Abstract
The present disclosure relates to a reclosable sealing arrangement for a garment, comprising inter-connectable first tubular portion and second tubular portion for encircling a body portion of a user, a releasable connection system having a first annular connection member extending circumferentially around the first tubular portion and a second annular connection member extending circumferentially around the second tubular portion, whereby the releasable connection system is configured to interconnect said first tubular portion with said second tubular portion, and wherein the reclosable sealing arrangement further comprises a first annular seal member extending circumferentially around the first tubular portion and a second annular seal member extending circumferentially around the second tubular portion to form a fluid-tight seal configuration for the releasable connection system when said first annular connection member is inter-connected to said second annular connection member.
Claims
1. A reclosable sealing arrangement for a garment, defining inter-connectable first tubular portion and second tubular portion for encircling a body portion of a user, and comprising a releasable connection system having a first annular connection member extending circumferentially around the first tubular portion and a second annular connection member extending circumferentially around the second tubular portion, whereby the releasable connection system is configured to inter-connect said first tubular portion with said second tubular portion, and wherein the reclosable sealing arrangement further comprises a first annular seal member extending circumferentially around the first tubular portion and a second annular seal member extending circumferentially around the second tubular portion to form a fluid-tight seal configuration for the releasable connection system when said first annular connection member is inter-connected to said second annular connection member, wherein one of the first annular seal member and the second annular seal member comprises an annular recess for accommodating an annular portion of the other one of the first annular seal member and the second annular seal member, whereby the fluid-tight configuration is formed when the annular recess accommodates the annular portion circumferentially around the sealing arrangement.
2. The reclosable sealing arrangement according to claim 1, wherein the first annular connection member and the second annular connection member are arranged relative the first annular seal member and the second annular seal member, respectively, such that inter-connecting said first annular connection member with said second annular connection member along a circumferential direction brings the first annular seal member in contact with the second annular seal member along the circumferential direction.
3. The reclosable sealing arrangement according to claim 1, wherein, when said first annular connection member is circumferentially inter-connected to said second annular connection member, the first annular seal member and the second annular seal member being arranged in a partly overlapping fluid-tight seal configuration.
4. (canceled)
5. The reclosable sealing arrangement according to claim 1, wherein the annular recess and the annular portion are complementary shaped portions.
6. The reclosable sealing arrangement according to claim 1, wherein the annular portion is an outer edge portion of the other one of the first annular seal member and the second annular seal member.
7. The reclosable sealing arrangement according to claim 1, wherein the annular portion is an annular rib portion.
8. The reclosable sealing arrangement according to claim 7, wherein the annular recess and the annular rib portion are arranged relative the first annular connection member and the second annular connection member, respectively, such that the annular recess accommodates the annular rib portion when said first annular connection member is circumferentially inter-connected to said second annular connection member.
9. The reclosable sealing arrangement according to claim 1, wherein the first annular connection member is at least partly superposed the first annular seal member in a radial direction and the second annular connection member is at least partly superposed the second annular seal member in the radial direction.
10. The reclosable sealing arrangement according to claim 1, wherein the releasable connection system is arranged along an outer circumferential side facing away from the body portion of the user during use of the reclosable sealing arrangement, and the fluid-tight seal configuration is arranged along an inner circumferential side facing the user during use of the reclosable sealing arrangement.
11. The reclosable sealing arrangement according to claim 1, wherein the fluid-tight seal configuration is arranged along an outer circumferential side facing away from the body portion of the user during use of the reclosable sealing arrangement and the releasable connection system is arranged along an inner circumferential side facing the user during use of the reclosable sealing arrangement.
12. The reclosable sealing arrangement according to claim 1, wherein the first annular connection member is directly attached to the first annular seal member, and the second annular connection member is directly attached to the second annular seal member.
13. The reclosable sealing arrangement according to claim 1, wherein the releasable connection system is a zipper, the first annular connection member being a first half of said zipper and the second annular connection member being a second half of said zipper.
14. The reclosable sealing arrangement according to claim 13, wherein the first half of the zipper and the second half of the zipper are arranged relative the annular recess and the annular portion, respectively, such that the annular recess accommodates the annular portion when said first half of the zipper is circumferentially inter-connected to said second half of the zipper.
15. The reclosable sealing arrangement according to claim 1, wherein the releasable connection system is a magnetically configured connection system, wherein the first annular connection member comprises a first magnetic material and the second annular connection member comprises a second magnetic material, the first magnetic material and the second magnetic material being adapted to attract each other so as to form the releasable connection system.
16. The reclosable sealing arrangement according to claim 1, wherein the reclosable sealing arrangement is a flexible reclosable sealing arrangement, wherein at least the first and second annular seal members are first and second flexible annular seal members, respectively.
