WO2017091775A1

WO2017091775A1 - Buoyant watersport garments

Info

Publication number: WO2017091775A1
Application number: PCT/US2016/063679
Authority: WO
Inventors: Robert Gregg GALLENBERGER; Jeff Bollengier
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2015-11-24
Filing date: 2016-11-23
Publication date: 2017-06-01
Anticipated expiration: 2018-05-24

Abstract

Buoyant watersport garments are disclosed that include one or more buoyancy enhancing devices incorporated into a watersport garment, such as a wetsuit, a dry suit, a rash guard, or board shorts. The buoyancy enhancing devices can be arranged or positioned to be below (or partially below) the waterline when the watersport garment is in use.

Description

BUOYANT WATERSPORT GARMENTS

INCORPORATION BY REFERENCE TO ANY PRIORITY APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/259,461 , filed November 24, 2015, and U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/277,254, filed January 1 1 , 2016, each of which is incorporated by reference in its entirety and for all purposes.

BACKGROUND

[0002] Wetsuits are garments that are worn while participating in water sports, such as surfing, diving, windsurfing, paddling, and water skiing. These suits are typically made of neoprene and provide thermal insulation as well as protection from abrasion. Neoprene wetsuits, particularly wetsuits made from foamed neoprene, also provide some degree of buoyancy resulting from trapped gas bubbles. Despite the existence of such buoyant foamed-neoprene wetsuits, watersport garments with additional buoyancy enhancements may be advantageous.

SUMMARY

[0003] Buoyant watersport garments can be constructed to incorporate one or more buoyancy enhancing devices. While various embodiments of buoyancy enhancing devices are disclosed herein, in general, the buoyancy enhancing devices can have a specific gravity less than 1 .00 to ensure that the devices provide a buoyant force when submerged in water. In one exemplary embodiment, a buoyancy enhancing device can include a buoyancy enhancing panel formed from a water-tight, flexible material. The panel can include one or more air pockets. The panel can additionally, or alternatively, be interspersed with buoyancy enhancing particles (e.g., hollow micro-beads). In another exemplary embodiment, a buoyancy enhancing device can include a pattern of discrete air cells (not accompanied by a panel) integrable into a watersport garment.

[0004] Buoyancy enhancing devices can be incorporated into any type of watersport garment, including wetsuits, dry suits, board shorts, rash guards, and so on. By strategically arranging the devices in areas of a garment corresponding to parts of the wearer that tend to submerge below the waterline while the wearer is performing a watersport activity (such as paddling a surfboard), the devices can help to reduce drag, which may result in improved paddle speed and more efficient "pop-up" transitions.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0005] These drawings depict only several embodiments in accordance with the disclosure and are not to be considered limiting of its scope. In the drawings, similar reference numbers or symbols typically identify similar components, unless context dictates otherwise. The drawings may not be to scale. In the drawings:

[0006] FIG. 1 shows a pictorial view of an exemplary buoyant watersport garment, in accordance with various embodiments;

[0007] FIG. 2 shows a perspective view of several buoyancy enhancing panels incorporated into a watersport garment, in accordance with various embodiments;

[0008] FIG. 3 shows a pictorial view of an exemplary buoyancy enhancing panel, in accordance with various embodiments;

[0009] FIGS. 4A- D show pictorial views of various exemplary buoyant watersport garments, in accordance with various embodiments;

[0010] FIG. 5A shows a perspective view of a user, depicting a line representative of the waterline when the user is submerged during a watersport activity, in accordance with various embodiments;

[0011] FIG. 5B shows a bottom perspective view of two users, depicting a line representative of the waterline of one of the users when submerged during a watersport activity, in accordance with various embodiments;

[0012] FIG. 6A shows a pictorial side view of an exemplary watersport garment equipped with buoyancy enhancing devices, depicting lines representative of a waterline, in accordance with various embodiments;

[0013] FIG. 6B shows a pictorial front view of the exemplary watersport garment of FIG. 6A, depicting the waterline; and

