Thermal dual-layer undergarment for a dry diving suit

Abstract

A thermal insulating garment for an underwater diving suit has an inner insulating layer or thermal core and an outer elastomeric layer. The inner thermal core layer is larger than the outer layer. The inner thermal core thermal layer is temporarily fixed to the outer elastomeric layer by fastening means such as a hook and loop system. A zipper may be disposed between the two shoulders of the garment and across the chest of the garment to permit the top portion of the garment to be removed and permit diver entry and egress into the dry suit. There is a lamination seal at the ankles, wrists and collar of the garment.

1 . A dual-layered insulating garment for covering a wearer's torso, arms and legs in order to provide thermal protection for said wearer during a cold water dive, said dual-layered insulating garment comprising:
 a. an inner thermal core layer for thermal protection;   b. an elastomeric outer layer so that said inner thermal core is snug against the wearer;   c. a torso portion for covering the wearer's torso, a left and right arm portion attached to said torso portion for receiving the wearer's left and right arms up to their respective wrists, a left and right leg portion attached to the torso portion for receiving the wearer's left and right leg up to their respective ankles and a neck portion attached to the torso portion including a neck receiving portion; and,   d. an entry system for wearer entry and exit into the garment;   wherein said dual-layered insulating garment is worn beneath a dry-suit.   
     
     
         2 . The dual-layered insulating garment according to  claim 1  wherein the inner thermal core layer is internally secured to the elastomeric outer layer. 
     
     
         3 . The dual-layered insulating garment according to  claim 2  wherein the inner thermal core layer is secured to the elastomeric outer layer at said ankles, said wrists and said neck receiving portion by respective ankle, wrist and neck seals. 
     
     
         4 . The dual-layered insulating garment according to  claim 3  wherein said respective ankle, wrist and neck seals are laminated seals formed from alternating inner thermal core layer material and elastomeric outer layer material. 
     
     
         5 . The dual-layered garment according to  claim 1  wherein the torso portion, said left and right arm portion and said left and right leg portion of the inner layer have at least one pleat. 
     
     
         6 . The dual-layered garment according to  claim 5  wherein said at least one pleat comprises at least one fold of inner thermal core layer material. 
     
     
         7 . The dual-layered garment according to  claim 6  wherein when the dual-layered garment is worn by the wearer, said at least one pleat is operative to create a sufficient amount of tension in the torso portion, the left and right arm portion and the left and right leg portion of the inner thermal core layer to urge the inner thermal core layer material to conform to the wearer over a range of wearer sizes. 
     
     
         8 . The dual-layered garment according to  claim 7  wherein when the dual-layered garment is worn by the wearer and the at least one pleat is operative to accommodate the movements of the wearer. 
     
     
         9 . The dual-layered garment according to  claim 8  wherein when the dual-layered garment is worn by the wearer, the elastomeric outer layer is operative to compress the inner thermal core layer material snuggly against the wearer to further facilitate the wearer's movements. 
     
     
         10 . The dual-layered garment according to  claim 1  wherein the elastomeric outer layer is a protective non-insulating layer. 
     
     
         11 . The dual-layered garment according to  claim 1  wherein the elastomeric outer layer is an insulating layer. 
     
     
         12 . The dual-layered garment according to  claim 1  further comprising a plurality of temporary connecting sites between the inner thermal core layer and the elastomeric outer layer, so that the elastomeric outer layer lies in a flattened manner proximate to the inner thermal core layer and so that the dual-layered garment form fits the wearer permitting maximum mobility of the wearer. 
     
     
         13 . The dual-layered garment according to  claim 12  wherein said plurality of temporary connecting sites facilitates the expulsion of a volume of excess air from within the dual-layered garment thereby improving buoyancy control of said dry suit. 
     
     
         14 . The dual-layered garment according to  claim 13  wherein the plurality of temporary connecting sites are disposed in complementary adjacent pairs over an inside surface and an outside surface of the torso portion, the left and right arm portion and the left and right leg portion of the elastomeric outer layer and the inner thermal core layer respectively. 
     
     
         15 . The dual-layered garment according to  claim 14  wherein the plurality of temporary connecting sites comprise one of adhesive sites, hook and loop connection sites, magnetic connector sites and snap button sites. 
     
     
         16 . The dual-layered garment according to  claim 1  wherein said entry system is disposed between the neck portion and the torso portion. 
     
     
         17 . The dual-layered garment according to  claim 16  wherein the entry system comprises a shoulder to opposite shoulder closable opening descending downwards from a first shoulder then arcing across wearer's chest in and then rising to an opposite shoulder. 
     
     
         18 . The dual-layered garment according to  claim 17  wherein said shoulder to opposite shoulder closure is a zipper. 
     
     
         19 . The dual-layered garment according to  claim 18  wherein the inner thermal core layer and the elastomeric outer layer are joined and sealed by a laminate seal at said zipper. 
     
     
         20 . The dual-layered garment according to  claim 1  wherein the inner thermal core layer has a first surface area and the elastomeric outer layer comprises a smaller second surface area so that when the garment is worn by a wearer the elastomeric outer layer compresses the inner thermal core layer over the wearer and forces inner thermal core layer material into an arm pit area and a crotch area of the wearer thereby eliminating inner layer bulk, expelling excess air and permitting improved mobility of the wearer while wearing a dry suit.