U.S. patent application number 14/595522 was filed with the patent office on 2015-07-16 for bodysuit with sealing components.
The applicant listed for this patent is OSSUR HF. Invention is credited to Dana Stewart MARLIN.
Application Number | 20150197324 14/595522 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 52440865 |
Filed Date | 2015-07-16 |
United States Patent
Application |
20150197324 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
MARLIN; Dana Stewart |
July 16, 2015 |
BODYSUIT WITH SEALING COMPONENTS
Abstract
A bodysuit includes at least one seal component formed from a
polymeric material located at one or more bodysuit openings and
configured to engage with and may form a seal. The at least one
seal component is configured to form a comfortable seal against a
wearer's associated body part that is strengthened upon subjection
to a pressure differential that may otherwise force liquid or
atmosphere from the environment past the seal and into the
bodysuit.
Inventors: |
MARLIN; Dana Stewart;
(Hafnarfjordur, IS) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
OSSUR HF |
Reykjavik |
|
IS |
|
|
Family ID: |
52440865 |
Appl. No.: |
14/595522 |
Filed: |
January 13, 2015 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
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61927529 |
Jan 15, 2014 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
2/2.16 ;
2/2.15 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B63C 2011/043 20130101;
A41D 13/012 20130101; A41D 13/0005 20130101; B63C 2011/046
20130101; B63C 9/087 20130101; B63C 11/04 20130101 |
International
Class: |
B63C 11/04 20060101
B63C011/04 |
Claims
1. A bodysuit comprising: a core substantially formed from a
polymeric material; an exterior layer adjacent and exterior to the
core, and formed from a stretchable material; an interior layer
interior to the core and formed from an insulating material; at
least one seal component annularly disposed along an opening of the
bodysuit, and including at least one seal element annularly
disposed along a periphery of at least a portion of the opening and
resiliently extending in an inward radial direction into the
opening.
2. The bodysuit of claim 1, wherein the exterior layer is formed
from an abrasion resistant material.
3. The bodysuit of claim 1, wherein the exterior layer is formed
from tear or puncture resistant material.
4. The bodysuit of claim 1, wherein the core is substantially free
of embedded or dispersed materials.
5. The bodysuit of claim 1, wherein the at least one seal component
further comprises a variable clearance formed between the inwardly
extending seal element and the opening defined by an inner collar
surface, wherein the inwardly extending seal element is arranged to
deflect in an outward radial direction toward the inner collar
surface to reduce the clearance.
6. The bodysuit of claim 1, further comprising at least one
recessed portion annularly extending around a periphery of at least
a portion of the opening defined by an inner collar surface, the at
least one seal element has a first end portion secured to or within
the at least one recessed portion and is pitched in a generally
inward radial direction and a generally distal longitudinal
direction to form an apex at an innermost radial extension, and at
least a portion of the first end portion is arranged to deflect in
a generally outward radial direction toward the at least one
recessed portion.
7. The bodysuit of claim 6, further comprising a second end portion
connected to the first end portion at the apex, the second end
portion is pitched in a generally outward radial direction toward
the at least one recessed portion, and at least a portion of the
first end portion or second end portion is slidable within the at
least one recessed portion.
8. The bodysuit of claim 5, wherein the variable clearance defines
an interior configuration arranged to engage the inner collar
surface, the interior configuration extending in an outward radial
direction from the seal element toward the inner collar surface and
being moveable relative to the inner collar surface.
9. The bodysuit of claim 8, wherein the interior configuration
comprises at least one blade extending at an oblique angle relative
to a longitudinal axis.
10. The bodysuit of claim 9, wherein the blade tapers in thickness
toward a proximal blade end and/or toward a distal blade end.
11. The bodysuit of claim 9, wherein the blade tapers in thickness
from a seal element end toward an inner collar surface end.
12. The bodysuit of claim 1, further comprising a reinforcing
material disposed at a location associated with the at least one
seal component.
13. The bodysuit of claim 1, further comprising a primary adherence
seal component disposed at a bodysuit opening, and substantially
formed from a silicone based material.
14. The bodysuit of claim 13, further comprising at least one
bodysuit attachment including an attachment opening and a secondary
adherence seal component substantially formed from a silicone based
material and disposed at the attachment opening, wherein the at
least one bodysuit attachment is in contact with the bodysuit, and
the primary and secondary adherence seal components engage with and
adhere to each other to form a seal between the bodysuit and the
bodysuit attachment.
15. The bodysuit of claim 14, wherein the primary adherence seal
component is circumferentially disposed along the inner collar
surface of the bodysuit, and wherein the secondary adherence seal
component is circumferentially disposed along an outer collar
surface of the bodysuit attachment.
16. A bodysuit comprising at least one seal component annularly
disposed along an inner collar surface of the bodysuit, the at
least one seal component comprising at least one seal element
annularly disposed along a periphery of at least a portion of the
inner collar surface and resiliently extending in an inward radial
direction from the inner collar surface.
17. The bodysuit of claim 16, wherein the at least one seal
component further comprises a variable clearance formed between the
inwardly extending seal element and the inner collar surface,
wherein the inwardly extending seal element is arranged to deflect
in an outward radial direction toward the inner collar surface to
reduce the clearance.
