Abstract: A support collar having a bladder and a shell. The bladder is adapted to be inflated by a fluid. The shell is adapted to be attached to a harness. When inflated, the bladder is shaped by the shell to form an air chamber. The air chamber is characterized by a cross-section having a center of gravity and a dimension through the center of gravity. The dimension is larger at an open end than at the close end.

Abstract: A system for maintaining a user afloat in a fluid environment is disclosed. The system includes multiple chambers such that if one chamber fails to operate, redundant chambers will function to maintain the user afloat in a face-up position. In a preferred embodiment, there are multiple activation mechanisms to ensure inflation of the chambers if a single activation mechanism fails to function.

Abstract: The basic object of this invention is the use of light selective materials and fabrics to increase the utility of a garment or sports article. The invention is the novel idea that light selective materials and fabrics can radically improve the usefulness, pleasure, and appeal obtained from sportswear and other garments. Examples taught include life vests, ski vests, ski pants, ski helmet/hat, and sunglasses.

Abstract: Personal flotation devices for water activities, which devices include a pair of front panels divided by a zipper for easy ingress and egress by the wearer and fitted with multiple clips for adjustment to the size of the user and attachment to other flotation devices. A pair of adjustable side connecting panels connect each front panel to a back or rear panel, typically having a clip-hinged, floating head support and an adjustable bottom connecting panel connects the bottom of the front panels to the bottom of the respective back or rear panels, extending between the legs of the user. Removable and adjustable shoulder straps may be employed between the front panels and the back or rear panel and one or more connecting elements, including a “buddy strap”, may be connected to two or more of the flotation devices to join multiple swimmers or floaters. A child or adult flotation device may be strapped to an adult flotation device to accommodate children and to provide safety in rough water.

Abstract: An internal compression buoyancy compensation device is provided with at least one bladder and a plurality of pairs of internal compression straps. Expansion of the deflated or partially inflated buoyancy compensation device is restrained by the internal elastic compression straps designed for even distribution of gas, a streamlined and low profile, and a reduced risk of entanglement on external objects.

Abstract: The present invention is an inflatable module which is breathable, i.e. permits the passage of moisture vapor, and which further incorporates a pressure relief means for reducing pressure in the inflated portion should the module be subjected to sudden or excessive stress. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, a pressure relief valve is incorporated as the pressure relief mechanism in the inflatable module. The present invention is further directed to an inflatable module having increased seal strength to make it capable of withstanding the rigors of use.

Abstract: A buoyancy compensator jacket with weight-bearing device quick release mechanism comprising two hook and loop fasteners and two buckles applicably distanced and attached to a weight-bearing device. Each hook and loop strip passes through respective buckles, whereupon the two ends are made to self-adhere upon contact. A crosswise binding mode of fastening facilitates securely constraining weight pockets thereof. A two-winged strip is further employed to wrap round and enclose the already bound weight pockets. A weight pouch is thus formed, the weight pockets being securely bound therein. A diver is able to remove unobstructed the weight-bearing device, thereby ensuring a quick ascent to the water surface.

Abstract: The invention relates to a diving harness system with webbing straps that securely fasten diving weight pockets, equipment, and other accessories in an interwoven, alternating and interlocking fashion. The invention may include two pair of webbing straps and three pair of webbing loops that comprise the interwoven attachment site. The webbing straps also secure the diving harness system to the diver by semi-permanently engaging fastening devices to form belt-like devices. The invention may further include the webbing straps engaging D-rings, other straps, equipment, keepers, ladder locks, and other fastening devices.

Abstract: A buoyancy compensating jacket is provided on a waist portion with a pocket having a first flap, a pouch having a flat cord adapted to be inserted into and taken out from the pocket with a weight packed into the pouch. As a guide means for the flat cord, at least one of a substantially C-shaped guide ring provided at a distal end of the first flap substantially in the vertically middle and a groove formed on an outer surface of the pocket and/or an inner surface of the first flap substantially in the vertically middle.

Abstract: A personal flotation device that may be worn alone, as well as fitted into a separate garment, such as a jacket or vest. The personal flotation device may include a wearable inflatable bladder that is selectively adjustable into a retaining configuration that fits to a wearer and into a loosened configuration that is removable from the wearer. A closure system maintains the bladder in the retaining configuration. A first component of a releasable attachment system may be provided with the wearable inflatable bladder, whereby the first component is attachable to a complementary second component of the releasable attachment system that is provided on a separate garment to integrate the inflatable bladder and the separate garment.

