Abstract: Balancing jacket for diving activities equipped with integrated packing system for its transport. Onto two areas symmetrically opposed with respect to the middle of the back portion of the jacket cooperating connecting means are applied, which connect said portions in an easily engageable and releasable way. The invention also relates to a method for packing a balancing jacket for diving activities by means of an integrated wrapping system, comprising the following steps: (a) tidily folding the components of the jacket on the front side; (b) assembling said elements as a package by pulling said complementary connecting means on the back portion of the jacket, and (c) firmly connecting said complementary connecting means, thus forming a compact package or assembly.

Abstract: A weight release mechanism for an underwater object. Through a detachable latching mechanism between the underwater object and a heavy block and a set of control circuits, the underwater object may be released from the heavy block without any damages to the latching mechanism and may be reused many times. The releasing process is triggered by an electrically driven rotation.

Abstract: A protective swim suit to be worn by swimmers and surfers. The suit includes two electrodes, each connected to an electromagnetic field generating unit. In use, the suit generates an electromagnetic field in a volume of water about the wearer, which acts to repel targeted aquatic creatures such as sharks.

Abstract: A buoyancy control device includes a buoyancy compensator to be worn by a scuba diver, a compressed air tank, a depth or pressure gauge and a valve connecting the buoyancy compensator and compressed air tank for releasing air into and out of the buoyancy compensator. A microprocessor is connected to the depth gauge and the valve for controlling the amount of air in the buoyancy compensator in response to the depth of the diver. In addition, the microprocessor is programed for automatically controlling the rate of ascent of a diver under normal conditions and for a faster rate of ascent under emergency conditions. The device also includes an override function which allows a second diver to override the normal rate of ascent and to initiate the faster rate of ascent in an emergency.

Abstract: An inflatable safety device used by a person for underwater activities having a first inflatable buoyancy chamber and a second inflatable buoyancy chamber. The first inflatable buoyancy chamber can be disposed at a back side of a person while the person is underwater. The second inflatable buoyancy chamber can be disposed solely at a neck, shoulder and front side area of the person or the front side of the person. The second inflatable buoyancy chamber is in communication with the first inflatable chamber. An inflator can also be provided for inflating the first and second chambers.

Abstract: A buoyancy control device includes a buoyancy compensator to be worn by a scuba diver, a compressed air tank, a depth or pressure gauge and a valve connecting the buoyancy compensator and compressed air tank for releasing air into and out of the buoyancy compensator. A microprocessor is connected to the depth gauge and the valve for controlling the amount of air in the buoyancy compensator in response to the depth of the diver. In addition, the microprocessor is programed for automatically controlling the rate of ascent of a diver under normal conditions and for a faster rate of ascent under emergency conditions. The device also includes an override function which allows a second diver to override the normal rate of ascent and to initiate the faster rate of ascent in an emergency.

Abstract: Airway and equipment protective buoyant, rescue, marking and recovery devices are disclosed. A garment mounted dual zipper cover releases a bladder that creates a reliable mandibular shelf and bracket while simultaneously encapsulating the crico-thyroid cartilage protecting it from compression. A dual wall personal floatation device (PFD) with its over sized inner bladder creates extended midline crossing. A dual chambered inner bladder separates the compressed gas inflated high-pressure low-volume bladder required for corrective turning from the higher-volume lower-pressure orally inflated chamber which provides the additional buoyancy needed to improve freieboard. A dual release fabric lock handle allows for the quick release of the deflated redundant abdominal PFD which then serves as an accurately thrown rescue inflatable. A PFD integrated variable-displacement dual-pressure personal life raft uses compressed gas to inflate a rigid floor conferring sufficient buoyancy to support the Marines 35 lb.

