Abstract: Inflatable chamber for hydrostatic balancing jackets, comprising two flat walls made of flexible material placed one opposite the other, connected by means of a folding wall, said wall consisting of at least two strips, each of them having its outer peripheral edge coupled with the outer peripheral edge of one of the two flat walls, and its inner peripheral edge coupled with the inner peripheral edge of the other strip; the strips of the folding wall are coupled one to the other by means of seams, sealing means being provided on said seams, particularly on the side facing the inside of said inflatable chamber.

Abstract: A method and construction for a buoyancy compensator air chamber bellows utilizing a single side coated fabric having air passages for gas communication between the air chambers formed by annular disks which are welded together around and through the air passages to interlock the air chambers into a bellows.

Abstract: A water sport belt that includes an inflatable bladder that is be secured around the waist of a user to provide a flotation mechanism in an emergency. The inflatable bladder has a number of accordion fold sections that are inflated with an initial amount of air sufficient to provide buoyancy without the need for the user to blow with sufficient force to overcome the elastic walls of the bladder. The water sport belt also includes a water-tight compartment within which a user may safely position items to be kept safe and dry. A card holding structure is provided within the water-tight compartment to prevent damage to credit cards and the like by items such as coins and keys.

Abstract: A personal floatation device (PFD) comprising an inflatable bladder which is attached to the wearer by a waist belt and anchor straps joined to a second belt attached directly to the bladder. Both a gas cartridge device and a oral device are provided for inflating the bladder. The gas nozzle through which the gas enters the bladder from the gas cartridge includes a plurality of gas paths which permit gas flow substantially perpendicular to the gas inlet nozzle axis thus overcoming difficulties in inflating the PFD caused by the extremely cold gas vented from the cartridge freezing the bladder material of the PFD in the vicinity of the gas inlet nozzle. a similar gas inlet nozzle can also be used for the oral inflation device.

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: 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 first belt of the invention--substantially hollow and worn about the waist--is able to be filled with a compressed gas from a cartridge coupled with it so as to unfold and expand outwardly under action of the compressed gas which fills it. A second belt of the invention--also worn about the waist--underlies the first belt and is coupled with it by a drawstrap. When the first belt is filled with the compressed gas, its length increases to form a horizontal tube which serves as a life preserver. Putting it over the head, about the neck and shoulders, and pulling down the end of the drawstrap snugly secures the first belt to the second belt (which continues to be worn about the waist) to convert it to a life vest. Couplings are provided on the first belt for maintaining a circular configuration across the chest area, while an elongated tube allows the wearer to orally inflate the vest should the compressed gas tend to leak over time, in keeping the head of the user out of the water.

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.

Abstract: An inflatable life saving belt comprising a gas source linked to a reusable inflatable bag at multiple locations on the belt. The bags are attached to the gas source in a manner such that should one of the bags fail to deploy, the other bags can be activated.

Abstract: The life preserver for an infant or young child includes a pair a vertically stacked, peripherally disposed, inflatable tubes. A life vest is sized to enclose the torso of the infant or young child. The life vest is attached at a plurality of locations to the interior or inboard region of one of the vertically stacked, peripheral tubes. Preferably, the life vest is attached to the tube via short straps such that the vest can move with respect to the inflated or deflated tubes. A seat for the infant or young child is attached at a plurality of locations to the interior of one of the vertically stacked peripheral tubes. Preferably, the seat is attached at a forward and an aft region to the top tube. The life preserver also includes a drag bag attached at a plurality of locations to the interior of one of the vertically stacked, peripheral tubes. The drag bag acts as a ballast for the loaded and deployed life preserver.

Abstract: An exercise device for use in water is made of a material adapted for floating and has sufficient buoyancy to support a user positioned in a body of water. Two opposed end portions are connected by a narrowed central portion that is dimensioned to fit between the upper leg portions of the user. In use the user places the central portion between the legs, causing the end portions to be buoyed upward and enveloping the user's trunk. Positioned thus, the user is supported in an upright position with the limbs free to move, which is suitable for performing an exercise.