18. The bodysuit of claim 17, further comprising at least one
recessed portion annularly extending around a periphery of at least
a portion of the inner collar surface, wherein the at least one
seal element has a first end portion secured to or within the at
least one recessed portion and is pitched in a generally inward
radial direction and a generally distal longitudinal direction to
form an apex at an innermost radial extension, and wherein at least
a portion of the first end portion is arranged to deflect in a
generally outward radial direction toward the at least one recessed
portion.
19. The bodysuit of claim 18, further comprising a second end
portion connected to a distal end of the first end portion at the
apex, wherein the second end portion is pitched in a generally
outward radial direction toward the at least one recessed portion,
and wherein at least a portion of the first end portion or second
end portion is slidable within the at least one recessed portion;
wherein the variable clearance defines an interior configuration
arranged to engage the inner collar surface, the interior
configuration extending in an outward radial direction from the
seal element toward the inner collar surface and being moveable
relative to the inner collar surface, the interior configuration
forms at least one blade extending at an oblique angle relative to
a longitudinal axis, the blade tapering in thickness toward a
proximal blade end and/or toward a distal blade end and the blade
tapering in thickness from a seal element end toward an inner
collar surface end.
20. A bodysuit comprising a primary adherence seal component
disposed at a bodysuit opening, and being substantially formed from
a silicone based material; and at least one bodysuit attachment
defining a bodysuit attachment opening and a secondary adherence
seal component substantially formed from a silicone based material
and disposed at the bodysuit attachment opening, wherein the
bodysuit attachment is in contact with the bodysuit, and the
primary and secondary adherence seal components engage with and
adhere to each other to form a seal between the bodysuit and the
bodysuit attachment; wherein the primary adherence seal component
is circumferentially disposed along an inner collar surface of the
bodysuit, and wherein the secondary adherence seal component is
circumferentially disposed along at least one of an outer collar
surface and an inner collar surface of the bodysuit attachment.
Description
FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE
[0001] The disclosure relates to the field of bodysuits, such as
wetsuits or drysuits, worn to protect a wearer against the
environment.
BACKGROUND
[0002] Bodysuits are worn when a wearer intends to provide
protection against the outside environment. Bodysuits including
wetsuits and drysuits are often worn in aquatic environments to
protect a wearer from cold temperatures of the surrounding liquid.
Bodysuits, such as hazard suits, may be worn to protect against
liquid or gaseous materials in the environment outside the
bodysuit.
[0003] A typical prior art wetsuit is formed from chloroprene
rubber, which may not provide heat retention in more frigid
environments and which may suffer from corrosion caused by UV light
or other environmental corrosive agents. Bodysuits of the prior art
have difficulty maintaining water and/or air seals, particularly
near bodysuit openings and bodysuit attachments such as gloves,
boots, or headgear. As a result, unwelcome water or atmosphere from
the outside environment may enter the bodysuit.
[0004] There is a need for a bodysuit capable of providing improved
performance properties such as thermal retention and corrosion
resistance while additionally preventing the introduction of
unwelcome environmental intrusions.
SUMMARY
[0005] Certain embodiments of the bodysuit of the present
disclosure include a core formed from a silicone-based material.
The bodysuit may additionally include an exterior layer and/or an
interior layer. Embodiments include one or more seal components at
one or more bodysuit openings. Embodiments include one or more
primary adherence seal components formed from a silicone based
material at one or more bodysuit openings configured to engage with
and form a seal with one or more secondary adherence seal
components at the openings of one or more bodysuit attachments.
Other embodiments include a combination of seal components and
adherence seal components.
[0006] Embodiments of the seal components may be configured to form
a comfortable seal against a wearer's associated body part (e.g.
arm, wrist, leg, ankle, neck) that is strengthened upon subjection
to a pressure differential that may otherwise force liquid or
atmosphere from the environment past the seal and into the
bodysuit.
[0007] In an embodiment, a bodysuit includes a core substantially
formed from a silicone based material, an exterior layer adjacent
and exterior to the core, and formed from a stretchable material,
and an interior layer interior to the core and formed from an
insulating material. At least one seal component is preferably
annularly disposed along an inner collar surface of the bodysuit,
and includes at least one seal element annularly disposed along a
periphery of at least a portion of the inner collar surface and
resiliently extending in an inward radial direction from the inner
collar surface.
[0008] The exterior layer may be formed from a woven stretchable
fabric, elastic or rubber material capable of abrasion resistance,
and tear or puncture resistance. The core may be substantially free
of embedded or dispersed materials.
[0009] The seal component may include a variable clearance formed
between the inwardly extending seal element and the inner collar
surface. The inwardly extending seal element is arranged to deflect
in an outward radial direction toward the inner collar surface to
reduce the clearance. At least one recessed portion may annularly
extend around a periphery of at least a portion of the inner collar
surface. The at least one seal element may have a first end portion
secured to or within the at least one recessed portion and be
pitched in a generally inward radial direction and a generally
distal longitudinal direction to form an apex at an innermost
radial extension. At least a portion of the first end portion may
be arranged to deflect in a generally outward radial direction
toward the at least one recessed portion.
[0010] A second end portion may be connected to the first end
portion at the apex, and the second end portion can be pitched in a
generally outward radial direction toward the at least one recessed
portion. At least a portion of the first end portion or second end
portion may be slidable within the at least one recessed portion.
The variable clearance preferably defines an interior configuration
arranged to engage the inner collar surface. The interior
configuration may extend in an outward radial direction from the
seal element toward the inner collar surface and be moveable
relative to the inner collar surface.