[0014] FIG. 7 shows a pictorial representation of a portion of a die-cut watersport garment and a complementarily shaped buoyancy enhancing insert, in accordance with various embodiments. [0015] FIGS. 8A and 8B show pictorial representations of a surfer paddling for a wave.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0016] Buoyant watersport garments are disclosed that, in some embodiments, can improve the wearer's capabilities, particularly while performing a watersport activity (such as paddling a surfboard). A buoyant watersport garment can include a watersport garment having one or more buoyancy enhancing devices arranged or positioned on the garment. In some embodiments, one or of the buoyancy enhancing devices are arranged or positioned (fully or partially) on a ventral side of the garment (i.e., the side that, when worn, is arranged adjacently to the wearer's ventral side). In some embodiments, the ventral side is a front side of the garment or wearer. In some embodiments, in the case of a wetsuit worn during surfing, the ventral side can include the portion of the garment facing the surfboard when the wearer lies prone on the surfboard (for example, while paddling). In some embodiments, in the case of a wetsuit worn during surfing, the ventral side may be submerged (or at least partially submerged) when a wearer lies prone on the surfboard in the water.

[0017] Watersport garments can include any suitable garments, including, but not be limited to, wetsuits (e.g., designed for surfing and/or other activities that involve paddling on a flotation device), dry suits, rash guards (e.g., long sleeve rash guards, tank top rash guards, standard t-shirt-style rash guards, such as those composed of spandex, nylon, polyester, or the like), board shorts, undergarments (e.g., compression undergarments or the like worn under a wetsuit or for surfing in tropical waters), garments designed to wrap around the shins and/or calves (e.g., similar to soft neoprene or spandex braces), swim shirts (e.g., loose shirts composed of the same or similar material as rash guards), wetsuit pants, wetsuit shorts, all other types of wetsuit configurations (e.g., full suits, full suits with short sleeves, full suits with tank tops, spring suits with long sleeves, standard spring suits, tank top spring suits, and wetsuit tops, such as long sleeve tops, short sleeve tops, and tank tops), compression shorts, and compression pants (e.g., worn under board shorts or wetsuits). Watersport garments can, for example, be composed of neoprene, spandex (e.g., Lycra®), nylon, polyester, quick-dry nylon, polyamide, any other like material, or any combination of these materials, and can be designed for use in surfing or other types of water board sports, including, but not limited to, those involving stand up paddling, boogie boards, knee boards, and wake boards.

[0018] For ease of description, this disclosure often describes a watersport garment as a wetsuit configured for use during surfing; however, this disclosure is not intended by this description and is broadly applicable to a wide variety of watersport garments configured for use in a wide variety of watersport activities.

[0019] Incorporating buoyancy enhancing devices into watersport garments can allow a surfer to leverage increased buoyancy while paddling and catching waves by improving both paddle speed and balance. With buoyancy enhancing devices arranged in locations of a garment that are typically below the waterline while the wearer is performing a watersport activity (such as paddling a surfboard), the buoyant watersport garments disclosed herein can, for example, reduce drag by reducing down force on the surfboard, thereby allowing the surfboard to ride higher and plane more efficiently. In particular, this placement of buoyancy enhancing devices improves buoyancy in the areas of the body that most negatively affect paddle speed efficiency under water, namely the abdomen, thighs, calves, knees, and shins.

[0020] Watersport garments including buoyancy enhancing devices can also promote efficient "pop-up" transitions (i.e., transitions from prone to standing positions on a surfboard) by allowing the wearer's thighs and shins, for example, to lift more quickly than would be possible while wearing traditional watersport garments.

[0021] Additionally, the buoyant watersport garments disclosed herein can increase paddling speed with fewer strokes, which allows the wearer to catch more waves, save energy by reducing the effort required to elevate the legs while paddling, and avoid injury by providing additional lower back support. These performance enhancing benefits can help novice surfers quickly improve their skills. Seasoned surfers can also benefit from the sensation of floating (caused by the increased bouncy), which may help the body relax and perform more efficiently.

[0022] FIG. 1 shows a pictorial view of exemplary buoyant watersport garment 100, in accordance with various embodiments. Buoyant watersport garment 100 can include one or more buoyancy enhancing devices in the form of buoyancy enhancing panels 1 10 arranged or positioned on (or at least partially on) the wearer's ventral side. In the illustrated embodiment, the buoyant watersport garment 100 is a full-body garment, such as a wetsuit or dry suit, for example, with buoyancy enhancing panels 1 10 arranged on portions of the garment adjacent to the wearer's torso, thighs, and shins when the garment 100 is donned.

