Abstract: A buoyancy device has a rear buoyancy area interconnected to a pair of lateral under arm buoyancy areas by a pair of front buoyancy areas, and combining to form a simulated W-shape when viewed in a plan view. The provision of the lateral or underarm buoyancy areas function to hold the user more upright and normally higher above the level of the water when in use.

Abstract: A releasable slide fastener closure is formed by a pair of stringers with elements that interlock when in cooperating closed position and a slider mounted on the stringers for sliding movement along said stringers to move the elements into said interlocking closed position on movement in of the slider away from a first end and toward a second or closed end. Each of the stringers has a stop for preventing said slider from separating there from at each of its ends and the stringers are free to separate from closed position at the first end when a force is applied in a predefined direction adjacent to the first end.

Abstract: A pressure-applying garment particularly suited for locating and applying pressure to transmitters is formed by a main inflatable bladder inflated to first pressure to press its inner wall toward a wearer and conform the inner wall to contours of said wearer and to apply the desired pressure between the wearer and a transmitter interposed between the main bladder and the wearer. A plurality of auxiliary inflatable bladders positioned relative to the main bladder and oriented to having their inner walls facing toward said wearer. The auxiliary bladders are provided with separate inflating systems so that at least some of said auxiliary bladders are inflated to a selected pressure different from (higher than) the first pressure to deform inner wall of its auxiliary bladder to conform with and press towards adjacent portions of said wearer and preferably to apply the desired pressure between the wearer and a transmitter interposed between the auxiliary bladder and the wearer.

Abstract: A pressure-applying garment particularly suited for locating and applying pressure to transmitters is formed by a main inflatable bladder inflated to first pressure to press its inner wall toward a wearer and conform the inner wall to contours of said wearer and to apply the desired pressure between the wearer and a transmitter interposed between the main bladder and the wearer. A plurality of auxiliary inflatable bladders positioned relative to the main bladder and oriented to having their inner walls facing toward said wearer. The auxiliary bladders are provided with separate inflating systems so that at least some of said auxiliary bladders are inflated to a selected pressure different from (higher than) the first pressure to deform inner wall of its auxiliary bladder to conform with and press towards adjacent portions of said wearer and preferably to apply the desired pressure between the wearer and a transmitter interposed between the auxiliary bladder and the wearer.

Abstract: An anti-G pressure garment system incorporates an inflatable pressure bladder covering portions of the wearer's body. The bladder is provided with an area made of a first material formed by a flexible air and liquid impermeable, vapor permeable, micro-porous material that facilitates the passage of water vapor therethrough whereby pressurized gas will be retained by the said bladder and water vapor adjacent said inside layer will pass through said material into the interior of the bladder. The bladder also includes a second area made of liquid impermeable, air and water vapor permeable material so that the second area permits a preselected amount of controlled leakage from the bladder to the wearer while maintaining adequate pressure in the bladder.

Abstract: An inflatable device having a safety system provided by having at least two separate and distinct independently inflatable bladders contained within the outer shell of the device. Each of the bladders is designed when fully inflated to fully inflate the shell, but during use one of the bladders is not fully inflated and has a projected area of no greater than 50% of the projected area of the inflated shell.