[0011] The interior configuration may comprise at least one blade
extending at an oblique angle relative to a longitudinal axis. The
blade may taper in thickness toward a proximal blade end and/or
toward a distal blade end or from a seal element end toward an
inner collar surface end.
[0012] The bodysuit may have a reinforcement disposed at a location
associated with the at least one seal component. The bodysuit
preferably has a primary adherence seal component disposed at a
bodysuit opening, and substantially formed from a silicone-based
material.
[0013] The bodysuit preferably has at least one bodysuit attachment
including an attachment opening and a secondary adherence seal
component substantially formed from a silicone-based material and
disposed at the attachment opening. The at least one bodysuit
attachment is in contact with the bodysuit, and the primary and
secondary adherence seal components engage with and adhere to each
other to form a seal between the bodysuit and the bodysuit
attachment. The primary adherence seal component is
circumferentially disposed along the inner collar surface of the
bodysuit, and the secondary adherence seal component is
circumferentially disposed along an outer collar surface of the
bodysuit attachment.
[0014] The numerous advantages, features, and functions of
embodiments of the bodysuit will become readily apparent and better
understood in view of the following description and accompanying
drawings. The following description is not intended to limit the
scope of the bodysuit, but instead merely provides exemplary
embodiments for ease of understanding.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0015] FIG. 1 illustrates an embodiment of a bodysuit.
[0016] FIG. 2 illustrates an embodiment of a bodysuit including
seal components.
[0017] FIG. 3 illustrates an embodiment of a bodysuit including
adherence seal components.
[0018] FIGS. 4A-4B illustrate an embodiment of a bodysuit including
a combination of seal components and adherence seal components.
[0019] FIGS. 5A-5B illustrate an embodiment of a bodysuit including
locking components.
[0020] FIG. 6 is a sectional view of a seal component.
[0021] FIGS. 7A-7B are sectional views of another seal
component.
[0022] FIGS. 8A-8B are sectional views of another seal
component.
[0023] FIGS. 9A-9B are sectional views of another seal
component.
[0024] FIGS. 10A-10B are sectional views of another seal
component.
[0025] FIGS. 11A-11O are sectional views of various other
embodiments of a seal element.
[0026] FIGS. 12A-12B are sectional views of another seal
component.
[0027] FIG. 13A is a perspective sectional view of another
seal.
[0028] FIG. 13B is a sectional view of a seal component.
[0029] The drawing figures are not necessarily drawn to scale, but
instead are drawn to provide a better understanding of the
components, and are not intended to be limiting in scope, but
rather to provide exemplary illustrations. The figures illustrate
exemplary configurations of a bodysuit, and in no way limit the
structures or configurations of a bodysuit and components according
to the present disclosure.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0030] FIG. 1 illustrates an embodiment of a bodysuit 10 under the
present disclosure. The bodysuit 10 includes a core 12 preferably
formed from a silicone polymer based material. An exterior layer 14
may be adjacent and exterior to the core 12 and an interior layer
16 may be adjacent and interior to the core 12. A core 12 formed
from silicone can be manufactured by injection molding, spray
molding, by using centrifugal force to apply a layer to a mold
surface, or by any other appropriate method.
[0031] Some examples of the advantages associated with embodiments
exhibiting a core 12 formed from a silicone based material, as
compared to bodysuits found in the prior art, include enhanced heat
retention and excellent resistance to cold temperatures, superior
elasticity and compressibility, excellent water repellency, reduced
bodysuit drying times, corrosion resistance, UV light resistance,
excellent weatherability, and a lower thickness requirement
compared to conventional neoprene wetsuits.
[0032] Low intermolecular forces within silicone polymeric matrices
provide high elasticity and compressibility, yet silicone can still
provide excellent resistance to cold temperatures. The combination
of flexibility and high heat retention allows for constructing a
bodysuit that need not be as thick as prior art counterparts to get
the same results. The water repellency properties of silicone allow
for bodysuits constructed with a core 12 formed from silicone to
dry in time less than those of the prior art, reducing the
occurrence and level of discomfort associated with donning a still
damp or wet bodysuit, particularly in more frigid environments. The
chemical inertness of silicone provides corrosion resistance,
particularly in seawater and other aquatic environments where
bodysuits are likely to be exposed to corrosive agents.
[0033] A bodysuit exhibiting a core 12 formed from a silicone
polymer will incorporate the silicone's weatherability and UV light
resistance. This is advantageous to those using bodysuits in
activities where the wearer is exposed to sunlight for large
portions of the activity, such as surfing and windsurfing, and
where prior art bodysuits such as those made from chloroprene
rubber are susceptible to damage.
[0034] Still referring to FIG. 1, the exterior layer 14 may be
composed of abrasion resistant fabrics, chloroprene rubber, or any
other elastic or rubber material, such as nylon or silicone. The
exterior layer 14 may provide additional thermal insulation and/or
offers protection from abrasion, tearing, puncturing, or other
detriments to the structural integrity of the bodysuit 10.
[0035] The interior layer 16 may be composed of woven fabrics (such
as spun polymers, fleece, or natural fibers), chloroprene rubber,
or any other elastic or rubber material. The interior layer 16 may
be capable of providing additional thermal insulation and/or is
utilized to provide increased comfort to a user.
