Abstract: A combination spider and buoyancy compensator having an insertable weight system. The spider includes an insertable weight system disposed preferably within at least one side opening pocket attached to a waistband portion. The side opening pocket can be formed of a piece of material attached to a waistband portion to define a channel in the space between the waistband portion and the piece of material. At least one weight disposed within an envelope, preferably having stiffening material, is removably inserted within the pocket. The envelope containing the weight includes means, preferably including areas of brushed material and hooks, and a handle for inserting, securing, and removably releasing the envelope containing the weight within the pocket. Stiffening within the spider provides an open, formed, shape retaining unit to distribute the weight of the tank and for convenience in putting the spider on.

Abstract: A combination spider and buoyancy compensator having chest portions which include stretchable material to support the breasts of a diver. The buoyancy compensator is secured to the back of a spider and has forward extensions which overlap and are loosely tethered to waistband portions of the spider. The waistband portions of the spider are secured to the back portion of the spider by adjustable means for waist size adjustment.

Abstract: A combination spider and buoyancy compensator having an insertable weight system. The spider includes an insertable weight system disposed preferably within at least one side opening pocket attached to a waistband portion. The side opening pocket can be formed of a piece of material attached to a waistband portion to define a channel in the space between the waistband portion and the piece of material. At least one weight disposed within an envelope, preferably having stiffening material, is removably inserted within the pocket. The envelope containing the weight includes means, preferably including areas of brushed material and hooks, and a handle for inserting, securing, and removably releasing the envelope containing the weight within the pocket. Stiffening within the spider provides an open, formed, shape retaining unit to distribute the weight of the tank and for convenience in putting the spider on.

Abstract: A diver's face mask having a centrally offset purge valve which is easily purged by tilting the mask toward the purge valve to accumulate any water within the mask and exhaling through the nose.

Abstract: The invention provides a novel backpack for use with a vest and buoyancy compensator combination. The backpack has a recess in which is disposed a novel traction pad. The traction pad is formed of a thin pad of resilient material capable of compression when a breathing gas tank is tightly held against it by means of a strap and fastener. This active compression holds the breathing gas tank in place.

Abstract: A combination unit of a buoyancy compensator, backpack, and spider having adjustable combination strap means forming a combination shoulder strap and belt strap means with releasable strap retaining means. A backpack for support of a gas cylinder is attached to the back of the spider. The buoyancy compensator overlies the spider and has two downward extending lobes, each having a bottom and sides that are configured to surround the backpack without interfering with the attachment of a pressurized gas cylinder. The buoyancy compensator includes independent suspension means whereby it is attached to the spider at the shoulder and neckline areas and tacked to the spider at the bottom of each downward lobe portion of the buoyancy compensator.

Abstract: A buoyancy compensator for a diver having an inflatable bladder characterized by minimal lateral deformation when inflated is formed of a two piece gusset of double-sided heat sealable material disposed between a forward and a rearward single-sided heat sealable member. A method for making the inflatable bladder by welding in three roughly parallel planes is also provided.

Abstract: A weight release system for selectively releasing a weight from a body. The system includes a retaining member pivotally attached to the body. The retaining member is also releasably engaged to the body distal the pivotal attachment so as to retain and secure a weight relative to the body, so that the center of mass of the weight is substantially between the pivot and the releasable engagement of the retaining member. Upon releasing the retaining member from the body, the weight causes the retaining member to pivot relative to the body so that the weight is below the pivot, thereby permitting separation of the weight from the body.

Abstract: A weight release system for selectively releasing a weight from a body. The system includes a retaining member pivotally attached to the body. The retaining member is also releasably engaged to the body distal the pivotal attachment so as to retain and secure a weight relative to the body, so that the center of mass of the weight is substantially between the pivot and the releasable engagement of the retaining member. Upon releasing the retaining member from the body, the weight causes the retaining member to pivot relative to the body so that the weight is below the pivot, thereby permitting separation of the weight from the body.