Dynamically reconfigurable wetsuit

Abstract

A dynamically configurable wetsuit includes a torso part having a pair of partial arm sleeves and a pair of partial leg pants. A distal end of each of the pair of partial arm sleeves and the pair of partial leg pants has a first connector that includes a set of outward-facing ridges. The wetsuit further includes a pair of arm parts and a pair of leg parts. Each of the pair of arm parts and the pair of leg parts having a second connector at a proximal end for detachable connection with one of the first connectors of the torso part, each second connector including a set of inward-facing ridges. The wetsuit further includes a fastener system to maintain a connection between the first and second connectors.

1 . A wetsuit system for covering a wearer, the wetsuit system comprising:
 a torso part that is configured to cover the wearer's torso and a portion of each of the wearer's arms and legs, the torso part being formed of a thermally-insulative foam layer coupled with a jersey layer, the torso part comprising a first connector at a terminal end of the torso part that covers the portion of each of the wearer's arms and legs; and   one or more leg parts and/or one or more arm parts, each of the one or more leg parts and/or the one or more arm parts being configured to cover an additional portion of one of the wearer's leg or arm, each leg part and arm part comprising a second connector at a proximal end for detachable connection with the first connector of the torso part.   
     
     
         2 . The wetsuit system in accordance with  claim 1 , wherein the first connector includes an outer ridged surface extending from the terminal ends of the torso part. 
     
     
         3 . The wetsuit system in accordance with  claim 2 , wherein each second connector includes an inner ridged surface extending from the proximal end, the inner ridged surface having ridges that correspond with ridges of the first connector. 
     
     
         4 . The wetsuit system in accordance with  claim 3 , wherein the torso part further includes an outer cuff that at least partially covers the first connector, the outer cuff including a first fastener to fasten with a second fastener on each of the one or more leg parts and one or more arm parts. 
     
     
         5 . The wetsuit system in accordance with  claim 3 , wherein a connection of the first connector with the second connector forms a water-resistant seal. 
     
     
         6 . The wetsuit system in accordance with  claim 3 , wherein the outer ridged surface of the first connector and the inner ridged surface of the second connector are each formed of molded rubber. 
     
     
         7 . The wetsuit system in accordance with  claim 6 , wherein the molded rubber includes a synthetic polymer. 
     
     
         8 . The wetsuit system in accordance with  claim 2 , wherein the outer ridged surface include a plurality of circumferential ridges arranged to circumscribe a limb of the wearer. 
     
     
         9 . The wetsuit system in accordance with  claim 3 , wherein the outer ridged surface of the first connector and the inner ridged surface of the second connector each include a plurality of circumferential ridges arranged to circumscribe a limb of the wearer. 
     
     
         10 . The wetsuit system in accordance with  claim 1 , further comprising two leg parts and two arm parts. 
     
     
         11 . A joint system for connecting an arm part and/or leg part to a torso part of a wetsuit, the torso part being configured to cover the wearer's torso and a portion of each of the wearer's arms and legs, the joint system comprising:
 a first connector provided at a terminal end of the torso part that covers the portion of each of the wearer's arms and legs; and   a second connector provided at a proximal end of each arm part and leg part, the second connector being configured to overlay and releasably connect each associated arm part and leg part to the torso part, and further configured to be water tight when connected.   
     
     
         12 . The joint system in accordance with  claim 11 , wherein the first connector includes an outer ridged surface extending from the terminal ends of the torso part. 
     
     
         13 . The joint system in accordance with  claim 12 , wherein each second connector includes an inner ridged surface extending from the proximal end of each arm part and leg part, the inner ridged surface having ridges that correspond with ridges of the first connector. 
     
     
         14 . The joint system in accordance with  claim 11 , further comprising a fastener to fasten each arm part and/or leg part to the torso part when the first and second connectors are connected. 
     
     
         15 . The joint system in accordance with  claim 14 , wherein the fastener includes an outer cuff that at least partially covers the first connector, the outer cuff including a first fastener to fasten with a second fastener on each of the one or more leg parts and one or more arm parts. 
     
     
         16 . The joint system in accordance with  claim 15 , wherein the first fastener and the second fastener comprise a hook-and-loop fastener. 
     
     
         17 . The joint system in accordance with  claim 11 , wherein a connection of the first connector with the second connector forms a water-resistant seal. 
     
     
         18 . The joint system in accordance with  claim 13 , wherein the outer ridged surface of the first connector and the inner ridged surface of the second connector are each formed of molded rubber. 
     
     
         19 . The joint system in accordance with  claim 18 , wherein the molded rubber includes a synthetic polymer. 
     
     
         20 . A thermally-insulative wetsuit comprising:
 a torso part having a pair of partial arm sleeves and a pair of partial leg pants, a distal end of each of the pair of partial arm sleeves and the pair of partial leg pants having a first connector that includes a set of outward-facing ridges;   a pair of arm parts and a pair of leg parts, each of the pair of arm parts and the pair of leg parts having a second connector at a proximal end for detachable connection with one of the first connectors of the torso part, each second connector including a set of inward-facing ridges; and   a fastener system comprising a first fastener part at the distal end of each of the pair of partial arm sleeves and the pair of partial leg pants, and a second fastener part at the proximal end of each of the arm parts and the leg parts, the first fastener part and second fastener part fastening together to maintain a connection between the first and second connectors.