Abstract: The floatation garment, in particular a lifejacket or an immersion suit, comprises at least one elastic layer (1) shaped to fit at least around the torso of a wearer and to stretch to an extent between a minimum and a maximum depending on the size of the wearer. To provide thermal insulation, it moreover comprises a plurality of thermally insulating panels (23-28), in particularly foam panels, which are attached with respect to the elastic layer (1) and/or with respect to one another such that they slidably overlap one another. In this way, the garment fits to persons of different size and keeps its thermal insulation notwithstanding the fact that the thermally insulating foam panels are not or not sufficiently elastic.

Abstract: An anti-exposure flotation suit for children is fabricated from water impermeable fabrics, and is sealed at various openings to prevent water from leaking into the enclosed interior. Elongated sleeves and a bottom of the suit are enclosed to prevent water leakage. A watertight zipper may be used to close an opening through which a child is placed for donning the suit. A flexible collar and hood seals the neck area from water leaking into the suit. The length of the sleeves and suit are adjustable to fit various sizes of children.

Abstract: A life jacket includes a jacket body having a neck and two armholes. At least one fastening strap is mounted to an outside surface of the jacket for tightening the jacket on a wearer. An anti-sliding strip made of a resilient material having a high friction with respect to the wearer's skin is mounted to an inside surface of the jacket at a position substantially corresponding to the wearer's waist. By tightening the fastening strap, the anti-sliding strip is forced to contact and thus forming a high friction and tight engagement with the wearer's skin to prevent the jacket from sliding movement with respect to the wearer thereby eliminating separation of the jacket from the wearer caused by buoyancy of the jacket.

Abstract: The present invention features an airbag to be worn by swimmers for safety. The airbag device generally relates to personal floatation in the water and more particularly comprises, a plastic inflatable airbag, an air filling tube for filling or draining air, and an air check valve. The airbag is inflated by the wearer's breath, or in an alternate embodiment, an electrical air pump or compressed gas cartridge or gas generated by a chemical reaction. The airbag is worn around the lower abdomen (for the male wearer) or placed on the ribs or breast (for the female wearer). The airbag is worn underneath the swimming apparel and is practically invisible to an onlooker. The airbag can be made in smaller sizes to be worn in other parts of the swimmer's body (such as the neck) along with the main airbag for enhancing buoyancy. When the swimmer is not inside the water, the inventive safety airbag can be comfortably deflated allowing the wearer to perform other tasks such as walking or eating, with ease.

Abstract: A buoyancy control device includes a buoyancy compensator to be worn by a scuba diver, a compressed air tank, a depth or pressure gauge and a valve connecting the buoyancy compensator and compressed air tank for releasing air into and out of the buoyancy compensator. A microprocessor is connected to the depth gauge and the valve for controlling the amount of air in the buoyancy compensator in response to the depth of the diver. In addition, the microprocessor is programed for automatically controlling the rate of ascent of a diver under normal conditions and for a faster rate of ascent under emergency conditions. The device also includes an override function which allows a second diver to override the normal rate of ascent and to initiate the faster rate of ascent in an emergency.

Abstract: A buoyancy aid for use in the surf or water which does not restrict body movement is shown. The buoyancy aid also allows the individual or person to remain afloat in a substantial upright position. A buoyancy aid for maintaining the torso of a person in a substantially upright position in a water environment is also shown. The buoyancy aid in the preferred embodiment includes a fastening system including a chest fastening member and a waist fastening member to fit around the waist of an individual or person. The buoyancy aid also includes a buoyancy member formed of a buoyancy material having pair of spaced substantially planar “V”-shaped buoyant strips which are disposed to be substantially equal on the front and back of a torso of a person.

Abstract: A low-profile life vest particularly suitable for use by pilots having helmets with integrated display and sighting systems. The life vest comprises an inflatable bladder and a generally U-shaped cover that houses the bladder in the deflated condition so that the bladder is as compact as possible. When the inflatable vest is activated, the bladder must have a means for egress or expansion through the cover, conveniently a zippered opening that extends longitudinally along the life vest. On the portion of the life vest that passes over the pilot's shoulder, the zippered opening is formed on one of the sides of the life vest and is spaced apart from its peripheral edge.

