Abstract:
A multi-layer liner light weight garment ensemble that offers low bulk, water impermeability, wind resistance, thermal protection, and buoyancy. The core element and essential component of the invention is the light weight sealed air polymer cellular thermal layer, interposed between the inner and outer layers. This central element can be water impermeable and offers both thermal protection and buoyancy effects. The garment ensemble can be used as a light weight thermal winter garment as well as survival apparel for those who work and play in and around water.

Description:
This invention claims the benefit of priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application 60/388,208 filed Jun. 13, 2002, and relates to a light weight air encapsulated cellular thermal liner ensemble constructed of a heavy duty polyethylene or comparable polymer or monomer composition, and more particularly, this invention provides a thermal liner that is buoyant, light weight, low bulk, wind resistant, and water impermeable, which allows for increased thermal protection across wide ranges of temperatures and climates, and when used in a multi-purpose nautical work and survival suit has freedom of movement while providing flotation and hypothermia protection. 

   BACKGROUND AND PRIOR ART 
   Cold weather garments abound in the retail marketplace today. These garments are constructed from a wide range of materials and in a variety of styles depending on their use. However, their primary function is to keep the user warm while also meeting the diverse demands of various cold weather sports and activities. Such demands include freedom of movement, minimal weight, low bulk, water impermeability, moisture and wind resistance, and, for activities that occur in or around water, buoyancy. 
   Typical thermal liners for cold weather garments are constructed of multiple layers of material. Normally, they consist of an outer shell, a thermal layer, and an inner liner. When these liners are constructed for use in moderate temperatures, they seem to address most user requirements. However, as temperatures go down, the traditional response is to add material or increase the density of the thermal layer. This approach leads to decreased freedom of movement, added weight and bulk, increased wetting due to perspiration, poorer air circulation inside the garment, and increased manufacturing cost. 
   Several types of multi-layered garment liners have previously been disclosed. Generally, these liners have the following disadvantages:
         (a) To achieve a comfort level at low temperatures, the amount of thermal insulating material has to be increased substantially;   (b) This increase in thermal material adds weight, bulk, and creates difficulty in mass production because of problems associated with cutting, handling, and sewing the bulky liner material typically used such as down, polyester, polygard, etc.;   (c) Increasing amounts of material tend to limit the ability of the garment to respond to changes in temperature resulting in excessive moisture due to perspiration during transition from low to high temperatures;   (d) Manufacturing processes intended to minimize the effects of thickness and bulk result in rigidity and stiffness in the product, thus limiting freedom of movement. Cost is also directly impacted.       

   The search for ultra light weight, inexpensive, thermal insulating material for garments has resulted in disclosures such as U.S. Pat. No. 4,583,247 to Fingerhut et.al. (1986) for a composite insulation material. While U.S. Pat. No. 4,583,247 does appear to meet weight, bulk and cost criteria when a single layer of insulation is used, it may not be sufficient to provide thermal protection in very cold temperatures without stacking layer upon layer of composite material to form the inner lining. 
   U.S. Pat. No. 5,140,721 to Kauffeld (1992) discloses the use of plastic bubble packing sheets to make thermal protective insulating underwear for divers. 
   U.S. Pat. No. 5,140,721, in its simplest form, takes sheets of bubble packing material and makes them into undergarments for divers. These inner garments have no inner or outer liners, and may or may not be worn over an inner garment. 
   While acknowledging the ultra light weight and excellent thermal insulating properties of plastic bubble packing material as it is used in U.S. Pat. No. 5,140,721, it is inefficient as the sole element of a thermal garment. When placed against the body, bubble packing material adheres to the skin because of the moisture created through perspiration or the outside environment. Since there is no means for absorbing this excess moisture, the comfort level of the user is degraded. Furthermore, without some type of inner wicking liner or adequate air space, ingress and egress from the fitted garment are severely hampered because of the tendency for plastic bubble packing material to cling to the body. In addition, the absence of an inner liner subjects the bubbles, especially if the non-barrier light weight bubble packaging material is used, to possible rupture. Lastly, bubble packaging material is inappropriate for a diver&#39;s dry suit in which minimum buoyancy is a highly desired characteristic. 
   The traditional method of forming seams in survival or anti-exposure dry suits involves gluing together a butt seam where a rubber-like glue is applied to each of the faces to be butt joined allowing the glue to dry or cure. This method has been found to have inadequate strength, particularly when the composite seams are composed of dissimilar fabric or material such as that for zipper closure tape. 
   In another method of forming seams, a glued and butted seam of the above type is strengthened by stitching the seams. However, when this method is used and the seam is placed under stress, the needle holes become enlarged allowing water to penetrate through the holes to the interior of the suit. This is sometimes referred to as pin holing. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 3,731,319 to O&#39;Neill (1973) and U.S. Pat. No. 5,802,609 to Garafalo (1998) disclose a suit provided with inturned seals at the neck, ankles, and wrist to make them substantially watertight. However, there is no solution offered to prevent water intrusion due to pin holing. 