Abstract: An inflatable garment is provided including a hollow belt. Also included is a pair of hollow shoulder straps with bottom terminal ends of the shoulder straps integrally coupled to the belt in communication therewith. Also included is an inflation assembly for inflating both the belt and shoulder straps.

Abstract: A counterweight assembly is provided to enhance heads up surface positioning of a person. The assembly includes a weight/ballast member strategically disposed on a cylinder/tank worn by a diver during a dive. The weight member can be attached by several different embodiments. Preferably, the weight member is attached such that the diver cannot release or adjust the weight member while he or she is diving. The weight member rotates the person to ensure heads up surface positioning in the event the person becomes incapacitated. Also provided are several other water safety and survival devices.

Abstract: A U.S. Coast Guard approved personal flotation device for persons engaged in sport activities. The personal flotation device includes a body formed from a series of body panels, or sections, formed from a fabric covered soft foam flotation material. Elastic armhole periphery members are attached about the armholes of the PFD intend to engage the shoulders and upper arms of the wearer. The armhole periphery members are formed from an elastic, stretchable material so as to enable the armhole periphery members to flex and conform to the shoulders and upper arms of the wearer as the arms, shoulders, and upper torso of the wearer move while the wearer performs water sport activities. This allows the PFD to move and conform to the body of the wearer for enhanced comfort and increased ability of the wearer.

Abstract: A life-saving aid comprising an elongate inflatable tube provided with an automatic inflation device arranged to release CO.sub.2 gas to inflate the tube when immersed in water or manually triggered. When inflated, the tube forms an elongate substantially linear cylinder sufficiently rigid to at least support its own weight when held horizontally from a proximal end. The tube is compact when deflated, is throwable, has significant tensile strength, and is designed so that after inflation and use, gas may be readily excluded via oral inflation tube by releasing the valve and rolling the tube from distal end toward proximal end.

Abstract: An aluminum tank buoyancy compensation system, for use with aluminum tanks having a flat bottom, a diameter and a boot attached at the flat bottom, for offsetting the inherent positive buoyancy of an empty aluminum scuba tank, comprising a weight disk having substantially the same diameter as the tank bottom. The weight disk is inserted into the boot, and the boot is replaced onto the bottom of the tank. The weight disk is trapped between the boot and tank bottom, ballasting the tank sufficiently to compensate for the positive buoyancy of the aluminum tank.

Abstract: The present invention is an infant walking and swimming aid comprising a harness having at least one adjustable shoulder strap, a lower adjustable body belt, an upper adjustable body belt, at least one crotch strap, and a high back belt. The infant walking and swimming aid also includes at least one of (a) a crossbar having a first end, a second end and two attachment portions such that the crossbar is attachable to two adjustable suspending straps connectable between the crossbar and the harness; and (b) a first float attachable adjacent the high back belt and a second float attachable adjacent the lower adjustable body belt and the upper adjustable body belt.

Abstract: A first belt of the invention--substantially hollow and worn about the waist--is able to be filled with a compressed gas from a cartridge coupled with it so as to unfold and expand outwardly under action of the compressed gas which fills it. A second belt of the invention--of conventional construction and also worn about the waist--underlies the first belt and is tethered to it. When the first belt is filled with the compressed gas, its length increases to form a tube riding under the armpits and holding a wearer vertically in the water as a life preserver, allowing the wearer to be able to swim about. Couplings are provided on the first belt for maintaining its configuration while allowing the tube to be slid over the arms to the shoulders and neck area in continuing to hold the wearer vertically, but as a life vest, keeping the head of the wearer out of the water. The tether prevents the tube from coming loose and floating away.

Abstract: Life support apparatus comprising a flotation device in a collapsed condition which is launcher to a distressed target, the flotation device being connected by a flexible line, so that when the flotation device arrives at or near the target, it is deployed and inflated automatically to provide flotation support and establish a "life-line" from the launcher to the target.

