Waders for hunting, fishing, and recreation

Abstract

Waders have a main body formed from a one-piece fabric panel with minimal seams, an enhanced boot connection, multi-use pockets, and / or molle panel(s). The waders' wide and deep crotch is formed by extensions on two sides / ends of the one-piece panel, which curve rearward between the legs and upward at the back of the waders. The one-piece panel may be configured so the main body has only two seams, a single leg seam forming both right and left legs, and a short crotch seam between the two extensions, for example, without seams on the waders left or right side, torso back, or waist. The waders may include features that prevent pooling of water above the boots, and give quick either-handed access to torso pocket interiors and / or to hung / stowed items on exterior molle panels.

Description

[0001] This application claims benefit of Provisional Application Ser. No. 63 / 689,768 filed Sep. 2, 2024, and entitled “Waders for Hunting, Fishing, and Recreation”, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by this reference.BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSED TECHNOLOGYField of the Disclosed Technology

[0002] Waders for use in wet environments for hunting, fishing, or other recreation are conventionally difficult to make waterproof and especially difficult to make both waterproof and comfortable to wear. The disclosed waders are adapted to be waterproof, and comfortable and effective to wear and use, due to one or more of the following features: a main body made from a one-piece / single-panel of waterproof fabric resulting in a minimum of seams, and a crotch region that is wide from side to side and deep from front to back; padding and / or reinforcements in the seat and knee areas; a boot-top stiffener band to prevent water troughs forming at the boot-to-leg connection; multi-use upper chest pockets; and / or a molle panel (modular lightweight load-carrying equipment) on the chest pocket(s).Related Art

[0003] Conventional waders have multiple seams, including in the lower portions of the waters, which makes it a challenge to walk in swamp or muddy conditions or to wade in water. Conventional waders that attempt to improve water-proof performance by reducing the number of seams still tend to have waist or thigh seams and / or left and right-side torso seams. Conventional waders also tend to have a narrow crotch, as the upper thigh panels extend up vertically parallel to each other and their upper edges connect directly to each other to form an “inverted V-shaped” crotch. The thigh panels' upper edges, and the seam between them, form the sharp point of the crotch's “inverted V”. Therefore, conventional waders tend to be tight-fitting and uncomfortable in the crotch, and especially uncomfortable when the wearer attempts to bend-over or sit. Further, conventional boot-foot waders have a connection between the leg and the boot that results in the leg fabric sagging into the top of the boot, forming a fabric trough around the entire, or at least portions of, the circumference of the boot shaft / top, wherein the trough catches water to form a trench or “moat” of water around the lower leg at the boot top.

[0004] Objects of the present technology are to solve one or more of the problems of conventional waders, by providing seam-reduction and resulting waterproofing, a comfortable and roomy fit especially in the crotch, ease of movement and bending-over, durability without sacrificing said comfort and room fit, convenience of multi-use pockets and molle panel(s), and / or prevention of moats / pools of water held at the top of the wader boots.SUMMARY

[0005] The present technology comprises a waders garment, also simply known as “waders”, and methods of making and / or using the waders, featuring a main body pattern and construction comprising seam-reduction, enhanced waterproofing from the seam-reduction and other construction details, a comfortable and roomy fit especially in the crotch region, durability, and / or other convenient features such as an enhanced boot connection, multi-use pockets, and / or modular lightweight load-carrying equipment (“molle”) panel(s). A uniquely patterned, one-piece panel is used to form the entire main body of the waders, that is, the legs and torso of the waders, with a minimum of seams, and with a roomy and comfortable crotch region. Because water-proofing seams is typically a matter of applying seam tape to the seam, said minimum of seams is especially beneficial in many embodiments as reducing the number of seams reduces the chance / odds of seam tape failure due to tape damage of dislodgement, or other types of failure, somewhere on the waders garment. The preferred side-to-side wide, and front-to-back deep, crotch region is formed by extension portions of the one-piece panel, which curve rearward between the legs and upward at the back of the waders to just below the seat, to connect to other portions of the one-piece panel. Thus, preferred the one-piece panel extensions form a wide (multiple inches side-to-side), horizontal or substantially horizontal, crotch all along the crotch depth (front-to-back). This way, rather than a conventional narrow, sharp “inverted V-shaped” crotch resulting from a central crotch seam connecting the upper edges of thigh panels directly to each other, the present waders' crotch comprises extension(s) / panel(s) that are attached to the thigh regions of the one-piece panel and that create a wide / broad and deep crotch, for example, similar to the broad, horizontal, or substantially horizontal top of an inverted U-shape. The roomy, comfortable, and water-proof crotch improves the fit and comfort compared to conventional waders and that especially enhances articulation so the wearer can comfortably bend and twist with ease, but with surprisingly few seams due to the main one-piece panel configuration. These features are novel and inventive individually, and / or in combination, to improve wearability and effectiveness for hunting, fishing, recreating and working, especially in marshes, swamps, and other wet environments. The preferred waterproof one-piece panel construction with sealed seams, and water-proofed / sealed connections to the one-piece panel for boots and other elements, provide waterproof and durable wader performance, solve many problems of conventional wader performance.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS AND THE PHOTOS

[0006] FIG. 1 is a schematic front view of one embodiment of the invented waders.

[0007] FIG. 2 is a schematic back view of the waders embodiment of FIG. 1.

[0008] FIG. 3 is a schematic view of the waders of FIG. 1 that shows the interior or “liner elements” of the front of the waders, as if the viewer is looking through the front main body fabric of the waders at the “liner elements” inside that are attached / fixed to the rear / inner surface of the front of the main body.

[0009] FIG. 4 is a schematic view of the waders of FIG. 1 that shows the interior or “liner elements” of the rear of the waders, as if the viewer is looking through the rear main body fabric of the waders at the “liner elements” inside that are attached / fixed to the rear / inner surface of the back of the main body.