[0023] In some embodiments, buoyancy enhancing panels 1 10 can each be disposed in a pocket on the garment 100 that are shaped to securely receive each panel 1 10. The pockets can be fully stitched or sewn, fused, or otherwise closed to permanently retain the buoyancy enhancing panels 1 10, or alternatively, can be openable (e.g., via a zipper, hook and loop material, snap, button, or other reversible fastening mechanism) for insertion and removal of the panels as desired. In some embodiments, the pockets can be composed of the same or similar material(s) as the garment itself (e.g., neoprene, plastic mesh, etc.).

[0024] In some embodiments, a single contiguous buoyancy enhancing panel 1 10 can be disposed in each of the above-described pockets. In other embodiments, a collection of smaller buoyancy enhancing panels 1 10 can be disposed in each of the pockets, which may advantageously allow relatively free movement by the wearer, depending on the material chosen to form the panels. In either case, in some embodiments, the pockets can retain the panels 1 10 with little or no play, which can prevent unwanted shifting of the panels 1 10 while the garment 100 is in use. In some embodiments, however, the buoyancy enhancing panels 1 10 can be configured to freely float within the pockets when disposed therein, which can provide flexibility in wearer movement during use, since the panels are not fixed or otherwise coupled directly to the garment 100.

[0025] It is to be appreciated that buoyancy enhancing panels 1 10 can be coupled to the garment 100 in other ways besides the pockets described above. In some embodiments, the panels 1 10 can be fixed directly to the fabric of the garment (e.g., by sewing, by fusing, by adhering the panels with an adhesive or other fastening system, such as Velcro®, by die-cutting panel or air pocket patterns into the garment, or the like).

[0026] In some embodiments, the panels 1 10 can be affixed (by pockets or other methods) to an internal side of the garment 100. In some embodiments, the panels 1 10 can be affixed (by pockets or other methods) to an external side of the garment.

[0027] FIG. 2 shows a perspective view of several buoyancy enhancing panels 1 10 incorporated into a buoyant watersport garment 200, in accordance with various embodiments. In particular, FIG. 2 depicts buoyant watersport garment 200 having an alternative arrangement of buoyancy enhancing panels 1 10. That is, rather than arranging buoyancy enhancing panels 1 10 on the garment adjacent to the wearer's thighs and shins (as shown in FIG. 1 ), the panels 1 10 can be located adjacent to the wearer's thighs and knees as shown in FIG. 2. This arrangement of panels 1 10 may be particularly useful for use with watersport garments that do not cover the full leg of the wearer (e.g., a shorty wetsuit). It is to be appreciated that buoyancy enhancing panels (e.g., buoyancy enhancing panels 1 10 or panels similar thereto), and more generally, buoyancy enhancing devices, can be arranged on a garment in any desirable manner to provide buoyancy to selected portions of a wearer's body. In some embodiments, the buoyancy enhancing panels 1 10 or buoyancy enhancing devices are arranged on portions of the garment that are typically submerged (or partially submerged) when the garment is worn (such as, for example, any of the wearer's abdomen, thighs, knees, calves, shins, or any combination of these or other body portions). In various embodiments, buoyancy enhancing devices (whether in the form of panels, such as panels 1 10, or in any other configuration, such as discrete air cells) can span the entirety or a substantial portion of a watersport garment. As one example, the devices can be formed on the entirety or a substantial portion of a watersport undergarment.

[0028] FIG. 3 shows a pictorial view of exemplary buoyancy enhancing panel 210, in accordance with various embodiments. In some embodiments, buoyancy enhancing panel 210 can include membrane 212 and air cells or pockets 214. Air pockets 214 can be inflated with a gas (e.g., air, nitrogen, helium, or argon) in order to reduce the specific gravity of the panel below 1.00. In some embodiments, buoyancy enhancing panel 210 can be an insert, such as, for example, one or more sheets of Bubble Wraps® or like materials or products (which include multiple pockets filled with air). In some embodiments, the insert can be disposable. In various embodiments, buoyancy enhancing particles, such as hollow micro beads, can be distributed throughout membrane 212. Such particles can be employed in addition to or in lieu of air pockets 214.

