Abstract: A scuba diver weight carrying backpack having a packboard for carrying a multiple of rectangular based weights thereon with a cover over the weights and longitudinal parallel rods engaged with the cover from top to bottom and projecting through aligned rows of the weights, the weights being held on the rods by a quick release draw pins engaged with the cover.

Abstract: A variable overpressure relief valve for a buoyancy compensator including an open hole base member for securement to a buoyancy compensator and a pair of spring biased floating disks in the base member sealing the hole and biased apart and held in place by a vented cover secured to the base member and having an adjustment button for changing the spring bias separating the floating disks.

Abstract: An inventive laminate is provided useful in forming inflatable articles, such as rafts and kayaks, automobile safety bags, air craft and life saving jackets/vests, diving buoyancy compensator vests, medical therapeutic containers, waders, packaging material, inflatable boots and soles, inflatable shoes and soles, and the like. The laminate includes an elastomer layer capable of repeated two-dimensional stretch and retraction. Opposed to the elastomer layer is a first substantially gas impermeable layer. The two layers are substantially continuously adhered to one another and maintained in laminated form. Products formed from the laminate can be repeatedly stretched and retract to accommodate substantial volume increases due to elastic deformations in response to elevated pressures. Because the laminate is elastically deformable, lower inflation pressures can be used in inflatable clothing articles, such as buoyancy compensators, which results in a more comfortable garment.

Abstract: A dynamic athletic shoe sole wherein a composite sole is provided with dynamic air cylinders for cushioning the alternate weighting and unweighting of the athletic shoe by a wearer's walking or running.

Abstract: An inventive laminate is provided useful in forming inflatable articles, such as rafts and kayaks, automobile safety bags, air craft and life saving jackets/vests, and diving buoyancy compensator vests. The laminate includes an elastomer layer capable of repeated two-dimensional stretch and retraction. Opposed to the elastomer layer is a first substantially gas impermeable layer. The two layers are substantially continuously adhered to one another and maintained in laminated form. Buoyancy compensators formed from the laminate can be repeatedly stretched and retract to accommodate substantial volume increases due to elastic deformations in response to elevated pressures. Because the laminate is elastically deformable, lower inflation pressures can be used in an article such as a buoyancy compensator, which results in a more comfortable garment.

Abstract: A scuba pack is disclosed that enables a user to carry a substantial back supported load with comfort and mobility. The pack has a flexible load container having a base panel for engagement on the back of a user, wherein the base panel having extensions fitting over each shoulder and around a portion of the waist of the user. The pack also has a harness disposed on the front of the user, which adjustably interconnects the extensions of the flexible load container across the front waist of the user. The harness also adjustably interconnects the shoulder extensions to the waist extensions. The harness is longitudinally flexible within a selected range, such that load forces are transmitted to the waist region while holding the load in conformity to the user without restricting body movement.

Abstract: A tank strap tightening actuator for securing a SCUBA air tank to a diver's backpack by means of a strap which engages the backpack and surrounds the tank with the two free ends of the strap being hooked to said actuator around said tank, said actuator being activated by compressed air to tighten the strap.

Abstract: A soft backpack for SCUBA diver air tanks wherein a bladder filled with fluid is secured to the driver's tank and disposed between the tank and the diver's body.

Abstract: A mouthpiece reducing fatigue and permitting the wearer to communicate by speech under water, including a cupped housing shaped to fit over the wearer's mouth, the housing having a central breathing port, and a pair of bit elements affixed interiorly to the housing and extending into the wearer's mouth to be gripped by the molar teeth, thereby allowing substantial movement of the lips and limited movement of the front teeth in normal speech.

Abstract: Diver flotation apparatus including buoyancy compensation apparatus in the back pack over the diver's back, and including an inflatable portion connected to the diver's air supply through a diver operated valve for filling the inflatable portion to achieve buoyancy compensation. The back pack incorporates internal weights, the amount and character of which can be changed to adjust the center of gravity of the diver and equipment. This allows a diver to easily adjust and maintain an optimum buoyancy and attitude relative to the water surface.