Abstract: A self-adjusting, water pressure-responsive weight belt assembly for use in diving is disclosed. The assembly includes a tensioning portion comprising a housing and a reciprocating member reciprocatingly disposed within the housing. The housing comprises a cover and a hollow base to which one end of a flexible belt portion is attached. An end of the reciprocating member is situated external of the housing by being disposed in a position partially outside of the reciprocating member housing cover through a slot defined therein. The other end of the flexible belt portion is attached to one end of the reciprocating member. An air space of variable volume exists within the housing and is defined by the inner walls of the reciprocating member housing base and an end wall of the reciprocating member. The reciprocating member moves within the housing, thereby adjusting the fit of the assembly on the diver in response to changes in water pressure.

Abstract: A buoyancy compensator jacket for scuba divers comprises a back portion from two opposite sides of which there extend side portions capable of laterally enveloping the diver's trunk and being connected to each other more or less on the diver's chest. On each of said side portions there is provided a main pocket and a weight pocket with a top opening, said weight pocket being arranged externally with respect to the main pocket and is capable of accommodating a bag containing weight elements. Means for closing the top opening of the weight pocket are also provided. The main pocket forms a compartment for concealing the closure means of the top opening. On the outside of the weight pocket there are arranged engagement means for engaging alternatively, either with complementary engagement means arranged on the closure means, or with complementary engagement means associated with the weight bag to keep it in position within the weight pocket.

Abstract: A quick disconnect connector having a male member associated with a lifting device and a female member commonly associated with an inflating hose member of a conventional buoyancy compensator. The male member is not provided with a locking groove member, found with conventional couplers/connectors, to avoid the locking problems. The male member can also be provided with an outer circular flange member and a valve activating bridge member. In use, the male member is received within an internal passageway of the female member, which allows the bridge member to activate the valve to allow air to flow within a flotation chamber of the lifting device. The flange helps the operator in quickly removing the male member and also allows the operator to supply tension to depress the spring portion of the valve and open the flow of air.

Abstract: A self-adjusting, water pressure responsive weight belt assembly for use in diving is disclosed. The weight belt assembly of the present invention includes a flexible belt portion and a tensioning portion. The tensioning portion effects changes in the overall length of the weight belt assembly in direct response to changes in water pressure. The flexible belt portion has a first end and a second end. The tensioning portion comprises a housing and a reciprocating member reciprocatingly disposed within the housing. The housing comprises a hollow base to which one end of the flexible belt portion is attached and a housing cover. The housing cover is releasably attached to the housing base and includes a reciprocating member slot defined therein. An end of the reciprocating member is situated external of the housing by being disposed in a position partially outside of the reciprocating member housing cover through the slot defined therein.

Abstract: A diving jacket 1 includes a back-plate 22, shoulder belts 6 and a waist belt 7. The waist belt 7 includes a pair of belt members 32, 33 each having a circumferentially rear end region 46 is fixed to an associated connector plate 31 made of a material harder than the belt 7 and disposed between the rear end region 46 and the back-plate 22. A lower end region 34 of the shoulder bent 6 also is fixed to the associated connector plate 31.

Abstract: A buoyancy compensator for scuba divers having an integrated system for controlling the functions of inflation and discharge, which comprises a single control (20) stably connected to the inflatable vest (1) in a fixed position readily accessible by the scuba driver, and designed to perform the functions of inflation, by use of a push-button valve (21, 22), and of remote discharge, by use of a purely mechanical remote control consisting of a maneuvering lever (26) which acts on a sheathed flexible cable (11, 12) in such a way as to exert a tensile force on the obturator (9) of a discharge valve (5) located on the vest (1) in a hydrostatically advantageous position and, in any case, a position at a distance from the single control (20). The inflatable vest (1) may have a mixed one bag/two bags construction.

Abstract: A diving jacket 1 having a strap 26 extending from one of paired shoulder regions 7 to the other of the shoulder regions 7 via an upper end of the jacket 1. The strap 26 has its opposite ends fixed to the shoulder regions 7 and the length of the strap 26 is adjustable in at least one of the shoulder regions 7.

