Abstract: A floatation apparel system for discreetly providing buoyancy includes a garment being worn by a user while engaged in aquatic activities. The garment includes a plurality of body apertures having a portion of a person's body extending through. Each body aperture has a perimeter edge, and at least one tubular ring is attached to the garment and is co-extensive with one of the body apertures. Furthermore, at least one tubular ring is buoyant in water.

Abstract: In one example, an airbag attachment unit (AAU) includes a body that defines an airbag compartment, an airbag disposed in the airbag compartment and configured to be selectively deployed from the airbag compartment, a closure mechanism configured to releasably close the airbag compartment, a tube at least partly disposed within the airbag compartment and connected to the airbag, and the tube having a quick-connect coupling mechanism configured to mate with a corresponding element of an airbag inflation system, and a portion of an attachment mechanism connected to the body and configured to releasably engage a corresponding portion of an attachment mechanism of an article of clothing such that the airbag attachment unit is detachably connectible to an exterior of the article of clothing.

Abstract: A cold weather survival suit includes a principal body cavity having pneumatically connected extensions to fit body extremities and a coverable cranial opening. The structure of the suit includes a layered structure of mechanically interconnected suits within suits. A composite of tear-proof and insulation material forms an internal suit or first envelope that is surrounded by a waterproof suit and then by a tear resistant suit.

Abstract: A safety vest is a wearable life preserver which features closures in the back, as opposed to the front, as used to prevent users from easily removing their life jackets, alleviating the risk of accidental drowning.

Abstract: An improved personal flotation device is disclosed. The personal flotation device comprises a shirt with sleeves, a torso flotation pad attached to the shirt and positioned around a user's torso, and two flotation sleeves attached to the shirt's sleeves on a user's arms. The torso flotation pad comprises a front flotation pad which is raised above the midriff area of the user and two graduated side pads which are wrapped around a user's torso. The raised position of the front flotation pad keeps a user's center of buoyancy above the user's center of gravity, raising the user higher up out of the water and preventing the user from flipping over into the water. The flotation sleeves are positioned high on a user's arms to further increase a user's freeboard while permitting freedom of movement.

Abstract: Various embodiment of a body-top garment for removably housing a tube assembly is disclosed. The tube assembly has a first end that connects to a mouthpiece, and a second end connects to various types of devices. The body-top garment has an elongated pouch with a zipper opening for easy access to the tube assembly. The elongated pouch has a first opening and a second opening to pass at least part of the tube assembly outside the body-top garment. Optionally, the body-top garment has pocket with a horizontal opening to hold the various type of devices.

Abstract: A piece of apparel or wearable equipment is provided for wave surfers. The purpose of the apparel is to distribute pressure on a surfer's chest during the ‘paddling’ operation, where the surfer lies belly down upon the surfboard and paddles out to sea. The apparel consists of a supporting article encircling the torso, having cushioning members embedded therein that absorb the pressure of the surfers body upon the board.

Abstract: The invention relates to a garment (6) made up of floating multilayer textile (1), said garment (6) comprising a central portion (61) for supporting the trunk, a top portion (60) for supporting the neck, said multilayer textile (1) comprising at least one outer sheet (2), at least one intermediate sheet (3) and at least one inner sheet (4), said garment (6) being characterized in that said intermediate sheet (3) of said floating multilayer textile (1) consists of a multilayer membrane, in particular closed-cell polyethylene, wherein at least 50% of said membrane is made up of air, in that said textile (1) is provided with between 3 g to 5 g of said intermediate sheet (3) for each 1 kg of weight to support in water, and in that the membrane material provided for the intermediate sheet (3) at said central portion (61) of said garment (6), is distributed so that between 60% and 80% is arranged in the front side of said central portion (61) and between 40% and 20% is arranged in the rear side of said central port

Abstract: The present invention relates to a salvage or safety suit worn by a person escaping a shipwreck. The suit includes a receptacle structured to receive and enclose a person's body and a head opening for entering the receptacle. The receptacle is layered to provide flotation and thermo-insulation properties to the suit.

Abstract: Methods and compositions which can reduce the disturbance to wild life caused when man attempts to interact with wild life and more particularly methods and compositions which can enhance the interaction of man with aquatic life with minimal disturbance to the aquatic life.