   A further advance in the above glued, butted, and stitched method involves gluing a flexible tape on the inside or on opposite sides of the seam which improves the seam strength and waterproof characteristics. However, with such a method, the tape, when submerged in cold water for extended periods of time, can separate from the stitched joint impacting the integrity of the waterproof seam. In the past, difficulty in formulating an adhesive bonding system that will adhere to a polymer composite such as polyethylene, particularly when using dissimilar materials, prohibited the use of a polymer liner element in watertight garments. 
   Thus, the need exists for solutions to the above problems with the prior art. 
   SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
   The primary objective of the subject invention is to provide liners and garment ensembles that can be used as a thermal wear and anti-exposure suit. 
   The secondary objective of the subject invention is to provide liners and garment ensembles which can meet the demands of winter sports, particularly, low activity winter sports such as snowmobiling, motorcycling, ice fishing and boating as well as cold weather work activities. 
   The third objective of the subject invention is to provide liners and garment ensembles that are light weight, breathable, waterproof, and wind-resistant. 
   The fourth objective of the subject invention is to provide liners and garment ensembles that can provide thermal protection across a wide range of temperatures and climate conditions while being compatible with the varied cold weather wear demands. 
   The fifth objective of the subject invention is to provide liners and garment ensembles that can be used alone or integrated into an existing outer garment. 
   The sixth objective of the subject invention is to provide liners and garment ensembles that can be used as a versatile, light weight garment offering freedom of movement and watertightness while providing excellent flotation properties and hypothermia protection. 
   The seventh objective of the subject invention is to provide thermal liner ensembles that can be used alone or integrated into an existing outer garment while being extremely lightweight. 
   The eighth objective of the subject invention is to provide a multi-purpose nautical work and survival suit which can be easily opened for an out-of-water work activity and closed for protection against water intrusion. 
   The novel invention meets all the objectives described above for a thermal wear and anti-exposure suit. The invention has performed at wind chills of approximately −46 degrees Fahrenheit when tested using a snowmobile at speeds up to approximately 73 miles per hour, and during the transition from this external environment to a room temperature of approximately 68 degrees Fahrenheit. The air encapsulated cellular layer itself weighs less than approximately 1.5 ounces per square yard. The invention has been able to show retention of air in the cellular thermal layer during a period of approximately three years. 
   The invention can be used alone or integrated into an existing outer garment. The jacket liner or vest ensemble can be worn as a work garment, satisfying the performance requirements of most personal flotation devices (PFDs) while weighing less than twelve (12) ounces. The jacket liner, when zipped into an existing light weight outer shell, can provide out of water winter protection. 
   When the watertight jacket and trouser components are combined, a multi-purpose nautical work and survival suit is created that can satisfy the need for a versatile, light weight garment offering freedom of movement and watertightness while also providing excellent flotation properties and hypothermia protection. 
   The invention can be configured as a multi-purpose nautical work and survival suit. Its seams can be sealed against water intrusion, made possible by the unique polymer adhesive bonding system. The leg, wrist, and neck openings can be constructed with light weight watertight closures which can be easily opened for an out-of-water work activity and closed for protection against water intrusion. 
   An embodiment of the invention can include a sealed air cellular or bubble material as part of the thermal liner ensemble. 
   A second embodiment can use the cellular thermal liner ensemble with a highly specialized sealing and bonding system to meet the growing need for a light weight, buoyant, watertight, and versatile work vest and PFD. A nautical work and survival dry suit is yet another embodiment of this three layer liner ensemble concept. The work and survival garment can be constructed to provide comfort and protection but, above all, it guarantees protection against cold water intrusion. This can only be accomplished by assuring watertight seams and closures. 
   In the past, difficulty in formulating an adhesive bonding system that will adhere to a polymer composite such as polyethylene, particularly when using dissimilar materials, prohibited the use of a polymer liner element in watertight garments. This impediment has been overcome, and is described in reference to  FIGS. 10 and 13 . 
   Additional objects and advantages along with the various liner configurations and methods of construction will become apparent from the drawings and description of my invention which follow. 
   Further objects and advantages of this invention will be apparent from the following detailed description of a presently preferred embodiment which is illustrated schematically in the accompanying drawings. 

   
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES 
       FIG. 1  is a front view of a preferred embodiment of the jacket liner ensemble constructed according to the invention with a cutaway view showing the three material layers comprising the liner and with a partially sectioned view of the arm panels removed showing a second vest embodiment. 
       FIG. 2  is a front view of the jacket embodiment of the liner ensemble showing a means for closure and for integration with a host outer shell. 
       FIG. 3  is a perspective view of a trouser embodiment of the invention using the same three layer construction with pocket, ankle, and front closure incorporating a unisex urinary access. 
       FIG. 3A  is a sectional rear view of the trouser in  FIG. 3  showing the lower termination of the front closure means and unisex urinary access. 
       FIG. 4  is a perspective view of the liner in  FIG. 2  being integrated with a host outer shell. 
       FIG. 5  is a front view of a work vest with inflatable front panels using the same three layer construction shown in  FIGS. 1 and 2 . 
