Abstract: A wearable personal flotation device may be configured for wear under a parachute harness and may comprise a rear section and a pair of side sections that extend forward from lower sides of the rear section. A bladder may be contained in the rear and side sections and, when inflated, may expand through release gaps in fronts of the side sections. The rear section may include a panel of closed cell foam.

Abstract: A lifting system is provided for lifting a person who is incapacitated, where the lifting system includes a torso enclosure that may encase a substantial portion of the person's torso without requiring the person to slip one or both of their arms through the enclosure, and orthogonally-aligned structural straps positioned on the enclosure to stabilize and strengthen the enclosure during use, where portions of the straps are detached between two respective junction points to permit grasping of such straps by others when attempting to lift the incapacitated person.

Abstract: A device includes a pressure container, a pressure reducer, and a valve. The pressure container contains a liquid container deformable under pressure. The pressure reducer provides a liquid which bears with a first (e.g., lower) pressure against a first connector of the pressure reducer and with a second (e.g., higher) pressure at a second connector of the pressure reducer. The first connector is connectable to the liquid container, and the second connector is accessible from outside the pressure container. Due to the pressure reducer, liquid from the liquid container can be provided with a second pressure at the second connector. The valve adds a gas to at least part of the interior space of the pressure container remaining after receipt of the liquid container, the gas having an overpressure, such that a liquid in the liquid container bears with the first pressure against the first connector.

Abstract: A life saving dan buoy for marine saving is revealed. The life saving dan buoy includes a strip-shaped first air bag, a second air bag disposed on a lower part of the first air bag, at least one inflation valve arranged at the first air bag and/or the second air bag for filling gas into an air chamber and allowing the first and the second air bags to expand and float over the water, and a weight. The first air bag and the second air are communicating with each other to form the air chamber. The second air bag includes an open space area that allows a user's body to get through. The weight is connected to a lower part of the first air bag so that the first air bag is standing vertically in the sea while the second air bag is floated over the sea.

Abstract: A safety-retrieval system comprised of three components, a life jacket with reinforced tethering points, a waist belt with tethering points to be worn around a secondary person's waist, and a tethering line/leash to connect the life jacket to the waist belt.

Abstract: A passive security system and personal equipment on vessels is for man over board situations. The personal equipment, prepared for being worn by a crewmember of the vessel, includes a first module (2) integrated into a belt (4); a life jacket (5) folded inside of the first module (2) and attached thereto by at least one strap (6); a second module (8) placed in the interior of the first module (2), connected to the life jacket (5) and configured to inflate the life jacket (5) when it detects a man over board situation. The first module (2) has on its rear part one flap (3) configured to be opened by the life jacket (5) inflating action, allowing the passage thereof to the exterior of the first module (2). It is used as a passive security element for “man over board” situations, to allow an immediate detection of the situation and a fast rescue.

Abstract: A life vest stowage device (1) comprises a receptacle (2) for stowing a life vest (3). The receptacle (2) has an opening (4) through which the life vest (3) is inserted into and removed from the receptacle (2). A closure is provided, by which the opening (4) can be opened and closed. The closure comprises a tongue (5) on a first side of the opening (4). The tongue (5) is arranged such that it can be folded across the opening (4) to obstruct the opening (4). On a second side of the opening (4), opposite to the first side of the opening (4), there is provided a pocket (6). The pocket (6) is arranged so that the tongue (5) can be inserted into the pocket (6) when the tongue is folded to obstruct the opening (4). With the tongue (5) folded to obstruct the opening (4) and inserted in the pocket (6), first and second strips (7, 16) of a second material are aligned with one another and can be squeezed together so that the closure is substantially flat.

Abstract: A flotation apparatus having a first elongate member, a second elongate member, and a connector, such as an exterior housing, engaging the first and second elongate members and deforming the first elongate member into a curved shape. Ends of the first elongate member are positioned proximate to ends of the second elongate member to define gaps therebetween that permit movement of one or both elongate members relative to the other.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a harness for a buoyancy control device, and a harness manufactured by such method. There is provided a method of manufacturing a harness for a buoyancy control device for use in a diving application, the method including the steps of: providing polymeric material; molding the polymeric material into separate components of the harness; and connecting the components to one another so as to form the harness. A harness including a plurality of molded polymeric components interconnected is also described.