Abstract: A personal flotation device, includes a shell defining a cavity having a first portion and a second portion for each receiving a buoyant element where the first and second portions are relatively moveable. Aa fastener for releasably interconnecting the first and second portions having a first and a second part such that when interconnected relative movement of the first and second portions is limited. A safety device is connected to the second portion and is associated with the first part of the fastener for redundant interconnection of the first and second portions in the event that the fastener is unintentionally disconnected.

Abstract: A personal flotation device (PFD) with flotation foam is disclosed. A soft PFD, or a life jacket, is made up of a number of individual pockets in which flotation foam is enclosed to provide buoyancy. An additional layer of soft foam is fastened between the flotation foam and the material forming one side of each individual pocket to create a rounded edge that covers the harder edges of the flotation foam that cause user discomfort. To manufacture the soft PFD, two layers of material are first fastened to each other at their edges to form at least one open pocket. A soft foam layer is fastened by its edges to the exterior of one or both of the material layers, or simultaneously as the two material layers are fastened together. The open pocket is subsequently turned inside out to form an inverted pocket. This causes the material layer with the fastened soft foam layer to round out. Flotation foam is then inserted into the inverted pocket, which is subsequently closed.

Abstract: A personal floatation device comprises a wide buoyant collar hinged to a thoracic float. The collar has a front portion projecting forwardly under the chin of the wearer to cooperate with the thoracic float to limit forward tilting movements of the wearer's head. The hinge between the collar and the thoracic floater provides for the combination of the buoyancy of the collar and the thoracic float when a wearer fall face down in the water. The juxtaposition of the collar and the thoracic float contributes to rapidly pivot the wearer's head out of the water. A buoyant flap is articulated to a rear end of the collar so as to be only responsive to backward movements of the wearer's upper body.

Abstract: A buoyancy control system includes an apparel unit worn by a user and including a front panel, a pocket along the front panel having an interior, a weight pouch configured to hold at least one weight and removably received within the interior of the pocket, a first connector portion coupled to the weight pouch and a second connector portion released the couple to the first connector portion. The first and second connector portions form a mechanical lock actuatable between a connected state in which the lock connects a weight pouch to the apparel unit and a disconnected state in which a weight pouch may be removed from the weight pocket by a single manipulation step of the hand of the diver. In one exemplary embodiment, the device further includes an elastic band coupled between the apparel unit and the second connector.

Abstract: A system for maintaining a afloat in a fluid environment is disclosed. The system includes multiple chambers such that if one chamber fails to operate, redundant chambers will function to maintain the user afloat in a face-up position. In a preferred embodiment, there are multiple activation mechanisms to ensure inflation of the chambers if a single activation mechanism fails to function.

Abstract: A life jacket comprises a back panel defining a first flotation pocket and adapted to lie adjacent a wearer's back and a front panel defining a second flotation pocket, the front panel being connected with the back panel and adapted to lie adjacent the wearer's front. A pocket member is hingedly attached to and supported from the front panel and is adapted to contain and retain emergency accessories. The pocket member includes a relatively stiff plate member having an inner surface facing toward the front panel when the pocket member is closed and an outer surface facing away from the front panel when the pocket member is closed. The pocket member includes a third flotation pocket that is defined by two layers of a flexible material. Flotation material is located in the first, second and third flotation pockets.

Abstract: A diving jacket 1 includes a back-plate 22, shoulder belts 6 and a waist belt 7. The waist belt 7 includes a pair of belt members 32, 33 each having a circumferentially rear end region 46 is fixed to an associated connector plate 31 made of a material harder than the belt 7 and disposed between the rear end region 46 and the back-plate 22. A lower end region 34 of the shoulder bent 6 also is fixed to the associated connector plate 31.

Abstract: A dive vest that includes a torso-engaging member with a waistband, an air bladder contained throughout the torso-engaging member, beaded weight pads quickly releasable from the waistband, a scuba tank carrier plate attached to the torso-engaging member, a first stage regulator with an extended, flexible base that is permanently attached within the dive vest, an on demand/oral inflation assembly extending upwardly from the torso-engaging member, a second stage regulator assembly fluidly communicating with the first stage regulator, and an octopus second stage regulator assembly fluidly communicating with the first stage regulator and being retractable into, and extendable from, the torso-engaging member, and when retracted, is hidden in the torso-engaging member, and as a result thereof, is protected from wear and tear from, and snagging on, objects on both land and underwater and provides less resistance during a dive.

