Packable Fishing Wader Seams for Waterproof Flexibility
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing waterproof waders are bulky and difficult to pack, lacking efficient storage solutions and effective seam construction that maintains waterproof integrity while allowing flexibility and comfort.
Innovation Solution
A packable waterproof fishing wader system with integrated storage pockets and laminated panels joined by butt stitching and covered with stretchable waterproof tape, allowing for foldable and packable design without seam overlap, using jersey knit and neoprene materials for flexibility and durability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional waterproof waders are constructed with overlapping seams and adhesive, then waterproof integrity is achieved, but the waders become bulky and difficult to pack
Solution Approach 1:
The wader is divided into multiple laminated panels that are joined by butt joints instead of overlapping seams. Each panel is a discrete segment that can be precisely fitted together, eliminating the need for bulky overlapping constructions while maintaining waterproof integrity through precision joining and tape sealing.
Solution Approach 2:
The entire wader can be folded and nested into its own integrated storage pocket, creating a compact packed configuration. The design allows the wader to be stored within itself, achieving extreme compactness for easy transport and storage.
2Reliability
If traditional seams with overlap are used, then waterproofing is maintained, but flexibility and comfort are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The use of discrete laminated panels joined by butt joints creates a segmented construction that allows each panel to move independently, enhancing flexibility while maintaining waterproof integrity through precise joining and tape sealing.
Solution Approach 2:
The seam construction uses stretchable waterproof tape with specific elastic properties that match the laminated panel elongation (at least 10%). This parameter matching allows the seam to stretch and flex with the fabric while maintaining waterproof sealing, unlike traditional rigid overlapping seams.
3Reliability
If adhesive is used to join seams, then waterproof integrity is improved, but the construction becomes more complex and less flexible
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts and eliminates the adhesive component from the seam construction process. Instead of using adhesive to join seams, the design relies on mechanical butt stitching combined with stretchable waterproof tape, simplifying the construction process and improving flexibility while maintaining waterproof integrity.
Solution Approach 2:
The stretchable waterproof tape serves as an intermediary element that joins the laminated panels at butt joints. This tape provides both mechanical attachment and waterproof sealing in a single component, replacing the complex multi-step adhesive application process and enabling flexible, durable seams.
4Reliability
If thick neoprene material is used for durability and warmth, then protection is improved, but the wader becomes bulkier and less packable
Solution Approach 1:
The wader uses thin film laminated panels with a multi-layer construction (outer layer, middle neoprene layer, inner layer) that provides protection without bulk. The laminated structure creates a flexible shell that maintains durability and warmth while being thin enough to allow the wader to pack into a compact size.
Solution Approach 2:
The laminated panel construction combines multiple materials (outer fabric layer, middle neoprene insulation layer, inner fabric layer) into a composite structure. This composite material provides the protective functions of thickness and insulation while maintaining a thin, flexible profile that enables packability.
Data Source
AI summary
A packable waterproof fishing wader and system, the wader including a body portion having an integral storage pocket; and right and left leg and foot portions. The foot portions each formed from at least a first laminated panel and a second laminated panel including an outer layer, a middle layer, an inner layer. The outer layer and the inner layer formed from a jersey knit material, and the middle layer formed from a neoprene material having a thickness of about 1 mm. A seam joining the laminated panels is a butt joint using butt stitching. Waterproof tape seals the seam. Laminated panel stretch characteristics are substantially equivalent to the waterproof tape percent elongation. The body portion, the right and left leg and foot portions are configured to be foldable into a storage configuration, and the storage configuration is entirely insertable into the integral storage pocket.