Abstract: An interactive dive apparatus for use by a scuba diver to determine a maximum dive duration, including an input interface for inputting dive specific parameters including a J-factor for adjusting a no-stop time calculation to compensate for various environmental and physiological parameters, a clock for determining an elapsed dive time, and a depth sensor for detecting a present depth and a maximum depth. The depth sensor tracks diver dwell time in each of plural predetermined depth ranges, and a CPU determines a no-stop time in accordance with the user inputted dive specific parameters and the detected dwell time. The interactive dive apparatus further includes a display screen for displaying at least the no-stop time, elapsed dive time duration and the current depth.

Abstract: A torso-conforming diver's weight pouch for use by a diver in a buoyancy compensator vest containing at least one recess. At least one weight for neutralizing the diver's buoyancy is contained within a pocket on the pouch. Attached to the pouch is a curvature retaining device which defines and retains a curved configuration of the pouch. The diver can manipulate the curvature retaining device to determine the pouch's configuration. Such configuration can be changed to conform to the diver's hips. Therefore, when the pouch is installed into a buoyancy jacket, the pouch provides more comfort to the diver.

Abstract: A diving jacket for retaining warmth of a diver's torso is provided with an inner surface and an outer surface. The outer surface of the diving jacket is formed from first and second front torso portions fastened to a back portion. A releasable fastener for releasably attaching the first front torso portion to the second front torso portion is also preferably secured to the diving jacket. At least one loop is attached to the outer surface of the diving jacket to define an aperture that is dimensioned to accommodate a corresponding strap of a buoyancy compensator for allowing the buoyancy compensator to be secured to the outer surface of the diving jacket.

Abstract: A multi-part diving fin includes a blade portion having a tip and a shoe end opposite the tip, the shoe end at least partially defining a foot pocket, and a foot plate formed as a separate piece from the blade portion and having a formation for releasably engaging the blade portion, the foot plate configured so that upon engagement with the blade portion, the foot plate provides a bottom of the foot pocket. The present fin also features a vertical adjustment of the height of the foot pocket, as well as stiffness adjustment for the blade portion of the fin.

Abstract: A diving mask includes a frame with a front portion and first and second side portions and enclosing at least one lens, a flexible skirt secured to the frame and constructed and arranged to provide a water-tight seal between the frame and the user's face, at least one of the side portions having one of a first and second coupling portions of a quick-release buckle assembly, and a mask strap having first and second ends, at least one of which being engaged with the other of the first and second coupling portions for effecting a releasably lockable coupling of the strap to the frame. A major feature of the present invention is that the mask strap is adjustable in length independently of its attachment to the mask frame, while being readily detachable from the mask frame.

Abstract: A device provides improved kick stroke simulation for the design and development of diving fins. The device includes a mechanical leg which provides the simulated kicking action and a controller for controlling the kicking action. The device is capable of controllable and reliable repetition of kicking strokes as would be used in swimming, thus allowing increased integrity of measured data related to the design of the diving fin itself. Use of the device allows for optimum design of diving fins depending on the environment in which the diving fin is to be employed. Design parameters improved include, inter alia, thrust of the diving fin and the effect on ankle fatigue of the user.

Abstract: An apparatus for use with a snorkel having a breathing tube with an upper end, the apparatus being constructed and arranged to prevent splash water from entering the snorkel tube, and including a tubular housing portion defining a Z-axis and a cylindrical interior volume, having a splash opening, defining a slot opposite the splash opening, and having an open bottom end for disposition upon the upper end of the snorkel tube, an arcuate channel defined by a hood portion of the housing and being in fluid communication with the cylindrical volume through the slot, the channel being disposed relative to the tubular portion to receive splash water entering the opening and eject it from the housing, and a substantially planar first baffle secured to the tubular portion and extending into the tubular volume at an incline to intercept splash water and direct it externally of the housing.