Abstract: A buoyancy regulator for diving includes a cylinder band for fixation of an air cylinder. The cylinder band comprises a belt-like part and a buckle which is formed with a plurality of band insertion slits arranged in a longitudinal direction of the cylinder band. Each pair of side walls respectively lying on both sides of each of the insertion slits is marked with the same letters indicating a sequence in which the belt-like part should be inserted through the buckle.

Abstract: A counterweight assembly is provided to enhance heads up surface positioning of a person. The assembly includes a weight/ballast member strategically disposed on a cylinder/tank worn by a diver during a dive. The weight member can be attached by several different embodiments. Preferably, the weight member is attached such that the diver cannot release or adjust the weight member while he or she is diving. The weight member rotates the person to ensure heads up surface positioning in the event the person becomes incapacitated. Also provided are several other water safety and survival devices. Also disclosed is a combined ballast and signaling device preferably neutralized by attachment to an eccentrically buoyant personal flotation device.

Abstract: A ditchable trim weighting device for scuba tanks, comprised of a length of curved tubing made of elastic material (preferably rubber) filled with shot or a combination of lighter material, sealed flat on the ends which are threaded as straps to the male and female elements of a quick-release buckle (preferably side-release) providing a stretched, snug grip when fastened around a standard diameter scuba tank.

Abstract: A counterweight assembly is provided to enhance heads up surface positioning of a person. The assembly includes a weight/ballast member strategically disposed on a cylinder/tank worn by a diver during a dive. The weight member can be attached by several different embodiments. Preferably, the weight member is attached such that the diver cannot release or adjust the weight member while he or she is diving. The weight member rotates the person to ensure heads up surface positioning in the event the person becomes incapacitated. Also provided are several other water safety and survival devices.

Abstract: A water safety and survival system is disclosed that provides a multi-chambered personal flotation device and break away counterweight that provides a heads-up righting moment that reliably positions a scuba diver's airway out of the water when at the surface, and provides for a comfortable heads down position during the dive. The break away counterweight stows the ballast needed to heel the diver into a heads up position in an inactive state. Once released, the counterweight drops away and becomes capable of actively rolling the diver's face out of the water into the heads up position. The counterweight is preferably utilized in conjunction with a buoyancy compensator that further provides for rotation of the diver into a heads up orientation, and that can provide buoyancy compensation for the counterweight.

Abstract: A buoyancy control system includes an apparel unit worn by a user and including a front panel, a pocket along the front panel having an interior, a weight pouch configured to hold at least one weight and removably received within the interior of the pocket, a first connector portion coupled to the weight pouch and a second connector portion released the couple to the first connector portion. The first and second connector portions form a mechanical lock actuatable between a connected state in which the lock connects a weight pouch to the apparel unit and a disconnected state in which a weight pouch may be removed from the weight pocket by a single manipulation step of the hand of the diver. In one exemplary embodiment, the device further includes an elastic band coupled between the apparel unit and the second connector.

Abstract: An equipped balancing jacket including a back and a first stage reducer connected to the compressed air bottle/bottles. From said first stage reducer project high pressure and low pressure hoses. The high pressure hose is directly connected to a computer and/or a manometer, while the low pressure hose is connected to a dispenser from which project the hoses for different functions. Alternatively, the low pressure hose is connected to the said dispenser through the intermediary of an intermediate dispenser, from which it projects also the hose for the connection to the control device.

Abstract: A diving jacket includes a back-plate 22 and a pair of waist belt members respectively having circumferentially rear end regions fixed to the back-plate 22 by a means of associated connector plates 31. Rear end regions 37 of the respective connector plates 31 are formed with a plurality of dovetail tenons 51 or a plurality of dovetail grooves 52 arranged in vertical direction of the connector plates 31 so as to extend in parallel one to another and the back-plate 22 is formed with much more dovetail grooves 52 or dovetail tenons 51 than those formed in the connector plates 31 so as to be operatively associated with the dovetail tenons 51 or dovetail grooves 52 of the connector plates 31, respectively.

