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  Neck closure system for a wetsuitUSPTO Application #: 20070067886Title: Neck closure system for a wetsuit Abstract: A flexible neck closure that is coupled to specific anchor points on the exterior back and front of a wetsuit by releasable fasteners such that a tensile force is generated in the closure when the wetsuit is worn. The back-to-front tensile forces produce a compressive seal between the flexible neck closure and the wetsuit exterior. The body of the neck closure may have an elongation that is greater or less than the elongation of the fastener. The inner surface of the neck closure and/or the exterior surface of the wetsuit may have one or more rib features for producing a localized seal. (end of abstract) Agent: Mehlin Dean Matthews - Saratoga, CA, US Inventors: John D. Hunter, Patrick F. O'Neill USPTO Applicaton #: 20070067886 - Class: 002002160 (USPTO) Related Patent Categories: Apparel, Guard Or Protector, Body Cover, Underwater Diver`s Body Cover, Having An Insulation Layer The Patent Description & Claims data below is from USPTO Patent Application 20070067886. Brief Patent Description - Full Patent Description - Patent Application Claims
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0001] 1. Field of the Invention [0002] The present invention relates to systems for restricting the entry of water through the neck opening of a wetsuit. [0003] 2. Description of Related Art [0004] Wetsuits are close fitting garments that are typically worn for insulation against cold temperatures in aquatic environments. The thermal insulation provided by a wetsuit derives from the close fit and the foam structure. Wetsuits used in aquatic sports are typically fabricated from foamed neoprene rubber with a thickness of about 1 to 6 millimeters. [0005] The thickness of a wetsuit and the degree of body coverage offered are generally determined by the expected temperature of the aquatic environment in which it is to be used. Wetsuits used in colder environments usually offer a degree of lower body coverage and are donned by stepping into the wetsuit. [0006] Although wetsuits permit a limited amount of water to enter, it is desirable to avoid a continuous flow of water into and out of the wet suit. The neck and shoulder area of a wetsuit is often the entry point for a wetsuit, and thus is usually a more difficult opening at which to obtain closure. [0007] In order to provide a closure for the neck region, the prior art has provided combinations of flaps and bibs with collars and hoods that typically form a seal on the interior of a wetsuit such as those disclosed in U.S. Patent Application Publications No. 20020108160 and No. 20050010988. [0008] The aforementioned prior art closure systems rely on areal contact seals that lack specific features for preventing the entrance of water. Further, these closure systems rely upon the inherent compression of the wetsuit interior, and do not provide forces specific to the seal between the closure and the wetsuit. The efficacy of an areal contact will be affected by the build of the user, the cut of the wet suit, and the movements of the user. [0009] Thus, a need exists for a neck closure system for a wetsuit that provides specific forces and/or features to provide a localized barrier to water entry that is not dependent upon the compression of the wetsuit interior. BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION [0010] The present invention provides a flexible neck closure that is coupled to specific anchor points on the exterior back and front of a wetsuit by releasable fasteners such that a tensile force is generated in the closure when the wetsuit is worn. The back-to-front tensile forces produce a compressive seal between the flexible neck closure and the wetsuit exterior. [0011] In one embodiment the body of the neck closure has a greater elongation than the fastener of the neck closure. For example, the neck closure body may be constructed of neoprene and the fastener may be a zipper. [0012] In another embodiment the body of the neck closure has a lesser elongation than the fastener of the neck closure. For example, the neck closure body may be constructed of thick neoprene and the fastener may include an elastic loop and hook. [0013] In a further embodiment a surface of the neck closure has at least one sealing rib feature for producing a localized seal against the exterior of the wetsuit. For example, a bead having a semi-circular cross-section may extend from back-to-front on the surface of the neck closure. [0014] In yet another embodiment the exterior surface of the wet suit has at least one sealing rib feature for producing a localized seal against a surface of the neck closure. For example, a bead having a semi-circular cross-section may extend from back-to-front on the exterior surface of the wetsuit. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS [0015] FIG. 1A shows a front view of a wetsuit with a non-sealing neck in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. [0016] FIG. 1B shows a back view of the wetsuit shown in FIG. 1A in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. [0017] FIG. 2A shows a front view of a wetsuit and a hood closure as part of a neck closure system in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. [0018] FIG. 2B shows a back view of the wetsuit of FIG. 2A in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. [0019] FIG. 3A shows a front view of a neck closure with a low collar in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. [0020] FIG. 3B shows a front view of a neck closure with a high collar in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. [0021] FIG. 3C shows a front view of a hooded neck closure in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. Continue reading... Full patent description for Neck closure system for a wetsuit Brief Patent Description - Full Patent Description - Patent Application Claims Click on the above for other options relating to this Neck closure system for a wetsuit patent application. ###  How KEYWORD MONITOR works... a FREE service from FreshPatents1. Sign up (takes 30 seconds). 2. Fill in the keywords to be monitored. 3. Each week you receive an email with patent applications related to your keywords. Start now! - Receive info on patent apps like Neck closure system for a wetsuit or other areas of interest. ### Previous Patent Application: Reconfigurable garment definition and production method Next Patent Application: Safety hat with adjustable visor Industry Class: Apparel ### FreshPatents.com Support Thank you for viewing the Neck closure system for a wetsuit patent info. IP-related news and info Results in 0.16344 seconds Other interesting Feshpatents.com categories: Computers: Graphics , I/O , Processors , Dyn. 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