Abstract: A second stage demand regulator is disclosed which has a regulator body with a spring loaded poppet valve mounted therein. A diaphragm mounted in said regulator body responds to pressure differentials to provide demand breathing gas to a user in communication with the regulator. The demand valving function is provided by the spring loaded poppet having a lever in contact with the poppet and the diaphragm. Upon acutation of the diaphragm, a greater mechanical advantage is initially provided to the lever through a point of contact with an operating surface that is closer to the axis of rotation than a second point of contact.

Abstract: The specification sets forth a mouthpiece for use with a snorkel with or without a purge valve for use in diving. The mouthpiece is attached to a snorkel by a conduit and terminates in upper and lower lip flanges for seating within the upper and lower lips. Extending between the upper and lower lip flanges is an upper plate web that conforms to the palate area of a user's mouth. Within the palate web is an opening toward the frontal area for receipt of user's upper front teeth. The mouthpiece incorporates a lower web that extends along the inner jaw region overlying the inner portion of a user's lower teeth. The lower web can include an opening for receipt of the user's lower front teeth or can be split in its conformation with a gap therebetween formed by two tabs that are rounded at their ends. The entire mouthpiece conforms and holds the snorkel in a user's mouth in a facile manner without the requirement of excessive biting and eliminates prior art lugs or bits.

Abstract: The specification herein sets forth a combination buoyancy compensator, backpack and suspension system for divers. The suspension system incorporates a spider which is made of elastomeric foam and a knitted material that conforms closely to a user's body. The backpack is formed from an inverted T, the lateral portions of which surround a user's waist and the upright portion is adapted for receipt of a cylinder of breathing gas. The buoyancy compensator is attached to the spider at the shoulder portions and the waistband portions. The attachment is by means of adjustable loops which allow for independent suspension of the buoyancy compensator so that when it is filled it does not bind a diver. The straps interconnecting the spider, shoulder portions and the waistband portion are in a crisscross configuration to allow for freedom of movement of a diver's arms.

Abstract: The specification sets forth a mouthpiece for use with a snorkel or regulator of the type used in diving and life support systems. The mouthpiece is attached to a snorkel or regulator by a conduit and terminates in a lip flange for seating within the upper and lower lips. Extending between the lip flange is an upper palate web that conforms to the palate area of a user's mouth. Within the palate web is an opening toward the frontal area for receipt of a user's front teeth. The mouthpiece incorporates a lower web that extends along the inner jaw region overlying the inner portion of a user's lower teeth. The lower web can be split in its conformation with a gap therebetween formed by two tabs that are rounded at their ends. The entire mouthpiece conforms and holds the snorkel or regulator in a user's mouth in a facile manner without the requirement of excessive biting and eliminates prior art lugs or bits.

Abstract: A buoyancy compensator adjustment for a diver's buoyancy compensator having a backpack and a back portion terminating in side and shoulder portions. The shoulder portions and side portions are each secured by straps overlying the chest extending from the side portions to the shoulder portions. The straps are looped through belt loops to provide a bight under tension which is loosened upon lifting or disengaging one of the belt loops.

Abstract: A buoyancy compensator having a combined capability. The combination is in part provided by a pressure relief valve having a spring loaded valve plate for closing off the interior of the buoyancy compensator. The buoyancy compensator has a hand actuated inflation apparatus which receives a tube connected at its other end to a source of gas under pressure such as a first stage regulator. The tube or hose is inserted in the apparatus and is partially valved by a Shrader type valve configuration in an end fitting thereof. The vest is provided with a plug and fitting wherein the inflation apparatus can be utilized optionally by subsequent implacement or retrofitting the vest with the inflation apparatus. The buoyancy compensator vest also incorporates an oral inflator which utilizes a plunger operated valve for filling the vest. In cases of emergency, a charged bottle of gas can be punctured to fill the vest to allow a diver to rise rapidly to the surface.

Abstract: Apparatus for carrying a tank of compressed breathing gas on the back of a user having a main back plate molded portion with handle openings and webs therein, and slits for receiving shoulder straps. The shoulder straps are looped through the back plate slits and webs in a continuous manner to form a combination shoulder, chest, and waist strap interconnected by means of two quick release fittings.The quick release fittings comprise an upper and lower buckle fitting. The upper buckle fitting has four transverse members and the lower buckle fitting is fundamentally a rectangular loop with two transverse members.The breathing gas tank is secured to the plastic molded back plate by means of a surrounding band assembly that is secured to the plate by means of U-bolts. The band assembly can be expanded or contracted by adjustment of the U-bolts and a hooked tongue which secures the band to the plastic plate, as well as by means of an adjustable over-center latch.