Abstract: Hydrostatic balancing jacket including a coupling between at least one of the jacket walls and one ballast. The coupling includes complementary coupling elements reciprocally movable on the jacket wall and on the ballast, and a locking structure for the coupling.

Abstract: A device for operating the inflation and deflation valves of the air chamber of a scuba diver's balancing jacket (10) provided with inflation and deflation valves and means (31, 34) for operating these valves that can be controlled by the diver and comprising a handgrip (30) forwardly projecting from a side position on the lower edge of the jacket, said operating means of said inflation and deflation vales being situated on said handgrip.

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: A dive vest that includes a torso-engaging member with a waistband, an air bladder contained throughout the torso-engaging member, beaded weight pads quickly releasable from the waistband, a scuba tank carrier plate attached to the torso-engaging member, a first stage regulator with an extended, flexible base that is permanently attached within the dive vest, an on demand/oral inflation assembly extending upwardly from the torso-engaging member, a second stage regulator assembly fluidly communicating with the first stage regulator, and an octopus second stage regulator assembly fluidly communicating with the first stage regulator and being retractable into, and extendable from, the torso-engaging member, and when retracted, is hidden in the torso-engaging member, and as a result thereof, is protected from wear and tear from, and snagging on, objects on both land and underwater and provides less resistance during a dive.

Abstract: A buoyancy compensator jacket includes a cushion pad lying inside a backplate of the jacket and the cushion pad is water-impervious on its surface and formed in a plurality of regions with dome-shaped swellings being convex toward the back of a wearer. The jacket including such cushion pad can prevent water permeation into the pad from occurring and a weight of the pad from increasing due to the water permeation during diving.

Abstract: Back secured to a jacket or the like for fastening bottles of compressed gas for diving activities, comprising a main body made of a relatively soft and impermeable material and provided inside with one or more chambers which can be filled up with a suitable non-compressible fluid supplied through inlet and outlet hubs obtained on said main body.

Abstract: An air valve of a balancing jacket can be opened not only by a conventional driving cable located within the corrugated pipe of the balancing jacket, but also independently from the conventional driving cable by an auxiliary driving member integral or operationally connected with the valve element of an air valve and controlled by the diver directly with his hands and/or by a separate control member.

Abstract: A combined digital depth control and rate of ascent control device to be used by scuba divers. The device would automatically prevent the diver from exceeding a predetermined depth and prevent the diver from ascending at an excessively high rate. The device comprises a sealed housing attachable to the apparatus so as to be submerged in the water with the diver. The housing has an inlet connectable to the pressurized gas tank, an outlet connected to the inflatable buoyancy jacket, a control passageway between the inlet and outlet, being automatically displaced to open the passageway upon sensing the predetermined depth.

Abstract: A buoyancy compensator jacket comprising at least one air chamber (3) associated to a back portion (2) of the jacket and a couple of quick-release valves (6, 7), arranged on an outer face (2a) of said back portion (2), respectively near the upper and lower edges (2b, 2c) thereof. Respective ropes (8, 9) extend from the valves (6, 7) for the operation thereof. A supplementary operation rope (11) extends from the lower valve (7), the supplementary rope (11) of the lower valve (7) and the rope (8) of said upper valve (6) being mutually connected at least in correspondence to the free ends, whereby the air chamber (3) can be deflated through both valves (6, 7) by means of a single action.

Abstract: The apparel includes a front portion, a rear portion, a first continuous member and a second continuous member. The front portion is configured to extend along a wearer's chest while the rear portion is configured to extend along the wearer's back. The first continuous member and the second continuous member extend between the front portion and the rear portion across the wearer's shoulders when the apparel is worn. The first continuous member and the second continuous member further slidably extend along one or both of the front portion and the rear portion. The first continuous member and the second continuous member each also extend between the front portion and the rear portion along the wearer's side when the apparel is worn. The first continuous member and the second continuous member each have an adjustable length.