Abstract: A buoyancy compensation apparatus for underwater use by a SCUBA diver, includes a pressurized air source, a buoyancy vest including air chambers and a pressure regulating unit. The pressure regulating unit includes a chamber in communication with the vest air chambers and the pressurized air source. The pressure regulating unit also includes a normally closed air injection valve and a normally closed relief valve. The wall of the pressure regulating unit chamber includes a flexible portion that flexes inwardly when outside water pressure exceeds the pressure in the vest air chambers, which, in turn, opens the air injection valve. The relief valve opens when air pressure in the vest air chambers exceeds outside water pressure. The air injection and relief valves respond faster than the walls of the buoyancy vest air chambers so that the volume of the vest air chambers remain generally constant even as the diver changes depth.

Abstract: A clothing for the practice of aquatic sports having lumens for the filling in of air which presents the welding of two superimposed neoprene blades (110), conforming one or more lumens (10) limited on their periphery by sinuous or angled (20) welding lines, is described.

Abstract: A comfortable personal floatation device that provides adjustable buoyancy to a wearer for water activities. One or more foam-like tubes are worn on the upper back of the wearer. The wearer places an arm in each of the respective arm holes and secures the floatation device with an attachment piece across the chest. The floatation device is can be configured for many applications, is lightweight, easy to use, and does not restrict movement of the wearer's arms or legs.

Abstract: A life vest with a rescue handle located on the back side thereof. The rescue handle has a flange located at the lower end thereof, the flange being attached to the back side of the life vest with the rescue handle extending substantially vertically upwards. The rescue handle is attached to the back side of the life vest in a manner adapted to support the weight of a user. The rescue handle has a non-loop shape that eliminates the potential for entanglement with objects in the water.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a salvage or safety suit worn by a person escaping a shipwreck. The suit includes a receptacle structured to receive and enclose a person's body and a head opening for entering the receptacle. The receptacle is layered to provide flotation and thermo-insulation properties to the suit.

Abstract: A backpack structure having a lifesaving function is made of material capable of floating on water. Connection straps are provided on each end surface of the backpack, which can be buckled with connection straps of another backpack and which can be buckled with connection straps of a water bag filled with air inside. The backpack structure enables users to cross rivers more safely, so as to increase survival possibility in the field, and also to carry personnel, goods or conduct emergency relief on water.

Abstract: A connector tube has opposite sealed ends. The two ends of the connector tube are inserted into a central bore at opposite ends of an elongated flotation device. The diameter of the connector tube is greater than a diameter of the central bore located at the opposite ends of the elongated flotation device. The diameter of the connector tube may be 25% to 75% greater than the diameter of the bore through the elongated flotation device.

Abstract: A personal flotation and locating device for increasing the survivability and visibility of an individual stranded in water is disclosed herein. In one embodiment, the flotation and locating device comprises a rescue streamer, the rescue streamer including a plurality of branching pneumatic stays structures.

Abstract: A life jacket provided with a heating unit, capable of preventing a person wearing the life jacket from dying due to hypothermia after the person has fallen into water. The life jacket provided with a jacket main body in which a space is formed between an inner skin and an outer skin, and a floater and a heating unit which are inserted into the space of the jacket's main body includes: a heating portion for producing heat by contacting water; a water transferring member, one end of which arranged within the heating part and the other end of which exposed to a surface of the jacket's main body so that water infiltrates thereto from the other end by capillary action and permeated into the heating part; and a covering part attached on a surface of the main body of the jacket covering the other end of the water transferring member.

Abstract: A light emitting inflatable safety beacon is disclosed for identifying a location of the beacon. The beacon comprises an elongated bladder defining an interior chamber extending between an upper end and a lower end. A tether extends between a first end and a second end. A couple links the tether with the elongated bladder for suspending the tether within the interior chamber. A light source is secured to the tether for emitting an electromagnetic radiation. The electromagnetic radiation internally illuminates the elongated bladder for creating an illuminated beacon. The electromagnetic radiation traverses the elongated bladder for creating a location beacon.

Abstract: The invention is a health monitoring system that determines the spine stress dose value for an individual on a high speed boat. The boat can produce impact injury from whole-body vibration embedded with multiple shocks. The system includes an RFID tag; a GPS; a display; a RFID reader; a multi-axis sensor unit that is an accelerometer which enables the determination of impact, vibration and shock, impact and vibration; and a central data acquisition apparatus. The apparatus includes processors in communication with the GPS, the sensor unit, and the RFID reader. The apparatus samples the RFID reader frequently, confirming the status of all individuals having RFID tags as being onboard or overboard. An application records a GPS location and time if an individual is overboard, and generates a course to the GPS location. The display illustrates a ride roughness graphically, in terms of injury potential at a particular speed and heading.