[0010] FIG. 5 is a pattern for the one-piece panel that is formed into the main body of the waders of FIGS. 1 and 2, by curving / bending the panel to become the torso and legs and by bending the crotch region panel extensions to extend backward between the legs and up toward the seat, to form the crotch region by connecting those crotch region panel extensions together and to other, adjacent edges of the one-piece panel.

[0011] FIG. 6 is a bottom-left perspective view of the waders of FIG. 1 (except for the right boot).

[0012] FIG. 7 is a bottom-right perspective view of the right leg, left thigh, and crotch area / region of the waders of FIG. 1.

[0013] FIG. 8 is a bottom perspective view of the thigh and crotch regions of the waders of FIG. 1.

[0014] FIG. 9 is a bottom perspective view of the waders of FIG. 1 made from the one-piece panel of FIG. 5, with the legs spread-apart for better viewing of the crotch region.

[0015] FIG. 10 is an enlarged view of the area circled in FIG. 9.

[0016] FIG. 11 is a left side perspective view of the legs and the upper portion of each boot of the waders of FIG. 1, with the right leg moved forward, showing the leg seam (70R) on the inner side of the right leg and no seam on the outer side (left side LS) of the left leg, wherein a mirror image would show the leg seam (70L) on the inner side of the left leg and no seam on the outer side (right side) of the right leg.

[0017] FIG. 12 is a left perspective view higher up on the waders compared to FIG. 11, showing that the right / outer sides of the torso and upper left leg have no seam, whereby the combination of Figurers 11 and 12 shows there is no seam on the left side of the waders, and wherein a mirror image would show no seam on the right side / outer side of the waders, including no seam for the right / outer side of the torso and the right / outer side of the right leg.

[0018] FIG. 13 is a left perspective view of the right boot and right lower leg of the waders of FIG. 1, showing a stiffening band or “collar” above the boot that helps prevent the leg fabric from sagging into the top opening of the boot, thereby preventing pooling of water to be caught in a recessed “moat” that forms at a conventional waders boot top.

[0019] FIG. 14 is a longitudinal cross-section of the upper boot portion and lower leg portion of FIG. 13.

[0020] FIG. 15 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the upper boot portion and lower leg portion of conventional waders, wherein environmental water has filled a “moat” space created by the leg fabric sagging down into the boot around the circumference of the boot top.

[0021] FIGS. 16 through 21 detail features of a preferred embodiment of the pocket system on the left and right upper chest regions of the waders that may be called a “front to rear stacked set” of two pockets. This embodiment is substantially the same as that shown schematically in FIG. 1, as each pocket system comprises an outer pocket and an inner pocket that are accessible from opposite sides of the system, but the preferred embodiment has an adjusted outer perimeter shape.

[0022] FIG. 16 is a front view of the left pocket system preferred embodiment.

[0023] FIG. 17 is a perspective view of the left pocket system of FIG. 16, wherein a user is accessing a pocket zipper for opening the inner pocket that is layered underneath the outer pocket.

[0024] FIG. 18 shows the user, having opened the pocket zipper of FIG. 17, accessing the inner pocket.

[0025] FIG. 19 is a front view of the right pocket system preferred embodiment that is to the right of the waders main zipper.

[0026] FIG. 20 is a left perspective view of the right pocket system of FIG. 19, wherein a user is accessing the pocket zipper for opening the inner pocket that is layered underneath the outer pocket.

[0027] FIG. 21 is a right perspective view of a user lifting a right-side edge of the outer pocket panel of the right pocket system of FIG. 19 to access the outer pocket.

[0028] FIG. 22 is an enlarged view of one of the molle panels on one of the outer pocket panel of the pocket system of FIGS. 16-21 that may be used to hang / hold items in easily-reachable position(s) on the outside of the waders.

[0029] FIGS. 23 and 24 are views of the “lining elements” on inner surface of portions of the waders, upon turning the waders in-side-out, namely, the front torso and upper front of the legs (FIG. 23), and the crotch and seat area (FIG. 24).DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF CERTAIN EMBODIMENTS

[0030] Referring to the Figures, there may be seen a preferred, but not the only, embodiment of the presently disclosed waders apparatus 10 and method of manufacture. FIGS. 1 and 2 schematically illustrate front and back views of the exterior of the waders 10. FIGS. 3 and 4 schematically illustrate elements attached and / or sealed to the inside surfaces of the waders 10 (hence called the “lining” or “lining elements”). More specifically, FIG. 3 is a view of the waders 10 as if looking through the front wader fabric at the interior elements attached to said front fabric, and FIG. 4 is a view of the waders 10 as if looking through the rear wader fabric at the interior elements attached to said rear fabric. The interior or “liner elements” comprise water-sealing and / or reinforcement pieces / patches / tape covering / attached-to the leg seam and the crotch seam that each directly attach portions of the outer perimeter edge of the one-piece panel to each other, for maintaining water-proofing of said seams even though significant stresses can be applied to the seams during use of the waders. The interior or “liner elements” may also comprise water-sealing and / or reinforcement pieces / patches / tape for covering / sealing non-seam element connections, such as non-seam connections by adhesive, stitching, and / or other fasteners of shoulder straps, pockets, zippers, belt loops, padding for seat and knees, stiffeners at / near the boots, and / or boots, to the one-piece panel. In preferred embodiments, these non-seam connections are thus-named because the connection does not involve direct attachment of portions of the outer perimeter edge of the one-piece panel together to form the main body. Thus, for example, in certain embodiments, adhesive, stitching, and / or other fasteners may be used to connect optional, desirable elements to the one-piece panel but said connection by adhesive, stitching, and / or other fasteners is not considered a “seam” and particularly not considered a “seam that forms the waders main body”.