       FIG. 5A  is a front sectional view of the vest in  FIG. 5  showing the sealed edges of the inflatable multi-layer cellular front panels with attached inflation device. 
       FIG. 6  is a perspective view showing a piece of the polymer cellular thermal layer interposed between the inner and outer layers. 
       FIG. 7  is a cross-section view of one embodiment of a non-watertight seam in accordance with the present invention. 
       FIG. 8  is a cross-section view of a panel seam showing two polymer cellular thermal layers encased between their respective inner and outer layers and joined at a common seam. 
       FIG. 9  is a cross-section view of a second seam embodiment of the present invention showing a watertight polymer adhesive bonding process in accordance with the present invention. 
       FIG. 10  is a cross-section view of a multi-layer panel seam showing a single polymer cellular thermal layer encased between its respective inner and outer layers and joined at a common seam. 
       FIG. 11  is a cross-section view of yet another embodiment showing a heat sealed watertight seam in accordance with the present invention. 
       FIG. 12  is a cross-section view of a two layer panel seam showing the inner layers interposed between the reflective and thermal coated cellular thermal layers sealed at their common edges. 
       FIG. 13  is yet another embodiment of a seam using a watertight adhesive bonding process for a two layer configuration watertight liner ensemble. 
       FIG. 14  is an overall view of a two layer polymer cellular thermal liner ensemble constructed as illustrated in  FIGS. 12–13  showing the front closure, neck, wrist, and leg seals in accordance with a second preferred embodiment of the present invention. 
       FIG. 15  is a three layer polymer cellular liner ensemble constructed as illustrated in  FIG. 9  and  FIG. 10  in accordance with the present invention. 
       FIG. 16  is a partially sectioned view of the boot and outer shell ankle closure. 
       FIG. 17  is a partially sectioned view of the two layer liner ensemble in  FIG. 14  provided with a hood according to the invention. 
       FIG. 18  is a front perspective view of the neck seal in the open position with a cut-away view showing the three layer construction. 
       FIG. 19  is a perspective view of the nautical work suit/coverall with the watertight three layer liner ensemble of  FIG. 15  incorporated and showing the three layer construction in accordance with the present invention. 
       FIG. 20  is a sectional view of the wrist seal in the open position and a cut-away view showing the three layer construction. 
       FIG. 20A  is an enlarged view of the wrist seal of  FIG. 20  showing the watertight adhesive bond and zipper closure means. 
       FIG. 21  is a sectional view of an alternate embodiment of the leg seal with cut-away view showing the three layer construction. 
   

   DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
   Before explaining the disclosed embodiments of the present invention in detail it is to be understood that the invention is not limited in its application to the details of the particular arrangements shown since the invention is capable of other embodiments. Also, the terminology used herein is for the purpose of description and not of limitation. 
   The Reference Numerals In The Drawings Are Defined as Follows: 
   
       
         10  jacket liner ensemble 
         12  outer layer 
         13  sleeve front panel 
         13 A sleeve rear panel 
         14  sealed air cellular thermal layer 
         14 A multi-layer thermal liner 
         15  zipper flap 
         16  inner layer 
         17  common upper edges 
         18  common lower edges 
         18 A shoulder panel lower edge 
         19  common side edges 
         19 A work suit common side seal edges 
         20  jacket liner ensemble 
         21  bottom waistband 
         22  two-way separating zipper 
         23  pocket zipper 
         24  front panels 
         25  pockets 
         26  cuffs 
         28  sleeve front panels 
         30  trouser embodiment 
         30 A rear view trouser embodiment 
         31  trouser front panels 
         31 A trouser rear panels 
         32  waistband 
         32 A rear waistband 
         33  trouser pockets 
         34  waistband seams 
         35  trouser zipper 
         35 A unisex zipper opening 
         36  drawstring 
         37  trouser zipper flap 
         38  wraparound leg bands 
         40  integrated liner ensemble 
         42  host outer shell 
         50  vest with inflated front panels 
         52  inflatable vest front panels 
         54  primary inflator tubular member 
         56  inflatable valve 
         56 A inflatable valve inner flange 
         58  shoulder panel 
         60  panels of liner ensemble 
         70  exploded cross-section of non-watertight seal 
         72  seam junction 
         80  cross-section of multi-layer cellular thermal layer 
         82  multi-layer seam junction 
         84  multi-layer seam junction 
         86  multi-layer air space 
         90  exploded cross-section view of a watertight seal 
         92  polymer adhesive bonding 
         94  polymer cellular layer 
         100  cross-section of a three layer construction 
         102  three layer seam junction 
         104  three layer seam junction 
         110  heat sealed watertight seam 
         112  heat sealing junction 
         114  common seam edge 
         120  cross-section of a two layer configuration 
         122  abrasive resistant finish 
         124  stitching junction 
         126  stitching junction 
         128  reflective coating 
         130  watertight adhesive seal for two layer liner 
         132  polymer adhesive bonding system 
         134  common seam edge 
         140  two layer thermal, watertight, buoyant liner ensemble 
         142  flexible watertight zipper 
         143  wrist seal 
         144  neck seal 
         145  fabric sock 
         146  front panels 
         147  wrist and ankle zipper closure 
         148  zipper tab 
         149  ankle seal 
         150  second embodiment of watertight liner 
         152  flexible watertight zipper 
         154  front panels 
         156  zipper tab for urinary access 
         160  trouser leg and boot 
         162  trouser leg 
         164  trouser leg strap 
         166  boot 
         170  hood 
         172  hood skirt 
         180  three layer neck seal 
         182  outer shell, coverall, or work suit 
         183  hook and loop closure 
         184  neck seal watertight seam 
         186  outer shell zipper 
         188  outer shell zipper flap 
         190  anti-exposure and work suit embodiment 
         192  left ankle seal 
         193  zipper flap 
         194  one piece outer garment 
         195  zipper pull tab 
         196  outer garment zipper 
         197  trouser pockets 
         198  outer garment front panels 
         200  sectional view of wrist seal 
         202  exploded view of watertight wrist seal 
         204  wrist seal zipper 
         206  wrist seal polymer adhesive bonding system 
         210  lower leg and foot element seal 
         212  trouser leg 
         214  trouser leg securing strap 
         216  hook and loop fastener 
     
  
   The First disclosed embodiments of the present invention are illustrated and described in reference to  FIGS. 1–3 . The Second disclosed embodiments of the present invention are illustrated and described in reference to  FIGS. 14 ,  15  and  19 . 