[0029] Generally speaking, the lower the specific gravity, the more buoyant force is produced by the buoyancy enhancing panel 210. The number and size of air pockets 214 (or buoyancy enhancing particles) can be chosen to optimize both buoyancy and comfort. For instance, while a single air pocket nearly coextensive with membrane 212 might provide more buoyancy than several smaller air pockets, the single air pocket design may be too restrictive of movement, especially if placed adjacent to areas of the body that need to move freely, such as the knees. Accordingly, a matrix layout of air pockets 214 (such as that depicted in FIG. 3) can provide sufficient buoyancy while allowing a full range of movement for the body part adjacent to the panel.

[0030] In some embodiments, air pockets 214 can be inflatable to allow adjustment of the panels' buoyancy characteristics. For that purpose, buoyancy enhancing panel 210 can be provided with one or more valves to permit inflation and deflation of air pockets 214.

[0031] Buoyancy enhancing panels 210 are preferably formed from a material that can withstand prolonged and repeated exposure to fresh and/or salt water. For example, silicone rubber or polyurethane are particularly advantageous choices as they are generally non-reactive, stable, and resistant to extreme environments. Further, silicone rubber and polyurethane are flexible, light weight, bacteria resistant, and have a high resistance to tearing. Silicone rubber and polyurethane are also highly manufacturable, with extrusion, injection molding, and fusing techniques all well suited for forming the buoyancy enhancing panels disclosed herein. Use of other materials is also possible.

[0032] In various embodiments, buoyancy enhancing panels 210 can additionally, or alternatively, be formed from one or more materials having a specific gravity less than 1 .00. The material(s) can include a foam material, one or more lightweight plastics, a soft good or fabric (such as, for example, Lycra®), like material(s), or any combination of thereof.

[0033] It is to be understood that buoyancy enhancing devices are not limited to panel configurations (such as buoyancy enhancing panels 210) having membranes or substrates. In some embodiments, watersport garments can alternatively incorporate one or more patterns of discrete air cells or pockets (which can be similar to air pockets 214). For example, one or more patches or patterns of discrete air cells can be, as a group or individually, sewn, fused, adhered with an adhesive or other fastening system, such as Velcro®, die-cut, or otherwise fixed to a watersport garment. The air cells can be composed of any suitable material (such as, for example, light weight plastic, stretchable silicone rubber, polyurethane, other like materials, or any combination thereof). In some embodiments, the air cells can be integrated into the entirety or a substantial portion of any given watersport garment. For example, the air cells can be coupled to the entirety or a substantial portion of a garment or undergarment. In some embodiments, the air cells are coupled to a ventral side of a garment or undergarment. In some embodiments, the air cells are coupled to a portion of the garment or undergarment that is submerged (or partially submerged) during use of the garment or undergarment.

[0034] FIGS. 4A^1D show pictorial views of various exemplary buoyant watersport garments, in accordance with various embodiments. In particular, FIG. 4A shows a pictorial view of buoyant wetsuit 400a, FIG. 4B shows a pictorial view of buoyant undergarment 400b, FIG. 4C shows a pictorial view of two-piece watersport garment 400c, and FIG. 4D shows a pictorial view of two-piece watersport garment 400d with optional shin sleeves 402. It is to be appreciated that the advantages of buoyancy enhancing devices disclosed herein are not limited to watersport garments. The devices can, for example, be suitable for inclusion in other types of garments, such as military uniforms or apparel (e.g., as military survival swim suits).

[0035] In various embodiments, garments designed to wrap around the shins and/or calves (e.g., similar to soft neoprene or spandex braces) can be equipped with buoyancy enhancing devices. For example, these garments can include one or more pockets configured to retain one or more buoyancy enhancing panels (e.g., panel 210). As another example, these garments can include one or more buoyancy enhancing panels integrated (e.g., stitched or the like) directly thereon. As yet another example, these garments can include discrete air cells (not including any membrane, such as membrane 212 of panel 210) integrated and interspersed thereon. Any of these configuration can provide flotation for a wearer's lower legs.

[0036] It is to be appreciated that other garments can be similarly equipped with buoyancy enhancing devices, including, but not limited to, long sleeve rash guards, swim shirts (e.g., loose shirts composed of the same or similar material as rash guards), board shorts, wetsuit pants, wetsuit shorts, and wetsuit configurations (e.g., full suits, full suits with short sleeves, full suits with tank tops, spring suits with long sleeves, standard spring suits, tank top spring suits, and wetsuit tops, such as long sleeve tops, short sleeve tops, and tank tops).