Abstract: A backpack for underwater breathing gas tanks including a substantially flattened body, at one side of which is connected at least one tank, the other side designed to be connected with the diver's back, and provided with a handle for easy lifting. The handle is positioned in a cavity formed in the body of the backpack and may be moved from a raised, active position to an inserted, inactive position.

Abstract: The invention comprises a buoyancy compensator for supporting an air cylinder to the back of a scuba diver. The buoyancy compensator comprises a vest to be worn about the diver's torso and an inflatable air bladder assembly interconnected to the vest by tank straps which rigidly secure the air cylinder of the vest in a backpack configuration. The inflatable bladder assembly comprises a horseshoe-shaped configuration positioned over the cylinder with the sides of the air bladder assembly being positioned along the opposing sides of the air cylinder so at to not obstruct the diver's view or freedom of movement. The vest of the buoyancy compensator comprises a back section, an adjustable torso section, adjustable shoulder strap sections connected to the adjustable torso section and adjustable left and right waistband sections. The vertical adjustment of the torso section relative to the vest allows the height of the buoyancy compensator to be easily adjusted.

Abstract: An active control releasable ballast system for dive equipment is disclosed which in one embodiment includes a removable pocket that is secured with a side release buckle within a fixed pocket. The buckle is required to be opened before the weight contained in the pocket can be dropped or given to another individual in or out of the water. Thus, the release of the weights is a conscious and deliberate act.

Abstract: A buoyancy compensator for scuba divers having an integrated system for controlling the functions of inflation and discharge, which comprises a single control (20) stably connected to the inflatable vest (1) in a fixed position readily accessible by the scuba diver, and designed to perform the functions of inflation, by means of a push-button valve (21, 22), and of remote discharge, by means of a purely mechanical remote control consisting of a manoeuvring lever (26) which acts on a sheathed flexible cable (11, 12) in such a way as to exert a tensile force on the obturator (9) of a discharge valve (5) located on the vest (1) in a hydrostatically advantageous position and, in any case, a position at a distance from the single control (20). The inflatable vest (1) may have a mixed one bag/two bags construction.

Abstract: A supplied air snorkeling device is provided. This device includes a flotation vest coupled with a tank holder. This flotation vest contains flotation material that cannot be deflated and substantially prohibits a user from submerging. A tank cover is positioned within the tank holder for holding an air tank. Still further, a hose retainer is coupled with the vest. In use, an air tank is placed within the tank cover which is then placed within the tank holder. A hose extends from the air tank through the hose retainer and is connected to a regulator that is connected to a mouthpiece which fits into a user's mouth. The hose retainer keeps the mouthpiece in close proximity to the user's mouth. Another aspect of the present invention is a method of making this supplied air snorkeling device. This method includes coupling a tank holder with a flotation vest.

Abstract: A buoyancy compensator vest, for providing buoyancy at various underwater depths, having a rigid back board, for supporting an air tank vertically on the rear surface of the board at the back of the diver, surrounded in part by a bladder, for inflating and deflating, and a vest back panel including a pair of spaced-apart over-the-shoulder straps projecting from the top panel edge for joining with a pair of side portions extending about the chest of the diver, and a waist belt passing from behind the compensator vest about the panel side portions and the user's waist to complete the vest, the improvement of a pouch, defined by front and rear surfaces and including an openable panel to expose the interior thereof, the pouch interposed the back board and the scuba diver's back and containing a cushion for placement against the back of the diver, to cushion the back board and tank against the diver's spine, the pouch having openings formed therein to allow filling and draining of water during under

Abstract: The invention provides for a fluid ballast, alone or in combination with a solid ballast means, that is functionally directed to different locations within the boater's personal flotation device (“PFD”) or diver's Buoyancy Compensator BC through a rigid or flexible container. Complementing the effect of the shifting ballast on the PFD's airway protective turning action is the torque generated by the structurally enhanced buoyant means. The invention allows both the amount of ballast and buoyancy needed to effect reliable face flotation to be reduced to their minimum by a disclosed inverted configuration of the buoyant moment. Shifting the center of buoyancy away from the axis of rotation creates a longer arm and thus more torque per unit of displacement. The invention provides a vertically eccentric PFD, combining inferior and anterior shift in the center of buoyancy with superior posterior shift in the center of gravity, generating torque needed for improved corrective righting action of the PFD.