17. The reclosable sealing arrangement according to claim 1, wherein the releasable connector system is a first releasable connector system, and the sealing arrangement further comprises a second releasable connector system having corresponding first annular connection member and second annular connection member, said first releasable connector system and said second releasable connector system being arranged on radial opposite sides of the first and second annular seal members.
18. A fluid-protective garment, comprising a reclosable sealing arrangement according to claim 1.
19. A tubular garment portion for a fluid-protective garment, having a first annular connection member extending circumferentially around the tubular garment portion, and configured to inter-connect to a second annular connection member of a second tubular garment portion, and a first annular seal member extending circumferentially around the tubular garment portion and adapted to form a fluid-tight seal configuration with a second annular seal member of the second tubular portion.
20. The reclosable sealing arrangement according to claim 1, wherein said annular recess being at least partly defined by a stem portion and flanges extending from the stem portion.
21. The reclosable sealing arrangement according to claim 1, wherein the annular portion has an indentation for engaging with an edge of the annular recess.
22. The reclosable sealing arrangement according to claim 21, wherein the indentation is arranged to form a lip or shoulder with an outer surface of the annular portion.
23. The reclosable sealing arrangement according to claim 1, wherein the annular recess defines plurality of protrusions distributed along a surface of the annular seal member defining the recess, said protrusions being arranged to engage with a corresponding outer surface of the annular portion.
24. The reclosable sealing arrangement according to claim 1, wherein the annular recess resembles a truncated circle, as seen in a cross-sectional view defined by a radial direction and a height direction.
25. The reclosable sealing arrangement according to claim 24, wherein a portion of each one of opposite extending flanges together defines parts of the truncated circular shape of the annular recess.
Description
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0064] With reference to the appended drawings, below follows a more detailed description of embodiments of the disclosure cited as examples.
[0065] FIG. 1 schematically illustrates a garment for a wearer comprising a number of sealing arrangements according to an example embodiment of the disclosure; in which parts of the garments are sealingly connected to each other;
[0066] FIG. 2a shows a schematic illustration of a perspective view of parts of a sealing arrangement according to example embodiments of the disclosure, in which one annular seal member of the sealing arrangement is separated from another annular seal member of the sealing arrangement;
[0067] FIG. 2b shows a schematic illustration of a perspective view of parts of the sealing arrangement in FIG. 2a according to the example embodiments of the disclosure, in which the pair of annular seal members of the sealing arrangement are in contact with each other to form a fluid-tight seal configuration for a wearer of the garment;
[0068] FIG. 3a shows a schematic illustration of a partly cross-sectional perspective view of the sealing arrangement according to example embodiments of the disclosure, when the parts of the sealing arrangement are in a released configuration relative each other, and which may reflect a first stage in the process of connecting the parts of the sealing arrangement to each other;
[0069] FIG. 3b shows a schematic illustration of a perspective view of the sealing arrangement according to the example embodiments of the disclosure, where an edge portion of one of the annular seal members is partly inserted into an edge portion of the other annular seal members, and which may reflect a second stage of the process of connecting the parts of the sealing arrangement to each other;
[0070] FIG. 3c is an enlarged cross-sectional perspective view of the sealing arrangement according to the example embodiments of the disclosure, where an edge portion of one of the annular seal members is further inserted into an edge portion of the other annular seal members, and which may reflect a third stage of the process of connecting the parts of the sealing arrangement to each other;
[0071] FIG. 3d is an enlarged cross-sectional perspective view of the sealing arrangement according to the example embodiments of the disclosure, where an edge portion of one of the annular seal members is fully inserted into an edge portion of the other annular seal members, and which forms a fourth and final stage of the process of connecting the parts of the sealing arrangement to each other; whereby the parts of the sealing arrangement are sealingly connected to each other to form a fluid-tight seal configuration for a wearer of the garment;
[0072] FIG. 4 shows a schematic illustration of a perspective view of the sealing arrangement in FIG. 3d, wherein the connection system is in an annularly closed configuration so as to maintain the annular seal members sealingly connected to each other;
[0073] FIG. 5 schematically illustrates an enlarged side view of one example embodiment of an annular seal member of the sealing arrangement according to the disclosure, in which the annular seal member is fully inserted into the other annular seal member;
[0074] FIG. 6 schematically illustrates another example embodiment of a sealing arrangement according to the disclosure, in which sealing arrangement comprises a first annular releasable connection system and a second annular releasable connection system.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXAMPLE EMBODIMENTS
[0075] The present disclosure will now be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which exemplary embodiments of the disclosure are shown. The disclosure may, however, be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiment set forth herein; rather, these embodiments are provided for thoroughness and completeness. Like reference character refer to like elements throughout the description.
