Embodiments of the invention relate to a paddle sport garment. In particular, they relate to a waterproof paddle sport garment for use in kayaking or canoeing.

When participating in paddle sports such as kayaking and canoeing, a person may, for example, wear a waterproof jacket and life jacket/personal flotation device (PFD) over the waterproof jacket. He may also use a spraydeck to prevent water from entering the kayak/canoe.

GB2036654 discloses a buoyancy aid for use in a canoe or kayak that combines the functions of a conventional life jacket and a conventional spraydeck.

According to various, but not necessarily all, embodiments of the invention there is provided a paddle sport garment, comprising: a harness including one or more straps arranged to extend around the torso of a wearer of the paddle sport garment; a main body portion including at least one buoyancy device, wherein the one or more straps extend into at least one buoyancy device in the main body portion, between a first portion of the at least one buoyancy device and a second portion of the at least one buoyancy device; first and second arm portions extending from the main body portion; and a spraydeck including a further buoyancy device.

The harness may comprise a fulcrum about which the one or more straps are tensioned. The fulcrum may be positioned between the first portion of the at least one buoyancy device and the second portion of the at least one buoyancy device.

At least one of the one or more straps may be arranged to extend around the abdomen and lower back of a wearer of the paddle sport garment. At least one of the straps may extend over the shoulders of a wearer of the paddle sport garment.

The at least one buoyancy device in the main body portion may be held captive between two portions of material. The at least one buoyancy device in the main body portion may be held captive by stitching. The at least one buoyancy device may be arranged to provide buoyancy at a front of the main body portion and at a rear of the main body portion.

The at least one buoyancy device may comprise a first buoyancy device at the front of the main body portion and a second buoyancy device at the rear of the main body portion. The first buoyancy device at the front of the main body portion may be held captive between two portions of material. The second buoyancy device at the rear of the main body portion may be held captive between two portions of material. The first and second buoyancy devices in the main body portion may be held captive by stitching.

Each of the first and second arm portions may be arranged to substantially cover an upper arm of a wearer of the paddle sport garment by extending from a shoulder to substantially an elbow of a wearer of the paddle sport garment. Each of the first and second arm portions may be arranged to substantially cover an upper arm and a forearm of a wearer of the paddle sport garment by extending from a shoulder to substantially a wrist of a wearer of the paddle sport garment.

The spraydeck may be arranged to couple to a rim of an aperture of a boat, such that the spraydeck covers the cockpit. The spraydeck may comprise an elasticated cord for use in coupling the spraydeck to a rim of an aperture of a boat. The spraydeck may comprise a cover for covering an aperture of a boat. The boat may be a kayak or a canoe.

The further buoyancy device may be held captive between first and second layers of material. The first and second layers of material may be stitched together. The stitching may be blind stitching.

The paddle sport garment may further comprise a waterproof seal covering the stitching. The paddle sport garment may be watertight when the paddle sport garment is worn by a person and the spraydeck is coupled to a boat.

According to various, but not necessarily all, embodiments of the invention there is provided examples as claimed in the appended claims.

For a better understanding of various examples that are useful for understanding the detailed description, reference will now be made by way of example only to the accompanying drawings in which:

• Fig. 1A illustrates a front view of a first embodiment of a paddle sport garment that has short sleeves;
• Fig. 1B illustrates a rear view of the paddle sport garment;
• Fig. 1C illustrates a perspective view of the paddle sport garment;
• Fig. 1D illustrates a side view of the paddle sport garment with a magnified view of a portion of a spraydeck of the garment;
• Figs. 2A & 2B illustrate a buoyancy device;
• Fig. 2C & 2D illustrate a further buoyancy device;
• Fig. 2E illustrates another buoyancy device;
• Fig. 3A illustrates a front view of the paddle sport garment with a portion cut away;
• Fig. 3B illustrates a rear view of the paddle sport garment with a portion cut away;
• Fig. 4A illustrates a front view of the paddle sport garment with a greater portion cut away than that in Fig. 3A;
• Fig. 4B illustrates a rear view of the paddle sport garment with a greater portion cut away than that in Fig. 3B; and
• Fig. 5 illustrates a front view of a second embodiment of the paddle sport garment that has long sleeves.

Embodiments of the invention relate to a paddle sport garment 10 that combines the functionality of a conventional waterproof jacket, a conventional life jacket/PFD and a conventional spraydeck.