[0037] In various embodiments, one or more buoyancy enhancing devices (e.g., panels and/or discrete air cells) can also be coupled to the pelvis region of a watersport garment. In some embodiments, a garment can be equipped with one or more buoyancy enhancing panels for each leg that wrap (e.g., completely) around the thigh and hamstring regions of the upper leg above the knee. [0038] In some embodiments, one or more buoyancy enhancing devices can similarly be applied the knee or knee pad of a wetsuit or soft goods undergarment.

[0039] In some embodiments, a wetsuit or other suitable watersport garment can be equipped with one or more buoyancy enhancing devices configured to wrap around the upper leg and the lower leg spanning to the area proximate the "waterline" (e.g., defined, in some embodiments, as the front side of the wetsuit corresponding to the ventral side of a wearer, namely the lower torso, from below the chest to the feet) when a wearer is submerged during watersport activity. For example, a wetsuit can include one or more buoyancy enhancing panels that span and wrap the inner thighs and the inner sides of the shins, from the ventral side of the garment all the way to the "waterline."

[0040] FIG. 5A shows a perspective view of a user, depicting a line 500 representative of the waterline when the user is submerged during a watersport activity, in accordance with various embodiments. FIG. 5B shows a bottom perspective view of two users, depicting a line 502 representative of the waterline of one of the users when submerged during a watersport activity, in accordance with various embodiments. Eddies surrounding the two users can be seen in FIG. 5B. The waterline may be different depending on the watersport. In the illustrated examples of FIG. 5A and 5B, users are shown surfing with the waterline illustrated. However, in other watersports the waterline may fall at different locations. Further the location of the waterline may depend on the weight of the user and/or the size and/or volume of the floatation device (such as a surfboard). As used throughout this disclosure, the term "water line" refers to an approximate line which divides a submerged portion of a user and garment from a portion above the water.

[0041] FIG. 6A shows a pictorial side view of an exemplary watersport garment equipped with buoyancy enhancing devices, depicting lines 600 representative of the waterline, in accordance with various embodiments. FIG. 6B shows a pictorial front view of the exemplary watersport garment of FIG. 6A, depicting waterline 600, in accordance with various embodiments. As shown in FIGS. 6A and 6B, buoyancy enhancing devices (whether implemented in the form of panels, such as panels 1 10 or 210, or as patterns or patches of discrete air cells) can be located on select portions of a front side of a watersport garment, and can span toward the rear side of the garment up to the waterline. [0042] FIG. 7 shows a pictorial representation of a portion of die-cut watersport garment 700 and a complementarily shaped buoyancy enhancing insert 710, in accordance with various embodiments. Watersport garment 700 includes a die-cut pattern 702 configured to accept a buoyancy enhancing insert 710. The rectangular grid shape of die-cut pattern 702 is merely exemplary, and various die-cut patterns located throughout watersport garment 700 may be any suitable shape (e.g., any suitable polygon or irregular shape). Additionally, if die-cut pattern 702 is grid-shaped, the grid pitch (i.e., the spacing between intersection points) may be varied as desired to optimize flexibility and/or buoyance for a given buoyancy enhancing insert 710.

[0043] Buoyancy enhancing insert 710 can be inserted into, and retained within die- cut pattern 702. Accordingly, the insert can be shaped complementarily to the shape of the pattern die cut into the watersport garment. As depicted in FIG. 7, buoyancy enhancing insert 710 is a grid-shaped element with air cells 712 located at intersection points of the grid. In such embodiments, the fluid lines 714 can interconnect the air cells to allow for simple inflation and/or deflation.

[0044] In some embodiments, buoyancy enhancing devices can be positioned through the entirety of the portion of the garment that is positioned below the waterline. For example, a panel can cover the abdomen, pelvis, thighs, and shins of a garment.