[0076] In FIG. 1 of the drawings an example embodiment of a garment 100 is schematically illustrated in an assembled state. FIG. 1 illustrates a garment 100, for instance a dry suit or a diving suit, comprising a number of sealing arrangements 10 according to any one of the example embodiments of the disclosure. The garment may likewise be a jacket, e.g. a rain jacket, and pants. As may be gleaned from FIG. 1, a neck portion 102, cuffs of the arms 104, wrists of the legs 106, and a waistline 108 are provided with such sealing arrangements 10. The neck portion 102 and the waistline portion 108 are typically provided with a relatively larger type of sealing arrangement as will be described in relation to any one of the example embodiments illustrated in FIGS. 2a to 6, while the cuffs of the arms 104 and the wrists 106 of the pants typically are provided with a sealing arrangement 10 of a relatively smaller size, as will be described in relation to any one of the example embodiments illustrated in relation to FIGS. 2a to 6.
[0077] For the neck portion 102, the sealing arrangement 10 may sealingly connect the neck portion 102 to a helmet 101 around its periphery. As such, the neck portion 102 is circumferentially and sealingly connected to the helmet 101 by means of the sealing arrangement 10, as will be further described in relation to any one of the example embodiments illustrated in FIGS. 2a to 6. Analogously, the waistline of an upper body part 108 of the dry suit (or a jacket of a work wear) and a waistline of a lower part 109 of the dry suit (or a pair of pants) are sealingly and connected to each other around its periphery by means of the sealing arrangement 10, as will be further described in relation to any one of the example embodiments illustrated in FIGS. 2a to 6. Analogously, the cuffs 104 of the arms of the dry suit and hand seals 103, or gloves, are sealingly connected to each other around its periphery by means of the sealing arrangement 10, as will be further described in relation to any one of the example embodiments illustrated in FIGS. 2a to 6. Analogously, a wrist 106 of the dry suit (or pants) and e.g. a boot 107 are sealingly connected to each other around its periphery by means the sealing arrangement 10, as will be further described in relation to any one of the example embodiments illustrated in FIGS. 2a to 6. Analogously, two portions of the pants, e.g. a lower portion of one leg portion and an upper portion of the leg portion may be sealingly and circumferentially connected to each other around its periphery via the sealing arrangement 10, as will be further described in relation to any one of the example embodiments illustrated in FIGS. 2a to 6. It is to be noted that the sealing arrangement can be used together with a wide range of different types of garment portions, especially with a wide range of differently sized annular garment portions. The above description may likewise be applicable to a garment comprising a jacket and a pair of pants. In other words, there is provided a garment, such as diving suit or dry suit having an outer garment formed from a plurality of tubular portions interconnected by one or several sealing arrangements to inhibit ingress of fluid, such as water, thereto.
[0078] With particular reference to FIGS. 2a to 6, there is depicted various example embodiments of a sealing arrangement 10 for use with the garment 100 in FIG. 1.
[0079] As illustrated in the figures, e.g. FIG. 4, the sealing arrangement 10, and its related parts, have an extension in a circumferential direction C, i.e. in a direction around a periphery of the sealing arrangement 10, an extension in a radial direction R, i.e. in a direction perpendicular to the circumferential direction and directing from an inner surface 72 (see e.g. FIG. 4) towards an outer surface 70 (see FIG. 4). The inner surface 72 typically corresponds to an inside of the sealing arrangement 10, while the outer surface 70 typically corresponds to the outside of the sealing arrangement 10. In other words, the sealing arrangement 10 may be described with conventional cylindrical coordinates, the circumferential direction corresponding to the direction of the angle C of the angular coordinate C, the radial direction corresponding to a direction of the radial distance R, and the direction perpendicular to both the circumferential direction and the radial direction corresponding to a direction of the height Z. Hence, the sealing arrangement 10 has an extension in a height direction Z, that may sometimes be denoted as an axial direction of the sealing arrangement, and as also illustrated in FIG. 4.
[0080] It is to be noted that some components may be enlarged in relation to other components in order to facilitate the understanding of the example embodiments. Further, for ease of reference, the reclosable sealing arrangement may sometimes only be denoted as the sealing arrangement or simply as the arrangement.
[0081] As illustrated in e.g. FIGS. 3a to 3b and FIG. 4, the sealing arrangement 10 is here defined by a first tubular portion 12 and a second tubular portion 14 for encircling a body portion of a user during use of the sealing arrangement in the garment 100 in FIG. 1. While the tubular portions 12 and 14 may be extensions of tubular portions of the garment, such as tubular portions of a dry suit, the sealing arrangement here comprises both the first tubular portion 12 for encircling a body portion of a user and the second tubular portion 14 for encircling the body portion of the user. By way of example, the first tubular portion 12 is adapted to encircle an arm of the user while the second tubular portion 14 is adapted to be a part of dry suit glove. The sealing arrangement 10 further comprises the outer circumferential surface 70 and the inner circumferential surface 72, as illustrated in e.g. FIG. 4. The outer circumferential surface 70 is facing away from the body portion (not shown) of the user during use of the sealing arrangement 10. The inner circumferential surface 72 is facing towards the user during use of the sealing arrangement 10.
