Adjustable suit

Abstract

An adjustable suit is provided and comprises fabric selected from the group consisting of single or multi-ply polymeric fabric and fabric from natural fibers. The adjustable suit includes a waist section having a front portion and a back portion and a waist section circumference, and a leg section including a pair of legs, each of the legs having a leg opening therein. Each of the leg openings has a leg opening circumference. The adjustable suit includes first, second, third and fourth adjustable members extending along the waist and leg sections. The first and second adjustable members are positioned on one side of a sagittal plane extending longitudinally along the waist and leg sections, and the third and fourth adjustable members are positioned on an opposite side of the sagittal plane of the suit and extend along the waist and leg sections. The second and third adjustable members comprise zippers, and the first, second, third, and fourth adjustable members are adapted to increase or decrease at least one of the waist and leg opening circumferences.

Claims

1. An adjustable suit comprising: fabric formed of at least one of single or multi-ply polymeric fabric and fabric from natural fibers and the fabric including: a waist section having a front portion having a first edge and an opposite second edge, a back portion having a first edge and an opposite second edge, and a waist section circumference; a leg section including a pair of legs, each of said legs having a leg opening therein positioned adjacent a distal end of said legs, and each of said leg openings having a leg opening circumference, said waist section positioned above said leg section; first, second, third and fourth adjustable members each extending along said waist and leg sections; said first and second adjustable members positioned on one side of a sagittal plane of said adjustable suit and extending longitudinally along said waist and leg sections, and said third and fourth adjustable members positioned on an opposite side of said sagittal plane of said adjustable suit and extending longitudinally along said waist and leg sections; said second and third adjustable members comprising zippers; and said first, second, third and fourth adjustable members adapted to increase or decrease leg opening circumferences, wherein said first adjustable member connects said first edge of said front portion and said first edge of said back portion, and said first adjustable member is positioned between said first edge of said front portion and said first edge of said back portion, wherein said fourth adjustable member connects said second edge of said front portion and said second edge of said back portion, and said fourth adjustable member is positioned between said second edge of said front portion and said second edge of said back portion, wherein each of said second and third adjustable members are on said leg section and only one of said front portion or said back portion of said waist section and angled diagonally across said waist section toward said leg section relative to said sagittal plane.

2. The adjustable suit as claimed in claim 1 in which said first and fourth adjustable members are selected from the group consisting of laces, zippers, hook and loop fasteners, snaps, buttons, and combinations thereof.

3. The adjustable suit as claimed in claim 2 in which said first and fourth adjustable members comprise laces.

4. The adjustable suit as claimed in claim 3 in which said laces comprise an elastic material.

5. The adjustable suit as claimed in claim 1 in which said front and back portions of said waist section are joined together with an elastic material and in which said first and fourth adjustable members overlie said elastic material.

6. The adjustable suit as claimed in claim 1 in which said second and third adjustable members are adapted to increase or decrease said waist circumference.

7. The adjustable suit as claimed in claim 1 in which each of said legs includes a front portion and a back portion.

8. The adjustable suit as claimed in claim 7 in which said front and back portions of respective legs are joined together with an elastic material.

9. The adjustable suit as claimed in claim 8 in which said first and fourth adjustable members overlie said elastic material.

10. The adjustable suit as claimed in claim 1 including fifth and sixth adjustable members.

11. The adjustable suit as claimed in claim 10 in which said fifth and sixth adjustable members comprise laces and are adapted to increase or decrease respective leg opening circumferences.

12. The adjustable suit as claimed in claim 1 further including fifth, sixth, seventh, eighth, ninth, and tenth adjustable members.

13. The adjustable suit as claimed in claim 12 in which said first, fourth, fifth, sixth, seventh, eighth, ninth, and tenth adjustable members comprise laces.

14. The adjustable suit as claimed in claim 13 in which said fifth, sixth, seventh, and eighth adjustable members extend vertically downwardly along opposing front and back portions of the waist section.

15. The adjustable suit as claimed in claim 1 further including fifth, sixth, seventh, and eighth adjustable members.

16. The adjustable suit as claimed in claim 15 in which said first, fourth, fifth, sixth, seventh, and eighth adjustable members comprise laces.