Abstract: A personal flotation apparatus having a main body member, a primary support member, a head support member, and a foot support member, each made of flexible, buoyant, flotation material. The primary support member, head support member, and foot support member are each connected to the main body member, such that they are substantially perpendicular to the main body member and can provide stability, buoyancy and support in various floating and swimming positions. Some embodiments include multiple main body members to increase stability, buoyancy, support and comfort, and allow for heavier users.

Abstract: Embodiments include a method and apparatus for mounting wearable ballistic body armor plates and accessories to a user. Embodiments may include a plate frame assembly comprising one or more plate frames and one or more ballistic body armor plates. The one or more plate frames may at least partially house the one or more ballistic body armor plates and hold them in position with respect to the one or more plate frames. A method of embodiments may include providing one or more plate frames and one or more ballistic body armor plates and using the one or more plate frames to hold the one or more ballistic armor plates in a fixed position with respect to the body armor plates. In some embodiments, the plate frame assembly is resistant to the absorption and/or accumulation of liquids and chemicals.

Abstract: The invention discloses devices and methods for identifying a diver in distress and initiating a rescue response. Specifically, embodiments of the present invention allow for identification of a diver who is not breathing properly and in response giving local stimuli to allow the diver to response. Should he/she not respond, the instant invention will initiate steps to bring the diver back to the water surface and alert others as to his/her need of assistance.

Abstract: A personal visibility mark may increase the visibility of a person in the water to operators of watercraft or the like and may be used in combination with a personal flotation device. The personal visibility mark may include a housing including at least one intake opening. The housing may be removeably coupled to a personal flotation device or may be an integral component of the personal flotation device. A pump may be disposed within the housing and may be fluidly coupled to the intake opening and at least one nozzle for expelling a stream of water from the nozzle to increase the visibility of a user. The stream of water may include an interrupted stream. The interrupted stream may be provided by modulating the power to the pump and/or providing a self-resonating nozzle.

Abstract: A hydrogen power supply module includes a hydrogen production unit, a fuel cell unit, and a hydrogen flow channel. The hydrogen flow channel is in communication with the hydrogen production unit and the fuel cell unit, and a solid-state reactant is stored in the hydrogen production unit. A liquid-state reactant reacts with the solid-state reactant to produce hydrogen when the liquid-state reactant comes into contact with the solid-state reactant, and the hydrogen flows into the fuel cell unit via the hydrogen flow channel. A life preserver having the hydrogen power supply module is also provided.

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 life vest with a rescue handle located on the back side thereof. The rescue handle has a flange located at the lower end thereof, the flange being attached to the back side of the life vest with the rescue handle extending substantially vertically upwards. The rescue handle is attached to the back side of the life vest in a manner adapted to support the weight of a user. The rescue handle has a non-loop shape that eliminates the potential for entanglement with objects in the water.

Abstract: An open water training and safety device includes a flexible hollow cover having an internal cavity, and a flexible wall defining at least first and second compartments. An amount of buoyant floatation material is mounted in the first compartment. The buoyant material is sized to provide buoyancy for a swimmer supported by the device when floating in the water. The second compartment may be a pocket sized for carrying swimming accessories therein. The cover is closable so that the swimmer may selectively open and close the two compartments. Advantageously a hydration pack is mounted or mountable in one of the compartments. An elongate towing tether is mountable at a base end of the tether to the cover, for example by means of a harness which includes a pair of straps. The tether is adapted at a distal end thereof, distal from said base end, to be releasably mounted to the swimmer for towing said device behind the swimmer.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a personal garment constructed with a buoyancy-enhancing feature whose purpose is to provide the garment wearer with the ability to float on the surface of the water for an extended period of time with minimal expenditure of energy in a water environment in order to prevent drowning. The buoyancy enhancing feature may comprise several configurations. One configuration consists of a compressed fluid canister apparatus constructed within the garment that is activated by the garment wearer. Another configuration comprises a garment constructed in part of a fabric manufactured with minute particles of a buoyancy-enhancing material encapsulated within the fabric substance. Another configuration consists of the incorporation of one or more removable buoyancy-enhancing panels into pockets constructed within the garment.

Abstract: A water floating device that offers support for the head or neck of a user when swimming or practicing water exercises. The floating support device includes a unitary piece body made of a floating and waterproof material. The unitary piece body has a U-shape including a curved central section having a first leg on a first end and a second leg on a second end. The first leg and the second leg project from the curved central section. The first leg and the second leg angle inwardly to one another.