Abstract: A buoyancy compensator jacket comprising at least one air chamber (3) associated to a back portion (2) of the jacket and a couple of quick-release valves (6, 7), arranged on an outer face (2a) of said back portion (2), respectively near the upper and lower edges (2b, 2c) thereof. Respective ropes (8, 9) extend from the valves (6, 7) for the operation thereof. A supplementary operation rope (11) extends from the lower valve (7), the supplementary rope (11) of the lower valve (7) and the rope (8) of said upper valve (6) being mutually connected at least in correspondence to the free ends, whereby the air chamber (3) can be deflated through both valves (6, 7) by means of a single action.

Abstract: Aeration tube provided on its lower end with a mouthpiece (2) and on its upper end with an air intake hole (41), such tube consisting in its length of two or more tubular elements (1, 3) connected in such a way that the tube can be folded two or more times on itself.

Abstract: An equipped balancing jacket includes a stiff back containing a first stage reducer connected by lines to a high and low pressure distributor connected to various equipment. The jacket further includes pneumatic exhaust valves, a manual emergency control and a mouth inflation devcie.

Abstract: It is an object or the present invention to provide a harness weight system that can easily and safely attached to a divers harness system to provide negative weight and/or storage.

Abstract: Hydrostatic balancing jacket including coupling means between at least one of the jacket walls and one ballast. Said coupling means include complementary means reciprocally removable respectively placed on the jacket wall and on the ballast, being provided locking means of said coupling.

Abstract: A method and construction for a buoyancy compensator air chamber bellows utilizing a single side coated fabric having air passages for gas communication between the air chambers formed by annular disks which are welded together around and through the air passages to interlock the air chambers into a bellows.

Abstract: A dive rescue search device has a stanchion with a locating mechanism for the device mounted thereon and a search area determining device based on a reel of rope cooperating therewith to properly direct the search.

Abstract: A balancing jacket for scuba divers includes at least two valves for discharge of air. All the valves are connected to a pneumatic-control pipe, and preferably at least one of the valves is located in the bottom part of the balancing jacket and at least one in the top part. The air-discharge valves are air valves of the open-close type with spring-operated return combined with non-return valves to prevent any entry of water into the jacket.

Abstract: A water safety and survival system that provides a multi-chambered personal flotation device and break away counterweight that provides a heads-up righting moment that reliably positions a scuba diver with his/her airway out of the water when at the surface, and provides for a comfortable heads down position during the dive. The scuba diver retains full control and responsibility for conversion of the equipment from face down flotation into face up flotation. The break away counterweight stows the ballast needed to heel the diver into a heads up position in an inactive state, close to the diver's longitudinal axis of rotation. Once released, the counterweight drops away from neutralized central attachment near the diver's axis of rotation out towards the counterweight's posterior attachment point. The counterweight then becomes capable of actively rolling the distressed diver's face out of the water into the heads up position.

Abstract: A hydrostatic balancing jacket includes a dorsal element ending into two shoulder strips and two pectoral-abdominal strips. The dorsal element is equipped, on its outer side, with two wing-shaped strips. The wing-shaped strips are connected to the dorsal element along one of their rims. The wing-shaped strips are symmetrically located with respect to the longitudinal axis of the element and are inflatable.

Abstract: Hydrostatic balancing jacket for underwater diving, including a dorsal element from which there proceed two shoulder flaps and two abdominal/pectoral flaps, each shoulder flap being connectable to the corresponding abdominal/pectoral flap by straps provided with buckles which can be adjusted on the straps, just as the abdominal/pectoral flaps are connectable together by straps provided with buckles; the free ends of the straps may be inserted in a number of housings made in the flaps.