The paddle sport garment 10 is intended for wear by a person when he is participating in a paddle sport such as kayaking or canoeing. The paddle sport garment 10 provides the functionality of a conventional waterproof jacket, a conventional life jacket/PFD and a conventional spraydeck in a slim physical arrangement, facilitating agile movement and speed. This may be particularly advantageous in a racing environment.

Figures 1A, 1B and 1C illustrate a front, rear and perspective views respectively of a first embodiment of the paddle sport garment 10 having short sleeves. The illustrated paddle sport garment 10 comprises a main body portion 12, a first arm portion 14, a second arm portion 16 and a spraydeck 30.

The main body portion 12 in the illustrated example is arranged to cover the torso of a wearer of the garment 10 including the wearer's chest, abdomen, back and shoulders. The first and second arm portions 14, 16 extend from the main body portion 12. Each of the first and second arm portions 14, 16 is arranged to substantially cover an upper arm of a wearer of the garment 10 by extending from a shoulder to substantially an elbow of the wearer. Each arm portion 14, 16 comprises an arm seal 42, 43 at its distal end. The arm seals 42, 43 are configured to grip an arm of a wearer of the garment 10 to prevent water from entering the garment 10. In this example, the arm seals 42, 43 are arranged to be positioned just above the elbows of a wearer. Each of the arm seals may, for example, be made from latex or neoprene.

The main body portion 12 has a neck seal 41. The neck seal 41 is configured to grip the neck of a wearer of the garment 10 to prevent water from entering the garment 10. The neck seal 41 may, for example, be made from latex or neoprene.

The outer surface of the main body 12 and the arm portions 14, 16 may be formed from one or more waterproof materials (that is, one or more materials which is/are impervious to water), such as polyester, nylon or a combination of polyester and spandex. The one or more waterproof materials might be stretchable.

The main body portion 12 of the garment comprises at least one buoyancy device each of which may, for example, be made from flotation foam. In the illustrated example, the main body portion 12 comprises a first buoyancy device 13a that is arranged to be positioned at the front of a wearer of the garment 10 and a second buoyancy device 13b that is arranged to be positioned at the rear of a wearer of the garment 10.

The first buoyancy device 13a may be held captive between two portions of material (for example, by stitching which attaches the portions of material together) at the front of the main body portion 12. The second buoyancy device 13b may be held captive between two portions of material (for example, by stitching which attaches the two portions of material together) at the rear of the main body portion 12.

The paddle sport garment 10 may further comprise a harness 20 that enables the garment 10 to be secured to a wearer. The harness 20 comprises a plurality of straps 21-25 that are arranged to extend around the torso of a wearer of the garment 10. The harness 20 advantageously provides the garment 10 with additional strength and enables the garment 10 to meet the ISO 12402-5 safety standard relating to a PFD. In accordance with the standard, the harness 20 is able to withstand a horizontal load of 2000N and a vertical load of 750N. The straps 21-25 may be formed from a woven material, such as nylon, polyester or polypropylene webbing.

The main body portion 12 includes a plurality of apertures/slots 51a-51l which provide entry and exit points in the main body 12 for straps 21-23 of the harness 20. The apertures 51a-51l may, for example, be surrounded by a flexible plastics material that prevents/mitigates ripping from the aperture. For example, the apertures 51a-51l may be formed in a block of flexible plastics material.

Each aperture/slot 51a-51l has a two-dimensional shape that corresponds with the cross-sectional profile (i.e. the width and depth) of a strap 21-23, such that the relevant strap 21-23 may pass through the aperture 51a-51l and into the main body portion 12 of the garment 10. Six apertures 51a, 51b, 51e, 51f, 51i, 51j are positioned at the front of the main body portion 12 of the garment and six apertures 51c, 51d, 51g, 51h, 51k, 51l are positioned at the rear of the main body portion 12 of the garment.

A first strap 21 of the harness 20 is arranged to extend over the shoulders of a wearer of the garment 10. Second and third straps 22, 23 of the harness 20 are arranged to extend around the abdomen and lower back of a wearer of the garment 10. First and second adjustable, releasable buckles 52a, 52b are provided on the second and third straps 22, 23 to enable the second and third straps 22, 23 to be adjusted for size. The harness 20 is described in more detail below in relation to figures 3A to 4B.