[0031] Referring to FIGS. 1-4, the waders 10 comprises a main body MB with top edge 41 at the top, and leg bottom ends that attach at 62R and L to right and left waterproof boots 60R, 60L. A shoulder strap system 40 is connected to edge 41. The chest CH area comprises right and left pocket systems 45R, 45L. Midway down the torso region, between the top edge 41 and the crotch region CR is a waist belt system comprising a buckle belt 56 with a snap-together buckle, extending through right and left belt loops 57R, 57L (FIG. 1), and, on the back, through belt loop 58 (FIG. 2). Vertically down the center front of the torso region is a waterproof zipper 50 with a zipper pull (shown in FIGS. 16 and 19 but not the other drawings for simplicity), for example, the zipper being about 18-24 inches long and extending to about 4-10 inches from the crotch region CR. A commercially available waterproof zipper found to be effective is the AQUASEAL™ zipper by YKK Group. Legs LG connect and seal at their bottom ends to the boots 60R and 60L, as will be further detailed later in this document regarding FIGS. 13-15.

[0032] FIG. 5 is a fabric pattern for the single panel (or “one-piece” or “one-panel”) 100 that forms the main body MB of the waders 10, that is, from the top edge of the waders (generally where the shoulder straps connect) to the leg-bottoms that connect to the right and left boots 60R and L. In certain embodiments, the one-piece panel may be described as a continuous panel of fabric with an outer perimeter edge specially shaped for forming the main body MB with a minimum of seams that directly attach portions of the outer perimeter edge together. By viewing FIG. 5, one may understand the various edges of the panel that, together, are the outer perimeter edge of the panel 100. By using a pattern / shape as shown in FIG. 5, or similar, the waders main body MB may be made substantially, or entirely, from the one, continuous fabric panel, minimizing seams and consequently maximizing waterproofing. Note that, from the perspective of FIG. 5, the left and right sides of the one-piece fabric panel 100 will be curved forward into generally a cylinder to form the torso and the legs of the waders. From the perspective of FIG. 5, the upper portion UP of the one-piece panel 100 is curved forward to connect portions of the outer perimeter (151, 152) via a torso zipper 50. Also, from the perspective of FIG. 5, the lower portion LP (also “leg portion” LP, including lower leg portion LL) of the one-piece panel 100 is curved forward to directly attach portions of the outer perimeter together, namely outer leg edge 171 to inner leg edge 172, outer leg edge 173 to inner leg edge 174, and edge 185 to edge 186 below the zipper 50. The extensions 176, 178 that extend from the lower portion LP, but mainly from the thigh portion TP, curve rearward between leg edges 172 and 174 to other edges of the panel to form the crotch CR (also “crotch region / area”) as further described later in this document. The one-piece panel 100, such as shown in FIG. 5, results in a roomy, comfortable, and water-proof crotch region with improved fit and comfort compared to conventional waders and especially enhanced articulation so the wearer can comfortably bend and twist with ease. It may be noted that the upper portion UP, thigh portion TP, lower leg portion LL, and lower portion LP are not defined by horizontal seams in the continuous fabric panel 100 in FIG. 5, showing the continuous nature of the waterproof fabric, without seams, entirely up and down the main body from the torso top edge down to the lower leg bottom ends that connect to the boots. Likewise, these portions are not defined / separated by seams in the preferred constructed waders garment.

[0033] The one-piece panel is adapted so that the preferred resulting waders main body has only two seams, a single leg seam forming both right and left legs including the thigh regions, and a short crotch seam between the two extensions and extending up to the zipper 50. The preferred main body of the waders has: a) no seams on the left or right sides of the main body, b) no seams on the back of the torso of the main body and c) no seams, especially no horizontal seams to attach the leg / thigh portions to the torso. FIGS. 3 and 4 show illustrate elements attached and / or sealed to the inside surfaces of the waders 10 (hence called the “lining”). More specifically, from the top to the bottom of FIG. 3, there are shown the locations inside the waders of the two inner pocket panels 80R and L, magnets 82R and L that serve as magnetic closures for the openings at edges 46R and L of the outer pockets of the right and left pocket systems 45R and L, respectively, as is described above. Various water-sealing and reinforcement patches, strips, and / or tapes, shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, are bonded to the inner surface of the main body fabric to cover and seal various regions where adhesive, stitches or fasteners may extend through the main body fabric and / or where reinforcement may be needed to maintain the integrity of the elements and their connection together and / or their connection to the main body. Water-sealing and reinforcement patches 56S (“S” after a reference number stands for “seal”, so 56S stands for “element 56 seal”) are for the front belt loops 56R and L, which patches may be important especially if the loops 56R and L are stitched (or “sewn”) to the main body.

[0034] Water-sealing and reinforcement strips 50S and 52S, are for the zipper 50 sides and bottom end, respectively. Water-sealing and reinforcement strip or strip portions 78S are preferably for the entire seam 78 (for the front and back portions of seam 78, in FIG. 3 and FIG. 4, respectively). Water-sealing and reinforcement strip or strip portions, comprising 70S partly visible in FIGS. 3 and 4, and 70'S visible in FIG. 4, are preferably for the entire leg seam 70 including the right leg seam portion 70R, the left leg seam portion 70L, and the crotch panel extension portions 70′R and 70′L that are visible in FIGS. 2 and 8-10. Visible in FIG. 3 are the knee pads 92R and L and the boot-to-leg seals 62S. Visible in FIG. 4 is the water-sealing and reinforcement patch 58S for the back belt loop 58, which may be important especially if the loop 58 is stitched to the main body. Also visible in FIG. 4 is the seat pad 95 that improves comfort and durability of the seat area ST (FIGS. 2 and 5) of the waders. Also visible in FIG. 4 are water-sealing and reinforcement patches CS located at the corners of the crotch panel extensions 176, 178. All stitching or attachments / connections of the waders are preferably sealed to be waterproof, for example, by said water-sealing and reinforcement patches, strips, and / or tapes. As such sealing / reinforcement may be especially important for seams 70, 78 in certain embodiments, this water-sealing and reinforcement may be accomplished by conventional seam sealing tapes available in the marketplace that are applied by conventional seam tape machines.