Abstract: A method of and apparatus for floatation is provided in which a compressible and expandable float has a variable volume air chamber enclosed within a tubular main body portion made up of a foldable, cylindrical side wall and opposing end walls. One of the end walls of the floatation apparatus is non-apertured while the other end wall has an aperture therethrough which is openable and closable by means of a cap may be positioned on a spout surrounding the aperture in order to open and close the aperture against movement of air or water in or out of the air chamber. The cap allows for the opening and closing of the aperture in order to expand or compress the tubular body of the floatation apparatus by increasing or decreasing the amount of air in the air chamber.

Abstract: A protective expedition jacket, including a vest with emergency inflation bladder; detachable sleeves secured to the vest sides and a full length waterproofing bib and storm collar secured to the front of the vest. The inflatable flotation bladder is supported within the vest back and extends through the shoulders to the left and right side of the vest front with an inflation valve extending through the vest front beneath a detachable tear-away cover.

Abstract: A side entry life vest has buckles disposed on the ventral panel and belts retained in horizontal tubes formed in the dorsal panel. The likelihood that a wearer may don the vest backwards is minimized because the buckles would be beyond the person's comfortable reach, and the person would immediately sense that the vest is backwards. The belts extend substantially the entire width of the dorsal panel and both maximize belt retention strength and provide a flat area on which to display a sponsor's name, logo or other information.

Abstract: A buoyancy compensator assembly for a diver is provided with a vest having an inner gas impermeable layer adapted to face a wearer and a congruently shaped opposing gas impermeable outer layer. The peripheral edges of the inner and outer layers are sealingly bonded to each other. The vest has an opening through a back portion of the vest. A backpack for removably retaining a longitudinally extending breathing gas tank has a baseplate generally disposed within the opening. Attached to the periphery of the baseplate is an edge. The edge is disposed between and integrally bonded to the inner and outer layers whereby the layers form a chamber to be selectively inflated to adjust the buoyancy of the diver. A restraining sheet is located between and alternately attached to the inner layer and outer layer to form aligned bands. The sheet forces the inner layer to curve inward about the sides of the diver when the chamber is inflated.

Abstract: The invention is a self-contained protective device/system designed to protect the hips, pelvis, buttocks, and coccyx areas of the user. The device may be worn outside of the clothing. Because it is small in size and lightweight, it may be easily put on and removed and does not interfere with body movements. It contains the following components: an inflatable air bag folded into pleats, a battery, a gas cartridge, sensors to determine angular motion and acceleration, a triggering/valve mechanism to release the gas and a relief valve. When the user falls, the sensors automatically release gas from the cartridge and inflate the airbag assembly, forcing the folded pleats to fully cover said areas of the user's body. After use the relief valve is opened to release air from the airbag assembly, the pleats are reinserted into the system and the invention is ready for reuse after the spent cartridge is replaced.

Abstract: A self inflating flotation device comprising a pouch adapted to be worn about the waist of a user until needed. The device includes an inflatable chamber therein. A compressed air cylinder is coupled to a one-way valve in fluid communication with the interior of the chamber for quickly and easily inflating the chamber.

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 inflatable flotation device having a belt for securing same to the user. A pair of VELCRO.TM. carrying flaps are secured to the belt and overlap a folded inflatable bag. A release mechanism is carried by the belt and a manifold secured to the release mechanism extends through the belt and into the bag to secure the release mechanism and the bag to the belt. When the release mechanism is activated the bag inflates and opens the flaps.

Abstract: A lifesaving apparatus for a human in the form of a waist pack adapted to be worn about the waist of a human. The waist pack has an inflatable vest located therein in a non-inflated/collapsed position. The opening into the interior chamber of the waist pack, where the vest is located, is normally closed by a flap. Extending exteriorly of the waist pack is a manually movable handle. Sufficient manual movement of the handle will cause the vest to inflate, open the flap with the vest being located exteriorly of the pack to then be placed about the head of the human.

Abstract: A personal flotation device comprises an elongate member for encircling the waist of the user and a belt for securing together its end portions. The member includes buoyancy portions adapted to be disposed substantially at the sides and front of the user, thereby to cause the user to be positioned in a face-up and laid-back position in the water.

