Abstract: A scuba cylinder lower side mounting system employs two mating parts to secure the lower portion of a scuba cylinder to a diver's torso, the first affixed to either side of any side-mount or back mount Buoyancy Control Device utilizing a web waistband. A web cylinder band or stainless steel hose-clamp secures the second part to any scuba cylinder. The two parts are engaged whether in or out of the water by inserting the second part into the first and pivoting the cylinder at the point of attachment. Existing arrangements to position the cylinder valve near the diver's armpit will keep the system locked in place. It may be disengaged before entering or engaged after exiting confined underwater spaces without reaching between the cylinder and diver's torso. The system keeps the cylinder close to and aligned with the diver's torso regardless of the cylinder's change in buoyancy or diver orientation.

Abstract: A buoyancy compensator jacket for scuba diving includes an inflatable and deflatable bladder; a backplate part, to which the bladder and elements fastening at least one breathing gas cylinder are attached; and at least one pair of shoulder straps for securing it to the torso of a user and at least one ventral securing strap or ventral closure of the jacket. The jacket further includes a sternal securing element composed of at least one sternal or chest strap, which has at least one costal connection element distinct from the pair of shoulder straps and connecting the sternal strap to the backplate part.

Abstract: A body bag is usually rectangular and has an open end, with the other sides being closed and secured, the material thereof being porous to water, being incapable absorbing or containing water, while preventing viewing of any contents therein. The body bag of this invention is formed of a porous material, which prevents viewing of the body contained therein, while permitting water to pass therethrough. The material may be plastic or fiber.

Abstract: A harness for breathing apparatus, comprising a structural support member 10 having a front for accommodating a gas cylinder and a rear for facing the back of a wearer, and left and right sides. Left and right shoulder straps 110, 120 are disposed towards the left and right sides of the structural support member respectively, and each shoulder strap has a first end attached to an upper portion of the structural support member and a second end attached to a lower portion of the structural support member. A plurality of flexible conduits 140, 150 extend from a lower portion of the structural support member along the structural support member, each to a position on either the left or right shoulder strap. Left and right guide channels 30, 32 extend longitudinally along the structural support member along left and right sides respectively, for accommodating the flexible conduits.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a gas-cylinder retaining assembly 10 for retaining a gas-cylinder on a harness for breathing apparatus. The retaining assembly comprises a strap 20 arranged in use to be coupled to the harness and a retaining portion of which is arranged to pass around at least a portion of the cylinder; a tensioning device 30 arranged for tightening the retaining portion of the strap around the cylinder such that the cylinder is held to the harness, and wherein a free portion of the strap, having a free end, extends from the tensioning device; and a retaining buckle 40 arranged for retaining the free portion of the strap, the retaining buckle 40 comprises a positioning slot 42 through which in use the retaining portion of the strap passes; a pivot member 44 which in use is located between the cylinder and the retaining portion of the strap; and a retaining slot arranged in use to receive the free end of the strap 46.

Abstract: A cylinder back plate includes a frame member 11 and a cylinder clamp 12 connected to the frame member 11 by means of a pivot 13. The cylinder clamp 12 comprises a band of rigid or semi-rigid material. The cylinder clamp 12 has a retaining position with respect to the frame member 11, wherein the cylinder clamp extends substantially perpendicularly to the plane of the frame member. The frame member 11 lies parallel to a back plate of the harness or is constituted by the back plate of the harness. Thus, when the cylinder clamp 12 is in the retaining position a cylinder can be retained securely to the frame member and sliding of the cylinder relative to the frame member or back plate can be prevented. When it is desired to attach a new cylinder to the harness, the cylinder clamp 12 can be pivoted into a loading position.

Abstract: A diving back plate designed with independent shoulder and waist straps. The diving back plate accommodates either a single tank or double tank configuration without the need for an adapter. The independent straps are self-fastening to the back plate through a series of throughslots on the back plate. Items and accessories may be permanently attached to the independent straps while the straps remain fully adjustable and removable. The configuration of the back plate, throughslots, and throughbores eliminate the need for adapters when changing between a single tank configuration and a double tank configuration.

