Abstract: An inflatable bladder for a buoyancy compensator or the like is provided with an internal brace which causes the inflated bladder to conform to the body of the wearer. The bladder includes a liner and a shell which are secured together to form an internal chamber. The brace is generally triangularly shaped and includes a pair of connecting panels which diverge from the liner to the shell and which are connected to the liner and the shell.

Abstract: A buoyancy compensator includes a backpack assembly for holding a tank of compressed gas and an inflatable air cell which is removably attached to the backpack assembly. The backpack assembly includes a cummerbund and a shoulder harness so that the backpack assembly can be used to support a tank with or without the air cell. The cummerbund and shoulder harness support the entire weight of the tank, and the air cell is not required to support any of the load of the tank. The air cell is shaped to provide flotation in the lower back to buttocks area of the wearer and in the rib cage area.

Abstract: A buoyancy compensator is provided with replaceable elements which enable a user to change the tank support system and the cummerbund. The buoyancy compensator includes a vest which can be removably attached to a hard backpack or a soft backpack. A cummerbund for encircling the waist of the user can be removably attached to either the hard backpack or the soft backpack. The cummerbund includes a flexible attaching strap which has one end secured to the cummerbund, and the other end of the attaching strap is removably secured to the cummerbund by hook and loop fasteners. The attaching strap is threaded through slots in the rigid backpack or through a strap on the soft backpack.

Abstract: A buoyancy compensator includes detachable pockets which are removably attached to one or more flaps of the buoyancy compensator. The pockets can have different colors, designs, or indicia so that the appearance of the buoyancy compensator can be varied as desired. Each pocket includes a hook and loop fastener which can be attached to a hook and loop fastener on the associated strap.

Abstract: A buoyancy compensator is provided with an expandable cummerbund and an auxiliary harness which is attached to the cummerbund. The buoyancy compensator comrpises a vest having a back portion, right and left shoulder flaps, and right and left front portions. A cummerbund includes an elastic central portion which is attached to the back portion and a pair of non-elastic end portions. The cummerbund is adapted to be secured about the waist of the wearer and can expand and contract as the wearer changes his elevation in the water. An auxiliary harness is provided by a pair of straps which are attached to the end portions of the cummerbund and which can be releasably connected to the shoulder portions.

Abstract: A cam buckle for adjustably securing a strip of web-like material includes a pair of side walls having front and rear ends, a top wall extending between the side walls, a first bar extending between the side walls below the top wall and a second bar slidably mounted between the first bar and the top wall. A loop is pivotally attached to the side walls rearwardly of the second bar, and one end of the strip is secured to the loop. The buckle is pivotable relative to the loop between locked and unlocked positions. The other end of the strip is looped around the second bar when the buckle is in the unlocked position, and the end of the strip is secured to the remainder of the strip by hook and loop fasteners. The buckle may be cammed over center to the locked position to tighten the strip.