[0045] In some embodiments, buoyancy enhancing devices (such as panels or air pockets) are no more than 1 mm thick, no more than 2 mm thick, no more than 3 mm thick, no more than 4 mm thick, no more than 5 mm thick, no more than 6 mm thick, no more than 7 mm thick, no more than 8 mm thick, no more than 9 mm thick, or no more than 10 mm thick, although other thicknesses are possible. In some embodiments, a garment including a buoyancy enhancing device is no more than 3 mm thick, no more than 4 mm thick, no more than 5 mm thick, no more than 6 mm thick, no more than 7 mm thick, no more than 8 mm thick, no more than 8 mm thick, no more than 10 mm thick, no more than 15 mm thick, or no more than 20 mm thick. In some embodiments, the buoyancy enhancing device is integrated into the garment so that the thickness of the garment is not substantially increased. For example, the buoyancy enhancing device increases the thickness of the garment by less than 50%, less than 40%, less than 30%, less than 20%, or less than 10%. [0046] In some embodiments, the volume of the buoyancy enhancing devices depends on the weight of the intended wearer of the garment. In general, heavier wearers may require more buoyancy, although this need not always be the case.

[0047] In some embodiments, the buoyancy enhancing devices provide a buoyant force of about 2%, about 5%, about 10%, about 20%, about 25%, about 30%, about 40%, or about 50% the weight of the user.

[0048] In some embodiments, the volume of the buoyancy housing devices is about 50 cubic inches per panel, about 40 cubic inches per panel, about 30 cubic inches per panel, about 20 cubic inches per panel, or about 10 cubic inches per panel, as well as ranges in between and larger and smaller. These are provided by way of example and other volumes are possible.

[0049] It should be understood that the aspects, features and advantages made apparent from the foregoing are efficiently attained and, since certain changes may be made in the disclosed inventive embodiments without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention, it is intended that all matter contained herein shall be interpreted as illustrative and not in a limiting sense.

[0050] The following material provides additional information and examples according to various embodiments. These examples and embodiments are not intended to be limiting and are merely provided to further illustrate several aspects of this disclosure which may be present in some embodiments. In some instances, these examples refer to paddle assist technology ("P.A.T."). As used herein, P.A.T. refers to technology that may improve a user's ability to paddle (for example, on a surfboard) when wearing a garment. P.A.T. can include any of the buoyancy enhancing device or panels described above and can be incorporated into any of the garments described herein.

[0051] In some embodiments, Paddle Assist Technology (PAT) includes strategically placed buoyant panel (e.g., air filled panels or other buoyant panels) technology allows a surfer to leverage buoyancy while paddling and catching waves, drastically improving paddle speed and balance. In some embodiments, PAT panels can be specifically placed in the areas of the body that are below the waterline while paddling.

[0052] In some embodiments, the benefits of PAT can include one or more of the following: [0053] Reduce Drag while paddling (while paddling the surfers body puts less downward force on the surfboard allowing the surfboard to ride higher, and plane more efficiently). Paddle speed may be dramatically increased.

[0054] Improve Buoyancy; Placement of PAT panels on the body improves the buoyancy in the areas of the body that negatively affect paddle speed efficiency under water. Here are some specific locations on the body that dramatically increase paddling speed, (abdomen, thighs, and shins). See, for example, FIG. 1.

[0055] Efficient "Pop up" Transition (paddling to standing position) The PAT panels in the thighs and shin allow the legs to lift quicker. This benefit is a game changer!

[0056] Increases paddling speed with less strokes. All and all the increased paddle speed allows you to catch more waves and save on energy. When chasing down a wave "swinger" the paddle explosion is dramatic and empowering.

[0057] Helps beginners quickly improve their surfing skills

[0058] The sensation of floating helps the body to relax and work more efficiently. Also supports the lower back and reduces effort to elevate legs while paddling.

[0059] PAT will get more consumers excited about surfing and ocean activities. Quickly improve their surfing skills from beginners to pro's.

[0060] The PAT buoyancy helps the body to relax and work more efficiently. Supports the lower back and reduces effort to elevate legs while paddling.

[0061] In some embodiments, an example material specification can include (see, for example, FIGS. 2 and 3): Silicon Rubber. Silicon rubber is found in automotive and household applications. Also found in apparel such as, undergarments, sportswear and footwear. The benefits of silicone rubber can include: silicone rubber is generally non-reactive, stable, and resistant to extreme environments. Additionally, silicone rubber can be flexible, light weight, bacteria free or resistant, and tear resistant (e.g., high tear strength). Example manufacturing techniques can include: extruded, injection molded, fused, among others.