[0036] In referring to FIG. 1, the core 12 is formed from a
silicone polymer based material and the silicone material is
substantially free of any embedded or dispersed materials,
including any in pelletized form or any suspension or colloid
particles. The core 12 is free of any of the negative effects of
such materials on the performance of the bodysuit 10, such as
interference with the flexibility, drying process, and/or
structural integrity of the core 12.
[0037] The core 12 and the silicone forming the same may include
voids or trapped gas, such as air, and layers forming a gas filled
space to reduce heat transfer across a part of ta thickness of the
core. The construction of the core may result in a 3D structure
arrange for accommodating the gas filled spaces while not
increasing a thickness of the core or leading to a loss of freedom
of the user.
[0038] FIG. 2 illustrates an embodiment of a bodysuit 20 including
one or more seal components 22. In an embodiment such as that shown
in FIG. 2, a seal component 22 is at one or more bodysuit openings
24, and is disposed along an inner collar surface 26 of the
bodysuit 20, the inner collar surface 26 being the interior portion
of the bodysuit substantially adjacent to or otherwise associated
with a bodysuit opening 24.
[0039] The inner collar surface 26 may be the interior portion of
the bodysuit 20 covering and contacting the wrist or wrists of a
wearer or the area just below (i.e. more proximal to the user's
body) the wrists, and/or the area covering and contacting the ankle
area or the area just above (i.e. more proximal to the user's body)
the ankles of a wearer. When the length or structure of the
bodysuit sleeves and/or leg coverings differs, an inner collar
surface 26 may be the interior portion of a bodysuit 20 generally
covering the general area of a user's forearm, elbow, upper arm,
shoulder, lower leg, knee, or upper leg, among other locations. An
inner collar surface 26 may be associated with a neck/head opening,
such that the inner collar surface 26 where a seal component 22 is
disposed relates to the interior portion of the bodysuit 20
covering a user's general neck area.
[0040] One skilled in the art will recognize that a seal component
22 may be disposed at any location in a bodysuit 20 where it is
desired to create a water tight or air tight seal such that any air
and/or liquid from the outside environment is prevented from moving
past the seal to any portion of a user's body further toward the
interior (i.e. more proximal to the user's center) than the
location of the seal component 22. An inner collar surface 26 may
encompass the area immediately adjacent to the bodysuit opening 24
and any other portion of the interior surface of the bodysuit 20
wherein a seal component 22 may be placed to protect any more
proximal areas of the user's body.
[0041] A seal component 22 may be integrally formed with the
bodysuit 20 such that portions of the seal component 22 are
integrally formed with and part of the inner collar surface 26.
Alternatively, a seal component 22 may be formed separately and
attached to the bodysuit 20 using a bonding method such as adhesive
application, heat-seal, molding, etc.
[0042] FIG. 3 illustrates a bodysuit exhibiting another sealing
component embodiment wherein a bodysuit 30 includes one or more
primary adherence seal components 32 disposed at one or more
bodysuit openings 34. A primary adherence seal component 32 is
preferably substantially formed from a silicone-based material. The
bodysuit 30 may have one or more bodysuit attachments 38, such as a
glove, boot, or head attachment.
[0043] A bodysuit attachment 38 also includes a secondary adherence
seal component 40, which is preferably formed from a silicone-based
material. This embodiment and other similar embodiments utilize the
intrinsic capability of silicone to adhere to itself and create a
seal, such that by bringing a bodysuit attachment 38 in contact
with the associated portion of the bodysuit 30, a primary adherence
seal component 32 and a secondary adherence seal component 40
engage with and adhere to each other to form a seal between the
bodysuit 30 and a bodysuit attachment 38.
[0044] Either of the adherence seal components may be an applied
compound or substance exhibiting secondary or intermolecular
bonding forces to themselves or as different applied compounds or
substances applied to corresponding mating components.
[0045] As shown in FIG. 3, a primary adherence seal component 32
may be circumferentially disposed along an inner collar surface 36
of the bodysuit 30, with the inner collar surface 36 being the
interior area of the bodysuit 30 associated with a bodysuit opening
34. The interior area of the bodysuit 30 substantially adjacent to
a bodysuit opening 34. A secondary adherence seal component 40 may
be circumferentially disposed along an outer collar surface 42 of a
bodysuit attachment 38, the outer collar surface 42 being the
exterior area of the bodysuit attachment 38 associated with a
bodysuit attachment opening 44.
[0046] Preferably, the exterior area of the bodysuit attachment 38
is substantially adjacent to a bodysuit attachment opening 44. A
user may don the bodysuit 30 and a bodysuit attachment 38, and by
adjusting the components, may bring a primary adherence seal
component 32 in contact with an associated secondary adherence seal
component 40, allowing the components to engage with and adhere to
each other to form a seal between the bodysuit 30 and a bodysuit
attachment 38.
[0047] Similar embodiments may have alternative configurations of
primary and secondary adherence seal components. A primary
adherence seal component associated with a bodysuit opening may be
disposed along an outer collar surface of the bodysuit, and a
secondary adherence seal component associated with a bodysuit
attachment may be disposed along an inner collar surface of the
bodysuit attachment. The primary and secondary adherence seal
components are brought into contact with each other to form a seal
between the bodysuit and the bodysuit attachment.