17. The adjustable suit as claimed in claim 16 in which said fifth and sixth adjustable members extend angled downwardly across the front portion of the waist section.

18. The adjustable suit as claimed in claim 17 in which said seventh and eighth adjustable members extend vertically downwardly along the length of respective front portions of the legs.

19. The adjustable suit as claimed in claim 1, wherein said second and third adjustable members are both on only said front portion of said waist section.

20. The adjustable suit as claimed in claim 1, wherein said first, second, third, and fourth adjustable members each extends across a horizontal plane extending along a circumference of said waist section.

21. An adjustable suit comprising: fabric formed of at least one of single or multi-ply polymeric fabric and fabric from natural fibers and the fabric including: a waist section having a front portion having a first edge and an opposite second edge, a back portion having a first edge and an opposite second edge, and a waist section circumference; a pair of shoulder straps extending from the front portion of the waist section to the back portion of the waist section, each shoulder strap including a fastener for adjusting a length of respective shoulder straps; a leg section including a pair of legs, each of said legs having a leg opening therein, and each of said leg openings having a leg opening circumference; first, second, third and fourth adjustable members extending along said waist and leg sections; said first and second adjustable members positioned on one side of a sagittal plane of said adjustable suit and extending longitudinally along said waist and leg sections, and said third and fourth adjustable members positioned on an opposite side of said sagittal plane of said adjustable suit and extending longitudinally along said waist and leg sections; said second and third adjustable members comprising zippers; and said first, second, third and fourth adjustable members adapted to increase or decrease at least one of said waist and leg opening circumferences, wherein said first adjustable member connects said first edge of said front portion and said first edge of said back portion, and said first adjustable member is positioned between said first edge of said front portion and said first edge of said back portion, wherein said fourth adjustable member connects said second edge of said front portion and said second edge of said back portion, and said fourth adjustable member is positioned between said second edge of said front portion and said second edge of said back portion, wherein each of said second and third adjustable members are on said leg section and only one of said front portion or said back portion of said waist section and angled diagonally across said waist section toward said leg section relative to said sagittal plane.

22. The adjustable suit as claimed in claim 21 in which said first and fourth adjustable members are selected from the group consisting of laces, zippers, hook and loop fasteners, snaps, buttons, and combinations thereof.

23. The adjustable suit as claimed in claim 22 in which said first and fourth adjustable members comprise laces.

24. The adjustable suit as claimed in claim 21 in which said front and back portions of said waist section are joined together with an elastic material.

25. The adjustable suit as claimed in claim 21 in which said first and fourth adjustable members are adapted to increase or decrease said leg opening circumferences.

26. The adjustable suit as claimed in claim 21 in which said second and third adjustable members are adapted to increase or decrease said waist circumference.

27. The adjustable suit as claimed in claim 21, wherein said second and third adjustable members are both on only said front portion of said waist section.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS

(1) The following detailed description of specific embodiments of the present invention are presented by way of example and can be best understood when read in conjunction with the following drawings, where like structure is indicated with like reference numerals and in which:

(2) FIG. 1 is a perspective view of one embodiment of the adjustable suit;

(3) FIG. 2 is a front view of the adjustable suit of FIG. 1;

(4) FIG. 3 is a rear view of the adjustable suit of FIG. 1;

(5) FIG. 4 is a side view of the adjustable suit of FIG. 1;

(6) FIG. 5 is a top view of the adjustable suit of FIG. 1;

(7) FIG. 6 is an enlarged side view, in section, of the arrangement of the laces of the adjustable suit of FIG. 1;

(8) FIG. 7A is an enlarged view of the zipper and laces in the torso section of the adjustable suit of FIG. 1;

(9) FIG. 7B is an enlarged view of the zipper, partially unzipped, elastic material behind the zipper, and laces in the torso section of the adjustable suit of FIG. 1;

(10) FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the adjustable suit of FIG. 1 illustrating the adjustable shoulder straps;

(11) FIG. 9 is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of the adjustable suit;

(12) FIG. 10 is a front view of the adjustable suit of FIG. 9;

(13) FIG. 11 is a back view of the adjustable suit of FIG. 9;