[0035] FIG. 5 illustrates the pattern and shape of a single-piece / one-piece panel 100 of fabric from which the main body MB of the preferred waders is formed. The preferred single-piece 100 has no seams, no splices, and no thermal, welded, adhesive, or other connections of fabric to form said single-piece 100. Thus, said single-piece / panel 100 is preferably a continuous, uncut (except for the creation of the outer perimeter edge or “outer border”), and unpunched, non-apertures piece of waterproof fabric. In certain embodiments, the waterproof fabric panel may be multi-layered, with one or more of the layers being a waterproof material available conventionally, and / or with a water-proofing composition applied to the panel.

[0036] In certain embodiments, the single-piece / panel material and / or the pocket system material may be given a camouflage pattern at least on their exterior surfaces (as shown in the Provisional Application this application claims benefit of), for example, to match a desired use such as waterfowl hunting camouflage and / or other proprietary camouflage patterns of FIRST LITE, LLC. For example, the camouflage pattern may be applied on the waterproof fabric by a rotary print process. However, in certain other embodiments, the material and / or pocket system material may be any color or pattern, including colors or patterns that are not camouflage.Further Referring to FIG. 5, and Also FIGS. 6-12 that Portray the Waders 10 Made from the One-Piece Panel 100 of FIG. 5:

[0037] The top edge 41 of the one-piece panel 100 may be formed by folding over a strip 142 of the panel 100 to create the generally circular top edge 41 of the main body MB. The waterproof zipper 50 is opened to assist the wearer to don the waders, and, when the zipper 50 is then “zipped-up”, it connects and seals the fabric edges 151 and152.

[0038] FIG. 5 shows that the preferred one-piece panel 100 outer perimeter edge comprises a leg cut-out LC in lower portion LP, which is formed by inner leg edges 172 and 174. The outer perimeter edge portions of an upper end of leg cut-out LC, at and near edges 182, 184 and corners C2, C4, will be understood to receive and attach to extensions 176, 178 for formation of the crotch region CR.

[0039] A first seam is generally called “leg seam 70” or “single leg seam 70”, but is also labeled as a 70R as it extends along the right leg, 70L as it extends along the left leg, and 70′R and 70′L as it extends across the crotch extensions 176 and 178, respectively. This leg seam 70 forms a direct attachment / junction of fabric edges to form both legs into generally cylindrical structures and also forms part of the crotch region CR of the main body from the right and left extending panel portions 176 and 178 (also “crotch panel extensions” or “crotch gusset extensions”). The single leg seam 70 extends up from the bottom hem 191, which is adapted to connect and seal to the right boot 60R, connecting leg edges 171 and 172 all the way from bottom hem 191 to corner C1, and connecting corner C1 to corner C2, thus forming right leg and a portion of the crotch region CR (see seam 70R in FIGS. 1 and 2). The single leg seam continues along and around the crotch panel extension 176 (at 70′R in FIG. 2), that is, to connect edge 181 to edge 182. The single leg seam continues around and along crotch panel extension 178 (at 70′L in FIG. 2) to connect 183 to 184 and corner C3 to corner C4. The single leg seam 70 continues down the left leg (70L) to connect edge 173 to 174 all the way to the bottom hem 193 that connects and seals to the left boot 60L. While this description is written, for convenience, as if the single leg seam “starts” at the bottom of the right leg, extends up and around the crotch region, and then extends down to “end” at the bottom of the left leg, the reserve may be true depending on the sewing / bonding preferences and techniques. Or, while it is preferred that the “single leg seam 70” is a continuous seam that is completely waterproof, there may be multiple seam portions, for example if sewing or bonding is done in segments, as long as those multiple seam portions are done and sealed so they create a continuous waterproof barrier along the joining (“junction”) of the fabric edges.

[0040] A second seam (generally called “seam 78” but also labeled as a 78F front seam portion and a 78B back seam portion, in FIGS. 1 and 2), is also called “the crotch seam” and is created by direct attachment / junction of edges 185 and 186 of the single panel of FIG. 5. This second seam extends from corners C5 and C6, between the crotch panel extensions 176, 178 (see 78R, FIG. 2), and around the crotch region to the lower torso front to connect fabric edges 185 and 186 (FIG. 5) up to the bottom end of the zipper 50 (78F, FIG. 1). In effect, the second seam goes around the crotch region CR between front and back of the main body MB and extends a short distance up toward the seat at the back of the waders. Above the crotch seam 78F (FIG. 1), zipper 50 connects and seals edges 151 and 152 of the upper portion UP, all the way up to the top edge 41 of the main body MB, to form the torso.

[0041] In certain embodiments, seam 70 and seam 78, as described above, are sewn, and the sewn seams are sealed to be waterproof by seam sealing tapes. For example, conventional seam sealing tapes are available in the marketplace and may be applied by a conventional seam tape machine.

[0042] It will be understood from the drawings and from this document, including the three paragraphs immediately above, that an element of the waders may be labeled with a number plus “R” and / or “L” to indicate the same or substantially the same element may be provided on the right and / or the left of the waders or to indicate right and / or left portions of a single element. Further, the element may simply be referred to by the number, without “R” or “L”, especially when the element is being discussed generally and / or without need to reference which of the right or left-side elements is being discussed.

[0043] The preferred waders portrayed in the Figures may be said to have a “one-piece main body”, wherein the only seams forming the main body are a leg seam (70) that extends along both legs and around the crotch, and a crotch seam (78) that extends through the crotch and up to the torso zipper. There are preferably no other seams on any portion of the main body MB, that is, there is preferably no seam on the right or left side of the main body, no horizontal seam between the torso and the legs LP, no horizontal seam between the torso and the thighs, and no seams on or along the legs other than the leg seam 70 and a part of the crotch seam 78 in the crotch / thigh region. While the shoulder straps, pocket systems, and belt loops may be stitched and sealed to the main body, due to the repeated stresses that may be put on these items, such stitching does not connect edge portions of the panel 100 to form the main body MB and is not included in the term “seams of the main body” or “seams forming the main body”. In other words, the shoulder straps, pocket systems, and belt loops are add-on's that may be installed on the single panel 100, or the main body after it is formed, but are not integral to the panel 100 or the main body MB.

