Abstract: A personal flotation device in the form of a vest having two chest portions that are interconnected by a neck portion. The vest fits over a user's head and is secured to the user by way of a belt and a chest strap. The vest is inflatable by the user and in a deflated condition, the chest portions are folded upon themselves to present a low profile vest that may be worn by the user without interfering in marine activities. A plurality of frangible fasteners are disposed on flap portions of the chest portions to retain the chest portions in their folded condition, yet release the flap portions under inflation pressure.

Abstract: A fabric sled for sliding upon snow has a composite contruction in which an interior cushioning assembly is enclosed within opposing top and bottom cover portions. The top cover portion is formed from a durable fabric material and the bottom cover portion is formed from a smooth, durable and waterproof material. The outer edges of the top and bottom cover portions enclosed by an outer edge and are stitched together around the perimeter of the sled along the outer edge to form an integral unit that contains the cushioning assembly.

Abstract: A pair of swim goggles for use during water activity, such as swimming. A pair of eyecups are worn by the user and held in place by a pair of elastic cords that encircle the user's head. The cords connect the eyecups together and a nose bridge therebetween. The cords are received within track portions on opposing sides of a centerline the eyecups and held in position by a plastic retainer. The cords are further positioned about the user's head and secured into position by a toggle lock engageable with the cords on the back of the user's head.

Abstract: A modular aquatic exercise equipment assembly for use by a person in water comprises a gripping bar with water resistance members removeably fixed on opposite ends thereof. Each water resistance member comprises a pair of interlocking components having a shaft portion and a planar fin water resistance portion, the two portions having slots for engaging each other so that the components lie substantially flat and when assembled, the two components are interlocked and present a plurality of planar fin water resistance surfaces which extend radially outwardly from the shaft portion.

Abstract: A portable insulated container is provided including a plurality of panels which define a formed body having a mouth opening opposite the bottom of the body. A cover member is also provided for selectively opening and closing the mouth opening. A temperature indicating assembly including a visually perceptible indicator in direct communication with a heat source/cold source disposed within the container is also provided to allow an individual to determine the relative temperature of the contents of the container without the necessity for opening the cover member.

Abstract: New and improved article carriers are provided in carrier bodies including an integral shaped thermoplastic molded three-dimensional graphical display panel to provide distinctive physical appearance and shock-absorbing protective characteristics in use. In accordance with the preferred embodiment, new and improved book bag backpack carriers are provided having the outwardly f acing rear panel and bottom panel formed from the shaped three-dimensional graphical display panels.

Abstract: An article of luggage with an interior compartment and a visual display unit formed within at least one sidewall of the article. The visual display unit contains distinct first and second visual images, which are formed on separate first and second visual image components. Each component contains a plurality of first and second visual image segments which are arranged in interleaved fashion such that movement of an actuator from a first position to a second position changes the visual display of the unit from the first visual image to the second visual image.

Abstract: An expandable insert for soft luggage articles, such as backpacks includes a pair of opposing planar insert panels interconnected by two web members. The web members may either be partially integrally formed from the insert panels or they may be separately formed. The web members are themselves also planar and each includes a foldline disposed therein between the opposing insert panels. At least one elastic band engages the two web members and provides an expansion force for the insert which draws the web members from a folded position into a generally planar position wherein they are generally perpendicular to the insert panels. The web members may include gusset portions which interconnect the web members to the insert panels.

Abstract: A flotation vest particularly adapted for use with children is provided in a vest body including a front panel and a pair of back panels each joined to the front panel so as to define an open back vest with a top neck opening and side arm hole openings. A head support portion is hingeably joined to the vest body along the neck opening at a forwardly displaced position. The head support portion includes left and right lobe-shaped collar portions extending on opposed sides of the neck opening to the top of the front panel. Continuous elongate opposing free edge portions extend the entire length of the back of the vest from the free end of the collar panels to the bottom of the rear panels. A releasable fastener requiring adult assistance for operation joins the opposing parts of the back of the vest to secure the vest to the child.

Abstract: A buoyant life jacket which embodies a pair of front and side sections, each of which includes a series of articulated fabric-covered buoyant panels, and a rear section which is composed of a lightweight open-mesh fabric which is connected to the front and side sections at the rear of the latter. A slide fastener interconnects the two front and side sections at the center thereof and extends from the neck opening at the top to the bottom of the life jacket at the front thereof. Securing means in the form of a pair of flexible cloth fastening straps and buckles are arranged at the bottom of the rear and open-mesh fabric section for securing the buoyant life jacket in position of use on the body of the wearer.