Abstract: The flotation device with hand-operated propulsion structure comprises a hull with right and left hand cranks. The hand cranks are each connected to rotate its own propeller so that steering is achieved by different cranking and propulsion is achieved by cranking on both manual cranks. In addition to the hull with cranks and propellers, a survival suit is provided with corresponding attachment for the securement of flotation and propulsion devices thereto.

Abstract: A jacket and method for surviving an avalanche. The method includes inflating an expandable member to generally encapsulate a head of a person. The jacket may comprise a pair of expandable members disposed in pockets of the jacket, and a canister communicating with one of the expandable members. Apparel comprising an inflated expandable member having a depending inflated portion that at least partly covers another inflated expandable member.

Abstract: A personal anti-drowning system comprising an inflatable body suit and inflating means: the inflatable body suit being fabricated from a water and air resistant fabric wherein at least part of the inflatable body suit comprises air tight inflatable pockets.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a wetsuit that may be worn by a user for providing torso support when user is lying prone on a board while engaging in aquatic sports. The wetsuit includes a torso wedge, which is generally aligned proximal the width of a costal arch of the user lower rib cage, critical in supporting the torso of the user. In general, the torso wedge is configured to provide a wedge-like angle between the board and the user's chest when the user is in a prone position on the board, thereby elevating the torso of the user.

Abstract: Composite gel articles shaped in the form of a body shaped suit for diving made by injection molding, extruding, spinning, casting, or dipping.

Abstract: A multi-layer liner light weight garment ensemble that offers low bulk, water impermeability, wind resistance, thermal protection, and buoyancy. The core element and essential component of the invention is the light weight sealed air polymer cellular thermal layer, interposed between the inner and outer layers. This central element can be water impermeable and offers both thermal protection and buoyancy effects. The garment ensemble can be used as a light weight thermal winter garment as well as survival apparel for those who work and play in and around water.

Abstract: The present invention advantageously provides a combination wet suit and flotation device integral with the wet suit so that a user can maintain unrestricted movement during water-sport activities, which improves convenience and comfort. A wet suit worn by water-sport a participant includes a torso section having a pocket provided with a movable flap and a waterproof seal. A CO2 canister is housing with the pocket and includes a strap positioned thereabout for securing the canister during operating conditions. A pull cord is connected to the canister and associated valve for actuating the flow of CO2 into a bladder defined adjacent the torso section of the wet suit. In operation, when a user pulls the cord, the canister inflates the bladder for assisting to maintain a user's head above the water line.

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: A multilayer sheet structure (10) comprises a front sheet (11), a net-like backing sheet (12), and sewing threads (14) for partially joining the front sheet with the backing sheet so as to form bag portions (13) between the front and backing sheets. Paddings (15) such as cotton, wool or the like can be stuffed through net clearances of the backing sheet into bag portions surrounded with sewing threads to form bulges (11b) at desired locations on the front surface of the front sheet. Thus, a quilted multilayer sheet structure (17) having bulges on the front surface thereof can be easily produced.

Abstract: Composite gel articles shaped in the form of a body shaped suit for diving made by injection molding, extruding, spinning, casting, or dippingl.

Abstract: A life jacket has two head air bags, a plurality of shoulder air bags, a zipper disposed between the head air bags, and a plurality of pockets. Each of the pockets receives an inflated bag. A safety pin is disposed on the inflated bag. An air inlet hose is connected to the corresponding shoulder air bag and a pressing ball. Each of the head air bags has a hook-and-loop type fastener.

Abstract: The invention comprises a buoyancy compensator for supporting an air cylinder to the back of a scuba diver. The buoyancy compensator comprises a vest to be worn about the diver's torso and an inflatable air bladder assembly interconnected to the vest by tank straps which rigidly secure the air cylinder of the vest in a backpack configuration. The inflatable bladder assembly comprises a horseshoe-shaped configuration positioned over the cylinder with the sides of the air bladder assembly being positioned along the opposing sides of the air cylinder so at to not obstruct the diver's view or freedom of movement. The vest of the buoyancy compensator comprises a back section, an adjustable torso section, adjustable shoulder strap sections connected to the adjustable torso section and adjustable left and right waistband sections. The vertical adjustment of the torso section relative to the vest allows the height of the buoyancy compensator to be easily adjusted.