[0044] In certain embodiments, the connections herein that are described as being formed by two seams (leg seam 70 and crotch seam 78)) alternatively may be done in different combinations and / or configurations of seams, for example, seam(s) that may be described preferably as two or fewer seams, or less preferably as three or fewer seams, as necessary or desired to connect the edges of the single one-piece panel to form / create the main body of the waders. For example, in certain less-preferred embodiments that have a single extension forming the crotch region / gusset instead of two extensions (176, 178), there would be no need for seam / seam-portion 78B extending between edges 185, 186 of panel 100 for connecting two panel extensions.

[0045] The main body from the single panel 100 is formed by wrapping the one-piece fabric panel 100 and connecting its edges. From its flat configuration in FIG. 5, the panel 100 is curved / wrapped at upper portion UP to form a cylindrical or generally cylindrical torso wherein panel 100 edges 151, 152 are connected at the front by the zipper 50. The panel 100 curved / wrapped at its lower portion LP to form two generally cylindrical legs LG, which include the thighs being formed from thigh portion TP. Then, the extensions 176, 178 that are between the upper and lower portions of the panel 100 are curved / wrapped between the legs, to extend generally horizontally from front to back and then up to the seat ST and toward the lower back LB, to form a crotch region at the top of, and between, the legs. Thus, rather than piecing multiple panels together with additional seams, the one-piece panel is shaped at its outer perimeter to form the desired main body when properly wrapped and connected by seams 70 and 78. By adding a connection between the bottom of the main body (at the legs) and the boots, adding shoulder straps to extend above the main body, and adding belt loops and pockets if desired, the rest of a preferred embodiments of the waders apparatus is formed. This structure and method of manufacture are very different from waders that have a jacket sewn at a horizontal seam to pants, and / or that have multiple seams at sides, front and back of the torso, and / or multiple thigh and / or leg seams.

[0046] FIG. 6 shows the front of the waders 10, positioned so that most of the leg seam 70 is visible. FIG. 7 shows the leg seam (70R ad 70L) extending up each leg, and curving rearward between the legs where the extensions 176, 178 also extend to form the wide crotch CR. FIG. 7 also shows the crotch seam (front portion 78F) extending up from the crotch region CR to the central torso zipper 50. In FIGS. 6 and 7, the views are generally front views and the legs are generally together, so the additional crotch material and width is located or folded between and behind the legs and not clearly visible. FIGS. 8-10, however, show how the extra material provided by the extensions 176, 178 is a significant improvement in design and comfort.

[0047] FIG. 8 shows a back perspective view of the crotch region CR of the waders 10, where one may see right and left crotch panel extensions 176 and 178 are connected together by seam 78B and also connected by seams 70R, 70L, 70′R and 70′L to other portions of the one-piece main body panel 100. This way, the right and left crotch panel extensions 176 and 178 extend from the formed legs to curve backward between the legs and upward at / near the seat ST and toward the lower back LB of the waders main body. Note in FIG. 8 that, in the preferred embodiment, there is no seam extending up from seam 70′L or 70′R and no seam extending up the lower back LB of the waders and no seam in the entire torso back B (FIG. 5) of the waders. As noted before, optional stitching may connect the belt loop 58 to the back B but this is not considered a seam in the panel 100 or main body MB. The preferred one-piece panel 100, with two extensions 176, 178, provides for symmetrical construction with increased comfort for the wearer and reduced or eliminated undesirable wear patterns in the finished waders 10.

[0048] FIG. 9 is a bottom perspective view of waders 10, with legs spread apart for showing the crotch region CR to best advantage. FIG. 10 is an enlargement of the area circled in FIG. 9. As understood from FIGS. 2 and 8, the extensions 176, 178 are connected to each other by seam 78, and to other edges of the panel 100 (FIG. 5) by portions / regions of the leg seam 70, the portions / regions being referenced as 70L, 70R, 70′L, 70′R as the seam 70 extends around the extensions 176, 178. FIGS. 9 and 10 show the extra crotch width provided by the extensions 176, 178, which may not be particularly visible when the user is walking or standing (for example, FIGS. 6 and 7) but which importantly provides room and comfort when the wearer twists, climbs, twists, stoops, crouches, or sits.

[0049] It will be understood from FIGS. 5 and 8-10 that the dimensions of the extensions 176, 178 may be important for achieving the comfort and wearability goals of this wader design. For example, in certain adult-size embodiments, the total width of the two extensions 176, 178 forming the crotch region CR width WCR (see FIGS. 8-10), as measured by the total combined width of edge 181 (W1 in FIG. 5) and of edge 183 (W3 in FIG. 5) is in the range of 4-9 inches, or preferably in the range of 5-7 inches or 5-6 inches. It may be understood by those in this field, that the seam portions 70R, 70L, and 78B will take up a small amount of the edges of the extensions 176, 178 form these seams, so the extension widths W1 and W3 are designed to account for this while still providing a wide crotch width WCR. In certain embodiments, the crotch width WCR, measured from seam portion 70R to seam portion 70L at the ends of the extensions between C1 and C4, is at least 80 percent, and preferably at least 90 percent, of the combined / total of extension widths W1 and W3 shown in FIG. 5. It will be understood from the drawings and this Detailed Description that certain embodiments of the crotch region CR, especially in the region of the ends of extensions 176, 178, may be described as a broad, horizontal, and / or substantially horizontal (within 10 degrees of horizontal) crotch.

[0050] Each extension 176, 178 may be said to be part of a larger triangular or generally triangular region 276, 278 that extends from the region of the panel that creates a cylindrical lower leg structure, wherein, these “triangular extensions” each have a broader / wider base represented by W2 for extension 176 and W4 for extension 178 in FIG. 5. These triangular regions 276, 278 may be described as providing additional room, compared to conventional waders, in the thigh region (see thigh portion TP of panel 100) and crotch region CR. For example, in certain adult-size embodiments, W2, W4 may be in the range of 12-20 inches long, so that the triangular regions 276, 278 extending outward all along these wide bases W2, W4 serves to provide additional room along the crotch and upper thighs. Further, in many adult-sized embodiments, length L1 and L3 of each of the two extensions 176, 178, measured from corner C5 (intersection of 181 and 185) and corner C6 (intersection of 183 and 186), respectively, to the bottom-of-the-zipper points Z1 and Z3 (FIG. 5), respectively, in the range of 9-16 inches or preferably in the range of 9-12 inches.