[0082] In other words, the first tubular portion 12 and the second tubular portion 14 are separable portions relative each other. That is, the first tubular portion 12 and the second tubular portion 14 are disengagable from each other, as illustrated in e.g. FIG. 3a. Further, the first tubular portion 12 and the second tubular portion 14 are inter-connectable to each other to form a circumferential connection between the first tubular portion and the second tubular portion so as to provide a reclosable sealing arrangement. In order to inter-connect the first tubular portion 12 and the second tubular portion 14, the sealing arrangement 10 comprises a releasable connection system 40, as seen in the FIG. 4.
[0083] The releasable connection system 40 has a first annular connection member 42 extending circumferentially around the first tubular portion 12. In this example, the first annular connection member 42 is disposed circumferentially around the first tubular portion 12. Typically, although strictly not necessary, the first annular connection member 42 is arranged essentially completely around the first tubular portion 12.
[0084] The releasable connection system 40 also has a second annular connection member 44 extending circumferentially around the second tubular portion 14. In this example, the second annular connection member 44 is disposed circumferentially around the second tubular portion 14. Typically, although strictly not necessary, the second annular connection member 44 is arranged essentially completely around the second tubular portion 14.
[0085] When the sealing arrangement 10 is used around the body portion of the user, the releasable connection system 40 is here arranged along the outer circumferential surface 70 (see FIG. 4) of the sealing arrangement, thus facing away from the body portion (not shown) of the user during use. By means of the first annular connection member 42 and the second annular connection member 44, the releasable connection system 40 is configured to circumferentially inter-connect the first tubular portion 12 with the second tubular portion 14.
[0086] As illustrated in the FIGS. 3a to 3d as well as in FIG. 4, the releasable connection system is here provided in the form of a zipper. Thus, the first annular connection member is here a first half of the zipper, while the second annular connection member is here a second half of the zipper. In the further description of the example embodiment of the sealing arrangement, the releasable connection system 40 will now be described with respect to a zipper, while the first and second annular connection members 42 and 44 will be described with respect to first and second halves of the zipper, respectively. Hence, the zipper may generally be referred to herein as the reclosable connection system 40.
[0087] In this example, the zipper 40 also comprises a slider 46, as illustrated in e.g. FIG. 4. The slider 46 is slidably coupled to the opposing zipper halves 42, 44. The slider is operable to releasably engage the opposing zipper halves 42 and 44 to each other. In this manner, the releasable connection system can be set in its connected state, as illustrated in e.g. FIG. 3d, which also will be further described hereinafter. By way of example, the first tubular portion 12 is provided with one half of the zipper 42, including the slider 46 and a so-called box 49, which is a common part of a conventional zipper arrangement. The slider 46 of the zipper also typically comprises an elongated tab member 45 having a first end 47 pivotally coupled to the slider 46.
[0088] The second tubular portion 14 is provided with a complementary half of the zipper 44 typically including an insert pin (not shown) of the zipper. Each half of the zipper further includes a stop (not shown) for the slider. The stopper is generally arranged at a circumferential end portion of each zipper halves. Accordingly, the zipper, including the zipper halves, typically extends from a circumferential starting point, typically defined by the box 49, to the circumferential end point, typically defined by the stopper. While the zipper generally extends around the circumferential extension of the sealing arrangement, i.e. 360 degrees in the circumferential direction, it should be readily appreciated that there may be a gap between the circumferential starting point of the zipper and the circumferential end point so as to provide circumferential space for the arrangement of the stopper and the box. In this context, the extension of the zipper, including the first and second zipper halves 42 and 44, should at least extend circumferentially around the sealing arrangement to provide a reliable circumferential inter-connection between the first and second tubular portions 12 and 14, i.e. to provide a connection that is capable of handling forces generated in the height direction Z of the sealing arrangement 10 during normal use thereof. Accordingly, it is to be noted that the zipper and its components are only schematically illustrated in the figures, and that the zipper may be provided in other ways as long as the first tubular portion 12 and the second tubular portion 14 can be inter-connected to each other and disengaged from each other by means of the zipper, i.e. the reclosable connection system.
