and 16 and legs 18 and 20. Outer layer 24 is made of a water-resistant or -impervious material such as neoprene cut from sheets into patterns or panels 23 (FIG. 3) that are connected to each other along abutting edges by glue and by blind stitching along an inner surface 30 (FIG. 4) to form watertight seams 25, as shown in FIG. 3.

[0026]As depicted in FIG. 1, wetsuit 10 further comprises a pair of ancillary chest panels 26 and 28 attached to inner surface 30 of outer layer 24 on an anterior side (not separately designated) of torso 12. Chest panels 26 and 28 are s...

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Abstract

A wetsuit having a torso, arms and legs has an outer layer extending over the torso, the arms and the legs, the outer layer having a substantially uniform thickness throughout the torso, the arms and the legs. Plural ancillary panels are attached to the outer layer along an inner surface thereof.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION[0001]This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 60 / 816,144 filed Jun. 23, 2006.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0002]This invention relates to wetsuits. This invention also relates to an associated method of manufacture.[0003]Wetsuits are made of water resistant material such as neoprene. Typically, if not universally, the neoprene has two thicknesses, a thinner thickness of about 2 mm for the arms and at least the knee regions of the legs and a thicker thickness that extends over the anterior and posterior sides of the torso and the anterior and posterior sides of the thighs. The different panels of the thin and thick neoprene material are first glued to one another along their edges and then stitched or sewn together along their inner surfaces.[0004]This structure and method of manufacture can give rise to undesired stiffness and internal stresses that detract from the wearer's performance in such sports as triathlon c...

Claims

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Application Information

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Patent Type & Authority Applications(United States)
IPC IPC(8): B63C11/04
CPCA41D13/012B63C11/04B63C9/093B63C9/087
Inventor FURGERSON, BRANDTSING, KAREN
Owner K 2 CORP
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