SPLIT SKIN DRY-SUIT

Abstract

This invention pertains to a novel dry-suit design that has a smooth elastomeric outer shell which envelopes a separate element proof inner shell. The dry-suit has a smooth integral outer appearance thereby enabling ready movement and comfortable use by a wearer.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS

Exemplary embodiments are illustrated in referenced figures of the drawings. It is intended that the embodiments and figures disclosed herein are to be considered illustrative rather than restrictive.

FIG. 1 illustrates an isometric frontal view of a person wearing a double layer dry-suit according to the invention.

FIG. 2 illustrates a side cut away view of the arm of a double layer dry-suit according to the invention.

FIGS. 3 a, 3b and 3c respectively illustrate side views of the interior side of a section of elastic outer material with spatially disposed anti-slip elements, the exterior side of the inner material with spatially disposed anti-slip elements, or both the interior sides of the outer material and the exterior side of the inner material with spatially disposed anti-slip elements.

Claims

1. A double layer dry-suit comprising: (a) a first hollow element-proof flexible material formed in the shape of a human body including two arms, two legs and a torso; and(b) a second hollow elastic material formed in the shape of a human body including two arms, two legs and a torso overlying the first material.

2. A dry-suit as claimed in claim 1 wherein the first flexible material is formed of flexible breathable polyurethane coated nylon fabric or flexible breathable waterproof nylon fabric.

3. A dry-suit as claimed in claim 1 wherein the first flexible material is formed of elastomer coated fabric, neoprene, flexible polystyrene, latex, butadiene, polyvinyl or rubber.

4. A dry-suit as claimed in claim 1 wherein the second elastic material is formed of neoprene, flexible polystyrene, latex, butadiene, polyvinyl, rubber, elastic fabric or Lycra fabric.

5. A dry-suit as claimed in claim 2 wherein the second elastic material is formed of neoprene, polystyrene, latex, butadiene, polyvinyl, rubber, elastic fabric or Lycra fabric.

6. A dry-suit as claimed in claim 3 wherein the second elastic material is formed of neoprene, polystyrene, latex, butadiene, polyvinyl, rubber, elastic fabric or Lycra fabric.

7. A dry-suit as claimed in claim 1 wherein the first and second materials are connected at the neck, wrist and ankle areas of the dry-suit.

8. A dry-suit as claimed in claim 7 wherein the first and second materials are connected together by hook and pile fasteners.

9. A dry-suit as claimed in claim 1 wherein the area of the second elastic material is smaller than the area of the first element-proof flexible material.

10. A dry-suit as claimed in claim 9 wherein the elastomeric action of the second elastic material compresses the underlying first element-proof flexible fabric to provide a dry-suit with a smooth outer skin.

11. A dry-suit as claimed in claim 1 wherein the suit is formed in separate sections which are connected together.

12. A dry-suit as claimed in claim 11 wherein the separate sections are formed to fit the upper body and the lower body.

13. A dry-suit as claimed in claim 1 wherein at least one of the mating surfaces of the first material or the second material has adhesive thereon.

14. A dry-suit as claimed in claim 1 wherein at least one of the mating surfaces of the buttocks area or the chest area of the first material or the second material of the dry-suit has adhesive thereon to hold the first and second materials together in the buttocks area or the chest area.

15. A dry-suit as claimed in claim 14 wherein the second material facing buttocks area or the chest area of the first material has thereon a spacial array of detachable adhesive sites.

16. A method of constructing a dry-suit comprising: (a) preparing a first hollow element-proof flexible material in the shape of a human body including two arms, two legs and a torso;(b) preparing a second hollow elastic material in the shape of a human body including two arms, two legs and a torso; and(c) overlying the second material on the first material.

17. A method as claimed in claim 16 wherein the second material is smaller in area than the first material.

18. A method as claimed in claim 16 wherein the elastomeric action of the second hollow elastic material compresses the underlying first element-proof fabric to provide a smooth outer surface to the dry-suit.

19. A method as claimed in claim 16 wherein the first flexible material is connected to the second elastic material at the neck, wrist and ankle areas of the dry-suit.

20. A method as claimed in claim 19 wherein the neck, wrist and ankle areas of the dry-suit are fitted with detachable hook and pile fasteners.

21. A method as claimed in claim 16 wherein a waterproof zipper is secured to the upper torso area of the first and second materials of the dry suit.

22. A method as claimed in claim 16 including applying to the seat or chest area of the material facing surface of either the first material or the second material a detachable adhesive.