Abstract: A heated liner that is worn under an upper torso garment. The liner includes an upper torso-covering garment that underlies the upper torso garment, heating wires, storage batteries that are in electrical communication with, and power, the heating wires, solar cells that are in electrical communication with, and recharge, the storage batteries, and a thermostat that is in electrical communication with, and regulates the heat generated by, the heating wires. The heating wires form a continuous serpentine pattern throughout the upper torso-covering garment. The storage batteries include chest and back batteries that are disposed on the upper torso-covering garment. The solar cells include chest and back solar cells that extend from uppermost portions of the upper torso-covering garment, by lengths of solar cell wire that allows the solar cells to pass freely through openings in the upper torso garment and be replaceably attached thereto by hook and loop fasteners.

Abstract: A personal flotation vest device is provided that includes front flotation members that work in conjunction with a buoyant neck stabilizing member extending from the top of the back of the vest portion, and a buoyant buttocks support member extending from the bottom of the back of the vest portion, to provide a comfortable and stable platform for supporting the user in a substantially horizontal position. Adjustable fasteners allow a comfortable fit as the vest is donned. In addition, a whistle is attached to the vest by means of a lanyard for emergency use. A retraction device for retrieving and storing the extended lanyard is also provided. To avoid the onset of dehydration a pocket is provided for storing a fresh water container.

Abstract: A heated liner that is worn under an upper torso garment. The liner includes an upper torso-covering garment that underlies the upper torso garment, heating wires, storage batteries that are in electrical communication with, and power, the heating wires, solar cells that are in electrical communication with, and recharge, the storage batteries, and a thermostat that is in electrical communication with, and regulates the heat generated by, the heating wires.

Abstract: A personal flotation device having adjustable flotation layers is disclosed. The personal flotation device includes at least one back body portion, at least one front body portion opposite the back body portion, shoulder portions connecting the at least one back body portion and the at least one front body portion, and side portions connecting the at least one back body portion and the at least one front body portion. At least one of the front body portion and the back body portion includes a first flotation layer, a second flotation layer opposite the first flotation layer and a low friction interface layer extending in a plane between the first flotation layer and the second flotation layer. At least one of the first flotation layer and the second flotation layer is movable relative to the low friction in a second plane parallel to the first plane.

Abstract: A personal flotation device (PFD) with flotation foam is disclosed. A soft PFD, or a life jacket, is made up of a number of individual pockets in which flotation foam is enclosed to provide buoyancy. An additional layer of soft foam is fastened between the flotation foam and the material forming one side of each individual pocket to create a rounded edge that covers the harder edges of the flotation foam that cause user discomfort. To manufacture the soft PFD, two layers of material are first fastened to each other at their edges to form at least one open pocket. A soft foam layer is fastened by its edges to the exterior of one or both of the material layers, or simultaneously as the two material layers are fastened together. The open pocket is subsequently turned inside out to form an inverted pocket. This causes the material layer with the fastened soft foam layer to round out. Flotation foam is then inserted into the inverted pocket, which is subsequently closed.

Abstract: An apparatus for the detection of a person afloat in the water includes a garment portion that is worn by the person. The garment portion preferably includes an inflatable vest. An actuation mechanism detects immersion in the water, preferably at a predetermined depth, and then automatically inflates the vest by puncturing or opening a first container and releasing a gas therein. A balloon is also attached to the vest and is also inflated by the gas of the first container providing the gas in the first container is a lighter-than-air type of a gas that is able to cause the balloon to rise in the air. A tether secures the balloon to the vest. If the gas in the first container is not suitable for filling the balloon, a second container is used that contains the desired lighter-than-air gas and it is also either punctured or otherwise opened by the actuation mechanism so as to inflate the balloon.