[0048] The exact details related to the relative locations of the
primary and secondary adherence seal components may be altered in a
variety of ways without departing from the overall concept of
providing for separate adherence seal components to engage with and
adhere to each other to form a seal between the suit and suit
attachment.
[0049] FIGS. 4A and 4B illustrate another embodiment wherein the
alternative sealing devices of the bodysuit embodiments discussed
previously are combined. A bodysuit 50 includes one or more primary
seal components 52 circumferentially disposed along an inner collar
surface 54 of the bodysuit 50. The bodysuit 50 includes a primary
adherence seal component 56, the primary adherence seal component
56 which is circumferentially disposed along a more distal portion
of an inner collar surface 54 relative to where a primary seal
component 52 is located.
[0050] One or more bodysuit attachments 58 (such as gloves, boots,
or head attachments) may be provided with their own secondary seal
components 60 and their own secondary adherence seal components 62.
As discussed in relation to the embodiment described in FIG. 3, the
bodysuit 50 and one or more bodysuit attachments 58 may be donned
by a user, bringing a primary adherence seal component 56 into
contact with an associated secondary adherence seal components 62
such that the separate components engage with and adhere to each
other to form a seal.
[0051] The placement of any primary and secondary adherence seal
components may be altered without departing from the functionality
and purpose of providing an adherence seal between the bodysuit and
a bodysuit attachment. The configuration in FIGS. 4A and 4B can be
altered such that the primary adherence seal component is along an
outer collar surface of the bodysuit and the secondary adherence
seal component is along an interior collar surface of the bodysuit
attachment. The placement and number of any seal components may be
altered such that any bodysuit attachments may be provided with a
seal component.
[0052] FIGS. 5A and 5B illustrate another embodiment of a sealing
component. In some embodiments, an engaging locking component of a
bodysuit or bodysuit attachment may be formed as an annular ridge,
protrusion or other structure that engages with a corresponding
groove, channel, receptacle, or similar mechanically locking
structure on the corresponding portion of the bodysuit attachment
or bodysuit, respectively.
[0053] As shown in FIGS. 5A and 5B, a bodysuit 70 includes one or
more engaging locking components 72 disposed at one or more
bodysuit openings 74. An engaging locking component 72 may be
formed from silicone or from a variety of other materials such as
polymers, rubbers, coated textiles, and other suitable materials.
The bodysuit 70 may include one or more bodysuit attachments 78,
such as a glove, boot, or head attachment.
[0054] A bodysuit attachment 78 may include a receiving locking
component 80, which may be formed from silicone or a variety of
other materials such as polymers, rubbers, coated textiles, and
other suitable materials. This embodiment and other similar
embodiments utilize the interaction between an engaging locking
component 72 and a receiving locking component 80, such that by
bringing a bodysuit attachment 78 in contact with the associated
portion of the bodysuit 70, an engaging locking component 72 and a
receiving locking component 80 engage with each other to lock and
form a connection between the bodysuit 70 and a bodysuit attachment
78.
[0055] As shown in FIGS. 5A and 5B, an engaging locking component
72 may be circumferentially disposed along an inner collar surface
76 of the bodysuit 70, such that the inner collar surface 76 is
defined as the interior area of the bodysuit 70 associated with a
bodysuit opening 74, and more preferably, it is the interior area
of the bodysuit 70 substantially adjacent to a bodysuit opening 74.
A receiving locking component 80 may be circumferentially disposed
along an outer collar surface 82 of a bodysuit attachment 78, the
outer collar surface 82 being the exterior area of the bodysuit
attachment 78 associated with a bodysuit attachment opening 84. The
exterior area of the bodysuit attachment 38 is preferably
substantially adjacent to a bodysuit attachment opening 44.
[0056] A user may don the bodysuit 70 and a bodysuit attachment 78,
and by adjusting the components, may bring an engaging locking
component 72 in contact with an associated receiving locking
component 80, allowing the components to engage with each other to
lock and form a connection between the bodysuit 70 and a bodysuit
attachment 78.
[0057] Similar embodiments may have alternative configurations of
engaging and receiving locking components. An engaging locking
attachment associated with a bodysuit opening may be disposed along
an outer collar surface of the bodysuit, and a receiving locking
component associated with a bodysuit attachment may be disposed
along an inner collar surface of the bodysuit attachment. The
engaging and receiving locking components are brought into contact
with each other to lock and form a seal between the bodysuit and
the bodysuit attachment.
[0058] In another example, some embodiments may be configured such
that an engaging locking component is associated with a bodysuit
component and a receiving locking component is associated with the
bodysuit, or vice versa. Embodiments such as those illustrated in
FIGS. 5A and 5B may have reversed configurations relative to one or
more engaging locking components and associated receiving locking
components.
[0059] The exact details related to the relative locations of the
engaging and receiving locking components may be altered in a
variety of ways without departing from the overall concept of
providing for separate locking components capable of engaging with
each other to form a lock between the suit and a suit attachment.
Embodiments including locking components may be combined with any
of the seal components and/or adherence seal components
described.
[0060] FIGS. 6-13 illustrate different embodiments of a seal
component that may be used with a bodysuit of the present
disclosure. Many of these embodiments are related to sealing
devices described in U.S. Pat. No. 7,025,793, U.S. Pat. No.
7,749,281, U.S. Pat. No. 8,097,043, U.S. Pat. No. 7,909,884, U.S.