Abstract: A buoyant member comprising a sheet or shaped panel of flexible or pliable, mainly closed cell foam material for forming at least part of a garment to provide buoyancy therefor, wherein the foam material has a density less than water, and the sheet or shaped panel has a plurality of fold lines and a plurality of separated portions or “islands” of foam material provided or formed without removal or cutting of foam material, such as by high frequency welding techniques (such as ultrasonic welding action) so as to have the effect of making denser fold lines but the whole sheet more flexible than the buoyant foam material and to increase the overall flexibility of the sheet or shaped panel.

Abstract: Safety clothes includes a fabric structure having a liner fabric and a cover fabric attached to each other, and a plurality of gas-containing capsules contained in compartments, which are defined between the liner fabric and the cover fabric. Gas is sealed inside the gas-containing capsules. The reliability and the freedom of motion of safety clothes are improved.

Abstract: Taught herein is an apparatus for measurement of floating body posture of a person wearing a life jacket, comprising a backpack frame having a plurality of reference points, an image collecting system, and an image processing system; wherein the image collecting system collects image sequence information of the person wearing the life jacket via the reference points; the image processing system processes the image sequence information, so as to obtain the dynamics of a movement of the person and the quasi-static parameters of such movement. The system is capable of reflecting the dynamics of a movement of a body in water and the quasi-static parameters thereof.

Abstract: A body armor system for protective use against harmful projectiles, more specifically a ballistic garment which is integrated with a layer of flotation foam, allowing the wearer to float to the surface upon being immersed in water. Military and law enforcement personnel are primary users of interest.

Abstract: The invention relates to a buoyancy device with a constant and adjustable volume intended for any submersible entity capable of submersion at various depth, and comprising at least one float with a flexible member and filled with gas, the pressure of which is adjusted according to the submersion depth, and such that: the membrane is elastic and defines a gas volume that varies according to the elasticity of said membrane and to the relative inner pressure of said volume relative to the outer environment pressure. An expander-discharge system is used for supplying and emptying the gas to or from the inner volume of the float.

Abstract: A jacket and method for surviving an avalanche. The method includes inflating an expandable member to generally encapsulate a head of a person. The jacket may comprise a pair of expandable members disposed in pockets of the jacket, and a canister communicating with one of the expandable members. Apparel comprising an inflated expandable member having a depending inflated portion that at least partly covers another inflated expandable member.

Abstract: A life vest manufactured from an improved fabric, having a thickness ranging from 1.4 mm to 3.0 mm, and high elasticity provided by knitting with a double circular knitting machine under the setting of 20-28 gauges per inch. The improved thickness and high elasticity fabric is made of non-elastic yarns, selected from polyester, polyamide, or polypropylene, and from elastic yarns, of polyurethane. The combination of woven elastic and non-elastic yarns provides an intricate yet highly comfortable fabric which is soft and “furry” to the touch.

Abstract: A personal windscreen apparatus is mounted on a boater's body to protect a boater's face during boating. The apparatus has a windscreen secured to a flotation device. The flotation device is secured to a boater's body utilizing a series of straps.

Abstract: In an air cell of a buoyancy compensator an outer protective bag has a section of double layer construction. In the double layer area, two panels of elastic material are each juxtaposed adjacent a panel of non-elastomeric material. The elastic panels are spaced at a distance of each other such that during expansion when the elastic panels are at their limit, there is still an adjacent layer of non-elastomeric protective material. If a sharp object penetrates the elastic panel, it will not puncture the inner air cell unless it can also pierce the protective bag non-elastic layer.

Abstract: The invention relates to a lifejacket used in the field of safety equipment aboard a boat. The jacket comprises an inflatable vest having two faces opposite one another, which can be housed, folded, in a protective envelope, which comprises an external peripheral opening fitted with temporary closing means by which the vest can expand when inflated. The jacket also comprises a carrying harness to which the envelope can be fixed. The vest comprises inside at least one non-inflatable zone in which its two faces opposite one another are assembled, especially by thermowelding. Thus, this non-inflatable zone, inside the vest and not on its periphery, allows it to have a hooking zone for correct attaching of the vest, the protective envelope and the harness.