[0062] In some embodiments, an example material specification can include (see, for example, FIG. 7): polyurethane. Polyurethane is found in automotive and household applications. Also found in apparel such as, undergarments, sportswear and footwear. In some embodiments, benefits of polyurethane include that it is generally non-reactive, stable, and resistant to extreme environments. Additionally, polyurethane can be flexible, light weight, bacteria free or resistant, and tear resistant (e.g., high tear strength). Example manufacturing techniques can include: extruded, injection molded, fused, among others.

Example 1

[0063] As lifelong surfers the inventors (Bobby Gallenberger and Jeff Bollengier) have a deep understanding of surfing with over 60 years of combined surfing experience. Bobby was talking with Jeff about his frustration while surfing due to his lower body muscle mass (thighs and calves) and how the weight of Bobby's lower body led to more drag while paddling. Also this leads to lower back pain due to the strain while laydown paddling on a surfboard. Initially the idea lead to add buoyancy to the shins to relieve the weight of his calves, allowing Bobby to relax and not strain to keep his lower body lifted in the water while paddling. Note: Part of the process of learning to surf is how to position and streamline the body while paddling to catch waves.

[0064] The inventors realized they could relieve body weight from locations through the entire body that is submerged while paddling on a surfboard. After prototyping and testing we validated our concept and also realized that P.A.T. has a huge effect on paddle speed and lift for popping up on a surfboard. Popping up or getting up is usually one of the more difficult aspects of surfing. On top of this the P.A.T. panels buoyancy evenly balances your body as it floats in the water. The results are amazing to say the least. As surfers it's our belief, if you're not catching waves you're not having fun.

[0065] P.A.T. allows surfers at every level (beginner to professional) to experience less stress on the body, a competitive advantage, more enjoyable, better overall surfing experience. We believe that P.A.T. is the best technology/innovation to hit the surf industry since Simon Anderson invented the tri-fin surfboard over 30 years ago.

[0066] In some embodiments, PAT panels are specifically placed in the areas of the body that are below the waterline while paddling. Definition of waterline: The waterline as it pertains to the water covering the surfer's body. See, for example, FIGS. 5A-6B.

[0067] Example Comparison of a standard wetsuit vs. an example wetsuit with

P.A.T.:

Standard Wetsuit: Example wetsuit with P.A.T. • As the wave begins to crest. The body • Paddle Assist Technology improves the of water in front of the wave begins to paddling angle and body weight ratio in speed up backwards to feed the crest of calm waters

the wave. • When the wave comes in, the lower

• The surfer is pulled by the backwards half of the body is under water as the motion of the water, thus the surfer lower crest starts to build up. The air needs to kick and paddle much faster to chambers increases buoyancy and catch the wave. If the surfer's legs are reduces drag while increasing paddling lower into the water, this increases speed.

drag. • Getting into the wave much earlier

, for example, FIG. 8A. allows to check fade, or high line the wave for speed.

• See, for, example, FIG. 8B.

[0068] The foregoing description details certain embodiments of the systems, devices, and methods disclosed herein. It will be appreciated, however, that no matter how detailed the foregoing appears in text, the systems, devices, and methods can be practiced in many ways. As is also stated above, it should be noted that the use of particular terminology when describing certain features or aspects of the invention should not be taken to imply that the terminology is being re-defined herein to be restricted to including any specific characteristics of the features or aspects of the technology with which that terminology is associated.

[0069] It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that various modifications and changes can be made without departing from the scope of the described technology. Such modifications and changes are intended to fall within the scope of the embodiments. It will also be appreciated by those of skill in the art that parts included in one embodiment are interchangeable with other embodiments; one or more parts from a depicted embodiment can be included with other depicted embodiments in any combination. For example, any of the various components described herein and/or depicted in the figures can be combined, interchanged or excluded from other embodiments.