Pat. No. 8,052,760, U.S. Pat. No. 8,034,120, U.S. Patent
Application Publication No. 2013/0184836, and U.S. Patent
Application Publication No. 2013/0053982, the entireties of which
are incorporated by reference.
[0061] FIG. 6 illustrates one embodiment of a seal component that
may be used in the bodysuit of the present disclosure. In this
embodiment, the seal component 110 includes a seal element 114, the
seal element 114 being a raised surface projecting further inward
in a radial direction from the inner collar surface 112 to directly
contact the user's body when the bodysuit is donned. The seal
element 114 may be annularly disposed along a continual periphery
of at least a portion of the inner collar surface 112. As with all
other embodiments of seal components described, the seal element
114 and/or inner collar surface 112 may be formed from the same
material as the portion of the bodysuit where the seal component
110 is located, such that the seal component 110 is created
integrally in one piece with the associated portion of the
bodysuit.
[0062] The seal element 114 or inner collar surface 112 can be
formed separately of a softer or stiffer material or a material
more suitable for a seal than the material forming the associated
portion of the bodysuit and then attached to the bodysuit using a
bonding method. The seal element and/or inner collar surface of
this and other embodiments disclosed may be constructed from a
variety of materials such as polymers, rubbers, coated textiles,
and other suitable materials.
[0063] As shown in FIG. 6, the seal element 114 may taper inwardly
from its proximal end to its distal end to facilitate insertion of
a user's body part (e.g. arm, leg, or neck) while resisting
backwards slipping of the body part that would break the seal and
introduce liquid or atmosphere from the environment into more
proximal portions of the bodysuit. The seal element 114 is
configured to extend radially inwardly in a resilient manner, such
that it continually provides inward pressure against a user's body
to form the seal.
[0064] The seal element 114 is also preferably configured to
provide increased radially inward sealing pressure when pressures
on the distal side of the seal are higher than those on the
proximal side of the seal. When liquid or atmosphere from the
outside environment is moving in a proximal direction and is forced
against the distal end of the seal surface 114, the distal end of
the seal surface 114 will deflect further inward radially
increasing the strength of the seal and preventing the introduction
of the outside liquid or atmosphere.
[0065] FIG. 6 shows that a reinforcing material 116 may be included
with the seal component 110. The reinforcing material 116 can
increase the axial (i.e. longitudinal) stiffness of the inner
collar portion of the bodysuit associated with the seal component
110. As with other embodiments described, a reinforcing material
116 can enhance the function of the seal by providing better
distribution of traction against a user's associated body part and
can increase the user's comfort.
[0066] While FIG. 6 only illustrates one seal element 114, any
number and combination of seal element embodiments as described may
be utilized in a seal component of the present disclosure. A
plurality of seal elements may be utilized (either all of the same
embodiment type or not), each subsequent one located proximally
from the previous, such that if a more distal seal element is
breached there remain other seal elements to maintain the overall
seal.
[0067] Using additional seal elements can further decrease
localized pressures by better distributing loads, leading to
increased comfort. In one preferred embodiment, there may be up to
five or more annularly disposed seal elements utilized with each
other as part of a seal component utilized in the bodysuit.
[0068] FIGS. 7A and 7B illustrate other possible embodiments of
seal components that may be used in the bodysuit of the present
disclosure. In FIG. 7A, seal component 210 includes a seal element
214 extending from the inner collar surface 212. In this
embodiment, the seal element 214 is formed as a separate element
form the inner collar surface 212 and is attached thereto by a
bonding technique (e.g. adhesive, heat-seal, molding etc.). The
seal element 214 includes a cantilevered end portion at its distal
end arranged to resiliently extend radially inward from the inner
collar surface 212, forming a variable clearance 218 between the
inwardly extending portion of the seal element 214 and the inner
collar surface 212.
[0069] The seal element 214 is configured in a manner similar to
that described previously with seal element 114. The inwardly
extending portion of the seal element 214 is deflected outwardly
toward the inner collar surface 212 to facilitate insertion of a
user's body part (e.g. arm, leg, or neck) while resisting backwards
movement of the body part that would break the seal and introduce
liquid or atmosphere from the environment into more proximal
portions of the bodysuit. It will be apparent that when a higher
pressure exists on the distal side of the seal element 214 as
compared to the proximal side, the variable clearance 218 will
increase and the seal element 214 will extend further radially
inward against a user's associated body part (e.g. arm, wrist, leg,
ankle, neck), increasing the radial sealing force.
[0070] One of skill in the art will also recognize that with this
and all other seal component embodiments described, when a higher
pressure exists on the proximal side of one or more seal elements
214 as compared to the distal side, the variable clearance 218 will
decrease and the seal element 214 will deflect radially outward to
facilitate removal of fluid (as liquid and/or air) on the interior
side of the bodysuit. In this manner, the seal component 210 of
this embodiment can facilitate removal of fluid (as liquid and/or
air) on the interior of the bodysuit while preventing re-entry of
such fluid or the entry of additional fluid.
[0071] The embodiment illustrated in FIG. 7B is similar to the
embodiment illustrated in FIG. 7A and includes a reinforcing
material 216. Reinforcing material 216 is configured in a manner
similar to that described previously to reinforce material 116.