   Referring to  FIG. 1 , the garment liner ensemble comprising the basic component of the present invention is the embodiment of a jacket  10  which includes an outer layer  12 , a sealed air polymer cellular thermal layer  14 , and a soft wicking inner layer  16 . Outer layer  12  is typically made of a light weight, preferably water resistant or waterproof material such as but not limited to GoreTex (R), Ultrex (R), nylon, and the like. The material selected can be based on the desired end use of the garment. 
   The sealed air cellular thermal layer  14  can be derived from a light weight, water impermeable, high strength polymer such as but not limited to polyethylene, and the like. A preferred material can be a reinforced barrier sealed air cellular polyethylene, with approximately 1/16 of an inch to approximately ⅛ inch to approximately 3/16 inch cell depth, such as but not limited to materials under the trade name Air Cap (R) or Poly Cap (R) manufactured by Sealed Air Corporation. 
   Inner layer  16  can be made of a light weight soft wicking fabric such as but not limited to fleece, lycra, polyester, nylon, and the like, and combinations thereof. The weight and absorption properties of the inner layer material can also be based on the desired end use and climate conditions of the garment  10 . 
   Construction methodology for the non-watertight multi-layer garments as shown in  FIGS. 1–3  can include techniques well known to anyone skilled in the art of sewing, and form the basis for all liners and components thereof according to this invention. Common edges referred to herein are side edges, upper edges, and lower edges. Side edges are all of the edges other than upper and lower edges. The term “edge” can also refer to what is generally the outer periphery of a functional component, and is not limited to the actual extreme outer limit of any one particular component. For example, the garment  10  in  FIG. 1  can include upper edges  17 , lower edges  18 , and side edges  19 . 
   Front panel  13  and rear panel  13 A are removed to form the vest configuration. The arm opening common edges  19  can be sewn and a material such as but not limited to nylon, cotton and the like, or a material such as ribbing can be used to finish the common seam edges. 
   Referring again to  FIG. 1 , the zipper flap  15  cut-away view shows the cellular thermal layer material similar to  14  except that the sealed air cells or bubbles are significantly smaller, approximately 1/16 inch depth. The zipper flap  15  has the same three layer configuration as the basic liner ensemble in order to seal the front zipper closure against cold air intrusion and to maximize wind resistance and buoyancy. 
   Referring to  FIG. 2 , jacket liner ensemble  20  can be worn as a stand alone thermal outer garment or as a thermal liner ensemble integrated into a host outer shell as shown in the integrated liner ensemble  40  in  FIG. 4 . The  FIG. 2  cut-away view shows the same multi-layer configuration, outer layer  12 , second or thermal layer  14  and inner layer  16 , as illustrated in the jacket liner assemble in  FIG. 1 . The closure fastener  22  can be a two-way separating zipper such as but not limited to the YKK No. 5 Vislen (molded tooth) type suitable for mating with the host outer shell. The front closure fastener  22  can be attached to common side edges  19 . The term “closure fastener” and zipper are used interchangeably. However, the closure fasteners are not limited to zippers and can include a range of closure devices such as but not limited to rib and track, hook and loop fasteners, and the like. Also, the term “common edges” hereafter refers to the seam edge composed of all component layers that includes: outer layer  12 , the interposed sealed air cellular thermal layer or layers  14 , and inner layer  16 . The closure and mating fastener extends down the front of the garment along the center line of the front panels  24  from upper common edges  17  to lower common edges  18 . Cuffs  26  can be sewn to the ends of sleeve  28  rear and front panels at lower common edges  18  and can be adjustable in circumference to fit different wrist sizes. Therefore, cuffs  26  should have an adjustable closure fastener, such as but not limited to a button, elastic, hook and loop fasteners, and the like, such as those commercially available under the trade mark Velcro (R), to vary the size of the cuff openings. The waist band  21  can include an adjustable fastener such as but not limited to elastic or a drawstring arrangements to adjust the bottom waist band  21  snugly around the wearer when worn as an outer garment. Pockets  25  are optional when jacket liner ensemble  20   FIG. 2  is intended for integration with an existing off-the-shelf commercially available host outer shell as illustrated in integrated liner ensemble  40   FIG. 4 . Pockets  25  can have closure elements  23  similar to the front closure element  22  and also can be sewn to their common side edges  19 . 
