Abstract: A reconfigurable handle usable on a variety of implements and method of selectively reconfiguring a gripping surface of a handle are disclosed herein. The reconfigurable handle includes an elongate shaft extending along a central axis, segments retained on the shaft, and a locking mechanism for selectively retaining or releasing the orientation of the segments relative to each other by linear compression. In one preferred embodiment, the reconfigurable handle further includes an outer covering to form a semi-smooth gripping surface on the outer circumference of the handle, an endcap to keep the segments on the shaft, and an intermediate layer to further enhance the gripping capability of the handle. The segments move in at least one of an axial direction along the shaft, a non-axial direction perpendicular to the shaft, and a rotational direction around the shaft.

Abstract: An underwater air supply system for use with an air supply tank and a buoyancy chamber includes a base module and a plurality of interchangeable modules releasably connectable to the base module. Each module includes at least one of an air supply buoyancy chamber inflator for selectively supplying air from the air supply tank to the buoyancy chamber, a buoyancy chamber exhaust for selectively exhausting air from the buoyancy chamber, an oral buoyancy chamber inflator for enabling a diver to orally inflate the buoyancy chamber, and a regulator for supplying air to a diver from the air supply.

Abstract: A fishing reel body includes a first side; a second line retrieval handle side opposite the first side; a bridge extending between the first and second sides, the bridge supporting a thumb rest portion; a convex surface on the second side configured to extend into the user's palm and an arcuate elevated contour on the second side and configured to extend within the notch between the user's thumb and index finger. The arcuate elevated contour preferably extends substantially adjacent to the thumb rest portion so as to support the user's thumb on the thumb rest portion away from the user's fingers.

Abstract: A shoulder support assembly is provided for a load carrying system having a load support structure. The shoulder support assembly includes a pair of shoulder support structures. Each shoulder support structure includes a first piece and a second piece pivotally coupled to the first piece. The first piece is adapted to extend around a user's shoulder and has a pivotal connection at a lower end. The second piece is coupled to the lower end of the first piece at the pivotal connection. Each shoulder support structure further includes pads removably connected to the first and second pieces. In addition, the suspension system has a sternum strap disposed between and mounted to the pair of shoulder support structures at the pivotal connections.

Abstract: A pack compression system includes a pack enclosing an internal volume, a closing mechanism, and first and second compression mechanisms. The pack has a top, a bottom, a back panel extending between the top and bottom, an adapter for being positioned proximate the user's back, and a front panel opposite the back panel. The front panel includes an opening longitudinally extending between the top and the bottom to access the internal volume. The closing mechanism selectively closes the opening, the first and second compression mechanisms coupled to the pack on opposite lateral sides of the opening. Each compression mechanism extends from a first location proximate the back panel across the first opening to a second location proximate the back panel to compress the internal volume of the pack.

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: A breathing regulator for scuba diving includes a housing having a high pressure gas inlet and a discharge outlet in conjunction with a pressure regulator valve assembly operatively connected to the inlet. The valve assembly includes a valve support, a valve movably coupled to the valve support at a first location for movement between a first high pressure gas inlet closing position and a second high pressure gas inlet opening position and a layer of material disposed adjacent to the first location to insulate the first location.

Abstract: A fishing rod assembly includes a multi-segment rod having first and second segments and a clip for securing the segments adjacent one another during storage and transportation. The first segment includes a tip while the second segment includes a handle portion having an end opposite the tip. The handle portion preferably contains a cavity axially extending from the end towards the tip. The handle portion also preferably includes a retainer projecting from the handle portion to retain the first segment proximate the handle portion. The clip includes a first portion configured for attachment to the first segment of the rod and a pair of resiliently flexible extensions projecting from the first portion configured to grasp the second segment of the rod. In the preferred embodiment, the cavity is configured to receive the clip. A ribbon is preferably attached within the cavity to facilitate removal of the clip.

Abstract: A buoyancy compensator for a scuba diver vest having a pocket on each side of the front of the vest, a weight module removably positioned in each pocket, each weight module includes an envelope releasably mounted in said pocket a weight packet carried within the envelope, a weight removably mounted in said envelope, a strap operatively connected to the envelope and releasably connected to the vest. The weight is dropped from the weight packet by pulling the weight packet from the pocket and the envelope is returned to the pocket by a pair of elastic bands.

Abstract: A fishing reel including a reel body having a spool support shaft with an outer circumferential surface and a spool having a hollow spool hub with an inner circumferential surface for extending about the shaft adjacent the outer circumferential surface. A recess is formed along the circumferential surface of a first one of the support shaft and the spool hub. An axial passage is further formed in the circumferential surface of the first one of the support shaft and the spool hub. The axial passage communicates with the recess. A lug radially projects from the circumferential surface of a second one of the support shaft and the spool hub. In one preferred embodiment, the recess is helical. In one preferred embodiment, the spool additionally includes a line clip for releasably capturing fishing line adjacent the spool.

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 belt assembly is pivotally connected to a load support structure of a load carrying system and includes a rear panel and a pair of lateral panels. The lateral panels are pivotally coupled to the rear panel. When the belt assembly is worn, the rear panel covers a user's lumbar region and the lateral panels wrap around the user's hips. The belt assembly includes a removable pad which is preferably connected to the rear and lateral panels by a hook and loop fastener system. A strap secures the belt assembly around the user's hips. The pivotal connections between the panels of the belt assembly and between the belt assembly and the load support system enable the belt assembly to afford a user considerable freedom of movement when worn.

Abstract: A bail for a spinning fishing reel is provided. The reel includes a reciprocating spool for storing fishing line and a rotor mounted for rotation about the spool to retrieve and wind the line around the spool. The reel further includes a crank arm which, when actuated, causes reciprocating motion of the spool and rotation of the rotor. The bail includes first and second support ends and a central section coupled between the first and second ends. The first and second ends are coupled to the rotor at opposed locations and are pivotable with respect to the rotor to move the bail between an open and a closed position. In the open position a user may cast the line and in the closed position retrieve it. When the bail is in the closed position, the central section guides the line to a line guide. The bail further includes at least one counterbalance weight supported on the central section. The weight provides rotational balancing of the rotor to ensure smooth operation of the reel.

Abstract: A pocket closure and pack compression strap arrangement includes a pocket closure panel and a compression strap designed to extend across the internal storage volume of a pack. The pocket closure panel may be secured to a front panel of the pack or to a pocket panel forming an external pocket. The strap preferably includes a first portion secured to the pocket closure panel and a second portion secured to a back panel of the pack or to a portion of an internal or external frame. A latch or buckle allows the first and second portions of the strap to be secured to one another for closing the pocket and compressing a load packed in the internal storage space. The strap is drawn tight to maintain the pocket closed and the load compressed. The pocket closure panel is preferably secured to the pack along an attachment region that is wider than an attachment region along which the strap is secured to the pocket closure panel.