Abstract: A supplied air snorkeling device is provided. This device includes a flotation vest coupled with a tank holder. This flotation vest contains flotation material that cannot be deflated and substantially prohibits a user from submerging. A tank cover is positioned within the tank holder for holding an air tank. Still further, a hose retainer is coupled with the vest. In use, an air tank is placed within the tank cover which is then placed within the tank holder. A hose extends from the air tank through the hose retainer and is connected to a regulator that is connected to a mouthpiece which fits into a user's mouth. The hose retainer keeps the mouthpiece in close proximity to the user's mouth. Another aspect of the present invention is a method of making this supplied air snorkeling device. This method includes coupling a tank holder with a flotation vest.

Abstract: A life vest for water sports is taught which is translucent to ultraviolet radiation and visible light. This allows the wearer to achieve uniform tan without having the harsh tan lines where the edges of a life vest would normally be. This allows an individual to enjoy both safety and tanning without having to make a choice between the two.

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: An inflatable personal flotation device that is reversible and comparatively easily to put on and secure even under difficult conditions. The device can be donned and worn with either side to the front. The personal flotation device of the present invention uses a harness rather than a belt to secure the device in place on the user. The harness preferably also includes a keeper configured to locate the strap always within reach of the user once the device is slipped over the user's head to make it easier to buckle the harness to secure the device. The reversible nature of the invention allows the user to don the device without having to contemplate which way the device should be oriented.

Abstract: A buoyancy compensator vest, for providing buoyancy at various underwater depths, having a rigid back board, for supporting an air tank vertically on the rear surface of the board at the back of the diver, surrounded in part by a bladder, for inflating and deflating, and a vest back panel including a pair of spaced-apart over-the-shoulder straps projecting from the top panel edge for joining with a pair of side portions extending about the chest of the diver, and a waist belt passing from behind the compensator vest about the panel side portions and the user's waist to complete the vest, the improvement of a pouch, defined by front and rear surfaces and including an openable panel to expose the interior thereof, the pouch interposed the back board and the scuba diver's back and containing a cushion for placement against the back of the diver, to cushion the back board and tank against the diver's spine, the pouch having openings formed therein to allow filling and draining of water during under

Abstract: A personal flotation device having adjustable flotation layers is disclosed. The personal flotation device includes at least one back body portion, at least one front body portion opposite the back body portion, shoulder portions connecting the at least one back body portion and the at least one front body portion, and side portions connecting the at least one back body portion and the at least one front body portion. At least one of the front body portion and the back body portion includes a first flotation layer, a second flotation layer opposite the first flotation layer and a low friction interface layer extending in a plane between the first flotation layer and the second flotation layer. At least one of the first flotation layer and the second flotation layer is movable relative to the low friction in a second plane parallel to the first plane.

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: An improved rescue device includes a floatation material, a flexible mesh disposed about the floatation material wherein the flexible mesh is in contact with an outer surface of the floatation material, and a bonding material covering the flexible mesh and the floatation material. The floatation material is a closed cell foam material, the flexible mesh is a nylon mesh, and the bonding material is a polyvinyl chloride paint. The rescue device may also include a tow line affixed to one end thereof and a plurality of rings arranged along the length of the tow line. A harness may be coupled to one end of the tow line and a securement device may be coupled to the tow line to retain the tow line in a compressed state. The securement device may be a collar which fastens upon itself by hook and loop fasteners.

Abstract: Hydrostatic balancing jacket including coupling means between at least one of the jacket walls and one ballast. Said coupling means include complementary means reciprocally removable respectively placed on the jacket wall and on the ballast, being provided locking means of said coupling.

Abstract: A life jacket includes a float member and at least a cloth layer adhered on the float member. The float member is made of a floatable material, having a head hole in an intermediate lateral portion, a front float portion, a rear float portion, and a shoulder portion between the front and the rear float portion. The cloth layer is adhered or fused on the front surface and/or the rear surface of the float member to increase the structural strength of the life jacket. The front and the rear float portion have a plurality of band holes for a strap band to pass through to bind them on the body of a user. The rear float portion has plural holes spaced apart to reduce its boyancy. The float member with the head hole, the shoulder portion, the band holes and the holes in the rear float portion are formed by a molding pressing process to reduce the cost of the life jacket.

Abstract: An aquatic exercise device includes at least two specially shaped buoyant elements to be worn around the midsection of a human. The buoyant elements are affixed to a band or belt for surrounding the mid portion of the human and for securing at least two buoyant elements to the band. The buoyant elements can be located in multiple relationships on the band about the body. The exercise device can take on different shapes about the body and buoyancy characteristics in order to meet the requisite conditions, needs or desires of the user.