   Referring to  FIG. 3 , trouser  30  is another embodiment of the same multi-layer construction thermal liner garments depicted in  FIGS. 1 ,  2 , and  19 . Waist band element  32  is constructed of fabric layers and sewn to trouser  30  at its lower common edge  18 . Elastic bands such as but not limited to polyester elastic type  70 E and drawstring  36  are sewn between the fabric layers of waist band  32  at seams  34 . Drawstring  36  can be attached laterally or circumferentially about the waist allowing adjustments of the elastic to conform to the features of the waist and for securing the liner ensemble  30  in the proper vertical position. Wraparound bands  38  can be sewn to the ends of the trouser legs at common lower edges  18  and fitted in the same manner as the cuffs  26  in  FIG. 2 . Pockets  33  can have closure fasteners similar to fasteners  23  in  FIG. 2  and can be sewn to their common side edges  19 . The front closure fastener  35  can be a two way separating zipper closure similar to the YKK type fastener  22  in  FIG. 2 . The front closure fastener  35  can be attached to common edges  19  of the front panels  31  and extended along the center line of the trouser panels  31  from upper edge  17  down through lower front closure edge  18 , and upwardly along the center line of rear panels  31 A as shown in  35   FIG. 3A . Zipper  35 , therefore, provides for a unisex urinary access opening. The zipper flap  37  shown in  FIG. 3 , like flap  15  shown in  FIG. 1  can be optional and is not always desirable when a unisex opening is required. 
     FIG. 3A  is a rear sectional view of the trousers  30  in  FIG. 3  showing the urinary access zipper  35 A extending upwardly along the center line of rear panels  31 A to a point approximately two thirds (⅔) the distance down from lower edge  18  of waist band  32 . 
   Referring to  FIG. 4 , integrated liner ensemble  40  illustrates the integration of the liner ensemble  20  with a commercially available outer shell  42 . Outer shells similar to item  42  are abundant in the commercial, winter sportswear marketplace. 
   Referring to  FIG. 5 , vest  50  with inflated panels is yet another embodiment of the multi-layer liner and garment ensemble illustrated in  FIGS. 1–2 . The garment  50  can be a light weight work and sports vest which also satisfies all basic requirements for a PFD. The inherent buoyancy of the work and sports vest  50  can be further enhanced by adding additional layers of the polymer sealed air cellular layer, as illustrated in  FIG. 8 , to front panels  52  shown in  FIG. 5 . Front panels  52  layers  14 A and  14 B are sewn and adhesively bonded at seams  18 A,  19 A, and shoulder panel  58  lower edges  18 A using the process described for  FIGS. 9 and 11 . This process can create an airtight seal of the panel, as illustrated in detail in the multi-layer seam junctions  82  and  84  shown in  FIG. 8 . Specific details of the sealing process will be described under the two layer thermal, watertight, buoyant liner ensemble  140  shown in  FIG. 14 . 
   Referring to  FIG. 5 , the air space created between front panel layers  14 A and  14 B, when fully inflated, creates a bladder that surrounds the chest and abdomen area. The inflatable front panels  52  can greatly improve the righting ability and flotation of vest  50 . Calm water testing has demonstrated a significant improvement in buoyancy when inflatable front panels are incorporated into the liner ensemble  20  shown in  FIG. 2 . 
   The  FIG. 5  illustration shows an oral inflation mechanism  54  where air is blown into the bladder or chamber using the inflator tube  54 . It should be understood, that the method of inflation should not be limited to oral alone, but can include automatic or manual techniques. In calm water, the garment&#39;s inherent buoyancy, without being inflated, can also provide adequate flotation. The inflation valve assembly  56  can be composed of a tubular member  54  and the base component of the inflatable valve assembly  56 . The valve assembly  56  can be bonded to the outer cellular thermal layer  14 A and the outer inflation valve flange  56 A. The adhesive bonding system is as described for flexible water tight zipper (fastener)  142  shown in  FIG. 14 . The airtight lower adhesive seal  18 A and the inflator valve  56  can be moved in an upward direction along front panels  52 , thereby adjusting the buoyancy while optimizing flotation and righting performance. 
     FIG. 5A  is a sectional view of the vest lower front panels as shown in  FIG. 5 . The purpose of this illustration is to show the construction of the multiple cellular layer  14 . The left lower front panel shows the inner surface of the outer cellular thermal layer  14 A as described in  FIG. 5 . Layer  14 A is shown prior to being bonded to the inner cellular layer  14 B at lower edges  18 A and side edge  19 A. Following the bonding process, the resulting right and left cellular front panels  14  can be sewn to the outer layer  12  and inner layer  16 , and secured to the zipper tape at side edge  19  in the same manner as the fastener  22  in  FIG. 2 . The zipper can be sewn at the common edges without impairing the watertight integrity of the sealed cellular thermal liner. 