Abstract: A padding element for the dorsal side of a diver's bottle-supporting backpack. The padding element comprises a padded cushion capable of being fitted against the back part of the backpack and having at its lower edge a padded cushion part hinged to it and capable of being either folded upwards, in order to increase the total thickness, and hence the padding action of the cushion over the diver's sacrococcygeal region, or unfolded downwards to give the diver extended protection beyond the lower edge of the bottle or bottles attached to the backpack.

Abstract: A dive belt is provided for use by divers during underwater activities, such as scuba diving. The belt comprises a body member and a rapid release weight system which is quickly removal while the belt remains in place on the diver. The belt can also provide for horizontally mounted supplemental air supply system, for use in the event a main air supply is lost or not wanted. An elastic depth compensator can be built into the belt, insuring a snug fit of the belt at any depth. The belt has a plurality of D rings for convenient equipment management. A quick release tow clip is attached to the belt and may be used in conjunction with a surface air supply system for pulling the surface air supply system.

Abstract: A weight system for a scuba diver that has a pocket for housing a weight with an opening on the bottom and a releasable flap for covering the opening. When the releasable flap is in a closed position. the opening is covered to keep a weight in the pocket, and when the releasable flap is in a released position, the opening is uncovered to allow the weight to fall out of the pocket due to gravity. The apparatus also includes a way for opening one end of the releasable flap and attachment devicesto secure the pocket to an underwater diving harness.

Abstract: An assembly of a slide to a bracket which effectuates engagement of a pony tank to a main tank of scuba diving equipment in which the assembly is achieved under spring urgency, and wherein to disengage the two tanks all that is required is finger pressure applied in opposition to the spring urgency which contributes to rapidity in the disengagement or a quick release of the pony tank from the main tank.

Abstract: A watertight container (10), comprising a rigid watertight box (32, 132, 232, 332) connected by means of a wrist strap (12) to limbs or other members of the human or animal body, allows to safely carry, contiguously to the arm, the leg, or the neck, small size articles, such as either wounded or folded banknotes, valuables, pills, jewels, etc. also in situations of water immersion such as bathing or swimming, excessive sweating, steal or robbery dangers, engaging sporting activities, etc, thanks to the watersealing feature of the box (32, 132, 232, 332), provided with suitable gaskets seals (62, 66), to the anatomical suitability and the strength of the wrist strap (12) housing the box (32, 132, 232, 332).

Abstract: Weight belt apparatus for divers includes a belt with one or more sleeves disposed on the belt and adjustable thereon for the convenience of the diver using the apparatus. Each sleeve includes one or more pouches for receiving and holding weights. The pouches are collapsible for convenience when no weight is disposed therein.

Abstract: A dive belt is provided for use by divers during underwater activities, such as scuba diving. The belt comprises a body member and a rapid release weight system which is quickly removal while the belt remains in place on the diver. The belt can also provide for horizontally mounted supplemental air supply system, for use in the event a main air supply is lost or not wanted. An elastic depth compensator can be built into the belt, insuring a snug fit of the belt at any depth. The belt has a plurality of D rings for convenient equipment management. A quick release tow clip is attached to the belt and may be used in conjunction with a surface air supply system for pulling the surface air supply system.

Abstract: A load support system is provided including a flexible frame unit attached to a shoulder support structure and to a hip belt assembly. The frame is pivotally attached to the hip belt assembly and is held in a slightly bowed configuration, whereby load is transferred from the frame to the hip belt through pivot points and a venting space is created between the frame and a user's back. The shoulder support structure preferably includes a pair of independently positionable shoulder straps that are removably attached to the frame. The hip belt assembly preferably includes a load support belt that may be coupled to the frame, and a hip pad coupled to the load support belt via a hook and loop fastening system. The suspension system may be used to support backpacks, and the like, or may be adapted for other applications including SCUBA tank support.

Abstract: An elongated post includes a sleeve and an extension, the extension slidably retained within the sleeve. A handle is disposed at a free end of the extension. The sleeve has a first end near the handle and a second end opposite the first end. A pair of cylinder rests is provided, one each of the rests positioned on each of two opposite sides of the sleeve at the second end of the sleeve. The cylinder rests are foldable against the sleeve. A pair of cylinder straps is disposed on each side of the sleeve. Each pair of cylinder straps is adapted for holding a cylinder to the post, such that a distal end of the cylinder rests against one of the cylinder rests. The cylinder straps are foldable against the sleeve. A pair of shoulder straps is attached to the post for wearing the post on a human back. A pair of wheels is disposed at the second end of the sleeve.