The spraydeck 30 comprises a buoyancy device 37 and is arranged to couple to a rim of a cockpit of a boat, such as a canoe or a kayak. The spraydeck 30 comprises an upper portion 31 and a lower portion 32. The upper portion 31 of the spraydeck 30 may be arranged to surround the pelvis of a wearer. The dotted line designated with the reference numeral 35 indicates where the upper portion 31 of the spraydeck 30 is attached to the main body portion 12, for example by stitching. The upper portion 31 of the spraydeck 30 may, for example, be formed from neoprene.

The lower portion 32 of the spraydeck 30 is a skirt/cover that has a front portion 32a and a rear portion 32b. An elasticated shockcord 33 extends around the perimeter of the cover 32. The elasticated cord 33 is configured to grip the rim of a cockpit of a boat, such as a canoe or a kayak, in order to couple the spraydeck 30 to the boat, such that the cover 32 covers the cockpit of the boat and prevents water from entering the boat via the cockpit. The paddle sport garment 10 is watertight when it is worn by a person and the spraydeck 30 is coupled to a boat. A release strap 34 extends from the front portion 32a and enables a wearer of the garment to uncouple the spraydeck 30 from a boat to which it is attached by gripping and pulling the release strap 34.

Fig. 1D illustrates a side view of the paddle sport garment 10 with a magnified view of the lower portion 32 of the spraydeck 30. The lower portion 32 of the spraydeck 30 comprises a first, upper layer of material 39 and a second, lower layer of material 38. Each of the first and second layers of material 38, 39 may be made from a waterproof material (that is, a material which is impervious to water). For example, the first layer of material 39 may be formed from neoprene and the second layer of material 38 may be formed from polyester or nylon.

The buoyancy device 37 of the spraydeck 30 is positioned between the first layer of material 39 and the second layer of material 38, such that it is held captive between the two layers of material 38, 39. Stitching 36 attaches the two layers of material 38, 39 together. In some examples, the stitching 36 is blind stitching that does not pass through the first layer of material 39 completely in order to maintain that material's impermeability to water. The stitching 36 may also be covered by a seal at the underside of the first layer 39 in order to maintain impermeability.

Figs. 2A and 2B illustrates an example of a first buoyancy device 13a that is provided in the main body portion 12 of the paddle sport garment 10, in front of the wearer. Fig. 2A illustrates a plan view and fig. 2B illustrates a side view. In this example, the first buoyancy device 13a includes a first portion 131a and a second portion 132a. The first and second portions 131a, 132a may be separable parts.

Figs. 2C and 2D illustrates an example of a second buoyancy device 13b that is provided in the main body portion 12 of the paddle sport garment 10, at the rear of the wearer. Fig. 2C illustrates a plan view and fig. 2D illustrates a side view. In this example, the second buoyancy device 13b includes a first portion 131b and a second portion 132b. The first and second portions 131b, 132b may be separable parts. In this example, the second buoyancy device 13b is larger than the first buoyancy device 13b.

Figs. 2E illustrates a plan view of the buoyancy device 37 provided in the spraydeck 30 which may, for example, be made from flotation foam.

In circumstances where a given level of buoyancy is to be provided by the garment 10 (e.g. to meet a standard, such as the ISO 12402-5 safety standard relating to a PFD), the presence of a buoyancy device 37 in the spraydeck 30 enables the volume of the buoyancy devices 13a, 13b in the main body portion 12 to be reduced in size, relative to a situation in which the buoyancy device 37 were not present in the spraydeck 30.

For instance, the thickness of the first and second buoyancy devices 13a, 13b may be in the region of 20mm. In contrast, typically, in a conventional PFD, flotation foam having a thickness of 40-50mm is provided in front of the wearer and flotation foam having a thickness of 30-40mm is provided at the rear of the wearer.

The relatively slim nature of the main body portion 12 of the garment facilitates agile movement and speed without jeopardizing safety, which is particularly advantageous in a racing environment.

Figs. 3A and 3B illustrate front and rear views of the paddle sport garment 10 respectively with a portion cut away. The portion that has been cut away reveals a part of the harness 20 that cannot be seen in Figs. 1A, 1B and 1C. Figs. 4A and 4B illustrate a front view and a rear view of the paddle sport garment 10 respectively with a greater portion cut away than that in Figs. 3A and 3B.