[0089] To this end, the zipper with its two complementary halves allows the user to inter-connect and completely separate the first tubular portion 12 and the second tubular portion 14. By a reference to the above example with the arm and the glove of the garment 100 in FIG. 1, and if e.g. the first tubular portion 12 corresponds to a portion of the arm garment and the second tubular portion 14 is part of the glove, the reclosable sealing arrangement 10, once the glove is positioned onto the arm of the user, and when the zipper is closed, completely encircles the relevant portion of the arm (in this particular case the lower arm of the user), as can also be appreciated from the example embodiment depicted in e.g. FIG. 1 in combination with FIG. 4, illustrating the example embodiment on the arm of the user.
[0090] Moreover, as illustrated in e.g. FIGS. 3a to 3d, and also in FIG. 4, the sealing arrangement 10 comprises a first annular seal member 32. The first annular seal member 32 extends circumferentially around the first tubular portion 12. Analogously, the sealing arrangement 10 comprises a second annular seal member 34. The second annular seal member 34 extends circumferentially around the second tubular portion 14. By way of example, the first annular seal member 32 and the second annular seal member 34 are arranged on the inner circumferential surfaces of the first tubular portion 12 and the second tubular portion 14, respectively. Hence, in this example, the first and second annular seal members 32, 34 are arranged on the inner circumferential side 72 of the sealing arrangement. The first annular seal member and the second annular seal member are here made from a stretchable and watertight material selected from the group consisting of rubber, latex and silicon. Such materials not only provide flexible first and second annular seal members, but also impart some flexibility properties to the entire reclosable sealing arrangement.
[0091] As illustrated in e.g. FIG. 3a or FIG. 4, the first half 42 of the zipper and the first annular seal member 32 are disposed on radially opposite sides of the first tubular portion 12. Further, the second half 44 of the zipper and the second annular seal member 34 are disposed on corresponding radially opposite sides of the second tubular portion 14, respectively. Further, as shown in e.g. FIG. 3d, a portion of the first annular seal member 32 is arranged in contact with a portion of the second annular seal member 32 to form a fluid-tight seal configuration 30 when the first zipper half 42 (first annular connection member) is circumferentially connected to the other zipper half 44 (second annular connection member).
[0092] Turning now to FIGS. 2a and 2b, illustrating the components of the fluid-tight seal configuration. More specifically, in FIG. 2a, the first annular seal member 32 and the second annular seal member 34 are illustrated in a non-sealing state, generally corresponding to a disengaged state relative each other. The first annular seal member 32 and the second annular seal member 34 are adapted to form the fluid-tight seal configuration 30 in a contacted state relative each other, as illustrated in e.g. FIG. 2b, which is obtained when the zipper 40 (reclosable connection system) is in its connected state (see e.g. FIG. 3a). The fluid-tight seal configuration is here arranged along the inner circumferential surface 72 facing the user during use of the sealing arrangement 10.
[0093] Further, as illustrated in FIGS. 2a and 2b, the first annular seal member 32 has an annular recess 60. In addition, the second annular seal member 34 comprises an annular rib portion 62. As shown in FIGS. 2a and 2b, and also in FIG. 3b, the annular recess 60 and the annular rib portion 62 are complementary shaped portions. The annular recess 60 is here arranged to accommodate the annular rib portion 62 when the first zipper half 42 (first annular connection member) is circumferentially inter-connected to the first zipper half 44 (second annular connection member).
[0094] In this manner, the first annular seal member 32 and the second annular seal member 34 are adapted to provide the fluid-tight seal configuration 30 for the releasable connection system 40 when the first annular connection member 42 is circumferentially connected to the second annular connection member 44. Such configuration of the sealing arrangement 10 is illustrated in e.g. FIG. 3d and FIG. 4. More specifically, when the first annular connection member 42 is circumferentially connected to the second annular connection member 44, the fluid-tight seal configuration 30 is provided over the connection between the first annular connection member 42 and the second annular connection member 44. That is, the first annular seal member 32 and the second annular seal member 34 cover the connection between the first annular connection member 42 and the second annular connection member 44 in the height direction Z and along the circumferential direction C, as partly illustrated in FIGS. 3c and 3d.
[0095] The annular recess 60 of the annular seal member can be defined in several different manners. In addition, the annular recess may be provided in several different shapes. In this example embodiment, the annular recess 60 resembles a truncated circle, as seen in a cross-sectional view defined by the radial direction R and the height direction H. The annular recess is here partly defined by an inner surface 69 of the first annular seal member 32. More specifically, the annular recess 60 is here defined by flanges 64 and 67 forming a truncated circular recess at their intersection with a stem portion 38. Accordingly, as shown in FIG. 2a, the first annular seal member 32 here comprises the stem portion 38 extending a substantial part in the height direction H and opposite extending flanges 64 and 67 thereof. A portion of each one of the opposite extending flanges 64 and 67 together defines parts of the truncated circular shape of the annular recess 60. Hence, the annular recess 60 is at least partly defined by the stem portion 38 and the flanges 64 and 69.