[0051] In certain embodiments, the one-piece panel might have extensions of different widths, or one broader panel extension may be provided on only one side of the panel (instead of one extension on each of two sides of the panel). However, unequal extensions, or a one-extension approach, are less preferred approaches because the structure would not be symmetrical and could cause irregularities of crotch shape and position and thigh shape and size, and / or added or unusual wear patterns, and / or a need for darts in the crotch region.

[0052] FIGS. 11 and 12 portray the left side LS of the left leg, showing that there are no seams on the left side LS. FIG. 12 also shows the upper left side of the waders 10, called the “left chest” LCH or the “left torso”, showing that there are no seams on the upper left side of the waders. Preferably the right and left sides of the waders are mirror images, with no seams on the right side of the right leg or on the upper right side (“right chest” RCH in FIG. 5) of the waders 10. In other words, the left and right sides of the waders 10 in preferred embodiments are symmetrical along the longitudinal centerline LC (FIG. 5), and there are no seams on the outer right side or the outer left side of the waders 10 all along the length of the main body MB.

[0053] FIGS. 1, 2, 13 and 14 show one embodiment of a modification in the lower leg and boot that increases comfort and ease of use of the waders. Both legs LG connect and seal at their bottom ends to the boots 60R, 60L, which may be conventional boots. The unique modification provided in the preferred embodiment may be described, in certain embodiments, reinforced boot join that provides a longer-than-conventional region of leg-fabric to boot connection and multiple stiffnesses of said connection. This modification manages water at and around the openings of the boots 60R, 60L. Stiffening collars or “rings”65R and L extend up from at or slightly below (“generally at”) the level of the top edge 62R and L of the boot, along the interior surface of the leg fabric of each leg, to several inches above the top edge 62R and L. Preferably the collar 65R and L is connected to the boot and / or the wader leg fabric at the top of the generally cylindrical upper “boot shaft”, or within 3 inches (or more preferably within 2 inches) below the top edge 62R and L of the boot shaft. The collar 65R, 65L is preferably connected to, and extends up along, the inside of the leg fabric a distance of 3-8 inches (or more preferably 3-5 inches) above said top 62R and L. Preferably, the rigidity / stiffness of the stiffening collar 65R and L is between that of the boot upper and the fabric, so that the collar 65 R and L is comfortable and does not interfere with the wearer's movement, but prevents or at least substantially prevents, the leg fabric from “caving” or “collapsing” into the top opening of the boot around the wearer's calf as is known to happen with conventional boot attachments (FIG. 15). Instead of creating the conventional “moat” of water W (FIG. 15), the leg fabric of the preferred embodiment may bend or wrinkle somewhat above the collar (FIG. 14), but will not be prone to creating a recess / trough around the leg at the top, and into the top, of the boot. Thus, a water-holding recess or trough, such as portrayed in the prior art leg CL and boot B of FIG. 15, will be substantially or entirely prevented, thereby substantially or entirely preventing a pool of water W around the legs / boots during use of the wader and / or when the wearer exits the water. Further, by preventing the fabric from collapsing into the boot shaft and collecting water, the stiffening collars / rings prevent unnecessary stress on the fabric and inseam, especially under the increased pressure on the lower legs experienced while wading in water.

[0054] The preferred pocket system 45 is preferably provided in two locations on the waders, that is, mirror image pocket systems 45R and L, and is described later in this document with specific reference to FIGS. 16-22. Each pocket system 45 has two pockets that may be said to be “layered” front to back, wherein the two pockets are accessible from opposite edges of the pocket system. Each of the pocket systems comprises an outer pocket formed by attaching an outer pocket panel to the outside surface of the waders' main body and an inner pocket) formed by attaching an inner pocket panel to the inside surface of the main body fabric (see 80R and 80L in FIGS. 3 and 23). To form the outer pocket a top edge and a bottom edge of the outer pocket panel are connected to the main body by sewing or bonding, and the outer pocket panel may be said to stacked “in front of” the main body fabric, or the main body fabric may be said to “lie behind” the outer pocket panel. Similarly, for the inner pocket, the main body fabric may be said to “lie in front of” the inner pocket panel, or the inner pocket panel may be said to “lie behind” the main body fabric. To access the inner pocket, the user lifts a flap of the outer pocket to access an inner pocket zipper 55. Said flap is an edge of the outer pocket panel that is closest to the main body zipper 50 and is folded-inward and connected to the main body fabric along a generally vertical sewn or bonded seam at a location adjacent, but ½-2 inches for example, to the right (in the case of the right pocket system 45R) or to the left (in the case of the left pocket system 45L) of the respective pocket zipper 55. The folded-over flap extends over and conceals the zipper 55 and hence the entry into the inner pocket, until a user lifts the flap (FIGS. 17 and 20) to open the inner pocket via the zipper 55 (FIG. 18). To access the outer pocket, a user lifts a side edge of the outer pocket panel that is opposite the above-described flap. Cooperating magnets are preferably fixed / in said side edge and also fixed / in the main body fabric (82R and 82L in FIGS. 3 and 23). This way, a user may open the outer pocket with little effort except to “unlatch” the preferred magnetics, to access the outer pocket (FIG. 21) that is a space between outer pocket panel and the main body fabric. The magnets are preferably of medium or light strength, so it is easy for the user to open the outer pocket by pulling the outer pocket panel edge forward away from the main body as in FIG. 21, while being strong enough to cause the opening of the outer pocket to automatically close when the user removes his / her hand from the pocket.