[0070] The above description discloses several methods and materials of the present invention. This invention is susceptible to modifications in the methods and materials, as well as alterations in the fabrication methods and equipment. Such modifications will become apparent to those skilled in the art from a consideration of this disclosure or practice of the invention disclosed herein. Consequently, it is not intended that this invention be limited to the specific embodiments disclosed herein, but that it cover all modifications and alternatives coming within the true scope and spirit of the invention as embodied in the attached claims. Applicant reserves the right to submit claims directed to combinations and sub-combinations of the disclosed inventions that are believed to be novel and non-obvious. Inventions embodied in other combinations and sub-combinations of features, functions, elements and/or properties can be claimed through amendment of those claims or presentation of new claims in the present application or in a related application. Such amended or new claims, whether they are directed to the same invention or a different invention and whether they are different, broader, narrower or equal in scope to the original claims, are to be considered within the subject matter of the inventions described herein.

Claims

WHAT IS CLAIMED IS:

1 . A watersport garment comprising:

at least one garment configured to be worn by a user; and

at least one buoyancy enhancing device positioned on the garment.

2. The watersport garment of Claim 1, wherein the at least one garment comprises a wetsuits, a dry suits, a rash guard, board shorts, an undergarment, a garment designed to wrap around the shins and/or calves, a swim shirts, wetsuit pants, wetsuit shorts, a full suit, a full suit with short sleeves, a full suit with a tank top, a spring suits with long sleeves, a standard spring suit, a tank top spring suit, a wetsuit top, such as long sleeve tops, short sleeve tops, and tank tops), compression shorts, and/or compression pants.

3. The watersport garment of any of Claims 1 to 2 wherein the at least one garment comprises neoprene, spandex, nylon, polyester, quick-dry nylon, polyamide, or a combination thereof.

4. The watersport garment of any of Claims 1 to 3, wherein the at least one garment is designed for during in surfing.

5. The watersport garment of any of Claims 1 to 3, wherein the at least one garment is configured for use during stand up paddling, boogie boards, knee boards, and wake boards.

6. The watersport garment of any of Claims 1 to 5, wherein the at least one buoyancy enhancing device is positioned on a ventral side of the at least one garment.

7. The watersport garment of any of Claims 1 to 5, wherein the at least one buoyancy enhancing device is positioned to be below a waterline when the at least one garment is worn by a user participating in a watersport.

8. The watersport garment of any of Claims 1 to 7, wherein the at least one buoyancy enhancing device is a buoyancy enhancing panel.

9. The watersport garment of Claim 8, wherein the buoyancy enhancing panel includes one or more gas pockets.

10. The watersport garment of Claim 9, wherein the one or more gas pockets can be inflated and/or deflated by a user.

1 1. The watersport garment of Claims 8 to 10, wherein the buoyancy enhancing panel comprises buoyancy enhancing particles.

12. The watersport garment of Claim 1 1 , wherein the buoyancy enhancing particles comprise hollow micro-beads.

13. The watersport garment of Claims 1 to 7, wherein the buoyancy enhancing device comprises a pattern of discrete air cells integrated into the at least one garment.

14. The watersport garment of any of Claims 1 to 13, wherein the at least one garment includes at least one pocket configured to receive the at least one buoyancy enhancing device.

15. The watersport garment of Claim 14, wherein each at least one pocket is configured to receive at least one buoyancy enhancing device.

16. The watersport garment of Claim 14, wherein each at least one pocket is configured to receive a plurality of buoyancy enhancing devices.

17. The watersport garment of any of Claims 14 to 16, wherein each at least one pocket is configure to securely receive each buoyancy enhancing device such that the pocket substantially restricts movement of the buoyancy enhancing device within the pocket.

18. The watersport garment of any of Claims 14 to 16, wherein each at least one pocket is configured to be larger than the received buoyancy enhancing device such that the buoyancy enhancing device can move around within the pocket.

19. The water sport garment of any of Claims 14 to 18, wherein the pockets are fully stitched or sewn, fused, or otherwise closed to permanently retain the buoyancy enhancing devices.

20. The water sport garment of any of Claims 14 to 18, wherein the pockets are selectively openable and closeable.

21. The watersport garment of any of Claims 1 to 20, wherein the buoyancy enhancing device is fixed directly to the garment.

22. The watersport garment of Claim 21 , wherein the buoyancy device is fixed by sewing, fusing, adhering with an adhesive or hook and loop material, and/or by die-cutting panel or air pocket patterns into the garment.

23. The watersport garment of any of Claims 1 to 22, wherein the buoyancy enhancing devices are positioned on an abdomen, thigh, knee, shin, and/or calf portion of the garment.