[0096] Analogously, as shown in FIG. 2a, the second annular seal member 34 comprises a stem portion 37 extending a substantial part in the height direction H. The annular rib portion 62 extends or projects from the stem portion 37 in the height direction H.
[0097] Typically, although not strictly required, each one of the stem portions are attached to the first and second tubular portions 12 and 14, respectively. In addition, or alternatively, each one of the stem portions may be attached to the first and second annular connection members 42 and 44, respectively.
[0098] Typically, although strictly not required, the inner surface 69 of the recess 60 contacts the outer surface 68 of the annular rib portion 62 to form the fluid-tight seal configuration when the first annular connection member 42 is circumferentially connected to the second annular connection member 44.
[0099] While the dimensions of the annular recess and the annular rib portion may vary for different types of sealing arrangement and garments, they typically extend along the entire annular length of the corresponding tubular portions 12 and 14, respectively. More specifically, the annular recess 60 extends the entire circumferential length of the first annular seal member 32. Analogously, the annular rib portion 62 extends the entire circumferential length of the second annular seal member 34.
[0100] The design of the annular recess and the annular rib portion may also vary for different types of garments and use. FIG. 5 schematically illustrates one example embodiment of an annular seal member of the sealing arrangement according to the disclosure, in which the annular seal member is fully inserted into the other annular seal member. In this example, the annular portion 62 of the second annular seal member 34 has an indentation 63 for engaging with an edge 65 of the annular recess. The indentation is arranged to form a lip 65 or shoulder with an outer surface 68 of the annular portion 62.
[0101] Moreover, as shown in FIG. 5, the annular recess 60 has plurality of protrusions 61 distributed along the inner surface 69 of the recess 60. The protrusions 61 are arranged to engage with the corresponding outer surface 68 of the annular portion 62. As further illustrated in FIG. 5, the first annular seal member 32 comprises the opposite extending flanges 64 and 67 and the stem portion 34. As described in relation to the example in FIGS. 2a and 2b, the recess 60 is at least partly defined by the stem portion and the flanges. Accordingly, the first annular seal member 32 comprises the stem portion. Analogously, as illustrated in FIG. 5, the second annular seal member 34 comprises the stem portion 37. Typically, although not strictly required, each one of the stem portions are attached to the first and second tubular portions 12 and 14, respectively. In addition, or alternatively, each one of the stem portions are attached first and second annular connection members 42 and 44, respectively.
[0102] Now, with respect to FIGS. 3a to 3d, a sequence of connecting and sealing the tubular portions 12 and 14 of the sealing arrangement 10 around the circumferential direction C will be described.
[0103] In a disconnected state, represented by FIG. 3a, the first annular connection member 42 is completely separated from the second annular connection member 44, thus the first tubular portion 12 is disconnected from the second tubular portion 14. In order to connect the first tubular portion 12 to the second tubular portion 14, the tubular portions 12 and 14 are moved towards each other as indicated by the arrows in FIG. 3a.
[0104] Further, in FIG. 3a, there is also illustrated how the first and second annular connection members 42 and 44 (first and second halves of the zipper) are superposed arranged on the annular seal members 32 and 34, respectively. More specifically, the first annular connection member 42 is superposed the first annular seal member 32 in the radial direction R and the second annular connection member 44 is superposed arranged the second annular seal member 34 in the radial direction R.
[0105] Next, the zipper 46 is operable to effect a circumferential closure and connection of the first and second halves of the zipper 42 and 44. Hence, while turning to FIG. 3b, the first and second annular connection members 42 and 44, i.e. the opposing zipper halves, are moved in contact with each other, corresponding to a relative movement of the zipper halves in the height direction Z, and the slider 46 of the zipper is operable to initiate an engagement or connection of the opposing zipper halves 42 and 44 to each other. The slider 46 is moved along the circumferential direction of the reclosable sealing arrangement. Simultaneously, or nearly simultaneously, the annular rib portion 62 of the second annular seal member 34 is moved towards the annular recess 60 of the first annular seal member 32, which is at least partly illustrated in FIG. 3b. While this sequence may be effected by the user itself, the additional positioning of the annular rib portion 62 of the second annular seal member 34 into the annular recess 60 of the first annular seal member 32, as partly illustrated in FIG. 3c, is generally smoothly effected by moving the elongate tab member 45 of the slider 46 of the zipper around the circumferential direction C of the arrangement until the slider 46 reaches a circumferential terminal end portion (i.e. the circumferential end point typically corresponding to the stopper of the zipper), whereby the first and second annular connection members 42 and 44, i.e. the opposing zipper halves, are set in the connected state. In the connected state of the sealing arrangement, the releasable connection system forms a mechanically connected configuration between the first tubular portion and the second tubular portion. The connected state of the releasable connection system 40, and thus the sealing arrangement 10, is illustrated in FIGS. 3d and 4. In this manner, the releasable connection system 40 is set in its connected state and the first annular seal member 32 and the second annular seal member 34 are positioned relative each other to form the fluid-tight seal configuration 30. More specifically, as illustrated in FIGS. 3d and 4, the annular rib portion 62 is accommodated in the annular recess 60 when the first and second annular connection members 42 and 44, i.e. the opposing zipper halves, are set in the connected state.
