One of the problems with waterproof waders and foul weather gear is that they tend to be waterproof in both directions. A newly patented invention from Robert A. Stevenson and Wendy L. Stevenson of Canyon Country, California finds a way through this logical quandary with a specially developed hatch.
The invention can be described (in part) by the following 297 word sentence :
“An exemplary embodiment of the present invention includes a waterproof pair of pants and/or waders including a sealable opening for relief of bodily fluids, comprising: a pair of pants and/or waders comprising a first and a second leg portion, wherein the first and the second leg portions are joined to a torso portion terminating generally at or between a waist and a neck of a wearer, wherein the pair of pants and/or waders comprise a substantially waterproof material; a rigid frame sealed in a waterproof manner to the pair of pants and/or waders disposed in a groin section of the pair of pants and/or waders, wherein the frame forms a frame aperture separating an outside of the pair of pants and/or waders from an inside of the pair of pants and/or waders; a rigid lid pivotably or movably connected to the frame disposed on the outside of the pair of pants and/or waders and configured to engage the frame aperture; a seal disposed between the frame and the lid forming a waterproof closure of the frame aperture when the lid is in a closed position; a rigid backing forming a backing aperture, wherein a first surface of the backing and a back side surface of the frame capture there between the waterproof material of the pair of pants and/or waders in the groin section; at least one adhesive bond disposed between the back side surface of the frame and the waterproof material of the pair of pants and/or waders, and/or, between the first surface of the backing and the waterproof material of the pair of pants and/or waders; wherein the backing aperture and frame aperture are substantially aligned; and wherein the backing aperture is equal to or greater in surface area in comparison to the frame aperture. “
The hatches are available in a number of different formats, which may be suitable for both male and female wader wearers. For full details, see: US patent 9808037, November 7th 2017.