     FIG. 6  shows the panels of the liner ensemble  60 , prior to being sewn or otherwise sealed to fabric layers. The cellular thermal layer of the polymer material  14  is sandwiched between the soft wicking inner layer fabric  16  and the outer fabric layer  12 . The primary purpose of outer layer  12  is to protect the more sensitive outer surface of the loose fitting cellular thermal layer  14  when worn with a host outer shell. However, when the liner ensemble is incorporated into a stand-alone garment such as that illustrated in  FIGS. 1 ,  3 , and  19 , the outer layer fabric  12  or outer shell can be selected for its utility and durability based on intended use. 
   In accordance with the preferred embodiment of the invention, and referring to the exploded view  70   FIG. 7 , layers  12 ,  14 , and  16  of the liner ensemble material can be sewn together to form a common seam junction  72 . The panels can be laid side by side with the wrong side or inner layer fabric  16  facing outward, as illustrated in  FIG. 7 , and stitched along junction  72 . When the stitching process is complete, the panels can be turned right side out, as is common practice when sewing multi-layer garments. 
     FIG. 8  is an enlarged cross-section view of a second liner embodiment  80  of a multi-layer cellular thermal layer  14  configuration. Layers  12 ,  14 A,  14 B, and  16  common edges are joined at junctions  82  and  84 , to form the common panel seams. Selected multi-layer panels can be sealed using the bonding system described for  FIGS. 9 and 11  allowing for space  86  between polymer cellular layers  14 A and  14 B which can then be inflated to provide additional buoyancy. The sealed air polymer cellular thermal layers  14 A and  14 B in all cases have their bubble surfaces facing inwardly toward the body or inner layer  16  allowing air to circulate around the dead air space created by the cellular matrix structure. This arrangement provides insulation against heat transfer to maximize comfort when used in an out of water environment. In an alternate embodiment, the bubble surface of layers  14  can be coated with a reflective finish, as in  FIG. 12 , to further contain the infrared heat energy radiated by the user&#39;s body. This phenomenon is most prevalent when the reflective face is on the surface toward the wearer&#39;s body, for example, on the side where the highest temperature occurs. 
     FIG. 9 , in accordance with the second embodiment of the invention, is a cross-sectional view  90  of a watertight seam using a sealing process such as but not limited to the Master Bond Polymer System X17 and adhesive EF 30HT or, where dissimilar materials are used, EP21TDC-4 to bond the surfaces of the cellular thermal layers  14 . In preparation for sealing, the cellular thermal layers  14  can be folded in and around outer layers  12  to bring the cellular layers  14  edges  94  into a coincident relationship. The inner surface of the extended layers  14  can then be treated with, for example, the polymer primer X17 and bonded using, for example, an adhesive seal  92  similar to EF 30HT, EP21TDC-4, and the like. The bonded seam can then be stitched to outer layer  12  and inner layer  16  at common edges  96  and the stitches sealed using an adhesive identified above. The stitching process can enhance the lateral strength of the seam only, and does not impact the seam&#39;s watertightness. 
     FIG. 10  is a cross-section of a three layer liner configuration  100  shown in the ensemble  60  of  FIG. 6  in which outer layers  12 , sealed air polymer cellular thermal layer  14 , and inner layer  16  can be joined together at junctions  102  and  104  to form the common panel seam. 
   The watertight seam  110   FIG. 11  is another embodiment constructed similar to the watertight seam  90   FIG. 9  except layers  14  can be heat sealed at junction  112  prior to being stitched at common edges  114 . 
   Yet another embodiment of a watertight seam  120  is shown in  FIG. 12  and can include two layers of materials: the cellular thermal layers  14  and the inner layers  16 . The polymer layers  14  can be sealed using the polymer adhesive bonding or heat sealed system, and the like, as described in  FIGS. 9 and 11 . An optional reflective coating  128  is shown on inner layers  14  surfaces facing the body of the user to minimize heat transfer. A flexible coating such as but not limited to a silicone rubber adhesive layer, and the like, can provide an abrasive resistant finish  122 . Following the bonding process, layers  14  and  16  can be stitched and/or sealed at junctions  124  and  126  to form common seams. 
     FIG. 13  is a perspective view of a watertight seal  130  used for the two layer liner ensemble  120  illustrated in  FIG. 12 . The heat seal or adhesive bonding system  132  of cellular layers  14  is as described for  FIGS. 9 and 11 . The sealed and bonded seam can be stitched to inner layer  16  at common seam edges  134 . 