Figs. 3A to 4B have been provided to illustrate the interconnection between the straps 21-25 of the harness 20. The first strap 21 is arranged to extend over a first shoulder of a wearer of the garment 10 and to enter the main body portion 12 of the garment at the front of the garment 10 via a first aperture 51a. After the first strap 21 has entered the main body portion 12 via the first aperture 51a it extends in front of the wearer's chest, between the first portion 131 of the first buoyancy device 13a and the second portion 132 of the first buoyancy device 13a, such that it is sandwiched between the two portions 131, 132 of the first buoyancy device 13a.

The first strap 21 then extends around a first fulcrum 80a, about which it is tensioned, and exits the main body portion 12 at the front of the garment 10 via a second aperture 51b. The first strap 21 then extends in front of the wearer's chest and over the second shoulder of the wearer before re-entering the main body portion 12 of the garment 10 at a third aperture 51c at the rear of the main body portion 12 of the garment 10. After the first strap 21 has re-entered the main body portion 12 via the third aperture 51c it extends between the first portion 131 of the second buoyancy device 13b and the second portion 132 of the second buoyancy device 13b, such that it is sandwiched between the two portions 131, 132 of the second buoyancy device 13b.

The first strap 21 then extends around a second fulcrum 80b, about which it is tensioned. The first strap 21 doubles back on itself, at least to some extent, about the second fulcrum 80b, which enables the first strap 21 to be attached to itself (for example, by sewing) to form a closed loop. After the first strap 21 has doubled back on itself, it exits the main body portion 12 at the rear of the garment 10 via a fourth aperture 51d and extending over the first shoulder of the wearer of the garment 10.

In the illustrated example, each of the first and second fulcrums 80a, 80b is a metal ring. The first fulcrum 80a is sandwiched between the first and second portions 131, 132 of the first buoyancy device 131 in the illustrated example. The second fulcrum 80b is sandwiched between the first and second portions 131, 132 of the second buoyancy device 13b in the illustrated example. An advantage of a portion 131 of each buoyancy aid 13a, 13b being positioned between the wearer and a portion of the straps 21-23 and the fulcrums 80a, 80b is increased comfort for the wearer, because the portions 131 of the buoyancy devices 13a, 13b provide a cushion.

The second and third straps 22, 23 of the harness 20 are arranged to extend around the abdomen and lower back of a wearer of the garment 10. The second strap 22 is arranged to enter the main body portion 12 of the garment 10 at a fifth aperture 51e. After the second strap 22 has entered the main body portion 12 via the fifth aperture 51e it extends in front of the wearer's abdomen, between the first portion 131 of the first buoyancy device 13a and the second portion 132 of the first buoyancy device 13a, such that it is sandwiched between the two portions 131, 132 of the first buoyancy device 13a. The second strap 22 then extends around the first fulcrum 80a, about which it is tensioned, and then reverses direction in front of the wearer's abdomen before exiting the main body portion 12 at the front of the main body portion 12 via a sixth aperture 51f. The second strap 22 then extends around a side of the wearer before re-entering the main body portion 12 of the garment 10 at a seventh aperture 51g at the rear of the main body portion 12 of the garment 10. The second strap 22 then reverses direction behind the lower back of the wearer of the garment 10, between the first portion 131 of the second buoyancy device 13b and the second portion 132 of the second buoyancy device 13b, such that it is sandwiched between the two portions 131, 132 of the second buoyancy device 13b.

The second strap 22 then extends around the second fulcrum 80b, about which it is tensioned. The second strap 22 doubles back on itself, at least to some extent, about the second fulcrum 80b, which enables the second strap 22 to be attached to itself (for example, by sewing) to form a closed loop. After the second strap 22 has doubled back on itself, it extends behind the lower back of the wearer of the garment 10, before exiting the main body portion 12 at the rear of the garment 10 via an eighth aperture 51h. The second strap 22 is then connected to the first releasable buckle 52a. For example, the second strap 22 may comprise a closed loop on one side of the buckle 52a, formed by sewing an end of the second strap 22 onto itself, in order to enable the second strap 22 to connect to a first attachment portion of the buckle 52a. The second strap 22 may be threaded around a second attachment portion on the other side of the buckle 52a in a manner that enables the length of the second strap 22 to be adjusted for comfort, size and safety.