Abstract: A composition suitable for use in linings for articles of clothing is disclosed, which is a mixture of a discontinuous solid phase of microballoons, and a viscous liquid continuous phase comprising a polydimethylsiloxane; the polydimethylsiloxane of the continuous phase has a viscosity between 100,000 cs and 2,000,000 cs; the viscosity of the polydimethylsiloxane of the continuous phase is achieved by incorporating polydimethylsiloxane molecules of sufficiently high molecular weight; containment within other materials is optional; additional dyes, pigments, particles, fibers, felts or fabrics can confer additional visibility, strength, stiffness, dryness or friction; accompanying properties of malleability, and thermal, electrical, vibratory, shock and acoustical insulation, also make this composition useful for other applications that require such qualities.

Abstract: A raincoat for fitting over the outside surface of a floating fishing device. The raincoat includes a garment. The garment comprises a torso portion, and two arm portions integrally coupled to the torso portion. The garment has a neck opening therein. The garment has a skirt portion integrally coupled to and extending away from the torso portion. The skirt portion has a circumference at least one and half times the circumference of the torso portion. The garment comprising a substantially water impermeable material. The skirt portion may be placed over the outside surface of a fishing floatation device.

Abstract: A protective body heat retaining pod that is carried in a folded condition within a pod containment envelope at the rear of a personal floatation device (i.e. a lifejacket) so as to be accessible to and worn over the lifejacket by both civilian and military personnel who find themselves in or about to enter a cold water environment while awaiting rescue from an emergency situation. A hood to be pulled over the head of the wearer is carried in a rolled up condition within a fold-over collar of the lifejacket. The protective pod creates a sealed chamber around the wearer within which a small volume of water is trapped and heated by the wearer's body heat to slow a drop in the wearer's body temperature to better enable him to survive his environment while awaiting rescue.

Abstract: Two embodiments of swimsuits providing flotation for the wearer of the suits are disclosed, in addition to methods of constructing such suits and a specialized tool facilitating the construction of such suits. The suits include a series of lower flotation pads located approximately adjacent the center of mass of the wearer, which pads provide the majority of buoyancy for the suit and its wearer. Upper flotation pads are located at the upper back and chest areas, to keep the body of the wearer of the suit upright in the water and preclude the lengthy immersion of the wearer's head or breathing passages. Both a generic suit and a suit tailored primarily for boys and men are disclosed. Methods of construction for the two suits are disclosed, in which specific steps preclude the need for time consuming and laborious hand sewing operations. A specialized tool is also disclosed, which tool facilitates the insertion of the foam pads into the pockets of the suits.

Abstract: An atmospheric air pressure inflatable garment has an inner layer and outer layer define a confined space with a compressible material therein. The compressible material has resiliency and strength characteristics so that it compresses under atmospheric conditions when the air pressure in the confined space is reduced to sub-atmospheric pressure and an air passage adapted to permit passage of air into and out of the confined space but not water when a seal for sealing the passage is released. The garment is stored with the air removed and permitting atmospheric air to fill the space when the seal is opened raise the pressure in the space to atmospheric and causes the compressible material to expand separating the inner and outer layers and forming an insulation therebetween.

Abstract: An item of swimming wear (10) arranged to be worn closely to the body of a user to provide or enhance buoyancy, which item (10) comprises a piece of flexible closed-cell foam material (12) combined with a piece of textile or plastics material (11).

Abstract: A vest of the type having an inflatable bladder providing selectable degrees of buoyancy, such as for snorkeling. The vest comprises an elastic upper body garment for encircling the chest and back of the user and an airtight inflatable bladder, secured at discrete locations to the chest-covering region of the garment by at least a pair of elastic straps for limited movement relative to the garment. The bladder is substantially flat against the garment when deflated and is free to move relative to the garment while being inflated. Attachment of the bladder to the underlying garment is provided by means of a plurality of elastic straps which permits the relative movement of the bladder and the underlying vest-shaped garment. As a result, inflation of the bladder has little or no effect upon the fit of the underlying garment on the user. Attachment of the bladder and the underlying vest-shaped garment is also provided by an area of Velcro fasteners on the mating surfaces of the bladder and underlying garment.

