Abstract: An article of footwear includes an adjustable element. The adjustable element includes a bladder that defines an interior void. A compressible component that is disposed within the interior void and is operable between an expanded state and a contracted state. The adjustable element also includes a lock strip including a first end anchored at a first location within the bladder and a second end disposed at an opposite end of the lock strip than the first end. A lock receives the lock strip and is operable between a locked state restricting movement of the lock strip relative to the bladder and an unlocked state permitting movement of the lock strip relative to the bladder.

Abstract: A material for use in making at least part of an underwater diver's dry suit comprises at least two sections of a composite material abutted and secured together along a pair of adjacent edges, the material comprising an outer layer of waterproof material, an inner layer of material, and a middle layer of permanently collapsible cellular material, the abutted edges comprising a seam line formed by compressing the material of both sections to permanently collapse the cellular material of the middle layer.

Abstract: An underwater diver's dry suit having a permanently compressed cellular core material and inner and outer layers of covering material.

Abstract: A method of treating a diver's suit constructed of foam core material having a cover material on both sides, including the step of hydrostatically compressing the suit to permanently compress the cells in the foam core material to provide a suit which has very little compression left and which changes little in thermal conductivity and buoyancy with depth.

Abstract: A wet type survival suit, particularly useful for oil rig workers or pilots and crew members stranded in water, includes an outer layer of material including a sheet of breathing material sandwiched between layers of fire protection material, a middle layer of insulation material that provides flotation, and an inner layer of fire protection material. This arrangement protects against fire, allows perspiration to evaporate, and allows the user to float in water. Suit adjusting laces are provided to adjust the suit to a comfortable configuration for the user. Zippers close the suit to a tight fit for use in water and can be loosened to reduce the restriction when desired.

Abstract: An air inlet valve for an underwater diver's dry suit including a restricted opening in the air inlet coupling on the air inlet hose whereby the air inlet hose acts as a plenum chamber. A valve member is opened to pass the air in the inlet hose to the interior of the suit with a burst. Due to the restricted opening, air can be exhausted from the suit faster than it is introduced and thus avoiding a blow up in the suit, thereby bringing the diver to the surface causing a serious accident.

Abstract: An easy access underwater diving suit in which the torso portion of the suit is longer than a diver's torso height and that has a diagonal zippered opening in the upper front portion from shoulder to opposite hip to provide a maximum, easy access opening. After the diver is inside the suit, the torso portion of the suit is adjusted to the height of the diver. A fastening arrangement holds the suit in the adjusted condition.

Abstract: An underwater diving suit construction that provides skirts of low friction material adjacent the openings through which the diver inserts his head, hands and feet. This greatly facilitates getting into the suit and reduces the discomfort which normally accompanies this action without requiring specials aids such as greases and powders and greatly increases the life and dependability of the seals and thereby the suit.

Abstract: A method of sealing an underwater diving suit constructed of foam core material having a cover material on both sides, including steps of removing a portion of the cover material on the inside of the suit along the seam to expose the foam core and adhering the foam portion of a sealing strip to the foam core.

Abstract: A non-return hot water diving suit in which hot water is supplied to keep the diver warm is exhausted from the suit through a single outlet valve, readily accessible to the diver. In the event of failure of the hot water supply the valve can be quickly closed, trapping the existing hot water in the suit and extending the length of time available for the diver to return to safety. In the preferred form the valve is combined with a flow controlling baffle, which will allow normal hot water outlet flow, but inhibits sudden or rapid intake of cold water through the open outlet.