[0106] In other words, as described above in relation to FIGS. 3a to 3d, the first annular connection member 42 and the second annular connection member 44 are arranged relative the first annular seal member 32 and the second annular seal member 34, respectively, such that a closure of the releasable connection system 40 along the circumferential direction C brings the first annular seal member 32 and the second annular seal member 34 into the fluid-tight seal configuration 30. More specifically, as shown in e.g. FIG. 3d, the first half of the zipper 42 is arranged relative the annular recess 60 on the first annular seal member 32 and the second half of the zipper 44 is arranged relative the annular rib portion 62 on the second annular seal member 34, respectively, such that the annular recess 60 accommodates the annular rib portion 62 when the first half 42 of the zipper is circumferentially inter-connected to the second half 44 of the zipper.
[0107] Accordingly, when the first annular connection member (first zipper half) 42 and the second annular connection member (second zipper half) 44 are connected to each other, the releasable zipper connection system 40 extends in a continuous manner along the circumferential direction C of the sealing arrangement 10. In this manner, as illustrated in e.g. FIG. 4, the first annular connection member and the second annular connection member are adapted to connect to each other along the entire circumference of the sealing arrangement 10, while the first annular seal member 32 and the second annular seal member 34 are arranged to be sealed to each other along the entire circumference of the sealing arrangement 10 in order to seal a body part of the user from its surroundings.
[0108] Further, as may be gleaned from e.g. FIG. 3d, the first annular seal member 32 and the second annular seal member 34 are arranged in a partly overlapping fluid-tight seal configuration when the first annular connection member 32 is circumferentially inter-connected to the second annular connection member 34. That is, the first annular seal member and the second annular seal member overlap each other in the circumferential direction C as well as in the height direction Z. In this manner, the first annular seal member 32 and the second annular seal member 34 provides for preventing fluid such as water to enter to the body part of the user via the first and second annular connection members 42 and 44 of the releasable connection system 40.
[0109] The components of the sealing arrangement can be attached to each other in several different ways depending on the type of sealing arrangement and type of garment. In the example embodiments described in relation to FIGS. 2a to 2b, FIGS. 3a to 3d, FIG. 4 and FIG. 5, the first zipper half 42 (i.e. the first annular connection member) is attached to the first tubular portion 12 by means of adhesive, sewing or ultrasonic bonding. Analogously, the second zipper half 44 (i.e. the second annular connection member) is attached to the second tubular portion 14 by means of adhesive, sewing or ultrasonic bonding. The first annular seal member 32 may likewise be attached to the first tubular portion 12 by means of adhesive or ultrasonic bonding. Analogously, the second annular seal member 34 may also be attached to the second tubular portion 14 by means of adhesive or ultrasonic bonding. Further, in the example embodiments of the sealing arrangement, each one of the tubular portions may be provided by a layered material suitable for the garment, e.g. a waterproof material. In other example embodiments, each one of the tubular portions may be provided by the same material as the annular seal member materials, e.g. a flexible material, such as thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU), polyurethane, or rubber or silicone.
[0110] Moreover, while the example embodiments of the reclosable sealing arrangement have mainly been described in relation to a reclosable sealing arrangement comprising first and second tubular portions, it may also be possible that the first and second tubular portions of the sealing arrangement are defined by the annular connection members and the annular seal members. That is, the first tubular portion comprises the first annular connection member and the first annular seal member, while the second tubular portion comprises the second annular connection member and the second annular seal member. It may even be possible that each one of tubular portions consists of one annular connection member and one annular seal member. That is, in some example embodiments, although not explicitly illustrated, the first tubular portion is made of the first annular connection member and the first annular seal member, while the second tubular portion is made of the second annular connection member and the second annular seal member. In such example embodiments, the first annular connection member is directly attached to the first annular seal member without any additional intermediate layers of materials. Analogously, the second annular connection member is directly attached to the second annular seal member without any additional intermediate layers of materials. In such example embodiments of the sealing arrangement, the tubular portions of the sealing arrangement may then either extend into corresponding first and second tubular garment portions, respectively, or the tubular portions of the sealing arrangement may be attached to corresponding first and second tubular garments portions by e.g. adhesive or ultra-sonic bonding.