(14) FIG. 12 is a side view of the adjustable suit of FIG. 9;

(15) FIG. 13 is a top view of the adjustable suit of FIG. 9;

(16) FIG. 14 is a perspective view of another embodiment of the adjustable suit;

(17) FIG. 15 is a front view of the adjustable suit of FIG. 14;

(18) FIG. 16 is a back view of the adjustable suit of FIG. 14;

(19) FIG. 17 is a side view of the adjustable suit of FIG. 14;

(20) FIG. 18 is a top view of the adjustable suit of FIG. 14;

(21) FIG. 19 is a perspective view of yet another embodiment of the adjustable suit;

(22) FIG. 20 is a front view of the adjustable suit of FIG. 19;

(23) FIG. 21 is a rear view of the adjustable suit of FIG. 19;

(24) FIG. 22 is a side view of the adjustable suit of FIG. 19;

(25) FIG. 23 is a top view of the adjustable suit of FIG. 19;

(26) FIG. 24 is a perspective view of yet another embodiment of the adjustable suit;

(27) FIG. 25 is a front view of the adjustable suit of FIG. 24;

(28) FIG. 26 is a rear view of the adjustable suit of FIG. 24;

(29) FIG. 27 is a side view of the adjustable suit of FIG. 24;

(30) FIG. 28 is a top view of the adjustable suit of FIG. 24;

(31) FIG. 29 is an enlarged section showing detail for an alternative embodiment of the adjustable suit;

(32) FIG. 30 is an enlarged section showing detail for an alternative embodiment of the adjustable suit; and

(33) FIG. 31 is an enlarged section showing detail for an alternative embodiment of the adjustable suit.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

(34) Referring initially to a first embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 1-8, an adjustable suit 10 is shown which includes a torso section generally indicated at 11, a waist section generally indicated at 15, and a leg section generally indicated at 20. Torso section 11 is optional, and the suit may include just the waist and leg sections. The suit 10 is preferably made from a high tensile strength (e.g., 90 psi or greater), relatively inelastic material such as single or multi-ply polymeric fabric including polyester or nylon, and natural fibers including cotton (such as, for example, canvas or denim). By “relatively inelastic” it is meant that the fabric does not noticeably stretch when subjected to the stresses and strains associated with its use in a variety of lifting activities. The material forming suit 10 may comprise a solid sheet of material, or may be of woven fabric.

(35) Torso section 11 includes a front portion 12 and a back portion 13. The suit provides a torso circumference 14. Waist section 15 includes a front portion 16 and a back portion 17. The suit provides a waist section circumference 18. Leg section 20 includes a pair of legs 21, 22, each having respective leg openings 27, 28, having respective leg opening circumferences 29, 30, and with each leg having respective front 23, 24 and back 25, 26 portions. A crotch panel 42 provides support to the wearer. Sections of the adjustable suit may be fabricated from a unitary piece of fabric, or may be fabricated from pieces of fabric stitched or otherwise bonded or adhered together.

(36) In the illustrated embodiment, adjustable suit 10 also includes a pair of shoulder straps 44, 46. It will be apparent to those skilled in this art that suit 10 may also include sleeves (not shown) if the suit is fabricated to include an opening in the back of the torso section. As best shown in FIGS. 5 and 8, the shoulder straps comprise lengths of fabric or other suitable high tensile strength material and are adjustable through the use of fasteners 48, 49. As shown, the fasteners comprise hook and loop fasteners 50. By making the shoulder straps adjustable, suit 10 is easier to don, and the tightness of the shoulder straps can be adjusted to fit different physiques of the wearers. In other embodiments (not shown), the torso section may be eliminated, and the shoulder straps will extend from the front portion of the waist section over the shoulders of a wearer to the back portion of the waist section.