Abstract: A first belt of the invention--substantially hollow and worn about the waist--is able to be filled with a compressed gas from a cartridge coupled with it and actuable by a pin whose placement is controlled by a pulling open of a belt buckle or by a pulling on an included lanyard. A portion of this first belt is secured in overlapping relationship so as to unfold and expand outwardly under action of the compressed gas which fills it. A second belt of the invention--of conventional construction and also worn about the waist--underlies the first belt and is tethered to it. The end result is to increase the length of the first belt when filled with the compressed gas, thereby forming a tube riding under the armpits in holding a wearer vertically in the water--yet still allowing him or her to be able to swim about, while the tether prevents the tube thus formed from slipping over the shoulders and head of the wearer.

Abstract: An inflatable lifesaving belt for use in water rescues which includes a central portion and enlarged outer end portions which are joined using opposing fastening elements. One or more handles are provided along the central portion of the belt for engagement by a rescuer and, when inflated, the end portions of the belt create a greater degree of buoyancy than the central portion in order to promote face-up floatation of an individual being assisted.

Abstract: The present invention entails a water ski vest having an integral lumbar compression belt. A lumbar compression belt is secured to the inside back of the ski vest and the compression belt includes a lower portion that covers and wraps around the lumbar region of the subject or person wearing the water ski vest. By first fastening the compression belt the lumbar region of the person is compressed and positively supported. Thereafter, additional support is provided by fastening the water ski vest about the lumbar compression belt.

Abstract: A system for producing mild traction on intervertebral discs by supporting a person in water in a deep spa or pool either by means of a soft neck collar supported by the water or a soft, flexible floating annular floatation device engaging undersides of the person's arms adjacent to the person's armpits without compressing the person's chest and constricting the person's breathing. The spa or pool is sufficiently deep that the person's feet cannot touch the bottom thereof. A submerged weight belt is supported on each of the person's ankles, the weight belts each having a buoyant weight in the range from one to two pounds. The temperature of the water in the spa is maintained at approximately 96 degrees Fahrenheit by conventional heating and thermostatic devices to allow adequate removal of the person's metabolic heat without causing tonicity of the person's muscles.

Abstract: A mono-air-cell body made of a flexible elastic material and having a hollow interior and no less than one connecting tube for connecting different mono-air-cell bodies together one after another, for making up a shock-absorbing cushion. Each mono-air-cell body can have any shape in its top plan view. Each connecting tube can be a male one having at least one round circumferential groove or a female one having at least one round circumferential ridge so that the male and the female connecting tubes can be joined together, thereby connecting two mono-air-cell bodies together. The shock-absorbing cushion can be composed to have a shape of a band, a plane, a sphere or any three-dimensional shape.

Abstract: The belt of the invention is substantially hollow, and worn about the waist. The belt is able to be filled with a compressed gas from a cartridge coupled with it and puncturable by a pin whose placement is controlled by a pulling open of a belt buckle. A portion of the belt is adhesively secured in overlapping relationship, so as to unfold and expand outwardly under action of the compressed gas which fills it. The result is to increase the length of the belt when filled, thereby forming a tube riding under the armpits in holding a wearer vertically in the water, yet still allowing him or her to be able to swin about.

Abstract: An inflatable life preserver that is made from a gas impervious material in a generally rectangular shape with a closed chamber. A valve is connected thereto for inflating the chamber. The life preserver has fasteners to retain the life preserver into an annular shape that encompasses the wearer around the chest as a chest support. Such fasteners include a strap that extends over the shoulder and a safety snaps for the front of the chest with provisions for quickly releasing the fasteners. Positive flotations are provided in the chamber and provide buoyancy to the weaver. Such positive flotations include closed cell pads and an open cell pad wherein the latter in its compressed condition is a leak detector indicator when the life preserver is in a deflated condition.

Abstract: A removable clip that engages an inflator. The clip prevents inadvertent piercing of a gas cartridge secured to the inflator and indicates whether or not the inflator has been used. The clip is carried on the lanyard that is pulled to activate the inflator and includes a pair of laterally extending arms having detents formed on their respective free ends that engage opposite ends of a bore formed in the inflator. The detents retain the clip in place until the lanyard is pulled, and the clip remains on the lanyard after the lanyard has been pulled so that the clip is not lost.