The third strap 23 is arranged to enter the main body portion 12 of the garment 10 at a ninth aperture 51i. After the third strap 23 has entered the main body portion 12 via the ninth aperture 51i it extends in front of the wearer's abdomen, between the first portion 131 of the first buoyancy device 13a and the second portion 132 of the first buoyancy device 13a, such that it is sandwiched between the two portions 131, 132 of the first buoyancy device 13a. The third strap 23 then extends around the first fulcrum 80a, about which it is tensioned, and then reverses direction in front of the wearer's abdomen before exiting the main body portion 12 at the front of the main body portion 12 via a tenth aperture 51j. The third strap 23 then extends around a side of the wearer before re-entering the main body portion 12 of the garment 10 at an eleventh aperture 51k at the rear of the main body portion 12 of the garment 10. The third strap 23 then extends behind the lower back of the wearer of the garment 10 between the first portion 131 of the second buoyancy device 13b and the second portion 132 of the second buoyancy device 13b, such that it is sandwiched between the two portions 131, 132 of the second buoyancy device 13b.

The third strap 23 then extends around the second fulcrum 80b, about which it is tensioned. The third strap 23 doubles back on itself, at least to some extent, about the second fulcrum 80b, which enables the third strap 23 to be attached to itself (for example, by sewing) to form a closed loop. After the third strap 23 has doubled back on itself, it extends behind the lower back of the wearer of the garment 10, before exiting the main body portion 12 at the rear of the garment 10 via a twelfth aperture 511. The third strap 23 is then connected to the second releasable buckle 52b. For example, the third strap 23 may comprise a closed loop on one side of the buckle 52b, formed by sewing an end of the third strap 23 onto itself, in order to enable the third strap 23 to connect to a first attachment portion of the buckle 52b. The third strap 23 may be threaded around a second attachment portion on the other side of the buckle 52b in a manner that enables the length of the third strap 23 to be adjusted for comfort, size and safety.

Figure 5 illustrates a second embodiment of the paddle support garment 10. The paddle support garment 10 illustrated in figure 5 is the same as the first embodiment illustrated in figures 1A to 4B, except that it has long sleeves rather than short sleeves. That is, each of the first and second arm portions 14, 16 is arranged to substantially cover an upper arm and a forearm of a wearer of the paddle support garment 10 by extending from a shoulder to substantially a wrist of the wearer of the paddle support garment 10. The arm seals 42, 43, which might be made from latex or neoprene, are arranged to be positioned at the wrists of a wearer in this embodiment.

The harness 20 further comprises fourth and fifth straps 24, 25 that are positioned at the front and the rear of the main body portion 12 of the garment 10 respectively. In this example the outer surface of the main body 12 covers both the fourth strap 24 and the fifth strap 25, such that they cannot be seen in figures 1A to 1C.

The fourth strap 24 is coupled to the first fulcrum 80a and attached to the (upper portion 31 of the) spraydeck 30, connecting the harness 20 to the spraydeck 30. In some examples, the fourth strap 24 may double back on itself about the first fulcrum 80a and be attached to the upper portion 31 of the spraydeck 30 at two positions. In other examples, the fourth strap 24 may comprise a closed loop which couples it to the first fulcrum 80a, and may be attached to the upper portion 31 of the spraydeck 30 at only a single position.

The fifth strap 25 is coupled to the second fulcrum 80b and attached to the (upper portion 31 of the) spraydeck 30, connecting the harness 20 to the spraydeck 30. In some examples, the fifth strap 25 may double back on itself about the second fulcrum 80b and be attached to the upper portion 31 of the spraydeck 30 at two positions. In other examples, the fifth strap 25 may comprise a closed loop which couples it to the second fulcrum 80b, and may be attached to the upper portion 31 of the spraydeck 30 at only a single position.

Although embodiments of the present invention have been described in the preceding paragraphs with reference to various examples, it should be appreciated that modifications to the examples given can be made without departing from the scope of the invention as claimed. For example, one or both of the fulcrums 80a, 80b could be of a shape that is different from a ring, and my not be made from metal. For instance, the fulcrums 80a, 80b could instead be made from a plastics material.

Features described in the preceding description may be used in combinations other than the combinations explicitly described.

Although functions have been described with reference to certain features, those functions may be performable by other features whether described or not.

Although features have been described with reference to certain embodiments, those features may also be present in other embodiments whether described or not.

Whilst endeavoring in the foregoing specification to draw attention to those features of the invention believed to be of particular importance it should be understood that the applicant claims protection in respect of any patentable feature or combination of features hereinbefore referred to and/or shown in the drawings whether or not particular emphasis has been placed thereon.