Abstract: Vest-like flotation garment including a buoyant work vest and a flotation unit attached to the work vest in order to enhance the buoyancy of the work vest. The work vest includes a wear-resistant surface layer and an inner lining, between which is arranged at least one elastic and shape-permanent flotation body. The flotation unit includes one or more flotation members arranged on the front part of the work vest and extending around its neck section. The flotation unit is detachably fixed to the work vest with the aid of a first fastening device, one member of which is arranged at the neck section of the work vest and the other member of which is arranged at the neck section of the flotation unit, and a second fastening device, one member of which is arranged on a portion of the flotation member spaced from the neck section and the other member of which is arranged on the front part of the work vest.

Abstract: A recently popular form of exercise and therapy, aquatic exercising devices present unique operating conditions to the body because of their use of water resistance and their buoyancy. By making proper use of water resistance, such devices can provide the body with excellent muscular and cardiovascular training, at the same time, the buoyancy offered by these devices eliminates the stress and injuries associated with the jarring impact of such landbased exercises as running and aerobics. It is also an object of the present invention to provide an aquatic exercise devise that is a singular unit. The inventor began attending a water aerobic class in 1995 for health reasons. Exercising in the water took most of the pain out of the movement, but the inventor found that she was still hurting herself. She sought to reach a truly weightless state in which to condition her body.

Abstract: A tank buoyancy compensator for an underwater breathing tank comprises a ballast boot having a tubular portion to receive the end of the tank remote from the diver's head. The ballast boot includes an end portion that includes weight retention pin for releasably retaining one or more annular ballast weights on the end portion. A connector is attached to the retention pin and is operable by the diver at convenient location on the ballast boot for releasing the retention pin to jettison the weight(s) from the boot, for example, when the diver experiences an emergency situation.

Abstract: A torso-conforming diver's weight pouch for use by a diver in a buoyancy compensator vest containing at least one recess. At least one weight for neutralizing the diver's buoyancy is contained within a pocket on the pouch. Attached to the pouch is a curvature retaining device which defines and retains a curved configuration of the pouch. The diver can manipulate the curvature retaining device to determine the pouch's configuration. Such configuration can be changed to conform to the diver's hips. Therefore, when the pouch is installed into a buoyancy jacket, the pouch provides more comfort to the diver.

Abstract: A life vest for water sports is taught which is translucent to ultraviolet radiation. This allows the wearer to achieve a uniform tan without having the harsh tan lines where the edges of a life vest would normally be. This allows an individual to enjoy both safety and tanning without having to make a choice between the two.

Abstract: The present invention features a pocket-sized, portable, flotation device that folds into a storage or carrying case, which is the size of a cellular phone. It can be carried upon a person in a shirt pocket or clipped to a waistline belt. The flotation device includes a life vest with a collar having separate cells, each of which is substantially sealed from adjacent cells to prevent deflation of the adjacent cells through puncture to one of the cells. The collar of the life vest inflates, cell by cell, allowing the user to position the vest over his or her head during inflation. The carrying case has a body and a detachable, arch-shaped cover, constructed so that a tether can be inserted into the cover and the device automatically activated by pulling the cover from the body. Moreover, the case includes a belt loop through which the belt of the user can be inserted. The handle can be hollow, to form a loop into which the tether (attached to the life vest itself) can be threaded.

Abstract: A diving jacket for retaining warmth of a diver's torso is provided with an inner surface and an outer surface. The outer surface of the diving jacket is formed from first and second front torso portions fastened to a back portion. A releasable fastener for releasably attaching the first front torso portion to the second front torso portion is also preferably secured to the diving jacket. At least one loop is attached to the outer surface of the diving jacket to define an aperture that is dimensioned to accommodate a corresponding strap of a buoyancy compensator for allowing the buoyancy compensator to be secured to the outer surface of the diving jacket.

Abstract: The life vest of the present invention is specifically adapted to protect a user's back. This protection is achieved by way of a rigid back support which is interconnected to the internal surface of the life vest. This interconnection is achieved by way of a series of straps secured upon the internal surface of the vest. The straps, in turn, are connected to the life jacket by way of stitching or such. Through this interconnection, the life jacket is allowed a certain degree of freedom. More specifically, the life jacket is permitted vertical movement relative to the back brace.