Abstract: Structure of semifinished product (10) for floating products comprising a plurality of layers (1a-Id) of flexible material having density less than water, for example foam polyethylene, mutually constrained to each other. In particular, the layers (1a-Id) are arranged according to an overlapped configuration and then constrained at fastening points, for example, seams (6) made by a stitching head (50) equipped with one or more needles (55) acting along a direction (60) substantially orthogonal to the layers (1a-Id). Each seam point (6) is, in particular, insulated, i.e. is made in order to result distanced from the other seams (6). This is to avoid the production of weakening lines, or zones, in the semifinished product (10) and to obtain, then a highly flexible product and at the same time having a high mechanical resistance. The seams (6) can be made in a random way or following a predetermined scheme to provide a homogeneous distribution on all the surface of the layers (1a-Id).

Abstract: A safety device includes an elongate tubular member formed of a buoyant material having gripping surfaces disposed on distal and proximal ends thereof. The elongate tubular member is positionable between initial and second positions. First and second appendages are disposed in mechanical cooperation with the proximal and distal ends of the elongate tubular member. A tether assembly is operably associated with the elongate tubular member and includes one or more couplings and a tether for releasably fixing the elongate tubular member in one or more second positions.

Abstract: Method and system for detecting danger of drowning for a person in water. The method may comprise: determining whether the person is located in the water, measuring the pulse of the person, determining the position of the person, monitoring the capacity of an energy source on the person, transferring data from the person to a receiver on exceeding a boundary value of a pre-determined parameter, a gas chamber on the person is filled with gas and thereby buoyancy is generated, as well as optionally activating an alarm in the receiver. The method may further comprise measuring breathing frequency of the person, measuring pressure at the water depth of the person, measuring body position of the person, and comparing boundary value data and generated data to each other in an evaluation/signal unit as well as when the gas chamber is filled with gas and/or the alarm is activated.

Abstract: A buoyancy compensator vest for providing adjustable buoyancy at various underwater depths by having a back portion for supporting an air tank and an air bladder for inflating and deflating, a portion of the air bladder of which is situated in the arms which surround the waist of the wearer. The improvement of an adjustment strap which can provide continuous variation within limits, of the reach of each of the inflatable arms of the vest whereby the girth of the vest can be continuously and uniformly adjusted to accommodate a wide range of body sizes, in particular waist sizes.

Abstract: A portable personal self-operating life tube is disclosed, in which when a user is drowned in water due to a marine disaster or a fire and sinking of a ship, it automatically operates, so the user can save his life by just wearing the tube, and the tube is able to keep a user's a body temperature until a rescue comes after the tube is expanded along with the above features, and a life tube can be easily used without a particular care by improving the problems found in a conventional art in which a user feels bad when wearing a life tube since a conventional life equipment is not customized, and it is not portable and is not easy to use.

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: The present invention relates to a salvage system for a life jacket capable of enabling quick rescue of a victim by quickly finding a victim wearing the life jacket using an artificial satellite and displaying an electronic map provided with the position of the victim and the image of the victim on a screen in real time, when a marine accident or an aircraft accident occurs, and more specifically, to the life jacket, with a marine position tracking terminal attached thereto, which transmits and receives radio signals to and from a GPS satellite and a relay satellite to track the position of the victim, and allowing greater buoyancy to be generated in the head and the chest regions on the surface of the water, when wearing it.

Abstract: There is described herein apparatus for providing buoyancy and/or facilitating rescue of a person or object. The apparatus includes a tubular sleeve for securing the apparatus around at least a portion of a person or an object wherein longitudinal extension of the sleeve causes the diameter of the sleeve to contract radially to grip the person or object or a portion thereof and wherein longitudinal compression of the sleeve causes the diameter of the sleeve to expand. The apparatus may further include attachment means coupled to the tubular sleeve for attaching the apparatus to rescue equipment and/or for providing a handle and/or at least one flotation means coupled to the tubular sleeve.

Abstract: Personal flotation devices (PFD's), also known as life jackets, swim vests, etc., including various structures which promote an increased flow of air within the PFD thereby conveying warm, moisture laden air away from the wearer, and allowing at least some ambient air to reach the skin or outer clothing of the wearer. Either or both of at least two modes are provided for fluid passage or “venting.” One fluid passage mode is in directions parallel to an inner side (i.e. “lateral”), with fluid passages being defined by structures such as projections or within various three-dimensional permeable materials, such as spacer fabric. Another fluid passage mode is through an aperture in a buoyant intermediate layer. Depending upon the particular design, a blend or combination of these two modes is achieved.

Abstract: An article of aquatic apparel including one or more handles. The handles are secured to the apparel and allow for passengers riding along to hold onto the wearer of the article. The handles can be configured as gripping slots or projecting straps.