(37) To aid in making it easier for a wearer to put on and take off the suit, adjustable suit 10 includes first and second adjustable members 32 which are positioned on opposite sides of a sagittal plane of the suit and which are adapted to increase or decrease at least one of the (optional) torso, waist, and leg opening circumferences. The adjustable members may comprise laces 33, zippers 35, hook and loop fasteners 36, snaps 37, buttons 38, or any other suitable means which provides the capability of adjusting the circumference of one or more sections of the suit. The materials used in the adjustable member are selected so that the adjustable member has a tensile strength that is able to withstand the stresses and strains placed on the suit during a variety of lifting activities. Typically, the materials are selected to be able to withstand stresses of up to several hundred pounds. To provide further adjustability, and as best shown in FIGS. 7A and 7B, one or more of the respective front and back portions of one or more of the (optional) torso, waist, and leg sections of the suit are joined together with an elastic material 40. In this embodiment, elastic material 40 forms a gusset and may comprise a fabric woven to provide some degree of stretch when pulled. The elastic material may comprise an elastomer such as Neoprene® rubber. Alternatively, the elastic material may comprise a fabric having an elastomeric material woven therein such as a Lycra® or Spandex® fabric. Elastic material 40 may be sewn to or otherwise bonded to the respective front and back portions 12, 13 of, for example, torso section 11 or waist section 15.

(38) In the embodiment illustrated, there are four adjustable members, two zippers 35 and two sets of laces 33. Laces 33 extend substantially along the length of the torso, waist, and leg sections of the suit, adjustably joining together respective front and back portions of the torso, waist, and leg sections of the suit. The laces may comprise any suitable length of material which will withstand the stresses and strains of supporting the wearer. The laces may be made of woven fabric or of a solid length of material, and may include a reinforcing core. For example, there are several grades of paracord (parachute cord) that are commercially available which are suitable for use as laces. Generally, paracord is fabricated from a lightweight, braided material such as nylon, cotton, polyester, or polypropylene which is woven around a core material. Paracord is relatively inelastic. Alternatively, one can use an elastic cord such as cord material commonly-known as Bungee cord. Typically, Bungee cord includes a lightweight braided exterior layer woven around a core of natural or synthetic rubber. Such elastic cord material will stretch when placed under sufficient strain. When engaging in lifting activities, the laces will stretch and store energy which is then released to aid the lifter.

(39) As best seen in FIG. 6, laces 33 are laced in a criss-cross fashion through fabric loops 34 and then may be tightened and tied off as is conventional. While loops are shown, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that eyelets or other holes, openings, or perforations may be utilized. When loosened, the laces, and elastic material 40, permit the circumferences of the torso, waist, and leg sections of suit 10 to increase so that a user may more easily don the suit. Once in the suit, the wearer can tighten the laces to create a snug fit.

(40) Similarly, zippers 35 extend substantially along the length of the front portions of the torso and waist sections of the suit. As shown, the zippers may be angled from a generally vertical orientation. Typically, the zippers are angled at between about 10 to about 30° from vertical. As with the laces, when zippers 35 are unzipped, the torso and waist section circumferences of the suit increase so that a user may more easily don the suit. The zippers can then be zipped to a closed position to provide a snug fit for the wearer.

(41) Alternatively, laces 33 or zippers 35 may be replaced by buttons 38 (see, FIG. 29), hook and loop fasteners 36 (see FIG. 30), or snaps 37 (see FIG. 31). In each alternative embodiment, unbuttoning the buttons, separating the hook and loop fasteners, or unsnapping the snaps allows the circumferences of the (optional) torso and waist sections of the suit to increase, making it easier for a user to don the suit. Generally, all of these adjustable members are interchangeable, and different combinations of any of them may be utilized.

(42) Referring now to FIGS. 9-13, another embodiment of the adjustable suit is illustrated. As shown, an adjustable suit 110 is shown which includes a torso section generally indicated at 111, a waist section generally indicated at 115, and a leg section generally indicated at 120. As in previous embodiments, the suit 110 is preferably made from a high tensile strength (e.g., 90 psi or greater), relatively inelastic material such as single or multi-ply polymeric fabric including polyester or nylon, and natural fibers including cotton (such as, for example, canvas or denim).

(43) Torso section 111 includes a front portion 112 and a back portion 113. The suit provides a torso circumference 114. Waist section 115 includes a front portion 116 and a back portion 117. The suit provides a waist section circumference 118. Leg section 120 includes a pair of legs 121, 122, each having respective leg openings 127, 128, and leg opening circumferences 129, 130, and with each leg having respective front 123, 124 and back 125, 126 portions. A crotch panel 142 provides support to the wearer. Sections of the adjustable suit may be fabricated from a unitary piece of fabric, or may be fabricated from pieces of fabric stitched or otherwise bonded or adhered together.