Abstract: A mounting mechanism is provided for mounting a second SCUBA tank (e.g. a pony tank) to a first SCUBA tank (e.g. a main SCUBA tank). The mounting mechanism includes a bracket having a first curved outer surface for engaging the first SCUBA tank, having a second curved outer surface for engaging a second SCUBA tank, and having a connecting portion connecting the first curved outer surface to the second curved outer surface, a passage being formed in the connecting portion. A first clamp extends through the passage in the connecting portion and secures the second SCUBA tank to the second curved outer surface. A second clamp, for example the existing BCD strap of a main SCUBA tank, extends through the passage in the connecting portion and secures the second SCUBA tank to the first curved outer surface.

Abstract: A support garment for diving equipment includes several subassemblies for providing comfortable support of diving equipment, such as a tank of pressurized breathing gas, a buoyancy compensating air cell and a ballast weight pocket assembly. A frame is adjustably secured to a shoulder support assembly that includes adjustment straps for accommodating various body sizes. A belt assembly is pivotally secured to the lower portion of the frame. A bust or chest panel extends between shoulder supports, providing a secure and comfortable fitting structure for divers of various body types, particularly women. Elements of the garment are secured to one another via rivets placed at predetermined locations, thereby facilitating assembly and servicing of the garment.

Abstract: A lightweight waterproof pouch for carrying personal objects such as cash, a watch, credit cards, a wallet, and the like in a wet environment and for keeping those objects safe and dry comprises an outer enclosure formed of flexible material, a removable, resealable, waterproof inner pouch liner for insertion into the outer enclosure, and a strap attached to the outer enclosure for holding the pouch around a wearer's body. The inner pouch liner forms a watertight compartment when closed for keeping the personal objects dry.

Abstract: A dive belt is provided for use by divers during underwater activities, such as scuba diving. The belt comprises a body member and a rapid release weight system which is quickly removal while the belt remains in place on the diver. The belt can also provide for horizontally mounted supplemental air supply system, for use in the event a main air supply is lost or not wanted. An elastic depth compensator can be built into the belt, insuring a snug fit of the belt at any depth. The belt has a plurality of D rings for convenient equipment management. A quick release tow clip is attached to the belt and may be used in conjunction with a surface air supply system for pulling the surface air supply system.

Abstract: Scuba apparatus utilizes light-weight pressure vessels, or tanks, of relatively thin aluminum wrapped with fiber in a resin binder. Since such tanks are not approved for use in water, the tanks are enclosed within a water tight enclosure, and the enclosure in pressurized to exclude all water. A connection for filling the tanks extends through the enclosure, a burst disk is provided externally of the enclosure, and connections for the scuba mask and other accessories are provided. An automatically adjusting buoyancy control may be included within the enclosure in space not occupied by the tanks. A container fits within the void, and a flexible bladder is within the container. Water can be allowed to flow into the bladder, and air under pressure fills the balance of the container and balances ambient pressure. The size of the container cannot change, and the amount of water remains fixed, so the buoyancy remains fixed.

Abstract: A pouch, consisting of an enclosure 8, a resealable inner waterproof pouch 25, a detachable strap 18 to be tied around the waist of the user.

Abstract: A support device, in particular for diving equipment parts, and of the type intended to be carried by the diver, comprises a clamping clip (1) which can be elastically opened and which grips the equipment part (2), and means (3, 4) for securing the clip (1) to a part of the equipment which is worn (5), such as a garment, a jacket, or a part of the harness. The device is particularly useful, especially for supporting an emergency regulator (2), known as an octopus rig. For this purpose in particular, a cap (8) for closing off the air outlet hole in the mouthpiece of the emergency regulator (2), is attached to the device.

Abstract: A pony tank mounting system comprising a joining bracket and components for securing the joining bracket to a pony tank. A structure is provided for suspending the joining bracket with the pony tank from a valve on a main scuba tank along with an assembly for attaching the joining bracket with the pony tank to the main scuba tank, whereby a diver may quickly don or doff the pony tank.