[0072] FIGS. 8A and 8B illustrate other embodiments of seal
components that may be used in a bodysuit of the present
disclosure. In FIG. 8A, seal component 310 includes a plurality of
seal elements 314 extending from the inner collar surface 312. The
seal elements 314 are formed as separate elements from the inner
collar surface 312 and are attached thereto by a bonding technique
(e.g. adhesive, heat-seal, molding etc.). The seal elements 314 of
this embodiment may be formed as radially bendable flaps extending
inwardly in the radial direction and distally in the longitudinal
direction and forming a plurality of variable clearances 318.
[0073] The seal elements 314 are configured in a manner similar to
that described previously with seal elements 114 and 214 such that,
when exposed to differential pressure, seal elements 314 will bend
radially inward to engage more forcefully with the user's
associated body part (e.g. arm, wrist, leg, ankle, neck) to
strengthen the seal, or will bend radially outward to facilitate
removal of interior fluids, respectively. The embodiment
illustrated in FIG. 8B includes a reinforcing material 316
configured in a manner similar to reinforcing materials 116 and
216.
[0074] In FIGS. 9A and 9B, a plurality of seal elements 414 are
integrally formed with the inner collar surface 412. In the
particular embodiment in FIG. 9A, a reinforcing material 416 is
also included and is configured in a manner similar to that
described previously to reinforce materials 116, 216, and 316.
[0075] FIGS. 10A and 10B illustrate another embodiment of a seal
component that may be used in a bodysuit of the present disclosure.
The seal component 510 includes an inner collar surface 512 and a
seal element 514, at least a portion of the seal element 514
extending in a radially inward direction to form a variable
clearance 518. The seal element 514 is associated with a recessed
portion 520 annularly extending around a continuous periphery of a
portion of the inner collar surface 512.
[0076] The recessed portion 520 is configured to accommodate the
seal element 514 as it is deflected into the recessed portion 520.
Though not shown in the particular embodiment illustrated by FIGS.
10A and 10B, as with all other seal component embodiments
described, a reinforcing material similar to those described
previously may also be utilized.
[0077] The seal element 514 of this embodiment includes a base
member 522, at least a portion of which is secured to or secured
within the recessed portion 520. The base member may be arranged to
be generally parallel to the longitudinal axis of the inner collar
surface 512, though it is not limited to this orientation. The seal
element 514 of this embodiment also includes an inwardly pitched
member 524 extending from a distal end of the base member 522 in an
inward radial direction and a distal longitudinal direction to form
an apex 526 at the innermost radial extension.
[0078] The seal element 514 also includes an outwardly pitched
member 528 that extends from the apex 526 in an outward radial
direction (i.e. toward the recessed portion 520) and a distal
longitudinal direction. At least a portion of the seal element 514
is slidable within the recessed portion 520, such that upon
deflection of the seal element 514 toward the recessed portion 520,
at least a portion of the seal element 514 is compressed to lie at
least partially within the recessed portion 520.
[0079] As shown in FIG. 10B, when a bodysuit utilizing this seal
component 510 is donned by a user, the apex 526 of seal element 514
is deflected toward the recessed portion 520 and the variable
clearance 518 is reduced. The distal end of the outwardly pitched
member 528 slides distally within the recessed portion 520 to
accommodate this deflection. Upon removal, the apex 526 will
deflect back to its original position in FIG. 10A, increasing the
variable clearance 518 as the distal end of the outwardly pitched
member 528 slides in a proximal longitudinal direction.
[0080] When the seal element 514 is compressed, it is preferred
that at least a portion of the seal element 514 should extend
inward at least a distance from the recessed portion 520 to
maintain the seal against a user's body part. The length of the
recessed portion 520 may be configured to be less than the length
of the seal element 514 when in a compressed state ensuring a
minimum variable clearance 518 and preventing the seal element 514
from becoming flattened.
[0081] The seal elements 514 are generally configured in a manner
similar to that described previously with other seal element
embodiments 114, 214, 314, and 414 such that, when exposed to
differential pressure, seal element 514 will engage more forcefully
with the user's associated body part (e.g. arm, wrist, leg, ankle,
neck) to strengthen the seal or will bend radially outward to
facilitate removal of interior fluids, respectively. In this
embodiment, this is accomplished when an outward proximal moving
force abuts with the outwardly pitched member 528, causing it to
slide proximally within the recessed portion 520 increasing the
variable clearance 518 and pushing the apex 526 further inward
against a user's body part. Many seal elements similar to the seal
element 514 of this embodiment may be used with each other in a
seal component of the present bodysuit disclosure.
[0082] FIGS. 11A through 11O illustrate other seal element
embodiments that may be utilized in a seal component of a bodysuit
of the present disclosure. A seal element 614 may have radially
pitched members having different lengths, thicknesses, and widths,
extending in different angles relative to a base member or an inner
collar surface. A seal element 614 may have a curved, straight, or
combination of curved and straight profile.
[0083] FIGS. 12A and 12B illustrate another embodiment of a seal
component that may be utilized in a bodysuit of the present
disclosure. The seal component 710 includes a seal element 714, an
inner collar surface 712, and a recessed portion 720. The seal
component 710 is similar to other embodiments of seal components
described, and is similar to seal component 510 illustrated in
FIGS. 10A and 10B. The seal component 710 illustrated in FIGS. 12A
and 12B further includes a reinforcing material 716, which is
configured in a manner similar to the other reinforcing materials
previously described. The seal element 714 has a profile with a
base member 722 that extends a distance further distally from the
point at which an inwardly pitched member 724 extends from the base
member 722.