(44) Adjustable suit 110 also includes a pair of shoulder straps 144, 146. It will be apparent to those skilled in this art that suit 110 may also include sleeves (not shown) if the suit is fabricated to include an opening in the back of the torso section. As best shown in FIGS. 9 and 10, the shoulder straps comprise lengths of fabric or other suitable high tensile strength material and are adjustable through the use of fasteners 148, 149. By making the shoulder straps adjustable, suit 110 is easier to don, and the tightness of the shoulder straps can be adjusted to fit different physiques of the wearers.

(45) To aid in making it easier for a wearer to put on and take off the suit, adjustable suit 110 includes adjustable members 132 which are adapted to increase or decrease at least one of the (optional) torso, waist, and leg opening circumferences. The adjustable members may comprise laces 133, zippers 135, hook and loop fasteners, snaps, buttons, or any other suitable means which provides the capability of adjusting the circumference of one or more sections of the suit. To provide further adjustability, one or more of the respective front and back portions of one or more of the torso, waist, and leg sections of the suit may be joined together with an elastic material (not shown; see FIGS. 7A and 7B of previous embodiment). The elastic material may be sewn to or otherwise bonded to the respective front and back portions 112, 113 of, for example, torso section 111 or waist section 115.

(46) In the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 9-13, there are six adjustable members, two zippers 135 and two sets of laces 133. A first pair of laces 133 extends substantially along the length of the torso section of the suit, adjustably joining together respective front and back portions of the torso and waist sections of the suit. A second pair of laces 133 extends substantially vertically downwardly along opposing front and back portions of the waist section. The laces may comprise any suitable length of material which will withstand the stresses and strains of supporting the wearer.

(47) As in previous embodiments, laces 133 are laced in a criss-cross fashion through fabric loops (not shown) and then may be tightened and tied off as is conventional. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that eyelets or other holes, openings, or perforations may be utilized. When loosened, the laces, and elastic material, permit the circumferences of the torso, waist, and leg sections of suit 110 to increase so that a user may more easily don the suit. Once in the suit, the wearer can tighten the laces to create a snug fit.

(48) Similarly, zippers 135 extend substantially along the length of the front portions of the torso section 115 of the suit. As shown, the zippers may be angled from a generally vertical orientation. Typically, the zippers are angled at between about 10 to about 30° from vertical. As with the laces, when zippers 135 are unzipped, the torso section circumference of the suit increases so that a user may more easily don the suit. The zippers can then be zipped to a closed position to provide a snug fit for the wearer.

(49) As in previous embodiments, laces 133 or zippers 135 may be replaced by buttons. hook and loop fasteners, or snaps. In each alternative embodiment, unbuttoning the buttons, separating the hook and loop fasteners, or unsnapping the snaps allows the circumferences of the torso, waist, and/or leg sections of the suit to increase, making it easier for a user to don the suit. Generally, all of these adjustable members are interchangeable, and different combinations of any of them may be utilized.

(50) Referring now to FIGS. 14-18, yet another embodiment of the adjustable suit is illustrated. As shown, an adjustable suit 210 is shown which includes a torso section generally indicated at 211, a waist section generally indicated at 215, and a leg section generally indicated at 220. As in previous embodiments, the suit 210 is preferably made from a high tensile strength (e.g., 90 psi or greater), relatively inelastic material such as single or multi-ply polymeric fabric including polyester or nylon, and natural fibers including cotton (such as, for example, canvas or denim).

(51) Torso section 211 includes a front portion 212 and a back portion 213. The suit provides a torso circumference 214. Waist section 215 includes a front portion 216 and a back portion 217. The suit provides a waist section circumference 218. Leg section 220 includes a pair of legs 221, 222, each having respective leg openings 227, 228, and respective leg opening circumferences 229, 230 and with each leg having respective front 223, 224 and back 225, 226 portions. A crotch panel 242 provides support to the wearer. Sections of the adjustable suit may be fabricated from a unitary piece of fabric, or may be fabricated from pieces of fabric stitched or otherwise bonded or adhered together.