[0111] Thus, in some example embodiments, the defined tubular portions of the sealing arrangement may be provided in the form of garment portions, such as an arm garment portion and a glove garment portion. The sealing arrangement according any one of the above additional example embodiments may include any one of the features, effects or functions as described in relation to the example embodiments in FIGS. 1 to 5.
[0112] Moreover, the reclosable connection system and the fluid-tight seal configuration may be arranged in a radial opposite configuration as illustrated in e.g. FIG. 4. That is, in another example embodiment (although not shown), the fluid-tight seal configuration may be arranged along the outer circumferential side of the reclosable sealing arrangement facing away from the body portion of the user during use of the reclosable sealing arrangement, while the releasable connection system is arranged along an inner circumferential side of the reclosable sealing arrangement facing the user during use of the reclosable sealing arrangement. The sealing arrangement according to this example embodiment may include any one of the features, effects or functions as described in relation to the example embodiments in FIGS. 1 to 5.
[0113] According to another example embodiment, as illustrated in FIG. 6, the sealing arrangement 10 includes a first releasable connector system 40 as the one described in relation to the FIGS. 1 to 5, and an additional releasable connector system 40′ arranged on the inside 72 of the sealing arrangement. In other words, the sealing arrangement 10 here comprises the first releasable connection system 40 and further a second releasable connection system 40′. Typically, the first annular connection member 42 of the first releasable connection system 40 is arranged to the outer surface of the first tubular portion 12, while the second annular connection member 44 of the first releasable connection system 40 is arranged to the outer surface of the second tubular portion 14. Moreover, the second releasable connection system has a corresponding first annular connection member 42′ disposed circumferentially around the inner surface 72′ of the first tubular portion 12 and a corresponding second annular connection member 44′ disposed circumferentially around the inner surface 72′ of the second tubular portion 14. Moreover, the second releasable connection system 40′ is configured to circumferentially connect the first tubular portion with the second tubular portion. Hence, the second releasable connection system 40′ is arranged on the inner surface of the sealing arrangement. The second releasable connection system 40′ may typically include any one of the features, functions and effects as described in relation to the releasable connection system 40.
[0114] As should be readily understood from the description with particular reference to FIGS. 1 to 6, each one of the tubular portions 12 and 14 of the sealing arrangement may include any one of the features, effects or functions as described in relation to the example embodiments herein. It is also possible to fabricate garments with the sealing arrangement 10 being an integral part therein. In such cases, the garment may basically comprise separable tubular portions as described above in relation to any one of the example embodiments of the figures.
[0115] Hence, thanks to the example embodiment as described above in relation to the FIGS. 1 to 6, it becomes possible to provide reliable and fluid-tight sealing configuration for a garment. In particular, in the example embodiments where the releasable connection system is provided in the form of a zipper, it becomes possible to decrease the force necessary to close the releasable connection system, and in turn the force needed to close the sealing arrangement about the body portion of the user. It should also be noted that the sealing arrangement as described in the example embodiments above may be specifically suited for an easy removal of one of the tubular portions from the other one of the tubular portions by means of the releasable connection system 40.
[0116] In other words, the disclosure is capable of modification in various obvious respects, all without departing from the scope of the appended claims. Accordingly, the drawings and the description are to be regarded as illustrative in nature, and not restrictive. Thus, reference signs mentioned in the claims should not be seen as limiting the extent of the matter protected by the claims, and their sole function is to make claims easier to understand.
[0117] Features illustrated in the different example sealing arrangements and example embodiments described above may be combined as understood by a person skilled in the art. Although the disclosure has been described with reference to example garments and sealing arrangement, many different alterations, modifications and the like will become apparent for those skilled in the art. For example, the sealing arrangement can be arranged at other annular garments sections and other shapes and orientations of the releasable connection systems and the annular seal members than presented herein are applicable. By way of example, the annular connection members may be provided by attracting magnetical materials so as to form a magnetically configured connection system. Further, the sealing arrangement may be used for other purposes than those explicitly mentioned here.
[0118] As used herein, the term “comprising” or “comprises” is open-ended, and includes one or more stated features, elements, steps, components or functions but does not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, elements, steps, components, functions or groups thereof. Similarly, the use of terms such as “including” is open-ended and is intended to have the same meaning as terms such as “comprising” and not preclude the presence of other structure, material, or acts. Similarly, though the use of terms such as “can” or “may” is intended to be open-ended and to reflect that structure, material, or acts are not necessary, the failure to use such terms is not intended to reflect that structure, material, or acts are essential. To the extent that structure, material, or acts are presently considered to be essential, they are identified as such.