[0055] Referring specifically to FIGS. 16-22, a pocket system is preferably included on each of the right and left sides of the upper torso of the main body MB of waders 10, also called the “left chest LCH and the “right chest RCH”. From this description and the drawings, one may understand that each of the pocket systems 45R and 45L is a multiple-use pocket system, for example, for storage of important or fragile items in the inner pocket 98 wherein it is important to prevent those items from a chance of falling out of the pocket during use of the waders. Also, for example, the outer pocket of the systems 45R and L may be effective for items that will be stored and accessed frequently during the use of the waders, for example, a hat or gloves.

[0056] The right and left pocket systems 45R and L are preferably mirror images of each other, so selected features of the pocket systems are shown and described for one or the other of the pockets 45R or 45L, but it will be understood that the features may be included in both 45R and 45L. It also will be understood that the pocket system 45R, 45L portrayed schematically in FIGS. 1 and 6, for example, is preferably constructed the same or substantially the same as the pocket system 45R and 45L in FIGS. 16-22 but with an alternative outer-perimeter shape. Alternatively, the right and left pocket systems may be different in certain embodiments, but having mirror image pockets provides all the benefits of the preferred pocket system for both right- and left-handed users.

[0057] FIG. 16 is a front view of the left pocket system 45L, and FIG. 17 is a perspective view of the left pocket system 45L wherein a user is lifting the right edge 47L of the outer pocket panel 48L to reveal zipper 55L for opening an inner pocket that is layered underneath the outer pocket 96L. FIG. 18 shows the user, having opened zipper 55L, lifting the right edge 47L further to open the inner pocket 98L. Opening the outer pocket 96L is done at the opposite side of the system 45L from the opening into the inner pocket, as will be understood from viewing the opening of the outer pocket 96R of the right pocket system 45R in FIG. 21, discussed below.

[0058] FIG. 19 is a front view of the right pocket system 45R on the right side of zipper 50. FIG. 20 is a left perspective view of the right pocket system 45R, wherein a user is lifting the left edge of the outer pocket fabric panel 47R to reveal the zipper 55R for opening the inner pocket that is layered underneath the outer pocket 96R. FIG. 21 is a right perspective view of the right pocket system 45R, wherein a user is lifting a right-side edge 46R of pocket panel 48R that serves as the opening into the outer pocket 96R. The right-side edge 46R is attached permanently to the main body only at its ends but has magnets or other temporary fasteners along its length to temporarily close the outer pocket until the user wishes to open and reach into outer pocket 96R. It will be understood that an action similar to that shown in FIG. 21 to open the outer pocket 96R of the right pocket system 45R may be used for the left pocket system 45L to open the outer pocket 96L. Specifically, the user will lift the left side edge 46L of pocket panel 48L, which is attached permanently to the main body only at its ends, but has magnets or other temporary fasteners along its length to temporarily close the outer pocket until the user wishes to open and reach into outer pocket 96L by lifting / pulling the edge 46L.

[0059] FIG. 22 is an enlarged view of one of the molle panels 49 (modular lightweight load-carrying equipment) on one of the outer pocket panels 48 of the pocket system 45, wherein slits extend through the molle panel 49 for hanging / holding accessories / items I that the user finds convenient for the hunting, fishing, or other recreation or work while wearing the waders. The molle panel is in a conveniently accessible location for easy temporary storage and easy retrieval when needed during use of the waders in fishing, hunting, or other recreation. Using the right pocket system 45R as an example, the molle panel 49R is sized to be about 40-90% of the outer surface area of the outer pocket panel 48R, and is stitched and / or bonded around its outer edge to the panel 48R, so that, except for the stitched / bonded outer edge of the panel 48R, there remains unobstructed space between the molle panel 49R and the outer surface of the panel 48R. The molle panel 49R is preferably made from HYPALON™ (a chloro-sulfonated polyethylene (CSPE) synthetic rubber (CSM) noted for its resistance to chemicals, temperature extremes, and ultraviolet light), or the panel may be made in certain embodiments from other material(s) having similar characteristics. The molle panel 49R has multiple slits through the panel, for example two columns of horizontal slits, wherein an accessory / item I may be hung in / on the molle panel for easy access of the item when needed, as shown in FIG. 22. Typically, the item is hung on panel 49R by a portion of the accessory / item I being inserted through one or more slits and into the space behind the molle panel.

[0060] FIGS. 23 and 24 illustrate portions of the interior of the waders 10, after turning the waders 10 inside-out. These photos show liner elements the same or similar to those that are shown schematically in FIGS. 3 and 4, which may include pocket panels, magnets, water-sealing and / or reinforcement pieces / patches / tape for the belt loops, seam 70 and 78, zipper(s), and boot-attachment, and padding for the knees (92) and the seat (95), with sealing strips 95S for the seat.

[0061] In certain embodiments, the fabric of the waders will be printed on its outer surface with camouflage or another desired pattern or color after, or as part of, manufacture of the fabric, but the interior surface may remain without the camouflage or other pattern or color. In certain embodiments, two different appearances of the outer and interior surfaces are further (or instead if there is no camouflage) due to the fabric being multiple-layered fabric with the outer fabric layer having a different appearance compared to the inner fabric layer.

[0062] The wording of the following claims-as-filed are incorporated into this DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF CERTAIN EMBODIMENTS by this reference. Also, while the Claims in this document as filed use “comprising”, or “comprised of”, it should be understood that certain other embodiments may “consist essentially of” or even “consist of” the listed elements of the claims. given claim. For example, while Claim 17 as filed states “connections comprising a torso zipper, a leg seam extending along the right leg from the right boot through a crotch region and along the left leg to the left boot, and a crotch seam extending from the torso zipper through the crotch region”, the connections of certain embodiments may “consist essentially” of that list of connections, or even “consist” of that list of connections.

[0063] Certain, but not all, embodiments may be formed of a one-piece panel 100 shaped and sized as if FIG. 5 is drawn to scale, so that ratios of dimensions of certain embodiments of the panel / portions-of-the-panel may be calculated from FIG. 5, or in certain other embodiments that the ratios of dimensions of the panel / portions-of-the-panel may be plus / minus 15 percent, or preferably plus / minus 10 percent, of those calculated ratios.

