US20150197324A1

US20150197324A1 - Bodysuit with sealing components

Info

Publication number: US20150197324A1
Application number: US14/595,522
Authority: US
Inventors: Dana Stewart MARLIN
Original assignee: Ossur hf
Current assignee: Ossur hf
Priority date: 2014-01-15
Filing date: 2015-01-13
Publication date: 2015-07-16
Also published as: EP3094552A1; WO2015108841A1; AU2015206729A1

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.

Description

FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE

The disclosure relates to the field of bodysuits, such as wetsuits or drysuits, worn to protect a wearer against the environment.

BACKGROUND

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.
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.
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

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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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

FIG. 1 illustrates an embodiment of a bodysuit.

FIG. 2 illustrates an embodiment of a bodysuit including seal components.

FIG. 3 illustrates an embodiment of a bodysuit including adherence seal components.

FIGS. 4A-4B illustrate an embodiment of a bodysuit including a combination of seal components and adherence seal components.

FIGS. 5A-5B illustrate an embodiment of a bodysuit including locking components.

FIG. 6 is a sectional view of a seal component.

FIGS. 7A-7B are sectional views of another seal component.

FIGS. 8A-8B are sectional views of another seal component.

FIGS. 9A-9B are sectional views of another seal component.

FIGS. 10A-10B are sectional views of another seal component.

FIGS. 11A-11O are sectional views of various other embodiments of a seal element.

FIGS. 12A-12B are sectional views of another seal component.

FIG. 13A is a perspective sectional view of another seal.

FIG. 13B is a sectional view of a seal component.

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

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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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).
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.
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.
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.
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.

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.