(52) Adjustable suit 210 also includes a pair of shoulder straps 244, 246. It will be apparent to those skilled in this art that suit 210 may also include sleeves (not shown) if the suit is fabricated to include an opening in the back of the torso section. As best shown in FIGS. 14 and 15, the shoulder straps comprise lengths of fabric or other suitable high tensile strength material and are adjustable through the use of fasteners 248, 249. By making the shoulder straps adjustable, suit 210 is easier to don, and the tightness of the shoulder straps can be adjusted to fit different physiques of the wearers.

(53) To aid in making it easier for a wearer to put on and take off the suit, adjustable suit 210 includes adjustable members 232 which are adapted to increase or decrease at least one of the (optional) torso, waist, and leg opening circumferences. The adjustable members may comprise laces 233, zippers 235, hook and loop fasteners, snaps, buttons, or any other suitable means which provides the capability of adjusting the circumference of one or more sections of the suit. To provide further adjustability, one or more of the respective front and back portions of one or more of the torso, waist, and leg sections of the suit may be joined together with an elastic material (not shown; see FIGS. 7A and 7B of previous embodiment). The elastic material may be sewn to or otherwise bonded to the respective front and back portions 212, 213 of, for example, torso section 211 or waist section 215.

(54) In the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 14-18, there are ten adjustable members, two zippers 235 and eight sets of laces 233. A first pair of laces 233 extends substantially along the length of the torso section of the suit, adjustably joining together respective front and back portions of the torso and waist sections of the suit. Second and third pairs of laces 233 extend substantially vertically downwardly along opposing front and back portions of the waist section. And, fourth pair of laces 233 extends generally vertically downwardly substantially along the length of leg section 220. The laces may comprise any suitable length of material which will withstand the stresses and strains of supporting the wearer.

(55) As in previous embodiments, laces 233 are laced in a criss-cross fashion through fabric loops (not shown) and then may be tightened and tied off as is conventional. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that eyelets or other holes, openings, or perforations may be utilized. When loosened, the laces, and elastic material, permit the circumferences of the torso, waist, and leg sections of suit 210 to increase so that a user may more easily don the suit. Once in the suit, the wearer can tighten the laces to create a snug fit.

(56) Similarly, zippers 235 extend substantially along the length of the front portions of the torso section 215 of the suit. As shown, the zippers may be angled from a generally vertical orientation. Typically, the zippers are angled at between about 10 to about 30° from vertical. As with the laces, when zippers 235 are unzipped, the torso section circumference of the suit increases so that a user may more easily don the suit. The zippers can then be zipped to a closed position to provide a snug fit for the wearer.

(57) As in previous embodiments, laces 233 or zippers 235 may be replaced by buttons. hook and loop fasteners, or snaps. In each alternative embodiment, unbuttoning the buttons, separating the hook and loop fasteners, or unsnapping the snaps allows the circumferences of the torso, waist, and/or leg sections of the suit to increase, making it easier for a user to don the suit. Generally, all of these adjustable members are interchangeable, and different combinations of any of them may be utilized.

(58) Referring now to FIGS. 19-23, yet another embodiment of the adjustable suit is illustrated. As shown, an adjustable suit 310 is shown which includes a torso section generally indicated at 311, a waist section generally indicated at 315, and a leg section generally indicated at 320. As in previous embodiments, the suit 310 is preferably made from a high tensile strength (e.g., 90 psi or greater), relatively inelastic material such as single or multi-ply polymeric fabric including polyester or nylon, and natural fibers including cotton (such as, for example, canvas or denim).

(59) Torso section 311 includes a front portion 312 and a back portion 313. The suit provides a torso circumference 314. Waist section 315 includes a front portion 316 and a back portion 317. The suit provides a waist section circumference 318. Leg section 320 includes a pair of legs 321, 322, each having respective leg openings 327, 328, with respective leg opening circumferences 329, 330 and with each leg having respective front 323, 324 and back 325, 326 portions. A crotch panel 342 provides support to the wearer. Sections of the adjustable suit may be fabricated from a unitary piece of fabric, or may be fabricated from pieces of fabric stitched or otherwise bonded or adhered together.

