Wetsuit with flush resistant through shoulder entry system

Abstract

A low profile, flush resistant, through shoulder entry system for a wetsuit is disclosed. In one disclosed embodiment, the wetsuit has a stretchable entryway formed through a head-opening portion with a head flap pivotally secured to the body of the wetsuit. The head flap pivots to define an open position whereby a user can easily enter and exit the wetsuit through the stretchable entryway, and a closed position. At least one gusset extends between the wetsuit and head flap. In another embodiment, the head flap is detachably secured in its closed position with a combination of a horizontally mounted slide fastener and hook and loop material.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION [0001] This application claims priority to U.S. provisional patent application Ser. No. 60 / 756,860, filed on Jan. 7, 2006.TECHNICAL FIELD [0002] This invention relates to an entry system for a wetsuit that allows a user easy entry into and egress from the wetsuit while significantly resisting undesirable flushing of water through the entryway while the wetsuit is being worn by the user. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0003] Wetsuits are tight-fitting water-permeable suits worn by divers, surfers, swimmers and the like in order to protect their wearer's and retain body heat while their wearer's are immersed in cold water. Wetsuits come in a variety of styles and serve a variety of purposes. Full body wetsuits have full-length arm and leg portions extending from a trunk portion. Alternatively, a wetsuit commonly known as a “spring suit” usually has short sleeves and shortened leg portions extending from the trunk portion. In most all cases, wetsuits...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0008] Accordingly, despite the known improvements with wetsuit entry and egress systems, there remains a need for a simple, cost effective, low profile, system for a wetsuit that allows easy entry and egress from a wetsuit while minimizing the amount of water flushing through the system into the wetsuit during use. In addition to other benefits that will become apparent in the following disclosure, the present invention fulfills these needs.

[0009] In a disclosed embodiment, the wetsuit has a stretchable entryway formed through a head-opening portion with a head flap pivotally secured to the body of the wetsuit. The head flap pivots to define an open position whereby a user can easily enter and exit the wetsuit through the stretchable entryway, and a closed position wherein the user is secured within the wetsuit. One or more gussets extend between the wetsuit and head flap thereby preventing inadvertent flushing of water between the head flap and wetsuit body through the entryway when the head flap is in its closed position.

Problems solved by technology

Accordingly, it is undesirable for large portions of this trapped water to be rapidly flushed or otherwise flow from the suit during use.

Moreover, given the tight-fitting nature of wetsuits, it can be difficult for a wearer to put them on and take them off.

Unfortunately, such vertical zippers are not aesthetically pleasing, they can be difficult for a user to use without assistance, and they tend to allow a large amount of water to flush through them during use.

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