     FIG. 14  is an embodiment of a thermal, watertight, and highly buoyant liner ensemble  140 , and can be worn inside an existing anti-exposure coverall and work suit. The water impermeable cellular thermal outer layer  14  can provide heat insulating and floatation properties while keeping the soft, wicking inner layer  16  dry. In addition, the hydrophilic inner layer  16 , because of its inherent ability to transmit moisture, can pass any water vapor due to perspiration. The cellular thermal layer  14  inner surface can be coated with a reflective finish to more efficiently reflect heat energy created by the user&#39;s body as illustrated in the reflective coating  128  in  FIG. 12 . A protective coating applied on the outside of layer  14  is recommended to reduce wear resulting from abrasion created by the rubbing action of the inner surface of the work suit or outer shell against the unprotected outer surface of layer  14 , as previously illustrated in the abrasive resistant finish  122  in  FIG. 12 . A light weight outer layer, however, such as nylon or a comparable fabric is preferred over an outer coating. 
   The preferred method for donning and doffing the liner ensemble  140  in  FIG. 14  can be a watertight fastener  142  such as but not limited to the SEY85 light weight and flexible zipper manufactured by DYNAT, a member of the YKK Group, and the like. The inner surface of the zipper tape, a component of the watertight zipper, is bonded to the outer or inner surface of the cellular layer  14 , sewn to inner layer  16 , and sealed using the adhesive process  90  described for  FIG. 9 . The zipper tape and material layers common seal can be attached at common side edges  19  midway between front panels  146 . The front closure fastener extends from the upper edge  17  of the neck seal down the center line of front panels  146  to lower edge  18 . 
   Due to the dissimilar materials of the zipper tape, inner layer  16 , and the polymer cellular thermal layer  14 , the preferred bonding process used to ensure a watertight front closure  142  seal is to apply a polymer primer such as Master Bond X17 on the zipper tape inner surface to be bonded and the outer surface of the cellular layer  14  followed by an application of a suitable polymer adhesive compatible with dissimilar materials such as but not limited to EP21 TDC-4, and the like. EP21 TDC-4 is a flexible epoxy used when bonding a polymer to one or more dissimilar materials. This adhesive can be applied with a spatula, knife, trowel, brush, roller, etc. to a thickness of approximately 4 to 6 mils. Porous surfaces may require more adhesive to fill the voids. The bonded parts should be pressed together with just enough pressure to obtain and maintain intimate contact during cure. The Master Bond Polymer System EP21TDC-4 can be cured at room temperature or more rapidly at elevated temperatures, as desired. Maximum bond strength is achieved within 48 hours. The water impermeable wrist seal  143 , neck seal  144 , and ankle seal  149  are constructed of an elastic material fashioned of a laminate rubber, neoprene or the like and bonded using the same adhesive bonding process described above. The seals described herein must have watertight zippers  142  and  147  in the closed position, as illustrated, to complete the watertight seal. A two-way watertight zipper is preferred for front closure  142 . Otherwise, a separate urinary access closure means will be required. When a two-way watertight zipper is used, pull tab  148  allows for an optional urinary access opening. A knitted stretch fabric in the form of hosiery, stocking material, or woolen sock  145  can be worn over the polymer ankle seal  149  for warmth and to more easily don and doff the footwear. Liner ensemble  140  is most suitable for use when working in or around water of moderate temperatures. 
     FIG. 15  shows another embodiment of the watertight liner ensemble  150  similar to the embodiment  140  of  FIG. 14  using the three layer construction method, outer layer  12 , cellular thermal layer  14 , and inner layer  16 . The front closure  152  is a one-way flexible watertight zipper similar to that described for the fastener  142  of  FIG. 14  and is attached to common side edges  19  along the centerline of front panels  154  extending from upper edge  17  of neck seal  144  in a downward direction to the zipper lower edge  18 . Zipper  156  is similar to the fastener  35   FIG. 3A , and provides for a urinary access opening controlled by zipper tab  158 . The zipper tape is attached to the common side edges  19  in the same manner as the front closure fastener  152 . The adhesive bonding process for watertight zippers  152  and  158  is as described for front closure  142   FIG. 14 . An optional unisex urinary access  156  similar to the access  148  in  FIG. 14  can also be provided. 
     FIG. 16  is a sectional view  160  of the trouser leg  162  and the boot  166  component. The boot can easily slide over the outer fabric of liner ensemble  150   FIG. 15  allowing the footwear to be easily donned and doffed. The adjustable trouser strap  164  can be attached to the trouser leg  162  at lower edge  18  in the same manner as described for the bands  38  in  FIG. 3 . 
     FIG. 17  shows a hood  170  having a smooth elastic material such as neoprene or rubber. The hood skirt  172  fits tightly over neck seal  144 . The hood is commercially available, and can be purchased at most nautical supply centers. 