(60) Adjustable suit 310 also includes a pair of shoulder straps 344, 346. It will be apparent to those skilled in this art that suit 310 may also include sleeves (not shown) if the suit is fabricated to include an opening in the back of the torso section. As best shown in FIGS. 19 and 20, the shoulder straps comprise lengths of fabric or other suitable high tensile strength material and are adjustable through the use of fasteners 348, 349. By making the shoulder straps adjustable, suit 310 is easier to don, and the tightness of the shoulder straps can be adjusted to fit different physiques of the wearers.

(61) To aid in making it easier for a wearer to put on and take off the suit, adjustable suit 310 includes adjustable members 332 which are adapted to increase or decrease at least one of the (optional) torso, waist, and leg opening circumferences. The adjustable members may comprise laces 333, zippers 335, hook and loop fasteners, snaps, buttons, or any other suitable means which provides the capability of adjusting the circumference of one or more sections of the suit. To provide further adjustability, one or more of the respective front and back portions of one or more of the torso, waist, and leg sections of the suit may be joined together with an elastic material (not shown; see FIGS. 7A and 7B of previous embodiment). The elastic material may be sewn to or otherwise bonded to the respective front and back portions 312, 313 of, for example, torso section 311.

(62) In the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 19-23, there are eight adjustable members, two zippers 335 and six sets of laces 333. A first pair of laces 333 extends partially along the length of the torso and waist sections of the suit, adjustably joining together respective front and back portions of the torso and waist sections of the suit. A second pair of laces 333 extends substantially angled downwardly across the front portion of the waist section. And, a third pair of laces 333 extend generally vertically downwardly substantially along the length of the front portions of the legs 321, 322. The laces may comprise any suitable length of material which will withstand the stresses and strains of supporting the wearer.

(63) As in previous embodiments, laces 333 are laced in a criss-cross fashion through fabric loops (not shown) and then may be tightened and tied off as is conventional. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that eyelets or other holes, openings, or perforations may be utilized. When loosened, the laces, and elastic material, permit the circumferences of the torso, waist, and leg sections of suit 310 to increase so that a user may more easily don the suit. Once in the suit, the wearer can tighten the laces to create a snug fit.

(64) Similarly, zippers 335 extend substantially along the length of the front portions of the torso section 315 of the suit. As shown, the zippers may be angled from a generally vertical orientation. Typically, the zippers are angled at between about 10 to about 30° from vertical. As with the laces, when zippers 335 are unzipped, the torso section circumference of the suit increases so that a user may more easily don the suit. The zippers can then be zipped to a closed position to provide a snug fit for the wearer.

(65) As in previous embodiments, laces 333 or zippers 335 may be replaced by buttons. hook and loop fasteners, or snaps. In each alternative embodiment, unbuttoning the buttons, separating the hook and loop fasteners, or unsnapping the snaps allows the circumferences of the torso, waist, and/or leg sections of the suit to increase, making it easier for a user to don the suit. Generally, all of these adjustable members are interchangeable, and different combinations of any of them may be utilized.

(66) Referring now to FIGS. 24-28, yet another embodiment of the adjustable suit is illustrated. As shown, an adjustable suit 410 is shown which includes a torso section generally indicated at 411, a waist section generally indicated at 415, and a leg section generally indicated at 420. As in previous embodiments, the suit 410 is preferably made from a high tensile strength (e.g., 90 psi or greater), relatively inelastic material such as single or multi-ply polymeric fabric including polyester or nylon, and natural fibers including cotton (such as, for example, canvas or denim).

(67) Torso section 411 includes a front portion 412 and a back portion 413. The suit provides a torso circumference 414. Waist section 415 includes a front portion 416 and a back portion 417. The suit provides a waist section circumference 418. Leg section 420 includes a pair of legs 421, 422, each having respective leg openings 427, 428, and respective leg opening circumferences 429, 430, and with each leg having respective front 423, 424 and back 425, 426 portions. A crotch panel 442 provides support to the wearer. Sections of the adjustable suit may be fabricated from a unitary piece of fabric, or may be fabricated from pieces of fabric stitched or otherwise bonded or adhered together.