Abstract: A one-piece swimsuit having a lower pants portion and a two-ply upper portion is provided with a one-piece floatation member between the two plies of the upper portion of the floatation member. The floatation member may be of floatation foam rubber and extends over the chest, upper back and shoulders of a wearer. The two-ply fabric may be an open mesh knitted or woven fabric.

Abstract: An inflatable immersion suit is provided with an inner layer which is inherently more elastic than the outer layer so as to ensure a close fitting of the inflated suit around the body of the wearer, thereby providing effective anti-hypothermia protection to the wearer.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a buoyant body surfing suit for a body surfer having knees. The buoyant body surfing suit includes an upper portion together with a pair of short sleeves, a collar, a front, and a rear being a homogeneous piece of resilient material, and a lower portion together with the upper portion and a front being a homogeneous piece of resilient material, the lower portion together with a pair of legs being a homogeneous piece of resilient material that ends below the knees of the body surfer so that due to the collar and the pair of short sleeves water is prevented from entering under the buoyant body surfing suit and slow down the speed of the body surfer.

Abstract: A garment to be worn conveniently and comfortably over the upper body of a seagoing person to gain protection from rain, wind, and/or cold, which includes an interior deflated fluid tight enclosure, i.e. a bladder, to be very quickly inflated inside the garment in a time of emergency. The deflated fluid tight enclosure covers at least the interior upper back portion of this garment and also covers at least the interior of the right and left chest portions of this garment. An inflating subassembly is operatively secured between the deflated fluid tight enclosure and to either the right or left chest portion of this garment. This inflating subassembly has an alternatively usable mouth and lung inflatable valved air intake-discharge communicating with the deflated fluid tight enclosure, and an alternatively usable filled compressed fluid valved cylinder discharge also communicating with the deflated fluid tight enclosure and having a coilable pullable lanyard.

Abstract: A life-saving suit to help keep a person warm in cold water, which is formed of sheet plastic and capable of being folded into a compact package and readily made available for emergency use.

Abstract: The invention relates to a life-saving garment whose material comprises a buoyant heat insulator (1), preferably an air bladder sheet, as well as to a method of manufacturing said garment. Manufacturing of life-saving garments involves a plurality of working steps, thus increasing the price of a garment. An object of the invention is to provide a simple and effective life-saving garment whose manufacturing costs are low.The garment substantially comprises two essentially continuous, human-shaped material sheets, affixed to each other only by means of an edge joint (2). One side of the garment is provided with a watertight zipper (3) as well as with a face opening (4), adapted to prevent water from flowing in the opening. The garment preferably consists of two suits placed one inside the other, the top suit being turned inside out, said joints (2) of the suits being confined in an air space (5) between the suits.

Abstract: An exposure suit 10 has an attached lifejacket (14) which includes a part-annular rear portion (17) within a sheath (26) secured across the back of the shoulders of the suit 10 and a front portion 16 which is secured at (19) to the chest center of the suit. In a stowed deflated condition (FIG. 1) the portion (16) is folded or rolled to form a package restrained by a restraint such as a flap 31 on one side of a suit fastener (12), inflation of the lifejacket causing it to release its restraint and automatically to adopt a position overlying the chest of the suit (10) and wearer in a body supporting position.

Abstract: There is disclosed a cold-proof water-proof garment, which is to be worn for marine operations on cold water and can save life in such a case as when a man wearing it accidentally drops into water or encounters perils of the sea.

Abstract: The miniboats introduced in my U.S. Pat. 4,090,270 were basically novel in configuration, method of construction, ease of boarding by a swimmer, flotation effectiveness relative to lightness and compactness when stowed, degree of hypothermia protection achieved, and security in wind and water far beyond the capabilities of comparable pneumatic craft of traditional design; but they were not well adapted for entry by persons desiring to board them without a wetting. The vessels disclosed herein have overcome that problem. They have structurally integrated decks with dry-access openings that provide twice the retained buoyancy, a barrier to wave influx over the gunwales, an inherent self-righting capability, unprecedented storm security, ride stability, and magnified hypothermia protection. Some have integral leg articulation and propulsion and/or vessel-integrated suspension system for retarding descent to water from high elevations, auxiliary propulsion provisions, etc.