     FIG. 18  is an exploded view  180  of the three layer liner ensemble neck seal  144  with the front closure means  152  in the open position. A cutaway view shows the liner ensemble of  150   FIG. 15  three layer construction, outer layer  12 , the water impermeable polymer cellular layer  14 , and soft wicking inner layer  16 . The watertight neck seal  144  can be a water impermeable elastic material, similar to that described for the neck seal  144  in  FIG. 14 , which forms a tight fit against the wearer&#39;s skin. The primary purpose of the liner ensemble  150   FIG. 15  outer layer  12  is to minimize wear due to friction resulting from the rubbing action of the heavier outer shell, coverall, or work suit  182 . The polymer cellular layer  14  can be bonded to the inner surface of the neck seal  144  at seam  184 . The bonding system for neck seal seam  184  can be similar to the one described for the front closure  142  in  FIG. 14 . The outer shell zipper  186  common seam edge  19  construction is more clearly defined in this exploded view and will be discussed further in the following drawing  FIG. 19 . Zipper flap  188  conceals zipper  186 , provides additional thermal protection, and guards against foreign objects coming in contact with the outer shell zipper when flap  188  is in the closed position. The inner surface of flap  188  can be secured to the zipper opposite side edge using a hook and loop  183  type of arrangement such as Velcro (R). 
     FIG. 19  shows another embodiment for providing a multi-purpose work and survival or anti-exposure suit  190 . A cutaway view shows the three layer construction of the liner ensemble, outer layer  12 , cellular thermal layer  14 , and inner layer  16 , as illustrated in  150   FIG. 15 . The wrist and ankle seals  143  and  149  are as illustrated in  FIG. 14 . Fasteners  147  such as but not limited to zipper closures can be used for both the watertight wrist seal  143  and ankle seal  149 , and can be similar to the fastener  142  as described for  FIG. 14 . Fasteners  147  can be bonded to the liner ensemble in the same manner as  142 . The alternate left leg seal  192  is as illustrated in the embodiment  150  in  FIG. 15 , and is described later in exploded view  FIG. 21 . The outer shell or coverall  194  can include two basic embodiments of the present invention: the jacket  10  shown in  FIG. 1  and the trouser  30   FIG. 3 . These two embodiments can be joined together at waist  32  of trouser  30   FIG. 3  to form the one piece suit or outer shell  194 . The loose fitting liner ensemble  150   FIG. 15  can be worn inside an existing off-the shelf coverall or work suit. Ensemble  150  can also be bonded and stitched to the outer garment at common side edges  19  and  19 A as illustrated in the embodiment  190  of  FIG. 19 . When configured as a work and survival suit, all common seams should be sealed as illustrated in  FIG. 9  using the bonding system described for  FIG. 14 . Common side edges  19 A are positioned approximately two inches either side of the center line, or front closure  196 , dividing front panels  198 , and extending in a downwardly direction starting at approximately twelve inches down from upper edge  17  to lower edge  18 . The coverall or outer shell front closure means  196  is a two-way separating non-watertight zipper (fastener) similar to that described for the fastener  22  in  FIG. 2 . Zipper  196  can extend along the center line of front panels  198  starting at upper edge  17  and extending in a downwardly direction to lower edge  18  and zipper pull tab  195 . The zipper flap  193  lower edge is cut-away showing the lower extremity of zipper  196  and zipper tab  195 . Zipper tab  195  is part of the two-way front closure means  196 . Moving the zipper tab  195  in an upwardly direction controls the size of the urinary access opening. Work boots  166  are of a type generally worn by commercial fishermen, oil rig workers and the like. Pockets  197  can be similar to those as described for  33   FIG. 3 . 
     FIG. 20  is a sectional view  200  of wrist seal  143 . A cut-away view shows the three layer construction, layers  12 ,  14 , and  16  of the incorporated polymer cellular thermal liner ensemble. The watertight seal is illustrated in greater detail in exploded view  202  shown in  FIG. 20A . Zipper  204  is shown in the open or work position and is of a similar design as the one-way watertight zipper (fastener)  142  illustrated in  FIG. 14 . The adhesive bonding system  206  is as described for  142   FIG. 14 . 
     FIG. 21  is a more detailed sectional view  210  of an alternate leg seal showing the outer shell or coverall leg element seam  212  and inner liner ensemble with a cut-away that again shows the three layer configuration  200  as described for  FIG. 20 . The bottom of the trouser leg extending from seam  212  can be secured with a strap  214  and fastener  216  similar to the one described for  38   FIGS. 3 and 183   FIG. 18 . Strap  214  can be attached laterally about the ankle portion of the boot  166 . Boot  166  slides easily over outer fabric layer  12  of the liner ensemble  150   FIG. 15  allowing the wearer to easily don and doff the footwear. 
   Although the invention is described in detail herein for the purpose of illustration, it is to be understood that such detail is solely for that purpose. Numerous applications of the present invention will readily occur to those skilled in the art. Therefore, it is not desired to limit the invention to the specific examples disclosed or the exact design and construction shown and described. Rather, all suitable modifications may be construed as falling within the scope of the invention. 
   As various changes could be made in the above construction without departing from the scope of the invention, it is intended that all matter contained in the above description or shown in the accompanying drawings shall be interpreted as illustrative and not in a limited sense. 
   While the invention has been described, disclosed, illustrated and shown in various terms of certain embodiments or modifications which it has presumed in practice, the scope of the invention is not intended to be, nor should it be deemed to be, limited thereby and such other modifications or embodiments as may be suggested by the teachings herein are particularly reserved especially as they fall within the breadth and scope of the claims here appended.