Abstract: A flotation vest particularly adapted for use with children is provided in a vest body including a front panel and a pair of back panels each joined to the front panel so as to define an open back vest with a top neck opening and side arm hole openings. A head support portion is hingeably joined to the vest body along the neck opening at a forwardly displaced position. The head support portion includes left and right lobe-shaped collar portions extending on opposed sides of the neck opening to the top of the front panel. Continuous elongate opposing free edge portions extend the entire length of the back of the vest from the free end of the collar panels to the bottom of the rear panels. A releasable fastener requiring adult assistance for operation joins the opposing parts of the back of the vest to secure the vest to the child.

Abstract: The present invention is an inflatable life belt of light weight, compact construction which is normally worn around the waist or hips of the individual, the size of which does not interfere with the activities of the individual while on board the ship, thereby rendering it feasible to use at all times without discomfort or in any way hindering normal physical activities. The belt encircles the body and is detachably engaged therewith by suitable belt means, the belt comprising two buoyancy sections of similar size which are folded one on top the other for sake of compactness. Each section of the belt includes a closed chamber; at least one of the chambers is automatically inflatable by suitable means such as a compressed gas cartridge mounted on the belt. The other closed chamber may be similarly inflated independently of the first chamber, or, alternatively, may be filled with an inherently buoyant material, such as foam, to render the life belt operative as soon as the individual enters the water.

Abstract: A buoyancy compensator includes detachable pockets which are removably attached to one or more flaps of the buoyancy compensator. The pockets can have different colors, designs, or indicia so that the appearance of the buoyancy compensator can be varied as desired. Each pocket includes a hook and loop fastener which can be attached to a hook and loop fastener on the associated strap.

Abstract: A buoyancy compensator is provided with an expandable cummerbund and an auxiliary harness which is attached to the cummerbund. The buoyancy compensator comrpises a vest having a back portion, right and left shoulder flaps, and right and left front portions. A cummerbund includes an elastic central portion which is attached to the back portion and a pair of non-elastic end portions. The cummerbund is adapted to be secured about the waist of the wearer and can expand and contract as the wearer changes his elevation in the water. An auxiliary harness is provided by a pair of straps which are attached to the end portions of the cummerbund and which can be releasably connected to the shoulder portions.

Abstract: An individual rescue apparatus for use around the waist of a person comprising a waist encircling support belt (1) with a Fastener (2a,2b) at its extremities, an inflation system (9-14) adapted to be secured to the support belt, a pressurized gas reservoir adapted to be able to be placed in communication with the inflation system, and a release device adapted to assure the inflation of the system from the gas reservoir, the inflation system comprising a atubular portion (9) extending along the support belt and connected to the gas reservoir, and cells (11-14) distributed along the tubular portion and communicating therewith for inflating the cells by the action of the release device, the support belt (1) comprising an upward extension (3) of a height adapted to extend approximately above the center of gravity of the person when the belt is worn around the waist, the extension (3) being provided with an attaching zone (3a) in its upper portion, the inflation system (9-14) being maintained, in the passive posit

Abstract: The specification herein sets forth a combination buoyancy compensator, backpack and suspension system for divers. The suspension system incorporates a spider which is made of elastomeric foam and a knitted material that conforms closely to a user's body. The backpack is formed from an inverted T, the lateral portions of which surround a user's waist and the upright portion is adapted for receipt of a cylinder of breathing gas. The buoyancy compensator is attached to the spider at the shoulder portions and the waistband portions. The attachment is by means of adjustable loops which allow for independent suspension of the buoyancy compensator so that when it is filled it does not bind a diver. The straps interconnecting the spider, shoulder portions and the waistband portion are in a crisscross configuration to allow for freedom of movement of a diver's arms.