[0064] Although this invention has been described above with reference to particular means, materials and embodiments, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited to these disclosed particulars but extends instead to all equivalents within the broad scope of the following claims.

Claims

1. A waders garment comprising a main body and right and left waterproof boots, the main body comprising a single panel of fabric defined by an outer edge surrounding the single panel, the single panel forming a torso, legs, and a crotch region, wherein the crotch region is formed by two extension portions of said single panel that curve between the legs from a front of the legs to a back of the legs, the main body comprising only two seams that attach portions of the outer edge of the single panel together, said only two seams being a leg seam that attach outer leg edges of the single-panel to form the legs and a crotch seam that extends down from a front zipper to attach together lower torso portions of the outer edge of the single panel together and extends between said two extension portions to attach said two extension portions together in the crotch region.

2. The waders garment of claim 1, wherein the single panel is continuous waterproof fabric with no apertures.

3. The waders garment of claim 1, further comprising belt loops, shoulder straps, a right pocket system, and a left pocket system that are each stitched onto regions of an outer surface of the main body where the said belt loops, shoulder straps, a right pocket system, and a left pocket system are not in direct contact with said two seams and are not connected to said main body by said two seams.

4. The waders garment of claim 1, wherein an upper portion of the single panel has a right edge and a left edge that are connected by said front zipper extending longitudinally along a front side of the torso from a top edge of the main body to said crotch seam.

5. The waders garment of claim 1 wherein the main body has a back area having no zipper and no seams above the crotch region.

6. The waders garment of claim 1 that has no seams on the right side and the left side between a top edge of the main body and the boots.

7. The waders garment of claim 1 that further comprises a right and a left stiffening band extending up from the right and left boots and attached to fabric of the right and left legs, respectively, for preventing the fabric of the right and left legs from sagging into the top end of the boot and forming a water-containing recess.

8. The waders garment of claim 1 that comprises right and left pocket systems, each pocket system comprising an inner pocket and an out pocket that are stacked together on the torso of the main body, with the outer pocket being in front of the inner pocket.

9. The waders garment of claim 8 wherein each inner pocket comprises an inner pocket panel stitched to an inside surface of the main body and an inner pocket opening through the main body that is accessible from a front side of the torso, an outer pocket that comprises an outer pocket panel stitched to an outer surface of the main body and an outer pocket opening between said outer surface and the outer pocket panel that is accessible from a front side of the torso; and a modular lightweight load-carrying equipment (MOLLE) panel on said outer pocket panel.

10. A waders garment comprising:a one-piece panel of waterproof fabric forming a main body of the garment, the panel having an upper portion formed into a torso of the main body, and a lower portion having a leg cut-out between leg portions of the panel, the leg cut-out being defined by inner leg edges, wherein the leg portions of the panel forming right and left legs of the main body that are connected to right and left waterproof boots, the leg portions being formed into said legs by a leg seam attaching the outer leg edges of said panel to said inner leg edges of said panel, the leg seam extending from the right boot up the right leg across a crotch portion of the main body and down along the left leg to the left boot, said crotch region being formed by right and left extensions of the one-piece panel that extend from right and left sides of the one-piece panel and curve rearward between said legs of the main body, the right extension being connected to the left extension in the crotch region by a crotch seam, and the right and left extensions attached to the inner leg edges at an upper end of said leg cut-out of the panel, wherein the crotch region has a width that is at least 80 percent of a combined width of the right and left extensions.

11. The waders garment of claim 10, wherein the crotch region has a width that is at least 90 percent of a combined width of the right and left extensions.

12. The waders garment of claim 10, wherein the upper portion is formed into said torso by a right edge and a left edge of the upper portion of the panel being connected by a torso zipper extending longitudinally along a front side of the torso and by the crotch seam extending down from the torso zipper through the crotch region between said right and left extensions.

13. The waders garment of claim 10 wherein said leg seam and said crotch seam extend between the legs and up to a seat area at a back of the torso of the waders, and wherein the back of the torso comprises no seams between the crotch region and a top edge of the main body.

14. The waders garment of claim 10 that has no seams on right and left sides of the main body between the top edge of the main body and the boots.

15. The waders garment of claim 10 that further comprises right and left stiffening bands extending up from the right and left boots and connected to the right and left legs of the main body, respectively, for preventing the right and left legs from sagging into, and forming recesses for holding water at, top ends of the right and left boots.

16. The waders garment of claim 10 that comprises right and left pocket systems, each pocket system comprising an inner pocket and an outer pocket that are stacked together on the torso of the main body, with the outer pocket being in front of the inner pocket, wherein the outer pocket has a modular lightweight load-carrying equipment (MOLLE) panel on an outer surface of the outer pocket.

17. A waders garment comprising a main body having a torso with a top edge, and right and left legs attached to right and left boots, the improvement comprising the main body being formed from a single, continuous waterproof panel having an outer perimeter edge around the panel, wherein portions of the outer perimeter edge are attached to each other to form said torso and said legs, by connections comprising a torso zipper, a leg seam extending along the right leg from the right boot through a crotch region and along the left leg to the left boot, and a crotch seam extending from the torso zipper through the crotch region.

18. The waders of claim 17, wherein the crotch region comprises right and left extensions of the single continuous panel that extend between the legs and rearward toward a seat area of the main body, and wherein the crotch region has a width that is at least 80 percent of a combined width of the right and left extensions to provide extra room between top ends of the legs for comfort of the wearer.

19. The waders garment of claim 17 that further comprises right and left stiffening bands extending up from the right and left boots and connected to the right and left legs, respectively, for preventing the right and left legs from sagging into, and forming recesses for holding water at, top ends of the right and left boots.

20. The waders garment of claim 17 that comprises right and left pocket systems, each pocket system comprising an inner pocket and an out pocket that are stacked together on the torso of the main body, with the outer pocket being in front of the inner pocket.

Images