Abstract: A buoyancy compensator assembly for a diver is provided with a vest having an inner gas impermeable layer adapted to face a wearer and a congruently shaped opposing gas impermeable outer layer. The peripheral edges of the inner and outer layers are sealingly bonded to each other. The vest has an opening through a back portion of the vest. A backpack for removably retaining a longitudinally extending breathing gas tank has a baseplate generally disposed within the opening. Attached to the periphery of the baseplate is an edge. The edge is disposed between and integrally bonded to the inner and outer layers whereby the layers form a chamber to be selectively inflated to adjust the buoyancy of the diver. A restraining sheet is located between and alternately attached to the inner layer and outer layer to form aligned bands. The sheet forces the inner layer to curve inward about the sides of the diver when the chamber is inflated.

Abstract: An interactive apparatus for use by a scuba diver to provide for diver control of a specified dive-related parameter. The diver enters into the apparatus a desired parameter value, such as air reserve available at the completion of a dive, and the apparatus, based on the desired parameter and current dive conditions, determines the length of time the diver may remain at the current depth and still safely ascend to the surface. In the preferred embodiment, the apparatus also includes audible and visible alarms to alert the diver to the expiration of the determined length of safe dive time.

Abstract: An instrument console for use in scuba diving includes a console body having a first end adapted for connection to a pressurized air line, and a second end opposite the first end, at least one instrument being secured within the console body, a compass having top and side Lubber Lines, a compass housing configured to accommodate the compass and being connected to the second end of the console body to pivot relative to the console body, so that while held in front of the swimming diver, the compass may be maintained and read in a generally horizontal position, and the instruments may be viewed in a generally vertical position.

Abstract: A combination snorkel breathing tube and mask strap retainer clip includes a snorkel breathing tube having an externally threaded portion, a tubular barrel configured to circumscribe the threaded breathing tube, a tooth disposed on the tubular barrel for engaging the threads of the breathing tube to adjust the vertical position of the barrel relative to the breathing tube, a mask strap retainer and a retaining stud disposed on the tubular barrel and configured for swivelingly accommodating the mask strap retainer thereon.

Abstract: A built-in regulator cone adjusting tool for a second stage regulator having a housing, an inlet port in the housing, and a cone having a front end and being disposed in the inlet port for reciprocal axial movement, the tool including a tubular body configured for axial rotation in the inlet port of the housing and having a first end and a second end, the second end having at least one tab for releasably engaging the front end of the cone for adjusting the relative position of the cone in the housing.

Abstract: A breathing system regulator for a demand breathing system has adjusting apparatus for adjusting the demand required to open the air inlet valve to permit the user to increase or decrease the tension on the biasing spring urging the valve closed, and to decrease or increase the cushioning effect of a stream of air urging the valve closed. Adjusting apparatus is provided in which an air injector device is adjustably positioned to direct a flow of air between positions for adjusting the pressure at the inlet valve side of the regulator diaphragm to control the amount of breathing effort required of the user to open the air inlet valve.

Abstract: A modular snorkel includes a breathing tube, a snorkel body, a connector tube matingly and sealingly connecting the tube and the body. The breathing tube is rotatable relative to the snorkel body and has a plurality of vertically spaced ribs to which a mask strap retainer may be releasably secured in vertically adjustable, rotatable relationship. A valve located at the upper end of the breathing tube includes a valve housing configured to permit the free flow of air and the exhaustion of water from the tube, while restricting the entry of water into the breathing tube, especially due to splashing. The valve housing also includes a depending deflector to direct water purged from the upper end of the breathing tube towards and out the valve. The connector tube sealingly connects the breathing tube with the snorkel body solely through a friction fit. The snorkel body may be vented at a lower end to facilitate the release of trapped water.

Abstract: A first stage SCUBA diving regulator has a removable cartridge containing the pressure regulating mechanism and a plurality of intermediate pressure outlet ports extending at acute angles from the body of the regulator. A plurality of rotatable intermediate pressure outlet ports are provided in one embodiment.

Abstract: The first stage regulator of a two-stage underwater breathing apparatus utilizes an imperforate force transfer mechanism to automatically increase the rate at which breathing air is delivered from a high pressure supply to the second stage regulator as the diver descends in the water. The first stage regulator is sealed from the ambient by the imperforate force transfer mechanism which increases the resistance of the regulator to icing and corrosion and prevents particulates entrained in the ambient water from entering the regulator mechanism and interfering with its operation.