Abstract: Diver's gear including a unit having front and rear panels and at least one built-in dual bladder or cell assembly which includes a cell within a cell. The diver's gear also includes a back rack to carry a tank of compressed breathing gas and at least one vacuum tank. A suitable arrangement of hoses and valves is connected to the tank of breathing gas and to the outer of the two bladder cells. Another hose and valve assembly is connected from the vacuum tank for deflation of the inner of two bladder cells. The valves may be manipulated to apply pressure and vacuum in suitable combinations to the specially constructed bladder or cell assembly to provide balanced and precisely controlled buoyancy for the diver.

Abstract: An improved personal floatation device composed of (a) a back panel to encircle the back and sides of a wearer, (b) a front panel and (c) a shoulder panel with a head opening which interconnects the front and back panel, and (d) straps for fastening the device about the body of a wearer and wherein the device includes a head support panel swingably connected to the top of the back panel for supporting the head of a wearer when worn by a user in water.

Abstract: An inflatable buoyancy belt is disclosed comprised of a segment of expandable tubing closed at either end with flattened plugs, carrying fittings enabling adjustable securement of a nonstretchable belt, the tubing segment and connected belt each of a length to extend approximately half way around a wearer's trunk. A gas cartridge holder-inflator fitting is incorporated into one of the end plugs, the gas cartridge releasing a volume of gas only partially inflating the tubing segment, causing a localized bubble to be formed, acting as a buoyancy chamber confined to one side of the wearer's body. The lengthening of the tubing segment at inflation offsets the tightening effect of the bubble to insure a sufficiently loose fit to the wearer so as to allow ready adjustment of the position of the bubble to the wearer's upper trunk.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a back or lumbar supporting buoyant outfit worn about the torso of a wearer. The back supporting buoyant outfit is comprised of a pliable, buoyant garment with a relatively firm back support structure implanted within the said buoyant garment. The back support structure aids the wearer in maintaining proper posture by hindering the wearer from bending his back incorrectly or excessively, while the buoyant garment provides buoyancy to the wearer.

Abstract: The invention described herein is a buoyancy compensator for a diver having a single thickness wall formed of substantially non-stretchable material that has been coated with a meltable plastic. The buoyancy compensator walls on the interior portion with the meltable plastic are adhered to each other in rounded areas or ribs having rounded ends to avoid stress when the buoyancy compensator is under pressure and provide a conformation to the buoyance compensator with a limitation of expansion in different areas of the walls of enhancement of the overall configuration and improved buoyancy relationship of a diver at a particular portion of the buoyancy compensator. The entire buoyancy compensator is served by inflation means and overexpansion gas valving means. The buoyancy compensator is fitted and secured by means of belts and shoulder straps for respective waist adjustment and shoulder and side portion adjustment.

Abstract: The invention relates to a swimming and bathing aid especially for young children with a chest ring 19 and with two arm floating elements 17, 18 which are connected with the chest ring 19. The chest ring has such a volume that it creates along the buoyancy necessary for swimming. The arm floating elements (17,18) do not dip into the water in a static swimming position and they are used as balancing elements against lateral swimming movements. For this the arm floating elements extend in a sideward upper direction from the upper arms (34, 35) and they are connected with the upper arms (34, 35) and with the chest ring (19). The chest ring (19) is divided at its rear side by a gap so that it can be adapted to different chest dimensions. The chest ring (19) is held together by a strip (30) which forms with the strips (26,27) a harness in which the arm floating elements (17, 18) the chest ring (19) and a child (33) are contained.

Abstract: A combined life vest device and buoyancy compensator is disclosed for use by divers along with scuba gear including a back pack for mounting a compressed air tank on the back of the diver. One embodiment of the invention comprises a single garment for the diver including inner and outer shells providing abrasion protection with first and second airtight chambers forming respectively a buoyancy compensator adjacent the compressed air tank and a part of life vest surrounding the diver's torso. A conventional power inflator is employed for regulating pressure within the buoyancy compensator. An inflating device for the second chamber preferably includes an interconnection between the two chambers with a one-way check valve so that the second chamber is automatically inflated when pressure in the first chamber exceeds a predetermined level. A rebreathing tube is provided in communication with the second chamber so that the diver may use it as an emergency air supply.