(68) Adjustable suit 410 also includes a pair of shoulder straps 444, 446. It will be apparent to those skilled in this art that suit 410 may also include sleeves (not shown) if the suit is fabricated to include an opening in the back of the torso section. As best shown in FIGS. 24 and 25, the shoulder straps comprise lengths of fabric or other suitable high tensile strength material and are adjustable through the use of fasteners 448, 449. By making the shoulder straps adjustable, suit 410 is easier to don, and the tightness of the shoulder straps can be adjusted to fit different physiques of the wearers.

(69) To aid in making it easier for a wearer to put on and take off the suit, adjustable suit 410 includes adjustable members 432 which are adapted to increase or decrease at least one of the (optional) torso, waist, and leg opening circumferences. The adjustable member may comprise laces 433, zippers 435, hook and loop fasteners, snaps, buttons, or any other suitable means which provides the capability of adjusting the circumference of one or more sections of the suit. To provide further adjustability, one or more of the respective front and back portions of one or more of the torso, waist, and leg sections of the suit may be joined together with an elastic material (not shown; see FIGS. 7A and 7B of previous embodiment). The elastic material may be sewn to or otherwise bonded to the respective front and back portions 412, 413 of, for example, torso section 411.

(70) In the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 24-28, there are eight adjustable members, two zippers 435 and six sets of laces 433. First, second, and third pairs of laces 433 extend partially along the length of the torso and waist sections of the suit, adjustably joining together respective front and back portions of the torso and waist sections of the suit. The sets of laces are arranged in side-by-side relationship providing expandable areas for a wearer to more easily don the suit. The laces may comprise any suitable length of material which will withstand the stresses and strains of supporting the wearer.

(71) As in previous embodiments, laces 433 are laced in a criss-cross fashion through fabric loops (not shown) and then may be tightened and tied off as is conventional. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that eyelets or other holes, openings, or perforations may be utilized. When loosened, the laces, and elastic material, permit the circumferences of the torso, waist, and leg sections of suit 410 to increase so that a user may more easily don the suit. Once in the suit, the wearer can tighten the laces to create a snug fit.

(72) Similarly, zippers 435 extend substantially along the length of the front portions of the torso section 415 of the suit. As shown, the zippers may be angled from a generally vertical orientation. Typically, the zippers are angled at between about 10 to about 30° from vertical. As with the laces, when zippers 435 are unzipped, the torso section circumference of the suit increases so that a user may more easily don the suit. The zippers can then be zipped to a closed position to provide a snug fit for the wearer.

(73) As in previous embodiments, laces 433 or zippers 435 may be replaced by buttons. hook and loop fasteners, or snaps. In each alternative embodiment, unbuttoning the buttons, separating the hook and loop fasteners, or unsnapping the snaps allows the circumferences of the torso, waist, and/or leg sections of the suit to increase, making it easier for a user to don the suit. Generally, all of these adjustable members are interchangeable, and different combinations of any of them may be utilized.

(74) It is noted that terms like “preferably,” “commonly,” and “typically” are not utilized herein to limit the scope of the claimed invention or to imply that certain features are critical, essential, or even important to the structure or function of the claimed invention. Rather, these terms are merely intended to highlight alternative or additional features that may or may not be utilized in a particular embodiment of the present invention.

(75) For the purposes of describing and defining the present invention it is noted that the term “substantially” is utilized herein to represent the inherent degree of uncertainty that may be attributed to any quantitative comparison, value, measurement, or other representation. The term “substantially” is also utilized herein to represent the degree by which a quantitative representation may vary from a stated reference without resulting in a change in the basic function of the subject matter at issue.

(76) Unless the meaning is clearly to the contrary, all ranges set forth herein are deemed to be inclusive of all values within the recited range as well as the endpoints.

(77) Having described the invention in detail and by reference to specific embodiments thereof, it will be apparent that modifications and variations are possible without departing from the scope of the invention defined in the appended claims. More specifically, although some aspects of the present invention are identified herein as preferred or particularly advantageous, it is contemplated that the present invention is not necessarily limited to these preferred aspects of the invention.