Fishing and outdoor apparel and integrated systems

Abstract

In some embodiments, the inventive subject matter is directed to a modular waders system that includes: a main waders garment and a covering unit. The covering unit may have multiple functions expressed in one or more layers, the functions being selected from the group of: durability, waterproofness or water resistance, breathability, insulation, cushioning, thermoregulation, and 2-way or 4-way elasticity. The waders system includes a coupling system that makes the covering unit easily donned or removed by the user as conditions dictate. In some embodiments, the inventive subject matter is directed to waders or other garment having a frontside portion with a mobile device holder comprising a flap, the holder configured to contain or couple to a handheld imaging device having a camera, the flap having one edge portion coupled to the other side so that the flap can reposition from a first position to a second position.

1 . A modular waders system, comprising: a main waders garment and a removably couplable covering unit, the covering unit having multiple functions expressed in one or more layers, the functions being selected from the group of: durability, waterproofness or water resistance, breathability, insulation, cushioning, thermoregulation, and 2-way or 4-way elasticity, and wherein the coupling and de-coupling is achieved using a coupling system comprising complementary magnetic and/or mechanical inter-engageable elements disposed on the covering unit and the waders. 
     
     
         2 . The waders of  claim 1  wherein the waders comprise a waterproof, breathable layer and the covering unit comprises a durability layer. 
     
     
         3 . The waders of  claim 2  wherein the waders and covering unit are coupled using a coupling system that magnetically and mechanically couple the covering unit to the waders. 
     
     
         4 . The waders of  claim 2  wherein when waders are coupled to the covering unit, the covering units main body portion is free-floating over the waders. 
     
     
         5 . The waders of  claim 1  wherein the covering unit comprises a three-dimensional layer. 
     
     
         6 . The waders of  claim 5  wherein the three-dimensional layer comprises a polymeric material. 
     
     
         7 . The waders of  claim 6  wherein the three-dimensional layer comprises a molded elastomeric layer. 
     
     
         8 . The waders of  claim 7  wherein the layer comprises a grid or cellular structure, e.g., a honeycomb structure. 
     
     
         9 . A covering unit and waders that couple together through a coupling system, the system comprising complementary, inter-engageable magnetic elements disposed along portions of the covering unit and waders that are to be joined together. 
     
     
         10 . The system of  claim 9  further comprising an interference or snap coupling system with complementary elements disposed in or more areas to be joined. 
     
     
         11 . The system of  claim 10  wherein the complementary elements are a pair of engageable male-female parts. 
     
     
         12 . The system of  claim 1  wherein complementary magnets are associated with the male-female parts to facilitate joining of the parts in a secure connection. 
     
     
         13 . The system of  claim 1  herein that includes a covering unit wherein the covering unit includes a pattern of perforations to facilitate drainage, drying, or ventilation of water or moisture that is entrapped between the covering unit and waders. 
     
     
         14 . A waders or other garment having a frontside portion with a mobile device holder comprising a flap, the holder configured to contain or couple to a handheld imaging device having a camera, the flap having one edge portion coupled to the other side so that the flap can reposition from a first position to a second position. 
     
     
         15 . The garment of  claim 14  wherein the flap comprises a pouch configure to contain the mobile device, the pouch including a transparent window. 
     
     
         16 . The garment of  claim 14  wherein the garment comprises fishing waders and the holder is disposed on a front chest area of the waders. 
     
     
         17 . The garment of  claim 14  wherein the flap is coupled to the garment by a living hinge. 
     
     
         18 . The garment of  claims 14  wherein a free edge portion of the flap contains fasteners that detachably couple with complementary fasteners on the garment when the flap is moved from a first position to a second position. 
     
     
         19 . The garment of  claim 14  wherein the repositioning of the flap from a first position to a second position places the imaging device into a position where it has a field view in front of a wearer of the garment. 
     
     
         20 . The garment of  claim 14  wherein the garment comprises a remote-control system for activating the imaging device.