[0084] FIGS. 13A and 13B illustrate another embodiment of a seal
component that may be utilized in a bodysuit of the present
disclosure. A seal component 810 includes a seal member 814 at
least a portion of which is configured to extend in a radially
inward direction to form a variable clearance 818. The seal member
814 is associated with a recessed portion 820 annularly extending
around a continuous periphery of a portion of the inner collar
surface 812 (shown in FIG. 13B only). Though not shown in the
particular embodiment illustrated by FIGS. 13A and 13B, as with all
other seal component embodiments described, a reinforcing material
similar to those described previously may also be utilized.
[0085] The seal element 814 includes a base member 822, at least a
portion of which is secured to or secured within the recessed
portion 820. The base member may be arranged to be generally
parallel to the longitudinal axis of the inner collar surface 812,
though it is not limited to this orientation. The seal element 814
of this embodiment also includes an inwardly pitched member 824
extending from a distal end of the base member 822 in an inward
radial direction and a distal longitudinal direction, a
longitudinal member 826 extending from the inwardly pitched member
824 in a distal direction parallel to the inner collar surface 812,
and an outwardly pitched member 828 extending from the longitudinal
member 826 in an outward radial direction (i.e. toward the recessed
portion 820) and a distal longitudinal direction.
[0086] As discussed with the seal element 514 illustrated in FIGS.
10A and 10B, at least a portion of the seal element 814 may be
slidable within the recessed portion 820 upon outward deflection of
the seal element 814. The distal end of the outwardly pitched
member 828 may be configured to slide distally within the recessed
portion 820 to accommodate the deflection while also maintaining a
resilient tendency to extend radially inward.
[0087] The seal component 810 includes an interior configuration
830 that extends in an outward radial direction from the seal
member 814 towards the inner collar surface 812 (or recessed
portion 820 thereof) and is configured to be moveable relative to
the inner collar surface 812. The interior configuration 830 is
preferably formed of a plurality of blades. The plurality of blades
act to expand and exert pressure against the inner collar surface
812, pushing the seal element 812 further inward against a user's
associated body part.
[0088] Each blade may be configured to extend at an oblique angle
relative to the longitudinal axis to ensure that each blade folds
properly in a predetermined direction during deflection to avoid
any localized pressure points. This arrangement also allows the
blades to fold during donning of the bodysuit (e.g. when a hand or
foot is pushed through the seal component 810), allowing the seal
element 814 to deflect radially outward toward the inner collar
surface 812. This arrangement allows the blades to extend during
any backwards slipping of the user's associated body part that
would break the seal, pushing the seal element 814 further radially
inwards to strengthen the seal.
[0089] One of skill in the art will recognize that any other
equivalent structure or projections may also be envisioned in place
of blades to form the interior configuration 830. A collapsible,
box-like, or honeycomb structure may be used. Additionally or,
circular, cylindrical, or spherical components that collapse,
deflate, or depress under pressure may be utilized. As another
example, a structure of randomly oriented filaments or collapsible
and/or flexible rod-like protrusions may form part or all of the
structure of the interior configuration 830. An inflation element
may be provided to enable the space 818 to be inflated by an
external means, such as a pump, to maintain a pressure greater than
atmospheric pressure.
[0090] The seal element 812 may include one or more seal rings 832
annularly disposed around a continuous periphery of a portion of
the seal element 814, preferably, a portion of the longitudinal
member 826. The seal rings 832 are arranged to directly contact and
engage the associated body part of the user to form the seal.
Though the embodiment in FIGS. 13A and 13B includes two seal rings
832, one or many such seal rings as considered necessary to form a
watertight and/or airtight connection may be used. A seal ring 832
may taper inwardly from its proximal end to its distal end, though
a seal ring is not limited to this configuration and may be
configured to engage with and form a seal with a user's associated
body part in the manner of any of the other seal elements described
(e.g. 114, 214, 314, 414, 514, 614, and 714).
[0091] In some embodiments, the blade or plurality of blades may be
tapered. The blades may be thickest in a longitudinal center
portion and taper toward a distal blade end, a proximal blade end,
or both. The blade or blades may be thickest at the innermost
radial portion at a seal element end and taper toward the more
outer radial portion at an inner collar surface end.
[0092] It is to be understood that not necessarily all objects or
advantages may be achieved under any embodiment of the disclosure.
Those skilled in the art will recognize that the bodysuit may be
embodied or carried out in a manner that achieves or optimizes one
advantage or group of advantages as taught without achieving other
objects or advantages as taught or suggested.
[0093] The skilled artisan will recognize the interchangeability of
various disclosed features. Besides the variations described, other
known equivalents for each feature can be mixed and matched by one
of ordinary skill in this art to construct a body suit under
principles of the present disclosure. It will be understood by the
skilled artisan that the features described may be adapted to other
types of bodysuits. As such, this disclosure and the embodiments
and variations thereof are not limited to bodysuits.
[0094] Although this disclosure describes certain exemplary
embodiments and examples of a bodysuit, those skilled in the art
will understand that the present disclosure extends beyond the
specifically disclosed bodysuit embodiments to other alternative
embodiments and/or uses of the disclosure and obvious modifications
and equivalents thereof. It is intended that the present disclosure
should not be limited by the particular disclosed embodiments
described above, and may be extended to other applications that may
employ the features described.
* * * * *